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CO c 1IXSN|‘^NV1N0SHXIWS^S3 I B VB 9 IT “"lI B R AR I ES^SMITHSON^AN'^INSTITUTION , I z ^ ^ r- 2 r- ^ ^ 2 w 2 TO O THE MIGRANT A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930 Published By THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Foiinded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915 A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization. EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643 *‘THE SEASON’* EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, Tenn. 37642 ‘‘STATE COUNT COMPILER” RICHARD LURA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, Tenn. 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1975-77 PRESIDENT RAY JORDAN Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tenn. 38501 VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN BILL WILLIAMS 1313 Young Ave., Maryville, Tenn. 37801 VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN PAUL CRAWFORD Route 4, Gallatin, Tenn. 37066 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN JULIAN DARLINGTON 3112 Glentinnan Road, Memphis, Tenn. 38128 DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE: EAST TENN JON DeVORE 4922 Sarasota Dr., Hixson, Tenn. 37343 MIDDLE TENN DAVID HASSLER Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549 WEST TENN MRS. C. K. J. SUMARA 1011 Church St., Tiptonville, Tenn. 38079 CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920 SECRETARY MISS LOUISE JACKSON 5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211 TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, Tenn. 37363 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.50; Life, $100.00; Student, $3.00; Family, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contributions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. Back numbers may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond with the Treasurer for subscriptions, imemberships, 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. 48 MARCH, 1977 NO. 1 OBSERVATIONS AT A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON NESTING COLONY Morris D. Williams and Charles P. Nicholson This paper is a summary of our observations at a breeding colony of Black- crowned Night Herons {Nycticorax nycticorax) on Fort Loudon Lake near Concord, Knox County, Tennessee (3 5° 51' 27" N; 84° 07' 13" W. Elev. 252 m). Owen (1974) was the first to report the existence of this colony. The colony was located in the center of a two-hectare pine plantation which bor- dered the shore of the lake. The plantation was about 30 years old. Two other nesting colonies have been found around Fort Loudon Lake. Campbell (1966) reported a small colony of six nests which was located three kilometers west of the site of the present colony. Tanner (1952) reported that J. C. Howell had located a colony of about 1 5 pairs at Jones Bend in Blount County, 9.5 kilometers east of the site of the Concord Colony. Pitts (1973) in his summary of Tennessee heronries through 1972, reported that the Bordeaux Heronry in Nashville was the only active Black-crowned Night Heron colony in the state. Mike Bierly (Williams, 1975) reported that this heronry, which is located in a deciduous woods, was active in 1975 with 40-50 nests seen on 31 May. On 13 November 1974, Williams accompanied David Pitts to a heronry on the shore of Cherokee Lake in Grainger County; approximately 50 nests were counted in a natural stand of pines. According to Dave Bishop, the owner of the property on which the heronry was located, young Black-crowned Night Herons had still been in their nests the previous month. Morton Rose, Jr. (per comm.) reported that this heronry was active in 1975. Bill and Sally Fintel (Williams, op. cit.) reported a colony with 16 nests and 30 young at Old Hickory Lake near Nashville on 22 June 1975. Chronology of Observations On 21 December 1974, Williams inspected the vacated heronry with John Craig, the owner of the property on which the heronry was located. Twenty- nine nests were counted. The nests were placed at an average height of about 13 to 14 meters from the ground. A few heron feathers were lying about, but no eggshells or skeletons were seen. Craig said that eggshells had been present earlier. He also said that he had seen as many as 60 birds at one time during the summer and that 1974 was the first year the colony had existed. [VoL. 48, 1977] 2 THE MIGRANT MARCH On 19 April 1975, both authors, along with John Craig and Boyd Sharp, visited the colony. We found the birds present and nesting. We saw eggshells on the ground under two nests. Yolk stains indicated to us that the eggs had not hatched. An old carcass of an immature heron was also found. On 20 April the authors returned with Fae P. Andrews and began a more thorough investigation of the colony. We climbed to 13 nests (Table 1) and measured and photographed (Figure 1) several clutches of eggs. Many active Figvire 1. Black-crowned Night Heron nest, Knox Co., Tenn., 20 April 1975. nests were not examined on this trip. Each of the nests that we examined was marked by tying a numbered tag around the trunk of the nest-tree. This same procedure was followed on subsequent trips. On 3 0 May the authors returned to the colony and examined 20 additional nests and re-examined some of those previously marked. Twenty-four young herons were banded, numbers 987-12836 through 987-12859. Several eggshell fragments were collected from beneath the nests. On 19 June we heard the squawks of immatures and adults long before we reached the colony. We marked and examined 17 additional nests. Again we concentrated on banding and were able to band 20 additional young; number 987-12860 and numbers 987-18100 through 987-18119. Three or four nests were neither marked or checked. When Williams visited the colony on 22 August, there were eight imma- tures and one adult present. Only one young was in a nest, and it was probably only resting there. The immatures jumped and flapped from tree to tree quite rapidly, and one flew over the colony. On 30 September Williams again visited the colony with J. C. Howell and Alan Smith. No herons could be found. Three or four additional nests were found away from the main group of nests. These nests had eggshells beneath them. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 3 TABLE I Data From the 1975 Knox County Black-crowned Night Heron Colony Nest No. 20 April 30 May 19 June 1 5 eggs, measured several young, 2 banded 2 3 eggs, measured several large young 3 4 eggs, measured 3 young, 1 banded 4 4 eggs 4 young 5 2 eggs, measured 3 young, all banded 6 3 eggs, measured 3 young (1 fell and died) 7 5 eggs, measured 4 young (around nest), 1 banded 8 4 eggs 5 young, all banded 9 1 egg, measured 10 2 eggs 11 5 eggs 12 1 egg 13 4 eggs, measured 14 4 eggs 15 3 eggs 16 at least 2 eggs 17 5 young, 4 banded (1 too small) 18 4 young (out of nest), 3 banded 19 3 eggs, 1 newly-hatched young 20 4 young, 3 banded 21 2 eggs 22 several downy young 23 at least 3 eggs 24 several downy young 25 2 large young 26 4 young, 1 addled egg 27 5 eggs 28 5 eggs 29 5 eggs 30 5 eggs 31 5 young (in tree), 2 banded 32 5 small young 33 at least 4 eggs 34 35 empty empty 2 young near nest empty 3 small young, 1 addled egg 2 young, both banded 3 young, all banded 4 young in tree at least 3 eggs 4 young, 3 banded (1 too small) 3 young, 1 pipped egg, 1 addled egg 2 young, both banded 36 nest empty, 2 young in tree 37 4 large young near nest 38 4 large young left the nest 39 4 young, all banded 40 1 large young banded, 1 small young, 2 dead young 41 feces beneath nest, not climbed 42 feces beneath nest, not climbed 43 1 large young near nest 44 4 downy young 45 3 young near nest 46 47 48 49 50 51 2 young, both banded at least 2 eggs 3 eggs 3 young, 2 banded (1 too small) 3 or 4 young near nest, 1 banded 2 eggs *not included in the table are several nests which were not marked or climbed to, but which, according to signs present, were active. [VoL. 48, 1977] 4 THE MIGRANT MARCH Discussion Most of the nests were placed adjacent to the main trunk near the top of the trees. However, a few were placed as far as one meter or more from the trunk. Three trees contained two nests; all of the other nests were placed one to a tree. The nests varied from 2 5 to 5 0 cm in diameter depending in part upon the supporting branches. Some nests had fairly well formed nest cups, but most had only very slight depressions in the almost flat-topped platforms. The nests which we examined closely were made entirely of pine twigs which were woven into a sturdy structure. Palmer (1962) mentions that these birds some- times gather nesting materials from the immediate vicinity of their nests. On 19 April we saw an adult flying over the colony carrying a twig. Williams measured eight clutches which contained a total of 27 eggs. The eggs showing the four extremes measured: 5 5.5 x 36.8 mm; 49 x 37 mm; 51 X 40.2 mm; and 5019 x 35.6 mm. The average measurements were: length 51.83 it: 1.42 mm and breadth 37.71 it 1.19 mm. Palmer (1962) gave the fol- lowing average egg sizes: 53.14 it 1.73 mm X 37.24 =t 1.08 mm. Bent (1926) gave 51.5 x 37 mm as the average size. Thirteen nests contained five eggs or young when checked; 13 contained four; 10 contained three; nine contained two; and two contained one (average 3.55). Presumably some of the smaller clutches were incomplete so that the average clutch size was probably higher than indicated. As we approached the colony on our visits, we frequently saw adults flying over the colony as well as out over the lake going both toward and away from the colony. Bent (1926) and Chapman (1939) noted that adults were active day and night while feeding the young. Several adults were usually perched in the tops of the pine trees. When we entered the colony, these adults began to squawk loudly and circle overhead. Incubating adults often joined these circling herons but sometimes remained on their nests and peered down at us. After we had been in the colony for a while, most of the circling birds dispersed and became quieter. While we were in the tops of the trees at nests, adults some- times came within five meters of us and perched. From the ground we could hear the buzzing of young birds which were too small to be visible over the edges of the nests. When we began to climb and shake the nest-trees, the young frequently disgorged food, and the foul-smelling liquid dripped down upon us. The climb up the last few meters to the nests was made unpleasant by the sticky, chalky faces that coated the trunk and upper surfaces of the branches. The young defecated both over the edge of the nest and directly into it, in which case it dripped through the scanty structure to the branches below. As Table I indicates, the young within a nest were sometimes of markedly different sizes. Some nests contained young that were able to leave the nest and venture out onto nearby branches while some of their nest mates were barely strong enough to hold their heads up. Our presence at a nest elicited various reactions from the young. The small downy young usually lay in a heap in the nest without any discernible reaction [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 5 to us. The larger young were often quite aggressive, particularly when we handled them for banding (Figure 2). They uttered a loud screaming noise and lunged at us pecking our hands. If they had not already done so, they often regurgitated fish in our direction. Some of the young were able to escape from us by climbing into the very tops of the nest-trees or by crossing over into the branch- es of adjacent trees. The young demonstrated considerable agility in moving about on the slender branches. They used their wings often for balance and to hold them- selves in position. One young did fall to its death. We heard the fall and later found the body, but did not see the circumstances surround- ing the fall, since we were not close by.^ On the other hand, some of the large young were just as docile as the downy young. They lay motion- less in their nests, and we had to raise them up in order to reach their legs to band them. Some insight into the possible consequences of having young of different ages in the same nest was gained at Nest 40. On 19 June this nest contained one large, aggressive young which was banded and one small young which was too small to band. In addition a small recently dead young with a punctured abdomen lay in the nest. Another small dead young, which had been dead long enough to have an unpleasant odor, was lodged in the nesting material on one side of the nest. Although the evidence was inconclusive, it seemed probable that the larger young had killed its two smaller nest mates. We did not find any reference to cannabalism in young night herons, as occurs in some raptors, although Palmer (1962) noted that occasionally young birds of other species are eaten by Black-crowned Night Herons, and Bent (1926) included a report of a young Little Blue Heron {Florida caeriilea) with the partly- digested body of a still younger Little Blue Heron dangling from its mouth. Numerous fish, among them bluegill {Lepomis machrochirus) and gizzard shad {Dorosoma cepediantim) were noted on the ground below the nests. One young heron regurgitated a gizzard shad that was approximately 15 cm long. A pellet containing parts of the exoskeleton of a crayfish was found beneath a nest. Figure 2. Young Black-crowned Night Herons, Knox Co., Tenn., 19 June 1975. iThis specimen, MDW^189, along with three infertile eggs MDW-7^186, 187, and 188, from different nests, and a large quantity of eggshell fragments, MDW^190, and a partial skeleton of an Immature, MDW^56, were deposited in the M. D. Williams Collection which is presently housed in the Univ. of Tenn. Mus. of Zoology. [VoL. 48, 1977] 6 THE MIGRANT MARCH Summary Seven trips were made to a Black-crowned Night Heron colony on the shore of Fort Loudon Lake in Knox County, Tennessee, before, during, and after the 1975 breeding season. This was one of four heronies of this species known to be active in Tennessee in 1975. The size of the colony doubled from 29 nests in 1974 to about 59 nests in 1975. We determined that 49 nests actually con- tained eggs or young, and feces or eggshells beneath several other nests indicated that they were or had been active. Forty-four young were banded. It appeared that most, but not all, of the 1974 nests were reused with perhaps 3 5 new nests being added in 1975. Information is given on nests, eggs, and behavior of adults and young. Acknowledgments We wish to express our appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. John Craig for grant- ing us access to the colony and for providing information about the colony. We also appreciate the field assistance of Fae P. Andrews and Boyd Sharp. We thank David Pitts who initially encouraged our investigation into this colony, and Alan Smith who provided critical comments on the manuscript. LITERATURE CITED: Bent, A. C. 1926. Life histories of North American marsh birds. U. S; Na- tional Mus. Bull. 13 5, p. 203. (Dover reprint). Campbell, J. M. 1966. Nesting Black-crowned Night Herons in Knox County. Migrant, 37(4) :74. Chapman, F. M. 1939. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. D. Ap- pleton-Century Company. (Dover reprint). Owen, J. B. 1974. Nature Scrapbook. Knoxville News-Sentinel. 9 June 1974. p. F-6. Palmer, R. S. 1962. Handbook of North American Birds, Part 1. Yale Univ. Press, p. 482. Pitts, D. 1973. Tennessee heron and egret colonies: 1972. Migrant, 44(4): 89-93. Tanner, J. T. 1952. The season: Knoxville. Migrant, 23 (3 ) : 53. Williams, M. D. 1975. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 46(4):88-89. Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. 37916. School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04473. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 7 DR. GEORGE MORRIS CURTIS A FOUNDER OF THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Katherine A. Goodpasture A generation of members of the Tennessee Ornithological Society has been accustomed to thinking of "the five Founders of TOS,” but the archives, as often happens, have revealed a forgotten fact: there was a sixth founder of the Society. Shortly after the Archives of the Nashville Chapter of TOS fell to my keeping, I undertook to review for the purpose of inventory the early records of the Society and was surprised to find Dr. George M. Curtis referred to in several early papers as a sixth Founder. Item 1. The earliest such paper to come to my attention is a newspaper account of the organization of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. On Sunday morning, 6 February 1916, four months after organization of the Society, there appeared in The Nashville Tennessean and The Nashville American a full page of print headlined "Bulletin No. 1, Tennessee Ornithologi- cal Society.” The whole page is preserved as a clipping in a scrapbook in the Archives. The following quotation beginning with paragraph three of the first column in Bulletin No. 1 reads, "The meeting that resulted in the organization of this society was held a few months ago when Dixon Merritt, editor of The Nashville Tennessean and American, invited a few bird students to be his guests at a dinner. The group included Prof. A. C. Webb, author of some excellent books on birds, a bird artist of unusual ability and a close student of ornithology through a long period of years; Judge H. Y. Hughes of the Court of Appeals bench, a careful and indefatigable observer and probably the best informed man in the state on birds of the three grand divisions; Dr. G. M. Curtis, Professor of Biology at Vanderbilt University, who has devoted much attention to the technical side of ornithology; and Dr. George L. (sic) Mayfield of Vanderbilt University, an enthusiastic student and specialist on bird songs; and Mr. A. F. Ganier, who has for years made a careful compilation of notes on bird life.” Item 2. Printed in the Wilson Bulletin, 1916, 28(1) :45, nationally cir- culated publication of the Wilson Ornithological Society, is a note titled "Organization of the Tennessee Ornithological Association.” Paragraph two reads, "The initial meeting was held October 7, 1915, and was attended by Dr. Geo. M. Curtis, A. F. Ganier, D. Geo. R. Mayfield, Dixon L. Merritt and Prof. A. C. Webb of Nashville and Judge H. Y. Hughes of Tazewell, Tenn.” This article is signed by A. F. Ganier. Item 3. There is an unsigned, undated list of early members in the character- istic longhand script of A. F. Ganier which reads: "Tennessee Ornithological Society Organized Oct. 7, 1915 at Nashville, Tenn. Charter Members (active) [VoL. 48, 1977] 8 THE MIGRANT MARCH 10-7-15 Dr. Geo. M. Curtis " Mr. A. F. Ganier " Judge H. Y. Hughes " Dr. Geo. R. Mayfield " Mr. Dixon L. Merritt " Prof. A. C. Webb of Vanderbilt Univ. Med. Dept. " N. C. & St. L. Ry. " Court of Appeals (Tazewell, Tenn.) " Vanderbilt Univ. " Nashville Tennessean (Editor) " Nashville City Schools.” Then follows a list of Active Members from 12 March 1916, through 20 Octo- ber 1916, and a list of Associate Members from 14 March 1916, through 15 May 1916. Item 4. A short history of the founding of TOS by A. F. Ganier in long- hand, undated but written sometime after 1 June 1930, begins, "The history of the Tennessee Ornithological Society dates from October 7, 1915, when Dixon Merritt and the writer of Nashville called together a meeting of half a dozen local men known to be interested in the study of birds. As a result an organization was decided upon. Besides themselves, the following men were enrolled as Charter Members: Prof. A. C. Webb, Judge H. Y. Hughes, Prof. George R. Mayfield and Dr. Curtis.” Item 5. A shorter like-statement is to be found in the Albert Ganier papers in the Special Collections of the University of Tennessee Library. Handwritten pages entitled "The Tennessee Ornithological Society, 1924” contains this sen- tence. "On October 7th, 1915 Messrs. A. F. Ganier and Dixon Merritt called together the half dozen known to be interested in bird study and as a result an organization was decided upon.” Item 6. From the minutes of the Nashville Chapter of TOS, 11 March 1940, comes the following quotation, paragraph two: "The meeting was opened by a talk by Dr. Geo. Curtis of the Ohio State University. Dr. Curtis was one of the founders of TOS and has done some noteworthy work on the rare Kirtland’s Warbler.” The minutes do not say who introduced Dr. Curtis but all the other surviving Founders, A. F. Ganier, G. R. Mayfield, and Dixon Merritt were present at this meeting. Item 7. From the Nashville Tennessean, 19 October 1940, there is a lengthy account of the observance of the "Silver Anniversary” of TOS. This quotation is extracted, "The six bird enthusiasts who founded the Society that night were Dr. George R. Mayfield, Vanderbilt professor of German; Dixon Merritt, then editor of the morning Tennessean and today a free-lance journalist living on his farm, Cedarcroft, near Lebanon; A. F. Ganier, chief draughtsman engineer of N. C. & St. L. Railway; Dr. George M. Curtis, then of Vander- bilt School of Medicine and today head of the Department of Surgery at Ohio State Medical School; the late Judge H. Y. Hughes of the State Court of Ap- peals and the late A. C. Webb, supervisor of writing and drawing in Nashville city schools.” Two reminiscences relating to the history of TOS diverge slightly from the preceding: 1. In the Twentieth Anniversary number of The Migrant, September 193 5, page 41, an article signed by four Founders recalls that formal organization [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 9 took place about two weeks after the dinner meeting on October 7, 1915, and that Dr. Curtis became a sixth member at that time. 2. An editorial in the Twenty-fifth Anniversary number of The Migrant, September 1940, page 81, repeats the statement that Dr. Curtis joined shortly after the first meeting. This editorial is not signed and one wonders if the state- ment is based upon ( 1 ) above. Two other reminiscences fail to mention Dr. Curtis. 1. "Early Reminiscences” by Dixon Merritt published in The Migrant, September 193 5, page 50, and repeated verbatim in the Fiftieth Anniversary issue of The Migra\nt, June 1965, page 29, does not refer to Dr. Curtis. 2. In the September 193 5 issue of The Migrant, page 53, "Biographical Sketches of Founder Members” fails to include a biography of George Curtis and refers to "five men who therefore became its founders.” In summary. Item 1, without giving a specific date, clearly lists Dr. Curtis as one of the six men present at the founding dinner. Items 2, 3,4, and 7 record Dr. Curtis as one of six men present October 7, 1915, at the initial meeting for dinner which resulted in the organization of TOS. In Item 6, minutes of a meeting of the Nashville Chapter of TOS, 1940, Dr. Curtis is recognized as a Founder. In Item 5 a half dozen interested bird students are described as organiz- ing a society. Two reminiscences written twenty and twenty-five years after the fact, published in The Migrant as cited above, indicate that Dr. Curtis became associated with the organizing group at its second meeting. Even these statements add him to, rather than separate him from, the founding or charter group. Two reminiscences cited above fail to refer to Dr. Curtis. With all this before me, I turned in search of biographical material that would bind together the fragments of Curtis’s history presented above. Such material was quickly in hand from early Vanderbilt catalogues and records in the Vanderbilt Alumni Office, from Who^s Who in America, American Men of Science and from tributes In Memorium found in various medical journals. George Morris Curtis, 1890-1965, was born in Michigan. He earned B.A., M.A. degreees and a Ph.D. degree in Anatomy at the University of Michigan. He was Professor of Anatomy at Vanderbilt Medical School 1913-1920. This tenure was interrupted by military duty In the medical service in 1918 and by the study of medicine at Rush Medical College from which he received an M.D. in 1920. He seems to have been back at Vanderbilt sometime in 1919 or 1920 or both, but the interval must have been brief. Following various appointments both in this country and abroad, he went to the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago where he became full professor in 1932. He later went to Ohio State University to become full professor and. In 1936, Director of the Division of Surgical Research. Development of his distinguished professional career In surgery is not pertinent to this discussion. Dr. Curtis was In Nashville only a year-and-a-half or two years after TOS was organized. The period during which he was active in the Society was very short. Minutes of meetings of the first four years are not extant so we cannot judge critically his contributions to the Society. To say the least, his ties with the growing Society after he left Nashville were not very strong. It is easy to [VoL. 48, 1977] 10 THE MIGRANT MARCH understand that recollections of him and of his associations with the earliest group would grow dim and dimmer as years moved along. Six might even eventually fade into five. It seems to me that even if present TOS members are reluctant to change the phrase "five Founders” with which they feel comfortable, future historians, on the basis of firm evidence, will recognize Dr. George M. Curtis as a Founder of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. I am grateful to Mr. Harry C. Monk for the reference to the 1916 article in the Wilson Bulletin and for copies of early papers in his personal files. Dr. James T. Tanner cited the Ganier papers found in the University of Tennessee Fibrary, Item 5. Dr. Tanner, Curator of TOS, kindly read this manuscript critically. Except for papers found in the Special Collection at University of Tennessee referred to in Item 5, all the material cited in this article is on file with the Archives of the Nashville Chapter of TOS. 3407 Hopkins Fane, Nashville 37215. BOOK REVIEWS AFABAMA BIRDS. 1976. By Thomas A. Imhof. University of Alabama Press, University, Alabama. 445 p., 3 3 color plates and 4 color photographs, 1 1 black and white plates and many black and white photographs and maps. $22.50. This is a revised edition of a conventional but well done state bird book. It was first published in 1962 under the same title. This book is actually shorter than the original edition due to the elimination of some photographs, mostly of nests, and improved printing techniques. But despite the reduction in pages new information on Alabama birds has been added. The new additions deal mostly with species occurrence within the state, time of breeding and banding data. The book starts with a general section on birds and bird study in Alabarna. This is followed by the species accounts, which discusses distribution, food and nesting of birds in Alabama. The drawings, paintings, photographs and range maps were by Richard A. Parks and David C. Huke. For anyone interested in the birds of Alabama and surrounding areas I would recommend this book. Gary O. Wallace BIRDWATCHER’S GUIDE TO WIFDFIFE SANCTUARIES. 1976. By Jessie Kitching. Arco Publishing Company, Inc. New York, N. Y. 23 3 p. $8.95. This book discusses only 295 sanctuaries in the United States, Canada and the Virgin Islands. For example, only five sites are listed for Tennessee, two for North Carolina and four for Kentucky. This means that there are many excellent bird sanctuaries located in North America that are not included. Another disadvantage is that for most sanctuaries listed the information is very incomplete. Gary O. Wallace [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 11 ROUND TABLE NOTES FIRST BREEDING RECORD OF THE BLACK VULTURE IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK— On 1 August 1974, Andrew Miles of the Tremont Environmental Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, led me to a nest of a Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) which was located about 610 m. up on a ridge (35° 3 8' 17" N; 83° 40-' 58" W) above the Center. Miles and Ellis Bacon had discovered the nest after having flushed an adult vulture from the area of the nest several times during the summer. The nest was on the ground under a slab of rock that was leaning against a rock cliff. One large downy young vulture was in the nest. The pinkish brown down feathers were being re- placed on the posterior edges of the wings by the black flight feath- ers. When I came near the bird, it spread its wings and lowered its head and uttered a soft hissing noise. I visited the nest several times during the following five weeks. Twice I saw an adult vulture fly away as I approached the nest. Once I found the young bird behind some rocks about 6 M. from the nest site. I last vis- ited the nest on 4 September, when I banded the young bird :fp608-2}386. As I held the bird for banding, it regurgitated a foul-smelling dark red liquid over my hands. At the time of the last visit, most of the down feathers had been replaced by black contour feathers. A small collar of down feathers remained around the neck and a few were still present around the bare facial area. The Black Vulture has become more common in the Park in recent years. Stupka (1963, Notes on the birds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville, Univ. of Tenn. Press) reported only 16 records of this species for the 28 year period, 1934-61. During the summers of 1974-75, I recorded an average of 4.3 birds on 28 different days; numbers ranged from a single bird to 31 birds on 9 August 1975 in Cades Cove. The Black Vulture is still less common than the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). During the same two summers, I recorded an average of 50 Turkey Vultures on 65 different days; numbers ranged from one to 20. My data yield a ratio of 2.4 Turkey Vultures to every Black Vulture. Stupka (op. cit.) gave a ratio of 11 to one. I recorded both species most often in the Cades Cove area, 13.3 km west of the Tremont nest. A communal roost was located in a large dead white pine (Pinus strobus) in the Cove, 500 m. east of the point where Hyatt Lane crosses Feezell Branch (35° 36' 01"; 83° 49' 05" W). Young Black Vulture, Lumber Pvidge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1 August 1974. [VoL. 48, 1977] 12 THE MIGRANT MARCH I returned to the nest site in the summer of 1975, but there was no evidence of a nest. Morris D, Williams, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916. FOURTH NASHVILLE AREA RECORD OF SAW- WHET OWL— On 23 August 1975, the author was operating a banding station near the Two Jays’ Sanctuary on the South Harpeth River in Davidson County. The author was accompanied by Phil Blystone, a visitor to Nashville who has a graduate degree in forestry from New York State and several courses in ornithology. Mr. Blystone has worked with the New York State Game and Fish Commission banding programs. At approximately 19:3 0 hours, Mr. Blystone and the author were checking one of the nets located in a thin band of woods which lies along the South Harpeth River. The author noted a small owl sitting on a horizontal branch of a small sycamore tree {Plafanus occidentalis) . The owl was approximately 12 feet above ground level and did not appear to be startled by the approach of the two observers. The author and Mr. Blystone noted the extreme small size of the owl, a heart-shaped disc surrounding the face, the absence of ear tufts, and brown streaking or blotches which ran down the breast of the owl. The author suspected the possibility of a Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadictis) . Mr. Blystone, who has seen both Saw-whet and Screech Owls (Olus asio) in New York State agreed that this was not a Screech Owl. The author returned to his car and brought back a pair of 10 x 40 binocu- lars and a Robbins Field Guide, While standing about 15 feet from the owl, both observers studied this bird both with and without the binoculars. White streaking in the crown and forehead was now noted. After watching the owl for approximately 15 minutes, the observers at- tempted to move even closer. The owl took flight when the observers moved within a few feet of the tree. It was observed in flight for approximately 40 feet before it finally disappeared through the trees. Its short wingspan (about 14 inches) was noted. Considering the closeness of observation, the length of time afforded in the sighting, the aids available (binoculars and a field guide), the characteristics noted, and the fact that Mr. Blystone had observed this species in New York State, there appeared to be no doube that this was the fourth Nashville area record for this rare owl. This sighting of a Saw-whet Owl would also be the first summer record for the Nashville area. (The other sightings have been 16 March 1940; 6 December 1952 - 8 March 1953; and 28 October 1968.) It is of possible interest that the 28 October 1968 sighting by Henry Parmer was in a small stream bed within 200 yards of this most recent sighting. Arthur Cleveland Bent, in his Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey, records the Saw-whet Owl as breeding in Canada and the northern United States with its southern-most breeding range extending into southern Illinois and Indiana. Bent states that the Saw-whet Owl "has generally been recorded [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 13 as a resident species, but it evidently migrates to some extent, or at least wanders widely, in fall.” Bent also states that "there are a number of recorded instances of this species in regions that are outside of the normal range” and gives exam- ples of sightings in Georgia, Louisiana, Bermuda, Mexico and Guatemala (the last two being uncertain sightings) . Bent also refers repeatedly to the "tameness” of the Saw-whet Owl. This species has been known to remain on a limb of a tree while observers approach, pound on the tree, and even climb up to approach the owl. In several cases the owl has even been touched by observers before taking flight. Bent remarks on its "tameness, stupidity, or fearlessness.” This was quite evident in this re- corded sighting and further convinces this observer that a Saw-whet Owl had once again visited the Middle Tennessee area. John N. Riggins, 746 Harpeth Parkway West, Nashville 37221. SUMMER VISITORS ON ROAN MOUNTAIN^Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnoloia) — On 30 June 1975 Howard P. Langridge reported seeing a Magnolia Warbler in the vicinity of the Rhododendron Garden on top of Roan Mountain. On 7 July 1975 Ed Schell and the writer found a male Magnolia Warbler within the loop area at the end of the road, about one-fourth mile west of the Rhododendron Garden. The bird responded to the Screech Owl {Otiis asio) song on a tape recorder. It was observed for several minutes, in good light, at distances of about 20-30 ft. and it sang several times while under observation. Two days later Ed Schell and Fred Behrend found a male Magnolia Warbler near the eastern end of the loop road, only a few hundred yards from the point where the observation was made on 7 July and another bird of this species about one-half mile east of this location, near the reviewing stand, erected and used in recent years for the annual Rhododendron Festival and Beauty Pageants. On 11 July a bird of this species was observed at the same location as on 7 July, by Glen Eller and the writer. On 14, 15 and 16 July, 2, 2 and 1 birds of this species were observed by Allen Smith and Richard Lewis in this same general area. All of these birds were males and most if not all, were singing while under observation. There was no evidence of breeding as no female, nest or young was observed. None could be found on 8 August or thereafter. There are only two records for the area between the dates of 31 May and 29 August during the past 3 0 years. They were: 4 July 1959 and 28 July 1962. Pine Siskin (Spmus piims) — ^Pine Siskins have occurred on Roan Mountain every month of the year. However, the number of summer records are rela- tively few and numbers of individuals have been small. During the summer of 1975 the following observations were reported: 30 May (3) ES; 13 June (5) TMS; 14 June (2) FWB; 2 July (1) FWB; 15 July (4) AS, RL. Posi- tive proof of their breeding in the area is still lacking. (Fred W. Behrend — FWB, Richard Lewis — RL, Ed Schell — ES, Alan Smith — ^AS, Thomas and Maxie Swindell — TMS) . [VoL. 48, 1977] 14 THE MIGRANT MARCH Red Crossbills {Loxia curvirostra) — Red Crossbills have been observed in this area every month of the year, all since their first occurrence on 14 January 1962 (a flock), observed by Arthur and Elizabeth Smith on Bays Mountain in Sullivan County. This observation was followed by reports on 18 March 1962 (6) and 29 April 1962 (2) and the first Roan Mountain report, 15 July 1962 (7) by Fred Behrend and Kenneth Dubke (Migrant, 33:56). On 11 July 1975 Glen Eller and the writer flushed a flock of 16 birds from the roadside (SR 143) about one-fourth mile north of Carver’s Gap. On 15 and 16 July 1975 Allen Smith and Richard Lewis observed a flock of 10 birds while searching for nests of this species. More serious and concerted effort should be devoted to the search for positive proof of breeding of these and other species assumed to nest within this limited Canadian and Transition Zones in our area. Lee R. Herndon, 673 Golf Course Drive, Elizabethton 37643. WINTERING INDIGO BUNTING AND ROSE-BREASTED GROS- BEAK IN ANDERSON CO. — On 2 February 1976 Mrs. E. C. Thompson of Strader Road phoned J. B. Owen about the appearance at her feeders of a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheticticus ludovicianm) and described in detail a second bird she wished to identify. Among the features she mentioned were: (1) a blue-green rump area, (2) brownish color on the upper back, rear of neck and crown, (3) brown wing bars, (4) size between a titmouse and chickadee, and (5) a left wing in abnormal position, presumably injured al- though the bird could fly. Consultation between J. B. Owen and Morris Wil- liams resulted in tentative identification of Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) . Subsequent phone conversations and records of Mrs. Thompson indicated that both species were coming to feeders about once hourly each morning and once or twice around 16:00 to 17:00 hours. On 9 February 1976 Gary Muffly arranged to visit at 10:00 hours. The lo- cation is rural, about 16 km (10 mi.) north of Knoxville and .2 5 km (.15 mi.) east of US 2 5 W. A large hill behind the house provides 30-100 acres of wood- land and Bull Run Creek is about 300 meters away. There is little clearing around the house. At about 11:00 hours an Indigo Bunting appeared. It was observed through a window of plate glass quality from a distance of 8 or 9 meters (2 5-30 ft.). It was a sunny day. Observation was mostly with a custom-built Celestron 5' scope of 43 power. It was seen to have a dark upper mandible and a light lower mandible. It was much smaller and more slender than a Blue Grosbeak (Gtiiraca caerulea) . Its color pattern agreed will with the molting male Indigo Bunting illustrated in Birds of North America (Robbins et. al.) except that the blue developing on its breast appeared more centralized, finely striated longitudinally and extended further down toward the belly. This impression was gained from a single look (perhaps 10 seconds) through the ’scope at an effective viewing distance of 20 cm (8"). The bird stayed only about 2 minutes but Mrs. Thompson’s observations were confirmed except for the wing abnormality and green tint in the blue. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 15 The Rose-breasted Grosbeak appeared at about 11:00 hours. There was no doubt of its identity because of its rosy breast pattern. The rose color was fairly solid and of the usual shape, but considerably less than full brilliance. The normally black area about the head was flecked with white. White wing patches were well developed. It also had a speck of red at its shoulder. In Birds of North America the same area shows a similar but longer red streak in the illustration of the immature male. This bird was observed at another feeder in good light at about 10 meters (30') through an opened window with the same scope. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak was first seen 18 December 1975 and last seen at 17:30i hours on 22 February 1976. Before departure its breast color had brightened a great deal. The Indigo Bunting was first seen 20 January after a snowfall. It was still present after 1 5 March. The Migrant records were searched, 193 5 to date. No December-March Indigo Bunting records were found for the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region, although in the Central Plateau Region there were two records in 1972 and one in 1975. Wintering Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks were recorded in Knoxville in 1951-52 and Gatlinburg in 1968-69. The 1971 Christmas Count reported one in Knoxville and one in Greeneville. There were also single sightings in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on 9 December 196 5 and 2 January 1966. Other December-March Tennessee reports were comprised of 1 in the Western Area and 7 in the Central Area. Gary Muffly, 2704 Windemere Lane, Powell 37849. J. B. Owen, 293 0 North Hills Blvd., Knoxville 37917. We have two changes in the editorial staff of The Migrant. David Pitts (Biology Department, University of Tennessee, Martin, TN 3 8237) has re- placed Morris Williams as the regional compiler of the season report for the Central Plateau and Basin Region. Richard Lura (1903 Eastwood Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601) has replaced Morris as the State Count Compiler. Help David and Richard in their new positions by reporting your records on time. As editor, I would personally like to thank Morris for his work with The Migrant and wish him the best of luck in the future. He will enter Graduate School in Ornithology this fall at Louisiana State University. [VoL. 48, 1977] 16 THE MIGRANT MARCH THE SEASON Dr. Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor FALL MIGRATION: 1 August -31 October Another Fall migration with legions of transient species and arriving winter visitors all duly observed and reported by Tennessee’s birders in the pursuit of their favorite avocation. Many uncommon birds and several rarely tabulated species were found in the State during this period. All four regions report good shorebird migrations with Piping Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, and BuR-breasted Sandpipers observed in both the Western Coastal Plain and the Central Plateau and Basin Regions. The most exciting shorebird find has to be the Red Knot in the Western Coastal Plain. This region also produced a White Pelican. Heading the list of unusual species in the Central Plateau and Basin was the Red-necked Grebe seen by several birding parties. This region also seems to be the State’s hot spot for Marbled Godwits with one spending a week there in August. A Northern Phalarope was found at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge in the above region. Notable water- associated species seen in the Eastern Ridge and Valley included a Common Gallinule and a Least Tern. Several impressive raptore records are to be found in the following pages. Both a Peregrine Falcon and a Merlin are reported by James Holt from the Western Coastal Plain and a Peregrine (one or two individuals) was also ob- served in the Eastern Mountain Region. Two reports of Bald Eagles also come from the latter region. Rough-legged Hawks were seen in both the Eastern Ridge and Valley and in the Central Plateau and Basin Regions. Three Golden Eagles were reported from Cannon County in the last region above. Good to heavy movements of passerines are listed with special comments on the numbers and variety of warblers being seen. Philadelphia Vireos were lo- cated in all but the Eastern Mountain Region and all reporting areas had Olive-sided Flycatchers. A Bachman’s Sparrow was seen in the Western Coastal Plain and the only record of Pine Siskins comes from the Central Plateau and Basin. The most noteworthy songbirds seen were the three Sharp-tailed Spar- rows at Austin Springs near Johnson City in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 17 The above listed species are perhaps the highlights of the birding season because of their uncommon status in Tennessee and as such they attract our attention, but the following pages are filled with the reports of hundreds of birds that reflect a much more meaningful picture of the State’s avafauna. Herein, lies dates of early arrival, late departure, unusual numbers of expected species, and the ornithological "meat” of Tennessee birds. Did you submit your observations to your regional compiler? Do it now! Good birding!!! WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Reports from the West Tennes- see area were more numerous this season. Many of the sightings were across the Mississippi River in Arkansas. These sightings were made within sight of the river bluffs of the Memphis area. Grebe-Shovelev: Horned Grebe: 22 Oct (2) H (JGH). WHITE PELI- CAN: 8-10 Sep (1) Round Drift Timber, R (SP). Double-crested Cormo- rant: 18-26 Oct (1-6) H (JGH). Great Blue Heron: 16 Aug (24) R (SP); 26 Oct (10) H (JGH). LEAST BITTERN : 20 Jul (2) Forked Deer River Marsh, East of Trenton; also 2 nests, 1 with 5 eggs, 1 with 4 eggs (MW). Great Egret: 16 Aug (200-300) R (SP); 8-10 Sep (24) R (SP). Snow Goose: 26 Oct (2 and 13 Blue morp) El (JGH). Green- winged Teal: 29 Aug (4) Island 13, Lake Co. (MLB). Blue-winged Teal: 20 Jul (2) East of Tren- ton (MW); 8 Aug (2) Lake Co. (GJ); 28 Aug (8) PP (10) Britton’s Ford (JGH); 29 Aug (3) Lake Co. (MLB); 12 Sep (75) R (DJ). American Wigeon: 12 Sep (2) R (DJ). Northern Shoveler: 29 Aug (1) Lake Co. (MLB). Kite-Tern: Mississippi Kite: 6 Aug (8) RP (JGH); 25 Aug (5) RP (LC, PJ); 28 Sep (15) AP (RJ). Cooper’s Hawk: 31 Oct (1) SFSP (CR). Sharp- shinned Hawk: 9 Oct (1) WDSP (TOS, LC). Broad-winged Hawk: 28 Sep (15) AP (RJ). Osprey: 8 Sep (1) R, 1st seen since March (SP). 21 Sep (1) RP; 29 Sep (1) H (JGH). PEREGRINE FALCON: 6 Oct (1) M (JGH). MERLIN: 14 Oct (1) West Memphis, Ark. (JGH). Virginia Rail: 31 Aug (1) dead M (JGH) . PIPING PLOVER: 8 Aug (1) Island 13 (GJ). American Golden Plover: 12 Sep (12) PE (RW). Black-bellied Plover: 22 Oct (1) H (JGH) 28 Aug (1) Britton’s Ford (LH, JGFI). Ruddy Turnstone: 6 Sep (1) PP (PB, BB). Willet: 28 Aug (5) PP (MLB); 18 Oct (1) H (JGH). RED KNOT: 6 Sep (1) PP (PB, BB). Pectoral Sandpiper: 29 Aug (30) Island 13, Lake Co.; 28 Aug (30) PP (MLB). Short-billed Dowitcher: 1 Aug (1) Dru (GJ). Baird’s Sandpiper: 28 Aug (4) PP (MLB). Least Sandpiper: 10 Sep - 17 Sep RP (100 max. by 17 Sep) 14 Sep - 21 Oct (max. 80 on 14 Sep) H (JGH). Dunlin: 26 Oct (7); 28 Oct (8) H (JGH); 28 Aug (3) PP (LH, JGH). Stilt Sandpiper: 1 Aug (1) DRU (GJ); 1 Aug (2) Big Sandy (GJ) ; 29 Aug (6) Island 13, Lake Co. (MLB). Western Sandpiper: 29 Aug (4) Island 13, Lake Co. (MLB). BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER: 1 Aug (1) Britton Ford (GJ) ; 28 Aug (2) PP (LH, JGH); 28 Aug (3) PP (MLB); 6 Sep (1) PP (PB, BB). Sanderling: 1 Aug (1) Big Sandy (1) Lake Co. (GJ); 28 Aug (1) PP (MLB); 6 Sep (1) PP (PB, BB) ; 22 Oct (2) H (JGH). Bonaparte’s Gull: 26 Oct (1) H (JGH). Forster’s Tern: 6 Sep (1) PP (PB, BB). Common Tern: 5 Sep (1) R (PB, BB). Least Tern: 5 Sep (1) T (PB, BB). Caspian Tern: 9-22 Oct (max. 7) H (JGH). Black Tern: 14 Oct (4) H (JGH). [VoL. 48, 1977] 18 THE MIGRANT MARCH Nightbawk-Sparrow: Common Nighthawk: 1 Oct (50) Lexington Exit, 1- 40 (JGH). Red-headed Woodpecker: 31 Oct (66) SFSP (TOS). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 8 Aug (1) Island 13 (GJ). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 31 Aug (1) M (LCC). Bank Swallow: 8 Aug (8 50) Lake Co. levee (GJ); 26 Oct (1) H (JGH). Fish Crow: 17 and 3 0 Sep (45); 19 Oct (3) RP (JGH). Bewick’s Wren: 8 Oct (1) RP (JGH). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 4 Aug (1) each at two marshes, SE of Henderson (MW). Brown Thrasher: 22-2 5 Sep (20). This number never noted in last 40 years in one area, M (BBC, LCC). Wood Thrush: 26 Oct (1) M (BBC). Gray Catbird: 26-29 Oct (1) M (BBC). Veery: 13 Sep (1) RP; 14 and 23 Sep (1) OP (JGH). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 19 Sep (1) AP (RJ) ; 23 Sep (1) Raleigh (MEC). PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 23 Sep (2) and 4 Oct (5) OP (JGH); 24 Sep (1) M (LCC). Prothonotary Warbler: 12 Sep (1) R (DJ). Golden-winged Warbler: 14 Sep (4) OP (JGH); (1) M (LCC); 23 Sep (1) OP (JGH). Northern Water- thrush: 16 Sep (1) M (LCC). Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco: 31 Oct (1) SFSP (RW). BACHMAN’S SPARROW: 3 Aug (1) Big Hill Pond, McNairy Co. (MW), white-throated Sparrow: 23 Sep (1) M (JL) ; 29 Sep (1) M (LCC, BBC). Locations: AP — Audubon Park, East Memphis; H — Hopefield, ARK.; M — Memphis; OP — Overton Park, Mid- town Memphis; PF — Penal Farm, East Memphis; PP — ^Pace Point, Big Sandy Unit of TN National Wildlife Refuge; R — Reelf oot Lake; Raleigh — Northeast Shelby Co.; RP — Riverside Park, South- west Memphis; SFSP — Shelby Forest State Park, Northwest Shelby Co.; T — Tiptonville, Obion Co., TN. WDSP — Wall Doxey State Park, 7 mi. south of Holly Springs, MS. Observers: BB — Benton Basham; PB — ^Peggy Basham; MLB — Michael L. Bierly; MEC — ^Mrs. Ed. Carpenter; BBC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr.; LCC — Lula C. Coffey; JGH — James G. Holt; LH — Louise Holt; DJ — Daniel Jacobson; PJ — Pauline James; RJ — Russel Jones; JL — Joan Lohrey; SP — Steve Pardue; MW — Morris Williams; TOS — Tennessee Ornithological Society, Memphis Chapter. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis 3 8117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— GrcZ^^-Coo/: RED- NECKED GREBE: 13 Oct - 2 Nov (1) OHL (MLB). Pied-billed Grebe: 29 Aug (25) GSP (DC, PC, MPS) ; 29 Aug (84) OHL (SF, WF). Green Heron: 19 Aug (37) LP (DC, PC). Little Blue Heron: 10 Aug - 1 Sep (1-2) BV (MPS); 14 Aug (1) ACM (RJMJ ; 31 Aug (1) Rutherford Co. (Violet Flite) . Cattle Egret: 19-2 5 Aug (1) GL (DC, PC). Great Egret: 3 Oct (1) ACM (RJM). Least Bittern: 7 Sep (1) Monterey Lake, Putnam Co. (MDW); 11 Sep and 3 Oct (1) ACM (RJM,). American Bittern: 29 Sep (1) Mingo Swamp, Franklin Co. (MDW); 17 Oct (1) White Co. (MDW). Snow Goose: 21 Sep (9) Percy Warner Park (Laurence Trabue). Black Duck: 22-24 Aug (1) GL (DC, PC). Gadwall: 29 Sep (3) GL (DC, PC). Bufllehead: 28 Oct (1) RL (MLB). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 2-3 Oct (5) NA (N.T.O.S.). Cooper’s Hawk; 2- 3 Oct (3) NA (N.T.O.S.). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 16 Oct (1) Wil- liamson Co. (Jon DeVore) ; 2 Nov (1) CC (FB). GOLDEN EAGLE: 2 Nov (2 ad., 1 imm.) CC (FB) ; 6 Nov (3 ad., 1 imm.) CC (FB). Bald Eagle: 9 Nov (1 ad.) Dale Hollow Lake (Robbie Hassler). Osprey: 4 Sep (1) Stones [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 19 River, Ready ville (FB). King Rail: 14 Aug (1) BV (MLB); 21 Aug (1) ACM (RJM). Virginia Rail: 14 Aug (1), 3 Oct (1) BV (MLB). Sora: 3 Oct (4) BV (MLB); 3 Oct (2) ACM (RJM). American Coot: 16 Oct (2,265) Woods Reservoir (DRJ). Ploper-Wren: PIPING PLOVER: 27 and 29 Aug (1) GSP (DC, PC). American Golden Plover: 22 and 23 Aug (1) BV (MPS). Black-bellied Plover: 28 Aug (1) GSP (DC, PC); 2 Oct (1) NA (MPS). Ruddy Turnstone: 1 Sep (1) GL (DC, PC, DRJ, MPS). Common Snipe: 30 Aug (2) BV (MPS). Baird’s Sandpiper: 11 Aug (2) GL (DC, PC). Dunlin: 8 Oct (8) GL and (5) LP (DC, PC); 16 Oct (1) ACM (RJM); 23 Oct (1) Laurel Hill Lake (MDW). Dowitcher sp: 8 records during period. Stilt Sandpiper: 21 Sep - 10 Oct (3-9) LP (DC, PC). BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER: 6 and 23 Sep (2) GSP (DC, PC) ; 27 Sep (1) GL (DC, PC) . MARBLED GODWIT: 17-24 Aug (I) GL (DC, PC). American Avocet: 3-8 Sep (1) GSP and LP (DC, PC). NORTHERN PHALAROPE: 27 Aug (1, convincing written details were submitted) Cross Creeks (David Seibel). Laughing Gull: 19-23 Oct (1) OHL (SF, WF). Forster’s Tern: 30^ and 31 Oct (1) OHL (MLB). Barn Owl: 19 Aug - 22 Oct (1). Smyrna (MLM) ; 2 and 3 Oct (2) NA (N.T.O.S.); 12 Oct (1) Giles Co. (MDW). Common Nighthawk: 20 Oct (1) OHL (MLB). Chimney Swift: 28 Oct (2) PB (MLM). Red-headed Woodpecker: 26 Aug (II) Grundy Co. (MDW). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 22 Sep (1) Centennial Park (Karen Ritter). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 5 Sep - 3 Oct (13 banded, 1 tower kill) NA (MLB, KAG, ATT). Traill’s Flycatcher sp: 2 Oct (1, banded) 2js (HR, JR). Least Flycatcher: 11 Sep (1, banded) BS (KAG); 25 Sep (1, banded) NA (ATT). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 11 Sep (1) 2js (HR, JR); 18 Sep (1) Old Stone Fort State Park, Manchester (MLM); 3 Oct (1) FP (MDW) . Brown Creeper: 14 Aug (1) RL (Richard Rimmer) . House Wren: 24 Oct (1) SB (DRJ, MPS). Bewick’s Wren: 2 and 3 Oct (7) NA (N.T.O.S.). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 2 and 3 Oct (22, includes 15 at BV on 3 Oct by MLB) NA (N.T.O.S.) Short-billed Marsh Wren: 3 Oct (5) NA (N.T.O'.S.); 24 Oct (1) SB (DRJ, MPS). Thrush-Sparrow Veery: 29 Aug (2, banded) 2js (HR, JR). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 23 Oct (1) OHL (WF, DRJ). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 9 Sep (1) NA (MPS). Solitary Vireo: 24 Oct (1) SB (DRJ, MPS); 24 Oct (1) OHL (SF, WF). PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 11 Sep (2, banded) 2js (HR, JR); 2 and 3 Oct (6) NA (N.T.O.S.). Worm-eating Warbler: 9 Oct (1) NA (ATT) . Golden- winged Warbler: 11 Sep (1) ACM (RJM); 5 Oct (1) OHL (SF). Orange-crowned Warbler: 7-23 Oct (5, banded) BS (KAG); 8 Oct (1) Leoma, Lawrence Co. (MDW); 11 Oct (1) G (PC); 24 Oct (1) SB (DRJ). Cape May Warbler: 26 Sep (1) OHL (DC, PC); 2 Oct (2) NA (MPS). Black-throated Blue Warbler: 25 Sep (2) DeKalb Co. (Mary Wood). Yellow-rumped Warbler: 12 Sep (1) PB (MLM). Pine Warbler: 16 Oct (2) Cheatham Dam (RJM). Palm Warbler: 5 Sep (1) CC (FB). Northern Water- thrush: 21 Aug (1, banded) 2js (HR, JR). Mourning Warbler: 20 Sep (1, tower kill) NA (Bill Finch); 2 and 4 Oct (1) NA (Ann Nichols); 2 Oct (1) NA (Sue Bell). Canada Warbler: 18 Aug (1) CC (FB) ; 12 Oct (1) Giles Co. (MDW). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 29 Aug (1, female) 2js (JR). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 26 Sep (1) BV (MLB, RJM,); 2 and 3 Oct (6) NA [VoL. 48, 1977] 20 THE MIGRANT MARCH (N.T.O.S.); 8 Oct (2) FP (MDW); 14 Oct (2) and 22 Oct (1) G (DC, PC). PINE SISKIN: 13 Nov (1) CC (FB). Locations: ACM — Ashland City Marsh; BS — Basin Springs; BV — Buena Vista; CC — ‘Cannon County; FP — Five Points; G — Gallatin; GSP — Gallatin Steam Plant; GL — ^Green’s Lake (Sumner County) ; LP — Lewis Pond (Sumner County) ; NA — Nashville Area; OHL — Old Hickory Lake; PB — Pennington Bend, Cumberland River; RL — Radnor Lake; SB — Shelby Bottoms; 2js — Two Jays Sanctuary. Observers: MLB — Michael Bierly; FB — Frances Bryson; DC — Dot Craw- ford; PC— ‘Paul Crawford; SF— Sally Fintel; WF— William Fintel; KAG— Katherine Goodpasture; DRJ — ^^Daniel Jacobsen; MLM — Margaret Mann; RJM — Rocky Milburn; HR — Heather Riggins; JR — John Riggins; N.T.O.S. — Nashville T.O.S. Members; MPS — Pat Stallings; ATT — Ann Tarbell; MDW — Morris Williams. Morris D. Williams, Tennessee Heritage Program, Suite 507, 1720 West End Bldg., Nashville 37203. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— Migration could best be described as excellent. Common Gallinules at Knoxville, a Rough-legged Hawk in Sequatchie Valley, Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Austin Springs, and the sixth state record of the Marbled Godwit — these reflect the quality and excitement of the season. It is of interest that only one Sandhill Crane was reported during the entire period. Chattanooga experienced a rather dull shorebird migration due to full pool level on Chickamauga Lake, but several unusual species were seen at Douglas Lake and Austin Springs. Terns staged a good movement with three records of the Least Tern. Swallows, particularly the Rough-winged, lingered later than usual. A good variety of warblers was reported including a Connecticut and Mourning. Loon-Dnck: Common Loon: 2 Oct (1) BL (MD, HD). Double-crested Cormorant: 13 Oct - end of period (4) HRA (KLD). Great Blue Heron: 6 Oct (100) DL (TK). Green Heron: max. 20 Aug (24) HRA (KLD); 23 Oct (1) AS (RL). Little Blue Heron: 6 Aug (1) Hamilton Co. (KLD); 9 Aug (5) DL (TK) ; 8-28 Aug (1) AS (DL, et al). Cattle Egret: 1 Aug (10) CkL (Dave Bishop, J. B. Owen). Great Egret: 6 Aug - 20 Sep (1-2) HRA (KLD). Black-crowned Night Heron: 12 Aug (12) DL (TK) ; through 8 Oct (2-5) AS (ETOS). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 5 Aug (1) AM (DRJ); 6 Aug - 4 Sep (1) AS (ETOS). Least Bittern: 2-4 Oct (1) JB (MD, HD). American Bittern: 15 Sep - 2 Oct (1) AS (ETOS). Snow Goose (blue morph): 13-16 Oct (2-4) HRA (KLD). Black Duck: 13 Sep (2) HRA (KLD). Gadwall: 2 5 Sep (1) NL (DRJ). Pintail: 5 Oct (3) HRA (KLD). American Wigeon: 13 Sep (2) HRA (KLD). Northern Shoveler: 28 Oct (8) AS (DL). Wood Duck: max. 13 Sep (165) HRA (KLD). Ring-necked Duck: 23 Oct (5) SB (KLD). Hawk-Gnll: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 7 Aug (1) AS (GE, HF); 15 Aug (1) ER (GS); 2 Oct (1) ER (GE, HF) ; 2 Oct (1) NoL (JCH). Cooper’s Hawk: 2 Oct (1) ER (GE, FIF); 19 Oct (1) AS (SG). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: [VoL. 4S, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 21 16 Oct (1) SeV (J. Wallace Coffey). Bald Eagle: 21 Aug (2) NoL (JCH). Sandhill Crane: 29 Oct (1) HRA (Joan Swan). Virginia Rail: 25 Sep, 23 Oct ( 1 ) AS (RE) . Sora: 23 Aug ( 1, C) K ( J. E. Griffith) ; 14 Sep - 23 Oct ( 1-5 ) AS (ETOS); 5 Oct (1) AM (DRJ) ; 28 Oct (2) ALM (CEB). COMMON GALLINULE: 10-13 Oct (2 imm.) KCo (BS). American Golden Plover: 15 Aug (1) HRA (KED). Black-bellied Plover: 28 Aug (1) SB (KED) ; 27 Sep (1), 10 Oct (3) DE (TK). American Woodcock: 26 Sep (1) KCo (JCH, GM, AS) ; 20 Oct (1) AS (GE). Common Snipe: 4 Sep (9) SB, HRA (KED). Willet: 26 Aug (2) SB (KED); 28 Aug (4) SB, HRA (KED). Solitary Sand- piper: 8 Oct (1) AS (DE). Greater Yellowlegs: 7 Aug - end of period (1-14) SB, HRA (KED); 17 Oct (42), 19 Oct (3) AS (ETOS). Eesser Yellowlegs: 7 Aug - end of period (1-27) SB, HRA (KED); 7 Aug - 2 Oct (1-3) AS (ETOS). Pectoral Sandpiper: 5 Aug - end of period (1-100) SB, HRA (KED) ; 12 Aug (37) DE (TK). WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER: 6 Oct (3) DE (TK) ; 19-23 Oct (1) AS (RE, DE). Eeast Sandpiper: 5 Aug - end of period (1-47) SB, HRA (KED). Dunlin: 6 Oct (14) DE (TK) ; 15-31 Oct (3-15) AS (ETOS). Short-billed Dowitcher: 6 Aug (2) DE (TK) ; 14, 15 Aug (1, BCN) SB (KED); 28 Aug (3, BCN) SB, HRA (KED); 6 Sep (1, BCN) AM (KED). LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER: 25 Oct (1, BCN) SB (KD, Greg Jackson) . Stilt Sandpiper: 13, 28 Aug (1) HRA (KED); 6 Sep, 6 Oct (4) DE (TK). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 11-31 Aug (1-21) SB, HRA (KED); 12 Aug (83), 10. Oct (4) DE (TK). Western Sandpiper: 13, 28, 31 Aug (1) SB, HRA (KED); 6 Oct (2) DE (TK). MARBLED GODWIT: 6 Oct (1) DE (TK). Sanderling: 6 Oct (5), 10 Oct (1) DE (TK) ; 19-22 Oct (1-2) AS (MD, SG, HD). Herring Gull: 10 Oct (1) NE (DRJ, MPS). Ring-billed Gull: 10 Oct (2) NL (DRJ, MPS). Bonaparte’s Gull: 29 Oct (2) NoE (JCH). Tern-Kinglet: Forster’s Tern: 10 Aug (1) SB (KED); 21 Aug (3) AS (RE, PR); 29 Aug (15) ChE (DRJ); 4 Sep (2) AS (RE, PR); 7 Oct (33) ChE (DRJ). Common Tern: 10 Aug (1) SB (KED); 19 Sep (2) Dunlap Fire Tower (DRJ). LEAST TERN: 6 Aug (1) HRA (KED); 14 Aug (1) SB (KED); 5 Sep (1) ACo (JMC). Caspian Tern: 21 Sep (4) NE (DRJ). Black Tern: 4 Aug - 11 Sep (1-12) SB, HRA (KED); 13 Aug (15) NoE (JCH); 28 Aug (15) NE (DRJ). Barn Owl: 24, 2 5 Sep (1) NoE (JCH). Common Nighthawk: 2 Sep (4,000) Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. (Gertrude Fleming); 5 Sep (400) Rockwood (Fae Andrews, Chuck Nicholson) ; 5 Sep (500) ACo (JMC). Eastern Kingbird: 26 Sep (1) SB (KED). Eeast Flycatcher: 5 Oct (1, singing) JC (SG). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 28 Aug (2) NE (DRJ, MPS). Tree Swallow: max. 21 Oct (105), last 22 Oct (52) SB (ED). Bank Swallow: 13 Sep (5) HRA (KED); 14 Sep (4) BE (DE, RE). Rough- winged Sv^allow: 8 Sep (21), 12 Sep (1), 13 Sep (2) HRA (KED); 2 Oct (3) AS (MD, SG). Barn Swal- low: 17 Oct (6) AS (DE, PR). Purple Martin: max. late Aug (3,000) HRA (KED); last 6 Sep (6) SB (KED). Eong-billed Marsh Wren: 1 Aug - 3 Sep (1) SB (KED); 14 Sep - 3 Oct (1) AS (ETOS). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 17 Oct (1) ATM (GEB). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 25 Sep (1) NE (DRJ). Vireo-Sparrow: PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 16 Sep (1) JC (MD); 2 Oct (1) JB (MD, HD); 10 Oct (1) ACo (JMC). Blue-winged Warbler: 23 Aug (1) K (MS); 21, 25 Sep (1) NE (DRJ). Orange-crowned Warbler: 1 Oct (1) JC (MD); 23 Oct (1) AEM (GEB). Northern Parula Warbler: 11 Oct (1, C) CH (DRJ). Yellow Warbler: 23 Sep (1) CH (Jon DeVore). Magnolia [VoL. 48, 1977] 22 THE MIGRANT MARCH Warbler: 3 Sep (1) K (MS) . Palm Warbler: 2 Oct (100) AS (ETOS) . North- ern Waterthrush: 29 Aug (1) AM (DRJ). Connecticut Warbler: 13 Sep (1) ER (RL). Mourning Warbler: 3 Oct (1) K (MS). Common Yellowthroat: 27 Oct (1, C) CH (DRJ). Wilson’s Warbler: 1 Oct (1) K (MS). Bobolink: 2-17 Oct (1-3) AS (GE, HE, DL, RL). Orchard Oriole: last 25 Aug (1) SB (KLD). Blue Grosbeak: 21 Sep (2) SB (KLD). Dickcissel: 2 Aug (2) HRA (DRJ); 7 Oct (1, C) CH (DRJ); 15-19 Oct (1) AS (DL, RL et al). Savannah Sparrow: 21 Sep (1) SB (KLD). Grasshopper Sparrow: 27 Sep (1) AS (RL). SHARP-TAILED SPARROW: 25 Sep - 3 Oct (3) AS (DL). White-crowned Sparrow: 2 Oct (1) AS (GE, HE). White-throated Sparrow: 2 Oct (1) AS (GE, HE). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 23 Sep - 17 Oct (1-3) AS (ETOS). Additional symbols used: C = Casualty; BCN = By call note. Locations: AM — Amnicola Marsh; ACo — Anderson Co.; AS — Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake; CH — ^Chattanooga; ChL — ^Chickamauga Lake; CkL — Cherokee Lake; CL — Cove Lake; DL — Douglas Lake; ER — Erwin; HRA — Hiwassee River Area; JB — Jonesboro; JC — Johnson City; K — Knoxville; KCo — Knox Co.; ALM. — Lookout Mtn., Ga.; NL — Nickajack Lake; NoL — Norris Lake; SB — Savannah Bay; SeV — Sequatchie Valley. Observers: GLB — ^Gary L. Bayne; JMC — James C. Campbell ;MD — Martha Dillenbeck; HD— Helenhill Dove; KD— Ken Dubke; KLD— Ken and Lil Dubke; LD — ^Lil Dubke; ETOS — Elizabethton TOS; GE — Glen Eller; HE — Harry Earthing; SG — Sally Goodin; JCH — J. C. Howell; DRJ — Daniel R. Jacobson; TK — Tony Koella; RL — Richard Lewis; DL — Dick Lura; GM — Gary Muffly; PR — Pete Range; MS — Mabel Sanders; BS — Boyd Sharp; AS — Alan Smith; MPS — ^Pat Stallings; GS — Glen Swofford. Daniel R. Jacobson, Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, GA 3 0757. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — This three month weather picture was that of above average rainfall. The wettest month was September when 7.20 inches of rain fell; with the past forty year average being only 2.80 inches. August was warm, but by mid-October the weather began to turn much cooler. The first frost came early on 1 1 October and the temperature was below normal for the rest of the period. A very encouraging fall flight of birds of prey in our area is hopefully a sign of an increase in these families of much concern. We also had outstanding fall shorebird, warbler, and sparrow flights, with some very interesting observa- tions recorded. Much more time, seemingly, was spent in the field and this was motivated partially by the unique movements of some of the lesser observed species being found in the area. Heron-Vtdture: Great Blue Heron: 17 Aug (1) RC (LRH, ES). Green Heron: last seen 8 Oct (1) RC (ES). Black Duck: 1st returned 12 Sep (2) WibL (GW, MW). Pintail: 1st returned 23 Oct (1) WibL (HP). Blue-winged Teal: 1st fall returnee 22 Aug (2) RC (PR) and last fall seen 12 Oct (1) SV (HP). American Wigeon: 1st returned 2 Oct (2) WibL (GW, DL). Ring- necked Duck: 1st returned 16 Oct (12) WibL (HP). Canvasback: 31 Oct [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 23 (2) WatL (GE). Lesser Scaup: 1st returned 9 Oct (1) WibL (LRH, RL). American Goldeneye: 1st returned 30 Oct (1) WatR (FA). Bufflehead: 1st returned 16 Oct (2) "WibL (HE). Black Vulture: 27 Aug (3) RC (SG, MD). Hawk-Tern: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 15 Aug (1) GSMiNIP (DJ, MPS) ; 13 Sep (1) IMG (SG, RL); 18 Sep (1) HM (GE) ; 10 Oct (3) UN (PR); 16 Oct (1) WatL (ES). Cooper’s Hawk: 29 Aug, 9 Sep, 18 Sep, 10 Oct (1 ea.) RM (ES) ; 31 Aug (2) IMG (SG); 31 Oct (1) SV (GE). Red-shouldered Hawk: 13 Aug (1) HM (SG). Broad-Winged Hawk: last seen 19 Sep (72) HM (GE, RL). BALD EAGLE: 8 Aug (1 ad.) Hiwassee River (Bill Mc- Gowan) fide DJ; 30 Oct (1 imm.) WatL (FA). Marsh Hawk: 29 Aug (1) RM (ES); 18 Sep (1) WatR (GE, HF); 19 Sep (1) HM (GE, RL). Osprey: 1st returned 12 Sep (1) SV (GW, MW) and last seen 15 Oct (1) WatR (HF). PEREGRINE FALCON: 2 Oct (1) WibL (GW, DL) ; 9 Oct (1) WibL (LRH, RL), possibly the same bird? Semipalmated Plover: 28 Aug thru 11 Sep (1-2) RC (DL, RL, ES). American Woodcock: 20 Oct (1) Eliz (GE). Common Snipe: 1st returned 13 Sep (3) ShV (RL). Spotted Sandpiper: last seen 2 Oct (1) SV (GW, DL). Solitary Sandpiper: Sandpiper: last seen 3 Oct (1) WatR (HF). Greater Yellowlegs: 28 Aug (1) RC (LRH, ES). Lesser Yellowlegs: 27 Aug (1) RC (MD, SG) ; 2 Oct (1) WatL (PR). Pectoral Sandpiper: 10 Aug thru 4 Sep (1-3) RC (ETOS). Short-billed Dowitcher: 27 Aug thru 4 Sep (1-2) RC (MD, SG). Western Sandpiper: 4 Sep (2) and 11 Sep (1) RC (LRH, GE, GW). Sanderling: 11 Sep (1) RC (LRH, DL, RL, GW) . COMMON TERN: 2 Oct (1) WatL (PR). Cuckoo^-^Shrike: Black-billed Cuckoo: no reports of this species in our area this entire year. Barn Owl: 2 active sites near Eliz. (ETOS). Great Horned Owl: 27 Oct (1) MtC (RL). Common Nighthawk: last seen 22 Oct (1) Eliz (HF). Chimney Swift: last seen 17 Oct (3) Eliz (HF). Emp. Species Flycatcher: late date of 2 Oct (1) SV (GW, DL). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 19 Sep (1) Eliz (LRH). Tree Swallow: late date of 2 Oct (40-4-) SV (GW, RL). Rough-winged Swallow: late date of 2 Oct (3) Eliz (GE, HF). Raven: 1-4 regular thru-out period on RM, IMG (ETOS). House Wren: last seen 19 Oct (1) Eliz (HF). Veery* last seen 15 Aug (1) GSMNP (DJ, MPS). Logger- head Shrike: 31 Oct (1) SV (GE) this is the only report for our area thru out the entire period. Warbler-Sparrow: Tennessee Warbler: last seen 24 Oct (1) WatL (GW). Magnolia Warbler: last seen 18 Oct (1) SV (GW). Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler: 1st returned 2 Oct (3) Eliz (ETOS). Pine Warbler: 11 Sep (2) SV (GW, DL). Prairie Warbler: last seen 6 Oct (1) RM (ES). Palm Warbler: very heavy migration this fall with last being seen 21 Oct (3) SV (HF). Ovenbird: last seen lOi Oct (1) RM, (ES). Wilson’s Warbler: another species with a very heavy migration here compared to previous years, last seen 2 Oct (2) Eliz (GW, DL). Bobolink: 2 Oct (6) SV (GW, DL). Blue Grosbeak: late date of 2 Oct (1) RC (LRH, JM). Purple Finch: 1st returned 2 Oct (1) RC (LRH, JM). White-crowned Sparrow: 1st returned 2 Oct (2) HS (GW, DL). White-throated Sparrow: 1st returned 2 Oct (2) HS (GW, DL). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 30 Sep (1) RM (ES). Locations: Eliz — Elizabethton; GSMNP — Great Smoky Mountains National Park; HM — Holston Mtn.; HS — Hunter Swamp (near Eliz.) ; IM,G — Iron Mtn. [VoL. 48, 1977] 24 THE MIGRANT MARCH Gap; MC — Milligan College; RC — Roans Creek; RM — Roan Mtn.; SV — Siam Valley (near Eliz.); ShV — Shady Valley; UM — Unaka M,tn.; WatL — Watauga Lake; WatR— Watauga River; WibL— Wilbur Lake. Observers: FA — ^Fred Alsop; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; ETOS — Eliz. Chap- ter of T.O.S.; GE — Glen Eller; HE — Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee Herndon; DJ — Daniel Jacobson; DL — Dick Lura; RL — Richard Lewis; JM — John Martin; PR — ^Pete Range; ES — Ed Schell; MPS — ^Pat Stal- lings; GW — Gary Wallace; MW — Morris Williams. Glen D. Eller, Route #3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. Request for Information: I am preparing papers on the birds of Law- rence and Giles Counties in south central Tennessee. I would appreciate re- ceiving any unpublished notes on the birds of this area. (David Crockett State Park is located in Lawrence County.) Brief lists of birds recorded while driv- ing through this area would be helpful. Also, please call my attention to any obscure literature references to this area. Morris D. Williams, Suite 507, 1720 West End Bldg., Nashville, Ten- nessee 37203. ELEVENTH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM AND FALL MEETING 30 SEPTEMBER, 1, 2 OCTOBER, 1977 NATCHEZ TRACE STATE PARK Twenty cabins and 20 rooms at the Inn have been reserved until Labor Day for the TOS. Each cabin will sleep 4-6 people, has a fireplace and cooking facilities. Most rooms at the Inn have two queen sized beds. The directors meeting and paper sessions will be at No. 1 group camp which is located be- tween the Inn and the cabins. There will be field trips on both Saturday after- noon and evening. For reservations and check-in call (901 — 968-8176) and come to the Inn. Specify that you are with the TOS. For further details con- tact George R. Mayfield, Jr., Maury County Hospital, Columbia, Tenn. 3 8401 or Kenneth H. Dubke, Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, Tenn. 37363. [VoL. 48, 1977] 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Washington, D. C. 20016. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on Sj 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 1976). 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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 at a Black-crowned Night Heron Nesting Colony. Morris D. Williams and Charles P, Nicholson 1 Dr. George Morris Curtis A Founder of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Katherine A. Goodpasture 7 Book Reviews Alabama Birds. Gary O. Wallace 10 Birdwatcher’s Guide to Wildlife Sanctuaries. Gary O. Wallace .... 10 Round Table Notes First Breeding Record of the Black Vulture in the Great Smoky- Mountains National Park. Morris D. Williams 11 Fourth Nashville Area Record of Saw-whet Owl. John N. Riggins 12 Summer Visitors on Roan Mountain. Lee K. Herndon 13 Wintering Indigo Bunting and Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Anderson Co. Gary Muffly and J. B. Owen 14 The Season. Edited by Bred J. Alsop, 111 16 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 17 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Morris D. Williams 18 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Daniel R, Jacobson 20 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 22 Mxr.V?Vi« P€?^ fe^? -A QU/JR.TER.LY JOURNAL DEVOTED^O TENNESSE^BIRPg 'f/^p^X- ■’- ‘‘ V'i 'c • ,' '■‘1 ^ wmmmm ^>J.ovf-->v.\yv,iv.iu= ■• ai V'r^v^\ JUNE, 1977 VOL. 48, 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 J A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization. EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643 *THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, Tenn. 37642 "STATE COUNT COMPILER” RICHARD LURA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, Tenn. 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 ; PRESIDENT KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 ^ VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN PAUL PARDUE Rt. 23, Box 93A, Beechwod Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 i VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN SANFORD McGEE ; P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 4 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MARTHA WALDRON I 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis, TN 38177 | DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE j EAST TENN WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH I 7916 Jenkins Dr., Knoxville, TN 37921 1 MIDDLE TENN MICHAEL FILSON I 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 1 WEST TENN MRS. JOHN LAMB f Lake Road, Dyersburg, TN 38024 | CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER ^ Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, TN 37920 f! SECRETARY BRUCE WILKIE f 106 Palisades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 ? TREASURER RAY JORDAN | Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, i Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.50; Life, $100.00; Student, $3.00; Family, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contributions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. Back numbers may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 57920. Correspond with the Treasurer for subscriptions, imemberships, 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. 48 JUNE, 1977 NO. 2 TENNESSEE HERON AND EGRET COLONIES: 1973-1975 T. David Pitts This paper is a report on the continuation of an effort begun in 1972 (Pitts, Migrant 44:89-92, 1973) to locate all of the active heron and egret colonies in Tennessee. Since 1972 at least two colonies have disbanded and five new col- onies have been discovered. Species occurring in Tennessee colonies in 1973- 1975 include Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) , Black-crowned Night Her- ons {Nycticorax nycticorax) ^ Yellow-crowned Night Herons (Nyctanassa vi- olacea)^ Cattle Egrets (Bulbuhis ibis), and Green Herons {Butorides strictus) . Green Herons and Yellow-crowned Night Herons normally nest solitarily, but occasionally are found in colonies; the data in this paper are not indicative of the populations of these two specimens in Tennessee. I have relied heavily on data from other observers; their specific contribu- tions are acknowledged in the colony reports. I wish to thank all the people who responded, whether positively or negatively, to my questions concerning heron and egret colonies. COLONIES LOST SINCE 1972 Hop-In Colony (Great Blue Herons) The Great Blue Heron colony near Hop-In, Weakley County, was in 1971 and 1972 the second largest colony in the state with 116 nests in 1971 and 91 nests in 1972. In 1973 nesting activities began normally, but construction of a drainage ditch approximately 100 m from the colony during the nesting season resulted in total failure of the colony. The site was not used by herons or egrets in 1974 or 1975. Rogersville Colony (Night Herons) In February, 1973, Mr. Robert McDonald, Rogersville, Hawkins County, informed me of a colony of herons on his farm approximately 2.5 miles south of Rogersville. My wife and I visited the site in February, 1973. Approximately 25 old nests were present in a grove of pine trees {Pinus sp.) bordering a pond. The nests appeared to be well constructed of pine branches; a fallen nest meas- ured about 15 cm thick and 3 5 cm in diameter. Mr. McDonald assured me he had personally seen large white birds (Black-crowned Night Herons?) using the nests during the summer of 1972. In mid-April, 1973, we again visited the site, but no nesting herons or egrets were present, except for Green Herons. Three Black-crowned Night Herons were feeding at the edge of the pond, and 34 Cattle Egrets were present at the John Sevier Steam Plant about one mile [VcL. 48, 19771 26 THE MIGRANT JUNE to the south. Morris Williams visited the site on 20 May 1973 and found six nests of Green Herons, but no other herons or egrets. The history and composi- tion of this colony is therefore unknown, except that for at least one year, 1972, it contained approximately 25 nests of herons, probably Black-crowned Night Herons. COLONIES REPORTED IN 1972 AND STILL ACTIVE THROUGH 197^ Duck River Colony (Great Blue Herons) The Duck River colony, Humphreys County, was the largest active colony in 1972. However, the colony had shown a steady decrease in size and many TOS members expressed concern over the future of the colony. Unfortunately, the decline has continued, and Mr. V. L. Childs, TN National Wildlife Refuge Manager reported (pers. comm., 8 February 1976) 95 nests in 1973, 8 5 nests in 1974, and only 3 3 nests in 1975; all nests were of Great Blue Herons. Sinking Pond Colony (Great Blue Herons) This colony is located in the Sinking Pond area of the Arnold Engineering Development Center in Coffee County. The following account summarizes a longer report prepared by Kenneth H. Dubke. In the last report (Pitts, op. cit.). I was not able to trace the history of this colony beyond 1967. Since then data have been found showing that Kenneth H. Dubke and Ralph T. Bullard, Jr., visited the site in November, 1965, and counted 25 complete and incom- plete nests. This is the largest number of nests ever counted here. Data from 1966 are missing although it is known the colony was active. Nest counts from 1967-1972 were previously reported (Pitts, op. cit.). On 2 April 1973 Ken- neth H. Dubke counted 16 active nests and 2 incomplete nests. In April, 1974, Daniel Jacobson counted 16 active nests. In April, 1975, Lee Shafer counted about 6 active nests, but in December, 1975, Kenneth H. Dubke counted 17 nests. The dense vegetation made the spring count very difficult in 1975, and it is hoped the December count is more indicative of the number of active nests. The area has been designated by the Air Force Commander of Arnold Cen- ter as The Sinking Pond Natural Area and the site has been preserved. Very few people visit the area because of the usual standing water. Deer hunters are allowed in the area, but they have a negligible effect as their activities occur in the fall and winter months. However, there has been some concern that the Turkey (Meleagr/s gallopavo) hunts in the spring could possibly have an ad- verse effect. This possibility has been brought to the attention of the proper officials. Bordeaux Colony (Black-crowned Night Herons) Michael Lee Bierly summarized recent activities in the colony as follows. The Bordeaux Heronry at Nashville, Davidson County, is comprised principally of Black-crowned Night Herons and occasionally a few Yellow-crowned Night Herons. In 1973, 1974, and 1975 about 110 adult Black-crowned Night Herons and perhaps a pair of Yellow-crowned Night Herons nested in the heronry. The size of the colony has remained at about 50-j- nests of Black-crowned Night Herons for some time. Buena Vista Marsh, a good feeding area for the species, will soon be lost and harrassment at the nesting site has increased in the past few years. However, it is felt as long as the site is undeveloped that the species will continue to use the heronry for nesting. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 27 COLONIES DISCOVERED SINCE 1972 Riverside Park Colony (Yellow-crowned Night Herons) Mr. Robert McGowan furnished the following information about a colony of Yellow-crowned Night Herons in Riverside Park, Memphis, Shelby County. The colony is located in mature deciduous forest near McKellar Lake. Reports to Mr. MicGowan indicate the colony was active in 1972 and 1973, but he did not see the colony until 1974. In spring, 1975, one count listed 18 nests, some of which may have been inactive. The colony is not in danger of destruction. Old Hickory Colony (Black-crowned Night Herons) Mr. and Mrs. William A. Fintell located a colony of Black-crowned Night Herons on an island in Old Hickory Lake, Sumner County. Although the island had been previously frequented by Black-crowned Night Herons, 1975 was the first year in which nests were constructed. Sixteen nests were built. Most nests were 5-10 m above ground in honey locust trees (Gleditsia triacan- thos) . There were 1-3 nests per tree. The land is U.S. Government property (Army Corps of Engineers). Maximum elevation of the island is about 1 m above normal pool of Old Hickory Lake. Actions are being taken to discourage human activity on the island. Armstrong Bend Colony (Great Blue Herons) The following account summarizes a longer report prepared by Kenneth H. Dubke. A colony of Great Blue Herons is located on the east side of the Ten- nessee River (Chickamauga Lake), Meigs County, near the boundary line of the Hiwassee Wildlife Management Area and private property. The colony is on private property. The nests are located in several large deciduous trees sur- rounded by scrubby second-growth timber that is now rapidly regenerating. Chief William Mercer of the U. S. Coast Guard reported a colony to Ken- neth H. Dubke in 1965. However, no evidence of the colony could be found in 1966. The present colony site has apparently been in use for at least nine years, indicating the colony originally observed by Mr. Mercer may have re- located between 1965 and 1966. Spring counts of active nests were as follows: 1973 — -26; 1974—33; 1975 — ^31 (count by Don Hammer, from airplane). Fall counts of empty nests in 1973-1975 were 36, 66, and 40, respectively. An abundance of food and feeding areas are within easy access of the col- ony. At this time it is relatively isolated and few people know about it. How- ever, the future of the site may be in jeopardy as the land ownership has re- cently changed and a group of individuals plan to develop the area. Mr. Carl Dalton, who is being retained as the land planner, is aware of the uniqueness of the colony, and in his plans the preservation of the colony is of primary concern. The addition of the colony site to the Hiwassee Wildlife Management Area seems desirable. Concord Park Colony (Black-crowned Night Herons) A small colony of Black-crowned Night Herons was reported in Concord Park, Knox County, in 1966 (Campbell, Migrant 37:74), but the colony ap- parently disbanded. Another colony was formed in the Concord Park area in [VoL. 48, 1977] 28 THE MIGRANT JUNE 1974. In December, 1974, Morris Williams visited the site and counted about 30 heron nests, all located in a 5 acre pine plantation. The nests were about 10 m above ground, with one nest per tree except for two trees each with two nests. Mr. John J. Craig, the land owner, indicated that 1974 was the first year the colony had used this site. In 1975 approximately 50 nests were present. Morris Williams and Chuck Nicholson visited the colony several times and have prepared a report of their findings to be published separately. Cherokee Lake Colony (Black-crowned Night Herons) In 1974 Mr. Dave Bishop, Assistant Manager, Region IV, Tn. Wildlife Re- sources Agency, reported a colony of night herons (presumably Black-crowned) near his home on Cherokee Lake, in Grainger County. My wife and I visited the site in October, 1974. Approximately 60 nests were counted; all nests were in a dense stand of pines. Numerous shell fragments and remains of young herons were present. Mr. Bishop told me herons had been present in the colony throughout the summer and into the fall months. In previous years the colony had nested at another site but had frequently roosted at this site. Mr. Bishop informed me that in 1975 he did not make a count of the number of active nests, but the number of nesting birds had increased significantly and included four pairs of Cattle Egrets which reared eight young. Although the actual colony is reasonably safe, being owned by Mr. Bishop, adjacent land was converted to a mobile home park in 1975. However, activity in the mobile home park, including night security lights, did not appear to have any significant impact on the herons. DISCUSSION Although the reported number of active heron and egret colonies was larger in 1975 than in 1972, the total number of nests did not increase. Approxi- mately 300 nests were active in 1972 (Pitts, op. cit.), and 280-|- nests were reported in 1975 (Table 1). The 1975 total is somewhat conservative as the Cherokee Lake colony probably had more than 50 nests of Black-crowned Night Herons. Great Blue Herons have shown the greatest decrease with^ the TABLE 1. NUMBER OF ACTIVE NESTS IN TENNESSEE HERON AND EGRET COLONIES IN 1975 Armstrong Bend Colony 40 Great Blue Herons 0 Black-crowned Night Herons 0 Cattle Egrets 0 Yellow-crowned Night Herons 40 Colony Total Armstrong Bend 40 0 0 0 40 Bordeaux 0 50 0 2 52 Cherokee Lake 0 504- 4 0 544- Concord Park 0 50 0 0 50 Duck River 33 0 0 0 33 Old Hickory 0 16 0 0 16 Riverside Park 0 0 0 18 18 Sinking Pond 17 0 0 0 17 TOTALS 90 156 4 20 2804- [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 29 loss of the Hop-In colony and the drastic decline of the Duck River colony. The number of reported Black-crowned Night Heron nests increased between 1972 and 1975 (40 in 1972; 156-|- in 1975). However, this may not represent an actual increase in the population but merely increased efficiency in reporting colonies. For example, Mr. Bishop indicated the Cherokee Lake colony had oc- cupied other nearby locations in past years. Cattle Egrets nested in Tennessee (Cherokee Lake colony) in 1975 for the first time since 1969, when they last nested at Dyersburg (Leggett, Migrant 41:58, 1970). No nests of Great Egrets {Casmerodius albtis) have been reported since 1972. Although no colonies of Little Blue Herons {Florida caertilea) or Cattle Egrets are known in West Ten- nessee, both species may be found there during the summer. Little Blue Herons seen feeding in Lauderdale County are thought to nest in Arkansas. Cattle Egrets seen feeding in Lake County, southwest of Tiptonville, may likewise be crossing the Mississippi River to nest. Other reports of various herons from all parts of the state during the nesting season indicate a number of colonies have escaped our detection, or that many non-nesting individuals remain in Tennessee during the summer months. Summary Although the number of reported colonies in Tennessee has increased since 1972, the number of heron and egret nests in colonies has not increased. The Great Blue Heron population has declined, and the Black-crowned Night Heron population may have increased. No Great Egrets or Little Blue Herons are known to have nested in Tennessee in the period 1973-1975. Biology Department, University of Tennessee at Martin 3 8237. A comprehensive bibliography of the North and South American martins {Progne spp.) is currently in preparation. It will include all papers dealing solely or partly with martins, except local annotated checklists. Authors wish- ing to have material included should send an abstract or reprint to Charles R. Brown, Box 1309, Austin College, Sherman, Texas 75090. [VoL. 48, 1977] 30 THE MIGRANT JUNE THE 1976 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Richard D. Lura The 136 species seen on the 22 counts across the state places this count as thei second highest, being two less than the record 1971 count. Three species appearing for the first time on the Tennessee Christmas Counts are Common Nighthawk, Barn Swallow, and White Pelican. The ad- dition of these species brings the total number of species recorded on the Christmas Counts to around 190. The supportive data for these new species, not published here for reasons of space, are in the files of the editor. Two northern species. Tree Sparrow and Evening Grosbeak, showed op- posite tendencies this year. The Tree Sparrow was recorded on six counts while the Evening Grosbeak was recorded on only one count. The Virginia Rails and Sora in Columbia are, for a second consecutive winter, noteworthy. As is the custom, the counts are tabulated from west to east across the state. INFORMATION OF THE COUNTS MEMPHIS— 19 Dec.: 06:45 to 16:45; partly cloudy; temp. 57° to 66°; wind, N, 5-10 mph; 34 observers in 12 parties; 102 party hours (84 on foot, 18 by car) ; 164 party miles (63 on foot, 101 by car). Diane Beane, David R. Brown, Richard Caldwell, Fred T. Carney, Mrs. Ed Carpenter, Lula and Ben Coffee ('compilers-672 North Belvedere, Memphis 3 8107) Julian Darlington, Mary Davant, Fred Dickson, Henry and Helen Din- kelspiel, John H. Embury, Mrs. Sue Ferguson, Joe B. Guinn, Van Harris, Rus- sell A. Jones, Allan R. Larraibee, Jerald Ledbetter, Mrs. Iris Moeller, Nellie Moore, Calvin Newnam, George Payne, Jr., Ernest Restivo, Alice Smith, No- reen and Arlo 1. Smith, Richard G. Taylor, Martha Waldron, Wade Waller, Wendell L. Whittemore, W. Rowlett Whittemore, Richard L. Whitjington Theodore Wilson, Jr. One of the towhees was of the spotted race. Western Meadowlark was de- leted, no details — RDL. REELFOOT — 18 Dec.: 05:30 to 16:30; clear; temp. 42° to 63°; wind NW 0-5 mph; 8 observers in 4 parties; 39^ party hours (14 on foot 16j by car, 9 Wendell Crews, Robert Clemmons, Ben and Lula Coffee, W. C. McDaniels, Don and Gina Manning (compilers — 103 Stonewall Circle, McKenzie 3 8201), Clell Peterson. A Podiceps Grebe was observed by Wendell Crews. The White Pelicans were identified by Clell Peterson. Twenty-eight of the Bald Eagles were immature. Five of the Snow Geese were blue forms. DOVER — 19 Dec.: 16:30 to 16:00; cloudy with rain in am; 5 observers in 2 parties; 126 party miles ( 5 on foot, 121 by car). rVoL. 48, 1977] THE 1976 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS Memp Reel Dove Glar Lawr Ashl Colu Nash Hick Murf Leba High Cook Chat Hiwa Knox GSI'IN Gree King Eliz Bris Roan 1977 THE MIGRANT 31 ?! 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LA I o INS I rArAOj rH CM • I O O O I rH O O OJ C\j \ O CNct I rArA fH rH I fALO O i rArH rH I OJ X) tA 'S^ I vD ^ OJ t !A0^OJ I CT^lAO I ^ LAO OJ rA I rHOS I CAOMA OJ OJ • I OJLDS lA I rH G^iH rH iH rH • rA I ^ rArArH I OjCVj fAO rH LA4- I ss s o I oo oo O X) OJ I OJ rALACA I lalD CAvO rH lD lAH I OS S UD I OJ o O lA rH 00 OJ I ^S OCA I OlDCOOJ iH • rAvD rH OJ rA I o I 00 OJ CAO lA CA rH rA KD rH OJ rArArHrH LDCAIrHO rACArHCA^d* I OJ rH OJ OJ I ^ rA rH i 3- ■4’ I C^O LD OJ LA ® (0 ® rH 43 P "O Pi ® ® iH iHrO ,o p, to •O • ® iH rt Pi Oi43 ® hO O B Pi 43 P3 I 3 rt Pi -H ® Pi r« ® iH hD I K)Pi a • ® bo® ®-H a p P Pi ® -H Hi CO o IH tti Pi ® 43 43 -H 43 P SO 3 S O ® Pi O O 'O rH ® rH Pi ® « rH (H Pi ® 43 ® ®S • PiSh C3, bo a CO a a 3 a a -H O ® ® 3 B a m p I rH a 3 m -a ® o o a ® Q| C3 M W 03 ® -a -H rH a ® 43 O -H rH 3 •H p 43 O a 45 oo o o a a a • a rH C5 a) >H am 43 a ® a I a 43 >> o a -H p p e 3 -a a m a o a o 3 o a a 2; 03 o m o o 043 a o a a o-Ho C5 -H a 43 (ii -H a a ® as ® 3 a o 43 o a a 3 a fta -H o aco a rHE-l a o, •H f3i aco 43 • CO ® a -a Oi a aa43P3i- o I a o ffl a a a 4i p o 3 c a a o a a o •a <1-1 > a o ® 3 a a ® 03 « CO o m 3 0 a OB as a 3 3 a o aa) o Pi a a a b a Oi>a a a b ® a bD Pi Pi Bb a ® CO -H ® 1 P3,.t:) P,4) ® PirH a a ® -H ® ® a a 43 -H >o eiom 3 3 o o a a a 3 a a Pi a a 3 a Pi Pi O 3 bD b b 3 a o a o a a o . . a a am a 43 a f3i a 0 P ab Pirn 1 I Pi CO a ® ® CO C3| 05 P P B hQrH •H p a a Pi PiO CO o o [VoL. 48, 1977] informatii 34 THE MIGRANT JUNE Bill Blakeslee, Mike Filson, Scott Gunn, Dianne Sexton, John W. Sexton (Compiler — Route 1, Dover 3705 8). CLARKSVILLE — 18 Dec.: 06:15 to 16:30; clear, temp. 32° to 60°; wind calm; 13 observers in 5 parties; 48 party hours (23| on foot, 24^ by car) ; 293 party miles (20 on foot, 273 by car). Joe Allen, Bill Blakeslee, David Chiles, Mike Filson (compiler — 1671 Para- dise Road, Clarksville 37055), Floyd Ford, Scott Gunn, Jim Lester, Beverly Mock, Millie Perry, Kathy Robertson, Dave, Juanita and Shawn Snyder. LAWRENCE CO. — 23 Dec.: 10 observers in 4 parties; no weather condi- tions or time reported. Lloyd Clayton (compiler — Route 4, Lawrenceburg, 38464), Bill Davis, Ralph Ring, Don and Damien Simbeck, Dave Ihrie, Mark Reeves, Delton Por- ter, Paul Porter and M. D. Williams. ASHLAND CITY — 18 Dec.: 03:15 to 18:00; partly cloudy to overcast; temp 18° to 48°; wind S 5-10 mph; 20 observers in 7 parties; 79 ^ party hours (46J on foot, 30J by car, 3 by boat); 342 party miles (41 on foot, 288 by car, 13 by boat) . Rocky Milburn (compiler — 2923 Sharon Hills Circle, Nashville, 37215). Names of other observers not submitted. Seen in count period: Snow Goose (Blue form). Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, and Osprey. LeConte’s Sparrow was deleted, no details^ — RDL. COLUMBIA — 30. Dec.: 06:00 to 18:00; clear to overcast; temp. 28° to 5 5°; wind SW 0-20 mph; 8 observers in 4 parties; 36 party hours (20 on foot, 13 by car, 3 by canoe) ; 287 party miles (18 on foot, 260 by car, 9 by canoe). Barbara Finney, Daniel Gray, III, Ann and Bedford Lockridge, Mary Lyies, George Mayfield, Jr. (compiler — 999 Sunnyside Drive, Columbia 3 8401), Mark Mayfield, Allen Pressnell. Seen in count period: Snow Goose (Blue form), Bufflehead, Hooded Mer- ganser, Eastern Phoebe, and Palm Warbler. NASHVILLE — 26 Dec.: 06:00 to 18:00; clear; temp. 25° to 49°; wind 10-15 mph; 39 observers in 8 parties and 6 at feeders; 87 party hours (51 on foot, 36 by car); 265 party miles (36 on foot, 229 by car). Frances Abernathy, Clyde and Vivian Anderson, Michael Bierly, Ralph Ca- zort, Annella Creech, Milbrey Dugger, Evelyn and John Ellis, Clara Fentress, Luey Finch, Margaret Finch, Katherine Goodpasture, John Hart, Evelyn Her- ron, Evelyn Holt, Louise Jackson, Daniel Jacobson, Oliver Lang, Margaret Mann, Rocky Milburn, David Newton, Corinne Oakes, Marge and Oscar Pat- rick, Virginia Price, Pat Quarterman, Alice Savage, William Scurlock, Win Shaughnessy (compiler — 6413 Currywood Dr., Nashville 37205), Pat Stallings, H. Sterling, Anna Sulser, Ann Tarbell, Kenneth and Sarah Walkup. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 35 HICKORY PRIEST — 2 Jan.: 06:00 to 17:00; cloudy to overcast; wind 0-8 mph; 18 observers; no hour or mileage data submitted. Frances Abernathy, Ann Arnett, Mike Bierly, Dwight Cooley, Craig Emp- son, Sally and William Fintel, Katherine Goodpasture, Tom Harston, Daniel Jacobson, Carol Knauth, Oliver Lang, Margaret Mann, Rocky Milburn, Win Schaughnessy, Pat Stallings (compiler — 406 N 17th Street, Nashville 37206) Anna Sulser, Ann Tarbell. Orange-crowned Warbler seen by Daniel Jacobson and Pat Stallings. Le- Conte’s Sparrow seen by Daniel Jacobson, later by several others. Seen in count period: Redhead, Water Pipit, and Lincoln’s Sparrow. MURFREESBORO — 18 Dec.: 08:00 to 17:00; clear; 6 observers in 2 par- ties and 11 feeder observers; 104 party miles; party hours not submitted. Gary Borthich, Cleo Edwards, Lou Erwin, Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Greener, Edith Haynes, Linda Johnson, Bob and Ann Hettish (compiler — 108 Lawn- dale, Murfreesboro 37130), Steve McKnight, Pat Martin, Elizabeth Pendleton, Ruth Odum, Alberta Spence, Frances Vaughn. LEBANON — ^18 Dec.: 06:00 to 22:00; clear; wind 0-5 mph; 32° to 67°; 7 observers in 3 parties and 15 at feeders; 36 party hours (20 on foot, 16 by car); 300 party miles (20 on foot, 280 by car). Earline Berry, Ed and Virginia Cunningham, Mrs. Louis Chambers, Louise Bouton, Margaret Gaston, Marjorie Lloyd, Gwendolvn McFarland, Ruth Mc- Millan, Lou Overman, Ray Pope, Corrine Rose, William Senter, (compiler — 313 West Hills Dr. Lebanon 37087), Sue Smith, William A. Smith, Bessie Walker, Mrs. William Welt, and Mary Wharton. The Common Nighthawk was seen by Ed and Virginia Cunningham and heard by Ray Pope. The Barn Swallow was seen by Lou Overman. Seen in count period; Bald Eagle (2a), Tree Sparrow. HIGHLAND RIM — *18 Dec.: no weather condition or time submitted; 14 observers; 95 party hours; 490 party miles. Debbie Acuff, Mrs. Acuff, Bonnie Bacon, Carroll Barr, Stanley Barr (com- piler— Route 2, Box 475 A-1, Estill Springs, 37330), Ron Bingham, Mark Brothers Keith Corbett, Afarjorie Harper, Betty King, Glenn King, Ruth Luckado, Erma Rogers and Violette Wakeland. COOKEVILLE — 18 Dec.: 08:00 to 16:00; sunny; temp. 30° to 60°; 30 observers; hour and mileage data not submitted. Gregg Archer, Mary Barbour, Beulah Clark, Sam and Katherine Coward, Lillian and Will Glen Crawford, Dr. and Mrs. Cummins, Florence Earhart, Roy and Delorus Hinds, Jimmy and Frazier Jaques, Amy Johnson, Ray Jor- dan, Elizabeth Killefer, Rosalee and Tom Link, Francis and Edith Loline, Mar- jorie McGee, Annice Moore, Roy Hugh, Patty Sullivan, Thelma Tinnon, Chrissa Wendt, Marie White, and Florence Williams. [VoL. 48, 1977] 36 THE MIGRANT JUNE CHATTANOOGA^ — 19 Dec.: 06:00 to 21:00; partly cloudy; temp. 31° to 67°; wind 4-12 mph; 30 observers in 12 parties; 88 party hours, (55 on foot, 33 by car); 560 party miles (63 on foot, 497 by car). Lloyd and Betty Anderson, Jim and Francis Barnwell, Benton and Peppy Basham, Gary and Chris Bayne, Wilbur Butts, Edie Carden, Bob Crawford, Lloyd Davis, Jon and Nancy DeVore, Isabelle Dickerson, Ken and Lil Dubke, John Freeman, Anne Gibson, Bill Hampton, Daniel Jacobson (compiler^ — Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, GA 30757), Lemuel Jacobson, David Shafer, Deborah Shafer, Lee and Mary Shafer, Veta Slinger, Pat Stallings, Joe Stone and Bruce Wilkey. HIWASSEE — 1 Jan.: 06:00 to 18:30; clear; temp. 12° to 29°; wind 10-15 mph; 8 observers in 3 parties; 2 5 party hours (14 on foot, 8 by car, 3 by boat); 256 party miles (21 on foot, 27 by car, 8 by boat). Jon DeVore, Ken and Lil Dubke, Daniel Jacobson (compiler — Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, GA 30757), Russ Moore, Alicia Moore, Janet Phillips, Joe Stone. KNOXVILLE- — ^19 Dec.: No details submitted. Seen in count period. Bald Eagle and House Finch. GREAT SMOKE Y MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK— 2 Jan.: 06:00 to 17:30; clear to partly cloudy; temp. — 1° to 3 5°; wind 0-7 mph; 42 observers in 19 parties; 103 party hours (77.5 on foot, 25.5 by car); 341 party miles (90 on foot, 251 by car). Kathleen Ambrose, Fae Andrews, E. H. and P. Y. Burtt, James Campbell, Stan Canter, Glenn Cardwell, Howard Chitwood, Don DeFoe, (compiler^ — Route 2, Box 176, Gatlinburg 37738), Jay DeFoe, Shirley DeFoe, Bob and Dottie Ely, Maurice Grigsby, David Highbaugh, Nona Hinkle, Betty Reid Hinton, Monica Hollenbeck, Bill Hooks, J. C. Howell, Louis Koella, Tony Koella, Henry Lix. Chester Massey, Terry McGown, Alison and Bill McNutt, Gary Muffly, Charles Nicholson, J. B. Owen, Truett Patterson, Boyd and Mary Jane Sharp, Bill and Mary Simpson, Michael Sloan, Art Stupka, James Tanner, Keith Voges, Clara Mae Wodtke, George and Hedy Wood. Black-crowned Night Heron (1) was seen by James Tanner. GREENEVILLE — 19 Dec.: 05:00 to 17:00; clear, temp. 32° to 5 5°; wind 5-10 mph; 16 observers in 8 parties; 24 party hours; 60 party miles (6 on foot, 46 by car, 8 by boat). Mrs. O. C. Armitage, Mr. and Mrs. William Fischer, Gary Foshie, Mr. and Mrs. King Gaut, Wilma Irvine, S. B. McGuire, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ne- vius (compiler- — Rt. 6, Greeneville 37743), Doug, Steve, and Mary Ratledge, Dr. and Mrs. Royal B. Spees, Mrs. Caesar Stair. . KINGSPORT — 18^ Dec.: 16:20 to 20:00; clear; temp. 31° to 60°; wind calm; 14 observers. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 37 Fred Alsop, Jean Alsop, Tom Bowman (compiler — Bays Mtn. Park Nature Interpretive Center, Kingsport 37660), Teresa Brown, Devorda Eiklor, John W. Eiklor, Dottie Ely, Robert G. Ely, Jr., Jim Gilland, Haden Hannabass, Monica Hollenbeck, Chester Massey, Rick Phillips, and Arthur Smith. ELIZABETHTON — 18 Dec.: 05:00 to 17:45; clear to partly cloudy; temp. 25° to 59°; wind 0-15 mph; 21 observers in 7 parties; 64 party hours (42 on foot, 20 by car, 2 by boat); 323 party miles (24 on foot, 289 by car, 10 by boat). Donna and John Adams, Martha Dillenbeck, Tom Dosser, Helenhill Dove, Glenn Eller (compiler — Route 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643), Harry and Harry Lee Farthing, Sally Goodin, Lee Herndon, Joy Kyle, Mark Lewis, Dick Lura, John Martin, John McGettrick, Pete Range, Ed Schell, Jake Slonaker, Glenn Swofford, Gary Wallace and Keith Young. Double-crested Cormorant seen by Ed Schell. Seen in count period, Gadwall and Ovenbird. BRISTOL — 2 Jan.: 09:00 to 18:00; cloudy to overcast; temp. 10° to 20°; wind 10 to 20 mph; 10 observers in 4 parties and 3 at feeders; 18^ party hours (7^ on foot, 7\ by car, 2| by boat, | by plane) ; 180 party miles (7 on foot, 89 by car, 44 by boat, 40 by plane). Rockwell Bingham (compiler — 216 Melody Lane, Bristol 37620). Names of other participants not submitted. ROAN MOUNTAIN — 28 Dec.: 07:30 to 17:00; cloudy to overcast; temp. 26° to 42°; wind 5-3 5 mph; 6 observers in 3 parties; 27 party hours (19 on foot, 8 by car); 99 party miles (13 on foot, 86 by car). Glenn Eller (compiler — Route 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643), [VoL. 48, 1977] 38 THE MIGRANT JUNE , MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL SPRING MEETING, 1977 Annual Board of Directors’ Meeting The 62nd Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Or- nithological Society was held at Ellington Hall, Reelfoot Lake State Park, at 2 p.m. on 7 May, 1977. The President, Ray Jordan, presided. The minutes of the 1976 Spring meeting and of the 1976 Fall Symposium meeting were approved, as printed in The Migrant. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: There were no reports from the Vice Presidents, Secretary, or the Directors- At-Large. Copies of the Treasurer’s Report were distributed and explained by Ken Dubke. A Treasurer’s Report is filed herewith. For the Editorial Staff, Gary Wallace reported that the March issue of The Migrant is at the printers, and the June issue is being compiled. Everyone was urged to submit articles and photographs for future issues. Changes in the Editorial Staff: Morris Williams is leaving Tennessee in August to pursue a doctorial program in Louisiana. Dr. David Pitts will tem- porarily take over the duties of the compiler for the Middle Tennessee area and the Central Plateau. These reports may be sent to him at: Biology Department, UTM, Martin, Tennessee 38238. Richard Lura will be the new State Count Compiler and the spring and Christmas counts should be sent to him at: 1903 Eastwood Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES: FINANCE COMMITTEE: The Chairman, Daniel Jacobson, reported the rec- ommendation that the new President appoint a committee to study both the certificates of deposit, which expire in two years, and the Endowment Fund invested in MIT stock. This committee should report at the 1977 Fall meeting. The study will be to try to deterpiine the feasibility of reinvesting these funds for a more profitable income. This new committee is to include representatives from each of the three grand divisions of the State. The above recommendation was made in the form of a motion by Daniel Jacobson and seconded by Morris Williams. After discussion, the motion carried. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: The Current President has asked one repre- sentative from each division of the State to serve as a Conservation Committee with George Mayfield as chairman. The new members are: Dr. Arlo Smith (West Tennessee); Chester McConnell (Middle Tennessee); and Wallace Cof- fey (East Tennessee). On heron rookeries. Dr. Mayfieled was given last year’s report on nests by Don Harris of TVA — 30 Great Blues at Kentucky Dam; 5 5 at Duck River (only 27 counted yesterday by Dr. Mayfield from the air). The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessse Department of Conservation are closely guarding a heronry of about 30 nests here at Reelfoot. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 39 BREEDING BIRD CENSUS: Katherine Goodpasture reported that the survey seems to be underway and in order for the coming season. All routes are ex- pected to be run as usual. There are 48 in Tennessee: 12 in West, 12 in Middle and 18 in East, six of which are in the Chattanooga area. 1977 FORAY: John Sellars distributed lists of available facilities convenient to the 1977 Foray headquarters which will be Cedars of Lebanon State Park. He requested that any information as to what will be needed be given to him. The Foray Bird will be the Lark Sparrow, and it is hoped that the Foray will help to compile a bird list for the Cedars of Lebanon area and one for Camp Boxwell. The Lebanon Chapter will provide doughnuts and coffee in the morn- ings and a spaghetti supper Saturday evening for the convenience of the work- ers. It is suggested and agreed that a meeting place will be set up for Friday evening near the area where most people will be sleeping in order that there need be no driving time wasted before getting maps, instructions, etc. for the next day’s work. RESEARCH COMMITTEE: Gary Wallace and Morris Williams reported for Wallace Coffey (Chairman) on a study made as a result of a questionnaire sent out on the plans for future Forays. A motion was made by Gary Wallace that: (1) Three Foray sites be set up immediately^ — ^1978, Decatur and Hender- son Counties; 1979, Polk and Monroe Counties; 1980, Pickett and Fentress Counties. (2) Each year a new site will be added to this list so that each Foray lo- cation will be determined three years in advance. (3) Counties selected for Forays should be those having the least amount of data published thereon. (4) Each site will be considered on a year-round basis, and the beginning of that year starts with the Foray Weekend and ends with the next Foray. The motion was seconded by Betty King. After discussion, the motion car- ried. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: The Committee Chairman, David Hassler, ex- pressed appreciation to Pat Stallings, Henry Dinkelspiel and Lee Herndon for their cooperation in serving on the Committee, and announced the following recommended slate of officers, making the motion that the slate be accepted: For Secretary, Bruce Wilkie of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; Treasurer, Ray Jordan of Cookeville; V. P. East Tennessee, Paul Pardue of Knoxville; V. P. Middle Tennessee, Sanford McGee of Manchester; V. P. West Tennessee, Martha Waldron, Memphis; Director at Large, East Tennessee, Dr. William Bridgeforth of Knoxville; Middle Tennessee, Michael Filson, Clarksville; West Tennessee, Mrs. John Lamb of Dyersburg. The motion was seconded by Lois Herndon, and it carried. REPORTS— SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Tos PATCHES AND DECALS: Lil Dubke reported that with the $97.50 taken in last year, we need only about $30.00 more in order to break even after which we can begin making a profit on these sales. [VoL. 48, 1977] 40 THE MIGRANT JUNE DIXON MERRITT MEMORIAL: Ray Jordan reported that two of the plaques have now been obtained. Requests for bids have been put out for the third (TOS sponsored plaque), and it is now in the hands of the Tennessee Depart- ment of Conservation. OLD BUSINESS: The Constitutional Question (Deletion of Directors-At-Large) was not discussed at this time, as the committee to study the question has not been able to get together and make a recommendation. NEW BUSINESS: 1978 Spring Meeting will be in conjunction with Georgia Ornithological Society and the Carolina Bird Clubs, at Fontana Village, April 28-30. Historical Marker of T.O.S. Founding. George Weesner has been helping on this project but nothing has been determined as yet. It is hoped that a marker can be erected in Nashville at the site of the founding and this to be done by the State Historical Society. Ann Tarbell reported on a new crisis in regard to the natural area of Rad- nor Lake in Nashville. One hundred acres of direct watershed, owned by one Dr. Hall, is now for sale and soon will be in the hands of a real estate devel- oper, to to be sold at $7,5 00 per acre. The former Committee which raised the money to save the area is now reactivated, and a picnic supper meeting sched- uled on 9 May at Whispering Hills, the home of the Enochs on Otter Creek Road, to begin to formulate plans to fight the ruination of the watershed and the lake. Mrs. Tarbell moved that a letter be sent by the State T.O.S. to Com- missioner Allison confirming the organization’s desire for the State to do all in its power to purchase or acquire the 100 acre watershed. The motion was seconded by George Mayfield, and it carried. The letter will be composed by Ann Tarbell and signed by either the President or the Treasurer of T.O.S. Ken Dubke displayed a suggested brochure on the endangered Osprey and Eagle and moved that $100.00 be authorized to print and distribute a similar folder as an educational feature for local chapters to distribute to individuals, schools, etc. in order to apprise the public, especially fishermen and hunters of the need for awareness of why nesting Ospreys and Eagles should be pro- tected. The motion was seconded by Sam Coward, and it carried. Fall Meetting. George Mayfield advised that Cumberland Mountain State Park and Natchez Trace State Park would be available for our October 1-2 Fall Symposium and meeting. Natchez Trace has new facilities. We have never met there. It is in Henderson County — one of the 1978 Foray Counties. After discussion, it was agreed that Natchez Trace would be preferable. Dr. May- field advised that space would be held for T.O.S. until Labor Day, but reserva- tions should be made early. The meeting was adjourned at about 4:00 p.m. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Following the banquet at Ellington Hall, the business meeting was called to order by the President, Ray Jordan. The roll was called by chapters, and there were 144 members and guests present. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 41 The President presented a summary of items discussed and actions taken at the Board of Directors’ meeting earlier in the day. Glenn Eller moved that the recommendations of the Nominating Committee be accepted and these names be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Holly Overton, and it carried. Following the business meeting, Dr. Julian Darlington introduced Miss Nelle Moore of the Memphis Chapter, who gave the program on "Birding in Ecuador — Mountains, Rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands.” The outgoing President, Ray Jordan, concluded the evening with a word of appreciation to the T.O.S. membership for their assistance and encourage- ment during his tenure as president. He then briefly outlined the accomplish- ments during his two years in office. Louise Jackson, Secretary BACK ISSUES OF "THE MIGRANT” Copies of The Migrant are now available as described below. Prices given include postage, and payments should be included with an order. Address all orders and make payments payable to James T. Tanner, Curator T.O.S. , Route 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, TN 37920. Volume 1 (1930), originally mimeographed and long out-of-print, has been retyped and photocopied on both sides of six by nine inch pages so that it can be bound with the later volumes. The paging has not been maintained but the original page numbers are indicated. Price of Volume 1: $3.00. The following numbers are available only as photocopies; price of each number: $1.50. Volume 2 (1931), all four numbers. Volume 4 (1933), num- bers 1 (March) and 3 (September). Volume 5 (1934), numbers 1 (March) and 2 (June). Volume 6 (1935), number 1 (March). Volume 9 (1938), num- ber 1 (March). Volume 10 (1939), number 1 (March). All other issues are available from the original printings. Price of each $1.00. Also available is a bound set of Volumes 6 (1935) through 8 (1937) at a price of $12.00. A Species Index to The Migrant, Volumes 1-47, 1930-1976 is available at a price of $1.50. [VoL. 48, 1977] 42 THE MIGRANT JUNE ROUND TABLE NOTES A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON COLONY IN SEVIER COUNTY, TENNESSEE' — On 20 June, 1976, a group of Tennessee Ornitho- logical Society, Knoxville Chapter, members, including one of the authors (LBN) briefly visited a breeding colony of Black-crowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) in Sevier County, Tennessee. The colony was located on the property of Cherokee Textile Mills adjacent to a cemetery at coordinates 35° 51' 21" N 83° 32' 16" W (elev. 271M). This is 2.6 km southeast of the intersection of U. S. Highways 441 and 411. On 26 June both authors spent several hours in a survey of the rookery which was situated within a pine (Pinus sp.) plantation. All of the nests were in a block of trees 75 M long by 50 M wide, and all were placed several meteus from the periphery of this block. The nests were estimated to be at an average height of 12 or 13 meters above the ground. We carefully marked each tree which contained a nest with a numbered piece of paper in order to determine the exact number of nests. One tree contained two nests; all of the others held only one nest. We found 114 nests which appeared to have been active this year based on the presence of feces, eggshells, fish bones, and other regurgitated food remains which were on the ground under the nests. Several eggshell frag- ments (MDW 4;t5 59) and the skeleton of one immature bird (MDW :f^5 5S) were collected. Three old nests which were possibly heron nests were also seen. Most of the birds seen were immatures which were capable of flying. Only one young bird was seen in a nest and one bird unable to fly was observed climbing around in deciduous bushes near the ground. Several adult herons were also seen. We were fortunate to meet Mr. Ray Maples who owned property near the colony. He told us that the colony had been in existence for three or four years. He said that the birds fed at nearby ponds and along Middle Creek which ran 3 50 M to the southeast of the colony. We saw about six immature birds perched in a pine tree near one of the ponds. He related a story about seeing a heron capture a small green snake and fly away with it. Mr. Maples also told us that several people had shot into the colony in previous years caus- ing the herons to fly to another pine woods which he pointed out on a hill about a kilometer away. He did not think that the birds ever nested in these other woods. Louise B. Nunnally, 1436 Agawela Avenue, Apartment I, Knoxville 37919. Morris D. Williams, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916. (Present address: Department of Zoology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70800). [VcL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 43 AMERICAN BITTERN NEST FOUND AT GOOSE POND— On 22 May 1976, Glenn King, Daniel Jacobson, and I were birding the Goose Pond Marsh in Grundy, County, Tennessee near Pelham, when a large bird flushed up out of the marsh vegetation about 1 $ feet from me. As the bird flew away from us, we determined that it was an American Bit- tern (Botaiirns lenti- ginosus) . Having noted the spot which the bird flushed from, I investi- gated and found a nest with one egg in it and one young American Bittern a few feet away which had apparently run out of the nest when the adult flew. The nest was composed of dead grass and other rotting vegetation and was anchored in a clump of marsh grass in such a way that the top of the nest was from six to eight inches above the surface of the water. It was roughly circular and about eighteen to twenty inches in circumference with no depression in the center in which to deposit the eggs. It was placed in the grass in such a way that it almost could not be seen unless one looked directly into it. I would think that one would almost have to step in it in order to find it unless the adult bird flushed. The egg itself was of a rather non-descript, plain white color and was eliptical in shape. A visit by Daniel Jacobson two weeks later proved it to be infertile. The one young bird appeared to be about two weeks old judging from the amount of feathering on its head, wings, and belly. It was banded, and many photographs were taken of it and the nest. Harrison, Field Guide to Bird’s Nests in the U. S. East of the Mississippi River ^ states that the American Bittern generally lays four or five eggs. So, it would seem reasonable to assume that there were other young birds which fled the nest as the adult flew; but which we were unable to find. Research in The Migrant indicates that this was the first American Bittern nest found in Tennessee since H. O. Todd found one in the same area 37 years ago. I believe that one reason for this lack of nesting records may be that we do not look for them early enough. Harrison states that the American Bittern incubates its eggs from twenty-four to twenty-eight days. Given the approxi- mately two week age of the young bird, this would place the laying of its egg in about the second week in April. I wonder how many of the American Bitterns which we see in late March and early April and think are only passing through, are actually nesting? Kenton Dickerson, 3 862 Conahaney Dr., Chattanooga 37406. Young American Bittern, Goose Pond, 22 May 1976. Photo by Daniel Jacobson. [VoL. 48, 1977] 44 THE MIGRANT JUNE THE SEASON Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor Freezing cold! The observations which follow were made by Tennessee’s birders during one of the coldest winters recorded in the past century. A win- ter with snows, sleet and ice, frozen lakes and ponds, and birds. We shall have to await the nesting season to see the true impact of the severe conditions of this period on some of the insectivores that winter here, especially our popula- tions of Killdeer, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, and Carolina Wren. It was a season in which some Northern wintering species were absent entirely or in lower numbers than reported in recent winters, but in which others were more common and more wide spread across the state than usual. There was one re- port each of one bird each for the Pine Siskin from just two regions, E. Ridge and Valley and the Central Plateau and Basin. Evening Grosbeaks were re- ported from all but the western most region, but only in very small flocks or as single individuals. All regions report Tree Sparrows and Fox Sparrows in higher than usual numbers and from many areas within each region. Both spe- cies were not only observed in normal wintering habitats but making regular appearances at feeding stations as well. The expanding eastern breeding popu- lations of the House Finch are reflected in the greatest number of winter rec- ords ever for Tennessee. This introduced Western species was recorded in all regions except the Western Coastal Plain with the bird being found as far west as the Nashville area. House Finches were observed in three locations in the Central Plateau and Basin, five sites in the Eastern Ridge and Valley, and from Elizabethton in the Eastern Mountain Region. A new species was added to the State List with the finding of an immature Great Black-backed Gull in February at Old Hickory Lake near Nashville. Many other noteworthy records of water frequenting birds were made includ- ing: Double-crested Cormorants in the Eastern Mountain and E. Ridge and Valley; Whistling Swans in the E. Ridge and Valley and the Central Plateau and Basin; and White-winged Scoters were also found in the latter two regions. A Surf Scoter made a rough terrestrial landing in the E. Ridge and Valley; an injured Greater Scaup was found in the Central Plateau and Basin; and White Pelicans were on the Christmas Count at Reelfoot. Late and/or wintering shorebirds of many species are reported from all the regions. Sandhill Cranes, in flight and in feeding flocks on the ground, were observed in the two cen- tral regions. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 45 Birds of prey were seen in all regions with the most unusual records, ex- cluding eagles, being: a Goshawk in the Eastern Mountain Region; Rough- legged Hawks in all but the above region and in many areas within the re- porting districts; Peregrine Falcons were seen in the Central Plateau and Basin and in the E. Ridge and Valley; the last region also reports Merlins from two areas. Short-eared Owls were found in three areas of the Central Plateau and Basin and in small flocks at each of the sites. Several summer residents and a few transient species spent the winter.. Most were reported in residential areas and some were visiting feeding stations. They include: a Dec. Ovenbird in the Eastern Mt.; a Feb. Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Knoxville; Northern (Baltimore) Orioles in both the Central Plateau and Basin and the Western Coastal Plain; the last region also had an Orange-crowned Warbler in December. The Western Coastal Plain had a member of the western race of the Rufous-sided Towhee with a Spotted Towhee which spent most of the period in the Germantown area. Purple Finches were abundant with especially heavy concentrations being reported in the Eastern portions of the State where sunflower seed disappeared at a most alarming rate from many feeders. Brewer’s Blackbird was identified in Johnson City — an unusual eastern record, and an immature Harris Sparrow was located in the Central Plateau and Basin. LeConte’s Sparrows and Lapland Longspurs were observed in all the regions except the Eastern Mountain. The preceding are but a few selected records from the hundrds that follow. The winter was COLD, but the birding was not! WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— The winter temperatures in our section of the state were no different from other sections. Our lakes and ponds were frozen for many days. As a result we had more ducks and geese in the southwestern corner than we have had in many years. An unusual find for the winter was the Northern Oriole in February. We had an unusual number of White-crowned Sparrows in several locations. Pelican-Sandpiper; WHITE PELICAN: Christmas Count (2) R (DM, GM). Common Goldeneye: 31 Jan (1) L (AL). Canada Goose: flocks up to 2,000 at various small lakes in Shelby County and Fayette County from late Jan to early Feb (TOS). Canvasback: 20' Jan (140) PI (LC, HBD, JF, MW). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 16 Dec (1) PF (RJ), 19 Dec (1) PF (CP). ROUGH- LEGGED HAWK: 11 Jan (1) PF (RJ), 27 Jan (1) PF (AL). Red-tailed Hawk: 25 Dec (26) on 1-40 from Memphis to Nashville (WCMD). Ameri- can Golden Plover: 5 Mar (17) D (WGC), 13 Mar (98) PF (HBD, HSD, MW), 18 Mar (100) PF (HBD, AS). Greater Yellowlegs: 28 Feb (2) D (WGC), 5 Mar (2) D (WGC). Pectoral Sandpiper: 5 Mar (9) D (WGC), 13 Mar (7) PF (HBD, HSD, MW). Martin-Longs pur • Purple Martin: 21 Feb (1) M (OI), 24 Feb (1) M (OI), 5 Mar (9) d‘(WGC). Water Pipit: 9 fan (1) PF (RW). ORANGE- CROWNED WARBLER- 17 Dec (1) PF (RJ). Pine Warbler: 9 Dec (1) PF (RJ). NORTHERN (BALTIMORE) ORIOLE- 5 Feb thru 28 Feb (1 fe- male) M (MEC). BREWER’S BLACKBIRD- 13 Jan (3) PF (CO, RJ). SPOTTED (RUFOUS-SIDED) TOWHEE; 3 Dec thru 19 Mar (1) G (MCS). LeConte’s Sparrow: 14 Dec (2) PF (RJ), 21 Dec (2) PF (Christmas [VoL. 48, 1977] 46 THE MIGRANT JUNE Count). Vesper Sparrow: 11 Jan (1) PF (RJ)- Chipping Sparrow: 27 Jan (1) PF (AL). TREE SPARROW : 21 Dec (2 were found on the Christmas count, 16 Jan (11), 18 Jan (18) PF (HBD, HSD, RJ, CO, MW), 20 Jan (10) PI (LC HBD, JF, MW), 12 Feb (1) HNWR (TOS), 18 Dec (20) R (LC, BC). Fox Sparrrow: moved into city, 7 yards, each yard 3 to 9 days- 10 were banded by BC from 9 Jan to 2 5 Jan, and (1) banded 1 Mar. LAPLAND LONGSPUR: 18 Dec (2) R (BC, LC), 4 Jan (2) PF (RJ), 9 Jan (35) PF (RW), 16 Jan (12) PF (HBD, HSD, MW), 18 Jan (14) PF (RJ, CO), 20 Jan (12) PI (LC, HBD, JF, MW). Locations: D — Dyersburg; G — Germantown; HNWR — Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge; L — Lakeland (N.E. Shelby County) M- — Memphis; PF — - Penal Farm, within Memphis City Limits; PI — President’s Island, manmade island west of Memphis on Mississippi River; R — ^Reelfoot. Observers: BC— Ben Coffey; LC — Lula Coffey; WCC — ^W. C. Chriswell; MEC — Mrs. Ed Carpenter; HBD — Helen B. Dinkelspiel; HSD — Henry S. Dinkelspiel; JF — ^Jess Feldman; OI^ — Oliver Irwin; RJ — Russell Jones; AL- — Allan Larabee WCMD — W. C. McDaniel; DM, — Don Manning; GM — ^Gina Manning; CP^ — ^Christmas Party; CO — Chuck Oglive; AS — Alice Smith; MCS — ^Mrs. Charles Seaborn; MW — Martha Waldron; RW^ — Richard Whittington, TOS — Tennessee Ornithological Society, Memphis Chapter. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis 38117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION—Grebe— Merganser: Horned Grebe: 16 Jan (85) WR (DRJ, MPS). Pied-billed Grebe: 16 Jan (48) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (6) WR (DRJ, LD); 9 Feb (2) WR (MW). Great Blue Heron: 16 Jan (3) WR (DRJ, MPS); 19 Jan (1) WB (FB) ; 23 Jan (2) CCNWR (WPB); 30 Jan (1) WR (DRJ, LD). Great Egret: 13 Nov (1) Duck River Unit TNWR (DRJ, MPS). WHISTLING SWAN: 5 Mar (1) ChL (RJM, CE). Canada Goose: 16 Jan (400) WR (DRJ, MPS); 23 Jan (19) CCNWR (WPB); 30 Jan (50) WR (DRJ, LD) ; 4-12 Feb (mi- grating flocks: 100, 150, 75, 100) Nashville area (Ann Houk, KAG) ; 9 Feb (50) WR (MW); 13 Feb (8,000) CCNWR (WPB); 20 Feb (10) CCNWR (WPB); 11 Mar (675) CCNWR (WPB). Snow Goose: 30 Jan (1) WR (DRJ, LD); 13 Feb (4) CCNWR (WPB); 20 Feb (1) CCNWR (WPB); early Dec-3 Mar (C) Ed Penrod. Mallard: 16 Jan (3,500) WR (DRJ, MPS); 23 Jan (29) CCNWR (WPB); 30 Jan (3 50) WR (DRJ, LD); 9 Feb (4) WR (MW); 13 Feb (2,500) CCNWR (WPB); 20 Feb (139) CCNWR (WPB); 11 Mar (30) CCNWR (WPB). Black Duck: 16 Jan (400) WR (DRJ, MPS); 23 Jan (25) CCNWR (WPB); 30 Jan (1,000) WR (DRJ, LD); 9 Feb (24) WR (DRJ, LD); 13 Feb (1,200) CCNWR (WPB); 20 Feb (127) CCNWR (WPB); 11 Mar (18) CCNWR (WPB). Gadwall: 23 Tan (5) CCNWR (WPB). Pintail: 13 Feb (15) CCNWR (WPB); 5 Mar (20) ChL (RJM, CE). Green-winged Teal: 8 Jan (1) OHL (BF) ; 23 Jan (3) CCNWR (WPB); 5 Mar (20) ChL (RJM, CE). Blue-winged Teal: 5 Mar (4) Green’s Lake (DPC), (4) ChL (RJM, CE). American Wigeon: 30 Jan (2) WR (DRJ, LD); 13 Feb (20) CCNWR (WPB); 20 Feb (14) CCWNR (WPB). Northern Shoveler: 8 Jan (2) Shelby Park Lake (MPS); 5 Mar (1) ChL (RJM, CE). Redhead: 1 Jan (2) OHL (BF) ; 8 Jan (6) OHL (BF). Ring-necked Duck: 23 Jan (67) CCNWR (WPB); 13 Feb (110) [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 47 CCNWR (WPB). Canvasback: 8 Jan (12) OHL (SWF); 16 Jan (21) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (4) WR (DRJ, LD). Scaup sp.: 30 Jan (100) WR (DRJ, LD). Greater Scaup: 18 Dec (1, injured) Cumberland River (MLB, Oliver Lang). Lesser Scaup: 16 Jan (5 0) WR (DRJ, MPS); 13 Feb (1) CCNWR (WPB). Common Goldeneye: 8 Jan (6) OHL (SWF); 16 Jan (23) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (42) WR (DRJ, LD) ; 19 Feb (8) ChL (RJM, CE); 5 Mar (2) ChL (RJM, CE). Bufflehead: 16 Jan (6) WR (DRJ, MPS); 9 Feb (10) WR (MW). WHITE-WINGED SCOTER: 16 Jan (1) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (1) WR (DRJ, LD); 18-19 Feb (2) OHL (SWF). Ruddy Duck: 30 Jan (3) WR (DRJ, LD). Hooded Merganser: 16 Jan (50) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (15) WR (DRJ, LD); 13 Feb (45) CCNWR (WPB) ; 20 Feb (9) CCNWR (WPB). Common Merganser: 16 Jan (2) WR (DRJ, MPS) ; 17 Jan-26 Feb (2) ChL (CE, RJM); 30 Jan (28) WR (DRJ, LD) ; 6 Feb (12) OHL (MLB, MLM, BR). Red-breasted Merganser: 4-24 Dec (up to 3) OHL (SWF); 19-26 Feb (2) ChL (RJM). YtiUure — Owl: Turkey Vulture: 11 Dec (111 in one roost, 92 in another) Ashland City (RJM); 16 Jan (1) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (4) WR (DRJ, LD). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1 Dec (1) Green’s Lake (DPC) ; 29 Jan (1) Hunter’s Point (DPC); 30 Jan (1) WR (DRJ, LD). Cooper’s Hawk: 21 Nov (1) Nashville (ATT); 27 Nov (1) Ashland City (RJM); 10 Jan (1) Brent- wood (VLP) ; 22, 29 Jan (1) Gallatin (Bessie Hagan); 26 Jan (1) WB (FB) ; 19 Feb (1) PPL (MLB); 26 Feb (1) ChL (RJM). KOUGH-EEGGED HAWK: 14 Nov (1, light phase) CCNWR (DRJ, MPS); 9 Dec (1, light phase) Coffee Co. (Jon Devore); 24 Dec (1) WB (FB) ; 20 Jan (2, light phase) Metro Center (MPS et ah); 22 Jan (1) Giles Co. (MDW); 14 Jan (1) Monroe Co. (DRH) ; 29 Jan-19 Feb (1, dark phase) Ashland City (RJM, TH); 29 Jan (1) Ft. Campbell (RJM, TH) ; 13-20^ Feb (2) CCNWR (WPB); 18 Feb (1) C (Kenneth Anderson, KRG). Golden Eagle: 15 Jan (2) ChL (RJM,CE); 15 Jan (2 ad., 1 imm.) Cannon Co. (DRJ); 1 Nov, 13 Feb, 2 Mar (1) CCNWR (WPB, Kathy Robertson); throughout period (9 maximum; 5 ad., 4 imm.) WB (FB, MW). Bald Eagle: 9 Nov (1) Byrds- town (RDH); 4 Dec-19 Feb (1 imm.) ChL (RJM, CE); 5 Dec-11 Mar (1 ad.) CCNWR (WPB, Kathy Robertson); 24 Dec (1) home (DRH); 16 Jan (1 ad.) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (1 ad.) WR (DRJ, LD); 5-19 Feb (1 ad.) ChL (RJM, TH) ; 19 Feb (1 ad.) Clarkrange (Bill Jones); 20 Feb (1 imm.) CCNWR (WPB). Marsh Hawk: 5 Dec (3) WB (FB). Osprey: 22 Nov-15 Dec (1) ChL (RJM, et al). PEREGRINE FALCON: 17 Feb (1) Spring Hill Cemetery, Nashville (MPS). SANDHILL CRANE: 20 Dec (20) PPL Dam (John Sellars); 23-25 Feb (45) (6 on ground, first feeding record) Byrds- town (RDH). American Coot: 23 Jan (4) CCNWR (WPB); 30 Jan (93) WR (DRJ, LD). American Woodcock: 16 Feb (2, first singing) Shelby Bot- toms (MPS). Common Snipe: 4 Dec (2) WB (FB) ; 9 Feb (1) WR (MW). Lesser Yellowlegs: 22 Nov (1) Ashland City Marsh (RJM, TH). Pectoral Sandpiper: 22 Nov (1) Ashland City Marsh (RJM, TH). GREAT BLACK- BACKED GULL: 6-7 Feb (1 imm.) OHL (SWF, MLB, MLM, BR) First State Record. Herring Gull: 16 Jan (12) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (4) WR (DRJ, LD); Nashville area "more than usual on lakes.” Ring-billed Gull: 15 Jan (up to 400) OHL (SWF); 16 Jan (80) WR (DRJ, MPS); 30 Jan (34) WR (DRJ, LD). Bonaparte’s Gull: 15 Jan (up to 180, apparently left area after this date when cold weather hit) OHL (SWF); 16 Jan (75) WR (DRJ, [VoL. 48, 1977] 48 THE MIGRANT JUNE MPS). Yellow-billed Cuckoo: 7 Nov (1) Clarksville (J. D. Allen); 15 Nov (1) Radnor Lake (Elaine Davidson). Barn Owl: 22 Jan (1) Giles Co. (MDW); Great Horned Owl: 12 Nov (1) Manchester (DRJ); 6 active nests in Lawrence Co., 1 active nest in Giles Co. (MDW). SHORT-EARED OWL: 22 Nov (6) Smyrna Airport (MLM) : 31 Dec-4 Jan (2-4) Ashland City Marsh (CE) ; 20-27 Feb (2-9) Williamson Co. (Mel Garland). Lark-Longspuv: Horned Lark: 7-26 Jan (16-125) OHL (Oliver Lang et ah); 15 Jan (300) Byrdstown (DRH) ; 15 Jan-10 Feb (50) M (Richard Hunter); 24 Jan (150) SHV (KAG) ; 9 Feb (50) WB (FB) ; Feb (75-100) Clarksville (WPB). Purple Martin: 26 Feb (1) Donelson (Mr. and Mrs. P. D. Hall fide CMK). Brown Thrasher: 9 Feb (1) WR (MW). Water Pipit: 1 Jan (1) MetroCenter (RJM) ; 16 Jan (10) Ashland City (RJM) : 22 Jan-13 Feb (15) SHV (KAG); 5 Feb (2) WB (FB). Cedar Waxwing: 26 Dec (450) PPL (SWF); 9 Jan (75) WB (MW). Yellow-rumped Warbler: 28 Feb (1) window kill, WB (Violet Hite). Pine Warbler: 30 Jan (1) WR (DRJ, LD) ; 10 Mar (1) Nashville (Louise Jackson). Palm Warbler: 27 Nov (1) Ashland City (RJM); 1-2 Jan (1) C (Kenneth Anderson, GRM). NORTHERN ORIOLE: 4 Dec (1, casualty) Hendersonville (DPC). Rusty Blackbirds: 1 Dec (first small flocks) WB (FB). Indigo Bunting: 8 Nov (1) Brentwood (VLP). DICKCISSEL: 15 Feb (1 male) M (Alberta Spence); 18 Feb-15 Mar (1) C (Ed Byassee). Evening Grosbeak: 23 Jan (1) Byrdstown (RDH) ; ab- sent at WB (MW). Purple Finch: Feb-Mar (24) WB (MW). HOUSE FINCH: 2 Dec-2 Jan, 5, 11 Feb (1 male)_Old Hickory (SWF); 8 Dec-3 Feb (1 female), 1 Mar (1 male), 13-15 Mar (1 female) Gallatin (DPC); 9 Jan (2) M (Glenn Sanders); Dec-5 Mar (5) WB (FB) ; 26-27 Feb (1) C, first record (GRM). Pine Siskin: 6 Dec (1) Old Hickory (SWF); absent at WB (MW). Red Crossbill: 15 Jan (1 female) Canon Co. (DRJ). LECONTE’S SPARROW: 18-21 Dec (3) Ashland City Marsh (MLB, RJM, SWF); 2-22 Jan (1) Shelby Bottoms (DPC, DRJ, MPS). Vesper Sparrow: 19 Feb (3) ChL (RJM) 10 days early for Nashville area Dark-eyed Junco: (Oregon Junco) 11 Dec-2 Jan (1) Nashville (Ann Nichols). TREE SPARROW : 11 Dec-19 Feb (2-130); largest invasion to date) ChL (MLB, RJM,); 17 Jan (200) ChL (CE) ; 22 Jan (5) WB (FB) ; 15 Jan-1 Mar (1-5, first since 1934) C (H and D Pressnell) 13-20 Feb (20) Clarksville (WPB) ; 20 Feb (6) Giles Co. (MDW). Chipping Sparrow: 5 Dec (1) Basin Spring (KAG); 6 Mar (1) Ashland City (RJM). HARRIS’ SPARROW : 5 Mar (1 imm.) Green’s Lake (DPC). Fox Sparrow: 9 Jan (2) WB (FB) ; 15 Jan (1) Byrdstown (RDH); 20 Jan (60) Smyrna (MLB); more numerous at feeding areas than usual in Nashville area. Lincoln’s Sparrow: 1 Jan (1) Nashville (Dwight Cooley). LAPLAND LONGSPUR: 11-26 Jan (6-10) OHL (Oliver Lang et ah); 29 Jan (1) Hunter’s Point (DPC). Locations: ChL — Cheatham Lake; OHL — Old Hickory Lake^ PPL — ^Percy Priest Lake; SHV — South Harpeth Valley, WR — Woods Reservoir; CCNWR — Cross Creeks Nat’l. Wildlife Refuge; C — Columbia; WB — Woodbury; M — - Murfreesboro. Observers: CE — ^Craig Empson; BF^ — Bill Fintel; SWP — Salley and Bill Fintel; TH — Tom Harston; DRJ — Daniel Jacobson; RJM — Rocky Milburn; VLP — Virginia Price; BR — Betty Richards; ATT — Ann Tarbell; MPS — Pat Stallings; LD — Lil Dubke; MW — Mary Wood; FB — Francis Bryson; WPB — - [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 49 Bill Blakeslee; KAG — Katherine Goodpasture; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; MLB — Mike Bierly, MDW — Morris Williams; DRH — David and Robbie Hass- ler; MLM — Margaret Mann; CMK — Carol Knauth; GRM — George Mayfield. David Pitts, Biology Dept., U.T.M., Martin 38238. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— The record cold winter brought us records of Whistling Swan, White-winged and Surf Scoters, Com- mon Mergansers in good numbers. Rough-legged Hawk, Merlin, and Tree Spar- rows, while Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks were virtually absent. Close observation showed that the Least Sandpiper and Dunlin wintered in spite of the harsh conditions. Lapland Longspurs and Brewer’s Blackbird were recorded in the Chattanooga area for the first time. Loon-Hawk: Common Loon: until end of Jan (1-2) BL (MD, SG, HD); during period (1-11) ChL (KLD). Pied-billed Grebe: max. 31 Jan (40) ChL (KLD). DOUBLE -CREST ED CORMORANT : apparently wintered (4-11) HRA (KLD, DRJ). Great Blue Heron: through period (2-5) BL (MD, SG, HD); wintered, max. (110) SB, HRA (KLD). Black-crowned Night Heron: mid Feb-end of period (5-12) Kingsport (FJA). WHISTLING SWAN: 31 Dec (2) NoL (Steve Bennett); 8-12 Mar (1) Holston River (FJA). Canada Goose: 4 Feb (8) Phipps Bend (FJA and Rick Phillips). Snow Goose: 14, 28 Feb (2) 28 Feb (1, blue form) HRA (KLD). Green-winged Teal: 7 Mar-end of period (96) HRA (KLD). Blue-winged Teal: first 14 Mar (1) SeV (DRJ). Common Goldeneye: max 23 Jan (50) ChL (RBW). OLDSOUAW: 6, 7 Jan (5) BL (DL, SG, MD); 15 Jan (3) ChL (Doug Wrinn) ; 13 Feb (1) ChL (GLB). WHITE-WINGED SCOTER: 14 Feb-7 Mar (1-2) ChL (KLD); 15 Feb (6), 16 Feb (2) Hawkins Co. (Don Hammer, HO, GM, MG); 26 Feb (2) BL (FJA). SURF SCOTER: 19 Nov (1, hit ground below Chickamauga Dam) CH (identified in hand and released by H. L. Yarbrough fide KD). Common Merganser: 6 records, 10 Nov-7 Mar, max 31 Jan (25) ChL (KLD); 3 Dec (12) BL (SG, MD); 17 Feb (20) BL (DL). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 3 reports — Upper East Tenn (ETOS) ; 7 reports — ^Chattanooga area (KLD, DRJ); 30 Jan (1) SeV (LSF). Cooper’s Hawk: 4 reports — Upper East Tenn (ETOS). Red-shouldered Hawk: 6 Feb (1, building nest) Roan Co. (JCH, GM). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 16 Nov (1) Collegedale (LS) ; 6 Jan (1) CH (Paul and Dot Crawford). Bald Eagle: 26 Dec (1, imm.) CH (CPN) ; 11 Jan (1) KN (A1 Kinser) ; 13 Jan (1) Sevierville (Mike Young); 2 5 Jan- 7 Mar (1-2 adults) HRA (KLD); 22 Jan (1, imm.) NL (GLB); 6 Feb (1) KN (JCH, GM). Osprey: first 7 Mar (1) HRA (KLD). PEREGRINE FAL- CON: 7 Nov (1) AS (JS). MERLIN: 22 Nov, 17 Dec, 20 Jan (1) SeV (LS, LMJ) ; 2 5, 27 Nov, 4 Jan (1) K (Louis and Johneta Smith). Grouse-Wren: Ruffed Grouse: 19 Nov (1) Anderson Co. (GM). SAND- HILL CRANE:' 25 Nov (1) NoL, Union Co. (JMC) ; 26 Feb (3) NoL (JCH); 5 Mar (40) HRA (Bill McSpadden fide KD). King Rail: 17 Nov (1) Alcoa Marsh (Morris Williams). Sora: 8 Nov (1) Da (LSF). American Coot: 16 Nov (11,000) NL (LS). American Golden Plover: 6 Nov (1) HRA (MLB, DRJ); 10 Nov (1) SB (LD). American Woodcock: 8 Jan (1, first flight song) AM (RBW). Common Snipe: max 13 Dec (183) SB, HRA (KLD) . Greater Yeilowlegs: last 1 Nov (7) HRA (KLD). Lesser Yellowlegs: [VoL. 48, 1977] 50 THE MIGRANT JUNE last 6 Nov (1) Ch (MLB, DRJ). Pectoral Sandpiper: 6 Nov (6) HRA (MLB, DRJ). Least Sandpiper: all period, max 8 Mar (60) SB, HRA (KLD). Dun- lin: all period (up to 154) SB, HRA (KLD). SEMIPALMATED SANDPI- PER; 28 Feb, 8 Mar (1) SB (KLD). Herring Gull: from late Jan (100'-|-) BL (ETOS) ; during period (1-31) ChL (KLD, DRJ). Ring-billed Gull: through end of Feb (200-^) BL (ETOS); during period (300) ChL (KLD, DRJ). Bonaparte’s Gull: max 14 Dec (23 3 ) ChL (KLD). Barn O^vl: 24 Dec (1, dead) Moccasin Bend (Jon DeVore) ; 10 Dec (1) Da (LMJ). Horned Lark: 20 Jan (5 00) SeV, Marion Co (LS) ; 24-29 Jan (150-200) Da (LMJ, LS) ; 26 Jan (150) WCG (GLB). Purple Martin: first return, 2 5 Feb (1) KCo (Clarence Burris). HOUSE WREN- 24 Nov (1) JC (SG); 4 Dec (1) NL (DRJ). Thrtish-Longsptir: Wood Thrush: late 5 Nov (1) K (HO). BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER: 21 Nov (1) KCo (BS, HO, GM, Howard Chitwood, Joan Swan). Water Pipit: 15 Jan (25) Kco (BS, Bill McNutt); 29 Jan (50) Da (LMJ). Cedar Waxwing: 7 Nov (150) AM (MLB, DRJ). Yellow- throat- ed Warbler: early 15 Mar (1) Tenn River Gorge (KLD). COMMON YEL- LOWTHROAT: 7 Nov (1) AM (MLB, DRJ); 21 Feb (1) KCo (BS, KD). BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: 8-28 Jan (1-4 irregular) JC (LRH, GE, DL, GW); 29 Jan (1) Da (LSF, DRJ, LMJ). ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: 19 Feb (2) K (Louis Smith). Evening Grosbeak: only records, 11, 12 Nov (1) K (Page Harris); 28 Jan (6) JC (fide MD) ; 13 Feb-4 Mar (4-10) Erwin (GS). HOUSE FINCH: 2 Nov (2) Maryville (Bill and Irene Williams); 23 Nov (6) Bristol (Wallace Coffey); 29 Nov (1) K (Laveda Harris); Jan and Feb (1-4) Kingsport (Haden Hannibus) ; 6 Jan-end of period (1-4) Powell (GM); 14 Jan-7 Feb (4-6) JC (HD). Pine Siskin: only record, 20 Jan (1) K (HO). LE CONTE’S SPARROW: 4 Dec (1) NL (DRJ); 12, 24 Dec (1) NL (GLB). TREE SPARROW: throughout period (1-5) Kingsport (Rick Phillips; (1) Church Hill (FJA); (20-40) Phipps Bend (FJA) ; 29 Jan-26 Feb (2-3) Da (DRJ, LMJ, LSF, KLD, LRH); 5-10 Feb (1) Greeneville (Mrs. John Martin). White-crowned Sparrow: 29 Jan (100-150) Da (LMJ, DRJ, LSF). LAPLAND LONGSPUR; first Chatt. area ^records, 24-29 Jan (1-3) Da (LMJ, LSF, DRJ); 26-31 Jan (1-4) WCG (GLB). Fox Sparrow: many throughout period in Kingsport-Church Hill area (FJA). Locations: AM — Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake; CH — Chattanooga; ChL — Chickamauga Lake; Da — 'Daus; HRA — ^Hiwassee River Area; JC— Johnson City; KN- — Kingston; KCo — ^Knox County; K — Knoxville; NL- — Nickajack Lake; NoL- — Norris Lake; SB — Savannah Bay; SeV ■ — Sequatchie Valley; WCG — Walker County, Georgia. Observers: FJA^ — Fred J. Alsop; GLB — Gary L. Bayne; MLB — Michael Lee Bierly; JMC — Jim Campbell; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; HD — Helenhill Dove; KLD— ken and Lil Dubke; KD— Ken Dubke; LD- Lil Dubke; GE— Glenn Eller; ETOS — Elizabethton TOS; MG — ^Maurice Grigsby; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee R. Herndon; JCH — J. C. Howell DRJ — Daniel R. Jacobson; LMJ — Lemuel M. Jacobson DL — Dick Lura; GM — Gary Muffly; CPN — Charles P. Nicholson; HO — Holly Overton; LS — Lee Shafer; LSF — Lee Shafer Family; BS — Boyd Sharp; JS — Jake Slonaker; GS — Glenn Swofford GW — Gary Wal- lace; RBW— Dick Wodzenski. Daniel R. Jacobson, Rt. :^1, Box 477, Wildwood, GA 30757. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 51 EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION— The weather was probably the ma- jor influence on birds and birders in the area during the period. With the cold days of early November leading up to a very hard and cold December, January, and February. Snowfall in the Elizabethton area amounted to over 3 8 inches during the four month period. We had below freezing temperatures recorded for at least 75% of the days. In one 2-week period the lowest temperature re- corded was — 7° F. and the highest reading was only 29 degrees. This really cold weather did not break until the last week in February. The bird activity was somewhat subdued during this cold period, but was not noticeably detected until the later Spring Count. This count showed de- clines in such species as Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Loggerhead Shrike and Eastern Phoebe. Few northern finch species were observed with the exception of a very heavy influx of Purple Finches. With no competition at sunflower feeders from the usual multitudes of Evening Grosbeaks the finches were very abun- dant. Also the HOUSE FINCH was added to the Elizabethton area list for the first time. Almost forgotten during the cold winter were the late fall migration re- ports of several shorebirds and a few warblers. Loon-Hawk: Common Loon: only 2 sightings during period, one in Dec and one in Jan,’ both on WatL by LRH and ES. DOUBLE -CREST ED COR- MORANT: 18 Dec (1) WatL (ES, GS). Canada Goose: 5 Mar (10) RC (MD, SG, GW). Pintail: three birds spent the entire period on WibL. Canvas- back: 4 Jan (5) WatL (GE, HF). RUDDY DUCK: 6 Nov (1) WatL (LRH, ES). Common Merganser: 28 Feb (4) WatR (JS) ; 5 Mar (12) RC (LRH, ES). Black Vulture: 6 Nov (4) RC (LRH, ES) ; 8 Jan (1) Buffalo Mtn. (ES). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 6 and 17 Nov (1 ea) RC (LRH, ES) ; 26 Dec (1) WibL (GE); 8 Feb (1) MilC (GW). Cooper’s Hawk: 5 Nov (1) RM (LRH, GE); 29 Jan (1) SV (HF); 20 Feb (1) Eliz (GE). Red-shouldered Hawk: 2 Feb (1) Eliz (SG). GOSHAWK: 11 Dec (1) RC and on 20 Feb (1) Wagis both observations by PR. Woodcock-Thmsh: American Woodcock: 1st. 28 Feb (1) Eliz (JM). Spotted Sandpiper: 13 Nov (1) very late WibL (LRH, GW, DL). Pectoral Sandpiper: 6 Nov (2) also late, RC (LRH, ES). Dunlin: 6 and 7 Nov (2) SV (HF). Herring Gull: 18 Dec (1) WatL (PR). Ring-billed Gull: 6 Nov (10) RC (PR); 21 Nov (2) WatL (DL). Barn Owl: only 1 confirmed pair in Eliz. Horned Lark: 22 Jan (75 -|-) SV (GE). Purple Martin: 1st returned 10 Mar (3) Eliz {fide GE). Raven: 1-3 regular thru-out period on RM and IMG. Brown Thrasher: at least 3 spent this winter here despite the unusually cold temperatures. Hermit Thrush: another species more abundant this winter than in previous ones. Eipit-Sparrotv : Water Pipit: 10 Nov (1) RM (ES). Loggerhead Shrike: very low numbers this winter, only 2 seen during entire period. Pine Warbler: 1st returned 10 Mar (1) WibL (LRH, JM). OVENBIRD: 1 very late bird carefully identified on 1 5 Dec at WatL by (LRH, ES). Evening Grosbeak: 23 Jan (1) and 27 Jan (1) Eliz (GE, HF). Purple Finch: very heavy popula- tion from mid Dec thru end of Period. HOUSE FINCH: Elizabethton’s first, [VoL. 48, 1977] 52 THE MIGRANT JUNE report 19 and 20 Feb (1) Eliz (HF). Red Crossbill: 5 Mar (4) and 12 Mar (7) WatL (LRH, ES, GW, DL). TREE SPARROW; 2 thru 9 Feb (1) Eliz (Mrs. JM)-only area’s third reported sighting. Fox Sparrow: another very high number this winter compared to previous (common at feeders). Locations; Eliz; — Elizabethton; IMG — Iron Mtn Gap; MilC—Milligan Col- lege; RC — ^Roans Creek; RM — Roan Mtn.; SV — Siam Valley; Wagis — Wag- ners Island (along Wat R) ; WatL — Watauga Lake; WatR — Watauga River; WibL— Wilbur Lake. Observers; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; GE — Glenn Eller; HF — -Harry Farth- ing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee Herndon; JM — John Martin; DL — Dick Lura; PR — Pete Range; ES — Ed Schell GS — Glenn Swofford; JS^ — Jake Slona- ker; GW — Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route #3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. WANTED: DATA ON THE SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF NORTH AMERICAN GULLS We are developing a procedure whereby the U. S. Air Force can predict the potential seasonal hazard to aircraft represented by gull in parts of North America. This knowledge will be used to schedule missions around high risk areas thereby reducing the likelihood of bird/ aircraft collisions. Supplemental data on local gull populations are needed from all parts of the continent. The assistance of field workers is solicited to aid us in this task. Please submit re- ports of your gull observations to Dr. William E. Southern, Deparment of Bi- ological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115. Data will be gathered for a 2-year period beginning 1 September 1977. For each observation, please provide the following information: list of species present, approximate number of each species, precise locality description, dates observed, any information about causes for concentrations (e.g. sanitary landfill operation), and any details about the frequency of such concentra- tions in the respective areas. Information is sought from inland as well as coastal localities. [VoL. 48. 1977] 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. 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 1976). 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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: 1973-1975. T. David Pitts 25 The 1976 Christmas Bird Count. Richard D. Lura 30 Minutes of the Annual Spring Meeting, 1977. Louise Jackson, Secretary 38 Round Table Notes A Black-crowned Night Heron Colony in Sevier County, Tennessee. Louise B. Nunnally and Morris D. Williams 42 American Bittern Nest Found at Goose Pond. Kenton Dickerson 43 The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, III 44 ‘ Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 45 Central Plateau and Basin Region. David Pitts 46 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Daniel R. Jacobson 49 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 51 Illustrations by Fred J. Alsop, III Bras •A QU/\R.TER.LY JOURNAL DEVOTED^O TENNESSEE BIRDS ;iis AV’VSV,* • i i, t i * 1 f • 01- A- •> • ‘•'vO, 'J' j f.i VpT"' ■•! V* [••ASi* • ••*: :•* •/••* ^KSH^** -v* t* .*:••• * « » «“•**•••• ;A** •• • •• « •; *«, » • • • • •• • • * * . ** * :i«*.*‘: V**.V.*.i'jA ‘A''-V.*-V . ^•*>V;****.; w; pTEMBER, 1977 VOL. 48, NO. 3 THE MIGRANT A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930 Published By THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded at Nashvilie, Tenn., 7 October 1915 A non>pro£t, educational, scientiEc, and conservation organization. EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabetbton, Tenn. 37643 *'THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, Tenn. 37642 “STATE COUNT COMPILER” RICHARD LURA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, Tenn. 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 PRESIDENT KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN PAUL PARDUE Rt. 23, Box 93A, Beechwod Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN SANFORD McGEE P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MARTHA WALDRON 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis, TN 38177 DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE EAST TENN WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH 7916 Jenkins Dr., Knoxville, TN 37921 MIDDLE TENN MICHAEL FILSON 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 WEST TENN MRS. JOHN LAMB Lake Road, Dyersburg, TN 38024 CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 SECRETARY BRUCE WILKIE 106 Pahsades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 TREASURER RAY JORDAN Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.50; Life, $100.00; Student, $3.00; Family, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contributions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. 48 SEPTEMBER, 1977 NO. 3 THE RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER IN TENNESSEE Charles P. Nicholson The Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is a non-migratory, social species, typically found in old growth stands of southern pine. It is uinque in excavating nesting and roosting cavities in living pines, infected with the fungal red heart disease Pomes pini. Because of its exacting habitat requirements and the rapidly declining availability of suitable habitat, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Figure 1) as listed as a rare and endangered species (U. S. Dept. Interior 1973 ) . Red-cockaded Woodpeckers have been found in Tennessee at least since the time of Audubon (1839, in Jackson 1971). The species has historically been much more abundant in the deep south than in Tennessee, which is near the northern limit of its range (Jackson 1971). Based on reported sightings between 1959 and 1971, Jackson (1971) conservatively estimated the total range-wide population of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers to be 3,000 to 10,000 birds, and the Tennessee population to be 30 birds. This paper reviews the past distribution of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Tennessee and describes the present distribution. New information on habitat and reproduction is presented. METHODS Nest tree diameters were measured with a diameter tape and heights with a Haga altimeter. Basal area was measured with a prism having a basal area factor of 10, the nest tree serving as the plot center. Tree age was determined by increment borings. Some trees could not be aged accurately because of ad- vanced pith destruction by F. pini. Information on reproduction was obtained by observing the nest area and inspecting the nest with a small mirror and flashlight. [VoL. 48, 1977] 54 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Figure 1. Red-cockaded Woodpecker at nest cavity on 7 June, 1972, at Daddy’s Creek, Cumberland County, Tennessee. RESULTS Past Distribution. Ganier (1962) reviewed records of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Ten- nessee, and discussed its range at that time. Locations described by Ganier, for which there are no recent reports, are as follows: 1) Rockwood, Roane Co. — 3 birds collected in 18 84 and 188 5 by W. H. Fox. Allardt-Rugby area, Morgan and Fentress Co. — nesting birds found in 1895 by S. N. Rhoads. 3) Beersheba Springs, Grundy Co. — a single bird collected in December, 1921, by H. C. Fortner. 4) Athens, McMinn Co. — active nest found on 3 May, 1901, by Richard Gettys. Although numerous pines occurred in the area, the nest was in a branch of a living oak. 5) Chickamauga National Military Park, Catoosa Co., Ga. The Red- cockaded Woodpecker was first recorded in the park, which is near the Tennes- see line near Chattanooga, in 1894 by Bradford Torrey. The next report was on 3 0 June, 1954, when Adele West found a family group of four. The species was regularly recorded up to April, 1964 (Bullard 1964). On 26 March, 1968, Kenneth H. Dubke found a pair a few miles north of Chickamauga, at the Prentiss Cooper Wildlife Management Area, Tennessee (Dubke pers. comm.). Although the area has been extensively searched since then, there are no recent area reports (Dubke pers. comm.). [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 55 6) Seven miles north of Dover, Stewart Co. — ■ on 30 October, 1937, a single bird was recorded by a museum collecting expedition under the direction of Alexander Wetmore. Ganier (1962) mentions that there are few pines in this area and the bird was probably a wandering individual. 7) Red Sulphur Springs, Hardin Co. — a bird was observed on 31 March, 1946, by Cynthia C. Counce, in a mixed stand of pine and hardwoods. Ganier (1962) also lists records just to the south in northern Mississippi. 8) McNairy-Hardeman Co. area — a party led by John B. Calhoun found the birds near Pocahantas and at Red Top during the summer of 1939. Ben B. Coffey observed Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in the Ben Carr pines along High- way 57, near Pocahantas, on five occasions between June 1947, and 3 0 March, 1958 (Ganier 1962). The next and most recent sighting in the area was by Helen Dinkenspiel and Mrs. Ed Carpenter, who observed two birds on 24 No- vember and one on 4 December, 1963 (Coffey 1963). Present Distribution. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers have been found at four separate locations in Tennessee since 1971. These are Pickett State Park, Pickett Co.; Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blount Co.; Campbell Co.; and Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, Cumberland Co. and Morgan Co. The colony in Pickett State Park was first recorded by Albert F. Ganier and others in June, 193 5 (Ganier 1962). The birds were found in at least three different areas. They were again recorded in 1942 by G. R. Mayfield and in June, 1946, W. R. Spofford found four nest holes, one of which oozed fresh sap. The next year Spofford found an additional nest hole, but he saw no birds either year (Ganier 1962). During the mid-1960'’s. Mack Pritchard found a nest cavity near the Hidden Passage Trail and on 1 June, 1969, Robbie and Dave Hassler (pers. comm.) observed an adult feeding two fledged young. The Hasslers did not locate a nest cavity at that time, but found one on 6 June, 1971 (Parmer 1971b). Although some of the forest was leveled by tornadoes in 1973, extensive pine stands still occur in Pickett State Park. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers have also been found recently in Campbell County, in a mixed stand of pine and oaks 1.9 km east of Interstate 75 on the Stinking Creek road at an elevation of 5 00 m. On 13 June, 1971, J. C. Howell observed two birds (Howell and Campbell 1972). In 1973 and 1974, Howell and James Campbell observed Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in the same area. The most recent sighting was on 3 1 August, 1975 (Howell, pers. comm.). No nest has been located in the Campbell County area. The third location where Red-cockaded Woodpeckers have been recently recorded is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blount Co., between Cades Cove and the south-west park boundary. Stupka (1963) lists five records from this area between 193 5 and 1953. On 22 March, 1965, James T. Tanner found a single woodpecker on Beard Cane Mountain, and on 16 May, 1965, a pair was observed feeding young in a nest (Tanner 1965). On 2 5 January, 1968, Brockway Crouch observed a single bird a few miles to the north at Seymour, Sevier Co. (Campbell 1968). The most recent area report is a record [VoL. 48, 1977] 56 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER of two birds seen by Napier Shelton, on 28 March, 1973, near Beard Cane Mountain, about 0.4 km from Cooper Road on the Abrams Falls Trail (D. H. DeFoe pers. comm.). On 6 April, 1974, Morris D. Williams and I made an un- successful effort to find the birds where Tanner had observed them. An exten- sive stand of large pines, infected with F. phti, still exists in the area. We found an old Red-cockaded Woodpecker nest cavity in a large dead pine. The remaining location where Red-cockaded Woodpeckers still occur in Tennessee is in Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, near the Cumberland Co.- Morgan Co. line. The birds have been found in the area for at least 30 years (Paul Adams pers. comm.). In May, 1962, a party led by Ganier found at least three pairs in the area. All were observed along the road from Peavine, between Potters Farm and Daddy’s Creek. One pair was on the bluff above Daddy’s Creek, near a rock formation known as Devil’s Breakfast Table. A second pair was along the road 6.2 km east of Potter Farm and the third pair was in a pine stand just west of Potter Farm (Ganier 1962). Red-cockaded Woodpeckers have been found at the Daddy’s Creek site con- tinuously up to June, 1975 (Dubke 1967, Parmer 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971a, 1972, Williams 1973, Nicholson MS). In 1965, another nest was located near Mill Branch, 2.5 km west of the Daddy’s Creek site, by Kenneth H. Dubke (Dubke 1967). Dubke and Roy Evenson found an additional occupied nest cavity on 2 5 April, 1967 near where the Peavine-Daddy’s Creek road crosses Polecat Branch, 0.8 km east of the Mill Branch site (Dubke 1967). At that time the Mill Branch site was still active. No Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were reported in the Polecat Branch-Mill Branch region until 11 May, 1974, when I observed a pair about 200 m north of the road midway between Polecat Branch and Mill Branch. The birds were observed at what appeared, because of little resin flow present, to be a freshly excavated cavity. I observed the birds at the same cavity again in 1975, and noted much heavier resin flow. According to D. William Yambert, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (pers. comm.), there may be at least four more active sites in Catoosa, all be- tween Peavine and Daddy’s Creek. At one of these sites, along the dirt road to Obed Junction where a road branches off to the northeast, Fae P. Andrews and I observed at least one Red-cockaded Woodpecker on 18 May, 1975. The bird was in a second-growth shortleaf pine {Finns echinata) stand and no nest was located. A second area mentioned by Yambert is near the junction of Otter Creek and Piney Branch, south of the road and 6 km northeast of Peavine Checking Station. The third area is adjacent to Dub’s Field, 1.2 km north- northwest of the Mill Branch site. The fourth area is along the west bluff above Daddy’s Creek, approximately midway between the bridge at Devil’s Breakfast Table and Obed Junction. Characteristics of Nest Sites. On 11 May, 1974, I visited the Mill Branch and Daddy’s Creek nest sites to measure nest tree and stand characters. Data are presented in Table 1 for the occupied nest tree at each site and for five old cavity trees at the Daddy’s Creek site, all within 90 m of the occupied tree. Old cavity tree C (Table 1) had some sap flow around the cavity, but no birds were observed using it. Tree B (Table 1) contained two old cavities. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 57 TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS OF CAVITY TREES Active Nests MBl DC2 a B4 Old Cavity Trees^ C D E DBH, cm 41 34 48 34 40 34 38.5 Tree Ht, m 22.4 23.2 21.3 22.6 21.2 24.4 20.1 Live Crown Ht, m 11.0 10.7 9.8 — — — — Cavity Ht, m 8.5 6.7 7.9 7.6 _ _ 6.7 Age 85 + 5 70 6.4 5 Cavity Direction NW sw s S — - NNW W Basal Area, m^ Species 5.6 SLP6 4.7 VP7 VP VP 4.7 •— VP Note: 1 — Mill Branch nest; 2- — Daddy’s Creek nest; 3 — all at Daddy’s Creek; 4 — -contained two cavities; 5 — advanced heart rot, age not determinable; 6 — Shortleaf Pine; 7- — Virginia Pine. The Mill Branch nest tree was in a stand of shortleaf pine, with many 8 cm DBH shagbark hickory {Carya ovata) in the understory. Other understory components were greenbriar (Smilax spp.), blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), oak {Querctts spp.), witch-hazel (Hamatnelis virginianus) y and dogwood {Corniis florida) . Eleven m east of the nest tree was an infrequently traveled dirt road. The butt of the nest tree was slightly fire-charred and the area showed signs of fairly recent controlled burning. The Daddy’s Creek colony (Figure 2) was in a mixed stand containing shortleaf and Virginia (P. virginiana) pine, oak, and hickories. The understory was composed of eastern red-cedar {Jimipenis virginiana) y witch-hazel, dog- wood, oak, hickory, and red maple {Acer rnbrum) saplings, and greenbriar. A well-traveled gravel road bisects the colony, and the nest tree was adjacent to this road. REPRODUCTION There are published Tennessee nesting records for the Red-cockaded Wood- pecker through 1973 (Ganier 1962, Tanner 1965, Anon. 1965 and 1966, Dubke 1967, Parmer 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971a, 1971b, and 1972, Williams 1972 and 1973). Most of these observations have been of birds which appeared to be incubating or were feeding young. Robbie Hassler (Parmer 1969) ob- served an adult feeding two fledged young at Pickett State Park on 1 June, 1969. Lee Shafer and Daniel Jacobson observed two adults with three fledged young on 11 June, 1972, at the Daddy’s Creek site, Catoosa (Parmer 1972). More detailed observations have been made by Williams (pers. comm.) and me during the 1972 to 1975 nesting seasons. On 20 May, 1972, Williams found three just-hatched young and an intact egg in the Daddy’s Creek nest. Shell fragments of two eggs were still in the nest and each had been broken at the equator into two pieces. On 7 June, 1972, Andrew Morton and I observed an adult feeding large young still in this same nest. The young were very vocal. On 19 May, 1973, I observed both adults feeding an unknown number of [VoL. 48, 1977] 58 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER young in the Daddy’s Creek nest. On 25 May, 1973, Williams and I observed both adults feeding three vocal young about 1 0 days old. On 11 May, 1974, I checked the Daddy’s Creek and the Mill Branch nest. Below each nest I found fragments of two eggs, which did not appear to have hatched. The birds did not appear to be incubating at either site, although an adult entered the Daddy’s Creek cavity at dusk. No birds were ob- served at the Mill Branch nest on 1 1 May, and two were observed at the cavity at dusk the following day, 12 May. One bird roosted in the cavity and the other appeared to roost in a nearby pine top. On 12 May, at about 10:00 CDT, three Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were ob- served in the nest tree at once. One bird gave an open-wing display (Ligon 1970:257-258). I returned to Catoosa on 2 June, 1974. Both nests contained two young, which I observed being fed by each pair of adults. The young in each nest were approximately the same age; they were blind, with lit- tle feather growth, although the pterylae were visible. The nestlings held up their heads for food and gave a "ruh-uh-uh-uh” hunger call (Ligon 1970:257). I estimated that the nestlings were about five days old. A few eggshell fragments were in the Daddy’s Creek cavity and several cicada wings were on the ground be- neath the Mill Branch cavity. Figure 2. The Daddy’s Creek nest site, May 1974, Cumberland County, Tennessee. On 18 May, 1975, Andrews and I visited the Mill Branch and Daddy’s Creek sites. At the Mill Branch site, two Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were ob- served at the same cavity used in 1974. I checked the nest and it contained two young and several eggshell pieces. The young were very small, blind, and pterylae were not visible. I estimated that they were one to two days old. The eggshells had been pipped about the equator into two pieces. Two adults were observed at the Daddy’s Creek site, around the same tree used in 1974. I checked the nest and it was empty. A few woodpecker feathers adhered to the resin just below the cavity. In June, 1975, Jacobson (pers. comm.) observed adults feeding young In the Mill Branch nest. No birds were observed at the Daddy’s Creek site, and it appeared that they did not nest in 1975. DISCUSSION Three pairs of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were observed in Tennessee in [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 59 1975, and, if other areas reported in the 1970’s are occupied, the state popula- tion may be as high as nine pairs, probably with a few unmated birds. I esti- mate that the Tennessee population is between six and 2 5 birds, somewhat less than the 30 birds estimated by Jackson (1971). Jackson’s estimate was based on reports since 1961, and I believe some of these sites are no longer occupied. The sites where the birds may still occur are in Catoosa Wildlife Manage- ment Area, Pickett State Park, Campbell County, and the Great Smoky Moun- tains National Park. The first three areas are on the Cumberland Plateau. All of these areas are similar in that they are characterized by an edaphic climax of shortleaf and Virginia pine or pine mixed with oaks and hickory, on com- paratively dry ridge tops. This is similar to the habitat which the birds occupy in Kentucky, where they are restricted to parts of the western Cumberland Plateau (Mengel 1965). To the south and east of Tennessee, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers use long- leaf (P. pahisfris), slash (P. ellioti) , loblolly (P. taeda) , shortleaf and pond pine (P. serotma) (Lay ef al 1971), Thompson and Baker 1971, Ligon 1970). In North Carolina, the birds have been found predominantly in longleaf pine, although loblolly, slash, and shortleaf pine were also used (Carter 1974). Stier- ly (1957), in Virginia, found heaviest use of loblolly pine for nest trees, al- though shortleaf and pond pine were also used. Mengel (1965) reported a nest in a pitch pine (P. rigida) . I failed to find reports of Red-cockaded Wood- peckers nesting in Virginia pines, as I found at Catoosa. All of the pines listed above are susceptible to P. pint, and the birds are dependent on F. pini-miQCted trees for cavity excavation ( Affeltranger 1971). I observed sporophores and punk knots of E. pint at all occupied sites I visited. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in Tennessee probably lay eggs In late April or the first half of May, with the young fledgling in early June. Ligon (1970) found eggs laid in Florida between 21 April and 4 June. In 1974, the 2 pairs at Catoosa probably laid eggs between the 15 th and 20th of May. However, this may have been the second clutch for each pair, as white eggshell frag- ments, which may have been eggs of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, were found below both nests on 11 May. It is possible that the eggshells were from an ear- lier nesting, but I have found no reference of double broods in Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. The eggs did not appear weathered and were probably from the 1974 season. They may have been removed from the cavity by predators, but it is curious that the same situation occurred at two different nest sites. Little information is available on nesting success in Tennessee. Ligon (1970) found out of 3 to 4 eggs laid, 1.4 to 2.0 young fledged per nest. Fledg- ing success was somewhat higher at nests with helpers. Neither Williams nor I have observed helpers at nests in Tennessee. On 12 May, 1974, I observed 3 birds at the Daddy’s Creek site, and one bird gave an open-wing display (Li- gon 1970: 257-25 8). This response is usually given by a pair to an intruding stranger or to a grown young the pair is trying to drive away (Ligon 1970). I have noted 3 nests with 2 young, and Williams and I noted 2 nests with 3 young. The Hasslers reported an adult feeding 2 fledged young (pers. comm.), and Shafer and Jacobson observed a pair feeding 3 fledged young (Parmer 1972). I cannot explain the failure of the Daddy’s Creek nest in 1975. The prevl- [VoL. 48, 1977] 60 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER ous winter was comparatively mild. I do not believe human disturbance was a factor. Ligon (1970) found his visits to nests did not greatly disturb the adult birds and I noted adults returned quickly to nests I inspected, and fed the young while I sat on the ground 10 to 20 m from the nest. THE FUTURE Tennessee is fortunate that most of the known Red-cockaded Woodpecker sites are on state- or federally-controlled lands. Thus habitat loss by logging and development can be controlled. The greatest threat to the bird in Tennes- see is probably the southern pine beetle {Dendroctonus frontalis). In recent years the beetle has increased to epidemic levels and is killing large tracts of pine. The beetle has been found in the vicinity of the Catoosa colonies. Control measures were begun in the winter of 1975-76, and involve removal of in- fected trees (Yambert pers. comm.). This will certainly reduce the habitat available to the birds, and may eliminate areas suitable for future colonization. However, the beetle may create an abundant, readily available food source for the bird. Overgaard (1970) found Pileated (Dryocopus pileafus) , Red- bellied {Melanerpes caroliims) , and Downy (Picoides pubescens) Woodpeckers fed on southern pine beetle brood and caused a 24 percent reduction of brood in pine bark. Baldwin (1968) found increased density of Northern Three-toed [Picoides tridactylus) and Hairy (P. villostcs) Woodpeckers in spruce {Picea spp.) infested by the Engelmann spruce beetle {Dendroctonus obesus) . Neither Overgaard (1970) nor Baldwin (1968) found woodpeckers to be effective control agents, although some pressure may be exerted on declining infesta- tions. For Red-cockaded Woodpeckers to increase their breeding population in response to the beetle would probably require several seasons.. Nesting sites may become limiting and Ligon (1970) found cavities were excavated over a period of several months. The birds may also not breed until two years old (Ligon 1970). In addition to controlling the southern pine beetle, management efforts should be taken to improve existing habitat and establish additional habitat. An inventory of all existing colonies should be made, and these areas then man- aged for the birds by periodic controlled burning. Large P. fj/w/-infected pines should be maintained and encouraged, and stands should be thinned to main- tain the open-pine forest. SUMMARY The Red-cockaded Woodpecker was once spread over much of Tennessee but is presently restricted to the Cumberland Plateau and part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The present state population is probably be- tween 6 and 2 5 birds. Shortleaf and Virginia pines, infected by Pomes pini, are used as nest sites. Eggs are laid in late April or early May and the young fledge in early June. Broods of 2 or 3 young have been observed. The future of the species is dependent upon control of the southern pine beetle and maintenance of suitable nesting habitat. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I thank Morris D. Williams for allowing use of his unpublished field notes. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 61 and for commenting on an early draft of the manuscript. Thanks are also due to Fae P. Andrews, for aiding in a literature search, and to the many birders across the state for providing unpublished records. LITERATURE CITED AFFELTRANGER, c. 1971. The red heart disease of southern pines. Pp. 96-99 in The ecology and management of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (R. L. Thompson, ed.). Tallahassee, Fla., Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., and Tall Tim- bers Research Station. ANON. 1965. The 1965 spring field days. Migrant, 36(3):70-75. . 1966. The 1966 spring field days. Migrant, 37(2) :3 5-40. BALDWIN, p. H. 1968. Woodpeckers feeding on Engelmann spruce beetle in windthrown trees. U. S. For. Serv. Res. Note RM-105. 4pp. BULLARD, R. T. JR. 1964. The season: Memphis. Migrant, 34(4) :71. CAMPBELL, j. M. 1968. The season: Knoxville. Migrant, 39(l):21-22. CARTER, J. H. Ill 1974. Habitat utilization and population of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker in south-central North Carolina. M. S. Thesis, North Caro- lina State Univ., Raleigh. 31pp. Coffey, b. b. 1963. The season: Memphis. Migrant, 34(4) :71. DUBKE, K. H. 1967. Red-cockaded Woodpecker nesting notes. Migrant, 3 8- (3):60. Ganier, A. F. 1962. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Tennessee. Migrant, 33 (2):40-45. HOWELL, J. c., AND J. M. CAMPBELL. 1972. Observations of Campbell County birds. Migrant, 43(l):l-4. JACKSON, J. A. 1971. The evolution, taxonomy, distribution, past populations, and current status of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Pp. 4-29 in The ecology and management of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (R. L. Thomp- son, ed.). Tallahassee, Fla., Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., and Tall Timbers Re- search Station. LAY, D. L., E. w. MCDANIEL, AND D. N. RUSSELL. 1971. Status of investigations of range and habitat requirements. Pp. 74-77 in The ecology and manage- ment of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (R. L. Thompson, ed.). Tallahas- see, Fla., Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., and Tall Timbers Research Station. LiGON, J. D. 1970. Behavior and breeding biology of the Red-cockaded Wood- pecker. Auk, 87(2):255-278. MENGEL, R. M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. Amer. Ornith. Union, Ornith. Monogr. No. 3. 5 81pp. OVERGAARD, N. A. 1970. Control of the southern pine beetle by woodpeckers in Central Louisiana. J. Econ. Ent., 63:1016-1017. [VoL, 48, 1977] 62 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER PARMER, H. R. 1968. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 39(3)):64-65. . 1969. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 40(3): 68- 69. — . 1970. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 41(3): 69- 70. — 1971a. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 42(2): 44-46. — . 1971b. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 42(3)- — ■. 1972. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 43(3): 75-77. STiERLY, c. c. 1957. Nesting ecology of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Vir- ginia. Atlantic Naturalist, 12:280-292. STUPKA, A. 1963. Notes on the birds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Univ. Tennessee Press, Knoxville. 242pp. TANNER, j. T. 1965. Red-cockaded Woodpecker nesting in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Migrant, 36(3): 59. THOMPSON, R. L., AND w. w. BAKER. 1971. A survey of Red-cockaded Wood- pecker nesting habitat requirements. Pp. 170-188 in The ecology and man- agement of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (R. L. Thompson, ed.). Talla- hassee, Fla., Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., and Tall Timbers Research Station. u. s. DEPT. INTERIOR. 1973. Threatened wildilfe of the United States. Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., Resource Publ. 114. WILLIAMS, M. D. 1972. The season: Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant, 43(2):52-54. — 1973. The season: Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant, 44(3): 84-86. University of Maine at Orono, School of Forest Resources, Orono, Maine 04473. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 63 SNOWY PLOVER ADDED TO TENNESSEE STATE LIST Dot and Paul Crawford On 19 May 1977, we decided to make a quick check of the ash disposal pond at the Gallatin Steam Plant even though the area had attracted very few shorebirds this year. The ash disposal area is essentially the same as previously described {The Migrant 43:90) except that the area of exposed ash is much larger, covering approximately half of the entire disposal area. Figure 1. Ash disposal pond at GSP, looking northeast. Photo by Paul Crawford. As we drove along the west side of the pond at 16:50 CDT, Dot spotted a small, very pale shorebird far out on the ash but moving in our direction. We stopped and with 7x35 Bushnell binoculars identified the bird as a plover. Since there are five precious records of Piping Plover {Charadriiis melodns) at this location, we assumed that this was, also, a "piping”. As the bird moved closer, we set up our 2 0-4 5 x Bushnell spotting scope and examined the bird more closely. We immediately saw that this was not a Piping Plover even though the size and over-all color pattern were quite similar. We noted that this bird had a pale gray back, slightly darker on the crown, and pure white underparts as does the Piping Plover. However, the legs were gray; it had a broad black line extending from the eye to well back toward the nape; the beak was slender and black from tip to base; and the partial collar was narrow and straight with no forward curve at the throat. It was later noted that a narrow black line extended from the base of the beak back to the eye where it joined the broader line behind the eye and that the outer tail feathers were white while the middle of the tail shaded from the pale gray of the back to black at the tip. There was no band of white across the forward part of the tail. [VoL. 48, 1977] 64 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER The bird behaved in typical small plover fashion. While feeding, it darted very rapidly from place to place, paus- ing momentarily to peck at the surface of the ash, then darting on. At times, it moved several hundred meters in a sur- prisingly short time. We identified the bird as a Snowy Plover {Charadrhis alexandrinus) . We are familiar with the Snowy Plover, hav- ing seen them in Florida, Texas, Kansas and New Mexico. We kept the bird under observation for fifty minutes, hoping that it would come close enough to be photographed. At 17:40 when it had not moved within camera range, we rushed home to see if we could get other birders to the scene. Calls were made, or attempted, to all regions of the state. However, Pat Stallings was the only birder who could get to Gallatin that afternoon. When Pat arrived, we returned to the ash pond and searched until dark but we could not find the plover. Assuming that the bird had left, we called off the "rare bird alert”. We returned to the ash pond at 06:00 on 20 May and searched for an hour but failed to find the plover. At 11:00, we continued the search for more than an hour with no success. By this time, we were certain that the bird had left. We decided to make one last attempt at 15:00 and found the bird! This time, Pat Stallings came up immediately and saw the bird. Also, we were able to photograph it, using a Mamiya/Sekor camera with a Bushnell spotting scope and an adaptor. Again, we tried to notify birders around the state that the bird was still present. We were partly successful as a total of 19 observers were able to see the bird before it departed on the night of 25 May. The bird was seen on seven consecutive afternoons. For some unknown rea- son, we were never able to find it before noon. Most observations were made in bright sunlight with the sun behind the observers. Other shorebirds that were on the ash pond at various times during the period the Snowy Plover was present were Semipalmated Plovers (Cbaradrms semipalmattis) Killdeer {Charadrhis vociferns) , Black-bellied Plovers (Phivi- alis sqiiafarola) , Greater Yellowlegs {Tringa melanolencus) and Semipalmated Sandpipers (CaUdris pusillus) . At various times, the Snowy Plover fed close to, but never with, the other shorebirds. It seemed to ignore all except the Semi- palmated Plovers. When a Semipalmated Plover approached too closely, it was driven away, even though the "snowy” was somewhat smaller than the Semi- palmated Plover. So far as we are able to determine, this is the first record of a Snowy Plover for Tennessee. Route 4, Gallatin 37066. Figure 2, Snowy Plover. Photo by Paul Crawford. [VCL. 48, 19771 1977 THE MIGRANT 65 FALL BANDING AT BASIN SPRING, 1975 KATHERINE A. GOODPASTURE Following is an account of the movement of birds through Basin Spring woods during the fall of 1975. Each migration season varies in some measure from every other whether analyzed by a carefully controlled scheme or sub- jectively. For whatever reasons, fall migration 1975 had a "feel” that was dif- ferent and the biased view of a bird bander can describe it only in part. Basin Spring designates a tract of deciduous woods with about 10 acres of weedy pastures In northeastern Williamson County, Tennessee. There are a few native pines in the banding area and red cedars grow In natural distribution. Bedford Creek and its tributary. Basin Spring Branch, make the area attractive to migrants. Basin Spring is surrounded by several thousand acres of the same kind of woodland lying in deep hollows and steep hills up to 1000. feet. Since there is no topographical funnel to concentrate moving birds, their flow is spread thin. Any banding operation will take only a small sample which could scarcely be called random. The beginning and end of the season, 16 August and 16 November, were chosen arbitrarily: the first date designed to include possibly a late record of the Louisiana Waterthrush, the second to allow winter residents to settle In. Twelve-meter nets were set In lanes which, with one exception, had been used In previous years. Though net-hours cannot be calculated accurately, nets were In operation a few more days and longer hours than during past autumns. Weather during September and October was mild, many days were over- cast, fronts moved with low Intensity and migrants seemed to proceed leisurely throughout the fall. All told 1642 birds were taken from nets and annotated. The list breaks down to 1393 new-banded birds of 83 species, 41 returns and 208 repeats. No bird banded elsewhere was recovered nor was any new species added to the area’s accumulated list. A White-eyed VIreo banded 27 October was 2 days later than the observed date for the Nashville area. The following records of banded birds are presented in roughly chronologi- cal order In an attempt to describe a mobile population. The way components of a migrating stream shift and change tells us more about a migratory move- ment than a list of the number of birds banded ranked In AOU order which lets dates fall in unrelated sequence. From 16 August to the end of the month 5 to 7 nets were in operation parts of 6 days. Thirty-five birds were banded but no transient tangled with the nets. A Louisiana Waterthrush banded In May 1972 returned 17 August 1975 with an accumulation of 3-|- fat indicating it was ready to migrate. The last Louisiana Waterthrush of the season was a banded one that repeated 24 August with 1-|- fat. Two Worm-eating Warblers were dated 16 and 17 Au- gust and the last Kentucky Warblers were banded 17 and 24 August. We see a pattern of migration being laid down; these locally nesting warblers usually disappear early in the season. Basin Spring banding does not reflect a later in- flux of more northern Louisiana Waterthrushes, Worm-eating or Kentucky Warblers though there have been significant numbers of Kentuckys In tower [VoL. 48, 1977] 66 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER kills the fourth week in September (41 on 26 September 1968 and 26 on 28 September 1970, Laskey personal papers). During September nets were in operation only 10 days (for less than l/2 day on 2 days). By the last week-end of the month the full complement of 12 nets was in operation along with two 6-meter nets across the streams. A total of 198 birds was banded. There were 6 returns and 16 repeats. On the first day of September 2 transient species were caught. One Canada Warbler banded 1 September and a second banded on the 6th proved to be a low total for the season compared with 13 banded in the fall of 1970, 5 in 1973 and 10 in 1974. A Traill’s Flycatcher, 1 September, was the only one for the season and the first since 1971. Three Yellow-bellied Flycatchers banded 7 and 27 September and 4 October, 3 Acadian Flycatchers (11, 13, 28 Sep- tember) and a single Least Flycatcher (27 September) are low totals for all these little flycatchers and do not show that Leasts as well as Yellow-bellieds may migrate over the period of a month. Northern Waterthrushes appeared for banding 7 and 13 September and 5 October indicating a leisurely movement. Seven and 1 3 September also tallied 3 Golden-winged Warblers. Tennessee and Magnolia Warblers occur in banding records year after year in higher numbers than most other warblers. Tennessee Warblers, 13 Septem- ber through 28 October, spanned 45 days or 6-1/2 weeks. A total of 102 banded Tennessees seems significantly higher than previous totals when we compare 3 5 banded in 1971, 36 in 1974, 20 in 1972 and 19 in 1973. Twenty- five banded 11 October and 19 on 19 October indicate a peak between the second and third weeks of October. A total of 69 Magnolias banded from 7 September through 26 October was the highest number in any fall at Basin Spring. Nine banded 4 October and the same number 5 October indicate a peak. September 13 th was a starred day with a beautiful adult male Mourning Warbler in hand. We sometimes get 2, sometimes 3 Mournings; a single is a good catch. The first Swainson’s Thrush was banded 7 September. A total of 1 5 (last date 19 September) may be compared with 26 banded in the fall of 1968. An average of 12.5 per year for the yast 8 years makes 15 in 1975 usual. Only 1 Veery, 13 September, was banded. Usually Veeries appear before Swainson’s. Six Gray-cheeked Thrushes were banded btween 20 and 2 5 September. Basin Spring rarely sees "the woods full of thrushes” though they regularly make themselves obvious as migrating species. Mid-September and mid-October brought to hand more Cape May Warblers than I had banded all told at Basin Spring during 16 years of banding there. Two were banded 14 September; two others appeared 19 October. Because of their rarety this seemed like an explosion of Cape Mays. The first ever for the station was banded 17 September 1971; in 1974 two were banded 26 and 28 September. Field observers do not see Cape Mays in this area in the fall. In addition to the Cape Mays, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian and Bay- breasted Warblers all appeared in the nets first on 14 September. Fifteen [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 67 Black-throated Greens banded between 14 September and 19 October level with 10 in 1970 and 12 in 1971. The 14 September Blackburnian, always rare in the fall, proved to be the only one banded. Compare this with none banded in the falls of 1971, ’72 or ’74 and one each in 1970 and 1973. A banner year, 1968, yielded 3 banded Blackburnians. Bay-breasteds filtered through until 26 October. A total of 3 0 is twice the previous high of 14 in 1974. The above suggests the flight of 14 September to be the first real migratory push through Basin Spring. Thirty-six new-banded birds was the highest one- day total to date and 9 species of warblers graced the list. One Black-and- white, 1 Blue- winged, 17 Tennessee and 8 Magnolia Warblers and 1 American Redstart helped make the day a good one. Twenty-nine birds banded 27 Sep- tember and 48 banded 28 September, a two-day total of 77, made the last week of September normally active. The first of 4 Nashville Warblers was banded 20' September and the first of 22 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks on 21 September. The first of 23 Overibirds was in the net 27 September. There seems no parallel between the large numbers of Ovenbirds that fall sometimes at Nashville television towers and the seeming thinness of the migratory flow through Basin Spring. Even though Gray Cat- birds are resident and were banded through September and to 12 October one may sense an influx of "new” birds from time to time. Six Catbirds 27 and 28 September were Judged part of such a flight. Nets active on 1 5 days (1 day for only 2 hours) during October yielded 836 new-banded birds, 18 returns and 98 repeats. Waves of birds were tagged on the 5th (44), the 11th (89), the 19th (90), the 26th (141), tapering off to 61 on 31 October. Eleven Magnolias on the 5th, 25 Tennessees on the 11th, 32 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) on the 19th, 30 Myrtles and 21 White-throated Sparrows on the 26th were the most-banded species on those wave days. These high counts for each species are the highest daily counts for them during the whole period. October 2 found 3 White-throated Sparrows beginning a steady move- ment to the end of the season. A total of 119 was banded. Fifteen Winter Wrens, banded 2 October through 9 November, were twice the highest (8) for any previous fall. Ruby-crowned Kinglets began to flow through the woods and into the nets 4 October. By 16 November 111 had been banded. Ninety banded during the same interval 1974 were thought to represent a remarkable flight. The average of 100 for the two falls is about 5 times that of other years. Close on the heels of the Ruby-crowneds came a sprinkle of Golden-crowned Kinglets. Eleven were banded between 1 1 October and 1 5 November. The first Hermit Thrushes (3) were banded 5 October. There followed a steady stream of Hermits through 8 November for a total of 60. This amazing total stands in contrast to a former high count of 10 banded during the fall of 1963 and to 9 in both 1968 and 1971. The average number of Hermits banded during 14 previous years was 5.5 per year. Thirty-one of the 60 were Judged birds of the year by examination of skulls; six others, not "skulled”, had light covert spots. [VoL. 48, 1977] THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER 6 8 October 11th also initiated an exciting run of 15 Orange-crowned War- blers. Twelve of the 15 were banded between 19 and 27 October with 5 of those tagged on 26 October. The last came 9 November. Twelve were called birds of the year by "skulling”. Fifteen Orange-crowned Warblers was a re- markably high count. The only previous ones for the station were three banded in 1968 and 1 each year in ’70 and ’73. A third species, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle), appeared first in the nets 11 Oc- tober. Between that date and 16 November 150 Myrtles were banded. This was the highest incidence of any banded species. The peak of 32 Myrtles banded 19 October was noted above. Tower casualties do not show this high propor- tion of Myrtle Warblers. Field observers often see large numbers of them around Radnor Lake. The first Dark-eyed Junco was banded 12 October. Ninety-one banded through 16 November may be compared with 51 banded over a like span in 1971. October 27th ushered in the first of 5 Fox Sparrows. New birds banded on 10 days between 1 and 16 November numbered 324. There were 14 returns and 87 repeats. The appearance of a Red-breasted Nuthatch and a Purple Finch 2 Novem- ber pointed toward the conclusion of the fall movement. Swamp and Song Sparrows had settled in. Three Lincoln’s Sparrows had been banded and re- leased to continue their flights. A small flock of Chipping Sparrows contributed 8 to the banded list. Five Cedar Waxwings and 9 Pine Siskins hit the nets as small flocks, moved through. The last bird in hand recognized as a true tran- sient was the Orange-crowned Warbler netted 9 November. Permanent resi- dents were represented by 1 Screech Owl, 4 Belted Kingfishers, 3 Mocking- birds, 71 American Goldfinches, 18 Rufous-sided Towhees and others. If one attempts to define the "feel” distinguishing the 1975 banding season at Basin Spring he would mention first the pleasant excitement of bringing in 4 Cape May Warblers from the nets. Add to this surprise of having one Or- ange-crowned Warbler follow another until 15 had been banded. The third highlight was the amazing 60i Hermit Thrushes intercepted in the net lanes. Three Golden-winged Warblers, 15 Winter Wrens and 5 Fox Sparrows perked the spirits. One Screech Owl, 1 Loggerhead Shrike, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch and a Mourning Warbler added interest to as many days. High counts of com- moner species added to the counts of rarer ones contribute to the "feel” of the season. One hundred and fifty Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers, 122 Ten- nnessees, 119 White-throated Sparrows, 111 Ruby-crowned Kinglets and 91 Dark-eyed Juncos help describe the composition of the migratory flow. In addition to new-banded birds there were 41 return records, that is 41 birds previously banded at Basin Spring were recaught at least 90 days after the date of banding. Four birds returned 5 years after they were banded: a Red- bellied Woodpecker, a Carolina Chickadee, a Common Yellowthroat and a Dark-eyed Junco. The first two are considered year-round residents; the other two had faced hazards of migration for at least 5 years. The Yellowthroat, banded 2 August 1970, was at that time an adult male in heavy molt and with worn feathers indicating it had hatched at least in 1969 and was at least [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 69 in its 6th year of life on 24 August 1975. The Junco was recognized as a bird of the year 22 October 1970 making it 5 years old in October 1975. Whether it spent intervening winters at Basin Spring we have no evidence. Five birds of 4 species were 4-year returns: 1 Blue Jay, 2 Carolina Chicka- dees, 1 Tufted Titmouse and a White-eyed Vireo. Seven individuals of 6 species banded in 1972 returned in 1975: 1 Carolina Chickadee, I Tufted Titmouse, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 Louisiana Waterthrush, 2 Cardinals, and 1 Field Sparrow. The return of migrants like the Hermit Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, the Yellowthroat, the White-eyed Vireo and the Junco are of special interest. Seven individuals returned after 2 years and 18 after 1 year. The substantial assistance of Earl Bishop and Mel Garland made it possible to keep nets in operation longer hours and extra days. I am grateful for their careful attention to all the details of banding procedures. I appreciate the help of Ann Tarbell, Portia Macmillan, Lee Shafer and Daniel Jacobson and the in- terest expressed by others who visited the station from time to time. This story will never come to conclusion. Next fall we will be looking for Blackpolls, Black-throated Blues and Red Crossbills, but mainly we will hope for the return of these birds we already know. 3407 Hopkins Lane, Nashville, Tennessee. THE SIXTY-THIRD ANNUAL SPRING TOS MEETING FONTANA VILLAGE, NORTH CAROLINA 28, 29 AND 3 0, APRIL 1978 A joint meeting including the TOS, Georgia Ornithological Society and the Carolina Bird Club. The entire Village facility will be reserved until 12 April. Rooms at the Inn (two people), $21.00 per night and cottages (four to ten people), $5.50 per person, per night. Make reservations directly with Fontana Village, Fontana Dam, North Carolina 28733 — Telephone (704) 498-2211. Additional information on room reservations and activities will be furnished later. If more information is needed at the present time contact Franklin McCamey, 4676 Andover Court, Atlanta, Ga. 30360 or Kenneth H. Dubke, Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, Tenn. 37363. [VoL. 48, 1977] 70 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER MURIEL BURNHAM MONROE By J. C. Howell Muriel B. (Mrs. Robert A.) Monroe took an active part in the affairs of the Tennessee Ornithological Society from 1937 until 1973. For most of those years she and her husband, Bob, were enthusiastic participants in the field trips and monthly meetings of the Knoxville Chapter of the society. She was an excellent field ornithologist who knew Tennessee birds by their songs as well as by their field marks. Her special interest was the warblers. Mrs. Monroe was born in Sacramento, California, on 2 5 February 1890, and died in Knoxville, Tennessee, on 22 December 1976. In 1908 she entered the University of California at Berkeley where she majored in mathematics and served on occasion as an undergraduate tutor and reader. She was an outstand- ing student and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. It was at the initiation banquet of this honor society that she met Bob. She continued her education at Berkeley where she earned a Master of Sci- ence degree in mathematics and a teacher’s certificate. For three years she taught high school mathematics at Lindsey, California. Then she moved to the Lick Polytechnical High School in San Francisco and taught drawing as well as mathematics. Bob Monroe returned to California in August 1919 after service in World War I. They were married shortly thereafter. They remained in California until 1929 when they moved to Pittsburg. Later they resided in Denver. In 1937 Bob came to Knoxville as an engineer on the TVA staff. Knoxville remained their home. Muriel and Bob had a daughter and a son. Their daughter, Ruth Agnes, is now deceased and their son, Robert R., is a Vice-Admiral in the U. S. Navy. Muriel’s earliest interest in birds was stimulated in the course of summer visits to Fallen Leaf Lodge high in the California Sierras. Here the lodge man- ager actively encouraged his guests to observe birds. Shortly after coming to Knoxville her interest in ornithology led her to become acquainted with H. P. Ijams, Brockway Crouch, and Jim Trent. Dur- ing this time she was an advisor to many Boy Scouts who were interested in earning a merit badge in bird study. Some of them became active members of the T.O.S. Often they would participate in the society’s local field trips or those at the state meetings. A number of the scouts were often guests of the Monroes at these meetings. The Monroe home at 1424 Tugaloo Drive in Sequoya Hills was made at- tractive to birds through the maintenance of feeders, nest boxes and baths. In the yard there were numerous fine old oaks, and hickories, a few pines, and a thicket of saplings and bushes. A path wandered through the denser cover providing access to the brush-loving birds for the birders. Muriel kept a sharp eye out for birds and maintained a daily record of their arrivals, departures, and activities. Many a published bird note was based on an observation made in her yard. She was attentive when birds using nest boxes squabbled over who would have which box and when juveniles helped their parents feed a second brood. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 71 For many years the Monroes were host to the Knoxville Chapter of the T.O.S. at its June meetings. The members ate a picnic lunch on the lawn in the late afternoon and as darkness came the speaker would show slides and present a supporting commentary. These meetings were for members and also for their families who were not always deeply interested in birds. Beginning in the 195 O’s Muriel undertook a series of talks on birds. Her remarks were closely tied to a large collection of colored slides. She assembled five hundred of these illustrations. Many of her photographs were taken in the yard with the help of Bob. She supplemented these personal slides with others of high quality. Requests for her talks came chiefly from schools, garden clubs and church groups. She continued to respond to invitations until 1973 and presented over 400 talks. Her support of the T.O.S. took numerous forms. She was a meticulous per- son in everything she undertook. The house, the yard, meals — all were given thoughtful attention. This concern for details enabled her to plan well for the programs of organizations. She held most of the offices of the Knoxville chap- ter and could be relied on to serve as a director for the regional area at state meetings. She was chapter president in 1949 and 1953. In 1953-1954 she served as state president. The T.O.S. was host to the Wilson Ornithological Society in 1952 and she served on the local committee. It was in the summer of 1947 when I came to know Mrs. Monroe well. She enrolled as an auditor in my class in ornithology and yet (unlike most auditors) she took every examination and was tied with a graduate student who majored in ornithology for the top grade. I found during the field ex- amination that she did indeed know our local birds by their songs and calls. There seemed to be no fact of text or lecture that she failed to learn. During the late 1940’s my primary research project was a study of the roadside count as a method of measuring bird populations. On each roadside count I required a cooperator who would record each individual bird that I saw or heard. In the warmer months I was able to find a reasonable number of willing helpers. But as the chill winds of late autumn came I decided that only those with a deep interest in birds could reasonably be expected to assist me. Most of my winter counts were made with Muriel’s uncomplaining aid. To her my research was important. In 1950 I undertook a different project. My objective was to visit all parts of Knox County in order to determine which species were there and also to learn the relative abundance and seasonal occurrence of each. By the middle 195 O’s it became apparent that I was becoming overwhelmed by the volume of information that had accumulated. To me it was a pleasure to gather field data, but a chore to tabulate and correlate it. Muriel volunteered to help. Our paper {The Birds of Knox County^ Tennessee 1957, J. Tenn. Acad. Sci. 3^:247- 324) probably would never have appeared (certainly not with such an abun- dance of tables) had it not been for Muriel’s enthusiasm for presenting all the information that could be derived from the data at our disposal. She was dedi- cated, efficient, and accurate in this task. [VoL. 48, 1977] 72 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Our last venture in treating volminous data was the preparation of a re- port on the changes in abundance of the more numerous species of birds in Knox County. The data consisted of contacts with birds recorded in the course of 200 roadside counts made in the years 1950 through 1959. Our presentation of these facts involved some tedious statistical treatments. Although I remain hopeful that this report will eventually be published the manuscript is still in- complete. The serious study of birds has often benefitted from the careful observa- tions of amateurs. Muriel Monroe developed the habit of writing down each ornithological event as it occurred. This record provided a document which is an essential part of the body of information we now have on the birds of Knox County. Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916. BOOK REVIEW A GUIDE TO BIRD FINDING EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI. Second Ed. By Olin Sewall Pettingill, Jr., Oxford University Press, New York. 689 p., 3 maps and 80 line drawings by George Miksch Sutton. 1977. $15.95. — This is an updated version of the first edition (1951) which was a good guide to finding birds in the area east of the Mississippi River. The format of this book is essentially the same as the first edition. There is a chapter for each of the 26 states. Each chapter starts with an introduction that provides information on the physiography of the state, typical breeding species for various habitats, good birding locations and authorities (24 for Tennessee) who contributed in- formation. Next is an alphabetical listing of locations with directions for reaching them and birding highlights by season and species. In the 26 years since the first edition appeared there have been many changes in habitats and bird distribution. Pettingill reflects this in his second edition. Directions for locating some birding areas have been changed due to expanding cities and the development of new roads, particularly the interstate highway system. He takes into account changes in bird distribution, habitat and the development of parks, refuges and other good birding areas. Information on museum and college collections of birds and most birding locations in private hands which could prove to be inaccessible in the future have been omitted. Pettingill used many of the older common names as listed by the Checklist Committee of the American Birding Association (A.B.A. Checklist: Birds of Continental United States and Canada, 1975). Thus, his use of bird names still reflect obvious differences among geographical popula- tions. In my opinion this is a very useful book for any birder who plans tg travel and I highly recommend it. Gary O. Wallace [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 73 ROUND TABLE NOTE A SMALL BREEDING COLONY OF GREEN HERONS IN HAWKINS COUNTY, TENNESSEE — On 20 May 1973, I located six active Green Heron {Biitorides striatus) nests around a small pond (36°22'47"N; 82°5 8'30"W) in Hawkins County, Tennessee. The nests were scattered along a line 100m long through the woods around the pond. Nest 1 was 9m up in a pine {B intis sp.) tree. An adult heron flushed from the nest which held downy young. The bird flew a short distance before it perched and began to give many long, hoarse screams. In a short while, a Barred Owl {Strix varia) flushed from a nearby tree. When the owl had gone, the heron stopped screaming, even though I was still near the nest. Nest 2 was 6m up in a cedar {Jtt\nipenis virginiana) tree. It contained five large young which were old enough to climb into the branches surrounding the nest. Nest 3 was 6m from nest 2, and it was 7.5 up in a cedar. It contained three eggs. Nest 4 was 7.5m up in a cedar. It held several downy young. The shells of about four eggs lay on the ground beneath the nest. An adult flushed from Nest 5 which held very small birds. This nest was 9m up in a cedar. Nest 6 was 7.5m up in a cedar. It held four large young. The Green Heron, often a solitary nester, has previously bred colonially in East Tennessee. Wallace Coffey (1966. Colonial Nesting of the Green Heron. Migrant j 37:75) reported 10 nests in a Sullivan County colony. Morris D. Williams, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Present address: Department of Zoology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70893. Correction: The Migrant 48:23, 1977. The location for the Sharp-shinned Hawk and Veery records of 1 5 Aug by DJ and MPS was not GSMNP but Stratton Meadows, Cherokee National Forest. [VoL. 48, 1977] 74 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER THE SEASON Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor After one of the most severe winters on record we should be particularly alert to record any noticeable changes in the popluations of several permanent resident species that may have suffered high mortality rates during the bitter cold, ice, sleet, and snow. Your records for such species as Carolina Wren, East- ern Bluebird, Belted Kingfisher, Loggerhead Shrike, Killdeer, and others are keenly sought by this editor (note the remarks in the introduction of the East- ern Mountain Region report). Tennessee birders have been following their favorite avocation in spite of the weather conditions, however, and there are many notes of uncommon birds in addition to a good quantity of information on more expected species in the pages that follow. Unusual nesting species capture the limelight as being the most important finds and include: 67 nests of Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Memphis; the nesting of Brown-headed Nuthatches in the Eastern Ridge and Valley; and two interesting observations of Brown Creepers in the northwest corner of the State. Two Brown Creepers were seen carrying nesting materials southwest of Ro Ellen, and two more birds were located in the Wal- nut Log area of Reelfoot Lake on 6 May. The species is known to nest in wooded swamps in its breeding range north of Tennessee and an effort should be made to see if the same may be true in the Reelfoot area. Some raptoral species of infrequent occurance in the State are: a Swallow- tailed Kite at Collierville in the Western Coastal Plain; a Peregrine Falcon in the preceding region and two more at different locations in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Shorebirds were reported from all regions with the greatest variety of species being listed in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. The Avocet on Old Hick- ory Lake in the Central Plateau and Basin was, perhaps, the rarest member of this, group seen. Cormorants were reported from all regions except the Western Coastal Plain. Two uncommon waterbirds were found in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region on TVA impoundments; a Red- throated Loon on Boone Lake and an Eared Grebe on Patrick Henry Lake. In the Eastern Mountain Region a Virginia Rail was seen in Hampton. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 75 A dead Long-eared Owl was found in the Ashland City Marsh near Nash- ville and constitutes the only record for this species in this season. Red- cockaded Woodpeckers are still to be found in the Catoosa Wildlife Manage- ment Area despite some recent cutting of mature pine trees in that area. The rare Bachman’s Sparrow was located at two different sites in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Two reports of wintering finches warrant special mention. A House Finch was observed in Gallatin and becomes (to my knowledge) the westernmost record for the species in the State. Two Evening Grosbeaks were seen at Erwin in East Tennessee and constitute the only "flock” of this species — reported in good numbers in many areas of the State over the past 3 years, but virtually absent here this winter — in this and the report of the previous season. Many more interesting and important observations fill the pages that fol- low. You are encouraged to send your records to your regional compiler EACH MONTH to help us to know and better understand the avafauna of Tennessee. Won’t you please help by send your birding notes and suggestions today? WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— This report will include two entries that should have been included in the preceding "Season’s” report. Heron-Creeper: Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 1 Mar (67 nests) M (MDW). American Bittern: 6 Apr (1) M (EC, HBD), 14 Apr (2) M (BC, LCC), 1 May (2) M (MC-TOS). Rough-legged Hawk: 29 Jan (1) R (DS). Broad-winged Hawk: 9 Apr (4) ESP (RJ). Peregrine Falcon: 3 0 Apr (1) R (DS). SWALLOW -TAILED KITE: 10 Apr (1) C (BM, EM,). Black-bellied Plover: 15 May (1) PE (RJ, MC-TOS). Upland Sandpiper: 9 Apr (18) PE (HBD, MW). Short-billed Dowitcher: 9 May (43) Miss. River Levee, North of 1-5 5 (GC). Great Horned Owl: 2 Mar (adult on nest) Forked Deer River Marsh, Gibson Co. (MDW). Chuck- wills- widow: 16 Apr (1) PE (RJ). Chim- ney Swift: 27 Mar (1) M (HBD). Great Crested Flycatcher: 6 Apr (1) SFSP (LCC, HBD). Least Flycatcher: 5 May (1) M (BC), 7 May (1) R (BC), (1) Miss. River Levee (DP). Barn Swallow: 16 Mar (3) M (CO). BROWN CREEPER: 29-30 Apr-1 May (2 carrying nesting material to loose bark on a tree) SE of Ro Ellen (GC). 6 May (2) R, Walnut Log Area (HD, HBD). Wren-Sparrow: House Wren: 30 Apr (1) M (JGH). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 6 Apr (1) M (LCC). Swainson’s Thrush: 11 Apr (3) M (BC). Veery: 14 May (1) casualty M (JD). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 22 Mar (2) M. (RJ). Water Pipit: 24 Mar ( 1 ) PE (RJ). White-eyed Vireo: 28 Mar (2) M (LCC). Red-eyed Vireo: 7 Apr (1) ESP (RJ). Black-and-white Warbler: 1 Apr (1) M (JGH). Prothonotary Warbler: 27 Mar (2) HPL (BE). Swainson’s War- bler: 11 Apr-3 May (1) M (BC). Golden-winged Warbler: 3 May (1) M (BC, LCC). Blue-winged Warbler: 9 Apr (1) ESP (RJ). Nashville Warbler: 9 Apr (1) ESP (RJ). Parula Warbler: 30 Mar (1) M (BC). Black-throated Green Warbler: 2 5 Mar (1) M (BC). Blackburnian Warbler: 8 Apr (2) SFSP (HBD, MW), 17 May-24 May M (2 different locations in M) (BC). Mourn- ing Warbler: 13 May (1) M, (LW). Hooded Warbler: 7 Apr (1) ESP (RJ). Louisiana Waterthrush: 16 Mar (1) M (OI). Orchard Oriole: 6 Apr (1) M (BC), 6 Apr (1) SFSP (LC, HBD). Grasshopper Sparrow: 16 Apr- 15 May (6) PE (RJ). [VoL. 48, 1977] 76 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Locations: C — Collierville. FSP — Fuller State Park. HPL — Herb Parson Lake, south Fayette Co. M — Memphis. PF — ^Penal Farm. R — Reelfoot. SFSP— Shelby Forest State Park. Observers: BC — Ben Coffey. GC — Glen Criswell. LCC — Lula C. Coffey. HBD — Helen B. Dinkelspiel. HD — Henry Dinkelspiel. JD — Julian Darlington. BF — Bill Fowler. JGH — James G. Holt. OI — Oliver Irwin. RJ — Rusty Jones. MC-TOS— Memphis Chapter-TOS. EM— Ellen McGowan. BM— Bob Mc- Gowan. CO — ^Chuck Ogilvie. DP — David Pitts. DS — Dave Synder. LW — Lynn Wheeler. MDW— Morris D. Williams MW— Martha Waldron. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis 38117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION^ — Cormorant-Humming- bird: Double-crested Cormorant; 15 May (1) GSP (DPC). Green Heron: 27 Mar (1) (Karen Ritter). Great Egret: 3 Apr (1) Marrowbone Creek (RJM). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 21 Mar (2) ShB (MPS) . American Bittern: 17 Mar (1 ) ShB (DRJ, MPS). Snow Goose: 19 Mar (1) ACM (RJM). Black Duck: 14 May (1) Gallatin (DPC). Blue- winged Teal: present thru period (8) (DPC). Northern Shoveler: 14 May (1) G (DPC). Redhead: 19 Apr (3) G (DPC). Canvasback: 4 May G (DPC). Red-breasted Merganser: 11 May (1) G (DPC). Osprey: 17 Apr (1) OHL (SWF); 5 May (2) RL (MLB). Pectoral Sandpiper: 19 Mar (140) AC (RJM,); 15 May (5) G (DPC). AMERICAN AVOCET: 18 Apr (14) OHL (Bob Mann). Bonaparte’s Gull: 26 March (87) OHL, 8 Apr (4) OHL (SWF). Forester’s Tern: 19 Apr (3) OHL (MPS). Caspian Tern: 19 Apr (1) GSP (DPC). Black-billed Cuckoo: 14 May (1) ShB (DRJ). Barn Owl: 19 Mar (1) ShB (DRJ, MPS). LONG- EARED OWL: 19 Mar (1, casualty) ACM (RJM). Whip-poor-will: 29 Mar (1) BS (KA.G). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 26 Mar (1) BS (KAG, MG) one week earliest ever Nashville area. Kingbird -Finch: Eastern Kingbird: 7 Apr (2) SHV (KAG). Least Fly- catcher: 5 May (1) RL (MLB, DRJ). Tree Swallow: 19 Mar (2) AC (RJM). Bank Swallow: 2 Apr (1) RL (MLB); 10 May (20) OHL (MPS). Rough- winged Swallow: 24 Mar (1) SHV (KAG). Barn Swallow: 19 Mar (5) AC (RJM). Cliff Swallow: 7 Apr (4) Marrowbone Creek (RJM). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 18 Apr (1) NA (Jan Alexander). Wood Thrush: 3 Apr (1) RL (M,LB). White-eyed Vireo: 29 Mar (1) NA (Ann Nichol). Yellow- throated Vireo: 7 Apr (1) BS (KAG). Solitary Vireo: 3 Apr (1) RL (MLB). Red!- eyed Vireo: 10 Apr (1) RL (MLB). Prothonotary Warbler: 30 Mar (1) OHL (SWF) one day earliest. Golden- winged Warbler: 16 Apr (1) BS (KAG) 2 days early; last 22 May (1) RL (MLB). Blue-winged Warbler: 3 Apr (1) BS (KAG). Tennessee Warbler: 14 Apr (1) NA (MLB). Orange-crowned War- bler; 16, 17 Apr (1) Warner Park (MLB). Nashville Warbler: 16 Apr (1) Warner Park (MLB). Northern Parula Warbler: 2 Apr (1) BS (KAG). Cape May Warbler: 17 Apr (1) Warner Park (MLB). Yellow-rumped Warbler: 18 May (1) RL (KAG) to days latest. Northern Waterthrush: 3 Apr (1) OHL (SWF). Connecticut Warbler: 21 Apr (1) OHL (SWF), 9-12 May (1) NA Qohn Ellis). Mourning Warbler: 14 May (1) BS, 28 May (1) BS (KAG). Common Yellowthroat; 2 Apr (1) BS (ATT) three days early. HOUSE FINCH: 19 Mar (1) G (DPC). [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 77 Locations: AC — Ashland City; ACM — Ashland City Marsh; BS — Basin Springs; G — Gallatin; GSP — Gallatin Steam Plant; NA — Nashville Area; OHL — Old Hickory Lake; RL — Radnor Lake; ShB — Shelby Bottoms; SHV — South Harpeth Valley. Observers: MLB — Michael Bierly; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; SWL — Salley and William Lintel; KAG — Katherine Goodpasture; MG — Mel Garland; DRJ — Daniel Jacobson; RJM — Rocky Milburn; MPS — Pat Stallings; ATT — Ann Tarbell. David Pitts, Dept, of Biological Sciences, University of Tennessee at Mar- tin, Martin 3 823 8. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— A large movement of wa- terfowl was noted in early April in the Chattanooga area with several species lingering into May. The Brown-headed Nuthatch nested in a bluebird box in McDonald. Upper East Tennessee reported Red-throated Loon, Eared Grebe, Peregrine Falcon, and two RARE (for this year) Evening Grosbeaks. The seldom-found Bachman’s Sparrow was present in two locations. Loon-Merganser: Common Loon: through 29 Apr (1-2) BL (MD, SG, DL); 1 May (10) NL (LD, RBW). RED-THROATED LOON: 7 Apr (1) BL (MD, SG, DL). Eared Grebe: 3 Apr (1) Patrick Henry Lake (Fred Al- sop). Double-crested Cormorant: 20 Mar (1) NL (Lee Shafer); 2 5 Apr (4) HRA (KLD). Cattle Egret: 25 Apr (1) HRA (KLD); 29 Apr (3) SB (KLD); 30 Apr (4) Whitwell (LD, DRJ). Least Bittern: 30 Apr (1) AM (LD, DRJ) ; 1 May (1) K (Bill and Alison McNutt, Bill and Mary Simpson). American Bittern: 19 Mar (1) AS (GW, DL); 11 Apr (3) AM (KLD); 30 Apr (1) AM (LD, DRJ). Green-winged Teal: 16-29 Mar (96) HRA (KLD). Blue-winged Teal: 4 Apr (126) ChL, SB, HRA (KLD); 10 May (10) HRA (KLD). American Wigeon: 4 Apr (34) SB (KLD); 1 May (2) ChL (LD). Northern Shoveler: 4 Apr (66) ChL, SB, HRA (KLD). Redhead: 30 Apr (5) ChL (LD, DRJ). Scaup species: 4 Apr (11,000) ChL, SB, HRA (KLD). Greater Scaup: 1 May (4) ChL (Jon DeVore). Bufflehead: 4 Apr (28) SB, HRA, (KLD). Ruddy Duck: 24 Mar (4) BL (DL); 4 Apr (76) SB, HRA (KLD); 30 Apr (1) NL (LD, DRJ). Hooded Merganser: 1 May (1) ChL (LD). Common Merganser: 30 Apr (2) TRG (LD, DRJ). Red-breasted Mer- ganser: 1 May (2) ChL (LD). Hawk-Sandpiper: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 12 Apr (1) Sullivan Co (LRH, ES) ; 2 5 Apr (1) HRA (KLD); 1 May (1) NL (DRJ). Cooper’s Hawk: ir- regular through period (1-2) JC (SG, PR). Broad-winged Hawk: 29 Mar (1) ALM (GLB). Osprey: 5 records, 7 Apr-10 May. PEREGRINE FALCON: 15 Apr (1) AS (SG, MD) 1 May (1 adult) Kingsport (Fred Alsop). King Rail: 3 0 Apr (1) AM (LD, DRJ); 1 May (1) KCo (Boyd Sharp) . Sora: 8 Apr (1) AS (GW, DL); 30 Apr (2) AM (LD, DRJ). American Woodcock: 1 May (6) AM (DRJ, VIS, RBW). Common Snipe: 22 Mar (174) SB, HRA (KLD). Greater Yellowlegs: 22 Mar (2) SB (KLD). Lesser Yellowlegs: 29 Mar (8) HRA (KLD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 22 Mar (13) SB, HRA (KLD). Least Sandpiper: 22 Mar (34) SB, HRA (KLD); 14 May (11) AM (LD, RBW). E)unlin: 22 Mar (117) SB, HRA (KLD); 6 Apr (2) SB (KLD). Stilt [VoL. 48, 1977] 78 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Sandpiper: 3 Apr (1) SB (ED). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 22 Mar (1) SB (KLD). Western Sandpiper: 10 May (2) HRA (ED). Gull-Kinglet: Herring Gull: 30 Apr (1) NE (ED, DRJ). Ring-billed Gull: 9 Apr (HO) Tenn. River near AM (KD) ; 30 Apr (20) NE (ED, DRJ). Bonaparte’s Gull: 4 Apr (61) ChE, SB (KLD). Forster’s Tern 1 May (3) BE (HD). Common Tern: 14 May (28) HRA (ED, RBW). Barn Owl: 3 pairs (JC) ; 24 Apr (1) K (Craig and Keith Watson); 1 May (1) KCo (J. C. Howell); H May (5) AM (RBW). Whip-poor-will: 31 Mar (1) ALM (GLB). Chimney Swift: 29 Mar (1) JC (PR). RED-COCKADED WOOD- PECKER: 15 Mar (2) Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (Craig Watson, Ralph Dinnick). Eastern Kingbird: 5 Apr (1) SB (DRJ). Tree Swallow: 22 Mar (8) HRA (KLD); 10 May (5) SB (KLD). Bank Swallow: 10 May (10) HRA (KLD). Rough- winged Swallow: 22 Mar (2) SB (KLD). Barn Swallow: 22 Mar (1) SB (KLD). Purple Martin: 16 Mar (4) RR (GLB). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 1 May (1) TRG (DRJ, VJS). BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH: 10 May (adult on 5 eggs) McDonald (DRJ). House Wren: 11 Apr (1) JC (MD); 16 Apr (1) RR (KD). Winter Wren: 11 Apr (1) ALM (GLB). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 30 Apr (1) Morse Pond, GA (GLB). Gray Catbird: 3 Apr (1) Erwin (GS). Wood Thrush: 5 Apr (1, C) CH (DRJ). Swainson’s Thrush: 20 Apr (1) JC (Deril Dixon, Jake Slonaker). Veery: 2 May (2) ALM (GLB). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 1 May (1) TRG (LD). Vireo-Sparrow: Yellow-throated Vireo: 3 Apr (2) TRG (GLB). Solitary Vireo: 26 Mar (1) ALM (GLB); 17, 20 Apr (1) ALM (GLB); 1 May (1) TRG (DRJ, VJS). SWAINSON’S WARBLER: 14 May (1 RR (KD). Worm- eating Warbler: 13 Apr (1) ALM (GLB). Golden-winged Warbler: 30 Apr (1) JC (PR) 1 May (1) KCo (Adam Smith). Tennessee Warbler: 18 Apr (2) Point Park (KD). ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER: 23 Apr (1) K (JMC); 29 Apr (1) ALM (GLB) . Yellow Warbler: 10 Apr (1) TRG (DRJ). Cape May Warbler: 14 Apr (1) ALM (GLB). BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: 1 May (2) TRG (GLB). Yellow-throated Warbler: 3 Apr (10) TRG (GLB). Ovenbird: 9 Apr (1) ALM (GLB). Northern Waterthrush: 10 Apr (1) TRG (DRJ). Common Yellowthroat: 3 Apr (1) TRG (GLB). Canada Warbler: 1 May (1) TRG (DRJ, VJS). American Redstart: 3 Apr (5) TRG (GLB). Rusty Blackbird: 1 May (3) CH (Jon DeVore). Rose- breasted Grosbeak: 15 May (1) ALM (GLB). EVENING GROSBEAK: 6 Apr (2) Erwin (GS). Purple Finch: 28 Apr (1) CH (Francis Barnwell). Red Crossbill: 20 Mar (15) JC (DL). Grasshopper Sparrow: 5 Apr (1,C) CH (DRJ); 30 Apr (9) Sequatchie Valley, HRA (LD. DRJ). Vesoer Sparrow: 19-25 Mar (1-3) AS (Elizabethton TOS). BACHMAN’S SPARROW: 3 0 Apr (1) HRA (LD, DRJ); 15 May (1) Peavine (JMC). Dark-eyed Tunco: 25 Apr (1) HRA (KLD). White-crowned Sparrow: 11 May (1) SB (LD). White-throated Sparrow: 14 May (1) RR (GLB). Additional symbol used: C — Casualty. Locations: AM-Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin Springs; BL^ — Boone Lake; CH — Chattanooga; ChL — Chickamauga Lake; HRA — Hiwassee River Area; JC — Johnson City; K — ^Knoxville; KCo — Knox Co.; ALM — Lookout Moun- tain, Ga; NL — Nickajack Lake; RR — Reflection Riding; SB — Savannah Bay; TRG — Tennessee River Gorge. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 79 Observers: GLB — Gary L. Bayne; JMC — ^Jim Campbell; MD — Martha Dil- lenbeck; HD — Helenhill Dove; KD — Ken Dubke; KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke; LD — Lil Dubke; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee R. Herndon; DRJ — Daniel R. Jacobson; DL — Dick Lura; PR — Pete Range; ES — Ed Schell VJS — V. Jo Stone; GS— Glen Swofford; GW— Gary Wallace; RBW— R. Bruce Wilkey. Daniel R. Jacobson, Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, GA 3 0757. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — The previous cold winter weather may have caused the very noticeable decline in several species in this area dur- ing this reporting period. Species such as Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebe, both species of nuthatches, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, both species of kinglets and the Loggerhead Shrike. The only northern species present in any numbers was the Purple Finch which had its best winter here out many previous ones. Most spring migration activity was about normal and on time, with no major weather fronts establishing no really large pushes or concentrations of birds. The shorebird activity in the area was practically non-existant. With the exception of the last days of March and the first week in April, the rainfall has been exceptionally low and far below normal for this time of year. The last measurable snowfall came late on the 6th of April and the last killing frost came on the 10th and 11th of May. Loon-Osprey: Common Loon: no reports from this area during the period is unusual. Double-crested Cormorant: 17 Apr (2) WatL (PR). Green Heron: 1st returned on 17 Apr (PR). Black-crowned Night Heron: 3 Apr (2) HS (GW). Blue-winged Teal: 1st returned on 19 Mar (HF). Redhead: last seen on 19 Mar (LRH, GW). Bufflehead: at least 2 birds remained on WibL thru end of period. Hooded Merganser: last seen on 26 Mar (LRH, GW). Red- breasted Merganser: last seen on 3 0 Apr (PR). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 3 0 Apr (1) WatL (PR). Broad- winged Hawk: 1st returned on 12 Apr (HF). Osprey: 1st returned on 8 Apr (PR). Turkey-Shrike: Turkey: 14 May (1) HM (LRH). Virginia Rail: 30 Apr (1) Hpt (PR). American Woodcock: 18 Mar (1) E (GE); 3 0 Apr (1) Hpt (PR). Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers were the only shorebirds reported from this area during the period. Black-billed Cuckoo: 4 May (1) Unic (RL), this is the 1st sighting since 1975 in this area. Barn Owl: at least 2 nesting pairs in the area. Chuck-will’s-widow: 1st returned 19 Apr (GW). Common Night- hawk: 1st returned 19 Apr (GE). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: last seen 30 Apr (GE, HF). Least Flycatcher: 1st returned 14 May (ES). Horned Lark: (2-5) seen irregularly near E thru-out (DD, GW). Tree Swallow: 30 Apr (lOO-]-) WatL (PR). Raven: 1-3 regular thru-out period on RM and IMG. Neither species of the nuthatches nor the Brown Creeper have been reported in this area since the end of March which is very unusual. Wood Thrush: 1st returned 17 Apr (HF). Swainson’s Thrush: 6 thru 12 May (2) E (HF). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 1st returned 1 Apr (GW). Loggerhead Shrike: only 1 report all period on 12 Apr (1) SulCo (GE). Vireo-Sparrotv: Warbling Vireo: 1st returned 29 Apr (SG). Swainson’s Warbler: 1st returned 30 Apr (SG, GS). Golden-winged Warbler: abundant [VoL. 48, 1977] 80 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER this period in elevations above 3 000’ on RM and IMG. Blue-winged Warbler: 12 May (1) IMG (SG). Magnolia Warbler: 30 Apr (1) RC (JM). Cerulean Warbler: several reported sightings during period and one possible nesting site. Rusty Blackbird: 16 Apr (1) RCP (SG). Blue Grosbeak: at least 3 possible nesting pairs in the area. Purple Finch: last seen 30 Apr (GE, HF). Grasshop- per Sparrow: 1st returned 30 Apr (GW). Chipping Sparrow: 1st returned 29 Mar (HF). White-throated Sparrow: last seen 13 May (GE). Fox Sparrow: last seen 3 0 Apr (HF). Locations: E — Elizabethton; Hpt — Hampton; HM — Holston Mtn.; HS — Hunter Swamp; IMG — Iron Mtn. Gap; RC — Roans Creek; RCP — Rock Creek Park; RM — Roan Mtn.; SulCo — Sullivan County; Unic — Unicoi Co.; WatL — Watauga Lake; WibL — Wilbur Lake. Observers: DD — Deril Dixon; GE — Glen Eller; HF — Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee Herndon; DL — Dick Lura; RL — Richard Lewis; JM — John Martin; PR — Pete Range; ES — Ed Schell; GS — Glen Swoflford; GW — Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route :/f:3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. NOTICE: The Screech Owl {Otns asio) is frequently found dead along our highways. This small, eared owl (8'' in length) comes in two color phases — red and grey. These road-kill specimens offer valuable information on the bird’s life-history in Tennessee. I am doing my Master’s research on this bird and would appreciate any road-kill birds that are found. The bird does not have to be in good shape to be of value; a great deal of information can be extracted from severely damaged specimens. Your help is appreciated. Linda Duley, TVA FFWD ext. 320, Department of Forestry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 974-7126. [VoL. 48, 1977] 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on Sj 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 1976). 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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 Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Tennessee. Charles P. Nicholson .... 53 Snowy Plover Added to Tennessee State List. Dot and Paul Crawford 63 Fall Banding at Basin Spring, 1975. Katherine A. Goodpasture 65 Muriel Burnham Monroe. /. C. Howell 70 Book Review A Guide to Bird Finding East of the Mississippi. Gary O. Wallace 72 Round Table Note A Small Breeding Colony of Green Herons in Hawkins County, Tennessee. Morris D. Williams 73 The Season. Edited by Fred /. Akop, III 74 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 75 Central Plateau and Basin Region. David Pitts 76 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Daniel R. Jacobson 77 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 79 Illustration by Fred J. Alsop, 111 ^ QU/4R.TER.LY JOURNAL DvTO TENNESSEE BIRDS Pi?»tlisficd \^ ^ THE TENNESSEE’ ORNITHOLOGICAL, k SOCIETY A ®s? Ptftlil^*: P?i«?£SjS5^ S;W?S*i5i'4€ i*/? :•• -Vi w'iy*:/. V, : Mjs! lECEMBER, 1977 VOL. 48, 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 GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 *THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, TN 37642 *‘STATE COUNT COMPILER” RICHARD LURA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 PRESIDENT KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN PAUL PARDUE Rt. 23, Box 93A, Beecliwood Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN SANFORD McGEE P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MARTHA WALDRON 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE EAST TENN WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH 7916 Jenkins Dr., Klnoxville, TN 37921 MIDDLE TENN MICHAEL FILSON 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 WEST TENN MRS. JOHN LAMB Lake Rd., Dyersburg, TN 38024 CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 SECRETARY BRUCE WILKEY 106 Palisades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 TREASURER RAY JORDAN Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.50; Life, $100.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contribu- tions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. Back numbers may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 15 5, ICnoxville, 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. 48 DECEMBER, 1977 NO. 4 THE 1974 FORAY: GRUNDY COUNTY Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke INTRODUCTION The 1974 TOS Foray was held in Grundy County on the weekend of 24-26 May. The bulk of the field work was carried out on the 2 5 th because of per- sistent heavy rains the morning of the 26th. The county was selected because of its great variety of habitat, easy accessibility for the participants and of motels and eating arrangements. county [VoL. 48, 1977] 82 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Grundy County is in both the Cumberland Plateau and Highland Rim physiographic sections of the country. The elevation ranges from 328.08m (1,000 feet) at the base to 743.76m (2,268 feet) on top. Most of the county on the plateau and its slopes is covered with timber. The main agricultural sec- tion is on the level land below. Grundy county had a population of 10,199 in 1970. The population is concentrated in the towns of Monteagle, Tracy City, Beersheba Springs, Altamont, Coalmont, and Palmer. A summary of the birds reported during the foray is given in Table 1. The species names used are from the A.O.U. Checklist, 5th edition, 1957 and its Thirty-second Supplement. TRIP A — BREEDING BIRD COUNTS. — Three Breeding Bird Counts were out- lined. However, we only have data on one run (Mike B. Bierly, compiler and M. Pat Stallings, recorder). Unfortunately Breeding Count #1, run by Don and Gina Manning, was left at the motel and when discovered, it had been misplaced by the staff. Because of heavy rain. Count was not run. Count :^2 started at 4:45 a.m. CDT and ended at 8:48 CDT. A total of 75 species were recorded. TRIP B — FIERY GIZZARD. — This trip, led by George R. Mayfield, started at daybreak at the parking lot of the Grundy State Forest picnic area near Tracy City and followed the trail to the bottom of the mountain. All species on this trip would be considered breeding residents except the Blackpoll Warbler and the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. This was the only trip that explored stands of Hemlock and Rhododendron thickets. In addition there were many scattered pines and mixed hardwoods. On a trip to the area later in the day an active nest of the Hooded Warbler was located. Pictures of the young, a few days old, were taken. TRIP c — GOOSE POND. Kenneth H. Dubke and Harry Yeatman walked over the entire area of the pond, pulling a rope between them. Few observations of marsh birds were noted. Of interest was the flushing of one Least Bittern, a calling King Rail, and the sighting by Dubke of a transient Long-billed Marsh Wren. The hoped for nesting evidence of American Bittern, Purple Gallinule, King Rail and Least Bittern was not realized. Nearby a pair of American Kestrels were found feeding four newly fledged young in a dead cherry tree. TRIP D — JACKSON AND SHAFER. — Area #1 — This area was about 9.66km (six miles) N.W. of Tracy City, near Clouse Hill, in an extensive pine area with some abandoned strip mines. Area :^2 — Because of a lack of maps and detailed knowledge of the county, it was later apparent that the section worked was about 866m (l/2 mile) out- side of Grundy County, in Marion County. The habitat consisted of extensive various aged pine and was similar to the habitat in area :^1 in Grundy County. rVci. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 83 TABLE 1 SPECIES OBSERVED DURING FORAY THIP3 A B G B RANBOM TRIPS A B C B RANBOM SPECIE3 Nin'IBER/50 STOPS OBSERV. ■ SPECIES NUMBER/50 STOPS OBSERV. Gt. Bl. Heron 1 Brown Thrasher 4 4 5 „ 2 Green Heron 4 — 4 — 2 Am. Robin 32 8 1 — 55 Least Bittern — — 1 — Wood Thrush 15 5 — — 20 Wood Buck — . — 6 — — Ea. Bluebird 6 6 5 — 10 Turkey Vulture 6 2 — — 15 B-g. Gnatcatcher 6 5 2 — 6 Black Vulture 2 Cedar Waxwing 56 20 Cooper's Hawk 2 — Loghd. Shrike 2 Hed-tailed Hawk 2 Starling 31 8 3 — 80 Red-shld. Hawk 1 Wt.-eyed Vireo 2 2 2 c 7 Broad-wg. Hawk s 5 Yel-tho. Vireo . — 3 — — 8 Am. Kestrel 1 — 6 1 — Red-eyed Vireo 26 4 — — 55 Bobwhite 18 2 1 — 6 Bl-&-wt. Warbler 2 4 — — 6 King Hail — — 1 — — Prothon. Warbler . — — 1 — 2 Killdeer — 2 — — Worm-eat. Warbler 1 Spotted Sandpiper 1 1 Golden-wg. .Warbler 1 3 — 15 7 Rock Bove 10 Brewster's Warbler 1 — Mourning Bove 31 2 1 — 16 No. Parula Warbler — 5 — — 3 Ye.-bil. Cuckoo 17 1 1 — 7 Yellow Warbler 1 Bl.-bil. Cuckoo 2 Blk-th-gr. Warbler — 5 — — 4 Screech Owl 1 Cerulean Warbler 4 2 Gt. Horned Owl 1 — — 2 — Blackbur. Warbler 1 Barred Owl 1 Yel.-tho. Warbler 5 2 Chuck-w-widow 9 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Whip-poor-will 9 1 Pine Warbler 3 2 — — 2 Chimney Swift 16 6 1 — 30 Prairie Warbler 5 5 — c 18 R-t. Hummingbird 1 2 — — 2 Palm Warbler 1 Bel. Kingfisher 1 1 2 — — Ovenbird 2 5 — — 14 Cora. Plicker 5 2 4 — 10 La. Waterthrush 1 5 Pil. Woodpecker 5 1 2 3 Ky. Warbler . — 4 . — — 9 Red-bel. Woodpecker 15 1 2 — 5 G. Yellowthroat 17 4 7 c 19 Red-h. Woodpecker 1 9 Ye.-br. Chat 20 2 1 c 15 Hairy Woodpecker 1 1 Hooded Warbler 2 5 . — — 21 Bowny Woodpecker 1 2 1 — 8 Am. Redstart 7 9 Ea. Kingbird 4 4 House Sparrow 4 6 — . — 25 Gt. Crest. Plyc. 5 2 — — 16 Ea. Meadowlark 58 4 8 — 40 Ea. Phoebe 1 2 — — 7 Red-w. Blackbird 32 . — c — 80 Acadian Plyc. 1 4 — — 5 Orchard Oriole 10 2 2 — 7 Ea. Wood Pewee 12 1 — — 5 Com. Crackle 52 15 5 — 120 Horned Lark — — ■ 1 — Brn-hd. Cowbird 4 6 5 — 45 Rough-w. Swallow 6 2 Scarlet Tanager 6 2 6 Barn Swallow 21 — 1 — 50 Summer Tanager 7 2 — — 7 l-iirple Martin 4 4 1 — 25 Cardinal 9 10 6 — 35 Blue Jay 30 6 1 — 10 Rose-b. Grosbeak — 5 Com. Grow 20 2 1 — 18 Blue Grosbeak 12 — 1 c 3 Carolina Chickadee 5 4 — — 20 Indigo Bunting 45 8 3 c 52 Tft. Titmouse 15 8 1 — 18 Bickcissel 4 Wt.-br. Huthatch 2 Am. Goldfinch 5 — — c 10 Bewick's Wren 1 __ 1 — 2 Ruf.-s. Towhee 5 8 — c 20 Carolina Wren 6 2 3 — 10 Grassh. Sparrow 5 2 Long-b . Marsh Wren — — 1 — — Chipping Sparrow 7 4 — — 7 Mockingbird 3 1 5 — 9 Field Sparrow 15 8 5 c 50 Gray Catbird 1 2 — c 7. Song Sparrow — 4 1 — 3 ‘common - c, see text. The species marked with an asterisk ('*■) in Table 1, were frequently en- countered in typical habitat. Nests located on Trip D are given in Table 2. TRIP E — RED-cocKADED WOODPECKER. — ^Mr. Herman E. Bagenstoss, Tracy City, drove a party consisting of Gary O. and Brenda Wallace and James T. Tanner over many miles of jeep roads through the Werner Big Timber in the Savage Gulf Wilderness Area. This area consists of approximately 1,456.9 ha (3,600 acres) of scattered stands of virgin Short-leaf Pine. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were reported in this locality many years ago and it was hoped that they could still be present. No woodpeckers were found and it was the party’s consensus that the habitat was no longer suitable. [VoL. 48, 1977] 84 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER TABLE 2 NESTS BY JACOBSON AND SHAFFER PARTY SPECIES NEST LOCATION Mourning Dove 1 egg Oak Grove American Robin Adult building Altamont Eastern Bluebird 4 eggs Tracy City Cardinal 3 eggs Tracy City Chipping Sparrow 3 eggs Altamont Chipping Sparrow 3 young Altamont Chipping Sparrow 2 young Altamont Field Sparrow 4 young Altamont RANDOM OBSERVATIONS. — The foray participants were told to record their random sightings and they have been placed in this category. FORAY SPECIES Two species were selected this year: the Sharp-shinned Hawk and the Golden- winged "Warbler. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK — The Jacobson-Shafer party worked long and tire- lessly in suitable habitat for the Sharp-shinned Hawk and reported negative results. However, of special interest was the close observation of two Cooper’s Hawks, found perched and flying. A detailed search of the surrounding trees revealed a stick nest — ^but no positive identification was made of its origin. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER — ^A total of 1 5 singing males were reported by the Jacobson-Shafer party, 8 by George Mayfield from various sections, 2 by Gary Wallace and 1 by Mike Bierly on the Breeding Bird Count. DISCUSSION It was evident by all concerned that this Foray produced only a rough index of the species to be expected in the county. However, certain meaningful obser- vations were made and they can be used as a guide in future field work. The participants in the Red-cockaded Woodpecker trip were pessimistic that the species could still exist in the area they covered. However, since only a few hours were spent, hasty conclusions should not be reached. A much more diligent search should be made in the future. The observers on the Goose Pond Trip were disappointed in the number of marsh species identified. It now appears that Goose Pond is the largest marsh remaining in the state. Based on past field work, American and Least Bitterns, Blue-winged Teal and Purple Gallinule have nested in the pond. As long as the habitat remains the same, there is no reason why they should not nest there again. James M. Campbell was a late participant and only did a very limited amount of field work. He found two warblers of interest. A late migrating [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 85 Palm Warbler and a singing Blackburnian on 27 May. The Blackburnian was singing along Highway 56, below Beersheba Springs at an elevation of 5 57.74m (1,700 feet). This bird could possibly have been on territory and nesting. One should keep in mind an active nest was found a few miles away at Fall Creek Falls State Park in 1970. Probably the outstanding discovery of the foray was a singing Brewster’s Warbler found by Mary Shafer. As far as we know, this is the second known instance of a Brewster’s Warbler being found within the state during the breeding season. The Brewster’s was closely followed to detect if it had a mate, but none was ever observed. It was last sighted on 9 June. All this, of course, leads to an interesting speculation as to the true status of its parents, and where this individual could have originated. The results of our Foray and other field work on the plateau indicates that the Golden-winged Warbler would be considered a common breeding species in all suitable habitat. On the other hand, the Blue-winged Warbler has never been recorded. In the Nashville area, the Blue-winged Warbler is considered a fairly common nester. In all of East Tennessee, Blue- winged records during the nesting season are extremely limited. The three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks noted by George Mayfield at Fiery Gizzard will be considered late migrants. The single Spotted Sandpiper will also be assigned this status. Observers should be very careful to closely follow all sightings of lingering birds to determine their exact status. SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT A special thanks is due Herman E. Bagenstoss, Tracy City, for the use of his vehicle and for guiding the party in the Werner Big Timber Area for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Without his expert assistance, this trip would not have been possible. Noteworthy acknowledgment must be given to Harry C. Monk for the extensive assistance he provided. He personally researched every known published record of Grundy County. In addition, he checked and made available all of his unpublished records that go back to his first field trip there in 1930. PARTICIPANTS Benton Basham, Jeff Basham, Michael Lee Bierly, James M. Campbell, Ken and Lil Dubke, John Elson, Tom Finucane, Dr. Katherine Goodpasture, Steve Harris, Anne Hettish, Greg Jackson, Louise Jackson, Daniel Jacobson, Ray Jordan, Daniel Knarr, Gina and Don Manning, George Mayfield, Mark Mayfield, Rad Mayfield, III, Sanford McGee, Ruth McMillan, Harry C. Monk, Debra Shafer, David Shafer, Lee and Mary Shafer, Arlo and Noreen Smith, Pat Stal- lings, Jim Tanner, Brenda and Gary Wallace, Monty Wanamaker, Richard Whittington, Harriet Wright, Dr. Harry Yeatman. Route 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah 37363. [VoL. 48, 1977] 86 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT Thomas W. Finucane The T.O.S. Hawk Migration project had another good season in the fall of 1976. The total count was 14,415, The accipiter count was 234, surpassing the record count of the year before, when 212 accipiters doubled the 1970-1974 average. The Broad-winged Hawk count, which had been 98.6% of the total count in those five years, dropped to 97.56% in 1975 and 97.48% in 1976. Red-shouldered Hawks are becoming scarcer; only six were reported. None of the rarer raptors: Goshawk, Roughleg, eagles. Peregrine were reported in 1976. The T.O.S. counts since 1969, when the total was 4,302, have ranged from 13,670 to 23,800 and averaged 17,400. This year’s count was second lowest in that period. The half-way point in the record came on 22 September. In the eight-day period between 11 and 25 September 93% of the hawks recorded flew past our observation points in 1976. The migration was late in starting, was hampered by rain on 20 and 21 September, and was interrupted by a deluge on 26 September. Only 20% of our hawk count came from stations in Tennessee. Georgia had 32%, and Virginia had 48%. In 1975 Tennessee stations accounted for 80%. The two most productive of data that year — ^Gene and Adele West’s Crossville area, with 2,659 hawks, and the Kyles Ford tower, with 2,3 59, had reduced coverage in 1976 and not many hawks on days when counts were taken. Ten- nessee’s high scorers in 1976 were Look Rock and White Oak, with 963 and 695 hawks. Starting on 12 September data were taken every day that month except 27 September, a rainy day. No large flights were reported until the 18 th. Nine watches before that date had totals ranging from 3 to 42 hawks. On 1 8 Septem- ber Lil Dubke in nine hours on the Dunlap Fire Tower had 28 Broadwings, 2 to 3 p.m., and 253 between 4 and 5 p.m. after a light east wind had changed to a light west wind. The sky was cloudless. The Mendota Fire Tower had 705 hawks on that day under a 75 % cloud cover, and on the next day, Sunday, had 1,274. Heavy weather on Monday depressed the flights at Mendota, and no other station had data. On Tuesday Boyd Sharp had 466 hawks at Look Rock, under a clearing sky. Mendota had 458. According to Jim Price the 45 8 he reported was a minor fraction of the hawks that flew by that day. Price and Eagan, both new hawk- watchers, were alone on the knob except for a hang-glider pilot, who eventually dropped into a tall tree. Our hawkwatchers consumed the remaining daylight hours shopping for rope, trying to climb the tree, etc. Rain fell in Kingsport until after noon, and we had thought there would be no hawk flights. On 22 September, the halfway point, a count of 4,3 57 was compiled at six lookouts, including an estimated 2,500 seen by Kenneth Pennington near the Gulf Mountain fire tower, in Georgia about 20 miles south of Chattanooga. Mr. Pennington, not a hawkwatcher himself, reported details of his great hawk- migration experience to Ken Dubke. On the same day Gary Bayne had 845 Broad-winged Hawks in two hours on Lookout Mountain High Point tower. Other flights recorded that day were 488 at White Oak tower in Tennessee, and five miles north of Tennessee, the Mendota tower in Virginia. All these [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 87 hawks seem to have been part of the five-day flights, counted and uncounted, at Mendota from 18 to 22 September. TABLE 1 ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT, 1976 No Day Oba 1 h 1 9/12 G 2 2 12 N 6 3 13 G 2 4 13 W 5 5 14 W 4 6 15 W 3 7 16 w 4 8 17 JL 4 9 17 W 3 10 18 G 2 11 18 L 9 12 18 W 4 13 18 C 3n 14 18 #QS 8 15 19 G 4 16 19 B 7 17 19 D 9 18 19 K 9 19 19 F 2 20 19 W 2 21 19 M 5 22 19 C 4 25 19 1 6 24 20 8 4 25 21 H 4 26 21 G 2 27 21 KL 7 28 21 0 3 29 21 w 4 30 21 E 4 31 21 P 4 52 22 X 1 33 22 G 2 54 22 0 2 35 22 L 6 36 22 C 5)4 37 22 #s 7 58 25 D 3 59 23 G 2)4 40 25 Le 1 41 25 .1 1 42 23 L 7 43 25 C 4)4 44 23 23# 6 45 23 S 6 46 24 Le 5 47 24 MLe 1 48 24 L 3 49 24 C 2 50 24 s 7 51 25 MLe 7 52 25 K . 8 Station Alt Wind Gulf Mt Fire Tewer 2200 Reg Kyles Ford FT 2401 Gulf Mt Fire Tower 2200 Crossville FT 2020 Cressville FT 2020 Crossville FT 2020 Crossville FT 2020 Dunlep Fire Tower 2240 Crossville FT 2020 Gulf Mt Fire Tower 2200 Dunlsp 2240 7 mi N ef Crossville 1830 Holstsn Mt Rsdsr 4200 Mendot* Fire Tower 3018 Gulf Mt Fire Tower 2200 Monte# gle N Bluff Dunlap Fire Tower 2240 Sign#! Point 1972 White Oek FT 1400 7 m N of Crossville 1830 Rockwood Fire Tower 2040 Holst on Mt R8d#r 4200 Mendot# Fire Tower 3018 Ffendot# Fire Tower 5018 Fall Creek Palls FT 2026 Gulf Mt rock pile 2100 Dunlap Fire Tower 2240 5 areas near Chattanooga 7m N of Crossville 1830 Look Rock Blount Co Mendota Fire Tower 3018 Gulf Mountain 2200 Lookout High Point 2392 Signal Point 1972 White Oak FT 1400 Holston Mt Radar 4200 Mendota Fire Tower 5018 Lookout Mt McCarty Bluff 3 WSW Gulf Mt rock pile 2100 Chsttsnooge Signs! Point 1972 White Osk Mt FT 1400 Holston Mt Redsr 4200 Mend ots Fire Tower 5018 Dungs nnon Vs Fall Creek Palls FT 2026 Dunlap Fire Tower 2240 White Osk FT 1400 Holston Mt Rsdsr 4200 Mendota Fire Tower 3018 Fsll Creek Falls FT 2026 Signs! Point 1972 5 White Oek FT 1400 3 7mi N of Crossville 1830 6 Rockwood Fire Tower 2040 - Avondale Fire Tower 2485 7 Rog Kyles Ford FT 9 Mend ots Fire Tower 8 4 lyk Look Rock* BlountCo (Chilhowie Mt ) Sky T S8 CH RT BW 20 37 20 10 16 4 37 3 15 281 1 1 687 244 11 52 33 66 5-10 NE 1 _ _ - 2 SE 1 _ - 3 2 7-10 NE 2 - 2 - - 0-8 SE-SW 2 70 - - - 0-5 NE-NW 3 75 - - - 10-15 NE 4 66 - - - 0-10 NW-NE 1(62- ■71) - - 0-15 NW 1 65 1 - 2 0-3 NW 2 75 - - - 5-7 NW 2 75 - - 1 0-5 E-W-E 1 75 - - - 0-3 sw 2 72 - - - N 4 - 1 - 3 5-10 SW 5 75 3 10 4 5 NE 4 3 - - 0-10 NW 2 80 - 2 0-5 NW-W 4-2 73 2 2 1 6 NE-S-W 2-4 83 1 ~ - 0-10 NE 1 68 — - - 0-5 WSW & V 1 70 5 NE 1 75 - - — 0 3 1 - - V ' V — 5 - 3 5-20 WSW 4 - 5 1 10-15 NE 1 65 _ _ 2 10 NW 1 70 3 — 1 0-14 NV 1 75 — - — 0-5 NW 2 70 3 - - 15 NE 3-2 55 5 5 — - 4-2 6 1 - 0-5 N 1 68 - - - 3-7 NE 1 65 1 - - 5 WNW 0 72 - - - 0-5 NE 1 65 n - - 5-10 riNW 0 65 ( 5 1 _ 3 WSW 2 76 - - - 7-10 SE 2 - - - 1 10 S 1 70 _ 5-10 sw-s 1 75 - - 1 0-7 1 60 - - 1 5-30 SE-SW 1 5 2 0 1 0 1 66 1 - - 0-5 ssw 3 70 25 1 6 7 1 9 ENE-NW- -E 3 81 2 1 1 0-NE 0-3 hsze80 6 - 1 0-8 ESE 2 80 1 - - NE 1 60 9 9 - - 2 55 25 L 54 25 w 55 25 1:d 56 25 56 57 25 T 58^5^ s 59 26 K 60 26 I # 61 28 ZV 62 28 # 2% Mendota Fire Tower 3018 0-9 NW 4 65 29 C IX Holston Mt Radar 4200 5-10 S 62 - - - 64 29 #6 Mendota Fire Tower 5018 4 S 4 70 4 1 - 65 30 R 0 Kingsport University Center _ _ _ _ _ 66 10/5 ## 6 Mendota Fire Tower 3018 50-10 SE-S 5 65 9 2 1 Signal Point Mendota Fire Tower 2401 0t15 E-S-SW 3018 SSW-S 0-10 1972 SSW-SE 9-20 3018 0 - 2 72 12 75 20 18 81 4 - 70 - - 8 75 1261 186 76 62 59 173 128 454 449 2500 845 57 487 9 441 34 571 86 157 86 128 42 279 1 12 20 51 1040 39 17 55 48 55 10 1723 9 276 509 55 21 45 103 23 'IH OS AK a b 3 _ _ _ 1 _ u - - - 1 - u - 1 - - - - _ _ _ 1 — _ _ _ - 1 2 u - - 1 - 1 - _ _ — _ _ _ 1 1 _ 1 - - - - - - 1 1 — - 2 — - _ - - 1 3 RS - 1 1 - - 1 - - 2 - - - - - 10 - - — 1 — — — — - - - 3 2 - 1 2 - 1 2 1 2u — 3 - - - - _ — - — _ — - - 1 - - 4u - 1 - 1 - - - - - 2 - - - - - 1 2 - _ _ _ _ _ _ - - 3 - - u _ _ _ f - - - - b 2u _ _ 2 _ - - RS 1 - 2 - - - - 2 - 1 - - 1 - 2 _ 2 1 . _ RS 1 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - — — — — u 3 1 - 10 - - — — — — u _ 2 _ - - 4u - 2 _ - - f 1 1 “ 1 - 2 - 1 RS u - 1 1 1 f 2u 67 16 G 2 Gulf Mt Tower area 2200 0-5 NE 4 65 1 2 1 _ 1 _ 1 1 1 - 68 17 68 4 Fsll Creek Fells 2026 _ _ _ _ 2 10 1 1 1 _ _ 2 RS 69 17 G 4 Gulf Mt Tower area 2200 0-5 NE 1 60 14 2 5 1 -■ - - 7 2 4u 70 29 G 1)4 Gulf Mt Tower area 2200 5-10 SE 4 55 - - 6 - 1 - - .1 - - T0TAI8 290 168 66 64 14221 23 20 14 50 24 31 [VoL. 48, 1977] 88 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Next day, Thursday, Mendota had only 42 Broadwings but then 1,040 on Friday (659 between 2 and 4 p.m.) and 1,723 on Saturday. On Sunday, 26 September, rain started before daylight. Remembering what had happened at Mendota on 21 September when rain was falling on Kingsport but not on Mendota, I headed for the lookout to see more of the cloud of Broadwings counted there on Friday and Saturday. John, Kathie, and Janie Mahoney were standing in the gap where the road crosses Clinch Mountain be- tween the Mendota Fire Tower knob and the next knob down range. They were counting a thin cloud of hawks, not a stream, sailing across the gap, about 500 ft. above the road, sailing without flapping, in a gentle rain. After 2| hrs. the rain came down harder and the count stopped, at 276. The rain then in- creased to a high level of intensity and lasted for hours. There were no T.O.S. hawk migration reports for 27 September. On the three days remaining in September 721 hawks were reported from four stations, including 5 09 Broadwings seen by Beth Lacy and Ralph Zanglein on Look Rock on 28 September, 3:30 to 5 p.m., and 103 reported by Rick Phillips on 3 0 September at the Kingsport University Center. In October five watches, 17 hrs., completed the season. Red-tailed Hawks were counted at the rate of 1.4/hr. compared to 0.15 in September. On 17 October Daniel Jacobson, with a group on Fall Creek Falls Fire Tower, and Gary Bayne on Gulf Mt. had a late Broad-winged Hawk. Hawk Migration stations north of the Southern Appalachian region reported moderately lower Broadwing counts and distinctly higher Sharpshin counts in 1976, compared with 1975 counts; the same trends appear in the T.O.S. data. A new station in Texas reported 220,200 Broad-winged Hawks flying by during the last week in September and a season total of 279,800. KEY TO REPORTERS A — Groups from Bristol, Elizabethton, Kingsport University Center, Lin- ville, N.C., Nickelsville, Va.; B — Mrs. Effie Boyd, Manchester; C — Charlotte Finucane, Kingsport; D — ^Daniel Jacobson, Wildwood, Ga.; E — Boyd Sharp, Knoxville; F — Gertrude Fleming, Collegedale; G — ^Gary Bayne, Rising Faun, Ga.; I — Mary Tunsberg, Chattanooga; J — Janet Phillips, Chattanooga; K — Ken Dubke, Ooltewah; L — Lil Dubke, Ooltewah; Le — Lee Shafer, Whitwell; M — Mary Shafer, Whitwell; N — Ruth and Richard Nevius, Greeneville; O — Bruce Wilkey; P — ^Jim Price, Kingsport; Q — Bob Quillen, Bristol; R — Rick Phillips, Kingsport; S — E. E. Scott, Nickelsville, Va.; T — Tom Odom, Kingsport; U — Gary Muffly, Powell; V — Beth Lacy, Knoxville; W — Gene and Adele West, Fairfield Glade; X — Kenneth Pennington; Y — John, Kathie, and Janie Mahoney, Kingsport; Z — Ralph Zaenglein, Knoxville; iff: — ^Tom Finucane, Kingsport; ## — Tom Finucane, San Francisco, Calif.; 68 — Paul and Dot Crawford, Gallatin; Pat Stallings, Nashville; Daniel Jacobson. SKY CODE O' — no clouds; 1 — generally fair, with no long periods in shadow; 2 — partly cloudy; 3 — mostly cloudy; 4 — light overcast; 5 — heavy overcast, heavy fog, or rain. 1434 Watauga St., Kingsport 37664. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 89 1977 SPRING FIELD DAYS Richard D. Lura This year the eleven counts conducted across the state recorded 216 species to tie the high of the 1975 count which covered sixteen count areas. The Red- necked Grebe is new to the count and the Bachman’s Sparrow returns to the count for the first time since 1967. Everyone has been concerned with the effects of the severe winter on our resident bird population. Several species do show a marked decline. The Phoebe and the Carolina Wren are down about 40%, with the decline heavier in the eastern third of the state. The Belted Kingfisher is down in the eastern third of the state. I had heard fear expressed for the Eastern Bluebird, but this species shows no significant change. (These comparisons are based on a four year average for count areas here reported.) INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS REELFOOT LAKE — 7, 8 May, T.O.S. spring Meeting Participants. Ben B. Coffey, Jr., compiler, 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis 38107. NASHVILLE — ^30 April, 1 May, B. H. Abernathy, Francis Abernathy, Jan Alexander, Clyde (compiler, 1214 McGavock Pike, Nashville 37216) and Vivian Anderson, Mildred Ansley, Sue Bell, Michael Bierly, Mary Ann and Roy Broster, Ruth Castles, Jean Cobb, Dot and Paul Crawford, Annella Creech, Elaine Davidson, Margaret Dean, Jean Delfiner, Milbrey Dugger, Adele Elam, Evelyn and John Ellis, Bill and Lucy Finch, Sally and William Fintel, Ann Fort, Mel Garland, Katherine Goodpasture, Ben Groce, Bessie Hagan, Harry Hanger, Thomas Harston, Johnny Herbert, Evelyn Holt, Carol Knauth, Dr. and Mrs. Lee Kramer, Paul Lang, Rocky Milburn, Margaret Mann, Tim Mann, Pauline Miller, Calvin Moon, Fanny Murphy, Ann Nichols, Marge and Oscar Patrick, Virginia Price, Betty Richards, Pat Stallings, Ellen Stringer, Ann Tarbell, Bessie Walker, Kenneth Walkup, Dot Woodring, Virginia Workman. The Snow Goose was of the blue form. MURFREESBORO — 29, 30 April, 1 May, cloudy with some rain, 66-77°. Anne Hettish, compiler, 1018 Lawndale Dr., Murfreesboro 37130. LEBANON — 30 April, 1 May, 65 to 75°, Correan Bain, Albert Balding, Fran- cis Couch, Robert Hosier, Ruth McMillan, Ray Pope (compiler — 211 West Forrest Ave., Lebanon 37087), John and Francis Sellars, William Senter, Tressa Waters. The Red-necked Grebe was well seen by Ray Pope and John Sellars with binoculars and spotting scope. Harris’ Sparrow spent winter at home of Mrs. Henry Waters (photo in files of compiler). COOKEVILLE — 23 April, 70-80°, M. R. Richmond, compiler, 519 N. Jeffer- son, Cookeville 3 8 501. [VoL. 48, 1977] 90 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER 1977 SPRING COUNT Reel Nash Murf Leh Cook HR Ghat Knox Gree King Eli Common Loon 1 — — — — — 12 — 2 — — Red-necked Grebe — — — 1 — — — — — — Pied-billed Grebe 1 11 — — — 7 13 2 2 — 5 Dbl.-cr. Cormorant 1 — ■ — — — — - — — — Great-blue Heron 55 1 2 4 — — 5 — 5 1 Green Heron 6 29 6 50 1 5 1^ 15 7 5 15 Little Blue Heron 6 — ■ — — — — — — 2 Cattle Egret 18 — — 4 — 2 5 Great Egret 25 — — — — — — 1 Blk.-cr. Night Heron — 9 — 18 — — ■ — 5 Yel.-cr. Night Heron 6 1 2 — — — 5 -- 1 — Least Bittern 3 — — — — — 2 1 American Bittern 5 1 — 2 — — 2 — — — 1 Canada Goose — 127 — 390 7 15 6 9 2 Snow Goose — 1 — — — — — Mallard 11 19 2 80 — 14 20 1 9 25 6 Black Duck — — — — — — — — — 1 Gadwall — — — — — — 5 — — — — Green-winged Teal — ■ — — 12 — — — — Blue-winged Teal 15 57 8 128 ~ 10 48 ~ 15 — 10 American Wigeon 1 1 — 1 — — 2 — 5 — 2 Northern Shoveler 2 8 5 — — — 1 — — Wood Duck 40 40 6 22 5 2 21 19 47 27 52 Redhead — — — — — — 6 Ring-necked Duck — 1 — — — — — — — 1 Greater Scaup -- — — — — — 4 Lesser Scaup 10 2 — — — — 19 — — — 1 Bufflehead — ~ — — — — — — — — 11 Ruddy Duck — — — — ~ 11 Hooded Merganser — — — — — — 2 — — Common Merganser — — — — — — 2 — — — — Red. -hr. Merganser — 1 — — ~ — 3 — — — 5 Turkey Vulture 12 62 9 6 2 5 6 4 5 2 20 Black Vulture 1 11 5 5 -- 5 8 — 11 — Mississippi Kite 14 — — — — — — — Sharp-sh. Hawk — 2 — 2 — — 1 — — 1 1 Cooper's Hawk — 1 4 — 2 — — — — 2 Red-tailed Hawk 5 20 — 2 9 — 7 -- 2 — 2 Red-shld. Hawk 7 19 — — 1 — 3 Broad-winged Hawk 1 9 — 4 2 — 12 — — 2 7 Marsh Hawk — 1 1 — — — — — — Osprey 2 4 — — — — 2 1 — — 6 Peregrine Falcon -- — — — — — — — — 1 -- American Kestrel — 25 11 12 16 2 5 5 1 5 5 Ruffed Grouse — — — — — — — — — 1 5 Bobwhite 11 118 17 132 68 5 21 64 27 11 29 Turkey 6 16 King Rail — — — — — — 1 1 Virginia Rail — — — — — — — — — 2 1 Sora — 4 ~ — — — 2 — ~ 4 5 Common Gallinule — 1 American Coot 47 100 13 12 — 51 189 6 10 2 4 Seraipalmated Plover 100 2 — — — — — 2 Killdeer 20 49 25 44 37 8 20 24 I5 10 24 Am. Gold. Plover 46 Blk. -bellied Plover 1 American Woodcock — 3 5 3 5 1 6 2 — — 2 Common Snipe — 7 1 1 8 — 4 10 1 5 28 Spotted Sandpiper 12 17 2 20 2 1 6 4 2 4 9 Solitary Sandpiper 7 19 2 61 4 — I3 5 6 5 8 Greater Yellowlegs 14 53 — ■ 1 — — 1 1 — 16 7 Lesser Yellowlegs 21 9 — 6 — ~ 7 2 2 9 4 Pectoral Sandpiper 35 — — 5 — — 1 — — 1 2 Wht.-rmp. Sandpiper 5 — — — — — — — — — — Least Sandpiper 60 5 — — — — -5 3 — 6 10 Dunlin 4 — — — — — — — — — Dowitcher(sp. ?) 6 — — 1 — — — — — Stilt Sandpiper 1 Semipalm. Sandpiper 5^ Western Sandpiper — — — — — — 2 1977 THE MIGRANT 91 Herring Gull Ring-billed Gull Forster's Tern TernCsp.?) Least Tern Reel Nash Murf Leb Cook HR Chat Knox Gree King Eli 9 __ — 2 — — ~ 1 6 19 “ 19 — " 51 — ~ 1 8 5 — — 2 — — — — — 5 29 Black Tern 15 1 Rock Dove 1 94 — 52 2 1 52 87 26 45 57 Mourning Dove 50 204 51 159 229 19 95 212 85 29 -159 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 24 14 2 5 1 — 1 4 — 1 1 Black-billed Cuckoo 5 1 Barn Owl 8 2 1 1 5 Screech Owl — 4 — 42 5 — 5 2 — 5 7 Great Horned Owl 2 2 2 50 — 1 — — 1 — Barred Owl 10 11 — 22 — — 4 5 — — 2 Chuck-will ' s-widow — 2 — 41 — __ 4 12 ” 2 2 Whip-poor-will 27 4 56 4 2 2 4 Common Nighthawk 7 6 16 54 — 2 7 5 — 8 8 Chimney Swift 55- 521 156 96 49 14 145 266 82 88 152 Ruby-th. Hummingbird 42 16 __ 5 2 — 15 5 — — 5 Belted Kingfisher 2 19 6 7 — 2 9 9 1 7 15 Common Flicker 15 47 50 5 56 5 11 57 10 17 58 Fileated Woodpecker 15 22 5 4 8 6 11 11 5 8 6 Red-bel. Woodpecker 48 87 14 15 57 7 16 24 6 15 8 Red-hd. Woodpecker Yel-bel. Sapsucker 50 9 5 2 11 5 5 4 5 — 4 “ ” 5 ” 1 1 Hairy 'Woodpecker 5 15 4 6 9 __ 1 5 1 2 2 Downy Woodpecker 50 56 6 2 19 5 11 20 4 8 15 Eastern Kingbird 20 74 24 56 14 11 18 24 5 10 14 Great Cr. Flycatcher 55 26 7 15 1 2 14 8 4 8 21 Eastern Plioebe 2 17 6 7 15 — 5 8 5 5 21 Acadian Flycatcher 28 10 5 1 2 Willow Flycatcher 1 11 Least Flycatcher 4 2 EmpidonaxCsp. ? ) 10 3 Eastern Wood Fewee 56 20 1 10 2 “ 9 5 — 1 5 Olive-sided Flycatcher 2 Horned Lark 18 4 8 1 1 5 Tree Swallow 8 68 — 4 1 — 1 12 110 Bank Swallow 1 6 2 — — 5 — — 2 — Rough-winged Swallow 6 59 8 27 5 8 45 52 8 'i5 58 Barn Swallow 70 290 45 141 127 85 106 126 126 54 206 Cliff Swallow 1 550 2 15 264 4 i\irple Martin 55 92 190 10 45 17 49 80 4 191 66 Blue ,Jay 18 220 94 94 147 56 55 196 41 46 155 Common Crow 40 157 60 47 82 50 48 98 58 46 178 Fish Crow 5 Carolina Chickadee 60 158 42 19 55 24 59 86 22 42 70 Tufted Titmouse 40 158 15 24 55 16 51 69 19 27 51 Wht.-br. Nuthatch 2 14 1 6 25 8 5 1 4 5 Red-br. Nuthatch __ 1 " — 1 1 6 “ 2 1 Brown Creeper 2 2 House Wren 1 7 1 2 - 2 10 14 24 Bewick' s Wren — 4 1 2 2 Carolina Wren 15 95 12 4 51 * 44 84 17 20 57 Long-b, Marsh Wren 2 — 6 1 — 2 Short-b. Marsh Wren 1 1 __ 1 Mockingbird 15 175 71 64 56 55 40 168 56 46 70 Gray Catbird 10 55 22 6 7 — 12 22 6 15 51 Brown Thrasher 8 95 51 44 45 16 27 71 26 55 22 American Robin 8 277 171 98 161 64 56 505 69 90 256 Wood Thrush 18 115 8 25 27 11 41 51 12 42 150 Hermit Thrush 1 1 Swainson's Thrush 16 59 1 6 1 1 Gray-cheejced Thrush 4 1 — 1 — Veery 6 5 5 2 1 “ 1 4 Eastern Bluebird 5 105 16 57 45 11 25 66 14 10 51 Blue-gr. Gnatcatcher 85 76 2 15 17 5 72 42 7 11 42 Golden-cr. Kinglet 1 Ruby-cr. Kinglet — 5 — 2 1 — 1 5 — 1 5 Water Pipit 9 1 — Cedar Waxwing 18 2 54 5 7 Loggerhead Shrike 10 24 6 10 5 5 5 2 5 1 Starling 72 496 IM 114 250 C 215 5.5M 500 127 802 Wht.-eyed Vireo 62 174 5 12 56 2 61 59 10 21 25 Yellow-thr. Vireo 7 10 1 4 19 10 — 5 4 92 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Reel Nash Myrf Leb Cook HR Chat Knox Gree King Eli Solitary Vireo 1 1 1 3 2 35 Hed-eyed Vireo 55 96 15 3 57 6 72 89 2 75 76 Philadelphia Vireo 1 1 — . 2 Warbling Vireo 21 15 — 2 5 Black-&-Wh. Warbler 11 9 1 2 2 1 9 18 2 8 45 Prothonotary Warbler owainson's Warbler 80 51 5 3 — — 14 6 — — 1 11 1 Worm-eating Warbler — 21 — 1 1 — 4 18 — 9 8 Golden-wg. Warbler — 1 1 1 1 — — . 5 Blue-wg. Warbler 2 49 5 5 — — 1 Tennessee Warbler 70 64 6 1 2 1 21 35 3 Orange-cr. Warbler 5 — — 2 Nashville Warbler 8 41 5 1 — — 1 10 1 — — No. Parula Warbler 40 19 — 1 1 2 2 — 1 25 Yellow Warbler 6 71 8 34 11 2 28 58 1 35 41 Magnolia Warbler 10 5 1 1 1 1 1 Cape May Warbler 1 2 — 1 — 1 14 7 — 1 5 B 1.-th. Blue Warbler 2 1 — , 1 28 Yellow-rmpd. Warbler 128 107 16 5 4 17 68 249 2 41 38 Bl.-th. Green Warbler 14 11 — 2 — 8 21 — 2 25 Cerulean Warbler 14 27 1 1 17 5 — 5 Blackburnian Warbler 10 1 — 1 — — 1 4 — 5 Yellow-thr. Warbler 14 17 — 1 2 — . 35 — — 2 14 Chestnut-sd. Warbler 11 — 5 — 1 2 7 1 1 44 Bay-br. Warbler 2 1 2 1 — 1 Blackpoll Warbler 65 27 1 1 8 1 11 51 1 1 Pine Warbler — 2 3 5 3 — 6 — , — , 1 3' Prairie Warbler — 75 4 19 22 4 50 44 6 11 12 Palm Warbler 1 51 1 14 — 5 12 1 — 2 1 Ovenbird 6 5 L 4 12 2 5 25 — 28 92 Northern Waterthrush 6 4 1 __ 1 4 1 La. Waterthrush 5 15 1 2 3 — 5 — — 4 15 Kentucky Warbler 25 41 — 25 4 2 29 12 — 51 14 Mourning Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 40 177 30 71 58 5 35 107 20 29 23 Yellow-br. Chat 15 89 5 22 4 __ 42 32 7 18 12 Hooded Warbler 6 8 1 12 2 11 51 1 10 28 Wilson's Warbler 5 1 Canada Warbler 3 2 — 1 1 American Redstart 12 8 — — 21 “ 35 2 6 11 House Sparrow 149 117 75 59 29 62 67 35 95 ■ Bobolink 510 22 28 72 9 — 12 — Eastern Meadowlark 60 582 150 266 215 56 57 269 98 75 159 Red-winged Blackbird c 524 279 427 402 551 130 2M 73 87 230 Orchard Oriole 80 120 28 3i 10 11 27 20 4 10 18 Northern Oriole 45 12 6 6 1 7 9 2 6 Rusty Blackbird 51 2 — 7 2 Common Grackle c 622 150 259 601 c 95 1.8M 266 101 600 Brown-hd. Cowbird 80 249 50 258 69 19 23 695 17 25 40 Scarlet Tanager 11 25 1 1 2 5 10 21 1 28 31 Summer Tanager 21 54 5 20 18 4 19 8 1 20 2 Cardinal 52 428 170 192 192 51 64 257 76 59 172 Rose-br.. Grosbeak 28 40 2 19 1 3 26 47 2 6 17 Blue Grosbeak 6 18 — 6 — 11 12 — , 5 Indigo Bunting 160 200 22 296 14 — 92 86 11 54 21 Bickcissel 250 4 2 Purple Pinch — — 4 — 4 5 American Goldfinch 25 502 19 12 79 23 45 50 45 31 95 Rufous-sided Towhee 5 255 60 57 48 15 57 144 26 25 97 Savannah Sparrow 6 87 — 5 ” 7 15 — 12 Grasshopper Sparrow 6 1 15 11 16 2 1 Vesper Sparrow Bachman's Sparrow — 1 — 1 1 — , 1 ' Dark-eyed Junco — 1 — — 3 — 1 20 Chipping Sparrow 5 64 22 9 62 8 16 24 1 9 34 Field Sparrow Harris ' Sparrow 25 155 28 166 78 7 29 72 24 46 91 1 Wht.-cr. Sparrow 10 58 37 65 6 9 12 24 5 5 5 Wht.-thr. Sparrow 7 167 47 18 106 40 58 247 27 13 51 Fox Sparrow 2 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 4 Swamp Sparrow 5 42 — — 9 — 8 6 — 7 Song Sparrow 3 10 2 4 49 1 58 186 51 49 185 Species , Total Species, Grand Total OsGommon; M<*1000 157 216 161 98 138 101 84 161 153 87 126 145 1977 THE MIGRANT 93 HIGHLAND RIM — 23 April, 65-70°. Orange-crowned Warbler and Brewer’s Blackbird deleted, no details. CHATTANOOGA — 30 April, 1 May, cloudy with rain, 57-73°, Jim and Francis Barnwell, Gary and Chris Bayne, Jon and Nancy DeVore, Lil Dubke, Daniel Jacobson (compiler, Rt. 1, Box 477, Wildwood, Ga. 30757), Lemuel Jacobson, Janet Phillips, J. Stone, Bruce Wilkey, Roger Woodruff. The Bachman’s Sparrow was seen and heard by Lil Dubke and Daniel Jacobson. KNOXVILLE — 1 May, 59-79°, Howard Chitwood, Mary Dawn Collins, Linda Duley, Bob Ely, Dottie Ely, David Gaylor, Monica Hollenbeck, Mary Jo Hoover, J. C. Howell, Beth Lacy, Chester Massey, Morton Massey, Allison McNutt, Bill McNutt, Gary Muffly, Betsy Ann Murphv, Louise Nunnallv, Holly Overton, J. B. Owen (compiler — 293 0 North Hills Blvd., Knoxville 37917), Polly Ryder, Bill Searles, Boyd Sharp, Bill Simpson, Mary Simpson, Mike Sloan, Alan Smith, Johneta Smith, Louis Smith, Clara Lee Wodtke, Ralph Zaenglein. GREENEViLLE — 1 May, cloudy, 59-79°, Gary Foshie, Mr. and Mrs. King Gaut, Barbara Gorse, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nevius (co-compilers — Rt. 6, Greeneville 37743), Doug Ratledge, John Waddell. KINGSPORT — 1 May, overcast 65°, Fred Alsop, III (co-compiler, Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill 37642) Ben Begley, Lois Carpenter, Marcia Davis, Dedee Eiklor, Tom Finucane, Bill Kappa, Tom Laughlin, Rick Phillips (co- compiler— Kingsport Univ. Center, Biology Dept., University Blvd., Kingsport 37665), Ann Switzer. The Peregrine Falcon was seen by several observers and believed to be an adult male. ELIZABETHTON — 3 0 April, John Adams, Donna Adams, Martha Dillenbeck, Helenhill Dove, Glen Eller (compiler — ^Rt. 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabeth ton 37643), Harry Farthing, Sally Goodin, Lois Herndon, Joy Kyle, Richard Lewis, Richard Lura, John Martin, Carolyn Martin, Debbie Range, Pete Range, Glenn Swofford, Gary Wallace. Correction: The Migrant 48:31, 1977. The Red-billed Grebe in The 1976 Christmas Bird Counts Table should be listed as Pied-billed Grebe. [VoL. 48, 1977] 94 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER HENRY SIMON DINKELSPIEL The Society, and especially the members of the Memphis Chapter, lost a dear and valued friend, in the passing of Henry Dinkelspiel, September 20, 1977. He had been chapter treasurer the past seven years and with his wife, Helen, joined the Society in 1957. “Dink” was born February 17, 1907, in Memphis and attended public schools there. He earned a B.S. at the University of Michigan and a second in chemical engineering at North Carolina State University. He was elected to Tau Beta Pi (honorary engineering scholastic). He made the swimming team at each and at the latter won seven Conference gold medals. He then worked briefly in Elizabeth, N. J. and at Kraus Cleaners, Memphis, in the dyeing department. Becoming office manager in 1941 for Wurzburg Brothers, a prominent Mad-South packaging firm, he was drafted as a salesman, which was his calling until retirement, in 1975. In 1974, he won city wide recognition as the Outstanding Salesman in Memphis, by the Purchasing Agents Association. On June 10, 1939, he married Helen Baum, who survives him. He leaves his son, Robert, his adopted son, Harry Danciger, and four grandchildren, all worthy of Helen and “Dink.” All are active members of Temple Israel, Memphis. “Dink” was an Eagle Scout and attended Chickasaw Council’s summer camp near Hardy, Arkansas, in the foothills of the Ozarks, 1921-28, serving on the camp staff. These experiences and a great love of the outdoors, later shared with Helen at his side, greatly influenced the lives of both. His sons followed in his footsteps as Eagle Scouts and staff members at the Kamp Kia Kima which is on the South Fork of Spring River. Vacations were spent by Helen and “Dink,” camping along the South Fork. In 1954, they bought a wooded tract, upstream from the Camp, and near Saddle, Arkansas, and next year, completed a summer cabin. Birders and other friends enjoyed their hos- pitality there. At home, each served as officers of the Chapter and attended most of the hikes and many state meetings. They attended the Audubon Camp in Maine, made a birding tour of Jamaica, later, Trinidad and the Guianas, and also birded twice in England. His enthusiastic presence was felt on every hand and he led a full life. We miss him. Ben B. Coffey, Jr., “Coffey Grounds,” Memphis 38107. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 95 ROUND TABLE NOTES THE STATUS OF THE CHEROKEE LAKE HERONRY IN 1976— On the afternoon of 1 July and morning of 2 July 1976, I visited the Cherokee Lake Heronry on the property of Dave Bishop (36°18'2 5"N; 83°20'17''W) in Grainger County, Tennessee. The purpose of my visit was to determine the exact size of the colony in order to monitor its future growth or decline. I have found that estimates of nest numbers in heron colonies are usually too low often as low as one fifth of the number that is actually present. I marked each nest-tree and counted each nest. There were 3 02 Black- crowned Night Heron {Nycticorax nycticorax) nests in 139 trees; one nest in each of 62 trees, two nests in each of 34 trees, three nests in each of 19 trees, four nests in each of 10 trees, five nests in each of 11 trees, six nests in 1 tree, and seven nests in each of 2 trees. An additional eight nests had fallen to the ground. Most nests were in pine (Pimis sp.) trees, but a few were in dogwoods {Cornus sp.) and other deciduous trees. It would be Impossible to say how many of these nests were active in 1976, but from the eggshells and feces be- neath the nests, I had the impression that most had been active. I found 51 dead immature birds In the colony; 37 were lying on the ground, and 14 were hanging in trees. These birds ranged In age from almost flight stage to downy young. Bishop told me that a few weeks earlier he had seen about 50 dead and dying young on the ground after a cold rain. The dying birds had had body temperatures as low as 70°F. I saw one live young, too small to fly, on the ground In the evening of 1 July. I placed this bird on a branch of the tree under which it was found. The next morning I found the bird dead exactly where I had placed it. Apparently, birds which fall and cannot climb back into their nests, or to the tree tops are no longer cared for by the adults. On 1 July from the top of a pine tree near the colony, I counted 20 adult birds and 161 Immatures perched mostly in the tops of the nest trees. Ob- viously, many birds were not visible to me at that time. Also, some birds were not present; since both adults and immatures were constantly entering and leaving the colony, primarily by a route to the southeast over the lake. A squabble over tree top positions generally resulted between incoming and al- ready perched birds. Several times I saw immature birds force mature herons from a tree by jabbing with their beaks while spreading their wings for balance. Bishop remarked that he did not understand why birds that could not get along together any better than night herons would want to nest close together any- way. There was a constant din in the colony from the squawk of adults and the cack-cack of young. An artificial earthworm was found hanging beneath one nest. From the odor, I judged that it had been swallowed and regurgitated by a heron. I collected several skeletons of immatures (MDW :^598 - :^604) and the skeleton (MDW :^597) of an adult which had died after flying into a wire. I also collected four infertile eggs (MDW ^563 - :^565) from three nests and a quantity of eggshell fragments (MD'W #566). In addition to the night heron nests, there was one active Cattle Egret {Biibulctis this) nest. On 1 July I saw two young egrets (Figure 1) climbing [VoL. 48, 1977] 96 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER about the dogwood tree in which their nest and four night heron nests were placed. I waited in the top of a nearby pine tree for the adult egret to return. Shortly, the bird arrived overland from the west. The young egrets, which were perched in the top of the tree, quickly returned to the nest platform when the adult arrived. The adult regur- gitated food to the young. The adult bird was in typi- cal breeding plumage but had an abnormal growth protruding from its right tarsometatarsus. The young birds had white plumage and dark feet, legs, and bill. On 2 July, I saw two adult had been two nests in 1975 and that seven young had been reared. These are the first breed- ing records of this species for Eastern Tennessee. After leaving the heronry, I contacted Lester Cody in Morris- town who had seen night herons on the south shore of Cherokee Lake in Hamblen County. Cody showed me a pine plantation (36°16'27"N' 83° 17'40"W) where I found five Black-crowned Night Herons, but no nests. There were many Common Crow (Corvus brachyrhynihos) nests and two Green Heron {Butorides striatus) nests. One of the heron nests was empty, and one contained four downy young. I am grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Dave Bishop for their help during my visit on their property and to Lester Cody for his help. I thank Monty Halcomb and Paul Sommers, Jr. for their comments on the manuscript. Morris D. Williams, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916. Present address: Department of Zoology, Louisiana State Uni- versity, Baton Rouge, LA 70893. BLACK-HOODED PARAKEET IN SUMNER COUNTY— On 7 August, 1976 at 18:20 as my wife. Dot, and I were leaving Green’s Lake near Gallatin, Dot heard a series of harsh, rasping shrieks. At about the same time, a rather large bird, approximately 12 to 14 inches long, flew out of a row of hackberry {Celth occidenfalh) trees about 150 meters ahead of us. The bird’s flight was erratic, somewhat like that of a Common Nighthawk, {Chordeiles minor') and it was being harrassed by a smaller bird. The larger bird disappeared be- hind the row of trees, then reappeared and lit in a hackberry tree near the place where we first saw it. We had followed the bird in flight with 7x3 5 Bushnell egrets in the colony. Bishop thought that two pairs were nesting. He told me that there Figure 1. Young Cattle Egrets in a heronry on Cher- okee Lake in Grainger County, Tennessee on 2 July 1976. [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 97 binoculars and realized that we were totally unfamiliar with this bird. When the bird lit, we were able to look at it with our 20-45x60 Bushnell spotting scope. The light was extremely poor in the late afternoon with a very heavy cloud cover, so details were difficult to observe. However, we noted the size, a long, pointed tail, and large, black, parrot-like beak. The large head was black, the back was green, and the primaries and tail appeared dark or black. The beak was used in climbing about the limbs of the tree in exactly the same way parrots use their beaks to climb about in cages. The bird was very shy and we were never able to get closer than approximately 100 meters nor were we able to see its’ breast and belly. After about 10 minutes, the bird eluded us completely and disappeared in a row of trees bordering a nearby pond. Obviously, this bird belonged to the parrot family. Since the Monk Para- keet (Myhpsitta monachm) was the only bird we had heard of that was about this size and was nesting in some parts- of the U.S., we concluded that it was probably a Monk Parakeet. We returned home, called Pat Stallings in Nashville to notify birders there, and started searching for information about the Monk Parakeet. We found a description by Helen Dinkelspiel {Migrant 44:82) and one by Gardiner Bump {American Birds 26:567). We, also, found a black-and-white picture on page 342 of Paul Hamlyn’s The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Birds. The descriptions fit the picture but neither picture or descriptions fit the bird We had seen. If it was not a Monk Parakeet, what was it? The following morning at 05:45, I returned to the place where we last saw the bird, hoping for a better look. After searching the area until 08:5 5, I finally heard the bird shrieking about 3 50 meters south of where we had lost it the previous afternoon. The shrieks came from a wild cherry tree {Brunus serotina) growing beside the road. When I tried to approach the tree, the bird flew out the opposite side, giving me only a tantalizing glimpse. For the next 45 minutes, I followed the bird from tree to tree, up and down the road, but heavy foliage and the shyness of the bird prevented me from getting more than an occasional glimpse. Finally, at 09:42 the bird stopped to feed on wild cher- ries and I was able to approach to within approximately 1 0 meters. For the next 5 minutes, I had an unobstructed view of the bird as it moved about on the ends of limbs, eating wild cherries. The light was excellent with the bright morning sun behind me. My optical equipment was Bushnell 7x3 5 binoculars. I noted that our observations of the previous afternoon were mostly correct. However, at this time I was able to see the entire bird. I noted that the neck and body were green, dark green above and paler green below. The tail and primaries appeared dark blue-green and were somewhat irridiscent. The feathers on the tibia were bright red. The bird was not banded. All the feathers were clean and sharp with none showing any signs of wear. I returned home, called Nashville again and reported that the bird was not a Monk Parakeet and that we did not know what it was. A short time later, Michael Lee Bierly called to tell me there was a color picture of a Monk Parakeet on page 49 of the May, 1974 issue of Audubon Magazine. I told Mike that the bird was not a Monk Parakeet and described it [VoL. 48, 1977] 98 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER to him. He immediately identified it as a Black-hooded Parakeet (Nandayus lien day) . There is a color painting of the Black-hooded Parakeet on page 51 of the same (May, 1974) issue of Audubon Magazine. The accompanying article, "Polly want an apple?” by John Bull and Edward R. Ricciuti, states that flocks of between 20 and 200 Black-hooded Parakeets were seen in the vicinity of Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Also, that the Black-hooded Parakeet has es- tablished a colony of perhaps eight individuals in Loma Linda, a suburb of San Bernardino, California. Pat Stallings and Daniel Jacobson saw the bird the afternoon of 8 August. Their sighting differed from ours in that they drove directly to the bird, were able to observe it at close range in good light and were impressed by its tame- ness. Hearing of this, we returned later, hoping to photograph the bird. Again, we only had brief glimpses of a very wild bird moving through tree tops. The bird finally disappeared, moving north along Brown’s Lane, and was not seen again. Carol Knauth, in her "Wing Tips” column in the Nashville Banner, asked for any information about this bird but had no response. A check of the Nash- ville area pet shops revealed that Jones Pet Shop was the only shop that had sold any of these birds and they had not sold any recently. They felt sure that the bird had not escaped from anyone in the Nashville area but suggested that we check with Dr. Arthur G. Bond of Nashville who raises parakeets. Dr. Bond had had no reports of an escaped bird. Both Jones and Dr. Bond expressed the opinion, based on my description and the fact that no escape had been reported, that the bird had probably been free for a long time. We have not been able to find any reports of Black-hooded Parakeets flying free in Tennessee. Paul Crawford, Route 4, Gallatin 37066. NOTES ON TWO BARN OWL NESTS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE — On 20 May 1973, I visited two Barn Owl {Tyfo alba) nests in Johnson City, Tennessee. The first nest was in the parking lot of the Moose Lodge (36°20'84"N; 82°2l'48"W; Elev. 492m). The nest was about 15m up in an oak {One reus sp.). The tree had its top broken out, and it was hollow for about 3m down to the level of the nest (Figure 1). Cars were parked on the paved lot around the tree, and a busy street, Lakeview Drive, was only 6m away. The nest contained five young. Three of the young were old enough to have prominent facial discs. The young birds made a hissing noise which sounded like air escaping under pressure. The birds stuck their tongues out as they hissed, first on one side of their mandibles and then on the others. A few times the hissing stopped briefly, but it soon resumed with all five birds hissing in unison. The birds also snapped their mandibles a few times. The nest cavity smelled strongly of ammonia, which reminded me of Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon) burrows that I have examined. I collected four pellets from the parking lot below the nest. They contained remains of the following animals: 2 Short-tailed Shrews {Blarina brevicauda) [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 99 Figure 1. Five young Barn Owls, Johnson City, Tennessee, 20 May 1973. 1 Least Shrew {Cry plot is paw a) ; 1 Eastern Harvest Mouse {Keithrodontomys humiilis)\ and 4 voles {Microtus sp). The second nest was five kilometers due south of the first nest in a secluded woods on the East Tennessee State University campus (36°18'08"N; 82°2l'- 42"W; Elev. 566m). The nest was 18m up in a large hickory {Carya sp.). Most of the tree was dead, and the thick dead bark made climbing treacherous. The top of the tree was hollow and part of the side was rotted away at the level of the nest. I found only one young bird in the nest (Figure 2). It was larger and more aggressive than the young in the other nest, and unlike the other young, this bird made a noise simi- lar to the scream of an adult owl. When I came near the bird, it pressed against the rear of the cavity, flapped its wings, and screamed. From the ground surrounding the nest, I collected a small bag (1 liter) of pellets. Many of these pellets had been weathered and were no longer intact. They contained remains of the following 128 animals: 24 Short-tailed Shrews; 1 Least Shrew; 2 Eastern Harvest Mice; 1 Cotton Rat {Sigiitodon hispidus) ; and 97 voles. In addition, parts of three birds were found in the pellets. These bird skeletons agree closely with Common Crackle {Otdscalcus rpuscula) skeletons, however, I have too few reference skele- tons to positively identify these prey items. T Both nests were visited during the afternoon. No adults were seen at either Figure 2. Young Barn Owl, East Ten- nessee State University Campus, 20 May 1973. nest. [VoL. 48, 1977] 100 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER 1 1 I thank Glen Eller and Richard Lura for providing me with directions to ! these two nests. Morris D. Williams, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916. Present Address: Department of Zoology, Louisiana State Uninversity, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70893. BOOK REVIEW A FIELD GUIDE TO THE NESTS, EGGS AND NESTLINGS OF BRIT- ISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS. Colin Harrison. 1976. Quadrangle/The New York Times Book Co., New York. 432 p., 64 color plates, many line drawings. $12.50. This book gives a detailed and illustrated account of the entire nesting cycle for the 588 species of birds that breed in Europe, the Mediterranean basin and the adjacent Atlantic islands. Information for the identification of nests, eggs, and nestlings is given. The text then describes for each species its breed- ing season, eggs, incubation, nest, nestlings, nesting habitat and nesting period. The book is well illustrated with line drawings of nests, 145 color paintings of nestlings by Philip Burton and 730 eggs photographed at near life-size. There is much information contained in this book and even though it deals with European birds it is still useful as a reference text. Gary O. Wallace [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 101 THE SEASON Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor NESTING SEASON: 16 MAY -31 JULY This report is filled with the records of the nesting of many species across Tennessee. Some are worthy of special attention because of the scarcity of the species as a breeder in the State. Ospreys were successful in fledging young for the first time in several years at the Watts Bar Lake site. A small nesting colony of Bank Swallows was observed at Austin Springs near Johnson City. Evidence of the nesting of a Spotted Sandpiper in the Buena Vista marsh is provided by the banding of a young bird there. The Black-crowned Night Heron colony in the Bordeaux area had 50-75 nests this year. Red-breasted Nuthatches brought young to a feeding station in Knoxville and Least Terns again nested on islands in the Mississippi River. Several additional species with small breeding populations in Tennessee in- clude two Red-cockaded Woodpeckers on the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area and a Bachman’s Sparrow at the nearby Peavine exit of 1-40 near Cross- ville. Lake Sparrows were found near Lebanon in the Central Plateau and Basin and in Hardin County in the Western Coastal Plain. Unusually large numbers of Little Blue Herons were seen in the Dyersburg area at a roost. Active birders and nest hunters were presented many interesting challenges by those species that were present during the nesting season and that would establish new nesting records for the area — if only their nest or some hard evidence of it and its contents could just be found. For the fifth consecutive year Upland Sandpipers were lingering at the Metro Airport in Nashville. A Veery was singing in the mountains in Campbell County from mid-May through most of June. Bobolinks were seen in mid-July in Hawkins County in upper East Tennessee. But, perhaps the most frustrated birders of the season were those whose sport took them to the boreal forests of Roan Mountain. There Olive-sided Flycatchers, Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Red Crossbills were found singing in mid-June as if they were on more northern breeding grounds without providing any more evidence than their presence and their songs that they were actually nesting in this high corner of Tennessee. Many transient species provided unusual records and exciting moments for the T.O.S. members who spotted them. A new state record came in the form of a Snowy Plover seen by many over a period of several days at the Gallatin [VoL. 48, 1977] 102 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Steam Plant in the Central Plateau and Basin. The White Ibis must be the "bird of the month” with an invasion of this southern species in July into all the reporting regions except the Eastern Mountain. Wimbrels were found at Austin Springs and are among the most outstanding of the many shorebird records from across the State that, in addition to those listed above, included American Avocets in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. Wilson’s Phalaropes were seen in the preceding region and in the Central Plateau and Basin. Bald Eagles were observed in June on Norris Lake north of Knoxville. The reader should note the many late and unusual passerine records, especially those of several warbler species, that with some effort and a little luck might prove them to be nesting in new locations in Tennessee. Several wintering populations were rep- resented by individuals that for reasons unknown lingered long after their cohorts had departed. One of the latest of these was a White-throated Sparrow singing on 28 June at Old Hickory in the Central Plateau and Basin. These are but a sampling of the many exciting records in the pages that follow. They relate a season that has passed but raise many questions that bird- ers in every region of the State may seek an answer to in the nesting seasons to come. WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION~The Western Coastal region has experienced a drier than usual summer with temperatures registering above the ninety degree mark for a record number of days. We are grateful for the regular and extensive work of W. Glen Criswell in middle west Tennessee along the Mississippi River. An addenda for the spring season should be noted: Hooded Warbler: 29 Mar (1) M (LCC, HBD), 1 Apr (1) M (BBC). The dates are the earliest mentioned in The Migrant for the Western Coastal Region. Ibis-Tern: WHITE IBIS: 26 Jul (2 imm) thru 3 0 Jul, 3-4 Aug (4) on roost, D (WGC). LITTLE BLUE HERON: mid-Jun to 31 Jul (500-1,000 mostly adults, about 33 pied), 29 Jul (205 imm) on roost, D (WGC). Blue- winged Teal: 31 May and 6 Jun (1) Miss R, near Heloise (WGC). Ring- necked Duck: 29 May (1) and 27 Jun (1) Miss R. bar at Hopefield (JGH). Mississippi Kite: 3 Jul (7) Dyer Co. (WGC). Semipalmated Plover: 31 May thru 1 Jun (1) Miss R, near Heloise (WGC). Black-bellied Plover: 24 Jun (1) Miss R. bar at Hopefield (JGH). Lesser Yellowlegs: 24 Jun (1), 27 Jun (1), 30 Jun (1), 20 Aug (1), Miss R. bar at Hopefield (JGH). Short-billed Dowitcher: 23 Jul (1), 20 Aug (1), Miss R. bar at Hopefield (JGH). The dowitchers were in summer plumage. Semipalmated Sandpiper: 4 Jun (26) HNWR (RW, BBC). Herring Gull: 6 Jun (1) Miss R. near Heloise (WGC). LEAST TERN: 14 Jun (14), 1 nest with 3 eggs, 19 Jun (10), 2 more nests, eggs and chicks. Miss R. near Heloise (Island 20) (WGC). Sieallow-Sparrow: Tree Swallow: 13 Jun (2) Miss R. near Heloise, 19 Jun 5 white eggs (WGC). Bank Swallow: 24 Jun (2) Miss R. bar at Hopefield (JGH). Cliff Swallow: 19 Jun (2 in nest), HV (BBC, LCC). Swainson’s Warbler: 11 Apr thru 31 Jul (1) M (BBC), 6 May (2) Roellen, TN (BBC, LCC), 19 Jun (1) S (BBC, LCC). Worm-eating Warbler: 25 Jun (1) SFSP (BBC) . Pine Warbler: 21 Jun (5) DC (BBC, LCC). Prairie Warbler: (3 scat- tered) 19 Jun Saulsbury north to Van Buren, 20 Jun (5 separate) NW Hen- derson Co., 21 Jun (2 separate) Mt. Carmel (BBC, LCC). LARK SPARROW: 18 Jun (1) H (MEC, CR), 15 Jul (1) Roellen, TN (WGC). [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 103 Locatiom: D — Dyersburg; DC — Decatur County; HNWR — Hatchie Na- tional Wildlife Refuge; Hopefield — west of Mississippi River, due west of down- town Memphis; H — Hinkle, TN northwest Hardin County; HV — Hickory Valley; M — Memphis; S — Saulsbury; SFSP — Shelby Forest State Park. Observers'. MEC^ — ^Mrs. Ed Carpenter; BBC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr.; LCC — Lula C. Coffey; WGC~W. Glen Criswell; HBD— Helen B. Dinkelspiel; JGH— James G. Holt; CR — 'Charles Rollins; RW — Richard Whittington. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis 3 8117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Shorebird observations dominated the reports; included were the first state record of the Snowy Plover, and evidence of at least one nest of Spotted Sandpipers. Upland Sand- pipers were again found in July. The presence in late June of a Yellow-rumped Warbler and a White-throated Sparrow is possibly due to injury or hormone imbalance. Loon-Sandpiper: Common Loon: 27 May (1) OHL (SWF); 1 Jul - 8 Aug (1-2) PPL (MLB, MLM). DOUBLE -CREST ED CORMORANT: 20-21 May (3) GSP (DPC). Little Blue Heron: 13-24 Jul (2-5) LPG (DPC). Great Egret: 15 Jun (1) LPG (DPC). Black-crowned Night Heron: 50-75 nests in Bordeaux Heronry (MLB). WHITE IBIS: 19-31 Jul (2) L (JS, Harold Stan- ford). Black Duck: 13 Jul (1) LPG (DPC). Gadwall: 13, 17 Jul (1) LPG (DPC). Blue-winged Teal: thru period (1-2) LPG (DPC). Am. Wigeon: 6 Jun (1), 29-30 Jun (2) LPG (DPC). Wood Duck: 5 Jun (2 females with 9 young); 9 Jul (10) PH (DRJ). Ruddy Duck: 18 May (1) LPG (DPC) latest ever by 2 days. Black Vulture: 6, 9 Jul (2 young photographed at nest) Bethpage (PC). Sora: 16 May (1) LPG (DPC). American Coot: thru period (1-2) G (DPC). Semipalmated Plover: 21 May, 5 Jun, 8 Jun, 9 Jul (1) PH (DRJ). SNOWY PLOVER: 19-25 May (1) GSP (DPC) first state record. Black-bellied Plover: 2 5 May (6) GSP; 12 Jun (1) GLG (DPC). Am. Wood- cock: 19 May (2 singing) GSP (DPC, MPS) latest singing by 7 days. Com- mon Snipe: 10-31 Jul (1) LPG (DPC). Upland Sandpiper: 15-16 Jul (1) MAP (MLM); 31 Jul (5) MAP (DRJ, MPS). SPOTTED SANDPIPER: 20 May (1-banded) 2js (JHR) ; 5 Jun (1) PH (DRJ); 19 Jun (1 ad., 1 yonng banded) BV (MLB) only one area nesting record prior to this year. Solitary Sandpiper: 9 Jul (2) PH (DRJ). Lesser Yellowlegs: 5 Jun, 9 Jul (1) PH (DRJ). Pectoral Sandpiper: 9 Jul (1) PH (DRJ). White-rumped Sandpiper: 6 Jun (8) G (DPC). Baird’s Sandpiper: 2 5 May (3) GLG, 3 Jun, 3 Jun (3) LPG (DPC). Least Sandpiper: 21 May (3), 9 Jul (15) PH DRJ). Short-billed Dowitcher: 23 Jul (1, calling) L (DPC, JS). Long-billed Dowitcher: 10 Jul (1, calling) LPG (DPC, Diane Wilson) . Stilt Sandpiper: 10 Jul (1), 13 Jul (8) LPG (DPC). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 21 May (4), 9 Jul (2) PH (DRJ); 10 Jul (4) GLG (DPC) . Western Sandpiper: 3 Jun (18) G; 13 Jul (1) LPG (DPC).SANDERLING: 21 May (1) PH (DRJ). WILSON’S PHALAROPE: 23-24 Jul (1) LPG (DPC). Gull-Sparrow: Ring-billed Gull: 8 Jun (1 adult) OHL (MLM). Forster’s Tern: 10 Jul (1) BV (MLB). BLACK TERN: 9 Jul (8) PH (DRJ). Great Horned Owl: 4 Jun (1) GBBS (DRJ). Red-headed Woodpecker: 4 Jun (1) Bon Air (DRJ). Willow Flycatcher: 21 May (1 banded) 2js (JHR), 29 May fVoL, 48, 1977] 104 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER (2 singing) Hunter’s Point (DPC), 18-22 Jun (1 singing) BV (MLB). Horned Lark; 21 May (1) PH, 4 Jun (1) GBBS (DRJ). Bank Swallow: 25 Jun (1,000) Cheatham Dam (Tom Harston, RJM). Golden-winged Warbler: 22 May (1) RL (MLB). Blue-winged Warbler: 21 May (1) May’s Prairie, Coffee Co. (DRJ). Yellow-rumped Warbler; 18 May (1) RL (KAG), 28 Jun (1) Nashville (MLM). CHESTNUT -SIDED WARBLER: 4 Jun (1) Bon Air, Coffee Co. (DRJ). Pine Warbler: 25 Jun (3) Cheatham Dam (Tom Harston, RJM), 10 Jul (1) Cheatham Dam (MLB). Connecticut Warbler: 22 May (1 banded) 2js (JHR). Mourning Warbler: 28 May (1) BS (KAG). Dickcissel: 4 Jun (1) GBBS (DRJ) low number. Grasshopper Sparrow: 4 Jun (8) GBBS (DRJ). LARK SPARROW: 30 May (2 adults, nest with 3 eggs) north of Lebanon (DRJ, DPC, MPS). WHITE-THROATED SPARROW: 28 Jun (1 singing) Old Hickory (SWF). Song Sparrow: thru season (7 sing- ing) BV (MLB), 4 Jun (2) GBBS (DRJ). Locations: BS — Basin Springs; BV— Buena Vista; G — Gallatin; GBBS — Glen Breeding Bird Survey; GLG' — Green’s Lake, Gallatin; GSP^ — Gallatin Steam Plant; L — Lebanon; LPG — 'Lewis’ Pond, Gallatin; MAP — ^Metro Airport; OHL — ^Old Hickory Lake; PH — ponds near Hillsboro; PPL — Percy Priest Lake; RL — Radnor Lake; 2js^ — Two Jays Sanctuary. Observers: MLB — Michael Bierly; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; PC— Paul Crawford; SWF — Sally and William Fintel; KAG — Katherine Goodpas- ture; DRJ — ^Daniel Jacobson; MLM — ^Margaret Mann; RJM — Rocky Milburn; JHR — ^John and Heather Riggins; JS — John Sellars; MPS^ — ^Pat Stallings. Corrigendum: Vol. 48, page 18: Red-necked Grebe was observed 31 Oct.- 2 Nov., not 13 Oct. - 2 Nov. David Pitts, Biology Dept. UTM, Martin 3 823 8. Editor’s Note: Starting with the March, 1978 issue of The Migrant (Fall Migration Report of The Season) Mike Bierly will be the compiler for the Central Plateau and Basin Region. Please forward your observations to him at: 2415 Crestmoor Road, Nashville, TN 37215. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— For the first time in several years the Osprey fledged young from a nest on Watts Bar Lake. Bank Swallows nested successfully at Austin Springs and Red-breasted Nuthatches were ob- served with young at a Knoxville feeder. Near Amnicola Marsh the Yellow- crowned Night Heron occupied the same nest for the fourth consecutive year. Two Whimbrels at Austin Springs constitute the first record for the region and the sixth record for the state. At Chattanooga, Swainson’s Warblers were found in good streamside habitat well into June. A large flock of White Ibis seen flying over Lookout Valley in late July signaled an invasion of this species. Loon-Scatip: Common Loon: 23 May (2) SB (KLD); 29 May (1) Ft. Loudon Lake (PSP). Pied-billed Grebe: 15 Jun (1) AS (DL) ; 26 Jul (4) SB, HRA (KLD). Great Blue Heron: 11 Jul (4) PB (RAP). Little Blue Heron: 3 Jul (1) Sevierville (RAP, TFL) ; 22-31 Jul (2-6) SB (KLD). Cattle Egret: 2 Jul (1) PB (RAP, FJA). Great Egret: 7, 8 Jun (1) CHG (GLB) ; 6-31 Jul (1-4) SB, HRA (KLD). Black-crowned Night Heron: 12 Jul (1) [Vol. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 105 CHG (GLB). YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON: 6 Jun (1 adult, 1 young at nest) CH (KLD). Least Bittern: 18, 23 May (nest/ 5 eggs) AM (DRJ, JED); 30 Jul (1) AS (LRH, GW). American Bittern: 16 May (1) AM (KD). WHITE IBIS: 20 Jul (1 imm.) Little Tenn. River (Bob Jones fide AS) ; 22 Jul (flock of 2 5 adults and imms.) Lookout Valley on Tenn.-Ga. Line (LMJ). Mallard: 18 May (nest/ 8 broken eggs) AM (DRJ, JED); 21 May (nest/ll eggs) Da (LMJ). Blue-winged Teal: 14 Jun (2) AM (KLD); 18 Jun (1) Delano (JED). Wood Duck: (Female with 15 young, female with 13 young) KP (RAP). Redhead: 6 Jun - 2 5 Jul (1 male) Upper Boat Ramp, ChD (KLD, et al). Lesser Scaup: 12 Jun (1) NL (JED). Yulture-Bhalarope: through period (28) PB (RAP, TEL). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 19 Jul (1) SCo (TEL). Cooper’s Hawk: through period (1) PB (RAP). Broad-winged Hawk: 14 May (nest/ 3 eggs), 4 Jun (nest/3 young), 13 Jun (nest/2 young) Da (LMJ), 23 May (nest/ 3 eggs — abandoned 30 May) KP (EJA). BALD EAGLE: 5 Jun (1), 16 Jun (1 imm.) NoL (JCH). OS- PREY: 7 Jun (1) BL (DD); 13 Jun (1) Chickamauga Lake (AS, PP); 3 young fledged from Euchee Light nest. Watts Bar Lake (Donald A. Hammer fide KD). PEREGRINE FALCON: 7 Jun (1) AS (DD). King Rail: 16-23 May (1) AM (KLD, et al). American Coot: 6 Jun - 31 Jul (1-5) SB, HRA, ChD (KLD). American Woodcock: 18 May (2 peenting, no flight song noted) AM (KLD, DRJ). WHIMBREL: 4 Jun (2) AS (SG, MD, JW, VC). Spotted Sandpiper: 22 May (1) HRA (GLB). Solitary Sandpiper: 9 Jul (1) SJP (ES). Greater Yellowlegs: 22 Jul (1) HRA (KLD). Lesser Yellowlegs: 17 May (4) AB (KLD); 21 Jul (1), 30 Jul (18) HRA (KLD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 17 May (2) AS (MD, SG) ; 19 Jul (1) AS (DL). Least Sandpiper: 17 May (10) AB (KLD); 26 Jun (1) AM (DRJ, MPS) ; 21 Jul (10) HRA (KLD). Short- billed Dowitcher: 30 Jul (2, BCN), 31 Jul (1, BCN) SB (KLD). Stilt Sand- piper: 30 Jul (4) SB (KLD). Semlpaimated Sandpiper: 23 May (5) AM (KLD); 30 Jul (4) SB, HRA (KLD). Western Sandpiper: 17 May (1) AB (KLD); 28 Jul (2) SJP (DL)'. AMERICAN AVOCET: 19 Jun (2) AS (DD). WILSON’S PHALAROPE: 30 Jul (1) HRA (KLD). Tern-Yireos: Caspian Tern: 14 Jun (1) AS (DL). Barn Owl: 17 May (nest/4 eggs) KP (RAP, TEL); 20 May (5) AM (RBW). Chuck-wills- widow: 19 Jul (1 singing) KP (TEL). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 1, 2 Jul (1 adult, 2 young fledged from nest on patio basket hanger) KCo (GM, JBO, Mr. and Mrs. David Holcomb). RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER: 4 Jun (2) CWMA (DRJ, MPS). Acadian Elycatcher: 5 Jun (1) Tracy City, JBBS (DRJ). Willow Elycatcher: through period (6-7) AS (DL, DD); through period (5), 12 Jul (nest/ 3 young) SCo (RAP); 20, 21 Jun (1) SB (KLD); 19, 26 Jun (2) AM (DRJ, LMJ) . Horned Lark: 31 May (1) Lovell Eield, CH (DRJ). Tree Swallow: 30 Jul (8) PB (RAP, TEL). BANK SWALLOW: through period (14 active nest holes, young fledged early Jul) AS (Elizabethton TOS); 30 Jul (12) PB (RAP, TEL). CLIFF SWALLOW: 7 Jun (1 nest among barn swallow nests) Bull Run, Anderson Co. (GM) ; 13 Jun (41) south of Bean Station (AS, PP); 24 May (18 nests) Poor Valley Ck. Bridge (20 nests) Clouds Creek Bridge, Hwy. 11-W, Hawkins Co. (RAP, EJA); 24 May (59 nests) Hugh B. Day Bridge, Rogersville (RAP, EJA) ; 25 May (22 nests) Muddy Creek Bridge, Sullivan Co. (RAP, TEL). RED-BREASTED NUT- [VoL. 48, 1977] 106 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER HATCH: 16 May- 15 Jun (2 adults present, nested successfully) K (Louis and Johneta Smith, JBO, GM). BEWICK’S WREN: 22 May (1) Pea vine (JMC, JCH, GM) ; 4 Jun (1) Crossville (DRJ, MPS). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 18 May (1) AM (DRJ). Swainson’s Thrush: 26 May (1) JC (SG). VEERY: 16 May; 2, 17, 2 5 Jun (1 singing) Cross Mtn., Campbell Co. (AS). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 10 Jun (nest/ 3 young) KP (RAP). Cedar Waxwing: 9 Jun (2) Flintstone, Ga. (DRJ, et al). SOLITARY VIBJEO: 4 Jun (2) CWMA (DRJ, MPS). Warbling Vireo: 17 May (2) SJP (DL) ; through period (1-3) PB (RAP). Warhlers-Sparrows: SWAINSON’S WARBLER: 21 May- 18 Jun (1-2 singing regularly along Lookout Creek) RR (KLD). Worm-eating Warbler: 10 Jun (nest/4 young) BMP (RAP, FJA). Golden-winged Warbler: 5 Jun (1) JBBS (DRJ). Blue-winged Warbler: 5 Jun (1) JBBS (DRJ). Magnolia Warbler: 16 May (1) JC (DL). CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER: 19 May- 4 Jun (1 male singing, same location as 1976) Point Park (KD). Bay-breasted Warbler: 22 May\l) TRG (LD, DRJ). Blackpoll Warbler: 2 5 May (1) JC (HD). Palm Warbler: 22 May (1) HR A (GLB). Northern Waterthrush: 21 May (1) AS (DL). Kentucky Warbler: 2 Jun (nest/4 young) BMP (FJA, RAP). Canada Warbler: 22 May (1) TRG (LD, DRJ). BOBOLINK: 22 May (65) HRA (GLB); 15 Jul (7) GY (RAP, Tom Phillips fide TFL). Orchard Oriole: last 26 Jul (2) HRA (KLD). Northern Oriole: 20 Jun (2 adults, feed- ing young) Norris Dam (Gordon Hall, Carson Brewer, JBO, FO). Scarlet Tanager: 21 Jun — end of period (1) K (PSP). Summer Tanager: 8 Jul (nest/ 3 young) KP (RAP, TFL). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 22 May (3) TRG (LD, DRJ). Blue Grosbeak: throueh period (3 nesting pairs) PB (RAP, FJA, TFL). DICKCISSEL: 21 May (1) Blount Co. fTCH); 22 May (6) HRA (KLD); 4 Jul— end of period (4) GV fRAP, TFL, fide FJA); 18 Jul (2) HRA (KLD). Grasshopper Snarrow: 22 Mav O) HRA rGLBD 4 Jul — end of period (3) Church Hill rRAP, TPL). BACHMAN’S SPARROW:' 22 Mav (1) Pea- vine fJMC, TCH, GM). Whlre-throated Sparrow: 17 Mav (1) AS (DL) ; 9 Jul (1) Sienal Mtn. (Lloyd and Betty Anderson). Swamp Sparrow: 30 May (2) AS(DD). Additional symbol used: BCN — -By call note Locations: AB — Armstrong Bend; AM — -Amnlcola Marsh; AS — Austin Springs; BMP — Bays Mountain Park; BL — Boone Lake; CWMA — Catoosa Wildlife Manaecment Area; CH — Chattanooea; ChD — Chickamauga Dam; CHG — ^Coooer Heights. Ga.; Da — Dans; GV — Goshen Valiev, Hawkins Coun- ty; HRA — ^Hiwassee River Area: JBBS — Jasner Breedine Bird Survey; SJP — St. Johns Pond: JC — ^Johnson City; KP — Kinvsport; KCo — Knox County; K — ^Knoxville; NL^ — Nick^iack Lake: NoL — Norris Lake; PB — Phipps Bend; RR — Reflection Riding; SB — Savannah Bay; SCo — Sullivan County; TRG — Tennessee River Gorge. Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsoo; GLB — Gary L. Bayne; JMC — Jim Camp- bell; VC — Virginia Curtiss; JED — Jon E. DeVore; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; DD — Deril Dixon: HD — Helenhlll Dove; KD — Ken Dubke; KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke; LD^ — Lil Dubke; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee R. Herndon; JCH — ^J. C. Howell; DRJ — Daniel R. Jacobson; LMJ — Lemuel M. Jacobson; TFL — Tom F. Laughlin; DL — Dick Lura; GM— Gary Muffly; FO^ — ^Frances Olson; [VoL. 48, 1977] 1977 THE MIGRANT 107 jBO~J. B. Owen; PSP— Paul S. Pardue; RAP— Rick A. Phillips; PP— Pete Poulis; ES — Ed Schell; AS— Alan Smith; MPS- — Pat Stallings; GW — Gary Wal- lace; JW — Jane Whitehead; RBW — Bruce Wilkey. Daniel R. Jacobson, Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, GA 3 0757. Correction: The Migrant 48:21, 1977. Season Report, Eastern Ridge and Valley Region reads as follows: Long-billed Marsh Wren: 1 Aug - 3 Sep (1) SB (KLD) ; 14 Sep - 3 Oct (1) AS (ETOS). It should read: Long-billed Marsh Wren: 8 Sep - 23 Oct (1-5) AS (ETOS); 3 Oct (1) CL (JMC). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 1 Aug - 3 Sep (1) SB (KLD); 14 Sep - 3 Oct (1) AS (ETOS). EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION^ — The area’s weather picture was di- vided into two separate periods. The end of May and early June were much wetter than normal and then from the middle of June through July it was very hot and dry. June and July had many days with the temperature in the nineties, which is uncommon for the area. The weather seemed to have no adverse affect on the nesting process with all noted species having very good results. Several species raised two and sometimes three broods. Some unusual high altitude reports were made during June and July which are very interesting and warrant further investigation. Very few accipiter re- ports were noted and could be an interesting pattern to follow in coming r^portintg periods. Warbler nesting results were good, with some less frequently found species being observed at late dates which should prompt the search for actual nests of these species. Grebe-Owl: Pied-billed Grebe: last, 27 May (1) E (GE). BufBehead: 1 bird spent entire summer on WibL (ETOS). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 14 Jun (1) E (LRH), 16, 29 Jun (1) RM (ES). Cooper’s Hawk: no sightings reported??? Osprey: last 5 Jun (1) WatR (HE). Wild Turkey: 4 Jun (1) IM (GS). American Woodcock: 18 Jun (1) E (LRH, GE). Spotted Sandpiper: last 17 May (1) WatR (GE, HE). Black-billed Cuckoo: second year in a row that we have had no sightings in this area. Barn Owl: 2 sites in area produced young. Great-horned Owl: 25 Jun (1 killed) WatR (fide GW); 5 Jul (1) MC (RL). Woodpecker-Thrush: Red-headed Woodpecker: 19 Jun (1) RM (RP, TL). Acadian Elycatcher: 12 Jun (1 nest with 3 young) Laurel Pork (RP, TL, PA). OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER: 17, 19 Jun (1) RM (RP, PA). Horned Lark: 18 Jun (2) and 20 Jun (7) RM (ES). Raven: 1-4 regular on RM and IM throughout period and 3 Jul (5) GSMNP (RP, TL). Black-capped Chick- adee: 3 Jul (2) GSMNP (RP). Swainson’s Thrush: last 25 May (1 singing) E (GE). Warbler-Sparrotv: Swainson’s Warbler: 1-2 regular throughout period in RCP (GS, SG et al). Golden-winged Warbler: abundant above 2,5 00 feet on RM; 9 Jun (1 nest with 4 eggs) RM (PA). Cerulean and Blackburnian War- blers: 3 Jun (1 each found singing) WatL (GW, John Martin, Rick Knight, ES, LRH) nesting}}} Blue Grosbeak: 2-3 pair in Eliz area and 31 Jul (2) GSMNP (RP, TL). PURPLE FINCH: 16, 19 Jun (1-2 singing) RM. (RP, PA). Pine Siskin: 16, 17, 19 Jun (2-4) RM (RP, PA); 10 Jul (3) RM (DL). Red Crossbill: 16, 19, 22, 25 Jun (6-20) RM (RP, PA, GE, DL) ; 3 Jul (6) GSMNP (RP, TL). Vesper Sparrow: 13, 18, 20 Jun (1-6) RM (ES). [VoL. 48, 1977] 108 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Locations: E — Elizabethton; GSMNP — Great Smoky Mtn. National Park; IM — ^Iron Mtn.; MC — Milligan College; RCP-— Rock Creek Park (near Erwin) ; RM — Roan Mtn.; WatL — Watauga Lake; WatR — ^Watauga River; WibL — Wilbur Lake. Observers: FA — Fred Alsop; GE — Glen Eller; HE — Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee Herndon; DL — Dick Lura; RL — Richard Lewis; TL — ^Tom Laughlin; RP — Rick Phillips; ES — ^Ed Schell; GS — Glen Swofford; GW— Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. "Wanted: Any information concerning Goshawk sightings in the Southern Appalachian Mountains including Western North Carolina and Eastern Ten- nessee. Of particular interest are any sightings between 1 May and 3 1 August. Please include notes on elevation and habitat, and the age status of the bird if possible. Send reports to Michael Tove, Dept, of Biology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, N. C. 28723.” [VoL. 48, 1977] 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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 1974 Foray: Grundy County. Kenneth H. and UlUan H. Dnhke .... 81 Annual Autumn Hawk Count. Thomas W. Ftnucane 86 1977 Spring Field Days. Richard D. Lura 89 Henry Simon Dinkelspiel. Ben B. Coffey, Jr 94 Round Table Notes The Status of the Cherokee Lake Heronry in 1976. Morris D, Williams 95 Black-hooded Parakeet in Sumner County. Paul Crawford 96 Notes on Two Barn Owl Nests in Washington County, Tennessee. Morris D. Williams 98 Book Review A Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of British AND European Birds. Gary O. Wallace 100 The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, 111 101 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 102 Central Plateau and Basin Region. David Pitts 103 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Daniel R, Jacobson 104 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 107 Illustrations by Fred /. Alsop, III lARCH, 1978 VOL. 49, 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 1915 A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization. EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 ‘THE SEASON’’ EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, TN 37642 “STATE COUNT COMPILER” RICHARD LURA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 PRESIDENT KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN PAUL PARDUE Rt. 23, Box 93A, Beechwood Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN SANFORD McGEE P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MARTHA WALDRON 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE EAST TENN WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH 7916 Jenkins Dr., Knoxville, TN 37921 MIDDLE TENN MICHAEL FILSON 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 WEST TENN MRS. JOHN LAMB Lake Rd., Dyersburg, TN 38024 CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 SECRETARY BRUCE WILKEY 106 Palisades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 TREASURER RAY JORDAN Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.50; Life, $100.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Fanaily, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contribu- tions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. 49 MARCH, 1978 NO. 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW ( Passer cuhis saridtvichensis) NESTING IN UPPER EAST TENNESSEE Fred J. Alsop, III The discovery of the nest and eggs of a Savannah Sparrow (Passercidns sandwichensh) on 2 July, 1973, established this species as a breeding summer resident in Tennessee. Not only does the Hawkins County nesting extend the known breeding range of the sparrow more than 200 miles further south, but it changes its previously designated status in Tennessee of migrant and winter visitor considerably. The presence of Savannah Sparrows in a dry hayfield in June, long after they should have departed for nesting areas north of the State was detected by the author as I sought to locate a nest of the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ainmo- dramus savannarhm) for photographic purposes. On 23 June I was walking through the field and watching the Grasshopper Sparrows make their short erratic flights as I approached them, when I noticed one bird that had flown to a perch on a bordering fence was different from the others. A look through the binoculars showed it to be a Savannah Sparrow. I was most surprised to find the bird here, in East Tennessee, at such a late date and decided it must be a straggler which had been unable to migrate northward. The next day, the 24th, I again saw a Savannah Sparrow in the same field. The bird was also present on the 26, 27, and 28th of June. I was still seeking the Grasshopper’s nest on the 29th of June when I flushed the Savannah once more, but this time there were two more with it. From a distance of no more than 75 feet I saw three Savannah Sparrows, all in adult plumage, sitting on the barbed wire fence. By this time I had spent more than 3 0' man-hours in this field of approximately 70 acres and had seen only a single Savannah and had never heard an individual sing even one song to announce its presence. The same day I found the Grasshopper Spar- row’s nest and the Savannahs were temporarily put aside. On 2 July I walked out to the blind on the Grasshopper’s nest following the tracks of my car which I had taken through the field on the 29th to carry the camera equipment to the nest site. A sparrow flushed from beneath my feet and flew to a nearby perch. It was an adult Savannah. A short search in the grass near my feet produced a nest holding three eggs. The bird had been incubating on the nest which lay squarely between the 4'6" track of my car! The incubat- ing bird and eggs were present the next two days, 3 and 4 July. On 7 July there were three young birds in the nest that looked to be two to three days old. I set up a photographic blind eight feet from the nest and spent several hours photographing the young as they were being fed. The nest was similarly [VoL. 49, 1978] 2 THE MIGRANT MARCH watched and photographed the next day. On both days only one adult was seen to be feeding the nestlings. That this was, indeed, the case was denoted by the physical appearance of the bird, the rather long time between feedings, and that though many hours were spent near the nest I never detected two birds simul- Savannah Sparrow, photographed 7 July 1973, Hawkins Co., Tenn. by Fred J. Alsop, III, at its nest with three young — 3 days old. First known nesting record for Tennessee. taneously. Tom Bowman, a Bays Mountain Park naturalist, and I banded the nestlings on 10 July (bands 56-360, . . 25, and . . 27). On 17 July the nest was empty, but an adult Savannah Sparrow perched in open view and "scolded” me when I walked 5 0 feet east of the nest. I spent approximately 20 minutes looking for the young fledglings without success with the adult chip- ping at me the while. I repeated the efforts to find some trace of the young birds on the next day, but again, only found and was chipped at by the adult. On 21 July I located the adult, which again began chipping, and this time I flushed a short-tailed young Savannah Sparrow. The fledgling was put to flight three times, each trip carrying it 60 to 100 feet. The band on the leg could be clearly seen. In the entire period of over 90 man-hours spent in the field with the two sparrow species and hearing hundreds of songs of the Grasshopper Spar- row and other grassland species, at no time did I detect a single song of the Savannah Sparrow. The nest was on the ground and well concealed by a cover of grasses ap- proximately 10-12 inches high. It was of poor construction being built of loosely interwoven grasses and lined with fine grass. The nest was four inches in diameter and the cup measured 1^ inches deep. The major cover species around the nest and in the field was Orchard Grass (Dactyl is glomerata L.) . Additional surrounding vegetation included: Wild Stonecrop (Seduin ternatum) ^ Canadian Burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis) ^ Red Clover (Tri folium pratense) , Horse-nettle (Solanum carolineme) , and Creeping Wood-sorrel (Oxalis corni- culata) . Other' passerine species nesting in the same field were the Grasshopper Sparrows already mentioned. Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelams phoeniceus) and Eastern Meadowlarks (Stiirnella magna). [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 3 Geographically, the nest was located E. 82°42'45" and N. 36°30'3 0" in Hawkins County, Tennessee, on McPheeters Bend south of the Holston River. The property belongs to L. J. Blankenbecler of Kingsport, and lies approximately 1.5 air miles south of Church Hill, Tennessee (9 air miles WSW of Kingsport). The nest was in a hayfield 400 feet west of Goshen Creek and 800 feet north of River Road at an elevation of 1150 feet. The Holston River bounds the field on the north. The A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds, Fifth Edition (1957) gives the southernmost breeding limit of Passercultis sandwichensis savanna (Wilson) as ". . . south to northwestern and central Ohio (Toledo; rarely Co- lumbus), West Virginia (Maxwelton), western Maryland (Accident). . . .” The Check-list is obviously out-of-date as the following accounts will indicate. Chandler Robbins (personal communication) says, "Our Breeding Bird Survey (1970) shows the species as regular in Garrett County, Maryland, and there is also one spot in the Hagerstown Valley of Washington County that regularly picks up a few individuals of this species at an elevation of 620 feet ... as a result of intensive field work we have found that the Savannah Sparrow nests regularly at higher elevations in both Montgomery and Howard County.” George A. Hall (personal communication) states he has summer records for the bird as far south as Nicholas and Greenbrier Counties in West Virginia, but he has no nests for these (Maxwelton is in the latter county). "The southernmost actual nest that I (Hall) have record of is in northern Pocahonaas County. This would appear to be about 2 50 airline miles NE of Bristol.” Burt Monroe, Jr. (personal communication) gives the following information about the bird in Kentucky, "Although no nests yet found. Savannah is now widely distributed in summer in parts of Oldham and eastern Jefferson counties near Louisville and considered as a regular summer breeder now.” Fred R. Scott (personal communication) reports that the first nesting record for the species in Virginia was found two weeks before mine on 16 June 1973 in Highland County. The nest, found by Robert L. Ake, his son John, and Wavell Fogleman, contained four young ready to fledge. The Virginia site is approximately 200 airline miles northeast of the Hawkins County, Tennessee site. In an additional note regarding the status of the bird in Maryland, Robbins, with reference to Montgomery and Howard Counties, says, ". . . this bird is well established in these counties at elevations of 500 feet and more; there are also a few records in western Montgomery County down to 320 feet elevation. If we apply the rule that 200 feet difference in elevation is equivalent to 1 degree of latitude, we would expect Savannah Sparrows to nest in suitable habitat in eastern Tennessee at elevations of 1000 feet or more. Your bird is probably in the 1200 to 1400 foot range and so would fall within the expected elevation. Accordingly, I would expect that further field work in the Kingsport area would show Savannah Sparrows to be much more widespread there than your single first nest would suggest.” My own field experience, heretofore, with Savannah Sparrows in Tennessee had indicated what others had said of its status in the State was correct; it is regarded as a migrant and a winter visitor. This status is reflected in the follow- ing citations: G. R. Mayfield (1931) October-April; open fields, grassy fields, and damp cut-over meadows. A. F. Ganier (1933) abundant to common tran- [VoL. 49, 1978] 4 THE MIGRANT MARCH sient; common to fairly common winter resident. B. P. Tyler and R. B. Lyle (1933) rather rare winter resident; found in open country. B. P. Tyler and R. B. Lyle (1934) no record for the species in the summer within the 30 mile radius of Johnson City covered by their paper. L. R. Herndon (1950) fairly common spring and fall migrant, 14 March- 13 May and 21 Sept.- 13 Nov. J. B. White (1956) uncommon migrant. J. C. Howell and M. Monroe (1957) winter resident, 16 Sept. -20 May. A. Stupka (1963) uncommon spring and fall transient; uncommon winter resident. H. E. Parmer (1970) winter resident; fairly common in migration; uncommon to sometimes rare in winter; 4 Sept. (28 Sept.- 8 May) 28 May. Most birds will still be found in Tennessee during the periods listed above, but what is the real status and scope of the population that may be nesting in Upper East Tennessee? LITERATURE CITED A.O.U. CHECK-LIST OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS, FIFTH EDITION. 1957. The American Ornithologists’ Union. A. F. Ganier. 1933. A Distributional List of the Birds of Tennessee. Tennessee Department of Game and Fish. George A Hall. 2 5 July 1973. personal communication. Dept, of Chemistry, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, W.Va. 26506. Lee R. Herndon. 195 0. Birds of Carter County. The Migrant, 21 (4):57-68. J. C. Howell and M. Monroe. 1957. Birds of Knox County: The Journal of Tenn. Acad, of Science, 32 (4) :247-322. G. R. Mayfield. 1931. Field Notes on the Sparrows of Tennessee. The Migrant, 2(3):16. Burt Monroe, Jr. 26 July 1973. personal communication. Dept, of Biology, Univ. of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. 40208. H. E. Parmer. 1970. Birds of the Nashville Area. 3 800 Richland Ave., Nash- ville. Chandler S. Robbins. 27 July 1973. personal communication. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Laurel, Maryland 20810. F. R. Scott. 8 Aug. 1973. personal communication. 115 Kennondale Lane, Richmond, Va. 23226. A. Stupka. 1963. Notes on the Birds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Univ. of Tenn. Press. B. P. Tyler and R. B. Lyle. 1933. Winter Birds of Northeastern Tennessee. The Migrant, 4(3) :29. B. P. Tyler and R. B. Lyle. 1934. The Nesting Birds of Northeastern Tennes- see. The Migrant, 5 (4) :49-57. J. B. White. 1956. Birds of Greene County, Tennessee. The Migrant, 27(1) :3-8. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS My appreciation is extended to George Hall, Burt Monroe, Chandler Rob- bins, and Fred Scott for giving me up-to-date information on the status of the Savannah Sparrow in their states. My thanks also to John Warden, E.T.S.U. Biology Dept., for his help in the identification of the vegetation listed in this note. Department of Biology, Kingsport University Center, East Tennessee State University, University Ave., Kingsport 37660. Accepted 8 Nov. 1976. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 5 THE 1977 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Richard D. Lura The twenty counts across the state this year produced 13 8 species, tying the 1971 count. The species seen this year provide a wide spectrum of bird life, ranging from such northern species as White-winged Crossbills, Evening Gros- beaks, and Tree Sparrows to the White-eyed Vireo, which is making its first appearance on a Christmas Count. Details of the observation are in the files of the editor. The Carolina Wren and Eastern Phoebe populations, which were down 40 percent according to the 1977 Spring Counts, are virtually at their previous Christmas Count numbers. As is the custom, the counts are tabulated from west to east across the state. INFORMATION OF THE COUNTS MEMPHIS — 18 Dec.; 06:45 to 17:00; clear; temp. 43 to 63°; wind SW, 5-15 mph; 29 observers in 12 parties; 102 party hours (84 on foot, 18 by car); 164 party miles (63 on foot, 101 by car). John T. Bingham, David R. Brown, Richard Caldwell, Fred T. Carney, Mrs. Ed Carpenter, Greg Charbonnet, Ben B. Coffey, Jr. (compiler — 672 North Belvedere, Memphis 3 8107), Lula Coffey, Julian Darlington, Mary Davant, Fred Dickson, Helen Dinkelspiel, John H. Embury, Wm. B. Fowler, Jr., Skip Fowler, Russell A. Jones, Allan R. Larrabee, W. C. McDaniel, George Payne, Jr., Ernest Restive, Alice Smith, Arlo Smith, Noreen Smith, Richard Taylor, Howard H. Vogel, Jr., Martha Waldron, Wendell L. Whittemore, W. Rowlett Whittemore, Richard L. Whittington. Six of the Snow Geese were of the Blue form. One of the Red-tailed Hawks was of the "Harlan’s” race. REELFOOT — 23 Dec.; 05:30 to 16:30; mostly cloudy, temp. 31 to 43°; wind SW, 10-20 mph; 11 observers in 5 parties; 46 party hours (21 on foot, 2 5 by car) ; 348 party miles (3 8 on foot, 309 by car). Ben Coffey, Lula Coffey, Guy Hogg, James Holt, Don Manning (compiler — 103 Stonewall Circle, McKenzie 3 8201 ), George Payne, David Pitts, Charles Rollins, Alice Smith, Arlo Smith, Noreen Smith. The Golden Eagle was an immature. Thirty-eight of the Bald Eagles were immatures. The White-eyed Vireo was seen by David Pitts. DOVER — Dec.; 06:30 to 14:30; clear; wind 15-30 mph; 4 observers in 1 party; 68 party miles (1 on foot, 67 by car). Collier Goodlett, Dianne Sexton, John Sexton (compiler — ^Route 1, Dover 37058) , Gary Wallace. The Bald Eagle was an adult. [VoL. 49, 1978] 6 THE MIGRANT MARCH rJ ^ I I I o I I I •H I I I I KN Pi I I I I FP •H VD 00 O I H ClHKNCO I lA •H rH I iX) (/I H P o 0 Q 01 HH PQ CO < s H CO t— I X o K K ON P-l X cCOLNlA I ^ iH CV I Xi hPOJCO H •rl CM rA 4H >1 I ^ I CO oil I A- O lA I fA. I CM CM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NDA 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ro A 1 KN 1 1 1 I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 A A 1 1 1 1 LA 1 1 1 t> 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NDA 1 1 1 1 A 1 1 1 CM 1 1 CN 1 LCD 1 1 CAA 1 CNA 1 LA 1 CM A O 1 f—H 1 1 A 1 A 1 CM 1 1>- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 OCM 1 1 1 1 A 1 1 1 O 1 1 1 1 OLD 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 CA 1 1 1 1 , 1 CM 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 A 1 00 1 1 A COMA 1 1 ACM 1 1 1 CTn 1 1 1 l>- 1 1 CA 1 1 1 1 1 A 1 I lA I • CO I o o o I CD<^ CM iH i-l CD iH CO H rH rP CNCD CO >H I IN CO I CA I CA ^ I CM 4- (N I CM I H I lA I CM O lAiAS; O LAA i-H A O LAM CA O I LAC^ I 0 14- I A rA A I A H A HHhA (D4-t<'srAO LA I I H C'J O O LAA O CO A CD HlDAIOO AIM4-CA I H I A I A H H CO LA I tAA I l>- lD CAH H CO I I I lACA o a ^ tc c ID p o POP 05 E ID ID PA tifiXiO O 0) (D O ID O P M 73 l-P O M • rH •H PFp C! A ^ O O ID I I D> S P A E p ID M 0) O O -H ^1 P o tn lp Q o +5 +3 A -p ID C -P hO-H W O ID M fp O p PA O CD hD d ID A (P • X P O ctl d P O -H nd ID m I p d CD 0) • ID d p p M a <0 D D FP d O A d d 03 O 03 A d p > Fto FLO o D CO r.O CLiD 03 3 CO Ad P d 03 3 03 n O A A w 3 03 d 03 O O 3 A I-l CO o n o 03 03 03 03 03 d d d d A m d ho 03 ho b.n p bnnn; p p 03 03 OLA A d P 03 03 o n p A A a I •H A o a A A 3 O O 03 3 CEIA 0« 34 03 A 3 p 03 3 n*! d 3 P d 3A P 3A d A p A A 3 A . 03 > 3 A 03 A > to- A I P d 03 A CD 03 P A o p n I P d d o A 3 A A o 03 A FP CO O FP 34 P 3 P d 03 03 A A 03 bO 03 A A • d A 3 A 13-3] bn d d A d A d A dtp o 03 03 A A I A A 03 p A A A p 03 03 o d d a A D A S to Q> O c5 . . _ U U ^ B o d c6 u d CO d 'd'-3 d d 0) s e w d i 0 CO Or-i o o WWfPOO (D -H o o d 3 d d d -H 0) CO PQ 3 pq o d ^d 42 CO 72 d (0 O z: d -H CO « •H 4:i d * 4:) +:> 42 d » rM ^ 3 d • o co o d to O d d e 1-2 z; t5 P2 <2 [VoL. 49, 1978] 8 THE MIGRANT MARCH d rt 1 vD 1 1 1 1 tA 1 1 1 1 1 tA 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 LD 1 O 1 1 CM LACM CM 1 , 1 O 1 1 tA 1 1 tA , 1 hTN IN O 1 II CEi 1 1 CM 1 1 1 1 1 IN 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 P 1 CM 1 1 1 ' 1 LD 1 ' 1 1 ' 1 I A w •H 1 O VD H 1 CM 1 a 1 1 N- 1 1 INH 1 1 1 a p 1 O O LD C 1 O 1 1 CO 1 , 1 CA 1 P P 1 CAA p 1 LD tA 00 d 1 H 1 1 rH 1 1 1 1 CM 4 1 1 1 LA 1 CAO tAP 1 CO 1 1 1 LD 1 A 1 A O 1 tA LA m P p tA IN •H Ei- rA >Xi 0^ 1 CM H S 1 H tA 1 1 LD CD 1 1 1 tAP 1 CAK'CA 1 1 INtA 1 4 1 1 CO I 1 A 1 CAP tAOO P »H CM iH 1 rH CM 1 VD 1 1 CACM 1 1 1 4 INP 1 1 O 1 P 1 1 4 1 1 CO 1 CA 1 1 P IN w rH P P P tA OJ bO d rH o fArH 1 r^LDa 1 1 tA 1 1 tALA IN 1 1 O 1 1 CALALA 1 LD4 1 1 CA OJ 1 1 IN 1 1 IN 1 tA.CO p 1 1 A 4 •H I-I rH 1 tA 1 1 tA 1 1 PO CM 1 1 LA 1 1 CM PLA 1 CO 1 1 CM p 1 1 tA 1 P P 1 1 to. CO W CM rH iH p P P P tA P (1) a> H CD tAcD 1 CM tA4 1 1 4 ( 1 CM IN 1 1 1 tA 1 1 lD tA4 I 1 CA , 1 1 tA 1 1 tA 1 CAtA 1 1 A A U 1 CM LA 1 1 CM 1 1 O 1 1 1 1 1 LACM LA 1 I p 1 1 1 1 A 1 P 1 1 A LA C5 CM P P S CM r-l 1 CNH [A 1 1 1 1 lAlA 1 1 1 1 1 1 LA4 P 1 CM IN CM 1 IN , 1 1 4 1 1 LD 1 tAA LD , CAA P CO rH CM CM 1 O CM 1 1 CM 1 1 LAIN 1 1 1 1 1 1 tAININ 1 00 1 4 1 1 CA 1 1 00 1 p P A LD ei rH IN P P CM A LD A X O 1 (T'lAH 1 OLOa 1 1 4 1 P P LA 00 IN 1 ININ 1 LD 1 CA 1 OtA 1 1 P CA 1 1 CO 1 1 LD 1 LALD A , 4 IN d 1 CM CM 1 4 tA 1 1 LA 1 CT'LD LD 1 P LA 1 00 1 O 1 K'.CA 1 1 LD CM 1 1 tA 1 1 LD 1 PCO 00 P P CM IN A d S iH LACJ^^Ar^ tc vD CD 1 1 CM rH 1 O LD IN 1 I O 1 1 O 1 LD 1 lDCM I 1 LA 4 1 1 4 1 4 LD 1 P tA A , 4 O CO •H rA lA CM CO 1 1 tA 1 P IN IN 1 1 LA 1 1 CO 1 P 1 IN 1 1 tA tA 1 tA 1 CO 1 P P O tA 00 W rH CM A PP -P d CM O CM CO D- lAlAa 1 1 CA4 1 O tA LDLD 1 a p 1 CM tA4 1 tA.CD 1 1 P 1 1 PCA 1 1 CA 1 lD la LA 1 P lD o ^ rH H rH 1 1 1 tAlA lD P 1 LA 1 4 ININ 1 IN 1 1 LD 1 lD I 1 LA 1 4 IN4 CA O iH CM tA P P 4 A rH p O 1 CO 1 1 1 1 1 O 1 1 1 1 1 INCO O 1 I a o 1 CACAlD I 1 4 1 1 LA I ( 1 CA 1 INO 1 LDcr. 1 1 1 IN tA O 1 III CJ) 1 1 O 1 1 CO 1 1 1 CM CA CM 1 1 LALD 1 4 p tA 1 1 4 1 1 CM ' 1 1 lD I (A 1 CO 1 * 1 LA 4 xi a bC 1 CO 1 1 1 1 lACN 1 1 1 1 1 LACM O 1 1 a o CM IN 1 1 A' 4 1 1 IN 1 1 CA 1 LDP 1 1 LA IN •H 1 00 1 1 1 1 >11 1 1 1 lACA LA 1 1 INLA 1 CC tAO 1 PLD 1 1 tA 1 1 LD 1 1 P 1 4 IN 1 LD CM CM tA p p d X 1 A 1 K\ 1 CAlAvD 1 1 rH 1 1 lACA aa 1 a a 1 CM P tACM 1 CA 1 1 CM 1 1 1 LA 1 1 O 1 INCA , O CA CA 0) 1 CM 1 1 CM *11 tA 1 1 CM t>. ro tA 1 COCO 1 CM P LA 1 tA, 1 1 1 A 1 1 A 1 LA P lAlD A- rA LA LA p LA A LD P 1 4- 1 Al 1 1 4 4 1 1 CM 1 1 tACA LA 1 1 CM 4 PlD O 00 1 vD tr 1 1 o 1 1 1 lD I I LA 1 P LA LA 1 4 tA CA 5 1 rH 1 1 1 IN 1 1 1 1 P LA P 1 1 00 LA LAP 1 PCD 1 1 4 1 1 CO 1 1 A 1 IN4 p P LA 4 CJ CM P p o 1 CO rr .o 1 CO CM a 1 1 IN 1 1 LACO a CM O O CO 1 tA 1 CM 1 P LA 1 1 O CM 1 1 tc, 1 1 A 1 COIN CA , 4 IN LD ^ iH 1 H lD 1 1 CM 1 1 LD tA CM INtACM P 1 4 1 p 1 O 1 1 LA LA 1 1 P 1 1 4 1 LD 1 tAP CO P H rH CM P A tA xi W rH OJ CM 4 1 00 lAa 1 1 CM 1 I CM P CALA 1 C^CO 1 4 INP 1 CO CM 1 1 O tA 1 1 CO 1 1 O 1 O P tA 1 tAP A- d iH CA rH 1 rHAIlA 1 1 tA 1 1 tALD CAO 1 rHvD 1 CD LD O 1 PCA 1 1 4 LD 1 1 LA 1 1 lO 1 tALD A 1 O LA A- 4 P tA LDCM LAOJ lD tA CM lD P CA tA, A- P A rHCMO- 1 4 1 1 rH O 1 1 LA 1 1 LACO P CM 1 CO CO 1 LACM O P lAtA 1 1 tA CM 1 1 LD 1 1 LD 1 CAO CA , tALA 00 O tA. I 1 1 rH H 1 1 1 1 4 CA IN LA 1 \D H 104 4 CM IN 1 1 CM 1 1 CO 1 1 A 1 inld 1 LDIN CO O CD P CM P P tA A p d d H LA CM rr- 1 CM LAa 1 1 LD 1 1 LD tA a CM pa CM 1 INO P 1 OCA 1 1 LA LA , 1 LD tA, 1 LD 1 1 CA rAH CV! LTN rH rH [> 1 H H 4 1 1 rH 1 1 P LD P LA CM LA 1 tA4 tA I lAlD I 1 CO 1 1 tA 1 O 1 1 CA K^.D- A- CD CM P LA p 4 tA A O P p o 0 o > 1 rH 1 1 o lACO O 1 1 tA 1 1 o o O 1 1 O LA 1 lALD LD 1 1 LA 1 1 IN 1 LA 1 1 LD 1 1 A 1 rH CA O 1 lA, 1 1 CM CJ LA 1 1 CM 1 1 LD 4 O 1 1 OCM 1 INtA 1 1 LA 1 1 P 1 CO 1 1 tA 1 1 4 CM iH LA P PI rH CM LD P P II a 0 OCO LAtN 1 1 tAa rH 1 O 1 1 00 tA a LA 1 CNLD 1 P 1 LD 1 1 LD 1 1 CM LD 1 1 LD tA 1 tA 1 4 A rC'. rArH A 0 rH rH 1 1 HCT' 1 CN 1 1 O LD LA 1 tALA 1 P 1 1 1 tA 1 1 1 A- 1 OO 1 LALA Ocj- CA « tA LA 4 P P A Or tA p e 4 CD CO LA 1 OtAS 1 1 CM 1 1 LACO a LD lD O 1 a 4 1 CA 1 O 1 P P 1 1 CA O A 1 O 1 pcopldin O P lD IN INCO to 0 tA 1 CD rH LA 1 1 O 1 1 lDCM 1 4 lD 1 4 1 IN 1 LACO 1 1 CA 1 CA 1 tA CAA CM CO lD AtA+> a CM lACM 4 LA CM A P O P 4 o d rd H o CO d -P 0 rW d •d xi •H 0 >d P dEH u d o d d 3 d d d d 3 WCO w 0^ d dco -H d d P o -d H Xi CO ^ O d to a iH rH O c? ft d 3 3 d o d ftft O 5 -H Ti 5d CO 0CO d cJrp' p d bo ft •rH d O d 1 d o M d 0 •H 0 U -H -H X d d d HJ CO a; 0 d O 3 d 0 O Pp o (1) -H d O d 0 3 d O d 3 d > 3 O to O ft ft w •H a 0 X d d H l-M W W « « cq ocq (ft <; ft 3 ft to ft > p EH O ft 1 ro CQ [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 9 CLARKSVILLE — 31 Dec.; 06:30 to 16:30; cloudy; temp. 30 to 44°; wind S, 4- 10 mph; 20 observers in 5 parties; 44^ party hours {19 \ on foot, 2 5 by car) ; 396 party miles (53 on foot, 343 by car). Joe Allen, Bill Blakeslee, David Chiles, Adney Cross, Mike Filson (com- piler— 1671 Paradise Road, Clarksville 37040), Scott Gunn, Jerold Harris, Peggy Knight, R. H. McCoy, Bill Milliken, Gloria Milliken, Beverly Mock, Lee Parrish, Dee Plunkett, John Quick, Debbie Roberts, Kathy Robertson, Rodger Selvidge, Mary Ann Stevens, Barbara Wilbur. COLUMBIA — 26 Dec.; 06:00 to 18:00; clear; temp. 15-35°; wind NW, 0-10 mph; 9 observers in 4 parties plus 3 at feeders; 24^ party hours (I5j on foot, 8 by car, 1 by plane) ; 274^ party males (14i on foot, 180 by car, 80 by plane) . Ed Byassee, Dan Gray, Jr., Mary Ann Guschke, Tommie Guschke, Anne Lochridge, Bedford Lochridge, George Mayfield, Jr. (compiler — ^999 Sunnyside Drive, Columbia 3 8401), Rad Mayfield, Allen Pressnell, Jane Satterwhile. Seen in count period: Peregrine Falcon and Cedar Waxwing. NASHVILLE — 26 Dec.; 04:45 to 17:30; clear; temp. 15 to 3 3°; wind W, 5- 10 mph; 49 observers in 8 parties plus 16 at feeders; 103 party hours (47 on foot, 56 by car) ; plus 16 at feeders; 3 89 party miles (43 on foot, 346 by car). B. H. Abernathy, Francis Abernathy, Billy Anderson, Clyde Anderson, Vivian Anderson, Jean Anderson, Mildred Ansley, Michael Bierly (compiler — 2415 Crestnoor Road, Nashville 37215), Jean Cobb, Elizabeth Collins, Bonnie Coplin, Annella Creech, Milbrey Dugger, Evelyn Ellis, John Ellis, Lucy Finch, Combs Fort, J. P. Foster, Katherine Goodpasture, Thomas Harston, Johnny Herbert, Oliver Lang, Adene Lyon, Margaret Mann, Tim Mann, Jane Maynard, Helen McLaughlin, Joe McLaughlin, John McLaughlin, Toni McLaughlin, Rocky Milburn, David Newton, Marge Patrick, Oscar Patrick, Dick Porter, Virginia Price, Elizabeth Queener, Heather Riggins, John Riggins, Edward Seymour, Win Schaughnessy, Helen Sterling, Ellen Stringer, Anna Sulser, Becky Talbot, Ann Tarbell, David Vogt, Kenneth Walkup, Sarah Walkup. HICKORY-PRIEST — -17 Dec.; 06:00 to 16:00; intermittent light rain; temp. 50-57°; wind S-SE, 7-20 mph; 22 observers, 20 in six parties plus 2 at feeders; 61 party hours (22 on foot, 39 by car); 236 party miles (22 on foot, 214 by car) . Frances Abernathy, Michael Bierly, Bill Blakeslee, Annela Creech, Milbrey Dugger, Tom Harston, Louise Jackson, Carol Knauth, Lee Kramer, Oliver Lang, Margaret Mann, Rocky Milburn, Dick Newton, Marge Patrick, Oscar Patrick, Betty Richards, Kathy Robertson, Steve Schon, Pat Stallings (com- piler— ^406 N. 17 Street, Nashville 37206), Ann Tarbell, David Vogt. MURFREESBORO — ^18 Dcc.; dear; temp. 40-50°; Anne Hettish (compiler — 1018 Lawndale Drive, Murfreesboro 37130). Summer Tanager seen by many observers. LEBANON — 17 Dec.; 00:05 to 18:30; overcast and rain; temp. 51-60°; wind SW, 5-15 mph; seventeen observers, 7 in six parties, plus 10 at feeders; [VoL. 49, 1978] 10 THE MIGRANT MARCH 35^ party hours (16 on foot, 19^ by car); 330 party miles (20 on foot, 310 by car) . Corrine Bane, Earline Berry, Marjorie Loyd, Gwendolyn McFarland, Ruth McMillan, Doug Pelren, Ray Pope, Fran Sellars, John Sellars, William Senter (compiler — 313 West Hills Drive, Lebanon 37087), Sue Smith, Ed Tanner, Christine Teasley, Tressa Walters, Mrs. Wm. Welty. Two "gull sp” were inadvertantly left off the tabulation. A Merlin was deleted due to inconclusive details. Seen in count period: Common Snipe, Ameri- can Woodcock, Pine Siskin. HIGHLAND RIM — 30 Dec.; 08:00 to 17:00; intermittent rain; temp. 3 5 to 40°; wind E, 5 mph; 22 observers, 20! in five parties, plus 2 at feeders; 40 party hours; 320 party miles. Debra Acuff, Virginia Angstadt, Carroll Barr, Stan Barr, Becky Bingham, Ron Bingham, Tracy Edwards, Trent Edwards, Marjory Harper (compiler^ — 305 Crestwood Drive, Tullahoma 373 88), Mark Ilgner, Glenn King, Tom Luckadoo, Ruth Luckadoo, Dianne Madewell, Nickey Medley, Sanford M,cGee, Anna Parker, Jean Styke, Quincy Styke, Mary Beth Swiney, Heinrich Ramm, Ruth Ramm, Violette Wakeland. COOKEVILLE — 3 0 Dec.; rain; temp. 40°; 13 observers. Mary Barbour, Kathryn Coward, Sam Coward (compiler — Box 118, Algood 3 8501 ), Glen Crawford, Mrs. Glen Crawford, Amy Johnson, Bill Jones, Pat Sullivan, Roy Sullivan, Carrel Warren, Marie White, Fanny Whitlow, Florence Williams. CHATTANOOGA — 18 Dec.; 05:00 to 22:30; clear to partly cloudy; temp. 3 8 to 57°; wind S-SW, 0-20 mph; 20 observers in 10 parties, plus 6 at feeders; 6 5^ party hours (39 on foot, 26^ by car), plus 16 at feeders; 466^ party miles (32| on foot, 434 by car). Betty Anderson, Lloyd Anderson, Frances Barnwell, Benton Basham, Peggy Basham, Chris Bayne, Gary Bayne, Dovie Bullard, Wilbur Butts, Ken Dubke, Lil Dubke, Jack Freeman, Paul Freeman, Anne Gibson, Bill Hampton, Susie Hooper, Daniel Jacobson (compiler — Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, Ga. 30757), Lemuel Jacobson, Janet Phillips, Henry Sliger, Veta Sliger, Jo Stone, Mary Tunsberg, Bruce Wilkey, Dick Wodzenski, Roger Woodruff. A Purple Gallinule was deleted due to inconclusive details. Seen in count period: Chipping Sparrow. HiWASSEE — -1 Jan.; 06:00 to 18:00; overcast; temp. 44 to 48°; wind W, 0-15 mph; 15 observers in 5 parties; 41^- party hours (31^ on foot, 7 by car, 3 by boat) ; 283 party miles (26 on foot, 23 3 by car, 24 by boat). Betty Anderson, Lloyd Anderson, Benton Basham, Peggy Basham, Russell Brown, Ken Dubke, Lil Dubke, Tony Futcher, Chris Haney, Daniel Jacobson (compiler^ — Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, Ga. 30757), Janet Phillips, Jo Stone, Morgan Tudor, Bruce Wilkey, Dick Wodzenski. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 11 KNOXVILLE — 18 Dec.; 05:15 to 17:45; clear to cloudy; temp. 39 to 5 5°; wind 5-10 mph; 21 observers in 10 parties; 84 party hours ( 5 5 on foot, 29 by car) ; 573 party miles (45 on foot, 528 by car). Charles Ames, Lena Brattsten, Howard Chitwood, Mary Ann Handel, Nona Hinkle, Ross Hinkle, J. C. Howell, Morton Massey, Terry McGown, Iris Moel- ler, Tom Montie, Gary Muffley, Betsy Ann Murphy, Holly Overton, Paul Pardue, Kenneth Sanders, Mabel Sanders, Boyd Sharp, Michael Sloan, Alan Smith, James Tanner (compiler — Route 2 8, Box 15 5, Knoxville 37920). White-winged Scoter was seen by J. C. Howell, Morton Massey and Cary Mufiley. The Prairie Warbler was seen by Holly Overton. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK — 1 Jan.; 00:15 to 16:00; over- cast with intermittent rain; temp. 31 to 47°; wind variable, 1-2 5 mph; 48 observers in 19 parties; 152.7 party hours (97.9 on foot, 54.8 by car); 715.7 party miles (116.8 on foot, 598.9 by car). Charles Ames, Bert Buss, Nanci Buss, Jim Campbell, Howard Chitwood, Maridaun Collins, Don DeFoe (compiler — Rt. 2, Gatlinburg 37738), Linda Duley, Elizabeth French, Katherine Foster, Brice Gilmer, Maurice Grigsby, Mary Ann Handel, Nona Hinkle, Ross Hinkle, Betty Reid Hinton, Bill Kappa, Clint Kellner, Madeline Kellner, Tom Laughlin, Henry Lix, Suzy Lix, George Mc- Gown, Terry McGown, Alison McNutt, Bill McNutt, Gary Muffley, Charles Nicholson, Louise Nunnally, Jane Orleans, Holly Overton, J. B. Owens, Paul Pardue, Truett Patterson, Rick Phillips, Lawrence Ritchie, Mrs. Lawrence Ritchie, Boyd Sharp, Mary Jane Sharp, Bill Simpson, Mary Simpson, Michael Sloan, Lillian Smathers, Alan Smith, Johneta Smith, Louise Smith, James Tan- ner, George Wood. GREENEViLLE — 2 8 Dec.; 07:00 to 17:45; cloudy, temp. 7 to 3 0°; wind 0-5 mph; 7 observers in 4 parties; 40 party hours (4 on foot, 36 by car). Mrs. O. C. Armitage, King Gaut, Mrs. King Gaut, Richard Nevius (com- piler— Rt. 6, Greeneville 37743). Mrs. Richard Nevius, Royal Specs, Mrs. Royal Spees. Seen in count period: Pine Siskin and House Finch. KINGSPORT — 17 Dec.; 01:00 to 17:00; partly cloudy; temp. 34 to 60°; wind calm; 16 observers in 1 1 parties; 77 party hours (61 on foot, 8 by car, 8 by boat) ; 171 party miles (50 on foot, 107 by car, 14 by boat). Tom Bowman (compiler — Bays Mt. Park, Route 4, Kingsport 37660), Devonda Eikler, Charles Finucane, Tom Finucane, Hayden Hannabass, Gary Hartman, Lynn Haynes, Bill Kappa, Tom Laughlin, Betsy Oglesby, Frank Oglesby, Rick Phillips, Jim Price, Eugene Scott, Arthur Smith, Ann Switzer. White-fronted Geese (4) were deleted due to a large number of domesti- cated geese in the area. ELiZABETHTON — 17 Dec.; 05:15 to 17:30; partly cloudy, temp. 39 to 65°; wind N-NE, 0-15 mph; 16 observers in 6 parties; 60 party hours (33 on foot, 27 by car) ; 324 party miles (16 on foot, 308 by car). [VoL. 49, 1978] 12 THE MIGRANT MARCH Helenhill Dove, Martha Dillenbeck, Glen Eller (compiler — Rt. 3, Elizabeth- ton 37643), Harry Farthing, Sally Goodin, Lee Herndon, Rick Knight, Joy Kyle, Richard Lewis, Vickie Lewis, Dick Lura, John Martin, Ed Schell, Glenn Swafford, Gary Wallace, Jane Whitehead. Oldsquaw seen by Glen Eller and Harry Farthing. Solitary Vireo seen by Dick Lura, Rick Knight and Gary Wallace. BRISTOL — 31 Dec.; 07:00 to 17:30; overcast; temp. 38-42°; wind NW, 4 mph; 19 observers in 6 parties and 2 at feeders; 56 party hours (6 on foot, 44 by car, 4 by boat, 2 at feeders); 209 party miles (11 on foot, 176 by car, 22 by boat) . Judy Abbott, Sally Bachman, Rockwell Bingham (compiler — 216 Melody Lane, Bristol 37620), Rosemary Bingham, Edward W. Burke, Jr., J. Wallace Coffey, Bert Hale, Mrs. Bert Hale, Ken Hale, Joe Jackson, Bill Miner, Paul Nastatka, Conrad Ottenfeld, Mike Southard, Nancy Southard, Becky Souther- land, James Sutherland. ROAN MOUNTAiN^ — 2 Jan.; 07:45 to 16:3 0; cloudy with light snow; temp. 6 to 22°; 7 observers in 3 parties; 20 party hours (11 on foot, 9 by car); 69 party miles (9 on foot, 60 by car). Glen Eller (compiler — Rt. 3, Elizabethton 37643), Lee Herndon, Rick Knight, Richard Lewis, Vickie Lewis, Dick Lura, Ed Schell. The Bald Eagle (adult) was seen by Ed Schell, Richard and Vickie Lewis. The White-winged Crossbills were seen by Dick Lura and Rick Knight. TWELFTH ANNUAL TOS FALL SYMPOSIUM 20-22 OCTOBER, 1978 FAIRFIELD GLADE Fifty rooms have been reserved until 15 September. Each room has two dou- ble beds. Be sure to indicate that you are with TOS. Fairfield Glade is located six miles off 1-40 at Crossville, TN. The address is P. O. Box 1500, Fairfield Glade, TN 3 8 5 5 5 (ph. 615 — 484-7521 or in Tennessee call toll free 1-800-262-6702). For more details contact George R. Mayfield, Jr., Maury County Hospital, Columbia, TN 3 8401 or David Pitts, Dept, of Biological Sciences, University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN 3 823 8. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 13 MINUTES OF THE 1977 SYMPOSIUM AND FALL MEETING The Eleventh Annual Symposium and Fall Meeting of the Tennessee Orni- thological Society was held 30 September and 1-2 October at Natchez Trace State Park. The Board of Directors Meeting was called to order at 10:30 A.M. on 1 October 1977 by the President, Kenneth Dubke. The Minutes of the 1977 Spring Meeting were read by the Secretary and approved with one addition and one correction. The name Don Harris which appeared in the report of the Conservation Committee was corrected to read Don Hammer. It was incorporated in the Minutes that discussions were held with respect to the printing of a Species List ior TJoe Migranf. REPORTS OF OFFICERS There were no reports from the Vice Presidents of East and West Tennessee. Sanford McGee, Vice President for Middle Tennessee, reported that the Highland Rim Chapter had been working with the Sewanee Environmental Group and other groups to insure protection for Goose Pond Marsh. Ken Dubke suggested that the Chapter work with Dr. Mayfield and the rest of the Conser- vation Committee so as to keep them up to date. Sanford further reported that the heron rookery at Sinking Pond was secure because the proposed airport had been rejected and would be built either in Tullahoma or Manchester instead. He urged the Chapters in Middle Tennessee to work toward improving com- munications so that more members in the area could be made aware of news items and events of interest. He suggested an exchange of newsletters to facili- tate the process. There was no report from the Secretary. The Treasurer, Ray Jordan, reported that the balance in the checking ac- count stood at one thousand thirty-five dollars. He noted that until dues were received, that balance would likely be depleted owing to printing costs for two issues of The Migrant of about five hundred dollars each. He noted that there would also be another small printing bill in addition. Ben Coffey expressed concern that there would be insufficient funding available for the printing of all 1977 Migrants without using revenue from 1978 dues. Ken Dubke stated that funds held in a savings account for general operating expenses were also available to oover the cost of The Migrant. He noted that, taken together, the checking and savings balances added up to two thousand five hundred dollars. Mr. Jordan also noted that some dues monies were outstanding from some chapters and he urged that they be sent in as soon as possible. The Editor of The Migrant, Gary Wallace, sent regrets for not being able to attend. "The Season” editor, Fred Alsop, reported that it was incumbent upon everyone to submit all records and season reports to the regional compilers so [VoL. 49, 1978] 14 THE MIGRANT MARCH that they could, in turn, send their reports to him. Only in this way, he stated, could his reports to Gary Wallace be received on time and in polished form. He reminded all present that the regional compilers were listed in The Migrant as well as the time periods during which reports should be assembled. He praised regular contributors and urged everyone to send in any useful information which they could contribute. There was no report from the State Count Compiler, Dick Lura. The Curator, James T. Tanner, reported that he had received orders for three complete sets of The Migrant. He noted that individual copies of back- issues of The Migrant would cost one dollar except for photocopies of issues no longer in print which would cost a dollar and fifty cents. The cost for a full set was reported at about two hundred dollars. He closed by stating that the supply was adequate to meet projected demand. There were no reports from the Directors-At-Large. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES There was no report from the Finance Committee. George Mayfield, Chairman of the Conservation Committee, offered two resolutions for consideration. Resolution number 77-2, concerning TOS oppo- sition to channelization in the Obion and Forked Deer Rivers, was read. Dr. Mayfield moved that the resolution be adopted and forwarded to proper authori- ties. Ben Coffey seconded the motion and it was carried. Dr. Mayfield then read resolution 77-3 expressing strong TOS support for the development of an adequate Non-Game Wildlife Management Program within the Tennessee Wild- life Resources Agency. He moved that the resolution be adopted. Motion was seconded by Fred Alsop. Motion was carried. John Sellars detailed the strong support and significant contribution of funds made in behalf of a Non-Game Program by the Lebanon Chapter. He urged widespread support throughout the TOS. Ken Dubke noted the standing support of TOS for legislation establishing federal matching funds for state-level programs of non-game management and research. He also noted that TOS had joined a national coalition of conserva- tion organizations in support of non-game legislation and had written to Congressman Robert Leggett to express our views. Foray Chairman, Daniel Jacobson, recommended that, in many cases, it was not going to be feasible to conduct two-county forays because of an insuffi- cient number of participants. George Mayfield moved that, in the future, the individual foray directors be given responsibility for determining the areal coverage and making sure there would be enough participants for two-county forays. Motio^n was seconded by Sanford McGee. Motion was carried. Ben Coffey urged that breeding bird counts be standardized in the foray areas and run consistently. He further urged that any routes recognized by the Fish and Wildlife Service be run. Daniel asked for help and suggestions on improving forays in the future. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 15 There was no report from the Certification Committee and the Nominating Committee. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES William Senter, Chairman of the Dixon Merritt Memorial Committee, was not present. John Sellars reported that he had talked to Mr. Walker from the State Parks and that invitations-to-bid on the placing of the final plaque had been issued. OLD BUSINESS Ken Dubke and Ray Jordan explained that Morris Williams had completed a Species Index to The Migrant. They further explained that Morris had paid for the printing of the index (5 00 copies) out of his own pocket. Ben Coffey sug- gested a price of one dollar and fifty cents per copy. Ken and Ray jointly moved that Morris be reimbursed the cost of printing the index, since it was to be a special publication of TOS, and that the price be set at one dollar and fifty cents per copy. Motion was seconded by Sanford McGee. Motion was carried. NEW BUSINESS Ken and Lil announced that the Eagle-Osprey Conservation folders were available and that, of the one hundred dollars alloted for their printing, only twenty dollars had been required for the first 1000 copies. Members were urged to take and distribute the folders to aid in TOS efforts to educate the public and increase non-game awareness. A motion for adjournment was made and carried at 12:30 p.m. R. Bruce Wilke y, Secretary BOOK REVIEW A GUIDE TO BIRD-WATCHING IN EUROPE. Edited by James Fergu- son-Lees, Quentin Hockliffe, and Ko Zweeres. 1976. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. 335 p. $9.95. Prepared by 19 well-known ornithologists of the countries covered, the information, though sometimes brief, consists of accurate summaries of the good birding spots. This is not a book to aid in the identifica- tion of a particular species but a guide to finding each species in Europe. Not every country is covered. Russia, for example, is omitted entirely. One third of the book is devoted to the British Isles and Scandinavia. Each chapter has a map showing the principal regions of ornithological interest and places specifi- cally mentioned in the text. It tells where and when to look for unusual species, the location of nature reserves and lists the major conservation organizations. At the back of the book, a unique series of tables shows the status of the 432 species that can be seen in the European countries covered. This book is recom- mended for any birder traveling in Europe. Gary O. Wallace [VoL. 49, 1978] 16 THE MIGRANT MARCH THE SEASON Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor FALL migration: 1 AUGUST - 31 OCTOBER This "Season” report must begin with our thanks to David Pitts for a job well done as regional compiler for the Central Plateau and Basin Region and a hardy welcome to Michael Lee Bierly who once again assumes that position’s tasks with this issue’s report. The season was a wet one, but through the rains of Fall came the vanguards' of several boreal species and the promise of a good "finch” winter. Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported in all regions of the State and their numbers expressed as "invasions” in all but the Western Coastal Plain Region. Purple Finches arrived early and in good numbers and along with Pine Siskins were observed in all regions of Tennessee. Evening Grosbeaks have been scarce for the past two winters, but are listed in this report from all regions except the Western Coastal Plain. The summer’s "explosion” of White Ibis into Tennessee continued into the Flail with the species observed in 4 locations in the Eastern Ridge and Valley where some birds lingered for weeks, and with the occurrence of 2 birds near Lebanon in the Central Plateau and Basin. At least 9 DouMe-crested Cormorants spent some time in the two central regions. Cattle Egrets and 1 to 2 Snowy Egrets were seen in the Eastern Ridge and Valley where a Common Gallinule was also found in Kingsport. Some of the most exciting finds of the season were birds associated with water environments and in addition to those cited above, included several waterfowl and shorebird species. The "rarer” scoter species for Tennessee were found in three regions with a Black (Common) Scoter in the Central Plateau and Basin and 3 at Blythe Ferry in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. A Surf Scoter was observed on Wilbur Lake in the Eastern Mountain Region. Piping Plovers were found in all regions but the Eastern Mountain, Buff -breasted Sandpipers and Wilson’s Phalaropes were seen in the two central regions, and Ruddy Turnstones were flipping rocks on Pace Point in the West- ern Coastal Plain. A White Pelican was observed by many near Hiwassee Island. Caspian Terns were reported from all regions but the Central Plateau and Basin and the Least Terns seen near Johnson City are a most unusual record for East Tennessee. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 17 There are many records of observations of birds of prey within this report but three merit special note. A Peregrine Falcon was seen in the Central Plateau and Basin and an injured Short-eared Owl was picked up south of Shelbyville in that region in late October. Of unusual interest is the sighting of an adult Goshawk, seen perched, in the spruce-fir forests on Roan Mountain in late August. This is a very early date for a migrant and if considered with the late summer and early fall records of the 1970’s from Great Smoky Moun- tains National Park and the Roan Creek area of Watauga Lake causes at least this one birder to wonder if there might not be a small resident population in the rugged and little birded Eastern Mountain Region. Olive-sided Flycatchers were found in the two easternmost regions, as were Lincoln’s Sparrows. Philadelphia Vireos were reported from all regions except the Central Plateau and Basin where a Lark Sparrow was found and 14 Yellow- bellied Flycatchers were trapped and banded. Other unusual songbird sightings include a Black-throated Blue Warbler from the Western Coastal Plain and a Sharp- tailed Sparrow in the Eastern Ridge and Valley near Johnson City. One introduced species had local birders reaching for their binoculars and reference books when a Monk Parakeet was discovered on the University of Tennessee Plant Science Farm just south of Knoxville. The single bird was seen for several days before it disappeared and is thought to constitute the second record for the species for Tennessee. Three birds of this species are known to have escaped from a vender in Frankfort, Kentucky (where possession is illegal) several weeks prior to the Knoxville sighting. These are but a few of the many records contained within the Fall Migration Season regional reports that follow. Thanks for your contribution. WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION—Natchez Trace State Park, the site of the Fall State T.O.S. meeting produced an interesting bird for the West Tennessee area. Dr. George Mayfield found a Black-throated Blue 'Warbler, the result of a "tower-kill.” This is the second record for West Tennessee as re- corded in The lAigrant. Hawk-Pipit: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 20 Sep (1) SFSP (LCC, HBD), 2 Oct (1) 1-40 and Old Mercer Rd. (Haywood Co.) (LCC), 30 Oct (1) SFSP (GC, WCM). PIPING PLOVER: 3 Sep (1) PP (MPS, DRJ), 6 Sep (1) PP (MPS, DRJ). RUDDY TURNSTONE: 10 Sep (4) PP (MPS, DRJ, BR, TM). Baird’s Sandpiper: 6 Sep (1) PP (MPS, DRJ). Western Sandpiper: 3 Sep (6) PP (DRJ, MPS), 4 Sep (2) Island 13 (MPS, DRJ), 6 Sep (3) PP (MPS, DRJ). 10 Oct (1) PP (DRJ). Stilt Sandpiper: 20 Aug (1) Flopefield, TN/ ARK (JGH). Sanderling: 3 Sep (7) PP (MPS, DRJ); 6 Sep (5) PP (MPS, DRJ); 10 Sep (18) PP (MPS, DRJ, BR, TM) ; 2 Oct (7) PP (DRJ). Caspian Tern: 3 Aug (3) WNWR (BBC, MM), 20 Aug (3) Hopefield, TN/ARK (JGH), 2 Oct (10-12) PP (TOS-FJA) . Common Tern: 2 Oct (1) PP (DRJ). Black-billed Cuckoo: 17 Oct (1) TWA (WGC), 27 Oct (1) Bridgetown, MS (8 mi South of Memphis), (LCC). Least Flycatcher: 7 Oct (1) M (LCC). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 20 Sep (1) M (SF). House Wren: 9 Oct (1) M (BBC). Gray Catbird: 27 Oct (1 banded) M (BBC), 30 Oct (1) SFSP (AS). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 1 Oct (3) NTSP (TOS). Water Pipit: 2 Oct ( 5 ) PP (DRJ). [VoL. 49, 1978] 18 THE MIGRANT MARCH Vireo'-Sparrow: PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 18 Sep (2) SFSP (HSD, HBD, MW), 20 Sep (7) SFSP (LCC, HBD). Tennessee Warbler: 30 Oct (8) SFSP (LCC, MCTOS). Yellow-rumped Warbler: 1 Oct (1) NTSP (GM); 2 Oct (10) PP (DRJ). BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: 2 Oct (1) tower kill, NTSP (GM). Black-tbroated Green Warbler: 28 Oct (1) M (BBC), 30 Oct (1) SFSP (LCC), 1 Nov (1) M (LCC). Mourning Warbler: 7 Oct (1) M (LCC). Wilson’s Warbler: 28 Oct (1) M (BBC). Ovenbird: 17 Sept (1) M (HBD). Indigo Bunting: 28 Oct (2) M (SF). Purple Finch: 30 Oct (11) SFSP (HBD, SF, MW). Pine Siskin: 30 Oct (31) SFSP (HBD, SF, MW). Song Sparrow: 9 Oct (1) M (SF). Locations: Hopefield — west of Mississippi River, due west of downtown Memphis; Island 13, Mississippi River, Lake County; M — Memphis; NTSP — Natchez Trace State Park; PP — ^P’ace Point; SFSP — ^Shelby Forest State Park; TWA — Tigrett Wildlife Area, Dyer County; WNWR— Wapanocca National Wildlife Refugee, Turrell, Ark. Observers: BBC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr.; GC — Greg Charbonnet; WGS — ^W. Glen Criswell; LCC— Lula Coffey; HBD— Helen B. Dinkelspiel; HSD— Henry S. Dinkelspiel; SF — Sue Ferguson; JGH — James G. Holt; DRJ — Daniel Jacob- son; TM— Tim Mann; GM — George Mayfield, Jr.; MM— Matthew McCarthy; WCM — ^W. C. McDaniel; BR — Betty Richards; AS— Alice Smith; TOS — Ten- nessee Ornithological Society; MPS — Pat Stallings; MW — Martha Waldron. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis 38117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Fall migration at best can be termed average. Generally no heavy concentrations of birds were noted. At season’s end boreal specieS' seemed to be staging a major invasion. Tempera- tures averaged warmer August and September, and — 3.9 F below normal Octo- ber. Precipitation was a record for fall for the Tennessee Valley. Nashville’s forty-eight hour fall count 8-9 October totaled 140 species, average. Loon-Falcon: Common Loon: As reported last period — 22 Aug (2-1) Percy Priest Lake (MLM), second summer record Nashville area. DOUBLE- CRESTED CORMORANT: All reports— 15 Oct (1) Cordell Hull Lake (BJ) ; 19 Oct (3) Old Hickory Lake (MPS). Least Bittern: 2 Aug (1 young with down still on feather tips, would not fly when within 3 0 feet; 1 additional bird) City Lake, Cookeville (BJ), apparently species nested on lake. American Bittern: Second consecutive fall not recorded Nashville though searched for in usual locations. WHITE IBIS: As reported last period — 10 Aug (2) Lebanon (Harold Stanford, John Sellars, m ob), second "Middle Tennessee.” BLACK SCOTER: 29 Oct-end of period (1 female plumage type) Radnor Lake (MLB, m ob), first Nashville and third Tennessee record. Sharp-shinned Hawk: Total ten birds reported 21 Sept-14 Oct in Cannon Co., Nashville area and Man- chester. Cooper’s Hawk: Total five birds reported 8-19 Oct in Cannon Co., Grundy Co. and Nashville area. Golden Eagle: 12 Oct (1 im) Cannon Co. (FB), first for season and youngest plumaged they have seen there. Bald Eagle: 12 Oct (2 ad, 2 im) Dale Hollow Lake (DRH), first for season for lake. Osprey: Total six birds reported 28 Sept-9 Oct Nashville area. PEREGRINE FALCON: 24 Sept (1) Radnor Lake (MLB, m ob). [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 19 Shorebirds: 22 species of shorebirds reported during period. Noteworthy were-— PIPING PLOVER: 7 Sept (1) Gallatin (MPS), seventh "Middle Ten- nessee” record, all Nashville area. Black-bellied Plover: 11 Oct (1) Old Hickory Lake (MLM, MPS). Upland Sandpiper: 26 Aug (1) Bellevue School grounds, Nashville (TMM). Sanderling: 11 Sept (1) Gallatin (MPS, DRJ). BUFF- BREASTED SANDPIPER: 6 Sept (3), 11 Sept (1) different ponds, Gallatin (MPS, DRJ). WILSON’S PHALAROPE: 4-5 Aug (2-1) Gallatin (DPC, BJ). Owl-Waxwing: SHORT-EARED OWL: 29 Oct (1 found injured, later died) south of Sheilbyville, Bedford Co. (John Burns, fide Bill Yambert), early. Common Nighthawk: Large flocks — 3 Sept (HO) Nashville area (KAG) ; 5 Sept (100) 1-65 and Mlaury Co. (Louise Jackson); 16 Sept (200,100) Nash- ville area (TNH, MPS). Red-headed Woodpecker: 9 Oct-end of period (many, "more than we’ve seen in years”) Pickett Co. (DRH). YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER: 21 Aug- 18 Sept (14 banded) Nashville area (KAG, ATT, HJR), indicates species passed throulgh in good numbers. Barn Swallow: 29 Oct (1) Hillsboro, Grundy Co (DRJ, MPS), late. Red-breasted Nuthatch: Major invasion—3 Sept (1) Woodbury (FB), first report for season Middle Tennes- see; Nashville reports many at sunflower feeders; 8-9 Oct (17) Nashville Fall Count (NTOS), a record for count; numbers increasing at end of period. Bewick’s Wren: 10 Sept (1) Nashville (TMM); 9 Oct (2) Sumner Co. (MPS), regular breeding locations, only observatioms for Nashville Fall Count; 24 Oct (1) Woodbury (FB) ; two regular breeding locations now vacant Nash- ville. Cedar Waxwing: late Sept-end of period (many) Nashville area (NTOS), after absence spring 1977 of usual spring movement, good to see in number, flocks reported up to 250 birds; other scattered reports for fall Middle Ten- nessee. Warbler-Sparrow : In Nashville summer warblers moved out quickly with cold spell in early October. A typical October warbler day consisted of Tennes- see, Magnolia, Black-throated Green and Bay-breasted. Cape May Warbler: Limited fall Nashville records. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: 16 Oct (1 banded) Two Jays Sanctuary (HJR), only about one fall record an- nually Nashville area. Black-throated Green Warbler: More numerous fall Nash- ville, one observation 9 Oct (40, in one tree) Ashland City (Craig Empson). Mourning Warbler: 3 Sept (1 banded) Two Jays, Nashville area (HJR); 3 Sept (2) Columbia (Ed Byasse). Blue Grosbeak: 9 Oct (3) Buena Vista (MLB, TNH, Bill Blakeslee), latest Nashville six days. Evening Grosbeak: Major in- vasion— -1 Oct (75) Nashville area (fide MLM), first seasonal report Middle Tennessee; reports steadily increasing end of period. Purple Finch: By end of period present Nashville normal numbers; scattered reports Middle Ten'nessee. Pine Siskin: Too early to tell movement — 19 Oct (3) Cannon Co. (FB), first seasonal report Middle Tennessee; 3 0. Oct (50) Nashville (MLB), largest flock reported by end of period. LARK SPARROW : 9 Oct (1) Shelby Bottoms (MPS, DRJ), latest Nashville by five days. Symbols: adult; im — ^immature. Observers: FB — ^Francis Bryson; MLB — Michael Bierly; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; KAG — -Katherine Goodpasture; DRH — ^Dave and Robbie Hassler; TNH — Thomas Harston; DRJ — ^Daniel Jacobson; BJ — Bill Jones; MLM — [VoL. 49, 1978] 20 THE MIGRANT MARCH Margaret Mann; TMM — Tim Mann; HJR — Heather and John Riggins; NTOS — Nashville Chapter Tennessee Ornithological Society; MPS — Pat Stallings. CovYigendtim — The Migrant^ 1977, 48(2):48, Fox Sparrow ... 20 Jan (60) Smyrna, change credit MLB to MLM. Michael Lee Bierly, 2415 Crestmoor Road, Nashville 3721 5. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— W/j/Yc Ibis from last sea- son’s invasion spent several weeks at Greeneville and over a month along the Hiwassee River. Gelnetally poor shorebird conditions existed along the Hiwassee River except for a field trip on August 27 which produced sixteen species. The annual fall trip to Hiwassee Island turned up at least three interesting species: White Pelican, Black Scoter, and Piping Plover. Upper East Tennessee had its first Least Tern and a Sharp-tailed Sparrow was found for the second consecutive fall at Austin Springs. A Monk Parakeet was present in Knoxville. Before the end of the period Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks had moved into the region in good numbers. Grebe-Ibis: Horned Grebe: 31 Aug (8) KP (KPTOS). Pied-billed Grebe: Regular from 5 Aug (1-5) SB, HRA (KLD). WHITE PELICAN: 30 Oct (1) HI (TOS) . Double-crested Cormorant: 26 Sept-20 Oct (1) KP (KPTOS); 29, 30 Sep, 1 Oct (1) AS (RK) ; 6 Oct (1) ChL (JWS) ; 26-29 Oct (1) NL (DRJ) ; 30 Oct (1) HRA (TOS). Great Blue Heron: Through period (1-26) HRA (KLD). Green Heron: Regular to 4 Oct (1-25) SB, HRA (KLD); 28 Oct (1) AS (SG, MD). Little Blue Heron: 2 Aug- 10 Sep (3-6) SB, HRA (KLD); 19 Aug (11) CKL (BA). CATTLE EGRET: 16 Aug (9) CKL (BA, LiD). Great Egret: 3 Aug-10 Sep (1-8) SB, HRA (KLD); 15 Aug- 1 Oct (1-3) AS (ETOS); 18 Aug (1) CKL (BA). SNOWY EGRET: 12 Aug-27 Sep (1-2) SB, HRA (KLD). Black-crowned Night Heron: 5 Aug- 4 Oct (1-4) AS (ETOS); 27 Aug (1) KSP (DRJ, JWS). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 5-26 Aug (1-3) HRA (KLD); 10 Aug (2) KP (RAP, TFL) ; 14 Sep (1) AS (RK). Least Bittern: 17 Sep (1) AS (GE, RL). American Bittern: 27 Oct (1) AS (DL). WHITE IBIS: 3 Aug-7 Sep (1-2, im) HRA (KLD); 26 Aug (1 im) SB (DRJ, GLB) ; 8-27 Aug (6, im) Greeneville (Dr. Royal Specs); 29 Sept (1 im) KP (FJA). Goose-Gallinnle: Snow Goose: 17 Oct (1, dark morph) HRA (KLD); 31 Oct (1, white morph) KP (KPTOS). Gadwall: 14 Aug (3) NL (DRJ). Green-winged Teal: 12 Sep (1) AS (RK). Blue-winged Teal: 12 Aug-10 Sep (1-127) SB, HRA (KLD); 3 Sep (13 5) FLL (PP). American Wigeon: 17 Oct (46) HRA (KLD). Wood Duck: 12 Aug (70) HRA (KLD); 27 Aug (37) SHL (JWC, David McPeak) ; thru-out period (20-t-) KP (FJA). Red- head: 13 Oct (9) SB (KLD). BLACK SCOTER: 30 Oct (3) Blythe Ferry, HRA (TOS). Red-breasted Merganser: 29 Oct (3) NL (DRJ). Turkey Vul- ture: 16 Oct (212) KCo (KTOS). BLACK VULTURE: thru-out period (8-10) KP (FJA) . Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1 Aug (1) SM (RBW) ; 20 Aug (1) Amnicola Marsh (DRJ, MiPS) ; 25 Aug (1) Church Hill (RAP); 25 Aug (1) KP (RAP); 11 Oct (1) KP (RAP). Cooper’s Hawk: 19 Aug (1) KP (RAP); 25 Aug (1) PB (RAP); 26 Aug (1) HRA (KLD); 28 Sep (1) SHL [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 21 (JWC); 23 Oct (1) HRA (DRJ, MPS). Red-shouldered Hawk: 30, Oct (1) Boone Dan (FJA). Bald Eagle: 16 Aug (1) CKL (BA); 17, 18 Aug (1, im) SB (KLD) ; 26 Aug (1, ad, had heen around 1-2 weeks) HRA (Robert Arnold fic/e (KLD); 28 Oct 1, im) PB (RAP, TFL). Marsh Hawk: 10 Sep (1) PB (RAP). Osprey: 11 Sep (1) NoL (JCH) ; 13 Sep (1) ChL (DRJ); 15 Sep (2) PB (RAP); 9 Oct (2) ChL (JWS) ; 11 Oct (1) AS (RK). Sora: 13 Sep-21 Oct (1-2) AS (ETOS). COMMON GALLINULE: 29-30 Sept (1) KP (Bill Kappa, Hayden Hannabass). Flover-Gull: Semipalmated Plover: 6 Aug-1 Sep (1-5) SB, HRA (KLD); 4, 8 Sep (1) AS (RK, ES) . PIPING PLOVER: 3 Oct (1) HI (Jim and Nancy Tanner). American Golden Plover: 27-31 Aug (1) HRA (KLD, DRJ); 21 Oct (1) HRA, (DRJ, MPS). Black-bellied Plover: 27 Aug (1) HRA (LD, DRJ). Common Snipe: 27 Aug (2) SB (LD, DRJ). Spotted Sandpiper: 27 Oct (1) AS (DL). Greater Yellowlegs: 27 Sep (12) AS (RK) ; 28 Oct (1) SB (KLD). Lesser Yellowlegs: 5-29 Aug (1-18) SB, HRA (KLD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 5 Aug-30 Oct (1-68) SB, HRA (KLD). Least Sandpiper: 5 Aug- end of period (2-50) SB, HRA (KLD). Dunlin: 24, 26 Sep (4) AS (GE, HF, RK) ; 30 Oct (100) HRA (JWS). Short-billed Dowitcher: 27 Aug (1, by call note) SB (LD, DRJ). Stilt Sandpiper: 27 Aug (1) HRA (DRJ). Semi- palmated Sandpiper: 6-29 Aug (1-25) SB, JRA (KLD). Western Sandpiper: 26, 27 Aug (1-3) SB, HRA (KLD, DRJ). BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER: 26 Aug (2) SB (KLD, GLB) ; 27 Aug (2) HRA (LD, DRJ); 27 Aug (1) KSP (DRJ, JWS). Sanderling: 14 Aug (4) SJP (GE, RK) ; 16 Aug (2) SJP (SG, MD). WILSON’S PH ALAROPE: 19 Aug (1) HRA (GLB, KLD). Ring- billed Gull: 14 Sep (1) CH (DRJ). Tern-Lark: Forster’s Tern: 15 Aug (1) AS (RK); 15 Aug-4 Sep (1-2) SB (KLD, DRJ); 28 Aug (2) NL (DRJ, MPS); 14 Sep (2) AS (RK). Com- mon Tern: 22 Aug (1) KSP (KLD); 26, 27 Aug (1) NoL (JCH). LEAST TERN: 7 Aug (1) AS (DL) ; 8 Aug (2) AS (RL, RK, SG). Caspian Tern: 14 Aug (1), 4 Sep (3) AS (DL, ES). Black Tern: 4-18 Aug (1-13) AS (ETOS); 6 Aug-1 Sep (1-6) SB, HRA (KLD); 12 Aug (1) KP (RAP); 13 Aug (3) Da (LMJ) ; 14 Aug (48) NL (DRJ); 28 Aug (3) SHL (JWC) ; 16 Sep (6) FLL (JCH). MONK PARAKEET: 16, 17 Oct (1) U.T. Plant Science Farm, KCo (FJA, LiD, KTOS, ABS, PP, J. B. Owen, Gary Mufltly) . Yellow-billed Cockoo: 3 Sep (a. feeding 3 young in nest) Da (LMJ). Barn Owl: 11 Aug (1) NoL (JCH); 5 Sep-31 Oct (1) KP (RAP, TFL); 17 Sep (2) AS (RK) ; 23 Sep (1) CKL (JCH); 28 Oct (1) NoL (JCH). Common Nighthawk: 23 Aug (600) K (DRJ); 15 Oct (1) JC (PR). Red-headed Woodpecker: 12 Sept (1, im) PB (FJA, RAP). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 27 Aug (1) SB (DRJ, JWS). OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER: 15 Sep (1) JC (DL). Horned Lark: 24 Oct (3) Rockwood Airport (DRJ). Swallow -Warbler: Tree Swallow: 13 Oct (5) SB (KLD). Bank Swallow: 4 Sep (1) SB (KLD). Rough-winged Swallow: 16 Oct (2) FLL (KTOS). Barn Swallow: 17 Oct (1) FLL (FJA, LiD). Cliff Swallow: 14 Sep (75) Bluff City (JWC). Purple Martin: 12 Aug (3,500) HRA (KLD); Last 4 Sep (3) HRA (KLD). Common Raven: 5 Sept (5) Mendota, VA (RAP). Red-breasted Nuthatch: good invasion throughout region. Short-billed Marsh Wren: 26 Sep (1) HRA (KLD). American Roibin: 18 Sep (10,000) B (JWC). Wood [VoL. 49, 1978] 22 THE MIGRANT MARCH Thrush: 13 Oct (1) CH (DRJ). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 3 0 Oct (1) HI (ABS). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 15 Sep (1) NL (DRJ). Water Pipit: 21 Oct (30) HRA (DRJ, MPS). Cedar Waxwing: 19 Aug (3) PB (RAP). PHILA- DELPHIA VIREO: 31 Aug (1), 20 Sep (1) JC (SG, MD). Cape May War- bler: 20 Sep (3) B (JWC); 12 Oct (1) KP (RAP). Blackpoll: 19 Sep (1) JC (SG, MD); 23 Sep (1) B (JWC). Palm Warbler: 27 Oct (1) AS (RK). Mourning Warbler: 10 Sep (1) Da (LMJ) . Wilson’s Warbler: 17 Sep (1) AS (RL, RK, DL, LRH). BoboLtnk-Sparroiv: Bobolink: 26 Aug (1) SB (KD); 1 Sept (1) KP (RAP); 19 Sep (4) K (Len Hurley). Northern Oriole: 24 Sep (1) AS (SB, RL). Common Crackle: 18 Sep (15 0,000) B (JWC). Brown-headed Cowbird: 18 Sep (40,000) B (JWC). Scarlet Tanager: 5 Oct (1) JC (SG). Evening Gros- beak: 6 Oct (3) K (Mrs. W. F. Vaughan) ; scattered reports throughout region. Blue Grosbeak: 18 Aug (1 male, 1 female, 3 fledglings) PB (RAP). SHARP- TAILED SPARROW: 24 Sep (1) AS (GE, HE). Vesper Sparrow: 30 Sep-27 Oct (1-6) AS (ETOS) ; 27 Oct (3) SB (KD). White-crowned Sparrow: 2 Oct (4) PB (RAP, TEL); 7 Oct (1) AS (SG, MD). White-throated Sparrow: 24 Sep (1) AS (SG, RL). LINCOLN'S SPARROW: 18 Sep (1) AS (DL, LRH); 30 Sep (2) AS (MD, SG) ; 2 Oct (7— banded) PB (RAP, TEL). Swamp Spar- row: 3 Oct (1) CH (DRJ). Additional symboh used: im — immature; ad — adult. Locations: AS — Austin Springs; B — Bristol; CH — ^Chattanooga; ChL — Chickamauga Lake; CKL — ^Cherokee Lake; Da^ — Daus; ELL — Ft. Loudon Lake; HI — Hiwassee Island; HRA — Hiwassee River Area; JC — Johnson City; KP — Kingsport; KSP — Kingston Steam Plant; KCo — Knox County; K — Knoxville; NL — ^Nickajack Lake; NoL — Norris Lake; PB — Phipp’s Bend; SJP — St. John’s Pond; SB — ^Savannah Bay; SM — Signal Mountain; SHL — South Holston Lake. Observers: BA — Buddy Adkisson; FJA — ^Fred J. Alsop; GLB — Gary L. Bayne; JWC— .J. Wallace Coffey; MD— M,artha Dillenbeck; KD— Ken Dubke; KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke; LD — ^Lil Dubke; LiD — Linda Duley; ETOS- Elizabethton TOS; GE — Glen Eller; HE — Harry Farthing; SG — -Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee R. Herndon; JCH — J. C. Howell; DRJ — Daniel R. Jacobson; LMJ — Lemuel M. Jacobson; KPTOS — Kingsport TOS; RK — Rick Knight; KTOS — Knoxville TOS; TEL — Tom F. Laughlin; RL — Richard Lewis; DL — Dick Lura; PP — Paul Pardue; RAP — Rick A. Phillips; PR — ^Pete Range; ES — Ed Schell; ABS — Boyd Sharp; MPS — Pat Stallings; JWS^ — Jowayne Stone; TOS — ^Hiwassee Island Barge Trip; RBW — R. Bruce Wilkey. Daniel R. Jacobson, Route 1, Box 477, Wildwood, GA 30757. Corrections: Vol. 48, page 50 Season Report, Eastern Ridge and Valley Region, under observers reads: RBW — Dick Wodzenski. It should read: RBW — R. Bruce Wilkey. Vol. 48, page 105 reads as follows: Vnlture-Pbalarope: through period (28) PB (RAP, TEL). It should read: Vnlture-Pbalarope: Black Vulture: through period (28) PB (RAP, TEL). EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — The weather for the region was normal temperatures for the entire period with all three months recording above average rainfall. The first cold spell was not until the second week of October, with the first killing frost coming on the 1 5 th. [Vol. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 23 Several unusual species were recorded during the period with the immature Surf Scoter and another Goshawk heading the list. Most winter waterfowl ar- rived on time and in "normal” numbers. With the early arrival of several "northern finches” we are anticipating another winter-time invasion of some of our more enjoyable species to observe during the sometimes dull and drab winter months. Loon-Turkey: Common Loon: 1st returned 3 0 Oct (1) WatL (RK). Green Heron: last seen 26 Oct (1) E (HE). Green-winged Teal: 11 Oct (1) on a small pond on N. C. side of Roan Mtn. at elevation of 45 00-|- (ES) . American Wigeon: 1st returned 16 Oct (2) WibL (GW). Redhead: 29 Oct (1) WibL (GW) . Ring-necked Duck: 1st returned 13 Oct (3) WibL (RK). Canvashack: 28 Oct (1) WibL (RK). Bufflehead: 1st returned 28 Oct (2) WibL (RK). SURF SCOTER: 3 0-31 Oct (1) WibL (FA, KTOS, GW, RK). Black Vulture: 24 Sep (2) KM (GW, DL). GOSHAWK: 28 Aug (1) RM (RP, TL). Sharp- shinned and Cooper’s Hawks: 12 and 9 sightings respectively thru-out the pe- riod is another good fall flight for our area. Red-shouldered Hawk: 17 Oct (1) GLS (GW). Broad-winged Hawk: last seen 24 Sep (3) HM (GW, DL). Osprey: last seen 19 Oct (1) BC (GE). Wild Turkey: 29 Oct (1) HM (PR). Flover-SJorike: Semipalmated Plover: 2 5 Aug (1) RC (GW, DL). Least Sandpiper: 11 Aug (3) RC (GW, DL). Herring Gull: 24 Sep (2) flying over HM (GW, DL). Ring-billed Gull: 1st returned 24 Sep (1) WatL (PR). CASPIAN TERN: 2 Sep (1) WatL (HD, MD, SG). Black-billed Cuckoo: 22 Aug (1) HM, (SG). Barn Owl: two sites are still active in the area. Great Horned Owl: 27 Aug (1) GLS (GW); 24 Sep (2) WatL (PR); 18 Oct (1) BC (GE). Barred Owl: 24 Sep (1) IMG (SG); 11 Oct (1) RM (ES). Com- mon Nighthawk: last seen 19 Oct (3) E (HE). Chimney Swift: last seen 8 Oct (3) E (GE, HE). Red-headed Woodnecker: 24 Sep (1) near WatL (GW, DL) ; 24 Sep (1) Unicoi (GE, HE). OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER: 28 Aug (1) RM (RP, TL). Barn Swallow: last seen 30 Sep (1) E (GE, HE). Common Raven: 1-4 regular on IM and RM. Red-breasted Nuthatch: very heavy fall invasion with at least 122 birds counted on one day 21 Oct on RM (RP, TL). We had no Marsh Wrens sighted in this^ area this year. House Wren: last seen 22 Oct (1) Townsend (DJ, MPS). Wood Thrush: last seen 7 Oct (1) E (GE, HE). Water Pipit: 9 Oct (40'-|-) RC (PR); 11 Oct (1) RM (ES); 22 Oct (1) GSMNP (DJ, MPS). Loggerhead Shrike: only 1 individual seen in area on 24 Sep in E (GW, DL). Yireo-Sparrow: Solitary Vireo: last seen 23 Oct (1) GSMNP (DJ, MPS). PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 28 Aug (1) RM (RP, TL) ; 24 Sep (1) E (GW, DL). ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER: 22 Oct (1) GSMNP (DJ, MPS). Nashville Wafbler: last seen 31 Oct (1) Erwin (GS) late. Blackpoll: 8 Sep (1) near WibL (LRH, RK) ; 24 Sep (1) RM (ES). Palm Warbler: last seen 29 Oct (2) E (GE). Northern Oriole: last seen 10 Sep (1) RM (GW, DL, GE, RK). Scarlet Tanager: last seen 5 Oct (1) E (GE, HE). Blue Grosbeak: last seen 24 Sep (1) GLS (GW, DL). Evening Grosbeak: 24 Oct (50i-[-) Erwin (GS) ; 29 Oct (18-22) E (GE). Purple Finch: 24 Sep (4) Backwoods Lake (ES) ; 26 Oct (4) Erwin (GS) ; 29 Oct (6) E (HE). Pine Siskin: 28 Aug (1) RM (RP, TL); 12 Sep (2) RM (RK) ; 22 Oct (00 + ) RM (RP, TL); 26-27 Oct (30 + ) MC (GW, DL). Red Crossbill: 27-28 Aug (15-25) [VoL. 49, 1978] 24 THE MIGRANT MARCH RM (RP, TL) ; 10, 13 Sep (1) RM (ETOS). Vesper Sparrow: 1st returned 29 Oct (1) E (GE). LINCOLN’S SPARROW: 24 Sep (1) E (GW, DL). Locations: BC — Bluff City; E — Elizabethton; GLS — ^Great Lakes Swamp (near Eliz.) ; GSMNP — Great Smoky Mtn. National Park; HM — -Holston Mtn.; IMG — Iron Mtn. Gap; MC — ^Milligan College; RC — Roans Creek; RM — ^Roan Mtn.; WatL— Watauga Lake; WibL— Wilbur Lake. Observers: FA — Fred Alsop; HD — Helenbill Dove; MD — ^Martha Dillen- beck; ETOS — Eliz. Chapter TOS; GE — Glen Eller; HE — Harry Farthing; SG^ — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee Herndon; DJ — Daniel Jacobson; KTOS — Kingsport Chapter TOS; RK — Rick Knight; DL— Dick Lura; TL — -Tom Laughlin; RP — Rick Phillips; PR — Pete Range; ES — Ed Schell; GS — Glen Swofford; MPS — Pat Stallings; GW — Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. Request For Information The TVA Regional Heritage Program and the Tennessee Heritage Program are systematically cataloging locality information about birds that are endan- gered, threatened, blue-listed, or of other special concern within the state of Tennessee. The information is used to minimize land-use conflicts and to iden- tify areas which may qualify for protection under the Tennessee Natural Areas Act of 1971. Precise locality information about current and historical nest sites, roosts, and feeding or migration stop-over areas is needed. Nest record cards, either copies or originals, are acceptable, and can be either returned or forwarded to Cornell University. The species for which we request information are: Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, All herons and bit- terns except Green Herons, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Mississippi Kite, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Marsh Hawk, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Sandhill Crane, King Rail, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Tern, Barn Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bank Swallow, Common Raven, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Bewick’s Wren, Warbling Vireo, Swainson’s Warbler, Painted Bunting, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Bachman’s Sparrow. Please forward information on these species to: Charles P. Nicholson, TVA Regional Heritage Program, Division of Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife Devel- opment, Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris, TN 37828. Phone: 615-494-7173, ext. 473 or 23 5, or Dan Eagar, Tennessee Heritage Programs, 1720 West End Avenue, Suite 507, Nashville, TN 37203. Phone: 615-741-3852 (call person- to-person, collect) . [VoL. 49, 1978] 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8^ x 11" paper with adequate marginsj 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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 Savannah Sparrow {Passerculm sandwichemh) Nesting in Upper East Tennessee. Fred J. Akop, III 1 The 1977 Christmas Bird Count. Richard D. Lura 5 Minutes of the 1977 Symposium and Fall Meeting. R. Bruce Wilkey, Secretary 13 Book Review A Guide to Bird-Watching in Europe. Gary O. Wallace 15 The Season. Edited 'by Fred /. Akop, III 16 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 17 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 18 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Daniel R. Jacobson 20 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 22 fesii QU>^R.TER-LY OQURNy^L DEVOTED>JO TENNESSE^BIRPg ;-i V -w 1 '•' — ! v.-M'i' •;> ' ' ' I '''' :.if4VAS'^flBl8nimV ‘ V-V.'.^''-tvr*.-.%‘;-.-:: r HitlisKcJ t>/^ THETENNESSEE !§ ORNITHOLOGICAL.^ k SOCIETY 4®| ■^:yP 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 GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 **THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, TN 37642 ‘‘STATE COUNT COMPILER” RICHARD LURA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 PRESIDENT KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN PAUL PARDUE Rt. 23, Box 9 3 A, Beechwood Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN SANFORD McGEE P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MARTHA WALDRON 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE EAST TENN WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH 7916 Jenkins Dr., Kmoxville, TN 37921 MIDDLE TENN MICHAEL FILSON 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 WEST TENN MRS. JOHN LAMB Lake Rd., Dyersburg, TN 38024 CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 SECRETARY BRUCE WILKEY 106 Palisades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 TREASURER RAY JORDAN Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.J0; Life, $100.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contribu- tions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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, Teimessee 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. 49 JUNE, 1978 NO. 2 SOURCE OF COMMON CRACKLES AND RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS WINTERING IN TENNESSEE Brooke Meanley and Richard A. Dolbeer Considerable national attention has been focused on the blackbird-Starling winter-roost problem in Tennessee in recent years (Graham 1976). In the 1974-75 winter, 36 roosts containing a roughly-estimated 45,732,000 blackbirds and Starlings were reported in Tennessee (Meanley 1976). Fourteen of these roosts each contained an estimated 1 million or more birds; nine others had populations estimated at 100,000 to 1 million birds, but two of these have since been deleted as duplicates (Fig. 1). Overall, this wintering population had the following approximate species composition: 44% Starlings, 3 5% Common Crackles, 11% Red-winged Blackbirds, 9% Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 1% Rusty Blackbirds. Questions often asked by farmers, ornithologists, and other interested per- sons include: Where do these birds come from? When do they arrive in the fall? When do they depart in the spring? Partial answers to these questions were obtained through an analysis of 33,000 band recoveries for Common Crackles and 11,000 band recoveries for Red-winged Blackbirds. These recoveries have accumulated from more than 50 years of banding in the United States and Canada. - Roost containing 1 million or more birds • - Roost containing 100,000 to 1 million birds Fig. 1. Locations of the large blackbird-starling roosts in Tennessee during 1974-75 winter. [VoL. 49, 1978] 26 THE MIGRANT JUNE METHODS The source of birds that winter in Tennessee was determined by tabulating and mapping recoveries of birds banded during the 5 -month breeding and post- breeding season (May 1 -September 30) and recovered in Tennessee during the winter (December 15-February 14). Data for the breeding and postbreeding banding seasons are combined because earlier analyses of recoveries of banded Crackles and Redwings indicated that the breeding populations and their off- spring remain in the same general geographical areas of origin throughout the summer, until fall migration. In late summer, these species undergo a molt that is not completed until early autumn, which probably contributes to their re- maining in the summering area until they are ready for prolonged migratory flight. RESULTS Of 1,828 Crackles banded in the north (north of and including Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado) during the height of the breeding season (May 1-June 30) and recovered during the postbreeding period (July l-September 30), 1,753 (95.9%) were in the State or Province in which they had been banded; and another 67 (3.7%) were in adjacent States or Provinces. For the 231 Redwings banded in approximately the same northern areas during their breeding season (April 26-July 31) and recogered during the postbreeding period (August 1 -October 15), the average distance between the bandiing and recovery sites was only 57 miles. Fall or southward migration of Common Crackles and Redwings occurs mostly in November and early December: 98.8% (1,703 of 1,724 recoveries) of the northern Crackle population was still in the north during August 15- October 31. During the late fall (November 1-December 14), however, only 51.1% (356 of 646 recoveries) of the northern Crackle population was still in the north. For the 116 Redwings banded in the north during the breeding season and recovered during the late fall (November 1-December 14), the average distance between banding and recovery site was 395 miles — a very substantial increase over the average distance of 57 miles for Redwings re- covered during the postbreeding period (August 1 -October 15). Crackles that winter in Tennessee breed mostly in the central Great Lakes region and the Upper Mississippi Valley (Fig. 2). Of 130 winter recoveries in Tennessee, only 9 birds had been banded during the breeding or postbreeding seasons in Tennessee. Approximately 90% of all Tennessee recoveries were in the western half of the State, where more large roosts occur and where more trapping is done by bird banders than elsewhere in Tennessee. The largest con- centration of Crackles in Tennessee reported in the 1974-75 winter-roost survey was at the Milan Arsenal, Gibson County, where an estimated 9-million-bird roost contained about 6 million Crackles (Meanley 1976). There are only three winter recoveries in Tennessee of Redwings that were banded in the breeding-postbreeding period: one each from Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin (Fig. 2). No Redwings winter-banded in Tennessee have been re- covered during the breeding-postbreeding period. These limited data suggest that the regional source of most Redwings wintering in Tennessee is generally the same as for Crackles. Obviously, many more winter bandings and recoveries [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 27 Fig. 2. Sources of 130 Common Crackles (solid lines) and 3 Red- winged Blackbirds (dashed lines) Wintering in Tennessee. of Redwings are needed in Tennessee for more accurate delineation of the breed- ing grounds of this important winter visitor. The largest winter concentration of Redwings in Tennessee reported in the 1974-75 roost survey was at Reelf oot Lake where an estimated 4-million-bird roost contained nearly 3 million Red- wings (Meanley 1976). This winter roost has long been established in the marshes of Reelf oot Lake (Cypert 1949, Dunbar 1951). The dispersal of winter-banded Crackles from Tennessee, mainly occurring during late February and early March, is documented by Coffey (1938). Although insufficient band recoveries are available to document the timing of dispersal for Redwings, observations in Tennessee and eastern Arkansas (Meanley 1965, Meanley 1971) indicate that the timing of Redwing dispersal is similar to that of Common Crackles. REFERENCES CITED COFFEY, B. B., JR. 193 8. Blackbird banding in the Mid-South — 1. Migrant, 9(3):59-63. CYPERT, E. 1949. The Redwing flight at Reelfoot Lake. Kentucky Warbler, 25(1):8-10. DUNBAR, R. j. 1951. The Red-wing roost at Reelfoot Lake. Migrant, 22(1):9-11. GRAHAM, F., JR. 1976. Blackbirds — a problem that won’t fly away. Audubon 78(3):118-125. MEANLEY, B. 1965. The roosting behavior of the Red-winged Blackbird in the southern United States. Wilson Bull., 77(3 ) :217-228. [VoL. 49, 1978] 28 THE MIGRANT JUNE MEANLEY, B. 1971. Blackbirds and the southern rice crop. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Resour. Publ. 100. 64pp. MEANLEY, B. 1976. Distribution and ecology of blackbird and Starling roosts in the United States. Prog. Rep. under Work Units P-F-25.1, 25.2, Pa- tuxent Wildl. Res. Center, U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Laurel, Maryland. 82pp. [Processed.] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P. O. Box 2097, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Accepted 6 Dec. 1976. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 29 COMPARISON OF AMERICAN WOODCOCK COURTSHIP ACTIVITIES IN KNOX AND WEAKLEY COUNTIES, TENNESSEE T. David Pitts The purpose of this note is to compare some of the courtship activities of American Woodcock (Pbilohela minor) I observed in Knox County in East Tennessee and Weakley County in West Tennessee. During the months September 1972 through June 1973 I was in the field daily on the farm of Mr. Jim Cunningham, approximately eight miles (13 km) south of Knoxville in Knox County. The first woodcock courtship activities were oibserved on 5 November when a single woodcock repeatedly gave "peent” notes and then briefly performed the courtship flight. Courtship continued until 16 May. On 28 December two woodcock performed, and during the last week of February and the first week of March four woodcock performed, after which the number of performers declined. The singing ground was a heavily grazed cattle pasture where most of the vegetation was less than 10 cm in height, but some plants were 20-30 cm tall. Occassional bare areas were present. Three parallel ridges were the centers of activity. Woodcock were seen approaching and departing the singing grounds; flight paths indicated the woodcock were using a heavily wooded area to the south as diurnal cover. In spite of my inten- sive activity in the area I flushed only one woodcock durinig the daytime and no nests were found. On most of the days during November 1975 through May 1976 I checked the vicinity of my home in Weakley County, three miles (5 km) southwest of Martin, for woodcock courtship activity. The first performance was on 5 Feb- ruary and the last was on 1 March. The maximum number of performing males was three on 12 February and four on 18 February. Initially all of the wood- cock performed from a field which has been undergoing secondary succession for at least 10, and possibly 12 or 15 years. The vegetation in the field was very dense and consisted of tangles of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) ^ blackberry vines (Rtitncs sp.), and numerous other herbaceous perennials inter- spersed among ash (Fraxinns sp.), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) , and box elder {Acer negimdo) saplings 4-6 m tall. Performing woodcock centered their courtship activities in small natural openings. Later, one woodcock performed from a field road in a similar field about 150 m away. An adjacent pasture and a mowed hayfield of very short vegetation (less than 10 cm) were not used. Although I did not check the area thoroughly I suspect that during the day most of the woodcock remained near their singing grounds as I did not see or hear woodcock approach or depart the field. Sheldon (1967:65) reported that woodcock frequently walked to their singing grounds from their diurnal coverts. On 7 February I twice flushed two woodcock from the edge of the field used for a singing ground; both times the woodcock remained in the field. The vocalizations and behavior of the Knox County and Weakley County woodcock were similar and were typical of the species, based on the reports of Sheldon (1967:44-62), Davis (1970), and Samuel and Beightol (1973). One slight difference involved the light intensity at the time of the first evening performance. The Knox County woodcock typically arrived on their singing [VoL. 49, 1978] 30 THE MIGRANT JUNE grounds when barely enough light remained for an observer to see the wood- cock, and the performances continued until after darkness settled. The Weakley County woodcock normally arrived on the singing grounds when the light level was still high; ground and aerial activities were easily viewed, and even during the last aerial performances the woodcock could be followed with binoculars. On one moonlit night the Weakley County woodcock performed from 20:00 to at least 20:30; similar activities on moonlit nights have been reported by Herndon (1950) and Sheldon ( 1967: 54-55) . Although my observatioss cover only one season at each locality the numerous reports in The Migrant (e.g., Nicholson, 1974; Herndon, 1972) indicate that in East Tennessee woodcock can be found on singing grounds from mid- winter into the spring months. In contrast, records of woodcock courtship in West Tennessee are sparse; the report of Coffey and Poole (1957) is the only one I am aware of. The presence of singing males does not neces- sarily indicate woodcock nest nearby as Sheldon (1967:5 8-59) stated that migrating males may perform courtship flights. These observations suggest that Knox County has a group of nesting wood- cock whose courtship activities extend over a period of several months, but during spring migration the singing grounds may contain both locally nesting individuals and migratory individuals. The timing of the courtship activities in Weakley County suggests that only migratory woodcock were present on the singing grounds. Evidence does exist that woodcock nest in Knox County (Bamberg, 1933; Tanner, 1950), but to my knowledge no nests have been found in Weakley County. However, other workers (e.g., Sheldon, 1967:66) have commented oin the difficulty of finding woodcock nests, so my conclusions must be iconsidered as tentative until intensive efforts have been made to locate nests. LITERATURE CITED BAMBERG, JOHN. 1933. A woodcock nest at Knoxville. Migrant 4:22-23. COFFEY, B. B., AND EDWIN POOLE. 1957. The 1957 Christmas Season Bird Counts. Memphis. Migrant 28:62. DAVIS, F. w. 1970. Territorial conflict in the American Woodcock. Wilson Bull. 82:327-328. GORE, j. F. 1975. Tennessee woodcock investigations. J. Tn. Acad. Sci. 50:16-19. HERNDON, L. R. 195 0. The Season. Elizabethton. Migrant 21:15 . HERNDON, L. R. 1972. , Bird finding in Tennessee: Carter County. Migrant 43:5-7. NICHOLSON, c. p. 1974. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 45:24. SAMUEL, D. E., AND D. R. BEiGHTOL. 1973. The vocal repertoire of male Ameri- can Woodcock 90:906-909. SHELDON, w. G. 1967. The book of the American Woodcock. Univ. of Mass., Amherst. TANNER, J. T. 1950. The Season. Knoxville. Migrant 21:52. Biology Dept., Univ. of Tenn., Martin 3 8237. Accepted 17 Oct. 1976. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 31 STATUS OF THE AMERICAN WOODCOCK IN TENNESSEE T. DAVID PITTS In view of the currently increasing interest in American Woodcock (Philo- hela minor) as a game ibird in Tennessee (Gore, 1975) it seems appropriate to review the many woodcock observations reported in The Migrant. Each issue of The Migrant from Volume 1 (1930) through Volume 46 (1975) was checked for information pertaining to woodcock in Tennessee. COURTSHIP The rather conspicuous courtship activities of woodcock have been recorded for the eight months October through May. The only October record is that of Patterson (1967) who reported courtship flights of up to ten individuals beginning in mid-October in Hardin County. November courtship flights have been reported by Nicholson (1973a) for Knox County and Patterson (1967, 1972) for Hardin County. Numerous reports (Coffey and Poole, 1957; Coffey, 1969; DeVore, 1968; Enloe, 1963; Nicholson, 1973a, 1974, 1975; Patterson, 1968, 1972; and Williams, 1972) indicate courtship frequently begins in De- cember, especially in mild winters. In the Chattanooga area woodcock courtship activities have been initiated during December in at least five of the last eight years (Coffey, 1969; DeVore, 1968; Nicholson, 1974, 1975; Williams, 1972). Other December courtship records are for Shelby County (Coffey and Poole, 1957), Hardin County (Patterson, 1968), and Knox County (Enloe, 1963; N ichol son , 1973a). In January courtship activities continue in the southern counties (e.g., Hardin County: Patterson, 1968; and Hamilton County: Coffey, 1969; DeVore, 1968; Nicholson, 1975) and begin in some of the more northern counties such as Carter County (Herndon, 1972). Woodcock courtship records are more numerous for February than for any other month and are widely distributed across the state (Gray, 1934; Herndon, 1950; Ogden, 1961; Parmer, 1971; Tianner, 1962). Searches for woodcock in February have in some cases revealed many performing males; for example, 27 were located in the Nashville area in late February 1971 (Parmer, 1971). An unknown number of these males may have been transients as Sheldon (1967:5 8-59) indicated migrating males may perform courtship flights. Although numerous March observations have been reported (Enloe, 1963; Ganier, 1945; Herndon, 1950, 1954; Ogden, 1961; Parmer, 1971; Spofford, 1947; Tanner, 1960, 1962; Williams, 1975) some of these reports indicate the termination of courtship activities. The last observed performance near Knoxville in 1962 was 7 March (Tanner, 1962), and Parmer (1971) referred to a 21 March performance near Nashville as that of a late singer. Most of the few April records of courtship refer to last performances: 5 April near Chattanooga (Campbell, 1971), 14 April near Elizabethton (Smith, 1967), and 16 April near Chattanooga (Jacobson, 1975). Occasionally court- ship continues into May as shown by observations on 1 0 May in Carter County (Eller, 1973) and 16 May in Knox County (Pitts, unpublished records). Figure 1 summarizes the reports of courtship activities. The variable nature of the beginning of courtship is emphasized by Patterson’s (1969) report that while courtship flights from up to 16 individuals were observed all winter in [VoL. 49, 1978] 32 THE MIGRANT JUNE 1967-1968, in the winter of 1968-1969 courtship did not begin until February and then only two woodcock were present. Figure 1. Number of reports of woodcock courtship activities in Tennessee. NESTING Information on the location of 26 woodcock nesting attempts in Tennessee has been presented in The Migrant. Evidence of two other nests is presented (Lyle and Tyler, 1934), but the location is not specified. Scattered spring and summer records of adults from numerous other counties may indicate a much wider nestting distribution. No evidence of nesting in West Tennessee has been reported; of the reports from Hardin County the two nests found by Patterson (1966) were east of the Tennessee River, but the exact location of the nest found by Counce (1934) was not given. The counties in which eggs or broods have been found are shown in Figure 2 Figure 2. Tennessee counties from which woodcock nests have been reported. 1. Coffee; 2. Cocke; 3. Hamilton; 4. Hardin; 5. Knox; 6. Lawrence; 7. Roane; 8. Rutherford; 9. Sullivan; 10. Van Buren; 11. Washington; 12. Williamson. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 33 and are as follows: Coffee (DeVore, 1975), Cocke (Walker, 1935), Hamilton (Jacobson, 1975), Hardin (Counce, 1934; Patterson, 1966), Knox (Bamberg, 1933; Tanner, 1950), Lawrence (Gray, 1934), Roane (Jacobson, 1975), Rutherford (Todd, 1944), Sullivan (Campbell, 1968; Coffey, 1964), Van Buren (Ganier and Clebsch, 1940), Washington (Jacobson, 1975; Nicholson, 1973b), and Williamson (Caldwell, 1936). In addition to these records J. F. Gore (fide Morris Williams) found 12-15 nests on the Laurel Hill Wildlife Management Area in Lawrence County. Eleven nests with eggs were reported; ten of the nests contained four eggs and one nest contained three eggs. The set of three eggs was collected and found to be fresh (Todd, 1944); therefore, the clutch may have been incomplete. Five of these nests were found in March and three were found in April; the month of observation was not given for the other three nests. The exact date on which the eggs were laid is not known for any of the reported nests although Counce (1934) observed hatching on 29 March, indicating egg laying began about 4 March. Patterson (1966) observed a brood still at the nest in mid-April. These young were probably no more than one or two days old as the broods usually leave the nest soon after hatching (Sheldon, 1967:72-73). Egg laying at this nest would have begun about 20 March. If the set of three eggs found by Todd (1944) on 3 April was incomplete, egg laying at that nest began about 1 April. Of thirteen broods reported two were in March, eight in April, and three in May. In most reports no indication of the age of the young is given. Some evidence of renesting is indicated by Bamberg’s (1933) observation of a nest in Knox County that was abandoned after being disturbed by humans; another nest was found later a short distance away. SEASONAL TRENDS A comparison by month of the reported woodcock observations (Figure 3) shows peaks in February and November; these peaks presumably indicate spring and fall migration dates. Reports from Christmas Bird Counts and Spring Field Days are not included in Figure 3 as a disproportionate amount of field work was done during these two' periods. The greater number of February observa- tions can be attributed to an influx of migrating woodcock, and the increased conspicuousness associated with courtship activities. The May peak may be due to the increase in the numbers of juveniles. Sheldon (1967:75) states that most broods break up between six and eight weeks after hatching; therefore, many Tennessee broods probably break up during May and the solitary juveniles may be more conspicuous due to their wandering or less wary nature. The small number of reports from July, August, and September m'ay be due to the more elusive nature of woodcock during their molt; also, fewer observers are afield during the warm weather of these months. Occasionally, large numbers of woodcock may be present in an area during the winter. Patterson (1973) re- ported more than 50 in the Savannah area during the winter of 1972-1973; this report was not included in Figure 3 as the month of observation was not indicated. SUMMARY The American Woodcock is a permanent resident in Tennessee; many addi- tional woodcock migrate through the state. Peak numbers are present in Feb- [VoL. 49, 1978] 34 THE MIGRANT JUNE MONTH OF OBSERVATION Figure 3. Monthly distribution of records of woodcock in Tennessee (1930-1975) excluding Christmas Bird Counts and Spring Field Days. ruary and November, the times of spring and fall migration. Eggs or broods have been found in twelve counties. One nest in Hardin County may have been in West Tennessee; all of the other nests were in Middle and East Tennessee. The presence of adults in late spring and summer in numerous other counties may indicate a wider nesting distribution than the few nesting records show. The initiation and duration of courtship is variable but normally begins in December in the southern parts of the state and continues into April. Most areas have maximum numbers of displaying males in Fdbruary; some of these males may be transients. Eggs are normally laid in March and April, with four being the usual clutch. LITERATURE CITED BAMBERG, JOHN. 1933. A woodcock nest at Knoxville. Migrant 4: 22-23. CALDWELL, JOHN. 1936. Notes on woodcock, grouse and turkey. Migrant 7:48. CAMPBELL, j. M. 1968. The Season: Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 39:45. CAMPBELL, J. M. 1971. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 42:46. COFFEY, BEN B., AND EDWIN POOLE. 1957. The 1957 Christmas Season Bird Counts: Memphis. Migrant 28:62. COFFEY, WALLACE. 1964. The Seaslon. Bristol. Migrant 3 5:41. COFFEY, J. WALLACE. 1969. The Season: Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 40:22. COUNCE, CYNTHIA c. 1934. A woodcock’s nest. Migrant 5:4-5. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 35 DEVORE, JON E. 1968. The Season: Chattanooga. Migrant 39:21. DEVORE, j. E. 1975. Middle Tennessee Ornithological Records of the late H. O. Todd, Jr. Migrant 46:25-37. ELLER, GLEN D. 1973. The Scason: Eastern Mountain Region. Migrant 44:54. ENLOE, MARY. 1963. December woodcock at Knoxville. Migrant 34:14. GANIER, A. F. 1945. Spring migration at Nashville. Migrant 16:14-15. GANiER, A. F., AND ALFRED CLEBSCH. 1940. Summer birds of Fall Creek State Park. Migrant 11:53-59. GORE, j. F. 1975. Tennessee woodcock investigations. J. Tn. Acad. Sci. 50:16-19. GRAY, DAN R. 1934. Woodcock notes and sundry others. Migrant 5:5 8. HERNDON, LEE R. 1950. The Season. Elizabethton. Migrant 21:15. HERNDON, LEE R. 1954. The Season. Elizabethton. Migrant 25:18-19. HERNDON, L. R. 1972. Bird finding in Tennessee: Carter County. Migrant 43:5-7. JACOBSON, D. R. 1975. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 46:67-69. LYLE, R. B., AND B. p. TYLER. 1934. The nesting birds of northeastern Tennes- see. Migrant 5:49-57. NICHOLSON, c. p. 1973a. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 44:26. NICHOLSON, c. p. 1973b. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 44:86. NICHOLSON, c. p. 1974. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 45:24. NICHOLSON, c. p. 1975. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 46:46. OGDEN, J. c. 1961. The Season. Nashville. Migrant 32:5. PATTERSON, DAVID E. 1966. Woodcock nests, Hardin County. Migrant 37:13-14. PATTERSON, D. E. 1967. The Season. Savannah. Migrant 3 8:94. PATTERSON, D. E. 1968. The Season. Savannah. Migrant 39:19. PATTERSON, D. E. 1969. The Season. Western Coastal Plain Region. Migrant 40:19. PATTERSON, D. E. 1972. The Season. Western Coastal Plain Region. Migrant 43:23. PATTERSON, D. E. 1973. The Season. Western Coastal Plain Region. Migrant 44:22. SHELDON, w. G. 1967. The book of the American Woodcock. Univ. of Mass., Amherst. SPOFFORD, w. R. 1947. Woodcock "singing” at Nashville. Migrant 18:7. PARMER, H. E. 1971. The Season. Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant 42:44. SMITH, c. R. 1967. The Season. Elizabethton. Migrant 3 8:5 5. TANNER, J. T. 1950. The Season. Knoxville. Migrant 21:52. TANNER, J. T. 1960. The Season. Knoxville. Migrant 31:15. TANNER, J. T. 1962. The Season. Knoxville. Migrant 33:16. WALKER, w. M., JR. 193 5. A Collection of birds from Cocke County, Tenn. Migrant 6:48-50. WILLIAMS, M. D. 1972. The Season. Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Migrant 43:27. [VoL. 49, 1978] 36 THE MIGRANT JUNE WILLIAMS, M. D. 1975. The Season. Central Plateau and Basin Region. Migrant 46:71-72 Biology Dept., Univ. of Tenn., Martin 3 8237. Accepted 17 Oct. 1976. BOOK REVIEWS CHECKLIST OF THE WORLD’S BIRDS: A Complete List of the Species, with Names and Areas of Distribution. By Edward S. Gruson with the assistance of Richard A. Forster. Quadrangel/The New York Times Book Co., NY, 212 pages. $10.95. This book provides an almost complete list of all the living species of birds in a compact 180 pages. Given for each species are the scientific and English names, one or more sources of information and a general idea of its range. The book has been compiled from standard ornithological references without pretense of taxonomic expertise. Typographic errors are common and Gruson uses the Old World sequences of families. But with its orderly arrange- ment and modest price, this book could be a useful addition to the library of any birder. Gary O. Wallace A GUIDE TO BIRD-WATCHING IN MALLORCA. By Eddie Waitkinson. 1976. Published by Pack in Stockholm, Sweden, but ayailable from M. Phil- brick, P. O. Box 83, Vashon, Washington 98070. 56 pages. 22 maps on habitat sketches. $3.90. Mallorca is a Spanish island in the western Mediterranean. The island is in a good location for the observation of European migrants and this book is a good source for details of the best birding locations. The first 17 pages give instructions on when to come, places to stay, car rental information, what to bring, telephone, bus service and complaints. The rest of the book gives detailed maps and instructions on where to go and what to look for. Gary O. Wallace 1978 THE MIGRANT 37 BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE PICKETT STATE PARK AND FOREST Starting at the entrance of Pickett State Forest in the Eastern part of Pickett County, the birder is free at any time to drive or walk the forest roads or trails. Pickett State Park occupies a small part of the Forest and is reached SGT YORK^"^' TRAIU PICKETT STATE PARK AND FOREST DISTANCE IN MILES IMPROVED ROADS UNIMPROVED ROADS C" z = POINT OF INTEREST » TRAILS by driving Hwy. 154, 2.45 miles from the entrance of the forest. Within the park are rustic and modern cabins that are available by reservations. There is also a campground for tents and trailers and an excellent group campground consisting of bunkbed cabins and a large dining hall which is available to groups but they must provide the cook and food. A small dam on Thompson Creek within the park creates a small but deep and narrow lake that fingers back into the wooded ravines. An occasional duck or grebe can be found here but on the whole the area is limited to woodland [VoL. 49, 1978] 38 THE MIGRANT JUNE birds. Color coded foot trails in the park wind around and under cliff overhangs, across creeks and through deep woodlands where the most common birdsongs in the nesting season are of the Ovenbird, Carolina Wren and Hooded Warbler. Tall pines mixed with decidous trees in the campground and group camp harbor many warblers in the spring and summer including the Black-throated Green and Pine Warblers. Probably the most sought and less seen bird is the Red-cockaded Woodpecker which is now on the endangered list. On 1 June 1969 we observed one adult female feeding two fledged juveniles (one with feathers partly plastered with resin) among the pines in the campground. We were able to watch them closely for 45 minutes. Albert Ganier gave an account of apparent nesting birds {The Migrant, 33:39-45) and in a personal letter to us of finding an occupied nest in a pine on the Natural Bridge in the park. Repeated efforts by us to find a nest reported by Mack Pritichard on the Hidden Passage Trail, have been unsuccessful. This is probably due to a tornado in the Spring of 1974 that destroyed many trees in that area and no sightings have been reported since then, but it is believed they may have moved to some other part of the forest. Flickers, Red-bellied, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are found in fair numbers in the Forest. Early morning or late afternoon walks on the Hidden Passage Trail should produce a Ruffed Grouse. On 1 Sept. 1975 while driving the Sprauls Ridge Road, .2 miles from Hwy. 154, we found a Wild Turkey crossing into the woods. To drive some of the interesting back roads start at the visitors center and proceed North on Hwy. 154, 3.3 miles and turn left on the second unpaved road locally called Kentucky Cutoff Road. Follow this road to the Kentucky View Overlook sign for an optional one mile roundtrip hike. Continue on to the Old Sharps Road, turn right and drive 1.1 miles, turn right again for .7 miles to Truman Overlook. From here you can see the Chimney Rock protruding over 100 feet from a ridgetop. Albert Ganier named it "Bluebeards Castle” and at the age of 52 scaled the rock to photograph a nestinig Black Vulture. The Chimney Rock is located outside the park and forest and to reach it you must hike an approximate three miles roundtrip. Contact park or forest personnel before attempting this strenuous but exciting climb. Return to Old Sharps Road and turn left, continuing on this road back to Hwy. 154 and the entrance to the forest, stopping along the way at a small field on the right for sparrows, etc. Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, vireos and Great Crested Flycatchers can be heard throughout the forest in the Summer. Barred Owls and Whip-poor-wills are the night songs. We know of no recent list of birds that has been compiled for this area. To compare Albert Ganier’s past study "Summer Birds Of Pickett Forest,” {The Migrant 8:24-27) with a present study would be very interesting and revealing. David and Robbie Hassler, P. O. Box 1, Byrdstown 3 8549. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 39 THE SEASON Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor WINTER season: 1 NOVEMBER - 1 5 MARCH (Cold, COLD, COLD! I! . . . Rut, for those who watched their feeders and who made it out into their favorite hirding haunts what rewards there were! We experienced the coldest winter on record with conditions that brought boreal species southward in impressive numbers. "Invasions” of some species were reported from across the State. And here-and-there among the northern finches. Red-breasted Nuthatches, and raptors lingered tangers, orioles, warblers, and Other birds better suited for wintering in the American tropics. There are so many notable and unusual records in the reports that follow that one finds any attempt to summarize them in these introductory lines as difficult as the winter was severe. Two species, one northern and one western, that had been reliably reported from Tennessee only once or twice before are represented by Common Redpoll sightings in the Nashville Area and on Roan Mountain near the Tennessee border and a female Yellow-headed Blackbird photographed near Clarksville. The House Finch seems destined to become a "regular” wintering species here with reports from Kingsport and Johnson City in the Eastern Ridge and Valley and, perhaps more significantly, reports of from one to three birds each from 7 counties in the Central Plateau and Basin Region. Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, and Pine Siskins were recorded from all areas of the State with numbers varying from small scattered flocks to numbers equal to or greater than any before reported. Evening Grosbeaks were especially abundant in the Central Plateau and Basin and Eastern Mountain Regions. Tree Sparrows were found in all but the Eastern Mountain Region as were Lapland Longspurs. White-winged Crossbills were present in the largest numbers since 1964 and were located in the Western Coastal Plain and in the Eastern Moun- tain Regions. Red CrO'Ssbills were c^bserved in the Chattanooga area and in the Eastern Mountain Region. A Harris Sparrow wintered in Memphis. For most the birds of prey bring an inner excitement and to watch them in the gray shades of winter is always special. The bird of this winter season has to be the Rough-legged Hawk. It was recorded in every region and in what would seem to be unprecedented numbers — at least 46 reported from across the state from the grassy balds above 5000 feet on Roan Mountain to [VoL. 49, 1978] 40 THE MIGRANT JUNE the lowlands of the Mississippi Valley. A Goshawk was seen in the Eastern Mountain, Merlins in the Eastern Ridge and Valley and in the Central Plateau and Basin, and the last region had a Peregrine at Columbia as well. Bald Eagles were seen in the Eastern Ridge and Valley and the Central Plateau and Basin, but none were reported from the Western Coastal Plain where they must have been present at least at Reelfoot Lake. Golden Eagles were seen on Roan Moun- tain in the east and Cannon County continues to be the place to find wintering eagles of this species in Tennessee with 5 of the 7 Central Plateau and Basin records coming from there. Short-eared Owls were noted in all but the Eastern Mountain Region and an active Barn Owl nest was found in Kingsport on 17 Dec. with one egg and one young. Scoters get the nod in a good list of waterfowl species seen this season, many in larger than usual numbers. The rare (for Tennessee) Black Scoter was ob- served in the Central Plateau and Basin and 17 individuals of this species were found on Nickajack near Chattanooga in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. These two regions also had White-winged Scoters and the latter a Surf Scoter, Whis- tling Swans, and an "invasion” of Common Mergansers. The most uncommon waterbird has to be the Red-necked Grebe located in the Eastern Mountain Region. Several species of "peep” sandpipers wintered in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. The Sandhill Crane migrations, both south to the winterinig grounds and north to the nesting areas were recorded within this season. Birds were seen in the two middle regions of the State. The peak numbers of migrants in the Fall flight came on 24 November with several hundred birds reported in both regions, and 5-7 March in the Spring movement. The Black-capped Chickadees were seen and studied at length on Roan Mountain where there is much suitable habitat for the species, but almost a complete absence of records for any season for the ydar. Birds that lingered included Nashville Warblers in November in the Western Coastal Plain and the Eastern Mountain regions, the latter also had a Dec. Solitary Vireo; Pine Warblers at feeders in Chattanooga; House Wren and a Long-billed Marsh Wren on 31 Dec. in the Nashville Area; Gray Catbirds wintering in the Western Coastal Plain; wintering Northern (Baltimore) Orioles and Summer Tanagers in both the Western Coastal Plain and the Central Plateau and Basin; and a Rose-breasted Gr^osbeak in Knoxville. And the Red-breasted Nuthatches came to Tennessee, in "invasion” num- bers in the Central Plateau and Basin . . . American Woodcock sang on 18 Dec. in the Eastern Ridge and Valley . . . and it was very cold . . . much more follows . . . WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION: Stations reporting the Evening Grosbeak were numerous in Shelby County; numbers ranged from 2 to 30. They were reported in Tiptonville, 16 Feb- 10 Mar (1-4) by Mrs. Bettie Sumara; in Martin, 17 Jan-10 Mar (6-15) by Dr. David Pitts; and in Dyersburg, 2-4 Dec (1) by Mrs. Virginia Lamb. The Tree Sparrow wintered in West Tennessee again. The first report was 26 Dec (2-4) C (RM), other reports were from the Memphis area in flock numbers up to 25. The latest date, 18 Mar, reported 4 at the Penal Farm. Dyersburg reported one on 8 Jan (WGC), and Weakley Co. had flocks of (2-8) 26 Jan-5 Mar (DF). Dr. David Pitts reported WHITE- [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 41 WINGED CROSSBILLS in a hemlock tree on the UTM campus. This is the second report for this species in West Tennessee. Goo'se-T anager: Hutchin’s Goose race of the Canada (Branta canadensis hntch'insii} : 23 Jan through 23 Mar (1) M. (RM,). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 28 Jan (1) PF (HBD, MW). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 17 Nbv. (2) PF (HBD); 25 Nov (1) PF (JGH) ; 27 Nov (1) F (JGH) ; 29 Jan (1) PF (DW) ; 11 Feb (1) PF (TOSMC). American Golden Plover: 11 Mar (27) PF (HBD, MW); 16 Mar (250) PF (HBD, SF, MW); 19 Mar (68) PF (NS, MW). American Woodcock: first courtship displays on 26 Feb; con- tinued through 15 Mar UTM (DP). Pectoral Sandpiper: 11 Mar (2) PF (HBD, MW); 16 Mar (36) PF (HBD, SF, MW). YELLOW -BILLED CUCKOO: 1 Nov (1) H (JGH); 2 Nov (1) OP (JGH); 6 Nov (1) D (V'L). SHORT-EARED' OWL: 20 Jan (2) PF (AL) seen irregularly through 12 Feb (1) PF (DW). Purple Martin: 25 Feb (1) M (JG), one found dead 20 Fdb M (TLS). Winter Wren: 18 Dec (4) GC (TOS), winter number was low. GRAY CATBIRD: 18 Dec (1) M (AS, NS); 2 Dec through 2 Jan (1) D (VL). American Robin: 1-10 Feb flocks of 25 to 1,000 in Weakley Co. (DP). Eastern Bluebird: 9 fo'Und dead in boxes in Obion Co. during Jan (DP). WarMer -Long spur: Nashville Warbler: 24 Nov (1) D (LW, CH, VL). Common Yellowthroat: 26 Dec (1) TWA (WGC). Northern (Baltimore) Oriole: 4 Nov (1) D (VL). SUMMER TAN ACER: 5 Dec (1) OP (VJ, OI) ; 2 Feb through 15 Mar (1) M (GO, PO, MW). Dickcissel: 24 Jan (1) UTM (DP). Pine Siskin: reported at some feeders (1-6) in M with a total of (51) on 18 Dec. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL: 28 Nov (2 males), 2 Dec (2 females) UTM (DP). Rufous-sided (Spotted) Tjowhee: 12 Jan through 26 Feb (1) R (JF, SF). Chipping Sparrow: 18 Dec (1) PF (GP, ER). HAR- RISES SPARROW: 18 Dec (1) M (LC, FD). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 18 Dec (1) PF (HBD, MW). LAPLAND LONGSPUR: 20 Jan (30) PF (AL) ; 30 Jan (50) PF (DW). Observers: LLC— -Lula C. Coffey; WGC — -W. G. Criswell; FD—Fred Dickson; HBD— -Helen B. Dinkelspiel; SF— Sue Ferguson; JF— Jim Ferguson; JG— John Gregory; CH— HCelia Hudson; JGH— James G. Holt; OI — ^Oliver Irwin; VJ— Victor Julia; AL— Allan Larrabee; VL— Virginia Lamb; RM— Robert McGowan; GO — George Owen; PO— Peggy Owen; GP — George Payne; DP— David Pitts; AS— Arlo Smith; BS' — Bettie Sumara; NS— Noreen Smith; TLS— T. L. Smith; TOSMC — TN Ornithological Society, Memphis Chapter; ER— Ernest Restivo; DW— Dick Whittington; LW — -Latta Woods; MW— Martha Waldron. Locations: C— Collierville; D — -Dyersburg; H — Hopefield, Tn. west of Mississippi River, due west of downtown Memphis; M^ — Memphis; OP — -Over- ton Park; PF— Penal Farm; TWA— Tigrett Wildlife Area; UTM- — University of Tennessee at Martin. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis 3 8117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION — ^As the winter got colder the birding got better. The winter of 1977-78 was the coldest on record as was the single month of February. Snow fell in Nashville on more than forty [VoL. 49, 1978] 42 THE MIGRANT JUNE d'ays and most nonnavigable bodies of water were frozen from mid-January to early March. Boreal species highlighted the winter scene. Heron-Hawk: Little Blue Heron: 23 Nov (1) Nash (MPS), 45 days latest Nash area. White-fronted Goose: 17-29 Dec (1 adult) Old Hickory 1 (NTOS), fourth record Nash area. Ring-necked Duck: Large number — 5 Mar (3,000), 12 Mar (2,000) Cheatham L (BB). Common Goldeneye: 20 Feb (155) Woods Reservoir (KLD), nice number. White-winged Scoter: 25 Nov-9 Dec (1) Radnor L, Nash (MLM,) ; 28 Dec (1) Woods Reservoir (FB) ; 4 Feb-15 Mar (1) Franklin, Williamson Co (CS) ; 12 Feb (1) Woods Reservoir (LD, DRJ, JWS) . There is a possibility that the Radnor Lake iand Franklin birds were the same and, of course, the same true for the sightings at Woods Reservoir. BLACK SCOTER: from end previous period — 10 Nov (1) Radnor L (MLB, et al) . Accipiters: During the snow of Jan and Feb reports were received of Sharp- shinned and Cooper’s Hawks staking out feeding stations with some success. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: Major invasion, perhaps unprecedented. First for winter — 31 Dec (1) Cheatham L (RJM, SS). Then beginning 21 Jan-4 Mar a minimum of 3 8 individuals sighted in 1 3 counties — ^Cannon ( 1 ) , Cheatham (3), Coffee (1), Cumberland (2), Davidson (4), Maury (4), Montgomery (6), Overton (1), Robertson (1), Rutherford (3), Sumner (4), Williamson (1), Wilson (7) — (AH, BB, BJ, CS, DPC, DRJ, JS, KA, LK, MMcM, RHu, RJM, RMcM, RR). Golden Eagle: 1 Jan (1 adult) Byrdstotwn (RH) ; 25 Feb (1 immature) Cheatham L (RJM, TMM) ; winter 1977-78 (2 adults, 3 immatures) Cannon Co (FB). Bald Eagle: Some reports — *28 Nov (1 adult) Woods Reservoir (KLD); 31 Dec- 12 Mar (1 adult, 1 immature) Cheatham L (RJM, SS, TMM, BB) ; 6 Jan (1 adult) Spencer Creek, Wilson Co. (JBH fide JS) ; 11 Feb (6 adults, 1 immature) upper part Dale Hollow L (DH) ; 6 Mar (1 adult) Byrdstotwn (RH). Marsh Hawk: General consensus; during winter 1977-78 more than usual "Middle Tennessee.” The weather could have been a factor in the increased sightings. MERLIN: 9 Dec-9 Jan (1-2) Lascassas, Rutherford Co (RMcM, MMcM), rare anytime. PEBJEGRINE FALCON: 19 Dec (1) Columbia (AP), rare anytime. Crane-Nuthatch: Sandhill Crane: Fall migration — 23 Nov (12) Woodbury (FB) ; 23-24 Nov (200) Port Royal, Montgomery Co (BH fide JDA), ap- parently second Montgomery Co record, 7 Dec 1975 (25) over Red River, Montgomery Co (DS) first county record); 24 Nov (98-1-22) Cookeville (KSC) ; 24 Nov (90) Nash (WMS), third Nash area record; 24 Nov (150) Clay Co (DH); 1 Dec (24) Monterey (KSC); 2 Dec (heard) Byrdstown (RH). Fall migration was extensive and westw'ard of usual pattern. Spring migration — 5 Mar (56) Byrdstown (RH) ; 6 Mar (208) Byrdstown (RH), sighted between 4:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. in several flocks; 7 Mar (23) Tenn 42 and Obey River bridge, Pickett Co (RH). SHORT-EARED OWL: Nash area reported two locations total 5 individuals; 7-22 Jan (2) Rutherford Co (RHu, AH). Chim'ney Swift: 13 Nov (1) Radnor L (JA), latest Nash six days and broke a 52-year old record. Screech Owl: In February two individuals found Nashville suffering from apparent starvation during time of lengthy snow cover, one could not sit up. Food taken voluntarily, recovered and released (MLB, VP). Horned Lark: The snow cover of Jan and Feb produced flocks throughout the region. Large flocks — 10 Dec (200) Cannon Co (FB) ; Jan (100) Lawrenceburg (LC) ; 21-28 Jan (100-f-) Murfreesboro (AH); 29 Jan [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 43 (300) Tenn 42 at Monroe, Overton Co (RH) ; 30 Jan (2,000) and 7 Feb (300) mile 125, 1-24, Coffee Co. (KLD). Red-breasted Nuthatch: Major in- vasion "Middle Tennessee.” Most reporting areas commented more than usual winter. Many came to feeding stations. Wren-Dickcissel: Carolina Wren: Concern expressed region wide for species because of snow and cold. Spring and ibreedinig censuses should be more reveal- ing as to population levels. HOUSE WREN: 31 Dec (1) Cheatham L, first winter record Nash area (CD'C). LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN: 31 Dec (1) Cheatham L, Dickson Co (CDC), third winter record Nash area. Eastern Bluebird: Concern expressed for species because of snow and cold. Spring and breeding censuses should be more rerealing as to population levels. Cedar Wax- wing: By late Dec most had departed, then few until late Jan and early Feb when scattered small flocks reported. Palm Warbler: 18 Jan (1) Nash (TMM), occasional winter. YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: 14 Jan-5 Feb (1 female- photo) Clarksville (AHH, JH), third confirmed state and first Middle Ten- nessee record; 4 Mar (1 male) Nash (MLM), first Nash record. NORTHERN (BALTIMORE^) ORIOLE': 15 Jan-end of period (1) Murfreesboro (CA fide AH), limited records winter. SUMMER TAN ACER: 15-26 Dec (1 male) Murfreesboro (JJC, then others), few if any winter records state. Dickcissel: 14 Dec (1) Murfreesboro (AH), occasional winter. Grosbeak-Longs ptir: Evening Grosbe'ak: Major invasion throughout "Middle Tennessee.” Birds still present end of period. Purple Finch: Good to excellent numbers "Middle Tennessee.” Banded 3030 Nashville (BW, HJR, KAG, MLB, MPS, YB) . HOUSE FINCH: Rapidly becoming expected winter species. Re- ported from seven counties: Cannon— ^winter 1977-78 (2) Woodbury (FB) ; Cheatham— 31 Dec (3 males) Cheatham L (RJM, SS) ; Davidson— 16 Dec- 27 Mar (1 brown) Nash (JA); 22 Jan (1 male) Nash (RR) ; 1-21 Feb (1 brown) Nash (LOT); Maury— 26 Dec-26 Jan (1 brown) Columbia (EB) ; 19-26 Jan (1 male) Columbia (CRM); Putman — 4 Mar (1 male) Cookeville (DL fide KC) ; Rutherford — 10-27 Feb (1 male -(- 1 brown) Murfreesboro (LE, CE, AH); Wilson— 12-15 Dec (1 rriale-banded) Mt. Juliet (BW). COMMON REDPOLL: 9 Jan-ll Mar (small number-photo) Nash area (FT, AMH, KAG, DPC, LRW, WJB, LK, VJW, EE, JPJ, HD) , second known occurrence Nash area. Detailed invasion note forthcoming. Pine Siskin: Major invasion "Middle Tennessee.” Good numbers reported throughout area with variations among feeding stations. None Byrdstown (RH) ! American Gold- finch: Major influx to feeders at least in Clarksville, Nashville and Murfrees- boro. General comment was "most ever.” Some Nashville feeders with 100-j-, most with minimum of 20. Banded 1801 Nashville (BW, HJR, KAG. MLB, MPS, VP). Tree Sparrow: 31 Dec (1) dam, Cheatham L (TMM,); then major invasion beginning 13 Jan and continuing through Feb into early Mar. Most feeding stations had a few birds while snow cover present. Reported from eleven counties — first date reported: Cannon — 26 Jan; Cheatham — -22 Jan; Coffee— ^Feb; Davidson — 19 Jan; Lawrence— 26 Jan; Maury — 13 Jan; Mont- gomery; Pickett— 26 Jan; Rutherford— 1 5 Jan; Sumner — 19 Jan; Wilson — 22 Jan. In Nashville several sightings of flocks 100 or more. Last dates, 5 Mar (1) Woods Reservoir (CSB) ; 18 Mar (2) Buena Vista, Nash (TMM). LAP- LAND LONGSPUR: 28 Jan-24 Feb (1-5) Old Hickory L, (LK, et al), eighth [VoL. 49, 1978] 44 THE MIGRANT JUNE reicord Nash area; 30 Jan-7 Feb (3-2) mile 125, 1-24, Coflfee Co (KLD) ; 8-15 Feb (1-6) South Harpeth Valley (KLAG), ninth record Nash area. Observers (alphabetically beginning first initial) : AH — ^Anne Hettish; AHH — ^Annie H. Heilman; AMH — Ann M. Houk; AP — ^Allen Presnell; BB — Bill Blakeslee; BH-— Bill Hudson; BJ— Bill Jones; BW— Bessie Walker; CA— Charlotte Allen; CDC — iC. Dwight Cooley; CE — ^Cleo Edwards; CS~-Carol Stewart; CSB — ^Carroll and Stan Barr; DH — ^Dave Hassler; DL — ^Dock Little; DPC — ^Dot and Paul Crawford; DRJ — Daniel R. Jacobson; DS — ^Dave Snyder; ES — Ed Byassee; EE — ^Evelyn Ellis; FB — ^Frances Bryson; FT — Fr'ances Thom- son; GRM — George R. Mayfield, Jr.; HD — ^Howard Duncan; HJR — ^Heather and John Riggins; JA — Jan Alexander; JBH — ^John and Betty Hill; JDA — Joe D. Allen; JH — ^Juanita Harris; JJC — (James and Josephine Cantrell; JPJ- — John Paul Jones; JS — ^John Sellars; JWSi — Jo W. Stone; KA — ^Kenneth Ander- son; KAG — Katherine A. Goodpasture; KC — Kathryn Coward; ELLD — Ken and Lil Dubke; KSC — ^Kathryn and Sam Coward; LC^ — ^Lloyd Clayton; LD — Lil Dubke; LE — Lou Erwin; LK — Lee Kramer; LOT — Lawrence O. Trabue; LRW- — Linda and Roy Webster; MLB — Michael L. Bierly; MLM — Margaret L. Mann; MMcM — Mac McMillan; MPS — ^M. Pat Stalhngs; NTOS — ^Nashville Chapter Tennessee Ornithological Society; RH — Robbie Hassler; RHu — Rich- ard Hunter; RJM — ^^Robert J. Milburn; RMcM — Ruth McMillan; RR — ^Richard Rimmer; SS^ — Steve Schon; TMM — Tim M. Mann; VJW^ — Violet J. Waitkins; VP— Virginia Price; WJB— William J. Bryan, Jr.; WMS— N7inslow M,. Shaugh- nessy. Michael Lee Bierly, 2415 Crestmoor Road, Nashville 37215. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— ^For the second year in a row the region experienced an extended numbing cold season. Heavy snow conditions farther north forced many species to winter beyond their usual ranges where they were seen and reported by a large number of birders. Thus, the numerous observations of Rough-legged Hawks and unprecedented num- bers of Tree Sparrows and the record of a Lapland Longspur. The fall waterfowl flight was not conspicuous, but on the other hand, the spring flight observed on 14 March was the largest ever recorded in the Chatta- nooga area. The Red-breasted Nuthatch movement was modest with varying numbers of Evening Griosbeaks and Pine 'Siskins being reported. House Finches seem to (be increasing in the Johnson City area. Loons-Mergansers: Common Loon: Scattered numbers 1-10 CkL, ChL BL (mob); 7 Nov (30-f-) BL (DL). Horned Grebe: 1-50 on ChL, BL irregularly through out period (mob). Pied-billed Grebe: 1-33 ChL during period (motb). Double-crested Cormorant: 1-6 wintered HRA (KLD, JWS); 6 Nov (1) NL (GLB, DRJ, LMJ). Great Blue Heron: Regular SB, HRA (max 95) (KLD); 1-5 irregularly BL thru end of period (DL et al) . Green Heron: 12 Dec (1) NL (DRJ, Lloyd and Betty Anderson); 18-19 Dec (1) AM (JWS, BRW, DRJ). CATTLE EGRET: 25 Nov (1) HRA (JWS). Great Egret: 6 Nov (1) NL (GLB, DRJ, LMJ); 12 Nov-10 Dec (1) HRA (JWS). Black-crowned Night Heron: 13 Feb (11) KP (RAP). WHISTLING SWAN: 13 Nov (1) ChL (JWS, LD); 27-28 Nov (2) SB (DRJ, LD). Canada Goose: approx 200 wintered CL (CPN). Snow Goose: 21 Dec-12 Feb (1-4) HRA (mob); 9-15 Mar (1) BL (DL et al). Snow Goose (blue morph) : 24 Nov-12 Feb (1-5) [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 45 HRA (moib); Jan-15 Mar (1-2) CL (CPN et al) . Black Duck: approx 400 wintering Greeneville throughout period (CPN et al) . Gadwall: 1-100 win- tered GEL (mob). Pintail: eight records ChL; max 6 Mar (12) HRA (KLD). Green- winged Teal: 4 records (1-10) ChL (KLD). Bluie-winged Teal: 6 Nov (1) NL (GLB, DRJ, LMJ). American Wigeon: 3 records ChL; max 14 Mar (128) ChL (KLD). Northern Shoveler: 29 Dec-26 Feb (1) JC (RK et al) ; 14 Mar (38) ChL (KLD). Redhead: 11 Mar (2) CL (JCH, CM); 14 Mar (2 5 0) ChL (KLD). Ring-necked Duck: 18 Dec (5 0) BMP (RAP) 14 Mar (750) ChL (KLD). Canvasback: 18 Dec (30) BMP (RAP); 3-15 Feb (1) JC (DL et al) ; 3 records ChL (11-16) (KLD et al) . Scaup (species ?): 25- 150 present most of period ChL (KLD, JWS) ; 14 Mar (13,500) ChL (KLD). Common Goldeneye: Scattered records of 1-3 5 ChL, NL (KLD, DRJ, JWS). Bufflehead: 12 Nov (75) ChL (MD, LD); 24 Nbv-25 Feb usual 12-30 HRA (JWS); 16 Dec (107) HRA (KLD). OLDSOUAW: 21 Dec-8 Jan (1) JC (DL, PR). WHITE-WINGED SCOTER: 18 Dec (1) FLL (JCH, CM); 22 Jan (1) ChL (JWS, RBW, LD); 12 Feb (2) ChL (GLB); 10, 15 Mar (1) Holston River at Surgoinsville (CPN). SURF SCOTER: 6 Nov (1) NL (GLB, DRJ, LMJ). BLACK SCOTER: 6 Nov (17) NL (CLB, DRJ, LMJ). Ruddy Duck: 27-29 Nov (1) JC (MD, DL) ; 14 Mar (2) BL (MD, SC, HD) ; 12 Nov (40) ChL (MD, LD), plus 4 other records of 1-4 individuals during the period (JWS, DRJ). Hooded Merganser: 12 Nov (3 5) ChL (MD, LD) ; 13 Nov-16 Dec (8-22) HRA, ChL (JWS). COMMON MERGANSER: A very heavy invasion this season on BL from 4 Feb-7 Mar (20-8 5-}-) (ETOS) ; six records from 10 Dec-6 Mar ChL, NL, HRA (JWS, DRJ, KLD). Red- breasted Merganser: 12 Nov-14 Mar scattered reports of 1-3 5 on ChL, NL (KLD, JWS et al). Vulture-Cranes: Turkey Vulture: 15 Mar (30) roost at Da (DRJ, LMJ). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1 regular at feeder CH (Janet Phillips); 19 Jan (1) BL (DL); 21 Jan (1) JC (RL) ; 1 Mar (1) BL (RK) ; 26 Feb (2) Hawkins Co. (RAP) ; 2 killed in K area by flying into windows at bird feeders (CPN). Cooper’s Hawk: Five records during period in Washington Co. (MD, SC, HD, DL, RAP) ; 3 records Hamilton Co. (KLD, DRJ, JWS) : 18, 19 Dec (1) Sulli- van Co. (RAP). Both above species "reported during Jan and Feb in above normal numbers in Anderson and Campbell Co.” (CPN). Red-tailed Hawk: Regular scattered numbers CH (KLD, JWS et al) ; 4 Mar (1 almost entirely black, no white on tail) PSF (CPN); 3 Feb (1 melanistic adult) LT (RAP, TFL). Red-shouldered Hawk: 1 Mar (2) MC (RL) ; 6 Mar (1) MC (PR); 2 wintered SB with others reported occasionally CH (KLD et al) . Above species ". . . wintering in good numbers until 3rd-4th week of Jan, when numbers were depressed until early Mar.” (CPN). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 15 Jan (2) SB (KLD); 16 Jan (1) HRA (KLD); 28 Jan (1) Daisy (Roger Woodruff ) ; 3 Feb (1) 1-75 at Norris (JMC, CM); 3 Feb (2) Rock Springs exit Hwy 137, Sullivan Co. and LI (RAP, TFL); 4 Feb (2) LI (RAP and TFL); 19-22 Feb (1) JC (DL, PR); 24 Feb (1 trapped and banded) LI (RAP, TFL); ap- parently same bird observed to week of 5 Mar at same location (Bill Kappa). Bald Eagle: 1-2 thru period at Norris Dam (CPN et al) ; 4 Feb-5 Mar (1-2 occasional) NL, ChL (JWS, DRJ, LMJ). Marsh Hawk: 1-2 regular CH (KLD, JWS); 9 Mar (1) AS (RK). MERUN: 14 and 16 Jan (1) Da (LMJ). Sandhill Crane: 13 Nov (3) KCo (Besty Ann Murphy); 13 Nov (3 5) Norris (Donald A. Hammer); 23-30 Nov (5 records of 8-82 birds) NL, SB, HRA [VoL. 49, 1978] 46 THE MIGRANT JUNE (JWS, KLD); one individual wintered HR A (JWS, KLD) ; 6 Mar (280) Washington, Rhea Co. (KLD); 7 Mar (30) SB (W. Lee Shafer) 12 Mar (5) HRA (LD, DRJ, JWS al) ; 12 Mar (4) KCo (Steve and Barbara Steadman). Coo f -Owls: American Coot: Up to 3,000' on NL, with lesser numbers else- where (KLD, DRJ et al). Killdeer: 1 Nov (160) HRA (KLD). American Woodcock: 18 Dec (6 in first flight song for the season) AM (KLD et al) ; 17 Mar (1st returned) AS (DL). Common Snipe: Up to 95 SB all period (KLD); 21 Dec (5 0) HRA (JWS). Greater Yellow legs: 25 Nov and 1 Dec (1) HRA (JWS); 6 Mar (1) HRA (KLD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 6 Mar (19) HRA (KLD); 7 Mar (90) SB (KLD). Least Sandpiper: 12 records during period HRA, SB. max 16 Dec (26) SB, HRA (KLD, JWS). Dunlin: Up to 92 regular SB (KLD); 12 Nov-21 Dec (10-5 0) HRA (JWS). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 1 well marked individual with a short distinct bill present from 27 Dec to 16 Jan SB (KLD). Herring Gull: Regular max 30 Nov (52) SB (LD) ; 29 Dec-28 Feb (1-100) BE (ETOS). Ring-billed Gull: Regular max 22 Jan (5 00) ChL (KLD); mid-Dec-28 Feb (up to 200'-|-) BL (ETOS). Bonaparte’s Gull: 26 Dec-24 Jan (1-3) BL (DL, RK, SG, MD); 11 Nov-25 Dec (1-25) NL, ChL (JWS et al) ; 4 M,ar (10) PSF (CPN). Mourning Dove: One nest hatched in late Feb K (D. Eyre fide JBO). Barn Owl: 2 5 Feb (1) JC (RL) ; 17 Dec (2) ad. w/ 1 young and 1 egg) Netherland Inn Quarry, Sullivan Co. (RAP, TFL). Screech Owl: 15 Mar (2 early nests: 1 w/4 eggs, 1 w/3 eggs) Hawkins Co. (CPN). Great Horned Owl: 6 Mar (2 young in nest) HRA (KLD). SHORT-EARED OWL: 29 Jan (1) NL (GLB, LD, JWS, DRJ); 12 Feb (1) KCo (JMC, JBO, Paul Pardue). Flycatcher-Grosbeak: Eastern Phoebe: "A very hard winter for this species, the last fall bird was seen on 14 Nov and not seen again until 13 Mar.” (Glen D. Eller). Purple Martin: 13 Mar (8) SB (KLD); 14 Mar (1) JC (SG, MD, HD). Horned Lark: 27 Feb (53) HRA (KLD). Red-hreasted Nuthatch: Only comment came from CH with "scattered numbers” (KLD et al) . Brown Thrasher: At least 3 separate birds spent the winter near feeders JC area (SG, Ehzalbeth Osbourn, Kathryn Jonet et al) . Eastern Bluebird: "No notice- able decline due to cold weather” (GDE) ; 12 Jan (2 adults and 3 young banded; roosting in same box in which they nested) KP (RAP). Water Pipit: i 16 Dec (30) HRA (JWS); 21 Dec (50) HRA (JWS); 5 Mar (50) SeV | (JWS, LD, DRJ). Pine Warbler: Up to 7 regular at feeder CH (JP). Rusty j Blackbird: 1-10 seen irregularly during period at TCA (ETOS). BREWER’S i| BLACKBIRD: 5 Mar (2) SeV (LD, JWS, DRJ); 7 Mar (2) TCA (DL) ; 14 ' Mar (4) TCA (SG, MD). ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: 28 Feb-21 Mar f (1 male) K (Louis and Johneta Smith). Evening Grosbeak: 1st report 7 Nov j at Norris then varying numbers from few to many CH, K, JC (mob). F inch -Longs pur: Purple Finch: Regular and common at feeders CH, K, JC i (mob). HOUSE FINCH: 6 Nov to end of period (4-10) JC (HD, RK et al). j Pine Siskin: 15-20 regular at feeders in CH with few scattered numbers else- I where at JC, K (mob). RED CROSSBILL: 5 Mar (1) SM (JWS, LD, DRJ, A. Boyd Sharp). Savannah Sparrow: 1-25 at feeder all period SB (KLD). j Vesper Sparrow: 5 Mar (1) SeV (JWS, LD, DRJ). TREE SPABJIOW: Un- i precedented numbers since records have been compiled on a regionwide basis. | 19 Jan to end of period JC (RL, ETOS); 5 Feb (8) KP (Tommy Phillips); | 24 Feb (5) KP (RAP) ; 16 Dec (2) Gallaher Bend on Melton Hill Lake (GM) ; j [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 47 21 Dec (2) and 21 Jan (1) KCo (Bob Floyd); 21 Jan (2) Powell (GM, Bill and Alicyn McNutt); 21 Jan (14) Speedwell (G. W. McKinney); "then many reports of flocks of up to 170 and present until at least 4 Mar (80) PSF (CPN)”; 23 Jan-5 Mar (1-20) AM, HRA, Tiftonia, Da and SeV (LMJ, KLD, GLB, ]WS and JP). Chipping Sparrow: 6 Nov (1) NL (GLB, DRJ, LMJ); 11 Nov (1) and 7 Feb (7) ATM (GLB); 26 Jan (1) SM (RBW). White -drowned Sparrow (Gambel’s race) : 2 5 Feb (1 banded) K (Steve Stead- man). Fox Sparrow: Tw'o regular at feeder CH (JWS). LAPLAND LONG- SPUR: 21 Feb (1) HRA (KD). Abbreviations: approx- — ^approximately; max — maximum; mob — many ob- servers. Locations: ALM — Atop Lookout Mountain, Ga.; AM — Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin Springs; BMP — Bays Mountain Park; CH — ^Chattanooga Area; ChL- — ^Chickamauga Lake; CkL — ^Cherokee Lake; CL^ — Cove Lake; Da — ^Daus; FLL — Fort Loudon Lake; HRA-— Hiwassee River Area; JC — ^Johnson City; K — Knoxville; KP^ — Kingsport; LI — Long Island, Sullivan County; MC — ^Milli- gan College; NL- — Nickajack Lake; PSF — U. T. Plant Science Farm, Knox County; SB— -Savannah Bay; SeV' — Sequatchie Valley; SM — 'Signal Mountain; WCo — Washington County. Observers: BRW- — Dick Wodzenski; CPN— -^Charles P. Nicholson; DL— - Dick Lura; ETOS — ^Elizabethton Chapter, TOS; GLB — Gary L. Bayne; HD — Helenhill Dove; JBO— J. B. Owen; JCH— J. C. Howell; JMC— James M. Campbell; JP— -Janet Phillips; JWS— -JoWayne Stone; KD — Kenneth H. Dubke; LD— Lillian H. Dubke; KLD— Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke; LMJ— Lemuel M. Jacobson; DRJ — ^Daniel R. Jacobson; MD-^ — ^Martha Dillenbeck; PR— Pete Range; RAP — Rick A. Phillips; RBW — -R. Bruce Wilkey; RK— Rick Knight; RL— ^Richard Lewis; SC— Sally Goodin; TFL— Tom F. Laughlin. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke, Route 1, Box 134D, Ooltewah 37363. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — A winter season of unusual birds is always much welcomed by birders. When the weather did permit field trips the braver observers were well rewarded for their efforts, as many uncommon- to-rare species were sighted and carefully identified. The boreal influx that ap- peared imminent during late fall became a reality. Many of the northern species that we normally expect, plus a few rarer species, turned up — sometimes in surprising numbers— and were seen by many. Early December weather was colder than normal and was to set a precedent for the entire period. The last week of Dec., the entire month of Jan., and the first ten days of Feb. were very cold. Precipitation for Dec. and Jan. had totals near normal, but February’s total was some two inches below normal. What precipitation we did have was mostly in the form of snowfall. We had a total for the period of 36 inches of measurable snowfall. Loon-Hawk: Common Loon: 6 Nov thru 1 Feb (1-6) WatL (ETOS). RED-NECKED GREBE: 27, 2 8 Feb (1) RC (GE, LRH, ES) AREAS FIRST RECORD. Horned Grebe: 6 Nov thru 5 Mar (3-10) WatL (ETOS). Great Blue Heron: 13 Jan (1) CLP (GW); 15 Mar (1) BC (GE). Canada Goose: [VoL. 49, 1978] 48 THE MIGRANT JUNE 17 Jan (2) RC (PR); 28 Jan thru 27 Feb (5) WatR (ETO'S). Wood Duck: 1st returned 27 Feb (2) SV (LRH). Canvasback: 27 Feb (1) RC (GE, LRH, ES). OLD SQUAW: 17 Dec (1) WatL (GE, HF). Hooded Merganser: 1st returned 7 Nov (2) GLP (GE). Red-breasted Merganser: 1st returned 7 Nov (3) WatL (HF). Common Merganser: 27 Feb (6) RC (GE, LRH, ES). Black Vulture: 8 Feb (2) HS (DL, GE). GOSHAWK: 3 Dec (1) Eliz (GE). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 10 separate sightings thru-out period. Cooper’s Hawk: 20-Nov (1) RM (ES); 17 Dec (1) HM (GW, DL); 5 Jan (1) RM (MD, SG) ; 11 Feb (1) BC (GE). Red-shouldered Hawk: 13 Dec (1) WatL (DL) ; 27 Dec (1) HS (HF). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 17 Feb (1) RM (FA, MD, HD, RP, TL). Golden Eagle: 15 Feb (3) RM (GE, HF). Bald Eagle: 2 Jan (1 ad) RM (ES, RL). Marsh Hawk: 15 Feb (1) RM (GE, HF). Woodcock-Wren: American Woodcock: last fall record 7 Nov (1) PR and 1st spring record 6 Mar (1) (JM) both along WatR. Great Horned Owl: 8 Nov (1) IMG (SG); 17 Dec (1) HM (GW, DL). Belted Kingfisher: a noticeable decline this winter. Eastern Phoebe: another cold weather casualty, last fall sighting on 17 Dec and not seen again until 14 Mar. Purple Martin: 1st returned 14 Mar (1) Eliz (GE). Common Raven: 1-15 irregular on RM thru-out period; 17 Feb (14 in one group) RM (FA, GE, RL, SG). Carolina Wren: no noticeable decline during very cold weather. Thrasher-Sparrow: Brown Thrasher: at least 2 birds spent entire winter near feeders. Ffermit Thrush: only 2 reports?? 17 Dec (2) HM (GW, DL) ; 1-29 Jan (1) Erwin (GS). Eastern Bluebird: no noticeable decline this winter. SOLITARY VIREO: VERY LATE 17 DEC (1) Eliz (GW, DL, RK). Nash- ville Warbler: 7 Nov (1) Erwin (GS) also late date. Rusty Blackbird: 7 Nov thru 8 Feb (1-5) Eliz (ETOS). Evening Grosbeak: many flocks of 3 5-50 birds at various feeders. Purple Finch: several flocks of 10-15 birds at regular feeders. COMMON REDPOLL: 12 Feb (2) RM (GW, DL) only area’s 2nd sighting since 1943. Pine Siskin: 1st returned 30 Dec (12) regular since in Eliz (ETOS). Red Crossbill: 10 Dec thru 27 Feb (2-8) WatL; 1 Feb thru 15 Mar (8-25) RM (ETOS). WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL: 2 Jan thru 15 Mar (2-50) regular on RM (ETOS). Chipping Sparrow: last fall sighting 20 Nov (3) Eliz (GE, HF). White-crowned Sparrow: (8-10) regular in SV (GW et. al). Fox Sparrow: 22 Dec thru 15 Mar (7-10 regular at separate feeders) Eliz (ETOS). Locations: BC — Bluff City; Eliz — Elizabethton; GLP — Great Lakes Pond (near Eliz); HM — Holston Mtn.; HS — Hunter Swamp (near Eliz); IMG — Iron Mtn. Gap; RC — ^Roans Creek; RM— -Roan Mtn.; SV — Siam Valley; WatL —Watauga Lake; WatR— Watauga River; WibL— Wilbur Lake. Observers: FA — ^Fred Alsop; MD — ^Martha Dillenbeck; ETOS — ^Eliz. Chap- ter TOS; GE — Glen Eller; HF — ^Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee R. Herndon; RK — Rick Knight; JM — John Martin; DL — Dick Lura; RL — Richard Lewis; TL — Tom Laughlin; RP — ^Rlck Phillips; PR — Pete Range; ES— Ed Schell; GS— Glenn Swofford; GW— Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route :jf^3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. [VoL. 49, 1978] PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBFICATION 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on Sj 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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, 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 addres-s will be found on the inside front cover. CONTENTS Source of Common Crackles and Red- winged Blackbirds Wintering in Tennessee. Brooke Memley and Richard A. Dolbeer 25 Comparison of American Woodcock Courtship Activities in Knox and Weakley Counties, Tennessee. T. David Bitts 29 Status of the American Woodcock in Tennessee. T. David Pitts 31 Book Reviews Checklist of the World’s Birds. Gary O. Wallace 36 A Guide to Bird- watching in Mallorca. Gary O. Wallace 36 Bird Finding in Tennessee. Pickett State Park and Forest. David and Robbie Hassler 37 The Season. Edited by Fred J, Alsop, III 39 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 40 Centtal Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 41 Easttern Ridge and Valley Region. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke .... 44 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 47 Illustrations by Fred /. Alsop, III 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 GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 "THE SEASON** EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, HI Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, TN 37642 "STATE COUNT COMPILER** RICHARD LURA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 PRESIDENT KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN PAUL PARDUE Rt. 23, Box 93A, Beechwood Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN SANFORD McGEE P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MARTHA WALDRON 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE EAST TENN WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH 7916 Jenkins Dr., Knoxville, TN 37921 MIDDLE TENN MICHAEL FILSON 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 WEST TENN MRS. JOHN LAMB Lake Rd., Dyersburg, TN 38024 CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER Rt. 28, Box 155, Kuoxville, TN 37920 SECRETARY BRUCE WILKEY 106 Palisades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 TREASURER RAY JORDAN Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.50; Life, $100.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contribu- tions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. 49 SEPTEMBER, 1978 NO. 3 ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT Thomas W. Finucane The 1977 fall hawk migration was spectacular. Sharp-shinned Hawks, Coopers Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, and American Kestrels were observed at T.O.S. stations in greater numbers than ever before. Twelve species of hawks, both eagles, and both vultures were reported, a record total of 16 species. Of the 17 listed on the forms supplied by HMANA (Hawk Migration Association of North America) only Swainson’s Hawk was not (and never has been) in our data. Hours of observation were below average. Sharp-shinned Hawks have been flying by T.O.S. lookouts in greater num- bers in recent years. In 1975 the count was 159, a jump of 50% above the record high of 1972. Next year it was 168. Then in 1977 the count soared to 467, including 63 and 64 on 23 and 24 Sept., reported by E. E. Scott on the Mendota Fire Tower, and 67 on 15 Oct., reported by Tom Odom on the Kyles Fire Tower. Counts of accipiters are always much higher at stations north of the T.O.S. area. Harvey’s Knob, on the Blue Ridge, had 81 Sharp-shins in four hours on 10 October. Pennsylvania stations have season counts of thousands, and even higher numbers are recorded at points on the north shores of the Great Lakes. All stations are now reporting spectacular increases in Sharp-shinned Hawk numbers. After more than 20 years of diminishing counts, this species seems to have regained it old population levels in just a few years. Our Broad-winged Hawk total was 24,571, higher than ever before but only 50% above the average for the preceding ten years. In 1968 the count was 24,036 with relatively poor coverage. In 1974 no one was on the Mendota Fire Tower on the best Broad-winged Hawk day at neighboring stations. Other good days were missed also, and we had to be satisfied with a total of 23,564. In 1977, however, Mendota had an eight-day watch, 18 to 2 5 Sept., averaging 8.75 hours, following a week of heavy clouds and rain. After the first two days, with 267 and 532, on the next four days E. E. Scott counted 14,3 87 Broad-winged Hawks, 210 accipiters, three eagles, and 57 American Kestrels. Then the Broad-winged flights dropped to 1031 and 439, followed by two more days of rain. The outstanding migration days were 20 September, when 25 American Kestrels and 4,000 other raptors flew past the Mendota Fire Tower, and 23 September, when the count there was 7,000, including a Golden Eagle and a [VoL. 49, 1978] 50 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER TABLE 1 ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT, 1977 No Dete Ob 3 Hrs station Alt Wind Sky T ss CH RT BW MH os AK Others 1 9/10 K 9 Signal Point 1972 SW 8 75 85 5 _ 1 1 _ _ _ a 2 10 F 5 Kyles Ford FT 2401 - 100 5 10 C 2)^ Holston Rader 4332 W B-1 rain 65 1 - rain 4 11 K 9 Signal Point 1972 ENE 14 0 75 5 - 3 - - - 2 - 5 11 L 5 White Oek FT 1425 NNE 12 0 71 - 1 4 - - - - 6 12 F 6 Kyles Ford FT 2401 SE 10 65 72 - - - 86 - - - 3b 7 13 F 6 Kyles Ford FT 2401 SE 0-30 95 70 - - 1 17 - - - - rain 8 15 C 2 Holston Radar 4332 ssw 30 100 60 9 13 A 2 Mendota FT 5018 s 5-10 100 60 _ 45 - - - rain 10 15 F 6 Kyles Ford FT 2401 SE 20 84 73 1 30 - - b 11 15 0 4 Holston Radar 4332 SSE 20 100 - - 13 - 12 16 L 6 Dunlap FT 2240 SW 0-5 80 72 - 1 5 247 — — 15 16 FJ 5 Kyles Ford FT 2401 - 100 - 63 - — - rain 14 17 D 6 Fall Creek FT 2026 var. B-] . 60 81 4 - - 752 2 - 2a b u 15 17 L 8 White Oak Mt FT 1425 SW 9 50 77 7 2 8 215 - 2 1 RS 16 17 K 9 Signal Point 1972 S 8 70 81 4 2 10 — 1 — 17 17 W 1 Fairfield Glade - WNW 0-3 50 78 - 75 18 17 C 2 Holston Radar 4332 — 100 19 18 D 7 Fall Creek FT 2026 W 5-12 70 76 2 - - 167 1 2 . 1 Merlin 20 18 K 9 Signal Point 1972 W 8 40 83 2 - - 29 1 1 2 Peregr. 21 18 W 5)^ Fairfield Glade - W 0-3 30 73 - - - 24 - - — — 22 18 FGS 9 Mendota FT 3018 SW 10 80 78 19 7 7 267 1 1 1 - 25 18 R 6 Kyles Ford FT 2401 - - - 5 - 265 - 2 24 18 0 5 Holston Mt Radar 4332 var. s 100 65 1 — 31 - — - fog 25 19 W 2>^ Fairfield Glade - WNW 0-6 75 70 - - 304 - RS 26 19 HMS 9 Mendota FT 3018 S 5-20 80 77 15 11 7 532 1 6 a BE 27 20 0 1 Chickamauga. Btfd - N 7 40 76 - - 85 - - - — 28 20 U 2 Teftonia - 5 40 75 - — 86 - — 29 20 KL 4 White Oak FT 1425 N 5 60 75 1 - 4 569 - 1 50 20 W 4}^ Fairfield Glade - NW 0-6 50 70 - - - 58 _ 4a 2u 51 20 F 5 Kyles Ford 2401 NW 12 40 74 2 - - 830 - - - 2a 2b u 32 20 C 3)^ Holston Mt Radar 4532 W 10 - 65 _ - 1 - - 1 2 - fog 33 20 S 9 Mendota FT 5018 w 5-15 50 68 42 19 10 3953 - 2 25 4a 34 21 W 1 Fairfield Glade - W 0-2 5 68 - - 22 - — 2u 35 21 F 6 Kyles Ford FT 2401 E 3 45 70 1 306 1 2 — 36 21 0 4 Holston Mt Rader 4552 S 1 - 62 - - 2 12 - 1 37 21 AQS 10 Mendota FT 3018 NW 0-10 5 56 18 6 9 1145 - 1 8 38 22 W 3 Fairfield Glade - NW 0-2 5 62 - - - 257 - - — — 39 22 F 7 Kyles Ford FT 2401 V. 3 7 75 - - - 168 — - — a u 40 22 C 5 Holston Mt Radar 4532 w 5 50 66 - 1 5 — - haze 41 22 sz 9 Mendota FT 3018 s 0-5 0 65 17 5 4 1905 — 1 12 2a 42 25 w 4 Fairfield Glade - NW 0-2 5 - - - - - - 43 25 F 4 Kyles Ford FT 2401 - 30 - - - - 2577 — - — — 44 25 SR 9 Mendota FT 3018 S 0-10 20 64 63 34 - 6888 4 12 BE GE 45 24 _ 7 Bon Air - S 12-18 95 70 1 3 — — — — 46 24 LD 8 Dunlap FT 2240 s 10-15 95 72 8 4 1 156 1 1 1 8 b 47 24 U 2 White Oak FT 1425 SSW 16 100 79 2 - _ 2 — » — 48 24 K 8 Signal Point 1972 SSW 12 100 82 - - - 73 1 — a 49 24 FISV 9 Mendota FT 3018 S 10 80 70 64 16 - 1031 1 4 4 GOS RS 50 25 R 4)^ Kyles Ford FT 2401 SW 100 - 8 11 - 431 - 1 — 3RS 5u 51 25 A 7 Mendota FT 3018 5-15 75 75 52 7 - 439 - 1 - a 52 26 W l}i Fairfield Glade - W 0-2 50 75 1 — - 110 — — - 3b 53 27 W 3 Fairfield Glade — N 0-5 5 73 4 - 1 48 — 6 — 54 28 W 2 Fairfield Glade - 5-8 NW-NI S 5 55 1 — - 55 — - - 55 28 BFHP 6 Mendota FT 3018 N 5-15 70 70 14 2 3 79 - - - 5a 2u RS 56 29 W 4 Fairfield Glade - 0-4 S-SW 100 58 1 - 47 - - - 2b u 57 29 C - Holston Mt Radar 4552 - - - - — 18 - — - u 58 10/1 - Mendota FT 3018 N 10-15 - 60 5 - - 36 — - — 59 2 Y Mendota FT 5018 - - - 13 7 7 26 1 1 2 — 60 4 A 4 Mendota FT 3018 N 3-10 7 55 5 1 — — - -Roughleg 61 9 C 2yi Holston Mt Radar 4532 w 10-15 67 15 - - - - - 3u 62 15 T 7 Kyles Ford 2401 S 5-20 0 50 67 - 13 - - - - u 22 T _L_ Kyles Ford 2401 SW 0-5 0 60 1 1 3 - - - - u 515 PF M GOS GE 2BE RL 6RS 46? 157 97 24571 10 55 85 258 10b Bald Eagle, both adults, and 6,8 88 Broad- winged Hawks. Also on that day T. Finucane had 2,577 Broadwings before noon at Kyles Ford, 44 WSW of Mendota on the same ridge. On 24 September eight species, not counting vul- tures, were seen soaring past Mendota. No T.O.S. station had ever observed eight species in one day, and there were only three seven-species days in the preceding three years. In 1977 seven [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT n T.O.S. reports listed seven or more species, although total watches were only 63. There were 70, 98, and 80 watches in 1976-75-74. The Marsh Hawk total was 10, lowest since 1970. The Osprey count was 33, second only to the 1972 total of 36. American Kestrels provided the great- est surprise. Eighty-three flew by. Average for the preceding three years was only 28 Kestrels. A Goshawk was added to the list for Mendota after Mike Tove, Cullowhee, North Carolina, identified the bird from photographs he had made on 24 Sep- tember. A Rough-legged Hawk, light phase, was spotted at Mendota by Arthur Smith on 4 October. The Peregrine was observed by Ken Dubke, 1 8 September, at Signal Point. The Merlin was recorded by Daniel Jacobson, 17 September, on the Fall Creek Falls fire tower. Rainfall in Tennessee in September was more than 50% above normal. Between two periods of adverse weather, our Broad-winged migration started late and ended early. Dark clouds and rain extended over our eastern stations from 10 to 17 September. During this period we went to Kyles Ford five times, on days when morning rain was not falling. Two of these watches were termi- nated by rain. Mendota, 44 miles ENE, was having the same weather. The first substantial flight was recorded, 16 September, by Lil Dubke on Dunlap Fire Tower on the west side of our group of stations. The count was 253 hawks, 40 more than the combined totals of eleven earlier reports. On that day the flight was going well at Kyles ford (63 Broad-wings during the first hour) until terminated by a heavy rain that fell for hours while we waited in a shelter nearby. Rain was still falling when we left the mountain, but the highway, a few miles south, was dry and sunny. On 17 September Fall Creek Falls had 762 hawks, white Oak had 23 5, in- cluding seven species, and Gene West, Fairfield Glade, counted 75 Broad-winged Hawks in one hour. Four days of fair weather for all stations followed (18-21 Sept.). The halfway point in the Broad-wing count came on 22 September, on schedule. Next day, Friday, Mendota and Kyles Ford had their highest totals, but no other counts were reported. Another weather system was approaching from the west. Only six lookouts had observers on the final weekend of September, five on Saturday and two on Sunday. Mendota had counts on both days. All reported 95 or 100% cloud cover except Mendota, where it was 75 and 80% for the two days. On 24 September 2.65" of rain fell on Memphis. Mrs. Bell’s Nash- ville group’s lookout at Bon Air, north of Fall Creek Falls, had only two hawks on Saturday and rain on Sunday. After two productive weekend days in 1974 the Nashville watchers have been rained out every year. Although dark skies and rain on the weekend coming two days after the peak date of the Broad-winged Hawk migration severely shortened the season, especially for people who are free to participate only on weekends, the T.O.S. had a really great hawk migration in the fall of 1977. KEY TO REPORTERS A — Arthur Smith, Kdngsport; B — -Harold Benfield, Buffalo, N.Y.; C — [VoL. 49, 1978] 52 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Charlotte Finucane, Kingsport; D — Daniel Jacobson, Wildwood, Ga.; F — Tom Finucane, Kingsport; G — Grandfather Mountain Audubon Society, Linville, N.C.; H — Lee Herndon, Elizabethton; I — Rick Phillips, Kingsport; J — Joe Finucane, Knoxville; K — Ken Dubke, Ooltewah; L — Lil Dubke; M — John Mar- tin, Elizabethton; N — Richard Nevius, Greeneville; O — -O’Kelley, Chicka- mauga Battlefield; P — Bill Portloch, Big Stone Gap, Va.; Q — Bob Quillen, Bristol, Va.; R — Ruth Nevius, Greeneville; S — E. E. Scott, Nicklesville, Va.; T — Tom Odom, Kingsport; U — tBruce Wilkey; V — ^Mike Tove, Cullowhee, N.C.; W — Gene West, Fairfield Glade; Y — Tom Haggerty and Libbus Carter, Boone, N.C.; Z — Bill and Nell Rice; 45 — Mrs. Bell’s Nashville group; 5 8 — H. H. Hannabass, Kingsport. Wind is represented as miles per hour, and "sky” stands for cloud cover. 1434 Watauga St., Kingsport 37664. BOOK REVIEW THE WEB OF ADAPTATION. 1976. By David W. Snow. Quadrangle/ | The New York Times Book Co., New York 176 pages, 15 black and white il- lustrations. $8.95. This is a well written book in a non-technical style. Dr. Snow discusses courtship, mating, nesting, and other forms of behavior of vari- | ous kinds of birds, mostly the fruit eaters, and speculates on why these par- ! ticular behavior patterns have been established, and why related species differ in some of them, and why unrelated species may have some similar and some ' dissimilar traits. ^ !■ Some of the more interesting parts of this book are the discussions of the consequences of fruit eating on the evolution of the behavior of birds and the I way the fruit-bearing trees and fruit-eating birds have become dependent on each Other. I Another interesting feature is the discussion of the different conditions for survival in tropical versus temperate forest habitats. Tropical birds have low reproductive rates and high nesting mortality compared to our northern spe- j cies. They are also largely immuned to starvation and are long-lived. The last chapter. The Future of the Cotingas, deals with their preservation. They depend on undisturbed tropical forests. At the rate that kind of habitat , is being destroyed, some members of the family may become extinct before their i biology can be documented. Gary O. Wallace. [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 53 TELEVISION TOWER CASUALTIES, 1976 Katherine A. Goodpasture Bird casualties totaled 406 of 43 species were picked up at television towers in Nashville, Tennessee September and October 1976: 292 at WSM, 114 at WNGE. Collections were made daily for two months except on 5 October at WSM and on 4 and 5 September and 3 October at WNGE. In addition, Mike Bierly covered WNGE on 16 August and 1-3 November. No new species was added to the cumulated list nor was any early or late migration date established. Ovenbirds (63) gave the highest count: 49 at WSM, 14 at WNGE. High- est species total at WNGE were 18 Magnolia Warblers and the same number of Bay-breasted Warblers. Fifty-six Tennessees and 37 each of Magnolias and Bay- breasted Warblers at WSM show the taper of species totals. A single Mourning Warbler and 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher from WNGE, 1 Virginia Rail and 1 Am. Coot at WSM are of some interest. On 29 September when 137 casualties were collected at WSM, only 3 birds were taken at WNGE. On 28 September, 39 were collected at WNGE and only 9 at WSM. On 30 Sptember there were 51 from WSM and 9 at WNGE. On 7 October 22 birds were collected at WSM, 6 at WNGE. The following morning, 8 October 18 were collected at WNGE, only 2 at WSM. One can go on and on with comparisons of casualties at the two towers without really seeing a pattern of flight. The towers are only about 7 miles apart so a flight of warblers might shift slightly with a by-chance shift in wind direction. Consider 28 September when WNGE took the higher toll, 39, 74% of the casualties were warblers. The following night when WSM took the higher toll, 137, 76.6% were war- blers. Such small numbers do not lend themselves to sound analysis but one might look upon this as one flight of birds that shifted slightly its direction of flight over Nashville from one night to the other. Weather for September and October was in general mild with a noticeable number of overcast days. Several fronts moved during daylight hours. There was low-scale turbulance and not much precipitation during the entire period. There was passage of a low-intensity cold front about 11 AM on 27 September with no movement on the 28th. It was cloudy during the night of September 28th and 29th; a light rain began about daylight on the 29th. This mild weather pattern 27-30 September coincided with days on which most casualties were collected. Even though highest for the season this was a comparatively low casualty count associated with a mild frontal movement. Cats continue to be a problem at WNGE. Fourteen cats were counted one morning. On another occasion at 0700, nine bird casualties were accounted for; all by wings and bunches of feathers left by cats. Night prowlers make away with some casualties at WSM. One of the station staff reported seeing a fox leave the tower area with a bird in its mouth. The cooperative efforts of Frances Abernathy, Ann Arnett, Sue Bell, Mi- chael Bierly, coordinator for WNGE, Milbrey Dugger, Clara Frentress, William Finch, Katherine Goodpasture, Joe Ivie, Portia Macmillan, Marjorie Patrick, Os- car Patrick, Ann Tarbell and Miriam Weinstein keep this an on-going bird study. The help of each is significant. 3407 Hopkins Lane, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. [VoL. 49, 1978] 54 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER TABLE ] [ TELEVISION TOWER CASUALTIES, FALL 1976, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Species WSM WNGE TOTAL Dates Virginia Hail 1 0 1 Oct. 23(1) Am. Coot 1 0 1 Oct. 28(1) Mourning Dove 1 0 1 Sept. 7(1) Sept. 24(1); 28(l) Yel. -billed Cuckoo 1 1 2 Common -Flicker 1 0 1 Oct. 4(1) Yel.-bel. Flycatcher 0 1 1 Sept. 28(1) Gray Catbird 9 6 19 Sept. 19(1); 21(1); 24(1); 28(2); 29(1); 50T2); Oct. 1(1); 4(l); 9(4); 21 (1*) V^ood Thrush 4 1 9 Sept. 26(1); 29(5); 50(l) Swainson's Thrush h 2 6 Sept. KlT; 28(2); 29(5) Gray-chkd. Thrush 1 0 1 Oct. 9(1) Veery 0 1 1 Sept. 2(1) Thrush so.? 0 B 5 Oct. I(l7; 10(1); 24(1) Golden-Cr. Kinglet 0 i 1 Oct. 23ll) . Huby-crowned Kinglet 2 1 B Sept. 28Ti); Oct. 23(2) Solitary Vireo 1 0 1 Oct. 8(1) Red-eyed Vireo 27 2 29 Sept. 2(1): 17(1); 27(1); 28(3,2); 29(16); 50(3); Oct. l(l); 7(1) Philadelphia Vireo 6 0 6 Sept. 7(1); 26(1); 29(2); 30(l); Oct. 7(1) Black-and-wht. Warbler 11 1 12 Sept. 2(1); 21(1); 27(l*); 29(4); 30(2,1); Oct. 7(2) Prothonotary Warbler 0 1 1 Sept. 50(p Tennessee Warbler 96 9 61 Sept. 7(1^); 17(1); 2l(l); 24(l); 28(5); 29(29; 30112); Oct. 7(5); 8(2); 9(2); 17(2); 2l(l); 26(2); 29T1) , , No. Parula Warbler 0 1 1 Oct. 8(1) Yellow Warbler 0 1 1 Sept. 10(1) Magnolia Warbler 57 18 99 Sept. 21(1); 28(10); 29(21); 30(8); Oct. 1(1): 2(l); 7(2,2); 8(1,2); 9(2); 11(1); 12(l); 17(l) ; 18 (iT Sept. 6(p; 29(1); Oct. 9(l) Sept. 2911) 31k. -thro. Green Warbler 2 1 B Cerulean Warbler 1 0 i Blackburnian Warbler 1 0 1 Sept. 30(1) Yellow-throated Warbler 1 0 1 Sept. 29(1) Chestnut-sided VAarbler 15 0 15 Sept. 23(1); 29(9); 50(3) ; Oct. 7 (1); 9(1); 17(2) Bay-breasted Warbler 57 18 99 Sept. 21(1,1); 28(11); 29(22, p; 3ot6); Oct. 3h*);“(l); 9(1*7; 16(1); 17(2,1); 18(1); 26(2); 51(1*) Sept. 29(2); 30(1); Oct. 7(2); 8(1) Sept. 21(1); 28(2,3); 29(197; , Palm Warbler 5 5 6 Ovenbird 49 14 65 50(9,1); Oct. 3(1*7; 7(13,1); 8(2); 9(8); 17(1); 21(1); 23(l) ; 26(l) No. V/aterthrush 2 0 2 Sept. 29(1); 30(1) Kentucky Warbler 0 1 1 Sept. 28(1) Mourning Warbler 0 1 1 Sept. 20(1) Sept. 28(1); 29(2); Oct. 8(l) Sept. 28(1); 50(2) Com. Yellowthroat 1 4 Yellow-br. Chat 2 5 9 Canada Warbler 1 0 1 Sept. 30(1) • Am. Redstart 2 5 9 Sept. 21(2); 28(l) ; -29(1) ; 30(l) Sept. 28(1); 29(3,1); 30(l) Rose-br. Grosbeak h 2 6 Indigo Bunting 1 1 2 Sept. 29(1); Oct. 8(1) Huf. -sided Towhee 1 0 1 Oct. 26(1) Savannah Sparrow 1 0 1 Sept. 29(1) Field Sparrow 0 1 1 Oct. 29(1) Swamp Sparrow 1 0 1 Oct. 9(i7 Unidentified 4 19 2B Sept. 17(1); 19(1); 22(1); 26(l) ; 29(2,1); 50(4); Cct. 1(6); 7(i7; 8(2); 16(1); 17(2) TOTALS Total Species hj 2“ 1“ 406“ Numbers in () indicate birds collected that day. Underlined numbers indicate birds collected at WNGE, not underlined at V^3Ii. Asterisk* indicates an obviously old specimen. [VoL. 49, 19781 1978 THE MIGRANT 55 1978 SPRING FIELD DAYS Richard D. Lura The 213 species identified this year is short of the record of 217 of last year, yet represents a very fine assortment of birds for the twelve reporting areas. Without a doubt this was the "Year of the Wilson’s Phalarope”, being seen on six different counts over a two week time span, 29 April to 13 May. The shore birds, probably, should be considered the best group this year. The American Avocet was recorded for the first time on spring counts. Carolina Wren population is still down, numbers being comparable to last year, reflecting the second severe winter in a row. The Eastern Phoebe fared much better this year than last year. As is the custom the counts are tabulated from west to east across the state. INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS MEMPHIS: 30 April, Shelby Forest State Park in the morning. South near river to Core Park, Overton Park, and Penal Farm in the afternoon, Partly cloudy, wind SE 8-12 mph, 5 5 to 65° F, Ben B. Coffey, Jr., compiler, 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis 3 8107. LAUDERDALE COUNTY: 13 May, cloudy, wind NW 15-35 mph, 65 to 70° F, 2 5 observers. Ben B. Coffey, Jr., compiler, 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis, 38107. COLUMBIA: 5-6 May, overcast, 40-70° F, 15 observers. George Mayfield, compiler, 999 Sunnyside Drive, Columbia 3 8401. COLUMBIA: (1977) 29-30 April, rainy, 50-75° F, 12 observers. George A. Mayfield, compiler, 999 Sunnyside Drive, Columbia 3 8401. (Due to compilational error on my part this count was omitted from the 1977 count. The inclusion of this count with the 1977 data raises the total species to 217. — ^RDL) NASHVILLE: 6-7 May, clear to cloudy, wind N to E 5-20 mph, 48 to 75° F, 58 observers: B. H. Abernathy, Francis Abernathy, Jan Alexander, Billy Anderson, Clyde (compiler, 1214 McGavock Pike, Nashville, 37216) and Vivian Anderson, Mildred Ansley, Ann Arenett, Michael Bierly, Jane Bridgman, Ruth Castles, Jean Cobb, Jim Conrad, Dot Crawford, Paul Crawford, Annella Creech, Milbrey Dugger, Adele Elam, Evelyn Ellis, John Ellis, Clara Fentress, Combs Fort, J. P. Foster, George Freeman, Ben Groce, Bessis Hagan, Thomas Harston, John Hetbert, Louise Jackson, Carol Knauth, Portia MacMillan, Tim Mann, Jane Maynard, Joe McLaughlin, John McLaughlin, Toni McLaughlin, Rocky Milburn, Pauline Miller, Anne Nichols, Marge Patrick, Oscar Patrick, Dick Porter, Virginia Price, Elizabeth Queener, Betty Richards, Heather Rig- gins, John Riggins, Shelia Shay, Pat Stallings, Ellen Stringer, Ann Tarbell, Lawrence Trabue, Kenneth Walkup, Sara Walkup, Violet Watkins, Miriam Weinstein, George Woodring, Virginia Workman. American Avocets were seen by Michael Bierly. [VoL. 49, 1978] 56 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER 1978 SPRING COUNT Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Dbl.-cr. Cormorant Great Blue Heron Green Heron Little Blue Heron Cattle Egret Great Egret Snowy Egret Blk.-cr. Night Heron Yel.-cr. Night Heron American Bittern Canada Goose Snow Goose Mallard Black Buck Gadwall Green-winged Teal Blue-winged Teal American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Wood Duck Redhead Ring-necked Duck Canvasback 1977 Kern -Liau Golu Golu* Nash Kurf Cook HR Ghat Knox Gree King Eli - — 5 -- — 3 1 __ 2 5 9 __ 19 2 18 54 — 4 2 — 1 __ — — — 5 2 2 — — — 37 8 12 4 26 13 2 9 — 21 61 __ 2 ~ 5 27 10 6 5 6 1 3 __ 31 4 -- — 5 — 2—7 8 26 __ 2 2—1 8 2 1 33 2 1 27 2 18 3 3 19 20 18 1 10 28 Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Common Goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy Duck Red-br. Merganser Turkey Vulture Black Vulture Mississippi Kite Sharp-sh. Hawk Cooper's Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Red-shld. Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Marsh Hawk Osprey American Kestrel Ruffed Grouse Bobwhite Turkey Virginia Rail Sora Common Gallinule American Coot Semipalmated Plover Killdeer Blk. -bellied Plover Ruddy Turnstone American Woodcock Common Snipe Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper Wittet Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Pectoral Sandpiper Wht.-rmp. Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Dunlin Dowitcher sp. Semipalmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper American Avocet Wilson's Phalarope Herring Gull 3 __ 6 16 5 — 10 6 6 12 1 11 6 5 37 7 1 5 16 24 27 18 4 — 5 — 28 5 1 12 21 — — 4 — — 12 — 5 18 17 107 7 5 5 5 2 5 5 7 2 2 82 40 54 15 1 1 1 4 3 3 4 2 — 1 __ — __ 1 2 1 1 5 1 22 4 1 2 3 1 1 — — 1 — 8 — 1 1 — 1 2 5 1 4 — 6 1 1 1 2 2 — >- 5 1 1 1 — 2 1 1 2 5 1 1 13 7 47 16 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 — 1 — 3 2 9 4 18 17 89 21 21 2 10 85 7 8 12 2 2 2 — 1 :: 2 18 9 17 1 1 — — 1 6 1 — — 1 1 — 1 12 76 3 3 4 1 1 — — 12 2 15 11 25 22 12 48 4 7 18 11 — 8 2 [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 57 Mem Lau Colu 1977 Colu* Nash Murf Cook HE Chat Knox Gree King Eli King-billed Gull 15 52 25 7 9 26 Porster's 'Jern 2 3 — — 6 Common Tern — — 1 — 24 Black Tern 2 Kock Dove 1 1 30 38 117 7 105 " 36 80 Mourning Dove 11 5 85 95 204 98 135 5 92 377 58 50 86 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 8 5 13 10 53 11 5 — 9 37 1 15 17 Black-billed Cuckoo 2 1 1 — 1 — 1 2 Barn Owl 1 — 2 — — 1 1 Screech Owl — — 1 — 6 3 9 — 3 — Great Horned Owl 1 3 1 — Barred Owl — 7 8 16 3 — — 1 — Chuck-will's Widow 2 — ? 3 5 — . 5 — 5 27 , — 1 1 Whi p-po 0 r- wi 1 1 1 — 7 13 8 1 — — 2 2 — 3 — Common Nighthawk ” — 21 3 55 23 1 7 13 11 9 Chimney Swift 9 5 150 75 403 1000 115 3 80 264 45 58 196 Huby-th. Hummingbird 8 6 2 4 20 2 2 — 6 5 . — 2 15 Belted Kingfisher — — 11 6 23 8 2 — 6 14 1 3 12 Common Blicker 3 — 7 4 27 28 25 2 7 43 12 10 20 Pileated Woodpecker 7 2 20 6 33 4 4 2 7 17 4 5 11 Hed-bel. Woodpecker 28 4 38 22 104 lb 14 5 10 35 7 11 2 Eed-hd. Woodpecker 13 4 5 4 10 5 . 6 3 2 2 2 2 Yel.-bel. Sapsucker 1 __ 2 4 — 1 1 «_ 1 »— Hairy Woodpecker h — 5 10 17 2 2 — — 4 — 5 4 Downy Woodpecker 8 3 27 31 49 9 10 1 9 29 5 7 17 Pastern Kingbird 21 18 35 31 96 23 31 1 30 58 3 15 27 Great Cr. Flycatcher 2h 3 12 9 58 10 22 — 11 41 __ 6 8 Eastern Phoebe 1 3 5 31 2 16 — 4 14 1 15 25 Acadian Flycatcher 9 4 19 6 29 9 15 __ 29 Willow Flycatcher 1 1 2 Least Flycatcher 1 1 20 1 1 — 2 Empidonax sp. — 5 9 2 Eastern Wood Pewee 12 7 18 6 58 7 15 — 11 26 4 28 Olive-si. Flycatcher 2 1 Horned Lark 2 2 7 7 2 4 ” 2 1 Tree Swallow 6 10 11 83 19 1 2 — 12 3 Bank Swallow — 2 12 18 10 24 — 1 Sough-winged Swallow 8 10 16 35 34 2 — — 12 58 4 17 55 Barn Swallow 40 40 185 95 372 110 151 20 105 278 23 66 210 Cliff Swallow ~ 2 9 200 4 Purple Martin 22 27 39 73 115 28 139 225 20 68 65 Blue Jay 8 3 165 64 270 184 98 19 35 287 78 91 122 Common Haven 5 Common Crow 7 6 52 55 143 79 79 1 16 169 54 46 117 Fish Crow 11 1 Carolina Chickadee 36 8 38 57 155 64 16 1 21 114 14 24 42 Tufted Titmouse 35 12 34 65 144 25 22 5 26 63 7 44 35 Wht.-br. Nuthatch 1 — 4 8 12 4 1 1 5 2 3 Eed-br. Nuthatch — — 5 — 4 2 — — 3 22 — . 1 House Wren 12 — 3 — 9 “ 3 10 Winter Wren 2 Be'wick's Wren 1 1 Carolina Wren 25 3 13 11 57 7 5 — 20 89 12 15 26 Short-b. Marsh Wren 1 1 < — Mockingbird 17 4 32 45 151 153 40 4 26 211 . 15 32 73 Gray Catbird 15 1 74 14 87 71 41 10 67 15 63 Brown Thrasher 1 3 29 28 123 65 41 7 13 72 11 15 24 American Sobin 30 2 52 77 291 92 102 24 29 295 112 84 159 Wood Thrush 31 3 25 21 67 2 18 — 23 121 — 68 58 Hermit Thrush 1 1 1 1 Swains on's Thrush 47 2 53 8 68 8 1 14 150 1 15 Gray-cheeked Thrush 4 1 1 8 2 8 Veery 2 — 25 4 12 2 1 — — 11 — 11 Eastern Bluebird 3 2 37 28 37 11 21 4 15 42 9 9 35 Blue-gr. Gnatcatcher 50 11 53 63 96 “ 7 ” 183 44 3 21 18 Golden-cr. Kinglet 2 Euby-cr. Kinglet — 4 4 15 2 2 , — Water Pipit 1 7 Cedar Waxwing 5 6 — 9 66 6 83 — 4 35 Loggerhead Shrike 1 3 5 3 13 9 4 — 1 “ 1 1 Starling 43 6 185 717 5M 92 10 159 924 530 217 620 'White-eyed Vireo 34 20 41 71 138 4 25 1 18 71 10 19 Yelloiir-tho. Vireo 6 2 8 6 6 1 — 8 14 — 7 2 Solitary Vireo — — 4 — 5 — — 1 — 12 — 3 21 Eed-eyed Vireo 33 4 95 22 96 10 31 7 109 172 — 82 106 [VoL. 49, 1978] 58 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER 1977 Mem Lau Colu Colu* Nash Murf Cook HR Ghat Knox Gree King Eli Ihiladelphia Vireo 1 5 — — p 1 Warbling Vireo 2 — 12 2 16 1 — — 1 2 Black-&-wh. Warbler 18 — 18 7 17 8 1 5 12 36 — 4 37 Krothonotary Warbler Swainson's Warbler 55 6 26 17 27 8 4 4 2 1 1 Worm-eating Warbler __ 6 7 14 2 2 12 18 5 Golden-wg. Warbler 1 — 5 — 8 1 — — 1 — 1 2 Blue-wg. Warbler 5 — 26 20 27 2 Tennessee Warbler 95 6 59 39 158 13 1 — 31 69 — 9 9 Orange-cr. Warbler 2 Nashville Warbler 5 12 10 15 1 1 33 2 1 No. Parula \ May (1) CL (CPN). SNOWY EGRET: 30 Apr (2) NFH (RAP). LOUISIANA HERON: 1 May (1) Holston R., Hawkins Co. (Linda S. Duley). Black-crowned Night Heron: 28 Apr-5 May (1-3) AS (SG, MD, RK). Least Bittern: 29 Apr (1) AS (RK). American Bittern: 8 Apr to e.o.p. (ETOS). Snow Goose (blue morph): 16 Mar-12 Apr (2) CL (WKJ). N. Shoveler: 2 May (2) CL (WKJ); 7 May (1) AS (Harry Farthing). Black Vulture: 18 Mar (70) GV (RAP). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 2 Apr KP, 8 Apr BL (1) (RAP) . Cooper’s Hawk: 19 Mar (1) HCo (RAP); 25 Apr (1) JC (SG); 7 May (1) KP (RAP); 9 May (1) JC (MD). RED-SHOULDERED HAWK: 5 active nest sites CH (KLD et al) , plus "nesting pair present through period at Winfield, Scott Co.” (CPN). Bald Eagle: 26 Apr (1 ad.) MHL (WKJ). Osprey: 8 records CH (KLD, JWS) ; 4 Apr ("1st returned”) AS (DL) ; 9 Apr (1) Norris (CPN); 14 Apr (1) MHL (WJK) ; 7 and 10 May (1, 2) NFH and GC (RAP) Virginia Rail: 2-6 May (1-3) AS (RK, DL, SG, MD). Sora: 24 Mar-13 May (1-3) AS (ETOS). PURPLE GALLINULE: 5 May (1) K (Gary Muffley) . Plover-Swallow: Semipalmated Plover: 23 Apr (2) HRA (LD) ; 3 May (1) HRA (JWS). American Woodcock: 4 Apr (4 in flight song) AM (KLD). Spotted Sandpiper: 16 May (30) CL (CPN, WKJ) ; 23 May (10) NFH (RAP). WILLET: 3 May (30) MHL at Solway (WKJ); 5 May (10) EB (WKJ). Lesser Yellowlegs: 13 Apr (1) EB (CPN, WJK) ; 18 Apr (25-67) SB'and HRA (KLD, JWS) . Pectoral Sandpiper: 13 Apr (1) EB (WKJ, CPN). WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER: 8-25 May (6-25) HRA (KLD). Least Sandpiper: 13 Apr (1) SB (WKJ, CPN); 2-3 May (25-30) HRA (KLD, RBW, JWS). Dunlin: 27 Apr (2) AS (RK). Short-billed Dowitcher: 18 Apr (2 by call note) HRA (KLD, JWS). LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER: 30 Apr (7 by call note) HRA (KLD). STILT SANDPIPER: 15, 16 May (1) HRA (KLD, JWS). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 8 May to e.o.p. (10-40) HRA (KLD). Western Sandpiper: 13, 15 May (1) Blountville (MD, RK). WILSON’S PHALAROPE: 4 May (13) HRA and CH (JWS); 5 May (3) AM (JWS); 5-7 May (1-3) AS (RK, mob); 7 May (1) Sullivan County (Fred Alsop, RAP). Bonaparte’s Gull: 27 Mar (11) BL (DL, SG, MD) ; 16 Apr (3 5) SB (LD). Forster’s Tern: 25 Apr-9 May (1-11) NFH (RAP, Fred J. Alsop III); 30 Apr-13 May (3-6) BL (ETOS). Common Tern: 3 May (2) MHL (WKJ); 8 May (1) SB (KLD); 15 May (1) BL (SG). Caspian Tern: 16 May (1) CL (WKJ, CPN). Black Tern: 1, 8 May (1, 2) SB (KLD); 13 May (2) BL (MD). Black-billed Cuckoo: 9 May (1) JC (SG); 10 May (5) GV (RAP); "biggest spring influx here in several years” (GDE). (Yellow-billed Cuckoo: Large numbers in East Tennessee this spring (FJA). Whip-poor-will: 27 Apr [VoL. 49, 1978] 70 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER (nest w/2 eggs) LaFollette (CPN). Chimney Swift: 2 Apr (1) JC (PR). Red-headed Woodpecker: "1-3 seen regularly in lower Washington Co.” (ETOS). Willow Flycatcher: 13 May (1) AS (RK). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 10 and 11 May (1) JC (SG, MD). Horned Lark: 24 Mar (2 ad., nest w/ 3 eggs) TCA (RAP). Tree Swallow: 18 Apr to e.o.p. (3-150) SB and HRA (KLD, JWS). BANK SWALLOW: 15 May (50) HRA (KLD) ; "returned to last years nesting site at AS on 27 Apr and has been regular since.” (ETOS). Rough-winged Swallow: 26 Mar (3) K (CPN, A. Boyd Sharp). Nuthatch-Warbler: Red-breasted Nuthatch: 15 Apr (1) RR (KLD et al). Brown Creeper: 15 Apr (1) K (CPN, JMiC et al). House Wren: since 20 Apr (6) KP (RAP). BEWICK’S WREN: 8 Apr (1) K (CPN, JMC et al) . Long- billed Marsh Wren: 1 May (1) MN (RAP); 2-6 May (1) AS (ETOS). Short- billed Marsh Wren: 1 May (1) GV (RAP); 2 May (1) AS (SG, MD). PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 17 Apr (1) JC (SG) . Warbling Vireo: 15 Apr (1) RR (DRJ, LD) ; 17 Apr (1) TRG (KLD). Swainson’s Warbler: 22 Apr to e.o.p. (1 singing on same territory as 1977) RR (KLD et al). The following comment was received from Nicholson regarding the warbler migration at Knoxville: "few noteworthy records early part of migration (till late April) 6-8 days later than usual. Some fantastic waves observed in late April and early May making it one of the best years ever. i.e. 30 April — 29 species on Sharp’s Ridge (JMC)” Blackbirds-Sparrows: Bobolink: 10 May ("pair”) GV (RAP). BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: 16 Mar (2) TCA (RL). Blue Grosbeak: since 1 May (8) KP (RAP). Dickcissel: 7 May (1) GV (RAP). Evening Grosbeak: 3 May (50) PP (KHD) ; 4 May (12) KP (RAP) ; "a couple of small flocks are still in the area. . .” (GDE). Purple Finch: 15 Apr (2) RR (KLD et al) . HOUSE FINCH: 20 Mar (last 2 reported) Lam (RK). Red Crossbill: 17 Mar (1) PP (KHD). Grasshopper Sparrow: since 1 May (8) HCo (RAP); 13 May (2) TCA (MD). Vesper Sparrow: 25 Mar (10) HRA (KLD); 8 Apr (4) UT Plant Science Farm, K (CPN, JMC et al) . White-crowned Sparrow: last 5 May (1) Lam (RK). White-throated Sparrow: last 13 May (1) JC (SG). Fox Spar- row: 22 Mar (1) JC (SG). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 13 May (1) Erwin (RL). Abbreviations: e.o.p. — end of period, et al — and others, mob — many ob- servers. Locations: AM— Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin Springs; BL — ^Boone Lake; CH — Chattanooga area; ChL — ^Chickamauga Lake; CL — 'Cove Lake; EB — Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery; GV- — Goshen Valley, Hawkins County; HCo-^ — ^Hawkins County; HRA — Hiwassee River Area; JC — Johnson City; K — Knoxville; KP — Kingsport; Lam — Lamar; MHL — ^Melton Hill Lake; MM— Meadowview Marsh; NFH — North Fork Holston River; PP — Point Park; RR — Reflection Riding; SB — Savannah Bay; TCA — Tri- cities Airport; TRG — Tennessee River Gorge. Initials: CPN — ^Charles P. Nicholson; DL — ^Dick Lura; ETOS — ^Elizaibeth- ton Chapter, TOS; GDE — Glen D. Eller; JMC — James M. Campbell; JWS — JoWayne Stone; KHD — Kenneth H. Dubke; KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke; LD — Lil Dubke; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; PR — ^Pete Range; RAP — ^Rick A. Phil- [VOL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 71 lips; RBW— R. Bruce Wilkey; RL— Richard Lewis; RK— Rick Knight; WJK— Wesley K. James. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke, Route 1, Box 134D Ooltewah 37363. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — This spring season was similar to the past winter "Season” as far as the numbers of unexpected and unusual observa- tions. A Red-necked Grebe, Golden Eagle, and White-winged Crossbills were sighted again and along with these a Black-bellied Plover, dowitchers and Wilson’s Phalarope have created a very exciting spring report. Shorebirds and warblers staged a good flight also. The weather for the period was very warm and dry for the last of March and first ten days of April. Then breaking the warm spell the last week of April and first ten days of May were much colder than is normally expected. Most species were later than normal in arriving and a few of the winter species re- mained a little longer than usual before departing. Loon-Hawk: Common Loon: only 1 report on 22 Apr RC (MD, SG). RED-NECKED GREBE: last seen 20 Mar (1) RC (DL, GW, LRH). Horned Grebe: last seen 28 Mar (1) GLP (DL) in summer plumage. Double-crested Cormorant: 20 Apr (1) WatL (SG). Green Heron: 1st returned 6 Apr (1) MC (RL). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 27 Apr (1) HS (GW); 5 May (1) HS (LRH). Green-winged Teal: last seen 29 Mar (1) Wagis (SG, MD). Lesser Scaup: last seen 10 May (2) WatR (GW). Ruddy Duck: 21 Mar (1) RC (GW); 25 Mar (1) GLP (GE, DL); 5 Apr (1) GLP (MD, SK). Hooded Merganser: last seen 5 Apr (2) GLP (ES). Red-breasted Merganser: last seen 22 Apr (21) RC (SG, MD). Common Merganser: 20 Mar (18) and 22 Mar (20) RC (DL, GW). Black Vulture: 11 Apr (2) MC (MD, SG). Sharp- shinned Hawk: 25 Mar (1) E (GE); 4 Apr (1) MC (RL); 9 Apr (1) RM (ES); 22 Apr (1) RC (RK) ; 25 Apr (1) MC (GW). Cooper’s Hawk: 28 Mar (1) Erwin (GS) ; 2 Apr (1) SV (GW); 7 Apr (1) RM (ES); 13 May (1) Unicoi (HE, GE). Red-shouldered Hawk: 13 May (2) Unicoi (GE, HE). Broad-winged Hawk: 1st returned 7 Apr (1) Sulk Co. (GE). Eagle-Pipit: GOLDEN EAGLE: 8 Apr (1) RM (PDC). Osprey: 1st re- turned 1 Apr (1) Wagis (LRH). Sora Rail: 13 May (1) GLP (GW, DL). BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER: 5-6 May (1) SV (HE) only the area’s 2nd rec- ord. Greater Yellowlegs: 1st returned 1 Apr (2) SV (RK). Pectoral Sand- piper: 16 Mar thru 13 May (1-3) Stjs (ETOS). Dunlin: 13 May (1) RC (JM). Dowitcher sp.: 13 May (1) RC (JM, LRH). WILSON’S PHALA- ROPE: 13 May (1) RC (JM, LRH) area’s 1st sighting. Bonaparts Gull: 1 Apr (181) WatL (LRH, GW). Porster’s Tern: 1 May (6) Sull. Co. (GE). Black-billed Cuckoo: 13 May (2) IMG (SG, RL). Tree Swallow: 9 Apr (2 5) migrating over RM (DPC). Bank Swallow: 26 Apr (1) Erwin (RL). Clilff Swallow: 26 Apr (3) Erwin (RL). Raven: (1-4) regular on RM and IM (ETOS). Grey Catbird: 1st returned 30 Apr (1) E (HE). Hermit Thrush: last seen 4 Apr (1) MC (RL). Veery: 1st returned 5 May (1) E (HE). Water Pipit: 16 Mar (14) StJs (RK, MD). Vireo-Sparrow: Solitary Vireo: 1st returned 25 Mar (1) MC (RL). War- bling Vireo: 1st returned 7 May (3) WatR (GW, DL). Black-and-white [VoL. 49, 1978] 72 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Warbler: 1st returned 11 Apr (1) E (HF). Golden-winged Warbler: 1st re- turned 1 May (2) HS (RK). Blue-winged Warbler: 1st returned 30 Apr (1) E (HF). Yellow- throated Warbler: 1st returned 4 Apr (2) WibL (RK). Blaickpoll Warbler: 1st returned 6 May (2) Erwin (GE, GS). Wilson’s War- bler: 1st returned 7 May (1 banded) HS (RK). Evening Grosbeak: 2-3 small flocks left at end of period. Purple Finch: last seen 6 May (2) E (GE). Pine Siskin: last seen 9 May (3) MC (GW). Red Crossbill: last seen 18 Mar (25) RM (GE). WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL: last seen 4 Apr (13) RM (DE). Vesper Sparrow: 26 Mar (2) AFC (RL, PR). Chipping Sparrow: 1st returned 20 Mar (2) RC (DL). White-crowned Sparrow: last seen 5 May (1) SV (GW). White-throated Sparrow: last seen 12 May (1) E (HF). Fox Spar- row: last seen 9 Apr (1) RM (GE, PDC). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 13 May (1) Erwin (RL). Locations: E — Elizabethton; GLP — ^Great Lakes Pond (near Eliz) ; HS — Hunter Swamp (near Eliz) ; IMG — Iron Mtn Gap; MC — ^Milligan College; RC^ — Roans Creek; EJVI — Roan Mtn.; SV — Siam Valley; Stjs — St Johns Pond (near Eliz) ; SullCo — ^Sullivan County; Wagis— Wagners Island (along upper WatR) ; WatL — ^Watauga Lake; WatR — ^Watauga River; WibL — Wilbur Lake. Observers: PDC — ^Paul and Dot Crawford; MD — ^Martha Dillenbeck; ETOS — Eliz. chapter T.O.S.; GE — Glen Eller; HF — ^Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee R. Herndon; RK — Rick Knight; DL- — ^Dick Lura; RL — Richard Lewis; JM — John Martin; PR — Pete Range; ES-— 'Ed Schell; GS — Glenn Swofford; GW — ^Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route ^3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. [VoL. 49, 1978] 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 2220^. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on SJ 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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 Annual Autumn Hawk Count Thomas W, Finucane 49 Book Review The Web of Adaptation. Gary O. Wallace 52 Television Tower Casualties, 1976. Katherine A. Goodpasture 53 1978 Field Spring Days. Richard D. Lura 5 5 Minutes of the Annual Spring Meeting, 1978. Bruce Wilkey, Secretary 60 Round Table Note First Record of a Fulvous Whistling-Duck in the Nashville Area. Faul and Dot Crawford 63 The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, 111 64 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 65 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 67 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Kenneth H, and Lillian H. Dubke 68 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 71 Illustration by Fred /. Alsop, III mm iA QU/1R.TER.LY OQURNflL DEVOTEDvTO TEN N ESSE^BIRDS ■Mm r ^UisKed ^ % THETENNESSEE ' ORNITHOLOGICAL, k SOCIETY A iPifipis kv.vs.'- pi ::ember, 1978 VOL. 49, NO. 4 I 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 GARY O. WALLACE Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 "THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, TN 37642 "STATE COUNT COMPILER” RICHARD LUKA 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 PRESIDENT KENNETH H. DUBKE Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN PAUL PARDUE Rt. 23, Box 9 3 A, Beechwood Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN SANFORD McGEE P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MARTHA WALDRON 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE EAST TENN WILLIAM BRIDGEFORTH 7916 Jenkins Dr., Knoxville, TN 37921 MIDDLE TENN MICHAEL FILSON 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 WEST TENN MRS. JOHN LAMB Lake Rd., Dyersburg, TN 38024 CURATOR JAMES T. TANNER Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, TN 37920 SECRETARY BRUCE WILKEY 106 Palisades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 TREASURER RAY JORDAN Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $4.00; Sustaining, $7.50; Life, $100.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, $5.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contribu- tions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. 49 DECEMBER, 1978 NO. 4 ‘‘NOTES ON SOME ADAPTIVE NESTING BEHAVIOR OF THE KILLDEER {Charadrius vociferus) IN EAST TENNESSEE” Rick A. Phillips and Fred J. Alsop, III The following observations were made by Dr. Fred J. Alsop, III, and me (Rick A. Phillips) while studying and photographing nesting Killdeer {Charad- rim vociferus) during May-June 1976. The nests were located on the graveled roof of the Kingsport University Center (KUC) building in Hawkins County, approximately five miles west of Kingsport, Tennessee. The KUC building is on the former Allendale Farm site which encompasses about 600 acres of land. This land consists of second growth deciduous wood- lands, brushy overgrown fields, and grazed pastures. Two ponds are present in the pastures. One pond is approximately 100 yds. south of the KUC building, and one 200 yds. east Both ponds have gqntly sloping banks composed of a mix- ture of sandy loam, clay, and gravel. These banks, along with the nearby grazed pastures, present favorable nesting habitat for Killdeer. The roof of the two story KUC building is a flat surface covered by tar paper over which has been placed a two to three inch layer of crushed gravel. On approximately two-thirds of the roof surface a dark, limestone gravel has been used; covering the remainder of the roof is a light sand-colored gravel. The flat roof is bounded on all sides by a verticle parapet eighteen inches high and without openings. On various field trips about the KUC campus. Dr. Alsop and I had noticed Killdeer flying noisily about the roof of the building, as well as feeding near the ponds. Because of our interest in photographing the birds at the nest, we decided to check the roof as a possible nesting site for the plovers. Our examina- tion of the roof produced an active nest site containing four eggs. It was located on the side of the roof covered by dark gravel, where the eggs blended almost perfectly with the color and pattern of the stones. Several possible advantages in choosing the roof as a nest site may be con- sidered: 1) the camouflage of the eggs on the gravel, 2) reduced predation on the high roof, it being virtually inaccessable to any but winged creatures, and 3 ) isolation from disturbance. Evidence of several previous nesting attempts of the year was also found on the side of the roof covered by dark gravel. A nest was found containing only [VoL. 49, 1978] 74 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER one egg, and was determined to be abandoned. Upon further examination of the roof, I found the body of a young Killdeer only two or three days of age. The fledgling was dead, and the body was quite dehydrated. Two other old nests were found; neither containing eggs or young. As we prepared to leave, after our extended examination of the roof, I realized what a truly barren and sterile site these birds were attempting to exploit. The black tar-paper covered by the dark gravel absorbed great amounts of heat, so much in fact that the surface would burn one’s hand upon touching it. I wondered how the parent birds could possibly maintain the eggs at a cool enough temperature, approximately 34° C (Welty, 1975) for normal embryonic development. Subsequent observations of the activities of the nest revealed a very interest- ing form of adaptive behavior being employed by these Killdeer to cool their eggs. The adult bird would at times take as many as six trips in an hour to one of the ponds and then back to the roof, each trip being of very short duration. The bird flew directly to the pond and performed an act which at first appeared to be bathing. But, as I observed this more carefully, and compared its behavior with the bathing of the other Killdeer in the area, it became apparent this bird was behaving differenitly. I believe that if the bird had actually been bathing, fewer trips would have been taken and more time would have been spent at the pond. On the afternoon of 23 June, Dr. Alsop and I found young birds on the roof that had hatched a few hours earlier. There we also observed one of the adult birds (we assumed it to be the female) standing over the chicks with her breast feathers saturated with water. The nest area was moist from the water dripping from the adult bird’s feathers. During the time we spent photograph- ing this family, one chick, unnoticed by us at first, wandered several feet from the adult and its nest mates at the nest site. We spotted the missing chick less than ten minutets after he left the protective shading of the adult bird at the nest,, but by this time it was dead from the searing heat on the open roof. The air temperature on that afternoon reached 88° F, but the temperature of the roof’s surface, with its enormous heat absorbing properties, was over 120° F. During the period of incubation the Killdeer had been flying to the pond and saturating its breast feathers with water, and then flying quickly back to the roof. It had distributed the water over the eggs and nest area. This action would not only produce a cooling effect by the evaporation of water from the egg’s shells, but also increase the humidity in the immediate nest area, thereby reducing excessive water loss, which can be a critical factor in the percentage of eggs hatching (Welty, 1975). This form of behavior has been noted in other birds. The Osprey {Pandicn haliaetiis) is known to exhibit similar adaptive behavior by shaking water from the feathers over the eggs (Welty, 1975). The male Namaqua Sandgrouse {Pefrocles namaqua) of the Kalahari Desert of Africa, flies as far as 80 kilometers to the nearest waterhole to carry water back to the young birds until they are able to fly (Cade and Maclean 1967; Maclean, 1968; in Welty, 1975). Also, the Little Ringed Plover {Chardrim dubtns) in similar fashion carries w^ater to its newly hatched young (Welty, 1975). [VoL. 49, 19781 1978 THE MIGRANT 75 These Killdeer have clearly exhibited a form of adaptive behavior to meet the needs of their developing eggs and newly hatched young, and in the process exploited a man-created habitat. Although the Killdeer were successful in pro- tecting the eggs from the extremely hot temperatures of this xeric environment long enough for them to hatch, they were not successful in rearing a single chick to the point of its leaving the roof. After the chicks hatched I observed them for four days.'-' There was no source of food or water present on the roof, and the young, being precocial, were left to find food for themselves. The parelnts exhibited no further modifications of behavior after the chicks left the nest. On the fourth day after hatching I found the three remaining chicks dead at different points upon the roof. At no time did I observe the parents making any effort to feed the chicks nor to transport them bodily from the roof, there- fore I assume they starved to death. It is ironic that the parents’ behavior could be modified to cool the eggs and insure their hatching, yet they did nothing to aid the chicks in their need for food on the sterile roof-top environment. Could these Killdeer, and others using similar roof-tops, be hatching several clutches of eggs each year, and yet every single chick be dying? Only further observa- tions at other sites may answer the question and birders are encouraged to report their observaitions to the author and this journal. ■'•'■Post Note: No attempts were made to interfere with the natural cycle of these birds in order to learn the ultimate fate of the young. This year a ramp will be placed at the edge of the inner wall to see if the young can escape to the ground below by jumping as Wood Ducks {Aix sponsa) do. LITERATURE CITED: WELTY, JOEL CARL. 1975. The Life of Birds, 2nd Ed. W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, London, Toronto. Biology Department, Kingsport University Center, East Tennessee State University, University Blvd., Kingsport 37660. Accepted 6 May 1977. [VoL. 49, 1978] 76 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER TWO RED-NECKED GREBES AT NASHVILLE Pat Stallings Late in the afternoon of 7 September 1975 while hireling in the woods behind Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville I emerged from the trees into a narrow, cleared strip alongside a small lake where I saw two grebes swimming in the middle of the lake. This lake is in a valley near the Cumberland River and the land slopes down to it on all sides. There are residences around the lake opposite the cemetery with large yards wooded enough to attract, at times, a Red-tailed Hawk {Buteo ]amaicensis)^ a Barred Owl {Strix varia) or a Great Horned Owl {Bubo virginianus) . My first thought upon spying the grebes was that they were Horned Grebes (Podlceps auritm) . They had already spotted me and were swimming toward the opposite shore. As I continued toward the lake, they sank below the surface and reappeared on the opposite side. I walked to an opening in a fringe of trees along the shore where I sat down to study the grebes. Strollers on the opposite shore flushed them back toward the center of the lake which brought them into excellent view through a Bausch and Lomb 15-60x zoom telescope at a distance of twenty to thirty yards. The grebes seemed very uneasy and eyed me warily during the fifteen minutes I was there. These grebes seemed large with very long necks held erect, not curved. They were in changing plumage with one bird lighter all over than the other. The necks had a light, dusky, reddish wash on the front and sides, and were darker dorsally. The throats and cheeks were definitely lighter; the yellow bills were noticeably thicker at the base with one bird’s bill being slightly darker at the tip. After consulting Birds of North America by Robbins, et al, I concluded that I was looking at two Red-necked Grebes {Podiceps grisegena). Fishermen arrived on one side of the lake and I could hear children playing in the creek at the head of the lake. The grebes seemed very uneasy about all this activity. Without attempting to flush the birds, I left to try to find some- one else to see them. About 18:30 CDT I contacted Bill and Sally Fin tel who met me at the cemeftery, but the grebes were not on the lake. Descriptions of grebes in Bent’s Life Histories and Peterson’s Field Guide have convinced me that these were indeed two Red-necked Grebes. This sighting appears to be the second for the Nashville area; Albert F. Ganier reported one bird 1 May 1920 at Radnor Lake. Michael Bierly listed for me the references he found in The Migrant to Red-necked Grebes (formerly Holboell’s Grebe) in the state of Tennessee. I also asked Harry C. Monk to check his extensive files for any reports that he might have. Their combined efforts resulted in the following: 1895, Reelfoot Lake (1) Samuel N. Rhoades; 1920, May 1, Radnor Lake (1) Albert F. Ganier; 1948, February 2, mouth of Duck River (1) Eugene Cypert, Jr. and C. R. Markley; 1956, December 2, Laurel Lake (1) Mary Enloe; 1975, February 18, Chickamauga Lake ( 1 ) Ken and Lil Dubke. In a summary of Christmas counts, William Walker refers to a Holboell’s Grebe found on Radnor Lake in 1926. In *'A Review of Tennessee Christmas [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 77 Counts,” 1965, Laurence Trabue refers to the same record. Harry C. Monk who participated in this count at Radnor Lake told me that the record was in error and should not have been printed. I recount it here in an attempt to cor- rect the record. It appears that my sighting is the earliest fall date for the state and the only incidence of more than one bird. REFERENCES BENT, ARTHUR CLEVELAND. 1963. Life Histories of North American Diving Birds. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. CYPERT, EUGENE, JR. 195 5. Some Interesting Bird Observations on Kentucky Lake, The Migrant, 26 ( 1 ) :9. DUBKE, KENNETH H. AND LILLIAN H. 1975. Red-ncckcd Grebe Sighted on Chickamauga Lake, The Migrant, 46(4) :75-76. PARMER, HENRY E. 1970. Birds of the Nashville Area, Second Edition. PETERSON, ROGER TORY. 1947. A Field Guide to the Birds. Boston: Houghton- Mifflin Company. RHOADES, SAMUEL N. 1895. The Contributions to the Zoology of Tennessee, No. 2 Birds, Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- delphia. ROBBINS, CHANDLER S., BERTEL BRUUN, AND HERBERT S. ZIM. 1966. Birds of North America New York: Golden Press. TANNER, JAMES T. 1957. The Season, The Migrant, 28(1) :10. TRABUE, LAURENCE o. 1965. A Revicw of Tennessee Christmas Counts, The Migrant, 36(2) :42, 44. WALKER, w. M. 1932. Nashvillc Christmas Census for Seventeen Years, The Migrant, 3 (4) :42. 406 North 17 Street, Nashville 37206. Accepted 6 May 1977. [VoL. 49, 1978] 78 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER MINUTES OF THE 1978 SYMPOSIUM AND FALL MEETING The 12th Annual Symposium and Fall Meeting of the Tennessee Ornitho- logical Society was held 21-22 October at Fairfield Glade near Crossville, Ten- nessee. The meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 11:00 A.M. with the President, Kenneth H. Dubke, presiding. The minutes of the 1978 Spring Meeting were read and approved. REPORTS OF OFFICERS There was no report from the Vice-Presidents for East and West Termessee. There was no formal report from the Vice-President for Middle Tennessee, San- ford McGee, however, Glen King mentioned that a jaeger had been sighted at Woods Reservoir. He also mentioned that a firm commitment had been made by the Methodist Assembly at Bersheebe Springs for a Spring Meeting in 1979 but that final rates had yet to be set. There was no report from the Secretary. The Treasurer, Ray Jordan, stated that the checking account held $1,264.65 and the savings account held $1,73 5.00 and had gained $27.00 in interest. Michael Bierly mentioned that bequests are an important source of funds for the Society and he stressed that being specific in the wording so the funds will go to the proper entity. The Editorial Staff for The Migrant: Editor, Gary O. Wallace, made his request once again, for sending records in on time because of time constraints. He stated that The Migrant was now being published in 24 page format. "The Season” Editor, Fred Alsop commented those submitting information from the regions and asked everyone to get records in as soon as possible to the regional compilers. There was no report from the State Count Compiler, Richard Lura. The Curator, James T. Tanner, reported that the "backcopy business” had slowed somewhat but that the archives were being tapped from time to time. There were no reports from the Directors-at-Large. REPORTS— STANDING COMMITTEES Finance Committee Chairman, Jo Stone, reported that the records of the Treasurer had been examined and were in order. He further stated that the Certificates of Deposit were maturing in 1979 and that the Finance Committee would reach some decision as to their proper disposition. Conservation Committee Chairman, George Mayfield, mentioned that a letter had been sent to Colonel Lockeridge, District Engineer of the Memphis District of the Corps of Engineers. Ken Dubke stated that the area of Savannah Bay near Chattanooga was being considered as a NonGame demonstration area by TWRA. Michael Bierly discussed efforts being made to preserve the Bordeaux Black-Crowned Night Heronry. George mentioned that the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River Recreation Area had not received any appropriations [VoL. 49, 19781 1978 THE MIGRANT 79 since the President had vetoed the bill which contained funding, however, some effort was being made to get some funds approved separately for land acquisi- tion purposes. Charles Nicholson stated that the NonGame Wildlife Bill which had been supported by TOS for some time had died but would be resubmitted in the next session of Congress. Arlo Smith stated that the State D.O.T. was going to come up with yet another proposal on the Overton Park/ 1-40 con- troversy. OLD BUSINESS Ken Dubke mentioned that a Foray Director had never been officially desig- nated. Fred Alsop moved that the position of Foray Director be established and that a person be appointed for a two year term with responsibility for organiza- tion, coordinatio-n, and promotion of the foray in addition to putting together a report of findings. Lil Dubke seconded the motion and it was carried. Ken Dubke mentioned that due to questions about the constitutionality of the vote on a dues increase which was held at the 1978 Spring Meeting at Fontana, the issue would be reconsidered. Fred Alsop moved that an increase in dues of $2.00 in all categories be considered as well as an increase in Life Mem- bership to $200.00. After much discussion, an amended version of Fred’s motion was put to a vote which called for the following dues costs: Life — $150.00, Sustaining' — $10.00, Family — $7.00, Active — $6.00, Student — $3.00. Steve Steadman, voting a proxy, seconded the motion. On a vote of 34 in favor and 10 opposed, the motion passed. NEW BUSINESS Charles P. Nicholsom suggested that the Society establish a state newsletter to be printed twice a year. He offered to serve as editor for the newsletter. After some discussion, Mrs. Allen seconded the motion and it was carried. Michael Bierly gave an overview of the activities surrounding the Bordeaux Rookery acquisition efforts and suggested that the Tennessee Ornithological Society make a contribution to the effort of $500.00. John Sellars asked if the Society could "pledge” the amount pending a close examination of the Society’s finances after the receipt of new dues funds. Mike indicated that this would be acceptable. The final proposal was for the Society to pledge $500.00 for the acquisition of the Bordeaux Heronry payable by June 30, 1979. There were 34 votes in favor and 5 opposed. The motion was carried. Gary Wallace mentioned that an official State List was being considered for the Birds of Tennessee to be issued under Avifauna IV. Fred Alsop would coordinate the effort. Sam Cowart seconded the motion. The motion was carried. Ken Dubke revealed that he had received correspondence from Morris Williams suggesting that the Board authorize funds for the printing of the Gazeteer and a Geographic Index to The Migrant. Ray Jordan moved that these issues be deferred until the Spring Meeting — 1979. Lois Herndon seconded the motion and it was carried. [VoL. 49, 1978] 80 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Fred Alsop asked that some procedure be considered for informing members of sightings of rare birds. He asked that some sort of workshop be established for the promotion of new memberships as well. Lil Dubke seconded his motion and it was carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS Michael Bierly announced that the Albert F. Ganier Memorial had been dedicated and that he had brought a display of photographs for viewing by the membership. John Sellars announced that the Dixon Merritt Memorial would be dedicated on October 22, 1978 in Cedars of Lebanon State Park. The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 by the President. R. Bruce Wilkey, Secretary BOOK REVIEW BIRD SOUNDS. 1976. By Gerhard A. Thielcke. Ann Arbor Science Li- brary. The University of Michigan Press. Ann Arbor, Michigan, viii -j- 190 pages. Clothbound $6.95. Paperback $2.95. This is an English translation of a German book first published in 1970. As a result, the book is not as current as its publication date would indicate. There has been much ornithological re- search on this subject between the publication date and this translation. The book is well organized, low priced and with little duplication of other books on this subject. It is a book on sound as a functional part of bird life and not a description of sounds made by birds, intended to be used as an aid in field identification. With the aid of 95 illustrations, the author discusses how birds sing, how they hear, what kind of messages are communicated, how they learn to make sounds, and the role of sounds in the evolving of new species. Most information presented is based on studies of European birds. The terminology used in the translation and the European bird names may present a minor problem to most Tennessee birders. Gary O. Wallace [VoL. 49, 19781 1978 THE MIGRANT 81 ROUND TABLE NOTES YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON: A NEW BREEDING SPECIES FOR THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK— In June of 1974, Bill Deane located the nest of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nycta- massa violacea) in Cades Cove, Blount County, Tennessee. He told me that he saw one young in the nest and an adult nearby. On 15 June 1975, I found a nest in the same area where Deane had found the 1974 nest. Later, using a color transparency of the nest that Deane had found, I was able to determine that the 1975 nest was in exactly the same position, if not the same structure, as the 1974 nest. The nest was saddled on a horizontal branch about 14 M from the ground and 2.5 M out from the trunk of a pine {? intis sp.). The nest tree was in a stand of pine trees (35° 35' 35" N; 83° 47' 22" W) near a small unnamed pond 100 M SE of the point where the Cades Cove Loop Road fords at an elevation of 573 M. The nest contained five young which varied greatly in size. The smallest young was only one third as big as the largest young. When I climbed to the nest, the larger birds moved out of the nest onto the support- ing branches. While I was photographing the nest, two of the young birds opened their bills wide and lunged at me. Two birds regurgitated food, and several of them defecated. Both adults, which were perched near the nest, flew away when I began to climb to the nest. During the follow- ing month I regularly visited the nest. Four young birds were always present in the nest tree and oc- casionally an adult heron was seen. I last saw young birds on 21 July. On most visits I examined the remains of food items which had been regurgitated or dropped below the nest. As well as I could determine, the young were fed entirely on crayfish. These are the first breeding records of this species for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The species was first recorded in the Park in 1971 when Ranger Thomas E. Henry saw one bird at the sewage ponds in Cades Cove on 26 and 30 May. Alan Smith saw one bird in the cove on 5 July 1973. (These data were taken from records on file in the park library) . I saw an adult along Abrams Creek in Cades Cove on 2 July 1974. Young Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 15 June 1975. [VoL. 49, 1978] 82 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER When I visited the nest site on 3 April 1976, the nest was no longer present. I was not able to find the herons on this or several subsequent visits later in the spring. Morris D. Williams, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916. Present address: Department of Zoology, Louisiana State Uni- versity, Baton Rouige, LA 70893. Accepted 12 Aug. 1976. WHISTLING SWAN IN SULLIVAN COUNTY— On the afternoon of 8 March 1977, while driving east on Netherland Inn Road in Kangsport, I sighted a large white bird swimming on the South Fork of the Holsiton River about a mile down-stream from the C. P. Edwards Bridge. I was able to ap- proach to within twelve meters of the bird and to distinguish enough field- marks, with a pair of 7 x 50 binoculars, to identify the bird as a Whistling Swan (O/or columbianus) , i.e., black bill without a basal knob and the neck held straight while swimming. This identification was confirmed later that day by Fred J. Alsop, III, who concluded that the bird was a young Whistling Swan since it possessed the buffy coloration about the head and neck character- istic of juveniles of that species. The swan was also observed by several mem- bers of the Kingsport University Chapter of the T.O.S. later that same after- noon. It remained in the same area where it was otbserved by local birders through the week and was last seen by Dr. Alsop on 13 March 1977. Bill Kappa, 1425 Dobyns Drive, Kingsport 37664. Accepted 10 May 1977. IMMATURE TIERCEL IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY— On 7 January 1976, I observed an immature tiercel (male Peregrine Falcon — Falco peregrinus) near Franklin, Tennessee. Approximately 10 days before George Mayfield had seen what he thought was a Peregrine Falcon sitting on a barn along Route 31, several miles southwest of Franklin. He did not have his binoculars with him and could not get close enough to make a positive identification. On 7 January 1976, I drove Route 31 from Springhill to Franklin carefully inspecting every falcon that I saw. Across the road from the Haliday Restau- rant, near the city limits of Franklin, I saw a very dark falcon land on a telephone wire. For three minutes it sat very still, intently inspecting the ground. As we moved the car closer the falcon flew about 70 yards to the corner of a low, flat topped concrete building. It remained on this corner for over fifteen minutes and allowed the car to approach to within 50 feet without becoming visibly agitated. During this time the falcon spent most of its time inspecting the ground but regularly turned its head to look toward the car. The portions of the following paragraph in quotation marks were taken directly from my field notes recorded while watching the falcon. These notes were recorded without reference to a field guide. The falcon was "slightly bigger than a pigeon, slightly but noticeably bigger than a female kestral seen very soon afterward.” Size was estimated at "approximately 15 inches.” The bird had a "falcon shape” with "brown streaks lengthwise on cream breast and abdomen, very light streaks on breast, darker, bolder, and more distinct on abdomen.” It had a "dark head with white cheeks” interrupted by "two sideburns,” one "extending down into the white cheek,” [VCL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 83 the second extending "from the rear forward and horizontally.” The back and tail were a "uniform dark gray brown.” In bright sunlight "the tail had a russet sheen.” The sighting occurred at 15:30 under sunny skies with the temperature in the 40’s. The bird was observed for approximately 20 mii^^utes with Leitz Trinovid 10 x 40 binoculars. The observation distance ranged from 5 0 yards to 50 feet with the majority of the time spent at the closer distance. My brother Jeff Gray was present and can confirm the description in my field notes. I identified the bird as a peKegrine falcon from its shape, size, and coloration as given above. Based on its small size I called the bird a tiercel. The length- wise streaks on the breast and abdomen and the brownish back indicate that the bird was immature. Dr. Tom Cade, head of the Peregrine Project at Cornell University, has let me view over 5 0 Peregrine Falcons including more than 1 5 inunature tiercels. Comparing them with the bird I saw confirmed my age and sex determination. Daniel R. Gray, III, Gaslight Village 10 E, Ithaca, N.Y. 148 50. Accepted 28 May 1977. RAILS WINTERING IN MAURY COUNTY— Eight days during the past two Christmas seasons Sora (Porzana Carolina) and Virginia Rails {Kalins Umicola) were found at the Monsanto Chemical Company settling ponds just west of Columbia, Tennessee. All the rails were found at pond originally a 12 acre pond now containing approximately 6 acres of open water at the western end, 2 acres of thickly clumped 12 to 18 foot high willows in shallow standing water at the eastern end, and 4 acres of cattails in between. Small patches of shrubs are spotted within the cattails. On 1 January 1976, while Olin Hotchkiss and I were using a Screech Owl {Otus asio) tape to attract sparrows in the cattails and brush at pond 4^6, I heard what sounded like an abbreviated wak call of a Virginia Rail. (Call syllabifications are those given by Peterson in A Field Guide to the Birds.) I regularly carry bird tapes into the field and had one of rails with me. I played a Virginia Rail tape containing both wak and kidick calls and was quickly rewarded with wak responses from several locations within the cattails. Based on simultaneous calls 3 Virginia Rails were located. In response to a Sora tape containing both whinny and ker-wee calls, 2 Soras were located. Eventually 1 Virginia Rail came out of the cattails into the open area below the bank where we stood and spent 1 5 minutes parading and calling in response to the tape. The bird was identified as a rail by its plump body with short tail, its shy secretive movements, and its habitat. Its small size, russet breast, and long slender bill made it a Virginia Rail, as did its diagnostic call. During the winter of 1975-’76 I checked pond #6 for rails 4 times, on January 1, 2, 5, and 6. Each time 2 Soras and 3 Virginia Rails were located, except 6 January when 4 Virginia Rails were heard. Each time 1 Virginia Rail was seen. Confirmation of the hearings and sightings were: 1 January by Olin Hotchkiss; 2 January by Olin and his wife and my father, Dan R. Gray, Jr., and 6 January by my wife, Susan. [VoL. 49, 1978] 84 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER During the winter of 1976 -’77 rails were searched for and found on 4 days. On 27 December 1976, while birding alone, 3 Virginia Rails and 2 Soras were located by sound but none were seen. On 28 December, my wife, Susan, and I saw 1 Virginia Rail and 1 Sora and heard a second Virginia Rail. This was the first time a Sora had been seen. The bird was identified as a rail by the same criteria given above and as a Sora by its size and short yellow bill. On 30 De- cember, our Christmas Count Day, 1 Virginia Rail was heard at 04:30 while birding alone, and 2 Virginia Rails and 1 Sora were heard that afternoon with Bedford and Ann Lockridge. On 7 January 1977, with Jim and Barbara Finney, 2 Virginia Rails and 1 Sora were seen. A third Virginia Rail was heard. The sightings on 7 January 1977 were particularly important since both species were observed in the open, in good light, and for long periods of time; the Virginia Rail for 3 5 minutes, the Sora for 1 5 minutes. More importantly, the rails seen this day had jusit survived days of intense cold bracketed by snowfalls of 4 and 2 inches. The majority of the cattail region of pond :ij:6 had frozen over for the second time in two weeks. The rails appeared healthy; their feathers were well groomed and sleek, they were active, alert, constantly feeding, and the Sora was seen flying once. Apparently the rails can survive the typical rigors of winter weather in Columbia. During both winters all Virginia Rail vocal responses were with the wak call, never the kidick call. All Sora responses were with an abbreviated to oc- casionally full length whinny call, never the ker-u/ee call. The Virginia Rail responded readily, the Sora was more reticient. The Sora failed to respond during the one niighttime check, the Virginia Rail responded only once. This is dis- tinctly different from these rails’ reactions while on their breeding grounds. In Massachusetts during the summer, these rails answer this same tape as readily at night as during the daytime and both rails respond with both of their calls, often approaching to within a few feet of the recorder. The warmer the winter day at Columbia, the more likely the rails were to respond and the more fre- quently they seemed to call. Twice each winter a King Rail (Ralltis elegans) tape was played at pond :^6 with no response. Several other cattails marshes were checked for all three rail species but none were found. This survey covered only a small portion of the potential rail habitat in Maury County and a more extensive survey is in order. I know of one published record of winter rails in Maury County. As re- ported in The Migrant 1966, 37:11, George and Cleo Mayfield found 1 Virginia Rail on the ice above Arrow Lake and fed it cracked corn. Nashville is also in the Central Basin and has comparable terrain and similar but more extensive marsh habitat. Henry Palmer in Birds of the Nashville Area gives two winter rail sightings, both of King Rails. None of these individuals were reported on more than one day. In summary, during the winters of 197 5 -’76 and 1976- 77 up to 4 Vir- ginia Rails and 2 Soras were found at Monsanto Chemical Company pond :^6 west of Columbia. The rails were identified by both sight and sound with the identifications confirmed by eight other birders. The rails were apparently wintering and are known to have survived at least one bitter cold and snow period. As far as I have determined, this is the first published account of Vir- [VOL. 49, 19781 1978 THE MIGRANT 85 ginia Rails and Soras establishing wintering grounds in the Central Basin of Tennessee. Daniel R. Gray, III, Gaslight Village 10 E, Ithaca, N.Y. 148 50. Accepted 28 May 1977. SECOND RECORD OE MARBLED GODWIT IN THE NASHVILLE AREA — At 16:5 5 on 17 August 1976, a Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) was found at Green’s Lake near Gallatin. When first seen, the bird was bathing and preening in shallow water at the north end of the lake, approximately 2 50 meters from the observers. Dot saw the bird first and immediately identified it as a Marbled Godwit, using 7x3 5 Bushnell binoculars. With our 20-45x60 Bushnell spotting scope, we confirmed the identification and then moved up to approximately 50 meters from the bird. Light conditions were ideal with bright afternoon sunlight and no obstructions between us and the bird. Both observers are familiar with the Marbled Godwit, having seen them at various locations in Texas, Kansas, Florida, and the east coast. We noted the large size; the long up-curved beak, dull orange at the base and black at the tip; the over-all tan or tawny color; the darker, mottled back; the blue-gray legs. The bird raised its wings several times while it preened, al- lowing us to see the bright cinnamon wing linings. After studying the bird for about 15 minutes, we returned home and alerted birders in Nashville. Pat Stallings, Bessie Hagan, Rocky and Cathy Milburn were able to see the godwit that afternoon. Many birders from various parts of the state saw the bird before it left. Several pictures were made, both color and black-and-white. The bird was last seen the afternoon of 24 August. Heavy rains during the night of 24 August raised the lake level some 31-4 feet which covered all the exposed mud flats. The bird was not found the morning of 2 5 August and was not seen again. Paul and Dot Crawford, Route 4, Gallatin 37066. Accepted 1 Nov. 1976. COMMON CROW OBSERVED CATCHING LIVING FISH— On 8 March 1976 I observed an interesting bit of behavior being exhibited by a Common Crow {Corvus brachyrhynchos) . I had been scanning the waters of Boone Lake, 10 miles east of Kingsport, Tennessee, for ducks when I noticed a crow standing two feet from the shore in water up to its belly. The bird seemed to be concentrating intensely upon some object beneath the water. Suddenly the crow darted its beak into the water and held up a living fish. It then waded to the shore, flew about fifteen feet from the water and landed on the ground. Upon landing it began to beat the fish vigorously on the sandy soil. Then the bird wiped the fish slowly back and forth on the sand as if to scale it. The fVoL, 49, 1978] 86 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER crow laid the fish down and promptly proceeded to dig a hole in the beach, picked up the fish, dropped it in the hole and covered it with the soil it had previously removed. The bird then flew back to the spot where I originally saw him and resumed his fishing once again. It repeated the pattern just described for about 20 minutes at which time I scared the crow away when I walked down to expose one of the four fish I had observed him bury. The fish was a Gizzard Shad {Dorosoma cepediamim) and was still barely living when I reached it. I can offer no explanation for this odd method of obtaining and storing food, and would welcome speculations. Rick A. Phillips, Biology Dept., East Tennessee State University, Kings- port University Center, University Blvd., Kingsport 37660. Accepted 8 June 1977. BROWN CREEPER NESTS IN NASHVILLE— On 13 May 1976 Frank Ritter observed two Brown Creepers {Certhia familmris) at Radnor Lake and realized that their occurrence there at that time of year was unusual. He con- tacted Michael Bierly about the sighting, wondering if there was any later date of departure for the area than 2 5 April as listed in Birds of the Nashville Area. There was none. In the late afternoon of 13 May Karen Ritter observed two creepers at the same location. On the morning of 14 May in a steady drizzle Bierly went to the site at Radnor and found two Brown Creepers carrying food to a nest situated behind a piece of bark on a dead tree. The parents were watched for some thirty minutes busily feeding the young birds. In the after- noon in a heavy rain Katherine Goodpasture, Ann Tarbell, Frank Ritter and Bierly observed the nest and feeding of the young. The nest was located at the northwest corner of "Little Pond” along Otter Creek Road in the Radnor Lake Natural Area. The nest tree was at the base of the small pond about four vertical feet below the road, an elevation of 777 feet above sea level. The woods immediately surrounding the nest site was a mixed deciduous forest of trees 20-75 feet in height composed primarily of box elder {Acer Negtindo) , sugar maple (Acer sp.), black willow (Salix nigra)., sycamore {Platanus occidentalis) and hackbeery {Cel f is sp.). A large trumpet creeper {Cawpsis radicans) w'as attached to the entire length of the nest tree. On the morning of 14 May from 08:00-10:30 observations were made at the nest site under sunny skies. The parents fed frequently and at times were at the nest at the same time. Judging by the frequency of the feeding visits and the ability to often watch the birds search for insects it seemed that most of the food was gathered in a small area around the nest site. When entering the nest the parents would always alight on the side of the tree or edge of the bark containing the nest and then move inside holding onto the underside of the bark containing the nest and not the main trunk of the tree opposite this bark. No sound could be detected from the young in the nest. On 15 May at 06:3 0 a parent was observed coming and going from the nest site. There was a steady rain and observations were made for only a few minutes and from a car. The rain stopped around 16:00 and a visit was made to the sight at 17:00. No activity was observed around the nest. After about 1 5 minutes it was assumed that the young had fledged. High, thin notes then [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 87 were detected, like those of young birds. Without knowing there were Brown Creeper young in the area these notes could have easily been passed over as those of any young bird or even insects. After an hour of trying to locate these notes, the parents and three young were found 175 feet from the nest site. Further observations on the 15 th, 16th and 17th revealed that a minimum of five young were fledged. The area was not checked on the 18 th and no signs of young or parents were detected on trips on the 19th and 20th. Oc- casional observations were made at the nest site during the summer, but no extensive search was made for the birds. On 14 August Richard Rimmer lo- cated a Brown Creeper on the northside of the lake along the North Lake Trail. He was not aware of the nesting and encountered the bird during general field work. Rimmer’s bird was on a hill across the lake and to the northeast of the lake during the summer. Even though the bird was a considerable distance from the nest site it seems reasonable that it was associated with the nesting. Frank and Karen Ritter searched this area on 17, 18 August, but did not find the bird. No other positive observations were made. Few Brown Creeper nests have been recorded out of their normal breeding range at low altitudes in the south. In 1894 and 1898 several nests were found in cypress swamp in southeast Missouri (Widmann, Otto, A Preliminary Cata- log of the Birds of Missotm, 1907, 17(1) :253). Pickering observed this species at Reelfoot Lake 10 May 1937 and indicated the late diate suggested possible nesting (Pickering, Charles F., The Migrant, 1937, 8(3): 50). The nesting of this species at Radnor Lake apparently represents in Tennessee the first recorded nesting outside of the eastern mountains of Tennessee. Michael Lee Bierly, 2415 Crestmoor Road, Nashville 37215. Accepted 1 October 1976. FIELD SPARROWS WITH BLACK BILLS— On 13 April 1977 while bird- ing with an ornithology class behind the Kingsport University Center, Hawkins County, Kingsport, Rick Phillips, brought to my attention a bird which looked like a Field Sparrow {Spizella pnsilla) only it had an uncharacteristic blackish bill. We brought this to the attention of the class instructor. Dr. Fred J. Alsop. He observed the bird and said that the bird was indeed a Field Sparrow. The black bill he believed was the result of a residue formed from feeding on vegetative growth. Later that day Marcia Davis also reported seeing on the campus Field Sparrows with black on the maxilla. On 18 April 1977 while banding birds with a mist net behind the Kingsport University Center, I netted a Field Sparrow with a black waxy-like substance covering the mandible which could be scraped oft with the findernail. The sub- stance was apparently some type of vegetative residue. Tom F. Laughlin, Route 1, Arcadia, Kingsport 37660. Accepted 1 June 1977. A LATE MAY SIGHTING OF THE FOX SPARROW IN TENNESSEE — On 31 May 1976, I saw a Fox Sparrow {Passerella iliaca) in a low wet wood- land (3 5°Ol'l6"N, 87°17'39''W) 3.25km southeast of Five Points, Lawrence County, Tennessee. I had excellent views of the bird through 7x35 binoculars for about five minutes. I often approached within eight to ten meters of the [VoL. 49, 1978] 88 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER bird as it fed around the edge of standing water, and I flushed it several times. The bird appeared healthy and flew well. I did notice a small unfeathered scar on the right side of its head in the lore region. This sighting is a month later than any published Tennessee record that I can find. The previous late date was 30 April 1967, when one bird was reported on the Chattanooga spring count (Migrant, 3 8:35 ). Most Fox Sparrows have departed Tennessee before April. However, there are 10 published records of this species between 2 5 and 30 April (Migrant, 3 5:48 and 49; 3 8:35; 44:47; 45:44; and 46:55). I have not carefully searched the literature of the surrounding states for late Fox Sparrow records, but I am aware of a few recent May records from the mountain region of western North Carolina (Chat, 3 8:61; and 39:81). The latest of these records was one bird on 18 May 1974. There was some concern about the validity of these unusually late records (Chat, 3 8:62). The latest Alabama record for the Fox Sparrow is 2 5 April 1974 at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (Imhof, T. A., 1976. Alabama Birds, 2nd ed. Uni- versity of Alabama Press. 445pp.). In view of the above records, it appears that the Five Points bird was not simply a late migrant, but a bird that probably was prevented from migrating north by some unusual circumstance. I did not search for the bird again. It is interesting to note that none of the late Tennessee Fox Sparrow records comes from West Tennessee (seven records are from the eastern third of the state, and three are from the central part), where the species is apparently abundant during some winters. The number of Fox Sparrows on the Memphis Christmas bird count is usually higher than the total from the rest of the state’s counts combined. Often more than 100 individuals are found, and on 26 December 1965, 173 birds were recorded in the Memphis area. I wish to thank Monty Halcomb for his suggestions on improving this note, and Cathy Duncan for preparing the manuscript. Morris D. Williams, Museum of Zoology, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge 70893. Accepted 3 0 March 1977. 1978 THE MIGRANT 89 THE SEASON Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor NESTING season: 16 MAY - 31 JULY Flycatchers are the bird family of this nesting season! This summer TWO new species were added to the list of birds known to nest in Tennessee and both were members of the flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. ALDER FLY- CATCHERS were found in several locations on Roan Mountain in the Eastern Mountain Region during the breeding season and two females were seen feeding newly fledged young though no nests were located. A SCISSOR-T AILED FLYCATCHER nested unsuccessfully (the nestlings died before fledging) in the Central Plateau and Basin Region. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was also seen in the Western Coastal Plain. Willow Flycatchers were reported as nesting in the Eastern Mountain and the Ridge and Valley regions and were found singing through June in Obion County in the northwest corner of the State. They seem to be continuing their range extension across the State and some field work in June and July in West Tennessee should prove them to be nesting there. Barn Swallows were seen in mid- July in the Nashville area. They returned to their former nesting site at Austin Springs in the Ridge and Valley but apparently did not nest this year, and both Bank Swallows and Tree Swallows were found nesting in the Western Coastal Plain. Herons were reported from all the regions and your attention is called to the numbers of Black-crowned Night Herons nesting in the Central Plateau and Basin and Ridge and Valley regions, as well as the heron roost in the West- ern Coastal Plain. The severity of the winter past is reflected in the reports of declines for the second consecutive year of Eastern Bludbird populations in the Western Coastal Plain and the Central Plateau and Basin. The latter also notes the numbers of Carohna Wrens are down as well. Some winter visitors stayed on well into summer with many late waterfowl records in the Eastern Ridge and Valley, where Blue-winged Teal nested. Two male Ruddy Ducks were still present in late June in the Western Coastal Plain and a Hooded Merganser in July in the Central Plateau and Basin. Evening Grosbeaks lingered well into May in some areas and the first House Finch known to stay in the State in summer visited a feeder through June in Maryville just south of Knoxville in the Ridge and Valley — how long before this species is added as a nesting bird in Tennessee? [VoL. 49, 1978] 90 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Lark Sparrows were seen in the Western Coastal Plain and in several counties in the Central Plateau and Basin. In the latter region a Golden-winged War'bler was found singing in May and June on the western highland rim and in the coasital plain a Chestnut-sided Warbler was observed in July. Birders in the Chattanooga area report the House Wren is expanding into many areas there. Red Crossbills were noted on Roan Mountain in mid-July and Black-capped Chickadees, a species most infrequently reported there, were also observed and heard on Roan Mountain in June and July. There were many interesting raptor repoilts including large numbers of Mississippi Kites in the Western Coastal Plain. The nesting Sharp-shinned Hawk in the Nashville Area and the June record of an Osprey on Cheatham Lake in the same region. There were two successful Osprey nests on Watts Bar Lake in the Ridge and Valley and three BALD EAGLES on the same lake all season. The last region also had a Golden Eagle into mid-Mlay. Accidental species are good portion of the grist for birders and some of the best were in the Central Plateau and Basin where a BELL’S VIREO and an American Avocet were seen. Three White Ibis were located in the Ridge and Valley. The details of these and many more informative and exciting observa- tions follow. Please make sure your regional compiler has your finds for the next issue. WESTERN COASTAL REGION— A heron roost south of Dyersburg has yielded some interesting numbers. Mr. Criswell’s first report of herons in the Dyersburg area was last year. The number of species and individuals has in- creased this year as indicated by the following data. Lt. Bl. Heron Cattle Egret Yel.-cr. Nt. Heron Green Heron Gt. Bl. Heron Great Egret White Ibis Ad. Im. Pied — Ad. Im. — — — — July 8 295 99 7 1 — — — — — — July 10 354 221 13 3 3 2 8 — — ■ — July 15 456 289 10 — — 2 10 — — — July 20 464 323 14 — — 7 10 — — — July 22 NC--- NC NC 1 — 9 — — — — July 23 NC NC NC 4 — 7 15 — — — July 24 NC NC NC 2 1 13 12 — — — July 26 NC NC NC 50 — 5 11 — 1 1 imm July 3 0 600 Ad. & Pied — — — 9 — — 1 imm August 1 NC 404 NC 3 — 2 11 — 1 1 imm August 2 NC NC NC 15 — 3 9 1 2 — August 3 NC NC NC 15 — 2 7 — — 5 August 5 NC NC NC — — 8 — — — — August 8 706 NC NC — — 8 — — — — August 9 NC 828 NC — — 8 — — — 12 imm NC = no count Heron-Swallow: Grea't Blue Heron: 28 Jan (6) R (MLB). Least Bittern: 28 Jun (4) Upper Blue Basin (MLB), 7 Aug (nest with 3 young about 10 days old) T (WGC). Blue-winged Teal: 28 Jun (2) West of Phillipy (MLB). RUDDY DUCK: 25 Jun (2 males) RP (MLB). Black Vulture: 29 Jun (2 young in abandoned house) V (DP). Mississippi Kite: All the following obser- [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 91 vaitions, with the exception of those on 30 June, were made by Pete Kalla, graduate studenlt, E.T.S.U. — 8 Jun (6) Riverside Park; 13 Jun (1) Overton Park; 13 Jun (4) T. O. Fuller State Park; 15-16 Jun (11) Ensley Bottoms; 30. Jun (9) Frayser (Memphis) repotted to PK by John Stokes; 21 Jun (30) Shelby Forest St. Park, 9 Jul (3) Ft. Pillow S. Pk.; 27 Jun and 10-12 Jul (4) Ft. Pillow St. Prison Farm; 13 Jul (19) Anderson-Tully WMA; 27 Jul (4) Dyer Co.; 28 Jul (16) Moss Island NWR; 30 Jul (18) Lake Co.; 31 Jul (2) Lake Isom NWR; 31 Jul - 1 Aug (20) Reelf oot Lake. Broad-winged Hawk: 18 Jun (1 adult, 3 young) C (AS, NS, MW), 24 Jun (1 adullt, 1 young) SFSP (PK). Common Gallinule: 26 Jun (2) Upper Blue Basin (MLB). Bliack- bellied Plover: 28-29 May (1) D (WGC). American Woodcock: 27 Jun (2) SFSP (MLB). Least Tern: 27 Jun (60) Island 13 (MLB, NS, MW), (2) Mississippi River at Fulton (MLB). Caspian Tern: 27 Jun (4) Island 13 (MLB, NS, MW). SCISSOR-T AILED FLYCATCHER: 20 May (1) PF (HD, MW). Willow Flycatcher: songs heard at Crockett Bottom throughout Jun (DP). Tree Swallow: 21 Jun (2 nests at Crockett) (DP). Bank Swallow: 14 Jun (193 nests), Island 21 (DP), 29 Jun (50-j-, nesting colony) F (MLB), 31 Jul (3,000) RNWR (DP). Wren-Sparrow: House Wren: present in 3 locations in Martin, 2 locations in Union City. This is the nesting season for each county (DP). Eastern Blue- bird: Lowest population in Obion Co. since 1968. Nesting pairs ranged from 25-30 pairs in past to 7 pairs this year (DP). Swainson’s Warbler: May, Jun, Jul (Last heard 28 Jul OP (BBC). Worm-eating Warbler: 27 Jun (1) SFSP (MLB) . Chestnut-sided Warbler: 7 Jul (1) C (BM). Prairie Warbler: 4-6 Jun (Widespread throughout eastern part of Weakley Co.; none noticed in western section. Louisiana Waterthrush: 7 Aug (1) OP (BBC). Blue Grosbeak: 28 Jun (1) PF (HD). Grasshopper Sparrow: Jun-Jul (2) UTM, alfalfa pasture (1) fescue pasture, none in Obion Co. where previously seen (DP). Lark Sparrow: 20 May (1) PF (MW), 16 Jun (nest) Cm (DP). Locations: Crockeitt Bottoms — S. E. Obion Co.; C — ^Collierville, Shelby Co.; Cm — ^Camden, Benton Co.; D — Dyersburg, Dyer Co.; F — Fulton, S.W. Lauder- dale Co.; Island 13— Lake Co.; Island 21 — Dyer Co.; M — ^Memphis; OP — Overton Park; Mid-town city park in Memphis; Penal Farm — East Shelby Co.; Phillipy — Lake Co.; R — ^Reelfoot; RNWR — ^Reelfoot National Wildlife Ref- uge; RP— Riverside Park/Martin Luther King, Memphis; SFSP — Shelby Forest State Park, N.W. Shelby Co.; T — ^Tatumville, nor^thcentral Dyer Co.; Upper Blue Basin — North end of Reelf oot Lake; UTM — Univ. of Tenn. at Martin; V — Viale, N.E. Carroll Co. Observers: MLB— Michael L. Bierly; BBC— Ben B. Coffey, Jr.; WGC— W. G. Criswell; HD — Helen Dinkelspiel; PK — Pete Kalla; BM — Bob Mc- Gowan; DP— David Pitts; AS— Arlo Smith; NS— Noreen Smith; MW— Martha Waldron. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis 3 8117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION'— Heron-Tern: Great Egret: 9 Jun (1) Clarksville (SG). Black-crowned Night Heron: The Bor- deaux Heronry in Nashville was successful with minimum 50-]- young seen at one time. No exact count was attempted. Hooded Merganser: 10 Jul (1 [VoL. 49, 1978] 92 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER male) 1-24 mile post 122 (LD, BPB), summering? SHARP-SHINNED HAWK: July nest (2 young) Basin Spring, NasB area (RAG), first nesting since 1962 where regular previously. Cooper’s Hawk: 17 Jun (1) Ashland City (RJM). Red-shouldered Hawk: 17 Jun (15) Cheatham L (RJM,) ; June nest (3 young) Spring Creek, Leibanon (JS), same nest as 1977. OSPREY: 17 Jtin (1) Cheatham L (RJM), continued nesting reports unverified. Solitary Sand- piper: 7 Jun (2) Cannon Co (FB), coming or going? Upland Sandpiper: 21 Jul - end of period (1-5) Metro Airport, Nash (MEM), negative reports 7 Jun, 19 Jul. AMERICAN AVOCET: 28 Jul (2 photo) Van Buren Co (RB, TF), fourteen days earliest fall Tenn, first Van Buren Co record. Forster’s Tern: 2 5 Jul (4) beach and dam. Old Hickory L (MLB, LJG), fifth July record Nash area. Least Tern: 18 May (1) Gallatin Steam Plant (DPC), seventh record Nash area. Black Tern: 15 Jul (1) Cross Creeks Naitional Wild- life Refuge (MLB). Htimmingbird-Bluebird: Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Sparce Cannon Co during period (FB) ; an encouraging number of reports Nash (NTOS). SCISSOR-T AILED FLYCATCHER: July nest (1 adult, 3 young) Murfrees- boro (RMcM, AH), nesting unsuccessful, first Tennessee nesting record. Bank Swallow: 17 Jun (3) Harpeth R (RJM), possibly nesting, no nesting records Nash area. Red-breasted Nuthatch: 20 May (2) two locations Nash (JCA, RJM), four days latest Nash. It took a record Red -breasted year to break this 54-year old record! Bewick’s Wren: 27 May (1 singing) Byrdstown (RH). Carohna Wren: In comparison with 11 of 12 Middle Tennessee Breeding Bird Survey Routes, species in 1977 declined 70.4 percent from 1976 level and showed a 37.5 percent decline in 1978 from 1977 level. Thus the winter of 1976-77 was harder on the Carolina Wren than the winter of 1977-78. Eastern Bluebird: In comparison with 11 of 12 Middle Tennessee Breeding Bird Survey Routes, species in 1977 declined 24.6 percent from 1976 level and showed a 74.5 percent decline in 1978 from 1977 level. Thus the winter of 1977-78 was harder on the Eastern Bluebird than the winiter of 1976-77. Martha Her- bert’s bluebird route in Cheatham Co showed a 90.9 percent decrease in active boxes 1978 from 1977 and a 89.2 percent decrease in the number of young banded (45 5 young 1977 and 49 young 1978). The widespread observation of more adult bluebirds seen as spring and early summer progressed cannot be explained. Warbler-Sparrow: GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER: 27 May - 2 Jun (1 singing) Gordonsburg, Lewis Co (GRM), saw, negative reports after 2 Jun, may be first summer record Western Highland Rim. Black- throated Blue Watbler: 16 May (1 female) McMinnville, Warren Co (GRM). Chestnut-sided Warbler: 22 May (1) Tullahoma (GRM). Mourning Warbler: All reports — 17 May (1) Radnor L, Nash (MW); 20 May (1) Love Circle, Nash (JCA). Dickcissel: Two summer locations Nash; 10 Jun (6) Glen Breeding Bird Survey Route (DRJ) ; 11 Jun nest (1 female feeding 4 two-three days old young) Hillsboro, Coffee Co (DRJ); 30 Jul (1 singing) Warren Co (MLB). Evening Grosbeak: 22 May (1 female) South Tunnel, Sumner Co (BH), seven days latest Nash area. Grasshopper Sparrow: 10 Jun (10) Glen Breeding Bird Sur- vey Route (DRJ); 7 Jul (1 singing) Cookeville (FJMcL, MLB). Lark Spar- row: 21 May (2) Cannon Co (FB) ; 28 May (1 singing) Hurricane Creek area, Percy Priest L (MLM) ; during summer several individuals scattered [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 93 Rutherford and Wilson counties (RMcM); none Chambers in Lebanon. Song Sparrow: 6 Jun (1 singing) Belvidere, Coffee Co (ATT); The original nesting site in Nashville, inactive since 1971, was "rediscovered” a half-mile away. Two males singing, one nest found, 3 young banded (LJ, KAG). The second nesting area in Nashville, Metro Center, was active. Observers (alphabetically beginning first initial) : AH — Anne Hettish; ATT — ^Ann T. Tarbell; BH — Bessie Hagan; BPB — ^Benton and Peggy Basham; DPC — ^Dot and Paul Crawford; DRJ- — Daniel R. Jacobson; FB — ^Frances Bry- son; FJMcL — F. Joe McLaughlin; GRM — George R. Mayfield; JCA — Jan C. Alexander; JS — John Sellars; KAG — Katherine A. Goodpasture; LD — (Lil Dubke; LJ — Louise Jackson; LJG — Larry J. Gates; MLB — Michael L. Bierly; MLM — Margaret L. Miann; MW — ^Miriam Weinstein; RB — Rex Boner; RH — Robbie Hassler; RJM — ^Rocky J. Milburn; RMcM, — Ruth McMillan; SG — Scott Gunn; TF — ^Tim Frazier. Michael Lee Bierly, 2415 Crestmoor Rd., Nashville 37215. Additional record previous period: BELL’S VIREO: 6 May 1978 (1 sing- ing) Clarksville (David H. Snyder), saw, first Middle Tennessee record. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— Other than Glen Eller’s remark regarding their low population of Screech Owls, no comments were received mentioning the results of last winter’s prolonged cold weather on the local breeding birds. Blue-winged Teal were olbserved nesting at the Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery for the region’s first record. A single Cedar Waxwing was noted feeding four young near the Kingston Steam Plant. House Wrens are apparently moving into and nesting in the Chattanooga area. Oibservers should keep a close watch out for this bird in 1979 and ascertain the species exact status. Abbreviations: ad — adult; eop — end of period; et al — and others; imm — immature; y — young. Loon-Coot: Pied-billed Grebe: 11 Jul (1) HRA (KLD). Cattle Egret: 16 May (1) JB (RK) ; 31 Jul (2) HRA (KLD). Great Blue Heron: 1-3 ir- regular near JC (RK). Little Blue Heron: 20 Jun (1) JCo (PP) ; H Jul to eop (2) HRA (KLD, JWS). Great Egret: 18 Jul to eop (1-5) HRA and SB (KLD, , JWS). BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON: 111 nests at Con- cord; 148 nests at Sevierville and 268 nests Cherokee Lake (BP); 10-31 Jul (1-3) AS (RK, et al). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: One nest at Sevierville (BP) ; the active nest near AM apparently dismantled and pair moving to an- other nearby site. (JWS et al) ; 8 Jul (1 imm) K (CPN, MLB). American Bittern: 18 May (1) AS (RK, DL). WHITE IBIS: 25 Jul to eop (3 imm) HRA (KLD, JWS). Ibis species? 27 Jul (1) CL (CPN). BLUE-WINGED TEAL: pair nested EB (WKJ et al). Redhead: one regular ChL (JWS et al). Ring-necked Duck: 14 Jun (1) Greeneville (JWS); 29 Jul (1) HRA (MLB). Lesser Scaup: 18 May (1) BL (RK) ; 11 Jul to eop (2) HRA (KLD, JWS). Turkey Vulture: active nest at Sale Creek (CPN). Sharp-shinned Hawk: One throughout season LaFollette (CPN); 3 Jul (1) MC (RL); 22 Jul (1) Big Ridge State Park (Margaret L. Mann). Cooper’s Hawk: 7 Jul (1) JC (SG) ; 31 Jul (1) HRA (KLD). Golden Eagle: 17 May (1 imm) Oak Ridge (JWS). [VoL. 49, 1978] 94 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER BALD EAGLE: "At least 2 ad and 1 imm sporadically through season on WBL.” (Ed Beddow, WJ et al) . OSPREY: 26 May (1) AS (RK) ; nests on WBL, each fledged 2 y. Further details to be published.” (Donald A. Hammer); 2 Jul (1) ChL (JWS) ; 30 Jul (1) K (PP). American Coot; 29 Jul (3) ChL (JWS). Plover-Owl: Semipalmated Plover: 10 May (3) DL (JWS) ; 18-25 May (2-7) AS (RK, et al). Black-bellied Plover: 29 May (1) SB (KLD, RBW). COMMON SNIPE: 4 Jun (1) HRA (KLD). Spotted Sandpiper: 16 May (30) CL (CPN, WKJ); 28 May (1) AS (RK) ; 10 Jul (1) AS (RK). Solitary Sandpiper; 21 May (1) AS (SG, MD). Lesser Yellowlegs: 22 May (1) SB (KLD); 15 Jul (1) HRA (KLD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 26 Jul to eop (2-6) HRA (KLD, JWS). White-rumped Sandpiper: 19 May (3) HRA (KLD). Least Sandpiper: 19 May (4) HRA (KLD); 28 Jul (1) HRA (JWS). Do- witcher species? 18 May (3) AS (RK). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 19 May (10) HRA (KLD). Ring-billed Gull: 18 May (1) K (PP). Forster’s Tern: 16 Jul (1) AS (GE) ; 27 Jul (1) HRA (LD, JWS). Common Tern: 31 May (1) SB (LD); 27 Jul (4) HRA (LD, JWS). Caspian Tern: 16 May (1) CL (WKJ, CPN); 14 Jul (2) AS (RL). Black Tern: 25 Jul to eop (2-18) HRA and SB (KLD, JWS); 27 Jul (9) AS (RK). Barn Owl: 19 May (2 ad w/ 3y) AM (RBW, Arthur T. McDade). Screech Owl: "very low population, possibly due to last bad winter period.” (GE). W ood peckers -Wrens: Red-headed Woodpecker: "nested successfully JB” (RK, et al). Willow Flycatcher: "3-5 pair successfully nested AS . . .” (GE, et al) ; "6 singing 14 Jun - 21 Jul N. Fork Holston R.” (RAP) ; 30 May - 23 Jul (1 singing on territory) SB (KLD). Horned Lark: One pair regular KP (RAP); 29 May (male w/young) Wes (CPN); 20 Jun (3) Winfield, Scott Co. (CPN). Bank Swallow: "Birds were present at last year’s nesting site until 27 June with no nesting attempt located this year.” (GE, et al). Cliff Swallow: Four nests WOo (RK). Purple Martin: 24 Jul (2 50) Clinton (CPN); 27 Jul (6000) HRA (LD, JWS). HOUSE WBJEN: Evidence is pointing to efforts of the House Wren to estabhsh itself as a nesting species in the Chattanooga area. Benton Basham reported a pair building two nests in a birdhouse in Red Bank. No eggs were ever deposited and they were last reported on 2 5 June. Ann Gibson located an apparently active site in Ohaittanooga, but no young or eggs were ever identified. Another report came from Bill and Adele Hampton on Elder Mountain. Thrnsh-Sparrow: Swainson’s Thrush: 22 May (1) JC (SG). Cedar Wax- wing: 10 Jul ( 1 ad w/4y ". . . was feeding flying young still dependent on parent for food . . .”) KSP (MLB). Prothonotary Warbler: "Two singing males on territory, plus one nest hole on Watauga River.” (RK, et al). Swain- son’s Warbler: "territorial birds present in Anderson, Scott and Campbell Counties.” (JMC, JCH, CPN); one on territory Reflection Riding. (KLD, et al). Cerulean Warbler: ". . . 3-4 singing males usually seen each day.” Bays Mt. Park (RAP). Chestnut-sided Warbler: 29 May (1 male on territory) Wes (CPN); male did not return to territory at Point Park, Lookout Mt. (KD). Mourning Warbler: 20 May (2) Anderson Co. (JMC). Bobolink: 19 May (14) HRA (KLD). Blue Grosbeak: "6-7 per day in proper habitat KP” (RAP). Dickcissel: 9 Jun (1) Blount Co. (Steve Steadman) ; 11 Jul (1) HRA (KTD). [VoL. 49, 1978] 1978 THE MIGRANT 95 HOUSE FINCH: through 16 Jun (1) Maryville (Bill and Irene Williams). Grasshopper Sparrow: 1-3 males on territory Tri-Cities Airport. (SG, MD) ; "present in 3 localities in fair numibers (6-7 males each place) . . .” KT (RAP) . Locations: AM — Amnicola Marsh; AS — ^Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake; CL — Cove Lake; DL — -Douglas Lake; EB — Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery; HR A — Hiwassee River Area; JB^ — Jonesboro; JC — Johnson City; JCo — Jefferson County; KSP — Kingston Steam Plant; K — Knoxville; KP — Kingsport; MC — Milligan College; SB — Savannah Bay; WBL — Watts Bar Lake; WCo — Washing- ton County; Wes — Westel. Observers: BP — Burline Pullin; CPN — Charles P. Nicholson; DL — ^Dick Lura; GE — -Glen D. Eller; JCH — J. C. Howell; JFC — James M. Campbell; KD— Kenneth H. Diibke; KLD~Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke; LD— Lillian H. Dubke; MD— Martha Dillenbeck; MLB — Michael Lee Bierly; PP — Paul Pardue; RAP — Rick A. Phillips; RK — Rick Knight; RL — Richard Lewis; SG— Sally Goodin; WKJ— Wesley K. James. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke, Route 1, Box 134D, Ooltewah 37363. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — One of the most outstanding oibser- vations of the past several periods was made during this count period. The establisihment of the southhernmost breeding record of the ALDER (tvee-bee-o) FLYCATCHER has excited all area birders. After an unconfirmed sighting in 1977 an extra effort was initiated this year to locate this northern species. We were very fortunate in finding at least seven (7) singing males and at least two different females with young birds being fed. All the birds were located on Roan Mtn. between 5 500 and 5900 feet elevation. Most of the birds were located between Engine Gap and Jane Bald on Roan Mtn. with the majority of the observations coming from the Tennessee side of the state line. The Eastern Mountain Region is in dire need of more reports of observa- tions in order to make a more complete report to fit more comparatively in the whole state system. Surely more people are visiting our more mountainous sections than the reports this regional editor is receiving would indicate. Please, are you really doing your own personal part for our TOS reporting? Heron-Owl: Great Blue Heron: 18 May (1) WatR (GE); 28 Jul (1) RC (MD and SG). Great Egret: 20 thru 28 Jul (2-4) RC (ETOS). Black- crowned Night Heron: 17 Jul (2) E (GE), Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 9 Jun (1) HS (RK). Black Duck: last seen 18 May (1) WatR (DL, GW) late! Bufflehead: last seen 18 May (2) WibL (DL, GW). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 8 Jul (1) RM (GE), only accipiter reported during period! TURKEY: 15 Jun (1) Pond Mtn. (ES), Ring-billed Gull: last spring sighting 28 May (3) WatL (GE). Black-billed Cuckoo: last spring sighting after a very heavy flight was on 17 Jun (1) RMSP (RL). Screech Owl: very low population level with no birds being found on spring count day. (severe winter decline?). Sapsucker-Nuf hatch: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 24 Jun (1) Iron Mtn. (SG). Willow Flycatcher: 1st seen on 29 May (1) E (GE). ALDER (wee- bee-o) FLYCATCHER: 1st seen on 13 Jun (1) by (ES), 24 Jun (7 singing [VoL. 49, 1978] 96 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER males, 1 female, 1 young) by ETOS and last found on 13 Jul (1 female and 1 young) by (RK) all observations from RM. Horned Lark: 11-30 Jun (1-3) RM (ETOS). Raven: thru-out period (1-5) RM and Iron Mtn. (ETOS). BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE: 14 Jun (1) by RK; 8 Jul (1) by GE, 13 Jul (2) by MD and SG all on RM. Red-breasted Nuthatch: last seen 13 Jul (1) RM (RK and RL). Warbler-Sparrow: Swainson’s Wafbler: 30 May (1) RCP (RK) and 24 Jun (1) Unaka Mtn (SG). Golden-winged Warbler: last seen 27 Jun (1) RMSP (ES). Yellow-throated Warbler: last seen 8 Jul (1) WibL (RL). Prairie Warbler: last seen 20 May (1) Bluff City (GE). Evening Grosbeak: last seen 25 May (1) E (GE). Red Crossbill: 13 Jul (5) RM (SG, MD, RK, GS). Vesper Sparrow: 11 Jun thru 13 Jul (1-2) RM (ETOS). Locations: E — ^Elizabethton; HS — Hunter Swamp (near Eliz) ; RC — Roans Creek; RCP — 'Rock Creek Park (near Erwin); RM — Roan M,tn.; RMSP — Roan Mtn. State Park; WatL — ^Watauga Lake; WatR — Watauga River; WibL— Wilbur Lake. Observers: MD — ^Martha Dillenbeck; ETOS — ^Eliz chapter TOS; GE — Glen Eller; SG — Sally Goodin; RK — Rick Knight; DL— Dick Lura; RL — ^Richard Lewis; ES^Ed Schell; GW— Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route ijp}, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. [VoL. 49, 1978] 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. 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 \mits. Dating should be in ^^continental** form (e.g., 7 March 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. Trinomial should be used only after the specimen has been measured or com- pared 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 foimd on the inside front cover. CONTENTS Notes on Some Adaptive Nesting Behavior of the Killdeer {Charadrim voci ferns) in East Tennessee. Rick A. Phillips and Fred J. Alsop, 111 73 Two Red-necked Grebes at Nashville. Pat Stalling's 76 Minutes of the 1978 Symposium and Fall Meeting. R. Bruce Wilkey, Secretary 78 Book Review Bird Sounds. Gary O. Wallace 80 Round Table Notes Yellow-crowned Night Heron: A New Breeding Species for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Morris D. Williams 81 Whistling Swan in Sullivan County. Bill Kappa 82 Immature Tiercel in Williamson County. Dajviel R, Gray^ III 82 Rails Wintering in Maury County. Daniel R. Gray, III 83 Second Record of Marbled Godwit in the Nashville Area. Paul and Dot Crawford 85 Common Crow Observed Catching Living Fish. Rick A. Phillips 85 Brown Creeper Nests in Nashville. Michael Lee Bierly 86 Field Sparrow with Black Bills. Tom F. Laughlin 87 A Late May Sighting of the Fox Sparrow in Tennessee. Morm D. Williams 87 The Season. Edited by Fred /. Alsop, 111 89 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 90 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 91 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dtibke 93 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 95 Illustrations by Fred /. Alsop, ill 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 — Gary O. Wallace, Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 The Season Editor — Fred J. Alsop, III, Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St. , Church Hill, TN 37642 State Count Compiler — Richard Lura, 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 All TOS members receive The Migrant and the TOS Newsletter, The Tennessee Warbler. The Newsletter carries information about meetings, forays, and club activities. Items for iht Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Charles P. Nicholson, Box 402, Norris, TN 37828. OFFICERS FOR 1977-79 President — Kenneth H. Dubke, Rt. 1, Box 134-D, Ooltewah, TN 37363 Vice Presidents: East Tenn. — Paul Pardue, Rt. 23, Box 93A, Beechwood Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920 Middle Tenn. — Sanford McGee, P. O. Box 475, Manchester, TN 37355 West Tenn. — Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 Directors-at-Large: East Tenn. — William Bridgeforth, 118 Bellmeade Circle, Johnson City, TN 37601 Middle Tenn. — Michael Filson, 1671 Paradise Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040 West Tenn. — Mrs. John Lamb, Lake Rd., Dyersburg, TN 38024 Curator — James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 Secretary — Bruce Wilkey, 106 Palisades Dr., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 Treasurer — Ray Jordan, Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological Uni- versity, Cookeville, TN 38501 Annual dues, $6.00; Sustaining, $10.00; Life, $150.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, $7.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contributions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. 50 MARCH, 1979 NO. I A REVIEW OF THE CAROLINA PARAKEET IN TENNESSEE Daniel McKinley In his major overhaul of Tennessee ornithology, Albert F. Ganier noted of the Carolina parakeet {Conuropsis carolinensis): “flocks were recorded by Wilson, 15 miles north of Nashville on 25 April 1810. Mentioned also by several travellers in West Tennessee in early pioneer days” (1933: 19, 44). Matters are both more complicated and rather more complete than that summary indicated. It is appropriate, for convenience, to divide “West Tennessee” into the Mississippi River valley counties and the more inland section. The Mississippi, of course, was the major route of pioneer travel from an early date. Pertinent records include that of Louis Jolliet, who descended the Mississippi with Father Marquette in the summer of 1673, and who was the first to ascribe the parakeet to the area of Tennessee (although whether to east or west bank of the river cannot be known): “both shores of The river are bordered with lofty trees. The cottonwood, elm, and basswood trees there are admirable for their height and thickness. . . . We killed a little parroquet, one half of whose head was red. The other half and The neck yellow, and The whole body green” (Thwaites 1896-1901, 59: 149, 151). After so creditable a beginning, many years passed before travelers left another report of parakeets along the river border of western Tennessee. The next account seems to be that of Samuel P. Hildreth, a pioneer naturalist of enormous energy and an early settler in Ohio. His party left Marietta, Ohio, 21 April 1805, on a small boat bound for New Orleans. Their trip was a speedy one (they were leaving Natchez, going southward, on 31 May) but its record may be a good indication of the uneven distribution of parakeets even at that early time. They probably saw no parakeets on the Ohio River at all. Then, in the 140 mile stretch of “wilderness” along the Mississippi above Fort Pickering (Memphis), “As they sailed gaily along, the attention of Charles and Graham was constantly arrested by the noisy chattering of the paroquets. Their gay plumage and lively motions, as they hopped from branch to branch amongst the deep green foliage of the trees, several of which were in flower, afforded a constant theme for remark. ’ ’ Sandhill cranes, swans and pelicans, he wrote, were birds of ‘ ‘more staid habits. ’ ’ This entry probably applies either to Mississippi County, Arkansas, or to Lauderdale County, Tennessee, some distance above Fort Pickering, although it is possible is was in the latitude of extreme southeastern Missouri (Dyer County, Tennessee) (Hildreth 1842: 131). A few years later, about mid-May 1818, we find Estwick Evans, having descended the Ohio, writing of the geese, ducks and swans that abounded on the Mississippi near New Madrid — “where numerous paroquets occupy the trees on its banks ”(1819: 200) . The great years for the parakeets were obviously still being [VoL. 50, 1979] 2 THE MIGRANT MARCH enjoyed, for John James Audubon soon afterwards again documented their abun- dance. Leaving Cincinnati on 12 October 1820, his small party floated down the Ohio and the lower Mississippi to New Orleans. His daily entries sparkle with news of birds. On 30 November they made 25 miles, landed in cold, wet and disagreeable weather just past the Third Chickasaw Bluff below the “Twelve Outlets’’: many birds were seen during the day, “the Parokeets Numerous in the Woods — ’’ (Shelby County, Tennessee, or Crittenden County, Arkansas; they passed the mouth of Wolf River next day). And on 2 December: “ — the Woods Literally filled with Parokeets’’ in rain and cold. They landed at night at “Tow Head,’’ above Island no. 51 (below the Tennessee-Mississippi state line; now called Buck Island, in the state of Mississippi; on a line with southern Crittenden County, Arkansas) (Audubon 1929: 51, 55). Little is known of the nature of the decline that gradually overtook parakeets in the Mississippi Valley. There were, for example, still sufficient numbers of them to provide some relief from ennui for bored tourists in the early 1830’s. While on board the steamboat Louisville — which sometimes moved slowly — the great French commentator on democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville, wrote to his mother 25 December 1831 . He described how Indians from their village near Memphis joined them in a search for mostly nonexistent game: ‘ ‘But in revenge we killed a number of pretty birds unknown in France: a performance which hardly raised us in the estimation of our allies but which had the virtue of amusing us perfectly. In this fashion I killed birds that were red, blue, yellow, without forgetting the most brilliant parrots that I have ever seen.” His companion, Gustave de Beaumont, wrote to his brother the same day: ‘ ‘I think we should have died of boredom and despair if we had not had to sustain us our accustomed philosophy and each afusil de chasse. We asNdiilQdbetter times wandering through the surrounding forests and exploring the shores of the Mississippi. Tocqueville and I killed a multitude of charming birds, among others some parrots of charming plumage; they were green, yellow and red. We killed four on the same hunt. The only difficulty is to kill just one, the death of the first makes all the others come; they perch on the head of the hunter and have themselves shot like ninnies. ’ ’ It was cold and snowy but Beaumont’s sketchbook makes it certain that he and Toc- queville were shooting parakeets (Pierson 1938: 594). (A very creditable colored drawing by Beaumont, now in the archives of Yale University, clearly shows both a Carolina parakeet and eastern bluebird, among other species.) That their adventures with parakeets were probably restricted to the Memphis area is further suggested by a letter from Tocqueville to Beaumont, written nearly 25 years later. He wrote “how glad he was that he had kept “jusqud ce jour le meme ami avec lequel je chassais les perroquets a Memphis. Wandering in the snow-covered forest of Compiegne, there had suddenly flashed in his mind les bois du Tennessee que nous parcourions ily a vingt-cinq ans . . .” (Pierson 1938:594). There are scattered hints of the parakeet ’s presence into the latter part of the nineteenth century. Benjamin C. Miles told Samuel N. Rhoads that he “saw a flock at Ashport ... 100 in number in 1874” (Lauderdale County). A record for Brownsville, Haywood County, was also given Rhoads by Miles; this county lies somewhat east of the Mississippi but is still directly within its drainage: “ ‘In the early 50 ’s a flock of Paroquets came to our orchard and we chased them out and killed them with sticks and apples; . . . saw one killed alone, within five miles of this in 1876 — the last I have ever heard of’ ” (Rhoads 1895: 481). Miles was a long-time resident of Brownsville. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 3 There are two interesting records for the Tennessee River Valley. D. Craft, assistant to a small-time tradesman (and otherwise unknown), ascended the Ten- nessee River to the ‘ ‘Muscle Shoals ’ ’ in the spring of 1 825 . He noted no parakeets from Pittsburgh down the Ohio nor on the Tennessee in Kentucky, in spite of minute attention to natural phenomena. On 16 March: “this day I saw peach trees in full bloom in Kentucky.’’ On 20 March: “this day we passed . . . ‘Caldwells ferry , ’ and the mouth of ‘Sandy river [ ’] . ” “ . . .we have now got into the state of Tennessee today I saw a flock of beautiful green birds . . . Called ‘Parrowceats [ ’] . . . ’’ They stopped for the night opposite the lower end of Birdsnest Island, above the mouth of Standing Rock Creek (Stewart County) (Craft manuscript, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville; courtesy of Harriet C. Owsley, Director). The other Tennessee Valley record is somewhat more tenuous. An unknown German boy, wandering widely within a few years of leaving his homeland in 1831, was canoeing up the Tennessee about 1 834. He wrote of leaving his canoe to shoot squirrels and parrots for the next day’s food supply; he and his companion were apparently in northwestern Wayne County. ‘ ‘There is only one kind of parrot in North America, much prettier than the common ones. This type is yellow, green and red, and has a long tail. ’’ In spite of his widespread wandering, this was his only reference to the parakeet and even this one cannot be placed seasonally with any certainty (Heartman 1941). Beaumont and Tocqueville, on their inland tour from Memphis to the political heartland of the state, also saw parakeets in the vicinity of the valley of the Tennessee River. They were about two-thirds of the distance from Memphis to Nashville in December 1831. The place was called Sandy Bridge, on Big Sandy River, eastern Carroll County. “This morning,’’ Beaumont wrote, “I wanted to hunt a little; I walked through the woods for an hour or two; I saw a number of charming birds, notably some red and yellow parrots unequalled in their beauty. But, armed as I was [with a heavy American rifle], I couldn’t kill a single one” (Pierson 1938: 573). Sir James E. Alexander traveled leisurely up the Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis, overland to Nashville and northeasterly overland to Canada. There is no mention of parakeets until some time in the autumn of 1831 in Tennessee. Ironweed was in flower, the prairies, woods-clearings and licks were bright with sumac in its red leaves. He had just pased through “Reynoldsburgh” on the Tennessee River (a town then on the east bank of the river, east of Camden, and in Humphreys County). There were dead, twisted trees in the path of a “hurricane” that had previously passed through: “Sometimes we heard the hammering of woodpeckers, or screams of paroquets, and fancied we saw humming-birds flitting from flower to flower, though there were but few of them at this season of the year. The geranium, holly-hock, althea, and passion-flower, grew wild in the woods. ” His party soon arrived in Nashville, where he delivered a letter from “Mr. Audabon the naturalist, to his relations here” (1833: 266, 278). It may be pointed out that Alexander Wilson also saw parakeets “on the banks and rich flats of the Tennessee river,” the only place he saw them between Nashville and “Bayo St. Pierre” near the Mississippi, in May 1810. However, as Rhoads has pointed out, this record must be applied to Lauderdale-Colbert coun- ties, Alabama, rather to adjacent Tennessee, provided that Wilson was really referring strictly to the Tennessee River. The Natchez Trace, upon which he traveled, did not intersect the River within the state of Tennessee (Wilson 1811: 91; Rhoads 1895: 481). [VoL. 50, 1979] 4 THE MIGRANT MARCH No doubt on account of their taste for salt and minerals associated with saline licks, parakeets frequented the vicinity of Nashville. The earliest reference to them was a rather vague assertion that in the area of Davidson County north of Nashville, “among birds of the locality parrots are noteworthy. ’’ That statement occurs in a diary left by the Moravian Brethren Steiner and Schweinitz in De- cember 1799 (1927: 516). They had already met with parakeets to the eastward, as will be seen. Snow fell on the evening of 12 December and the ground had been frozen before that. The next reference to the species in the area of Nashville, and an important one, was in a letter written to* Benjamin Smith Barton, an omnivorous compiler and literary pack-rat of natural history in Philadelphia, by William Blount Robertson. Robertson, qualified at least by his pioneer pedigree (he was bom in Nashville in 1785), averred in 1805 that there was only one species of parrot to be found there and that the birds lived there the year round (there had been early claims that a South American species migrated into interior America in summer). Robertson further said that the parakeets fed on apples and various wild berries but not acorns; they laid their eggs in hollow trees and roosted in great numbers together in similar hollow trees (manuscript “Correspondence and papers of Benj. S. Barton, M.D., 1778-1815,’’ paige 83; Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia). On 20 April 1810, Alexander Wilson wrote to his publisher and supporter, Alexander Lawson: “After crossing Red river [northeastern Robertson County], which is here scarce twenty yards broad, I found no more barrens. The timber was large, and the woods fast thickening with green leaves. As I entered the state of Tennessee, the face of the country became hilly, and even mountainous. After descending an immense declivity, and coursing along the rich valley of Manskers creek, where I again met with large flocks of paroquets, I stopt at a small tavern . . . for three or four days ...” (1828, 1: cxxxii). (He had probably originally written that he was planning to stop there; his literary executor George Ord seems to have meddled with the manuscript here, just as he changed Wilson’s usual spelling of ‘parakeet ’ to ‘ ‘paroquet . ’ ’) Wilson’s vivid account deserves a full airing. Manskers Creek, on which is located Manskers Lick (salt spring), is on the Sumner-Davidson county line and the lick is a mile or so east of Goodlettsville — and therefore seemingly in south- western Sumner County, not Robertson County as supposed by Rhoads (1895: 481). It was named for Kaspar Mansker, one of the Long Hunters (so-called because they stayed long periods from home!) who originally settled the area. It is notable that this record became known only upon the completion of George Ord’s memoir of Wilson. Indeed, Wilson had not mentioned Manskers Creek at all in his original account: “In passing from that place [Lexington, Kentucky] to Nashville, a distance of two hundred miles, I neither heard nor saw any, but as a place called Madison’s Lick” (1811: 91; Rhoads 1895: 480-481). A fragment of Wilson’s diary, which neatly dates the events covered here, for 25 April, added: “Breakfasted at Walton’s, thirteen miles from Nashville. This place is a fine rich hollow, watered by a charming, clear creek, that never fails. Went up to Madison’s Lick, where I shot three paroquets and some small birds” (1828, 1: cxlix). I suspect that between Madison’s Lick and Manskers Creek there is more confusion meeting the eye than is true in reality . Ord may have been at the bottom of part of it. Anyway, geographically, there is not much to argue about. Madison Creek enters Manskers Creek from the north not far from Goodlettsville. As for [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 5 Madison’s Lick, I cannot locate any reference to a saline spring of that name, after a great deal of search; if not the same as Manskers Lick, it cannot have been far distant from it. (“Walton’s” seems likely to have been near the Cumberland valley, perhaps near the lower end of Manskers Creek; but the history of such a tavern or homestead remains obscure and I have found nothing about it.) The Wilson records caught the public eye. Jedidiah Morse's, American Geog- raphy in the 1819 (but not the 1794) edition carried the notice that parakeets were plenty in West-Tennessee, “chiefly in the neighborhood of salt licks. ” Warden’s influential compilation carried similar information (Pickens and Pickens 1934; Nichols 1934; Warden 1819, 2: 351). For eastern Tennessee there seems to be no very satisfactory record of the parakeet. The nearest, perhaps, is that of the Moravian Brethren Steiner and Schqienitz but it is really only a Cumberland River record, as they expressly stated. They had just crossed the whole eastern upland from the vicinity of Winston- Salem, North Carolina, having started out on horseback on 28 October 1799. When is what is probably now Putnam County, Steiner reported on 25 November: ‘ ‘On the last mountains there is the parting of the ways. The road to the left goes to Caney Fork and the one to the right to Fort Blount [the latter being on the south bank of the Cumberland, at Flynn Creek, near the town of Flynns Lick]. We took the latter. The mountain down which we had to go is at once so steep that we had to lead our horses. We had nine miles more to the first house. The first low land to which we came was not bad and is, in part, level and had some cane along the streams, where we allowed our horses to graze; for the fodder we had brought with us had just given out. “Here, on the high trees, we saw the first Cumberland parrots. They are green in color, have red bills and are somewhat larger than pigeons. They have a loud note and are commonly assembled in great numbers, so that they make unusual racket. They fly very fast and because they always alight on the highest trees we could not observe them closely. ” The latter point is emphasized in the fact that the observant travelers thought the birds had red bills when in fact it is the front of the head that is red. Significantly, Steiner described the habitat: “Of trees we found beeches, slippery and other hickory, oaks, ash, poplar, walnut, honey locust, and on the stream banks unusually large sycamore” (1928: 505), the last tree species especially being frequently associated in early accounts with parakeets. Clearly, except for Beaumont’s colored drawing, the record of the Carolina parakeet in Tennessee is one of literature citations, and mostly early ones at that. Indeed, the second-hand reports of Rhoads for the 1870’s are nearly half a century later than the bulk of travelers ’ allusions to the spe‘cies . No specimens seem to have survived that can be attributed to Tennessee and the little information recorded of their habits pretty much parallels that found in my survey of the parakeet in other areas of its range. Archivists at Yale University Library obligingly photographed Beaumont’s drawing for me; Harriet Owsley told me of D. Craft’s pleasant early account; and Francis Harper courteously told about the unpublished observations of W. B. Robertson. Bibliographic citations is the only thanks, however inadequate, that I can offer to the many thoughtful people who have noted parakeets in their published accounts. [VoL. 50, 1979] 6 THE MIGRANT MARCH BIBLIOGRAPHY ALEXANDER, JAMES EDWARD. 1833. Transatlantic sketches. Key and Biddle, Philadelphia. 378 pp. AUDUBON, JOHN JAMES . 1 929 . Joumal of John James Audubon made during his trip to New Orleans in 1820-1821. The Business Historical Society (Club of Odd Volumes), Cambridge, xi, 234 pp. EVANS, ESTwiCK. 1819. A pedestrious tour, of four thousand miles through the western states and territories. Joseph C. Spear, Concord. 256 pp. GAMER, ALBERT F. 1933. A distributional list of the birds of Tennessee. Tenn. Orn. Soc., Tennessee Avifauna No. 1, 64 pp. HEARTMAN, CHARLES F , ed. 1941 . An immigrant of a hundred years ago. The Book Farm, Hattiesburg. 85 pp. HILDRETH, SAMUEL. 1842. History of an early voyage on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, . . . American Pioneer 1: 89-105, 128-145. NICHOLS, L. NELSON. 1934. Morse’s American bird lists of 1789 and 1793. Proc. Linn. Soc. N. Y. 43/44: 27-33. PICKENS, ALBERS L., and BELLE M. PICKENS. 1934. Some early American bird lore. The Auk 51: 535-536. PIERSON, GEORGE WILSON. 1938. Tocqueville and Beaumont in America. Oxford University Press, New York, xiv, 852 pp. RHOADS, SAMUEL N. 1895. Contributions to the zoology of Tennessee, No. 2. Birds. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 47: 463-501. STEINER, A. , and F. c. VON (DE) scHWEiNiTZ. 1 927 . Repoit of the journey of the Brethren Abraham Steiner and Frederick C. de Schweinitz to the Cherokees and the Cumberland settlements (1799). Pp. 443-525, in: S. C. Williams, ed.. Early travels in the Tennessee country. Watauga Press, Johnson City. THWAiTES, REUBEN GOLD, ed. 1896-1901 . The Jesuit relations and allied documents. Burrows Bros., Cleveland. 73 vols. WARDEN, DAVID B. 1910. A Statistical, political and historical account of the United States of North America. Constable, London. 3 vols. WILSON, ALEXANDER. 1811. American ornithology; or. The natural history of the birds ofthe United States. Vol. 3. Bradford and Inskeep, Philadelphia. 120pp., plates 19-27. WILSON, ALEXANDER. 1828. American ornithology . . . With a sketch of the author’s life, by George Ord. Harrison Hall, Philadelphia. 3 vols., plates in separate folio. Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, N. Y. 12222. [Vol. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 7 LEE R. HERNDON Organizations have members who contribute to them at various levels and in a variety of ways, but they also have members who do not merely contribute, but in some way personify the organization itself. For many of us in Tennessee, Lee Herndon was not merely one of the leaders of the T.O.S. , he actually embodied the T.O.S. His attitudes toward the world of birds and his actions in regard to that world were the living expression of what birds and ‘ ‘birding ’ ’ were all about. In the opinion of each of us who knew him, we could not have had a better example. When you spent time with Lee Herndon in the field you were amazed at his enthusiasm and unflaging interest. As you came to know him you realized that his love for and devotion to the natural world were the well-spring from which his interest and enthusiasm sprang. His was no cold, detached, objective relationship, but a warm, deeply personal response to the natural world in general and the birds of that world in particular. And this love was no seasonal affair. Bleak, cold winter days could be as rewarding, in their own way, as the “leaping, greenly, spirit’’ of spring; for on each occasion there were the surprising, elusive, challenging, endlessly interesting birds. There was of course the more objective, scientific dimension of his life. By education and profession it was there. Having attended the schools of his place of birth in Welchburg, Kentucky, in 1917 he entered the Preparatory Department of Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, from which he received the B.A. in 1922., After teaching high school for one year in Lewisburg, Tennessee, he returned to Maryville College where he taught chemistry until 1 925 . In that year he entered Graduate School at Johns Hopkins University, graduating in 1928 with the Ph.D. degree in chemistry. He remained in the employ of the DuPont Company in Buffalo, N. Y. from his graduation until 1942. After one year with Agfa- Ansco, he was employed by North American Raytheon Company (later to become a division of Beaunit Mills, Inc.) in Elizabethton, Tennessee for whom he worked until his retirement in 1 963 . After his retirement he joined the faculty of Milligan College as Professor of Chemistry where he remained until 1970. Not knowing of this background, many who met Lee Herndon thought him a professional ornithologist. And well they should have! He was the editor of The Migrant for fifteen years. He published eighty-eight scientific papers in that journal. He was President of the T.O.S. from 1946-1949. He not only organized the Elizabethton Chapter of the T.O.S., but was instrumental in organizing chapters in Bristol, Kingsport and Greeneville. And for many years his bird banding station in Elizabethton was one of only two active stations in the Southern Appalachians. Yet, in spite of these accomplishments, one always felt that this was the surface, beneath which was the simple, unexplainable, unbounded love of birds, with their beauty, fragility, mystery, strength, variety, elegance and humor. Dr. Herndon is survived by his wife, Lois; four sons, Lee, John, James and Bob; and daughter, Ann; and 19 grandchildren. With the family he fathered, the colleagues with whom he worked, the students he taught and the friends with whom he shared himself, we can be grateful that his exemplary influence will continue for generations to come. John Martin [VoL. 50, 1979] 8 THE MIGRANT MARCH CORRECTIONS TO THE MIGRANT AND TO A SPECIES INDEX TO THE MIGRANT Morris D. Williams I am finally publishing a list of errors and omissions, some of which I have known about for several years. I would like to encourage those who know of other errors in The Migrant to publish corrections. I found the errors in volumes 5 and 7 by referring to Mr. Ganier’s original notes. Vol. 4: 1 1 . line 41 , 1879, not 1870. Vol. 5:29. line 42, June 1 and 2, not May. Vol. 7:47. line 34, May \6-\l ,not March. Vol. 10:18. line 25, Davidson Co., not Cheatham Co. ifide H. C. Monk). Vol. 15:32. line 22, Semipalmated Plover, not Upland (Plover) Sandpiper (fide H. C. Monk). Vol. 41:46. line 27, NoL = Norris Lake. Vol. 42:95. line 2 should read “26 Sept. (3) Knox Co. (TOS).” Vol. 43:77. line 34, MC = Macon County. Vol. 44: 1 1 . line 1 , Williams party mentioned, but M. D. Williams omitted from list on next page. Vol. 44:52. last line, Johnson City, Azot Elizabethton ( see 48:98). Vol. 44:85. Iine40, “LE ’’ should be “IE.” Vol. 44:87. “Locations” add K = Knoxville. Vol. 45:12. Fish Crow, enter “2” in Reelfoot column. Vol. 45:24. line 20, “third county record” not second (see Migrant 32:7). Vol. 45:25. “observers” add EH = Frank Hixon. Vol. 45:43. Willow Flycatcher, enter “1” in Reelfoot column. Vol. 45:49. line 15, “Bam Swallow,” not “Rough-winged Swallow.” Vol. 45:103. line 103. line 4, “6 Qggs,'' not “66. ” Vol. 46:9. at end of table, add “X” — 1,000,000. ” Vol. 46:71 . line 4 should read “White-fronted Goose: 23:28 Nov.” Vol. 47:77. line 14, Cattle Egret: “15 May (2) CKL (MDW) . ” I have no record of this . My notes indicate that I spent that day in the Smokies. Vol. 47:87. 4th line from bottom should read: “Acanthis fiammea to Carduelis fiammea Vol. 47:92. Painted Bunting, delete “1 ” in Natchez Trace column. Vol. 47:102. line 19, “LM — Lookout Mountain ” should read “ALM- — Lookout Mountain.” This is especially confusing since “AIM” in the same list refers to Alcoa Marsh. Vol. 48:4. line 13, “5019 x 35.6” should read “50.19 x 35.6.” Vol. 48:11. line 41, “average of 5.0 Turkey Vultures” not “50. ” A few errors in my A Species Index To The Migrant (spec. publ. No. 1 , Tenn. Ornith. Soc. , 1977) have come to my attention. On page 1 , the specific name of the Red-necked Grebe should be P. grisegena. On page 9, under Common Snipe, add page 106 to volume 35. On page 1 1 , under Short-billed Dowitcher, add page 27 to volume 43. These last two references are very important, and readers should make a special notation in their copies of The Migrant, since both of these birds are listed out of taxonomic sequence on those pages in The Migrant. In the introduction on page V, line 24, I have misspelled alexandrinus . Those who use the Index as a reference list of Tennessee birds may want to update it by adding “Snowy Plover: Charadrius alexandrinus: 48:63. ” on page 9 between Piping Plover and Wilson’s Plover; also, insert “Great Black-backed Gull: Larus marinus: 48:47.” on page 11 between Glaucous Gull and Herring Gull. Museum of Zoology, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge 70893. [Vol. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 9 THE 1978 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Richard D. Lura One hundred and thirty nine (139) species were seen on 21 counts across the state. The “northern” species present an interesting situation. Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings were seen at opposite ends of the state, while the Evening Grosbeak was completely absent from the count and the Tree Sparrow was seen on only one count (3 birds) in comparison to the abundance of both species last year. Raptors are well represented, with Bald Eagles fairly widely distributed. The Barrow’s Goldeneye at Nashville is included, pending action by the State Rare Bird Committee. The observational details of the sighting are in the files of the editor. As is the custom, the counts are tabulated from west to east across the state. INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS MEMPHIS — 17 Dec.; 06:45 to 17:00; clear; temp. 32 to 50° F; wind W, 2-5 mph; 36 observers in 14 parties; 126 party hours (96 on foot, 30 by car); 195 party miles (75 on foot, 120 by car). Diane Bean, William Bean, David Brown, Rob Browne, Robert Browne, Carolyn Bullock, Fred Carney, Gregg Charbonnet, Ben Coffey (co-compiler), Lula Coffey (co-compiler, 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis 38107), Dollyann Daily, Mary Danant, Fred Dickson, Helen Dinkelspiel, Jack Embury, Jim Ferguson, Sue Ferguson, Skip Fowler, William Fowler, Van Harris, James Holt, Russell Jones, Allan Larabee, Cal Newman, George Owen, Jr., George Payne, Rob Peeples, William Peeples, Ernest Restive, Alice Smith, Arlo Smith, Noreen Smith, Richard Taylor, Howard Vogel, Jr., Martha Waldron, Wendell Whittemore. Wood Thrush present through count period. Western Meadowlarks singing. Harris’ Sparrow was an adult seen at very close range. Common Yellowthroat was a female. REELFOOT — 23 Dec; 05:00 to 16:30; temp. 32 to 45° F.; wind S, 0-15 mph; 9 observers in 5 parties; 47 party hours ( 17 on foot, 19 by car, 10 by boat, 1 owling), 306 party miles (22 on foot, 270 by car, 14 by boat). Ben Coffey, Lula Coffey, Wendell Crews, Guy Hogg, Gina Manning (co- compiler), Don Manning (co-compiler, P. O. Box B, Bells 38006), Arlo Smith, Noreen Smith, Richard Whittington. Of the Snow Geese, 14 were of the “blue” form. The Rough-legged Hawk was of the light phase. Thirty-four of the Bald Eagles were immatures. The Bam Swallows were present two days, good details. Seen count week — Whistling Swan, Golden Eagle, and tern species. DOVER — 4 Jan.; 06:30 to 14:30; clear, light snow cover; 2 observers in 1 party; 105 party miles (1 on foot, 104 by car). John Sexton (co-compiler — Route 1, Dover 37058), Gary Wallace. Brewers Blackbird was a female. [VoL. 50, 1979] THE 1978 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS 10 THE MIGRANT MARCH a •H o^^covOt<^a^ d (M K^ bOOJCT'CS I KN ^ I I rA I dll I l§ ! ® rrs I ir\ J I S s: lAiH I v5 K^(^J CD ^ LA LA rH lAiH I I I ! I KMA I O 4‘IAAICVJ knoOO^IvD rHS O lAO lD O Ai CD C^CVJ r-E SS O r-*lAC^rulA CO • IS I 1 OiAEOQ c oj KMAO rA • rAtA OJC^ I 0»H LA 4- I OJ IN yO C04 iHOJ I lArA K^fH I C^tA LAO I OE LAOOjvD CNOJ I GO 00 4 4 I I vDCT' rHlAVO ^ § d o d o Pi O d C5 a 4) ® dK d ,d •« O O ® ® O ® O d iH 3 O f-l • rH ■H dm d-dm o o « I I a d-d . m a d ® r-( ® o O-d m d OrdCd Qc5 (£1 > ® O d -H t/3 m oz o d M O • ® • d C5 d a d-H ® rH ■r^ d -ri O "d Q --I iH d «-l -H HM I* ct * .-1 o » +> OrH (* -o d d d iH d ^ MEWOCH d -H -H O ® « .H ® > ® d t£)0 Eh ® -d a e^ 3M Md d p S O ®« I -H S} ® d -P -d P ® d O ® I d P ® a M > d m •d d d ® m ® -d d d ® m « o e i^d ® « d n CO - XI o d s ® Pi O O id K p a dd S o d 3 p CO cj pq m m a ® d ® d d d d ® d d UP d u to d p P d d ® id P ■d d d t>» ® o m ^ -d a 1 o o i-d d d O O ® prd a o « ft PQ S ^ • d » ® > Oia d a aJM a ® rH Hd 1 d-H CO o p OU) lAO CO rfNr-» vD CT^ICr'KN f-t CM I »-« lA CM CM fA ICMr-t CMIII 188 ! CM K^ l^tvD I 4* liHrAvD LACOfHCO^- »HfA4- I O J o o Q I rAfAvO I CM rH CM CO -H I H> 4 I crs I rA4- 5) I CM I pH O #H rH r-l rH I r-t I OO I rH | CM r I rAuN I I (MrArAC^rA COlACMC^O fA^-^AICM lrA|»HO rHrHfAJCM CM rA CMrAfAl^j* lOICOiA I I I Q O CD rH lA I rH I VD I 0 I rH CM rH ^ I I I VO CO CM tr\ I rH CM ^ttAvOfAcJ- C^COCMCM-4' rH CO CM vO ICMCMvD vOO-fAiHiH I vO rH CM fACM CM I CM I I CM 18 IS !N^ O I C^ bOrH P P< O fl 3 tSM Q -HO CS rH ^ t( a O 3 p 0 3 0 0 0) m c5 ca s: pa O > 0) a> d -p fl > w tc O 05 O 03 rH « cd cc « rt as 'd M as n> o 44 ® «H O d d ^ -H o © io X3 E3 >0 OP as U • -H 05 O Pi ©en O O 44 rH © iiS2i: O OrH Cd d o o cQ o PX3 z p Pi d d © c © • z © © ^ © d © © p i i © p •H rd o d d X3 © P O •-4 a I ^ ® -H Xt •axifi m P m o 43 3 ■^^ cij 03 to P ^ Sid +>43 (3 rt EH m 43 O 06H -P (t o u u c3 cq yD VD f\J I LA oj o lA fVi INiA I CO C\J ^ [N O I I rA CAOOrH IN I .H I AJ Ld- rvj I l3- O At 1 I AJ KN I OJ <-t 1 AJ AJ lA lAlACT'KNvD lAE lA I OAJ I o r-tJAAJAJlA CNOlA I I OO I KMA '4- I I lO I I I E I O o JCOOAJS C^^A 00 C^fA rH a 43 O hO p +1 13 43 C! I 05 f4 -H ^ h3 CO >H Ph O -H 43 ® T) 43 A) rH p Jd ® ® O -H O rH (0 •H 43 o5 4>® o d p p s i S p ® ® a o o d P o P a 03 m o pq rA I tA I rH I rA I I I CA I fA 03 I tN I I 4- co I r- I I I E CDS S I O OO rq Q rH I (03 I S AJ I I OiA rHvD d- 00 I 4 I lD I d- I ^ I O' I 03 I C\J I d- O 43 P 043 d O d OH •H d 4.J d- fAC3- I od- lA I >ArH IN I I LA I LAd d ® s o ■H 43 O P o m as®®® C P3 rq rS > lAd d- 03 I vO I tAlAOJC^rH d- I CO lAd- rH 03 rA O A-d- 03 ^A03 CNd- OJ lA d- d- rH lAE »AC0 LD rH lAcACOOvO d . rAK3 S O O P P P d P ^ P S 3 ® O P hj O ft P ® PCO P ft ■d P SCO ® d M ft N. ft dcq - ® CO -H n I ftTS -H 44 ® ftrH p ftCO O 3 CO 3 P O • O p p • p P d P P 43 P ft d 0 p dco ft 1 1 ft CO ® ® CO ft p p a bO d 43 O 3 O 5 3 JiH CO CO d d O -H d P 3 ft o d d P) CO EH O o c ® o ft-H MCO P ® P o ft O ft CO EH d [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 13 LAWRENCEBURG — 28 Dcc.; 15:30 to 17:30; clear to partly cloudy; temp. 22 to 45° F; wind 0-10 mph; 12 observers in six parties; 44 party hours (25 on foot, 19 by car); 196 party miles (26 on foot, 170 by car). Helen Clayton, Lloyd Clayton (compiler — Rt. 4, Box 175A, Lawrenceburg 38464), Bill Egley, Jane Egley, Chester McConnel, Dot McConnel, Chuck Nichols, Mark Reeves, Ralph Ring, Damien Simbeck, Don Simbeck, Morris Williams. Seen count week — Turkey, Bewick’s Wren. COLUMBIA — 27 Dec.; 04:00 to 18:00; clear; temp. 18 to 35° F; wind SW, 0-8 mph; 18 observers, 12 in 4 parties, 6 at feeders; 35 party hours (17 on foot, 18 by car) plus 17 at feeders; 302 party miles (16 on foot, 286 by car). Elizabeth Anderson, Kenneth Anderson, Barbara Finney, William Fuqua, Rachel Garrett, Daniel Gray, Jr., Daniel Gray, III, Louise Hardison, Mitzi Lemons, Anne Lockridge, Bedford Lockridge, Mary Lyles, George Mayfield, Jr. (compiler— 999 Sunnyside Drive, Columbia 38401), Allen Presseell, Dianne Pressnell, Jane Satterwhite. White-fronted Geese details not submitted. Snow Goose of ‘ ‘blue ’ ’ form. Seen count week=”Green- winged Teal, Marsh Hawk. NASHVILLE — 30 Dec.; 04:15 to 17:30; light to moderate rain; temp. 42 to 50° F; wind S, 5-15 mph; no snow cover, fresh water open; 59 observers in 12 parties and 10 at feeders; 87 party hours (41 on foot, 46 by car); 413 party miles (38 on foot, 375 by car). Jan Alexander, Mildred Ansley, Michael Bierly (compiler — 2415 Crestmoor Road, Nashville 37215), Bill Blakeslee, Jane Bridgman, Mark Brown, Ralph Cazort, Jean Cobb, Elizabeth Collins, Dwight Cooley, Annella Creech, Sam Dement, Milbrey Dugger, Evelyn Ellis, John Ellis, Don Falk, Joy Falk, Charles Farrell, Clara Fentress, Bill Finch, Lucy Finch, Ray Fleischer, Ann Fort, Combs Fort, Katherine Goodpasture, Bob Hatcher, John Herbert, Oliver Lang, Margaret Mann, Tim Mann, Jane Maynard, Joe McLaughlin, John McLaughlin, Toni McLaughlin, Rocky Milbum, David Newton, John Nix, Linda Nix, Marge Pat- rick, Oscar Patrick, Audrey Perry, Dick Porter, Virginia Price, Elizabeth Queener, Heather Riggins, John Riggins, Kathy Robertson, Ellen Rust, Conor Smith, Pat Stallings, Helen Sterling, Anna Sulser, Ann Tarbell, Lawrence Trebue, David Vogt, Kenneth Walkup, Sara Walkup, Martin Weinstein, Virginia Work- man, Barrow’s Goldeneye, a female, present six weeks. Ovenbird and Rose- breasted Grosbeak well seen with good details. Seen count week— Turkey Vul- ture, Red- shouldered Hawk. HICKORY-PRIEST— 16 Dcc.; 05:00 to 17:45; intermittent slight rain; temp. 44 to 5 r F; wind S-SW, 9-15 mph; no snow cover, fresh water open; 23 observers, 20 in 10 parties, 3 at feeders. Francis Abernathy, Jan Alexander, Linda Anderson, Michael Bierly, Jane Bridgman, Dot Crawford, Paul Crawford, Craig Empson, Beth Evans, Louise Jackson, Carol Kiiauth, Lee Kramer, Oliver Lang, Margaret Mann, Rocky Mil- bum, Marge Patrick, Oscar Patrick, Elizabeth Queener, Betty Richards, Pat [VoL. 50, 1979] 14 THE MIGRANT MARCH Stallings (compiler — 406 N. 17th St., Nashville 37206), Ann Tarbell, David Vogt, Miriam Weinstein. Northern Oriole at feeder, photographed. Seen count week — Red-shouldered Hawk, Eastern Bluebird. MURFREESBORO — 16 Dec.; 07:30 to 15:30; overcast and rain; temp. 44 to 51° E; wind S-SE, 0-20 mph; 6 observers in 2 parties, plus 6 at feeders; 48 party hours (6 on foot, 42 by car), plus 48 at feeders; 130 party miles (6 on foot, 124 by car). Glenn Birdwell, Maria Birdwell, Low Erwin, Edith Haynes, Ann Hettish (compiler — 1018 Lawndale Dr., Murfreesboro 37130), Bob Hettish, Margaret Hibbett, Richard Hunter, Wilma Hunter, Rebecca Jones, Pat Martin, Erances Vaughan. LEBANON — 16 Dec.; 00:05 to 18:30; overcast to moderate rain; temp. 44 to 51° F; wind N, 10 mph; no snow cover, fresh water open; 19 observers, 9 in 5 parties, plus 10 at feeders; 23 party hours (8 on foot, 15 by car), plus 6 at feeders, 6 owling; 256 party miles (15 on foot, 241 by car). Earline Berry, Fred Detlefsen, Ruth McMillan, Ray Pope, John Sellars, William Senter (compiler — 313 West Hills Dr., Lebanon 37087), Sue Smith, William Smith. Feeder watchers — Elsie Watchers, Sue Bouton, Carolyn Cleve- land, Mildred Gaston, Reid McKee, Alyne Eastes, Opal Dillard, Lucille Cham- bers, R. D. Wilkinson, Mrs. R. D. Wilkinson. The Merlin was a female. No details were submitted. HIGHLAND RIM — 30 Dec.; rain; temp. 48° F; wind, 5-20 mph; 14 observers in 8 parties; 32 party hours; 338 party miles (8 on foot, 330 by car). Debra Acuff, Caroll Barr, Stan Barr, Ron Bingham, Bill Boyd, Kay Cleckly, Marjory Harper (compiler — 305 Crestwood Dr., Tullahoma 37388), Glenn King, Ruth Luckadoo, Tom Luckadoo, Stanford McGee, C. V. Rogers, Erma Rogers, Wanda Winnett. The Bald Eagles were immatures. COOKEVILLE — 29, 30 Dec.; clear; temp. 32 to 40° F; 8 observers in 5 parties; 38 party hours; 105 party miles (6 on foot, 99 by car). Kathryn Cowan (co-compiler), Sam Coward (co-compiler — Box 118, Algood 38501), William Jones, Amy Johnson, Richard Simmers, Patty Sullivan, Roy Sullivan, Florence Williams. The areas covered on the two days did not overlap. Two day count due to manpower shortage . While not encouraged the count is included for the sake of the data. CHATTANOOGA — 16 Dec.; 00:45 to 18:00; overcast to rain; temp. 42 to 51° F; wind SW, 5-6 mph; 21 observers in 1 1 parties, plus 4 at feeders; 62 party hours (26 on foot, 32 by car); 416 party miles (24 on foot, 392 by car). Betty Anderson, Lloyd Anderson, Francis Barnwell, Benton Basham, Mark Basham, Peggy Basham, Ken Dubke, Lil Dubke, Anne Gibson, Chris Haney, Mary Ann Huber, Daniel Jacobson (compiler — 1507 Hickory Valley Rd., Apt. J-69, Chattanooga 37421), Lemuel Jacobson, A1 Jenkins, Barbara Kelly, Cindy Lee, Kent Pennington, Peggy McCullough, Butch McDade, Janet Phillips, Lydia Smedley, Joe Stone, Dale Taylor, Mary Tunsberg, Bruce Wilkey. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 15 PICKETT COUNTY — 23 Dcc.; 07:30 to 16:30; clear to partly cloudy; temp. 29 to 50° F; 3 observers in 1 party; 50 party miles (2 on foot, 48 by car). Dave Hassler (co-compiler), Robbie Hassler (co-compiler — Box 1, Byrdstown 38549), Charlie Wells. HiwASSEE — 1 Jan.; 05:00 to 18:00; overcast with intermittent rain; temp. 42 to 65° F; wind SW, 6-15 mph; 20 observers in 8 parties; 55 party hours (20 on foot, 35 by car); 418 party miles (23 on foot, 395 by car). Frank Bailey, Benton Basham, Howard Brown, Ken Dubke, Lil Dubke, Gertrude Fleming, Tony Futcher, Jim Herman, Mary Ann Huber, Daniel Jacobson (compiler — 1507 Hickory Valley Rd., Apt. J-69, Chattanooga 37421), Lemuel Jacobson, A1 Jenkins, Barbara Kelly, Cindy Lee, Butch McDade, Janet Phillips, Lydia Smedley, Joe Stone, Bruce Wilkey, Dick Wodzenski. KNOXVILLE — 17 Dec.; 15:15 to 17:30; clear; temp. 29 to 48° F; wind S, 0-5 mph; no snow cover, fresh water open; 27 observers in 13 parties; 97 party hours (57 on foot, 40 by car); 570 party miles (48 on foot, 522 by car). Sylvia Britt, Betty Campbell, James Campbell, Howard Chitwood, Maridaun Collins, Marcia Davis, Charles Faulkner, Grace Foster, Paul Hartigan, Joseph Howell, Tony Koella, Beth Lacy, Gregg Lagerberg, Gary Muffley, Charles Nicholson, Holly Overton, Paul Pardue, Truett Patterson, Lawrence Ritchie, Kenneth Sanders, Mabel Sanders, Boyd Sharp, Johneta Smith, Lois Smith, James Tanner (compiler — Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville 37920), Mary Trice, Linda Turner. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK — 3 1 Dec . ; 06:45 to 1 7 : 1 5 ; overcast with intermittent rain; temp. 34 to 69° F; wind 1-35 mph (strongest at high elevations); 25 observers in 14 parties; 98 party hours (70 on foot, 28 by car); 416 party miles (90 on foot, 326 by car). Winnifred Brown, Betty Reid Campbell, Jim Campbell, Howard Chitwood, Marcia Davis, Don DeFoe (compiler — Rt. 2, Box 176, Gatlinburg 37738), Bob Floyd, Elizabeth French, Paul Hartigan, David Highbaugh, Tony Koella, Henry Lix, Gary Muffley, Charles Nicholson, Ben Nottingham, Louise Nunnally, Holly Overton, Truett Patterson, Anne Roney, Bob Roney, Boyd Sharp, Michael Sloan, James Tanner, Dave Turner, Linda Turner. GREENEViLLE — 30 Dec.; 08:00 to 17:00; overcast with intermittent rain; temp. 38 to 52° F; wind 0-5 mph; 15 observers in 8 parties; 23 party hours (14 on foot, 9 by car); 20 party miles (5 on foot, 15 by car). Mrs. O. C. Armitage, King Gaut, Mrs. King Gaut, David Johnson, Elizabeth McCort, Richard Nevius (compiler— Rt. 8, Greeneville 37743), Mrs. Richard Nevius, Velma Presley, Doug Ratledge, Ken Ripley, Fred Simpson, Royal Spees, Mrs. Royal Spees, John Waddell, Virginia Williams. KINGSPORT — 3 1 Dec.; 00:00 to 19:00; cloudy with intermittent rain; temp. 47 to 62° F; 10 observers in 4 parties, plus one at feeder; 72 party hours (3 1 on foot, 30 by car), plus one at feeder; 270 party miles (58 on foot, 212 by car). Fred Alsop, Lois Alsop, Tom Bowman (compiler — Rt. 4, Bays Mt. Park, Kingsport 37660), Dee Eiklor, John Eiklor, Tom Finucane, Hayden Hannabass, Tom Laughlin. [VoL. 50, 1979] 16 THE MIGRANT MARCH ELizABETHTON — 17 Dcc.; 16:00 to 16:30; overcast to rainy; temp. 32 to 47° F; wind W, 0-20 mph; small ponds frozen; 14 observers in 6 parties; 46 party hours (29 by foot, 17 by car); 304 party miles (9 on foot, 295 by car). Martha Dillenbeck, Helenhill Dove, Glen Eller (compiler — Rt. 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643), Harry Farthing, Harry Lee Farthing, Rick Knight, Joy Kyle, Richard Lewis, Vickie Lewis, Richard Lura, John Martin, Glenn Swafford, Jane Whitehead, Gary Wallace. BRISTOL — 31 Dec.; overcast with intermittent rain; temp. 46 to 60° F; 9 observers in 4 parties; 33 party hours (5 on foot, 28 by car); 94 party miles (9 on foot, 88 by car). Rockwell Bingham (compiler — 216 Melody Lane, Bristol 37620), Sally Backman, Bert Hale, Ken Hale, Lorane Hale, Wallace Coffey, Joey Jackson, David Me Peak, Enno VanGelder. ROAN MOUNTAIN — 28 Dec.; 07:15 to 17:00; clear; temp. 10 to 38° F; wind S-SW, 0-10 mph; 6 observers; 23 party hours (14 on foot, 9 by car), 126 party miles (12 on foot, 114 by car). Glen Eller (compiler — Rt. 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643), Lia Eller, Harry Farthing, Bob Herndon, Rick Knight, Ed Schell. BOOK REVIEW WATCHING BIRDS: AN INTRODUCTION TO ORNITHOLOGY. By Roger F. Pasquier. 1977. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 301 pp. $9.95. If you have looked for a book that fills the gap between the field guide and the technical, ornithological textbook, this is your book. Written originally as a high school ornithology text and later adapted for the general public. Watching Birds is informative, interesting and non-technical . The book covers every major area of bird study, but without the jargon that today afflicts every specialized field of study. Origin, evolution and speciation; feathers and flight; food, feeding habits and digestion; anatomy; voice; the breed- ing cycle: territory, courtship, nest, eggs, hatching and development of young; migration; winter habits; distribution; conservation; attracting and caring for birds — all of this is covered in clear, readable English. Practically every page of this excellent book will surprise the amateur (and perhaps even the professional) with fascinating pieces of information that only a well-seasoned and experienced ornithologist could possess. So, if you find the material in Peterson and Robbins too scant and that in Pettingill, et al too specialized, then Roger Pasquier has written and Margaret La Farge has beauti- fully illustrated a book that you are going to enjoy a great deal. John L. Martin [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 17 ROUND TABLE NOTE SUMMER RECORD OF DICKCISSELS AND BOBOLINKS IN HAWKINS COUNTY — On 4 July, 1977, Tom F. Launglin and I (RAP) were searching some overgrown weedy fields in Goshen Valley near Church Hill, Hawkins County, Tennessee, in hopes of locating Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) which had been found nesting near here in 1973 (Alsop, personal communication). After having spent a few minutes in one of these fields an unfamiliar song originating from a group of willows (Salts sp.) bordering the area was heard. A few minutes of scanning revealed a male Dickcissel (Spiza americana) singing from the top of a willow. The following field marks were observed: the bird was house sparrow-sized with a yellow breast and black bib suggesting a ‘ ‘tiny meadowlark” (Peterson, Roger F. , 1947. /I Field Guide to the Birds). The identification was also confirmed by the song which was repeated frequently. After observing this bird for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, it flew approximately 75 yards away and perched on a tall weed where he was joined by a female Dickcissel. The birds remained in the same general area of the field until darkness forced us to leave. We did not observe either bird carrying food or nesting material at any time. On the following morning. Dr. Fred J. Alsop, III, and I returned to the same field and heard two male Dickcissels singing. Repeated observation of this area through July revealed one other singing male for a total of three males, no additional females, nor any juveniles were observed. Because the author was involved in field work in other areas, the fields in which these Dickcissels occurred did not receive the amount of study they deserved. I believe that had they been searched more diligently Dickcis- sel nests could have been found. One additional note on the area. On 15 July, Thomas J. Phillips, Jr. and I were observing the Dickcissels and searching for nests when suddenly a female Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) appeared 15 feet in front of us, acting very nervous and scolding loudly. A careful search of the immediate area revealed no nests or young, however, a few minutes later “pink-pink” call notes were heard overhead and seven Bobolinks landed in the grass just ahead of us. The birds were in breeding plumage and proved to be three males and four females. Having had no experience with nesting Bobolinks I do not feel qualified to determine the age (juveniles?) of the brownish “female” plumaged birds. These birds first appeared at 16:00 (EDT) and remained there until near dark, at which time they were seen to fly in a northerly direction out of sight. The Bobolinks were also seen by Tom F. Laughlin. Peterson (1947) gives the breeding range of the Bobolink as “from S. Quebec and S. Manitoba, South to New Jersey, West Virginia, Illinois, and N. Missouri, so these birds were considerably out of what is believed to be their normal summer range. There is a single known Tennessee nesting record for the Bobolink in the State, found near Shady Valley, Johnson County, Tennessee, by Ken Dubke on 10 June, 1962 (The Migrant, 34(2): 17-19). I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Fred J. Alsop, III for his help in preparing this paper for publication. Rick A. Phillips, Biology Department, Kingsport University Center, East Tennessee State University, University Blvd., Kingsport 37660. Accepted 9 September 1977. [VoL. 50, 1979] 18 THE MIGRANT MARCH THE SEASON Fred J. Alsop, Editor FALL MIGRATION: 1 August - 31 October Another season of hireling and another new species — at least a new genus, Stercorarius — was added to the State’s list of birds. A jaeger, who’s identity is still being debated at this report, was seen by many and photographed during its six week stay at Woods Reservoir. As a group the shorebirds probably provided the most birding excitement during the fall migration. Species diversity and numbers were good in all regions except the Eastern Mountain and were liberally sprinkled with rarities. Gallatin steam plant in the Central Plateau and Basin continues to be a good place for attracting migrating shorebirds and the overlooked-and-underbirded Kingston steam plant near Knoxville appears to be as good, lacking only frequent coverage by observers during the spring and fall. All regions west of the mountain region reported Piping Plovers. Both the Plateau and Basin and the Ridge and Valley regions had Ruddy Turnstones, Willets, Northern Phalaropes, and Wilson’s Phalaropes. Baird’s Sandpipers were identified in the Ridge and Valley and the Western Coastal Plain regions and the latter had a Marbled Godwit in late August. American Avocets were seen in the two westernmost regions. For the second consecutive year immature White Ibis were found in many locations in August and September in all regions except the Eastern Mountain. Many herons and egrets were reported from the Ridge and Valley and especially from the Dyersburg roost in the Western Coastal Plain. Some of the more notable wader records include a Snowy Egret at Savannah Bay and a Louisiana Heron at the Hiwassee River Area. Other unusual species associated with Tennessee lakes and reservoirs were the Laughing Gull in the Western Coastal Plain and the Surf Scoters and Red-throated Loon in the Eastern Mountain regions. A flock of 42 Sandhill Cranes on 28 September over Norris Lake were surprisingly early. Peregrine Falcons were reported from all four regions, but the only record from the Ridge and Valley was of a dead immature bird in Greene County. There were several Merlin observations in the Ridge and Valley and a Rough-legged Hawk in the Central Plateau and Basin. A Red-cockaded Woodpecker was seen in Campbell County in mid-October and the Ridge and Valley also produced a Western Kingbird and two Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Red Crossbills were not only found in the Eastern Mountain Region, but a male was seen near Crossville during the fall State T.O.S. meetings in the Central Plateau and Basin. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 19 Birders, keep those records cornin’ in to your regional compilers and read on for more important details of the Fall Migration Season. WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Loon- Rail: Common Loon: 27-28 Aug (2-1) PP (MLB, TH). Great Blue Heron: Possible nesting at Jerald Bottoms, about 3 mi S. of McKenzie, Carroll Co. , on South Fork of Obion (DM, GM). Little Blue Heron: 13 Sep (400 adults, 800 imm), 5 Oct (5 adults, 1 1 imm), Dyersburg roost (WGC). Cattle Egrets: 5 Aug (4), 7-20 Sep (400), 27 Sep (63), 5 Oct (1) Dyersburg roost (WGC), 14 Oct (12) T (DD). WHITE IBIS: 21-27 Aug (19 imm), 21-29 Sep (1) Dyersburg roost (WGC). Green-winged Teal: 27 Aug (2), 3 Sep (11), TWA (WGC). Blue- winged Teal: 18 Sep (20) Mississippi River at TN 20, Dyer Co. (WGC). Broad-winged Hawk: 31 Jul (1), 1 Aug (1) R (PK). Marsh Hawk: 4 Sep ( 1 ) F (WGC) . Osprey: 2 Sep ( 1 ) PP ( JGH) , 28 Sep ( 1 ) HP (RM) , 7 Oct (2) HP (JNS), 16 Oct (1) Sv (BW). PEREGRINE EALCON: 24 Sep (1) Island 21 (WGC). Sora Rail: 21 Aug (1) PE (RJ). Plover-Tern: Semipalmated Plover: 27-28 Aug (6-8) PP (MLB, TH), 2 Sep (4) PP (JGH), 4 Sep (3) PP (BB, PS), 5 Sep (2) PP (HK, LK). PIPING PLOVER: 25 Aug (1) PP (BJ). American Golden Plover: 5 Sep (1) PP (HK, LK). Black-bellied Plover: 27 Aug (2) PP (MLB, TH). Spotted Sandpiper: 12 Aug (1) PP (JGH), 20 Aug (5) PP (BB), 25 Aug (8) PP (BJ), 26 Aug (10) PP (MLB, BB), 27-28 Aug (8-10) PP (MLB, TH), 2 Sep (2) PP (JGH), 4 Sep (5) PP (BB, PS). Solitary Sandpiper: 12 Aug (1) PP (JGH). Pectoral Sandpiper: 5-12 Aug (8-4) PP (JGH), 27-28 Aug (4-1) PP (MLB, TH), 2 Sep (4) PP (JGH). BAIRD'S SANDPIPER: 27-28 Aug (2-2) PP (MLB, TH). Least Sandpiper: 5-12 Aug (8-6) PP (JGH), 26 Aug (15), 2 Sep (20) PP (MLB, BB), 5 Sep (4) PP (HK, LK). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 12 Aug (8) PP (JGH), 26 Aug (3) PP (MLB, BB), 27-28 Aug (20-20) PP (MLB, TH), 2 Sep (16) PP (JGH). Western Sandpiper: 27-28 Aug (2-2) PP (MLB, TH). Buff-breasted Sandpiper: 27-28 Aug (3-3) PP (MLB, TH). MAR- BLED GODWIT: 28 Aug (1) PP (MLB, TH). Sanderling: 25 Aug (1) PP (BJ), 27-28 Aug (4) (MLB, TH), 1 Sep (1) PP (DC, PC), 2 Sep (3) PP (JGH), 18 Sep (1) H (WGC). AMERICAN AVOCET: 18 Sep (1) Island 21 (WGC). LAUGHING GULL: 1 Sep (1 adult) PP (DC, PC), 2 Sep (1) PP (JGH). Bonaparte’s Gull: 20 Aug (2) PP (BB), 25 Aug (1) PP (BJ), 1 Sep ( 1) PP (DC, PC), 2 Sep (2) PP (JGH), 4 Sep (4) PP (BB, PS), 5 Sep(5) PP (HK, LK). Forrester’s Tern: 20 Aug (2) PP (BB) , 25 Aug (3) PP (3) , 26 Aug ( 1 ) PP (BB , MLB) , 27-28 Aug (25-25) PP (MLB , TH), 1 Sep (2) PP (DC, PC), 3 Sep (2) Island 21 (WGC), 4 Sep (4) PP (Warioto Audubon Chapter). Common Tern; 27-28 Aug (5-5) PP (MLB, TH), 2 Sep (2) PP (JGH), 5 Sep (5) PP (HK, LK). Caspian Tern: 20 Aug (9) PP (BB), 25 Aug (3) PP (BJ), 26 Aug (7) PP (MLB, BB), 27 Aug (6) PP (MLB, TH), 1 Sep (2) PP (DC, PC). Black Tern: 20 Aug (24) PP (BB), 26 Aug (2) PP (MLB, BB), 27-28 Aug (15-2) PP (MLB, TH), 2 Sep (2) PP (JGH). Woodpecker-Sparrow: Black-billed Cuckoo: 14 Aug (1) PF(HBD), 14 Oct (1) FPSP (LCC), 20 Oct (1) SC (DK). Red-headed Woodpecker: 29 Oct (132) SFSP (TOS). Tree Swallow: 14 Oct (3000) FPSP (TOS), 29 Oct (250) SFSP (TOS), Brown Creeper: 4 Oct (1) RP (CB, HBD, SF). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 29 Oct (5) SFSP (MC, TOS). House Wren: 10 Oct (1) M (LCC), 11 Oct (1) OP (BBC). Swainson’s Thrush: 31 Oct (1) M (HBD). Philadelphia Vireo: 4 Cot (1) RP (CB, HBD, SF). Worm-eating Warbler: 21 Aug (1) M (RJ). Tennessee Warbler: 25 Oct (1) M (HBD). Yeilow-rumped Warbler: 30 Sep (1) HP (CB, HBD, SF), 6 Oct (2) OP (BBC) , 7 Oct (4) M (GP) , 9 Oct ( 1 ) M (RB) , 1 1 Oct ( 1 ) OP (BBC) . Mourning [VoL. 50, 1979] 20 THE MIGRANT MARCH Warbler: 20 Oct (1) SC (DK). Cardinal: 3 Oct (1 feeding young) M (HBD). White-throated Sparrow: 7 Oct (1) OP (MW), 10 Oct (1) M (LCC). Locations: F — Finley (Dyer Co); FPSP — Ft. Pillow State Park (Lauderdale Co.); H — Heloise (Dyer Co); HP — Herb Parsons Lake (Fayette Co.); Island 21 (Dyer Co.); M — Memphis; OP — Overton Park (in Memphis); PF — Penal Farm (Shelby Co.); PP — Pace Point (Big Sandy National Wildlife Refuge); R — Reelfoot Lake Nat. Wildlife Refuge); RP~~foverside Park (Dr. Martin Luther King Park, Memphis); SC — Shelby County; SFSP — Shelby Forest State Park (Shelby Co.); Sv — Sommerville (Fayette Co.); TWA — Tigrett Wildlife Area (Dyer Co.); T — Tipton Co. (U.S. 51). Observers: BB — Bill Blakeslee; CB — Carolyn Bullock; MLB — Mike L. Bierly; BBC— Ben B. Coffey, Jr.; LCC — Lula C. Coffey; DC— Dot Crawford: PC— Paul Crawford; WGC— W. G. Criswell; DD— Dollyann Daily; HBD— Helen B. Dinkelspiel; SF^ — Sue Ferguson; TH— Thomas Harston; JGH— James G. Holt; BJ^ — Bill Jones; RJ — Rusty Jones; PK — Pete Kalla; DK — Douglas Kibbe; HK — Hazel Kramer; LK — Lee Kramer; DM — Don Manning; GM — ^Gina Manning; RM — Robert McGowan; GP— Gerald Papachristou; RP — Rob Peeples; JNS — J. Neil Smith; PS — Pat Stallings; TOS — Memphis Chapter; BW— Bill Ward; Warioto Audubon (Scott Gunn, leader); MW — Martha Waldron. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis 38117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— The fall migration was thin at best. Field observer’s commented on the lack of birds and this was reflected in the fall banding totals of Katherine Goodpasture at Basin Spring, and Heather and John Riggins at Two Jays Sanctuary. The weather was close to average with a freeze in Nashville on 15 October perhaps discouraging some birds to linger. Twenty-four species of shorebirds were recorded in the Nashville area during the period. The Gallatin Steam Plant again was attractive to shorebirds. Nashville’s Fall Count, 30 September - 1 October, recorded 151 species which was second highest in the 7 year history of these 2 day fall counts. Ibis-Falcon: WHITE IBIS: The region experienced its 2nd consecutive “fall” invasion though in smaller numbers than in 1977 — 2 Aug near Burt, Cannon Co (2 immatures) FHB; 3 Sep near Nunnely, Hickman Co (1 immature) KA. American Wigeon: 8 Sep Cheatham Co (1) TMM, earliest Nash area 12 days. Bufflehead: 25 Oct Radnor Lake, Nash ( 1 male) MLB, earliest Nash 3 days. Rough-legged Hawk: 16 Oct 1-24, exit 11, Montgomery Co (1 light phase) TMM 1st for season. Marsh Hawk: Early dates— 4 Sep Cross Creeks Nat’l Wildlife Refuge (1) BJ, MPS, MW, WPB; 20 Sep Hillsboro, Grundy Co (1) ER. PEREGRINE EALCON: 23 Sep Ashland City Marsh, Cheatham Co (1) TNH, RJM; 24 Sep Rim Rock Mesa, White Co (1) NTOS. Fall migrants. Rail-Tern: Virginia Rail: 2 Oct Lebanon (1 injured) JS; 21 Oct Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (1) TL, RP. American Coot: 23 Jun - 25 Aug Woods Reservoir (2) CSB, a summer record of apparently non-breeding birds. PIPING PLOVER: 11-17 Aug Gallatin Steam Plant (2-3-2) DPC, 8th Nash area record, 3rd consecutive fall in Gallatin. RUDDY TURNSTONE: 16 Aug Gallatin Steam Plant (1 breeding plumage) DPC; 17 Sep Gallatin Steam Plant (1 winter plumage) DPC. These are 7th and 8th records Nash area. Common Snipe: 20 Aug Tidwell Ponds, Cookeville (1) HJMcL. Upland Sandpiper: 1 1-18 Aug Metro Airport, Nash (5-1) MLM, WPB, continuation of records at airport from previous period. WILLET: 16 Aug Gallatin Steam Plant (3) DPC, 3rd fall record Nash area. White-rumped [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 21 Sandpiper: 3 Sep Sycamore Recreational Area, Cheatham Co ( 1) TMM, RJM, rare in fall. Short-billed Dowitcher: 27 Sep Gallatin (1 calling) DPC. Long-billed Dowitcher: 16 Aug Gallatin Steam Plant (1 calling) DPC, limited records iden- tified to species . Sanderling: Good flight — 5- 1 6 Aug ( 1 ) , 1 9 (2) , 2 Sep ( 1 ) , 26 Sep- 1 Oct (1), all Gallatin Steam Plant, DPC; 17 Aug Smyrna Airport (1) MLM). AMERICAN AVOCET: Continuation of major fall movement — 31 Aug Cheatham Co (6) TMM; 1-3 Sep Buena Vista, Nash (1) DV, then others; 28 Sep 1 - 1 Oct Gallatin (4-1) DPC. These are 9th-llth records Nash area. WILSON'S PHALAROPE: 16 Aug Gallatin Steam Plant (3) DPC. NORTHERN PHALAROPE: 23 Sep Radnor Lake, Nash (1) MLM, third record Nash. JAEGER SPECIES: 16 Sep - 27 Oct Woods Reservoir (1 -photos) MLB, DV, then others, first Tennessee record. Common Tern: 18 Sep Woods Reservoir (3) BB, CSB, getting late. LEAST TERN: 16-17 Aug Gallatin Steam Plant (2-1) DPC, 8th record Nash area. Cuckoo-Wren: Yellow-billed Cuckoo: Known for late nesting, this year 3 Sep records were noted. Early Sep Bellwood, Wilson Co (adult incubating) SS; 6-7 Sep Montgomery Bell Park, Dickson Co (adult incubating) MD, VP; 4 Sep Basin Spring (adult incubating 2 eggs), 9 Sep (2 eggs had hatched) KAG. Common Nighthawk: Migration observed this fall was good. Largest flocks noted were — 26 Aug Wilson Co (75, flock) MLM; 26 Aug Fentress Co (4 flocks 500 each + 2000 one flock) MLM; 15 Sep Grundy Co (4 flocks totalling 130) MLB, DV; 15 Sep Monteagle (300, flock) GK. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 18 Sep Nash (1) JCM, ties earliest Nash. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 19 Aug - 30 Sep Nash area (14 banded) KAG, ATT, reflects migration through area. Olive-sided Flycatcher: 30 Sep Ashland City Marsh (1) TMM, CE, RJM, ties latest fall Nash area. Brown Creeper: Early, 8 Sep Woodbury (1) FB. Long-billed Marsh Wren: 30 Sep - 1 Oct Nashville Fall Count (1; 26) NTOS, nice number. Short-billed Marsh Wren: 1 Oct Metro Center, Nashville Fall Count (10) NTOS, good number. Vireo-Crossbill: Philadelphia Vireo: 19 Oct Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge (1) TMM. Cape May Warbler: 24 Sep York Mill, Fentress Co (3, one bright, two dull plumaged). Fall records in Middle Tennessee are rare so three individuals together on the Cumberland Plateau leads one to wonder if regular fall movements occur as far west in the state as the Plateau. Black-throated Blue Warbler: 22 Aug Cumberland Plateau, Warren Co (1 female) GRM, early mig- rant?; 30 Sep - 5 Oct Woodbury (1) FB, rare “Middle Tennessee.” Northern (Baltimore) Oriole: 24 Sep Rim Rock Mesa, White Co (2) NTOS; 24 Sep Two Jays Sanctuary, Nash area ( 1 banded) HJR. RED CROSSBILL: 2 1 Oct Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (1 male) TL, RP, rare anytime “Middle Tennessee.” Observers (alphabetically beginning first initial): ATT — Ann T. Tarbell; BB — Benton Basham' BJ — Bill Jones; CE — Craig Empson; CSB — Carroll and Stanley Barr; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; DRH — Dave and Robbie Hassler; DV — David Vogt; ER — Erma Rogers; FB — Frances Bryson; FHB — Frances and Hoyt Bryson; GK — Glen King; GRM — George R. Mayfield; HJMcL — Helen and Joe McLaughlin; HRJ — Heather and John Riggins; JCM — James C. Maynard; JS — John Sellars; KA — Kenneth Anderson; MD — Milbrey Dugger; MLB — Michael L. Bierly; MLM — Margaret L. Mann; MPS — M. Pat Stallings; MW — Miriam Weinstein; NTOS — Nashville TOS; RJM — Rocky J. Milbum; RP — Rick Phillips; SS^ — Sara Stanford; TL — Tom Langhlin; TMM — Tim M. Mann; TNH — Thomas N. Harston; VP — Virginia Price; WPB — William P. Blakeslee. Michael Lee Bierly, 2415 Crestmoor Road, Nashville 37215. [VoL. 50, 1979] 22 THE MIGRANT MARCH EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— As for the past several years, reporting observers concentrated their efforts on the wading and shorebirds. The Kingston Steam Plant was more closely surveyed than ever before and yielded a great amount of new migration data. Never before have we ever recorded such sustained numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers or the August records of Dunlin. This should be a strong lure for the Knoxville field reporters to make every effort to observe their closeby ‘ ‘mecca for shorebirds ” on a daily basis . Tony Koella should be given a special thank you for the fine observations contributed from the little reported area of Douglas Lake. Conspicuous by their size was the late summer movement of immature White Ibis. Less conspicuous and harder to detect is the late summer movement of Orchard Orioles. A few years ago August dates and numbers were numerous, but not recently. This year there was only one record. Possibly observations are being made and not reported. Select abbreviations: ad — adult; eop — end of period; et al — and others; fide — reported by; imm — immature; max — maximum; mob — many observers. Loon-Crane: Common Loon: 26 Oct (1) BE (MD, SG). Double-crested Cormorant: 17, 29 Oct (1) HRA (JWS et al). Green Heron: max 10 Aug (30) DL (TK). Little Blue Heron: 1-33 regular to 19 Sep HRA (KLD, JWS); 10, 13 Aug (13) DL (TK). Cattle Egret: 1 Aug (1) HRA (KLD); 10 Aug (4) DL (TK); 17 Aug (2) HRA (JWS), 4 Oct (1) HRA (JWS). Great Egret: regular to 28 Oct (1-15) HRA, SB (KLD), JWS); 6 Aug ( 1) Blountville (RK); 1 3 Aug (27) DL (TK); 24 Oct (2) K (PP). SNOWY EGRET: 1 1 Aug (1) SB (LD). LOUISIANA HERON: 31 Aug - 16 Sep (1) HRA (KLD, JWS). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 28 Sep, 7 Oct (1) AS (SG, MD). Least Bittern: 4 Sep (1) AS (SG, MD). Glossy Ibis: 28 Aug (1) LB (JBO). WHITE IBIS: all records are of immature birds; thru 19 Sep (3-6) HRA (KLD, JWS); 13 Aug (1) DL (TK); 28 Aug (2) LB (JBO); 14 Sep ( 1) CL (JWS), 15 Sep(l) CL(CPN), 1-6 Oct (1) CL(PPO). Canada Goose: 1st wintering birds CL 26 Sep (39) Prances Olson. Snow Goose (blue morph): 17 Oct (1) HRA (JWS). Blue-winged Teal: regular with max 1 Sep (138) SB, HRA (KLD, JWS); 19 Sep - 27 Oct (1 + ) AS (DL, RK). American Wigeon: 29 Sep (1) AS (RK). N. Shoveler: 30 Aug - 8 Sep (2) HRA (KLD, JWS). Ring-necked Duck: 10 Sep (2) KSP (KTOS). Lesser Scaup: 1, 26 Aug (2) HRA (KLD, JWS). Ruddy Duck: 28-29 Oct (5, 1) BL (RK, DL). Bald Eagle: 23 Aug ( 1 ad) NoL (JCH), 27 Sep ( 1) NoL (JCH). PEREGRINE EALCON: 14 Oct (1 imm, “found dead, apparently not shot”) Greene Co. (Bill Yambert). MERLIN: 24 Sep (1) K (JMC, CPN); 30 Sep (1) Oak Ridge (JMC); 7 Oct (1) AS (MD, SG). Sandhill Crane: a very early report on 28 Sep (42) flying over NoL (Jim Pentecost fide CPN). Plover-Phalarope: Semipalmated Plover: 10 Aug - 26 Sep (1-4) KSP, HRA, SB (KLD, JWS). PIPING PLOVER: 2-8 Sep (1) KSP (KLD, JWS). Am. Golden Plover: 5-7 Sep ( 1) LB (CPN); 1 8 Sep ( 1) KSP (MaD, CPN, ABS); 26 Sep ( 1) KSP (KLD). Black-bellied Plover: 14 Aug (1) KSP (KLD); 13 Oct (2) SB (LD). RUDDY TURNSTONE: 10 Aug, 4 Sep (1) DL (TK). Common Snipe: 26 Aug (1) KSP(LD, JWS).IL/LL£r.* 10, 13 Aug ( 1) DL (TK). Greater Yellowlegs: 5 Aug to eop (1-14) HRA KSP (KLD, JWS). Lesser Yellowlegs: regular to 14 Oct (1-20) KSP, HRA (KLD, JWS); 10, 13 Aug (2, 1) DL (TK). Pectoral Sandpiper: regular to 24 Oct (1-47) HRA, KSP (KLD, JWS); 27 Aug (45) DL (TK). BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: 27 Aug (1) DL (TK). Least Sandpiper: 1-30 regular HRA, KSP (KLD, JWS); 4 Sep (24) DL (TK) . DUNLIN: 1 0-26 Aug (1-15) KSP (KLD, JWS) . [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 23 Short-billed Dowitcher: 12-26 Aug (1-4 by call note) KSP SB (KLD, JWS). Dowitcher 13 Aug (10) DL (TK). Stilt Sandpiper; 1-30 Sep (1-5 irregular) KSP, SB, HRA (KLD, CPN et al). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 10 Aug - 26 Sep (1-60- KSP (KLD, JWS); 27 Aug (26) DL (TK). Western Sandpiper: 12 Aug - 12 Sep (1-4) KSP (KLD, JWS et al); 18 Oct (4) BL (PP); 4 Sep (4) DL (TK). Buff-breasted Sandpiper: 18 Sep (1) KSP (MaD, CPN, ABS). Sanderling: 10 Aug - 26 Sep (1-5 sporadic) KSP (KLD, JWS et al). WILSON'S PHALAROPE: 2 Sep (1) KSP (LD, JWS et al); 5 Sep (1 photographed) EB (CPN). NORTHERN PHALAROPE: 8 Sep (1) KSP (KLD, JWS), 23 Sep (1) KSP (JCH, GM). Gull-Wren: Ring-billed Gull; 24 Sep (1) ELL (PP). Foster’s Tern: 6, 13 Aug (1) ELL (MaD, LT), 23-27 Sep (1-5) ELL, K (PP). Common Tem: 10 Sep ( 1) KSP (KTOS). Caspian Tem: 4-12 Sep (1-2 irregular) KSP (KLD, JWS et al); 27 Aug, 4 Sep (2, 4) DL (TK); 23 Sep (1) HRA (RK). Black Tem: irregular to 3 1 Aug (1-10) HRA, SB, KSP (KLD, JWS); 6 Aug (1) ELL (MaD, LT). Bam Owl: “two active sites in Washington Co.’’ (RK et al). Common Nighthawk: “several reports of flocks of a few hundred birds during first third of Sep.’’ (KTOS). RED- COCKADED WOODPECKER: 18 Oct (1) Stinking Creek, Campbell Co. (JCH, GM). WESTERN KINGBIRD: 30 Sep (1) OR (JMC). Tree Swallow: 18 Oct (3) CL (CPN). Bank Swallow: 10 Aug (500) DL (TK). Rough-winged Swallow: 14 Sep (15) HRA (JWS). Purple Martin: 30 Aug (1 albino) HRA (JWS). Blue Jay: heavy migration observed 24 Sep (601) KCo (KTOS). House Wren: 2, 8 Oct KP(RAP). Thrasher-Sparrow: Brown Thrasher: 24 Sep (79) KCo (KTOS). Solitary Vireo: 22 Oct ( 1 ) Catoosa WM A (CPN et al) . Orange-crowned Warbler: 24 Sep ( 1 ) UT Plant Science Farm (JMC, CPN). Bobolink: 7 Sep (1), 1 1 Oct (1) AS (RK); 28 Sep (8) AS (MD, SG, HD). Orchard Oriole: 1 Aug (3) SB (KLD). Blue Grosbeak: 28 Sep (1) Lamar (RK). Dickcissel: 24 Sep (2) K (ABS). SHARP-TAILED SPARROW: 27 Sep (2) AS (MD, SG, HD). White-crowned Sparrow: 6 Oct (1) AS (DL). Fox Sparrow: 29 Oct (1) HRA (ABS). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 27-29 Sep (1) AS (RK, SG, MD); 29 Oct (1) HRA (Chris Haney). Locations: AS — Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake; CL — Cove Lake; DL — Douglas Lake; EB — Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery, Clinton; FLL — Fort Loudon Lake; HRA— Hiwassee River Area; K — Knoxville; KCo — Knox County; KP — Kingsport; KSP — Kingston Steam Plant; NoL — Norris Lake; OR — Oak Ridge; SB- — Savannah Bay. Observers: JMC — James M. Campbell; MaD — Marcia Davis; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; HD — Helenhill Dove; KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke; SG — Sally Goodin; JCH — Joseph C. Howell; TK — Jon A. “Tony” Koella; RK — Rick Knight; KTOS — TOS, Knoxville Chapter; DL — Dick Lura; GM — Gary Muffly; CPN — Charles P. Nicholson; JBO — J. B. Owen; PP — Paul Pardue; RAP — Rick A. Phillips; ABS — A. Boyd Sharp; JWS — JoWayne Stone; LT — Linda Turner. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke, Route 1, Box 134D, Ooltewah 37363. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — The entire period produced average bird movements. The shorebird flight was poor, most of the warblers were gone by mid-October, and most of the usual species of waterfowl had been seen by late October. Birds of prey seemed to be somewhat above average, hopefully continu- ing a slight upward trend from the past few years. There were no ‘ ‘northern finch ’ ’ reports through the end of October. [VoL. 50, 1979] 24 THE MIGRANT MARCH The weather was hot and wet for the month of August, but September and October were very dry with only about 2 inches of rainfall for the two month period combined. About mid-October the temperature began to fall and the first and only “killing” frost came on 9 October. Loon-Falcon: Common Loon: 1st fall sighting 28 Oct (3) WatL (GW). RED- THROATED LOON: 26-27 Oct ( 1) WatL (SG, MD, JW). Great Blue Heron: 9 Sep (1) RC (RK); 31 Oct (1) Bluff City (GE). Green Heron: last seen 30 Oct (1) RC (HE). Black Duck: 1st returned 7 Oct (1) WibL (RL). Pintail: 1st returned 30 Sep (1) RC (LRH, JM). Green- winged Teal: 1st returned 25 Oct (1) WibL (RK). American Wigeon: 1st returned 25 Oct (2) WibL (RK). Ring-necked Duck and Bufflehead: 1st returned 25 Oct (35, 1) WibL (RK). SURF SCOTER: 25-28 Oct (3-6) WibL (RK). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 8 separate sightings thru-out period. Cooper’s Hawk: 18 Sep (1) RM (RK), 23 Sep (1) HM (SG, MD), 6 Oct (1) RM (HD). Red-shouldered Hawk: 30 Sep (1) E (LRH). Marsh Hawk: 6 Oct (1) RM (HD). Osprey: 1st return on 2 Sep (1) WatL (GE), last seen 5 Oct (1) Wagis (HE). PEREGRINE FALCON: 23 Sep (1) Great Smoky Mtn. National Park (Stephen Steadman) . Yellowlegs-Shrike: Greater Yellowlegs: 24 Oct (1) RC (SG, MD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 24-25 Oct (1) RC (SG, RK, DPC). Dunlin: 25 Oct (1) RC (RK). Sanderling: 24-25 Oct (2) RC (SG, RK, DPC). Ring-billed Gull: 1st returned 25 Oct (35) E (HE). Yellow-billed Cuckoo: last seen 30 Sep (1) RC (LRH, JM). Great Homed Owl: 22, 30 Sep (2) SV (GW). Common Nighthawk: last seen 25 Oct (1) E (GE) late. Chimney Swift: last seen 12 Oct (1) E (HE). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 1st fall sighting 30 Sep (1) E (HE). E. Wood Pewee: last seen 10 Oct (1) E (HE). Olive-sided Elycatcher: 23 Sep (1) HM (ETOS). Common Raven: 1-5 regularly thm-out period on RM IM (ETOS) . House Wren: last seen 1 2 Oct ( 1 ) E (HE) . Gray Catbird: last seen 10 Oct (1) E (HE). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: last seen 30 Sep (2) E (GE, HE). Loggerhead Shrike: 23 Sep (1) and 10 Oct (1) SV (GW, SG, MD). Vireo-Sparrow: White-eyed Vireo: last seen 13 Oct (1) E (GE). Solitary Vireo: last seen 16 Oct (1) WibL (RK). Philadelphia Vireo: 9 Sep (1) RM (GW, DL). Orange-crowned Warbler: 23 Sep (1) HS (ETOS). Nashville Warbler: last seen 4 Oct (1) E (HE). Yellow-mmped Warbler: 1st fall return 30 Sep (1) RC (LRH, JM). Blackburnian Warbler: last seen 14 Oct (1) RM (RK). Pine Warbler: 9 Sep (1) RM (DL). Ovenbird: last seen 28 Oct (1) E (HE) late. Northern Waterthrush: last seen 23 Sep (1) HS (DL). Wilson’s Warbler: 29 Sep (1) E (LRH). Scarlet Tanager: last seen 15 Oct (1) E (HE). Summer Tanager: last seen 18 Oct (1) E (HE). Indigo Bunting: last seen 19 Oct (2) SV (RL). RED CROSSBILL: 18 Sep (2) RM (RK). White-throated Sparrow: 1st returned 1 Oct (2) E (GE, HE). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 12, 13, 17 Oct (1 each banded) E (LRH). Locations: E— Elizabethton; HM — Holston Mtn.; HS— -Hunter Swamp; IM — Iron Mtn.; RC — Roans Creek; RM — Roan Mtn.; SV — Siam Valley; Wagis — Wagners Island; Watl — Watauga Lake; SibL — Wilbur Lake. Observers: DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; HD — Helenhill Dove; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; ETOS — Eliz. Chapter TOS; GE— Glen Eller; HE — Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee Herndon; LRH— Lee Herndon; RK— Rick Knight; DL — Dick Lura; RL — Richard Lewis; JM — John Martin; GW — Gary Wallace; JW — Jane Whitehead. GlenD. Eller, Route #3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. [VoL. 50, 1979] 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 acceptable 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on ^Vi 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 in- tended 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. 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 summarized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the work per- formed. IDENTIFICATION: 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, 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 ac- company 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 Review of the Carolina Parakeet in Tennessee. Daniel McKinley 1 Lee R. Herndon. John Martin 7 Corrections TO r/ze Migrant and to ^ Species Index to The Migrant. Morris D. Williams 8 The 1978 Christmas Bird Count. Richard D. Lura 9 Round Table Note Summer Record of Dickcissels and Bobolinks in Hawkins County. Rick A. Phillips 17 The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, III 18 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 19 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 20 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke 22 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 23 mmmmm ^ QU/IR.TER.LY OQURNAL DEVOTED^O TENNESSE^BIRDS SHi ;'>iV‘5.';:5^v?i'VjV'‘‘^-:;V-^^^^^ UNE, 1979 OL. 50, 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 — Gary O. Wallace, Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 ' The Season Editor — Fred J. Alsop, III, Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St. , Church Hill, TN 37642 ; State Count Compiler — Richard Lura, 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN ^ 37601 All TOS members receive The Migrant and the TOS Newsletter, The Tennessee Warbler. The Newsletter carries information about meetings, forays, and club activities. Items for Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Charles P. Nicholson, Box 402, Norris, TN 37828. OFFICERS FOR 1979-81 President — Nelle Moore, 275 Palisade Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 Vice Presidents: East Tenn. — Rick Knight, 804 North Hills Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 Middle Tenn. — Dot Crawford, Rt. 4, Gallatin, TN 37066 West Tenn. — Richard L. Whittington, 3593 Norriswood Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 > Directors-at-Large: East Tenn. — Jon A. Koella, Rt. 2, White Pine, TN 37890 Middle Tenn. — Michael Dinsmore, Jarman Hollow Rd., Palmyra, TN 37142 ' West Tenn. — Mrs. C. K. G. Sumara, 1011 Church St., Tiptonville, TN 38079 L Curator — James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 ^ Secretary — Mrs. Henry S. Dinkelspiel, 6519 Massey Lane, Memphis, TN 38138 7 Treasurer — Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 7 Annual dues, $6.00; Sustaining, $10.00; Life, $150.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, f , $7.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contributions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. H 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. K{ 7 I :1 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. 50 JUNE, 1979 NO. 2 ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT, 1978 Thomas W. Finucane In 1978 the Tennessee Ornithological Society continued its unbroken series of autumn hawk counts begun in 1950. Every fall has had its own interesting features. In 1978 the Broad-winged Hawk total was 11,927, lowest since 1969. The other species flew by in record numbers, however. Sharp-shins totaled 208, exceeded only in 1977, when the count was 427. The Red-tailed Hawk total was 118, just under the 1975 record 125. The Marsh Hawk Count — 26 — was second only to the 1975 total of 33. We had 34 Ospreys; our highest count of that species was 36, in 1972. American Kestrels fell far below last years count of 84, but at 26 the 1978 count ranked third: below 34 in 1974 and equal to 26 in 1972. Sharp-shinned Hawk numbers have been increasing steadily every year in the T.O.S. data, since 1974. Although below the 1977 count, the Sharp-shin flight can still be considered in an upward trend, because in 1978 it was so much higher than in 1976. The same apparent reversal of upward trend occurred in the northeast, where Sharp-shin migration is much heavier than in our area. In 1975 the counts of Red-tailed and Marsh Hawks were higher than in 1978 principally because the T.O.S. conducted a record 98 watches, for a total of 442 hours of observation in 1975. In 1978 we had 57 watches and a total of 282 hours of observation. In 1972, when the T.O.S. Osprey count peaked, it peaked also at Hawk Mt., Pa., where daily watches are kept throughout the hawk-migration season. These surges in the Osprey counts came at a time when populations of the species were being damaged severely by the indiscriminate use of insecticides. Our 1970-1974 numbers were 23-28-36-28-19 Ospreys. The trend at Hawk Mt. was similar, but their numbers were considerably higher. (To account for the peak at a time when the more conspicuous, coastal Ospreys were being destroyed, it was suggested that inland Ospreys were profiting from reduction of competition in wintering areas.) The Broad- winged Hawk flights fell below 12,000 in 1978 after an 8-year period during which 13,452 had been the lowest count. In 1972 and again in 1976 Broad- wings at Mendota were below 6,500, but totals for the other lookouts were above 7,500. In 1971 and 1975 Mendota counts were below 3,500, but the other lookouts tallied over 10,000. These were our leanest Broad-wing years until 1978, when Mendota had 7,020 and the other stations had 4,909. On 26 Sept., 1978 Holston Radar Dome had 1,710 Broad-winged Hawks, 12:15 to 2:30. A few hawks were already flying when the watch began; only 63 were seen before 12:30. No Broad- wings were seen between 2:30 and 4:15, when the watch ended. A strong SE wind prevailed throughout the watch. On that day [VoL. 50, 1979] 26 THE MIGRANT JUNE Mendota had only 28 hawks and Kyles Ford had 8 Broad-wings in 8 hours of observation, but 190 miles ENE of Holston Mt. Sandra Chandler had 5,510 Broad-wings over Turkey Mt., in Virginia, 25 Sept. Five flights totaling 2,500 birds were counted between 10:45 and 11:10. The halfway point in the Holston Mt. data was between 1:15 and 1:30. On the assumption that flight stopped at 4:30 on 25 Sept, and resumed at 9:00 next day, flight time was 1 1 hours and flight velocity averaged 17 mph. Observation on Holston Mt. was done by Charlotte Finucane. On Saturday, 23 September, the weekend day closest to the day we expect to have maximum flights of the Broad-winged Hawk, 8 stations were active. On the western edge of our hawk-migration area, just west of Chattanooga, Ken Dubke and Bruce Wilkey had 47 Broad-wings and five other hawks in 10 hours on Signal Point, with a south wind and nearly complete cloud cover; Lil Dubke and Jo Wayne Stone had 192 Broad-wings and five other species in 8 hours on Dunlap Fire Tower, with weather the same as Signal Point’s; on Fall Creek Falls Fire Tower David Vogt had 350 Broad-wings, 10:00 to 2:00, in small flocks; Susan Bell had 5 Broad- wings and three other species at the Bon Air lookout, which had been rained out in 1975, 76, and 77 on Nashville’s Broad-winged Hawk weekend. In 1978 Mrs. Bell reported 7 hours with no rain, a strong south wind, and visibility only Vi mile; Gene West had 100 Broad-wings over the golf course at Fairfield Glade. Three miles north of Fook Rock, about 80 miles east of the lookouts mentioned above, S. J. Stedman reported 441 Broad- wings and 19 other hawks, including “an adult male Peregrine, well seen at about 100 feet when heading east. ” Cloud cover was below 20 percent, and the (east) wind was listed as 5 mph. On Kyles Ford, 80 miles farther east, Tom Odom had 217 Broad- wings in 8 hours, a steady flow of hawks between 10:00 and 3:30. On Bays Mt., 20 miles further east, Charlotte Finucane and Gerry Hedberg had 42 Broad- wings under heavy skies. The Mendota Fire Tower, 20 miles northeast and 1,800 feet higher, had only 31 Broad- wings, observed by members of the Kingsport and Elizabethton Chapter of the T.O.S., the Watauga Audubon Society, and the Virginia Society of Ornithol- ogy; the record was kept by E. E. Scott, Nickelsville, Va. On Sunday, 24 Sept., only two of these 8 lookouts were active. Mrs. Bell recorded 9 species including 259 Broad- wings, 7 Marsh Hawks, 3 Ospreys, and a Peregrine Falcon, in 8 hours on Bon Air, Ken Dubke and Bruce Wilkey had 1 1 Broad- wings and 4 other species in 10 hours at Signal Point, under 10() percent cloud cover. The watch was part of their series of 9 weekend-days of hawk- migration observation in the fall of 1978. All watches were for 10 hours. 1434 Watauga St., Kingsport 37664. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 27 EVENING GROSBEAKS BANDED IN 1978 Lee R. Hendron During the first week of January 1978 I purchased 50 lbs. of sunflower seed and began placing them on the shelf feeder ( 12" x 40") placed against the kitchen window-ledge. Within a few days Evening Grosbeaks {Hesperiphona vespertina) began to visit the feeder, a few of which were banded. I decided to attempt to capture some of them and determine when, where and by whom they had been banded. I had a Double-S trap (84" long x 30" wide and 30" high) with two entrances, one each on the long sides at ground level and an opening at one end for placement of a gathering cage (20" long x 20" wide x 8" high). The trap was placed on the ground under a Pin Oak tree {Quercus paliistris) about 25' from the shelf feeder. A hand full of sunflower seeds were placed in an 8" aluminum pan on top of the trap and more seeds on the snow or ground inside the trap. As the birds became more accustomed to the area I reduced the quantity of seeds on the shelf, thus forcing them to go to the trap to satisfy their ravenous appetites. The branches of the Pin Oak tree, directly over the trap served as a staging area for approach, and from which they could see the sunflower seeds. Some finely cracked corn was also used, which was attractive to other species of birds and helped to maintain a mixed flock in the area. The first grosbeaks were caught 9 January 1978 and through 20 January a total of 48 grosbeaks were captured and banded. During the entire time the ground was covered with snow. No trapping was done during the period 21 January through 14 Eebruary, as I was away from home. On 15 Eebruary trapping was resumed. At times so many birds entered the trap that it was necessary to remove a few at a time and transfer them to a 16-celled holding cage to prevent injury. The holding cage was kept in my tool room, where the banding was done and which was kept darkened except during the banding, measuring and weighing operation. Handling was done, mostly in the dark, which minimized biting and injury, to the birds as well as the bander. Not one bird was lost or seriously injured during the entire operation. The operation was especially heavy during the cold snowy days through the first third of March but continued sporadically until long after the snow was gone and ended abruptly on 3 May, and no grosbeak was seen in the area after 5 May. A total of 384 birds was banded, 200 females and 184 males. Only 33 or 8.6% of the birds' repeated, that is, they were trapped again during the season. Only six birds TABLE 1 EVENING GROSBEAK BANDINGS AND RECOVERIES Date Banded Recap. Location Banding Yrs. to Mo. Recovery Da. Dist. Mi. Dir. 1-10-73 1-13-78 St. Albans, WV 5 6 12 125 N 4-16-75 5- 7-78 Pelliston, MI 2 10 19 700 NNW 12-31-76 1-11-78 Whiting, NJ 1 0 12 500 ENE 3-24-77 3- 4-78 Vestal, NY 0 11 20 550 NE 1-11-78 1-22-78 RECOVERED Norris, TN 0 0 11 100 W 3-30-78 5-14-78 Danville, PA 0 1 15 500 NE [VoL. 50, 1979] 28 THE MIGRANT JUNE repeated more than once; three repeated twice; two repeated three times and one repeated nine times during a span of five days, twice each on two days and three times one day during the five day period. Only six birds repeated after a lapse of 30 days, four of these repeated only once, and three of these repeated after a lapse of more than 50 days; the longest being 73 days. These data indicate that there was a tremendous influx of Evening Grosbeaks to the area during the winter of 1978; that they were nomadic in their movements and that they remained in the area for a relatively short time, although a few remained or returned after a period of absence, and that of the foreign recoveries, they had visited areas to the north, northeast and east during a period of five years. Four foreign recoveries (that is, birds that were banded somewhere other than at this banding station) were made during this operation. The data ree, although a few remained or returned after a period of absence, and that of the foreign recoveries, they had visited areas to the north, northeast and east during a period of five years. Four foreign recoveries (that is, birds that were banded somewhere other than at this banding station) were made during this operation. The data relative to the banding of these birds is given in Table 1. Also the data relative to two birds banded at this station are given as the last two entries to the table. It is noteworthy that all six of these recoveries were females. The foreign recoveries were banded in an arc from almost directly north to northeast, or from Michigan to New Jersey while the two birds recovered from those I banded were almost due west to north northeast and the longest interval between banding and recovery was 46 days. 673 Golf Course Drive, Elizabethton 37643. Accepted 30 Oct., 1978. THE TENNESSEE WARBLER NEWSLETTER OF THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY In April, 1979, Volume 1, No. 1 of the new TOS newsletter. The Tennessee Warbler was published. The Warbler is a semi-annual publication appearing in April and September. The newsletter is designed to be a means of communicating between chapters and individual members of the TOS. This will include chapter news, announcements of state meetings and forays, and other timely items. All chapters are requested to submit news of chapter events, and personal items are welcome, space permitting. In addition to state organization and chapter news, the newsletter will publish descriptions of ornithological research being carried out in the state. This includes work being carried out at universities, state and federal agencies, and by individu- als. Birding information, of less scientific value than that appearing in The Migrant, will also be considered for publication in the newsletter. The deadline for the April issue is 10 March, and deadline for the September issue is 15 August. Please contribute. Charles P. Nicholson, Editor, P. O. Box 402, Norris, TN 37828. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 29 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL SPRING MEETING, 1978 MAY 5, 1979 The 64th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Or- nithological Society was held at the Methodist Assembly, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee at 3:30 p.m. The President, Kenneth Dubke, presided. The Minutes of the 1978 Fall Symposium were read by the Secretary and approved. REPORTS OF OFFICERS There were no reports from the Vice-Presidents, the Secretary, the Curator, and the Directors-at- Large. Treasurer, O. Ray Jordan, reported that the Society had a cash balance on hand of $2,738.20. Savings assets were totalled at $16,121.13. The President expressed thanks to Mr. Jordan for his contribution to the Society. In the absence of Editor, Gary O. Wallace, the President reported that the December issue of The Migrant was ready to go and that the material for the March issue had been compiled. There was no report from ‘The Season” editor, Fred Alsop and the State Count Compiler, Richard Lura. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Finance Committee Chairman, Jo Stone, reported that the records of the Treasurer were in order. He recommended that the Certification of Deposit, due to mature in June, be placed in a special savings account in a place convenient to the incoming treasurer in order to provide access to available interest monies. After some discussion, Ken Dubke suggested that the Treasurer-elect and the President-elect work up a proposal by the Fall Meeting for the appropriate rein- vestment of the money. The President asked for a motion on the issue, Mike Bierly moved and Lil Dubke seconded the motion that the principal from the Certificates of Deposit be reinvested and the interest be placed in a savings account by the incoming President, Treasurer, and Finance Committee Chairperson, at their discretion. The question was called and the motion was carried. In the absence of Conservation Committee Chairman, George Mayfield, Ken Dubke announced that comments by T.O.S. and other concerned organizations and individuals had resulted in a requirement that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers file a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement on channeliza- tion activities in the Obion and Forked Deer Rivers in West Tennessee. Foray Director, Charles P. Nicholson announced the 1979 Foray would be held June lst-3rd in Fentress and Pickett Counties and that he would provide any necessary information on the event to interested persons. REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairperson, Lula Coffey, reported the following nominations for officers: President — Nelle Moore Vice-President (East Tennessee) — Rick Knight [VoL. 50, 1979] 30 THE MIGRANT JUNE Vice-President (Middle Tennessee) — Dot Crawford Vice-President (West Tennessee) — Richard L. Whittington Directors-at-Large — Jon A. Koella (East Tennessee) Michael Dinsmore (Middle Tennessee) Mrs. C. K. G. Sumara (West Tennessee) Secretary — Mrs. Henry S. Dinkelspiel Treasurer — Martha Waldron Editor — Gary O. Wallace Curator— Dr. James T. Tanner Paul Pardue moved that those nominated be elected by acclamation, Lois Herndon seconded, the motion was carried. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES Mike Bierly reported that on 4 May, 1979 the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency had acquired management responsibility for the Bordeaux Black- Crowned Night Heron Rookery in Nashville. He reported that T.O.S. had success- fully raised its share of $4,000.00. He further reported that the birds had returned to everyone’s relief. Bob Hatcher, Non-Game and Endangered Species Coor- dinator for TWRA, announced that the area would be fenced some time after August so the birds would not be disturbed. John Sellars reminded the Directors that he suggested that each individual member of T.O.S. should contribute so the organization could meet its pledge of $500.00 to the Nashville Chapter. In the absence of Dr. Fred Alsop, Charles P. Nicholson reported that a pocket-sized list of Tennessee Birds with some seasonal notes had been proposed for Avifauna IV. The President suggested that the matter be deferred for considera- tion at the Fall Meeting. The President reminded the Directors that the question of Morris Williams’ Gazateer and Geographical Index had been deferred at the 1978 Fall meeting. Charles P. Nicholson gave a brief synopsis of the intent of the publication. Ben Coffey expressed reservations about investing funds in publications other than The Migrant and moved that the question be deferred again to subsequent meetings. The motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Mike Bierly expressed some concern about the status of the membership list. The President suggested that reports from each Chapter could resolve the problem. Lil Dubke announced that the Society had now realized a $32.50 profit on decals. Glen King moved that the Directors recognize the Tennessee Warbler as the official newsletter of the Society. Paul Pardue read three resolutions for consideration by the Directors. A resolution supporting the establishment of a Tennessee NonGame Wildlife Federa- tion was passed with no dissenting votes. A resolution supporting the establish- ment of National Hawk Watching Week was passed with no dissenting votes. A resolution supporting the establishment of a Cumberland Plateau National Forest to protect Carter Mountain Lands was passed with no dissenting votes. Mack Prichard expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the T.O.S. with the Cumberland-Harpeth Chapter of Audubon and the Nature Conservancy in saving the Bordeaux Heronry. He suggested that the Society should make its concerns known concerning the apparent overdevelopment of the Savage Gulf [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 31 State Natural Area. Paul Pardue and Ben Coffey jointly moved to express the Society’s concerns to the appropriate persons. The motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned by the President at 5:55 p.m. Bruce Wilkey, Secretary EDITORIAL The Migrant is one of the more visual activities of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Much of Tennessee’s past history of birds and birding are recorded on its pages. Hopefully this will continue far into the future. Much effort goes into getting The Migrant to the subscribers. But, regardless of effort, we seem to slowly slip further and further behind. The frustration of always being late, sometimes very late, has prompted us to develop some dead- lines to serve as guides to contributors of The Migrant. These deadline dates are as follows: March (15 Jan.), June (lJune), September ( 1 Aug.), December ( 15 Oct.). Any material to be included should reach the editor on or before the deadline date for that issue. A schedule for reporting records to ‘ The Season ’ ’ section of The Migrant is as follows: Issue Reporting Period Data to the Season Editor Data to Editor hy March Fall Migration 1 Aug. -31 Oct. 15 Dec. 15 Jan. June Winter Season 1 Nov. -15 Mar. 1 May 1 June September Spring Migration 16 Mar.- 15 May 1 July 1 Aug. December Nesting Season 16 May-31 July 15 Sept. 15 Oct. Beginning with the March issue, 1980, The Migrant will go on the above schedule. It is not our desire to place a rigid set of rules on contributors but it is hoped that these few suggestions will give the contributors a better idea of when material should be sent in to The Migrant. GaryO. Wallace [VoL. 50, 1979] 32 THE MIGRANT JUNE THE H. O. TODD EGG COLLECTION AT SEWANEE Harry C. Yeatman The late Henry Oliver Todd wished his superb egg collection to be properly used and protectively housed in Tennessee, when he passed on. Consequently, when T.O.S. member Jon DeVore suggested the University of the South, with its interested ornithologists and new science building, he donated his entire collection in his will to this institution. Several large universities and the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology in California requested the collection both before and after Todd’s death, but it was felt that the eggs would receive more intimate care and better use in a small, easily available institution. The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology already has one of the largest bird egg collection in America, and it would be unwise to ‘ ‘put all your eggs in one basket. ’ ’ This collection should be kept in Tennessee for most of the specimens are from Tennessee birds. Thousands of eggs, including hundreds of Black Vulture eggs and some eggs from Florida and western America, are represented. Only temporarily exposed exhibits are proposed because light, dust, and heat fade the pigments. To avoid breakage and loss, no transportation outside Sewanee is permitted. Study of the eggs by ornithologists is encouraged. These eggs have been photographed and measured, used for DDE (metabolic product of DDT) determi- nations, used in identifying egg fragments and egg color photographs, and studied for variations and relationships between species and subspecies. Guides to bird egg identification are quite useful and are transportable, but usually show only one example or, at most, a few variations. Eggs within a species vary in size, shape, and in colors and markings, if any. Are Baltimore and Bullock’s Orioles really one species or are their eggs sufficiently different to separate them? Eggs of both these orioles are present in the Todd collection, awaiting study. Eggs can often be more distinctive than the adults. Male Cooper’s Hawks are often difficult to distinguish from female Sharp-shinned Hawks and are about the same size, but the eggs of these species are quite different. Todd’s Cooper’s Hawk eggs are unmarked white whereas his Sharp-shinned Hawk eggs are beautifully blotched and spotted with brown. Todd’s eggs are marked with AOU numbers, clutch numbers, and dates, and are catalogued. Variations within clutches and numbers within clutches are shown. The number of eggs laid in each clutch indicates the vulnerability of the species or even of the geographic population. Very vulnerable birds lay more eggs than those with good defenses, good concealment, inaccessable habitats, and fast flight, or they become exterminated. Likewise, birds living within isolated or restricted habitats, such as islands, mountain tops, etc., lay few eggs or overpopulate and starve. Exhibits and programs on Todd’s collection have been presented to several TOS chapters and to many school science classes. Persons interested in seeing and studying the collection or finding out if the collection contains the eggs of a particular species, should write me — Biology Department, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee 37375. Accepted 6 June, 1979. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 33 ROUND TABLE NOTES A HERON ROOST AT DYERSBURG— A woods north of the North Eork, Forked Deer River, between the R.R. and US 5 1 , was used as a roost this summer and fall (1977) by several species of herons and a few immature White Ibise {Eudocimus albus). The birds arrived in late evening, generally from the east. I first noted them on 15 June and counts were made frequently after that — almost daily for long periods. Surprisingly, Little Blue Herons {Florida caerulea) in adult plumage were predominant until mid- August when Cattle Egrets {Bubulcus ibis) increased. On 18 June, 483 Little Blues, including 20 in pied or blue and white plumage, were counted. Only 6 Cattle Egrets were seen. On 28 June, the first immature Little Blues (11) were noted; there were 33 in pied plumage, and 592 adults. The highest total was on 14 July: 978, of which about 32 were in pied plumage, and 76, immature. On 29 July, the immatures numbered 205. In August, total Little Blue Herons dropped from 800 to 650 on 17 Aug., then about 200 except 30 Aug. (322) and 1 Setp. (315). By 16 Sept, the immatures were 98 and adults 37. The last adult, was 8 Oct., with 6 immatures; the last immature was a single on 21 Oct. Usually, post-breeding season flocks have more immatures than adults, according to Ben B. Coffey, Jr. and we wonder if some heronry was adversely affected and no nesting took place there last May-June. We know of no heronry in the immediate area. The Cattle Egrets numbered under 60 during July except for 1 05 on 26 July . On 3 Aug. I counted 141; by 11 Aug., 571, and the rest of the month, slightly over 800 . The highest number was 1 , 1 44 on 16 Sept . , increasing from 642 on 1 4 Sept . ; then dropping to 732 on 22 Sept. October counts decreased from 440 on 7 Oct. to 69 on 18 Oct. None were seen on 20 Oct., the last seen, were 2 on 21 Oct. Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) were infrequently seen — from 1 to 3. Green Herons {Butorides striatus) were seen on 9 dates, from 1 to 8. Great Egrets {Casmerodius albus) from 1 to 4, were seen on most dates. No Snowy Egrets {Leucophoyx thula) were seen here but four were recorded 1 Aug. at the Missis- sippi River (Island 21, Dyer County). The only Yellow-crowned Night Herons {Nyctanassa violacea) were 2 on 17 June and 1 the next evening. A Mississippi Kite {Ictinia mississippiensis) was seen at the roose, 3 and 4 Aug. Immature White Ibises used the roost from 26 July to 13 Oct., the small numbers fluctuating up and down, at times; appearing as one flock and again, straggling. During July, 1 to 3, early August, 4 to 8; but only one, from 18 Aug. thru 13 Sept. Then: 13 Sept (1), 14 Sept. (16), 15 Sept. (0), 16 Sept. (1), 17 Sept. (14), 18 Sept. (6). From 20 to 26 Sept., 5 each night; from 28 Sept, to 13 Oct., only one appeared each evening. Wm. Glen Criswell, 422 Wilson Drive, Dyersburg 38024. Accepted 26 Nov. 1977. LEAST TERN AT AUSTIN SPRINGS— On 7 August 1 977 , while birding the Austin Springs Sand Pits, in the eastern end of Washington Co., along the Watauga River, an immature Least Tern {Sterna albifrons) was seen among a flock of 12 to 15 Black Terns {Chlidonias niger). The tern was white above except for the primary and secondary wing coverts which were dark gray interspersed with black. Its bill was dark and the cap was that of a winter plumage bird. The bird was considerably smaller than the black terns in body bulk, body length, and wing [VoL. 50, 1979] 34 THE MIGRANT JUNE thickness. The Least Tern was much more agile than the Black Terns and exhibited considerable hovering behavior. It was wary of the Black Terns and was easily scared from a resting perch by incoming Black Terns. The bird was observed both in flight and perched with 7x binoculars and a 20x spotting scope. Several other birders from the area observed the bird that day and the next day two Least Terns were observed at the same location. The birds were not seen after 8 August. This sighting constitutes the eastern most appearance of the Least Tern in Tennessee. Richard Lura, 1903 Eastwood Drive, Johnson City 37601. Accepted Oct. 1977. MONK PARAKEET IN KNOX COUNTY— On 17 October 1977, 10:30 a.m., several Knoxville TOS members (Linda Turner, Bill and Allison McNutt, Holly Overton, Paul Pardue, Boyd Sharp, Joe Watson) observed a peculiar parrot-like bird perched on a telephone wire at the Knoxville Plant and Soil Science farm. The bird was viewed through a spotting scope (20x) from a distance of about 50 meters. The following characteristics were noted: bright green back, nape, and crown, grey throat and forehead, yellow lower belly, light orange beak. The bird appeared to be about the size of a Mourning Dove {Zenaida macroura), approxi- mately 28 cm in length. As the bird finally flew, it squawked noisily; a long thin tail and blue remiges were evident. Several members identified the bird as a Monk Parakeet {Myiopsitta monachus). Our description of this bird agrees with the pictures and the description of the Monk Parakeet in The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds Eastern Region by Bull and Farrand ( 1 977) . At least two other TOS members (Fred J. Alsop and J. B. Owen) were able to view the bird the following day to confirm the observation. The area where the bird was found contains large tracts of uncut com and soybeans. The bird was observed feeding in one of these corn fields. There has been only one other report of a Monk Parakeet in the wild in Tennessee. Helen Dinkelspiel {Migrant 44(3): 82) reported a Monk Parakeet in Shelby County 3 February 1973 that was collecting nesting material. Our sighting is the first report of a Monk Parakeet in Knox County and in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Linda Turner, Department of Forestry, The University of Tennessee, Knox- ville 37916. Accepted 26 Oct. 1977. NESTING ALDER FLYCATCHERS IN TENNESSEE— The Alder Flycatcher {Empidonax alnorum) was first identified on 12 June 1978, by Edmund LeGrand of Raleigh, North Carolina, while hiking along the Appalachian Trail between Grassy Ridge Bald and Round Bald. (The Appalachian Trail, in this area, runs essentially along the state lines of Tennessee and North Carolina involving Carter County, Tennessee and Mitchell County, North Carolina.) The record was verified for the T.O.S. by Edward Schell, Johnson City, Tennessee, who was escorted to the site by Mr. LeGrand. Two Alder Flycatchers were heard singing by LeGrand, with Schell hearing one in Tennessee. The birds were giving the typical fee-bee-o song of the Alder Flycatcher. LeGrand sighted the bird heard on the North Carolina side. Numerous T.O.S. members heard and saw Alder Flycatchers along the same [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 35 region of the Appalachian Trail over the ensuing weeks. Vocal activity sharply decreased during the last week of June. On 24 June, a party of six T.O.S. members. Dot Crawford, Paul Crawford, Daniel Jacobson, Bill Jones, Richard Lura, and Gary Wallace, conducted a survey of the area along the Appalachian Trail between Round Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald. Seven singing males were counted over a distance of 1.5 miles, six in Tennessee and one in North Carolina. This area has an elevation range of between 5,500 and 5,800 feet. The only sign of nesting occurred on the east face, Tennessee side, of Round Bald at the interface of the bald and the alder thickets. A singing male was seen to repetitively visit a small alder thicket, flying back and forth across an opening in the thicket. The male was occasionally joined by a female. Both birds were in an agitated condition, nervously hopping from branch to branch and sporadically preening. The male was quite vocal during this time giving both the normal fee-bee-o song and the fee-beer note, as noted by W. Earl Godfrey in “Birds of Canada” as an alternate vocalization for the Alder Flycatcher. The female would give “pip” call notes repeatedly. The female was observed to fly into a small, low clump of shrubs at the edge of the alder thicket from which was emanating a constant hoarse note, typical of that given by a young bird. Investigating the source of the hoarse note, a fledgling Alder Flycatcher was found. The bird attempted to elude capture by fluttering from blackberry briar to blackberry briar {Riihus al- legheniensis) and running on the ground. The captured young bird was photographed by Daniel Jacobson. The bird exhibited dis- tinct wing bars and general characteristics of a small flycatcher. During our photo- graphy of the young bird, the adults were very agitated. The young bird was released into the same briar tangle and the adult birds were later observed to repeatedly visit the area from which the young bird continued to call. The elevation of the area of the fledgling was 5,720 feet. The fledgling appeared unable to fly. This lack of flight ability coupled with the fact that the location of the nest was at least 100 yards into Tennessee and in the territory of a singing male Alder Flycatcher leads us to the conclusion, in the absence of an actual nest, that the young bird constitutes a Tennessee breeding record and not a North Carolina breeding record. This constitutes the first breeding record for the state of Tennessee and also constitutes the southernmost breeding record of this species. The large population photo by Daniel Jacobson [VoL. 50, 1979] 36 THE MIGRANT JUNE of these birds leads us to the conclusion that this colony of Alder Flycatcher has been in existence for 4-5 years. In 1977, the Elizabethton T.O.S. received a report of an Alder Flycatcher on Roan Mountain; this report was never verified. It seems inconsistent that such a high population density could be established in a shorter timespan. Fred Behrend was extremely active in this area up to about 4-5 years ago and never reported the birds. This seems to preclude the appearance of the colony more than 4-5 years ago. During subsequent breeding seasons, this species should be searched for throughout the southern Appalachian Region with particular emphasis on breeding records . Richard Lura — 1903 Eastwood Drive, Johnson City 37601. Ed Schell — 2514 Brown’s Mill Road, Johnson City 37601. Gary Wallace — Rt. 7, Elizabethton 37643. Accepted 16 Oct. 1978. FIRST TENNESSEE BREEDING RECORD OF RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH OUTSIDE OF MOUNTAINS— A pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches {Sitta canadensis) nested in a wooded area at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis F. Smith, 3809 Riverview Road, Knoxville, in the spring of 1977. A pair had been seen throughout the winter, feeding in pine trees and at a suet feeder. Apparently the same birds continued past the normal 2 May departure date for migrants of the species. In time the frequency of trips to the suet indicated young were being fed. A dense growth of poison ivy discouraged a search for the nest but the birds often were seen to fly from the feeder to a dead wild cherry tree. Later, immatures of the species began appearing at the suet feeder themselves. I visited the Smiths in early June and found the young and adults together in one of the pine trees. Then they came one at a time to the suet, within 12 feet of where I was standing. The red was not present on the breasts of the immatures but the white lines over their eyes left no doubt of their identity. The last date the nuthatches were seen by the Smiths was 15 June. On 17 June an adult and an immature appeared in pine trees at the home of Dr. James T. Tanner, Little Switzerland Road, where they were seen and heard for four days. The AOU Check-list of North American Birds (1957) outlines southern limits of the breeding range for the species as south to northern Michigan, southern Ontario, through the Appalachians to eastern Tennessee (Roan, Great Smoky, and Unicoi mountains) and western North Carolina, southern New York, western Connecticut and Massachusetts. A search through a complete file of The Migrant fails to find any Tennessee nesting record other than in the above mentioned mountains. The Smith home is on a ridge and is surrounded by pine trees. The Tanner home also is on a ridge, and several large pines are nearby. J. B. Owen, 2930 North Hills Blvd., Knoxville 37917. Accepted 25 Oct. 1977. EASTERN BLUEBIRD NESTING AT COLUMBIA— This report covers the observations by the authors of the nesting activities of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialis sialis) in artificial structures near Columbia in Maury County in 1976. The 45 nesting boxes on which records were kept were placed in open pasture areas on six farms throughout the county in the spring. All the boxes were constructed of wood, and about half were painted while the rest were left natural. The effect of box color as well as other factors will continue to be studied. The initial results indicated that these factors had no significant effect on the choice of [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 37 nest sites or nesting success. Of the 45 boxes, 29 had bluebird activity and one was used exclusively by House Sparrows {Passer domesticus). One box was taken over by flying squirrels and 14 were unused. An interesting pattern developed in the distribution of the unused boxes. Eight of them were on one farm where a total of nine boxes were placed. This occupancy rate of 1 1 percent was drastically lower than the other five farms where 78 percent of the boxes were used by bluebirds. No reason for the low use on this farm could be found. Bluebirds were observed there on several occasions and two active nests were found in natural sites. The only obvious difference between the farm with the low usage and the others was that it was a dairy farm and the others were used for raising beef cattle. Nesting began in late March with the first nests completed on March 29th. A total of 44 nests were started and 31 of these successfully fledged young. Three boxes had three nestings, nine had two nestings and 17 of the boxes had one nesting. Six nests were deserted for unknown reasons, and two successive broods of young in the same box died soon after hatching. In three cases unknown predators disturbed nests with eggs causing desertion. In one of these attacks an adult bird was killed, and in all three cases the eggs were not removed or broken. It was felt that raccoons could have reached the eggs and that the predator was probably a mink. A snake ate the young in one box and House Sparrows destroyed the eggs in another. Of the total of 161 eggs laid (all were blue), 142 hatched and 130 fledged. The average size of a clutch decreased as the season progressed. One brood stayed on the nest 2 1 days and another stayed 1 9 days . This was considerably longer than had been expected from the general information available concerning bluebird nesting projects. The occupancy rate and the average number of young fledged per nesting box for this project was about one-half as great as reported for Ashland City in 1 974 and 1975 by Herbert and Stevens {The Migrant 46:4-5, 47:61). One possibility for the lower usage could be that most of the boxes were erected in February and March and seven were not erected until May. All boxes were left up during the next winter and it will be interesting to see if the nesting activity increases in subsequent years. Olin Hotchkiss, 8 Overlook Dr., Bridgeport, WV 26330. Allen Pressnell, Rt. 3, Columbia, TN 38401. Accepted 31 May 1977. FIRST TENNESSEE BANDING OF A SWAINSON’S WARBLER— On 15 May 1977, the authors were banding in a field on the South Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee, when they netted a warbler which appeared to be of a species they had never previously captured. This warbler had a solid rusty-brown crown with a brown back and upper tail coverts. The crown appeared to be rustier than the back. The wings and tail were also a light brown color. The underparts of this warbler were unstreaked with a very slight wash of yellowish olive-green. This bird had a dusky line from the base of its bill, through and behind the eye, and it had a white line with a slight yellowish wash above the eye. This warbler had no wing bars and an examination revealed no tail spots. The authors were convinced that they had netted their first Swainson’s Warbler {Limnothlypis swainsonii). This warbler’s wing measurement was 70 millimeters (mm) and the tail measured 47 mm. The bill was chocolate brown and long for a warbler (15 mm). [VoL. 50, 1979] 38 THE MIGRANT JUNE This warbler measured 133 mm from the tip of its tail to the tip of its bill . The under tail coverts of this warbler were about one-half the length of the tail and the inner edges of the primary feathers were edged with white. The legs were a pinkish-flesh color and the iris was a very dark brown. This bird displayed all of the classic field guide characteristics (Robbins and Peterson) and its solid rusty-brown crown eliminated the possibility of it being a Worm-eating Warbler. The authors placed band #1460-13318 on this adult Swainson’s Warbler and released it. A later review of Arthur Cleveland Bent’sL//c Histories of North American Wood Warblers confirmed this identification. The authors immediately contacted the Bird Banding Laboratory (U. S. De- partment of the Interior) and in a letter of 27 May 1977, were informed that no other Swainson’s Warbler had ever been banded in Tennessee. John and Heather Riggins, 746 Harpeth Parkway West, Nashville 37221. Accepted 25 Oct. 1977. NORTHERN (BALTIMORE) ORIOLE NESTS IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK— The first observation of Northern Orioles (Icterus Galhula) nesting in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was recorded on 30 April 1977. The nest was located in Cades Cove at the junction of Hyatt Lane and Abrams Creek. It was constructed approximately 52 feet (17.3 meters) high in a sycamore tree (Platamus occidentalis) that was standing in an opening within a small deciduous grove. The female oriole was seen next to the nest. The 35 observers of the nest were attending the 27th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage and were participating in a birding motorcade led by Fred Alsop III. After verification with the National Park Service, this nest has been recorded as a record for the Park. Until now, the bird has been considered to be a scarce and rather local summer resident in North Georgia and southeastern Tennessee and is listed only as an uncommon migrant in the park. Georgann Schmalz, Biology Instructor, Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Park Drive, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30032. 5 August 1977. GAMBLE’S WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW BANDED IN NASHVILLE — On 24 October 1976, the authors captured a White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) at the banding station at their home. In the process of banding this bird they noted that unlike most White-crowned Spar- rows that they had banded, the white line over the eye began at the base of the bill instead of at the eye. The authors con- sulted the usual field guides (Robbins and Peterson) as well as Robert's Birds of Min- nesota, Bent’s Life Histories of North American Cardinals, Grosbeaks , Buntings, To- photo hy John and Heather Riggins [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 39 whees, Finches, Sparrows, and Allies, and Peterson’s Field Guide to Western Birds. All of these references indicate that the White-crowned Sparrow commonly found in the eastern United States has black lores and that the white strip starts/r6>m the eye. They all also mentioned that a western subspecies (Zon6>/r/c/2m leycophrys gamhelii) is distinguished from other subspecies by the white strip starting from the bill. The Gambel’s subspecies of the White-crowned Sparrow breeds in western Canada and migrates through the great plains and western United States regions, wintering from California and Utah, south. It is reported as casual east of the Mississippi River. Arthur Cleveland Bent refers to casual records in Nashville, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia. In addition to banding it, the authors photographed this apparent western visitor and released it. John and Heather Riggins, 746 Harpeth Parkway West, Nashville 37221. Accepted 25 October 1977. [VoL. 50, 1979] 40 THE MIGRANT JUNE THE SEASON FredJ. Alsop, III, Editor The winter was milder than the two preceding ones and there were few northern finches other than Purple Finches which were reported in large numbers in the two eastern regions. However, whatever may have been lacking by the infrequent visit of Evening Grosbeaks to feeding stations was more than balanced by the spectacu- lar appearance of Whistling Swans, lots of them by Tennessee standards, in every region of the State. Sandhill Cranes produced the largest recorded fall flight in Tennessee with 800 recorded over Byrdstown (765 the first two days of De- cember). Good flights were also recorded in the spring in Pickett County and the birds were observed during both migrations in the Eastern Ridge and Valley as well. Other water-associated species were also among the most notable records for the period. From late January through late March a white-winged gull in Chat- tanooga was thought to be either an Iceland or a Glaucous. The jury is still out as to which species. However, in late February ICELAND GULL was identified near Nashville becoming the first or second state record for the species. Radnor Lake also produced the second report of a Barrow’s Goldeneye (female) in Tennessee. White-fronted Geese were observed in unexpectedly high numbers in the two central regions of the State. Three Red-throated Loons were found in the Eastern Mountain Region. An Osprey was found in the Hiwassee River Area in Mid-winter and a Merlin was seen in Hawkins County. Rough-legged Hawks and Bald Eagles were seen in all but the Eastern Mountain Region. The latter’s numbers were encouragingly high with 125 counted at Reelfoot Lake; a healthy 66 being immatures. Golden Eagles were observed in all but the Eastern Ridge and Valley. Four Long-eared Owls were located at Nickajack Lake and Short-eared Owls were found in all four regions. Passerines provided their share of excitement too. Cedar Waxwings were noted in higher than normal numbers in all but the Western Coastal Plain and House Finches were seen in all but the westernmost region as well. At least two Western Meadowlarks were found on the Penal Farm outside Memphis and Yellow-headed Blackbirds were recorded in two locations in the Central Plateau and Basin. During December three Snow Buntings were located on Roan Moun- tain. Vesper Sparrows wintered in the two central regions. Additional unexpected wintering species included Barn Swallows, a House Wren, a Wood Thrush, and a Harris Sparrow in the Western Coastal Plain; a [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 41 Common Nighthawk, Short-billed Marsh Wren, Ovenbird, Northern Oriole, and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the Central Plateau and Basin; and a Blue-gray Gnat- catcher in Knoxville. On Campbell County’s Pine Mountain the first hard evidence of the nesting of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers was discovered after almost a decade of sight records by J.C. Howell and Jim Campbell. The details of these and many more records are in the following reports. WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGlONSwan-Owl: WHISTLING SWAN: 22 Nov (25) SW Obion Co, Akers Hunting Club (RE), 24 Dec (10) R (WC), 14 Jan (12) Hopefield Chute, (JGH); Redhead: 18 Nov ( 10) EB (RJ), 21 Eeb (3) PE (GP); Ruddy Duck: 1 1 Mar (3,000) R (DJ, JS); Red-breasted Merganser: 1 1 Mar (26) R (DJ,JS); Sharp-shinned Hawk: WMm iX)! {E>] ,]S)\ ROUGH -LEGGED HAWK: 14 Jan (2) PE (MW); 28 Jan ( 1 ), PI (TOS); GOLDEN EAGLE: 18 Jan (7) Decatur/ Henry County, (PWS);fiv4LD EAGLE: 18 Jan (3 ad, 7 imm) KY Lake, (EWS), 22 Jan ( 1 ad, 1 imm) Pickwick Lake (TWRA), 22 Jan (55 ad, 58 imm) R.Note: There was a total of 163 Bald Eagles on the count days, with 50 eagles in KY (North Reelfoot Lake), (EWS). Killdeer: 28 Nov (88) PE (CB, HBD, SE); American Golden Plover: 28 Nov (2) PE (CB, LCC, HBD), 11 Mar (16) T (DJ, JS); American Woodcock: 17 Eeb (2) Rg (SF, JF), courtship observed several nights afer sunset; 21 Feb (1) R (CB, SF); Ring-billed Gull: 10 Mar (1,000) R (DJ, JS); SHORT-EARED OWL:2 Feb (1) N (WGC). Swallow-Sparrow: Tree Swallow: 18 Nov (6) EB (RJ), 20 Mar (2) R (RM); Barn Swallow: 22 Dec (3) S (WC), 23 Dec (2) S (WC); Fish Crow: 1 1 Feb (1) M (MW); 11 Mar (2) R (DJ,JS); House Wren: 27 Dec (1) TWA (WGC); Wood Thrush: 17 Dec through 1 Jan (1) M (BC, LCC, VH, RP, AS); Tennessee Warbler: 1 1 Nov ( 1) M (MW); Black-throated Green Warbler: 3 Nov (2) M (JF); WESTERN MEADOWLARK: 21 Feb (1) PE (MB), 24 Feb (2) PE (DC, PC, MM, PS), 10 Mar (2) PE (DJ, JS); Brewer’s Blackbird: 28 Nov (3) PE (LCC, CB, HBD), 21 Feb (7) HNWR (MB), 24 Feb (1) PE, (1) HNWR (DC, PC, MM, PS), 21 Mar (5) PF(CB, LCC, HBD, SF, AS, NS); Rusty Blackbird: 28 Nov (2) PE (CB, LCC, HBD), 24 Feb (100) PE (DC, PC, MM, PS); Indigo Bunting: 5 Dec (1) M (WB); Vesper Sparrow: 29 Dec (1) BU (CPN, MDW); HARRIS SPARROW: 26 Jan-8 Mar (1) B (GM, DM); Tree Sparrow: 24 Jan, ( 16) PE (CB, MW), 2 Feb, 17 Feb , 21 Feb (6-8) Rg (CB, JF, SF), 27 Feb (3) PE (BP, RP); Chipping Sparrow: 1 Nov (1) M (SF, JF); Lapland Longspur: 14 Jan (20) PE (MW), 24 Jan (26) PE (DD, MW), 25 Jan (150) PE (CB, MW). Observers: WB — William Bean; MLB — Michael L. Bierly; CB— Carolyn Bullock; BC — Ben Coffey; LCC — Lula C. Coffey; DC — Dot Crawford; PC — Paul Crawford; WC— Wendell Crews; WGC— William G. Criswell; DD— Dolly A. Daily; HBD — Helen B. Dinkenspiel; JF — Jim Ferguson; SF — Sue Ferguson; EWS — Fish and Wildlife Service, Dept, of Interior; RE — Ron Fox; VH — Van Harris; JGH — James G. Holt; DJ — Daniel Jacobson; RJ — Rusty Jones; MM — Margaret Mason; DM — Dorothy Meeks; GM — Greg Meeks; BM — Bob McGo- wan; CPN — Charles P. Nicholson; GP — George Payne; AS — Alice Smith; NS— Noreen Smith; PS — Pat Stallings; JS — Joe Stone; TOS — Memphis Chapter; TWRA — TN Wildlife Resources Agency; MW — Martha Waldron; MDW — Morris D. Williams. Locations: B — Bartlet, N.E. Shelby Co; BU — Busselltown Unit — TN Na- [VoL. 50, 1979] 42 THE MIGRANT JUNE tional Wildlife Refuge; EB — Ensley Bottoms, S.W. Shelby Co; HNWR — Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge; Hopefield Chute, West of Mississippi River, but in TN — west of downtown Memphis; N — Newbern TN; PE — Penal Farm, Shelby Co; PI — President’s Island, Shelby Co; R — Reelfoot; Rg — Raleigh, N.E. Shelby Co; S — Samburg, TN; T — Tiptonville, TN; TWR — Tigrett Wildlife Area. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis 38117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— The general comment dur- ing the winter of 1978-79 was, where are the birds? It was a thin season not only for the lack of winter invaders but also for numbers of individuals of regular winter species. November and December were the wettest on record. December was warm (two degrees above normal) which probably induced some species to linger. January and February averaged eight degrees below normal. The seventeen inches of snow in Nashville in February was the most for that month since 1886. Loon-Hawk: Common Loon; 27 Nov Woods Reservoir (100) KLD, JWS. Green Heron: 22 Nov-31 Dec Ashland City Marsh area, Cheatham Co (1) CE, RJM; 10 Dec Gallatin Steam Plant (1) DPC. These are 5th and 6th winter records Nashville area. Little Blue Heron: 4 Nov Gallatin ( 1 white) HLK, 2nd November record Nash area. CATTLE EGRET: 11 Nov Byrdstown (1) DRH, 1st known record. Pickett Co. American Bittern; 9 Dec home, Nash ( 1 photos) LJ, 2nd winter record Nash. WHISTLING SWAN: A major movement occurred beginning in late November. All comfirmed reports — 27 Nov Woods Reservoir (27) KLD, JWS; 15 Dec-24 Feb Hillsboro (3) ER; 1 Jan- 15 Feb Monsanto Ponds, Columbia (5) KA; 20 Jan Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge (1) SG, et al. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: 1 Nov Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge (1) TMM; then an influx beginning in late December — 25 Dec- 10 Jan Columbia (6) AP; 25 Dec Lebanon (1) ED; 19-21 Jan Hillsboro (6) ER. Blue-winged Teal: 1 1 Nov Monsanto Ponds (1) CTOS, NTOS. Redhead: 8 Nov Woods Reservoir (500) CSB. Canvasback: 27 Nov Woods Reservoir (65) KLD, JWS. BARROW'S GOLDENEYE: (female) 18 Nov-30 Dec Radnor L, Nash (1 photos) MLB, TMM, then others, 2nd state record. White-winged Scoter: 24-28 Feb, Old Hickory L ( 1 male) TMM. Broad- winged Hawk: 22 Oct trossville (I) GRM. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 24 Nov- 16 Mar minimum 16 (9 light phase, 7 dark phase) in 9 counties Middle Tenn. (Cheatham 2, Coffee 1 , Davidson 2, Maury 1 , Robertson 1 , Rutherford 3, Stewart 2, Sumner 1, Wilson 4), a significant movement though not as extensive as 1977-78. GOLDEN EAGLE: 3 Jan 1-40 exit 245, Wilson Co ( 1 immature) DV; at least 2 wintered Woodbury area, TOS. BALD EAGLE: 5-9 Dec Byrdstown, (1-2) DRH, MZ; 14-18 Jan Woods Reservoir (2-1 immature) CSB, LD, JWS, cr c//; 24 Feb Bakeville Bottoms, Humphreys Co (1 immature found shot) JWB, banded June 1977, Bena, Minnesota, as nestling; one adult and one immature wintered Cheatham L, NTLS. Crane-Gull: Sandhill Crane: Fall migration — 1 Nov Byrdstown ( 10) DRH; 22 Nov Byrdstown (25) MZ; 1 Dec Byrdstown (316 in 2 flocks), 2 Dec (449 in 6 flocks) DRH, by far the largest movement recorded in Tennessee. Spring migration — 2 Mar Byrdstown (90) JB; 4 Mar Byrdstown (282 in 6 flocks) DRH; 7 Mar 11 miles west of Crossville, Cumberland Co (6) DH. Sora; 31 Dec dam, Cheatham L, Cheatham Co (1) TMM, 1st winter record Nash area. Black-bellied Plover: 18 Nov beach. Old Hickory L ( 1 ) MLB, et al, latest fall Nash area 5 days. ICELAND GULL: 27 Feb, dam. Old Hickory L ( Ist-year) MPS then others, 1st or 2nd Tennessee record. Herring Gull: winter 1978-79 Nash (up to 200) NTOS, [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 43 about double normal winter population. Bonaparte’s Gull: winter 1978-79 Nash (few) NTOS, after the 1st of Jan. virtually none till spring movement. Owl-Sparrow. Great Horned Owl: 23 Feb Reviol Community, Lawrence Co (2 young in nest showing flight feathers) EP, tree cut, nesting unsuccessful. SHORT-EARED OWL: Winter 1978-79 Smyrna Airport (up to 4) MEM, et al and Murfreesboro (2) RH. Common Nighthawk: 17 Nov Radnor L, (1) MLB, fifteen latest Nash; 12 Dec Clarksville (1) DHS, few winter dates Middle Tennessee. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 28 Nov-3 Dec Murfreesboro (1) EH, late indi- vidual. Purple Martin: 24 Feb Manchester (1 male) DRJ, early. Red-breasted Nuthatch: few reported scattered around Middle Tennessee during the winter. Long-billed Marsh Wren: 1 1 Nov Monsanto Ponds (1) CTOS, NTOS, getting late. Short-billed Marsh Wren: 31 Dec Pardue’s Pond, Cheatham L, Dickson Co (1) CDC, 1st winter record Nash area. Cedar Waxwing: Beginning in mid-February through the first part of March a massive movement occurred in at least the northern half of Middle Tennessee. Many flocks of 100-500 plus were reported and several flocks of 1000 were seen. Tennessee Warbler: 10 Nov Columbia (1) AL. Orange-crowned Warbler: 25 Nov Shelby Bottoms, Nash (1) MPS, latest Nash by one day. Ovenbird: 14 Dec-8 Jan Nash (1) JCM, 1st winter record Nash. Common Yellowthroat: 31 Dec Pardue’s Pond (1) CDC, 3rd winter record Nash area. YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: 3-24 Jan Nash ( 1 first-year male, photos) JEN, LB, MOP, CMK; 14 Jan Franklin (2 males, photos) CWPfide SMB. 2nd and 3rd records Nash area. Northern (Baltimore) Oriole: 13 Dec- 17 Jan Nash (1) HFE, 4th winter record Nash. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 29 Dec-7 Feb Nash (1 female, photos) JCM, 6th winter record Nash. Indigo Bunting: 13 Nov Columbia (1 banded) GRM, late. Dickcissel: 13-25 Nov (1) Columbia (ML); 6 Jan Gallatin ( 1) ?L fide PC; 6 Jan Nash (1) JCA. Evening Grosbeak: a few individuals were scattered around parts of Middle Tennessee and did not linger long at any one location. Purple Finch: Only small numbers reported until around 20 Jan when flocks of 100 became commonplace at feeders through mid-March. HOUSE FINCH: 2 Nov Columbia (1) ML, early. Pine Siskin: Only a few reported in Middle Tennessee during the winter months. Vesper Sparrow: Apparently the mild fall and early winter encouraged a few individuals to linger and attempt to winter: 31 Oct-10 Nov Coffee Co (1) ER; 27 Nov Woods Reservoir (5) KLD, JWS; 16 Dec-22 Jan Metro Center, Nash (6-1) NTOS; 31 Dec Pardue’s Pond (3) NTOS; 10 Feb Hillsboro (2) ER. Tree Sparrow: Between 21 Jan-12 Mar a small invasion was recorded in at least the northern part of Middle Tennessee and singles as far south as Woods Reservoir and Hillsboro. A few birds were seen at feeders but most stayed in the fields. The largest flock reported was 30 birds. Observers: (alphabetically beginning first initial): AL — Ann Lockridge; AP — Allen Pressnell; CDC — C Dwight Cooley; CE — Craig Empson; CMK — Carol M Knauth; CRP — Carrolyn R Pickering; CSB — Carroll and Stanley Barr; CTOS — Columbia Chapter Tennessee Ornithological Society; DH — Dave Has- sler; DHS — David H Snyder; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; DRH — Dave and Robbie Hassler; DRJ — Daniel R Jacobson; DV — David Vogt; EH — Edith Haynes; EP — Ed Penrod; ER — Erma Rogers; ED — Fred Detlefsen; GRM — George R Mayfield; HFE — H F Evans; HLK — Helen and Lee Kramer; JB — Jessie Baker; JCA — Jan C Alexander; JCM — Jane C Maynard; JEN — John and Linda Nix; JWB — Jim W Barnes; JWS — Jo W Stone; KA — Kenneth Anderson; KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke; LB — Linda Bennett; ED — Lil Dubke; LJ — Louise Jackson; ML — Mitizi Lemmons; MLB — Michael L Bierly; MEM — Margaret L Mann; MPS — M Pat Stallings; MOP — Marge and Oscar Patrick; MZ — Margaret [VoL. 50, 1979] 44 THE MIGRANT JUNE Zimmerman; NTOS — Nashville Chapter Tennessee Ornithological Society; PC — rPaul Crawford; PL — Peggy Lipton; RJM — Rocky J Milbum; RH — Richard Hunter; SG — Scott Gunn; SMB — Sue M Bell; TMM — Tim M Mann; TOS — Tennessee Ornithological Society. Michael Lee Bierly, 2415 Crestmoor Road, Nashville 37215. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— The consensus of the active field workers appeared to be there were no large concentrations of the regular waterfowl. However, there were some exciting exceptions. Never before have such large and consistent numbers of Whistling Swans and White-fronted Geese been recorded in the region. The two counts of Common Goldeneye and Common Mergansers are also impressive. Sandhill Crane movements are now recorded on a regular basis and the sightings of Rough-legged Hawks were noteworthy. The identification of Long- eared Owls in the Nickajack Lake area should alert observers to closer searching of suitable wintering habitat for the species. Persistence in following up the earlier observation of a Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Campbell County is paying div- idends. This was certainly not a northern finch winter. It is of interest that a few Red-breasted Nuthatches, Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins were observed. Loon-Merganser: Common Loon; usually 1-19 ChL (KLD); “plentiful” BL (DL, RK). Horned Grebe: 1-15 occasional ChL (KLD) with a few sightings BL (ETOS). Double-crested Cormorant: up to regular HRA (KLD) and up to 3 KCo (PP,PH). Great Blue Heron: max 4 Dec (117) HRA, SB (KLD) and 2-8 BL (ETOS). CATTLE EGRET: 6 Nov (6) SB (KLD). Black-crowned Night Heron: at least 2 wintering ELL (Burline Pullin). WEIISTEING SWAN: numbers reported this season seem to be the largest number ever confirmed and documented for the region. 22 Nov (2 with one being shot by a hunter) HRA (fide E. M. Bailey); 28 Nov (10) HRA (KLD); two flocks of 9 and 1 1 birds in the Knoxville area. The 9 bird flock present during Dec and the 1 1 bird flock from mid-Dec through the end of Eeb (JBO, ABS, LT et <3/). Canada Goose: max late Jan (350) CL (CPN). White-fronted Goose: largest number ever reported for the region. 24 Dec ( 15 ad) Concord (BE, CPN, PP, ABS); 13-14 remained in the area till late Eeb; CBC 1 Jan (2 ad) HRA (LD). Snow Goose: 26 Eeb (6) HRA (KLD, RCS). Mallard: max 5 Eeb (4000) HRA (KLD). Pintail: max 5 Jan (60) HRA (KLD). Green-winged Teal: 4 Dec (30) SB (KLD, JWS). American Wigeon: max 1 1 Nov (55) ChL (KLD et al). No. Shoveler: two all period JC (ETOS). Ring-necked Duck: max 13 Mar (375) ChL (KLD). Canvasback: 11 Jan (1) BL (RK). Greater Scaup: max 5 Mar (200) ChL (KLD, RCS). Common Goldeneye: 24 Eeb ( 100) ELL (SBS). Bufflehead; 4 Dec (45) HRA (KLD, JWS). White-winged Scoter: 29 Jan-26 Eeb (1-2) ChL (KLD, RCS); 24 Eeb (1-4) ELL (Dave Etnier, SBS). Surf Scoter; 26 Eeb (1) ChL (KLD, RCS). Ruddy Duck: 3 records BL (MD, SG, DL). Common Merganser: 24 Eeb (125) NoL (JCH). Hawks-Cranes: Red-tailed Hawk: CBC numbers higher than usual; high number in late Dec-Jan. Example: 30 Dec along 1-75, mile 4 (Chattanooga) to 84 (Jet 1-75 and 1-40) 16 Redtails; 6 Am. Kestrels and 1 Buteo spp. (CPN). Red- shouldered Hawk: good wintering numbers in Anderson and Campbell Cos. (CPN); 24 Eeb (11) CCo (JCH, Gary Muffley); 27-28 Eeb (1 banded) SCo (J. Wallace Coffey, Ken Hale); 29 Jan (1) HRA (KLD); 31 Jan ( 1) Winfield (CPN); 8 [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 45 Feb (1) CCo (JCH, Gary Muffley); 27 Feb (1) 8 miles NW Pikeville (Craig Watson). BALD EAGLE: 10-11 Nov Cherokee L, Morristown (FJA); a total of 23 were counted by Ed Beddow, TV A, 23 Jan, on an aerial survey that covered the following lakes: Douglas, Cherokee, NoL, FEE and Watts Bar. ChE was not covered. On 26 Jan Fred J. Alsop III flew South Holston, Patrick Henry and BE reporting no eagles. Marsh Hawk: one occasional CH (KED, RCS); 23, 28 Feb (1) SCo (Gary Wallace, Glen Eller, DE). All season (5) Surgoinsville (FJA). OS- PREY: 22"Dec (1) HRA ifide F.M. Bailey). MERLIN: 27 Feb (1) Holston River, Hawkins Co. (WKJ). SANDHILL CRANE: Crane movement very conspicuous both spring and fall. Example: on 19 Nov, Blythe Ferry, HRA, between 17:50 and 19:40 EST, at least 5 distinct groups were heard and seen as they flew in a north to south direction. The next morning, observers found 6 on the ground. In the spring, F.M. Bailey, working daily at Blythe Ferry, heard or observed migrating cranes from 26 Feb to 5 Mar. There were no reports of cranes on the ground (KED) . Other reports include: 6 Dec (57) KCo (George Woods); 12 Mar (6) 8 miles NW Pikeville /Craig Watson); 13 Mar (20) KCo (SBS). Kiildeer-Woodpeckers: Killdeer: max 11 Dec (360) HRA, SB (KED). Am. Golden Plover: 4 Nov (1) HRA (ED, RBW). American Woodcock: no reports late Dec-late Feb KCo (CPN). Common Snipe: max 4 Dec (125) SB (KED, JWS). Greater Yeilowlegs: 4 Nov (1) HRA (ED, RBW); 13 Mar (2) HRA (KED). Eesser Yellowlegs: 6 Nov (2) HRA (KED). Eeast Sandpiper: regular; max 4 Nov (45) HRA (ED, RBW), Dunlin: regular; max 4 Nov (150) HRA (ED, RBW). Gull spp: a second year gull that could possible have been dinlCELAND GULL was on ChE from 26 Jan to. 26 Mar. It was studied by many observers with photographs being taken. Details and photos will be submitted to the State Rare Bird Committee for final determination. Bonaparte’s Gull: 4 records BE (ETOS). Bam Owd: 3 Feb (1) JC (SG); 10 Mar (1) Amnicola Marsh (KED). G. Horned Owl: thru March (2 young in cliff nest) Kingsport {¥Sk) . LONG-EARED OWL: Nickajack Eake area; details to be published later. SHORT-EARED OWL: 9 Jan (1) Strawberry Plains, Jefferson Co. (PP). Red-headed Woodpecker: no reports KCo; absence possibly due to oak-hickory mast failure there last fall (CPN); 1 Mar (1) JC (Kat Bierly). RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER: search of area near J.C. Howell’s October, 1978, sighting revealed 2 cavity trees on 12 Dec, 3 more in Jan, Pine Mtn, CCo (CPN, JCH, et al). One cavity with fresh oozing sap. Details to be published. Horned Lark-War biers: Homed Eark: 29 Dec (30) TCA (RK); 13 Feb (125) HRA (KED). Purple Martin: 1st 27 Feb (1) Friendsville (R. Boring JBO). Blue Jay: CBC numbers down about 60 percent, probably due to low mast crop (CPN). Red-breasted Nuthatch; one regular at a bird feeder in Chattanooga from mid-Jan to end of the period (RBW); 1 Mar (1) SB (ED). Winter Wren: increased from last two winters; CBC numbers still lower than average (CPN). Brown Thrasher: E2 thm end of Nov JC (ETOS). Eastern Bluebird: no dead birds reported from nest boxes as in previous winter, (fide JBO). BLUE-GRAY GNAT- CATCHER: 30 Dec (1) K (ABS). Water Pipit: 13 Jan (30) BE (RK). Cedar Waxwing: heavy influx during the winter (ETOS). Eoggerhead Shrike: 5 sightings during period which is up from the last two years (ETOS). Pine Warbler: from late Nov up to 5 all period coming to a feeder in Chattanooga (Janet Phillips). Blackbird-Sparrow: Rusty Blackbird: all observations WCo: 27 Dec (4) Ed Schell; 29 Jan (50) RK and 5 Mar (5) DE. Evening Grosbeak: very few sightings reported whth one on 17 Jan (MD) and then two other reports of 4 and 5 birds in the same area (ETOS). Scattered reports at Knoxville of low numbers in mid-Dec to [VoL. 50, 1979] 46 THE MIGRANT JUNE mid-Jan {fide JBO, SBS). No confirmed reports from Chattanooga (KLD). Purple Finch: first reported 4 Nov JC (SG) with a very heavy influx during the remainder of the period. (ETOS, FJA). Knoxville observers commented CBC numbers about one-half normal. Great increase in mid-Jan with many flocks of 75-100 birds (CPN) . HOUSE FINCH: first report 9 Nov ( 1 ) JC (Helenhill Dove) and as many as 28 on 20 Feb in Jonesboro (RK). Pine Siskin: only reports: 1 1 Feb (1 banded) K (SBS); 18 Feb (1) K (Louis and Johneta Smith). American Goldfinch: reported in much larger numbers than usual, especially in Feb (KTOS). Savannah Sparrow: 10-15 all period SB (KLD) and first migrant 1 Mar (1) Jonesboro (RK). Vesper Sparrow: 1 Nov (1) As (RK). Tree Sparrow: 17-26 Feb (1) As (RK); 11 Nov (2) Kingston (Marcia Davis, DLT); 30 Jan (7) Royal Blue, CCo (CPN); 25 Jan (1) Newport (PP); 12, 13 Feb (2) (George McKinney). Chipping Sparrow: 26 Nov and 4 Jan (1) TCA 22 Jan (3) WCo (Joy Kyle). White-crowned Sparrow: both ETOS and KTOS reported lower than usual numbers. Fox Sparrow: 23 Jan-21 Feb (3 different individuals at feeders) JC (ETOS). Locations: AS — Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake; CCo — Campbell County; CH — Chattanooga area; ChL — Chickamauga Lake; CL — Cove Lake; FLL — Fort Loudoun Lake; HRA — Hiwassee River Area; JB — Jonesboro; JC — Johnson City; K — Knoxville; NoL — Norris Lake; SB — Savannah Bay; SCo — Sullivan County; TCA — Tri-cities Airport; WCo — Washington County. Observers: Alsop, Fred — FJA; Dillenbeck, Martha — MD; Dubke, Ken and Lil — KLD; Dubke, Lil — LD; Floyd, Bob — BF; Goodlin, Sally — SG; Hartigan, Paul— PH; Howell, J.C.— JCH; James, Wesley K— WKJ; Knight, Rick— RK; Knoxville Chapter — TOS-KTOS; Lura, Dick — DL; Nicholson, Charles P — CPN; Pardue, Paul — PP; Steadman, Steve — SS; Steadman, Steve and Barbara — SBS; Stone, Jowayne — JWS; Stringer, Randy C — CRS; Turner, Dave and Linda — DLT; Turner, Linda — LT. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke, 8139 Roy Lane, Ooltewah, 37373. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — November temperatures were a little above normal and the last two weeks were very wet. December was cold and wet but with no snowfall. January and February were very cold, wet, and snowy. A total of 35 inches of snow fell during the two months. These cold, wet months produced very little bird activity. The Whistling Swan movement and the Short- eared Owl that spent part of the winter in the area were the only major attractions. Evening Grosbeaks were absent from local feeders. Screech Owls, Eastern Phoebes and Carolina Wrens seem to be the hardest hit species suffering from the cold winters and they should bear close observation over the next few periods. Loon-Woodcock: RED-THROATED LOON: 16 Nov (3) WatL (HF). Common Loon: many thru 5 Feb (WatL) ETOS. Horned Grebe: only 1 sighting all period on 4 Jan (2) RC (RK). Great Blue Heron: 1 1 Nov ( 1) HS (GW). WHISTLING SWAN: 26 Nov (6) WibL (fide LRH). Wood Duck: last seen 25 Nov (2) Wagis (HF). Redhead: 16 Dec (1) WibL (MD, JK) 9 thru 15 Mar (1) WatR (ETOS). Common Merganser: 16 Dec (5) WatL (GE, HF); 15 Jan (70) RC (GW, DL, RK). Sharp- shinned Hawk: 6 separate sightings during period. Cooper’s Hawk: 7 separate sightings during period with one female being killed by a car while hunting under street lights at 1 1:00 at night on 12 Feb (KT fide GE). Red-shouldered Hawk: 16 Dec (1) E (GW, DL). GOLDEN EAGLE: 5 Mar (1) E (HF). Wild Turkey: 3 Mar (2) Unicoi (GW, DL). American Woodcock: 1st observed 26 Jan (1) Erwin (GS). [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 47 Ow/-5/zn7:6'; Barn Owl; 10 Feb ( 1) HS (GW); 18 Feb (1) E (GE). Screech Owl: total numbers are drastically reduced from past seasons. Great Horned Owl: 3,10 Nov (1) WibL (MD, SG); thru March (2 young in cliff nest) WibL (FJA). SHORT-EARED OWE: upper East Tenn. 1st sighting — 13 Feb thru 2 Mar (1) E (GE et al ). Eastern Phoebe: last sighting on 16 Dec; not seen again until 27 Feb. Horned Lark: 12-30 birds seen throughout period in Siam Valley (ETOS). Purple Martin: 1 st returned 1 1 Mar (2) E {fide GE). Common Raven: 1-3 seen regularly on RM, IM (ETOS). Red-breasted Nuthatch: many above 5000 ft. on RM all during period. Brown Thrasher: 1 spent winter near MC (GW, DL). Hermit Thrush: 1 1 Nov (3) RC (LRH, JM); 16 Dec (2) E (ETOS); 4 Jan (1) Erwin (GS). Water Pipit: 19 Feb (3) Wagls (HE). Cedar Waxwing: very many throughout period. Grosbeak-Bunting: Evening Grosbeak: 1st winter arrival 10 Jan (35) RM (DL, RK) with scattered reports of only 1-3 birds at lower elevations and feeders throughout remainder of period. Purple Finch: 1st returned 5 Nov (2) E (LRH) everywhere during rest of period. HOUSE EINCH: 1 1 Feb thru 15 Mar (2-6) E (KT fide GE). Pine Siskin: 1st returned 19 Nov (2) RM (HE). Tree Sparrow: 3 Mar (3) E (HE). White-crowned Sparrow: very low numbers throughout period. Fox Spar- row: another mild invasion this winter with numerous reports throughout period. SNOW BUNTING: 28-29 Dec (3) RM (ES, Bob Herndon); 2 Mar (3) (RM) RK. Locations: E — Elizabethton area; HS — Hunter Swamp: IM — Iron Mtn: MC — Milligan College; RC — Roans Creek; RM — Roan Mtn; Wagls — Wagners Island; WatL — Watauga Lake; WatR — Watauga River; WibL — Wilbur Lake. Observers: FJA — Fred Alsop; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; ETOS — Eliz. chap- ter TOS; GE — Glen Eller; HE — Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LRH — Lee Herndon; JK — Joy Kyle; RD — Rick Knight; DL — Dick Lura; JM — John Martin; ES — Ed Schell; GS — Glenn Swofford; KT — Katherine Thomas, GW — Gary Wal- lace. GlenD. Eller, Route 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. BOOK REVIEWS ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF GEORGIA BIRDS. J. F. Denton, W. W. Baker, M. H. Hopkins, Jr., L. B. Davenport, Jr., andC. S. Robbins. 1977. Occas. Publ. No. 6, Georgia Ornith. Soc. 60 pp. (avail, from GOS, 755 Ellsworth Dr., NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, $2 ppd.) VIRGINIA’S BIRDLIFE: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY. Checklist Committee, VSO. 1979. Virginia Soc. of Ornithology, Virginia Avifauna No. 2. 117 pp. (avail from VSO Treasurer, 520 Rainbow Forest Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502, $4.50 ppd.). CHECKLIST OF NORTH CAROLINA BIRDS. Parnell, J. F., J. H. Carter III, D. S. Lee, E. F. Potter, and R. P. Teulings. 1978. Carolina Bird Club and North Carolina State Mus., Raleigh. 37 pp. (avail, from CBC, P. O. Box 1220, Tryon, NC 28782, $1 ppd.). In recent years, many states have published pocket-sized annotated checklists. These three are of interest to Tennessee birders, especially those in east Tennessee. The Virginia list is essentially an updated version of Murray ’s 1952 Checklist, the [VoL. 50, 1979] 48 THE MIGRANT JUNE Georgia list a revision of Denton and Hopkin’s 1969 Pocket Checklist, and the North Carolina list is a new undertaking. As none of these states have a recent, low-priced, readily available bird book, these are the best single works easily available to birders. Each work lists accepted and hypothetical species recorded in the states, notes regularly nesting species, and indicates whether voucher speci- mens or photographs exist for less common species. The Virginia and Georgia lists give dates of occurrence and relative abundance in major physiographic regions. The Virginia list also gives peak daily counts for winter (often Christmas counts) and summer (often Breeding Bird Surveys). The North Carolina list differs in lacking annotations, but a more detailed list is planned. Each list is easy to use and contains plenty of margin space for notes and updating. A typographic error in the North Carolina list is that the number of nesting species on page 4 should be 190, not 290. A complaint of mine is that neither the Virginia nor Georgia list gives literature citations or observer’s names for rare species. Perhaps this is beyond the function of an annotated list, and is state bird book material. Regardless, I recommend all three of these checklists to Tennessee birders. Charles P. Nicholson THE COOT AND THE MOORHEN. By Jon Fjeldsa. Photographs by Natur- foto and translated by Ian Cocker. Av-Media, Copenhagen; 56 pp. 1977. This book is one of a series of biological monographs. It gives detailed information about the behavior of the coot and the moorhen. There are many pictures and drawings included in the text. Concentrating primarily on the coot, the book attempts to provide insight on how they are dependent on their environment and how they are affected by weather and feeding conditions, competition with other species, enemies, etc. There is a series of slides and accompanying tape to go with the book. GaryO. Wallace SONGBIRDS OF THE EASTERN AND CENTRAL STATES. By Trudy L. Rising, illustrated by Kathryn DeVos-Miller. A Scribner-Tundra Book, New York. 96 pp., 43 color plates. 1977. Paperback $3.95. A small book, mostly for children and beginning birders. The paintings are good and the text provides the basic information to introduce some of the more common land birds. GaryO. Wallace REQUEST FOR INFORMATION I am compiling nesting records of the Screech Owl in Tennessee and am seeking any unpublished nesting records. Any information concerning breeding biology of the Screech Owl such as clutch size, nesting dates, brood size, etc. can be used. I am also interested in any Screech Owls that are found dead on Tennessee roads. Any specimens found should be kept frozen. Send information to: Linda J. Turner, Division of Land and Forest Resources, Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris, Tennessee 37828, (615) 632-4411, ext 465. [VoL. 50, 1979] 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 acceptable 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on SVi 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 in- tended 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. 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 summarized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the work per- formed. IDENTIFICATION: 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, 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 ac- company 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 Annual Autumn Hawk Count, 1978. Thomas W. Finucane 25 Evening Grosbeaks Banded in 1978. Lee R. Herndon 27 Minutes OF THE Annual Spring Meeting, 1978. Bruce Wilkey, Secretary . . 29 TheH. O. Todd Egg Collection at Sewanee. Harry C. Yeatman 32 Round Table Notes A Heron Roost at Dyersburg. Wm. Glen Criswell 33 Least Tern at Austin Springs. Richard Lura 33 Monk Parakeet in Knox County. Linda Turner 34 Nesting Alder Flycatchers in Tennessee. Richard Lura, Ed Schell, and Gary Wallace 34 First Tennessee Breeding Record of Red-breasted Nuthatch Outside of Mountains. J. B. Owens 36 Eastern Bluebird Nesting at Columbia. Olin Hotchkiss and Allen Pressnell 36 First Tennessee Banding of a Swainson’s Warbler. John and Heather Riggins 37 Northern (Baltimore) Oriole Nests in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Georgann Schmalz 38 GambeTs White-crowned Sparrow Banded in Nashville. John and Heather Riggins 39 The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, III 40 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 41 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 42 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke . 44 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 46 Book Reviews Annotated Checklist of Georgia Birds. Charles P. Nicholson 47 Virginia’s Birdlife: An Annotated Bibliography. Charles P. Nicholson 47 Checklist OF North Carolina Birds. C/zar/^5 P. Mc/z(9/56>n 47 The Coot and the Moorhen. Gary O. Wallace 48 Songbirds of the Eastern and Central States. Gary O. Wallace .... 48 ?/***•• • * • **:i* •’ •*.'. • .% ’*■. ’.' • MM;-' SEPTEMBER, 1979 VOL. 50, NO. 3 THE MIGRANT A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OL 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 STATE Editor — Gary O. Wallace, Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 The Season Editor — Fred J. Alsop, III, Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St. , Church Hill, TN 37642 State Count Compiler — Richard Lura, 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 All TOS members receive The Migrant and the TOS Newsletter, The Tennessee Warbler. The Newsletter carries information about meetings, forays, and club activities. Items for the Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Charles P. Nicholson, Box 402, Norris, TN 37828. OFFICERS FOR 1979-81 President — Nelle Moore, 275 Palisade Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 Vice Presidents: East Tenn. — Rick Knight, 804 North Hills Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 Middle Tenn. — Dot Crawford, Rt. 4, Gallatin, TN 37066 West Tenn. — Richard L. Whittington, 3593 Norriswood Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 Directors-at-Large; East Tenn. — Jon A. Koella, Rt. 2, White Pine, TN 37890 Middle Tenn. — Michael Dinsmore, Jarman Hollow Rd., Palmyra, TN 37142 West Tenn. — Mrs. C. K. G. Sumara, 1011 Church St., Tiptonville, TN 38079 Curator — James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 Secretary — Mrs. Henry S. Dinkelspiel, 6519 Massey Lane, Memphis, TN 38138 Treasurer — Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 Annual dues, $6.00; Sustaining, $10.00; Life, $150.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, $7.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contributions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. 50 SEPTEMBER, 1979 NO. 3 AN ANALYSIS OF BIRD POPULATION DENSITIES FOR A TEN YEAR PERIOD IN WEST TENNESSEE Martha Waldron The National Fish and Wildlife Service utilizes breeding bird surveys to monitor bird population densities. Standardized rules for conducting breeding bird surveys minimize sampling errors which may result from inconsistent observation techniques and observer bias. Consequently, the population sampling achieved through breeding bird surveys enables investigators systematically to collect, analyze and interpret population data. The purpose of this study was to determine if bird populations in West Tennessee followed a linear trend over a ten year period. Data from ten of twelve breeding bird survey routes were collected for a ten year period beginning in 1967 and ending with the 1976 survey. For the purpose of this study, populations were assumed to be distributed throughout West Tennessee and not unique to an individual route or to specific routes. To strengthen this assumption species were selected by a process whereby each species had to be recorded on eight of the ten routes for at least five years within the ten year period. Species failing these criteria were considered too small a sampling for investigation. As a result, forty species listed in Table 1 were identified for subsequent investigation. TABLE 1 A LISTING OF SPECIES INVESTIGATED FOR POSSIBLE LINEAR REGRESSION IN POPULATION DENSITY DURING A TEN YEAR PERIOD IN WEST TENNESSEE Bobwhite Killdeer Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Chimney Swift Common Flicker Red-bellied Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Eastern Kingbird Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Wood Pewee Barn Swallow Blue Jay Crow Carolina Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Carolina Wren Mockingbird Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher American Robin Wood Thrush Eastern Bluebird Loggerhead Shrike Starling White-eyed Vireo Common Yellowthroat Yellow-breasted Chat Eastern Meadowlark Red-winged Blackbird Orchard Oriole Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Summer Tanager Cardinal Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Rufus-sided Towhee Field Sparrow [VoL. 50, 1979] 50 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER The yearly population means per route for each species were subjected to a linear trend analysis. A thorough discussion of this statistical treatment can be found in most research oriented statistics text, such as Statistical Analysis in Psychology and Education by George A. Eerguson. This study was limited in that only the linear trend analysis was utilized. Other trend analyses might describe additional fluctuations in bird populations, but the focus of this study was on the more common procedure for trend analysis. Only seven of the forty species investigated followed a linear trend over the ten year period. These species were as follows: American Robin (Turdus mig- ratorius), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Carolina Chickadee fPflrws carolinen- sis), Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tryannus), Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea), Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens). Although there were fluctuations in the mean number of individuals within each species from year to year, the population means over the ten year period approximated a straight line. The observed mean number of individuals and estimated means for each species are shown in Table 2. The estimated means were determined by drawing a straight line between the means for the first five year period and the second five year period. The resultant intersects of the straight line for each year were the expected mean number of individuals per survey route. The standard deviation for the estimated means for each species was computed. If the observed mean number of individuals fell within one standard deviation of the estimated mean, the predicted mean and actual mean were considered to fall within limits of what was expected. Even with a straight line as the best fit for the observed means, three species, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee and the American Robin, were difficult to predict with only a fifty to sixty percent degree of assurance. However, the Indigo Bunting and the Killdeer population densities could be predicted with over seventy percent accuracy, and the Eastern Kingbird and Yellow-breasted Chat were within limits nine of the ten years. One application of the linear trend analysis is the investigation of population change with a higher degree of confidence that population means are not a function of unusual circumstances for a given year. For example, a comparison of estimated means minimizes the chance of utilizing two years where the population means may be unusually depressed or exaggerated. By comparing estimated means, the percent change in population is affected by an overall period of growth or decline as opposed to a yearly fluctuation. During the ten year period the following species experienced increases in population densities as measured by their expected means: American Robin (70.4%); Barn Swallow (57.6%); Carolina Chickadee (92.1%); Indigo Bunting (42.5%); Killdeer (383.3%); and Yellow-breasted Chat (85.5%). The Eastern Kingbird showed a 52.2 percent decline. These population trends have particular significance when one considers the relative steady increase or decrease in population density over a ten year period as opposed to a two year comparison. Another application of linear trend studies is the identification of unusual increases or decreases in population means. Contributory climatic conditions, habitat destruction or restoration, or man-made intervention, such as utilization or pesticides, could be investigated. Unexpected fluctuations introduced by new survey findings could also signal the advent of new trends. Once these new trends [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 51 are identified, future predictions of population densities could be utilized in the aforementioned applications. TABLE 2 Comparison of Observer and Expected Population Means per Route for Species Exhibiting Linear Regression in Population Densities in West Tennessee Between 1967 and 1976. Amer. Robin 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Observed Means 7.9 8.9 9.4 11.7 8.8 8.7 16.1 11.0 8.2 16.7 Expected Means 8.1* 8.7* 9.3* 9.9* 10.5* 11.2 11.8 12.5* 13.2 13.8 (s.d. = 2.1) *Expected and Observed Means are within one standard deviation of Expected Means and therefore within limits for expectancy. Barn Swallow 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Observed Means Expected Means 21.8 14.4 14.4 15.3* 14.4 16.2* 12.3 17.1 18.1 18.0* 25.4 18.9 22.0 19.8* 25.8 20.7 20.1 21.8* 35.0 22.7 (s.d. = 2.71) Carolina Chickadee 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Observed Means Expected Means (s.d. = .346) 1.6 1.51* 1.8 1.63* 1.1 1.76 1.6 1.90^ 2.7 2.04 2.5 2.20* 1.6 2.37 2.4 2.54* 2.4 2.74* 3.8 2.90 Eastern Kingbird 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Observed Means Expected Means (s.d. = 1.22) 6.3 6.9* 6.0 6.5* 6.0 6.1* 7.1 5.8 4.9 5.3* 5.8 4.9* 3.4 4.5* 3.7 4.1* 4.2 3.7* 3.6 3.3* Indigo Bunting 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Observed Means Expected Means (s.d. = 4.42) 33.7 29.9* 36.0 31.3 29.9 32.7* 33.3 34.1* 30.5 35.5 35.5 37.0* 34.9 38.4* 46.7 39.8 40.9 41.2* 41.1 42.6* Killdeer ilCl 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Observed Means Expected Means (s.d. = 1.25) 2.2 1.2* 2.0 1.6* 1.6 2.0* 2.1 2.4* 2.1 2.8* 2.5 3.2* 3.9 3.6* 5.6 4.1 5.0 4.5* 3.6 4.9 Yellow-breasted Ch_a t_ ' 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Observed Means Expected Means (s.d. = 2.18) 8.2 8.3* 10.8 9.1* 10.4 9.9* 10.0 10.8* 10.3 11.5* 12.8 12.3* ■14.9 13.0* 12.1 13.8* 12.0 14.6 17.2 15.4* Summary In general, the trends in bird populations (1967-1976) in West Tennessee were not linear. Only seven of the forty species studied followed a linear regression in population density over the ten year period. This is not to say the other thirty-four species experienced erratic changes in mean population, but the changes for the most part were unpredictable. [VoL. 50, 1979] 52 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Hopefully, this study will stimulate interest among other investigators to examine bird population data for the purpose of determining trends in population densities. It is recommended that the entire state be considered for a population trend study. Selected species are always of interest to individual investigators, but groupings of species by families, habitats, or periods of residence, would provide additional knowledge of environmental relationships within ecosystems and/or for other types of environmental impact studies. 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis 38177. Accepted 5 June 1978. BOOK REVIEWS A GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN BIRD CLUBS. Jon E. Rickert, ed. Avian Publications, Elizabethton, Ky. 1978. 575p. hardbound $15.00. The book contains information about some 835 bird clubs from Alaska to Panama. The information about each club includes: a list of local birding contacts with phone numbers, taped rare bird alert numbers, local bird finding guides and other publications, club meeting locations and times, maps of club locations and favorite birding areas of each club. A foreword is written by Burt L. Monroe, Jr. and a short section is devoted to the “Plan of the Book and How to Use It” including information on birding courtesy. The arrangement of the book is alphabetical by city within states (U.S.) or providences (Canada). This book provides a source of much birding information and contacts and should be of great benefit to any birder going into an unfamiliar area. I have been very impressed with the information given and the ease of using the book. I highly recommend this unique book. GaryO. Wallace RARE AND ENDANGERED BIOTA OF FLORIDA. Vol. 2, Birds. Herbert W. Kale 11. ed. 1978. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville. 121 p. 36 illustrations. Paperbound $7.00. This book is the result of work of the Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals Species Committee on Birds and consultants. The product is of high quality, discussing 74 species of Florida’s bird life. As a prelude to the species accounts, a brief description is given of the state’s major terrestrial and wetland habitats. The birds are divided into five categories: endangered, threatened, rare, species of special concern and status undetermined. Information given for each species includes: name, identification, range and range map, habitat analysis, life history and ecology, specific charac- teristics, basis of status classification, recommendations for management and selected references. Black-and-white photographs are included for many species. A brief historical account of the status of Florida’s colonial wader populations is also presented. This is an excellent publication and is highly recommended. GaryO. Wallace [Vol. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 53 OBSERVATIONS AT A BREEDING COLONY OF YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS IN BLOUNT COUNTY, TENNESSEE Morris D. Williams On 22 April 1971, 1 saw and photographed at close range (Fig. 1) a Yellow- crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) in the Lesser Alcoa Marsh (35M6'27"N, 83°59'13"W), Blount County, Tennessee. During the next four years, I saw this species only once at this marsh and only twice at the nearby Greater Alcoa Marsh (35°47'30"N, (83°57'37"W). I was surprised, therefore, when I discov- ered a small colony of eight nests 900 m north of the Lesser Alcoa Marsh in 1976. The colony was in a mixed pine and de- ciduous wood lot at coordinates 35°47'03"N, 83°59'22"W and at 271 m elevation. On 28 March 1976 I found seven her- ons in the woodlot and saw two nests that I later designated Nests 1 and 2. These nests appeared to be at least one year old. On 3 April I found eight herons in the woodlot. Two of the birds were on or near Nest 1 when I flushed them. I climbed to this nest and found four eggs (this nest later held six young). Some nesting material had been added to the nest since my visit six days earlier. A close inspection confirmed that it was at least one year old. The results of my next six visits to the colony are summarized in Table 1 . Nests 3 and 4 were placed in the same tree, and Nests 6,1 , and 8 were built near each other in another tree. Nest 7 was not a very substantial structure and it eventually disappeared. Nest 8 (Fig. 2) contained eight eggs, which were possibly laid by more than one female. Because of the dense foliage, and the fact that two other nests were nearby, I could not determine how many adults were attending Nest 8. On 11 April 1976, Alan Smith and I watched a Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) approach Nest 4 twice by climbing out the branch on which the nest was saddled. The incubating bird assumed a defensive posture by elevating its crown feathers and crouching on the nest with its neck lowered along the branch toward the squirrel. Both times the squirrel retreated before coming within striking distance. On 30 June 1976, 1 recorded no activity at any of the nests, but I collected the skeleton of an immature bird (MDW #574) beneath Nest 5. On 28 April 1976, I collected a nest (MDW #658) that had fallen to the ground. Figure I . Yellow-crowned Night Heron in Lesser Alcoa Marsh on 22 April 1971 . [VoL. 50, 1979] 54 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER TABLE 1 NESTING DATA FROM THE ALCOA YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON COLONY IN 1976. Nest No. Nest site 11 April 24 April Date of Observation 5 May 18 May 26 May 12 June 1 10.5 m elm (Ulmus) adult on nest no adults young in 6 young, 2 seen nest very small, 4 large enough to perch out- side of nest 5 young on nest empty 2 13.5 m elm adult on nest 4 eggs, adult on nest hatched young in egg shells nest on ground, collected MDW#513 young in nest empty 3 18 m elm adult on nest, 1 or 2 eggs visible from ground 2 eggs, adult on nest hatched adult on egg shells nest on ground, collected MDW #513 adult on nest adult on nest 4 17 m oak (Quercus) adult on nest 5 eggs, adult on nest adult on nest adult and young on nest 2 large young on nest, adult nearby 5 13.5 m pine (Pinus) 5 eggs adult on nest young in nest 4 large young on nest 6 15 m pine 4 eggs, nest shell of missing, no 5th egg on sign of it ground on ground 7 17 m pine 8 eggs adult on nest no birds seen 8 15 m pine adult on nest broken egg containing large dead embryo be- neath nest [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 55 During my visits I collected several pellets from the ground beneath the nests. I found only crayfish remains in them. Figure 2. Unusually large clutch of Yellow-crowned Night Heron eggs; possibly laid by more than one female. Alcoa heronry, 24 April 1976. In Tennessee, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron is usually a solitary nester. Although the Alcoa heronry is the second largest Yellow-crowned Night Heron colony reported from the state, it is small compared to the Riverside Park heronry (35°05'42"N, 90°04'52"W) at Memphis in Shelby County. On 1 March 1977, when the Riverside Park colony was not yet occupied, I counted 67 nests. I thank John O’Neill and Doug Pratt for their helpful comments during the preparation of this note. SUMMARY The Alcoa heronry, which is in at least its second year of existence, contained eight nests in 1976. The first egg was probably laid around 31 March. The seven nests whose contents I checked contained an average of 4.9 eggs. At least six of these nests eontained fertile eggs and at least five apparently produced young. Museum of Zoology , Louisiana State Univ . , Baton Rouge 70893 . Accepted 1 6 Oct. 1978. [VoL. 50, 1979] 56 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER 1979 SPRING FIELD DAYS Richard D. Lura This year 202 species were seen on ten counts across the state. This number is substantially below that of immediate past years owing to two factors, the low total number of counts and a late migration, as mentioned by several compilers. It is hoped that additional manpower can be mustered across the state to allow several areas to again be able to participate in the Spring Field Days counts. The species numbers and distributions obtained from these counts can serve as a valuable data source in this era of the realization of the impact of environmental factors, both habitat and quality of the overall environment, on all organisms. As is the custom the counts are tabulated from west to east across the state. INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS MEMPHIS: 29 April; Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in the morning; Overton Park, Penal Farm and South near Mississippi River to Core Lake; partly cloudy; 55 to 65°F. Ben B. Coffey, Jr., compiler, 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis 38107. Both Little Blue Herons were adults. COLUMBIA: 27, 28 April; clear to partly cloudy; 40 to 65°F; 1 1 observers — Barbara Finney, Anne Lochridge, Bedford Lochridge, Dan Gray, Jr., William Fugua, Louise Hardison, George Mayfield, Jr. (compiler — 999 Sunnyside Drive, Columbia 38401), Mark Mayfield, Mike Penrod, Allen Pressnell, Dianne Pressnell. NASHVILLE: 12, 13 May; 30-mile radius Nashville courthouse; 48-hours midnight to midnight; overcast to clear late afternoon 13th, rain 12th, 52 to 70°F; wind, SW to NW, 5-10 mph; 59 observers. Frances Abernathy, Jan Alexander, Clyde (compiler — 1214 McGavock Pike, Nashville 37216) and Vivian Anderson, Linda Anderson, Mildred Ansley, Ann Arnett, Sue Bell, Michael Bierly, Jane Bridgman, Melissa Cannon, Ruth Castles, Jean Cobb, Bonnie Coplin, Dot and Paul Crawford, Annella Creech, Sam Dement, Adele Elam, Evelyn and John Ellis, Charles Farrell, Clara Fentress, Anne Fort, Anne Foster, George Freeman, Katherine Goodpasture, Bessie Hagan, Thomas Harston, John Herbert, Anne Houk, Louise Jackson, Carol Knauth, Hazel and Lee Kramer, Adiene Lyon, Portia Macmillan, Jane Maynard, Joe McLaughlin, Pauline Miller, Anne Nichols, Marge and Oscar Patrick, Audrey and Don Perry, Virginia Price, Elizabeth Queener, Heather and John Riggins, Alice Savage, Bob and Lillian Sharp, Pat Stallings, Ellen Stringer, Ann Tarbell, Ken and Sara Walkup, Miriam Weinstein, Virginia Workman. The Long-billed Dowitcher was identified by its calls by Dot and Paul Crawford. The Willow Flycatcher was singing. MURFREESBORO: 12, 13 May; cloudy to rain; 63 to 76°F; 13 observers. Glen Birdwell (compiler — Rt. 3, Compton Rd., Murfreesboro 37130), Maria Bird well, Lou Erwin, Edith Haynes, Ann Hettish, Margaret Hibbett, Richard Hunter, Wilma Hunter, Rebecca Jones, Ruth McMillan, Pat Martin, Ruth Odom, John Sellars. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 57 1979 SPRING COUNT Memp Colu Nash Murf High Grun hnox Gree Eliz Common Loon . — 14 — — — 1 — — . 2 Pied-billed Grebe 3 5 i — 5 — 1 __ __ Dbl.-cr, Cormorant — 1 — — — — 3 — Great Blue Heron 12621 — I3 — 3 Green Heron 7 9 2^ 7 1 — '^5 69 Little Blue Heron 2* • — — — — 1 — 3 l Cattle Egret 6 Blk.-cr. Night Heron — — 121 — — — 1 Yel.-cr. Night Heron 7 — 2 2 — — — — — 2 American Bittern — — — — — 1 Least Bittern — — 1 Canada Goose — 86 155 -- 10 ~ 98 13 Mallard 19 1^ ^6 5 15 — -- 4 48 17 Black Duck — 1 Blue-winged Teal 29 63 36 6 — 4 6 4 20 1 Northern Shoveler — — 1 — — — 8 Wood Duck 18 18 20 6 — 2 22 — 136 27 Redhead — 2 Lesser Scaup — 1 2 — — — — — — 3 Bufflehead — — — — — — — — — 12 Ruddy Duck — 1 Red-br. Merganser — • — — — — — 3 Turkey Vulture 1 29 41 9 3 12 18 17 9 30 Black Vulture — 36 26 8 — 10 1 5 3 1 Mississippi Kite 5 Sharp-sh. Hawk — — 1 — — — 1 — 1 1 Cooper's Hawk — • — — — — — — — — 4 Red-tailed Hawk 36 14 3 — 5911 3 Red-shld. Hawk 1 — 8 — — 7 Broad-winged Hawk 722 1 — 99 — 24 Buteo sp. — — 2 Osprey — 2 — 1 — — 3 5 — 5 American Kestrel 1 9 16 25 — 5 3 — 5 5 Ruffed Grouse — — — • — — • 3 1 — 1 8 Bobwhite 41 41 112 32 1 11 57 16 11 8 Turkey 1 4 — — 1 — — — 1 Virginia Rail — 2 Sora 1 11 1 — Americsia Coot 3 44 7 4 6 — 5 — — 1 Seiaipalmated Plover 1 — 26 Kilideer 17 12 45 37 1 5 9 7 — 23 Blk. -bellied Plover — — 1 American Woodcock — — 6 — — 2 5 Common Snipe 1 4 — — 1 — 4 — — 11 Upland Sandpiper — — — — — — 1 Spotted Sandpiper 7 5 18 8 2 3 14 1 4 21 Solitary Sandpiper 4159 — 1861 18 Greater Yellowlegs 24 — 2 — — — — — 1 10 Leaser Yellowlegs 6 9 6 — — 8 — 1 — 5 Yellowlegs sp. — — 24 Pectoral Sandpiper 2 — 2 — — — — — — 1 Least Sandpiper — • — 36 — — — 1 — 1 Dunlin — — 2 — — — — — — Long-bil. Dowitcher — — 1 Dowitcher sp. — — 34 Stilt Sandpiper — — — — — • — — — — 1 Semipal. Sandpiper — — 1 — — 2 — Western Sandpiper — — 8 — — — — — — 1 Sanderling — ■ — 1 Ring-billed Gull 8 4 4 2 2 — 84 — — 14 Bonaparte's Gull 2 Forster's Tern — — 1 Common Tern — — 6 Caspian Tern — — 1 — — — — — — — Black Tern — - — 59 — — [VoL. 50, 1979] 58 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Memp Colu Nash Murf High Grun Knox Gree King Eliz Rock Dove 1 59 102 — — 1 158 — 29 44 Ilourning Dove 65 40 244 165 1 20 518 58 67 78 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 9 6 201 57 1 50 55 2 26 2 Black-billed Cuckoo 1 — 2 1 Bara Owl 2 1 — Screech Owl 1 6 2 1* 1 7 — 2 1 Great-horned Owl 1 5 1 5 — — 1 Barred Owl 5 7 15 — — 5 1 — 1 Chuck-will's Widow 1 1 17 5 — 5 11 — , 15 — Whip-poor-will ” 4 14 2 " — 4 5 2 Common Nighthawk 16 2 58 27 24 — 5 __ 12 __ ChiHiney Swift 22 89 422 288 25 72 558 97 84 270 Ruby-th. Hummingbird 16 1 18 — — 10 5 — 1 5 Belted Kingfisher 2 5 50 9 5 2 12 — 4 16 Common Flicker 6 5 52 16 12 12 59 7 15 55 Pileated Woodpecker 7 12 48 1 __ 25 16 7 11 9 Hed-bel. Woodpecker 28 55 127 14 4 51 45 13 12 9 Red-hd. Woodpecker 22 6 5 5 — 5 5 — 2 1 Yel.-bel. Sapsucker 2 — 1 1 Hairy Woodpecker 2 4 21 2 — 4 7 — 1 5 Downy Woodpecker 10 27 62 6 1 8 14 9 4 22 Eastern Kingbird 14 15 80 60 2 10 21 2 19 5 Great-cr. Flycatcher 17 5 57 9 1 20 15 — 26 7 Eastern Phoebe 5 6 18 2 1 5 14 5 9 21 Acadian Flycatcher 7 4 55 ~ " 17 ” — 1 2 Willow Flycatcher 1* 5 — Least Flycatcher 1 Empidonax sp. 4 5 4 Eastern Wood Pewee 7 5 87 — 1 8 1 5 4 — Olive-sd. Flycatcher 1 1 Horned Lark 4 2 2 2 Tree Swallow 2 115 6 — — 4 15 — — 49 Bank Swallow — 5 15 — — 2 95 — — 24 Rough-winged Swallow 17 155 62 85 8 21 96 22 58 258 Barn Swallow 40 170 485 261 10 125 505 68 99 521 Cliff Swallow 1 1 5 __ __ 1 1 __ 8 Purple Martin 52 55 118 192 56 56 175 11 96 62 Blue Jay 15 98 292 175 15 56 285 65 99 128 Common Raven 1 Common Crow 8 42 292 74 6 24 167 100 59 256 Fish Crow 4 Carolina Chickadee 45 52 161 18 2 41 108 23 19 71 Tufted Titmouse 69 45 177 15 8 55 99 22 54 62 White-br. Nuthatch 6 18 5 5 7 — 4 4 Red-br. Nuthatch ” 1 1 5 House Wren 4 1 19 5 — 12 6 10 10 Winter Wren 1 Bewick's Wren — — 5 1 Carolina Wren 56 7 91 4 2 11 78 27 18 56 Long-bl. Marsh Wren 1 1 ” Short-bl. Marsh Wren 1 2 Mockingbird 9 45 175 179 2 12 163 26 65 45 Catbird 15 14 67 44 — 29 7 — 21 5 Brown Thrasher 7 56 140 75 4 27 60 20 44 20 American Robin 55 54 520 236 17 57 466 99 116 515 Wood Thrush 44 25 82 5 2 57 67 1 62 120 Hermit Thrush — 1 1 2 Swainson's Thrush 44 1 308 9 5 16 — Gray-cheeked Thrush 4 — 15 5 — — 1 — Veery 4 4 27 — 2 Eastern Bluebird 2 17 80 5 1 18 27 8 28 55 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 99 88 88 — 80 82 7 — 55 Golden-cr. Kinglet 1 Ruby-cr. Kinglet 6 5 — 2 7 12 — — 12 Water Pipit 14 Cedar Waxwing 10 6 52 50 1 16 151 82 Loggerhead Shrike 2 8 16 15 1 5 5 1 2 — Starling 50 150 541 1.4M 2 42 1.7M 165 281 455 White-eyed Vireo 66 65 94 6 5 51 79 4 29 15 Yellow-tho. Vireo 9 6 7 " — 15 10 1 1 5 Solitary Vireo 5 2 7 12 52 Red-eyed Vireo 75 16 105 9 2 90 103 5 50 49 Philadelphia Vireo 1 — 4 Warbling Vireo 5 2 8 1 — 4 — Black-&-Wh. Warbler 4 9 19 1 — 95 23 — 15 47 [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 59 Memp Colu Nash Murf High Grun Knox uree King Eliz ±"rotiioiiotary Warbler 39 16 34 2 1 2 2 — 6 — Swainson's Warbler 12 4 2 Worm-eating Warbler 5 4 24 — — 10 20 — 17 7 Golden-wg. Warbler 2 — 1 — — 5 Blue-wg. Warbler 5 54 14 ” — 4 7 Tennessee Warbler 111 6 122 __ 55 12 1 Orange -cr. Warbler 2 Nashville Warbler 4 16 5 1 — 6 9 — 1 — No. Parula Warbler 41 8 5 — 1 23 6 1 7 16 Yellow Warbler 9 49 28 2 2 22 33 5 58 54 Magnolia Warbler 1 15 1 11 1 1 Cape May Warbler — — 7 — — 36 9 — — 2 Bl.-th. Warbler 1 3 — — 1 41 Yellow-rmp. Warbler 41 44 9 32 65 199 61 4 102 Bl.-th. Green Warbler 9 1 9 ” 21 15 — — 21 Cerulean Warbler 57 16 9 38 24 3 Blackburnian Warbler — 2 5 — , — 6 6 Yellow- tho. Warbler 2 10 15 2 57 5 — 14 12 Chestnut-8d. Warbler 4 1 6 — — 7 1 16 Bay-br. Warbler ” ” 18 5 ~ 9 ” 2 1 Blackpoll Warbler 2 2 62 51 9 5 1 Pine Warbler 11 — — 6 — Prairie Warbler 1 26 58 — 1 26 43 2 22 3 Palm Warbler 3 22 7 — . 1 6 17 Ovenbird 5 5 10 ” 1 110 52 " 53 109 Northern Waterthrush 2 13 1 7 5 5 Louisiana Waterthrush 7 9 27 — 1 11 5 1 1 7 Kentucky Warbler 54 17 62 1 35 7 — 29 3 Connecticut Warbler — 1 Common Yellowthroat 28 55 189 10 2 26 91 15 29 11 Yellow-br. Ghat 27 22 102 10 52 24 7 39 5 Hooded Warbler 15 15 14 — — . 90 55 — 7 53 Canada Warbler 1 15 __ — 5 — — 1 1 American Redstart 20 6 13 — 52 1 — 1 1 House Spaurrow 10 55 125 472 19 55 125 27 100 91 Bobolink 11 80 72 30 54 30 12 Eastern Meadowlark 40 70 394 328 13 62 251 49 115 118 Red-wg. Blackbird 51 500 346 144 16 70 IM 46 177 311 Orchard Oriole 35 35 113 52 2 21 16 5 6 1 Northern Oriole 58 12 1 7 1 — 5 2 Common Grackle 58 250 IM 546 607 140 1.6M 154 215 807 Brown-hd. Cowbird 88 187 207 40 507 42 491 7 61 60 Scarlet Tanager 20 29 48 6 86 32 1 14 29 Slimmer Tanager 46 8 41 4 2 28 12 1 16 — Cardinal 87 85 445 190 17 ^5 280 68 108 165 Rose-br. Grosbeak 18 14 49 18 6 5 16 Blue Grosbeak — 4 23 4 — 10 2 — 22 Indigo Bunting 63 28 407 84 — 58 31 2 188 4 Painted Bunting 2 Dickcissel 5 2 6 Evening Grosbesik 2 Purple Finch 2 17 Pine Siskin 1 — American Goldfinch 68 68 84 — 1 52 104 55 51 596 Rufous-sd. Towhee 19 45 184 67 5 26 143 53 45 123 Savannedi Sparrow 20 10 5 __ 1 10 1 2 Grasshopper Sparrow — — 11 6 — 7 — Lark Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco 4 — — 58 Chipping Sparrow 13 36 37 13 6 20 57 10 11 61 Field Sparrow 16 42 113 30 3 30 76 22 49 21 White-cr. Sparrow 2 32 1 __ 1 1 12 11 — — White-thr. Sparrow 135 37 13 8 9 11 585 45 17 100 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 1 Swamp Sparrow 13 4 1 — 2 3 7 — — 5 Song Sparrow 10 ” 27 “ 1 9 190 35 116 161 iotal Species 158 136 157 87 76 130 154 71 114 127 Grand Total 202 M.IOOO ‘See information on counts [VoL. 50, 1979] 60 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER A Laughing Gull was deleted. No details were submitted with the report. HIGHLAND RIM: 20, 21 April; 6 observers. Virginia Angstadt, Carroll Barr, Stan Barr, Marjory Harper (compiler — 305 Crestwood Dr., Tullahoma 37388), Ruth Luckadoo, Erma Rogers. GRUNDY COUNTY: 5, 6 May; Beersheba Springs and Savage Gulf, (T.O.S. Spring Meeting); fair, 50 to 55°F. Ben Coffey, Jr. (compiler — 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis 38107). KNOXVILLE: 29 April; Knox County, fair, wind 5-10 mph, 41 to 61°F. Bill Beck, Jim and Betty Reid Campbell, Laura Collier, Elizabeth Elson, Bob and Lavada Harris, Paul Hartigan, J. C. Howell, Beth Lacy, Dick Minuet, Terry McGown, J. B. Owen (compiler — 2930 North Hills Blvd., Knoxville 37917), Paul Pardue, Polly Ryder, Boyd Sharp, Louis and Johneta Smith, James T. Tanner, Dave and Linda Turner. GREENEVILLE: 29 April; 36 to 56°F. Marjorie Ernest, King Gaut, Mrs. King Gaut, Elizabeth McCort, Mrs. Richard Nevius; Richard Nevius (compiler — Rt. 8, Greeneville 37793), Velma Prestly, Doug Ratledge, Ken Ripley, Royal Specs, Mrs. Royal Specs. KINGSPORT: 12 May; clear; 64 to 85°F, 13 observers. Fred J. Alsop, III (co-compiler — Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill 37642), Phil Armetage, Tom Bowman, Toby Carpenter, Dee Dee Ekilor, John Ekilor, Tom Finucane, Dan Holeman, Bill Kappa, Tom Laughlin (co-compiler — RR 1, Kingsport 37660), Rich Phillips, Tommy Phillips, Arthur Smith. ELIZABETHTON: 28 April; 0430 to 1900; overcast with rain, snow in high elevations, 32 to 55°F, 18 observers. Corrections: The Migrant. Vol. 50, No. 2 p. 27. Correct spelling of author’s name from Hendron to Herndon. p. 44. (last four lines). Reads: “Red-shouldered Hawk: good wintering num- bers in Anderson and Campbell Cos. (CPN); 24 Feb (11) CCo (JCH, Gary Muffley); 27-28 Feb (1 banded) SCo (J. Wallace Coffey, Ken Hale); 29 Jan (1) HRA (KLD); 31 Jan (1) Winfield (CPN); 8” It should read: “Red shouldered Hawk: good wintering numbers in Anderson and Campbell Cos. (CPN); 24 Feb ( 1 1) CCo (JCH, Gary Muffley); 27-28 Feb (1) SCo (RK, DL). Rough-legged Hawk: 3-23 Feb (1 banded) SCo (J. Wallace Coffey, Ken Hale); 29 Jan (1) HRA (KLD); 31 Jan (1) Winfield (CPN); 8” [Vol. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 61 ROUND TABLE NOTES WHITE IBIS IN WILSON COUNTY— On 19 July 1977 at 0700, Harold Stanford observed a pair of immature White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) wading in a shallow stream on his farm near Lebanon. They were of a dull greyish-brown color with a white belly and a white rump that would show in flight. They had a reddish face and legs and a long decurved bill. Later the same day they were seen perching in over-hanging trees on the banks of the stream. John Sellars observed the ibises at a distance of about 100 feet as they perched in a large dead tree. Numerous other local and out-of-town birders came to see the ibises from 19 July until 6 August, the last sighting. Only one bird was seen from 3-6 August. The ibises were seen at all hours during the day and seemed to have a range along the stream of about a fourth of a mile. Mrs. J. W. Lawrence, 105 West End Heights, Lebanon 37087. Accepted 9 Feb. 1979. HARLAN’S HAWK IN FAYETTE COUNTY— The following details are submitted by the writer in reporting the observation of a Harlan’s Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis harlani) in Fayette County, west Tennessee. Date: 3 December 1977. Time: approx. 9:00-9:08 a.m. Location: approx, fifty yards off Interstate 40, at a point approx, one hundred yards west of where the roadway crosses the Loosahatchie River. Distance of bird from observer: initially approx, fifty yards for a period of five to six minutes, then flying away from writer. Course of observation: While traveling by Interstate from Memphis to Jackson, Tennessee, the writer was counting Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) perched along the roadway when what appeared to be a large black hawk was seen ahead in a tree near the highway. The writer immediately pulled onto the road shoulder, slowed to a near stand and came even with the bird. In the process, a good frontal view as well as side views were obtained. Even though the writer made no attempt to leave the car after stopping, the bird appeared nervous and shifted its position several times. Its body plumage was observed to be uniformly slate-gray, with the tail being whitish from the base to where a mottled slate-gray formed what appeared to be a band near the tip of the tail. After approx, five to six minutes the bird flew off at an angle away from the writer, at which time the white tail, broken only by the mottled band near the tip, was easily visible. The bird passed from view flying south-east over the open fields. A check of The Migrant through the June, 1977 issue indicates that this is the ninth record of this now-considered subspecies for the state. Jon E. Devore, 3499 Graceland Dr., Memphis 38116. Accepted 7 March 1978. HARLAN’S RED-TAILED HAWK AND SOME OTHER RAPTORES AT SEWANEE — On 12 November 1978 at 1 1:00 a.m., I observed a large hawk with very white breast sailing towards my home above Lost Cove. I quickly got my wife, Jean, and my 7 x 50 binoculars, and we observed it as it sailed directly above and then descended several hundred feet into the cove below us. This last maneu- ver afforded an excellent dorsal view of the bird. Its tail was not rufous colored as in the adult common Red-tailed Hawk nor cross-banded as in the immature Red-tail, but was whitish near the base, grading into mottled dark gray midway, and dark gray at the end. I then identified it as the light-breasted variant of Harlan’s [VoL. 50, 1979] 62 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Red-tailed Hawk (Biiteo jamaicensis harlani) and a check with Birds of North America (Robbins et al), Louisiana Birds (Lowery), dind Audubon Water Bird Guide (Rough) confirmed our identification. The hawk sailed in several circles and then southward. The Rough-legged Hav/k (Buteo lagopus) has a partly white tail and may be confused with Harlan’s Red-tail, however, the former has a more distinct dark band at end of tail and a longer tail than Harlan’s, and the light variant of the Rough- legged Hawk has conspicuous patches of dark feathers at the bends of the wing. My wife, son, daughter, and I observed a light variant of the Rough-legged Hawk flying over the dam at Woods Reservoir near Sewanee on 28 December 1978. Its shape and pattern of dark on light were like the bottom photograph on page 37 in a Guide to Eastern Hawk Watching (Heintzelman) and was distinctly different from the Harlan’s Red-tail. In over sixty (60) years of observing birds, I have seen only two others of the Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk and both were the dark-breasted variants. Although many bird books and ornithologists use the term “phase” to differentiate the light and dark color variations of buteo hawks and use rufous phase and gray phase for Screech Owls, I (and many Europeans) prefer to use the term “variant.” In biology, phase means stage, as in nestling phase of altrical birds and immature phase of hawks. Lost Cove is an ideal place for hawk migration observations. Its rim is about two thousand (2000) feet elevation and the bottom land is about one thousand ( 1000) feet below. The entrance faces south. In addition to the common migrating raptores, we have observed Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), which are now regular migrants here (see Migrant 40(3):63); Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) on 15 January 1967 and 30 March 1974; and Merlin (Falco columbarius) on 4 March 1971, 1 April 1971 , 30 January 1977, and 7 February 1978. The last species was attempting to catch birds at my sunflower seed feeder. Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipiter striatus) are often seen over Lost Cove and nearby pine woods (see Migrant 45(3):66-67). One immature female was killed by striking my study window on 16 April 1978. Harry C. Yeatman, Biology Department, University of the South, Sewanee 37375. Accepted 6 June 1979. SECOND RECORD OF HUDSONIAN GODWIT IN TENNESSEE— On 13 May 1978 at approximately 1430, while driving along the south dike of the ash disposal pond at the Gallatin Steam Plant (previously described. Migrant 43:90 and 48:63), we saw a group of birds resting on the ash some 100 to 115 meters north of the dike . It was raining and visibility was poor but with our 7x35 Bushnell binoculars we saw three Black-bellied Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola), eight Cas- pian Terns (Sterna caspia), two Ring-billed Gulls (Earns delawarensis), and three birds which we could not identify. Two of the “unidentified” birds were dark and considerably larger than the Black-bellied Plovers and the third bird was slightly smaller than the plovers. As we watched, one of the large dark birds raised its wings and we noted a conspicuous white wing stripe. The possibility of a “rain- soaked” Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) came to mind as the birds were about the size of Willets. However, the posture did not appear Willet-like and the beaks, though not seen well, did not look like a Willet’s beak. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 63 Since we did not have our spotting scope with us, we elected to rush home, get the scope and return immediately to the location. Fortunately, the birds were still present when we arrived back on the scene. The rain had stopped and visibility had improved. With our scope, a 20-45x Bushnell Spacemaster, it was obvious that the two large dark birds, which were facing us, were godwits. They had dark, reddish-brown breasts with fine, dusky or black cross-barring and long, slightly up-turned beaks that were flesh-colored with black at the tips. When the birds turned, presenting a side view, the broad white band at the base of the black tail was clearly visible and we knew, without doubt, that they were Hudsonian Godwits (Limosa haemastica) in breeding plumage. The authors are familiar with the species from observations in Texas and on the North Carolina coast. The remaining unidentified bird now drew our attention. Its back was turned to us and we could get no field marks. Hoping to obtain a better view of this bird and a closer look at the godwits, we began to move a bit closer to the edge of the ash surface. This caused the entire group of birds to flush. As the godwits rose, we saw again, the white marks on the upper side of the wings and the dark under-wing linings. The white rump and black tail were prominent. We were unable to identify the smaller shorebird. The birds flew off in a southwesterly direction and did not return. To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the second record of Hudsonian Godwit in Tennessee. Dot AND Paul Crawford, Route 4, Gallatin 37066. Accepted 25 Aug. 1978. PURPLE SANDPIPER IN WEST TENNESSEE— On 29 November 1976 at 1600 during a routine check of an area of sandbars and mud flats in the Mississippi River on the Tennessee- Arkansas border north of the 1-40 bridge, I noted a dark shore bird intermediate in size between the ‘ ‘peeps ’ ’ and the Killd^trs (Charadr ins vociferus) with which it was feeding. With the sun to my back, I walked along a rock jetty onto the sandbar to a spot about 50-75 yards from where the bird was feeding. From this point, I noted that the bird was uniformly dark slaty gray in contrast to the brown coloration of the “peeps” and Killdeers. The slaty gray coloration continued onto the head and upper breast. When the bird flew several times, I noted that it had a distinct white stripe on each wing and a dark rump. Twice, the group of shorebirds landed on an area about 10-15 yards from where I was standing. The dark shorebird had bright yellow legs and the lower third of the medium length bill was yellowish contrasting with the dark tip. There was also a small amount of gray streaking on the side of its white belly under each wing . With these field marks , I checked my field guides and immediately determined that the individual was a Purple Sandpiper (Erolia maritima). I observed the bird for twenty minutes. That evening, I contacted Ben and Lula Coffey who returned with me the next afternoon and found the Purple Sandpiper in the same location. It was last seen flying to the NE across the sandbars and then North along the eastern shore of the island. The bird was not found on subsequent visits on 1 and 2 December 1976. This is the fourth record of this species in Tennessee, constituting the first for West Tennessee. The previous sightings were as follows: Hiwassee Island 25 November 1962; Bays Mountain Lake, 8 June 1967; and Sumner County Tennes- see at Gallatin Steam Plant on 6 June 1975. James G. Holt, 545 Techno Lane, Memphis 38105. Accepted 7 March 1978. [VoL. 50, 1979] 64 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER APPARENT COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR OF PECTORAL SANDPIPERS— On 13 March 1978 at 1300 hours two Pectoral Sandpipers (Erolia melanotos) were observed on mud flats of a small farm pond, St. John’s Pond, in Washington County. The birds were feeding and would repeatedly perform a presumed court- ship dance. The behavior consisted of first one bird, presumed the male, lowering its head and upper body to parallel with the ground and fluffing the back and neck feathers. In this posture the bird circled the other bird while bobbing its head. The second bird then imitated this action. Following this activity the two birds stood com- pletely erect, stretching their necks and bodies as high as possible and raised their wings high over their backs. The wings were held extremely pointed with about a 90° bend at the wrist. The two birds, still in the erect posture, faced each other breast to breast and did a little hopping dance, four or five hops, before jumping into the air and intertwining feet. The Jump into the air was approximately the height of the birds. The entire performance was observed three times in a ten minute span. At no time was a sound heard from either bird. The observed behavior bears some resemblance to that observed by S. A. Buturlin on the breeding grounds as reported in Bent’s Life Histories. The prime variations seem to be the fact that no throat inflation or sounds were observed. Bent also makes no mention of the mutual dance and intertwining of feet. Whether this is a pre-birding courtship or simply another variation of courtship activity is unknown. Richard D. Lura, 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City 37601. Accepted 17 April 1978. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL ON OLD HICKORY LAKE— At 0930 on 6 Feb 1977 an unusually large gull was observed with Herring Gulls (Laurus argentatus) and Ring-billed Gulls (Laurus delawarensis) resting on a row of partially submerged rocks in Old Hickory Lake. Close examination with a 20x Bushnell telescope clearly showed it was a Great Black-backed Gull (Laurus marinus). While at rest plumage was very much like an adult bird, e.g., almost black wings and back, and white head. However, the bill was light yellow with a dark tip and when observed in flight, the tail had a dark terminal band. The back was very dark brown and the wings were uniformly mottled brown contrasting with the white head and rump. Best comparison is with the second and third year immature Great Black-backed Gulls pictured in Robbins, et al, Birds of North America, for with the exception of the bill and the tail, the bird was plumaged like the third year bird shown in Robbins. Size and behavior of the bird was striking and clearly ruled out the European Lesser Black-backed Gull (Laurus fuscus). While on the rocks, the bird was very aggressive and ran all other gulls off. During this period, size comparison with some readily identifiable first year Herring Gulls showed the Great Black-backed Gull to be twenty-five percent larger than the Herring Gulls. In flight the bird even made aggressive passes at a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) flying by which is something in many hours of gull watching I have never seen any other gull do. During the morning the bird was first observed for about twenty minutes at a distance of about seven hundred yards. The location was approximately three miles above Old Hickory Dam and on the opposite side of the lake from our home in the village of Old Hickory. Lighting in the morning was not ideal (looking east) [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 65 but a second lengthy period of observation about 1430 by Sally Fintel, Michael Bierly, Margaret Mann and Betty Richards confirmed all field marks and verified that the leg color was flesh pink. The bird was observed again the next day, 7 Feb., at 1700 at Old Hickory Dam but attempts to locate it after that time were unsuccessful. This apparently is the first record of a Great Black-backed Gull in Tennessee. William A. Fintel, 25 Jones Circle, Old Hickory 37138. Present address: 49 Rue Entringer, Howald, Gt Duchy of Luxembourg. Accepted 25 Aug. 1978. LOW ALTITUDE RECORD OF THE COMMON RAVEN IN JOHNSON CITY — On 3 May 1978, Tom Laughlin and I were traveling on highway 137 near the Watauga Avenue exit ramp in downtown Johnson City (Elev. 492m). A large- black bird flushed from a road kill on the opposite side of the highway. As our initial impression was that the bird was not the more familiar Common Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) often seen along highways feeding on carrion, we stopped to get a better look. The bird was by now sailing in circles perhaps 90m away. Field marks apparent were: the large size; coarse and slightly bulging throat feathers; and wide, sweeping flight with little or no flapping of the wings. As the raven began to move off it was suddenly turned back in our direction by a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), harassing the larger soaring bird. As it passed over we could see the large wedge-shaped tail, characteristic of the Common Raven (Corvus cor ax). All above observations were made through 7 x 50 Bushnell binoculars in good light. The Common Raven would not ordinarily be expected in such a locality, although it does occur on several nearby mountains, such as Roan Mtn., Unaka Mtn., and Iron Mtn. Gap, usually at the higher elevations (above 1370m). These large corvids have been recorded during winter months at lower elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Arthur Stupka ( 1 963 , Notes on the Birds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville, Univ. of Tenn. Press), however a record of this altitude from a city such as Johnson City at this date is indeed noteworthy. Rick A. Phillips, 1332 Tranbarger Dr., Kingsport 37665. Accepted on 6 June 1978. COMMON REDPOLLS ON ROAN MOUNTAIN— On 12 February 1978, while searching for White-winged Crossbills (Loxia leucoptera) along the Balsam Trail Road at approximately 5800 feet elevation, on the North Carolina side of Roan Mountain, we observed two small birds actively feeding in the top of a Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri). The following characteristics were observed: red patch above bill, black chin patch, belly and flanks whitish with light streaks, a grayish, streaked back, rump lightly streaked and tail sharply notched. One of the birds had a pinkish color on the breast, while the second one did not. The general impression was of a delicate bird about the size of a Field Sparrow (Spizeila pusilla). These field marks are diagnostic for the male and female Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea). The birds were observed with 7 x 50 binoculars at a distance of about 45 feet for approximately five minutes. The observation conditions were good with a clear sky and the sun to our backs. The temperature was about 35° with snow cover varying from 2 to 15 inches. This observation occurred at 1300 hours. [VoL. 50, 1979] 66 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER After the redpoll observation we searched approximately one-half mile further out the Balsam Trail Road for the White-winged Crossbills. About one hour later on the return trip we again found the Common Redpolls at the same location. This time they were in the company of 10-12 White- winged Crossbills. Both species gave a very similar high-pitched chatter. This similarity of sounds is noted in the field guides. The length of this observation was approximately four minutes. This is the first known observation of Common Redpolls on Roan Mountain. Richard D. Lura, 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City 37601. GaryO. Wal- lace, Rt. 7, Box 338, Elizabethton 37643. Accepted 3 Aug. 1978. SIGHT RECORD OE A PARTIALLY ALBINISTIC DARK-EYED JUNCO — On 22 October 1 977 , Tommy Phillips and I ( RAP) were birding near the Rhododendron gardens of Roan Mountain in northeastern Tennessee at an eleva- tion of approximately 6,200 feet. We were watching a small group of eight Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) feeding on the ground when suddenly a ninth bird appeared above them six feet from the ground in a small Mountain Ash (Pyrus americanus). We were startled and at first puzzled as to the identity of this bird, for although the rest of the bird was marked similarly to the other juncos (with which it was by now feeding), this particular finch possessed a large, brilliant white auricular patch on each side of the head. After carefully watching the bird and listening to the call notes we decided that it was indeed a Junco, however we were still at a loss to account for the auricular patches. We departed, as the entire group of juncos flew into the nearby Spruce-Fir woods. Upon returning an hour later, we succeeded in finding the same peculiar junco, and after much trouble obtained a rather poor photograph. I later presented this photograph, along with an account of our observations, to Dr. Fred J. Alsop, III, and Thomas J. Bowman, Acting Director of Bays Mt. Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. Both men felt that the bird was most likely a partially albinistic Dark-eyed Junco. A return trip to the locality a week later on 29 October failed to find the junco, however, harsh weather conditions may have been partly responsible for our failure. Rick A. Phillips, Kingsport University Center — Biology Dept., University Blvd., Kingsport 37665. Accepted 7 March 1978. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 67 THE SEASON Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor SPRING SEASON: 16 March - 15 May, 1979 The winter of 1978-79 was milder than the two preceding ones and there are few reports regarding its possible effects of this season’s bird populations. In this Western Coastal Plain numbers of Eastern Bluebirds are reported to be the lowest in ten years in Obion County. Winter Wren populations were considered to be higher than in previous years in the Roan Mountain area of the Eastern Mountain Region. Few northern finches lingered into spring. Pine Siskins were seen in Memphis, an Evening Grosbeak in Elizabethton, and House Finches were present in the Central Plateau and Basin, Eastern Ridge and Valley and the Eastern Mountain regions, but in smaller numbers than last year. Perhaps the most noteworthy species of the season, because of the few records for Tennessee, was the Yellow Rail specimen in West Tennessee. Other unusual birds included a Western Meadowlark in the Western Coastal Plain, large numbers of Willets in two locations in the Central Plateau and Basin where eighteen American Avocets and a Laughing Gull were also observed, and an American Golden Plover in the Eastern Mountain Region. Two outstanding records from the Eastern Ridge and Valley were Fish Crows and a Hudsonian Godwit (third record for Tennessee). Connecticut Warblers and Mourning Warblers continued to be seen as rare but regular transients in the Central Plateau and Basin. The two western regions reported large numbers of migrating Swainson’s Thrushes. The location of two active nests of Yellow-crowned Night Herons in Carter County provided the first hard nesting evidence of the species for this area of Upper East Tennessee. Read on for the details of these and many other records in the following pages of the spring season. WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Heron-Gull: Yellow-crowned Night Heron: Part of the Riverside Park heronry moved to two locations in South Memphis, 8 nests at one location, 1 nest at the second. There are 3 active nests in the original heronry (RM, JS). Three Yellow-crowned Night Herons were at- tracted to the roof of the aviary at the Overton Park Zoo where a zoo specimen is held in captivity. The herons visited on the roof for almost an hour (JS). Missis- sippi Kite: 5 May (1), B (JW); 10 May (2) Dyer Co. (WGC); 1 1 May (3) Dyer Co. (WGC). Bald Eagle: 23 Mar { \ imm) TVA, Allen Steam Plant (DM). Osprey: 14 Apr (1) LaJoie Lake, CSP (TOS, MC), courtship observed 5 Mar, R (JF, SF). Upland Sandpiper: 17 Apr (14) PF (CB). Solitary Sandpiper: 21 Mar, 26 Mar, 1 1 Apr (1) D (WGC). American Golden Plover: 26 Mar (37) D (WGC); 28 Mar (200) [VoL. 50, 1979] 68 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER EB (EC, HBD, CB, SL), 1 Apr (20) M (BBC). Bonaparte’s Gull: 1 Apr (80) DeWitt Spain Airport (BBC, EC). Swift-Gnatcatcher: Chimney Swift: 26 Mar (12) M (RB). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 1 1 May (25) on a 4 mile stretch of levee road in Lake Co. (DP). Barn Swallow: 22 Mar (1) D (WGC); 1 Apr PE (CB, RB, MW). Carolina Chickadee: 1 1 pairs, a record high in boxes in Obion Co. study area (DP). Eastern Bluebird: ( 1 pair) lowest number of breeding pairs since 1969, Obion Co. (DP). Swainson’s Thrush: 1 1 Apr (1) OP (BBC); 12 Apr (1) M (BBC); 15 Apr (3) OP (RW); 16 Apr (2) OP (BBC); 18 Apr (6) OP (BBC). Veery: 26 Apr (1) M (HBD) ( 1) M (LCC); 29 Apr (4) SFSP(TOS). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 28 Mar (1) C (AS). Warbler-Sparrow: Golden-winged Warbler: 16 Apr ( 1 ) OP (BBC); 24 Apr (1) OP (BB, RB); 25 Apr (1) OP (BBC); 25-26 Apr (1) M (BBC). Blue-winged Warbler: 1 1 to 30 Apr more common in Overton Park than ever before in 50 years (7) (BBC). Tennessee Warbler: 6 Apr (1) OP (BBC); 22 May (2) D (CH, RH). Parula Warbler: 1 Apr (1) SFSP (WLW, RT, BBC, EC); 6 Apr (3) OP (BBC). Yellow Warbler: 6 May (1) D (CH, RH). Bay-breasted Warbler: 12 May (2) D (WGC). Wilson’s Warbler: 2 May (2) D (CH, RH). American Redstart: 13 Apr (1) M (WTW). WESTERN MEADOWLARK: 1 Apr and 8 Apr (1) DeWitt Spain Airport (BBC, EC, AS). Northern (Baltimore) Oriole: 15 Apr (1) OP (DW); 19 Apr (1) M (BBC). Scarlet Tanager: 14 Apr (1) CSP (BBC, EC, AS). Blue Grosbeak: 1 May (1) H (AS). Pine Siskin: 6 May (2) M (MLB). White-throated Sparrow: 12 May M (DB); there were 135 on the Spring Field Day count of 29 April. Locations: B — Bartlett, TN, northeast Shelby Co.; C — Covington, TN, Lauderdale Co.; CSP — Chickasaw State Park, Hardeman Co.; D — Dyersburg, Dyer Co.; EB — Ensley Bottoms, southwest Shelby Co.; H — Henning, TN, Lauderdale Co.; M — Memphis, TN.; OP — Overton Park, city park in Memphis, TN.; PE — Penal Farm, Shelby Co.; R — Raleigh, northeast Shelby Co.; SFSP — Shelby Forest State Park, northwest Shelby Co. Observers: DB — Diane Bean; BB — Bob Browne; RB — Robert Browns; CB — Carolyn Bullock; MLB — Mrs. Laura Buxton; BBC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr.; EC— Lula Coffey; WGC— William G. Criswell; HBD— Helen B. Dinkelspiel; JF — Jim Ferguson; SF — Sue Ferguson; CH — Celia Hudson; RH — Russell Hud- son; SL — Selma Lewis; RM — Robert McGowan; DM — Don Miller; DP — David Pitts; AS— Alice Smith; JS — John Stokes; RT — Richard Taylor; TOS,MC — Tennessee Ornithological Society, Memphis Chapter; MW — Martha Waldron; JW— Jeff Wilson; WTW— William T. Whitely; DW— Dick Whittington; WLW — Wendell L. Whittemore. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis 38117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Migration was even and prolonged, perhaps due to the even spring and mild temperatures. Periods of cloudy and rainy weather kept transients grounded. Precipitation for April and May in Nashville was double the average. Egret-Gull: Cattle Egret: 2 Apr Old Hickory L (2) MW, FF, earliest Nash 2 days; 15 May Clarksville (7) BM; 26 May Lascassas, Rutherford Co (2) SD. American Bittern: 4 Apr - 1 May Nash area (6) NTOS, a good number after several years of few sightings . Osprey: 7 Apr - 25 May home , Sewanee ( 1 -2) H Y ; 1 2 May [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 69 Fall Creek Recreational Area, Percy Priest L (1) RM, JS. Sora: 18 Apr - 20 May Tullahoma (1-3-1) RL, MH, et al. Common Snipe: 12 May Tullahoma (2) RL. Willet: 1 May Clarksville (62) MF, large number; 3 May Cold Hollow, Center Hill L (175) CE, exceptionally large number. White-rumped Sandpiper: 28 May Hillsboro, Coffee Co (1) ER. Sanderling: 4 May Gallatin Steam Plant (2) DPC; 12 May Old Hickory L ( 1) MEM. These are the 4th and 5th spring records Nash area. AMERICAN AVOCET: 21 Apr Gallatin Steam Plant (18) DPC, HLK, 4th spring record Nash area. LAUGHING GULL: 12 May Percy Priest Lake, Rutherford Co (1) RM, JS. Cuckoo-Warbler: Yellow-billed Cuckoo: Large populations of tent caterpillars perhaps brought the species up early and in large numbers. Whip-poor-will: 27 Mar Sewanee (1) HY. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 24 Mar Nashville (1) KS/iW^’ SMB, earliest Nash 2 days. Eastern Wood Pewee: 10 Apr Monteagle (1) SM, early. Rough- winged Swallow: 14 Mar Shelby Park, Nash (1) MPS, earliest 3 days Nash. Swainson’s Thrush: From late Apr - mid-May nearly every Nashville yard with a few shade trees had this species singing in it. Nashville Spring Count 12-13 May recorded 308! Connecticut Warbler: 28 Apr - 1 May Radnor L, Nash (1) DP, then others; 5 May Sewanee (1) HY; 13 May Nash (1) ATT. Mourning Warbler: 19-28 May Nash area (5 at three locations) DPC, MPS, RR. Bobolink-Sparrow : Bobolink: 23 Apr Hillsboro (2) ER. Scarlet Tanager: 8 Apr Radnor L, Nash (1) MLB. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 24 May Clarksville (1) JDA, getting late. HOUSE FINCH: 3 Mar Manchester ( 1 male) AM, EB; 6-7 Apr Nash (1 female) MPS, only sighting Nash this winter in contrast to minimum six locations winter 1977-78. Fox Sparrow: 2 Apr Monsanto Ponds, Columbia (1 banded) GRM, getting late. Observers (alphabetically beginning first initial): AM — Agnes Marcrom; ATT — Ann T Tarbell; BM — Bill Milliken; CE — Craig Empson; DP — Dick Por- ter; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; EB — Effie Boyd; ER — Erma Rogers; FF — Frances Fishel; GRM — George R Mayfield, Jr.; HLK — Helen and Lee Kramer; HY — Harry Yeatman; JDA — Joe D Allen; JS — John Sellars; KS — Katherine Simpkins; MF — Michael Filson; MH — Marjory Harper; MLB — Michael L Bierly; MEM — Margaret L Mann; MPS — M Pat Stallings; MW — Miriam Wein- stein; NTOS — Nashville Chapter Tennessee Ornithological Society; RL — Ruth Luckadoo; RM — Ruth McMillan; RR — Richard Rimmer; SD — Sam Dement; SM — Sanford McGee; SMB — Sue M Bell. Michael Lee Bierly, 3825 Bedford Ave., Nashville 37215. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— The number of records and sightings being submitted to the compilers is greatly appreciated as we add more information on the distribution and abundance of birds in the region. Tony Koella’s comments and observations from his farm at White Pine, in Jefferson County, are an excellent example of basic information needed to detect population trends over many years. Much more information of this type should be recorded and submitted for the record. Loon-Merganser: Common Loon: max 3 Apr (21) ChL (KLD); last report, 1 flying north over LaFollette on 14 May {CVN) . RED-NECKED GREBE: 26 Mar - 2 Apr(l) ChL(RCS, ¥AJ)etal). Horned Grebe: max 19 Mar (8) ChL (KLD); last 1 1 May (1) EB (Dave Hawkins, CPN, LT). Pied-billed Grebe: 29 Mar (17) ChL (KLD). Double-crested Cormorant: 1-3 regular HRA (KLD, RCS); 29 Apr (3) K GCH, CPN); 4 May (1) AS (RK). Little Blue Heron: 29 Apr ( 1 ) KCo (PP). Cattle [VoL. 50, 1979] 70 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Egret; 3 Apr ( 1) K (PP). Great Egret: 5 May (2) JC (RE). N. Shoveler: 29 Apr (3) K (JCH, CPN). Ring-necked Duck: 7 May (1) HRA (KLD, RCS). Greater Scaup: max 17 Mar (250) ChL (ED). Bufflehead; max 19 Mar (64) HRA (KLD). WHITE WINGED SCOTER: 17, 26 Mar (1) ChL (KLD et al). Ruddy Duck: 19 Mar (31) ChL (KLD); 16 Apr (3) NL (KLD, RCS). Hooded Merganser: 2, 3 Apr ( 1) ChL (KLD, RCS). Red-breasted Merganser; 29 Apr (3) K (JCH, CPN); 6 May AS (RK). Hawks-Cranes: Sharp-shinned Hawk; 5 Apr ( 1) JC (DL). Cooper’s Hawk; 30 Mar ( 1 ) JC (SG); 19 Apr ( 1) JC (DL); 28 Apr (2) BE (MD, JK). Red-tailed Hawk: 1 active nest HRA (KLD). Red-shouldered Hawk: 5 active nests known in the Chattanooga area this year (KLD et al). Broad- winged Hawk: 2 active nests in the Tennessee River Gorge (KLD, RCS). Osprey: During migration seemed to be widely observed on all TV A lakes. PEREGRINE EALCON: 9 Apr (1) HRA (KLD). MERLIN: 2 Apr ( 1) AS (SG). Ruffed Grouse: 23 Mar (1) Point Park atop Lookout Mt. (KD). Sandhill Crane: (this report was omitted last period); 13 Mar (20) K (SBS); 17 Mar (heard migrating) HRA (fide L. M. Bailey). Rails-Owls: Virginia Rail; 13 Apr ( 1) AIM (PP). Sora: 14 Apr (2) AIM (SBS); 5 Apr ( 1 ) AS (RK); 18 Apr ( 1) JB (RK). Semipalmated Plover; 13 May (35) KSP (CPN); 29 Apr (2) SJP (GE); 4 May (1) AS (RK). American Golden Plover; 14 May (1) KSP (KLD, RCS). Black-bellied Plover: 13 May (1) KSP (LD, JWS); 14 May (1) KSP (KLD, RCS). American Woodcock: 29 Apr (5, with at least 3 singing) KCo (KTOS). Upland Sandpiper: 29 Apr (1) K (KTOSL Willet: 29 Apr (21) AS (RK). Pectoral Sandpiper: 3 Apr (50) HRA (KLD). White-rumped Sandpiper: 28, 29 Apr (2) AS (RK, DL); 30 Apr ( 1) HRA (KLD, RCS); 1 May (1) BL (RK); 12-15 May (2-6) KSP (KTOS). Dunlin: 26 Mar (60) SB (KLD, RCS); 4 Apr ( 1) AS (DL); 13 May (1) KSP (CPN, JCH, SBS). Short-billed Dowitcher: 30 Apr ( 1 ) HRA (KLD, RCS); 13 May (26) KSP (LD, JWS). Long-billed Dowitcher; 1 3 May ( 1 ) KSP (JWS) . Both of the above species were identified by call note. Stilt Sandpiper: 28, 29 Apr (1) Blountville (MD, JK). Semipalmated Sandpiper; 26 Mar ( 1 ) HRA (KLD, RCS); 13 May (20) KSP (LD, JWS). Western Sandpiper: 28 Apr - 8 May (1) SJP (MD, SG). HUDSONIAN GODWIT: 13, 14 May (1) KSP (LD, JWS, SBS et al). Ring-billed Gull: several present through end of period in Knoxville area (KTOS). Bonaparte’s Gull: 3 Apr (20) ChL (KLD). LAUGHING GULL: 1 3 May ( 1 ) KSP (LD, JWS). Lorster’s Tern: 30 Apr (5) HRA (KLD, RCS). Caspian Tern: 20 Apr ( 2) , 27 Apr ( 1 ) K ( PP) . Cuckoos: In the areas of Chattanooga and Knoxville a tremendous forest insect population explosion occurred defoliat- ing vast areas of timber. In the Knoxville area it seemed to be the forest tent caterpillars, while at Chattanooga the insects appeared to be cankerworms, linden loopers and oak leaf rollers. Nicholson commented that the Yellow-billed Cuckoo was very early and very abundant with a high count of 35 being recorded on 29 April the day of the Knoxville Chapter’s Spring Count. Pour observations of Black-billed Cuckoos were also recorded during the period. In contrast, at Chat- tanooga, during this same period cuckoos were practically absent with only an occasional bird being identified. Great Horned Owl: 26 Mar ( 1 large young in same nest used in 1978) HRA (KLD et al). Woodpeckers-Warhlers: Red-headed Woodpecker: 1 all period JC (Kat Bierly). Willow Flycatcher: 15 May ( 1 ) KSP (TK). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 8 May (1) K (PP). Blue Jay; on 21 Apr 65 were observed migrating north along side [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 71 Lookout Mt. at Reflection Riding (KLD et al). FISH CROW: 10 Apr (4) SB (KLD). This is the first East Tennessee record and details will be submitted. Red-breasted Nuthatch: one regular Chattanooga till 24 Mar (R. Bruce Wilkey). Hermit Thrush: 18-22 Apr ( 1 ) JC (SG). Philadelphia Vireo: 1 May ( 1 ) JC (SG). Warbling Vireo: 21 Apr (1) SJP (DL). Warblers: The warbler migration at Elizabethton appeared late in arriving and then only small numbers were being recorded according to compiler Glenn Eller. Chuck Nicholson, Knoxville, com- mented they had few pronounced waves when a large number of species could be seen during a morning. In the Chattanooga area migration seemed to be normal with no unusually large numbers being recorded (KLD, RCS). Connecticut War- bler: 30 Apr (1) TRG (RCS). Orange-crowned Warbler: 17 Apr (1) K (SBS). Blackbirds-Sparrows: BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: 30 Mar (3) JC (MD, SG); 7 Apr (1) SJP (DL). HOUSE FINCH: regular; last date 9 Apr JB (RK). Red Crossbill: 31 Mar (6) JC (Helenhill Dove). Savannah Sparrow: regular and common till 30 Apr around home and farm JCo (TK). Grasshopper Sparrow: after 22 Apr regular and common around house and farm JCo (TK). SHARP-TAILED SPARROW: 13 Apr (1) AIM (PP). Vesper Sparrow: regular at home JCo till 25 Mar (TK). LARK SPARROW : not as common as last previous years at home and farm JCo (TK). Locations: AIM — Alcoa Marsh: AS — Austin Springs; BE — Boone Lake; CH — Chattanooga; ChL — Chickamauga Lake; LB — Eagle Bend Pish Hatchery, Clinton; HRA — Hiwassee River Area; JB — Jonesboro; JC — Johnson City; JCo — Jefferson County; K — Knoxville; KCo — Knox County; KSP — Kingston Steam Plant; NL — Nickajack Lake; SB — Savannah Bay; SJP — St. John’s Pond. Observers: Dillenbeck, Martha — MD; Dubke, Kenneth H. — KD; Kenneth H. and Lillian H. — KLD; Lillian H. — LD; Eller, Glenn — GE; Howell, Joseph C. — JCH; Knight, Rick— RK; Knoxville Chapter, TOS— KTOS; Koella, Jon A. “Tony” — TK; Kyle, Joy — JK; Lewis, Richard — RL; Lura, Dick — DL; Nichol- son, Charles P. — CPN; Pardue, Paul — PP; Stedman, Stephen J. and Barbara — SBS; Stone, Jowayne — JWS; Stringer, Randy C. — RCS; Swafford, Glenn — GS; Turner, Linda — LT. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke, 8139 Roy Lane, Ooltewah 37363. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — The weather for the last of March was unseasonably warm; then in April it became cool and wet. The first two weeks in May saw the return of normal spring like temperatures for the area. The locating of 2 Yellow-crowned Night Heron’s nest which successfully fledged young established the first nesting record of this species for Carter County. Also a Great Horned Owl’s nest with young was an uncommon find for the area. The first upper East Tennessee sighting of the American Golden Plover was considered a note-worthy find. Loon-Hawk: Common Loon: last 28 Apr (2) WatL (GW, DL). Green Heron: 1st spring 26 Mar ( 1) HS (HP). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 1st 21 Apr (2) WatR {G’W), first nest located 21 Apr in HS by (HP), second nest located 24 Apr in HS by (GE, HP), eggs visible in nest on 27 Apr with young in nest on 8 May. Canada Goose: 19 Mar thru 5 Apr ( 1 ) Razor Parm (GE). Gadwall: 24 Mar (2) WatL (GW, GE, MD). Redhead: 16-17 Mar (1) WatR (HP, GW). Ruddy Duck: 24 Mar (1) GLP (GW, GE, MD), 4 Apr ( 1) RC (SG, MD). Hooded Merganser: last 24 Mar (2) [VoL. 50, 1979] 72 THE MIGRANT SEPTEMBER Wagis (GW, GE, MD). Red-breasted Merganser: last 3 Apr (2) WibL (RK). Sharp-shinned Hawk; 16, 25 Mar (1 ea) Wagis (DL, GW); 27 Apr (1) E (HFE Cooper’s Hawk: 24 Mar (1) Razor Farm (GW, GE); 28 Apr (2) E (ETOS); 15 May ( 1 ) E ( Lois H) . Broad- winged Hawk: 1 st returned I Apr ( 1 ) E (HE) . Marsh Hawk: 25 Apr (1) HS (MD). Osprey-Wren: Osprey: 1st spring sighting 7 Apr (1) WatR {G^) . AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER: 24 Mar (1) SiamV (GW, GE, MD) area’s 1st record. Common Snipe: last 6 May (2) WatR (HE). Spotted Sandpiper: 1st on 15 Apr (1) SiamV (HE). Solitary Sandpiper: 1st on 4 Apr (1) SiamV (GE). Pectoral Sandpiper: 1st on 24 Mar (3) SiamV (GW, GE, MD). Bonaparte’s Gull: 24 Mar (1) Wagis (GW, GE, MD). Common Tern: 1 May (3) RC(JM). Great Horned Owl: 15 Mar nest on cliff face found with young near WibL (FA). Barred Owl: 28 Apr (1) HM (GW, DL). Common Nighthawk; 1st on 26 Apr (2) E (HE). Chimney Swift: 1st on 7 Apr ( 1) E (GE). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: last seen 28 Apr (1) RCP (SG, MD). Least Flycatcher: 1st on 8 May (2) RM (JM), later than usual. Tree Swallow: 1st on 23 Mar (3) WatL (GW, DL). Rough-winged Swallow: 1st on 24 Mar (2) Wagis (SG). Barn Swallow: 1st on 24 Mar (3) SiamV (GW, GE, MD). Common Raven: 1-4 regular on RM, IM thru-out period (ETOS). Red-breasted Nuthatch: very heavy concentrations thru 1 May on RM above 5000'. Winter Wren: above normal population on RM thru out period (RM et al). Thrush-Sparrow : Hermit Thrush; last seen 28 Apr (2) Ripshin Lake (GE, HE). Black-and-white Warbler: 1st on 8 Apr (1) WatL (RK). Swainson’s Warbler: 1st on28 Apr(2) RCP(SG,GS). Worm-eating Warbler: lston21 Apr (1) WibL (DL). Blackburnian Warbler: 1st on 17 Apr (1) WibL (JM). Blackpoll Warbler: 1st on 28 Apr (2) E (HE), another good year. Pine Warbler: 16 Mar (2) WibL (GW). Prairie Warbler: 1st on 21 Apr (3) Bluff City (GE). Louisiana Waterthrush: 1st on 30 Mar ( 1) MC (RE). Canada Warbler: 1st on 28 Apr (1) E (GW, DL). Bobolink: 28 Apr (12) Hampton (GE, HE). Blue Grosbeak: 10 May (2) MC (RE). EVENING GROSBEAK: last seen 26 Mar (1) E (GE). Purple Finch: last seen 28 Apr (3) E (ETOS). HOUSE EINCH: last seen 25 Mar (2) E (Katherine Thomas). Vesper Sparrow: 8 Apr ( 1) E (RK). White-throated Sparrow: last seen 15 May (1) E (HE). Swamp Sparrow: last seen 1 May (3) E (GE, HE). Locations: E — Elizabethton area; GLP — Great Lakes Pond near Eliz.; HS — Hunter Swamp; IM — Iron Mtn.; MC — Milligan College; RC — Roans Creek; RCP — Rock Creek Park near Erwin; Riyi — Roan Mtn.; SiamV — Siam Valley; Wagis — Wagners Island; WatL — Watauga Lake; WatR — Watauga River; WibL— Wilbur Lake. Observers: FA — Fred Alsop; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; ETOS — Eliz. chapter TOS; GE — Glen Eller; HE — Harry Farthing; SG — Sally Goodin; LoisH — Lois Herndon; JM — John Martin; RK — Rick Knight; DL — Dick Lura; RE — Richard Lewis; GS — Glenn Swafford; GW — Gary Wallace. Glen D. Eller, Route #3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. [VoL. 50, 1979] 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 acceptable 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8I/2 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 in- tended 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. 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 summarized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the work per- formed. IDENTIFICATION: 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, 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 ac- company 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 An Analysis of Bird Population Densities for a Ten Year Period in West Tennessee. Martha Waldron 49 Book Reviews A Guide to North American Bird Clubs. Gary O. Wallace 52 Rare AND Endangered Biota OF Florida. Gar_y O. IT<3//<3cc 52 Observations at a Breeding Colony of Yellow-Crowned Night Herons IN Blount County, Tennessee. MorrA D. Williams 53 1979 Spring Field Days. Richard D. Lura 56 Round Table Notes White Ibis in Wilson County. Mrs. J. W. Lawrence 61 Harlan’s Hawk in Fayette County. Jon E. Devore 61 Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk and Some Other Raptores at Sewanee. Harry C. Yeatman 61 Second Record of Hudsonian Godwit in Tennessee. Dot and Paul Crawford 62 Purple Sandpiper in West Tennessee. James G. Holt 63 Apparent Courtship Behavior of Pectoral Sandpipers. Richard D. Lura 64 Great Black-backed Gull on Old Hickory Fake. William A. Fintel .... 64 Low Altitude Record of the Common Raven in Johnson City. Rick A. Phillips 65 Common Redpolls on Roan Mountain. Richard D. Lura and Gary O. Wallace 65 Sight Record of a Partially Albinistic Dark-eyed Junco. Rick A . Phillips 66 The Season. Spring Season: 16 March - 15 May, 1979. Edited by Fred J . A I sop, III . 67 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 67 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 68 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke . 69 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 71 ^ QUARTERLY jqURNAL DEVOTEDvTO TEN N ESSE ^blistiecl \^ :y?tV^V‘TV; Vi* 3iiv;r/-/.-';'>!:Vi' ■•iV'W.i'-l- r lUDnsnea oy ^THETENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY DECEMBER, 1979 VOL. 50, NO. 4 I 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 — Gary O. Wallace, Rt. 7, Box 338, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, TN 37643 The Season Editor — Fred J. AIsop, III, Rt. 6, 302 Evergreen St., Church Hill, TN 37642 State Count Compiler — Richard Lura, 1903 Eastwood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 All TOS members receive The Migrant and the TOS Newsletter, The Tennessee Warbler. The Newsletter carries information about meetings, forays, and club activities. Items for the Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Charles P. Nicholson, Box 402, Norris, TN 37828. OFFICERS FOR 1979-81 President — Nelle Moore, 275 Palisade Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 Vice Presidents; East Tenn. — Rick Knight, 804 North Hills Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601 Middle Tenn. — Dot Crawford, Rt. 4, Gallatin, TN 37066 West Tenn. — Richard L. Whittington, 3593 Norriswood Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 Directors-at-Large: East Tenn. — Jon A. Koella, Rt. 2, White Pine, TN 37890 Middle Tenn. — Michael Dinsmore, Jarman Hollow Rd., Palmyra, TN 37142 West Tenn. — Mrs. C. K. G. Sumara, 1011 Church St., Tiptonville, TN 38079 Curator — James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, TN 37920 Secretary — Mrs. Henry S. Dinkelspiel, 6519 Massey Lane, Memphis, TN 38138 Treasurer — Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38177 Annual dues, $6.00; Sustaining, $10.00; Life, $150.00; Student (under 18 years), $3.00; Family, $7.00; (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Dues, contributions, and bequests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. 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. 50 DECEMBER, 1979 NO. 4 NOTES ON SUMMER BIRDS OF THE CANADIAN ZONE FOREST OF ROAN MOUNTAIN Rick A. Phillips Throughout the nesting season of 1977 Fred J. Alsop, III, Tom F. Laughlin, and I (RAP) made a number of visits to the spruce-fir belt on Roan Mountain along the Mitchell County, North Carolina — Carter County, Tennessee border. Birds observed during our visits are listed in Table 1 . During the course of our field work in the Canadian zone woodlands we visited areas ranging from mature spmce-fir stands to a rather unique localized area of much young second growth along a small graveled road just below the rhododendron gardens near the summit of the mountain. This area is used as a Christmas tree seedling area by Mitchell County, North Carolina. The vegetation of this area, at an elevation of approximately 5 ,400 feet, consists of many small (averaging 7 feet in height) and a few randomly scattered large mature Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) and Red Spruce (Picea rubens). This section proved to be the most attractive to some uncommon species not usually present during the nesting season. The material which follows is a sum- mary of some notes on the more uncommon birds found during our visits. Goshawk- — A large accipiter appeared in the seedling area on 29 August at about 2:00 p.m. (EDT) as Laughlin and I were looking for Red Crossbills. The bird sailed by 200 yards away and stood out well against a background of evergreens . It flew for about 500 yards and landed in a large dead tree. I was able to approach carefully to within 50 yards of the hawk for a closer look. The large size, light superciliary stripe, light finely barred breast, coupled with our view of the bird’s slaty-blue back in flight served to confirm our initial identification, that the bird was an adult Goshawk. As I attempted to move even closer, it flew and was not seen again. I know of no summer records of the Goshawk from Roan Mountain, and the bird is regarded as of rare occurrence in any season. Sharp-shinned Hawk — A female of this species was present in the seedling area for the duration of our visits and on 21 August, Laughlin and I observed the flight display of a male and female in the same area. The male appeared much smaller, half the size of the female, and was constantly above her as they performed a variety of aerial maneuvers high above the forest. This pair of birds probably nested in the immediate vicinity. Cooper’s Hawk — Laughlin and I sighted an immature female of this species in the seedling area on the afternoon of 21 August. [VoL. 50, 1979] 74 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER TABLE 1 BIRDS OBSERVED ON ROAN MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE- NORTH CAROLINA DURING JUNE AND AUGUST, 1977. APECJES Goshawk (Acclplter gentllls) Sharp-shinned Hawk (Ac^ipjter strlatus) Cooper's Hawk (^cijpiter cooperi ) Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo iamalcensls) Ruffed Grouse (Bo_nasa tmib^n.us) Chitnnev Swift (Chaetura pelagica) JUNE Ml . IJ. _ 15_ 26 29 1111 1 1 10 Rubv-throated Humr.iingbird (Archilochus colubris) Red-headed Woodpecker (kelanerpes erjMJirpcejHna lus) Olive-sided Flycatcher (Nuttal lornis borealis) 9 15 12 3 1 12 1 2 1 Rough -winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) Barn Swallow (H irundo rustica) Blue Jay (C_yaji_oc^t t_a cj^i s t_aj;_a ) 4 6 Common Raven (Cory'us corax) Red -breasted Nuthatch (Sjtta canadensis) Brown Creeper (Cjj^hi^a fanii Haris) 2 3 AUGUST M __28 _29_ 1 2 1 1 3 12 9 18 1 Winter VJren (Troglodytes troglodytes) Gray Catbird (Pumetella carolinensis) American Robin (T urdus migratorius) V e e r y ( Cath arus fu.s.'L9A9®P J ^ Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) Cedar Waxwing (BombjfcljJ^ cedrorum) Solitary Vireo (Vireo solitarius) Black-throated Blue Warbler (Pendroica caerulescens) Black-throated Green Warbler (Pendroica virens) Blackburnian Warbler (Pendroica Eusca) Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) Chestnet-sided Warbler (Pendroica pensylvanica ) Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus) American Goldfinch (C^r_He_l_H tristis) Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra ) Song Sparrow (Melospiza me lodia ) 2 6 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 3 2 2 1 6 4 8 6 4 2 2 2 2 4 1 1 1 3 5 8 8 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 50 10 50 50 28 50 50 24 50 3 3 6 5 2 2 2 3 8 6 12 6 6 3 10 18 22 2 1 1 4 6 2 1 2 2 5 9 9 9 7 2 7 18 i2 1 1 Red-tailed Hawk — This bird was seen twice hunting along the graveled road which passes through the seedling area. No evidence of nesting was found. Ruffed Grouse — Three young birds were recorded crossing the road which leads from Carver’s Gap to the gardens area. In view of the Goshawk recorded 29 August I feel it noteworthy to mention that the Ruffed Grouse is one of the most important prey items in the diet of the Goshawk, especially females, in northern areas with habitat similar to that found in the spruce-fir on Roan. Ruby-throated Hummingbird — This was found to be a common bird at all altitudes in the spruce-fir areas. I think it is interesting to point out that during a period of four years while employed at nearby Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina, where similar habitat to that found on Roan Mountain prevails, Burleigh (1941) states that “a female observed June 5, 1930, in open spruce woods at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet marks the extreme limit to which this species ventures during the breeding season.” Rhoads (1895) during a trip to Roan Mountain in June states, “not seen on top of Roan Mountain, but up to a high altitude, say 4,500 to 5,000 feet.” The abundance of late blooming flowers found in second [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 75 growth areas would provide a ready supply of nectar upon which these birds feed themselves and their young. (These birds are comparatively late nesters, often producing young in late June and July.) Red-headed Woodpecker — One individual was recorded flying through the seedling area. Burleigh (1941) stated that this species was of casual occurrence here, and only seen at irregular intervals during the spring and fall. Olive-sided Flycatcher — Two individuals were seen perched in tall dead trees located in the seedling area. An immature Olive-sided Flycatcher was found perched in the top of a dead tree on 28 August near the site where the adults were recorded on 17 and 19 August, however, it is possible that this bird was a migrant. The Olive-sided Flycatcher is an uncommon summer resident in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The only available nest record of this species in the Southern Appalachians is that of Williams (1974), who observed a nest in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rhoads (1895) recorded this species “passing down Rock Creek Valley on the northwest side of Roan Mountain ... a narrow cove and the altitude about 4,000 feet.’’ Common Raven — This large corvid was recorded but a single time during our visits to the area, however it is my opinion that there are from one to five resident individuals on the mountain. Red-breasted Nuthatch — The population of the Red-breasted Nuthatch on Roan Mountain is variable, some years being a common bird and others hardly to be found. This variation seems to be correlated with the production of cones by the Fraser Fir and Red Spruce, an important food source of these birds. This species was all but absent during our visits up until 28-29 August when six and eight birds, respectively, were recorded. This shows a possible drift of birds from some nearby similar area. Golden-crowned Kinglet — Contact was made with the species every trip, however, the overall population seemed to be low. Perhaps the harsh winter took its toll on these resident birds. Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Blackbur- nian Warbler — These three species were entirely absent as nesting birds in the spruce-fir forest we examined. The absence of these birds in the spruce-fir area as nesting species is rather unexpected. Burleigh (1941) found the Black- throated Green Warbler, “a plentiful breeding bird in the thick fir and spruce woods on the top of Mt. Mitchell ...” and a visit to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains finds this bird plentiful at altitudes and habitat similar to that found on Roan Mountain. This also holds true for the other two species in the Great Smoky Mountains ( Alsop 1970). Burleigh (1941) found the Black- throated Blue Warbler, “a plentiful breeding bird in the cut over area to an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet.’’ However, he stated of the Blackburnian Warbler, “although not known to breed above an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet, this species is fairly plentiful during the late summer in the fir and spruce woods at the top of the mountain ...” Our observations led us to believe that all three species nested in apparently more suitable habitat at lower elevations and that some sort of vertical migration was responsible for their appearance in numbers later in the season. Purple Finch — A male and female frequenting the seedling area was perhaps the most interesting observation of all. The male was identified by its song by Alsop, and later was observed to defend his territory from a Canada Warbler. No [VoL. 50, 1979] 76 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER nest was discovered, but their presence in this habitat similar to that in which they nest farther north leads to speculation about possible nesting. Pine Siskin — These birds are permanent residents and are assumed to breed somewhere in the area. They were seen frequently during our visits yet no nest or evidence of nesting was found. Red Crossbill — On 16 June, Fred J. Alsop, Lois Carpenter, and I found a male and female of this species feeding in a large Fraser Fir. As the female fed, the male sat in the tree top acting as a sentry. When the female had finished feeding, she switched positions with the male, assuming the sentry position. All the while a constant exchange of call notes was given by the birds. They fed only on the new cones of the current growing season and did so by clipping the cone from the tree, then sitting on top of the cone and holding it with their feet while feeding on the contents. Another small group of crossbills was found on this date scattered throughout the trees down the mountainside near the seedling area. Four males and one female were seen and it sounded as though all of the males were trying to secure this female as a potential mate. The males were observed singing while perched and in flight. The song was loud and clear, of a typical fmch-like quality, beginning with an introduction of call notes, proceeding in a variety of warbling messages, and then ending the song with the call notes . A male perched high in a dead tree gave a song which seemed slower and less excited than the flight song. The aerial song was accompanied by a slow circular flight near the female, much like the display of the male American Goldfinch. The first published record of the crossbill’s occur- rence on Roan Mountain is that of Rhoads (1895) who stated, ‘ ‘the peculiar flight notes of this species were heard near the summit of Roan Mountain, where it undoubtedly breeds . ’ ’ I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Fred J. Alsop, III for his help in preparing these notes for publication, and to Tom F. Laughlin for his work in the field. Literature Cited Alsop, Fred J., Ill, A Census of a Breeding Bird Population in a Virgin Spruce-Fir Forest on Mt. Guyot, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Migrant, 41, (3): 49-55. Burleigh, Thomas D. 1941. Bird Life on Mt. Mitchell. 58: 334-345. Rhoads, Samuel N. 1895. Contributions to the Zoology of Tennessee. No. 2, Birds, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., pp. 463-501. Williams, Morris D. 1974. The Season. The Migrant, 45; 100. Biology Dept., Kingsport University Center, University Blvd., Kingsport 37660. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 77 MINUTES OF THE 1979 SYMPOSIUM AND FALL MEETING The 13th Annual TOS Symposium and Fall Meeting was held 5-7 October at Gallatin. The meeting of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Ornithological Society was held 6 October 1979 at the Gallatin Department of Electricity, Gallatin, Tennessee with 33 directors attending, or represented by proxy. The meeting was called to order at 10:45 a.m. by the President, Nelle Moore. The minutes of the Annual Spring Meeting held 5 May 1979 were read and approved. REPORTS OF OEHCERS There was no report from the Vice-Presidents. The SECRETARY, Helen Dinkelspiel, stated for the record that only the Minutes consisting of one book covering 1973 through May 1979 had been received along with Membership files, when the office passed to her. The TREASURER, Martha Waldron, announced that only the following items were received when the office passed to her: 1. Bank statements, cancelled checks, check stubs from Charles Wilmeth, Annella Creech, Ken Dubke and Ray Jordan, former treasurers. 2. Old set of membership cards from Ken Dubke. 3. No books from previous treasurers. The Treasurer’s report (copy of which is attached) showed: Cash on hand (30 Sept. 1979) Savings 3,255.64 Checking 253.95 3,509.59 The Treasurer further stated that the Special Committee, consisting of William T. Whitley, Finance Chairman, Nelle Moore, President and Martha Waldron, Treasurer, reinvested the proceeds of five (5) Certificates of Deposit amounting to $7,136.88 plus interest accrued since the Treasurer’s report of May 1978-1979, in InterCapital Liquid Asset Fund, Inc. through Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. Mem- phis office. This totals $7,273 which is earning better than 10% as of this date. Attached is report concerning interest earned on this reinvestment as of 3 Oct. 1979. The Migrant EDITOR, Gary O. Wallace, sent a report (copy of which is attached) in which he requested discussion on ‘ ‘What Constitutes an Acceptable Bird Record in Tennessee. ” This discussion resulted in the suggestion that ideas for guidelines for what birds should go on a Tennessee list should be sent to Dr. Wallace. There was no report from members of the Editorial Staff, Fred Alsop III, The Season Editor, nor from the State Count Compiler, Richard Lura. DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE from East Tennessee, Jon A. Koella, in his report com- mended T.O.S. for its interest in and action taken on conservation and work done on the heronry. [VoL. 50, 1979] 78 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE from Middle Tennessee, Michael Dinsmore, stated that he plans to work toward establishing a chapter at Clarksville. DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE from West Tennessee, Betty Sumara, sent no report. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The names of the Finance Committee were presented, subject to Board ap- proval, as follows: William T. Whitley, Chairman, Dr. James T. Tanner, Richard G. Taylor, Dr. David T. Pitts and Martha Waldron. Jon Koella moved to approve the members of the Finance Committee as submitted. The motion carried. Martha Waldron, speaking for William Whitley, Finance Chairman, in his absence stated that the Finance Committee was studying the M.I.T. ’s for possible reinvestment. The CONSERVATION COMMITTEE composed of George Mayfield, Chairman, Arlo Smith and Ken Dubke made no report. However, Dr. Smith commented on the great erosion problem in West Tennessee and stated that the Dept, of Conserva- tion was studying the matter. SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Charles P. Nicholson, Editor of the newsletter. The Tennessee Warbler, stated that the cost of a single issue was approximately $115 including postage of $25. FORAY: There was no report on the 1980 Foray from Charles Nicholson, Director, at the Board of Director’s meeting. Announcement was to be made at the afternoon session. PATCHES, DECALS, AVIFAUNA III: Lil Dubke reported that in 1974 there were 1040 copies of Avifauana III printed at a cost of $532.20. Mrs. Albert Ganier contributed $255 toward this printing. Of this number (1040) 1 1 1 have been sold and 32 complimentary copies given to Mrs. Ganier and others. At present Lil Dubke has 502 copies on hand, 210 are consigned to chapters and 85 consigned to bookstores and state parks. Dr. Tanner has 100 copies in his possession. Lil Dubke further reported that at this point there is a profit of $55 on patches and decals. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Avifauna IV was deferred to the Spring Meeting at the request of Fred J. Alsop III. NEW BUSINESS CURATOR, Dr. James T. Tanner, sent a letter (copy attached) stating that he had on hand enough copies of back issues of The Migrant to last 40 years and because of storage problems asked for recommendations as to disposition of surplus copies. Charles Nicholson made a motion that effective immediately the surplus copies of The Migrant are to be put on sale for 25^ an issue, plus postage. Copies are to be available at the spring meeting for 25^ an issue. Remaining copies are to be stored in various sections of the state. The motion carried. Ken Dubke made a motion that the Editor of The Migrant, Gary O. Wallace, be given a Life Membership. The motion carried. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 79 ANNOUNCEMENTS An announcement was made that the SPRING meeting for 1980, Memphis Chapter hosting, was to be held at Reelfoot Lake, 2-4 May. FALL MEETING: Ben Coffey made a motion that Michael Bierly proceed with arrangements for the Fall 1980 meeting to be held at Montgomery Bell State Park. The motion carried. The President extended appreciation to the committee in charge of the meeting just held at Gallatin. The meeting adjourned at 12:35. Helen Dinkenspiel, Secretary BOOK REVIEWS THE WORLD OF ROGER TORY PETERSON / AN AUTHORIZED BIOG- RAPHY. John C. Devlin and Grace Naismith. 1977. Quadrangle/The New York Times Book Co., New York. 15 color plates and 12 pages of black-and-white photographs. 266 p. $14.95. A biography that provides the inside story of the man that has done so much to popularize bird watching. His remarkable career, tracing his rise to success and the various roadblocks he has encountered is described. This is an enlightening book providing many candid details about the life of Peterson. Sensitive matters such as Peterson’s two divorces are handled tastefully. The book is also an introductory to the history of ornithology in the twentieth century. Gary O. Wallace WHERE TO FIND BIRDS IN FLORIDA. Edited by Margaret C. Bowman and Herbert W. Kale 11. Florida Audobon Society. 32 p. 1977. This is the third edition of the only bird finding guide for the state of Florida. It was first published in 1963-64, with the title of Where to Find Birds and Enjoy Natural History in Florida, edited by Margaret H. Hundley. The second revision occurred in 1971. The booklet is divided into four parts: South Florida, Interior Florida, East Coast, and Gulf Coast. Detailed information for finding birds is furnished for more than 140 locations. This is a very good bird finding guide and any birder planning to visit Florida will benefit from the information it contains. GaryO. Wallace [VoL. 50, 1979] 80 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER ROUND TABLE NOTES WHIP-POOR-WILL FORAY — A Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) foray conducted 5 June 1979 along the north face of Holston Mountain, Sullivan County, Tenn., produced 38 birds. The count began at 2135 EDT near the Big Creek section of South Holston Reservoir. The night was clear with a two-thirds moon shining, temperature 17 C (62 F), and there was little to no wind, making conditions ideal. The same foray method, as reported in previous years (Herndon, 1959), was employed. The route included U.S. Forest Service Route 4017, shown on most maps as Big Creek Road, then onto Flatwoods Road (Route 87) toward Elizabethton. The habitat is deciduous forest with intermittent clear cuts (U.S. Forest Service, 1973) producing suitable habitat for the Whip-poor-will (Bent, 1940). Elevation ranges from approximately 547 m (1800 ft) to 699 m (2300 ft). The census covered 16.8 km (10.5 miles) producing 38 Whip-poor-wills. No birds were sighted and all identified by call. The count ended at 2300 ( 1 1 :00 p.m.) EDT at the entrance to Sky-Wa-Mo Camp along Route 87 in Sullivan County, Tenn. One Barred owl (Strix varia) was heard. The first foray was conducted 20 years ago by Lee R. Herndon (Herndon, 1959) and subsequent counts continued intermittently through 1969 (Bridgeforth, 1969). Previous counts, with birds expressed in birds per kilometer, have been converted: 2.2 per km in 1959 (Herndon, 1959); 2.9 per km in 1962 (Herndon, 1962); 2.7 per km in 1965 (Smith, 1965); 2.4 per km in 1966 (Dillenbeck, 1966); 1.9 per km in 1967 (Dillenbeck, 1967); 4.6 per km in 1969 (Bridgeforth, 1969). The corresponding 'figure for 1979 was 2.3 birds per kilometer. In an address to the Virginia Society of Ornithology in May of 1979, Dr. Maurice Brooks (Pancake, 1979) commented on the Whip-poor-will. In Brook’s opinion, the bird is disappearing from its former habitat. Similar Whip-poor-will forays might be intensified by the Tennessee Ornithological Society in an effort to monitor possible population changes of this species. Observers included: Wallace Coffey, Bert Hale, Loraine Hale, and Ken Hale. LITERATURE CITED BENT, ARTHUR CLEVELAND. 1940. Life Histories of North American Cuckoos, Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds and Their Allies. Dover Publications, Inc., New York 14, NY. p.l73. BRIDGEFORTH, WILLIAM A. 1969. Whip-poor-will Foray. The Migrant 40:66 DILLENBECK, MRS. HAROLD. 1966. Whip-poor-will Foray. The Migrant 37:42. DILLENBECK, MRS. HAROLD. 1967. Whip-poor-will Foray. The Migrant 38:41. HERNDON, LEE R. 1959. A Whip-poor-will Foray. The Migrant 30:31. HERNDON, LEE R. 1962. A Whip-poor-will Foray. The Migrant 33:35. PANCAKE, JOHN. 1979. Appalachians are changing. Roanoke Times 3 June 1979. SMITH, CHARLES R. 1965. Whip-poor-will Foray. The Migrant 36:53. U.S. Forest Service 1973. Unit Plan for Management of the South Holston Unit, Cherokee National Forest, p.46. Kenneth D. Hale, Route 1, Bluff City 37618. Accepted 16 July 1979. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 81 HUMMINGBIRD USES NEST THIRD YEAR— A Ruby-throated hum- mingbird (Archilochus colubris) nest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Hol- comb, Brushy Valley Road, Powell, is of interest for three reasons: (1) The nest is under a carport and beside the door that is the main entrance to the house; (2) The nest, protected from weather by the carport and stored indoors each year after the nesting season, has now been used successfully for three consecutive nesting seasons; (3) The dark specks that gradually form a pattern on the clean wall each year are proof of misinterpretation of an observation on nest sanitation practices of the species quoted by A. C. Bent in his Life Histories of North American Cuckoos, Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds and Allies (1940). The Holcombs have a rural home in habitat that has attracted hummingbirds in previous nesting seasons and they also provide hummingbird feeders. In 1977 they returned from a vacation to find the nest under construction on a wire bracket beside their door, well away from any vegetation. The bracket is a type some- times used for hanging flower baskets but has only a rustic bell suspended by a cord from its end. The bracket is removed from the wall after nesting is completed, and it and the nest are stored indoors until the next spring. When hummingbirds re- turn in the spring, a female has been observed to go directly to the nest as if she knew where it was. She adds more plant down and fresh covering of lichens, except on the bottom. This results in the nest being noticeably larger each year. Bent quotes a statement that: “In cleaning the nest, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird places the droppings of the young in a line on the same branch, just above the nest. ’ ’ The Holcombs have not observed what happens the first two or three days but after that time, specks begin to appear on the white wall, which is about seven inches away at its closest point. And frequently, the young have Photo by j. B. Owen been Seen to raise their rear ends and Specks on while wall after young hummingbirds forcefully eject the excreta dear of the left the nest. The boards are 5 Vi inches across. neSt, which always appears tO be dean. Skutch, in his The Life of the Hum- mingbird (1973) mentions observing similar behavior in Costa Rica. J. B. Owen, 2930 North Hills Blvd., Knoxville 37917. Accepted 15 September 1979. BROWN CREEPER NESTING IN WEST TENNESSEE— On 14 May 1979 in the Tigrett Wildlife Area, Dyer County, I observed a pair of Brown Creepers [VoL. 50, 1979] 82 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER (Certhia familiaris) carrying food behind loose bark on a dead tree, then emerging without the food. Since the tree was in 3 feet of standing water, I returned the next day with a 16-foot extension ladder and with my son to assist me. As I prepared to photograph the nest, containing four juvenile Brown Creepers, a fifth appeared from somewhere on the trunk and perched two feet from me. I took several photographs of it before it flew to another tree about five yards away and started hitching up the trunk. As I was descending, I saw one of the young creeping up the trunk, and while leaving the area we saw three adults chasing each other around the trunk of a tree. The nest tree was a dead snag about 35 feet high. The nest was approximately 13 feet above the water and located behind loose bark. This tree was about 15 yards from the tree where I observed Brown Creepers carrying nesting material to underneath loose bark, 29-30 April- 1 May 1977. That nesting attempt was aban- doned. {Migrant 48:74-75, 1977). The locality is about three miles southeast of Ro Ellen, in the bottomlands of the North Fork, Forked Deer River; elevation 260 feet above sea level. A pair of Brown Creepers fledged at least five young at Radnor Lake, Nashville, 16 May 1976, as noted in American Birds (1976:968) and credited to Frank and Karen Ritter and Michael L. Bierly . Previously, all state nesting records were in the higher areas of East Tennessee. Rrst reports of nests there appeared in The Migrant of September, 1938 (IX:43 and 55-66) with two photographs of the first nest and another photograph of Albert F. Ganier climbing a dead spruce to a nest 60 feet above the ground. Ben B. Coffey, Jr., kindly advises that U.S. National Museum Bulletin 195 (“Bent”) mentions a single breeding record for extreme southeastern Missouri, which was for the former “sunken lands” about the turn of the century and just across the Mississippi from Dyer County. In the last ten years a few reports from southern Illinois and elsewhere, in American Birds, indicate to him that this species is slowly extending its summer range south in the Mississippi Valley. William G. Criswell, Route 4, Dyersburg 38024. Accepted 6 June 1979. A SNOW BUNTING IN KNOX COUNTY— On 7 January, 1979, I saw a Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) in Knoxville, Tennessee. To my knowl- edge, this is the first reported sighting of a Snow Bunting in Knox County. The bird was seen on the Sequoyah Little League Field located on Cherokee Boulevard 1.3 miles from the intersection of Cherokee and Kingston Pike. The bird first attracted my attention because it was larger than any of the other locally abundant sparrows. The head had a reddish-brown crown, white areas above the eye, a reddish-brown ear patch, and a dark gray area through the eyes. The bill was short, conical, and yellow. The breast was gray and unstreaked and had two reddish-brown splotches just ahead of the folded wings. The visible primaries on the folded wing were black; the coverts were brown with black mottling. A large white wing patch was present; this patch was so distracting that the outline and other characteristics of the bird could not be discerned while the bird was in flight. The back was streaked with black and the feet were black. The Birds of North America by C.S. Robbins, B. Bruun, and H.S. Zim (1966, Golden Press, N.Y.) was used to aid in identification of the bird. The field in which the bird was found was very wet from rain that had fallen in the early morning hours and from snow that had fallen on the previous Friday (5 [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 83 January). Throughout the period of my observations, about 15 minutes total, the bird never left the dirt part of the infield. I had to approach within six feet of the bird to flush it. Most of my observations were taken from distances of 15 to 30 feet with the aid of 7 x 35mm binoculars. I wish to thank Dr. J.T. Tanner for his criticism of the rough draft of this report. Michael C. Sloan, Graduate Program in Ecology, 408 10th Street, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 37916. Accepted 9 Feb. 1979. EARLY RECORDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI KITE AND A SUMMARY— Samuel N. Rhoads {Contributions to the Zoology of Tennessee, No. 2. Birds. 1895, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.) gives a personal record of the Mississippi Kite {Ictinia mississippiensis) near Raleigh (now a part of Memphis) and “second- hand” records of this species and the White-tailed Kite {Elanus leucorus) by a hunter, for Haywood and Lauderdale Counties. Albert F. Ganier and I considered these published records as very untrustworthy. The first modem published record of the Mississippi Kite for Tennessee was of two seen in the Ensley bottoms by Earl Henry and this writer 21 May 1932 {The Migrant 3 (3): 36). Frequent references to this species followed in these pages, for four principal Shelby County localities. Later, we found it regularly at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. Apparently the first authentic record for Tennessee has been unpublished. The late Albert F. Ganier advised me, 4 February 1930: “On August 9, 10, and 11, 1926 I covered about 240 miles of the N. C. & St. L Rwy on an open motor car, from Murray, Ky. to Memphis and from Lexington to Perry ville, and back, listing 44 species of birds along the right-of-way. I kept a particularly close lookout for the Mississippi Kite and was rewarded by recording the two mentioned. The first . . . was between Timberlake and Wildersville (milepost 1 10.5). The second . . . was directly over me and 1/4 mile east of Hatchie Station (about one mile east of the Hatchie River) ... the environment was excellently adapted to its needs. The following Febmary I searched the locality and found two old nests which were doubtless of this species. ‘ ‘The above are the only records for Tennessee except those I have observed at Reelfoot Lake.” In my copy of Ganier’s “Preliminary List of the Birds of Tennessee'’ (Dept. Game and Fish 1917) I had penciled in the two 1 1 August 1926 records and also “ 1 , seen Reelfoot Lake — May ’ ’ without the year or additional details. This would have to be previous to 1932. The N. C. &St. LR. R. was later incorporated into the L. & N. R. R. and much of the tracks removed. The Hatchie Station record was in the southwest comer of Madison County, the second locality was in north central Henderson County. More recent reports and county “firsts” include the following. Lauderdale County: 1,15 June 1952, Barr Area, BBC and R. Demett Smith, Jr. Dyer County: 2, 20 July 1957, 7 miles south of Dyersburg, Dr. and Mrs. Fred W. Loetscher, Jr. of Danville, Kentucky; we had the species west of Finley regularly, from 21 May 1960. Obion County: one studied, 18 July 1957, six miles north of Samburg, Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Axtell, of Buffalo, N. Y. On 24 May 1959 I saw one in that same area and from the T. O. S. meeting of 6 May 1961 the kites have appeared regularly on our field days at Reelfoot Lake. At least two (BBC) of the three 196 1 birds were in Lake County. Tipton County: one at Gilt Edge, 18 August 1968, by Alice Smith. Haywood County: one. Hillside area, 15 June 1974, Jerald Ledbetter, [VoL. 50, 1979] 84 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER compiler. Hardeman County: one, 27 June 1976, west of Teague, by Allan Larrabee and Russell Jones; this spot is about 7 miles east, while Hillville is 6 miles west of Ganier’s Hatchie Station record. Across the Mississippi River in Critten- den County, Arkansas, records appear on our field cards, from 16 Aug 1936 but undoubtedly birds from two Shelby County areas at the river, have soared across repeatedly, since 1932. Our first for Kentucky Bend, Kentucky, were four on 1 July 1962. Records are given above for ten West Tennessee counties but the species is regularly found only in Obion County and the five Mississippi River counties. This should change soon — if the destruction of bottomland hardwoods can be stopped. The last four or five seasons have witnessed an increase and spread of this kite in Shelby County. As I write this (early September, 1979) we have been getting repeated calls from persons who have seen numbers of the kites circling over various parts of Memphis, including Coffey Grounds. BenB. Coffey, Jr., 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis 38107. Accepted 18 Sept. 1979. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 85 THE SEASON Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor NESTING SEASON: 16 May -31 July, 1979 With the emphasis of this season’s observations focused on the reproductive efforts of the successful nesting of Tennessee’s avifauna nothing is more proper nor more exciting than the reports of the successful nesting of two pairs of Ospreys — a bird on the State ’s endangered species list — in the Eastern Ridge and Valley region. This event is further highlighted by the presence of other Ospreys in that area, at least one pair of which attempted nesting, and the pioneer efforts of Don Hammer and TV A in hacking transplanted Ospreys to-the-wild along the Tennessee River system. Ospreys also nested successfully at Reelfoot Lake. Black-crowned Night Herons nested at the Bordeaux colony in the Central Plateau and Basin and in Knox County the Concord colony moved across the lake and nested. Yellow-crowned Night Herons nested in the Eastern Mountain Region and Least Bittern nests were reported from the Western Coastal Plain. The nests of Chuck- will ’s-widows were discovered in the Western Coastal Plain. Blue- winged Teal and Spotted Sandpipers nested in the Central Plateau and Basin where the Song Sparrow continues to become better established as a breeding species and where Bewick’s Wren was reported from several locations. Tree Swallows nested in the Eastern Ridge and Valley where efforts by birders to locate territorial Grasshopper Sparrows produced good results. In the Eastern Mountain Region territorial Swainson’s Warblers were located at a new site in Carter County and the Alder Flycatchers were found on Roan Mountain for the second consecutive nesting season. Good numbers and varieties of shorebirds were reported in the two central regions of the state, both of which produced Willets. A Ruddy Turnstone was seen in late May at Gallatin and Red Knots were seen there as well. The knots are the seventh record for Tennessee. A Northern Phalarope was seen at Kingston in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. June birders found a Laughing Gull in the Central Plateau and Basin and a Least Tern in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. Common Loons remained late in both of these regions as well. Other observations demanding a particular introductory note include at least seven Painted Buntings in the Memphis area; summering Bald Eagles in the Eastern Ridge and Valley; Chestnut-sided Warblers at “low” elevations in the Chattanooga area; and a Hermit Thrush in early June on Roan Mountain. Many other valuable and interesting records follow. WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Rainfall was a little above aver- [VoL. 50, 1979] 86 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER age. Low lying areas in Lauderdale and Lake County were observed several times this summer and the observations produced a variety of shorebirds. There were Stilt Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, dowitchers. Pectoral Sandpipers, Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Cattle Egrets. The Mississippi River was high for a longer period of time this season. This may have affected the nesting of Least Terns as compared to previous years. Heron-Chuck-wiir s~widow: LITTLE BLUE HERON Date Adult Pied Immature 18 Jun 6 ___ __ 26 Jun 11 — — . 30 Jun — 4 — 3 Jul 35 3 7 7 Jul 36 1 33 8 Jul 54 — 41 10 Jul 4 1 4 14 Jul 25 1 28 31 Jul none in roost, 95 in area *All observations^ by Celia Hudson Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 6 June (40+ nests), SFSP (TWRA and SFSP personnel). Least Bittern: 23 May (nests: 4 eggs; 4 eggs; 5 eggs) Hooper Marsh, Tatumville, Dyer Co. (WGC). Mississippi Kite: 3 Jun - 31 Jul (1-4) North Dyer Co. (WGC); Several locations in Memphis were observed from 4 Jun to 21 Jul. The areas produced 1 to 10 kites on several days. On 21 Jul, 10 kites were observed in the air at one time, 3 were juveniles (JS), 14 Jul (6) Wardlow’s Pocket (MLB, JM). Lesser Scaup: 27 Jun (1 male) T (BBC, LCC). Killdeer: 23 Jun (nest with 4 eggs) PF (DW). Common Snipe: 26 May (1) Hooper Marsh, Tatumville, Dyer Co. (WGC). Caspian Tern: 28 Jul (6) Island 13 (CB, JG, MW). Black Tern: 28 Jul (17) T (CB, MW), 27 Jul (2) PF (RP). Chuck- will’s- widow: 2 nests: 1 Jun w/1 young approx. 100 yards from another nest with eggs found 17 May; hatched between 5 and 7 Jun, North Dyer Co. (WGC). Wren-Bunting: Carolina Wren: Observations show that this wren was fairly common in Shelby Forest State Park and Overton Park for the months of Jun and Jul, but rare to uncommon elsewhere in West Tennessee. Bewick’s Wren: 22 June (1) 3.5 mi. SE of Finger, McNairy Co, Rd 8083 (BBC). House Wren: first seen 14 Apr. The pair was nesting for the third time on 28 Jul. This is the fourth year in a wren box hanging about 6 ft. above the ground in a maple tree D (MHB), 6 Jun - 3 Jul (2 building nest) M (MD), 22 May - 10 Jul (2 singing) T (BBC), 1 Jul (3 singing) T (BBC), 19 Jun (1 singing) C (AS). Black-and-white Warbler: 17 Jul (1) OP (VJ), 31 Jul (1) D (RH). Swainson’s Warbler: Apr thru Jul last seen 2 Aug, third summer in Overton Park (BBC). Worm-eating Warbler: 15 Jun (1) SFSP (BBC). Tennessee Warbler: 22 May (2) D (CH). Nashville Warbler: 17 May (2) D (CH). Yellow Warbler: 6 May (l)D(CH), 14 Jul (1) M (JGH). Magnolia Warbler: 25 Apr (3-4) D (CH); 4 Jun (1) Overton Park, M (BBC)— latest by 4 days. Wilson’s Warbler: 2 May (2) D (CH). Blue Grosbeak: 27 Jul (2) PF (RP). PAINTED BUNTING: 4 Jul (5) PF (JGH), two buntings at other sites in NW Memphis. Observers: CB — Carolyn Bullock; MHB — -Mrs. Harry Brooking; BBC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr.; LCC— Lula C. COffey; WGC— W. G. Criswell; MD— Mary [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 87 Davant; MLB — Michael L. Bierly; CH — Celia Hudson; RH — Russell Hudson; JGH — James G. Holt; VJ — Victor Julia; JM — Joe McLaughlin; RP — Rob Peeples; AS — Alice Smith; JS — John Stokes; MW — Martha Waldron. Locations: C — Covington, TN.; D — Dyersburg, TN.; Island 13, Lake County; M — Memphis; OP — Overton Park; PF — Penal Farm, Shelby County, TN.; SFSP — Shelby Forest State Park; T — Tiptonville area. Lake County; WP — Wardlow’s Pocket, Lauderdale County, TN. Martha Waldron, 1626 Yorkshire Drive, Memphis 38117. CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Temperatures for the period were below normal and precipitation normal. Loon-Coot: Common Loon: to late Jul Percy Priest L (max 3, winter plumage) JP, species at least partially summered on this lake in 1975 and 1977. Double- crested Cormorant: 12 Jun Gallatin Steam Plant (1) DPC. Great Egret: 2-24 Jul Murfreesboro (1) AH, WH; 24 Jul Nash (1) MLM. Black-crowned Night Heron: The Bordeaux Heronry was again active and successful. At least 50 nests were active. No actual count was made because of disturbance to the birds. Blue- winged Teal: 28 May Hillsboro, Coffee Co (2 adults -f 6 young) ER. American Coot: 15 Jul Cold Hollow, Center Hill L (3) RJM; all summer Morris Ferry Boat Dock, Woods Reservoir (1) CSB. Plover-Sanderling: The shorebird migration peaked in late May with 1000-f on 28 May and an actual count of 681 peeps still present on 30 May, all at the Gallatin Steam Plant, DPC. This is unprecedented numbers for this location and date. Semipalmated Plover: 15 May (114), 28 May (15) Gallatin Steam Plant, DPC; 1 1 Jun Gallatin Steam Plant (2) DPC. Black-bellied Plover: 29 Jul Gallatin Steam Plant (1) DPC, DRJ, KD, earliest fall Nash area by 5 days. RUDDY TURNSTONE: 21 May (1), 28 May (7) Gallatin Steam Plant, DPC, 3rd & 4th spring records for Nash area. 29 Jul Gallatin Steam Plant (1) DPC, 7th fall record Nash area. Common Snipe: 12-27 Jun Metro Center, Nash (1) DV, first June record Nash. Upland Sandpiper: 9-22 Jul Metro Airport, Nash (1-8) MLM, RM, JS. Spotted Sandpiper: 15 Jun Metro Center, Nash (1 adult -I- 3 young) DV, seen most of June, 3rd nesting record Nash and same site as in 1977. WILLET: 28 Jul Metro Center, Nash (1) EQ, JB. RED KNOT: 28 May Gallatin Steam Plant (7) DPC, 2nd Nash area record and 7th Tenn record. White-rumped Sandpiper: 17 May - 12 Jun Gallatin Steam Plant (1-6) DPC. Baird’s Sandpiper: 4 Jun Gallatin Steam Plant (2) DPC. Dunlin: 26 Apr - 28 May Gallatin Steam Plant (max 32) DPC, unprecedented spring occurrence Nash area. Semipalmated Sandpiper: peak — -Gallatin Steam Plant 27 May (56), 28 (200+ ), 30 (613), 31 (99) DPC. Sanderling: 28 May Gallatin Steam Plant (16) DPC; 28-30 Jul Gallatin Steam Plant (1) DPC. Gull-Robin: LAUGHING GULL: 9 Jun Gallatin Steam Plant (1) DPC. Com- mon Tern: 24 Jul Old Hickory L (3) DPC; 29 Jul Percy Priest L, Rutherford Co ( 1) AH, BH, GMB. Caspian Tern: 9 Jul dam, Percy Priest L (1) MLM, 31 days earliest fall Nash area. Black Tern: 25 Jul Gallatin Steam Plant (4) DPC; 25 Jul Fall Creek Falls State Park (12) MOP. Least Flycatcher: 21-22 May Clarksville (1 singing) DS, FMF, DR. Olive-sided Flycatcher: 27 May Shelby Bottoms, Nash (1) MPS; late. House Wren: At least one male present all summer Columbia. Property owner said present 1978, but no confirmed nesting yet Columbia, GRM. Bewick’s Wren: 15 Jun Dixon Spring (1) CPN, not present 1 1 Jul; during period [VoL. 50, 1979] 88 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Nash, one location 2 birds DV and Gallatin three locations, 5 birds DPC. Ameri- can Robin: Jul Murfreesboro (1 completely albino with pink eye) AH. Warbler-Sparrow: Golden-winged Warbler: 2-16 Jun Lewis Co (1 male sing- ing) GRM, same site as 1978, no female seen, no known nesting records on the Western Highlands Rim. BREWSTER' S WARBLER: 17 Jul Cheatham Co (1) AES, KH, few Tenn. summer records. Cerulean Warbler: 3 Jul Woodbury (1 in bird bath) FB. Wilson’s Warbler: 28 May Shelby Bottoms, Nash (1) MRS. Dickcissel: 8 Jul Winchester (3) RL, MBH. Song Sparrow: Two Nash nesting colonies thriving; 13 Jul dam. Center Hill L (2 adults feeding young in nest) MRM. Observers (alphabetically beginning first initial: AES — A Floyd Scott; AH — Anne Hettish; BH — Bob Hettish; CPN — Charles P Nicholson; CSB — Carroll and Stanley Barr; DPC — Dot and Paul Crawford; DR — Debbie Roberts; DRJ — Daniel R Jacobson; DS — David Snyder; DV — David Vogt; EQ — Elizabeth Queener; ER — Erma Rogers; FB — Frances Bryson; FMF — Floyd M Ford; GMB — Glen and Maria Birdwell; GRM — George R Mayfield; JB — Jane Bridgman; JP — Jimmy Parrish; JS — John Sellars; KD — Kathy Davidson; KH — Kay Harker; MBH — Marjory B Harper; MEM — Margaret L Mann; MOP — Marge and Oscar Patrick; MPS — M Pat Stallings; MRM — Mac and Ruth McMillan; RJM — Rocky J Milburn; RL — Ruth Luckado; RM — Ruth McMillan; WH — Wilma Hunter. Michael Lee Bierly, 3825 Bedford Avenue, Nashville 37215. EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— This has been one of the most significant seasons the compilers can remember. Many years have been spent in monitoring the reproduction of the small Osprey population and 1979 was the finest ever recorded. A large measure of the success is due to the vigilant, tireless, efforts of Don and Joan Hammer in closely watching the pairs and preventing unwarranted human disturbance. In addition, Don was instrumental in organizing the Osprey hacking program. A large measure of the success in educating the public can also be directly attributed to the wide distribution of the Osprey-Eagle folders contributed by the TOS. Those observers that closely watched the Kingston Steam Plant for shorebirds were not disappointed. Numbers peaked on 28 May when an unprecedented 625 Semipalmated Sandpipers were tallied. Field workers in Elizabethton, Knoxville and Tony Koella in Jefferson County have searched for and recorded more Grasshopper Sparrows than were previously realized to be in the area. In order to determine the sparrow’s true status it would qualify as a fine target species to survey on a statewide basis in 1980. Loon-Hawk: Common Loon: 14 Jun (1) ELL (PP); 28 Jun (1) DL (PP). Double-crested Cormorant: 1 to 5 regular to 29 May HR A (KLD, Randy C. Stringer); 4 June records ELL (PP). Little Blue Heron: 11 Jul (1) NoL (JCH). Cattle Egret: 26-29 May (1) BL (Pete Range); 31 May (1) SB (KLD); 18 Jul (1) KSP (LT). Great Egret: 9 Jul (1) Grainger Co. (PP); 24-31 Jul (1) Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery (LT). Snowy Egret: 24 Jun (1) JCo (TK). Black-crowned Night Heron: the colony at Concord moved across the lake to Friendsville; move caused by house building in colony area (CPN et al); an attempted relocation of the Cherokee Lake colony was partly successful in that the birds moved, but did not settle at the selected site due to interference by boat campers. Relocation effort carried out by [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 89 Burline Pullin and TV A personnel. Yellow-crowned Night Heron: pair present at Knoxville throughout summer {fide CPN); 1 south of Knoxville in Blount Co. 16 Jun (JCH); and 1 immature at KSP 24 Jul (SBS). Ring-necked Duck: 1 summered on pond near JC (RK, SG, MD). Lesser Scaup: 1 summered on pond near JC (RK, SG, MD). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 19 May (1) JC (RL); 30 May (1) JC (GE); 23 Jun (1) Maynardville (JCH); reported during Jun, Campbell Co. (LT). Cooper’s Hawk: 8 Jul (1) JC (RK). BALD EAGLE: one on NoL during Jun (fide JMC); 9 Jul (1) (JCH) and 15 Jun (2) over the French Broad River at Joppa (PP). OSPREY: two nests on Watts Bar Lake that produced 3 young each, plus a third pair that made feeble efforts to nest. In addition, four young were transplanted from Maryland to artificial nest platforms on NoL and Chickamauga Lake where they successfully fledged (Don Hammer, KLD) . 4 Jul ( 1 ) ELL (MaD) . 26 May , 1 Jun ( 1 ) DL (TK) . Coot-Owl: American Coot: 1 Jun (1) AS (MD). Piping Plover: 24 Jul (1) KSP (SBS, KLD). Black-bellied Plover: 22 May (1) KSP (KLD). Am. Woodcock: 3 Jul (1) Amnicola Marsh (LD). Spotted Sandpiper: 2 Jun(l) KSP (KLD); 27 Jul(l) SJP (MD). Solitary Sandpiper: 19 Jul (1) Clinton (LT). WILLET: 22 Jul (1) ELL (PP). Greater Yellowlegs: 18 Jul (1) KSP (SBS). Lesser Yellowlegs: 31 May (1) SB (KLD); 10 Jul (5) KSP (KLD); 27 Jul (1) SJP (MD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 18 Jul (1) KSP (SBS, MaD, LT). Least Sandpiper: 16 May - 2 Jun (1-2) KSP (KLD); 16 May (1) AS (RK); 18 Jul (1) KSP (SBS, MaD, LT). Dunlin: 28 May (2) KSP (KLD). Dowitcher sp.: 29 Jun (2) KSP (LT, MaD); 23-24 Jul (4-7) KSP (KLD). Semipal- mated Sandpiper: 22 May - 2 Jun (17-625) KSP (KLD); 10-31 Jul (5-15) KSP (KLD). Western Sandpiper: 22-28 May (1-4) KSP (KLD). Sanderling: 28 May(l) KSP (KLD). NORTHERN PHALAROPE: 22, 26 May (1) KSP (KLD). Ring- billed Gull: 26, 28 May (4-1) KSP (KLD). LEAST TERN: 5 Jun (1) SB (KLD). Caspian Tern: 28 May (2) KSP (KLD); 29 Jun, 18 Jul (4) KSP (SBS, MaD, LT, Bob Beck). Black Tern: 3 Jun (1) SB (KLD); 21-27 Jul (4) SB (KLD); 26 Jul (1) Blount Co. (JCH); 29 Jul (1) KSP (SBS). Yellow-billed Cuckoo: Nicholson offered interesting comments on his Breeding Bird Surveys saying they showed no trends. One count had an all time high, one an all time low and the third was stable! Black-billed Cuckoo: 22 Jul (1) KSP (TK). Barn Owl: 3 Jul (1) Amnicola marsh (KLD). Woodpecker-Wren: Red-headed Woodpecker: observed at 3 localities around Knoxville (CPN et al). Willow Flycatcher: 28 May ( 1) a new location near Oliver Springs (JMC); 2-3 pairs nesting AS (RK et al). TREE SWALLOW: abandoned nest with eggs at Norris (CPN, Gordon Hall) and 20 Jun adult with 3 young at Louisville (MaD). Bank Swallow: 2-4 birds seen irregularly at AS, but no nest located (GE et al). Cliff Swallow: nesting at Cherokee Dam, US 11-W bridge. Bean Station & US 25-E bridge near German Creek (CPN, PP); 8-10 nests in a barn near JB (RK). Purple Martin: 30 Jul (10,000) HRA (KLD). House Wren: Jo Stone reported one individual carrying nesting material at his home in Chattanooga on 10 June. No other evidence of nesting reported. Waxwing-Sparrow : Cedar Waxwing: 17-19 May (15) PP (KD); nested Norris (CPN). Loggerhead Shrike: at least 3 nesting pairs near JB (RK). Prothonotary Warbler: 1-3 birds seen along the Watauga River during the period, but still no nesting reported (ETOS). Golden-winged Warbler: one at Kingston on 24 Jul was probably an early migrant or wandered from the nesting population on the Cumber- land Plateau (SBS). Chestnut-sided Warbler: one on the Signal Mt. Breeding Bird Count at a low elevation along the Tennessee River on 3 Jun (LD); on a return trip 12 Jun the bird could not be located (KLD); on 10 Jun one was observed singing in [VoL. 50, 1979] 90 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Point Park from the very same perch used by individuals in both 1976 and 1977 (KD). These seem to be very strong clues for observers to watch for nesting of the Chestnut-sided any place on the Cumberland Plateau. Bobolink: 21 May (1) SB (KLD). Northern Oriole: singing male in Knoxville during Jun (A. Boyd Sharp); 21 May (2) JCo (TK). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 4 Jul (pair and 1 immature) 1500 feet, Anderson Co. (JMC, JCH). Grasshopper Sparrow: an intensive search for the species by Knoxville Chap- ter members turned up at least 20 singing males in Knox Co; Tony Koella had at least 2 or 3 males each singing in 5 fields around his home in JCo and 8-10 nesting pairs have been located in a new site near Jonesboro (RK) . Still, only an occasional bird is reported from around Chattanooga (KLD). Locations: AS — Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake; DL — Douglas Lake; EB — Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery; ELL— Fort Loudoun Lake; JB- — Jonesboro; JC — Johnson City; JCo — Jefferson County; NoL — Norris Lake; PP — Point Park; SB — Savannah Bay; SJP — ^St. John’s Pond. Observers: Campbell, James M. — JMC; Davis, Marcia — -MaD; Dillenbeck, Martha — MD; Dubke, Kenneth H.— KD; Dubke, Kenneth H. and Lillian H.— KLD; Dubke, Lillian H.— -LD; Elizabethton Chapter, TOS— ETOS; Eller, Glenn D. — GE; Goodin, Sally— SG; Howell, Joseph C. — ^JCH; Koella, Jon A. “Tony” — TK; Knight, Rick — RK; Lewis, Richard — RL; Nicholson, Charles P. — CPN; Pardue, Paul — PP; Stedman, Stephen J. and Barbara — SBS; Turner, Linda — LT. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke, 8139 Roy Lane, Ooltewah 37363. EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — The occurrence of Alder Flycatchers on Roan Mtn. again this year is another step in the continuing expansion of their breeding range. No shorebirds of any species were reported from this area during the period which seems somewhat unusual. The report of a Virginia Rail climbing a coniferous tree high in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is unusual. The weather was very wet throughout the period as June and July both received above average amounts of rainfall. The temperature was mild throughout the entire period. Heron-Owl: Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 2 nests reported last period fledged at least 4 young HS (HE, GE). Wood Duck: a very good nesting season as several broods of young observed. Sharp-shinned Hawk: 25 Jun (1), 23 Jul (1) Erw (GS). Cooper’s Hawk: 13 Jul (1) RM (MD, SG). Red-shouldered Hawk: 9 Jun (1) E (GW). Virginia Rail: 16 May (1) GSMNP (Larry Gates MB). Barn Owl: 13 Jun (1) E (GW). Screech Owl: good nesting results after 2 bad winter periods. Great Homed Owl: several reports during period. Flycatcher-Kinglet: Olive-sided Flycatcher: 5-6 Jun (4) GSMNP (MB). ALDER FLYCATCHER: 4 Jun thru end of period (3-5) RM (ETOS). Common Raven: 1-5 seen regularly thm-out period on RM and IM (ETOS). Black-capped Chickadee: 5-6 Jun (3-5) GSMNP (MB). Red-breasted Nuthatch: above average numbers seen on RM and GSMNP above 4,000 ft. (ETOS, MB). Winter Wren: average numbers on RM (ETOS). HERMIT THRUSH: 1 Jun (1) RM (Carolina Bird Club) late date. Veery: 16 May (2) late arrival date RM (RK). Golden- crowned Kinglet: normal numbers reported on RM and GSMNP (ETOS, MB). [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 91 Warbler-Sparrow: Swainson’s Warbler: 17 Jun (new nesting site located) WibL (ES). Magnolia Warbler: 29 May (1) RM (ES) last spring report. Blackpoll Warbler: last spring sighting 18 May (1) E (HE). Pine Warbler: 6 Jun (1) GSMNP (MB) late. MOURNING WARBLER: 17 May (1) MC (RL). Blue Grosbeak: 3-4 nesting pairs reported in the area (ETOS). Red Crossbill: 16 May (1) GSMNP (Larry Gates); 17 May (2) RM (RL). Vesper Sparrow: 17 May (1) and 4 Jun (1) on RM (RL, RK). White-throated Sparrow: last spring sighting 19 May (1) E (GE, HE). Locations: E — Elizabethton area; ERW — Erwin: GSMNP— -Great Smoky Mtns. National Park; HS— Hunter Swamp (near Eliz); IM^ — Iron Mountain; MC— Milligan College; RM — Roan Mtn.; WibL— Wilbur Lake. Observers: MB — Mike Bierly; ETOS— Eliz chapter TOS; GE — -Glen Eller; HP — Harry Earthing; SG— Sally Goodin; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; RK — Rick Knight; RL — Richard Lewis; ES^ — Ed Schell; GS — Glenn Swofford; GW — Gary Wallace. GlenD. Eller, Route #3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643. Correction: The Migrant. Vol. 50, No. 3. p. 71. Reads: “LARK SPARROW: not as common as last previous years at home and farm JCo (TK).” It should read: “LARK SPARROW: 14 Apr (1) CH (RCS). White-crowned Sparrow: not as common as last previous years at home and farm JCo (TK).” [Vol. 50, 1979] 92 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER SPECIES INDEX 1977 (Vol. 48), 1978 (Vol. 49) and 1979 (Vol. 50) Anhinga ■Avocet, American - 1977: 19* 7^, 76, 102, 105. 1978: 55, 557^, 67, 90, 92. 1979: 15T 19, 21, 67, 69. Bittern, American - 1977: 18, 20, 45, 75, 76, 82, 84, 90, loTT' 1978: 6, 18, 20, 56, 67, 69, 93. 1979: 42, "577 68. Least - 1^7 17, 18, 20, 77, 82, 85, 84, 90, 105. 1W8: 18, 20, 69, 90. 1979: 22, 57, 85, 85r~ Blackbird, Brewer’s - 1977: 45, 49, 50, 95. 1978: 8, 59, 65, 697^. 1979: 9, 12, 41, Red-winged - 1977: 55, 85, 92. 1978: 2, 8, 25, 26, 277^. 1979: 12 , 497^. Rusty - 1977: 33, 4^7 78 , 80 , 92. 1978 : 8, 25, 46, 4^58. 1979: 12, 41, 45. Yellow-headed - 7^: 59, 45. 1979: 40, 43. Bluebird, Eastern -"1^7: 35, 44, 51, 74, 79, 84, 89, 91. 1978: 8, 41, 45, 46, 48, 57, 89, 91, 92. T^: 2, 12, 14, 56, 37, 45, 49, 58, 67, eSr Bobolink - 1977: 22, 25, 92, 101, 106. 1978 22, 58, 567*70, 94. 1979: 17, 23, 59, 72, 90. Bobwhite - 1977: 31, 83, 90. 1978: 7, 56. llT^, 57. BufTI^ead - 1977: 18 , 22 , 31, 54 , 47 , 77, 79 , 90, loTrtq- ' - - - Cuckoo, Black-billed - 1977: 76, 79, 83, 91, 107. 1978: 17, 257 57, 69, 71, 95. 1979: 58, 70, 89. Yellow-billed - 1977: 25, 48, 83, 91. 1978: 21, 41, 547^, 69. 1979: 21, 547^58, 69, 70, 89. Dickcissel - 1977: 22, 48, 83, 92, 104, 106. 1978:~4T7 43, 58, 70, 92, 94. 12^: 17, 25, 43, 59, 88. e , Moi 1978: 7, 40, 5^58. Rock - 122^: 52, 83, 91. 1978: 7, 57. Dove, Mourning - 1977: 52, 85, 84, 91. >, 54, 57. 1222: 11, 54, DowTt^er, Long-billed - 1977: 21, 105. 1978: 64, 68, 69. 19797^. 56, 57, ^228: 6, 25, 45, 56, 95. 1979: 10, 20,^4“ 44, 57, 70. BunHng, Indigo - 1977: 14, 15, 48, 85, 92. 1978; 18, 5^, 5BrT979; 24, 41, 43, 49, 5^51, 59. Painted - 1978: 24, 58. 1979; 8, 59, 85, 86. Snow - 1979: 9, 12, 40, 47, 82. Canvasback - 1977: 22, 31, 45, 47, 51, 76. 1^78: 6, 2T~45, 48, 56, 63. 1979: 10, 42, Cardinal - 1977: 53, 69, 83, 84, 92. 1978: 8, 58. 1?^ 12, 20, 49, 59. Catbird, Gray - 1977: 18, 67, 78, 85, 91. 1978; 7, 17, W7‘41, 54, 57, 71. 1979: 12, 547^49, 58, 74. Chat, Yellow-breasted - 1977: 85, 92. 1978; 54, 58. 1979: 49, 50, “5x7 59. Chickadee, Slack-capped - 1977: 32, 107. 19^8: 7, 40, 90, 96. 1979: llT^. Carolina - 19777^. 68, 69, 85, 91. 1978; 7, 57, 66. T^: 11, 49, 50, 51, 58 , 557" Chuck-will's widow - 1977: 75, 79, 83, 91, 105. 1978: 57, 58. 1979: 85, 86. CooFTAmerican - 1977: 19 , 32 , 47 , 49 , 90, 103, 105. 1978: 7, 24, 46, 55, 5^, 56, 94. 1979: 11, 20737, 87, 89. Cormorant, Double-crested - 1977: 17, 20, 31, 37, 44, 49, 51, 76, 77, 73790, 103. 1978: 6, 16, 18, 20, 24, 44, 56, 65, 67, 7173379: 10, 22, 44, 57, 69, 87, 88. Cowbird, Brown-headed - 1977: 33, 85, 92. 1978; 8, 22, 25, 58. 1979: I2749, 59- Crane, Sandhill - 1377: 20, 21, 44, 47, 49. 1978: 7, 24, 40742, 45. 1979: 18, 22, 40, 457’44, 45, 70. Creeper, Brown - 1977: 19, 52, 74, 75, 79, 91. 70, 85737. 1979: 11, 19, 21, 74, Crossbill* Red - 1977: 14, 33, 48, 52, 78, 101, 107. 1978; 8, 2Tr39, 46, 48, 65, 70, 72, 90, 96. 1^^ 18, 21, 24, 71, 75, 74, 76, 91. White-winged - 1978: 5, 12, 39, 40, 41, 48, 65, 71, 72. 1922= 65, 66. Crow, Common - 1^: 32, 83, 91, 96. 1978; 7, 8, 57, 85. IW: 11, 49, 58, 65. Fish - 1922: 18, 52, 91. 1978: 7, 57. 1979: 8, 41, 53767, 71. Short-billed - 1977: 17, 21, 25, 75, 102, 103, 105. 133; 21, 69. 1979: 8, 21, 23, 70. Duck, Black - 1977: 18, 20, 22, 51, 46, 76, 90, 103. 1928: 6, 45, 56, 95. 1979: 10, 24,37 KlFous Whistling - 1978; 65. Ring-necked - 1977: 5o7"22, 31, 46, 90, 102. 1978:~57 23 . 42 , 45 , 56 , 93. 1979: 10, 227 24, 44, 70, 89. - 1977: 31, 34, 47, 51, 77 , 90, 103. 192135, 45, 56, 71, 89 , 90. 1979: 227 41, 44, 57, 70, 71. Wbo4 - 1977: 20, 51, 83, 103, 105. 1978: 673o, 48, 56, 63, 75. 1979: 10 57, 90 Dunlin - 1* lin - 1222: 17, 19, 21, 52, 49, 50, 51, 77790. 1928: 7, 21, 46, 56, 64, 66, 67, 69, 7X3 1979: 11, 22, 24, 45, 57, 70, 87, 89. Eagle, Bald - 1977: 16, 18, 21, 23, 50, 31, 55, 36,"47r - ‘ ‘ ■ 49. 102, 105. 1978: 5, 6, 12, 18, 21, 24,‘ 40, 42, 37^48, 50, 67 , 69 , 90, 94. l^i: 9, 10, 14, 22, 40, 41, 42, 45, 85, 89. Golden - 1977: 16, 18, 51, 47. 1978: 5, 6. le,^^; 40, 42, 48, 49, 63771, 96, ^3. i979: 9. 40 bTe3 1 Egret, CattX^ 1977: 18, 20, 25, 28, 29 77, 90, 95, 9C1O5, 104. 1928: 6, 16 20, 44, 56, 69, 90, 95. 1®38, 19, 22 , 55 , 42 , 44 , 57 , 68 , 53386, 88. Great (Common) - l977: 17, 18, 20, 29, 46, 76, 90, 104.~X978; 20, 44, 56, 69 90, 91, 93, 95. l^TOT 22, 53, 70, 86, 87, 88. Snowy - 1978; 16, 20,' 56, 65, 69. 1979: 18735, 53, 88. Falcon, Peregrine - 1977: 16, 17, 23, 45, 47, 49, 74, 73377, 86, 90, 93, 105. 1978: 9, 17, 18, 24, 40, 42, 51, 82, 8T3I979; 10, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 70. Finch, House - 1977: 33, 36, 44, 48, 50, 51, 68, 75, 753 1978: 8, 11, 39, 45, 44, 46, 65, 69, 70, 89, 95. l|Z2: 12, 40, 43, 46, 47, 67, 69, 71 Purple - 1222: 23, 53, 45, 48, 51, 78, 79, 8O392, 101, 107. 1978: 8, 16 18, 19, 25, 59, 45, 46 , 48735, 70, 72. 1979: 12, 40, 43, 46, 47, 59, 72, 74, 733 Flicker, Common (Yellow-shafted) - 1977: 32, 83, 91. 1978: 7, 58, 54, 57. 1979: 11, 49735. Flycatcher, Acadian - 1977: 83, 91, 105, 107. 1978: 57, 58. Alder~3l978: 89, 95. 1979: 54, 35, 56, 85, [Vol. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 9: Great Crested - 1977: 75, 83, 91. 1978: ^8, 57. 1979: 49, 58. Least - 'WZ- 19, 21, 66, ^3, 76, 79, 91. 1228: 17, 57, 66, 68. 1222= 58, 72, 87. Olive-sided - 1977: 16, 18, 19, 21, 25, 1978: 1- “ ■■ ' “■ 70. 1979: 21, 24, 58, 70, 74, 75, 87, 91, 101, 107. 17, 21, 23, 24, 57, 90. Scissor-tailed - 1978: 89, 91, 92. Willow (Traill's) - 1977: 19, 66, 91, 105, 105. 1978: -57. 67, 70, 89, 91, 9^, 95. 1979: ^56, 58, 70, 89. Yellow^ellied - 1977: 18, 19, 66. 1978: 17, 19, 55. 1222: 21. Gadwall - 1977: 18, 20, 31, 57, ^6, 90, 103. 1978i 6. 20, 45, 56. 1979: 10, 71. GallinuleTCommon - 1977: 16, ^l7 90. 1978: 16, 21, 24,"3^ 65, 67, 91. Purple - 1977: 82, 84. 1978: 10, 24, 65, 67, 69. Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray - 1977: 19, 21, 50, 75, 79, 85, 91, 106. jWir 22, 57, 66. 1979: 24, 41, 45, 58, “687 Godwit; Marbled - 1977: 16, 19, 20, 21. 1978: 85. 1979: 187 19. HSdsonian ^71:978: 64, 67. 1979: 62, 63, 67. Goldeneye, Common - 1977: 51, ^5, ^7, ^9. 1978: 6, 42, 45, ^67 1979: 10, 44 Barrow's - 1979: 9, 10, 13 ‘ Goldfinch, American - I 92. 1^78: 8, 43, 58. 40, 42. 23, 33, 68, 83, 12, 46, 59, 1977: *17.*] 90. 1^. >8. 1222: 9, 10,TK 22, 44. Fhite^onted - 1978: 6, 11, 42. 1979: ;, 10, 15, W, 4?pf4. Goose, Canada - 1977: 51, 45, 46, 49, 51, 90. 1978: 6, 417^44, 47, 56, 61, 65. 19797^. 22, 44, 57, 71. SnoW - 1977: 17, 18, 20, 50, 51, 5^, 49, 76,78^ 90. 12^: _5, 6, 20, 44, 56, Whit^ 6, Goshawk - 1977: 45, 51, 86, 108. 1978: 17, 25, 40,“4§7 51. 1979: 75, 7^. Grackle, Coaaos - IWT: 35, 85, 92, 99. 1978: 8, 2: 257^, 27, 58. 1979: 12, ^9, 59, 65. ) Grebe, Eared - 977: 74, 77. Horned - 1977rT7. 51, ^6. 1978: 6, 20, ^7, 6V71, 76. 1979: l57^, 69. Pied-billed - 1977: 18, 51, 46, 49, 90, 95, 104, 107. 1^: 6, 20, 24, 44, 56, 95. 1222= 10, 5^69. Red-necked - 1977: 16, 18, 89, 90, 104. 1928: 40, 47,"^ 71, 76, 77. 1222= 8, 122: 14, 22, 25, 80, 85, 19, 22, 25, 58, 70, ^9, 59, 68, 72, 86, 1977: 30, 35, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 75, 777^. iS ‘ ~ Grosbeak, Blue 92, 106, 107. 91, 9^. 1979: 91. Evening -.y, ■ 78: 5, 8, 16, 19, 20, 22, 25, 59, 40, 5T7‘44, 46, 48, 58, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 89, 92, 96. 1922= 9, 27, 28, 40, 45, 44, 45, 46, 4?, 5^67, 72. Rose-breasted - 197?: 14, 15, 19, 45, 50, 67, 78, 82, 557'85, 92, 106. 1978: ^6, 54, 58. 1979: 12, 15, ^1,“4^ 59, 69, 90. Grouse, Ruffed - 1977: 49, 90. 1978: 7, 56, 67. 1222= 11, 57, 70, 74. Gull, Bonaparte's - 1977: 1?, 21, 52, 4?, 50, 76, 78. 1978:~7r'46. 69, 71. 1979: 11, 19, 45, 55T“57, 68, 70, 72. Franklin - 1978: 65, 67. Great Black-backed - 1977: 44, 47. 1979: 8, 64, 65. Herring - 1977: 21, 52, 47, 50, 51, 78, 91, 102. l2^ 7, 23, 46, 56. 1979: 8, 11, 42, 62rr“ Iceland - 1979: 40, 42, 45. Glaucous - 1979: 8, 40. Laughing - 1977: 19 1979: 18, 19, 60- 67, 69, 70, 85, 87. Lesser Black -backed - 1979: 64. Ring-billed - 1977: 21,“^ 47, 50, 3' 78, 91, 105. WF 7, 21, 25, 46, 57, 66, 94, 95. 1^22^ 11, 25, 24, 57, 62, 64, 70, 89. Hawk, Broad-winged - 1977: 17, 25, 75, 77, 79, 85, 86, 88, 907IO5. 1978: 23, 45 50, 51, 56, 71, 91. 1979 :~1^ 25, 26, 42, 57, 70, 72. Cooper's - 1977: 17, 18, 20, 25, 51, 47, 51, 77, 8^ 84 , 90, 105, 107. 1978: 6, 18, 20, 23, 24, 42, 45, 48, 49, 56, 67, 69, 71, 92, 95. 1979: 10, 24, 32, 46, 57, 70, 72, 75, WTQSf 90. Marsh - 1977: 25, 51, 47, 90. 1978: 6, 21, 24, 527*45 , 48 , 51, 56. 19?^“* 10. 15, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 45, 727 Red-shouldered - 1977: 23, 31, 49, 51, 83, 86, 90. 1978:~^21. 23, 24, 45, 48, 56, 65, ^7769, 71, 92. 1979: 10, 13, 14 , 24 , 44 , 46 , 57 , 70, 907 Red-tailed - 1977: 31, 45, 83, 88, 90. 1978: 5, 6, 4^756, 76. 1222= 10, 25, 55757, 61, 62, 70, 74. Rough-legged - 1977: 16, 18, 20, 45, 47, 49, 75, 86. “1^8: 39, 41, 42, 44, 45, 48, 51. 1979777 10, 18, 20, 40, 41, 42, 44, 62. Sharp-shinned - 1977; 17, 18, 20, 23, 51, 45, 47, 49, 71775, 77 , 79 , 84, 90, 105, 107. 1978; 6, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 41, 42, 45745, 49, 56, 67, 69, 71, 90, 92, 95, 95. 1922-- 10, 24, 25, 32, 41, 46, 57, 61, 72775, 74, 89, 90. Swainson's - 1978; 49. Heron, Black-crowned Night - 1977: 1, 2, 5, 5, 6, 20, 25, 26, 27, 21729, 51, 56, 49, 79, 90, 95, 96, 101, 103, 104. 1978; 6, 20, 44, 56, 69, 78, 89, 91, 75795. 1222- 30, 44, 57, 85, 87, 88. Great Blue - 1977; 17, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 51758 , 42 , 46 , 49 , 83 , 90, 104. 1978: 6, 20, 44, 4?, 56, 90, 95, 95. II2F 10, 19, 24, 35, 44, 46, 64. Green - 1977: 18, 20, 22, 25, 26, 31, 73, 76, 7^85, 90, 96. 1978: 6, 20, 25, 24, 44, 56, 71, 90. 1977: 10, 22, 24, 35, 42, .71. Little Blue - 1977: 5, 18, 20, 29, 90, 101. 102, 105, 104. 1978: 20, ‘ 105 95. 1922= 19, 22, 32 86, 557 Louisiana - 1978; 65, 69 Yellow-crowned flight - 1 26, 27, 28, 74, 75, 76 “ 42, 56, 56, 57, 68, 1979: 18, 22. ??7?o, 25, 104, 105. 1978^^20.^56. 71. 81 , Jo , J3 , _95^_ 1 86 1 89,’ 90! , 22, 35, 53, 54, 55, 57, 67, 71 m. Hummingbird, Ruby- throated - 1977: 76, 85, 91, 105. 1978; 57, 92. 1977743. 58, 68 , 69 , 7^81. Ibis, Glossy - 1979: 22. White - 19777102. 105, 104, 105. 1978; 16, 18, 507*68 , 90 , 93. 1979: 18, 20, 22, 53, 61. Jay, Blue - 1972: 32, 69, 85, 91. 1978: 7, 57. 1979:77 r- - - -- 23, 45, 49, 58, 4. Junco, Dark-eyed - 1977: 18, 35, 48, 68, 69, 78, 92. 19787^. 1979: 12, 59, 66. Kestrel, American - 1977:317 82, 83, 90. 1978: 6, 49, 51, 567 1979: 11, 25 , 44, Killdeer - 1977: 52, 44, 64, 74, 85, 90. 1978: 7, “457 56, 73, 74, 75. 1979: 11, 4T745, 49, 50, 51, 57, 63, 857^ Kingbird, Eastern - 1977: 21, 76, 78, 83, 91. 1978: 57. 1977 49. 50, 51, 58. Western - 1979: 18, 23. Kingfisher, Belted - 1977: 52, 68, 74, 79, 85, 89, 91, 98. 197877. 48, 57. 1979: 11, 58. [VoL. 50, 1979] 94 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Kinglet, Golden-crovmed - 1977: 55, 67, 91. 1978: 8, 5^, 57. 1979: 12, 58, 7^, 75, 90. Rub^-crowned - 1977: 18, 19, 21, 55, 67, 68, 78, 91. 1978rt. 17, 22, 5^, 57. 1979: 12, 58. tiTnii Kite, Mississippi - 1977: 17, 90, 102. 1978^^24. 56, 65,"^ 1979: 55, 57, 67, Swallow-tai-led - 1977 : 74, 75. White-tailed - 1979: 85. Knot, Red - 1977: T6r’l7. 1979: 85, 87. Lark, Horned - 1977; 52, 48, 50, 51, 79, 85, 91, 104, 1^, 107. 1978: 7, 21, 42, 46, 57, 68, 70, 9^, 96.^22= "^-5, ^7, 58. Loagspur, Lapland - 1977 : 55, ^5, ^6, 48, ^9, 50. 1978; 59, '417 ^5, ^7. 1979: 9, 12, 41. "■ Loon, Common - 1977; 20, 51, ^9, 51, 77, 79, 90, 105, 104. 1978; 6, 18, 25, 44, 47, 56, 69, 71. 197^ 10, 19, 22, 24, 42, 44, 46, 57, ^ 85, 87, 88. Red- throated - 1977; 74, 77. 1979; 18, 24, 40. Mallard - 1977; 51, 46, 90, 105. 1978; 6, 56, 63.^1^; 10, 57. Martin, Purple - 1977; 21, 45, 48, 50, 51, 78, 83, 91. 19757^ 21. 41, 46, 48, 57, 94. 1979; 237^, ^5, ^7, 58, 89. Meadowlark, Eastern - 1977; 35, 83, 92. 1228: 2, 8, 58. 197^7^, 12, 49, 59. Western - 1977; 50, 1979; 12, 40, 41, 67 , 68 . Merganser, Common - 1977: 31, ^7, ^9, 51, 77, 90. 1978; 6, 557*45, 48, 71. 1979; 10, 44, 2^7" Hooded - 1922: 31, 3^, 47, 77, 79, 90. ^71^’ Red-breasted - 1977; 31, 47, 76, 77, 79, 90. 1978; 6, 207^, ‘ “ 10, 5l7'57, 70, 72. Merlin - 1977; 16, 17, 45, 49. 1978; 10 51. 1222: 10, 14, 40, 42, 40, 45, 61, 70. 48, 56, 71. 1979; 10, 22, Mockingbird - 1977; 33, 68, 83, 91. 1978; 7, 57. 1979TTI. 49, 58. Nighthawk,"ComiBon - 1977; 18, 19, 21, 23, 50, 52, 35, 79, 91726. 1278: 19, 21, 23 , 57 , 66. 1979 : 21, 257^, 41, 43, 58, 72. Nuthatch, Brown-headed - 1977: 74, 77, '78. 1278: 24. ^ed-breasted - 1977; 32, 68, 76, 78, 91, 101, 104, 15^ 1978: 7, 16, 1?, 19, 20, 21, 23, 59, 40, 45, 44, 46, 57, 65, 66 , 68 , 70 , 92 , 96. 1922: H* 19, 36, - - ?T772, 74, 75, 90. 43, 44, 45, 47, 58 White-breasted - 19^^; 52, 85, 91 Old squaw ^2 1278; 7, 57. 1972: J 1977:^1^ 1978: 6, 12, 45, 48. 58. 22, 75, 83, 92, 106. 22, 32, 49, 59. 18, 23, 31, 34, 40, 47 Oriole, Northern (Baltimore) - 1977: 33. 45, 48, 92, 106. 1978: 22, 21740, 41, 45, 58, 68. 1922: 1^ 21, 23, 52, 58, 41, 43, 59, Sl^90. Orchard - 2^ 1978: 58. S Osprey - 1^22: 49, 76, 77, 79, 90, 101, 104, 105, 107. 1928: 15, 18, 21, 23, 24, 51, 56, 61, 69, 71774, 90, 92, 94. 1222: 19, 24, 25, 26, 40, 45, 57, 61, 67, 68, 70, 72, 85, 88, 89. Ovenbird - 1977: 25, 57, 45, 51, 67, 78, 83, 92. 19767^. 38, 53, 54, 58. 1222: 12, 13, 24, 41, 43, 59. Owl, Barn - 1977: 19, 25, 32, 48, 50, 51, 76, 78, 7^791, 98, 99, 105, 107. 1978: 7, 21, 23, 24, 40, 46, 57, 94. 1977711. 23, 45, 47, 58, 89, 90. Barred - 1977: 32, 73, 83, 91. 1978: 7, 23, 58, 57, 76. 12.22: H, 58, 777 80. Great Horned - 1977; 25, 32, 48, 75, 83, 91, 103, 107. 1978: 7, 23, 46, 48, 57, 65, 76. 19797“ 11, 24, 45, 45, 47, 58, 71, 72, Long-eared - 1977: 75, 76. 1979: 40, 44, 45. Saw-whet - 1977: 12, 15. 1978: 24. Screech - 1977: 12, 15, 37T68, 80, 83, 91. 1978: '7. 42, 46, 57, 83, 95, 94, 95. 1979: 11, 46, 47, 48, 58, 61, 90. Short-eared - 1977; 45, 48. 1978: 7, 17, 19, 40, 417^, 46, 65, WT~ 1979; 41, 43, 45, 46, 47. Parakeet, Carolina - 1979: 1, 2, 5. Black-hooded - 1977; 96, 98. Monk - 1977: 9771978; 1?, 20, 21. 1979: 34. Pewee, Eastern Wood - 1977: 85, 91. 1978; 57, 68. 1922: 24, 4^738, 69. Pelican, White - 1977: 16, 17, 30, 51, 44, 45. 1978: 16, mT Phalarope, Northern - 1977: 16, 19. 1979; 18, 21, 23, 85, 89. Wilson's - 1977: 102, 103, 105. 1978: 16, 19, 21, 55, 56, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71. 19'79; 18, 21, 23. Pheasant, Ring-necked - 1979; 11. Phoebe, Eastern - 1977: ^2 , 34 , 44, 51, 79, 85, 89, 91. 1^8; 5, 7, 46, 48, 55, 57. 1222: 11. 46, 47, 58. Pintail - lW?t 20, 22, 51, 46, 51. 1978: 6, 45. 10, 24, 44. Pipit, Water - 1977; 33, 35, 45, 48, 50, 51, 75, 91. 8, 17, 22, 25, 46, 57, 71. 197911^. 45, 47, 58. Plover, American Go Idea - 1977; 17, 19, 21, 45, 49, 90. 1978: 2Tr4l, 65- 1979: 19, 22, 41, 45, 70, 71, 72. Black-bellied - 1977: 17, 19, 21, 64, 75, 90, 102, 103T1978: 19, 21, 56, 64, 65, 71, 91, 94. 1221: 19, 22, 42, 57, 62, 70, 87, 89. Little Ringed - 1978; 74. l^iping - 1977: lO^?, 19, 63. 1978; 16, 17, 1^720, 21. 1979: 8, 20, 22, 89. Semipalmated - 1977: 25, 64, 90, 1< 105. 1928: 21, 3; 56, 65, 69, 94. 1979:3319, 22. 57, 70, 87. 1979: ^19, 22, 57, 70, 87. Showy - 1977: 63, 64, 101, 105. 1979:8. Wilson -1^9: 8. Rail, King -1^7: 19, 49, 77, 82, 83, 90, 105. 1978:33 84. Virgiilia”- 1977: 17, 19, 21, 50, 31, 74, 79, 90."TO8: 7, 24, 53, 54, 56, 65, 67, 69, 55384, 85. 1979: 11, 20, 57, 70, 90. Yellow - 1979: 67. Raven, Common - 1977: 25, 32, 51, 79, 107. 1978: 7, 21, 55324, 48, 57, 71, 96. 375: 11, 24, 47, 58, 65, 72, 74, 75, Redhead - ^ 90, 105. ': 51, 35, 46, 76, 77, 79, 78: 6, 20, 25, 45, 56, 65, 93. 1979: 1^ 41, 42, 46, 57, 71. Redpoll - 1978: 43, 48. 1979:- 65, 66. Redstart, American - 1977Tb7 . 78, 85, 92. 1978: 54, 58. I979T59. 68. Robin, American -1977: 55, 85, 84, 91. 1978: 7, 21, 41757. 1979: 12, 49, 50, 51358, 74, 88. Sanderling - 1977: 17, 21, 25, 105 . 1978: 17, 19, 21735, 67. 1222: 19, 21,357 24, 57, 69, 87, 89. Sandgrouse, Namaqua - 1978: 74. Sandpiper, Baird's - 1977: 17, 19, 105. 1978: 17. 1979: I8, 19, 22, 87. Shff-breasted - 1977: 16, 17, 19. 1978: 16, 19, 21. 1279: 19, 25. Least - 19773X7 . 21, 52 , 49, 50, 77, 90, 105, “105. 19'78: 7, 21, 23, 46, 56, 66, 69, 94. 19791" 11. 19, 22, 45, 57, 86, 89. [VoL. 50, 1979] 1979 THE MIGRANT 95 Pectoral - 1977: 17, 21, 23, ^5, ^7, 50, 51, 76, 77, “WT 103, 105. 1978: 21, ^1, 46, 56, 65, 69, 71, 94. 197^ 19. 22, 24, 57, 64, 70, 72, 86, 89. Purple - 1979: 63. Semipalmated - 1977: 21, 50, 64, 78, 90, 102, 103, 105. T^: 21, 46, 56, 66, 69, 94. 1979: 19, 277T3, 57, 70, 87, 88, 89. Solitary 105. ' ' 67, Spotted - 1922: 23, 32, 51, 79, 83, 85, 90, 101, 103, 105, 107. 1978: 21, 24, 56, 65, 69, 94. 1222: 19, 577^, 85, 87, 89. Stilt - 1977: 17, 19, 21, 77, 90, 105, 105. 1971717. 21, 64, 66, 69- 1979: 25, ’, 70786. 75, 101, 103. 1978: 19, 20, 57, 67, 70, WT 17, 21, 23, 78, 90, ■. 1222: 19. 2?7T3, 57, 70, 87, 88, 89- ditary ~ 1977: 21, 25, 79, 90, 105, 15. 1228: 5^765, 92, 94. 1222= 19, 57, ', 7^7 89. 57, Upland - 1977: 92. 1979: "87 2 Western - 1977 : S: 17, ; 103, 19, 23, 57, 70, 89. White-rumped - 1977: 21, 90, 103. 1978: 56, 64, 65, 67, 6^ 94. 1222 : 20, ^ 70, 87. Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied - 1977: 19, 52, 24, 95. 1979: 79, 91. 1978: 7, 21, 11, 21, 547”58, 72. Scaup, Greater - 1977: 51, 44, 47, 77, 90. 1978: 6, 56. 1^7^ 10, 44, 70. I^er - 19771^. 51, 34, 47, 90, 105. 1978; 6, 5^71, 93. 1979: 10, 22, 57, 5^89. Scoter, Surf - 1977: 44, 49. 1978: 16, 25, 40, 45. I979T18. 24, 44, Black (Common) - 1978: 16, 18, 20, 40, ^2, 45. White-winged - 1977: 44, 47, 49. 1978: 6, 11, 40 , 42 , 457^1222: ^2, 44, Shove ler, Northern - IWTT I7, 20, 31, 46, 76, 77, 90. 1^: 5745, 56, 69. 1979: 10, 22, 44, 5^70. Shrike, Loggerhead - 1977: 23, 53, 51, 68, 74, 79, 83, 91. 19787^8. 23, 57- 1979: 12, 24, 45, 49, 58r89. Siskin, Pine - 1977: 15, 16, 20, 53, 44, ‘ ^ ^ ‘Z8: 8, 10, ^ 45, 44, 12, 43, Snipe, Comaon - 1977: 19. 21. 23. 32, 47, ^9, 77, 90, 10^ 1978: 7, 10, 21, 46, 56, 65, 94. 1979; "87" 11. 20, 22, 45, 57, 69, 72, 857^87. Sora - 1977; 19, 21, 50, 32, 77, 90. 7, 21756, 65, 67, 69, 71, 85, 84, 1979; 11, 19, 42, 57. Sparrow, Bachman's - 1977: 16, 18, 75, 77, 78, 89, 92, 101, 1067“ 1978: 24, 65, 66. Chipping - 1977: 35, 4^ 48, 68, 80, 83, 84, 92. 1978: 8, 10, 41, 4?, 48, 58, 72. 1979: 127^, 46, 59. H^d - 1977: 33, 69, 83, 84, 92. 1978: 8, 54, 58, 87. 1979: 12, 49, 59, 65. ■5,747 46, 48, 50, 52, 68, 48, 49, 50, 101, , 107. 1978; 11, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 397^' 46, 48, 58, 65, 66, 72. 1979: : 44, 46, ^7, 59, 67,. 68, 75776, Fox - 1 80, 92' 87, 88 Grasshopper - 1 83, 92, 104, 1" 8: 8, 20, 47, 48, 58, 70, 72, ’ 12, 25, 46, 47, 69. 22, 55, 75, 78, 80, 78:1, 2, 24, 58, 68, 70, 91, 92, 95. 1979T^ 59. 71, 85, 88, 90. Harris' - 1977: 55748, 89, 92. 1978; 8, 92. 1979: 59, 71, 91. , 34, 35, 45, 48, 50. 9, 12, 40, 41 53, 85, 92. 1978: 8, 58. 59. ; 39, 101, 102, 104. 1978: 90, 91, 92 - LeConte's - 1977: 33 lincoln -~1^7: 19, 22, 23, 35, 48, 68, 92. 1978: 8, 17, 22, 24, 41, 58, 66, 70, 72. T^: 23, 24, 59. Savannah - 1977: 33, 92. 1978: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 24, 4754, 58, 66. "1^9: 12, 17, 59, 71. Sharp-tailed - 1977: 16, 20, 22. 1978: 17, 20, 22. 197^718. 23, 71. Song - 1977: 35, 68, 85, 92, 104, 1978: 8, 18, 58r93. 1222= 12, 59, 74, 8^788. Swamp - 1977: 33768, 92, 106. 1978: 8, 22, 54, 58. 1979: 12, 59, 72. Tree - 1977: 30, 33, 35, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52.-1228: 5, 8, 59, 40, 45, 44, 46, 65, 68. 1979: 9, 12, 41, 43, 46, 47. Vesper 35, 46, 48, 78, 92, 107. 1978: 8, 52r’24, 46, 58, 68, 70, 72, 96. 197^: 12, 40, 41, 43, 46, 71, 72, 91. White-crowned - 1977: 22, 25, 53, 50, 78, 92. 1978: 8,-227 47, 48, 58, 66, 70, 72. 1979T1?. 58, 39, 46, 47, 59, 91. White-throated - 1977: 18, 22, 23, 33, 67, 68, 78, 80, 977102, 105, 104, 106. 1978: 8, 22, 58, 66, 70, 72. 1979; 12, 20, 24, 59, 68, 72, 91. Starling - 1977: 53, 85, 91. 1978: 8, 25, 57. I979II?. 49, 58. SwallowTBhnk - 1977: 18, 21, 76, 78, 91, 101, 102, IO4TT05. 1978: 21, 24, 57, 65, 68, 70, 71, 89, 91, 92, 94. 1979: 23, 58, 89. Barn - 1222= 21, 30, 52, 35, 75, 76, 78, 85, 91, 105. 1978: 19, 21, 23, 57, 89. 1979: 8, 9, ITTTO, 41, 49, 50, 51, 58, S87^72, 74. Cliff - 1977: 76, 91, 102, 105. 1978: 21, 57, 71, 94. 1222= 58, 89. Rough-winged - 1^77 : 20, 21, 23, 76, 78, 83, 91. 1978: 21737, 70. 1222^ 8. 25, 58, 69, 7?r74. Tree - 1977: 21, 23, 76, 78, 79, 91, 1571228: 21, 57, 68, 70, 71, 89, 102, 10 91. 1979: i, wEiTtl 44, 82. 1979 25, 41, 58, 72, 85, 89. ‘ : 40 44, 46. 91. 1978: 25 58, 68, 72, 74. Tanager, Scarlet - 1 22, 25, 58, 58 " Swan, Whistling - 1977: 44, 49. 1978; 40, -• 1979: 9710, 41, 2^2744, 4 Swift, Chimney - 1977: 19, 23, 75, 78, 85, , 2i7757, 70. 1979; 24, 49, 72: 85, 92, 106. 1978: . 1222: 24, 59, 65tt5. - 1977: 83. 9^7106. 1978 : 8 , 9, 38, 40, 41, 43, 58. 1222: 2474^, 59. Teal, Blue-winged - 1977717 . 22 , 31, 46, 49, 76, 77, 79, 82r790, 102, 103, 105. 1978: 6, 20, 45, 56, 63, 89, 90, 93. 10, 19, 22, 42, 57, 85, 87. Garganey - 1978: 64, 65. Green-winge57~ 1977: 17, 51, 46, 49, 77, 90. 1928 : 6, 20775, 45, 56, 71. 1979; 10, 157 19, 24 , 44. Tern, Black - 1977: 17, 21, 91, I03. 1978; 21, 57, 66, 697 92, ‘ ^ 94. 1222: 19, 33, 3^, 57, 86, 87, 89. Caspian - 1977: 17, 21, 76, 105. 1978; 16, 17, 21775, 66, 69, 91, 94. 122F 19, 23, 57, 62, 70, 86, 87, 89. Common - 1977: 17, 21, 25, 78. 1978: 17, 21, 57, 6^7 69, 94. 1979: 19 , 21775, 57, 72, 87. Forster’s - 1977: 17, 19, 21, 76, 78, 91, 105. 1978: 21, 57, 68, 69, 71, 92, : 17 23, 94. 1979: 57, 70. Least - 1977: 16, 17, 20, 21, 91, 101, 102. 197HT~t6. 20, 21, 24, 91, 92. 1979: 21, 53754, 85, 89. Thrasher, Brown - 1977: 18, 53, 48, 51, 85, 91. 1978: 7, 467^, 57. 1979: 12, 23, ^^5, 57r'^9, 58. Thrush, Gray-cheeked - 1977: 66, 91. 1978: 5^, 57. 1979: 58. Hermit --1^7: 53, 51, 67, 68, 69, 91. 1978: 8, 457^57, 71. 1222: 12, 47, 58, 7rr72, 85, 90. Swainson's - 1977: 66, 75, 78, 79, 91, 106, 107. 197^7^. 57, 94. 1979: 19, 58, 67, 687^. Wood - 1977: 18, 50, 76, 78, 79, 83, 91. 1978: 27725, 58, 54, 57. 1222: 9, 12, 40, 41, 49, 58. Titmouse, Tufted - 1977: 52, 69, 85, 91. 1978: 7, 57. 197^711. 49, 58. Towhee, Rufous-sided - 1977: 53, 45, 68, 85, 92. 1978: 8, 41, 54, 58. 1979: 12, ^^9, 59. [VoL. 50, 1979] 96 THE MIGRANT DECEMBER Turkey - 1922= 26, 51, 79, '='0, 107. 1 7, 25, “3C 56, 95. 1979: 11, 15, Turnstone, Ruddy - 1977: 16, 17, 19.1978: 16, 17, 56, 64, 67, 68. 1979: 18,”^ 87. 18, 19, 66, 75, 75, 78, 91, 1978: 54, 57, 71. 1979: 58, 22, 85 Veery - 19; 101, ir 68, 74. Vireo, Bell's - 1978: 90 _, 95. Fhiladelphia - 1^77 1978: 17, 18, 257^5 19, 21, 24, '58 Red-eyed - 1977: 75, 54, 57. 197^758. Solitary - 1977: 19 1977: 78: 8, 12725, 12^: 25, 24, 58, 74 Warbling - 1977: 79, 58, 70, 71. 12 White-eyed - r 91. 1978: 5, 8, 57. r Yellow-throated - 1 16, 18, 19, 21, 92, , 54, , 58, , 65, 66, 70, , 71. 76, '35, 92. 1978: 76, 78, 92, 106. 48, 54, 57, 71. 92, ^71 106. , 1978: 24, 58, 71. 65, 69, 75, 76, 85, 24, 49, 58. 76, 78, 85, 91. 94. 1979: 59, 7^, Kentucky - 1977: 65, 85, 92, 106. 1978: ■ ‘I. 197?rt9. , nor n 75, 78, 79, 92, 102, 8: 24, 58, 66, 68, 70, 57, 58, 59, 72, 85, Swainson's - 1 104, 106, 107. i 01, 94, 96. 12 v86, 91. Tennessee - 1977: 25, 66, 67, 68, 76, 78, 92. 19787^. I9, 55, 54, 58. 1979: 19, 41, 45, 58, 59, 68, 86. Wilson's - 1977: 22, 25, 92. 1978: 18, 22, 58, 66, Worm-eating - 1*= 102, 106. 1978r 59, 72, 86. Yellow - 1977: •: 5^ 24, 68, 88. 19, 65, 78, 85, 92, 91. 1979: 19, 58, L, 78, 85. RA . 92. 1978: 54, L2ZZ= 19, 25, 55, 48, L05, 104. 1978: 8, 18, , 24, 59. - 1977: 50, 78, , 9^ 1979: 59. 83, 92. ma - 197'; 1- 65, 69, 75, , 91. = 59, 72. 18, 1%1 12, 66 , 76, 78, 1978: 57. 1979: 58. Vulture, Black - 1977: 11, 25, 51, 51, 85, 90, 105. 1978: 6, 20, 22, 25, 24, 58, 48, 56, 6^771, 90. 1979: 10, 52, 57. Turkey - 1977: 11, 51, 47, 85, 90. 1978: 6, 20, 24, 45, 56, 95. 1979:8. 10,15,57. Warbler, Bay-breasted - 19??: 66. 67, 92,106. 1978: 19, 55, 54, 58. 1979: 59, 68. Ilack-and-white - 1977: 67, 75, 85, 92. 1978: 54, 58, 72. 1979: 58, 72, 86. Blackburnian - 1977: 66, 67, 75, 85, 85, 92, 107. 1978: 5^, 58, 68. 1979: 24, 59, 72, 74, 75. Blackpoll - 1977: 82, 85, 92, 106. 1978: 22, 23, 58, 7?t^ 1979: 59, 72, 91. Black-throated Blue - 1977: 19, 78, 92. 1978:17. 18, 19, 58, 92. 1979:21. 74, 75- Black-throated Green - 1977: 66, 67, 75, 83, 92. 1978: 18, 19, 5^754, 58. 1979: 41, 59, 7^r75. Blue-winged - 1977:21. 67, 75, 76, 80, 85, 92, 104, 106. iTO:58. 72. 1979: 59, 68. "Brewster's" -1^7: 83, 857^979: 88. Canada - 1977: 1^66, 78, 92, 106. 1978: 54, 587 59, 72. 1979: 74, 75- (5^ May - 1977: 19, 6^ 68, 76, 78, 92. 1978: 19, 2?75B, 66, 68. 1979: 21, 59. (J^lean - 1977: 80, 83, 9?7l07. 1978: 54, 58, 94.~1W9: 59, 88. Chestnut-sided - 1977: 92, 104, 106. ‘Z8: 5^, 90, 91,“927 89, 90. Connecticut - 1977: 20, 22, 76, 104. 1979: 59, 67, Solden-winged - 1977: 18, 19, 66, 68, 75, 76, 78, 83, 84, 357^92, 104, 106, 107. 1928: 58, 66, 72, 90, 92, 96. 1222= 59, S^88, 89. Hooded - 1977: 75, 82, 83, 92, 102. ,1978: 38, 58, 59^ Kentu 54, 58 ^ Kirtland's - 1977: 8. Magnolia - 1922= 13, 21, 23, 66, 67, 80, 92, 106. 1228= 19, 55, 54, 58. 1979: 59, 86, 91. Mourning - 1977: 19, 20, 22, 66, 68, 75, 76, 92, 104, 106. 1978: 18, 19, 22, 55, 54, 58, 66, 92, 9471222= 19, 67, 69, 91. Nashville - 1977: 67, 75, 76, 92. 1978: 25 40, 41, 48, 58, 66, 68. 1979: 24, 59, 86. Orange-crowned - 1977: 19, 21, 55, 55, 45, 68, 76, 78, 92, 93. 1978: 25, 58. 1979: 25, 24, 45, 59. Palm - 1977: 19, 22, 23, 33, 54, 48, 83, 85, 92, 106. 1978: 22, 23, 45, 54, 58, 66. 1979: 59. P^la, Northern - 1977: 21, 75, 76, 85, 92. 1978: 54, 58. 1322= 59, 63. Pine - 1977: 19, 25, ^5, 45, 48, 51, 83, 92, 10277ro4. 1978: 3, 58, 40, 46, 58, 66. 1979: 12, 24, 45, 59, 72, 91. Tfairie - 1977: 23, 85, 92, 102. 1978: 8, 11, 58,"^ 96. 1979: 58, 72. Prothonotary - 1977: 18, 75, 76, 83, 92. 1978: 54, 58, 94. 1979: 59, 89. 58. 1979: Yellow-rumped - ^ 67, 68, 76, 92, 1C 58. 1979: 12, ] Yellow-throated - 15 1978: 54, 58, 72, Waterthrush, Louisiana - 83, 92. 127' " ■■ Northern - 92, 106. 1978: 54, 58, 66. 1979: 24, 59. Waxwing, Cedar - 1977: 33, 48, 507 68, 85, 91, 106. 1278: 8, 9, 19, 22, 43, 57, 93, 94. 1979: 40, 45, 45, 47, 58, 74,89. Whimbrel - 1977: 104, I05. Whip-poor-will - 1977: 76, 78, 83, 91. 1978: 58, 57, 69. 1979: 58, 69, 80. Wigeon, American - 1977: 17, 20, 22, 51, 46, 77, 90, 105. 1978: 6, 20, 25, 45, 56. 1979: 10, 20,“227 24, 44. 17, 21. 1978: 56, 64, 67, 68, '18, 20, 22, 62, 67, 70, 85, Woodcock, American - 1977: 21, 25, 32, 47, 49, 51, 77, 79, 907T03, 105, 107. 1978: 7, 10, 29, 30, 31, 35, 35, ^0, 41, 5^ 48, 56, 65, 69, 91. 1979: 11, 41, 45, 46, 57, 70, 89. Woodpecker, Downy - 1977: 52, 60, 85, 91. 1978: 7, 38, 57. 1222= H. ^9, 58. Hairy - 1977: 32,^0“ 85, 91. 1978: 7, 38, 57. Wl- 11» 58. Northern Three-toed - 1977: 60. Pileated - 1977: 32, 657 85, 91. 1978: 7, 57. 19797^. 58. Red-bellied - 1977: 32, 60, 68, 85, 91. 1978: 7, 38, 57Ti222= ‘ ' " cockaded - ^ 11, ^9, 58. 55, 5^, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, "62, 75, 78, 83, 84, 85, 101, 105. 1978: 24, 38. 1979: 18, 23, 41, 44, 45. Red-headed - 1977: 18, 19, 32, 85, 91, 103, 107. 1978: 7, 19, 21, 23, 24, 57, 70, 94. 1222= 11» 19i ^5, ^9, 58, 70, 7^, 75, S9T^ Wren, Bewick's - 1977: 18, 19, 52, 83, 91, 106. 1978: 7, 57, 65, 70, 92. 1979: 1X7 15, >58, 85, 86, 87. 5S?blina - 1977: 32, 44, 51, 74, 79, 85, 7, 38, 48, 55, 57, 89, T, 46, 49, 58, 86. 7: 19, 23, 32, 50, 75, 78, 91 40, 43, 57, 66, 68, 70, 90 11, 19, 23, 24, 40, 41 Marsh - 1977: 19, 21, 32, i2 '.^1978: 7T^, 43, 70. 1979: 89, 91 92. 1222^ House - 197 1978: 1772 ^rr95, 94. 58, 86, 87, Short-billed Marsh - 1977: 18, 19, 53,75, 78, 91, 106, 107. 1978: 21, 57, 70. 1979: 11, 21, 41, 45, 58. Winter - 1977: 52, 67, 68, 78. 1978: 7, 41, 57. 122^ 11» ^5, 58, 67, 7^7 74, 90. Yellowlegs, Greater - 1977: 21, 23, 45, 49, 64, 77, 90, 105. 19787^ 21. 46, 56, 71. 1979: 22, 24, 45, 57, 89. T^er - 1977: 21, 25, 32, 47, 49, 77,90, 102, 105, 105. 1978: 21, 56, 65, 69, 94. 1979: 22, 45, 577 39. Yellowthroat , Common - 1977: 22, 53, 50, 68, 69, 76, 78, 83, 92. T^: 41, 54, 58. 1979: 9, 12, 45, 49, 5?r [VoL. 50, 1979] 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 acceptable 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 American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on SVi x II" 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 in- tended 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 1978). NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by binomial scientific names 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 and its Thirty-second Supplement. 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 summarized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the work per- formed. IDENTIFICATION: 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, 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 ac- company 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 oa the inside front cover. CONTENTS Notes on Summer Birds of the Canadian Zone Forest of Roan Mountain. Rick A. Phillips 73 Minutes of the 1979 Symposium and Fall Meeting. Helen Dinkenspiel, Secretary 77 Book Reviews The World of Roger Tory Peterson/ An Authorized Biography, i Gary O. Wallace L ... . 79 Where to Find Birds in Florida. Gary O. Wallace 79 Round Table Notes Whip-poor-will Foray. Kenneth D. Hale 80 Hummingbird Uses Nest Third Year. J. B. Owen 81 Brown Creeper Nesting in West Tennessee. William G. Criswell 81 A Snow Bunting in Knox County. Michael C. Sloan 82 Early Records of the Mississippi Kite and a Summary. Ben B. Coffey, Jr 83 The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, III 85 Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha Waldron 85 Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 87 Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Kenneth H. and Lillian H. Dubke . 88 Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 90 Species Index 1977 (Vol. 48), 1978 (Vol. 49) and 1979 (Vol. 50) 92 Illustration by Fred J. 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