THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST ISSUE PUBLISHED IN JUNE 1930

Published by

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tennessee on 7 October 1915
The T.O.S. is a non-profit, educational, scientific,
and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor — T. David Pitts, Biology Dept. UTM, Martin, TN 38238
State Count Compiler — Susan McWhirter, 4962 Gwynne, Memphis,TN

38117

Season Editor — Robert P. Ford, Tennessee Dept, of Conservation,
460 Ozier Road, Pinson, TN 38366

OFFICERS FOR 1989-1991

President — Barbara Finney, P.O. Box 1 1667, Knoxville, TN 37919
Vice Presidents:

East Term. — J.B. Owen, 2324 Antietam Road, Knoxville, TN 37917
Middle Term. — Portia MacMillan, 3201 Overlook Drive, Nashville,
TN 37212

West Tenn. — Virginia Reynolds, 424 1 Waymar Dr., Memphis, TN 38 1 17
Directors-at-Large:

East Tenn. — Dee Eiklor, Rt. 11, Box 178, Gray, TN 37615
Middle Term. — David Snyder, Biology Department, Austin Peay
State University, Clarl^ville, TN 37044
West Term. — John R. Conder, P.O. Box 443, Camden, TN 38320
Curator — James T. Tanner, 417 Switzerland Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920
Secretary — Nancy Tanner, 417 Switzerland Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920
Treasurer — George R. Payne, 5834 Edgewater Cove #2, Memphis,

TN 38134

All TOS members receive The Migrant and the TOS newsletter, The Tennessee
Warbler. The newsletter carries information about meetings, forays, and club activities.

Annual dues are $10.00 for an Active membership. Other categories of membership
are: Student - $5.00; Family - $12.00; Library - $15.00; Sustaining - $20.00; Life - $200.00.
Chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses. Dues, contributions, and be-
quests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. Back issues of The Migrant
may be purchased from the Curator. Please correspond with the Treasurer for subscriptions,
memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December).

Printed by Tennessee Industrial Printing Services, Inc., 51 Miller Ave., Jackson, TN 38305.

Copyright © 1990 by the Tennessee Ornithological Society

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. 62 JUNE 1991 NO. 2

The Migrant, 62(2):29-31, 1991.

HURRICANE HUGO BRINGS OCEANIC BIRDS
TO WATAUGA LAKE, TENNESSEE

H.P. LANGRIDGEi AND BRIAN CROSS2
111421 W. Ocean Ave., Lantana, FL 33462
221110 Edgewood St., Johnson City, TN 37604

At 1000 on 22 September 1989, the remnants of Hurricane Hugo with 66
km/hr winds and 5-8 cm of rain passed over Watauga Lake and dropped sever-
al unusual birds to this deep water lake in East Tennessee. Yet, on this day only
35 km west at Boone Lake, Rick Knight found no unusual species.

At 1120 under cloudy and windy conditions and a light rain, Brian Cross was
observing a flock of 22 Forster's Terns (Sterna forsteri) (from an overlook 0.8 km
west of the Watauga Point Recreational Area in Carter Co., Tennessee) when a
light-phased jaeger and a dark-phased jaeger, both showing white in the pri-
maries, flew into the flock, harassed the terns for about 30 seconds, and then lit
on the water. From a distance of 0.5 km, using a spotting scope with a 20-45X
zoom lens, Brian saw on the light-phase bird a black cap, white throat and
flanks, a distinct dark breast band, dark brown upperparts, and very long dark
brown wings folded with tips and tail together giving the bird a very pointed
appearance to its posterior. The dark-phase bird appeared uniformly dark
brown but shared the same distinctive jaeger profile as the first bird and seemed
to be the same size. The birds were observed and sketched for over 20 minutes
when they were flushed by a windsurfer. They flew in a wide circle that brought
them to within 150 m of the overlook. Silhouetted against the sky, both birds
showed broad twisted tail streamers which were easily discernible with 7 x 35
binoculars, signifying adult Pomarine Jaegers (Stercorarius pomarinus). This is
the second record for the state and the first for East Tennessee. The first state
record was 28 June - 4 September 1987 in Henry County (Waldron 1987,
Waldron 1988).

Scanning the water with the scope for other birds, Brian observed for approx-
imately one minute a tiny, dark bird fluttering across the water at a distance of
more than 1 km. The bird appeared swallow-like but had longer, narrower
wings and a narrow white band extending around the rump. Because of the
strong winds and the distance, the flight style, size and the tail shape were diffi-
cult to judge; consequently, the genus and species of this bird could not be deter-
mined, and it can only safely be identified as a storm-petrel (sp.). This sighting is

29

30

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

only the third record of a storm-petrel in Tennessee. The first two records were
after the passage of Hurricane Eloise and consisted of one unidentified storm-
petrel found on 24 September 1975 near Collegedale, east of Chattanooga
(Jacobson 1976), and three dead Band-rumped Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma cas-
tro) found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on 24-26 September
1975 (Eller 1976).

A thorough search of the lake from other likely vantage points east to Roan's
Creek revealed no other birds on the lake. Returning to Watauga Point at 1250,
Brian found and studied for 15 minutes from a distance of 0.7 km the two
Pomarine Jaegers and, in addition, a flock of five light-phased jaegers of roughly
equal size. One was in typical adult plumage with a distinct dark breast band.
Three of the jaegers were similar with only subtle variations in color and extent
of barring; each had a dark head, dark throat, and dark upperparts with white
on the flanks and breast. A row of dark bars showed below the wing on the
upper flank area and joined with bars on the upper breast and undertail coverts.
The remaining jaeger had a pale straw colored head, breast, and flanks that
showed indistinct bars, a dark brown back, tail, and wings, and a very heavy
dark bill. This plumage was similar to the light-phase South Polar Skua
(Catharacta maccormickik but the bird was not a skua because of its flight,
shape, and the amount of white in the wing.

After alerting local birders, Brian joined H. P. Langridge, Martha Dillenbeck,
and Frank Ward. At 1520 we could not find any unusual species near Watauga
Point. However, at 1730 about 8 km directly east in the Roan Creek arm we
found an adult Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), and adult black-backed
gull (Larus sp.), two adult Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus), six Laughing Gulls
(Larus atricilla), two Royal Terns (Sterna maxima), and about 50
Forster's/ Common type terns before rain drove us out at 1830. Langridge had
wintered on the lower east cost of Florida for 32 years and was familiar with all
of these common coastal or continental shelf species.

An adult light-phase Parasitic Jaeger flew in and dropped on the water 70 m
from us. It had a black cap, white belly, white throat, white on the front of the
neck, white breast, some white in the primaries and a typical jaeger profile.
Through a 30X spotting scope and two zoom (15-60X and 20-45X) spotting
scopes, we could clearly differentiate between the primaries and the pointed
feathers of the tail. This is the third record of this species for the state and the
first for East Tennessee. The first state record was on 16 September - 27 October
1978 in Franklin County (Stedman and Robinson 1987) and the second was on 6
- 22 October 1985 in Henry County (Stedman and Robinson 1986).

The adult black-backed gull (sp.) rested on the water well over 0.5 km away.
The yellow bill, white head, white neck, white breast, and the black back could
be seen. The two adult Herring Gulls in the vicinity were not close enough for us
to make size comparisons and determine whether we were observing a Great
Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) or a Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus).

A flock of six Laughing Gulls flew in and circled close to the water about 0.8
km from us. Through the scopes the dark gray mantle and white tails of the
adults and the white and black tail pattern on the immatures could be seen. This
is only the third sighting for northeast Tennessee (R. Knight, pers. comm.).

31

OCEANIC BIRDS

JUNE

In company with a flock of more than 30 Forster's/ Common type terns, the
two larger Royal Terns each had a white head with black on the back of the head
and a pale orange bill that was thinner than the bill of a Caspian Tern (Sterna
caspia). No Caspian Terns were present for comparison but several members of
our party were familiar with both species. The Royal Terns flew as close as 50 m
to us several times and were within good viewing range of our 7 x 35,7 x 50, and
10 X 40 binoculars. The birds gave their rolling "brrret" call about 10 times. This
is the first record of this species in Tennessee.

The next day, 23 September 1989, was a cold, windy, and rainy day. Fred
Alsop, Catherine Bireley, Brian Cross, Dee and John Eiklor, Sally Goodin, Rick
Knight, H. P. Langridge, Dick Lura, Steve Satterfield, Cathi Sullins, Gary
Wallace, and a boat party of four led by Daniel Jacobson observed for over six
hours at Watauga Lake. We found at the Roan Creek arm one adult Parasitic
Jaeger, one adult Pomarine Jaeger, one light-headed jaeger, one second-year
Laughing Gull and over 50 Forster's /Common type terns.

During the morning of 24 September at the Roan Creek arm the light-headed
jaeger was again observed. It was straw colored from the water line including
the entire head, neck, and nape to the very dark mantle. There was no visible cap
or chest band. When chasing Forster's Terns the jaeger appeared to have pointed
central tail feathers extending beyond the tail about 4-5 cm, signifying an imma-
ture Parasitic Jaeger. When seen resting on the water beside a second year
Herring Gull it appeared to be about the same length as the Herring Gull, sug-
gesting a Pomarine Jaeger. Because both species were known to have been pre-
sent and because not all observers agreed on the identity of this bird, it is per-
haps best identified as jaeger sp.

The harvest from Hurricane Hugo for Tennessee birding was a rich and
bountiful one. Several fortunate area birders were able to see: Royal Tern (first
for Tennessee), Pomarine Jaeger (second for the state and first for East
Tennessee), Parasitic Jaeger (third for the state and first for East Tennessee),
storm-petrel (sp.) (third Tennessee record). Laughing Gull (third record for
northeast Tennessee), and black-backed gull (sp.)

The authors thank Rick Knight for furnishing information on the hurricane
and the status of the birds in Tennessee and Fred Alsop, Gary Wallace, and Rick
for helping with the manuscript.

LITERATURE CITED

Eller, G. D. 1976. The season: Eastern mountain region. Migrant 47:23-24.
Jacobson, D. R. 1976. The season: Eastern ridge and valley region. Migrant 47:20-23.

Stedman, S. J., and J. C. Robinson. 1986. First record of Parasitic Jaeger in
Tennessee. Migrant 57:44-46.

Stedman, S. J., and J. C. Robinson. 1987. First record of Parasitic Jaeger in
Tennessee: Addenda. Migrant 58:89-90.

Waldron, M. G. 1987. The season: Western coastal plain region. Migrant 58:136-138.
Waldron, M. G. 1988. The season: Western coastal plain region. Migrant 59:31-33.

Accepted 13 June 1990.

The Migrant, 62(2)32-39, 1991.

1991 SPRING FIELD DAYS

SUSAN N. McWHIRTER

Eleven counts were held across the state for the 1991 Spring Field Days, result-
ing in a total of 198 species recorded. This is the lowest number of species since
1971 and well below the 20-year average of 211 total species recorded. All counts
experienced cloudy weather, and many were hindered by rain. Notable species
include the Swainson's and Connecticut Warblers.

INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS

MEMPHIS - 5 May; 0750-1800; cloudy to partly sunny; 37 observers. Martha
Waldron (compiler - 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis 38119).

HATCHIE - 4 May; partly cloudy to overcast, some light rain; wind S 5-7 mph;
temp. 75-82F; 12 observers in 4 parties. Bob Browne, Carolyn Bullock, Gail
Greene, Mark Greene (compiler - 194 Mt. Orange Rd., Trenton 38382), Marvin
Nichols, Martha Lyle Reid, Virginia Reynolds, David Smith, Martha Waldron,
Susan Winkler.

CLARKSVILLE - 4-5 May; mostly cloudy; temp. 65-75F; 8 observers.

Joe D. Allen (compiler - 3002 Nicole Rd., Clarksville 37040), Michael Dinsmore,
Annie Heilman, Bill Milliken, Gloria Milliken, James Watts, Claudell Wooten,
Stanley York.

COLUMBIA - 3-4 May; cloudy with light rain; temp. 65-80F; 11 observers.
Steven Brinkley, William Fuqua, William Jernigan, Sam Kuykendall, Allyn Lay,
Anne Lochridge, Bedford Lochridge, Cleo Mayfield, George Mayfield (compiler -
999 Sunnyside Dr., Columbia 38401), Dianne Presnell, Charles Wolff.

MURFREESBORO - 4-5 May; heavy thundershowers for half of each day; temp.
68-74F; 6 observers including 3 at feeders; 15 party hours, 50 miles by car, 4 miles
on foot; 4 party hours at feeders. Bertha Chrietzberg, James Chrietzberg, Anne
Hettish, Richard Hunter, Wilma Hunter (compiler - Rt. 6, Box 58, Wilson Rd.,
Murfreesboro 37130), Ferrell Wilson.

LEBANON - 4-5 May; overcast with rain one afternoon; temp. 64-74F; 12
observers for 52 party hours, 89 miles by car, and 5 miles on foot. Kay Norris
(compiler - 1609 Ponderosa Trail, Lebanon 37087).

HIGHLAND RIM - 5 May; 0200-1800; mostly cloudy and calm but periods of
wind and rain; temp. 60-70F; 12 observers in 8 parties plus 3 at feeders; 24 party
hours by car, 15 on foot, plus 8 hours at feeders and 3 hours owling; 320 miles by
car, 15 on foot, plus 40 miles owling. Don Davidson (compiler - 1703 2nd Ave.,
Manchester 37355), Katherine Gilliam, Ruth Luckadoo, Agnes Marcrom, H.D.
Marcrom, Corinne Martinez, Joe Martinez, Nicky Medley, Chloe Peebles, Howell
Peebles, Erma Rogers, Harry Yeatman, Jean Yeatman, Grady York, Willa York.

32

1991

1991 SPRING FIELD DAYS

33

CHATTANOOGA - 11 May; 0530-2130; mostly cloudy with trace of rain; wind S,
0-21 mph; temp. 67-79F; 10 observers. Ken Dubke (compiler - 8139 Roy Ln.,
Ooltewah 37363), Lil Dubke, Gertrude Fleming, Bill Haley, Linda Harris, Paul
Harris, Bill Hayes, Dick Hughes, Jonnie Sue Lyons, Frank Strack.

KNOXVILLE - 5 May; overcast in a.m. and intermittent showers in afternoon;
temp. 61-75F; 26 observers in 15 parties for 112.5 party hours, 475 miles by car,
and 37.8 miles on foot. Mary Bartolini, Betty Reid Campbell, Jim Campbell,
Howard Chitwood, Carol Coleman, Gene Coleman, Bob Collier, Erik Collier,
Andrew Core, Marcia Davis, Dottie Ely, Louise Fuller, Paul Hartigan, Audrey
Hoff, Ron Hoff (compiler - 4523 McCloud Rd., Knoxville 37938), Tony Koella,
Beth Lacy, Bettie Mason, Jim Mason, Bill McNutt, Chuck Nicholson, Holly
Overton, Paul Pardue, Truett Patterson, Boyd Sharp, Ralph Zaenglein.

GREENEVILLE - 11 May; 0600-2100; mostly cloudy; temp. 61-82F; 15
observers in 8 parties plus 1 at a feeder; 49.5 party hours including 31.5 by car,
15 on foot, and 3 by boat, plus 4.5 at a feeder; 301.5 party miles including 284.5
by car, 15 on foot, and 2 by boat. Denise Ashworth, Ben Britton, Phine Britton,
Susan Ford, King Gant, Margaret Gant, Henrietta Holt, Jim Holt (compiler - 311
Colonial CL, Greeneville 37743), Michael Nevius, Richard Nevius, Willie Ruth
Nevius, Linda Northrop, Roy Northrop, Jo Anne Routledge, Larry Routledge,
Royal Spees.

ELIZABETHTON - 5 May; 0430-2000; mostly cloudy with a brief shower in
PM; wind light; temp. 50-77F; 68 party hours, plus 4.5 owling; 25 observers in 6
parties. James Brooks, Janet Brown, Brian Cross, Martha Dillenbeck, Rusty
Dunn, Elizabeth Funkhouser, Dick Hegler, Dan Huffine, Rick Knight (compiler -
804 N. Hills Dr., Johnson City 37604), Richard Lura, Rad Mayfield, Perry
McDormand, Tom McNeil, Jennifer Miller, Mark Selvia, John Shumate, Lorrie
Shumate, Stan Strickland, Glenn Swofford, Julia Wade, Ben Wallace, Gary
Wallace, Frank Ward, Jim Wayland, Shirley Wayland.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Wallace J. Coffey
will assume the editorship of
The Migrant

beginning with the March 1992 issue.

All new manuscripts should be addressed to Wallace at
100 Bellebrook Drive, Bristol, TN 37620.

34

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

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1991 SPRING COUNT

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THE MIGRANT

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The Migrant, 62(1)40, 1991.

PLAN TODAY

FOR FUTURE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS

KRISTIN ZIMET
805 Beechwood
Kingsport, TN 37663

How can local count organizers ensure the perpetuation of a count? Where
do we obtain enough count participants to replenish the pool and ensure maxi-
mum coverage? How do we see to it that younger people acquire the expertise
to be capable of replacing today's leaders? How do we instill the habits of obser-
vation, skills of identification, and level of interest that draw new people to
become not only counters but year-round advocates for birds?

From Kingsport, Tennessee comes a new approach to these questions.
Working with veteran compiler Arthur Smith and educator Dee Eiklor, Kristin
Zimet (Education Chair for the Watauga Audubon Society) held a half-day Kids'
Count in conjunction with the full-day Christmas Bird Count. Zimet addressed
school Ecology Clubs and Boy Scout groups on the purposes, methods, and
rewards of the Christmas County. She arranged to supply teams of young peo-
ple and parents with leaders, colored guide sheets to verify identities of common
local birds, careful instructions, and maps. A simplified tally sheet included a
special section in which to record the fieldmarks of birds of whose identity the
parties were not certain. This helped eliminate guesswork and to serve as the
basis for later clarification and education. Zimet acted as dispatcher and as liai-
son between the Kids' Count and the regular count and conducted a mini-com-
pilation and celebration.

The results were excellent. The number of Kingsport counters jumped over
200 percent, from 23 to 73. Colonial Heights, a developed area formerly receiv-
ing limited coverage, but home ground to the Kids' Count parties, was thor-
oughly explored, adding 59 miles by car and 9.5 miles on foot. Over 1100 birds
of 38 species were added to the full count, including the only Sharp-shinned
Hawk. Most of the first-time birders expressed eagerness to join future Kids'
Counts. Three youngsters joined adult teams and counted for the remainder of
the day.

To learn more about organizing a Kids' Count in your area, write Kristin
Zimet, 805 Beechwood Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663 or Arthur Smith, 100 Otari
Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664.

Accepted 30 January 1991.

40

The Migrant, 62(2)41-44, 1991.

MINUTES OF THE SPRING 1991
TOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The Spring 1991 TOS Board of Directors Meeting was held at the Baptist
Convention Center in Nashville, TN, on April 27. The meeting was called to
order by President Barbara Finney. A quorum was present. Minutes of the Fall
1990 TOS Board of Directors Meeting were distributed. The minutes were
approved as submitted.

VICE-PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE: There were no reports.

TREASURER'S REPORT: George Payne reported that current assets are
$76,864.39. Income during the period October 24, 1990 to April 24, 1991 was
$16,414.92 and expenses were $7,690.41. Anticipated liabilities are projected at
$20,362.77. The report is filed with the secretary.

George reported that there are 783 paid memberships, which is slightly
higher than at this time last year. The Jackson Chapter, which is in its second
year with 41 members, has shown the most growth.

CURATOR: President Barbara Finney reported that James Tanner, Curator of
TOS for many years, died on January 21. Among the items Jim was responsible
for was the original TOS charter, which Barbara had with her. Ben Coffey moved
that Barbara keep the charter in her safe deposit box until further instructed by
TOS. George Mayfield seconded, and the motion was approved.

Barbara also said that there needed to be a decision made concerning the
memorial contributions made in memory of Dr. Tanner and of Mrs. Mayfield. It
was Nancy Tanner's wish that the funds for Dr. Tanner be used to purchase
additional shares in the MIT fund, the proceeds of which are used for the publica-
tion of The Misrrant. The motion was made by Martha Waldron to put all the
memorial contributions into the MIT fund. Ron Hoff seconded, and the motion
carried.

EDITOR, THE MIGRANT: David Pitts sent a report which was presented by
Barbara Finney. David Vogt has resigned as compiler of the Season Report for
the Highland Rim and Basin Region, and a replacement is needed. David Pitts
will resign as Editor of The Migrant following completion of Volume 62, 1991.
The Nominating Committee will appoint a Search Committee to find a replace-
ment. Postage for The Mirant has increased from $84 to $131, due to the postal
rate increase. David asked that photographs and chapter activities and histories
be submitted for the 75th Anniversary issue.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Chairman Jim Ferguson sent a report that
was presented by Ron Hoff. The following were placed into nomination: Vice
Presidents: West TN - Martha Ramey; Middle TN - Ann Tarbell; East TN -
Wallace Coffey; Secretary - Bob Hatcher; Treasurer - George Payne; Editor, The
Migrant - David Pitts. The appointed Directors-at-Large are: West TN - John
Conder; Middle TN - David Hassler; East TN - Dee Eiklor.

41

42

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Chairman Fred Carney was absent. Committee
members Dick Newton and Martha Waldron reviewed and approved the
Treasurer's Report.

BREEDING BIRD ATLAS: Chuck Nicholson reported that the project was coming
along fairly well. This will be the sixth and last year of field work. There are 25-30
priority blocks still to be assigned. Most of the money currently in the Atlas fund
will be used this year to pay for blockbusting. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency has a request for $25,000 to help pay for publishing costs that is currently
being considered by the House, but with the current state financial crisis, the
request will probably be denied. Chuck encouraged members to contact their
legislators and urge support of funding. Rick Knight reported that he and other
members of the Herndon Chapter will be conducting a Bird-a-thon again this
year and asked for pledges and donations. Last year over $500 was raised.

RECORDS COMMITTEE: Chairman Rick Knight reported that John
Henderson has been appointed to fill the East TN alternate position. The two
West TN members' terms end with this meeting, and these positions will be
appointed before the next meeting by in-coming President Bob Ford. The
committee will meet this weekend to elect a new chairman. The committee has
acted on several records that have been submitted. Some records are still
pending, and documentation has been sent to outside experts for their opinions.

CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION: Ken Dubke introduced George
Mayfield, who reported on Governor McWherter's proposed reorganization of
the Tennessee Department of Conservation, which would move the Division of
State Parks to the Department of Tourism, the Division of Forestry to the
Department of Agriculture, and the Division of Environment from the
Department of Public Health to the Department of Conservation. The removal of
State Parks will be delayed one year for further study. George introduced a
resolution that states, in part, that TOS approves the proposed move of the
Division of Environment to the expanded Department of Environment and
Conservation, approves the delay in moving the Division of State Parks to the
Department of Tourism, recommends not to remove the Division of State Parks
from Conservation, and that a decision be delayed for at least one year for fur-
ther study. George Mayfield moved that TOS support this resolution. James
Brooks seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Bob Ford presented plans for the Tennessee Migratory Bird Project, which is
to be a three year, state-wide project to design and implement a conservation
plan for the protection of habitats in Tennessee for neotropical migrant birds.
The Tennessee Conservation League has received grants from the Fish and
Wildlife Service and the Lyndhurst Foundation to fund a coordinator for the
project, a position which Bob has accepted. Bob outlined three phases of the pro-
ject. About 50% of the project will be education, primarily in schools through
slide shows given by volunteers, to teach children about the problems that exist
due to loss of habitat in rural and urban areas. Teachers will also be taught about
natural resource management. Adults wil be targeted through conservation
organizations, and landowners will be encouraged to manage their land for
migrant habitats. Twenty-five percent of the project will consist of upgrading the

1991

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

43

geographic information in Tennessee, resulting in computer mapping of the types
and conditions of the vegetation across the state, and designing a plan for identi-
fying and protecting key habitats for neotropical migrants. The Breeding Bird
Atlas Project information will be very useful in identifying key habitats. Several
state and federal agencies will participate in this phase. Finally, research will be
done to determine how to best protect these habitats; this will be a cooperative
effort between the Project and university, state, and federal research projects. Bob
introduced a resolution that TOS endorse and support the Tennessee Migratory
Bird Project through field research and continued educational efforts. Ron Hoff
moved that the resolution be adopted, James Brooks seconded, and the motion
was approved.

Ken Dubke presented a resolution submitted by David Vogt that TOS
endorse environmentally responsible landscape practices by encouraging the
use of native plants in landscaping and avoiding the use of invasive exotic
plants. Since many exotic plants out-compete native species, they reduce the
native plant diversity and contribute to the loss of habitat for both migrant and
native species of birds. Government agencies, businesses, and landowners are
strongly urged to use native plant species in landscaping, and especially to
avoid using the following exotic species: kudzu, purple loosestrife, Japanese and
shrub honeysuckles, autumn olive, common privet, creeping euonymus, burn-
ing bush, tree of heaven, multiflora rose, vinca, sawtooth oak, and lespedeza.
Ken Dubke moved, and Margaret Mann seconded, that the resolution be adopt-
ed. Bob Hatcher moved that the amendment be added that all appropriate agen-
cies by strongly urged to consider the consequences of using these species before
utilizing these plants. George Mayfield seconded, and the motion passed. The
resolution with the amendment passed.

Ken Dubke pointed out the posted that TWRA has distributed asking for
information about possible nesting Peregrine Falcons. TOS is listed among the
organizations to contact with information.

Ken Dubke introduced Wallace Coffey, who described the fund-raising
efforts he coordinated through The Bristol Herald-Courier to raise money to
support the TWRA eagle-hacking program on South Holston Lake. To date, well
over $15,000 has been raised, with money coming from many states.

PATCHES AND DECALS: No report.

FALL SYMPOSIUM: Volunteers are needed to find a location and to put
together the Symposium.

EDITOR, TENNESSEE WARBLER: Jim Finney reported that the last Warbler
was mailed on March 25, at a cost of $542. Over 1000 copies were printed.

TENNESSEE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL: Ken Dubke reported that the
effort to stop channelization of West Tennessee rivers had failed. Bob Ford report-
ed that landowners will be able to drain wetlands, if they were being used in 1970,
without getting a permit.

TOS AWARDS COMMITTEE: Ron Hoff reported that before the final design
for the award pin was approved he had designed and purchased an original

44

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Mockingbird pin, in 24 carat gold, which he would like to donate to TOS to be
used as the "President's Pin," which would be passed on to each incoming
President. Ron asked for input on guidelines for determining TOS award recipi-
ents. It was decided that there would be no formal rules made at this time, that
the award could be presented either for service to birdlife and/or to the TOS
organization, recipients will be current TOS members only, and that the chair of
the committee would be appointed by each new TOS President.

OLD BUSINESS

MIGRANT COVER: Barbara Finney reported that only two entries have been
received, but that they are not available at this meeting. James Brooks moved
that the entries be closed, and that the two entries, plus the current cover, be
brought to the Fall Meeting, and that a final decision be made at that meeting.
Dick Newton seconded, and the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS

TOS MEMORIAL MARKER: Margaret Mann reported that she has gotten the
approval of the Nashville Historical Commission to have a marker placed on the
site of the founding of TOS in Nashville in 1915. TOS will have to purchase the
marker, which will cost $1250. Margaret asked if there was money in the budget
for this purchase. Treasurer George Payne stated that the current year's budget
would not allow this expense. Margaret asked if the TOS chapters would make
donations for this. Dick Newton moved that TOS support the historical marker
project, Ron Hoff seconded, and the motion passed. Ben and Lula Coffey offered
to donate the entire amount as a memorial to Ben B. Coffey, Sr., who lived in
Nashville for over 60 years. The directors accepted this gracious offer, and
Margaret will ask that the Nasvhille Historical Commission also acknowledge
this memorial contribution.

1992 SPRING MEETING: There are no announcements at this time.

TOS CURATOR: Barbara Finney reported that a committee has been appoint-
ed to analyze the responsibilities of the Curator. Part of the Curator's duties
includes keeping all of the literature, field records, papers, etc., that are the pos-
sessions of TOS. There currently is a large collection of Mi^ants and records
stored at Hessler Biology Building at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville,
where Jim Tanner had an office. These need to be moved, but TOS needs to find
permanent storage for them. A Curator will not be elected at this time, until the
committee determines if the Curator will be responsible for finding storage space,
and if the records will have to be moved each time a new Curator is elected. The
committee will also check into the possibility of preseving back issues of The
Mirant on microfilm instead of in journal form. Serving on the committee will be
David Pitts, Lula Coffey, Chuck Nicholson, Barbara Finney, and Ann Tarbell. The
committee will give a report at the 1991 Fall Meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectively submitted,

Audrey R. Hoff, Secretary TOS

The Migrant, 62(2): 45, 1991.

TOS ANNUAL MEETING

The seventy-sixth annual meeting of the TOS was held at the Baptist Convention
Center in Nashville on April 27, 1991. Dick Newton, President of the Nashville
Chapter, welcomed everyone and thanked all the Nashville TOS members whose
work had made the meeting so successful.

Barbara Finney, President of the TOS, called the business meeting to order at
7:45 p.m. Secretary Audrey Hoff read the minutes of the 1990 Spring Annual
Meeting, which were approved as read. The Secretary then gave a summary of the
Board of Directors Meeting held earlier that afternoon.

Treasurer George Payne repeated his report as given at the Board of Directors
Meeting. A report was filed with the Secretary.

Nominating Committee member Ron Hoff presented the following slate of offi-
cers for 1991 which was approved by the Board of Directors: Vice President, West
TN - Martha Ramey; Vice President, Middle TN - Ann Tarbell; Vice President, East
TN - Wallace Coffey; Secretary - Bob Hatcher; Treasurer - George Payne; Editor, The
Migrant - David Pitts; Directors-at-Large, West TN - John Conder; Middle TN -
David Hassler; East TN - Dee Eiklor. Helen Dinkelspiel moved to accept the slate by
acclamation, George Mayfield seconded, and the motion was approved.

Finance Committee member Dick Newton reported that the committee had
reviewed the Treasurer's report and found it to accurately reflect the financial status
of TOS.

Breeding Bird Atlas chairman Chuck Nicholson repeated his report, and also
called for members to turn in yard lists.

Barbara Finney asked for volunteers to coordinate the 1991 Fall Symposium. The
date and location of the meeting will be announced later.

Rick Knight announced his plans for a Bird-a-thon again this spring to raise
money for the Breeding Bird Atlas. He said that last year's efforts had raised over
$500, and he asked for pledges for this year.

TOS Awards Committee chairman Ron Hoff presented this year's TOS
Distinguished Service Awards. A brief history of each recipient's contributions to
TOS was given. The recipients were as follows: from Memphis - Ben Coffey, Lula
Coffey, Helen Dinkelspiel; from Columbia - George Mayfield; Member-at-Large -
Robbie Hassler.

Barbara Finney announced the formation of a committee to analyze the TOS
Curator's responsibilities, and to examine possible storage sites for TOS materials.
The committee consists of David Pitts, Lula Coffey, Chuck Nicholson, Barbara
Finney, and Ann Tarbell.

Barbara Finney conducted a chapter roll call. There were 89 members present
from 11 chapters and members-at-large. Barbara then announced the donation of a
gold Mockingbird "President's Pin" by Ron Hoff. She thanked the outgoing officers
of TOS for their services and the members of the Nashville chapter for their arrange-
ments for the meeting. Barbara then turned the gavel and pin over to the new
President, Bob Ford. The business meeting was then adjourned.

The evening program was presented by Bob and Martha Sargent from the
Alabama Ornithological Society. Their talk, "All You Wanted To Know About
Hummingbirds and Were Afraid To Ask" presented their work about banding
hummingbirds in the southeast.

Respectfully submitted,

Audrey R. Hoff, Secretary TOS

45

The Migrant, 62(2):46-56, 1991.

THE SEASON

Robert P. Ford, Editor

FALL: 1 AUGUST - 30 NOVEMBER 1990

The fall season is often among the favorite of field observers, since migration
and dispersal patterns of birds offer ample opportunity for bird study. This fall
season in Tennessee was no exception. Generally normal weather patterns provided
many good days to be in the field, and observers reported several important
occurrences of birds.

Rare species observed this season included Yellow Rail and Marbled Godwit
from west Tennessee, Rufous Hummingbird in middle Tennessee, and Yellow-
headed Blackbird from east Tennessee. Migration patterns were followed closely,
with about average results. However, Black-throated Blue Warblers were reported
near the Mississippi River, and species of shorebirds offered a few surprises for
careful observers.

The season report is long this fall, thanks to the efforts of many dilligent
observers. Take time to read through these, and find the patterns of migration and
rare species that will add incentives to your time in the field.

Abbreviations used in the following report include: ad-adult; b-banded;
Co.-County; EOP-end of period; ers-earliest reported sighting; et al.-and others;
fide-reported by; im-immature; Irs-latest reported sighting; max-maximum 1 day
count in 1 county; m.ob.-many observers; ph-photograph; reg-regular; yg-young;
* -documentation on file.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN - Several rare species were reported in the
region this fall. The Yellow Rail, a rare migrant, was reported for a first sighting
in Shelby County, and a second for West Tennessee. The Marbled Godwit was a
first for Shelby County, but a sixth for the region. American White Pelican, White
Ibis, King Rail, and Red Knot were also unexpected visitors. The Black-throated
Blue Warbler was reported in two separate locations, both sightings were well
documented. Temperatures and rainfall were about average for the region. Fifty
observers spent 82 of the 122 days in the field. These observers reported on 215
species, observations for 89 species were selected for this report.

Pelican-Duck: American White Pelican: 25 Sep (107) Is 13 (MAG, RPF).
Double-crested Connorant: 6 Sep (8) PAP (MAG); 15 Sep (6) Is 13 (WGC, m.ob.);
16/22 Sep (20/80), 26 Sep (450+) REL, OBC (MAG); 29 Sep (145) Is 13 (MLR,
RPF): 5 Oct (280) REL (WGC); 6 Oct (1) HWR (JTOS); 17 Oct (15) ROL (CHB,
BHW, HBD, NMS, SSL); 20 Nov (46) Is 13 (WGC). Anhinga: 22 Sep ( 1) NE MDC

46

1991

THE SEASON

47

(JBC, CTW). Ainerican Bittern: 24 Oct (1) BRF (JCR). Least Bittern: 3 Sep (2
seen, 5 heard) TEC (JRW, VBR). Green-backed Heron: 16 Nov (1) JNP (RPF),
late. Black-crowned Night Heron: 10 Aug (1) CWR (MAG); 16 Sep (7 im) Is 13
(WGC). White Ibis: 12 Aug (1) Wardlow’s Pocket, LDC (MAG). Greater White-
fronted Goose: 13 Nov (2 im) Is 13 (WGC). Snow Goose: 24 Nov (300+) LWR,
LDC (MAG, SDL), about 60% were Blue morph. Blue-winged Teal: 16/22 Sep
(115/26) Is 13 (WGC); 25 Sep (500+) Is 13 (MAG, RPF). Green-winged Teal: 8 Sep
(6) Is 13 (JBG, RPF, JRW); 1/22 Sep (1/2) Is 13 (WGC, m.ob.); 21 Oct (8) PEF
(CHB, RWP, BEB). Oldsquaw: 23 Nov (1 f) REL, LKC (WGC, JRW). Red-
breasted Merganser: 6 Nov (1) REL, LKC (MAG, JKK). Ruddy Duck: 17 Oct (10)
ROL (HBD, NMS, SSL, CHB).

Raptor-Rail: Osprey: 18 Aug (1) TEC (Santi Lombardo); 15 Sep (1) HWR
(JBC); 22 Sep (1) NE MDC (JBC, CTW); 15/25 Sep (1) Is 13 (MAG); 5 Oct (1)
REL, LKC, 14 Oct (1), Is 13 (WGC, m.ob.); 9 Oct (1) REL, OBC (MAG, JKK);
23 Oct (1) FPP (LCC, HBD). Mississippi Kite: 1 Aug-1 Sep (6-2) Is 13 (WGC).
Bald Eagle: 5 Oct (2 ad), 14 Oct-EOP (2 ad, 5 im) REL, LKC (WGC). Northern
Harrier: 29 Aug (1) PEF (GRP, JKP). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 7 Oct (1) PEF (MGW,
VBR, CHB); 16 Oct (1) MDC (JBC); 10 Nov (1) JNP (RPF); 18 Nov (1) REL,
LKC, 22 Nov (1) Old Eaton Rd, GBC (MAG, SDL); 30 Nov (1) Iris Hill, SBC
(JAF); 29 Nov (1) DYC (WGC). Cooper’s Hawk: 15 Sep (1) PEF (MTOS); 24
Sep/19 Oct (1) PEF (SNM); 2 Oct (1) REL, LKC (MAG, EKW); 6 Oct (1) HWR
(JTOS); 10 Oct (1) PEF (CHB, NMS, VBR, HBD); 24 Oct (1) HWR, HYC (SSL,
NMS, HBD, CHB); 27 Oct (1) MIL (SNM, NPM); 31 Oct (1) Jackson (JBC); 4 Nov
(1) PEF (MTOS); 21 Nov (2) PEF (DDP). Red-shouldered Hawk: 12 Oct (2)
Jackson (JBC); 4 Nov (1) PEF (MTOS); 1 1 Nov (1) Ponderosa, DTC (CHB); 14 Nov
(1) TEC (CHB, SSL, VBR, BHW, HBD, NMS); 21 Nov (1) PEF (DDP). Golden
Eagle: 6 Nov (1 im) REL, LKC (MAG, JKK). Merlin: 15/16 Sep (1) Is 13 (WGC).
Peregrine Falcon: 14 Sep (1) MEM (Walk Jones); 16 Sep (1 im) is 13 (WGC); 2 Oct
(1 im) 0.5 mi S of Martin, WKC (fide TDP) died of gunshot wounds, first record
for WKC; 3 Oct (1) Is 13 (MAG); 6 Oct (1 im) TEC (CHB); 14 Oct (1 im) TEC
(MRR). YELLOW RAIL: 22 Sep (1) Iris Hill, SBC (JAF), first SBC, second West
TN. King Rail: 28 Aug (1) Kirby Pocket, OBC (MAG); 22 Sep (2) Iris Hill, SBC
(JAF). Sora: 23 Sep (2) MEM (MGW).

Shorebirds: Migration of shorebirds was followed at THE EARTH COMPLEX
(TEC). The data below represent the lowest and highest numbers during the period.
Unless otherwise noted, the observers were VBR, CHB, DPB, DAM, MGW, MLG,
Santi Lombardo. Black-bellied Plover: 14-30 Sep (2-6) TEC; 26 Aug- 15/23 Sep
(2/6), 14/19 Oct (6/3) Is 13 (WGC); 25 Sep (15) LKC (MAG, RPF); 2/16 Nov (3/4)
Is 13 (WGC). Lesser Golden Plover: 19 Aug-13 Oct (1-8) TEC; 15/22 Sep (10/4)
Is 13 (WGC); 3 Oct (2) Is 13 (MAG). Semipahnated Plover: 1 Aug- 14 Sep (1-27)
TEC; 7/26 Aug-14 Oct (1-15) Is 13 (WGC); 21 Oct (3) TEC (MLG); 24-25 Oct (1)
BRF (JCR). Killdeer: 1 Aug-EOP (16-196) TEC. Black-necked Stilt: 1 Aug-25 Sep
(20) TEC. Greater Yellowlegs: 14 Sep-6 Oct (5-2) TEC; 3 Aug (1) Is 13 (WGC);
21 Oct (45) TEC (MLG); 2-20 Nov (20-1) Is 13; 18/20 Nov (5/4) DYC (WGC).
Lesser Yellowlegs: 1 Aug-17 Nov (1-173) TEC. Solitary Sandpiper: 1 Aug-14 Sep
(1-17) TEC. Spotted Sandpiper: 1 Aug-18 Sep (1-4) TEC; 1 Aug-15 Sep (1-4) Is
13 (WGC). MARBLED GODWIT: 13 Aug (2) TEC (JRW), first SBC. Ruddy

48

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Turnstone: 8 Sep (1) Is 13 (JBG, RPF, JRW); 14/18 Sep (1) TEC. Red Knot: 7 Sep
(5) PAP (AHH); 12 Sep (1) TEC (JRW); 15/16 Sep (2) Is 13 (WGC). Sanderling:
12 Aug (1) TEC (VBR, MGW); 3 Aug (1), 1 Sep (4), 15/23 Sep (9/3) Is 13 (WGC);
8 Sep (18) Is 13 (JBG, RPF, JRW); 25 Sep/3 Oct (3/1) Is 13 (MAG, MLR, RPF).
Semipalmated Sandpiper: 1 Aug-27 Sep (800+) TEC. Western Sandpiper: 8 Aug
-30 Sep (2-48) TEC; 25 Sep/3 Oct (8/1) Is 13 (MAG, MLR, RPF); 22 Sep (1), 14
Oct (1) Is 13 (WGC); 21 Oct (1) TEC (MLG). Least Sandpiper: 1 Aug-EOP
(5-1946+) TEC; 17/26 Aug (10/15); 15 Sep-20 Nov (60-3) Is 13 (WGC). Baird’s
Sandpiper: 8 Aug-30 Sep (3-1) TEC; 29 Sep (2) Is 13 (MLR, RPF); 21 Oct (1) TEC
(MLG).Pectoral Sandpiper: lAug-EOP(1049-l)TEC. Dunlin: 1 Sep-EOP (1-10)
Is 13 (WGC); 23 Sep (1) TEC (VBR, MGW, DAM, CHB); 21 Oct (1) TEC (MLG);
18 Nov-EOP (6-4) Jet 103 & GRR, DYC (WGC). Stilt Sandpiper: 28 Aug/3 Oct
(2/2) Is 13 (MAG); 4 Sep-6 Oct (1-12) TEC. Buff-breasted Sandpiper: 15/22 Sep
(1) Is 13 (WGC, m.ob.); 25 Sep/3 Oct (1/1) Is 13 (MAG, RPF); 27 Sep (1) TEC
(CHB, VBR, MGW). Short-billed Dowitcher: 19/22/26 Aug/14 Sep (4-1) TEC; 3 Oct
(5) Is 13 (MAG); 21 Oct (60+) TEC (MLG), active, calling. Long-billed Dowitcher:
2 1 Oct (10) TEC (MLG), active, calling; 24-25 Oct (8) BRF (JCR). Dowitcher spp.:
27 Sep-4/14 Oct (2-30) TEC; 5/7 Oct (5/24) DYC (WGC); 12 Oct (1) MDC (JBC);
18/20 Nov (5) DYC (WGC).

Phalarope-Nighthawk: Wilson’s Phalarope: 7 Aug/ 14 Oct (1/3) TEC (MLG); 1 Sep
(1) PAP (NRH); 8 Sep (1) Is 13 (JBG, RPF, JRW). Red-necked Phalarope: 8 Sep

(1) Is 13 (JBG, RPF, JRW). Franklin’s Gull: 24 Oct (1) BRF (JCR), winter plumage.
Ring-billed Gull: 6 Sep (15) PAP (MAG); 2-20 Nov (20-40) Is 13 (WGC).
Common Tern: 6 Sep (1) PAP (MAG). Forster’s Tern: 1 Sep (2) Is 13 (WGC); 6 Sep

(2) PAP (MAG). Black Tern: 4/9 Aug (22/12) TEC (MLG); 10 Aug (2) LHWR,
LDC (MAG); 17 Aug (1) Is 13 (WGC); 28 Aug (1) Is 13 (MAG). Bam Owl: 6 Aug
(1 dead) MEM (Debbie Walker, Van Harris). Short-eared Owl: 25 Oct (1 injured)
N LKC (Knox Martin), four to five additional owls reported in the area by local
observers. Common Nighthawk: 23 Aug-7 Sep (34-2) MEM (Martha Heinemann);
25 Aug-14 Sep (1-4) south of SBC, Desoto Co, Mississippi (Gil B. Beaver); 1-30
Aug (3) MEM (Ginger L. Ilardi); 30 Aug (37) University of TN campus, WKC
(MAG); 30 Sep (46) MEM (ILL); mid-Sep (1-3) MEM (WBF).

Flycatcher-Pipit: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 24 Sep (1) PEF (MGW, VBR,
CHB), identified by call. Purple Martin: 10 Aug (500+) LHWR, LDC (MAG, Mark
Williams); 28 Aug (3000+) Is 13 (MAG). Tree Swallow: 28 Aug/3 Oct
(2500+/5000+) Is 13 (MAG, RPF). Bank Swallow: 1 Aug (1200+) Is 13 (WGC).
Cliff Swallow: 25 Sep (5) Is 1 3 (MAG, RPF). Fish Crow: 10 Aug (26) Fulton, LDC
(MAG); 15 Aug (2) Middle Fork Forked Deer, Crockett Co. (MAG, JCG); 28 Aug
(10) Is 13 (MAG); 6 Nov (2) REL, LKC (MAG, IKK). White-breasted nuthatch:
24 Oct (10) HWR, HYC (SSL, NMS, HBD, CHB). House Wren: 2 Oct (1) MEM
(CHB); 4 Oct (1) PEF (RWP); 13 Oct (2) KEP (MTOS); 14 Nov (1) TEC (CHB,
SSL, VBR, BHW,HBD,NMS);24Nov(l)PEF(MGW, James Waldron). Sedge Wren:
22/23 Sep (15/8) Iris Hill, SBC (JAF); 6 Oct (1) HWR (JTOS). Winter Wren: 16
Oct (1) MEM (SNM); 3 Nov (2) Cypress Grove, MDC (JTOS); 6 Nov (3) REL,
LKC (MAG, JKK); 14 Nov (1) TEC (CHB, SSL, VBR, HBD, NMS); 16 Nov (1)
Jackson (Allen Hight, HSH). American Pipit: 5 Oct (1) Is 13 (WGC); 17 Nov (2)
TEC (DAM, VBR, CHB, MGW); 29 Nov (4) TEC (DAM, MGW, Dianne Bean).

1991

THE SEASON

49

Vireo-Finch: Philadelphia Vireo: 24 Sep (1) PEE (VBR, CHB, MOW). Golden-
winged Warbler: 10 Oct (1) Jackson (Allen Hight), late. Orange-crowned Warbler:
19 Oct (1) PEE (RWP); 21 Oct (1) PEE (CHB, BEB, RWP); 24 Oct (1) BRE, 25 Oct
(2) PAP (JCR). BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: 29 Sep (1 m*) MLK
(Dan Henderson, Vickie Rea); 4 Oct (1 f*) Munford, TIC (DDP), good documen-
tation. Pine Warbler: 1 1/15 Sep (1/15) PEP (VBR, MTOS), early for SBC, there
are no summer breeding records. Palm Warbler: 4 Oct (1) PEP (RWP); 6 Oct (1)
HWR (JTOS); 10 Oct (1) PEP (HBD, VBR, NMS, CHB). Bay-breasted Warbler:
11 Sep (1) PEP (VBR), early SBC. Black-and- White Warbler: 15 Sep (3) PEP
(MTOS); 22 Sep (6) PEP (VBR, CHB); 6 Oct (1) HWR (JTOS); 2 Nov (1) PEP
(MTOS). Worm-eating Warbler: 2 Sep (1) PEP (VBR, CHB). Connecticut
Warbler: 19 Sep (1*) TEC (RPP, JRW). Mourning Warbler: 23 Sep (1) PEP
(MLG). Canada Warbler: 2 Oct (2) REL (MAG); 13 Oct (1) KEP (MGW), late for
west TN but not for unpublished MEM records. Blue Grosbeak: 24 Sep (2) PEP
(DAM, CHB, VBR, MGW), late SBC. LeConte’s Sparrow: 24 Oct ( 1) BRP (JCR).
Pox Sparrow: many reports from observers. Vesper Sparrow: 4 Nov (3) PEP
(MTOS); 17 Nov (1) TEC (VBR, DAM, CHB, MGW); 21 Nov (2) PEP (DDP).
Song Sparrow: 1 Aug (1) TEC (CHB). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 17 Nov (2) TEC (VBR,
DAM, CHB, MGW). White-crowned Sparrow: seen more often and in larger
numbers than in past years. House Pinch: increasingly more common, seen at
feeders on a regular basis and observed in small flocks while in the field.

Locations: BRP-Britton Pord, TN National Wildlife Refuge, Henry Co.; CWR-
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge, LDC; DTC-Decatur Co.; DYC-Dyer Co.;
PPP-Port Pillow State Park, LDC; GBC-Gibson Co.; HWR-Hatchie National
Wildlife Refuge, Haywood Co.; Is 13-Joe Echles Towhead, LKC; JNP-Jackson
Nature Park, MDC; KEP-Kennedy Park, MEM; LDC-Lauderdale Co.; LHWR-
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge; MDC-Madison Co.; MEM-Memphis;
MIL-Millington, SBC; MLK-Martin Luther King Park, MEM; OBC-Obion Co.;
PAP-Pace Point, Benton Co.; PEP-Penal Pann, MEM; REL-Reelfoot Lake, LKC
& OBC; ROL-Robco Lake, SBC; SBC-Shelby Co.; TEC-The Earth Complex,
SBC; TIC-Tipton Co.; WKC- Weakly Co.

MARTHA G. WALDRON, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38119

HIGHLAND RIM AND BASIN REGION - Generally, precipitation in the
region was above normal. The total rainfall for the period in Nashville was 2.59
inches above nonnal. Sep, however, recieved over an inch below nonnal rainfall.
Temperatures were near nonnal for the period, with the exception of Nov, which
had temperatures substantially above normal.

Among the more unusual reports were two White-winged Scoters at Woods
Reservoir and a Rufous Hummingbird at a feeder in Tullahoma. Boreal species
were represented by fair numbers of Pine Siskins and Purple Pinches late in the
period. Red-breasted Nuthatches and Evening Grosbeaks were scarce.

Cormorant-Crane: Double-crested Connorant: 8 Sep (2) WDR, PKC (DLD),
ers; 10 Nov (100) WDR, PKC (DLD), max. Great Egret: 11 Aug (2) Hillsboro,
CPC (RWL); 29 Sep (4) OHL (LPK). Little Blue Heron: 1 Sep (1) WDR, PKC
(DLD), only report. Snow Goose: 13 Oct (1 blue color morph) WDR, PKC (RWL),
only report. Lesser Scaup: 29 Sep (3) OPQ^ (LPK), ers. White- winged Scoter: 10 Nov

50

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

(2*) WDR, FKC (DLD). Hooded Merganser: 19 Nov (20) Dale Hollow Lake,
Pickett Co. (RCH), max. Osprey: 1 Sep (1) WDR, FKC (DLD); 29 Sep (1) CHC
(CGD); 29 Sep (1) OHL (LFK). Bald Eagle: 23 Nov (1 ad, 1 im) Eagles Cove, PIC
(RCH, Margciret Farmer). Red-tailed Hawk: 1 Nov (1) Bellvue, DVC (Robert
English), this bird had albinistic plummage with little or no pigment. Peregrine
Falcon: 27 Oct (1) Narrows of the Harpeth State Park, CHC (DFV, RLK, RPF).
Sora: 8 Sep (1) WSMV television tower, DVC (Robert English), this bird was a
tower caualty collected as part of an ongoing project at this location. Sandhill
Crane: 15 Oct (30) Hillsboro, FKC (FNM), ers; 29 Oct (30) Lovelady Community,
PIC (RCH); 13-20 Nov (approximately 180) BAH, PUC (RWS), Irs.

Sanderling-Hummingbird: Sanderling: 29 Sep (1) CHC (CGD, et al.), 30 Sep
(1) OHL (LFK), only reports. Stilt Sandpiper: 29 Sep (1) CHC (CGD, et al.), only
report. Short-eared Owl: 28 Oct (1*) Murfreesboro, North Woods Subdivsion,
RUC (TJW), new Nashville area early date. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 3 Nov
(1) Sewannee, FKC (Cindy Porter, fide Harry C. Yeatman). RUFOUS HUM-
MINGBIRD: 10 Nov-9 Feb (1* ph) Manchester, CFC (DLD, Robert Sargent),
observed at feeder, attempts to catch this individual for measurements failed.

Sapsucker-Warbler: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 14 Oct (1) CLA, MTC (AHH),
ers. Least Flycatcher: 9 Oct (lb) Lewis Co (GRM), only report. Tree Swallow: 13 Oct
(50) WDR, FKC (RWL), Irs. Northern Rough-winged Swallow: 6 Oct (1)
Hillsboro, CFC (DLD), Irs. Red-breasted Nuthatch: 25 Sep (1) Tullahoma, CFC
(MDH), ers. Brown Creeper: 20 Sep (1) Tullahoma, CFC (MDH), ers. Ruby-
crowned Kinglet: 17 Sep (1) BAH, PUC (RWS), ers. Solitary Vireo: 2 Nov (1)
AEDC, CFC (DLD), Irs. Philadelphia Vireo: 30 Sep (15) RDL, DVC (NTOS-
FBC), max. Golden- winged Warbler: 7 Sep (1) BAH, PUC (RWS), ers; 9 Sep (2)
CLA, MTC (AHH), max; 1 1 Oct (1 tower casualty) WSMV television tower, DVC
(DFV), Irs, study skin in Warner Parks Nature Center collection. Orange-crowned
Warbler: 27 Oct (1) CLA, MTC (AHH), only report. Black-throated Blue Warbler:
15 Sep (1) Bradley Creek, CFC (DLD), ers; 16 Oct (1) Percy Warner Park, DVC,
(DFV, Brian Bowen), Irs. Black-throated Green Warbler: 27 Oct (1) CLA, MTC
(AHH), Irs. Blackburnian Warbler: 11 Oct (1 tower caualty) WSMV television
tower (SDB), Irs. Yellow-throated Warbler: 29 Sep (1) CHC (CGD, et al.), Irs.
Black-and-white Warbler: 25 Oct (2) Tullahoma, CFC (MDH), Irs. American
Redstart: 14 Oct (1) CLA, MTC (AHH), Irs. Prothonotary Warbler: 4 Sep (1) CLA,
MTC (AHH), hs. Ovenbird: 29 Oct (1) Tullahoma, CFC (CWP, JHP), Irs. Connecticut
Warbler: 4 Sep (1) Tullahoma, CFC (MDH), only report. Mourning Warbler: 20 Oct
(1) Gum Creek, FKC (DLD), only report. Hooded Warbler: 13 Oct (1 tower
casualty) WSM television tower (Robert English), Irs, study skin in Warner Park
Nature Center collection. Canada Warbler: 25 Aug (1) CLA, MTC (AHH), ers.

Grosbeak-Siskin: Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 3 Sep (1) WDR, FKC (DLD), ers. Purple
Finch: 19 Oct (1) BAH, PUC (RWS), eis. Pine Siskin: 7 Nov (1) Pickett Co. (RCH), ers.

Locations: AEDC- Arnold Engineering Development Center; BAH-Bames Hollow;
CFC-Coffee Co.;CHC-Cheatham Co.; CLA-Clarksville; DVC-Davidson Co.;
FKC-Franklin Co.; MTC-Montgomery Co.; OHL-Old Hickory Lake: PIC-Pickett
Co.; PUC-Putnam Co.; RUC-Rutherford Co.; WDR-Woods Reservoir.

DAVID F. VOGT, 7818 Old Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

1991

THE SEASON

51

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION - Short term weather patterns
varied considerably; but, the weather for the season was near nonnal. Rainfall in
Aug was near nonnal, while that for Sep and Nov was below average, especially
in the northeast. Oct rains were heavy, with twice the average amount falling in
Johnson City. Seasonal precipitation totaled 0.5 in or less below average region-
wide. Temperatures from late Sep through Oct were cooler than usual, while much
of Nov was above average (e.g., a record high 77 degrees F on Nov 27 in Johnson
City). Cold fronts seemed to ground few waves of migrants.

Birding was also a mixed bag. Waterfowl and boreal irruptives were scarce.
Hawks, shorebirds and warblers were “unspectacular”. Highlights included the
region’s first verified record of Yellow-headed Blackbird, an injured Northern
Saw-whet Owl, some good counts of Great Egret, and a continuation of the late
summer movement of immature White Ibises.

For the past decade the region has had two small banding stations operating, but
only one was in action this fall. Rick Knight ran mist nets at Austin Springs on 35
days from 4 Sep to 4 Nov, with 358 birds of 38 species banded. This total and the
capture rate were slightly below the longtenn average.

Loon-Ibis: Common Loon: 23 Oct (3) BOL (BLC), ers; 12 Nov (130) CHL
(Brainard Cooper, Jr.), max. Pied-billed Grebe: 25 Aug (1) HRA (KHD, LHD),
ers; 17 Nov (46) CHL (KHD, LHD), max. Homed Grebe: 12 Nov (65) CHL
(Brainard Cooper, Jr.), max. Double-crested Connorant: 14 Aug (1) CHL (Elena
S. Killian); 8 Sep (1) KSP (KHD, LHD); 9 Sep (1) CRL (RLK); 9-14 Sep (1), 17-21 Oct
(2-4) AUS (RLK); reg, max 10 Nov (18) HRA (TOS); 10 Nov (18) BOL (JWC);
26 Nov (10) Nickajack Lake, Marion Co (Albert M. Jenkins, Eugene M. Ryther).
American Bittern: 18 Aug (1) LST (BLC); 14 Sep (1) AUS (JWB, RLK), only
reports. Great Egret: 2-19 Aug (max 23 on 9 Aug) CRL (RLK); 4-25 Aug (max 2 1
on 18 Aug) RAB (JAK); 10 Aug-20 Sep (1-3) Nolichucky Waterfowl Sanctuary,
GNC (Jim Holt, Jerry Rhinehardt); 1 1 Aug- 15 Oct (max 25 on 23 Sep) SAB (KHD,
LHD); 25 Aug-13 Oct (1-4) KSP (KHD, LHD); 26 Aug-14 Sep/14 Oct (1) AUS
(RLK et al.). Little Blue Heron: 25 Aug (2) KSP (KHD, LHD). Cattle Egret: 25 Aug
(2) KSP (KHD, LHD). Green-backed Heron: 6 Nov (1) JNC (DH), Irs. Black-
crowned Night Heron: reg thru mid Oct (1-9) AUS, BOL (RLK, et al.); 2 Aug-9 Sep
(25+) CRL (RLK); 20 Aug-late Oct (6) Kinser Park, GNC (Jim Holt, et al.); 25 Aug
(8) KSP (KHD, LHD); 25 Aug (3) RAB (JAK). White Ibis: 1-28 Aug (1 im)
Collegedale, Hamilton Co. (Gertrude Fleming); 13 Sep (1 im) Nolichucky Water-
fowl Sanctuary, GNC (Jerry Rhinehardt); 4 Nov (1 im) HRA (KHD, LHD).

Goose-Falcon: Canada Goose: 15 Nov (1850) Watts Bar Lake, Meigs, Rhea, &
Roane Cos (TWRA), max. Green- winged Teal: 17 Nov (130) HRA (KHD, LHD),
max. American Black Duck: 29 Nov (108) HRA (TWRA), max. Mallard: 29 Nov
(506) HRA (TWRA), max. Northern Pintail: 12 Nov (12) HRA (KHD, LHD), max.
Blue-winged Teal: 13 Oct (40) SAB (KHD, LHD), max. Gadwall: 26 Nov (375)
Nickajack Lake, Marion Co. (Albert M. Jenkins, Eugene M. Ryther), max.
American Wigeon: 29 Nov (255) HRA (TWRA), max. Ring-necked Duck: 4 Nov
(800) HRA (KHD, LHD), max. White- winged Scoter: 24 Nov (1) CHL (Steve
Satterfield). Common Goldeneye: 29 Nov (23) Watts Bar Lake, Meigs, Rhea &
Roane Cos. (TWRA), max. Hooded Merganser: 12 Nov (195) HRA (KHD, LHD),
max. Osprey: 6 Nov (1) BOL (RLK); 10 Nov (1) HRA (KHD, LHD), Irs. Bald

52

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Eagle: 19 Oct (1 im) BOL (fide FJA). Peregrine Falcon: 24 Sep (1) LST (Brenda
Hull); 15 Oct (1) JNC (Rick Phillips); 8 Nov (1) Sevier Co. (FJA); 16 Nov (1)
Bradley Co. (William F. Neal).

Rail-Snipe: Sora: 21 Aug (1) LST (DH); 23 Sep/16 Oct (1) AUS (RLK); only
reports. American Coot: 17 Nov (475) CHL (KHD, LHD), max. Sandhill Crane:

29 Oct (56) SAB (LHD), ers. Lesser Golden Plover: 28 Oct (1) SAB (KHD, LHD).
Greater Yellowlegs: 12 Nov (3) HRA (KHD, LHD), hs. Solitary Sandpiper: 12 Oct
(1) WGC (BLC), Its. Spotted Sandpiper: 21 Oct (1) AUS (RLK), Irs. Sanderling:

30 Sep-3 Oct (1) AUS (RLK), only report. Western Sandpiper: 10 Sep (1) BOL
(BLC), only report. Least Sandpiper: 3 Nov (1) AUS (RLK), Irs away from the reg
wintering sites in the CHA area. Pectoral Sandpiper: 12 Nov (1) HRA (KHD,
LHD), Irs. Dunlin: 13 Oct (7) KSP (KHD, LHD), ers; 16 Oct-4 Nov (1-4) AUS
(RLK); 10 Nov (45) HRA (KHD, LHD), max at reg wintering site. Long-billed
Dowitcher: 24-25 Oct (1) LST (BLC et al.), ID by call notes. Common Snipe: 9 Sep
(1) LST (RLK), ers; 12 Nov (164) HRA (KHD, LHD), max.

Gull-Nighthawk: Ring-billed Gull: 3 Aug (1) CHL (Elena S. Killian); 13 Sep (1)
AUS (RLK), both early. Caspian Tern: 25 Aug (2) KSP (KHD, LHD); 26 Aug (2)
CRL (RLK); 1 Oct (2) SAB (KHD, LHD). Forster’s Tern: no reports. Black Tern:
26 Aug (1) CRL (RLK); 9 Sep (2) LST (RLK); only reports. Bam Owl: 25 Aug (1
found dead) RAB (JAK); 1 1 Nov (4 yg fledged from nest in bam) Sulphur Springs,
WGC (DH), second nesting at this site this year. NORTHERN SAW- WHET OWL:
9 Nov (1 ad) Bowmantown, WGC (fide Ken Ripley, ph RLK, FJA), found injured
beside road, rehabilitated and released near where it was found, second regional
winter record, first JNC area record away from Roan Mountain. Common Night-
hawk: 23 Aug-1 Oct (3518, max 340 on 8 Sep) JNC (RLK), counted 31.3 hrs. near
dusk on 38 days.

Flycatcher-Vireo: Least Flycatcher: 10-24 Sep (3 b) AUS (RLK). Great Crested
Flycatcher: 10 Sep (1) AUS (RLK), Irs, seldom seen in Sep. Purple Martin: 7 Aug
(350+) CRL (RLK), max; 18 Sep (1) AUS (RLK), Irs. Bank Swallow: 19 Sep (5)
AUS (FJA), Irs. Cliff Swallow: 24 Sep (2) AUS (RLK), Irs. Bam Swallow: 14 Oct
(1) WGC (FJA), Irs. Common Raven: 8 Nov (3) JNC (BLC); Oct-Nov (1-2)
Hawkin’s Co, near Clinch Mountain (Stan Stricklands). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 8 Aug
(1) CHA (Lenny Kafka), ers; 3 other reports in CHA area (fide KHD); none in JNC
area (fide RLK). House Wren: 14 Nov (1) AUS (RLK), Irs. Sedge Wren: 5-19 Aug
(1-3) SAB (KHD, LHD); 3 Oct (1) AUS (RLK). Marsh Wren: 17 Sep-5 Oct (1-2)
AUS (RLK). Gray-cheeked Thmsh: 24 Oct (1) JNC (SG), Irs. Swainson’s Thmsh:
20 Oct (1) JNC (SG), Irs. Wood Thmsh: 13 Nov (1) JNC (SG), Irs. Gray Catbird:
29 Oct (1 b) AUS (RLK), hs. American Pipit: 29 Oct-4 Nov (1-4) AUS (RLK); 10 Nov
(25) HRA (KHD, LHD). White-eyed Vireo: 20 Oct (1) JNC (SG), Irs. Solitary
Vireo: 6 Nov (1) WGC (JWB), Irs. Yellow-throated Vireo: 14 Oct (1) WGC (FJA),
Irs.

Warbler-Grosbeak: Blue-winged Warbler: 5 Aug (1) CHA (TLR), ers. Golden-
winged Warbler: 30 Sep (1) JNC (RLK), only report. Yellow-rumped Warbler: 30 Sep
(1) LST (RLK, JWB), ers. Blackburnian Warbler: 14 Oct (1) WGC (FJA), Irs.
Prairie Warbler: 1 Oct (1) JNC (RLK), Irs. Bay-breased Warbler: 17 Oct (1) JNC
(SG), Irs. Cemlean Warbler: 5 Aug (1) CHA (TLR), only report. Prothonotary

1991

THE SEASON

53

Warbler: 5 Aug (1) CHA (TLR). Northern Waterthrush: 4 Sep-3 Oct (9 b) AUS
(RLK). Wilson’s Warbler: 30 Sep/5 Oct (1/1 b) AUS (RLK), only reports. Summer
Tanager: 1 1 Oct (1) JNC (SG), Irs. Vesper Sparrow: 24 Oct (2) Tri-cities Airport,
Sullivan Co. (Tom McNeil), ers. Savannah Sparrow: 1 1 Sep (1) AUS (RLK), ers.
Grasshopper Sparrow: 5 Oct (1) AUS (RLK), Irs. Fox Sparrow: 29 Oct (1) AUS
(RLK), ers. Lincoln’s Sparrow: 18 Sep-21 Oct (2 b, plus 3 other sightings) AUS
(RLK), low. Bobolink: 13 Oct (22) WGC (BLC), max. YELLOW-HEADED
BLACKBIRD: 18-24 Sep (1 f) LST (JWB, BLC, *RLK, et al.), first confirmed
record in East Tennessee. Pine Siskin: 6 Nov (8) Gray, WGC (Shirley Wayland),
ers; few other reports in JNC area; 12 Nov (1) Signal Mountain, Hamilton Co.
(Jonnie Sue Lyons), only CHA area report. Evening Grosbeak: 4 Nov (1) Jones-
borough, WGC (DH), ers; only one other report in the JNC area.

Locations: AUS- Austin Springs, Washington Co.; BOL-Boone Lake, Sullivan
and Washington Cos.; CHA-Chattanooga; CHL-Chickamauga Lake, Hamilton Co.
portion; CRL-Cherokee Lake, Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkin’s Cos.; GNC-Greene
Co.; HRA-Hiwassee River Area, primarily Meigs Co., but also Bradley, McMinn
and Rhea Cos.; JNC- Johnson City; KSP-Kingston Steam Plant, Roane Co.; LST-
Limestone, Washington Co.; RAB-Rankin Bottoms, Cocke Co.; SAB-Savannah
Bay, Hamilton Co.; WGC-Washington Co.

RICHARD L. KNIGHT, 804 North Hills Dr., Johnson City, TN 37604

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION - Preciptiation was nonnal to slightly below
normal for each month in the period except for Oct, for which it was above normal.
Wann, mild temperatures persisted through the end of the period. Although there
was not any major weather phenomenon, like Hugo of a year ago, there were still
some excellent sightings and lots of reports for the period. This seemed to be due
in part to increased field work. The most notable sighting was a Great White Heron
at South Holston Lake. The Great White Heron is considered a color morph of the
Great Blue Heron and is rarely seen away from salt water or this far north.

Loon-Duck: Common Loon: 5 Aug (1) SHL (BLC, et al.); 15 Oct (2) SHL (BLC,
RLK, HPL), ers; 9 Nov (43/96) WTL/SHL (BLC), max., high for area. Homed
Grebe: 12 Nov (1) WTL (RLK), ers. Double-crested Connorant: 25 Sep (1), 30 Sep
(19), 16/20 Oct (12/2), 9 Nov (92), SHL (BLC), very high number for area. GREAT
WHITE HERON: 15- 19 Oct ( 1 *, ph) SHL, at TN-VA line (HPL, RLK, BLC), very
unusual away from salt water, first TN state record if accepted by TN Bird Records
Committee. Great Egret: 25 Aug thru 30 Aug (1-7) SHL (BLC, JWC, RPL). Little
Blue Heron: 20 Aug (1 im) UNC (Sally Goodin). Yellow-crowned Night Heron:
7 Oct (1) ELI (GOW), Irs. Canada Goose: 9 Sep (60+) HOV (RPL), max, one flock
in flight. Snow Goose: early Nov (1, blue morph) UNC (Johnny Lynch). Green-
winged Teal: 13 Nov (10) SHL (BLC), only report. Northern Pintail: 30 Oct (14)
SHL (BLC), only report. American Wigeon: 20 Oct (1) SHL (RLK, BLC); 17 Nov
(4) SHL (BLC, et al.). Canvasback: 9 Nov (1) WTL (BLC), only report. Redhead:
early Sep into Oct (1) UNC (RM); 9 Nov (10) WTL (BLC). Ring-necked Duck:
16 Oct (1) SHL (RLK), ers. Lesser Scaup: 13 Oct (5) SHL (BLC), ers. Surf Scoter:
5 Nov (3) SHL (BLC). White-winged Scoter: 9 Nov (1) WTL (BLC). Bufflehead:
21 Oct (1) WIL (FJA), ers; 26 Nov (100+) WIL (CFW), max. Hooded Merganser:

54

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

10 Nov (3) WIL (TM); 23 Nov (4) RIP (CFW). Ruddy Duck: 20 Oct (1) SHE
(BLC), only report.

Osprey-Tern: Osprey: 15 Aug (1) WTL (RLK), ers. Bald Eagle: 15 Sep (1 ad)
RNM (ES); 17 Nov (1 ad) SHE (BEC, et al). Northern Harrier: 5/15 Sep (1/1)
BBM (RM); 30 Sep (3) UNO (GWS, RM); 1 Nov (1) Round Bald, RNM (REK).
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 6 reports, Sep-Nov. Cooper’s Hawk: 7 reports, Sep-Nov.
Northern Goshawk: 3 Nov (1 ad) RNM (Brenda Hull). Red-shouldered Hawk: 15 Nov

(1) HOV (RPE), only report. Merlin: 30 Sep (1) EEI (GOW). Peregrine Falcon: 5 Sep

(2) BBM (RM); 3 Oct (1) Nolichucky River, UNC (RM). American Coot: 28 Oct
(310) SHE (BEC), max. Semipahnated Plover: 1 1 Sep (1) WTE (BEC, HPE), only
report. Western Sandpiper: 28 Oct (1) SHE (BEC). RED PHAEAROPE: 11 Sep
(1*) WTE (REK), area’s first record. Ring-billed Gull: 4 Aug(l) SHE (JWC), early.
Herring Gull: 25 Sep-9 Oct (1) SHE (BEC), only report. Caspian Tern: 25 Aug (2)
SHE (RPE). Common Tern: 25 Sep (1) SHE (BEC). Forster’s Tern: 15 Aug (5)
WTE (REK). Black Tern: 5 Aug (9) SHE (REK, BEC, JWC); 15 Aug (2) WTE
(REK); 25, 30 Sep (8,4) SHE (BEC).

Swift-Waxwing: Chimney Swift: 15 Oct (15) BUF (TM), Irs. Red-headed Wood-
pecker: 25 Sep (1) SHE (BEC); 30 Sep (1) RNM (FJA). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker:
25 Sep (1) SHE (BEC), ers. Great Crested Flycatcher: 30 Sep (1) WTR (GOW,
CFW, Richard Eura), Irs, seldom seen in Sep. Purple Martin: 6 Sep (40) Roan
Creek, JOC (BEC), Irs. Common Raven: 7 Nov (22) RNM (ES, Arthur Smith),
max, high number; regular on RNM and BBM. Red-breasted Nuthatch: 16 Sep (2)
BUF (TM); 30 Sep (2) RIP (FJA), only reports. Brown Creeper: 16 Sep (1) BUF
(TM), ers. Sedge Wren: 24 Sep (1) RCP (EN); 30 Sep (1) BVCC (BEC, et al.).
Marsh Wren: 1-4 Oct (1) BVCC (BEC, et al.). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 6 Sep (1)
BBM (GRM, RM), ers. Swainson’s Thrush: 8 Sep (1) RNM (FJA), ers.; 30 Sep
(44) EEI Fall count, max. Hermit Thrush: 23 Sep (1) SHE (James Brooks), ers.
American Pipit: 4 Oct/1 Nov (1/28) Round Bald, RNM (GOW/REK). Cedar
Waxwing: 17 Nov (100) WIE (Eois Herndon), max, otherwise, small flocks.

Vireo-Siskin: Solitary Vireo: 31 Oct (2) BUF (REK), Irs. Warbling Vireo: 30 Sep
(1/1) Butler, JOC/SHE (FJA/BEC), only reports. Philadelphia Vireo: 1 Sep (1) EEI
(HPE), only report. Blue-winged Warbler: 21 Aug (1) EEI (HPE), only report.
Golden-winged Warbler: 6 Sep (1) EEI (HPE), only report. Orange-crowned
Warbler: 30 Sep (1) EEI (GOW); 5, 18 Sep (1) SHE (BEC). Yellow Warbler: 23 Sep
(1) BUF (TM), Irs. Chestnut-sided Warbler: 17 Oct (1) BUF (TM), Irs. Magnolia
Warbler: 2 Sep (1) EEI (HPE), ers. Cape May Warbler: 5 Sep (1) BBM (RM,
GRM), ers. Blackburnian Warbler: 2 Sep (1) EEI (HPE), ers. Prairie Warbler: 7 Oct
(1) ERW (GWS), Irs. Bay-breasted Warbler: 6 Sep (1) EEI (HPE), ers. Cerulean
Warbler: 8 Sep (1) Roan Mtn State Park, CAR (BEC, FJA), only report.
Prothonotary Warbler: 24 Sep (1) RCP (EN). Connecticut Warbler: 19 Sep (1)
ERW (GWS); 23 Oct (1) SHE (BEC). Yellow-breasted Chat: 30 Sep (1) UNC
(BEC, GWS), Irs. Summer Tanager: 9 Oct (1) SHE (BEC), Irs. Rose-breasted
Grosbeak: 30 Sep (456) EEI Fall count, max. BEACK-HEADED GROSBEAK:
30 Sep (1*, im male) RIP (FJA), region’s first record. Blue Grosbeak: 30 Sep (1)
UNC (BEC, GWS), Irs. Grasshopper Sparrow: 16 Oct (1) EEI airport (BEC), Irs.
Fox Sparrow: 1 Nov (1) RNM (F^K), ers. White-throated Sparrow: 30 Sep (1)
WIE (GOW), ers. Snow Bunting: 18 Nov (1) Grassy Ridge, RNM (ES). Rusty

1991

THE SEASON

55

Blackbird: 23 Sep (14) WTR (GOW), ers. Purple Finch: 27 Oct (1) HOV (RPL),
ers, low numbers since. Pine Siskin: 11 Nov (1, b) HOV (RPL), ers, very few
reports.

Locations: BBM-Big Bald Mountain, Unicoi Co.; BUF-Buffalo Mountain,
Washington Co.; BVCC-Buffalo Valley Country Club, Unicoi Co.; CAR-Carter
Co.; ELI-Elizabethton; ERW-Erwin; HOV-Holston Valley, Sullivan Co.; JOC-
Johnson Co.; RCP-Rock Creek Park, Unicoi Co.; RIP-Ripsliin Lake, Carter Co.;
RNM-Roan Mountain, Carter Co.; SHL-South Holston Lake, Sullivan Co.; WIL-
Wilbur Lake, Carter Co.; WTL-Watauga Lake, Carter Co.; WTR-Watauga River,
Carter Co.; UNC-Unicoi Co.

Addendum: Snow Bunting: Jan 1990 (4-5) BBM (RM).

Corrigendum: Migrant 58:31, 1987- Willet: should be 8 Aug, not 8 Nov. Error
repeated in J.C. Robinson (1990) An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Ten-
nessee, U. Term. Press, p. 95.

RICHARD P. LEWIS, 407 V.I. Ranch Road, Bristol, TN 37620

56

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

OBSERVERS:

FJA-Fred J. Alsop
BEB-Barbara E. Bullock
JWB-James W. Brooks
LCC-Lula C. Coffey
BLC-Brian L. Cross
HBD-Helen B. Dinkelspiel
LHD-Lillian H. Dubke
CGD-C. Gerald Drewry, Jr.
RPF-Robert P. Ford
SG- Sally Goodin
JBG-Joe B. Guinn
DH- DanHuffine
MDH-Marguerette D. Hernandez
NRH-Neil R. Heilman
JKK-Judy K. Knox
LFK-Lee F. Kramer
SDL-Selena D. Little
SLL-Selma L. Lewis
RPL-Richard P. Lewis
RM- Rad Mayfield
SNM-Susan N. McWhirter
DAM-Dwight A. Miller
DDP-Dick D. Preston
JHP-J. Howell Peeples
GRP-George R. Payne
VBR-Virginia B. Reynolds
MLR-Martha Lyle Reid
MRR-Martha R. Ramey
NMS-Noreen M. Smith
RWS-Richard W. Simmers, Jr.
CFW-C. Frank Ward
TJW-Terry J. Witt
GOW-Gary O. Wallace
CTW-Corene T. Welch

SDB-Sandra D. Bivens
CHB-Carolyn H. Bullock
JBC- Joyce B. Campion
WGC-William G. Criswell
JWC-J. Wallace Coffey
KHD-Kenneth H. Dubke
DLD-Donald L. Davidson
JAF-James A. Ferguson
WPF- William B. Fowler
MAG-Mark A. Greene
MLG-Murray L. Gardler
RCH-Robbie C. Hassler
AHH- Annie H. Heihnan
HSH-Helen S. Hight
JAK-Jon A. Koella
RLK-Richard L. Knight
JLL-Jo L. Levy
HPL-Howard P. Langridge
RWL-Ruth W. Luckadoo
TM- Tom McNeil
GRM-George R. Mayfield, Jr.
LN- Linda Northrop
TDP-T. David Pitts
JKP-Jeanne K. Payne
RWP-Robert W. Peeples
JCR-John C. Robinson
TLR-Tommie L. Rogers
ES- Ed Schell
GWS-Glenn W. Swofford
DFV-David F. Vogt
BHW-Barbara H. Wilson
EKW-Eddie K. Wilbanks
JRW-JeffR. Wilson
JTOS-Jackson Chapter, TOS

MTOS-Memphis Chapter, TOS

NTOS-FBC-Nashville Chapter TOS, Fall Bird Count
TWRA-Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS

The Migrant records observations and studies of birds in Tennessee and adjacent
areas. Most articles are written by members of the Tennessee Ornithological
Society.

SUBMISSIONS: The original and, if feasible, two copies of the manuscript
should be sent to the Editor: T. David Pitts, Biology Department, University of
Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN 38238. Manuscripts that have been published in
other journals should not be submitted.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, and scientifically accurate.

STYLE: Both articles and short notes are solicited; 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 BiologicalJ our nals; this
book is available at many public libraries and from the American Institute of
Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8.5 x 11” paper with
adequate margins for editorial notations. Tables should be prepared on separate
sheets with appropriate title and column headings. Photographs intended for
reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on glossy white paper; black and
white photographs will usually reproduce better than color photographs. Weights,
measurements, and distances should be in metric units. Dates should be in “con-
tinental” form (e.g., 16 March 1968). Use the 24-hour clock (e.g., 0500 or 1900).

NOMENCLATURE: The common and scientific names of a species should be
given the first time it is mentioned. The scientific name should be underlined.
Names should follow the A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds (1983 edition
or subsequent supplements).

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

ABSTRACT: Manuscripts of five or more typed pages should include an
abstract. The abstract should be less than 5% of the length of the manuscript. It
should include a brief explanation of why the research was done, the major results,
and why the results are important.

LITERATURE CITED: List all literature citations in a Literature Cited section
at the end of the text. Text citations should include the author and year.

IDENTIFICATION: Manuscripts including reports of rare or unusual species or
of species at atypical times will be reviewed by the TOS Certification Committee
before publication in The Migrant. Verifying evidence 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 the identification, and reference
works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available to authors on request. Billing to authors will
be through the TOS Treasurer.

SEASON REPORTS: Observations that are to be considered for publication in
The Season section should be mailed to the appropriate Regional Compiler. Consult
a recent issue of The Migrant for the name and address of the compilers.

CONTENTS

HURRICANE HUGO CARRIES OCEANIC BIRDS
TO WATAUGA LAKE, TENNESSEE

H.P. Langridge and Brian Cross 29

1991 SPRING FIELD DAYS

Susan N. McWhirter 32

PLAN TODAY FOR FUTURE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS.

Kristin Zimet 40

MINUTES OF THE SPRING 1991 TOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
AND TOS ANNUAL MEETING.

Audrey R. Hoff 41

SEASON REPORT: 1 August 1990 - 30 November 1990

Robert P. Ford 46

(Vol. 62, 1991)

ACTUAL MAILING DATE: 20, October, 1992

MOVING? Do not miss an issue; please return this sheet with address
label attached, clearly print new address below.