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
U4
tv* ^<n
* * CO VO ON tv
* * in* * i!3* *
**ON^***ro**
CS* * (Nr-i(SjmNOtV
tM* CO* NOjijvnin
* ra * nj (N
JS
60
* rq* *
H
z
o
u
o
z
HH
QA)
r-i T-i * (S) * ^ NO
00 * * rq *
00 * r-i vO
r-H r-i * >-i rq in 00
o^
Os
u
vO Ji* *
cn * in ON
* r-iON* ^nD* r-<0og^cnr-i* * ON* * OOr-i* ri* * * in* r-i
a
S
V
^rq'^oo* rf* ^r-irq* * * r-.'-^^r-.* * i^T-i* * * rqcq
Broad-winged Hawk Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel Ruffed Grouse
1991 SPRING COUNT
Species Memp Hatch Clarks Colu Murf Leb High Chat Knox Greene Eliz
1991
1991 SPRING FIELD DAYS
35
★ ★ 00
r-trO* * T-i* * \D * * 00* Ttin* * * * * * * vOt— iTtO
* ^* * <—i* -k ^-^r-irO* •^* * * 2'^* * * * * * r-ifO* * ^
m *
*iri*****\o*c<ir-i*****************JQ
^JQ* mm* f^^* tNoo*->t^* r<i* m* * ri* * * ri* * * r-.^
(N (N> m
m
r-i r-i m r-i ^
Is
2
CQ
Ol '2
<5
‘ J= C
S 2 >
3
O ^ O t3
U <4
C flS S
M5 5« 5 4> bO Q, •r 41 .- ^ a,
O ^ 73 =r ^ C <D ^ n
fS
4)
B*
'a,
F ^ "c o3
•B* •|'
« « c m m m 6 ^
•p 73 « c
4» C C- 41
4> 4)
•5 -6
« Bu‘2 2 S 35-2— Disc'S
o» .-
^ .B* ^
1> Ou ®
•B-o
73 « Cl, S
c m 73 —
<« 72 C -S
m 2 « ^
*- B <« u — o
0^ 41 -J3 X
i-J m m
u
o
u
0 33
Q O..B- o 6 c3 == e
■p - ^ -3 ,B
c c ^ ^ U ^
o « B = hr
bO >
c >
^ « 3 $P- •c 3
41 *? bC
c
^ - = S e -3
3a6l<§2i£^
rH tN
Mourning Dove 14 12 89 90 133 160 68 20 398 163
Black-billed Cuckoo 2**1 1*
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 9 4 6 17 3 9 5 1 19 16
Barn Owl »*»lj*** *1
36
THE MIGRANT
JUNE
r-i^^^o^^moo^fDO^ovo* rH . . moori — OO^vOt^^
^ cn Tt* ^
M
to
^r-i^r^o\r-i* oom* ints* * voinS* S^tNin* ★
H
O
U
o
z
HH
Pi
Ph
CD
o^
o^
s
in o * cjs ni m m on
«N* r^* ^;Svoj£3t^oor5^^*
a
g
V
m m (sj L2 ON t^ ts nQ r-i -rf m 00
Bam Swallow 192 18 79 45 165 103 37 20 180 173 230
Blue Jay 39 23 53 57 31 69 33 26 250 112 234
American Crow 33 43 56 52 37 75 61 31 259 138 170
Fish Crow 41 *♦ * * * * * * *
1991
1991 SPRING FIELD DAYS
37
fO rf vO fO
u
?]
X
M)
in >:< ★ 00
★ mt>v^r-ir-i(NTfOm^^* rf(SvOt^r-i* * r-it^r-i
H
Z
O
u
o
z
s
Ph
CD
Ji; ^ * (S
= * s^-»* *
in in
m
[>oor-.fn* in^^vw Jl^r-iinT}** r-i'^^in
o^
o^
cn
^ t£) <N *
Cl.
B
is^oin^^T-Hin. o
* ^ in *
cn
Ol
0;
T3
SJ2
> u tS ^
<=> c
£;i
6 2 o «« U U
D
0,2
3
0 ii S 5S £ ^ *3 i
01 ^
3 $
H ^
3
2
-3 C
Ol 0,
-3 9
Ol ^
C
c
2i
3
i “
5P^ S 2
■g2 S-2
C “ '3
s S.'S-S E i'iS
S ™ “ C b
fo2
2 J= _c ^ £ 2 •3 £
0, H
^ «5
4> >
" O
00
32 S “ <«
C .3
^2
2<Oo»^«'-'3^<C CQUCQX2Upi:DQW
3 S22^
P JS o 3 ^
i ii
3 ‘
•6 s
oJ 2 ^ > CJ cn
I EfS
u " c
^1 2
I *S S S > 2 §
.■3 X ^ "3 .b g
.2* J S *= X> :S
Ch ^ "g S 9 ^ i
»H iH o) cu at 3 > ^ «3 00 0 3 IS O
■3 -C O at
® £ ihw at o’3=;:’oat
^<U2cQ^CJJW^cn>'
at
l™
^ «
at .5
‘> s
i 2
= o
5 O
1991 SPRING COUNT
Memp Hatch Clarks Colu Murf Leb High Chat Knox Greene Eliz
38
THE MIGRANT
JUNE
****lT)**T-<*ON***Ttl***JSJ***2f<^*CN*T-'**^>— '**ON
occo^^* go
CS* * fSvOrHCSJfS* fOrqrH^OOrq* * (S)r-»<N^C<|T-'r-i(S|T-H,-HrtrHvO(S| r-iin
* <srr>* r-ir-l* Tfr-I* r-i(SJlOmr-tr<i* CS* T-i,-ir-ifS* r-ir-i* * * m
****(S****(S****0(S|*,-^***T-I**r-|»— 1***^*
***-kc^*\0************************ **
Common Yellowthroat Hooded Warbler Wilson's Warbler Canada Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat
1991
1991 SPRING FIELD DAYS
39
cD^rqrD^_ONr-it^
fOr-iTtiin^ 00 Tt O rx
* * * S* Jx
U
fom«r<iin!5* « 2 * - 2 * * * * * ^ 2 ^ ^ - 2 * ^
vOrQ^-^r-iJ^^OOt^lO* * rHt^* rxtX
fo in oo <si
00 U cn
2 o r^
* 00 m 2 *
^(Nj^orxinom
2rx<^ONcnfncsin
2
in 'O — o o 3
in
in o m VO o
(S
^ (N in m
n ^ ^ 00
Cl.
B
0>
TX
c/i
u 2 2
g 1 s
2 c U ^
■ ra X « to
S'- I £ s
£ -VU
“ t: X a> s ^ O o ^
<u
I «
3 u
to
C
C
CQ CA
o -52 W) H
_ ^ ^ j 13 u
on cn 2 fS 5 2 (5
o
^ fc
o «
^ fc 2-
O
. c £.'21 O I.
3 'S.'^ ^ C "S O CX'3 Cl. (Q cA bC
32’3 S > 2 § cri U E > cn O ;n
o H *3 oj ^ -3^ „ •Ja ^
li
ii
« A3 > a, Cl. g ^ cn on o
2 o -3 •a y
C P ^ QJ C
2 t: -s c 3
cn D,g
_IA cn _2 H w ^
c o,^ V ^ c
.5 I ^ ^ ^
J on > > Q CQ
:S «
^1 CQ-3 •3 « 0< ^
i 6
I
"3 cA O <t3
Pi W
I
u
o -T
|i
al
-
~ o
•2 "C j: X
II
<=» o
o 2
cU
•p 2 tu ^ <« bOc^
2o|'ocg^o
OZc2xE<wX
V
a.
cn
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.