fo-? I I lU north American Birds A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION A A * A a-a -a *aUTO** all for ADC 212 042531 I 56 4 Joseph R. Jehl 2752 Poplar Ln Annapolis MD 21401 “7117 00120 00629 Volume 56: No.3, 2002 • March through May 2002 The Spring Migration Better or best.. .that's what it comes down to. Both the SLC and EL binoculars have "Swarobright" Interference Mirrors on their Roof Prism systems that deliver the largest amount of "color correct" light when compared to all other binoculars. This is why Swarovski's images are so brilliantly sharp and clear from edge to edge. The optical formula, glass, precision polishing and the "Swarotop" and "Swarodur" exterior and interior, multi-coated lenses are the very finest in the world. Because they are machined from a solid magnesium casting, the newer, close focusing EL's are a little lighter in weight, and feel just great in your hand. The SLC's feel a little heavier • (about 5 ounces), and are as tough as a bull. The SLC's costs a little less than SWAROVSKl O P T I K the EL's, but both carry our legendary "Limited Lifetime U.S.A. Warranty"'. One is green and the other is a darker green. One is better than any other binocular on the planet.... that is, except for the one that is the very best. You decide. "It's your Tough Choice". See for yourself. Call: 800-426-3089, e-mail; info@swarovskioptik.com or visit: www.swarovskioptik.com for your nearest dealer and more information. WITH THE EYES OF A HAWK Swarovski Optik North America, Ltd., 2 Slater Road, Cranston, Rl 02920 'Original USA warranty card must be postmarked within 30 days of purchase from an authorized Swarovski dealer in good standing. The registered warranty holder must return entire product with warranty claim. Note: The "Limited Lifetime USA Warranty" is only available with genuine Swarovski Optik products purchased from an authorized Dealer in good standing. The Spring Migration . March Through May 2002 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS • AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION • VOLUME 56: NUMBER 3 • 2002 260 First nesting of dark-morph Hook-billed Kite in the United States William S. Clark 265 A Eurasian Wryneck specimen from southern Indiana ' John B. Dunning, Jr., Amanda Beheler, Michael Crowder, Steve Andrews, and Ron Weiss 268 Editors’ Notebook 270 The Changing Seasons Stephen J. Dinsmore 377 Photo Salon: Seabird Migration in the Gulf Stream, Spring 2002 J. Brian Patteson The Regional Reports 279 282 284 287 292 296 298 301 304 307 310 315 318 Atlantic Provinces Blake Maybank Quebec Pierre Bannon, Samuel Denault, Yves Aubry, and Normand David New England Simon Perkins Hudson — Delaware Joseph C. Burgiei, Robert 0. Paxton, and David A. Cutler Middle Atlantic Coast Marshall J. Iliff Southern Atlantic Coast Ricky Davis Florida Bill Pranty Ontario Matthew L. Holder Appalachia Robert C. Leberman ■ . Western Great Lakes Peder H. Svingen Middlewestern Prairie Kenneth J. Brock Central Southern B. Mac. Myers and Phillip A. Wallace Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koes and Peter Taylor 320 321 324 329 331 333 337 340 343 346 348 352 356 359 362 369 371 374 381 MAY §31014 Northern Great Plains Ron Martin Southern Great Plains Joseph A. Grzybowski Texas Mark Lockwood, Cliff Shackelford, Brush Freeman, and Greg W. Lasley Idaho — Western Montana David Trochlell Mountain West Van A. Truan and Brandon K. Percival Great Basin Steve Summers and Rick Fridell Arizona Gary H. Rosenberg and Mark M. Stevenson New Mexico Sartor 0. Williams III Alaska Thede Tobish British Columbia — Yukon Donald 6. Cecile Oregon — Washington Steven Mlodinow, Geraid Lillie, and Bill Tweit Middle Pacific Coast Steven A. Glover, Don Roberson, Scott B. Terrill, Thomas P. Ryan, and Michael M. Rogers Southern Pacific Coast Guy McCaskie and Kimball L. Garrett Baja California Robert A. Hamilton, Michael A. Patten, Eduardo Palacios, and Roberto Carmona Mexico Hector Gomez de Silva Central America H. Lee Jones West Indies Robert L. Norton, Anthony White, and Andrew Dobson Hawaiian Islands Robert L. Pyle and Peter Donaldson Pictorial Highlights On the coirer— This sublime Swaliow-tailed Kite, a species that appears to be overshooting its southeastern range with increasing frequency in the spring, was photographed, without film, on SW 68th Avenue in Miami, Florida on 26 March 2002 at 9:29:59.6 in the morning. The digital camera used to capture this graceful creature was a Nikon DX1 with a 400mm lens. Photograph by Alex Calzadilla. AmericanBirding ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Richard H. Payne VICE-PRESIDENT Bettie R. Harriman SECRETARY Ann Stone TREASURER Dennis H. Lacoss BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kenneth P. Able Kathleen S. Anderson David M. Bird Paul Bristow Lynda Brothers Jon L. Dunn John C. Kricher Michael Ord Father Tom Pincelli Debra Shearwater William R. Stott, Jr. Harry Tow Tony White Gerald J. Ziarno EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paul Green FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Vacant CONSERVATION AND PUBLIC POLICY Paul J. Baicich CONVENTIONS AND CONFERENCES Ken Hollinga ADVERTISING Ken Barron GENERAL COUNSEL Daniel T. Williams Jr. PAST PRESIDENTS Allan R. Keith (1997-1999) Daniel T. Williams Jr. ( 1993-1997) Allan R. Keith (1989-1993) Lawrence G. Balch ( 1983-1989) Joseph W. Taylor ( 1979-1983) Arnold Small (1976-1979) G. Stuart Keith (1973-1976) G. Stuart Keith (1970 pro tern) RECENT PAST JOURNAL EDITORS Robert S. Arbib, Jr. ( 1970-1983) John Farrand, Jr. ( 1984-1985) Susan Roney Drennan ( 1985-1996) Kenn Kaufman (1997-1998) Michael A. Patten (1999-2000) North American Birds is published by the American Birding Association. The mission of the journal is to provide a complete overview of the changing panorama of our continent’s birdlife, including outstanding records, range extensions and contractions, population dynamics, and changes in migration patterns or seasonal occurrence. We welcome submission of papers in these areas; papers and other communication should be sent to the Colorado Springs address below. For correspon- dence on photographic material, contact the Photo Editor at the email address below. PUBLISHER ABA / John C. Kricher EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITORS PHOTO EDITOR Edward S. Brinkley Stephen J. Dinsmore Matthew F. Sharp (ensifera@aol.com) Alvaro Jaramillo (sharp@acnatsci.org) Paul E. Lehman EDITORIAL AND SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD Kenneth P. Able, P. A. Buckley {Chair), Richard Cannings, Alan Contreras, Jon L. Dunn, Matt T. Heindel, Kevin T. Karlson, Jon King, Tony Leukering, Joseph Morlan, Michael O’Brien, Kenneth V. Rosenberg, P. William Smith, Richard R. Veit, David Wingate, Alan Wormington REGIONAL EDITORS Bruce H. Anderson, Yves Aubry, Margaret J. C. Bain, Pierre Bannon, Kenneth J. Brock, Joseph C. Burgiel, Roberto Carmona, Donald G. Cecile, Alan Contreras, C. Dwight Cooley, Hugh G. Currie, David A. Cutler, Brian Dalzell, Normand David, Ricky Davis, Samuel Denault, Andrew Dobson, Peter Donaldson, Robert A. Duncan, Lucy R. Duncan, David H. Elder, Walter G. Ellison, Richard A. Erickson, Ted Floyd, Brush Freeman, Rick Fridell, Kimball Garrett, Steven A. Glover, Hector Gomez de Silva, Jim Granlund, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Robert A. Hamilton, Matthew L. Holder, Pam Hunt, Marshall J. Iliff, H. Lee Jones, Rudolf F. Koes, Greg Lasley, Robert C. Leberman, Gerald Lillie, Bruce Mactavish, Mark Lockwood, Nancy L. Martin, Ron E. Martin, Blake Maybank, Guy McCaskie, Ian A. McLaren, Steven G. Mlodinow, B. Mac. Myers, Robert L. Norton, Eduardo Palacios, Robert O. Paxton, Brandon K. Percival, Simon Perkins, Wayne R. Petersen, David J. Powell, Bill Pranty, Robert D. Purrington, Robert L. Pyle, Don Roberson, Michael M. Rogers, Gary H. Rosenberg, Thomas P. Ryan, Willie Sekula, Cliff Shackelford, Daniel S. Singer, Mark M. Stevenson, Steve Summers, Peder Svingen, Peter Taylor, Scott B. Terrill, Thede G. Tobish Jr., David Trochlell, Van A. Truan, Bill Tweit, Phillip A. Wallace, Sartor O. Williams III GRAPHIC DESIGN PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Debra Watkins Bryan Patrick Empact Design & Graphics TECHNICAL REVIEWERS CIRCULATION Bill Pranty Linda L. Duggins Steve Mlodinow Marshall J. Iliff North American Birds (ISSN 1525-3708) (USPS 872-200) is published quarterly by the American Birding Association, Inc., 720 West Monument Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-3624. Periodicals postage paid at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: return postage guaranteed; send address changes and POD forms 3579 to North American Birds, PO Box 6599, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80934-6599; (800) 850-2473. Subscription prices: $30/year (US) and US$35/year (Canada). Copyright © 2002 by the American Birding Association, Inc., all rights reserved. Printed by Publishers Printing, Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of each contributing writer and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the American Birding Association or its management. ABA is not responsible for the quality of products or services advertised in North American Birds, unless the products or services are being offered directly by the Association. GST Registration No. R135943454. 258 North American Birds The Princeton Gu • 950 species. 4000 illustrations on 200 color plates. • Great for field identification. Paper $29.95 • 950 species. 128 color plates. • Detailed descriptions of every species. Paper $24.95 Cloth $49.50 • 475 color photos illustrate every species described. • Covers birds, mammals, trees, flowers, and more. Paper $19.95 Available from ABA Sales * (800) 634-7736 * Email: abasales@abasales.com * www.americanbirdlng.org Priiioston Univsrsity Pr6ss 800-777-4726 • www.birds.princeton.edu es Fax: 800/590-2473 E-mail: abasales@abasales.com 800/634-7736 PO Box 6599 • Colorado Springs " CO • 80934' 5asales.com • Web: www.americanbirding.or'g.:'. JanSpori Specializing in books, optics, and accessories. One-stop shopping for birders. JaiiSpwrt I¥ewt This technical bag is designed for birders and naturalists that prefer a more traditional daypack, providing convenient access to field guides, water, and other gear, it comes with a waterproof rainfly hidden in a special pocket in the bottom of the pack, a large main compartment, a second full-length pocket designed to hold hydration bladders, and many other smaller pockets for anything you need in the field. Rain-forest green. Item #145063, ABA Sales Price $72.00 (List price $77.00) Roadrmoier The new janSport Roadrunner is a technical shoulder bag designed specifi- cally to fit the needs of birders. Many birding trips involve a series of getting in and out of the car and short or long walks. Putting a tradi- tional daypack on and off each time can be too much trouble. The Roadrunner is a shoulder bag designed to sit on the seat next to you, yet fast and easy to simply slip onto your shoulder with ready access to everything you might need. The bag is asymmetri- cal and wraps around your body for a snug fit. It is large enough to carry an oversized field guide, such as the Sibley, camera, binocu- lars, lunch, and has special padded pockets for a water bottle, GPS, radio, cell phone, or recording gear. Rain forest green. Item #145060, ABA Sales Price $46.00 (List price $50.00) Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 259 First nesting of dark-morph Hook-billed Kite in the United States This dark-morph Hook-billed Kite was the first ever recorded in Texas when it was discovered and photographed in Bentsen — Rio Grande Valley State Park 10 December 1998. It was apparently a male. Photograph byJ. E. Culbertson. William S. Clark 1 21 8 Citrus Terrace Harlingen, Texas 78550 (email: raptours@tiagris.com) Hook-billed Kite (Choiidrohierax utiicinatus) is a rare and little- known breeding bird in the United States, occurring only in extreme southern Texas in riparian habitats along the lower Rio Grande River between Falcon Dam and Santa Ana N.W.R. (A.O.U. 1998, Palmer 1988), and perhaps farther eastward (Lower Rio Grande N.W.R. files; D. Blankenship, pers. comm.). All of the adults reported from nests observed along the Rio Grande River have been light morphs (Delnicki 1978, Clark and Wheeler 2001), as shown in Fleetwood and Hamilton (1967) and Hiller (1976). Observers in 1998 saw, for the first time in Texas, a dark-morph adult Hook-billed Kite in Bentsen — Rio Grande Valley State Park, and it was photographed by Jim Culbertson (Frontispiece; cf. http://www.greglasley.net/hbkite.html.). 1 judge this bird to be an adult male by plumage. A dark-morph adult, presumably this individual, has been seen sporadically since that time in the park. On 20 June 2002, 1 found the nest of a Hook-billed Kite in which the female of the pair was a dark morph (Figs. 1-4); the male was a typical light morph (Fig. 5). The female differed in plumage from the pre- sumed male in Culbertson’s photograph by being a more sooty gray overall, having a noticeably darker cap, and having more grayish mar- bling in the white band on the uppertail (see Clark and Wheeler 2001). It was also sexed by its pairing with an adult male and its behavior of remaning close to the nest. Clark and Wheeler (2001) discuss sexual differences in plumages of adult Hook-billed Kites; typical male and female light-morph adults are presented here (Figs. 5, 6), whereas Figure 7 shows the characteristic wing shape of this kite. This nest located in Bentsen — Rio Grande Valley State Park was not far from the Rio Grande hiking trailhead. When discovered, it con- tained two nestlings. (The details of the nest tree and nest, along with other nests, will be published elsewhere.) The presumed dark-morph male could have been breeding since at least 1998, and this female may have bred previously. This is, however, the first time an adult dark- morph has been recorded nesting there or anywhere else in the United States. Interestingly, both chicks in this nest were light morphs (Figs. 8, 9). This is most likely because the gene for dark color morph is recessive, and the adult male is most likely a homozygous light morph. A dark- morph adult and heterozygous light-morph adult would produce equal numbers of dark-morph and light-morph (but heterozygous) chicks, but could, as in this case, have two light-morph chicks. Two dark- morph adults would have only dark-morph chicks. Two heterozygous light-morph adults would average one dark-morph chick for every four chicks. Pairings between homozygous light and heterozygous adults would yield only light-morph young. The chicks of this Texas nest are both heterozygous. As we learn more about this small population of kites, it will be interesting to find out if there are more dark adults breeding. I wel- come any information of breeding Hook-billed Kites in Texas, particu- larly dark ones. 260 North American Birds Four views of the adult female dark-morph Hook-billed Kite near its nest at Bentsen — Rio Grande Valley State Park, Texas in June 2002. Photographs by William S. Clark. Volume 56 {2002), Number 3 261 Figure 5. The mate of the dark-morph female Hook-billed Kite was this typical male light morph. Photograph by William S. Clark. Figure 7. An adult female light-morph Hook-billed Kite at Santa Ana N.W.R.. Photograph by William S. Clark. Figure 6. An adult female light-morph Hook-billed Kite. Photograph by William S. Clark. Figure 8. The nest of the mixed pair of Hook-billed Kites from Bentsen, June 2002. Photograph by William S. Clark. Figure 9. Both young birds produced in the 2002 Bentsen nest were light- morph birds; one of the newly-fledged youngsters is pictured here. Photograph by William S. Clark. Acknowledgments I thank Greg Lasley for posting relevant images on his web page, Mitchell Sternberg for showing me my first Hook-billed Kite nests, and John Economidy for comments on a previous draft. Literature cited American Ornithologists’ Union [A.O.U.]. 1998. Check-list of North American Birds. Seventh edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Clark, W. S., and B. K. Wheeler. 2001. A Field Guide to Hawks of North America. Revised. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Delnicki, D. 1978. Second occurrence and first successful nesting record of the Hook-billed Kite in the United States. Condor 90; 427. Fleetwood, R. J., and J. L. Hamilton. 1967. Occurrence and nesting of the Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax unicinatus) in Texas. Auk 84; 598-601. Hiller, I. 1976. Rare visitor. Texas Parks & Wildlife. October 1976. Austin. Palmer, R. S., ed. 1988. Handbook of North American Birds. Volume 4. Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut. 262 North American Birds Diascope 65 FL Angled viewing Diascope 65 FL Straight viewing **Uncover the Un-findabje Diascope 85 FL Angled viewing Diascope 85 T* FL Straight viewing Zeiss Diascepe Zeiss' spotting scopes deliver pinpoint details over extreme distances for a whole new world of observation. Integrated features such as a dual focusing system with non-slip wheels for coarse and fine focusing, extendable sunshade, push-pull eyecups, and rotating tripod bracket are only some of the features that ensure an optimal viewing expe- rience. These compact, lightweight, and waterproof spotting scopes are backed by Zeiss' Lifetime Transferable Warranty. Get your hands, and your eyes, on one today. For more infor- mation or to find a dealer near you, visit www.zeiss.coni We make it visible. Figure 1. Eurasian Wryneck {Jynx torquilla) specimen found dead in Martin County, Indiana, 16 February 2000. Figure 2. Head of wryneck specimen, showing dark eye stripe, narrow barring on buffy throat, and chisel-like bill. Figure 3. Lateral view of wryneck specimen, showing general size and dark tri- angle on back and nape. Figure 4. The wryneck’s rectrices were fresh and undamaged, showing no sign of captivity or wear from long flight. 264 North American Birds A Eurasian Wryneck specimen from southern indiana John B. Dunning, Jr. Amanda Beheler Michael Crowder Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1159 Steve Andrews Natural Resources Building Code 09228 Navai Surface Warfare Center Crane, Indiana 47522 Ron Weiss Chipper Woods Bird Observatory 10329 North New Jersey Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46280 ABSTRACT In February 2000, a dead bird found by a worker at the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in southern Indiana proved to be a Eurasian Wryneck iJynx torquilla), a species recorded only once before in North America. The circumstances of the specimen’s discovery and its arrival in Indiana had the makings of an ornithological detective story. Although it is likely that the full story will never be known, we believe that the wryneck was probably transported to Indiana in a shipping container, and that the specimen does not represent a second North American record of a vagrant wryneck. The investigation of the wryneck specimen demonstrates the value of the Internet in researching records of unusual occurrence. INTRODUCTION During the winter of 1999-2000, an ornithological mystery unfolded at a military base in southern Indiana. On 16 February 2000, an unusual bird was found at the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center (hereafter, NSWC Crane), which is a federal facility for the storage and processing of ammu- nition and supplies for the U.S. Army and Navy located near Loogootee, Martin County, Indiana. On that winter day, Mr. Earl Crowder, an employ- ee at Crane, paused during his daily work routine and noticed a dead bird lying frozen on the ground at the edge of a small woodland clearing. Mr. Crowder, a self-taught naturalist and hunter and a long-time resident of the region, was familiar with most of the bird life of the area and therefore was surprised that he did not recognize the bird. The dead bird was the size of a thrush and was cryptically patterned in grays and browns. Its appearance reminded Mr. Crowder of a grouse or a nightjar, but the bird was unlike any species he had seen. NSWC Crane is a largely forested landscape with extensive upland and bottomland wood- lands, so it was logical that the dead bird might be a forest resident or win- ter visitor. Mr. Crowder kept the specimen to see if he could get it identi- fied. Mr. Crowder brought the specimen to the attention of Andrews, the head of the natural resources division at Crane. Andrews also did not rec- ognize the bird, and neither he nor Mr. Crowder could find a good match in the North American field guides present at the natural resource office. Knowing that wildlife faculty and students from Purdue University would be working at Crane in the spring, Andrews placed the specimen in his office freezer. Several months later Beheler, then a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue, arrived at NSWC Crane to begin her annual field research on Eastern Phoebes {Sayornis phoebe). Andrews showed her the specimen, but she also did not recognize it. The details of its discovery were vague, because the name and contact information of the finder had disappeared during the intervening months. Beheler transported the bird to Purdue, while Andrews tried to relocate the individual who found the bird. By the time Beheler arrived home, she had checked a number of North and Central American field guides to no avail. She called Dunning, a fac- ulty member in her department at Purdue, and told him about the find. When Dunning arrived at the Beheler house 30 minutes later to see the specimen, Amanda and her husband Brian had identified the bird as a Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla) using a European field guide. Dunning concurred with the identification, although neither he nor Beheler had any field experience with wrynecks. Its identification as a woodpecker relative was supported by close examination of the toes, which were zygodactyl. This trait alone eliminated all passerines and members of most other avian families. With an idea of what the bird might be, the next steps were to confirm the identification and determine if it were possible to trace exact- ly how the bird arrived in Indiana. IDENTIFICATION Description of the bird Our notes on the bird include the following observations, which are keyed to Figures herein. A medium-sized bird (Fig. 1), with plumage mostly dominated by browns and grays in cryptic pattern. Crown and nape most- ly gray. Dark streak on side of face through eye; throat and upper breast buffy brown with narrow dark barring (Fig. 2). Barring on breast faded to dark speckling on lower breast and light gray belly. Bill chisel-like. Upperparts mostly gray with flecks of black or dark brown. Very distinctive dark patch on back, triangular in shape but extending as a wide dark line up nape to back of crown (Fig. 3). Rump gray. Wing browner than back with light buff feather tips to some coverts. Scattered upperwing coverts with dark central shaft streak with buff on either side of streak. Primaries with alternating dark brown and buff bands, so folded wing shows a checkerboard pattern (Fig. 1 ). Tail mostly gray with buff tones, crossed by four thin black lines (Fig. 4). Central rectrices about 55 mm long, not stiff- ened. Bill and legs dark. Toes curled, but zygodactyl. Toes and claws were undamaged, as were feathers in the wings and tail. No damage to bill. Measurements [taken at Purdue in April 2000 with the specimen still frozen]: culmen from base to tip: 12.5 mm. Bill length from nares to tip: 8.5 mm. Bill width at nares: 4 mm. Tarsus: 21 mm. Total body length: 168 mm. Wing chord: 86 mm. Compared to biometrics supplied by Andy Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 265 Mitchell of Orkney, Scotland, the specimen’s wing and tarsus are within the range expected for European birds, but the bill is somewhat short (bill lengths of European birds range 14.8 to 17.4 mm for both sexes; Mitchell, in litt.). Confirming the identification To confirm that the bird was a wryneck, Dunning and Beheler posted a notice on IN-BlRD, a computer listserv dedicated to Indiana birding. The notice stated that a dead bird tentatively identified as a wryneck had been found at Crane and requested that anyone with field experience with the species contact Dunning and Beheler. Immediately Weiss, executive direc- tor of the Chipper Woods Bird Observatory in Indianapolis, emailed Dunning and offered to post photographs of the specimen on his website and solicit opinions worldwide. Weiss drove to Purdue the next day and videotaped the specimen. He then posted still photos from the video on the Chipper Woods website and solicited comments. Over the next few days, confirmation of the bird as a wryneck was received from researchers in Scotland, Belgium, England, and Malta. In addition to viewing the photo- graphs and offering an opinion, European researchers emailed Weiss pho- tos from identification guides, measurements from published handbooks, and opinions on the subspecific identification. They also offered other information gleaned from personal experience with the species, including plumage variation, molt, age and sex characteristics, and details on typical behavior and movements. Further information was obtained when Beheler sent the specimen to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois. John Bates, a researcher in the Field Museum’s Bird Division, compared the specimen to those in the museum’s collection. Bates (pers. comm.) stated that the Crane specimen had relatively long primaries, indicative of a northern, migratory population. The plumage was very fresh, with no wear, and was as dark or darker than any Field Museum specimen. The Crane specimen also had more extensive rufous tips to the scapulars than seen on the Field Museum skins. The Crane bird did not match skins from Japan, which have more rusty underparts, but was similar in overall coloration to some European skins. The Eurasian Wryneck is quite variable in plumage, how- ever, and Bates did not believe that sufficient information was published on plumage variation in the Eurasian Wryneck to identify a source of origin based on plumage alone. Species natural history The Eurasian Wryneck is found over most of Europe (Jonsson J993) and in Russia, where it breeds in forested lands from the Kola Peninsula to the Sea of Okhotsk as far north as 66° N (Flint et al. J984). Its preferred habi- tat is open deciduous woods, parks, and gardens, where they breed in nat- ural cavities or nest boxes (Cramp et al. J985). When disturbed at the nest, adults will hiss and twist their necks in a snake-like fashion, a behavior that gives the bird its name (Flint et al. J984). The Eurasian Wryneck is a long- distance migrant that winters in northwestern Africa, India, Pakistan, China, Japan, and parts of southeastern Asia (Flint et aJ. 1984, Cramp et al. 1985, Hollom et al. 1988, Grimmett et al. 1999). It does not drill into wood for food as do other woodpeckers but instead forages for insects from the bark of trees or on the ground. Its long tongue is adapted to feed on its pre- ferred food of ants and ant pupae (Ehrlich et al. 1994). The Eurasian Wryneck has been recorded only once in North America. On 8 September 1945, a bird was found in Wales, Alaska (Bailey 1947). It is considered accidental in the Western Hemisphere (A.O.U. 1998). EVIDENCE ON ORIGIN With the specimen identified, the next question we investigated was how the bird might have gotten to NSWC Crane. At this point, the detective story got truly serendipitous. At the base, Andrews had no success relocat- ing the original collector of the specimen. Word spread about the unusu- al specimen throughout Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, and many people came by Beheler’s office to see the bird. One person with a particular interest was Michael Crowder, a Master’s student in the department who was familiar with NSWC Crane because his father worked there. Shortly after seeing the specimen, Crowder called his father on an unrelated matter and happened to ask if his father had heard about the weird bird from NSWC Crane. His father, Earl Crowder, replied, “You mean my bird?” Mr. Crowder quickly got in contact with Andrews, and additional details about the discovery came to light. The bird had been found at the edge of a forest clearing in which was located one of the bunkers that serve as the primary storage facilities at NSWC Crane. Mr. Crowder could not find anyone who had worked recently in the bunker area who remembered finding the bird. The bird was not located near the entrance to a bunker (where it might fall if swept out of a container during cleaning) or near any road or parking area. There are at least two reasonable explanations as to how the wryneck arrived at the location where it was found. It could either be a wild vagrant, or it could have been transported with human assistance (deliberately or inadvertently). A remote possibility exists that someone deliberately brought the bird to NSWC Crane and released it, or that it was an escaped bird from a collection. NSWC Crane is a secure military base, and access to the facility is strictly limited. Personnel working on the site are subject to inspection and strict regulations regarding contraband. Woodpeckers are not commonly kept in captivity, and wrynecks are virtually unknown in the pet trade. Furthermore, the specimen did not show any signs of being a captive bird (worn claws, damaged rectrices or primaries, damage to the bill, etc.). One of the web responders, John Montalto of Malta, pointed out the lack of any signs of captivity visible in the photographs. Montalto has handled Eurasian Wrynecks in migration and has also netted captive birds of various species. He believed that the photographs did not support the idea that the Indiana bird had been a live captive. If the bird was transported to the base, it was most likely accidentally sealed in a storage container. Most materials handled at NSWC Crane are packaged in large shipping containers. These containers are stored in bunkers at the base and the specimen was found near one of these storage bunkers. Initially, however, evidence suggested that transport in a shipping container was unlikely. As stated above, there was no visible sign that the bird had been in captivity. Base security precautions did not allow us to investigate the recent history of the material stored in the bunker where the bird was found. However, Mr. Crowder was able to confirm that no over- seas shipments had been handled in the general area for many months. Another factor suggesting that the bird was not from a container was the relatively intact appearance of the bird. Shipping containers are not flown by air to NSWC Crane, as there is no airstrip on the facility. Instead, con- tainers are usually loaded and sealed at their site of origin, then placed on a boat and shipped to an American port. From there, containers usually travel by train until they reach NSWC Crane. The entire transport process may take months, and containers may sit in a bunker for additional months or even years before being opened. Any bird caught in an open container and trapped when the box was sealed should have been mum- mified or decomposed long before the container was opened at NSWC Crane. The specimen did not appear to be noticeably mummified, and although there was a distinct smell of decomposition while the bird was still frozen, its condition did not seem consistent with months of travel in a sealed box. Thus we entertained other lines of evidence that were con- 266 North American Birds Eurasian Wryneck sistent with the bird being a wild vagrant. These speculations became moot when Tom Gnoske of the Field Museum thawed the specimen in an attempt to prepare it as a study skin. He found that it could not be prepared due to an advanced state of mum- mification. Furthermore, Gnoske discovered that both legs were broken. The mummified condition and broken bones are consistent with the sce- nario that the bird had been trapped and transported. In addition, Bates pointed out in his analysis that the bird’s plumage was fresh. A vagrant that flew from somewhere in Eurasia to central North America should show some wear in its flight feathers. Thus, we believe that accidental transport, presumably from somewhere in Europe, is the most likely scenario for how the bird arrived at NSWC Crane. We will probably never know how it came to the edge of the forest clearing where Earl Crowder found it. Upon conclusion of our studies, Mr. Crowder donated the specimen to the Field Museum (accession number 429139). If we are correct, the wryneck specimen does not rep- resent as significant a record as it would have been if the bird were a wild vagrant. The record is, however, still interesting. The discovery process demonstrated the usefulness of the Internet for identification of unusual birds. If posted widely, requests for information can yield expert opinions almost instantaneously. Such responses can greatly expand the resources available to individuals seeking to solve these ornithological puz- zles. There have been a number of previous reports of birds and other animals carried by aircraft and boats to North America. A recent example is the report of an Egyptian Nightjar ( Caprimulgus aegyptius) transported to North America in the landing gear of an airliner (Dove and Heacker 2002). These records remind us that researchers should consider a variety of ways in which birds may be inadvertently transported when unusual specimens are discovered. Acknowledgments We thank John Bates and Tom Gnoske of the Field Museum of Natural History for their help in analyzing the specimen, and James Cracknell, Kevin Woodbridge, Miguel Demeulemeester, Ignaas Robbe, John Attard Montalto, and Andy Mitchell for their emailed respons- es to the initial web posting. We also thank Earl Crowder for his initial discovery of the bird and his will- ingness to donate the specimen. Literature cited American Ornithologists’ Union [A.O.U.]. 1998. Check- list of North American birds. Seventh edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Bailey, A. M. 1947. Wryneck from Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska. Auk 64: 456. Cramp, S. et al. 1985. Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Volume 4. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Dove, C. J. and M. Heacker. 2002. Egyptian Nightjar ( Caprimulgus aegyptius) in North America? Journal of Field Ornithology 7 5: 60-61. Ehrlich, P. R., D. S. Dobkin, D. Wheye, and S. L. Pimm. 1994. The Birdwatcher’s Handbook: a guide to the nat- ural history of the birds of Britain and Europe. Oxford University Press, New York. Flint, V.E., R. L. Boehme, Y. V. Kostin, and A. A. Kuznetsov. 1984. Afield guide to birds of the USSR, including eastern Europe and central Asia. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp, and T. Inskipp. 1999. Birds of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Hollom, P. A. D., R. F. Porter, S. Christensen, and I. Willis. 1988. Birds of the Middle East and North Africa. Buteo Books, Vermilion, South Dakota. Jonsson, L. 1993. Birds of Europe with North Africa and the Middle East. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. a AviSys Version 5 As Simple As You Wish - As Powerful As You Need See our web site for great new features! Palm Support! Clements’ 2001 Taxonomy! Subspecies Support! New! Over 2,000 Formal Places, Unlimited Locations! The Leader ~ Always a Giant Step Ahead of All The Rest! AviSys is a full-featured worldwide database and reporting system for serious bird- ers. It can be enhanced by adding the Official Shawneen Finnegan Worldwide Na- tion Checklist Add-On (as provided in BirdArea by Santa Barbara Software Prod- ucts), providing the most authoritative, highest quality, and most up-to-date check- lists of the 254 nations of the world. The checklists are tightly and seamlessly inte- grated with AviSys, providing beautiful screen and printed output with seen, seen- in-nation, and endemic markers, and instant worldwide nation-by-nation range query for any species. AviSys produces seen reports, checklists and hit lists of any nation or state, any group of nations or states, and all ABA Regions and Areas. You can instantly reduce the on-screen list from a world or NA list to the checklist of any nation, state, county, wildlife refuge, etc., whether provided by AviSys or cre- ated by you. Deal with only the birds you need. Rotate through modes instantly. One AviSys user wrote: “OUTSTANDING! I have been a computer professional for over 30 years and must congratulate you on generating state-of-the-art, convenient to use, effi- cient and reliable software.” Another says: “AVISYS IS A BLAST!” Precisely our objective. ^ Unlimited Number of Lists: all major geographic lists automatically updated. Example: assigning a sighting to your yard also updates your City, County, State, Nation, Continent, worldwide ABA Area, worldwide ABA Region, and Life lists. ^ Full ABA N.A. Checklist, Clements World Checklist, and Official Tony White State./Province Checklists, all fully integrated with screen and report facilities. ^ The Fastest, Easiest and Most Flexible sighting entry— just click on the birds. AviSys has absolutely unmatched search facilities, including World Band Codes! ^ Unlimited Reporting and Listing by date range, season, geography, species, habitat, behavior, sex, nesting status, heard-only, photographed, key-words, etc. ^ Census Spreadsheets for population, sighting, CBC, and ornithology studies. ^ Free! NABA Butterfly, Dragonfly, Reptile/Amphibian, and Mammal data sets! * BirdBase users - ask for our free comprehensive data conversion facility. Visit our web site at: www.avisys.net Orders or info, call 1-800-354-7755 - 24 hours ~ MC/VISA AviSys 5.0 for Windows 95/98/XP/NT/2000 ~ $99.95 ~ S&H $4.00 Nation Checklist Add-On (BirdArea) -- $59.95 - (S&H $4.00 if ordered separately) 60 day money back ~ Perceptive Systems, PO Box 369, Piacitas, NM 87043 Fast as a Falcon ~ Powerful as an Eagle ~ Friendly as a Chickadee Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 267 Editors’ Notebook The Photo Salon After receiving numerous requests for its return to these pages, we are pleased to offer the first in a series of varied and stimulating Photo Salons. For this issue, we wanted to kick off its return with a set of highlights from the spring season, and Brian Patteson, a longtime contributor to the journal, was kind enough, on very short notice, to send in ample material from North Carolina’s 2002 spring migration offshore. Brian’s photographs were taken with Canon EOS-3 camera bod- ies, Canon EF lenses — a 500mm f/4.5 lens and a 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens (with 1.4x teleconverter) — and with Fujichrome film, either Provia 100 (pushed one stop to 200) or Sensia. The Salon is open to amateur and professional bird photographers alike, and we welcome sub- missions on topics and themes that will interest the readership. The only requirement is that the images be of uniformly high quality and depict their subjects in an interesting manner or context. The Pictorial Highlights section will continue to feature outstanding records in more singular con- text. Imaging The rise of digiscoping has been so swift that it has taken many of us by surprise. For a few hun- dred dollars, your spotting scope is now a very suitable telephoto lens, capable of documenting many records with startling clarity. In recent issues, we’ve featured several genuinely high-quality images captured in this manner, and though some such images turn out to be blurry, grainy, or strongly vignetted, there are enough excellent combinations of scope and camera that we welcome submissions of images taken in this way and will print as many as space permits. Birding maga- zine continues to keep readers apprised of the latest in camera — scope combinations for this method. Consult the October issue of Birding for more on the subject. We appear to be moving rapidly toward the moment in history in which digital photography will supplant traditional methods almost entirely: our cover photograph of the Swallow-tailed Kite is the first of its kind, taken solely through digital equipment, to have been used on the cover of this journal. As we’ve mentioned in the past, however, digital images transmitted as email attachments too often do not include clear information on the species, date, location, and photographer. This com- pounds the already persistent problem of our receipt of unlabeled slides and photographs. We ask that photographers and regional editors give file names to such images that include as much relevant information as possible. If, for example, a tiff or jpeg file is to be sent of a Spoon-billed Sandpiper by I. M. Pei at Crane Creek from 22 May 2002, an appropriate label would be SBSA020522CraneCreekOH/IMPei.jpg. In some cases, file names must be shorter, but at least in this case, your editors are less likely to mislabel this image in print. An ongoing problem for any journal that receives images from hundreds of sources, and in per- haps two-dozen formats, is color fidelity and resolution. Problems can arise in every stage of the process: from the recording of the image in the field; to the copying of the image; to the image’s transmission; and finally in the layout (in Quark Xpress) and the printing process. Balance of color bedevils us on occasion. To investigate the question, we used several images taken by the edi- tor (N.A.B. 56: 140 & 255) with a Canon EOS-3 system and a Canon EF 100-400mm lens (f/4.5- 5.6). One image was printed in black and white, the other in color. In both cases, the original slide was scanned in-house, and in both cases, the fidelity of the images held well, both for resolution and color, even though both images were heavily enlarged and cropped. Problems persist, howev- er, for color fidelity and resolution in images that are taken from digital video and traditional mag- netic-tape video, and we request that such images be sent at the highest level of resolution possi- ble, up to 300 dpi (if file sizes exceed 3MB, submission by CD or ZipDisk would be alternatives to emailing). Please consult the Photo Editor, Matt Sharp (sharp@acnatsci.org), with any questions on this evolving subject. Corrections We offer apologies to Alan Wormington, a longtime contributor of records and photographs to this journal, whose excellent photograph of the Texas Gyrfalcon {N. A. B. 56: 252) was mislabeled. — Edward S. (Ned) Brinkley — Matthew F. Sharp Dry conditions through the West in spring 2002 appeared to concentrate migrants in wet areas of many sorts, including landscaped environments, and large concentrations of Empidonax were observed in several states. This uncommon Alder Flycatcher was banded at Chico Basin Ranch, El Paso, Colorado 1 8 May 2002. Photograph by Larry Semo. Visit the ABA website: AmericanBirding ASSOCIATION www.americanbirciing.org 268 North American Birds Potential new splits There are plenty of so-called “Holarctic” species that are found, general- ly at higher latitudes, on both the North American and Eurasian land- masses. More than a few birders and ornithologists have wondered whether the forms, currently classed as subspecies, on either side of the Bering Strait belong to the same or to different species. A few years ago, work began using mitochondrial DNA, a shorter-length and more quick- ly changing type of DNA found in the mitochondria of cells, to address this question (Zink, R.M., S.Rohwer, A.V. Andreev, and D.L. Dittman. 1995. Trans-Beringia comparisons of mitochondrial DNA differentiation in birds. Condor 97: 639-649). In the paper, the authors looked at the DNA differentiation in Pelagic Cormorant, Green-winged Teal, Common Snipe, Whimbrel, Mew Gull, Common Tern, Marbled Murrelet, Three-toed Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Black-billed Magpie, American Pipit, Lapland Longspur, and Rosy Finch. They found that the Whimbrel, gull, murrelet, woodpecker, magpie, pipit, and Rosy Finch showed substantial genetic differentiation, meaning that the forms on either side of the Bering Strait have been separate for long periods of time and perhaps should be considered different species. Since the sam- ple sizes were small, more work was needed to make clearer determina- tions on these relationships. When considered alongside other features, such as differences in vocalizations and behavior, as well as additional genetic data, three of these forms have been elevated to the level of species since publication of this paper. These are the Long-billed Murrelet, which has been split from the Marbled Murrelet; the Black- billed Magpie which has been split from the Eurasian Magpie; and the Rosy Finch complex, which has been re-split within North America (Gray-crowned, Brown-capped and Black), as well as split from their Old World counterpart, Asian Rosy-Finch. The work continues, now focusing on the Three-toed Woodpecker (Zink, R.M., S. Rohwer, S. Droveteski, R.C. Blackwell- Rago, and S. L. Farrell. 2002. Holarctic phylogeography and species limits of Three-toed Woodpeckers. Condor 104: 167-170). This paper summarizes studies of mitochondrial DNA patterns of samples from various sites throughout Russia, Finland as well as Alaska, Washington, and Quebec. Even though there are a many plumage differences between populations within each continent, mainly in the amount of white on the back and face, the authors found that there was little genetic difference between samples within a continent. On the other hand, there was nearly a 4% difference in the DNA between the continents, a difference that indicates a sub- stantial time period since the two populations began to diverge. Thus, different populations of Three-toed Woodpeckers within the Old World are more closely related to each other than they are to the set of popula- tions in North America, which in turn are most closely related to each other. This is consistent with the idea that the woodpeckers on either side of the Bering Strait comprise separate gene pools, each on its own inde- pendent evolutionary path. In other words, by some definitions, they are separate species. Furthermore, the authors note that the genetic data sug- gest that the North American birds may have colonized the Old World, giving rise to that population, but they reserve judgment on that hypoth- esis until they can sample more related woodpecker taxa. Now, if we are still determining the correct relationships of North American birds — where huge numbers of birders and a superb popula- tion of ornithologists live — one can imagine how relatively poorly know the birds of Central and South America still are, where a relatively tiny number of birders and ornithologists are at work. Nevertheless, Neotropical ornithologists are tirelessly unraveling the details of the deep biological diversity in the New World. The latest paper to shed some light on this situation is one on the complex that we now call the Emerald Toucanet (Navarro, A.G., A.T. Peterson, E. Lopez-Medrano, and H. Benitez-Diaz. 2001. Species limits in Mesoamerican Aulacorhynchus tou- canets. Wilson Bulletin 113: 363-494). The subject is a gorgeous grass- green toucanet that shows bewildering geographic variation, mainly in bill and face color. Not all current taxonomic problems are tackled with DNA analysis: this work analyzed morphology, bill colors, and facial col- ors to determine geographic patterns and potential regions of intergra- dation between types. In Central America, the Emerald Toucanet can be divided into four forms: wagleri in western Mexico; prasinus in eastern Mexico and the rest of the range south to southern Nicaragua; caerogu- laris in Costa Rica and western Panama, and cognatus in eastern Panama. Furthermore, three types exist in South America: lautus in the Santa Marta mountains of Colombia; albivitta in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador; and atrogularis in Peru and northwestern Bolivia. While it is difficult to test whether these are biological species under the Biological Species Concept (as the forms do not overlap in range anywhere), the authors suggest that because bill colors are important in pair formation, these different forms may deserve to be considered separate biological species. — Alvaro Jaramillo 2003 Workshops for Birders ABA's IFO workshops are for anyone interested in learning more about birds in their natural environment. Scheduled workshops include: Birds of the Lower Rio Grande Valley with World Birding Center staff including Tim Brush and Brad McKinney • 12-16 May, Mission, Texas. Sparrows with james Rising and David Beadle • 16-20 lune, Minot, North Dakota. Bird Field Study Research Methods and Citizen Science Projects with Bird Studies Canada staff including jon McCracken and Keith Larsen • 10-15 June, Long Point region in Ontario, Canada. Popular workshops sell out quickly. Please contact Arlene Hall at ifo@aba.org or 719/578-9703 x235 to be placed on a priority list for a workshop. Check out our website for more workshops. *Dates and information provided here may change. /vmericari Birding Institute For Field Ornithology www.arnericanbirding.org/lFO Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 269 The Changing Seasons: Musings of a migrant birder This Zenaida Dove, a genuine rarity in the United States, was photographed 5 May 2002 (present 3-6 May) at Key Largo, only the fifth verifiable Florida record. All A.B.A. Area records are from the Florida Keys. Many other Caribbean species were noted in Florida this spring, perhaps as a consequence of the strong easterly and southeasterly airflows over the peninsula. Photograph by John Puschock. Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Mississippi State University Box 9690 Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762 (email: sdinsmore@cfr.msstate.edu) Spring — a season of change that signals the arrival of breeding birds, ushers in the nesting season, and bids adieu to many wintering birds. For me, spring is a seemingly endless blur of migrants — waterfowl first, followed by gulls, raptors, shorebirds, sparrows, warblers, and, last but not least, those pesky empids. At season’s end, many species are still northbound (some shorebirds. Common Nighthawks, several Enipidonax and Contoptts flycatchers, and a few warblers), while other species are already entering the postbreeding period (many tropical species, plus Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, and Horned Lark, to name a few). The day-to-day changes in species diversity, most evident between mid-April and mid-May, are cause for wonder. And what spring season would be complete without at least one Big Day — those tireless adven- tures that often yield more than half of a state’s annual bird list in a sin- gle day, all while adding hundreds of miles to the designated vehicle (usually mine!) and skipping more than a few hours of badly needed sleep? Despite all the excitement of spring migration, I am invariably exhausted by late May and look forward to the brief rest summer offers after the frenetic spring birding pace! In keeping with past writers of this column, this Changing Seasons article follows no specific format and simply offers my perspectives on some aspects of the 2002 spring migration. I have summarized some of the more striking regional and national patterns (both for birds and weather), highlighted many of the more notable rarities, and suggested 270 an objective method for reviewing extreme arrival dates. My intent here is thus twofold: first, to offer a concise summary of this spring’s migra- tion, and then to take a moment to discuss a specific topic that may be of interest to other birders. Introductions aside, let’s get to the good stuff: the birds! Weather Weather patterns during the spring 2002 season reversed the general pat- tern seen over the past several years with its return to cooler conditions. The “spring” season began with wintry conditions in early March, the coldest weather of the winter in many regions (see Brinkley 2002). The first week of March was “frigid” in the Rocky Mountains, Arctic air enveloped many parts of the Northwest, it was “colder than it had been all winter” in the western Great Lakes region, and extremely cold air dipped as far south as Texas. In the Prairie Provinces, this was labeled “the coldest spring since ... the 1940s.” After this brief cold spell, the remainder of March and the month of April returned to near-normal temperatures in most reporting regions. A brief period of record and near-record warmth, accompanied by strong southerly winds, occurred over the eastern two-thirds of the country and south into Mexico in mid-April and was responsible for numerous record-early arrival dates. Despite this early warming trend, unseasonably cool weather gripped much of the continent for most of May. Snow fell in late May in parts of the Northwest, northern Great Plains, and the Northeast. Migration peaks were delayed in many north- ern regions, and several reports noted the extremely late leaf-out (2-t- weeks late in many areas). Despite these cool conditions, many migrants arrived at or near their normal arrival dates, though mass arrivals of some species in far-northern areas were delayed considerably North American Birds Changing Seasons In addition to the cool late spring weather, drought conditions per- sisted in many Regions. Drought gripped Baja and the southern Pacific Coast, much of the Desert Southwest, the Great Basin, the southern Great Plains and northern Mexico, parts of the Southeast and Northeast, and Bermuda. Spring followed on the heels of the driest winter on record for much of southern California. In other Regions, particularly the Great Plains and Southeast, severe drought conditions have now entered their third year. Spring rains, which were not substantially below normal in many Regions, simply were not sufficient to overcome the moisture deficit that accrued over the past few years. These widespread drought conditions appeared to affect the dispersal of some migrants. A common theme in the West was the concentration of migrant passerines at the few oases with permanent water, resulting in spectacular counts of many common migrants, particularly along and near the Pacific Coast. Table 1. Reports of selected western and mid-continental species east of typical range, spring 2002. White-faced Ibis Maine, New Hampshire”^, Virginia, Florida, Indiana (3), Illinois (2), Georgia*^ Black Brant West Virginia’^ Ferruginous Hawk Ontario, New York* Pacific Golden-Plover Massachusetts* SnoMiy Plover Ontario, Missouri Band-tailed Pigeon Quebec Vermilion Flycatcher Qntario, Michigan, Georgia, New Jersey* Ash-throated Flycatcher Georgia Cassin’s Kingbird Florida Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Maine Clark’s Nutcracker Alabama* Varied Thrush Pennsylvania Sage Thrasher Qntario, Michigan Audubon’s Warbler Nova Scotia, Ontario Black-throated Gray Warbler New York, Ohio, Michigan Townsend’s Warbler New York (2) Hermit Warbler Ontario, Nebraska* Western Tanager Maine, New Hampshire, Ontario (3), Michigan (2), Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota (12-f) Green-taOed Towhee Michigan, New Brunswick, North Carolina Black-throated Sparrow Minnesota Lark Bunting Virginia, Ontario Harris’s Sparrow Massachusetts (2), Virginia Pink-sided Junco Quebec, Arkansas Smith’s Longspur Ontario Chestnut-collared Longspur Nova Scotia Black-headed Grosbeak Illinois, Minnesota, Manitoba, Nova Scotia Lazuli Bunting Minnesota (7), Manitoba, Massachusetts* Brewer’s Blackbird Quebec Bullock’s Oriole Virginia Scott’s Oriole Minnesota (2) Lesser Goldfinch Mississippi* Asterisks indicated first documented state records; italics indi- cate common English names for subspecies, in this case of Brant, YeUow-rumped Warbler, and Dark-eyed Junco. All reports should be considered tentative until verified. Similarly, many wetland birds were concentrated at the few available water areas in the West. Other parts of the continent were at near-nor- mal precipitation levels, except for the Hawaiian Islands and QuHiec, where precipitation was slightly above normal. General bird patterns, spring 2002 As with every season, there are always a few continental patterns that catch our eye, and this spring was no exception. A spring highlight for many birders is the active pursuit of warblers (and other passerines), commonly referred to as “warblering” by some of my birding friends. The spring 2002 season was particularly good for observing this group, especially inland in southern central Canada, the Great Plains, in parts of the Northeast, and along the mid-Atlantic Coast. The immediate Gulf and southern Atlantic coasts generally experienced lackluster passerine fallouts, largely because a huge dome of high pressure remained entrenched just north of this area from mid-April through early May, causing persistent southerly winds over the Gulf of Mexico. Such unfa- vorable conditions for observing trans-GuIf migrants along Gulf shores rarely persist for so long, and the strong southerly airflow clearly con- tributed to one of the poorest passerine migrations there in several years. It was called “one of the least fulfilling [spring migrations] in years” along the Texas Coast. Reports in the West were mixed — in most regions, the eastern warbler showing was about average, except that it was thought to be below average in southern California. Along the West Coast, the passerine migration was thought to be exceptionally good, especially for western migrants. This was probably the result of severe drought conditions that ultimately reduced vegetative cover, and there- fore food supply, with the result that these migrants concentrated at the few oases with favorable conditions. As 1 read through the regional reports, 1 was struck by the variability in passerine fallouts continentally. A perusal of the reports revealed the following fallouts: 8 April and 13 and 17 May in coastal Texas, 18 May along the Middle Atlantic Coast, 12 and 13 May at Block Island, Rhode Island, 9 May at Point Pelee, Ontario, 16 May along southern Lake Michigan, 15 and 18 May in Minnesota, 4-5 May and 22-23 May in the Prairie Provinces, 11, 17, and 21-23 May in the Northern Great Plains, and 24 May in Quebec. The localized nature of passerine fallouts results from a combination of regional (passage of a cold front, etc.) and local (rainfall, fog, favorable winds, etc.) atmospheric conditions. We still struggle to understand and to predict such fallouts, but perhaps our abil- ities in this regard will continue to improve, as more birders become aware of the usefulness of Doppler radar for detecting bird movements. One of the more noticeable patterns this spring was the eastward dis- placement of many western and mid-continental migrants, particularly in May (Table 1 ). While there are usually a few such reports each spring, the large number of reports this spring was especially interesting. It is perhaps even more difficult to discern plausible causes for the vagrancy of such individuals displaced toward the East than it is to interpret the displacement of eastern birds to the West in spring. In the latter case, there are often large counts of eastern birds in western migrant traps (as in spring 2001), while in the East, almost invariably, sin^/e western birds seem to be the norm. Is there a connection to be made, for instance, between single spring vagrants such as the Vermilion Elycatcher near Cape May, New Jersey and the Lark Bunting at Chincoteague in Virginia, both found during and following strong southwesterly winds about a day apart? A connection is possible, but context for a strong connection is not obvious. If one reads Marshall Iliff’s column carefully, however, one sees what some “Changing Seasons” authors have identified as a “shift” of a fair bulk of more westerly migrants toward the East. The birds involved were not boldfaced vagrants but rather species whose primary migra- tional pathways in spring tend to be well away from the Atlantic Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 271 Seaboard. Such surmises are always tenuous, but a mild pattern does emerge from the middle Atlantic regional reports. Many of the birds list- ed in Table 1, though, had little or no connection with the mid-May rari- ties on the coast: they were overwintering birds (Varied Thrush, Cassin’s Kingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, a Black-throated Gray Warbler), or wintering birds newly newly discovered, or migrants returning northward from wintering areas well to the east of normal (e.g., one can imagine the Ferruginous Hawk in New York having spent the winter in Florida), or displaced by drought conditions or a failure of cone crops (the Clark’s Nutcracker in Alabama comes to mind). A few reports of Baird’s and Buff-breasted Sandpipers in eastern states (Georgia and Virginia) require scrutiny but if correct could strengthen the impression of a westward shift. Both sandpipers are almost mythical in spring anywhere in the East. Perhaps as a result of the strong easterly and southeasterly airflows over southern Florida this spring, that state witnessed one of its better seasons in recent memory for Caribbean strays, with reports of multiple La Sagra’s Flycatchers, a Zenaida Dove, Western Spindalises, a Key West Quail-Dove, a Bananaquit, and a Yellow-faced Grassquit. Again, a mild correlation arises between sustained, prolonged wind flow and influxes of vagrant species from the direction of wind flow. Shorebird migration occasioned little comment, except in the West (where there was a mild incursion of typically eastern species such as Hudsonian Godwit and Baird’s Sandpiper), but Eurasian species were well-represented outside of Alaska, where the spring was poor for Asian birds, owing to a lack of eastwardly- moving cyclones. In the East and even Midwest, observers enjoyed quite a range of Old World species: a Garganey was in Ohio (and another was to the west in Saskatchewan), a rather cooperative Eurasian Kestrel frequented Cape Cod, Massachusetts, there were the usual scattered reports of Curlew Sandpipers and Ruffs, 6 European Golden-Plovers made it to Newfoundland and a Common Ringed Plover and a White Wagtail were in Quebec, a Little Egret once again blessed Nova Scotia, and a Common Greenshank found its way to St. Pierre et Michelon. Single Eurasian Whimbrel were found in two Atlantic provinces, in New Jersey, and at Cape Lookout, North Carolina; undoubtedly, the rise in interest in sub- species will produce more such records. Qf like note, single Bar-tailed Godwits (possibly the same bird) in Connecticut and Massachusetts were identified as the race baiieri; the majority of East Coast records are thought to involve individuals of the race lapponica, from western Eurasia. A Siberian Accentor in Alberta and Slaty-backed Gulls in Idaho and Manitoba took top honors in the continent’s interior. Among of all these odds and ends, patterns are elusive, but one could see a moderate “Iceland Express,” as Kenn Kaufman coined it, in the Eurasian Kestrel, the incredible nominate White Wagtail, and the sprinkling of Qld World shorebirds (four taxa, 13 birds) in the northeastern part of the continent, but there have certainly been more compelling fallouts of this kind. As Blake Maybank points out, the northeasterly winds that apparently brought in the golden-plovers and probably some of the other species were not particularly strong or sustained. A “Siberian Express” by contrast expressed itself only weakly; the accentor had probably overwintered on the continent, and Slaty-backed Gulls, while thrilling, have reached New York alone at least four times. Interesting loon reports continued this spring, and all four regular species were seen at a single locale in Oklahoma in early April. Pacific Loons were surprisingly well reported in May, continuing a pattern that has emerged in the last few years. A perusal of the spring reports revealed individuals in New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, and Qklahoma. In many regions, those late loons are probably worth a second look! The spring season is also a period of transition between winter and the nesting season, except for a few species like the Great Horned Owl, for which the terms “winter” and “nesting season” are nearly synonymous! After a strong winter flight. Snowy Qwls lingered well into spring in many northern regions. White-winged Crossbills, on the heels on a major irruption that penetrated even the Deep South (including a first state record for Alabama), were still much in evidence this spring, includ- ing a few notable reports of nesting. Common Redpolls also lingered in fair numbers in the upper Midwest and the Northeast, with singletons sweating it out as far south as Florida and south Texas! Other “winter” birds were less evident: very few Northern Shrikes, only a smattering of Snow Buntings (but one as far south as Arizona!), and the continued absence of Evening Grosbeaks in many Regions. Reports far to the south in Mexico echoed the lack of wintry weather farther north and hint that many northern visitors never made it that far south this winter. Spring “migration” of a birder: the view from the continent’s center Spring migration is an exciting season of transition, and I can think of no better place to bird during this season than in the Great Plains. It has all the ingredients for birding success — high species diversity, varied habitats, and more than its share of good migrant traps. The Great Plains is also a region of mixing for eastern and western species, a place where you can, in a few short hours, see Eastern and Western Wood-Pewees, Rose-breasted and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Baltimore and Bullock’s Qrioles. The Great Plains experienced a pretty typical spring season through early May 2002, when the weather pattern began to change. By mid-May, persistent easterly and southeasterly winds were the norm, affording ample opportunity for many typically “eastern” passerines to make their way west. Several weak cold fronts passed through the Plains region in mid-month, and the associated weather changes were ideal for migrational fallouts. Conveniently, mid-May once again found me bird- ing the northern Great Plains during the height of spring migration; I was, as usual, not disappointed with the results. 1 arrived in Qgallala, Nebraska the evening of 14 May, where I ren- dezvoused with birding friend Joe Fontaine. Our plan was to spend a few days birding migrant traps in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming before parting for our respective summer work sites. We had noted the large passerine fallouts on 13 May on the Texas coast and in the Northeast with envy and hoped we would experience the same condi- tions in the Great Plains. On the 15th, we birded from Keith County westward; passerines were scarce, dozens of stops at promising-looking thickets yielded few birds, and our hoped-for prospects of a big warbler day were rapidly fading. In early afternoon, we detected a good fallout of Cathanis thrushes in the Nebraska Sandhills; our total at the end of the day included 4 Veeries, 3 Gray-cheeked Thrushes, and 147-1- Swainson’s Thrushes. I don’t think we saw a single cluster of trees in the Sandhills that didn’t have at least one Catharus in it; in a couple of the woodlots we checked, the trees were almost dripping with thrushes! Qddly, there were few other migrants in the Sandhills except for thrushes. The night of 15-16 May was uneventful weather-wise, with light southeasterly winds and an intermittent light rain. A quick evening check of birding listserves in the surrounding states revealed a good warbler fallout to our east on the 15th; if only the weather and birds would coop- erate for us! Qn the 16th, we continued westward across the Nebraska Panhandle, briefly ventured into southeastern Wyoming, and then returned to western Nebraska. We found several Tennessee Warblers in each state (a hint of what was to come) and a spectacular male Prothonotary Warbler in Nebraska, but little else. It seemed that the 272 North American Birds Changing Seasons Figure 1 . Weather map for 1 6 May at 1 500MST. A cold front moves along the eastern edge of the Front Range, producing moderate east-southeasterly winds just to its east and north winds over the Great Lakes. The air behind this front was quite cold, and result in the the Western Great Lakes region was to stop migration in its tracks, especially in Minnesota and along Lake Michigan’s shores. In the East, one to two days later, there was a modest fallout of waterbirds in the mid-Atlantic states (see the Middle Atlantic Coast report) and very cold temperatures at high elevations that also arrested migration of Neotropical species. favorable winds weren’t so favorable after all. Late on the 16th, a cold front was draped along the eastern edge of the Front Range with moderate east to southeast winds just to its east but strong winds from the north over the Great Lakes (Fig. 1 ). Overnight, the front strengthened, and by dawn the winds were north-northwesterly in southeastern Wyoming but still had a strong east-to-southeast flow less than 80 km to the east in Nebraska (Fig. 2). On the 17th, we birded our way from western Nebraska to southeastern Wyoming, retracing our way to several spots we had checked on the 16th. This was clearly the day for migrant passerines, and this fact was evident at our first stop of the morning. In a single thicket in a cemetery in Gering, Nebraska, we saw a singing male Worm-eating Warbler, a male Mourning Warbler, and a DOC/NOnn/NHS/NCLP/HPC 1500Z SURFfiCE ANftLYSIS DPTE: FRI MAY 17 7002 issued: 1635Z FRI HRY 17 2002 RNPLYST: HiLDERBRfiND V ^ -"A ■V Figure 2. The same front shown on 17 May at 0900MST. Winds behind the front were northwesterly and clearly dropped migrants from Nebraska, as noted by the author, through the Northern Great Plains and the Western Great Lakes regions. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 273 female Hooded Warbler in less than a minute! And that wasn’t the last of the good news. We saw 10 Tennessee Warblers in both states, plus an eastern Nashville Warbler, a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and the continued presence of the Prothonotary Warbler found the day before. Neotropical migrants were found at almost every stop, often in good numbers, making this exactly the type of day we had hoped for. Our observations this day matched those of birders to our north: the Northern Great Plains also experienced a good fallout on the 17th, and there was also an outstanding fallout in the Western Great Lakes, which was first noted 15 May, with counts of 400-600 Tennessee Warblers around Lake Carlos and 488 Nashville Warblers around Mille Lacs Lake, both in Minnesota. On the morning of the 18th, we birded a few locales in southeastern Wyoming before part- ing ways in mid-afternoon. Overnight winds had returned to an easterly flow with clearing skies, once again creating favorable conditions for migrants. At the Wyoming Hereford Ranch, a famous migrant trap outside Cheyenne, eastern warblers were again in evi- dence, including spectacular eyeball-to-eyeball looks at a male Connecticut Warbler. By mid- day, our Cheyenne area birding effort had pro- duced a Townsend’s, a Yellow Palm, 8 Tennessee, and 2 Chestnut-sided Warblers, plus a long list of the more common warblers. In a wet meadow near Hereford Ranch, a small flock of White-faced Ibis contained 2 adult Glossy Ibis, a further indication that this species is rapidly expanding in the Great Plains (see Patten and Lasley 2000). Our observations indicate that this was also a good day for migrants, although this was not specifically mentioned in any of the regional reports cov- ering the Great Plains. Of course, there are rel- atively few birders in the Great Plains (com- pared to, say, many coastal areas), so this fall- out may actually have been more widespread than was documented. Farther east, this front occasioned one of the best fallouts of the sea- son in the Great Lakes area and along the Atlantic Coast, where shorebirds and water- birds fell out at inland reservoirs around the District of Columbia and Maryland during heavy rains and unseasonably cold tempera- tures stopped most northward passerine migration. Even in these more intensely birded parts of the world, regional editors wondered about the extent of the fallout in the interior — the rain had kept many birders indoors! In mid-afternoon on the 18th, before we parted ways, we reflected briefly on the past four days of birding. During this short period at the peak of spring migration, loe and I tal- looz syRffitc fitinLYSi: Figures 3, 4, and 5. This more powerful late-May cold front, shown here on 21 , 22, and 23 May (at 1 500, 0900, and 0900MST, respectively), packed gale-force winds and snow squalls in Montana and elsewhere in the northern tier of the Great Plains. It was responsible for record fallouts (and probably high mortality) of warblers and other Neotropical migrant passerines from the Mountain West northward and eastward well into Quebec. 274 North American Birds Changing Seasons lied a respectable 205 species (without even trying for a big list), includ- ing 28 species of shorebirds and 23 species of warblers. The diversity of eastern and western migrants, coupled with the varied habitats and scant human presence, made this a memorable birding trip, but it wasn’t over just yet. One of the big players this spring season was a powerful storm that swept across the northern Great Plains on 21-23 May (Figs. 3-5), and which I was fortunate enough to witness in north-central Montana. Accompanied by gale force winds, snow, and rain, this storm deposited unprecedented numbers of passerines in its wake. For several days prior to 22 May, this region experienced moderate to strong easterly and southeasterly winds, broken by the passage of several weak cold fronts and intermittent light rain. Early on the 22nd, this general pattern con- tinued, with winds increasing to more than 35 mph and then suddenly becoming northwesterly by mid-afternoon. The change in wind direc- tion at my location in Phillips County at around 2 p.m., caused by a strong cold front, ushered in a temperature drop of nearly 30 degrees Fahrenheit in less than two hours! By 4 p.m. it was snowing lightly. At 4:15 p.m., I noticed a warbler flying low across the prairie towards my camp. Normally such a sight would be of little interest to me, but I was not standing in typical warbler habitat. I was in the midst of the vast mixed-grass prairie region, where trees are still a rare sight and the tallest vegetation is the occasional sage bush that reaches a height of about a meter. Flying into the strong winds, the bird finally made it to the shel- ter of my trailer — the nearest trees were miles away. The bird was an exhausted Tennessee Warbler, an uncommon spring migrant in this region, and a species I had never seen away from the Milk River corridor 80 km to the north. Within half an hour, the migrant flock seeking shel- ter behind my trailer had increased to 5-6 Tennessee Warblers, a Yellow- rumped Warbler, 2 Blackpoll Warblers, and an American Redstart. I now realized that something “big” was happening and quickly headed for the nearest trees several miles away. By now, the winds were gale force, it was snowing heavily, and the ground was white. The few trees at the nearest ranch were literally dripping with migrants, and they were easy to see because the trees were still devoid of leaves. I spent two hours birding this small area. In addition to large numbers of Tennessee Warblers, I found single Cape May and Black-throated Green Warblers and a Veery. Many exhausted migrants were foraging on the ground, and I won’t soon for- get images of Tennessee and Blackpoll Warblers, American Redstarts, and Ovenbirds walking at my feet! The morning of 23 May dawned gray, and it was a chilling 22 degrees with a blanket of 7-12 cm of fresh snow. The winds had subsided, and I was hopeful that a few migrants had survived the night. A morning tour of several local migrant spots turned up disappointing numbers of passerines, and I suspect that many did not survive the night. In addition to hundreds of Tennessee Warblers (easily the most common passerine migrant), I found single Magnolia, Cape May, and Palm Warblers. But, as on the previous day, it was the images of “showy” Neotropical migrants against a snowy background that I remember the most: Least Flycatchers flycatching (for what, I have no idea) over snow-covered ditches, a striking male Blackpoll Warbler perched atop a snowdrift, and several brilliant male Yellow Warblers filling a snow-covered Russian Olive! These images are rarely seen by birders, and they certainly don’t bode well for the birds themselves. In addition to passerines, there was a respectable shorebird movement that included 29 species in Phillips County, Montana. This late May storm created some remarkable birding conditions in its wake. There were astounding numbers of Tennessee Warblers every- where— counts in the hundreds were common in eastern Montana, there were record numbers in western Montana (24), good numbers were deposited along the southern Front Range of the Rockies (49 in Colorado and 15 in Wyoming were excellent totals for those states), and there were widely scattered reports farther west to Idaho. Given the mis- erable weather conditions many of these birds encountered, 1 wonder how many actually survived. The storm also included a nice sprinkling of other eastern warblers, most notably above-normal numbers of sever- al species of Dendroica (Cape May, Black-throated Green, Bay-breasted, and Blackpoll Warblers). Cape May Warblers seemed especially numer- ous: 3 in Montana and one in western South Dakota made the news. Above-average numbers in the preceding one to two weeks in the south- ern Great Plains and Midwest are indicative of the source of some of the individuals. So, do the observations of a lone birder such as I accurately reflect the migrational patterns seen locally and regionally by others? My spring- time meanderings through the Great Plains, while hardly painting a complete picture of the migration there, do nicely illustrate some of the pivotal moments of the spring 2002 migration. Major passerine move- ments were detected in concert with what other birders were seeing in this same area, and significant movements of certain species (e.g., Tennessee and Cape May Warblers) were also evident in my travels. Vagrants This spring saw more than its share of eye-popping vagrants (see the regional reports for highlights), and we are continually reminded that almost all birds have wings and that a few individuals sure know how use them! A few reports merit a brief discussion here. Maryland got its long overdue first record of Eurasian Collared-Dove, causing me to ask the obvious question, “What state will be last to add this species?” Any bets? Reports of possible hybrid Glossy x White-faced Ibis in Oklahoma should raise a red flag for birders in the Great Plains — Plegadis identifi- cation just got a little tougher! And how about this trio — Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl, and Common Redpoll — all in Texas! Although spring is not the primary nesting season for many species, there were a couple of interesting reports that bear mention here. An Elegant Tern (paired with a Sandwich Tern) nested in Florida and a Western Kingbird (paired with an Eastern Kingbird) nested in Maryland. Both reports represent first nesting records for those states, or do they? Do such mixed-species pairs truly represent definitive nesting records, or are they best considered something else? Be sure to read the summer season “Changing Seasons” for additional reports on these and other interesting nesting records. I’m a “numbers man,” as the captain of the Miss Hatteras would say, so I pay particular attention to high counts reported in the regional reports. A few this spring caught my eye - 1,250 Ruddy Turnstones in North Dakota (I have to work hard just to find a handful in states just to the south), 400 Empidonax in a day in Arizona in late April (talk about an identification challenge...), 2,000-f Wilson’s Warblers at a site in south- ern California (I know they are common, but that is an awful lot to be in one place!), 7,060 Bobolinks at a single site in Florida and 6,700 at anoth- er site in Georgia, and 4,000 Baltimore Orioles (must have been a color- ful sight) flying south during a reverse migration on 9 May at Point Pelee, Ontario. Early dates The spring 2002 season saw the continued pattern of record-early arrival dates for some long-distance migrants. As early arrival dates for some migrants slowly creep earlier and earlier, many birders (me included) are wondering if some of the more extreme dates are adequately scrutinized. Global warming aside, there are limits to just how early some species can arrive in the Northern Flemisphere. Or at least we think there are — I just can’t picture Yellow Warblers routinely arriving in Iowa in, for example. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 275 late March, but maybe I’m not being as open-minded as I should be. I believe there is a widespread perception among birders that many species (and passerines in particular) will migrate north earlier in years with warm springs. Well, this notion is only partly true, and improvements in our understanding of how and why birds migrate will guide and increase our knowledge of dates of occurrence for many migrants. Bird migration is stimulated by multiple cues, with photoperiod (day length) usually considered the primary stimulus. Arrival dates for many common migrants are surprisingly consistent across years, independent of weather (a big exception to this rule, of course, being waterfowl). A fine example is the spring 2002 passerine migration: many Regional Editors noted that while peak migration was delayed by up to two weeks, most arrival dates deviated little, if any, from normal. An exception here, of course, was the mid-April heat wave that blew a few migrants north on record-early dates, although most of these reports involved isolated individuals. Thus, the main cues that most birds use to migrate have lit- tle to do with surface weather conditions, which simply provide the means for a bird to move from point A to point B. So, what does this have to do with an interpretation of early migration dates? In general, warm weather does not necessarily promote early migration (but extremely warm weather with strong and persistent southerly airflows can, as it did in April 2002). For many common birds, the wealth of documented arrival and departure dates (photographs, win- dow- and tower-kills, mist-netting data, etc.) paints a very clear picture of consistency, regardless of weather. Period. The pitfall with mixing doc- umented data (specimens, photographs, etc.) and sight records is that the overall picture of occurrence sometimes becomes muddled, and we run the risk of losing some really valuable information. Suppose, for exam- ple, that someone finds a window-killed Mourning Warbler in Iowa on 8 May. Because it is not a record-early arrival date for the state, there is a good chance the report will not be published, even though it would rep- resent the earliest unequivocal spring report of this species in Iowa (all Iowa reports prior to 8 May are sight records). So, which arrival date(s) should we believe? Should we accept records earlier than documented reports when they are not substantiated with the same level of detail? Well, maybe. One possible solution is to invoke a simple statistical model to describe extreme migration dates with greater clarity. This is a topic I’ve pondered for several years, and earlier this spring, Paul Hertzel offered a solution similar to the one I had in mind during a discussion of spring migration dates in Iowa. The inherent properties of individual birds pro- duce a range of responses to a particular cue. The cue of interest here is “When does a bird migrate?” and it follows that individual birds will have slightly differing migrational urges. This should hardly come as a sur- prise. We know they differ, but what we really want to know is “How unusual is unusual?” From statistical theory, we know that characteristics such as this are often normally distributed in a population, with a mean and standard deviation (the variability around the mean). If we knew something about the standard deviation, then we could use properties of the normal dis- tribution to describe just how “unusual” a given arrival date is. So, how do we calculate the standard deviation? First, only well-documented sightings (preferably specimens, photographs, or multiple-observer sightings) should be used when calculating the standard deviation. This information could eventually be used to assess the probability associated with unusually early (or late) migration dates. The old adage “garbage in, garbage out” is probably appropriate here, so we shouldn’t use question- able reports to calculate the mean and standard deviation. An example might illustrate the point better. Suppose a large banding station in Nebraska operates for 10 years and records a mean arrival date for Yellow Warblers of 6 May, with a standard deviation of 3 days (all based on net captures). Assuming arrival dates for this species are nor- mally distributed, we can conclude that -68% of annual arrival dates will fall between 3 and 9 May (±1 standard deviation of the mean of 6 May), -95% of annual arrival dates will fall between 30 April and 12 May (±2 standard deviations of 6 May), and 99% of annual arrival dates will fall between 27 April and 15 May (±3 standard deviations of 6 May). If a Yellow Warbler was subsequently reported on 20 April without any hard evidence, we could use this statistical application to require a higher stan- dard for acceptance of such an unlikely arrival date. This suggestion comes with at least three important caveats: 1 ) the model for any given species is only as good as the data that are used to build it; 2) the mean and standard deviation can (and probably will) change through time, perhaps in response to subtle changes like global warming or simply as a result of more birders looking; and 3) this model assumes that arrival dates are nor- mally distributed. This approach may seem a little unusual at first, but the mechanics for computing mean arrival dates and their standard deviations are relatively easy, and I believe this method offers an objective means of assessing unusually early (or late) migration dates and further suggests an appropriate, uniform, and neutral way to apply skepticism regarding tem- porally unusual reports. The birding and ornithological communities have typically not addressed this difficulty in consistent or systematic ways. Skepticism aside, there were indeed some unusually early arrivals this spring. Record-early warblers were widely reported in the East in the peri- od 1 5-2 1 April. Many were typically early migrants such as Blue- winged, Nashville, Prothonotary, Worm-eating, Kentucky, and Hooded Warblers. But other species also arrived early: Mississippi Kite on 19 April in Maryland, Ruby-throated Hummingbird on 20 April in Quebec, Great Crested Flycatcher on 20 April in Iowa, Barn Swallow on 13 April in Manitoba, and Blackpoll Warbler on 19 AprO in Missouri. Many of these were sight records, and most, if not all, were likely correct. I wonder how many fell outside three standard deviations from the mean arrival date in their respective regions. PARTING THOUGHTS As 1 wrap up the column, I think it is important to acknowledge the dedi- cated work of the team of Regional Editors who summarize the voluminous reports sent to them each season. Their timely and insightful summaries make writing this column as easy as it will ever be! I’m also pleased that the number of observers’ reports to editors for Mexico and Central America continues to grow, as does our understanding of the birdlife in these still under-birded regions. Keep up the good work! Acknowledgments I thank James J. Dinsmore and W. Ross Silcock for commenting on ear- lier drafts of this column. Paul Hertzel deserves credit for articulating the model to assess migration arrival dates, and he offered additional com- ments on that section of this column. Literature cited Brinkley, E. S. 2002. The Changing Seasons: broken records. North American Birds 56: 140-146. Patten, M. A., and G. W. Easley. 2000. Range expansion of the Glossy Ibis in North America. North American Birds 54: 241-247. 276 North American Birds ABA-Endorsed Tours Enjoy Very Special B i r d i n g 2003 Feb 24 to Mar 7 - Sub-Antarctic Islands Cruise to the Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, Campbell Islands for penguins, albatross, other seabirds. Led by Wayne Peterson. Post-cruise extension in New Zealand. Massachusetts Audubon Society, (800) 289-9504, x 7411; nhtravel@massaudubon.org February & March - Caribbean Three one-week trips: The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic with excellent guides. OBServ Tours, Inc. (615) 292-2739; observinc@aol.com Mar 2 to IS - Belize & Tikal Bird with superb, enthusiastic U.S. & local guides; see up to 300 species; comfortable accommodations. Wildside Birding Tours, (888) 875-9453; tours@adventurecamera.com Mar 6 to 19 - Cruise Panama-Costa Rica Bird Darien Jungle and canal, then special areas of Costa Rica traveling in luxury. Led by Keith Hansen. Clipper Cruise Line, (800) 814-9393, x 6813; csperry@intrav.com Mar 22 to Apr 5 - Birds of the Maya See tropical lowland forest birds, many endangered; travel through southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Holbrook Travel, Inc., (800) 451-7111; woodp@holbrooktravel.com Apr 13 to May 1 - Wild China Wide diversity of habitats, large variety of bird species, spectacular scenery and colorful pageantry of Chinese life. Siemer & Hand Travel, (800) 451-4321; travel@siemerhand.com Apr 17 to 30 - Romania & Hungary See migration through Danube Delta, Dodrudja Plain, Hortobagy NP. Outstanding British leader. Circa 200 species. Celtic Bird Tours, (44) 1656-645-709; birds@celtictours.org.uk May 18 to 31 - Finland & North Norway Join 50 million breeding pairs of birds in Land of the Midnight Sun; excellent local guides. Siemer &t Hand Travel, (800) 451-4321; (415) 788-4000; travel@siemerhand.com Jun 19 to Jul 2 - Cruise Alaska to Kamchatka Bird the Pribiloffs, the Aleutians to Attu; Bering Island & Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. Led by Debbie Shearwater. Clipper Cruise Line, (800) 814-9393, x 6813; csperry@intrav.com Ju! 8 to 31 - Peruvian Amazon Join discoverer of 4 new species in one of rarest Amazonian habitats; bird islands, tropical forest; also pelagic cruise. Holbrook Travel, Inc., (800) 451-7111; woodp@holbrooktravel.com Aug 29 to Sep 7 - Cruise Atlantic Canada Enjoy rich birdlife including autumn migration on luxury trip that prowls shores and islands of far eastern Canada. Led by Bruce Mactavish. Clipper Cruise Line, (800) 814-9393, x 6813; csp erry @ i ntrav. co m Sep 17 to 30 - Wales/Norfolk The most exciting time to bird the UK with thousands of migrants. Excellent guides and accommodation. 150-175 species. Celtic Bird Tours, (44) 1656-645-709; birds@celtictours.org.uk Oct 20 to Nov 2 - Tanzania Bird Safari Explore Northern Tanzania on this very luxurious safari; 4004- birds, many large mammals. Led by local ornithologist Marc Baker. Siemer & Hand Travel, (800) 451-4321; travel@siemerhand.com November - Caribbean Two one-week trips: Jamaica and the Cayman Islands with excellent guides. OBServ Tours, Inc. (615) 292-2739; observinc@aol.com Nov 12 to Dec 4 - Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands Voyage from South America to visit penguin and other seabird colonies. Led by Wayne Peterson and top penguin researcher. Post-cruise extension to Tierra del Fuego region. Clipper Cruise Line, (800) 814-9393, x 6813; csperry@intrav.com SHORT TRIPS FOR TARGET SPECIES Central Oregon & Malheur - Paradise Birding, (541) 408-1753; sshunk@paradisebirding.com Pacific Northwest Pelagic Trips - The Bird Guide, (503) 844-6876; greg@thebirdguide.com British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Maine, Texas, Colorado, California, North Carolina and Newfoundland OBServ Tours, Inc. (615) 292-2739; observinc@aol.com Hawaii - The Big Island - Hawaii Forest & Trail, (800) 464-1993; info@hawaii-forest.com Abaco, Bahamas - Abaco Outback, (242) 367-5358; info@abacooutback.com Please contact tour company directly for information and reservations, and identify yourself as an ABA member. Tour companies pay ABA a commission for each ABA participant. For Tour Codes go to www.americanblrding.org Supporting Birder's Exchange American Binding ASSOCIAIION STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE REGIONAL REPORTS Abbreviations used in place names In most regions, place names given in italic type are counties. Other abbreviations: A. RB. Air Force Base B. B.S. Breeding Bird Survey C. B.C. Christmas Bird Count Cr. Creek Ft. Fort Hwy Highway I. Island or Isle Is. Islands or Isles Jet. Junction km kilometer(s) L. Lake mi mile (s) Mt. Mountain or Mount Mts. Mountains N.F. National Forest N.M. National Monument N.R National Park N.W.R. National Wildlife Refuge P.P. Provincial Park Pen. Peninsula Pt. Point (not Port) R. River Ref. Refuge Res. Reservoir (not Reservation) S. P. State Park Twp. Township W.M.A. Wildlife Management Area W.T.P. (Waste) Water Treatment Pond(s) or Plant Other abbreviations and symbols referring to birds: ad. (ads.) imm. juv. (juvs.) ph. sp. (spp.) subad. (subads.) tape vt. t adult(s) immature juvenal; juvenile(s) photographed species (plural) subadult(s) audio tape-recorded videotaped written details were submitted for a sighting a specimen was collected How to Read the Regional Report Birds have no respect for range maps. Bird distribu- tion in North America is constantly changing, as birds expand their ranges into new areas, disappear from former strongholds, or alter their patterns of migration. Our knowledge of bird distribution is also chang- ing constantly, as discoveries continue to come in. Keeping up with all these developments is a challenge for ornithologists, conservationists, and birders. The Regional Reports, published four times a year, contain a wealth of information about North America’s dynamic birdlife. When seeing the reports for the first time, they might appear difficult or tech- nical, but they are not; anyone with any birding expe- rience will find the reports easy to understand. We invite you to read the report from your area of the continent; we predict that the information there will alternately surprise you and confirm your ideas about birdlife in your region. To help you get started, here are answers to some questions that may occur to first- time readers. What kind of information is included? Do the Regional Editors just report everything that’s reported to them? Regional Editors do not report every sighting of every bird. Such a list would be huge, unwieldy, and not very useful. Instead, they solicit reports from as many observers as possible, screen the records for accuracy, choose those that are most significant, look for trends and patterns of occurrence, connect scattered bits of information, and ultimately come up with a concise, readable summary of the real bird news — the important avian events and trends of the season throughout their region. Why are there so many abbreviations in the text? We abbreviate some frequently-used words and phrases to save space. Most of these are easy to under- stand and remember. (See the list of abbreviations at the end of this section.) In addition to these standard abbreviations, some Regional Editors use shortened versions of the names of some birding hot spots; they list these local abbreviations in a separate paragraph, just after their introductory comments and just before their main species accounts. What do the initials in parentheses mean? Most records published in each report will be followed by initials, to indicate the source: the per- son(s) who found or reported the bird(s) mentioned. The initials may be followed by et al. (short for et alia, meaning “and others”), or preceded hy fide (literally, “by the faith of” — meaning that this is a second-hand report, and the person initialed is the one who passed it along to the Regional Editor). A dagger (t) before the initials means that this person turned in written details on the sighting. There are good reasons for giving credit to the observers involved. Readers may be reassured about the accuracy of surprising sightings if they know who the observers were; researchers who want to know more about a certain record may be able to contact the observers directly. In some cases, when a bird was seen by many birders, the Regional Editor may add “v.o.” (for “various observers”) or “m.ob.” (for “many observers”) after the first sets of initials. Who are ttie people who send in tiieir sightings? All observers are invited to send in notes to their Regional Editors: details on rare sightings, species that were scarcer or more numerous than usual during the season, unusual concentrations or migration, and so on. Reading the reports for your region for a few sea- sons is the best way to find out what kinds of infor- mation are desired. Although the Regional Editors cannot cite every record that they receive, every con- tributor helps them to produce a more thorough and accurate summary. Why are some bird names in heavier or blacker type? We use boldface type to draw attention to outstand- ing records of rare birds. General categories of birds that the Regional Editors would place in boldface would include: any species that has been recorded fewer than 10 times previously in a given state or pro- vince; any new breeding record for a state or province; or any bird totally outside established patterns of sea- sonal occurrence. (For the most part, records are not boldfaced unless they are backed up with solid details or photographs.) Birders who like to know about rare birds (and most of us do) can get a complete run- down of the season’s outstanding rarities by scanning all the Regional Reports for those boldfaced birds. Why are some of the place names in italic type? In most of the regional reports, place names given in italic type refer to counties. (Italics represent parishes in Louisiana, and in parts of Ontario they may refer to districts or regional municipalities.) What are the boxes in the text marked “SA”? “SA” stands for “Special Attention” (and, by coinci- dence, is pronounced “essay”). The purpose of the boxed essays is to draw attention to particularly note- worthy phenomena or trends. Likely SA topics include new population trends or new bird distribu- tion patterns, unusual invasions or migration events, field research yielding new data, specific conservation problems that have an impact on birdlife, or detailed discussion of an outstanding (or perplexing) rare bird record. Experienced readers of North American Birds make it a point to flip through all the Regional Reports and read all the S.A.s, even in regions where they do not read the rest of the text. A 278 North American Birds Atlantic Provuices Blake Maybank 144 Bayview Drive White’s Lake, Nova Scotia B3T 1Z1 (maybank@ns.sympatico.ca) Spring 2002 broke a climatological hitting streak of more than 16 seasons of above- average temperatures — it was, instead, cool and damp, delaying migration a bit, and unquestion- ably pushing back flowering and departure dates by more than two weeks. It was Nova Scotia’s coolest spring since the weather office began keeping local records in 1948. From New Brunswick, David Christie reports that “periods of cold weather accompanied by substantial snow storms in the last week of April and second week of May must have been diffi- cult for early returning swallows, humming- birds, and some other insectivorous birds. These species were inconspicuous during those peri- ods, but no reports of mortality were submit- ted.” By contrast, Newfoundland (though not Labrador) had an average spring, as it lay north of most of the mess. There were few significant migrant movements, but enough rarities appeared to enliven the dank, reluctant season. And there was a “first” for Canada. Abbreviations: B. 1. (Brier I., Nova Scotia); C. S. I. (Cape Sable 1., Nova Scotia); G. M. (Grand Manan archipelago. New Brunswick); Saint Pierre (Saint Pierre et Miquelon, France); N.A.M.C. (North American Migration Count; Nova Scotia only: 1 1 May); PEI (Prince Edward I.). LOONS THROUGH HERONS The cool weather delayed Red-throated Loon migration, with tardy birds in Nova Scotia until 20 May. The French islands continue to host an impressive spring concentration of Red-necked Grebes, with the high count 187 on 30 Mar (RE). A probable albatross, not identified to species, was observed among gannets well off the n. end of Miscou 1. 3 May (Gerard Benoit). A glance at Table 1 reveals that 2002 was a poor show for southern herons, the worst since I began writing this account in 1989. As expected, the sightings stretched from early Apr until mid-May, but the complete absence of Little Blue Heron and Cattle Egret was remarkable. A Little Egret was in Glace Bay 10-11 May, perhaps the same indi- vidual seen in Cape Breton intermittently in recent years. The Green Heron in Saint Pierre was present 23-27 May { fide RE). WATERFOWL A (Greenland) Greater White-fronted Goose in Kings, NS from mid-Apr-t was thought the same bird as one that had lingered into early Dec, but it was joined by a 2nd individual 28 Apr (m. ob.). As the population of Greater Snow Geese continues to swell, more are “spilling over” into the Restigouche estuary of New Brunswick, with a peak count of 2000-1- between 24 Apr and 4 May (v. o.). By contrast, there were but 2 single Snow Geese in Nova Scotia and 8 on Prince Edward L, though CD counted 150 in a flock at Wabush City, Labrador 15 May, which is closer to the species’s migration route. This year there were no Common Teal noted, and the distribu- tion of the other two European ducks was unusual, with Nova Scotia having the majority of Eurasian Wigeon (10; only one in Newfoundland), while Newfoundland (with 11) retained its dominance in the Tufted Duck department; 2 others were in Nova Scotia. Gadwall continue their Regional population increase: an eagle flushed 45 birds from Cape Brule marsh, near Shediac 12 May (ST). The North Sydney, NS Canvasback was last reported 2 Mar. Redhead breed sparingly in New Brunswick, but even so a group of 7 at Caraquet 24 May-l- was noteworthy (Marcel David). New Brunswick cornered the King Eider market, with 5 widely scattered males early Mar — early May. Migrant Common Eiders are closely monitored off Saint Pierre, and a maximum of 6000 birds was counted off the Isthmus in late Mar (Bruno Letournel). Harlequin Ducks are increasing Regionally, as indicated by late Mar counts of 92 from G. M. and 14 off Saint Pierre, as well as four pairs at East Pt., PEI 20 Apr (Ray Cooke). The poor weather may have concentrated scoters in the Bay of Fundy prior to their night- flight overland to the Northumberland Strait. Up to 40,000 birds, roughly 60% Surf and 40% Black, were in the lower Peticodiac River and Shebody Bay 15-17 Apr. But they did move on, and the Black Scoter flock that traditionally stages in the Restigouche estuary numbered 60,000-1- on 29 Apr (Mike Lushington). Elsewhere scoter numbers were more modest, but a flock of 4000-1- on Green Bay 21 Apr, with a 60/40 Surf/Black split, was locally noteworthy, as was a flock of 1500 White- winged Scoters off Saint Pierre 12 Mar. A female Hooded Merganser reached Saint Pierre 12 May, where locally rare (fide RE), and 2 males reached Wabush, Labrador 24 May (CD). Table 1. Summary of southern heron sightings for Atlantic Canada, spring 2002. NS NB NF SPM PEI Great Egret 1 5 2 0 1 Snowy Egret 4 0 0 0 0 Tricolored Heron 2 0 0 0 0 Green Heron 1 * 1 1 0 Glossy ibis 2 1 0 0 0 ‘breeds regularly in s. New Brunswick in small numbers. Voi. UME 56 (2002), Number 3 279 RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS The Petitcodiac, NB watershed now hosts at least 10 Bald Eagle nests, where only one was known 25 years ago, and the Annapolis Valley, NS has shown a similar increase. From Western Labrador, Davis reports “tremendous” raptor activity: “During a drive from Cook’s Harbour to Goose Cove on 9 May, John Gibbons counted 38 Rough-legged Hawks, the biggest concentra- tion he has ever seen. On 1 1 May at Wabush — Labrador City, there were a lot of raptors at the mine tailings, including 5 Ospreys, 3 Bald Eagles, 3 Northern Harriers, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, 7 Red-tailed Hawks, 6 Rough-legged Hawks, 2 American Kestrels, a Merlin, and a Peregrine Falcon.” A Purple Gallinule was found exhausted in a back yard on C. S. I. 18 May (JN); it was later released but was not subsequently seen. A pair of Sandhill Cranes returned to Havelock, NB 8 Apr for the 6th year (fide Jim Brown); confirma- tion of breeding is eagerly awaited. A Sandhill Crane was released after rehabilitation 3 Apr near St. John’s, NF, and the individual may account for two separate sightings on the Avalon Peninsula in May. A flock of 48 Black-bellied Plover on Cherry Hill Beach, NS 18 May was an exceptional spring count for that locality, while a single bird on Saint Pierre 19-30 Apr was the earliest ever for the islands (RE). Short bursts of northeasterly winds brought a few European Golden-Plovers to Newfoundland: 3 to Eastport 22-28 Apr (Kim Stroud et al.) and singles to Cape Bonavista 6 May (JJ), St. Alban’s 10 May 10 (fide PL), and Cappahayden 15-20 May (John Pratt, PL, Anne Hughes). American Golden-Plovers are less than annual in spring, but there were single birds at C.S.I. 28 Apr — 1 1 May and at Wabush, NF 30 May. Two pairs of Semipalmated Plover returned to C.S.I., the most southerly breeding site for this species and the only breeding site in Nova Scotia. Three ad. American Oystercatchers, a pair and an unmatched bird, returned to C.S.I., the only Canadian breeding site, and the pair was nesting by period’s end. An American Avocet was reported at St. Andrews, NB 12 May (Janice Hashey). Laurent Jackman videotaped a Common Greenshank on Saint Pierre 11-15 May, the first for the French islands and only the 4th or 5th documented Regional record. The overwintering Western Willet on C.S.I. was last noted 11 May. There were three May Nova Scotia sightings of both Solitary Sandpiper and Upland Sandpipers; the former is rare in spring, while the latter is always a lucky find. A Eurasian ’Whimbrel was found at Morien Bar, Cape Breton, NS 28 Apr — 12 May (DM, Richard Knapton), and another was at Bonavista, NF 7 May (JJ). A count of 408 Sanderlings 1 May on C.S.I. was a Regional spring record (MN), as was a total of 300-1- Dunlin at the same site 6 May. A flock of 150 Purple Sandpipers on Saint Pierre 27 Apr was significant (fide RE). Wilson’s Phalaropes, never numerous in the Region, seem to be disappear- ing. The only report was of 2 at Caraquet, NB 24-27 May. GULLS THROUGH STARLING McKenna found a second-summer Little Gull off the Pictou Causeway, NS 6-11 May, one of very few spring Regional sightings. The wintering Common Gull at Saint Pierre was last seen 10 Mar, and the only other Regional reports were of an ad. and a second-year bird on the Avalon Peninsula in Apr. An ad. four-year gull at Glace Bay, NS through much of Mar, initially identified it as a Slaty-backed Gull, was instead apparently a hybrid of some sort. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were not reported from Newfoundland, where routine, but there were three reports from Nova Scotia, six from New Brunswick, two from Prince Edward L, and one from Saint Pierre et Miquelon. The rarest gull this season was a first-spring Sabine’s Gull from the Grand Manan ferry 17 May (Jim Wilson et al.) During the past 15 years. Mourning Doves have exploded across the Maritimes, helped by feeders and mild winters, and the population expansion is now reaching farther northward and eastward. Fifteen overwintered on the French islands, a fledged young was found at St. Lawrence, NF 3 1 May, and a flock of 37 came to a feeder near St. John’s in Apr (PL). A Black-billed Cuckoo on Saint Pierre 29-30 May (LJ, m. ob.) was a notable event, while a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, very unusual in spring, was at G.M. 20-21 May (BD et al.). A Northern Hawk Owl was discov- ered at Sand L., Cape Breton 6 Apr. From Newfoundland, Linegar reports: “It was a great season for owls, a result of years of increasing rodent populations and extraordinary numbers of Snowshoe Hares. In Apr and early May, along a five-km stretch of road in the lower Salmonier Valley, 4 Boreal Owls, 4 Saw-whet Owls, and a Great Horned Owl were heard calling (PL, Anne Hughes, BMt).” Elsewhere, a Boreal Owl called near SackvOle, NB, 16 Apr 16 (m. ob.), and one was found near Alberton, PEI, in mid-Mar (R. Bernard). A Chimney Swift at Wabush, NF 30 May was very rare locally (CD). A Red-headed Woodpecker on Saint Pierre May 20 was the fifth local record since 1976 (fide RE). Two Red-bellied Woodpeckers in Nova Scotia and 3 in New Brunswick in Apr and May were thought to be overshooting spring migrants, not undiscovered overwinterers, while the overwintering bird out- side St. John’s, NF was last reported 2 May, and one successfully overwintered on Prince Edward L. last reported 26 Apr. An Eastern Phoebe on Saint Pierre 12 Apr was most welcome but not unprecedented (Pascal Asselin). A very twitchable Scissor-tailed Flycatcher entertained many birders at Green Bay, Lunenburg, NS 26-31 May (SF, m. ob.). A Gray Kingbird s. of Bathurst, NM 25 May was convincingly described by a lone observer (Marco Scichilone), but the species remains hypothetical for the provincial list. Loggerhead Shrikes were once rare breeders in New Brunswick, but there have been few convincing records in the past quarter century, so one on G. M. 20 May (Ron Steeves et al.) was particularly noteworthy. A Northern Rough-winged Swallow was beyond its known breeding range at Hillsborough, NB 6-8 May (ST). Tufted Titmice have been recorded in the Region only in New Brunswick; this spring one visited a feeder near Bocabec for two days during the 2nd week of May (fide Ron Wilson). On Saint Pierre, a Black- capped Chickadee sighting is an event, as none were reported in all of 2001. A lone bird 26 May was thus well received (Bruno Stark). The N. A.M.C. total of 76 White-breasted Nuthatches was double that of 2001, suggesting a population expansion in Nova Scotia. Brown Creepers are even more rare on Saint Pierre than Black- capped Chickadees, so 4 together on Langlade 20 May was a remarkable concentration and just the 11th report for the islands (Frederic & Patricia Allen-Mahe). The overwintering Carolina Wrens in Halifax and Dartmouth were seen into Apr, the former in full song, while the G.M. Carolina Wren also survived the winter and sang well into May. Can the first Regional breeding be far off? New Brunswick snapped up all the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher sightings, 7 in total, all in May. In sharp contrast to last spring’s amazing flight, there were but 2 Northern Wheatears this spring, in far-flung Wabush, Labrador 22 May (CD) and Louisbourg, NS 23 May (Philip Burke). For the 2nd year in a row. Eastern Bluebirds attempted to nest in northernmost Nova Scotia, at Cape North. News of a Townsend’s Solitaire in Halifax Regional Municipality, NS 25 Dec+ came to light in early Mar, just after the bird had dis- appeared. Wood Thrush remains Regionally rare; this season, a singing bird on B.I. 20 May (EM) and an undocumented bird on Bon Portage 1. in mid-May were the only reports. The Sullivan’s Pond, NS, Gray Catbird successfully overwintered, as did the bird on Saint Pierre, the latter a more remarkable achievement given the more northerly locale. A Northern Mockingbird was far afield on Saint Pierre 29 May (RE). The Halifax Brown Thrasher overwintered, as did one in Pictou, NS, and a pair of Brown Thrashers 280 North American Birus Atlantic Provinces reappeared in the same C.S.I. yard where they gave Nova Scotia its first successful breeding last year and were thought to be nesting again by the end of May {fide MN). A dozen thrasher sight- ings across New Brunswick suggest a range expansion there as well. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Two rare spring warblers that are more typically wintering birds were Orange-crowned Warblers on B.I. 26-28 Apr (Laura Titus et al), G.M. 14 May (BD), and Inkerman, NB 20 May (Marcel David), and a Pine Warbler at an Apple River, NS feeder 7-10 Apr (Kathleen Spicer). On 6 May, Bethsheila Kent carefully observed a male Audubon’s Warbler at South Haven, Victoria, NS. A Blackburnian Warbler 18 May on Saint Pierre was record-early by three days. Cape Sable I. hosted a Worm-eating Warbler 18 Apr, but the rarest warbler of the season was Nova Scotia’s 2nd (and the region’s 3rd) Swainson’s Warbler, banded 22 May on Bon Portage I. (ph. Mike Peckford). A Connecticut Warbler on C.S.I. 20 May (JN et al.) was just the 5th spring provincial record. There were two Hooded Warblers, one on Cape Sable 20 Apr {ftde MN) and a female on Saint Pierre May 29 (Jacky and Christine Hebert), the 2nd local record. Suzanne Borkowski’s determination (and up to 50 mealworms a day) helped “Willy,” the media- savvy Wilson’s Warbler, make it through the winter in Halifax, the first time this species has overwintered in the Region. The bird departed for parts unknown 16 Apr. A Yellow-breasted Chat also overwintered in Halifax, not apparent- ly assisted by any feeder. A Yellow-breasted Chat banded at St. Andrew’s, NB 20 May was a spring rarity. There were 3 Summer Tanagers in Nova Scotia in May, but the media star was a bird in East Bay, Cape Breton 4-24 Apr that had the presence of mind to be discovered (and subse- quently featured) by the host of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Maritime Noon radio show (Steve Sutherland). Single Scarlet Tanagers reached n. to Saint Pierre 31 May (Dominique Gouverne) and Cupids, NF 29-31 May+ (ftde PL). The Sackville, NS Western Tanager successfully overwintered (a provincial first) and was last reported 31 Mar. New Brunswick’s first Green-tailed Towhee overwin- tered at Saint John West and was last reported 19 Mar (Merv J. Cormier). An Eastern Towhee overwintered on G.M., and there were two other spring sightings, one each in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. A Chipping Sparrow overwin- tered on Saint Pierre. Spring Clay-colored Sparrows are noteworthy; there were three reports from Nova Scotia and four from New Brunswick. In addition, one bird overwintered in Lunenburg, NS, and more remarkably, so did 2 in Newfoundland. Spring Lark Sparrows are always a regional treat — one successfully over- wintered at Burnt Cove, NF, while birds at Cape North, NS, 11-18 May (Fritz Mclvoy) and Riviere-Verte, NB 4 or 5 May (fide J.D. Bourque) were not knowingly winter birds, although that is possible given the number recorded across the Region this past winter. A Lincoln’s Sparrow can be added to the unexpected assemblage of species that overwin- tered on Saint Pierre. It was a good spring for White-crowned Sparrows, with more than 100 sighted in Nova Scotia, as well as 15+ in Saint Pierre, and many in New Brunswick. An Oregon Junco was reported at Rang St. Georges, NB 18 May (Audard Godin). A male Chestnut-collared Longspur graced a lawn at Tiverton, Long Island, NS, 10-19 May (Dianne Outhouse, Carol Welch et al.), but the identification was not made until 16 May. This is the 8th provincial record, the 7th for spring. There was an impres- sive late May flight of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks across the Region, with hundreds across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with some going far- ther north, including 9+ on Saint Pierre and 7 on Newfoundland. One New Brunswick bird at Summerfield 17 May was a striking bilateral gynandromorph — its right side had the “dis- tinctive red and black male colours and the left A recently discovered “Winter Sparrow Oasis” at Daniel’s Head, Cape Sable Island, increased its new-found reputation and allure with confirmation of a Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow among a wintering group of sparrows that included many Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows (roughly equal numbers of “Nelson’s” and “Acadian” races) and Savannah Sparrows, as well as a Seaside Sparrow (last observed 6 Apr). IM had been particularly uneasy regarding the identification of one of the elusive band of sparrows lurking in the salt marsh and adja- cent grasses and bushes, and he managed to secure two identifiable photos 6 Apr, which, upon analysis, confirmed his (and others’) suspicions. This is the first record of this species for Canada, although its occurrence was long anticipated since the split of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow complex some years ago, as the species breeds as far north as s. Maine. The bird was still present as of 25 May, and a future breeding attempt would not be out of the question. Several of the overwin- tering Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows were present near the end of May, including two birds thought to be of the James Bay race. Full details will be published in Birders Journal. side brown and buff female colours” (Loretta Mikitzel, Robert Gareau). Among the Rose- breasted flight was a single male Black-headed Grosbeak at Amherst, NS 13-14 May (Con Desplanques). There were but 2 Blue Grosbeaks at Blanche, NS 22 Apr {fide MN) and Gander, NF (Kevin Butler), the latter especially rare locally, but Indigo Buntings were in reasonable num- bers, with 20+ in Nova Scotia (2 in Apr, 15+ in late May), the “usual influx” in New Brunswick (DC), and 7 in Newfoundland. Notably, one Indigo Bunting overwintered in Lam^ue, NB, departing in mid-May. A spring highlight was a female Painted Bunting at a Sackville, NB feed- er 13-23 Apr (Andrew Macfarlane et al., ph). Three Dickcissels overwintered in Nova Scotia, 2 in Canso and one in Louisbourg; both are coastal communities, and all the birds lingered into mid-May. The cool weather in late May might have resulted in the influx of orioles to feeders. Baltimore Orioles were too numerous to count on the mainland, although farther n. there were 5 on Brier and Cape Sable Is., 5+ on Saint Pierre, and 2 in Newfoundland. Orchard Orioles always attract notice, and observers noted 8 in Nova Scotia, 2 in New Brunswick, and one on Saint Pierre, this last bird an imm. male, and only the 2nd record for the islands. With respect to finch highlights, the redpoll flight dis- persed by mid-Apr (a few Hoaries were accu- rately picked out in New Brunswick), and other species were modestly represented across the Region. Etcheberry reports that American Goldfinches now appear to be resident on Saint Pierre, with 40+ birds visiting feeders year- round. Christie notes there was a European Goldfinch at Campbellton 19 May (John McRae), “most likely an escapee, but of course Maritime birders are always tantalized by the possibility of vagrants arriving from Europe.” Corrigendum There is a 3rd confirmed regional record of Common Ringed Plover, a bird photographed on Seal Island, NS 7 Oct 1989 (IM, EM, BMy, Fulton Lavender). Contributors (subregional editors in boldface): David Christie (New Brunswick), Brian Dalzell, Cheryl Davis, Fred Dobson, Roger Etcheberry (Saint Pierre), Sylvia Fullerton, Andy Horn, John Joy, Paul Linegar (Newfoundland), Bruce Mactavish (BMt), Blake Maybank (BMy), Dave McCorquodale, Ken McKenna, Ian McLaren, Eric Mills, Murray Newell, Johnny Nickerson, Richard Stern, Stuart Tingley. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 281 Quebec • Radisson James Bay Blanc-Sablonj r*Eastmaln Havre-St.*Plerre Natashquan Matagami • Chibougamau BaiBi; Comeau Gulf of St Lawrence 'Rimouskl 'Perc6 •Amos Chicoulimi 'Madeleine Is. Quebec City ,Mont- Launer jrthierville Montreal Sherbrooke • ATLANTIC OCEAN Pierre Bannon 1517 Leprohon Montreal, Quebec H4E 1 PI (pbannon@videotron.ca) Samuel Denauft 75 Beauchemin Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Quebec J3N 1J6 (Samuel. denault@videotron.ca) Yves Aubry Canadian Wildlife Service P.O.Box 10100 Sainte-Foy, Quebec GIV 4H5 (yves.aubry@ec.gc.ca) Normand David 11931 Lavigne Montreal, Quebec H4J 1X9 (ndavid@netrover.com) After several consecutive seasons of above- normal temperatures, the Region finally experienced a cooler and wetter spring than normal. Although some warblers were record- ed early in mid-April during the only warm spell of the period, most of them were not found in significant numbers until the third week in May, coincident with the passage of a very cold Arctic air mass. This combination resulted in remarkable fallouts everywhere in the Region. In the south, most warbler species could be seen feeding on or near the ground for several days, ideal conditions for their observation. Farther north, large numbers of warblers were seen migrating by daytime in a westerly direction, probably after drifting too far eastward during the overnight period. For instance, C. Auchu and C. Girard recorded a massive southwesterly movement lasting all day at Les Escoumins on 24 May, while on the same day, C. Samson and D. Cote observed a similar phenomenom at Saint-Fulgence on the n. side of the Saguenay R., where an estimated 7000 warblers were seen flying against strong westerly gales. To a lesser degree, shorebirds were also grounded in late May, producing excellent diversity and some good concentra- tions, notably in the Lake Saint-Pierre area and in the Lower St. Lawrence. Casualties among avian populations are not always easy to estimate following bad weather, but this time there was strong evidence that the cold and wet weather of late May resulted in significant mortality among some small land- birds, particularly among swallows. Notably, several observers reported finding dead Purple Martins by the hundreds near nesting boxes. PELICANS THROUGH OWLS Continuing a recent trend of increasing spring and summer records, 3 American White Pelicans were detected at Pointe-du-Lac 19-22 May [fide SH), 3 at Isle-Verte 24-25 May (R. Lavoie), and 3 at Pointe-Lebel 24 May (J. Murry et ah). A Great Egret at Ormstown 30 Mar established a new Regional early arrival date (L. & H. Boivin), while there was a spec- tacular increase in the number of breeding birds on Herons’ L, where 35 individuals and up to 20 nests were estimated from nearby Sainte-Catherine 21 Apr (PB). Southern Herons included single Snowy Egrets at Victoriaville 18-20 Apr (CR) and Baie-du- Eebvre 19-22 May (RB, JPR et al.), a Tricolored Heron at Baie-du-Febvre 19 May (JPR, RB et ah), single Cattle Egrets at Becancour 26 Apr iftde SH), Carignan 5 May (A. Messier), and LaSalle 27-28 May (J. Plouffe et al.), a Yellow- crowned Night-Heron at Rosemere 4-11 May (M. Varin, P. Poissant, m. ob.), a Glossy Ibis at Baie-du-Febvre 20 Apr (LM), 2 in the same locality 22-23 Apr (E. Samson et al.), and final- ly one at Pointe-Platon 31 May (L. Roy). A Black Vulture reached Saint-Jerome-de- Matane 7 May (J. Durette, /ide Y. Lemieux). A pair of Turkey Vulture was repeatedly seen mating at Saint-Eabien 4 & 23 May, possibly heralding a range extension to the Lower St. Lawrence (R. Pitre, fide D. Desjardins), while a total of eight reports involving 10 individuals was high for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region (fide GS). A Ross’s Goose at Riviere-Heva 12 May pro- vided the first record for the Abitibi region (EW et al.). Single Barnacle Geese turned up at Sabrevois 17 Mar, a record-early date (ND et al.), at Deschambault 27 Apr (S. Gosselin), and at nearby Neuville 1 May (G. Poisson, D. Thibault). Two Mute Swans stopped at Baie- du-Febvre 5 Apr (DM et al.), one remaining through 21 Apr (LM), while another one was at Sainte-Foy 20-26 May (R. Richard, F. & R. Dion). Seldom reported in the last few years, single male Tufted Ducks made a brief stop at Saint-Mathias 7 Apr (R. Chartier, m. ob.) and at Rouyn-Noranda 5 May, establishing a first record for the Abitibi region (EW, M. Lessard). A Barrow’s Goldeneye at Rouyn-Noranda 5-8 May represented one of few for Abitibi (A. Lefebvre, R. Cloutier). A fully documented Common Ringed Plover, the 3rd for the Region, caused a sensa- tion at Baie-du-Febvre 25-28 May (FG, m. ob.). Among notable features, the complete absence of webbing between the two internal toes was confirmed with a photograph and the bird was also heard giving its typical call. Now annual in the Region, single American Avocets were located at Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse 18 May (D. Despres), Havre-aux-Basques, Magdalen Is. 20 May (Claude Roy et al.), and Montmagny 24 May (D. Gaumond). Willets included a pair, probably nesting, at Grosse-Ile, Magdalen Is. 12-20 May (Claude Roy et al.), while one at Saint-Gedeon 19 May (SB et al.) and a remark- able 3 at Saint-Fulgence 26-30 May (C. Cormier, GS et al.) were believed to belong to the western subspecies inornatus. Rare in spring, 3 Long-billed Dowitchers were careful- ly identified at Baie-du-Febvre 4-5 May (FG). Very surprising was the occurrence of an ad. 282 North American Birds Quebec Band-tailed Pigeon, our 3rd Regional record, at Saint-Fulgence 21-29 Apr (M. Munger, M. Bouchard et al., ph.) Although Snowy Owls are occasionally reported in spring and sum- mer in the Magdalen Is., a total of 5 at Pointe- au-Loup and Grosse-Ile 18-29 May was con- sidered a remarkable number so late in the season {fide DGG). Two notably late Great Gray Owls, possibly a pair, were found at Isle- Verte 28 May (L. Simard, S. Duchemin). HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH ORIOLES A Ruby-throated Hummingbird, probably fooled by the mid-Apr warm weather, estab- lished a new Regional record early date at Abercorn 20 Apr (R. Gaudreault). Single Blue-gray Gnatcatchers at Saint- Barthelemy (J. Lamontagne, C. Ducharme) and in the Montreal Botanical Gardens (M. Lemelin) 14 Apr were also record-early for the Region. The Townsend’s Solitaire that over- wintered at Riviere-du-Loup remained through 13 Apr (m. ob.), while the wintering Varied Thrush at Deschambault was last seen 6 Mar (D. Lavoie). The most outstanding bird report of the season involved a male White Wagtail, showing characters of the nominate alba subspecies, that made a one-day appear- ance at Metabetchouan 4 May (SB, m. ob., ph.). This represented a first confirmed Regional record and apparently the 2nd only in Canada (and fourth in North America) for this subspecies. An American Pipit at Saint- Armand 15 Mar was record-early (JGP). A total of 10 reports for the Golden-winged Warbler was higher than the average for the last few springs {fide PB). A Nashville Warbler seen at Summit Park 19 Apr (S.Wees) and a Magnolia Warbler at Laval 21 Apr (G. Lachaine) were both record-early, while a Black-throated Green Warbler at Legardeur 21 Apr tied the earliest Regional date (E. Desjardins). A Kentucky Warbler graced He Bizard, Montreal 28 May (L. Turgeon). A first-year male Summer Tanager was a highlight at Laterriere 7-13 May (P. Simard et al., ph.). Quite difficult to understand was the presence of a male Western Tanager at Squatec 6-20 May, representing the 5th spring Regional record since 1999, all of them from e. Quebec (M. Belanger, m. ob., ph.). The Spotted Towhee that overwintered at Gatineau was last observed 13 Apr (C. Gratton). A first-year male Blue Grosbeak appeared in late May at Saint-Thomas-Didyme, Lac Saint- Jean (L. Caouette). A female Brewer’s Blackbird at Ville-Marie, Temiscamingue, 16 Apr was an excellent find (J. Frechette). Remarkably, 4 Orchard Orioles were discov- ered: single ad. males at Saint-Armand 23 Although the species is common in Iceland and Greenland, White Wagtails are almost unknown in east- ern North America. This bird photographed 4 May 2002 at Metabetchouan, Quebec represents the sec- ond record only of the nominate alba subspecies in Canada. Photograph by Sylvain Boivin. C Ik Gosselin writes: “Juncos have 'O^Wksomehow disappeared from the radar screen of field identification ever since the A.O.U. merged most North American forms into one biological species. This situation is unfortunate because these former species belong to different grades of evolutionary dis- tinctiveness, and some are certainly identifiable phylogenetic species. While Oregon and Slate- colored Juncos have a huge intergradation zone in northwestern Canada (under the trade name of cismontanus). White-winged and Gray-head- ed Juncos seem to have very little intergradation with their respective neighbors. The signifi- cance of this state of affairs was brought to light when a Pink-sided Junco was reported (and photographed) at Saint-Celestin 27 Apr (J. Lampron, S. Deshaies). A sharply-contrasting black mask and extensive pink flanks (merging on the breast, and spreading to the malar stripes), all present on this bird, are distinctive features of Pink-sided Juncos. The larger size of the bird is hard to determine from the photo- graph. Because the bird had attributes of an imm., it stirred controversy. Oregon and Pink- sided Juncos reported in the East each year are usually cismontanus, if not simply female Slate- colored. However, it remains to be shown whether a sharply contrasting black mask and extensive pink flanks are anything but features of genuine Pink-sided Juncos” (see Pictorial Highlights). May+ (IGP) and at Cap Tourmente 25 May (M. Giroux, L. Bernatchetz), and single first- year males at the latter location 26-28 May (JM. Giroux et al.) and also at Beauceville in late May (N. Allaire, ftde LR). According to most subregional editors, Baltimore Orioles showed up in above-average numbers not only within their range but also n. of their range in the Gaspesie, Lac Saint-Jean, and Abitibi regions. EXOTICS Single Bar-headed Geese were reported at Victoriaville 10 Apr (J. Goyette, CR) and at IiTande, near Thetford Mines 21 May+ (DM). Though certainly escapees here. Bar-headed Geese now breed in e. Iceland, having spread there from feral nesters in the British Isles. Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): P. Bannon {Montreal), R. Barbeau, S. Boivin, DG. Gaudet {Magdalen Is.), F. Grenon, B. Hamel {Estrie), S. Houle, J. Lachance {Quebec City), L. Martel, D. McCutcheon, JG. Papineau, P. Poulin {Gaspesie), S. Rheaume {Lower St. Lawrence), JR Richard, C. Roy {Bois- Francs), L. Roy, G. Savard {Sagiienay-Lac- Saint-Jean), D. Toussaint {Outaouais), E. van de Walle {Abitibi). Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 283 New England Simon Perkins Massachusetts Audubon Society Lincoln, Massachusetts 01 773 (sperkins@massaudubon.org) Spring 2002 was far from dull. Meteorologically speaking, 17 April and 18 May stood out vividly, though neither appeared to have a profound effect on birdlife. The temperature on 17 April shattered records when the mercury topped out at 93 degrees Fahrenheit in Boston, but by late in the day, the temperature there had plummeted 32 degrees in an hour. On 18 May, snow fell as far south as points just west of Boston, while at higher ele- vations in western Massachusetts, snow stacked up to nearly a foot! Otherwise, by most mete- orological parameters, the three-month period averaged near normal. An occluded front over the Region in mid- April knocked down an assortment of migrant waterbirds across a wide swath in the interior; numerous, very early arrivals included several shorebirds, Caspian Tern, Chimney Swift, fly- catchers, and warblers; and headline highlights included White-faced Ibis, an obliging Eurasian Kestrel, Bar-tailed Godwit(s), flashy flycatchers, and buntings in technicolor. A first state nesting record for Black Vulture was not unexpected. First state records, each pending review by the respective state rarities commit- tees, included Ross’s Goose in Maine and Pacific Golden-Plover and Lazuli Bunting in Massachusetts. Abbreviations: Martha’s Vineyard (Martha’s Vineyard I., Dukes, MA); Monhegan (Monhegan Is., Lincoln, ME); Nantucket (Nantucket L, Nantucket, MA); Plum I. (Plum Island, including Parker River N.W.R., and towns of Newburyport, Newbury, Rowley, and Ipswich, all in Essex, MA). LOONS THROUGH IBISES As is often the case in the Region, Pacific Loons were found only in Massachusetts. This year, singles were in Provincetown 2-4 Mar (G. Elirth) and Rockport 23 Mar (B. Stevens). Two Sooty Shearwaters were somewhat early at Stellwagen Bank 11 Apr (P. Flood et ah), a Manx Shearwater off Stamford, CT 8 May (P. Dugan) was unusual so far w. in Long Is. Sound, and the largest count of Northern Fulmars during the reporting period was 40+ at Rockport, MA 15 Mar (RSH). A fly-over ad. American White Pelican caused a stir among the nesting gulls on Appledore Is., York, ME 30 May (A. Borror), and this or another put in an earlier appearance on the Connecticut R. in Northampton, MA 23-24 May (TG). Up to 2 Anhingas passed through our airspace (why don’t they ever land in New England?). Rhode Island’s 3rd was soaring over Providence 12 May (D. Finizia et ah), and another (?) was over Hingham, MA 16 May (D. Peacock). Western Grebe is not quite annual in the Region, so the discovery of at least 2 and possi- bly as many as 4 was rather remarkable. The first was seen almost daily at Plum I. 6 Mar — 30 Apr (RSH); then it or another individual appeared in Rye, Rockingham, NH 18-19 May (R. Woodward). Lastly, 2 Westerns were found in Newmarket, Rockingham, NH 29 May (SM). Whether any of the 2 or 3 New Hampshire birds were the same as the Plum Island bird is unknown. The Eared Grebe that has wintered annually in Gloucester for at least the last seven years was last reported 14 Apr (B.O.), and another at Napatree Pt., Westerly, RI 27-28 Mar (CR), seen where one appeared last year, was also a probable returnee. A classic spring fallout 15 Apr produced a goodly variety of coastal-wintering waterbirds across sections of the interior, and some of the drop-outs lingered for several days. Associated with an occluded front, their ranks included grebes, large waders, ducks, and larids. The grebes included a fairly high inland count of 10 Red-neckeds in Farmington, CT 18 Apr (PC); 5 Red-neckeds and 14 Horneds in Turner’s Falls, MA on the Connecticut R. 15 Apr (ME), and 2 more Horneds upstream in Holyolk, MA 17 Apr (BB). At the apparent epicenter of this par- ticular grounding event, Turner’s Falls on 15 Apr also produced 9 Lesser Scaup, 6 Red- breasted Mergansers, 7 Bonaparte’s Gulls, and the Region’s first Common Tern of the spring (ME). The large waders included at least 10 reports of Great Egrets in inland New Hampshire 18-20 Apr (fide PH), a Snowy Egret in Hanover, NH 18 Apr (A. Mudge), and a Glossy Ibis in Jefferson, NH 18 Apr (B. Grossman). A Little Blue Heron checked in early at Salisbury, MA 28 Mar ( J. Soucy); a way- ward Yellow-crowned Night-Heron found its way out to Monhegan 14 May (B. Boynton); and a wandering Glossy Ibis made it as far as the Maine/New Brunswick border in Amity, Aroostook, ME 21 Apr (J. MacDonald). When Snowy Egrets appear far inland, they usually do so during the post-breeding season, so a Snowy in Northampton, MA 23 May (BB) was note- worthy. New Hampshire’s 2nd White-faced Ibis in Stratham, NH 17 Apr (D. Hughes) was at the same location where the Granite State’s first White-faced appeared 15 Apr 1995, and this or another White-faced furnished a 3rd state record for Maine, when it appeared in Scarborough 18 May (M. Libby et al.). Maine’s bird was found in the same location this year as last year’s 2nd state White-faced, and these two records probably involved the same individual. 284 North American Birds New England VULTURES THROUGH WATERFOWL Black Vulture was finally confirmed nesting in w. Connecticut, where they had been present in substantial numbers for nearly 10 years and where they had been suspected of breeding for nearly that long. A nest was discovered by rock climbers in Kent 1 Apr (P. Redmond) and con- firmed with photos 6 Apr (J. Zipp). No addi- tional nesting evidence has been found in Massachusetts since the first New England breeding record for Black Vulture was estab- lished in 1998, but the species is probably nest- ing in the s. Berkshires in Massachusetts (north of Kent), where multiples are present each year virtually throughout the spring and summer. However, despite their increases in southern New England, they appear to be making little headway farther north; none were reported from Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. Among the various overwintering Greater White-fronted Geese in the Region, 2 lingered into the spring season in Connecticut, and 4 were reported from Massachusetts. Maine’s first Ross’s Goose visited Clinton, Kennebeck, ME 3- 9 Apr (W. Sumner, LB et al., ph., vt.). The sea- son’s only Richardson’s Canada Goose was found in Whately, MA 4 Apr (M. Williams). ^ II A dark-bellied Brant identified by an wf^experienced observer as belonging to the Old World form Branta h. bernicla (known as Dark-bellied Brant, or Dark-bel- lied Brent Goose) was seen among a flock of pale-bellied Atlantic Brant, B. b. hrota, in Newburyport, MA 25-26 Apr (RSH). This was the second consecutive spring in which a dark-bellied brant was found at this locale, and other, similar individuals have appeared in recent years elsewhere in the Northeast (e.g.. Long L, NY). Historically, virtually all the darker brant found on the Atlantic Seaboard were assumed to belong to the form B. b. nigricans that winters on the Pacific Coast (known as Black Brant). But now the genetic makeup and geographical origins of these East Coast visitors are coming under closer scrutiny. Yet another type that has recently been found in Britain — and that may already be part of the equation on the East Coast — is the poorly knovm form, which has no taxonomic designation (sometimes called “Gray-bellied Brant”), that nests in the western Canadian High Arctic and winters in the Padilla Bay area of the Puget Sound region. Possibly clouding the identification of such birds is the possibility of interbreeding of hrota and nigri- cans. Observers are encouraged to document and photograph unusual brant extensively, as this puzzle comes into sharper focus. Most if not all of the Tundra Swans in the Region were holdovers from winter. They included 3 in Massachusetts, 2 in Vermont, and one in Connecticut. Reports of Common Teal included 2 or 3 in Massachusetts and one in Connecticut, and wintering Tufted Ducks again lingered into spring in Massachusetts. A male Tufted in Worcester that overwintered for the 7th consec- utive year was last reported in Shrewsbury 19 Mar (ML), and a female that probably spent the winter in or near Westport went undetect- ed until it was found there 17 Mar (ML). In recent years, the numbers of Harlequin Ducks have been increasing in Massachusetts, while wintering flocks at certain other traditional sites in New England, such as Sachuest Pt., Middletown, R1 have decreased somewhat. It would be nice to know whether one is beget- ting the other. The 116 Harlequins in Rockport, MA 6 Mar (W. Harrington) appar- ently represented a new state high count, while the 48 at Sachuest 19 Mar (R. Larsen) equaled only slightly more than half the wintering total that typically graced this spot 10 years ago. Surf Scoters migrating overland in the Region put down on lakes and ponds less frequently than do either of the other two scoter species. The occurrence of 10 at Cherry Pd, Jefferson, NH 18 Apr (D. Govatski) may have been related to the waterbird grounding event discussed above. An ad. male Common x Barrow’s Goldeneye was identified in Newburyport, MA 26 Mar (RSH). KITES THROUGH CRANES The May arrival in Massachusetts of kites on Cape Cod has become predictable and routine, especially at the bottleneck at Pilgrim Heights in Truro. While the bulk of this year’s Bay State Mississippi Kite flight came in early Jun, a sin- gle scout arrived in Truro 16 May (D. Manchester et al.). But the main raptor event this year was the appearance of a (age?) male Eurasian Kestrel, also on Cape Cod. First dis- covered but seen for only one day in Wellfleet 14 Apr (L. Bostrom), an omni-vigilant raptor veteran then relocated it 18 Apr on Morris 1. in Chatham (RVC et al., ph., vt.), where it remained through 5 May, much to the delightv of birders from all over the continent. This record was the 2nd in the Region, the first hav- ing been the first for North America, a speci- men taken in Hull, MA 29 Sep 1887. Eurasian Kestrel has also been recorded in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and New Jersey. The ad. Gyrfalcon that was first discovered in South Boston, MA in Dec 2001 remained in the area at least until 30 Apr (RD, N. Smith et al.). A big two-day pulse at the Plum 1. hawkwatch 4-5 May included 374 Sharp-shinned Hawks and 33 Merlins (TC), the latter total coming on the 2nd day alone. At this same watch, American Kestrels were moving hard and fast early on, as indicated by the fact that that the cumulative total of kestrels had topped 500 birds by 4 Apr (TC). Three different Golden Eagles were reported from Massachusetts, and one was noted in Bangor, ME on the late date of 28 May (B. Barker, fide JD). The only King Rail report came from Stockbridge, MA 17 May (ML). In keeping with the upward trend in recent years. Sandhill Cranes numbered 10 in four states: 3 in Addison, VT 14 Mar (A. Pistoius); one in Munroe, NH (4th consecutive year at this site) 21 Apr (E. Emery); one in Providence, RI 14 May (R. Farrell et al.); and 5 in Massachusetts. The latter group included singles at Nantucket 8-27 Apr (R. Lay et al.); Muskeget L, Nantucket 20 Apr (1. Nisbet); Reading 27 Apr (M. Daley); Bolton 4 May (B.O.); and Provincetown 16-27 May (B. Goode). As of this writing, no infor- mation was available regarding the re-nesting of the pair of Sandhills that established the Region’s first modern-day breeding record in cen. Maine last year. PLOVERS THROUGH ALCIDS Very few American Golden-Plovers veer east- ward to New England during their north- bound migration each spring. Two this year included one in Chatham, MA 4-10 May (J. Weeks et al.), and another (?) at Nantucket 12 May (RK). Massachusetts’s long-awaited first Pacific Golden-Plover was discovered at Plum 1. 21 Apr — 5 May (J. Smith, RSH et al.). Carefully studied by many birders, both local and otherwise, it was determined to be an ad. male in alternate plumage. The only previous Regional record for this species was from Maine in 1911. Only within the last five-1- years has American Oystercatcher become regular in spring n. of Massachusetts, as the species has expanded its breeding range slowly northward and eastward to the Canadian Maritimes. This year, among the 6 reported from Maine, none was farther northeast than the pair that returned to a relatively new nesting site in Saco, York. A single “cracker” was also note on the Isles of Shoals, Rockingham, NH 2 May (D. Hayward et al.). An American Avocet seen at the s. end of Boston Harbor in Quincy, MA 1 1 May (KR) moved the next day to East Boston at the n. end of the harbor (P. & F. Vale), where it remained unitil 15 May (D. Eatough). Two sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit, one at Old Saybrook, CT 18 Apr (D. Varza, ph.) and the other at Martha’s Vineyard 4 May (VL), Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 285 probably involved the same individual. Both apparently pertained to a bird in breeding plumage of the Asian race baueri, much the rarer of the two races that occur in e. North America. Four of the 5 Lesser Yellowlegs that overwintered in Newburyport, MA were still present 1 Mar (C. Buelow), and an early Willet at Plum 1. 9-10 Mar (T. Wetmore) also may have spent the winter somewhere in New England. A Semipalmated Plover in S. Dartmouth, MA 7 Apr (E. Nielsen) and a Least Sandpiper in Essex, MA 3 Apr (RSEl) were notably early as well. The only Ruff of the season made a four-day stay in Newburyport, MA 24-28 Apr (RSH). For the first time in many years, no Ruff was reported in the Region in the month of May. Pomarine Jaeger records are very few in Connecticut, so a fly-over “Pom” on Long 1. Sound, in Madison 11 May (D. Sosensky et al.) was very noteworthy. The high count of Lesser Black-backed Gulls came from the Regional stronghold at Nantucket, where 27 were still lin- gering 1 1 Mar among the other wintering gulls (E. Ray), and a wintering “Nelson’s Gull” remained in Plymouth at least through 23 Mar (S. Moore). Among the 6 Caspian Terns noted in Massachusetts, 2 in Boxford 6 Apr were remark- ably early. Other Caspians detected as they slipped through the Region (presumably en route to the Canadian Maritime colonies) included 2 in W. Swanton, VT 24 May (D. Lavallee) and one in Middletown, RI 1 May (J. Maggill). Two Forster’s Terns returned on or about 24 Apr to Newburyport Harbor and Plum 1. (RSH), where the species has probably been breeding since they were confirmed nest- ing there in the early 1990s. A high count of 10 Common Murres at Cox’s Ledge, off Rhode Island 2 Mar (S. Tsagarakis et al.) was consistent with a recent winter trend toward higher-than-average number of Commons in our coastal waters. Dovekies are very unusual anywhere in Long 1. Sound, but a Dovekie off West Haven, CT 30 Mar was espe- cially far west (R. Belding). CUCKOOS THROUGH SWALLOWS An early Yellow-billed Cuckoo was banded in Plymouth 26 Apr (M.C.C.S.). Following an above-average winter in the Boston Harbor area for Snowy Owls, 3 lingered at Logan Airport until 26 May (N. Smith). A Snowy at Stratton I., Saco, ME 20-31 May (LB) was reported to have been banded in Massachusetts i ftde S. Hall). To track the movements of Snowy Owls fitted in Massachusetts with satellite transmitters, go to: . A Chuck-will’s-widow heard in South Wellfleet, MA 5 May (G. Page et al.) remained through the spring season and was presumed to be the same bird that has been calling at that site for the past several years. A Chimney Swift in Newmarket, NH 9 Apr (P. Hendrickx) was the earliest on record for the Granite State. An extremely early Eastern Wood-Pewee was reported from Gray, Cumberland, ME 2 Apr by an observer who saw the bird and heard it sing, and who realized the seasonal significance of the record (L. Woodward, /ide K. Gammon).,An Eastern Kingbird was also roughly a month early in Raynham, MA 29 Mar (E. Giles). The flashiest tyrannids of the season included a Fork-taUed Flycatcher at Nantucket 24 May (vt. RK) and a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Pond L, Phippsburg, ME 27 or 28 May (fide S. Hall). Scissor-tailed is more or less annual in the Region; Fork-tailed is not. Two Loggerhead Shrikes were reported: one from Ferrisburgh, VT 16 Mar (J. Osborn) and the other from Narragansett, RI 31 Mar (D. Wait). Loggerheads have become a bona fide rarity in New England within the last 10-r years, as is true on most of the Eastern Seaboard now. Common Ravens continue to reoccupy por- tions of their historical range that they began to vacate not long after the arrival of European colonists more than 200 years ago. Two new breeding outposts were established in e. Massachusetts. A pair fledged 4 young from a nest they built on a telecommunications tower near the Rhode Island border in Blackstone (J. Collins et al.), and though the other nest was not located, breeding in the Blue Hills, Milton/Quincy, MA (within sight of Boston!) was confirmed on the basis of observations of an ad. carrying food (KR). As yet (but stay tuned for next season’s report), ravens very rarely appear on the coast, so a raven on South Beach, Chatham, MA 1 May (P. Flood) was a nice find. Fish Crows remained ensconced at their current northernmost breeding outposts in Portland, ME and Burlington, VT, and the sudden appearance of a flock of 51 in Marshfield, MA 15 Mar (DF) did little to illu- minate the mysterious local status of this species, which surely goes unnoticed among its more common congener. Boreal Chickadees that remained in Massachusetts into the spring following a minor winter incursion southward included singles in Granby 1-4 Mar (F. Pike) and Windsor 18 Mar (C. Blagdon). Three Northern Rough-winged Swallows in Turners Falls, MA 30 Mar (TG) and one in Canton, MA 31 Mar (J. Young) furnished rare Mar records for a species that, more typically, first appears about two weeks later. WRENS THROUGH TANAGERS Carolina Wren continues to push the envelope northward; in far n. Maine, a single Carolina first discovered in winter was still present this spring in Caribou. Somehow the use of the words “Carolina” and “Caribou” in the same sentence smacks of global warming. The only report of a Sedge Wren came from Marshfield, MA 3 1 May (DF). Rare, yet nearly annual with- in the Region, a Townsend’s Solitaire in N. Smithfield, RI 23-29 Mar (D. 8c D. Bernard et al.) provided only the 2nd state record. Typical numbers of Bohemian Waxwings remained in n. sections well into the spring season. The high count in New Hampshire was 140 in Laconia 6 Apr (C. Anderson), and the Vermont maximum was a robust 512 in Burlington 12 Apr (fideW. Scott). Several species of warblers either returned to Massachusetts very early or they successful- ly overwintered locally. These included a Northern Parula that visited a sunflower feed- er in Truro 1-7 Mar (C. Skowran,/lde J. Sones), a Prairie Warbler in Rockport, MA 10 Mar (B. Drummond et al.), a Northern Waterthrush (apparently already on territory!) in Pittsfield 3 Apr (T. Collins), and a Wilson’s Warbler in Cambridge, MA 10 Apr (J. Trimble). A Prairie Warbler was seen in late Nov 2001 at precisely the same spot in Rockport where the Mar bird was found; draw your own conclusions. One of the biggest warbler fallouts of the season occurred at Block L, RI 12-13 May. Single-day totals on one or the other of these two days included 45 Northern Parulas, 75 Magnolias, 3500 Yellow-rumpeds, 35 Black-throated Greens, 27 Blackburnians, and 90 Black-and- whites (D. ). Abbott et al.). Another heavy flight at Monhegan 19-23 May included an estimated total of several hundred Northern Parulas (TV). A male Prothonotary Warbler in Hingham, MA 11-31 May (and into Jun) was defending a territory and seen to be carrying nesting materials into a natural tree cavity. As far as anyone was able to determine, despite his best efforts, he was never successful in attract- ing a female. The only overshooting s. warblers that made it into one of the three northern-tier states included single Hooded Warblers at Monhegan 23 May (S. Hamel, fide TV) and Sugar Hill, Grafton, NH 10 May (R. Brown). A Louisiana Waterthrush was seen and heard singing 25-26 May in Somerset, ME, at a site 144 km. n. of Portland and 64 km n. of the nearest known nesting areas (R. Joseph, fide ID). The few overshooting Summer Tanagers that reach the Region each spring are found much more frequently on the coast than they are in interior sections of the Region, so an ad. 286 North American Birds New England — Hudson-Delaware male in Hadley, MA 29 May (G. LeBaron) must have come as a pleasant surprise. A well- described female Western Tanager was report- ed from Kennebunk, York, ME 21 May (D. Doubleday et ah), and a 2nd report of a Western Tanager, lacking details, came from Portsmouth, NH 20 May (k Beaudain, D. Casey). SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Clay-colored Sparrows numbered 2 in Vermont, 3 in Maine, and 4 in Massachusetts. The Vermont and Maine birds appeared in May, but all the Bay State birds were reported much earlier, between 8 Mar and 6 Apr. Most of these individuals probably overwintered in the Region. It has been several years since no Clay-colored Sparrows were found in Massachusetts in May. Two Harris’s Sparrows, both in Massachusetts, were in S. Dartmouth 24 Mar — 7 Apr (S. Bolton et al., ph.) and Salisbury 18 May (J. Hoye et al.). A good (for spring) flight of White-crowned Sparrows included an above-average 26 at Plum 1. 7 May (RSH). Single Lark Sparrows were in Middlebury, VT 8 Apr (J. Peterson) and at Monhegan 19-23 May (G. Dennis et al.). Buntings made a big splash this spring. Three Painted Buntings in the Region includ- ed 2 in Maine: a female type that was banded at Appledore I., York 28 May (D. Holmes et al.) and a male (presumably adult) at Biddeford Pool, York 30 May (B. Chappell et al.). The 3rd Painted was in Lexington, MA 28 Mar (R. Gantside). But the headliner was the male Lazuli Bunting at Nantucket 5-10 May (M. Aguiar et al., ph.). The only previous record for this species in the Region was from Maine. Western Meadowlark was a more regular visitor to New England up until roughly 20 years ago, but more recently, its appearances here have become sporadic and few, perhaps reflecting the downward trend in all North American meadowlark populations. A singing Western was noted in Turner, Androscoggin, ME 18 May (JD). The only Yellow-headed Blackbird report came from Chatham, MA 17- 18 May (P. Bailey), and the season-high count of 7 Boat-tailed Crackles, 21-30 Apr, came from their only known New England breeding site in Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut (PC). Crossbills that were late to retreat from points south (barely) of the three northern-tier states included 4 Reds in Salisbury, MA 22 May (1. Lynch) and 2 White-wingeds in Monroe, MA 18 May (ML). EXOTICS Three Whooper Swans in Ipswich, Essex, MA 1 Mar (JB) were known to be escapees or proge- ny thereof. A European Goldfinch visited a feeding station in Hulls Cove, Mt. Desert L, ME on an unspecified date in May (fideWY), almost certainly a former captive. Finally, a Nutmeg Mannikin spiced up (pun intended) a yard in York, ME 24 May (J. Raynor, L. Bevier, ph.). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): A. Aversa (Vermont), B. Beida, /. Berry, Bird Observer magazine, L. Brinker, T. Carrolan, P. Cianfaglione, R. V. Clem, J. Despres (Maine), R. Donovan, D. Emerson (Rhode Island), M. Fairbrother, D. Furbish, T. Gagnon, R. S. Heil (Massachusetts), G. Hanisek (Connecticut), P. Hunt (New Hampshire), V. Laux, M. Lynch, R. Kennedy, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, S. Mirick, C. Raithel, E. Ray, M. Rines (Massachusetts), R. Stymeist (Massachusetts), K. Ryan, W. Townsend (Maine), T. Vezzano, Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences. . Hudson-Delaware r Joseph C. Burgiel 331 Alpine Court Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 (burgiel@alum.mit.edu) Robert 0. Paxton 460 Riverside Drive, Apartment 72 New York, New York 1 0027 (rop1@columbia.edu) David A. Cutler 1 003 Livezey Lane Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19119 (david@dcipaper.com) Following a very warm, dry winter, March saw a return to more nearly normal weather condi- tions. While April’s average temperature was also about normal, 8-19 April was a very warm period, with heat-wave conditions in the southern areas 15-17 April. The temperature in New York City reached a record 96° Fahrenheit. A cold front on the 19th ended the heat and brought northerly and westerly winds for most of the rest of the sea- son. May was cool and wet, and with the prevaO- ing wind direction, hawkwatch totals were depressed. May nonetheless produced one of the best spring migrations along the coast in many years. In particular, a spectacular wave on 10 May extended from coastal Virginia through Long Island. Highlights of the season included reports of Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Ferruginous Hawk, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Townsend’s Warbler in New York; Pacific Loon, Sabine’s Gull, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Swainson’s Warbler in New Jersey; and, remaining from last season, a Dusky Flycatcher in Delaware. Also notable were Western Grebe and inland Arctic Tern in New York; and Eurasian Whimbrel in New Jersey. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 287 Northern Fulmars are often recorded well into spring off the northern East Coast of the United States. This bird was photographed 27 May 2002 at the Hudson Canyon (off New York and New Jersey), where 50 were seen on 19 May and 13 on 27 May. Photograph by Rick Wiltraut Abbreviations: Bombay Hook (Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Kent, DE); Brigantine (Brigantine Unit, Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Atlantic, Nf); Cape Henlopen (Cape Henlopen S.R, Sussex, DE); Hamlin Beach (Hamlin Beach S.R, Monroe, NY); Sandy Hook (Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area, Monmouth, N)); S.C.M.M. (South Cape May Meadow, W. Cape May, NJ); W. A. (Wildlife Area). LOONS THROUGH VULTURES A Pacific Loon at Sandy Hook 19-20 Apr (tDW, BD, George Dempster) provided New Jersey’s 10th record, pending approval. Though more frequently reported in recent years, this is still a rare species and still a poten- tially difficult identification problem. Unusually high one-day counts of Red-necked Grebes were made at lakes in upstate New York. One hundred were at Hamlin Beach on L. Ontario 29 Mar (WS), 22 at Brewerton, Oswego on Oneida L. 6 Apr, 24 at Collins L. Schenectady 8 Apr, and 25 off Wickham Marsh W.M.A., Clinton on L. Champlain 14 Apr (Dana Rohleder). Last season’s warm winter and low number of reports suggest that most Red-necked Grebes remained n. of here, so the origin of these birds is puzzling. Six Eared Grebes was a normal count; 3 in New Jersey was high for that state, with one each in New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Staten I., NY harbored a Western Grebe 1-9 Apr (Lauren & Chris Nussi, m. ob.). Most state records of this rare species are from upstate. A pelagic trip from Pt. Pleasant, Ocean, NJ to the Hudson Canyon on 19 May turned up 50 Nothern Fulmars (FONT), while another trip on the same boat on 27 May had 22 Manx Shearwaters (FONT), both excellent counts but neither of them new records. The two highest totals of Sooty Shearwaters were both from shore, 224 at the Avalon sea-watch. Cape May, NJ 25 May and 175 near Shinnecock Inlet, Suffolk, NY 26 May (TWB, RJK). Participants on the 27 May pelagic trip to the Hudson Canyon were treated to a Leach’s Storm-Petrel (FONT), a regular but not often observed migrant well offshore. Three American White Pelicans visited the L. Ontario shore just w. of Rochester 3-9 May (tCathy Ryan, m. ob.). Three, just possibly the same ones, were observed at four different locations in Niagara, NY 29 Apr (Angie McCaughey), and 11, 14 (fWD’A), & 16 May; another was reported offshore from Cape May 30 May from the Cape May Whale Watcher (Kelly Robbins). This rare species has over the last 25 years become a more frequent visitor, both in w. New York, not far from sw. Ontario breeding grounds, and at coastal locations, though there is a marked decline in records since the mid-1990s. Brown Pelicans were present in good numbers along the shores of Delaware and New Jersey, with peaks of 20 at Cape Henlopen 26 May (m. ob.), at Indian R. Inlet, Sussex, DE 27 May (MG), and in Delaware Bay off the New Jersey shore 30 May (Clay Sutton, Jim Watson). A hybrid between Little Blue Heron and another Egretta species, having three plumes and found 22 Apr at Bombay Hook (MG), remained about three weeks. There was much speculation about its other parent. Cattle Egret remains in very small numbers, with only two reports in dou- ble digits: 31 at Port Penn, New Castle, DE 30 Mar (AE) and 12 at Cape May Court House, NJ (Paul Lehman); a dozen other reports were mostly of singles. ^ J1 In Mar, 2 dusky-bellied brant that apparently were neither Black Brant (nigricans) nor Dark-bellied Brant (nominate bernicla) were found %Jir«and photographed on w. Long I., NY: the first at Jones Inlet, Nassau 7-16 Mar (SM), and the 2nd at Jacob Riis Park, Queens, 14-16 Mar (PAB, SM). On 17 Mar, 3 brant with dark bellies were found at these same locations (AnW, AG, TWB, G. Benson) which could have included one or both of the above individuals. Examination of skins at the American Museum of Natural History on 15 Mar by PAB and SM confirmed that both closely matched the type described by Lawrence in 1846 (from one shot at Egg Harbor, NJ) as “nigricans" (currently known as Black Brant) but which Delacour and Zimmer in 1952 considered a unique taxon whose breeding area was unknown. Subsequently, a population of brant closely resembling Lawrence’s type was found breeding in the western Canadian High Arctic on the Parry Islands (chiefly on Melville and Prince Patrick Islands) and wintering largely in the Padilla Bay portion of Puget Sound. In the last 15 years, birds known to be from that breeding population have also been detected as far afield as Baja California, Iceland, and Northern Ireland. Showing characteristics of both nigricans and hrota (Atlantic Brant or Pale-bellied Brant), and thus erroneously considered “intermediates” or “hybrids” between them, such “Gray-bellied Brant” are either yet to be named taxonomically or are indeed Lawrence’s nigricans. The single mtDNA study to date concluded that Gray-bellieds are genetically unique and that they have been isolated from Black Brant for at least 400,000 years. A paper by the observers illustrating Long Island’s first 2 apparent Gray-bellied Brant and discussing details of its relationship to Lawrence’s brant will appear in a future issue of this journal, as will a second paper discussing the newly discovered status of Dark- bellied Brant (nominate bernicla) in North America. Thanks are due to P. A. Buckley for the above information and to Angus Wilson for a very help- ful discussion. 288 North American Biros Hudson-Delaware WATERFOWL An ad. Black-bellied Whistling Duck was found at a Cooks Lane farm pond at Water Mill, Suffolk, NY 8 May (PAB) and remained in the area (m. ob.) until 18 May. With numerous appearances from the Great Plains eastward, this species appears to be extending its range. This, together with the mid-May appearance, strengthens the probability that this individual is wild. Reports of only 6 Greater White-front- ed Geese and 8 Ross’s Geese came in, below recent standards for both species. Eight Canada Geese of race hutchinsii 3 Mar at Iroquois N.W.R., Genesee/Orleans, NY (MM) may well be a record-high spring count for the Region. Up to 3 Barnacle Geese remained on Long L, NY into Mar. Another appeared 1-3 Mar at Royalton, Niagara, NY (Carl Mrozek, Mike Galas); though seen by several observers, it received no documentation. Eight reports totaling 10 reintroduced Trumpeter Swans — all but one from New York counties bordering L. Ontario or L. Erie — was typical of recent years. Seven Gommon Teal were reported, 3 each in New York and New Jersey, and one in Delaware. One at Tobay, Nassau, NY 31 Mar was accompanied by a Common x Green- winged hybrid. And Tufted Duck x scaup hybrids remained from last season into early Mar at Rehoboth Beach, Sussex, DE (MG, Steve Noyes) and Massapequa, Suffolk, NY. The only King Eiders were both at Montauk Pt, Suffolk, NY: one imm. male 3 &10 Mar (m. ob.) and one 24 Mar (AB, HM, Brian Kane, Patrick Santanello). As usual. Common Eiders remained into Mar on Long L; a pair frequent- ed Cape Henlopen until 9 Mar (Ed Sigda, Maurice Barnhill). A storm on 14 Apr brought a big inland fallout of Bufflehead on the fol- lowing day: at L. Ontelaunee, Berks, PA were 1020 (Matt Spence, Steve Fordyce), at Culvers L. Sussex, NJ 600 (Fred Tetlow), and at L. Musconetcong, Morris/Sussex, NJ 100 (Tom Halliwell). Lastly, 2 Barrow’s Goldeneye were reported, a male until 27 Mar at Bayville, Nassau, NY and a female 13 Mar at Sandy Hook. RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES April brought 3 Swallow-tailed Kites to New Jersey: 1 Apr at Sandy Hook (Dave Whitting), 18 Apr at Cape May Pt. (Mark Garland et al.), and 20 Apr at Sandy Hook (BD, DW, SB, et al.). About a third of New Jersey’s approxi- mately 60 records have been at Cape May, with Sandy Hook a distant second. Sixteen Mississippi Kites were reported, 2 in New York, 8 in New Jersey, 5 in Pennsylvania, and one in Delaware. As usual, the hotspot was Cape May, with 1-4 present daily 11-24 May. A Swainson’s Hawk was observed 12 Apr at Parma, Monroe, NY (fRS); and another at the Ripley hawkwatch, Chautauqua, NY 18 Apr (tLD) provided the 2nd documented record for the state’s Niagara Frontier Region. But certainly the most surprising raptor report of the season was of a Ferruginous Hawk 1 1 Apr also at the Ripley hawkwatch (fLD, t William Dietz, fTom Simmons, Jack Sherwood). Seen in direct comparison with Red-tailed Hawk and Turkey Vulture with descriptions from three observers, if accepted this v«ll become the first confirmed record for New York and the Region as well. The only report of Yellow Rail came from an old if restricted hotspot. Old Landing at Bombay Hook 19 May (JL). Black Rails were reported calling at Bombay Hook 30 Apr (JL), at Jakes Landing, Cumberland, NJ 4-1 1 May (4 birds; m. ob.), and at Port Mahon, Kent, DE 16 May (MG). With over 50 reported, all but 10 from nw. New York, Sandhill Cranes contin- ued their recent trend in spring migration. Of particular interest was a pair seen regularly commuting to and from Ft. Dix, Ocean, NJ in late May (Fred Virrazzi) and suspected of breeding. Farthest afield was one migrating past the Cape Henlopen hawkwatch 13 Apr (fide Bruce Lantz). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS Forty-five Piping Plovers at Pike’s Beach, Suffolk, NY 7 Apr (Paul Gillen) was a very encouraging count, and one well inland at Conejehola Flats, Lancaster, PA 31 May (Bob Schutsky) was a surprise. Black-necked Stilts in Delaware raised no eyebrows. But in New York 2 at Oceanside, Nassau 11-25 May (Marina Nature Study Area personnel) and one at Freeport, Nassau 12-27 May (AnW et al.), and in New Jersey one at the PSE&G impound- ments at Bivalve, Cumberland, 6 May (MF), 2 at S.C.M.M. 21 May (TP), and 3 at Brigantine 30 May were more unusual. Brigantine hosted a Eurasian Whimbrel 2-7 May (John Danzenbaker) among over 100 of the North American race. Outstanding were 3 Curlew Sandpipers. Two of them (assuming all the Delaware reports were of the same 2) moved between three Kent, DE locations; both were seen at Little Creek W. A. 16 May (MG, BGP), one of them 24 May (AE) at Woodland Beach W. A. and both on 25 May (Frank Rohrbacher), and one of them at Bombay Hook 28 May (fide Andy Urquhart). The other was at Brigantine 18-21 May (Mike Gochfeld, m. ob.). A badly misplaced Stilt Sandpiper, very rare in spring in Pennsylvania, appeared at Falls Twp., Bucks 20-25 May (DF). Five to 6 This South Polar Skua, photographed 1 9 May 2002 at the Hudson Canyon, was one of four seen that day, which ties the highest Regional total. Photograph by Rick Wiltraut Ruffs, all in Delaware, made a good count for the season. Delaware typically hosts more of this species than any of the other three states in the Region. A Wilson’s Phalarope visited Falls Twp., PA 1 1 May (DF) for the 2nd consecutive spring, the 6th Bucks record. Two males and a female were at Chazy R. Clinton, NY 29 May (BK, CM), where the species nested or attempted to nest each year from 1993 to 1997. Four South Polar Skuas on the 19 May pelagic trip to Hudson Canyon (FONT) delighted observers, tying the highest Regional total at least since the 1970s. The 27 May pelag- ic trip to Hudson Canyon (FONT) encoun- tered all three species of jaeger. A Pomarine Jaeger at Ft. Niagara S.P., Niagara, NY 30 Mar (WD’A) provided a first spring record for the state’s Niagara Frontier Region. Spring jaegers are very rare here (MM). A Laughing Gull at Liverpool, Onondaga, NY 17 May (f David Wheeler) and a Franklin’s Gull at nearby Syracuse 18 May (fMatt Young) were 5th spring records for both species for the Oneida Lake Basin. An ad. Thayer’s Gull at Wilmington, DE 11 (MG) & 23 Mar (fMatt Sharp) was only the 3rd or 4th for the state. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 289 A Sabine’s Gull photographed at Sandy Hook, New Jersey 22 May 2002 was present intermittently 9- 27 May. This bird constituted the twelfth state record but only the third in spring. Photograph by Rick Wiltraut and a first-winter individual was reported at Peace Valley Park, Bucks, PA 3 Mar (DF). A well documented and photographed Sabine’s Gull at Sandy Hook 9, 18-24, 8( 27 May (Tom Grunenfelder, TB et al.) is New Jersey’s 12th. Single Roseate Terns were reported at Sandy Hook 25-26 May (George Nixon et al.), where they are rare, and at Cape Henlopen 30 May (MG), where they are occasional. Very unusual was a report of 2 Arctic Terns at Hamlin Beach 5 May (fWS, tMike Davids, details to the New York State Avian Records Committee). There are only a very few inland records of Arctic Tern in the entire Region. A single Dovekie in a small creek near Shinnecock Inlet, Sujfolk, NY 3 Mar (TWB, vt. AG) was the only one reported. Two Razorbills lingering at Montauk Pt. S.R, Sujfolk, NY 10 Mar (AB) were unsurprising, but more unusu- al were 2 reported at Sandy Hook 27 Mar (DW, BD), perhaps returning from the major winter concentration of the species off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS A small colony of 4-5 Eurasian Collared-Doves continues at Selbyville, Sussex, DE (v. o.). Last winter’s White-winged Dove at Cape May remained in the area until 1 May (m. ob.). With nearly 50 reported in the Region and at least three nesting pairs in New Jersey, Northern Saw-whet Owls exceeded their strong showing of last year. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds too were well represented. High counts included 17 at feeders in Hague, Warren, NY 29 May (Ruth Lamb), and 20 at tbe Derby Hill hawkwatch, Oswego, NY 30 May. And 35 were banded with 28 more returns in May at Jenny L., Saratoga, NY (Robert Yunick), both new records at the loca- tion. Red-headed Woodpeckers continued their spectacular showing of last winter, with more than 70 reported, most in New York and New Jersey, and nesting pairs at several new locations. Eerd’s Bog, Harnilton, NY produced a Three-toed Woodpecker 20 May (CL) and a Black-backed Woodpecker 4 (William Lenhart) 8< 20 May (CL). Even at this location, one of the best in the Region for both species, the Three-toed Woodpecker is rare, while the Black-backed is uncommon. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS The winter season’s Dusky Flycatcher at Cedar Swamp W. A., New Castle, DE was last seen 10 Mar (MG) but reported calling 30 Mar (BGP). An elusive, imm. male Vermilion Flycatcher at Stone Harbor, Cape May, NJ 13-15 May (vt. MF et al.) provided the state with its first record, and the Region with its 3rd. This indi- vidual could be a migratory overshoot either from sw. U.S.A. or from farther south. Reports of nearly 20 Philadelphia Vireos were almost unprecedented away from w. and n. New York, where they are more regular if not common. A single observer noted 5, possibly with some duplication, at Sandy Hook 13-27 May (TB) and photographed 2 of them. Normally fewer than a half-dozen spring migrants can be expected of this species in the se. portion of the Region, where it is rare at this season. Common Ravens continue to increase in nw. New Jersey highlands, but most unusu- al was one at Sandy Hook 8 Apr, seen regularly through the end of the month and sporadical- ly through May (DW, Pete Both). This was Sandy Hook’s 2nd spring raven and one of only a handful of modern records from the New Jersey coast; there are no U. S. coastal records south of Sandy Hook from the past 70 years or so. Of nearly 40 reports of Gray-cheeked and Bicknell’s Thrushes, a few with details, 30 were reported as Gray-cheeked, 3 as Bicknell’s, and 6 as Gray-cheeked/Bicknell’s. The identification of these two species is more complicated than most people realize, and good details, includ- ing description or recording of full song, are essential to determining their spring statuses. A Varied Thrush at Greenwich, Washington, NY 25 Mar {fide Barbara Putnam) was proba- bly one that had wintered farther south. Recently, there have been one or more records in tbe Region each year, most in winter. Bohemian Waxwings from the past winter’s irruption in upstate New York held over in lesser numbers with 250 at Frankfort, Herkimer, until 15 Mar (Brenda Best) and sev- eral flocks ranging from 20 to 80 in the Oneida Lake Basin and Adirondack-Champlain region. A flock of 50 at Plattsburgh, Clinton, NY on 14-15 May (CM), with the last nearby on 18 May (Rick Mickelson), extended the pre- vious New York late date by a full month. Curiously, reports of Brewster’s Warbler, when taken together with those of Lawrence’s Warbler (8 each), approached the total for Golden-winged Warbler, one of the parent species of these hybrid types. Are observers just more interested in the hybrids, or is Golden- winged Warbler in that much trouble? Tennessee Warblers, though still reported in small numbers, improved slightly for the sec- ond consecutive year. Cape May Warbler num- bers once again remained low. A male Black- throated Gray Warbler was banded and pho- tographed at the Kaiser-Manitou banding sta- tion, Monroe, NY 30 Apr (Braddock Bay Bird Observatory) for the first record in the state’s Genesee Region. New York has about 10 previ- ous records. Two Townsend’s Warblers were reported also in New York, an imm. female at Braddock Bay, Monroe 13 Apr (fB. Ewald) and an ad. male at Massapequa, Sujfolk 14 Apr (Pat Jones) that remained for several days. New York has fewer than 10 accepted records of this species, most of them in spring. The Yellow- throated Warbler that wintered at Wissler Run Pk., Lancaster, PA remained until 7 Mar (DH). In the se. end of the Region, Prothonotary Warblers made their best showing in years with more than 30 reported, about half. 290 North American Birds Hudson-Delaware including several reports of nesting, from n. New Jersey and New York, n. of normal breed- ing areas. A Swainson’s Warbler near Jake’s Landing, Cape May, NJ 1-25 May (Karen Johnson, PS, m. ob.) was the state’s 11th. Of the 10 previous state records, all but two have been in spring, and one individual remained for more than nine weeks. Mourning Warblers were well represented, with about 40 reported. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Reports of 6 Clay-colored Sparrows were bet- ter than average, with 2 in the Cape May area, one of them a holdover from the winter sea- son, one on Long L, 2 in New York’s Hudson- Delaware region, and one in the Oneida L. Basin, NY. Both of last winter’s Lark Sparrows remained into Mar, the one at Benjamin Rush S.P. in Phildelphia leaving early in the month, and the one at Cape May Court House remain- ing until 18 Mar. Very rare in spring, another was at Sandy Hook 8 May (DW, SB). There are fewer than 10 spring records in New Jersey. Henslow’s Sparrows, nowhere recently com- mon in the Region, were almost nonexistent. Single individuals in Seneca Falls, Seneca, NY 27 Apr (Gary Chapin, DS) and in Geneseo, Livingston, NY 19 May (Tom Hampson, Jim Meade, John Olson) provided the only reports. In their W. Nicholson, Luzerne, PA redoubt of recent years, none were present. Reid scoured suitable habitat in ne. PA all season with no success. Fox Sparrows were very much in evi- dence; the highest count was 74 at State Game Land 1 10, on the Kittatinny Ridge, Berks, PA 17 Mar (Tom Clauser, Kerry Grimm). Four Oregon Juncos was an above-average number, with 3 in New York, and one in Pennsylvania, all with at least some documentation. An imm. male Painted Bunting at Greece, Monroe, NY 11-15 May (Chris Gates, ph. DS) was the first record for the state’s Genesee Region. Another Painted Bunting was pho- tographed at Sandy Hook 21 May (TB). New York has about 30 previous records and New Jersey 20. Typically rare in spring in the se. cor- ner of the Region, 8 Dickcissels made a strong showing. Three were at S.C.M.M. 8 May (Richard Crossley), one at Cape May 10-11 May (Michael O’Brien, Louise Zemaitis), one at W. Cape May, NJ 20-24 May (m. ob.), one near Prime Hook N.W.R. Sussex, DE 27 May (BGP, MG), and 2 near Harrington, Sussex, DE 27 May (MG). Two Yellow-headed Blackbirds were the only ones reported, one at Bashakill Marsh, Sullivan, NY 10 Mar (Renee Davis, Lois Head), and one near Odessa, New Castle, DE 30 Mar (Alison Ellicott) and 5 Apr (Eric Braun). The only Brewer’s Blackbirds, all at Hamlin, Monroe, NY, were a male 8 Apr (fSteve Taylor, fRS, m. ob.) and possibly the same male with a female 14-17 Apr (tKG, m. ob.). This site has hosted Brewer’s Blackbirds nearly annually for two decades. A flock of 60 Pine Grosbeaks remained from last winter’s upstate New York invasion until 2 Mar at Frankfort, Herkimer, NY (David Neveau), with small numbers at several other locations. And one individual was reported at Penfield, Monroe, NY 21 May (Fred Beltz), which could be a new record late date. Even after a fairly poor winter for them, small numbers of Red Crossbills were widely scattered, with several reports from the New Jersey pine barrens. In particular, a pair was seen nest building in Wharton S.E, Burlington, NJ 5 May (Tom Bailey), but the nest was later abandoned. Small numbers of White-winged Crossbills were also widely scattered, though some were definitely holdovers at sites where they had wintered, and a pair with fledged young in Clinton, NY (BK, CM, Charles Mitchell, Jr.) provided the first confirmed breeding record for the county. Following last winter’s large numbers in upstate New York, many Common Redpolls remained into the season. The high count was 500 in Florida, Montgomery, NY 21 Mar (Tom Palmer), with five other reports in double or triple figures, and some individuals lingering into Apr. Seven accompanying Hoary Redpolls were reported, all but one from the Adirondacks. The high count of Pine Siskins was 100 at Hamlin Beach 29 Mar (WS), with scattered additional reports mostly of small numbers. The picture was similar for Evening Grosbeaks. The peak count was 150 at Georgetown, Madison, NY, with eight reports in double fig- ures and many of smaller numbers, most of them in New York. Contributors (subregional compilers in bold- face): Deborah Allen (Central Park, New York City), Andy Baldelli, Scott Barnes (North Coast Region, NJ: Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, P.O. Box 553, Ft. Hancock, NJ 07732), Chris Bennett (Sussex, DE: Cape Henlopen S.P., 42 Cape Henlopen Dr., DE 19958), Michael Bochnik (Hudson-Delaware, NY; 86 Empire St., Yonkers, NY 10704), Tom Boyle, P. A. Buckley, Thomas W. Burke (New York Rare Bird Alert), Willie D’Anna, Ward W. Dasey (WD) (Lower Delaware Valley, NJ: 29 Ark Road, Medford, NJ 08055, Len DeFrancisco, Bob Diebold, A. P. Ednie (New Castle and Kent, DE: 59 Lawson Ave., Claymont, DE 19703), Vince Elia (South Coast and Delaware Bay Region, NJ: CMBO R8cE Center, 600 Rt 47 North, Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08120), Devich Farbotnik, Focus on Nature Tours (FONT), Mike Fritz, Jane Denker Graves (JDG) (Hudson-Mohawk Region, NY: 133 York Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), Kevin Griffith (Genesee Region, NY: 61 Grandview Lane, Rochester, NY 14612), Mary Gustafson, Andy Guthrie, Armas HiU (Philadelphia Birdline), Deuane Hoffman (Eastern Susquehanna Valley, PA: 3406 Montour St. Harrisburg, PA 17111), Rudy Keller (RKe) (Baird Ornithological Club), Arlene Koch (Lehigh Valley, PA: 1375 Raubsviile, Road, Easton, PA), Bill Krueger, Robert J. Kurtz (RJK), Gary Lee, Jim Lenhard, Bob Long (St. Lawrence Region, NY: 2807 Citation Dr., Pompey, NY 13138), Hugh McGuinness (Eastern Long Island, NY: P.O. Box 3005, Southampton, NY 11969), August Mirabella (Bucks & e. Montgomery, PA), Charles Mitchell, Shai Mitra, Mike Morgante (Niagara Frontier Region, NY: 16 Lakeside Crescent, Lancaster, NY 14086), Bill Ostrander (Finger Lakes Region, NY: 80 Westmont Ave., Elmira, NY 14904), Tom Parsons, Ed Patten (Northwestern Region, NJ: 9 Cornfield Terrace, Flemington, NJ 08822), Bruce Peterjohn (BGP), John M= C. Peterson (Adirondack-Champlain Region, NY: Discovery Farm, RR 1, Box 230, Elizabethtown, NY 12932), Bill Purcell (Oneida Lake Basin, NY: 281 Baum Road, Hastings, NY 13076), Rick Radis (Piedmont Region, NJ: 69 Ogden Ave., Rockaway, NJ 07866), Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club, William Reid (ne. Pennsylvania: 73 W. Ross St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702), Tom Salo (Susquehanna Region, NY: 5145 State Highway 51, W. Burlington, NY 13482), Sy Schiff (Long Island, NY: 603 Mead Terrace, S. Hempstead, NY 11550), Dominic Sherony, Robert Spahn (Genesee Ornithological Society), Pat Sutton (Cape May Bird Observatory), William Symonds, Dan Williams, Angus Wilson (AnW), Alvin Wollin (Long Island, NY: 4 Meadow Lane, Rockville Center, NY 1 1570). Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 291 Middle Atlantic Coast Baitmor? Patuxent ^ Washington D.( Alexandria* * Lookout VIRGINIA ATLANTIC OCEAN • Richmond ♦Lynchburg y^CapeChades /^PsheimanL 'Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunrtel Virginia Beach Norfolk Marshall J. Iliff 901 Crystal Spring Farm Road Annapolis, Maryland 21403 (miliff@aol.com) This spring seemed early again, with a num- ber of arrivals noted on the early side across the board but very few birds exceeding previous record-early dates. Generally, the Region received near-average or below-aver- age rainfall early in the spring, with drier con- ditions returning in the final week of the peri- od; Virginia’s Coastal Plain was still in “extreme drought” on the Palmer Drought Severity Index in early summer. Several notable May phenomena made for an interest- ing migration: an incursion of more westerly migrants into the Region in mid-May (start- ing about 10 May) and a small-scale fallout of waterbirds in the interior on 18 May. Rarities to watch for in the text below include the first Regional nesting attempt by V^estern Kingbird, Maryland’s third Pacific Loon, Virginia’s fifth White-faced Ibis, Maryland’s first Eurasian Collared-Dove, a Painted Bunting, and by far the most exciting, a Bullock’s Oriole in Virginia, the first well-doc- umented Regional record. Thanks to Todd M. Day for assistance in compiling the Virginia reports for this season. Abbreviations: Assat. (Assateague Island, Worcester, MD); Bay (Chesapeake Bay); C.B.B.T. (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, s. of Northampton, VA); Chine. (Chincoteague N.W.R., Accomack, VA); D.C. (District of Columbia); Dulles Wetlands (Dulles Greenways Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun,NA)-, E.S.V.N.W.R. (Eastern Shore of Virginia N.W.R., Northampton, VA); p. a. (pending acceptance by state records commit- tee); Middle Bay (Chesapeake Bay, MD, from Virginia line to Bay Bridge); P.L.S.P. (Point Lookout S.P., Saint Mary's, MD); U.M.C.F. (University of Maryland Central Farm, Howard, MD). All locations can be assumed to be in Maryland except that each Virginia loca- tion is mentioned the first time it is mentioned in the text. LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL A 20 Mar Red-throated Loon was rare for Jug Bay, Anne Arundel (DBy). A first-summer Pacific Loon at Seneca Creek S.P. discovered by Powell 29 May-i- (p. a. DP, ph., vt.; m. oh.) lingered with a few Common Loons well into summer for the 3rd well-documented Maryland record and a first for Montgomery. Interestingly, last year’s bird, seen 15-25 May 2001 at Ocean City, and the lone D.C. record, seen 25 May — 11 Jun 1998, match this bird’s late-spring appearance, long after the peak loon migration, which occurs primarily in Apr in our Region. Most of Virginia’s half-dozen or so records have been from the (perhaps) more expected Nov — Jan period. An Eared Grebe at Haines Pt. 15 Apr (PP, DCz, V. o.) corresponded to normal timing for the species and was about the 5th for D.C. Another Eared Grebe was record-late at the Poplar 1. Dredge Spoil Impoundments 22 May (MJI et al.) and also provided a first Talbot record. This was a poor spring for Red-necked Grebes, with the only reports being 3 at Bushwood Wharf, Saint Mary’s 2 Mar (JLS) and one at North Beach, Calvert 19 Mar (JLS). The period’s only Sooty Shearwaters reported were 5 just off Metompkin L, VA 29 May (ESB), during a period of easterly winds. This was a very good spring for finding Northern Gannets in the Bay, and reports were widespread s. of the Bay Bridge during the typ- ical peak of mid-Mar to mid-Apr. The 250 gannets counted 21 Mar (JLS) made an espe- cially high count, possibly a record for the Maryland section of the Bay. Brown Pelicans remain prominent in the s. section of the Middle Bay, including regular sightings now in southern Wicomico. The 96, including 9 ads., counted at Bodkin I., Queen Anne’s 24 May suggests possible nesting there (WE et al.). The reliable location for Anhinga in Virginia has always been Stumpy L. Golf Course in Virginia Beach, and reports there this spring began 8 Apr (DCl), with counts of up to 7 soaring there in view at one time 7 May (4 male, 3 female; DCl). A more recent discovery has been that small numbers of Anhingas probably also breed along some of the rivers in extreme s. Virginia, in particular the Meherrin. Singles were seen at two locations in that area 27 May: one at Taylor Millpond, Greensville, VA and one flying across the Blackwater R. from Southampton to Isle of Wight (CMS, TMD, MJI). Another was at Curies Neck Farm 27 Apr (CMS). A Least Bittern at Airlie Res., Fauquier 8 May (TMD) was at a Piedmont location where summering (and presumed breeding) occurred last year for the first time. Rare for D.C., and especially so in spring, a Tricolored Heron seen at the mouth of the Ancostia R. 18 May (RH, OJ, PP) may have been related a the small Common Tern fallout the same day — likewise for the Little Blue Heron at Dulles Wetlands, Loudoun, VA 18 May (JL), a rare 292 North American Birds Middle Atlantic Coast (and late) spring Piedmont appearance. A 2 Mar Cattle Egret on Kent I., Queen Anne’s was record-early for Maryland (S. Crabtree), while one at Fulton 23 May was rare inland in Howard (HH). A Yellow-crowned Night- Heron in Lynchburg, VA 20 May (Rexanne Bruno) was locally rare. Probably the same individual as last year (and possibly earlier years), an ad. White-faced Ibis was well-doc- umented again at Chine., where it was first found 19 May (ph., fTMD, H. Merker). It lin- gered at least through 5 Jun (J. Hugus). If all reports are considered separately, Virginia now has five reports, all from that location. The 1 1 White Ibis at Back Bay N.W.R., VA 28 Apr (TMD, S. Heath) were probably north- bound migrants. Two Brant at Hooper’s I., Dorchester 3 May (HTA) were the first seen there in early May since 1971 — perhaps a sign of recovery of sub- merged aquatic grasses in the area, one might hope. Wintering Eurasian Wigeon remained through 11 Mar in Fauquier,'VA 21 Mar (DCl), at Stumpy L. 23 Mar (K. Beatty), and 30 Mar in Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s (Steve Sanford, Pete Webb). A female Eurasian Wigeon made an appearance at Maple Dell Farm, Howard 3 Mar (JLS, MH). Jetty ducks at the C.B.B.T. included a hen King Eider 13-15 Apr (ESB, V. o.), 2 Common Eiders 3-17 Mar (CB, V. o.), and a few Harlequin Ducks, includ- ing one that lingered late to 4 May (SE). Two Harlequin Ducks were at P.L.S.P. 22 Apr (PC), where they have been found annually with the good recent coverage it has received. A Surf Scoter at Violette’s Lock, Montgomery 3 Apr (DCz) was unusual inland. David Gorsline has been closely monitoring breeding Wood Ducks at Huntley Meadows, Fairfax, VA and reports three Hooded Merganser clutches in the nest boxes there this year, with 22 of 39 eggs hatch- ing. Another Hooded Merganser female with 5 ducklings seen in Howard 1 May ( JS) may have been only the 4th breeding confirmation in the county. HAWKS THROUGH SKliVlIVlERS Ricciardi reports that Ft. Smallwood S.P., Anne Arundel had a good year, with 10,268 raptors led by the 2908 Sharp-shinned Hawks, both the highest totals in three years. One of the better flights occurred on 19 Apr, when 504 hawks included a record 14 species, highlight- ed by a Northern Goshawk and a state-early ad. Mississippi Kite, a record by nine days. The best single day, 23 Apr, had 335 Sharp- shinneds and 334 Broad-wingeds contribut- ing to the total of 935 raptors. Mississippi Kites continued their steady spring parade with 16+ reports this season. The first Huntley Meadows returnee was noted 13 May (E. Aaron), and Ft. Smallwood tallied single ads. 15 & 17 May, in addition to the one mentioned above. One at P.L.S.P. 22 Apr (M. Cribb) would have been record-early bird for Maryland but for the earlier Ft. Smallwood bird. Southern Northampton, VA again collect- ed Mississippi Kites in May, as Cape May has been doing for two decades, with at least 4 sighted 1 1 May through 2 Jun (CB). The pauci- ty of prior reports of the species from the area was almost certainly due to the dearth of observers here in previous springs. Six in s. Virginia counties of Greensville (3), Southampton (2), and Brunswick (one) 27 May (CMS, TMD, MJI) illustrate that the species is an uncommon but fairly widespread probable breeder along the watercourses in extreme s. Virginia. A Swallow-tailed Kite was seen at Gloucester Pt., Gloucester, VA near the base of the York R. bridge 15 May, the only report of the season (tJW); the species is almost annual in the Region, with most records from spring. Harry Armistead has conducted 70 spring bird counts now in s. Dorchester on the first and 2nd weekends of May. It is more than curi- ous that a single female Cooper’s Hawk seen on that count 3 May (HTA) was only the 2nd ever in his 70 starts. Are they that scarce as a breeder in this area, while they are found more routinely in other parts of the Maryland Eastern Shore? A Golden Eagle over Bel Air, Harford 4 Apr (EB) was an unusual spring record. Gregory Inskip keeps close tabs on the wintering Golden Eagles at Blackwater N.W.R., Dorchester, where this winter he found at least 5 individuals {fide HTA). A Merlin in Northampton 21 May (CB) was quite late, pos- sibly related to an even later sighting in the area in Jun. One Sandhill Crane, a species now almost regular in spring in Virginia, was observed in Hanover, near Richmond 28 Apr, a typical date for northbound migrants in the East (JW, HW). A Common Moorhen 4 May was rare for Harford (JLS, EBo, EB, BM). Soras may have nested at U.M.C.F., as one to 2 were present 14 Apr — 1 Jun (BO, v. o.). Representing a first for Harford and the 2nd earliest for Maryland (record date was one in Howard 15 Mar 1987), 4 American Avocets seen flying past Lapidum 30 Mar (MH, JLS) actually landed on the waters of the Susquehanna R. and remained several hours to await the arrival of other observers and allow photographic documenta- tion (ph. MJI). A lone avocet at Hart 25 May (DBy) was the only report there this spring. A record count for Worcester, 11 Black-necked Stilts flew in for a brief investigation of the marshes at Truitt’s Landing Rd. 25 May (P. O’Brien). A Marbled Godwit at Truitt’s Landing Rd. was unusual in spring for Worcester 11 Apr (L. Wiegant), and one at Hart 18 May was noteworthy as well (EJS et al.). Brennan kept close tabs on the wintering flock at Willis Wharf, Accomack, VA, which as usual numbered about 220 and dwindled to the last couple of birds by 1 5 May. A Piping Plover at Hart 25 May (p.a. tMJI, EJS et al.) was about the 7th record there and 1 2th for the Maryland portion of the Bay. An American Golden-Plover was found among a Black-bellied Plover flock off Steele’s Neck Rd., Dorchester 22 May (M. O’Brien et al.). An ^ II An unusually strong cold front (for so late in the season) pressed through the Region ^r\on the night of 17-18 May, bringing with it rainy conditions and a 20-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature and precipitating a small fallout on 18 May. Had more observers braved the rains and sought waterbirds on this day at inland locations, there would surely have been more interesting reports. The fallout was most evident in an unprecedented movement of Common Terns along the Potomac in D.C., where they are rare and not annu- al in spring. Some 40 Common Terns were counted passing up the Potomac R. from Haines Pt. over a period of a few hours 18 May (RH, OJ, PP). Two odd herons on that date in the D.C. area may have been related to this fallout as well. Just outside our Region, Garrett, MD, yield- ed a very rare Whimbrel 17 May (DCz) and a Little Blue Heron 19 May (MJI), as well as Common Tern in nearby Allegany 17 May (DCz) and Black Terns at several locations. Probably a Regional record-high count for any inland location, the 60 Short-billed Dowitchers at Dulles Wetlands 18 May (JL) were an obvious sign of fallout, as were 3 Dunlin at U.M.C.F. 19 May (BO, EH). Temperatures after the passage of this front remained in the 40- to 50-degree range for about five days, and some areas in the Appalachians even got a dusting of snow. The pre- sumed impact of this cold spell on insect life was most visible in the extremely low numbers of butterflies noted throughout the Region, which persisted through midsummer; the per- sistent drought no doubt also contributed to an overall reduction in insect abudance, espe- cially in the Coastal Plain. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 293 Upland Sandpiper 24 May at Walnut Tree Rd., Kent ( JLS) would be very late for a migrant and raises the interesting question of whether this species could nest at undiscovered Eastern Shore locations; this species was recently found nesting at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The only known Piedmont nesting area for Upland Sandpipers is Remington, Fauquier,'Vh, where Day noted copulating Uplands in May; this species used to be a widespread if not com- mon breeder in Piedmont fields. The increased nest-finding effort with onset of the Maryland Atlas can take credit for the discovery of three Spotted Sandpiper nests this spring: singles with 4 eggs at Hart 18 (EJS et al.) & 25 May (MJI, EJS), and one with three eggs at Alpha Ridge Park 24 May (ph. R. Cullison), a first for Howard. Interestingly, although Spotted Sandpiper has long been known as a rare and local but regular breeder in the state, there have only been about 40 nests found, 35 of them prior to 1958. None were located during Maryland’s last atlas project (1982-1987), and most previous nests were located in the 1940s, when R.W. Jackson, an eminent egg collector, made intensive efforts to locate nests of this species on his farm near Cambridge, Dorchester. An alternate-plumaged Curlew Sandpiper was very well described from Chine. 25 May by a visiting birder from Germany (Balduin Fischer). Notable shorebird observations included 19 Black-beUied Plovers at Havre de Grace 4 May (JLS, EB) and 87 in a Kent field 18 May (WE), a basic-plumaged Long-billed Dowitcher at Deal 20 Apr (JLS), 2022 Short-billed Dowitchers 25 Apr at Oyster, Northampton, VA (CB), 2 Stilt Sandpipers at the Lower Hooper’s Island bridge, Dorchester 3 May (HTA), and 3300 Dunlin at Hart 18 May (EJS et al.). Eleven Sanderlings flying low over Kerr Res. 27 May (TMD, MJI) were a surprise inland. Noteworthy Whimbrels were in Northampton, an early sin- gle on 2 Apr (CB), and on Assat., 9 on 19 Apr (JLS), fairly early for Maryland. Two Whimbrel flocks totalling 121 over Rigby’s Folly, Talbot 26 May (HTA) were evidence of their late May withdrawal from coastal staging areas, which is only occasionally intercepted by birders. Two Whimbrels and an American Oystercatcher were noteworthy shorebirds from a brief survey of the Poplar 1. impoundments 24 May (WE). A Red-necked Phalarope at Chesapeake Farms 22 May (WE) was a rare find for Kent, one with a Wilson’s Phalarope at Hart 25 May (EJS et al.) was at a more expected location. Singles of both Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers were seen at the C.B.B.T. 28 Apr (B. A. Carl et al.). Far more unusual, a carefully stud- ied Pomarine Jaeger at Kerr Res., Mecklenburg, VA 27 May (tMJI, TMD) — a subad. bird — was probably only the 3rd Regional record away from the Tidewater. Two of the previous records are from Jul (Potomac R., Montgomery, and Beaverdam Res., Loudoun, VA) and one from Sep (Kerr Res. 6 Sep 1996). Virginia has only one other interior record, from Claytor L., 3-9 Oct 1975. Pomarine is the most likely jaeger to be detected inland, especially in late spring and mid-summer (cf. N. A. B. 55: 398- 405). Hart-Miller 1. is always exceptional for lin- gering, odd, out-of-season gulls; nine species were reported there this spring, the highlights being 2 first-summer Iceland and one third- summer Thayer’s Gull, along with a typical total of 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 18 May (EJS et al.) and a first-summer Little Gull 25 May (MJI, MH, JLS et al.). In s. Virginia, an ad. Iceland Gull was on the C.B.B.T. 17 Mar (CB), while a first-year Glaucous Gull was late at Oyster 18 May (CB). Still among a handful of county records, an ad. Little Gull was noted at Lapidum, Harford/ Cecil 23 Mar (EB, BM). The standby Kelp Gull at Sandgates, Saint Mary’s continued through the season. Laughing Gulls were formerly regular in Montgomery only at the now-defunct Laytonsville Landfill (and before that, the Rockville Landfill) and then only in fall, so sightings this spring of singles on the Potomac R. at Seneca 29 Apr (TS) and Violette’s Lock 9 May (DCz) were noteworthy. Fishing at this location for the 4th straight year, 2 Least Terns were noted at the pond at the Greenbelt Metro Station, Prince George’s 5 May (J. L. Saba), though we still do not know if or where these birds are nesting. Two Black Skimmers at Rigby’s Folly, Talbot 26 May (HTA) were unusual in that part of the Bay and #262 for this former Regional Editor’s champion yard list. OWLS THROUGH KINGLETS Maryland finally recorded its first Eurasian Collared-Dove this spring, with one that visit- ed a Port Deposit, Cecil feeder mid-Apr-l- (p. a., ph., tB. Willmann). All surrounding East Coast states had their first records 3-5 years ago, but Maryland has lagged behind; several recent reports proved to refer to Ringed Turtle- Doves, although one such report unfortunate- ly made it into print in this column as a Eurasian (AT. A. B. 53: 41) and beyond (Romagosa, C.W. and T. McEneaney. 1999. Eurasian Collared-Dove in North America and the Caribbean. N. A. B. 53: 348-353). Photos of this year’s bird, and a description of the call, fully confirm its identity. In Northampton, VA, a pair of Eurasian Collared-Doves continued at Rte. 600 and Magotha Rd. through the season (where first found about a year ago), and on 7 May one was seen carrying nesting material (SE). On 1 Jun, a recently fledged bird was observed with the ads., for a first state nesting record (B. Taber). Virginia has records from just two additional locations thus far, nearby Cape Charles and the more distant Sterling. Thus, one seen 30 May in a Chesapeake, VA backyard would constitute a 4th state record (K. Kearney). The collared-dove advance along the East Coast remains remarkably slow, espe- cially when compared to the way in which it has stormed through the Midwest and along the Gulf Coast. The details of a 3 Apr Snowy Owl sighting from Chine, were not submitted (C. Swarth), but such a late date would not be a surprise, given the recent winter invasion that reached as far s. as Texas. Three Chuck-will’s-widows in Elk Neck State Forest 5 May (JLS, EBo) proba- bly represented a county high count for Cecil, where they are rare. An apparently lone Monk Parakeet built a nest a Red Clay Rd., Laurel, Anne Arundel, first noted at the beginning of Apr (fide ph. NS, v. o.). This species should be watched closely in the Region; some states have admitted it to the state list based on persistent and widespread nestings over several decades though whether such populations are truly established by A.B.A. standards is open to ^ II Although they are almost annual in wF%fall, Western Kingbird is much rarer in spring, with only about eight previous spring records for Maryland. A Western Kingbird at Ft. McHenry was thus note- worthy 7 May (JP). This unusual sighting became ever more interesting, however, as the bird lingered through 21 Jun and was seen carrying nesting material and sharing time sitting on a nest with an Eastern Kingbird 27 May. Unfortunately, the nest was destroyed by Fish Crows 29 May (JP). A renesting attempt was observed that same day, but subsequent observations of the Western Kingbird did not suggest much involvement with the nest, so we will never know if the pair actually bred. While there are several known examples of Western Kingbird x Scissor-tailed Flycatcher pairings, I am aware of only one Eastern x Western Kingbird pairing, which occurred in Isabella, Michigan, in Jun 1988. One of the 3 young hatched survived and was raised in captivity (A. B. 42: 1292; T. Leukering, pers. comm.). 294 North American Birds Middle Atlantic Coast debate. Alder Flycatchers are usually detected only a few times in migration, and less frequently in Virginia. Two Alders were singing at Warrenton, Fauquier,VA 10 May (C. Phillips), one there 17 May (TMD), and one in Loudoun 18 May (J. Drummond). Seemingly a better- than-average tally of Olive-sided Flycatchers was made this spring, especially throughout the Piedmont, where there were perhaps 8-12 reports, mostly clustered in mid-May. White-eyed Vireos are always back earliest in s. Virginia, where small numbers winter; one at E.S.V.N.W.R. 26 Mar (CB) was typical of a true return date. A Warbling Vireo feeding young at U.M.C.F. 13 May (BO, EH) was very early and provides an egg date far earlier than the Maryland record date of 24 May. Four Cliff Swallows at Schooihouse Pond, Prince George’s 26 Mar (JLS) were record early by a day. A Brown-headed Nuthatch at the Wildfowl Trust, Queen Anne’s 2 May (JR et al.) shows that a small population persists here right at the n. limit of their range in Maryland. A singing Sedge Wren at Eastern Neck N.W.R., Kent 19 May (WE) was presumably a migrant but in an unusual location. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Crystal Spring Farm, Annapolis, Anne Arundel 21 May (JLS) was somewhat late. Single Bicknell’s Thrushes were banded at E.S.V.N.W.R. 17 & 19 May (CB). Another BicknelFs was seen and heard among 6 Gray- cheekeds at Weyanoke Sanctuary, Norfolk, VA 19 May (TMD, ESB, Field Guides tour). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES A Swainson’s Warbler along Nassawango Cr. in Wicomico 20 Apr (JLS) was away from the species’s primary area in the state but in an area in which they have occurred previously. One at the Meherrin R. in extreme s. Southampton VA, 27 May (MJI, CMS, TMD) was in an area where they are essentially unknown. A Northern Parula in Northampton 3 Apr was very early, as was a 30 Mar Prairie Warbler there (CB). A Yellow-breasted Chat near Mockhorn I. W. M. A., Northampton, VA 1 1 Mar undoubtedly wintered locally (CB). Observing migration in the Wise Point, Northampton area on the s. tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, Brennan noted the following about Ovenbirds: “Range of dates 8 Apr to end of May. As is typical for this species here, there was an early push in mid-Apr followed by a later movement in mid-May.” If his observa- tion is accurate, could he be detecting birds from two populations; the more southerly- breeding nominate race and more northerly- breeding furviorl We have obtained essentially no migration information on this and other cryptic subspecies in the Region since regular collecting stopped in the middle 20th century. Summer Tanagers are quite rare in D.C., so one at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens 5 May (C. Turner) was a surprise. A female Painted Bunting apparently visited a Havre de Grace feeder 1 Mar — 8 Apr (ph., fide L. Eastman) providing a first for Harford, the 15th for Maryland, only the 2nd since 1995. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at an Ellicott City, Howard feeder tied the state arrival date of 8 Apr {fide BO), while an Indigo Bunting was also rather early in Northampton, VA 2 Apr (CB). Several Dickcissels were noted, including a flyover at E.S.V.N.W.R. 6 May (CB) and an odd one at U.M.C.F. 13 May (BO, EH). One of the highlights of the season was an ad. male Bullock’s Oriole that visited Phil Kenney’s feeders in Vienna, Fairfax, VA from 16 Mar through 6 Apr (p.a. P. Kenny, m. ob.. vt., ph.). Bona fide Bullock’s appear to be extremely unusual in the East, and this was a first for Virginia and a 2nd for the Region. The Region and the East Coast have many reports of this species, most of which are either undoc- umented or have since been shown to be pale Baltimore Orioles (cf. N. A. B. 52: 183). How refreshing it is to finally have one so unequivo- cal. An ad. male Yellow-headed Blackbird in Charlottesville, VA 14 May was rare for the far w. Piedmont (Kathy Covington). A Pine Siskin lingering in Parsonsburg, Wicomico to 20 May (ELP) was fairly late for the Coastal Plain, and small flocks (up to 15) remained in Cape Charles town through at least 15 May (ESB). About 900 American Goldfinches were esti- mated passing Ft. Smallwood for the season (SRi). Six Red Crossbills were at Manassas Battlefield, Prince William, VA 31 Mar (G. Koppel). Undocumented reports One particularly interesting report that was not included involved Buff-breasted Sandpiper, which is so rare in the East in spring that I find it hard to include in the absence of incontrovertible evidence. Observers (area compilers in boldface): Henry T. Armistead, Debbie Bennett {Caroline, P.O. Box 404, Denton, MD 21625), Eirik Blom (EB), Ed Boyd (EBo), Calvin Brennan, Edward S. Brinkley, Danny Bystrak (DBy), David Clark (DCl), Patty Craig {Saint Mary’s, P.O. Box 84, Lexington Park, MD 20653), Dave Czaplak (DCz), Todd M. Day, Stephen Eccles, Walter Ellison, Kurt Gaskill, Gary Graves, Matt Hafner, Rob Hilton, Hans Holbrook, Emy Holdridge, Ottavio Janni, Jon Little, Larry Lynch (VA-BIRD internet group), Bonnie Ott, Helen A. Patton {Montgomery, 429 Hamilton Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20901 ), Jim Peters, Paul Pisano, Elizabeth Pitney {Wicomico, 7218 Walston Switch Rd., Parsonsburg, MD 21849), Dave Powell, Jan Reese, Sue Ricciardi (SRi), Stephen C. Rottenborn, Norm Saunders (MDOsprey internet group), Lydia Schindler (Voice of the Naturalist), Eugene J. Scarpulla, Jo Solem {Howard, 10617 Graeloch Rd., Laurel, MD 20723), James L. Stasz, Tom Stock, C. Michael Stinson, Paula Sullivan, John S. Weske, Joyce Williams, Hayes Williams, Les Willis (Virginia Birdline). ^ A A displacement toward the Eastern Seaboard of westerly migrants was detected 10-15 WF^May, when winds blew largely from the west. Lincoln’s Sparrows were the most obvi- ous players in this movement, and the 20-1- reports in mid-May were well above the average of a typical year. Three singing birds at E.S.V.N.W.R. on 10 May (ESB) were the first indica- tion of a better-than-average passage, as the species is always more expected in the Piedmont and is especially unusual on the coast in spring. Numerous reports followed on 1 1 May from across the Region, aind during the following week. Wilson’s Warblers also seemed to be found in higher numbers during the period. An Orange-crowned Warbler was fairly well described from Seneca, Montgomery 16 May (TS) for one of Maryland’s later records. Other species possibly involved in the movement included Olive-sided Flycatchers (above-average num- bers, with a one on the barrier islands at Chine. 10 May; GG) and perhaps Philadelphia Vireos. On the coast, in addition to Lincoln’s Sparrows, small numbers of the locally uncom- mon White-crowned Sparrows turned up around 10 May, along with a vagrant Lark Bunting at Chine, the same day (Allan Lamer; GG), certainly the rarest of the weekend’s westerly waifs. It was aged as a first-spring male and joins a small handful of Regional records, which are split between the spring and fall. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 295 Southern Atlantic Coast Ricky Davis 608 Smallwood Drive Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 (RJDNC@aol.com) The spring migration through the Region was generally uneventful, with mostly fair weather keeping birds on the move. Temperatures were slightly above normal and precipitation continued below average, thereby adding to the drought conditions over much of the Region. This spring, gadfly petrels caused excitement off North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Georgia had its first White-faced Ibis, and landbird migrants once again disappointed observers in most of the Region. Abbreviations: B.R.C. (Bird Records Committee); C. Hatt. (Cape Hatteras, Dare, NC); E.L.H. (E. L. Huie Land Application Facility, Clayton, GA); H.B.S.R (Huntington Beach State Park, SC); K.Mt. (Kennesaw Mt. National Battlefield Park, GA); P.I. (Pea I. N.W.R., Dare, NC); S.S.S. (Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper, SC). LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL The best inland loon total was of 152 Commons in Hart, GA 13 Apr (EH). The most interesting grebe counts were 49 Horneds in Carroll, GA 4 Apr (EB) and 4 Eareds at the S.S.S. 1 Apr (SC). The usual round of pelagic trips out of North Carolina’s Outer Banks (BP et al.) were rather eventful, especially for the rare Pterodroma petrels. Seven trips found Herald Petrels, with the best count being 3 off Hatteras 26 May. Two Pea’s Petrels were off Hatteras 27 May, while singles were off Manteo 27 & 31 May. The much sought-after Bermuda Petrel was also found: 2 off Hatteras 27 May (BP et al.). This species has been recorded in these waters in seven out of the past nine years, with the first firm record coming in 1993. This is the first record of multiple birds anywhere away from Bermuda, and both birds (a worn ad. and a striking, freshly-plumaged juv.) were sitting together, in a flock of 3 Black-capped Petrels (ph. BP)! They represent the 13th and 14th Regional and state records. Shearwater and storm-petrel numbers this spring were about average, with some notable exceptions being 133 Sooty Shearwaters off Manteo 24 May, 66 Manx Shearwaters off Hatteras 9 Mar, and 40 Band-rumped Storm- Petrels off Hatteras 27 May. From shore, flights of shearwaters included a few dozen Sooty Shearwaters seen between Whalebone Jet. and Avon 20 May (ESB et al.), and reports from Whalebone of a few Cory’s and Manx the same day during strong onshore winds. Tropiebirds included a White-tailed and a Red- billed Tropiebird off Manteo 31 May (BP et al.). It is a definite red-letter day when both species are found on the same trip. At L. Mattamuskeet, NC, 18 American White Pelicans were found 9 Mar (AB), where the species had been present since late fall. At Florence Marina, along the river n. of Eufaula N.W.R., GA, an imm. Brown Pelican was seen 4 May (WC), continuing from the winter. Great Blue Herons continued to spread inland as nesters, with the biggest colony being one of 63 nests at Cub Creek, Jordan L., NC during the spring (AJ). Very rare in the Region were single Great White Herons at Kiawah I., SC 13 Mar (fideWP) and Gould’s Inlet, St. Simons I., GA 17 May (EB). Also very rare in spring, a Reddish Egret seen circling northward at Harker’s I., Carteret, NC 27 May was quite unusual (JF et al.). Somewhat overdue, an imm. White-faced Ibis found at Eufaula N.W.R., GA (WC, m. ob.) provided that state’s first documented record. Initially found 19 Mar, the bird was present until at least 20 Apr and was conveniently near several Glossy Ibis for comparison. The only Fulvous Whistling-Ducks reported involved an impressive flock of 40-1- in flight along 1-95, McIntosh, GA 12 Mar (WC). Only one Great White-fronted Goose was found, that being in s. Douglas, GA 7-9 Apr (CLo, JFl). Also in Georgia, an apparent Ross’s x Snow Goose hybrid caused some confusion at Sweetwater Creek S. R, Douglas 13-14 Mar (BD et al.). Ducks were relatively scarce, no surprise after the winter, which saw reduced numbers. Of interest, though, were a female Common Eider at Atlantic Beach, NC 8 Apr & 26 May (fide JF), a Surf Scoter inland at Plant Wansley, Carroll, GA 11 Mar & 4 Apr (EB), 4 Common Mergansers at Salem L., Forsyth, NC 23 Mar (RS et al), and an impressive inland count of 147 Red-breasted Mergansers at Roanoke Rapids L., NC 24 Mar (RD). KITES THROUGH TERNS A Swallow-tailed Kite at St. Simons I., GA 1 Mar (EB) provided a record-early arrival date for this species in that state. Interesting was a report of 2 Broad-winged Hawks at Alligator River N.W.R., NC in early Mar [fide JL), where one was found earlier in the winter on the Christmas Bird Count. In South Carolina, a Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk was a good find at Murphey I., Charleston 15 Mar (WP). This provided about the 4th report of this w. form for that state. The 2 wintering Rough-legged Hawks at Alligator River N.W.R. were last observed 19 Mar (JL). Very rare Golden Eagles included singles at Okefenokee Swamp, GA in early Mar {fide JH) and in Monroe, GA 11 May {fide TJ). Locally very rare and unusual was the Purple Gallinule found on the beach near Avon, NC in early May (EHa). The bird was rescued from attacking gulls and is recovering in rehab! Sandhill Crane reports included one found injured in a ditch near Rocky Mount, NC in early May (JV), a bird that later died; one near New Bern, NC for a couple of weeks in late Apr (WF, V. o.); and one at Riverbend Park, Catawba, NC 25 Mar (DM et al.). 296 North American Birds Southern Atlantic Coast The shorebird migration caused some excitement this spring. Rare inland in spring was the flock of 1 1 Willets at Jordan L., NC 5 May (PC et ah). The best Upland Sandpiper count reported was of 4 at the Cherry Hospital grounds, Wayne, NC 6 Apr (ED). Very rare were the 11 Whimbrels at Eufaula N.W.R., GA 28 Apr (WC), providing about the 5th inland record for that state. Also of note, a Eurasian Whimbrel was at C. Lookout, NC 27 May (JF et al.), the first state report in many years. Long-billed Curlews were found sparingly, with the best count being an impressive one-day total of 8 on Sapelo I., GA 15 Mar (EB et al.). Georgia had its first inland spring Marbled Godwit when one was in Bartow 5 May (BZ et al.). Another very rare shorebird was the Baird’s Sandpiper found in ne. Forsyth, GA 18 May ( JP, JC). There are close to 10 previous reports for the state during the spring migration. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was reported from the S.S.S. 13 Apr (SC), and if accepted by the S.C.B.R.C., it would be only the 2nd spring Buff-breasted for the state. Another female Ruff was at the S.S.S. 13 Apr (SC), the best location in the Region for this species. Much rarer was the female Ruff at the Ocean Isle, NC W.T.P. 4-5 May (TP et al.). Other note- worthy shorebird reports included 15 Western Sandpipers at the E.L.H. 1 1 May (fide CL), 14 Dunlin in Bartow, GA 4 May (BD), a Long-billed Dowitcher at the E.L.H. 5 May (JFl), a Wilson’s Phalarope in ne. Forsyth, GA 19 May (JFl et al.), and Red-necked Phalaropes on land at P.I. 8 8c 10 May (SM, CE). From one to 2 South Polar Skuas were found off North Carolina’s Outer Banks on at least five trips this spring. Much more unusual was one seen from shore at C. Hatt. 28 May (ftde BP), though the species was seen there among migrants in four years during the mid-1990s. The jaeger migration was one of the best in many years. Impressive counts included 78 Pomarines off Manteo, NC 24 May (BP et al.), 26 Parasitics from C. Hatt. 28 Apr (MS), and 4 Long-taileds off Manteo 24 May (BP et al.). Also of note were 10 Parasitics seen from shore at Jekyll I., GA 7 Mar (EB), and a Long-tailed off Murrell’s Inlet, SC 1 1 May (MH), a species rarely found in that state. An ad. Franklin’s Gull was found at Bald Head L, NC 14 Mar (GM). The bird, on the beach with several Lauging Gulls for compari- son, was the first for the state in several years. Very rare in the Region, Sabine’s Gull was reported twice. One was near shore at C. Hatt 20 May (fide JL), and one was seen well at C. Fear, Bald Head I., NC 31 May (SCo). The Black-legged Kittiwake that wintered on West Point L., GA was last seen 27 Mar (BL). Always noteworthy, single Roseate Terns were at C. Lookout, NC 5 May (MP et al.) and at C. Hatt. 28 May (ftde BP). An Arctic Tern was extreme- ly unusual onshore at Holden Beach, NC 28 May (SCo). The bird was an ad. seen at close range. Only 2 were reported from the late May pelagic trips this season. Very rare inland Least Terns included one at Phinizy Swamp, Augusta, GA 5 May (CZ) and 2 near Vidalia, Toombs, GA 19 May (JFl, EH). And tropical terns were very reduced in number, with only one Bridled off Manteo, NC 26 May (BP et al.) and one Sooty on the beach near Salvo, NC 1 1 May (KM). DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES White-winged Doves continue to be present, with one in Hinesville, Liberty, GA 24 8c 28 Mar (fide DC), in Pickens, SC 24 Apr (SP), and Decatur, GA 11 May (SMa); the Beaufort, NC bird was seen several times in May (JF, ESB et al.). Good Black-billed Cuckoo reports involved singles at Tucker, GA 29 Apr (JS, CL), in Morgan, GA 12 May (EB), and in the Croatan N. F., NC 25 May (JF). The last dates for some wintering hummingbirds included 21 Apr for the Winston-Salem, NC Calliope Hummingbird (CW), mid-Apr for the Gibsonville, NC Broad-taUed Hummingbird (SCa), and 18 Mar for the Columbus, GA Allen’s Hummingbird. Also another Black- chinned was banded near Lexington, SC in early Mar (BH). Only one Olive-sided Flycatcher was report- ed this spring, at S. Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve, Decatur, GA 26-28 Apr (JB, BD). Other rare flycatchers included an imm. male Vermilion Flycatcher at Athens, GA 23 Mar (GS, LH) and a Western Kingbird at Thomasville, GA 6 Mar (JD). An Ash-throated Flycatcher was seen and heard on the Charleston Naval Station, Berkeley, SC 1 Mar (DF et al.), providing about the 2nd report for that state. The Region’s two known Scissor- tailed Flycatcher nesting pairs returned for the 3rd year in a row, with the Monroe, NC birds returning 22 Apr (AO) and the McDonough, GA birds back as of 10 May (BZ). Noteworthy migrant vireos included a Warbling on Roanoke L, NC 8 May (JL) and a Philadelphia on the Winston-Salem, NC Spring Count 5 May (fide DD). Thrushes came through normally — that is, mostly unnoticed. Of the few that were seen this spring, a Gray- cheeked at K.Mt. 24 May (GB) provided a new late date for Georgia. There was one report from each state of Bicknell’s Thrush. In all cases, observers mentioned getting good looks at and hearing the song of these individuals; the latter is especially important. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES The warbler migration was considered to be rather poor in most areas, a common com- plaint in the past several years. Of interest were early Cape Mays in Camden, GA 23 Mar (MB) and Lansford Canal St. Pk., Chester, SC 28 Mar ( JBu). A Black-throated Blue at Surfside Beach, SC 3 Mar (JG et al.) was most certainly a win- tering individual, as was a Prairie at Simpsonville, SC 7-8 Mar (PW). Other early warblers of note were a Prothonotary at Jekyll I., GA 22 Mar (LT), a Swainson’s at Athens, GA 29 Mar (fide TM), a Louisiana Waterthrush in Ben Hill, GA 3 Mar (GB, TE), and a Hooded near Harleyville, SC 17 Mar (AS). Connecticut Warblers made a great showing, with one at Indian Springs S. R, GA 3 May (EB); 2 at S. Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve, GA 12-16 May (JS; JFl); 2 at Cochran Shoals, Atlanta, GA 16-20 May (PH; MD); one at Sweetwater Creek S. R, GA 25 May (JS), and one at the Savannah River Site, SC 15 May (PC). The rare Mourning Warbler was also found, with singles in Aiken, SC 7 May (PC) and at K.Mt. 23 May (TE et al.), the latter providing a first spring record for that locality. A Scarlet Tanager was quite early at Eufaula N.W.R., GA 25 Mar (EB et al.). The Green- tailed Towhee found at Southport, NC during the winter was last observed 24 Apr (GM). Noteworthy, especially in spring, a Clay-col- ored Sparrow was near Fishing Creek, Halifax, NC 3 Mar (RD). One Lark Sparrow was locat- ed, that being at H.B.S.P. in the first week of Apr (KB). Henslow’s Sparrow reports involved 2 at Ichauway Plantation, Baker, GA 15 Mar (MB), one near Hasty, Scotland, NC 9 Mar (JBe et al.), and one at the Congaree Swamp Nat. Mon., Richland, SC 13 Apr (TK et al.). Noteworthy spring Lincoln’s Sparrows includ- ed singles at the S.S.S. 13 Apr (SC), in DeKalb, GA 29 Apr (PH), and in Upson, GA 5 May (MBe). Dickcissels once again were found at several sites. In North Carolina, singles were at Anilorac Farm, Orange, 28 Apr (SPh) and in e. Franklin 23 May (RD). Of the eight-i- reports from Georgia, the best count was of 18 along Race Track Rd., Upson 11 May (EB). Excellent numbers of Bobolinks moved through Georgia this spring as evidenced by the counts of 1,000-t at Phinizy Swamp, Augusta (AW) and the 6,700-1- in one area of w. Monroe 5 May (JFl). Up to 6 Boat-tailed Grackles of the Gulf Coast subspecies were slightly to the n. of their normal range at Reed Bingham St. Pk., Colquitt, GA 17 Mar (JFl, EH). Of interest, a female was seen carrying nesting material there 27 Apr (MB et al.). A female Boat-tailed was also far inland in South Carolina at Santee N.W.R. 6 Apr (MT), considerably farther Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 297 upstream from known locations at L. Moultrie. Three Shiny Cowbirds were report- ed: one at the S.S.S. 1 Apr (SC), one at Jekyll I., GA 15 Apr (AL), and one photographed at a feeder in Early, GA 26 May, providing the first inland documentation of the species for the state {fide TJ). Finches continued their sparse presence in the Region from the winter with Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaks being reported just a handful of times. CORRiGEMDUM The hummingbird that wintered at Gibsonville, NC was named incorrectly. The bird, first found during the preceding fall Bill Pranty 705 Red River Court #21 Brandon, Florida 3351 1 (billpranty@hotmail.com) Sustained east winds for much of the season resulted in a dearth of migrants through- out the Region. Some comments received were: “the slowest migration I have ever expe- rienced” ... “migration was almost invisible” ... season, was North Carolina’s first Broad-tailed Hummingbird, not Broad-billed Hummingbird as printed in N.A.B. 56: 167. Contributors: Jeff Beane (JBe), Giff Beaton, Ken Behrens, Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm (MBe), Michael Bell, Brian Bockhahn, Edward S. Brinkley, Jerry Brunner, Allen Bryan, John Buckman (JBu), Steve Calver, Susan Campbell (SCa), Jack Carusos, Walt Chambers, Paul Champlin, Diana Churchill, Patrick Coin, Sam Cooper (SCo), Mark Davis, Ricky Davis, Eric Dean, Jack Dozier, Bruce Dralle, Tom Egan, Chris Eley, Jim Flynn (JFl), Dennis Forsythe, Wade Fuller, John Fussell, Joe Gyekis, Elizabeth Hanrahan (EHa), Bill Hilton, Jr., Joel Hitt, “the worst migration we have ever had” ... and “an almost birdless migration.” However, despite the weather — or perhaps because of it — the spring was excellent for Caribbean strays, with a Zenaida Dove, Key West Quail- Dove, four La Sagra’s Flycatchers, one Bananaquit, five Western Spindalises, and a Yellow-faced Grassquit. Two “first” successful breeding records added further interest to the season. Murray Honick, Earl Horn, Pierre Howard, Lisa Hurt, Terry Johnson, Alan Johnston, Tim Kalbach, Carol Lambert, Anna Layton, Jeff Lewis, Bill Lotz, Chris Loudermilk (CLo), S. P. MacCumhail (SMa), Sidney Maddock, Dwayne Martin, Greg Massey, Kristen Mazzarella, Terry Moore, Anne Olsen, John Padgett, Steve Patterson, Brian Patteson, Magnus Persmark, Shantanu Phukan (SPh), Taylor Piephoff, Will Post, Georgann Schmalz, Jeff Sewell, Ann Shahid, Mike Skakij, Ramona Snavely, Lydia Thompson, Mike Turner, John Vicker, Ann Waters, Charlie Williams, Pete Worthington, Bob Zaremba, Calvin Zippier. Abbreviations/definitions: F.O.S.R.C. (Florida Ornithological Society Records Committee; information provided by Reed Bowman, Secretary); L.A.R.A. (L. Apopka Restoration Area; Orange); report (any obser- vation); and record (only reports verifiable from photograph, videotape, or specimen evi- dence). LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL Hamilton phosphate mines hosted a Red- throated Loon and an Eared Grebe 20-27 Apr (BBe), while 16 other Eared Grebes were at Polk phosphate mines 18 Mar (PF). Over 120 Audubon’s Shearwaters were encountered en route to Dry Tortugas N.P. 3 May, where an imm. White-tailed Tropicbird was seen the fol- lowing day (DG, GSt et al.). Sulids at the Tortugas included 32 Masked Boobies, includ- ing one large chick, in Apr (PL et al.), and 65 Brown Boobies 22 Apr (MG). Largest counts of American White Pelicans were 1220 at L.A.R.A. 3 Apr (HR), 350-1- at L. Jessup, Seminole 15 May (RG et al.), and 328 at L. Monroe, Seminole and Volusia 11 May (RG). Brown Pelicans seem to be increasing inland. This season 2 were at Lakeland 8 Mar (TP), one at L.A.R.A. 10 Mar (HR), 3 at Newnans L., Gainesville 15 Apr (MMe), one at L. Istokpoga, Highlands 8 May (MMc), and 2 at L. Jackson, Leon 27 May (GSp). The 1250 Anhingas at Hamilton mines 11 May (JK) must have been an amazing sight. Rare in the Keys, a Glossy Ibis was at Boca Chica Key 18 Apr (PL et al), while a White- faced Ibis at L. Hollingsworth, Lakeland 28 Florida 298 North American Birds Southern Atlantic Coast — Florida Mar — 6 May (KR et al.) provided one of the few Peninsular records. Rounding out the threskiornithids were 4 Sacred Ibises, thought to be free-flying birds from Miami MetroZoo, at Homestead 23 Mar (JHB et al.). Wood Storks at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary had their best season since 1976, producing 3600 fledglings from 1240 nests {fide RP). Following numerous breeding reports in the n. Peninsula this past fall, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks continued at Gainesville (JHi), while Polk reports included 33 at Bartow 18 Mar (PF) and 35 at L. Hancock 28 Apr (TP). A presumably exotic Canada Goose at Brandon, Hillsborough 14 Apr — late May (BP, HL, DP) was seen last pursuing a female Muscovy Duck! Lingering waterfowl included 3 Snow Geese at L. Jackson 9 Mar (GM), 4 Blue-winged Teal and 2 Ring- necked Ducks at Newnans L. 28 May (JHi, RR et al.), 2 Blue-wingeds and 2 Redheads at St. Marks N.W.R. 29-31 May-t (DS et al.), 3 Redheads at Holiday, Pasco 13 May (KT, LT), and a Ruddy Duck at L.A.R.A. 27 May (HR). Lesser Scaup lingered at Ruskin, Hillsborough 25 May (EK), L.A.R.A. 27 May (HR), and Springhill Road W.T.P., Tallahassee to 16 Jun (2 birds; GM). Up to 2 Greater Scaup were at L.A.R.A. 27 Mar-— 7 Apr (HR). RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS A melanistic Osprey present at Chokoloskee Pass, Monroe throughout the season (SN, JMc) was thought to be the same individual pho- tographed by others in 1994 — 1997 (Clark 1998, Wilson Bulletin 110: 289-290). New breeding raptors for Broward were the Swallow-tailed Kite pair that that fledged 2 young 6 Jun ( JHa, WG et al.) and the Cooper’s Hawk nest at Ft. Lauderdale that was not suc- cessful (A8cMS, TH). White-tailed Kites con- tinue to reclaim historic prairie breeding areas; four pairs nested at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve S.P., Okeechobee in May (CT, PSm et al). Counts of 20 Bald Eagles were tallied at L. Monroe 9 Mar (LoM et al.) and L.A.R.A. 3 Apr (HR). Ten Short-tailed Hawks were found at seven sites, including a light morph at Lakes Park, Ft. Myers 26 Apr (JeB). Meanwhile, last year’s radio-tagged nestling from New Port Richey was found 25 km away 9 May (GZ fide KT). An intermediate-morph Swainson’s Hawk was observed at Hamilton mines 12 Apr (BBe), while 2 Crested Caracaras copulated near L. Monroe 1 1 May (LoM); an active nest was found nearby in Feb (RG). A Ring-necked Pheasant was at L.A.R.A. 7-23 May (HR), and a Chukar enlivened Lakeland 30-31 May-f- (JR). A tame Purple Swamphen at Carnestown, Collier 10-13 Apr (DP, TD, BP, HL) was a surprise. In 2000 and 2001, Whooping Crane pairs laid eggs at sites in the Peninsula, including two in 2000 that hatched. This year, a pair that nested in a wetland at Leesburg, Lake laid two eggs by mid-Feb, which hatched 12 and 14 Mar. Incredibly, the second chick was killed by a Bald Eagle hours after hatching, and the eagle itself was injured (requiring rehabili- tation!) when it was attacked by the parent cranes as it tried to capture the first chick. The surviving chick made its first flight on 7 Jun, becoming the first Whooping Crane to successfully fledge in the United States in 63 years — and the first known fledgling in Florida. This event offers hope that the Non-Migratory Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project will be successful ( ) . A high count of Semipalmated Plovers inland was 134 at L.A.R.A. 15 May (HR); 2 others were at Springhill Road W.T.P. 3 1 May (GM). Four Piping Plovers at Crandon Beach, Key Biscayne 3 May (RD) were rather late, while one inland at L.A.R.A. 20 May (HR) was extremely rare. Other notable shorebirds at L.A.R.A. were a Solitary Sandpiper 19 Mar, 4 Willets 24 Apr, one Curlew Sandpiper 6 May, one Red Knot 15 May, 5 Sanderlings 20 May, and 1540 Semipalmated and 37 White-rumped Sandpipers 23 May (HR). Sightings at Hamilton mines included 139 Black-necked Stilts, 8 Ruddy Turnstones, 2 Sanderlings, 3 White-rumped Sandpipers, one Dunlin, and 3 Red-necked Phalaropes 11 May (JK). Single Pectoral Sandpipers were very early at Springhill Road W.T.P. 4 Mar (D&SJ) and L. Jackson 5 Mar (GM), while an Upland Sandpiper was a good find for Kissimmee Prairie Preserve 22 Apr (PSm). JAEGERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Six light-morph Pomarine Jaegers were at Dry Tortugas 14 & 22 Apr (MG), while an ad. Long- tailed Jaeger was off Miami 5 May (PB). Casual in Florida, an Iceland Gull appeared s. to Pompano Beach 2-9 Mar (MB, WG et al.). Two ad. Lesser Black-backed Gulls and one Great Black-backed Gull remained at Crandon Beach, Miami to 9 May (RD), while a first-year Glaucous Gull was found at St. George 1. 9 Apr (JD). Notable tern counts at Polk mines were 727 Caspians and 12 Royals 18 Mar and 10 Gull-billeds 17 Apr (PF). Another Royal was at Gainesville 5 May (MMa, RR). Robinson again found 2 Arctic Terns inland at L.A.R.A. 23 May. Rounding out the larids were 200 Roseate Terns in the Florida Straits 22 Apr (MG) and one Black Noddy at Dry Tortugas 14 Apr — 31 May-I- (MG et al). White-winged Doves continued their north- ward colonization of the Peninsula. This sea- son, there were duos at Archer, Alachua 6-28 Mar (MMe), Brooksville 1-28 May (SD), and Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Brevard 11 May (DS, ABa), with a single at Little Talbot 1. S.P., Duval 14 May (PSy, JS). Providing only the 5th verifiable North American record was the Zenaida Dove at Key Mot observed in Florida since spring of 1999, Black Noddies were again seen this spring from 14 April onward on the Dry Tortugas, where this bird (at far right) was photographed on Garden Key 1 7 May 2002. No more than one Black Noddy was seen at one time this year. Photograph by Joe B. Milosevich. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 299 In Apr 2001, an Elegant Tern was observed copulating with a Sandwich Tern at Ft. De Soto Park {N. A. B. 55: 292); this record was accepted by the F.O.S.R.C. In fall 2001, there were observa- tions of Elegant and “Elegant-type” terns in the area that suggested successful breed- ing {N. A. B. 56: 45), but these records have not yet been reviewed by the F.O.S.R.C. This year, nesting of an Elegant Tern in Florida was documented in a colony of Royal and Sandwich Terns. On 23 May, an Elegant Tern, evidently a male based on bill structure, was found incubating an egg at an Audubon sanctuary in Hillsborough Bay, Hillsborough, about 35 km northeast of Ft. De Soto (RP et al). Its mate appar- ently was a Sandwich Tern, and they evi- dently produced one chick, which was videotaped 7 Jun (BP). This record, accept- ed by the F.O.S.R.C., established the first documented breeding record of an Elegant Tern in North America east of the Gulf of California. Amazingly, there are also breeding records from France and the Netherlands. Largo 3-6 May (LaM et al., ph. JP). Not far away, a Key West Quail-Dove at Elliott Key, Miami-Dade 9-26 May (BR, DO) reportedly had been present for some time. For the 3rd year in a row, Doyle surveyed coastal habitats in and adjacent to Ten Thousand Islands N.W.R., Collier and found Mangrove Cuckoos to be numerous. This year he found 29 cuckoos at 101 point counts; previous surveys netted 24 individuals at 101 points last year and 64 cuck- oos at 88 points in 2000. Rare in Pinellas, espe- cially coastally, was the Barn Owl at Honeymoon I. 15 Mar (WY), as was a road-kill in the Keys at Bahia Honda 22 Apr (PL et al.). At least four of seven Great Horned Owl pairs that nested on power poles at Polk mines pro- duced young (PF). Two Caribbean Short-eared Owls were at Dry Tortugas in mid-Apr (MG et al.). Whip-poor-wills were in song in n. St. Johns 17 Mar (PP) and at Ft. George L, Duval 17-19 Mar (CC). A Chimney Swift returned to New Port Richey, Pasco 20 Mar, and a nearby roost contained 83 birds by 1 Apr (KT). A Black-chinned Hummingbird lingered at Gainesville to 30 Mar (SB), a Rufous remained at Tallahassee to 29 Mar (FR), and a Selasphorus visited a feeder at Eastpoint, Franklin 26-28 Mar (SK). Unexpected was the Red-headed Woodpecker at Ft. De Soto 20 Apr (SL et al.). Four Hairy Woodpeckers at Babcock-Webb W.M.A., Charlotte 15 Mar (JeB) were good news for sw. Florida. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH PIPITS Two Eastern Wood-Pewees at Sanibel Lighthouse 19 May (VM) were rather late. A Least Flycatcher remained at Frog Pond W.M.A., Miami-Dade to 22 Apr (PL et al.), while a Brown-crested Flycatcher was seen there to 30 Apr (RD). Two Vermilion Flycatchers were at L.A.R.A. 4 Mar (HR). Considered casual as recently as 10 years ago but now observed annually, Ash-throated Flycatchers were at Emeralda Marsh, Lake to 10 Mar (JP), Government Road, Hendry 16 Mar (TD), Ocala N.F., Marion 19-25 Mar (JP), and L.A.R.A. to 17 Apr (HR). Four La Sagra’s Flycatchers also were found this sea- son: Delray Beach to 21 Mar (BH et al.), Spanish River Park, Palm Beach 6 Apr (BH, JoH), Matheson Hammock, Miami 6 Apr (RD, PB et al.), and Elliott Key 26 May (DO, DL). The apparent Tropical Kingbird that wintered at St. Marks N.W.R. remained to 19 Apr (GM, JMu et al.), while the L.A.R.A. Cassin’s Kingbird was seen last 3 Apr (HR). Also at L.A.R.A. were 34 Western Kingbirds 10 Apr (one remained to 9 May) and 4 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers 24 Mar (one remained to 6 May; HR). Single Gray Kingbirds were inland to L.A.R.A. 27-31 Mar and 15 May (HR), Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area 11 May (DS, ABa), and Buck 1. Ranch, Highlands 30 May (MMc). Another Gray Kingbird at Green Key 28 Mar (KT) was early. The Bell’s Vireo that wintered at Frog Pond remained to 23 Apr (fide JHB), and Philadelphia Vireos were nice finds at Cedar Key 5 May (DHe) and Ft. George 1. 6 May (PSy). “Tens of thousands or more” Tree Swallows swarmed St. Marks N.W.R. 27-28 Mar (JD et al.), while one at Springhill Road W.T.P. 30 May (DS) was late. Thirty-five Northern Rough-winged Swallows at Polk mines 10 Mar (PT) may have been breeding locally, but there were no further observa- tions. Three Cliff Swallows at L.A.R.A. 20 May (HR) were rather late, while a Red- breasted Nuthatch at Eastpoint 26 Mar — 5 Apr (SK) was the only report. Single Golden- crowned Kinglets were seen at two Gainesville sites 9 Mar (RR, JaH). Considered a late migrant was the American Robin at St. Marks N.W.R. 29 May (DS). Brown Thrashers are irregular at Dry Tortugas, so one seen there beginning 19 Apr was notable (PL et al.). Two Common Myna nests were reported this spring: a nest under construc- tion at Sanford, Seminole 24 Mar (MW) and a nest with 3 nestlings at Kendall 31 May (JHB). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES The Traceys again conducted a stationary sur- vey of Neotropical migrants at Green Key, New Port Richey. This year, surveys were conducted every day 3 Mar — 15 May, from 0630-0830 hours. No large fallouts were noted; the three highest counts were of 342, 263, and 198 birds, on 24 Apr, 7 Apr, and 30 Mar, respectively. Seasonal totals of selected warblers were 207 Prairies, 676 Palms, and 4033 that were not identified. A Nashville Warbler at High Springs, Alachua 10 Apr (DR) was the only report. A family of Northern Parulas at Jupiter 27 May (CW) furnished the first Palm Beach breeding report, while 6 singing males along the Pinecrest B.B.S. route. Collier and Monroe 30 May (TD) were at their sw. breeding limit. A Chestnut-sided Warbler at Gainesville 19 May (AK) was rather late. Warblers at L.A.R.A. included 1210 Yellow-rumpeds 6 Mar, a Blackburnian 20 May and 18 BlackpoOs 1 May (HR). Prairie Warblers in Leon at Tallahassee (2) and Black Swamp (one) 16 Mar (GM, ME) were locally early, while 2 Magnolia Warblers at Sanibel Lighthouse 19 May (VM) were rather late. Two singing Prothonotary Warblers were at their s. limit on the Pinecrest B.B.S. route 30 May (TD). Migrant Swainson’s Warblers were found at Birch S.P., Broward 2 Apr (WG), Dry Tortugas 19 Apr (PL et al.), and Ft. George 1. 10 May (PSy). An Ovenbird in song at Tallahassee 24 Apr (JC) was notable. Lingering Wilson’s Warblers were observed at Snake Bight Trail, Everglades N.R 9 Mar (JHB), Emeralda Marsh 10 Mar (JP), and Frog Pond to 21 Mar (fide JHB). Migrant or wintering Yellow-breasted Chats graced Frog Pond to 1 1 Apr {fide JHB) and Cape Florida S.P., Miami- Dade 5 Apr (RD), while breeders were found at L.A.R.A. 21 Apr (6 birds; HR), O’Leno S.P., Alachua 2 May (one; JHi), Steinhatchee Springs W.M.A., Lafayette 6 May (one; JHi et al.), and Paynes Prairie 28 May (2; JHi et al.). An imm. Bananaquit was a one-day wonder at Garden Key, Dry Tortugas 29 Apr (LaM). Single Summer Tanagers were at Tallahassee Jan-5 Mar (DHo) and Gainesvdle 15 Mar (RR). Five Western Spindalises were found: males at Key Largo 21 Apr — 5 May (SJ, KE, JP), Spanish River Park 27-28 Apr (BH, MR et al.), and Cape Florida S.P. 6 May (RD), and females at Crandon Park 26-27 Apr (RD et al.) and Boca Raton 10 May (BH). A singing male Yellow-faced Grassquit at Loggerhead Key, Dry Tortugas 2-4 May (ABi, DG, GSt et al.) was about 100 m from where a male was seen 9 May 2000. Of four reports of Clay-colored Sparrows (v. o.), all were of singles except for 2 at L.A.R.A. to 14 Apr (HR); one at Honeymoon 1. 4 May ( WY) was late. Very high 300 North American Birds Florida — Ontario counts of Field Sparrows were 16 at Apopka, Orange 6 Mar (MG, JG) and 12 at L.A.R.A. 14 Mar (HR). A lingering Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow was in song at Pine I., Hernando 29 Apr (A&BH), while 30 singing Seaside Sparrows within the last 300 m of CR-361, Dixie 22 Apr (JHi) made an impressive breed- ing total. Lincoln’s Sparrow reports were 2 at Paynes Prairie 9 Mar (AK, RR) and singles at Frog Pond to 2 Apr (RD) and Emeralda Marsh to 6 Apr (JP). Twenty-two White-crowned Sparrows at Apopka 6 Mar (MG, JG) was an impressive count, while Dark-eyed Juncos were found at Spring Hill, Hernando 8 Mar (PY) and Gainesville 11 Mar — 1 Apr (MJ). L.A.R.A. supported 209 Northern Cardinals 17 Mar, 9 singing Painted Buntings 9 May, 2 Dickcissels 21 Apr, and an amazing 7060 Bobolinks 1 May (HR). Wintering Painted Buntings lingered at feeders at Tallahassee to 5 Apr (BBu) and Jacksonville to 30 Apr (PP). Two male Dickcissels were on territory at Frog Pond 12 Apr — 31 May+ (MG et al.); Florida’s only documented breeding records were estab- lished at L.A.R.A. in 1999. A Yellow-headed Blackbird appeared at Frog Pond for a single day 9 Mar (PB et al.). Shiny Cowbirds were rather widespread, with 7 or 8 singles from Eastpoint to Dry Tortugas (v. o.). Bronzed Cowbirds were found at three sites: up to 6 at Tampa 6-22 Mar (LS, DW), 2 at Apalachicola in mid-Mar (KM), and 2 at Lakeland 30 Mar (RW). An Orchard Oriole arrived at Eastpoint 22 Mar (SK). A House Finch nest at Ft. Lauderdale produced five nestlings 8 Apr (SE); it is not known whether these birds represent local escapees or birds from northern populations. A Common Redpoll, unverified in Florida, was pho- tographed (facing away from the camera) at a feeder at Land O’ Lakes, Pasco 15 Mar (DB), but the F.O.S.R.C. ruled that a Carpodacus finch could not be ruled out from the photo- graph. A Pine Siskin appeared at a Tallahassee feeder 5-6 Mar (DHo). Cited contributors and compilers of the Florida Ornithological Society Field Observations Committee: Bruce H. Anderson, Andy Bankert (ABa), Brad Bergstrom (BBe), Mark Berney, Adrian Binns (ABi), Paul Bithorn, Jeff Bouton (JeB), John H. Boyd III (JHB), Dave Bowman, Barbara Buford (BBu), Sunny Bynum, Jim Cavanagh, Carol Clark, Linda Cooper, Robin Diaz, Simon Dingfelder, Terry Doyle, Jack Dozier, Kathi Ellsworth, Susan Epps, Michael Evans, Charlie Ewell, Paul Fellers, Jill Gaetzi, Murray Gardler, Wally George, Dave Goodwin, Roger Grimshaw, Al and Bev Hansen, Jim Harris (JHa), Dale Henderson (DHe), Ted Hendrickson, John Hintermister (JHi), Jackie Holstein (JaH), Brian Hope, Joan Hope (JoH), David Houle (DHo), Sid Johnson, Marcy Jones, Dean and Sally Jue, Sheila Klink, Andy Kratter, Jerry Krummrich, Ed Kwater, Paul Lehman, Sharon Lockwood, Holly Lovell, David Lysinger, Lome Malo (LoM), Mike Manetz (MMa), Larry Manfredi (LaM), Vince McGrath, Mike McMillian (MMc), Keith McMullen, Joe McNichols (JMc), Michael Meisenburg (MMe), Gail Menk, John Murphy (JMu), Stephen Nesbitt, Dennis Olle, Tom Matthew L. Holder Jacques Whitford Environment Limited 1200 Denison Street Markham, Ontario L3R 8G6 (mholder@jacqueswhitford.com) Although every spring seems to have some peculiarity with respect to timing of migration and weather conditions, this spring was certainly aberrant. Unseasonably warm weather in February and parts of March was followed by snow and much colder tempera- tures throughout much of the spring. A brief and bizarre heat wave in mid-April was fol- lowed by snowstorms in some areas a few days later, but warmth returned to Ontario toward the end of May. Delays in the progression of the season were apparent in local flora, with Palmer, Rich Paul, David Powell, Peggy Powell, Bill Pranty, John Puschock, Kurt Radamaker, Matt Reid, Dottie Robbins, Bryant Roberts, Harry Robinson, Rex Rowan, Joyce Rudd, Fran Rutkovsky, Lilian Saul, John Seginak, David Simpson, Parks Small, Gary Sprandel (GSp), April and Monte Stickle, Gene Stoccardo (GSt), Paul Sykes (PSy), Pete Timmer, Ken Tracey, Linda Tracey, Chris Tucker, Doug Wassmer, Ray Webb, Chuck Weber, Meret Wilson, Paul Young, Wilfred Yusek, Gina Zimmerman. flowering dates of many species appearing to be two to four weeks behind the norm; this was mirrored by many returning birds. However, although migration was somewhat delayed by the weather, returning dates for most species were close to normal. Certainly in some areas, unusual mixtures of wintering birds and returning migrants pro- vided memorable day lists. While some birds lingered much later than usual in southern areas, other returning species were noted in southern Ontario on record early dates. May 9 produced an amazing event of reverse migra- tion at Pelee I. and Point Pelee, with thousands of birds migrating southward in response to cool temperatures and thick fog. For those who were present despite the conditions, the move- ment was astounding. Ontario Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 301 Abbreviations: B.S.C. (Bird Studies Canada); C.A. (Conservation Area); C.W.S. (Canadian Wildlife Service); L.P.B.O. (Long Point Bird Observatory); N.P.H (Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch); N. W. A. (National Wildlife Area?); O.B.R.C. (Ontario Bird Records Committee); O.EO. (Ontario Field Ornithologists); P.E.Pt. (Prince Edward Point, Prince Edward)-, T.C.B.O. (Thunder Cape Bird Observatory). Place names in italics refer to districts and regional munici- palities as well as to counties. LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL Movements of Red-throated Loons were notable during Apr and May, with 23 noted in Thickson’s Bay, Whitby, Durham 16 May (DBa, MC), 4 at Whitewater L., Sudbury on the same day (CBe), and a final tally of 10 birds at Long Point during the two months (L.P.B.O.). A lake- watch at Bonnibrae Point in Oshawa, Durham revealed a Pacific Loon 17 Apr (THo). Prince Edward’s first confirmed Yellow-billed Loon was at Ostrander Point 19 May (MHE, HE, RBS, ROW). Long Point’s 2nd March record of Eared Grebe was provided by one found 29 Mar (SR, WD); other single birds were at Ashbridge’s Bay in Toronto 7-21 Apr (EMcK, m. ob.), at Thunder Bay 5 May (BHa), and at Bruce Mines S.L., Algoma 19 May (Jide BK). A pair of Western Grebes was at Rainy River 20 Apr (DHE). Pelicans made their presence known in Ontario this spring. Numbers of American White Pelicans peaked in Thunder Bay at 50 birds at Boulevard L. 19 Apr (JLi), while s. Ontario had scattered sightings, including one off the Burlington Lakeshore, Halton 15-20 May (BGr, m. ob.), 3 flying over Oshawa Second Marsh, Durham 16 May (DR), and 3 over Rondeau P.P., Chatham — Kent 18 May (PSB et al.). What looked to the naked eye like a weird heron approaching East Beach on 19 May turned out to be Pt. Pelee’s first Brown Pelican once binoculars were trained on it (PSB, BRH, DAM et al.). The imm. was seen flying from East Beach to the Tip, then flew northward out of sight. An American Bittern seen at Holiday Beach, £ssex9 Mar (DJW) was a record-early arrival for Ontario, followed by another early bittern at Arkell, Wellington 17 Mar (SM). A Snowy Egret was at Melbourne, Middlesex 27 Apr (DD et al.), while another joined 3 Great Egrets flying over the Pelee Marsh Tower 22 May (DBu). An ad. Little Blue Heron was at the Blenheim S.L., Chatham — Kent 3 May (RGT), and single imms. were at Kingston, Frontenac 16 May (RDW) and at Pt.. Pelee 18 May (AW et al.). Single Cattle Egrets were at scattered locales in s. Ontario, with one n. to Thunder Bay 14-16 May (MM). Although the single Plegadis ibis seen flying at Prince Edward Pt.., Prince Edward 14 Apr was commendably left unidentified (AHe), others were identified to species, including 7 Glossy Ibis at Melbourne, Middlesex 23 -29 Apr (RP) and singles at Rondeau Bay, Chatham — Kent 26 Apr (JBu, KB), Port Hope, Northumberland 27-28 Apr (RL), and Amherst 1. 15 May (DSa). Ottawa’s 3rd Black Vulture was seen flying w. over Mer Bleue C.A. 27 Apr (LS), almost exactly one year after Ottawa’s 2nd record observed 28 Apr 2001. Another Black Vulture was at Elmbrook, Prince Edward 10 Apr (ID). The Ross’s Goose at Selkirk P.P., Norfolk stayed 28 Eeb — 8 Mar (IK, DS, IM); an incred- ible tally of 1 1 birds at Kingsville, Essex 5 Mar (DJW) was followed by a single Ross’s at Hillman Marsh, Essex 22 Mar (DJW), Pelee’s 4th spring record. The flock of 112 Brant at Cobourg Harbour, Northumberland 26 Apr was a significant count for the date (CEG, JEG), and 29 Apr — 10 May, 114 Brant were noted at Whitewater L., Sudbury (CBe et al.), while 21 were at Kelley L., Sudbury 18 May (JL). Twenty Brant at Big Cr. N.W.A., Norfolk 22 May was the largest flock ever recorded at Long Point (SW); a single bird flying at the Tip 14 May was only Pt. Pelee’s 3rd spring record (DBr, JB). Two Greater White-fronted Geese were at Hurkett, Thunder Bay 27 Apr (AH), and another 2 were near Bourget, Prescott- Russell 6 Apr (BB, CL), with one remaining the next day (TH). Other singles were at Mission I., Thunder Bay, Townsend S.L., Norfolk and Barrie I., Manitoulin. Up to 3000 Snow Geese could be found at Alfred S.L., Prescott-Russell 25 Apr — 10 May (RCl, JHS), a very late date for a flock of this size in e. Ontario. Interesting hybrids were at Hillman Marsh, Essex during Mar, which included a male Mallard x Northern Pintail present from late Feb to 6 Mar (DJW et al.), and a male Northern Shoveler x Blue-winged Teal there 27-30 Mar (DJW, AW), which was joined by a 2nd male 30 Mar (DJW); one of these males remained until 6 Apr. Pt. Pelee’s 2nd Tufted Duck was an ad. male at Hillman Beach 10 Mar (AW). An ad. male King Eider was off Stoney Cr., Hamilton until 11 Mar (m. ob.), and a first-year male remained off Stoney Cr. until at least 7 Apr (BRH). The 3rd King Eider for Manitoulin I. was a female at Sheguiandah Bay 17 May (CBe, JBe, ST). An unusually high count for Sudbury was of 300+ Long-tailed Ducks tallied at Whitewater L. 16 May (CBe, JL). Three Barrow’s Goldeneyes remained in the Ottawa area into Mar, the latest to 6 Apr at Strathcona Park, Ottawa-Carleton (m. ob.). The total of 980 Ruddy Ducks at Hillman Marsh, Essex 25 Apr was remarkable (AW). RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS An imm. Mississippi Kite was at West Beach, Pt. Pelee 24 May (JAND et al.). The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch at Beamer C.A., Niagara recorded a Swainson’s Hawk 18 Apr (N.P.H.) and a dark-morph Ferruginous Hawk 25 Apr (N.P.H.). Several Golden Eagles were reported across s. Ontario, including one at a roadkill near Tea L. in Algonquin P.P., Nipissing 14 Apr (AC, JR). A late Gyrfalcon was at Kelley L., Sudbury 9 Apr (CBe). The Sandhill Crane migration through Manitoulin 1. started 1 Apr, with the first crane soon followed by 53 on 11 Apr (m. ob.). In Sudbury, the peak was in the Massey area, with 69 cranes there 11 Apr (EMe). Although Sandhill Cranes were suspected of breeding at Pt. Pelee last year, a nest with one egg was dis- covered 1 1 Apr at the s. end of Pelee Marsh, confirming breeding and providing the first breeding record for Pt. Pelee (CBr et al.). The pair remained at the marsh 10 Apr — 31 May+. A Snowy Plover pleased many birders dur- ing its stay on Amherst I. 24-31 May+ (O.EO. field trip). Sightings of the endangered Piping Plover included one with color bands at Darlington P.P., Durham 1-3 May (THo, JV), another unbanded bird there in mid-May (JV et al.), and one at Tollgate Ponds, Hamilton2\- 24 May (DS, m. ob.). American Avocets in the Pelee area included 10 at Leamington Beach 2 May (JO et al.), one at Hillman Marsh 3 May (JHI et al.), and 7 there 6 May (MWJ, BDH, DEO, KEO), but these were overshadowed by the 40 at Rondeau Bay, Chatham — Kent 26 Apr (BW et al.). A very early Greater Yellowlegs was at Osaca, Northumberland 16 Mar (RFr, EK), and a Lesser Yellowlegs arrived at Sturgeon Cr. on the same date (PDP et al.). The Pelee area had good numbers of Willets in May, the largest counts being 26 at Sturgeon Cr., Essex 2 May (FJU et al.) and 12 at Hillman Marsh, Essex 3 May (FB), with others across s. Ontario and singles n. to Whitefish Cr. near Sault Ste. Marie 4 May (BK), and Mission I., Thunder Bay 12 May (GW). In the fields w. of Hillman Marsh, Essex, the 1600 Pectoral Sandpipers provided a record high count for the Pelee area (AW). A Curlew Sandpiper visited Smithville S.L., Niagara 16 May (CEd, DRD, TC). Durham hosted a black Ruff in a flooded field near Udora 20-21 May (BHe, JV) and a Reeve at Nonquon S.L. 25 May (AD). GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Coinciding with the mid-Apr heat-wave, an ad. Laughing Gull was found at the Trail Road Landfill, Ottawa — Carleton 20 Apr, only to dis- appear during the colder temperatures and 302 North American Birds Ontario snowstorm that hit the area several days later (BB, BC, CL). At least 2 Laughing Gulls were in the Long Point area, with observations at the Tip 16, 19 & 24 May (L.P.B.O.), at Long Point P.P. 16-8 May (KBu, m. oh.), and near Selkirk P.P., Norfolk 18 May (MCr, DSh, S.McG); a sec- ond-summer bird was at Wheatley Harbour and Sturgeon Cr., Essex 12-13 May (GTH et ah), and an ad. was spotted near South Cayuga, Haldimand 19 May (RD). A Franklin’s Gull was in the Pelee Onion Fields 12 May (PAR, BC), and another was near Hoover Pt., Norfolk 16 and 18 May (JM et al.). A count of 99 Little Gulls at Oshawa Second Marsh 24 Apr (THo) was record-high for the Greater Toronto Area. Single Black-headed Gulls were at Niagara-on- the-L., Niagara 14 Apr (GBe), Darlington P.P., Durham 1 May (THo), and Thickson’s Bay, Durham 22 May (MC, DBa). The 4th Point Pelee Mew Gull, an ad. brachyrhynchus (cf. N. A. B. 56: 251) continued at Wheatley Harbour through 8 Mar (AW). At Hillman Marsh, Essex 29 Mar, another ad. Mew Gull, considered to be a different individual due to its darker head and neck streaking, furnished Pt. Pelee’s 5th record (DJW). As a result of a gale-force w. wind the day before, approximately 18,000 Ring-billed Gulls were noted flying s. along Hillman Marsh, Essex (AW). The third-winter Herring Gull X Great Black-backed Gull hybrid present at Hillman Marsh 9 Feb was present again at the same site 2 Mar (DJW et al). Numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were higher than usual in the Pelee area, with a peak of 2 at Hillman Marsh 28 Mar (DJW), one of which showed characters of the subspecies inter- medins. The Tip of Pt. Pelee had some excep- tional counts of terns this spring, with 6500 Common Terns there 15 May (FJU, AW et al.). Although it was not seen, the call of a Eurasian Collared-Dove was heard by a knowledgeable birder at Long Point P.P., Norfolk 29 May (DL). If accepted by the O.B.R.C., this would represent the first record for Long Point. The first record for the Pelee area since 1983, a Barn Owl was an exciting find at Hillman Marsh 24 Mar (DSi). Four nests occupied by Northern Hawk Owls were found along Hwy. 527 near Thunder Bay (NGE, DW), and 8 Boreal Owls were a high- light on an Atikokan owl survey in Rainy River DATE {fide DHE). The Lewis’s Woodpecker remained near Wooler, Hastings through to the end of Mar at least (m. ob.). The female Red- bellied Woodpecker at a Minnitaki, Thunder Bay feeder 17 May was noteworthy (CE). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWINGS Possibly Ontario’s earliest record of Willow Flycatcher, 2 were at the Tip of Point Pelee 6 May (AW et al.). An imm. Vermilion Flycatcher at West Beach 7 May will be Pt. Pelee’s first record if accepted by the O.B.R.C. (DRD). Thunder Cape Bird Observatory recorded a Western Kingbird in late May (T.C.B.O.). While doing surveys in Algonquin P.P. for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, observers found a Loggerhead Shrike at L. Opeongo 30 May (FN et al.), the first for the park since 1987. Very early were 3 Warbling Vireos at the Tip of Pt. Pelee 25 Apr (FJU, AW). Long Pt.’s earliest spring record of Red-eyed Vireo was furnished by 2 seen at Old Cut 17 Apr (L.P.B.O.), followed by one at the Tip of Pt. Pelee the next day (MEC). Pt. Pelee’s 7th Fish Crow was at old Camp Henry Beach 13 May (OA). The 60 pairs of Tufted Titmice found in Lambton during Apr almost doubled last year’s total (AHR). The wintering Bewick’s Wren at Massey, Swdhury reappeared 4-11 Mar (EMe). A male Mountain Bluebird was on Hwy 527, Thunder Bay 14 Apr (NGE). The Townsend’s Solitaire at Meadowvale, Peel 9 Apr (MCh, LN) was likely the same individual seen there in Dec and Jan. The solitaire at Pt. Pelee 11-15 May was exceptionally late (RPo, FPo), con- trasting with the very early Swainson’s Thrush at Pelee 18 Apr (MEC). Paletta Park in Burlington, Halton hosted a male Varied Thrush 11-12 Apr (BG, LG), and one at Thunder Bay frequented the vicinity until Mar (CH). Unusual for Sudbury, 3 Northern Mockingbirds were at Azelda 20 May (CBl). Other Northern Mockingbirds were found across Ontario, including a record-early spring migrant at Pt. Pelee 11-12 April (HP, AHR) fol- lowed by a remarkable total of 17 birds count- ed in the area up to the end of May. A high- light of the banding season at Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, Thunder Bay, a Sage Thrasher was caught in a Heligoland trap 15 May (T.C.B.O.); after banding and release, it was not seen again. Also remarkable was a one day count of 36 Brown Thrashers at Pt. Pelee 17 Apr (MEC). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES A very early Blue-winged Warbler was found at Pt. Pelee 16 Apr (RMcL, FDW), and one was n. to Manitoulin 1. 25 May (CBe). Lawrence’s Warblers included a male near Westover, Hamilton 5 May (BCh) and a territorial male at Dundas Valley, Hamilton 8 May onwards (BWy, m.ob.). Record-early warblers included a female Tennessee at Kingston, Erontenac 17 Apr (RF, MTi) and a male at the Tip of Pt. Pelee 18 Apr (RJM, BH), an Orange-crowned at the Tip of Pt. Pelee 12 Apr (LP), a Black- and-white at Tremblay Beach, Essex 22 Mar (CB), a male American Redstart at Pt. Pelee 25 Apr (AW), and a male Prothonotary Warbler at Tilden’s Woods, Pt. Pelee 16-17 Apr (AW) Other early warblers included a Northern Parula near Hillman Marsh, Essex (AW) and another at Pt. Pelee (FJU), both on 16 Apr; a male Prairie Warbler at Pt. Pelee 16 Apr (AW); single Ovenbirds at Pt. Pelee 16 Apr (ACP) and Kelso, Halton 17 Apr (JGB); and a Common Yellowthroat at Pt. Pelee 1 7 Apr (AW). A Black- throated Blue Warbler showing characteristics of the Appalachian race was seen at Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland 7 May (DM). A male Audubon’s Warbler was at Rondeau P.P., Chatham — Kent 14 Apr (SC), and a Yellow- rumped Warbler at Thickson’s Woods, Durham 5 May showed characteristics of an intergrade between Audubon’s and Myrtle subspecies (DWo, MJCB). Ontario’s 5th Hermit Warbler was at Sparrow Field, Pt. Pelee 30 Apr (PAR et al.), the area’s 2nd record. The Tip of Long Point produced a Yellow- throated Warbler 16 May (MH et al), while others were at Pt. Pelee 10-11 (SH), 14 (RGT et al.), 25-26 (GB, DB), & 26 May (TRP), and at P. E. Pt. on the very early dates of 19-21 Apr (EM et al.). The Kirtland’s Warbler at East Beach, Pt. Pelee was either a female or an imm. male (DKS), but the individual at Sleepy Hollow on the same day was a female (MT), followed by a male at the DeLaurier Trail 19 May (TRP). Worm-eating Warblers were scarcely reported this spring, with single birds at Pt. Pelee 19 Apr (AHR, CBu), Port Weller, Niagara 5 May (GBe), St. Williams Forest, Norfolk 11 May (MLH), and in London, Middlesex (SP). A female Summer Tanager was n. to Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay 4 May (AH), an ad. male was at Old Cut, Long Point 15 May (L.P.B.O.), and other singles were at P.E. Pt. 16 May (RKE, KFE), Oshawa Second Marsh 17 May (THo), Long Point P.P. 23-28 May (m. ob.), and Rondeau P.P. 26 May (BAM, SC); a high sum of up to 12 Summer Tanagers was noted at Pelee in Apr and May (m. ob.). A male Western Tanager was in the Sault Ste. Marie area 26 Apr — 17 May (fide BK), and another was at Pelee 1. 9 & 20 May (PJ), while a female was photographed at a Rossport, Thunder Bay feeder 25 May (DSp). At Pt. Pelee, a Lark Sparrow was at the w. side of the Tip 16 Apr (PC), and another was flushed from the roadside at Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberlaitd 29 May (FH). In with Horned Larks, an ad. male Lark Bunting was in North Bay 17 May (RT). Giving encouragement to this year’s efforts by C.W.S. to assess their pop- ulations, up to 7 endangered Henslow’s Sparrows were in the Pelee area 11 Apr — 24 May (m. ob.), and one was at Long Point P.P., Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 303 Norfolk 5 May (HM et al.). Chelmsford S.L., Sudbury hosted a Le Conte’s Sparrow in May (CW), while single birds were at the Tip of Long Point 5 May (MH et al.) and at nearby Breakwater 16 May (L.P.B.O.). A Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow was at Wheatley Harbour 16 May (MD). In s. Ontario, Long Pt.’s Breakwater had an imm. Harris’s Sparrow 2 May (SM et al.), and an ad. was along Hastings Dr., Long Point 13-15 May (m. oh.); another was at Essex’s North Dike Road 9-12 May (GSP, EP), while one visited a feeder in Blackstock, Durham from late Mar to early Apr, and resurfaced again 26 Apr (HR). The basic-plumaged male Smith’s Longspur found in Feb remained at Hagersville, Haldimand until 16 Mar (ni. oh.). Single Blue Grosbeaks were at Pt. Pelee 7 (EB, IC, MB, JP, GC) & 9 May (RM, SMa, JPr). Pelee’s 2nd Painted Bunting was seen by many 7-15 May at Sleepy Hollow (CN, GBo), although its elusive nature caused scores of birders to leave disappointed. Two other males surprised and delighted bird- ers during their stay in the Sault Ste. Marie area on the same dates (fide BK). The Tip of Long Point had single Dickcissels on 15 and 27 May (MH). Rare for Thunder Bay, a singing Eastern Meadowlark was in O’Connor Twp. 17-21 May (MZ). A Western Meadowlark was observed at Batchawana Bay, Algoma 7 May (AW), and another was in Chelmsford, Sudbury 20 May-l- (JL). Yellow-headed Blackbirds were reported from across s. and e. Ontario (m. ob.), and a Brewer’s Blackbird was at the 2nd Concession, Norfolk 13 Apr (L.P.B.O.), with another at the Tip, Long Point 15-16 Apr (L.P.B.O.). Approximately 4000 Baltimore Orioles were noted flying s. off the Tip of Pt. Pelee 9 May during a weather-induced reverse migration widespread in the Pelee area (BMD et al.); the 4 at Atikokan 23-26 May were the first seen in the region since 1996 (DHE). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face ) : Bob Andrle, F. Allin, L. Allin, O. Arian, C. Bailey, M.J.C. Bain, S. Bajurny, D. Balkwill, G. Balkwill, F. Baner, J. Barrett, D. Barry (DBa), D. Bascello (DBs), C. Bell (CBe), J. Bell (JBe), G. Bellerby (GBe), E. Biro, M. Biro, C. Blomme (CBl), G. Boyer (GBo), B. Bracken, D. Brown (DBr), C. Browne (CBr), C. Buck (CBu), D. Bucknell (DBu), J. Burk (JBu), K. Burk, PS. Burke, J.G. Burrell, K. Burrell (KBu), R. Campbell, 1. Cannell, M.E. Carlson, M. Carney, B. Cermak, S. Charbonneau, B. Charlton (BCh), M. Chojnaki (MCh), D. Christilaw, J. Christilaw, A. Clare, R. Clark (RCl), P. Coo, G. Cornell, J. Cram (JCr), M. Cranford (MCr), T. Crooks, R. Curry (RCu), A. Dale, M. De Abrau, J. Dewey, W. Dey, B.M. Di Labio, R. Dobos, D.R. Don, J.A.N. Dowell, D. Duckworth, C. Eady, C. Edgecombe (CEd), K.F. Edwards, M.H. Edwards, R.K. Edwards, D.H. Elder, N.G. Escott, H. Evans, R. Fraser, R. Frost (RFr), B. Gapes, L. Gapes, C.E. Goodwin, J.E. Goodwin, D. Graham, B. Gray (BGr), S. Haig, S. Hall (SHa), B. Hamel, T. Hanrahan, B. Harding (BHa), A.Harris, A. Heagy (AHe), F. Helleiner, B. Henshaw (BHe), B.D. Hettrick, G.T. Hince, M. Hindle, T. Hoar (THo), B.R. Holden, M.L. Holder, C. Hudson, D. Ireland, J.H. Iron, M.W. Jennings, P. Jones, J. Keenleyside, E. Kellogg, B. Knudsen, R. Lake, J. Lemon, D. Lepage, C. Lewis, J. Lister (JLi), J. Lucheski (JLu), R. Ludkin (RLu), H. MacArthur, E. Machell, S. MacKenzie, V.P. Mackenzie, R. Mackintosh, S. Mackintosh (SMa), B.A. Mann, D.A. Martin, M. McCormick, R.J. McCoy, S. McGregor (SMcG), E. McKernan (EMcK), R. McLean (RMcL), K. McNaughton, D. McRae, E. Robert C. Leberman Powdermill Nature Reserve Carnegie Museum of Natural History HC 64, Box 453 Rector, Pennsylvania 1 5677-9605 (rcleberm@charterpa.net) No doubt due to unseasonably mild late winter conditions, there were indications Meissner (EMe), J. Miles, L. Mousseau, J. Moynahan (JMo), N. Murr, C. Nadeau, F. Nicoll, J. Niskanen, L. Nuttall, D.E. Olech, K.E. Olech, J. Osburn, R.G. Payne, T.R. Pepper, E. Peterson, G.S. Peterson, J. Peterson, D. Pettit, J. Pettit (JPe), A.C. Pinch, R. Pokraka, L. Pollitz, F. Pope, R. Pope (RPo), P.D. Pratt, H. Prinsen, J. Prochaska (JPr), S. Pusey, H. Ray, P.A. Read, I. . Richards, J. Richmond, A.H. Rider, R. Ridout, S. Rowe, D. Ruch, D. Salisbury, D. Sargeant (DSa), M. Schoenefeld, D.K. Sealy, D. Shepherd (DSh), D. Simpson (DSi), L. Sirois, J. H. Skevington, G. Slessor, B. Smith, D. Smith (DSm), J. Smith, D. Speer (DSp), R.B. Stewart, R. Tafel, M. Tate, S. Thorpe, M. Timpf (MTi), R.G. Tozer, F.J. Urie, J. VanderGaast, C. VanHerk, D.J. Ware, L. Watson, R.D. Weir, D. Welbourne, C. Whitelaw, S. Wilcox, B. Wilkie, G. Williams, A. Wormington, D. Worthington (DWo), ED. Wurker, B. Wylie (BWy), M. Zettek. A that spring migration got underway earlier than usual in the northern part of the Region. By the first week of March, up to 50,000 water- fowl (mostly diving ducks) already had collect- ed on Presque Isle Bay at Erie, Pennsylvania. Later in the month, cool and rainy conditions precipitated a few heavy fallouts of waterbirds across northern Appalachia. Higher water lev- els in some of the Region’s marshes compared Appalachia A- 304 North American Birds Ontario — Appalachia to recent years were identified as having a pos- itive effect on the number and diversity of bit- terns and rails detected this spring. And, while the same high water levels may have led to lower overall numbers of shorebirds across the Region, there were more than the usual num- ber of occurrences of notable species from this group. Notwithstanding some high points in the spring migration of nonpasserines, the lack of any significant fallouts of warblers or other Neotropical migrant passerines in Appalachia through mid-May gave many field observers the impression of a lackluster season. At Powdermill Nature Reserve in southwestern Pennsylvania, however, a more or less steady migration of songbirds from April through May netted the banders 3475 birds of 109 species, which was the best spring banding result there since 1990 (seasonal banding sum- maries for this station are posted at ). A wave of slightly early first dates for many passerines occurred over most of the Region during an especially warm and mild third week of April. The peak migration for most of these same species, however, was about average. Some unseasonably very cold temperatures over sev- eral successive days toward the end of May in the northern part of the Region did “ground” insectivorous passerines in some areas, but this came on the heels of the main flight of Neotropical migrants, so the number of affect- ed birds did not appear to be especially high. There were a few reports, however, of mortali- ty of both adults and young of earlier nesting species, such as Eastern Bluebird and Purple Martin, associated with this cold snap. Abbreviations: B.E.S.P. (Bald Eagle S. R, Centre, PA); P.I.S.P. (Presque Isle S.P., Erie, PA); P.N.R. (Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, Westmoreland, PA); P.O.R.C. (Pennsylvnia Ornithological Records Committee); Y.C.S.P. (Yellow Creek S.P., Indiana, PA). LOONS THROUGH IBIS On 25 Mar, during a major fallout of 30 species of waterbirds, 11 Red-throated Loons put down at Y.C.S.P., and 2 were at Keystone Res., Armstrong, PA 26-27 Mar (MHi, GL); a rather late bird was at B.E.S.P. 12 May (MHe). No sig- nificant fallout of Common Loons, however, was reported from anywhere in Appalachia, the best count being of only 6 at Pymatuning L., PA 2 Apr (SK); 2 late birds were at Waynesboro, Augusta, VA 25-27 May (JSp). High counts of Horned Grebes in w. Pennsylvania included 205 at Shawnee L., Bedford26 Mar (CM), 100+ in the Pymatuning L. area 28 Mar (RFL), and 1000 at B.E.S.P. also on the 28th (EZ). Away from L. Erie, single Red-necked Grebes were at Akeley Swamp, Warren, PA {fide TG) and on Youghiogheny Res., Fayette, PA 1 May (MHi). Seven Eared Grebes that wintered on S. Holston L., TN were last seen (in breeding plumage) 16 Apr (RKn), and an Eared was at Kahle L., Venango, PA 23 Apr — 1 May (RSt, m. ob.). Four American White Pelicans appeared on the Kanawha R. at Winfield Lock & Dam, Putnam, WV 15 Apr (ph. WA) for the only Regional report. A count of 55 Double-crested Cormorants 15 Mar represented a record high for the Staunton, VA area (AL), while 411 were listed at L. Arthur, Butler, PA 16 Apr (SK). Migrating American Bitterns were more widely reported than usual from across much of the Region, especially during the first two weeks of Apr, with a high count of 14 at P.I.S.P. on the 11th (JM). A Little Blue Heron was a rare stray at Crossingville, Crawford, PA 28 Apr (SR), and another was in Garrett, MD 19 May during a fallout of waterbirds coinciding with the passage of a cold front (MJI). In w. Pennsylvania, an early Cattle Egret was found near Huntingdon 4 Apr (DK), and singles were at Springboro, Crawford 18 Apr (AT) and Waterford, Erie on the 19th (J&TC); elsewhere, another northward stray stopped near a camp- ground in Mason, WV 28 Apr (WA). A count of 20 Black-crowned Night-Herons at P.I.S.P., where the species is not known to nest, was exceptionally high 20 May {ftde fM). One or two pairs of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were believed to be nesting at Elizabethton, TN this spring, a single was at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC 27 Apr (WF, RSe), and in Pennsylvania, 2 were rarities at P.N.R. 5 May (BJ). The Region’s only Glossy Ibis was report- ed from Buzzard Swamp, Marrienville, Forest, PA 12 May (F&JMc) for a county first. WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS A flock of 6 Greater White-fronted Geese that had spent Feb at the Byrd locks & dam. Mason, WV was last seen 3 Mar (WA). Three Brant stopped at B.E.S.P. 29 Apr, where another put down 15 May (MHe); a single was at P.I.S.P. 24-26 May (BC). The waterfowl record of the season, however, was of a Black Brant at Reedsville, Preston, WV 4-5 May (GF) — a first for the state. A “large flock” of Tundra Swans passed over N. Warren, PA the evening of 16 Mar (CP), but no unusually large gatherings were found on w. Pennsylvania lakes, the best being 90 on L. Perez, Huntingdon 16 Mar (GG) and 150 at Hartstown Marsh, Crawford 12 Mar (MB). Away from their narrow trans- Appalachian flight path, a single swan was at Brevard, Transylvania, NC 29-30 Mar (2nd county record; NS), and a wintering bird at Green Bottom W.M.A., Cabell, WV remained through 3 Mar (WA). An ad. Whooper Swan — shy of approach and not banded or otherwise marked — appeared on Centertown L., Galeton, Potter, PA 21-23 Apr (GW, JF). The P.O.R.C. will assess evidence concerning the possible wild status of this bird. A total of 193 Gadwalls was listed at Pymatuning L. 30 Mar (RFL). An imm. male Eurasian Wigeon was a rarity at P.I.S.P. 6 Mar (}B), where a 2nd bird was found 1 1 Apr ( JM). The best count of American Wigeon was of 165 at Hartstown, PA 3 Mar (MBr). A raft of 1030 Ring-necked Ducks was on L. Arthur, Butler, PA 17 Mar (PH), and 2340 stopped at Tamarack L. and Conneaut Marsh, Crawford, PA 23 Mar (RFL). On 25 Mar, over 3000 Lesser Scaup were in the Meadville, PA area, includ- ing 1800 on Woodcock L. (RFL). The imm. male Harlequin Duck that had wintered at P.I.S.P. stayed until at least 6 Apr (JM, m. ob.). The 25 Mar fallout of waterbirds at Y.C.S.P. included all three scoters, with 2 Surf, 8 White- winged, and one Black, and that same day a Surf and 3 White-winged Scoters were on Trout Run Res., Ligonier, PA (RCL). Other bet- ter counts of Surf Scoters included 4 at Selinsgrove, Snyder, PA 28 Apr (MB) and 5 at B.E.S.P. 21-22 (/ideEZ). A late Black Scoter was at B.E.S.P. 12 May (MHe). On 16 Mar small flocks of Long-tailed Ducks were widely reported across n. West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and se. Ohio (m. ob.), and weather-related fall- outs brought 218 to Y.C.S.P. 25 Mar (MHi, GL) and 500 to B.E.S.P. 26 Mar (EZ). Over 3000 Red-breasted Mergansers were on Pymatuning L. 2 Apr (SK). A raft of 500 Ruddy Ducks set- tled on L. Arthur, PA 30 Mar (PH), and 519 were listed at Pymatuning 15 Apr (RFL). Osprey migration was both heavy and a bit early. At the two spring hawk watches report- ing, 84 were listed at Tussey Mt., Huntingdon, PA (DO) and 120 at Allegheny Front, Bedford, PA (CM); early returns included one at Sandy Cr., Wood, WV 24 Mar ( JE) and one back on its nest at Somerset L., PA 31 Mar (JP). Two Mississippi Kites were rare sightings over Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC 13 May (RSe), as was one at W. Augusta, VA 26 May {ftde YL). Bald Eagle numbers continue to increase in appropriate habitat nearly through- out Appalachia: in w. Pennsylvania, for exam- ple, there were at least 31 active nests spread out over eight counties, 14 in Crawford alone (DB). On 14 Apr, 340 Broad-winged Hawks passed Soddy Mt., TN hawkwatch (BHa), the best-ever single day spring total there. There was a strong Golden Eagle flight along the Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 305 Pennsylvania ridges, where 76 were observed from Allegheny Front (CM) and 119 from Tussey Mt (DO); w. of the mountains, one was at Tamarack L., Meadville, PA 21 Mar (RFL). RAILS THROUGH GULLS The hot spot for rails in Appalachia was Standifer Gap Marsh, Hamilton TN, where five species were seen, including a Yellow Rail on 13 Apr (first se. Tennessee record; DJ, JHe), only to be followed by a Black Rail 1 1 May {fide KAC). Virginia and King Rails, as well as Sora, also were found there all season (m. ob.). Ten Common Moorhens were at Mosquito L., OH 27 May (CB), one was at Akeley Swamp, Warren, PA 27 May (CP), and they were numerous in their usual breeding marshes near Pymatuning L. (RFL). A wintering Sandhill Crane at Rosman, Transylvania, NC was last seen 27 Mar (NS), one stopped in the French Broad R. Valley, NC 23 Mar (WF), and one was at Green Bottom W.A., Cabell, WV 23 Mar (WA); in w. Pennsylvania, cranes were found in eight counties, and a new e. breeding range extension was established when a pair and 2 downy young were seen at Dushmore, Sullivan 19 May (NK, m. ob.). A wide variety of shorebirds, many of them unusual for Appalachia, made stopovers this spring. Five Black-bellied Plovers at Garrett, Somerset 14 May (fide JP) provided a good count for the Pennsylvania mountains, but the only American Golden-Plover was at Brainerd Levee, Hamilton, TN 28-30 Mar (JC). Almost never seen in the Region away from L. Erie, a Piping Plover was a great rarity at Y.C.S.P. 30 Apr (MH, GL m. ob.). Increasingly regular in the Region, 6 American Avocets were in Greene, TN 13 Apr (fide RKn), 25 near Staunton, VA 21 Apr (AL), and 4 at P.I.S.P. 26 May (JHo). Willets also were more frequent, led by a count of 20 at Huntington, WV 25 Apr (WA). A very rare Whimbrel was located during a waterbird fallout in Garrett, MD 17 May (DCz). A Whimbrel at Standifer Gap was a first for se. Tennessee 14 Apr {fitde KAC), one was at N. Branch, Allegany, MD 25 May (JBC, RKi), and up to 4 frequented P.I.S.P. 24-26 May (JM). Sixteen Marbled Godwits was a remark- able count at Austin Springs, TN 20 Apr (RKn); one was a good find at P.I.S.P. 28 Apr (}M, BC). A Spotted Sandpiper at L. Perez, Huntingdon, PA 2-3 Mar (fide GG) was pre- sumably the same bird seen there in late Feb. A dozen Red Knots was an unusually good count for P.I.S.P. 25 May (DW). There were some high counts of Common Snipe in Pennsylvania, including 65 at Hartstown 16 Mar (MB) and 73 at Berlin, Somerset 6 Apr (JP). A Wilson’s Phalarope was a rarity at Imperial, Allegheny, PA 15 May (DW); a single was at N. Branch, MD 19 May, where 3 were also found on the 25th (RKi, JBC). As usual, most of the Region’s rare gull reports came from P.I.S.P., including sightings of a Laughing Gull 29 Apr (BC), a Franklin’s 29 May (JHo), and one or 2 Little Gulls 10-29 Mar (JM) — plus another 27 May (BC). Other good Presque Isle records included four reports of Thayer’s Gull 7-23 Mar, and several listings of Iceland and Glaucous Gulls 7 Mar — 20 Apr (JM). Numerous Lesser Black- backed Gulls were observed at Presque Isle 2 Mar — 6 May, with a high count of 10 on 20 Apr (JM); elsewhere, a Lesser Black-backed at Cumberland 18 Mar was a first for w. Maryland (ph. RKi). There were five active Herring Gull nests in May in a recently estab- lished colony along the Allegheny R. at Pittsburgh (SK). During a period of cold weather, a Common Tern was studied in Allegany, MD 1 7 May (DCz), along with Black Terns at several locations nearby. DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES A Eurasian Collared-Dove that wintered at Eairview, Erie, PA remained through at least 5 May (JM), and one was at Collinsville, York, PA 27 Apr-t- (AM, PR). A Big Spring Day count in Augusta, VA 4 May produced 5 Chuck- will’s-widows and 24 Whip-poor-wills (YL), with the latter species more widely reported elsewhere in the Region than during most recent years. A Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Apr at Blairsville, Union was early for the Georgia mountains (fitde DF), and 59 banded at P.N.R. reflected a heavy spring flight in w. Pennsylvania (RM, RCL). The only reports of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher were of one at Chickamauga N.M.P., Hamilton, TN 20 May (KAC), 7 banded at P.I.S.P. in May (RFL), and 8 banded at P.N.R. between 1 1 May and a record late 15 Jun (RCL, RM). A rather early Eastern Kingbird was at McDonough W.A., Wood, WV 22 Apr (JB). Rare anywhere in the Region, a Loggerhead Shrike was a good find at Green Bottom W.M.A. 24 Mar (WA). In Pennsylvania, single late Northern Shrikes were near Warren 1 1 Mar (CP) and Hartstown 18 Mar (RN). White-eyed Vireos continued to push their range northward into n. Pennsylvania, with up to a dozen heard near Sandy L., Mercer 15 May (NT), and singles at Geneva Marsh, Crawford 22 May (CL) and Akeley Swamp, Warren 14 May (JF). Early Yellow- throated and Warbling Vireos were at Enlow Eork, PA 18 Apr (RB), and in one of the better flights of recent years, 16 Philadelphia Vireos were banded at P.N.R. 7-22 May (RM, RCL). Two early Tree Swallows were at Conneaut Marsh, PA 2 Mar (DW), and 9200 were estimated at Pymatuning L. 1 7 May (RFL); a flock of 850 Cliff Swallows was at the Linesville fish hatchery, Pymatuning 17 May (RFL). Following a fairly heavy fall flight of Black- capped Chickadees in Pennsylvania, an “echo” migration was evident at P.N.R. during the first three weeks of Apr (RCL, RM). A Carolina Chickadee that strayed n. to Franklin, Venango, PA 22 May (JSt) was well out of known breeding range. The first nesting record of Red-breasted Nuthatch for Georgia was established 2 May at W. Ford along the Chattooga R., Rabun, where two additional nests were found later that month (FR). A Sedge Wren was found in the French Broad R. Valley, Henderson, NC 11 May (fide WF), and one sang persistently at Cottage, Huntingdon, PA 26-27 May (GG). At P.N.R., thrush num- bers were up over most recent springs, with 5 Gray-cheekeds banded 1-5 May and 41 Swainson’s netted 3-26 May (RM, RCL). A male Varied Thrush was seen briefly at Black Moshannon S.P., Centre, PA 9 Mar (KCa). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES For many birders in Appalachia, the quality of the spring migration as a whole is judged by the strength of the warbler flight. Across the Region, the warbler flight probably can best be described as a steady, but comparatively thin, stream, with no major fallouts reported. At the two reporting banding stations, however, the steady flight produced good numbers of some species and high overall diversity. At P.N.R., where 608 warblers of 28 species were record- ed over the course of 50 banding days between mid-Apr and the end of May, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, and Black-and-white Warblers and Northern Waterthrush were all netted in well above-average numbers, while the spruce budworm specialists made poor showings (RM, RCL). At P.I.S.P, during some 20 days of banding over the same period, 533 warblers of 23 species were processed (RFL), including high counts of 45 Western Palm Warblers 7 May and 34 Blackpoll Warblers 1 Jun. A Blue-winged Warbler at P.I.S.P. 10 Apr (fide JM) was about three weeks early, and other early Blue-wingeds were in Wood, WV 17 Apr (JB) and at Enlow Fork, PA the 17th (RB). The only Lawrence’s Warbler report came from Beech Fork Dam, Wayne WV 24 Apr ( WA). Yellow-throated Warblers appear to have extended their range in nw. Pennsylvania to include Conneaut Marsh (SR, RFL) and Oil Cr. S.P. (CL), as well as to Bradford in the n.- cen. part of the state (RY). Early Cerulean 306 North American Birds Appalachia — Western Great Lakes Warblers were at McDonough W.A., Wood, WV and Pike, KY (fide BPB) by 18 Apr, and the first 2 reached Hendersonville, NC 19 Apr (WF). In addition to several records from the usual migration stopover and nesting sites, a Prothonotary Warbler was at Allegheny Res., McKean, PA 11-13 May (JF), and one was banded at P.N.R. 7 May (RM, RCL). Other early warblers include Worm-eating in Wood, WV 16 Apr and a Kentucky there 15 Apr (JB); the first Hooded Warbler (about two weeks early) was at P.N.R. 17 Apr (RCL, RM). Among highlights of the sparrow flight was a Lark Sparrow at Portersville, Butler, PA 17 Apr (WS). Two Clay-colored Sparrows at Pisgah Forest 25-27 Apr (NS, m. ob.) repre- sented just the 2nd Transylvania, NC record; one was a rarity at P.I.S.P. 5 May (J&TC), and another was banded at P.N.R. 10 May (RM, RCL). The Fox Sparrow migration was heavy over much of w. Pennsylvania; 61 were banded at P.N.R. 27 Feb — 16 Apr (RM, RCL), and 18 were at a feeder near Berlin 16 Mar (JP). A Harris’s Sparrow at Weyers Cave, Augusta, VA 5 Apr — 5 May (ph. MHo) attracted much birder interest and established a first county record (YL). A Dickcissel that had wintered in Greene Twp., Erie, PA was last seen 11 Mar (JM), one was at Riverport, Hamilton, TN 28 Apr (DJ), and another near New Enterprise, Bedford, PA on 31 May (RM). A Blue Grosbeak was a rare, early find at McDonough W.A., WV 28 Apr (fide JE), and singles at Bellfonte 6 May (ML) and at Smicksburg, Indiana, PA 1 1 May (ftde MHi) were well out of the usual range. The sole report of Western Meadowlark came from Belleville, Mijflin, PA where one was seen over a two-week period beginning 1 1 May (fide GG). Following a heavy winter invasion, up to 6 Purple Finches remained at a Blairsville, GA feeder through 14 Apr (DF), and several were seen through late Apr in Hamilton, TN (KAC); in Pennsylvania, good numbers passed over the Tussey Mt. hawkwatch, including 130 on 17 Apr (SM). Late reports of Red Crossbill included one at a feeder in Warren, PA 8 Apr (JF), and one near Meadville, PA 30 May (KM). In Virginia, single White-winged Crossbills appeared at Staunton 21-23 Mar and at Stuarts Draft 10 Apr (YL); a male was at a feeder in Canfield, OH 22 Apr (NB), and a female frequented a Frostburg, MD feeder until 1 May (fide RKi). Up to 20 White-winged Crossbills that had wintered at Lake City, Erie, PA remained through 23 Apr (JM). A Common Redpoll was at Rew, McKean, PA 8 Apr (JF), and a few remained in Erie, PA through 14 Apr (m. ob.). A small flock of Pine Siskins visited a feeder at Blairsville, GA through at least 10 May (DF), and one was banded at P.N.R. 17 May (RM, RCL). The American Goldfinch migration was particular- ly heavy in PA (m. ob.), with a record 828 birds banded at P.N.R. during the season (RM, RCL). Late Evening Grosbeaks included one at Johnstown, PA 9 May (KG) and another at Pine Grove Furnace S.P., Cumberland, PA May 10 (RKo). Contributors and cited observers: Wendell Argabrite, Carole Babyak, Jim Baxter, Ralph Bell, Jon Benedetti, Dan Brauning, Mick Brown (MBr), Nancy Brundage, Marvin Byler, Kevin A. Calhoon (KAC), Kevin Carney (KCa), Janice Chadewll (JC), John B. Churchill (JBC) Ben Coulter, Jean & Toby Cunningham, David Czaplak, David Davis, Jeanette Esker, John Eedak, Paul Pellers, Gary Eelton, Wayne Porsythe, Dot Ereeman, Kevin Georg, Ted Grisez, Greg Grove, Bill Haley (BHa), Molly Heath (MHe), John Henderson (JHe), Paul Hess, Margaret Higbee (MHi), Joyce Hoffmann (JHo), Mae Houff (MHo), Bill Howe, Marshall J. Iliff, Daniel Jacobson, Brian Jones, Ray Kiddy (RKi), Nick Kerlin, Scott Kinzey, Rick Knight (RKn), Ramsay Koury (RKo), David Kyler, Gloria Lamer, Mike Lanzone, Allen Lamer, YuLee Lamer, Robert C. Leberman (RCL), Ronald F. Leberman (RFL), Chris Lundberg, Karlin Marsh, Scott McConnell, Andrew McGann, Flo 8c Jim McGuire (FScJMc), Jerry McWilliams (JM), Che Mincone, Robert Mulvihill, Rosie Noll, Dan Ombalski, Brainard Palmer-Bell, Jeff Payne, Chase Putnam, Frank Renfrew, Peter Robinson, Steve Rockouiz, Ron Selvey (RSe), Walt Shaffer, Norma Siebenheller, John Spahr (JSp), Jerry Stanley (JSt) Russ States (RSt), Adam Troyer, Neil Troyer, Dave Wilton, Gary Witmer, Ronald Young, Eugene Zielinski. Western Great Lakes ,/s/e Royale L. Superior Felton Prairie • •Itasca State Park I Duluth MINNESOTA f I Mine Lacs lQ J Whitefish Pointy So <3 L Huron HIGAN •Crex Meadows WMA Big Stone NWR S Minneapolis/ 1 I St. Paul* I Black Dog <- I Rochester, <■ * Blue Mounds S P WISCONSIN Traverse fowoc L. Wlnnebagojj La Crosse , Horicon NWR Midland • Port Huron, Grand Rapids Madison [vi||^^Qui(gej $ Detroit Kalamazoo Peder H. S^ingen 2602 East 4th Street Duluth, Minnesota 55812 (psvingen@(i. umn.edu) Early March was colder than it had been all winter. A wide variety of migrants arrived earlier than usual as temperatures soared into the 80 degrees Fahrenheit during mid-AprO. Early migrants were soon shocked into reality by a cold spell that persisted into late May. Strays from the West dominated a long list of casual and accidental species. Abbreviations: M.C.G.I. (Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment, WI); Mud L. (Traverse, MN); p. a. (pending acceptance); Pte. Mouillee (Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, Monroe, MI); Tawas Pt. (Tawas Point State Park, Iosco, MI); W.P.B.O. (Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, Chippewa, MI). Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 307 LOONS THROUGH VULTURES The total of 398 Red-throated Loons 24 Apr — 29 May at W.RB.O. was similar to last spring’s, but reports declined in Wisconsin (three counties along L. Michigan). Exceptional away from L. Superior, Minnesota had single Red- throateds in Olmsted 3 May (JPr et al.) and Hennepin 20-26 May (WCM et ah). Minnesota has very few spring records of Pacific Loon; found during the North American Migration Count was one at L. Shetek, Murray 1 1-17 May (AXH, ph. PHS, m. ob.). Only 3579 Common Loons were counted at W.RB.O. through the end of May. An impressive total of 3078 Red-necked Grebes passed W.RB.O., including 1762 on 5 May. Eared Grebes appeared in five Michigan locations, including Baraga 11 May (LCB, JMii), Pte. Mouillee 19 May (AMB), and Mackinac 27 May (DL). Reports were also up in Wisconsin (seven counties). Michigan’s first spring Western Grebe in more than a decade lingered at South Haven, Van Buren Feb — 5 Apr (ATC, CF, JG). Wisconsin had 3 Westerns at L. Wissota, Ban Claire 30 Apr ( JPo) and sin- gles in Burnett (AP), Portage (GJ), and Racine (EH). Almost routine in Minnesota were Clark’s Grebes at Thielke L., Big Stone 27 Apr-l- (m. ob.) and Agassiz N.W.R., Marshall 29 May (KIB). Snowy Egrets were at five Michigan, four Wisconsin, and eight Minnesota locations. Three Little Blue Herons in Michigan equaled the recent average, but singles in Manitowoc, W1 29 May (CS) and Hennepin, MN 29 May (RDE) underscored its scarcity in those states. Also scarce in recent years, low numbers of Cattle Egrets were in two Michigan, five Wisconsin, and thirteen Minnesota counties. The Region’s only Yellow-crowned Night- Heron was an ad. in Washington, MN 19 Apr (fide AXH). An unidentified Plegadis ibis in Mackinac (vt. JMi) was the only Michigan report. Providing Wisconsin’s 10th record was a White-faced Ibis in Dunn 5-8 May (JPo). Recently annual in s. Minnesota, an influx of White-faced Ibis included 3-1- at East Landfill Res., Olmsted 17 Apr (JWH et al.), singles in Waseca 23-29 Apr (RBJ et al.) and Big Stone 5 May (m. ob.), and 5 in Murray 7 May-1- (JJS et al.). A Black Vulture loitered at W.RB.O. 5-9 Apr (RR, DL). WATERFOWL THROUGH RAILS Greater White-fronted Geese were in six Michigan locations and peaked in Wisconsin at 315 in Columbia 13 May (DT). Veteran observers were astonished by numbers of geese in w. Minnesota, e.g. 80004- Greater White-fronteds in three sw. counties 29 Mar (RBJ et al.) and 10,585 in Big Stone 3 Apr (KJB). Bardon counted 54,000 Snow Geese in Jackson/Nobles 22 Mar, and 100,0004- moved through Lac Qui Parle W.M.A. 4—6 Apr (DTr). Minnesota reported >1000 Ross’s Geese, including 163 in Lyon 10 Apr (KJB). This bonanza of Ross’s spilled over into Wisconsin (seven counties) and Michigan, where single Ross’s occurred at Pte. Mouillee 16 Mar (p.a., AMB) and Houghton 29-30 May (p.a., LCB, JMu). Michigan had almost all of the Region’s Brant, including one at St. Ignace, Mackinac 20 May (ph. SH) and 6 in Alpena 28 May (p.a., WNG). Minnesota’s first Brant since 28 Mar 1991 was at Coon Creek W.M.A. , Lyon 10 Apr (KJB); like most of that state’s records, this bird was identified as the Atlantic race (Branta bernicla hrota). A male Cinnamon Teal in Trempeleau 8-12 Apr (ph. FZL, m. ob.) furnished Wisconsin’s 5th spring record. Normally very rare in Minnesota, single male Cinnamon Teal were in Hennepin 28 Apr — 7 May (JEP, m. ob.), Renville 13 May (PME, WCM, DDM), and Polk 26-27 May (AXH, PHS et al.). Underscoring the need to consider hybridiza- tion, apparent Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal were at Meade W.M.A., WI 29 May (PL) and at 4 Minnesota locations: Becker (ph. FJN), Crow Wing (ph. BM), Goodhue (AXH, ph. PHS), and Traverse (KJB). Most impressive was the count of 15,0004- Greater Scaup at Platte Pt., Benzie, Ml 12 Mar (KW), while 5400 at Duluth 17 Apr (PHS) provided a record high for Minnesota. Providing Minnesota’s 2nd spring record and 15th over- all was a hen King Eider at Duluth 7-20 May (KJB, m. ob.). Harlequin Ducks were in all three states, including 4 overwintering in Milwaukee, Wl through 12 Apr (m. ob.). The only scoters away from the Great Lakes were 4 White-wingeds in Portage, WI 8 May (MBe). Casual in Michigan, a Mississippi Kite graced Rouge River Bird Observatory 9-10 May (p.a., RS). Recently an annual migrant in Minnesota, ad. Mississippi Kites were in Hennepin 26 Apr (AXH, SKS) and Otter Tail 21 May (SPM). Furnishing only the 2nd St. Louis, MN record was the ad. light-morph Ferruginous Hawk at West Skyline Hawkwatch 24 Apr (ph. FJN, DCa) that drift- ed into Douglas, WI. Another Ferruginous was in Clay, MN 25 Apr (KJB). Establishing a first county record was the Prairie Falcon in Murray, MN 30 Mar (PEJ, DFN). Migrant Yellow Rails were unexpected at Pt. LaBarbe, Mackinac, MI 20 May (DL) and Carlos Avery W.M.A., Anoka, MN 3 May (KJB). Potentially a first Wisconsin record was the Black Rail heard at M.C.G.1. 4 May ( JI), then heard again and briefly seen 5 May (MK). Providing the first Michigan record since 1998 was a King Rail at Crosswinds Marsh, Wayne 12-21 May (WGP, PCC, m. ob.). SHOREBIRDS A pair of Piping Plovers nested at Tawas Pt. (GN) for the first time since 1963, and anoth- er pair nested in Alpena (WNG); Michigan’s only reported migrant was at W.RB.O. 30 May. Wisconsin had singles in Douglas (DRB), Racine (EH), and Marinette (J8cKS, TCW), the latter at last year’s breeding site. Minnesota reported its best Piping Plover migration in years: one or 2 in Clay, Grant, Murray, St. Louis, and Swift, plus up to 3 at L. Byllesby, Dakota 6-10 May (CRG, FTM). American Avocets increased in all three states. Michigan had five reports, including 18 at Pte. Mouillee 13 Apr (AMB, BCM). Wisconsin welcomed them in seven counties, including 51 in Manitowoc 27 Apr (CS). Thirty in Freeborn 18 Apr (WJP) was the largest flock among a statewide total of 1664- avocets in 29 Minnesota counties. At Mud L., yellowlegs peaked at 390 Greaters and 1560 Lessers 30 Apr (BEO). Willets showed well in all three states. Michigan’s nine reports were the most since 1997, Wisconsin counts peaked at 41 in Manitowoc 28 Apr (CS) and 53 in Milwaukee 3 May (DG), and a total of 1774- was scattered across 34 Minnesota counties. Providing first county records in Minnesota were one Whimbrel in Polk 26 May (AXH, PHS) and 3 in Kandiyohi 31 May (RSF). Michigan and Wisconsin reported average numbers of Hudsonian Godwits, but well above average was the count of 721 in 29 Minnesota coun- ties, including 168 at Mud L. 13 May (KJB). An overwintering Ruddy Turnstone in Alpena, MI was “agitated, calling from a white spruce tree, surrounded by equally agitated Common Redpolls” 5 Mar (JSO). Ruddy Turnstones peaked at 300 in Manitowoc, WI 27 May (CS). Five Red Knots at W.RB.O. and up to 14 at Tawas Pt. (GN et al.) was slightly below the Michigan average, but Wisconsin and Minnesota each had knots in seven coun- ties. Providing only the 4th acceptable Minnesota record since its status review in 1988, 2 Western Sandpipers were carefully studied at Mud L. 2 May (KJB). High counts at Mud L. included 787 White-rumped Sandpipers 29 May and 256 Baird’s Sandpipers 2 May (KJB). Amazing was 7566 Dunlin at Pte. Mouillee 11 May (AMB). Furnishing Michigan’s first record since 1998 was the Curlew Sandpiper at Shiawassee 308 North American Birds Western Great Lakes N.W.R., Saginaw 30 May (p. a., DP). Photographed in Michigan were Ruffs in Washtenaw 3-6 May (JBl, M}, HP, ATC) and Genessee 11-12 May (p. a., JRa, JAB et al); another was in Dakota, MN 23 Apr (TAT et ah). Noteworthy were 23 Long-billed Dowitchers at Pte. Mouillee 11 May (AMB) and a record-high 203 at Mud L. 8 May (KJB). Encouraging was the tally of 340 Wilson’s Phalaropes at Warroad, Roseau, MN 26 May (AXH, PHS). JAEGERS THROUGH HUMIVIINGBIRDS One Parasitic Jaeger was at W.P.B.O. 1 1 May and 2 there 26 May. The Region’s only Laughing Gull was at M.C.G.I. 11 May (TCW). Michigan reported 5 Little Gulls, including one in Alpena 12 Apr (CR). Wisconsin had 2 on L. Michigan, plus one in Chippewa 19 May (JPo). No Little Gulls were at Duluth, but the ad. in Carlton, MN 18 May (MSS, GL) was a county first. Establishing Wisconsin’s 3rd spring record was a Mew Gull in Racine 30 Mar — 4 Apr (RHu, KD). Bardon cornered the Minnesota market on California Gulls with 2 ads. in Clay 25 Apr and a fourth- year bird in Isanti 3 May. Among the late lar- ids at W.P.B.O. were a Thayer’s Gull 31 May and an Iceland Gull 16 May. Each state had 4-6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; most unusual was a second-year bird at Mud L. 2-4 May (KJB, PCC). Providing the 6th Minnesota record within five years was an ad. Arctic Tern at Duluth 27 May (PHS). Single Eurasian Collared-Doves persisted in Oconto and Ozaukee, WI, while a pair returned to last year’s nesting location in Houston, MN. Newly discovered was one in Grant, MN 13 Apr-f (SPM). Photographed while furnishing the 6th and 7th Michigan records were single White-winged Doves in Clinton 10 Mar (AMB) and Houghton 12-17 May (WS, JK, JMu, RH). A Snowy Owl lin- gered in Ashland, WI through 3 May (DV), and the last of 134-f in Minnesota from the fall/winter invasion was in Duluth 17-18 May (AXH, PHS). Faithfully attending an unoccu- pied badger hole and furnishing Minnesota’s first documented record since 1997 was a Burrowing Owl in Murray 6 May-l- (m. ob.). Record-early was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Dane, WI 12 Apr (SM). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRASHERS Still casual in Minnesota, a Say’s Phoebe was in Clearwater 29 Apr (TD). Not relocated was a male Vermilion Flycatcher in Benzie, MI 25 May (p. a., MP). Six Western Kingbirds in five Michigan counties doubled the 1998 spring maximum. Ephemeral were single Scissor- tailed Flycatchers in Keweenaw, MI 30 May (LCB, JMu), Ozaukee, WI 14 Apr (DD), and Cook, MN 25 May (CScJT). Small numbers of Loggerhead Shrikes were in three Michigan, three Wisconsin, and fourteen Minnesota counties. White-eyed Vireos were in five Michigan and six Wisconsin locations; offi- cially casual but recently annual in Minnesota, single White-eyeds were in Olmsted 14 May (JPr et al.) and Hennepin 15 May (JEP). A Black-billed Magpie at W.P.B.O. 29 Mar was Michigan’s first since 1995. Casual and ephemeral was the Rock Wren at Moorhead, Clay, MN 21 Apr (DDW). Mountain Bluebirds in Polk 16 May (JV) and Manitowoc 23 May (CG) supplied the 19th and 20th Wisconsin records (p. a.). Wisconsin’s only Townsend’s Solitaire was in Sauk (AH), but 5 more in Minnesota, including a late migrant at Duluth 13 May (ph. FJN, DCa), brought that state’s total since Sep 2001 to 32 records of 34 birds. A Varied Thrush in Marquette, MI mid-Mar — 5 Apr (BCM) and one in Hennepin, MN 9 Mar (DO) were the only “new” reports. Providing the 4th Michigan record but the 3rd since Sep 2001 was a Sage Thrasher in Marquette 23 Mar — 5 Apr (AMB, SS et al). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES C Warblers arriving in Minnesota Wr^during the first half of May encountered predominantly north winds, cold temperatures, and delayed leaf-out. These phenomena kept birds on or near the ground. Hordes were seen along road- ways and streams, and around lakes and ponds, apparently searching for insects and other food sources. Few communicat- ed the exuberance of spring migration through birdsong. Unprecedented counts included 600-800 Tennessee Warblers along the shoreline of L. Carlos, Douglas 15 May (SPM, DKM). Bardon circumvented Mille Lacs L. 15 May and tallied record high counts for Nashville (488), Northern Parula (56), and Yellow (492) Warblers. Also record-high were counts of 43 Black- and-white Warblers 6 May, 51 Ovenbirds 10 May, and 64 Northern Waterthrushes 10 May, all in Anoka (KJB). Boevers found 20-!- warbler species for six consecutive days in Rice, including 25 species 17 & 18 May (TFB). Peak variety was 26 warbler species in Goodhue 11 May (KJB), near Mankato 18 May (CRM), Meeker 18 May (DMF), Anoka 23 May (KJB), and nw. Minnesota 26 May (AXH, PHS). Record or near-record early warblers included a Blue-winged in Washtenaw, MI 16 Apr (MJ), a Tennessee in Sauk, WI 23 Apr (AH), Nashvilles at Tawas Pt. 17 Apr (GN) and Dane, WI 19 Apr (CH), 10 Yellow Warblers in Hillsdale, MI 18 Apr (JR), and a Cape May in Berrien, MI 17 Apr (DS). Michigan’s overwin- tering Black-throated Gray Warbler in St. Joseph was last seen 13 Apr (m. ob.). Record- early by one week was the Blackburnian Warbler in Dane, WI 18 Apr (NW). Also early was a Yellow-throated Warbler in Berrien, MI 9 Apr+ (JTW). Out of range were Yellow- throated Warblers at Copper Harbor, Keweenaw, MI 13 May (JP), Door, WI 14 May (JS), and Portage, WI 16 May (MBe). Seven Prairie Warblers were in three Michigan loca- tions, but one in Waukesha 9 May (JM) was the only Wisconsin occurrence. Almost record-early was the Cerulean Warbler in Rock, WI 25 Apr (TK). Six Kentucky Warblers in five Michigan locations was an average count, but the same number was above aver- age in Minnesota. Early was the Hooded Warbler in Berrien, MI 20 Apr (KM); inexpli- cably lost was one at Bemidji, Beltrami, MN 24 May (TJB). Also out of range was a Yellow- breasted Chat at Tawas Pt. 14-19 May (TN, LC). All states reported an influx of tanagers. Quadruple the recent spring average was the tally of 13 Summer Tanagers in Michigan, including 4 in Berrien. Off the chart were Summer Tanagers in 10 Wisconsin counties, including 3 in Racine (EH), 3 in Dane (EHa), 3 in Ozaukee (JF), and 2 in Milwaukee (JI). Minnesota modestly noted 5 Summer Tanagers, but countered with 12-t- Westerns — the most since the invasion of spring 1995. Unfortunately, only 7 were reported with details, but all were reportedly males. Wisconsin chimed in with one in Pierce 4-10 May (AL). In Michigan, where this species remains casual, a Western Tanager was pho- tographed in Kalamazoo 28 Apr — 5 May (RS, BCM, m. ob.) and a male was in Houghton 22 May (p. a., DR, RH). Potentially a 6th Michigan record and the first since 1988 was a Green-tailed Towhee in Benzie 6 Apr (p. a., DJ et al.). Apparently absent from sw. Minnesota, the only Spotted Towhee was in Steele 13 May (ph. PHS). Noteworthy for Michigan were sin- gle Lark Sparrows in Houghton 5-7 May (p. a., LCB, JMu) and Ontonagon 12 May (ph. MM). Furnishing the 6th Minnesota record was an ad. Black-throated Sparrow at Moorhead, Clay 16-17 Apr (RHO, ph. DDM, m. ob.). Rarely detected as migrants in Minnesota, Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows were in Hennepin (PEB), Jackson (BRB), and Murray Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 309 (CRG et al.). Unexpected were 2-3 Smith’s Longspurs at Felton Prairie, Clay, MN 15 Apr (ph. DAC) and 2 Chestnut-collared Longspurs in Renville, MN 13 Apr (RPR). Another entry on Minnesota’s long list of w. rarities was the male Black-headed Grosbeak at Moorhead, Clay 24-26 May (RHO, ph. DAC, m. ob.). Extralimital Blue Grosbeaks included a first-year male at Fernwood, Berrien, MI 22 May (p. a., WI) and 2 reports in Ozaukee, WI (p.a., SC). Potentially a 5th Wisconsin record was the Lazuli Bunting in Milwaukee 26 Apr (p. a., SSm). Unprecedented was the total of 7 Lazuli Buntings in Minnesota; well-documented were singles in Scott 16 May (B&SF), Kandiyohi 23 May (G&EB, ph. DAC), Otter Tail 26 May (E&JE et al), and Crow Wing50-3l May (ph. J&SB). All three states recorded Painted Bunting! Michigan had a female in Presque Isle late Feb-21 Mar (WNG) and a male in Houghton 12-16 May (BF, LCB, JMu), both attractively photographed. Providing 9th and 10th state records, respectively, were male Painted Buntings in Iron, WI 18-20 May (JBa, m. ob.) and Aitkin, MN 24-29 Apr (BBr, ph. JPR, m. ob.). Less attractive in Minnesota were 3 male and 4 female Great-tailed Crackles at Grovers L., Jackson 6 May-l- (PHS et al.) and single males in 3 more counties. Rare for W.P.B.O. was an Orchard Oriole 22 May. Incredible was the appearance of 2 male Scotfs Orioles in Minnesota. News about one in Wright 20 Mar-23 Apr (ph. BAL) did not reach the bird- ing community until several weeks after its departure, but the other was much appreciat- ed at Oronoco, Olmsted 17-20 Apr (GE, ph. AXH, m. ob.). Minnesota’s only previous record was an imm. male at Duluth 23 May-l- 1974 (Loon 47: 22-24, 48: 34). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Karl J. Bardon, John Bates (JBa), David R. Benson, Murray Berner (MBe), Laurence C. Binford, Timothy J. Blackwood, Jan Blaine ( JBI), Jo & Steve Blanich, Tom F. Boevers, Brad R. Bolduan, Boyd Bremner (BBr), Glenn & Eunice Buchanan, Paul E. Budde, Jeff A. Buecking, Adam M. Byrne, David A. Cahlander, Lynda Camburn, Dave Carman (DCa), Allen T. Chartier, Philip C. Chu, Seth Cutright, Karl David, Tim Dawson, David Dreifus, George Eckman, Eddy 8c Judy Edwards, Paul M. Egeland, Roger D. Everhart, Bruce 8c Susan Fall, Dan M. Floren, Bill Forsman, Chip Francke, Jim Frank, Randy S. Frederickson, Charlie Geiger, Colin R. Gjervold, Jim Granlund, William N. Grigg, Dennis Gustafson, Skye Haas, Ellen Hansen (EHa), Jan Hansen (Wisconsin), Russ Hanson, Chuck Heikkinen, Anthony X. Hertzel, John W. Hockema, Aaron Holschbach, Eric Howe, Robert Hughes (RHu), John Idzikowski, Robert B. Janssen, Paul E. Jantscher, Gerry Janz, Don Jennett, Wendy Jones, Margaret Jowett, Joe Kaplan, Tom Klubertanz, Mark Korducki, Andrea LeClair, Paul Lehman, Fred Z. Lesher, Gene Letty, Betty A. Loredo, Derek Lovitch, Sylvia Malek, Craig R. Mandel, Bill Marchel, William C. Marengo, Fr. Tom Margevicios, Jim Marrari, Dennis D. Martin, Michael Mencotti, Diane K. Millard, Steve P. Millard, Jonathon Miller (JMi), Kip Miller, Brad C. Murphy, Jake Musser (JMu), David F. Neitzel, Gary Nelkie, Tess Nelkie, Frank J. Nicoletti, Robert H. O’Connor, Bridget E. Olson, Don Orke, Andy Paulios, Walter G. Pawloski, Jake Peacock, Dave Peters, Mary Pitcher, Rod Planck, Janine Polk (JPo), Kenneth J. Brock 1 265 Red Bud Drive Chesterton, Indiana 46304 (kebrock@iun.edu) (kj.brock@attbi.com) Spring weather of 2002 was generally cool and wet. March temperatures in Chicago averaged some three degrees Fahrenheit below normal. April readings were similarly low, with the exception of an unprecedented warm spell at mid-month, which produced record-high temperatures across the Region. The balance of April and most of May was also cool and damp; James E. Pomplun, Walter J. Popp, Hein Prinsen, Jerry Pruett (JPr), Jean Raffm (JRa), Jack Reinoehl (Michigan), John P. Richardson, Dana Richter, Chanwick Roach, Robert P. Russell, Jr., Jane St. Onge (JSO), Steve Santner, John Schillinglaw, Dick Schinkel, Nathan R. Senner, Wendy Sharp, Rick Simek, Jerry 8c Karen Smith, Stan Smith (SSm), Chuck Sontag, Mark Sparky Stensaas, Jeff J. Stephenson, Sharon Koval Stiteler, Peder H. Svingen (Minnesota), Daryl Tessen, Dave Trauba (DTr), Tom A. Tustison, Carol 8c Jim Tveekrem, Dick Verch, Jeff Virant, Nick Walton, Keith Westphal, Dennis D. Wiesenborn, Thomas C. Wood, and Jonathan T. Wuepper. Many thanks to several hundred more contributors who could not be acknowl- edged individually in this space. indeed northwestern Indiana experienced a killing frost on 21 May. Most contributors assessed the spring flight in positive but qualified terms — that is, though the migration was agreeable, superlatives were rare. The mid-April 80-t- degree temperatures stimulated many migrant passerines to press northward ahead of schedule. As a result, scores of early arrival dates were established across the Region. Seasonal highlights included a Garganey in Ohio (discovered by field tripping members of the Indiana Audubon Society) and an alternate-plumaged Curlew Sandpiper in Iowa. Middlewestern Prairie 310 North American Birds Western Great Lakes — Middlewestern Prairie Abbreviations: B.S.B.O. (Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ottawa^ OH); Carl. L. (Carlyle L., s. IL); G.L.N.T.C. (Great Lakes Naval Training Center, IL); H.B.S.P. (Headlands Beach State Park, OH); L. Cal. (Lake Calumet, s. Chicago); Jax. P. (Jackson Park on the Chicago lakefront); R. E.D.A. (Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area, MO); S.C.R. (Squaw Creek N.W.R., MO); T.N.C.K.S. (The Nature Conservancy Kankakee Sands wetland, Newton, IN). LOONS THROUGH VULTURES As is typical, small numbers of Red-throated Loons were scattered across the Region, with five in Illinois and singles in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. A basic-plumaged Pacific Loon, dis- covered at Kentucky L., KY 30 Mar was seen sporadically until 13 May (DR, BL, HC, JDu, ph.). The only other Pacific Loon appeared at Clinton L., IL 11 May (RTC, EJC et ah). Common Loon tallies of 205 in Lake, IL 6 Apr (DBJ et al.) and 200 at Pleasant Hill Res., OH 27 Mar (SSn) constituted excellent spring counts. In late Mar, a noteworthy Horned Grebe fallout occurred in Ohio, with 300 in Summit27 Mar (RHa), 250 at Pleasant Hill Res. 27 Mar (SSn), and 225 at Buck Creek S.P. 24 Mar (DOv). A dozen Red-necked Grebes were reported in Iowa, where this species is a local breeder; indeed, in early May one pair was observed building a nest at Cheever L., in Palo Alto, (LAS, ETh). Four Red-necked Grebes were also reported in Illinois, and a singleton was at Kentucky L., KY 10 Apr (DR, ph.). The only Western Grebes e. of the Mississippi R. consist- ed of singles at Kentucky L., KY 10 Apr (DR, ph.) and at Eagle Creek Res., IN 19 & 26 May (fRFB, RHe, m. ob.). Iowa maintained a monopoly on Clark’s Grebes, with singles in Warren 29 Apr — 2 May (fAaB, RIA, fAJ, HK, reportedly ph.) and 8-10 May near Mount Pleasant (fMCD, SJD et al.). Though s. Illinois American White Pelican numbers were down this spring, the 950 birds logged at Horseshoe L., IL 19 Mar (KAM), pro- vided the Region’s maximum tally. Most extraordinary was a flock of 4 at Buck Creek S. P., OH 4 Apr (BM), which grew to a state- record 19 birds by 7-10 Apr (DOv, m. ob.). An Anhinga in Massac, IL 19 May (fVMK, LH, tJOS, m. ob.), provided one of only a handful of modern records for that state. It was an exceptional spring for the threatened American Bittern, with more than 86 birds scattered across all six states. The peak count was 6 at Mingo N.W.R., MO 31 Mar (DWi). By far the season’s largest Little Blue Heron tally consist- ed of the 64 birds counted in St. Clair, IL 2 Apr (KAM). The 750 Black-crowned Night-Herons counted during evening dispersals on 10-12 May (WJM, MKz), indicated that the L. Cal. colony is flourishing. For the 2nd consecutive year, the Region experienced a major incursion of Plegadis ibis. In contrast to last spring’s plethora of Glossy Ibis, this year featured White-faced Ibis. Reports e. of the Mississippi R. included 5 (4 ad. and one subad.) in Tazewell, IL 25 May (tRTC, RF, KR) and a single ad. in Knox, IL 27 May (MJB et al). Indiana’s 4th through 6th White-faced Ibis records were also recorded this spring. The first appeared briefly at Kankakee W.M.A., Starke 5 May (BGr, tJMc, ph.). The 2nd, which was discovered at T.N.C.K.S. 24 May (fRHe, CH, LAC), proved more permanent and was seen 25, 26, & 28 May (tJKC, tJMc, ph. m. ob.). The 3rd was at Grand Kankakee Marsh, Lake 27 & 30 May (P & JK, tPBG). The season’s most impressive vulture report consisted of a flight of 878 Turkey Vultures on the ne. Ohio lakefront 29 Mar (JPg). WATERFOWL Several correspondents employed the term “unprecedented numbers” in describing the spring Greater White-fronted Goose popula- tion. Peak counts included 10,000 at Clinton L., IL 17 Mar (RTC), 6000 in nw. Iowa 23 Mar (LAS), and a flock of 6000 in Knox IL 11 Mar (MJB). Vying for oddest bird of the season was an individual believed to have been a Greater White-fronted x Snow Goose hybrid in Greene, IN 1 Mar (P&JK, ph., tJMc et al.). Ross’s Geese were also abundant, with reports from every state except Ohio and double-digit daily counts from Illinois, Iowa, and Kentucky. One tardy Ross’s remained at Salamonie Res. 17-18 May (GS, fHaw, SSt, ph.) to provide Indiana’s 2nd May record. A Brant at Clear L., lA 16 Mar (fPH) provided Iowa’s first record in more than a decade. Tundra Swans peaked 9 Apr when 300 flew over Allamakee, lA (Jill Stephenson, fide DC). The puddle and bay duck flights were unre- markable, with typical numbers and few sur- prises. Rarities included a male Cinnamon Teal at L. Shelbyville, IL 30 Mar (RTC) and a pair at Carl. L. 21 Apr (DKa, ph.), but the real prize was a male Garganey discovered at Mallard Club Marsh, Lucas, OH 19 May (fAWB, LP, ITT, JWH, AO, m. ob. ph.). If the bird, which remained until 25 May, is judged “wild” by the Ohio committee, it will constitute a first state record. Interestingly, tardy Gadwalls lingered into May in four states; the most remarkable of these involved 49 Gadwalls at S.C.R. 20 May (DAE). The Region’s only Harlequin Duck con- sisted of an ad. male at Michigan City Harbor, Three White-faced Ibis visited Indiana this spring, thereby doubling the number of state records. This individual was at The Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands, Newton, Indiana 24 (here) to 28 May 2002. Photograph by Jeffrey J. McCoy. IN 16 Mar (UG, JKC ph., m. ob.). Scoters, and especially White-wingeds, were scarce this spring; the only sizeable accumulation consist- ed of 17 Surf Scoters in Clermont, OH 24 Mar (BS), which constitutes a fine inland count. Bufflehead lingered in the w. states, with one in Hardin, lA 31 May (MPr) and a record-late female at S.C.R. 20 May (DAE). The winter- period Barrow’s Goldeneye in Woodbury, lA remained until 17 Apr (PL, BFH). In early May, several Hooded Merganser broods were observed along the Mississippi R. in Fulton, KY (HC, RDn, BPB). Additionally, a pair of Hoodeds and 8 chicks were at Bush W.M.A. (no date given) in e. Missouri (MBr), and two broods were seen at S.C.R. 20 May (DAE). A very tardy Red-breasted Merganser was at S.C.R. 30 May (DAE), providing a new late spring date for Missouri. HAWKS THROUGH CRANES It was a good spring for Mississippi Kites, with reports from all six states. Most established breeding sites were occupied, and single extralimital kites were reported at Green Lawn Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 311 Indiana’s first Ruff in five years, this striking white-headed male remained at the Grand Kankakee Marsh, Lake County 23-26 May 2002 (here 24 May) and was enjoyed by scores of Hoosier birders. Photograph by Jeffrey J McCoy. Cemetery, Franklin, OH 2 May ( JMm, m. ob.), in Muhlenberg, KY 14 May (MMo, MV), and a juv. in Lucas, OH 3 Jun (fCL). The season’s most impressive Northern Harrier report con- sisted of 30+ birds at the reclaimed Hawthorn Mine, Sullivan, IN 2 Mar (AWB et ah). Northern Goshawks staged an average flight, with a dozen reported across the four n. states. The Region’s only significant Broad-winged Hawk movement occurred in Ohio, where 1000+ were counted at Magee Marsh 16 Apr (VF); elsewhere, the daily maximum was only 54. In Iowa, a Rough-legged Hawk tarried in Cerro Gordo until 3 May (RG) to provide a rare May record for the state. The Region’s Merlin total of 37 was near normal. The Greater Prairie-Chicken report was not optimistic; peak counts were 22 in Illinois, 20 in Missouri, and 1 1 in Iowa. For the first time in six years, a Black Rail was reported in Indiana. This year, two calling birds were detected 25 May in a recently reclaimed wet- land at T.N.C.K.S. (tJMc, BGr, fJKC, ph. m. ob.). Yellow Rail reports included singles at Busch W.M.A., MO 18 Apr { JJ), in St. Charles, MO 26 Apr (CA), and 3 May at T.N.C.K.S. (JMc). King Rail numbers were also up, with 4 in Ohio and 2 in Indiana. An early-arriving Common Moorhen at L. Cal. 9 Apr (WJM) proved to be the vanguard of an above-aver- age flight that yielded one to 8 birds in every state. Two exceptionally late Sandhill Cranes lingered in Pulaski, KY until 11 May (SM, RBy). SHOREBIRDS The plover highlight was a male Snowy Plover at S.C.R. 15 May (DAE). Piping Plovers were more plentiful than normal. An overzealous migrant, at Huntington Res., IN 6 Apr (tJW, SSt) provided a new early-arrival date for the state. It was a banner year for this endangered species in the w. states, with 8 reported at Iowa’s two traditional nesting locations, plus an addi- tional 7 migrants. The maximum Piping Plover count consisted of 8 at Clarence Cannon N.W.R., MO 25 Apr (RK). Though American Avocets were scarce in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, excellent counts were recorded elsewhere, with 34 at G.L.N.T.C. 26 Apr (fDBJ, DD et al.) and 29 at S.C.R. on the same date (DAE). Noteworthy counts of the more common shorebird species included 200 Greater Yellowlegs at R.E.D.A. 2 May (C & JM), 850 Lesser Yellowlegs at Myre Slough, lA 7 May (PH), 69 Solitary Sandpipers at Reelfoot L. N.W.R., KY 23 Apr (DR), 25 Ruddy Turnstones in Christian, KY 17 May (MBe), 81 Sanderlings at G.L.N.T.C. 22 May (DBJ), 580 White-rumped Sandpipers at Riverton W.M.A., lA 13 May (SJD), 2600+ Dunlin at Ottawa N.W.R., OH 1 1 May (SZ et al.), 250 Stilt Sandpipers at S.C.R. 16 May (DAE), and 223 Wilson’s Phalaropes at Riverton W.M.A., lA 13 May (SJD). Willets peaked at G.L.N.T.C. 2 May, when 51 were counted (tDBJ et al.). Inland Whimbrel reports included a singleton in Newton, IN 14 May (fHAw) and a group of 7 at Riverton W.M.A., I A 23 May (RTf). Marbled Godwits were unusually widespread this spring, with one to 18 recorded in every state except Kentucky. The Waukegan, IL Purple Sandpiper reported last winter lingered until 2 Mar (DD, DBJ, m. ob.). The season’s brightest shorebird was an alternate-plumaged Curlew Sandpiper that appeared below the dam at L. Red Rock 6-7 May (tAaB, tPHA, tJJD, fTHK, KN ph. m. ob.) to provide Iowa’s 3rd record. It was a good season for Ruffs, with a female in Christian, KY 23-28 Apr (DR, BL et al.) and a white-headed male at the Grand Kankakee Marsh, Lake, IN 23 May (BGr), which remained to thrill scores of observers through 26 May (tJMc, tJKC, m. ob., ph.). Red-necked Phalaropes were more com- mon than normal, with reports from all six states. Most remarkable was a mid-May fallout of this species in Kentucky in which 9 birds were seen at three locations during the 17-19 May interval (DR, RDn, TD, JE, et al.). The previous spring maximum for the state was only one. JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS Spring jaegers are quite rare anywhere in the Region, consequently, the imm. light-morph Pomarine Jaeger at H.B.S.P. 10 Mar (LRo) was noteworthy. As has been typical in recent years, small numbers of Laughing Gulls occurred in each of the six reporting states. The Cleveland lakefront was the center of small gull activity, with at least 2 Black-headed Gulls, which were seen sporadically during the 13 Mar — 7 Apr period (BM, LRo, fSTZ, m. ob.), and a maxi- mum of 10,000 Bonaparte’s Gulls 7 Apr (LRo). Thayer’s Gull numbers on the Great Lakes were typical, but a plethora occurred in Iowa, where a rerndrkable 10 birds were reported. Inland Lesser Black-backed Gulls lingered at Clear Fork Res., OH (4 ads.) through 31 Mar (RTt, JH), at Kentucky L., KY until 24 Mar (BPB, DOb) and at R.E.D.A. through 16 Mar (G&TB). A tardy Glaucous Gull also tarried at Kentucky L., KY until at least 30 Mar (DR). The peak Caspian Tern flights occurred on L. Michigan, where 647 were found at the Port of Indiana 1 May (BGr) and 336 were counted at G.L.N.T.C. 24 May (DBJ). An overzealous Forster’s Tern arrived in Allen, OH 26 Mar (JK, et al.), and an impressive count of 500 birds was logged in Cerro Gordo, I A 13 May (PH). The only Least Terns reported away from established breeding sites consisted of 2 at Eagle Bluffs, MO 9 May (EWd). Black Terns were more prevalent than normal, with double-digit counts in every state; peak tallies e. of the Mississippi R. included 170 in Madison, IL 14 May (FH) and 50 at T.N.C.K.S. 14 May (Haw). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS Eurasian Collared-Doves continued their 312 North American Birds Middlewestern Prairie Northwest Indiana’s Monk Parakeets are wanderers from the large established Chicago population. Though many have been seen in the past, this bird, photographed at State Line Woods 7 May 2002, constitutes the first Indiana record since Monk Parakeets were elevated to “established” status in Illinois. Photograph by Jeffrey J. McCoy. Regional expansion: new sites were reported in Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri. Kentucky’s first White-winged Doves arrived in force, with sin- gles in Calloway 16-22 Apr (CM, CP, HC et al., ph.) and Marshall 17-21 Apr (SW, ph.). Another White-winged was in Chicago’s Lincoln Park 28 May (fWS, JPu, OMc), and there were also three undocumented reports from Missouri. Indiana’s first acceptable Monk Parakeet was recorded in Lake 1 May (tJMc, ph.), possibly a wanderer from the Chicago population, which was only recently judged to be firmly estab- lished. Previous Indiana records involved birds that were deemed unestablished. Both cuckoos, and especially Black-billeds, were scarce throughout the Region. Following last winter’s invasion, Snowy Owls lingered into spring in every state except Indiana. Records included single birds in Poweshiek, I A 4 Apr (DT), at Montrose on the Chicago lakeffont 1 Apr (GAW), in Pendleton, KY 1 Apr (JHy, m. ob.), and at Grand Pass, MO 10 Mar (EWd). In Ohio, 3 lingered at undis- closed locations until 20 Mar {fide RHa). Spring Common Nighthawk flights are rarely of signif- icant size; consequently, the evening movement of 81 at Cuyahoga W.M.A., OH 27 May (LG) was noteworthy. The Whip-poor-will migration is poorly documented, so the discovery of single migrants in downtown Chicago 16 Apr, 10 May, 12 May and in Chicago’s Grant Park 16 Apr (KRW), provided valuable data. The Lewis’s Woodpecker that wintered at Missouri’s Shell Osage W.M.A. lingered until 4 May; interesting- ly, the bird remained in the same small woodlot throughout its entire eight- month stay {fide RDM). Once again, possible nesting Yellow-bel- lied Sapsuckers were reported in three n. Iowa counties {fide MCK), and a fine count of 40 sap- suckers was logged at Fox Island Park, IN 9 Apr (Haw et al.). Extralimital Scissor-tailed Flycatcher reports included a male at Cypress Creek N.W.R., IL 14 Apr (FKB) and a female on the Mississippi-New Madrid line, MO 14 May (LK). Out-of- range vireos included a White-eyed in Winneshiek, lA 18 May (DK) and a Bell’s in Lake, IL 8 May (fDB), DD). Early vireo reports included a Blue-headed in Shawnee S.F., OH 1 Apr (RRy), a Yellow-throated in Whitley, KY 7 Apr (BPB), and 3 Warblings at Mermet L., s. IL 6 Apr (FKB). Also quite early were Northern Rough- winged Swallows in Warren, KY 21 Mar (DR) and in Du Page, IL 31 Mar (UG). The concen- tration of 1000 Northern Rough-wingeds at Saylorville L., lA 21 Apr (BE) is quite unusual for the spring flight. The previously reported Illinois Beach S.P. Brown-headed Nuthatch spent the winter at that site and was last reported 6 Apr (AFS). Some serious Blue-gray Gnatcatcher counts were logged this spring, with 122 tallied in Union, IL 12 Apr (BCAM) and 121 in Shawnee S.F., OH 15 Apr (RRy). Following last spring’s paltry Cathariis thrush flight, the situation improved this year, as evidenced by widespread double-digit Swainson’s counts and a peak tally of 75 in Lake, IL 17 May (DBJ et al); however, many correspondents continued to lament the dearth of thrushes. An exceptionally late Hermit Thrush occupied a downtown Chicago park 26-29 May (KRW). At the other extreme, a Wood Thrush in Massac, IL 28 Mar (FKB) pro- vided a record-early arrival date for the state. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Perhaps encouraged by the mid-April “sum- mer” weather, many passerines arrived well FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWINGS Three exceptionally early Eastern Wood-Pewees were reported in Kentucky; the first of these appeared in Ohio 12 Apr (MMo, BPB). The remarkable 36 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers band- ed at the B.S.B.O. 24 May {fide RHa), attests to abundance of this species in the spring flight. The Region’s peak Alder Flycatcher count came from Algona, lA where 17 were counted 29 May (MCK). An early Apr fallout of Eastern Phoebes produced the following counts: 57 in Jax. P. 2 Apr (PRC, KC), 41 in nearby Grant Park on the same day (DFS), and 32 in La Salle, IL 6 Apr (DFS). These are all among the five highest counts for the state. A Great Crested Flycatcher in Ringgold, lA 20 Apr (AaB, JSi) and an Eastern Kingbird at Spring Valley W.M.A., OH 9 Apr (DSa, GM), were both extremely early. C Morning shoreline passerine flights along L. Michigan shorelines occur regularly in ^Jr^spring; birds involved in these movements invariably fly directly into the prevailing winds. This spring, two remarkable examples occurred on s. Lake Michigan. On 16 May, the wind was from the southwest at 10-15 knots, and an approaching cold front was predicted to arrive in mid-afternoon. During the morning, a massive southbound flight (reverse migra- tion?) was recorded on the eastern shore at Waukegon, IL (n. of Chicago). A 4.5-hour sam- pling of this movement yielded 1010-f Bank Swallows, 1350-+- Cliff Swallows, 1550-1- Barn Swallows, 202 Cedar Waxwings, and 218 Bobolinks, the latter a state record (EWW). At the same time, 101 km across the lake at Indiana Dunes S.P. (on the southern shore), a very heavy flight also occurred. In 2.25 hours, observers tallied (among other things) 418 Eastern Kingbirds (a state high count), 120 Cliff Swallows (numbers of other swallow overwhelmed the observers), 680 Cedar Waxwings, 21 Cape May Warblers, 143 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 61 Scarlet Tanagers (another state record), and 167 Indigo Buntings (JKC, KJB). The Indiana birds all flew westward, into the wind. Interestingly, the flight directions of these two move- ments and the geometry of L. Michigan placed both groups on a collision course. If both con- tinued along the lakeffont, they would have met somewhere on the Chicago lakeffont; how- ever, the ultimate disposition of the two movements remains unknown. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 313 ahead of schedule. Early arriving warblers included a Blackburnian in Henderson, KY 13 Apr (RRd et ah), a Palm in Muhlenberg, KY 6 Mar (MMo), a Blackpoll in Kansas City 19 Apr (RDM), a Black-and-white in Fayette, KY 23 Mar (JB, PB), an Ovenbird in Hocking, OH 29 Mar (ME), a Northern Waterthrush 12 Apr in Jax. P. (PRC), a Louisiana Waterthrush in Jackson, IE 17 Mar (RSM), and a male Canada in Bloomington, IL 21 Apr (fMLR). Several warbler species also appeared in unusually high numbers, noteworthy among these were 53 Northern Parulas in Union, IL 12 Apr (KAM), 78 Yellows in Bureau, IL 4 May (DFS), 30 Chestnut-sideds at Magee and Metzger W.M.A.S., OH 18 May (RHa, SWa), 121 Magnolias banded by B.S.B.O. 9 May (fide RHa), 64 Cape Mays at Urbana, IL 19 May (RTC), 40 Black-throated Blues at Magee Marsh, OH 13 May (SRv), 67 Northern Waterthrushes at L. Cal. 7 May (DFS), and 44 Wilson’s banded at B.S.B.O. 24 May (fide RHa). Rarities included male Audubon’s Warblers at Jax. P. 18 Apr (DES, MJS, fPRC) and at Magee Marsh, OH 27 Apr (tISv), plus a Black-throat- ed Gray Warbler at Dawes Arboretum, Licking, OH 17 Apr (SA, JMm, MW, ph.), and a Kirtland’s Warbler at Metzger Marsh, OH 6 May (tGL). Interesting tanager reports included a record-early Summer Tanager at Mermet L., IL 7 Apr (FKB) and a female Western Tanager found dead at Northwestern Univ., Chicago 12 May C^KRW). Clay-colored Sparrows were both plentiful and widespread, with reports from all six states. Singing Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows are unknown in the Region; conse- quently, the 5:00 a.m. refrain of a Nelson’s (sub- sequently seen) at T.N.C.K.S. 25 May ( JMc) was totally unexpected. Exceptional Swamp Sparrow counts included the following record tallies: 257 in Jax. P. 5 May (PRC), 255 in Chicago’s Grant P. 19 Apr (DFS), and 150 at Carl. L. 13 Apr (DKa). The 19 Harris’s Sparrows reported in Illinois included a peak count of 6 ads. at Lost Mount N.W.R. 14 May (VMK et al.). Other reports e. of the Mississippi R. included singles at Spring Valley W.M.A., OH 6 Apr (tDSJ), in Monroe, IN 2 May (JHv, SHv), at Wolf L., IN 10 May (CMa), and in Wabash, IN 14 May (SDo). It was a good spring for Smith’s Longspurs. Maximum counts included 250-{- at Rosecrans Airport near St. Joe, MO 13 Mar (JHi) and 225 in Fulton, IL 23 Mar (RTC). Additionally, 14 tardy Smith’s lingered in McLean, IL until 7 May (MLR). Most surprising was an ad. male Black-headed Grosbeak that made a brief appearance in DuPage, IL 8 May (tBF). Also accompanying the mid-Apr passer- ine incursion were very early Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Union, IL 12 Apr (KAM) and in the Indiana Dunes 18 Apr (SB). A male Painted Bunting returned to the recently established East St. Louis, IL nesting site 7 May, and 2 males were there 16 May (DKa, ph.). Impressive Brewer’s Blackbird reports included counts of 300 birds at three Illinois locations: Clinton 16 Mar (DKa), Carl. L. 24 Mar (DKa), and Pulaski 1 Apr (KAM). Record- early Orchard Orioles were logged 12 Apr in Jackson, IL (RSM) and 15 Apr in Cleveland, OH (LRo). Except for Purple Finches, which were widely reported in above-average numbers, the winter finch flight was not impressive. A few Red Crossbills appeared in Illinois and Ohio and one to 9 White-wingeds were reported in four states. Small to modest numbers of Common Redpolls appeared in every state except Kentucky; the southernmost record con- sisted of a single in St. Joseph, MO 21 Mar (LL). Contributors cited (subregional editors in boldface): Scott Albaugh, Pam H. Allen, Reid 1. Allen, Connie Alwood, Susan Bagby, George and Terry Baker (G & TB), Michael J. Baum (MJB), Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Frank K. Bennett, Mark Bennett (MBe), Mike Brady (MBr), Aaron Brees (AaB), Kenneth J. Brock, Alan W. Bruner (Indiana), Rhonda Bryant (RBy), Robert F. Buskirk, Dennis Carter, Lee A. Casebere, Karin Cassel, John K. Cassady, Hap Chambers, Robert T. Chapel, Elizabeth J. Chato, Paul R. Clyne (Illinois), Donald R. Dann, Roseanna Denton (RDn), Danny Diaz, James J. Dinsmore, Steven J. Dinsmore, Michael C. Dooley, Steve Doud (SDo), Jon Dunn (JDu), Tom Durbin, David A. Easterla, Jackie Elmore, Berry Engebretsen, Marcus England, Vic Fazio, Bob Fisher, Rick Fox, Lou Gardella, Urs Geiser, Rita Goranson, Peter B. Grube, Brendan Grube (BGr), Joseph W. Hammond, Rob Harlan (RHa) (Ohio), Leroy Harrison, Jim Haw (Haw), Jeff Hays (JHy), Gloyce Hedge, Roger Hedge (RHe), Jim Hengeveld (JHv), Susan Hengeveld (SHv), John Herman (JHe), Paul Hertzel, Jack Hilsabeck (JHi), Frank Holmes, Bill F. Huser, James Jackson, Brad Jacobs, Ann Johnson, David B. Johnson, Dan Kassebaum (DKa), Phil & Joanne Kelly (P 8c JK), Matthew C. Kenne (Iowa), Thomas H. Kent, Darwin Koenig, Leslie Koller, Randy Korotev, John Kuenzli, Maggie Kurcz (MKz), Larry Lade, Paul Lehman, Greg Links, Bill Lisowsky, Charlene and Jim Malone (C 8c JM), Walter J. Marcisz, Carolyn Marsh (CMa), Scott Marsh, Jim McCormac (JMm), Jeff McCoy (JMc), Owen McHugh (OMc), Keith A. McMullen, Roger D. McNeill (Missouri), Greg Miller, Mark Monroe (MMo), Rhonda S. Monroe, Ben Morrison, Carl Mowery, Kent Nickell, Darrin 0,Brien (DOb), Art Osborn, Doug Overacker (DOv), Brainard Palmer-Ball (BPB) (Kentucky), Larry Peavler, Clell Peterson, John Pogacnik (JPg), Mark Proescholdt (MPr), John Purcell (JPu), Scott Reeves (SRv), Michael L. Retter, Kevin Richmond, David Roemer, Robert Rold (RRd), Larry Rosche (LRo), Robert Royse (RRy), Dave St. John (DSJ), Dan Sanders (DSa), John Sawvel (JSv), Sandy Schacht (SSt), Lee A. Schoenewe, Scott Schuette (SSc), David E. Semler, Wes Serafim, Jim Sinclair (JSi), James O. Smith, Su Snyder (SSn), Leonard Stanley (LSt), Marsha J. Steffen, Alan F. Stokie, Gerry Story, Douglas F. Stotz, Ed Thelen (ETh), Dan Tiemeier, Richard Trieff (RTf), Roger Troutman (RTt), Casey Tucker, Tammy Turner, Gerald Von Ehwegen, Mark Vukovich, Edge Wade (EWd), Sandy Wagner (SWa), Eric W. Walters, Mike Williams, Geoff A. Williamson, Doug Willis (DWi), John Winebrenner (JW), Kenneth R. Wysocki, Sean T. Zadar. Many others contributed to the vari- ous state lists but could not be personally Assist in bird conservation, research, and outreach in the Neotropics by donating your used but still function- ing birding equipment to Birders' Exchange, American Birding Associa- tion, 720 West Monument St., PO Box 6599,Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599. www.americanbirding. org/ programs/consbex.htm 314 North American Birds Central Southern B. Mac. Myers 320 Sharon Drive New Orleans, Louisiana 70124 (bmyers990@earthlink.net) Phillip A. Wallace 4515 South Prieur Street New Orleans, Louisiana 701 25-5044 (philiip_wallace@hotmail.com) Migration was generally considered poor to unremarkable, but the Parkers termed it good in Arkansas. A blocking ridge of high pressure persisted from mid-April until the sec- ond week of May and kept coastal areas hot and dry with south winds. Doves and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers continued their explosive spread. There were several interesting reports of pelag- ic species from shore. But certainly the birds of the season were the Clark’s Nutcracker and White-winged Crossbill, both firsts for Alabama. As usual, we received more reports than we could print individually, and we thank the observers whose reports could not be included specifically here. Abbreviations: C.F.H. (Craig Fish Hatchery, AR); F.W.B.S.F. (Ft. Walton Beach Spray Fields, FL); L.S.U.M.N.S. (Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science). LOONS THROUGH HAWKS There was one report each of Red-throated and Pacific Loon, both casual to rare in the Region. The former was at Gulf Shores, AL 1 1 Apr (LFG, SER, GRB, SWM) and the latter in Escambia, FL 18 May (LD, RAD). Six Pied-billed Grebe nests on a pond in Lauderdale, AL 4 May (PDK) was a good number for a rare, irregular breeder in the area. A pelagic survey by the L.S.U.M.N.S. in Louisiana waters 29 May (CCS, SWC, DLD et al.) produced the following amazing results: one Audubon’s and 2 Cory’s Shearwaters, 5 Leach’s, 16 Band-rumped, and 67 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels. The identification of all three species of storm-petrel was confirmed by speci- men C'^L.S.U.M.N.S.). Pelagic species are sel- dom seen from shore in the Region, except in association with tropical storms. This season, there were several such records, including a Cory’s Shearwater in Cameron, LA 27 Apr (DLD, SWC), a Sooty Shearwater from Ft. Pickens, FL 9 Apr (p. a. LD, LDa), and an unidentified storm-petrel in Cameron, LA 27 Apr (DP, PC). Another Band-rumped Storm- Petrel landed on a boat 40 km s. of Pensacola Pass, FL 28 May {fide RAD). On 8 Apr, a Masked Booby was seen from shore at Destin, FL (JNC). Brown Pelicans, unusual away from the coast, were reported at inland locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The threatened American Bittern was reported from all states of the Region except Florida, with an astonishing 10 at Bald Knob N.W.R., AR 4 May (KN, LN). Jeff Wilson reports a dramatic decline, perhaps as much as 80%, in numbers of Little Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets in w. Tennessee over the last two years, whereas 282 was a good number for Little Blues at Noxubee N.W.R., MS 25 Mar (SJD). Tricolored Herons were widely reported inland, especially from Arkansas, with four reports totaling 6 individu- als. A white-morph Reddish Egret was reported from Little Dauphin L, AL 19-21 Apr (JD, GDJ, DGJ). Glossy Ibis were widely reported from Arkansas and from sw. Louisiana, as this species continues to expand westward and northward. White-faced Ibis was also widely reported inland. Ross’s Goose was reported farther e. than usual, with one in Baldwin, AL 3 Mar (KKa, BCG, HEH), and one in Montgomery, AL 23 Apr (LFG). An imm. Tundra Swan, found during the winter season, stayed at Noxubee N.W.R., MS until 11 Mar (R8cLW, TS, m. ob.). Mississippi had the only Long-tailed Ducks, with 2 females reported from Harrison, MS 2 Mar (SW) and 2 males and a female in Oktibbeha 18 Mar (TS, MS, SJD). Swainson’s Hawks were widely reported from sw. Louisiana 19 Apr- 12 May. There were also several reports from Arkansas, including 5 in Little River 20-28 Apr (CM, m. ob.). There was one report of Rough-legged Hawk from Miller, AR 1 & 3 Mar (CM, MD). The only Golden Eagle reported was in George, MS 4 Mar (SW). Crested Caracaras continued to be reported from Calcasieu, LA. SHOREBIRDS A pair of Snowy Plovers with a chick was reported at Fort Morgan 24 May (ECS) for a rare breeding record from the Alabama main- land. Only one Piping Plover was reported from the Region, from Lafourche, LA 10 Mar (PAW, RDP, DPM). A pair of Black-necked Stilts was out of place near Texarkana, AR 11 & 25-27 May (CM, MD), providing the first record for sw. Arkansas since 1960. Greater Yellowlegs numbers peaked at 96 on 1 Mar at Wheeler N.W.R., AL (DPG) and at 317 on 7 Apr in Dyer, TN (JRW). Lesser Yellowlegs peaked at 469 and Solitary Sandpipers at 52 on 27 Apr at Ensley Bottoms, Shelby, TN (JRW). Willets were reported inland in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Good numbers of Whimbrels showed up in the rice fields this spring, with a peak of > 250 seen in Vermilion, LA 12 May (BMM, DPM). In the same area, > 50 Hudsonian Godwits were seen 11 & 12 May (JPK, JK, BMM, DPM). A count of 12 Ruddy Turnstones, rare inland, was excellent for Arkansas on 17 May at C.F.H. (MM, JN, DC). The same number was tallied 18 May (JRW) in Shelby and Dyer, TN. Sanderlings were also widely reported inland. A count of >10,000 Semipalmated Sandpipers in Acadia, LA 30 Apr (JPK, RJB) must have been an awesome sight. On 5 May at C.F.H., a count of 16 Baird’s Sandpipers was a large number for the area (JN, MM). Baird’s were also reported from Alabama and Louisiana. Pectoral Sandpipers also made a Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 315 Alabama added another new species to its state list this spring when this White-winged Crossbill was discovered in Lauderdale County on 26 April 2002 (here 7 May). Photograph by Raelene H. Cutten. good showing, with 263 on 26 Apr from C.H.F. (MM, DC) providing the highest count ever from nw. Arkansas and 1329 on 7 Apr providing an outstanding total from Ensley Bottoms, TN (JRW). Dunlin numbers peaked at 1700 on 4 May in Acadia and Vermilion, LA ( JPK, MaG). A very cooperative Curlew Sandpiper was found on 28 Apr in Acadia, LA (CW, JW, DLL). The bird was seen by many at the same location through 3 May. The same or a different bird was spotted in Vermilion, LA about 16 km away on 6 May (ph. PC, DP, m. ob.) and was seen through 1 1 May at that location. Stilt Sandpipers numbering 1600 in Acadia and Vermilion, LA 2 May provided good company for the Curlew Sandpiper. Providing only the 3rd spring record for nw. Arkansas were 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers at C.P.H. 17 May (JN, DC, MM). These were pre- ceded by a good count of 60 on 11 May in Vermilion, LA (JPK, JK). A Ruff in Lowndes, AL 17 Mar (LPG, P&RJo) provided the 5th state record. Short-billed Dowitcher numbers peaked at 2500 on 2 May in Acadia and Vermilion, LA (JPK, JG), and Long-billeds peaked at 4830 in Acadia 27 May (JPK, KL). Two Red-necked Phalaropes showed up in Arkansas on 19 May, a male near Texarkana (CM) and a female in White (KN, LN). JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS Another treat from the 29 May pelagic trip was a Long-tailed Jaeger (*L.S.U.M.N.S.), and one in second-alternate plumage was seen in Cameron, LA 18 May (SWC, DLD). Laughing Gulls were seen inland in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Aside from one winter holdover in Yell, AR 6 Mar (KN, LN), the earliest reported was 23 Mar at Reelfoot L., TN (MG, JRW). A California Gull was reported from Cameron, LA 27 Apr (DLD, SWG, ph. DPM). Three Herring Gulls with yellow legs were seen in Cameron 25 & 26 Apr (BMM, CCS). One was collected (’^L.S.U.M.N.S.) and determined to be a probable female in fourth- alternate plumage and presumably a “pure” smithsonianus (DLD, pers. comm.). A Thayer’s Gull in second-basic plumage turned up at Rutherford Beach 19 May (SWC, DLD), and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Paris Landing, TN 17 Mar (JRW, MG, MT). Also on the 29 May pelagic trip was one Bridled Tern (*L.S.U.M.N.S.). Sooty Terns, rarely seen onshore, put in two appearances in Mobile, AL, with one 19 May and 3 on 27 May (HEH, KKe). DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS Eurasian Collared-Doves received little com- ment from most of the Region, but in Arkansas they were reported from Cleburne, Howard, Little River, and White. White-winged Doves were widely reported inland in Mississippi, Arkansas, and n. Louisiana. An Inca Dove in DeSoto 28 May (ML) provided the first nesting record for nw. Louisiana. Monk Parakeets are common in the New Orleans area but have been little studied. This season we received several reports documenting their presence and nest- ing, including an article from the Times- Picayune newspaper. A Black-billed Guckoo in Washington, AR 20 Apr (MM, JN) was early, while another in Stone, AR 26 May (KN, LN) was considered a possible breeder. An ad. Ghuck-will’s-widow with two nestlings in Clark, AR 30 May (MP) was considered remark- able. The extraordinary hummingbird influx of winter persisted into spring. A Buff-bellied at Grand Isle, LA stayed through 14 Apr, a rather late date (DPM, RDP, BMM). A Black-chinned in Lafourche 3 May (LR, NLN) was Louisiana’s latest ever. A Calliope was at Baton Rouge 1-5 Mar (DLL, CW), and another was banded by NLN 8 Mar in Lafourche. A Broad-tailed was banded in Lafayette, LA 6 Mar (DP). A Rufous remained in Oktibbeha, MS until 25 Mar (MC, TS, m. ob.), and another in Lafourche 19 Apr (LR, NLN) was very late. Lour Allen’s Hummingbirds were banded in s. Louisiana in Mar, including one on the 27th (NLN), which was Louisiana’s latest ever. WOODPECKERS THROUGH SHRIKES A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Oktibbeha, MS 27 Apr (TS, MS) was the area’s latest by 17 days. Joe Neal found 20 active nests of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers 20 May in Ouachita N.F., Scott, AR. Single Olive-sided Flycatchers were report- ed 7 May in Colbert, AL (TMH), 15 May in Benton, MS (VR, WRP et al.), and in Shelby, TN 21 May (JRW). JRW had single Yellow-bellied Flycatchers 18 May in Shelby and 19 May in Dyer, TN; one was in Washington, AR 29 May (JN). An Acadian Flycatcher in Winston, MS 16 Apr was early (SJD). Two Willow Flycatchers were calling 18 May at Grand Isle (p. a. GCS, BMM); this is a review list species in Louisiana. Two other Willows in Carroll, TN 27 May (MCT) were acting territorial. A Least Flycatcher in Washington, AR 21 Apr (MM) was quite early; 10 Leasts on 10 May and 23 the fol- lowing day in Washington, AR (RHD) were exceptional counts. Another Least was consid- ered a rare spring migrant in Lawrence, AL 5 May (DJS, JTG et al.) The Brown-crested Flycatcher wintering in Plaquemines, LA stayed until 16 Mar (PAW, CCS). The Great Kiskadee that has been near Venice for several years had built a new nest by 28 May (CCS, BMM, m. ob.). A Western Kingbird in Lowndes, MS 18 Apr (SJD) was unusual. Elsewhere, they contin- ued to expand, with >six pairs nesting in Sebastien, AR (B&TB, SB), three nests in Shelby, TN (JRW), and several in nw. Louisiana. Gray Kingbirds are now rare in Alabama, so singles 29 Apr (DLK, SKi) and 11 May (JL, PB) in Baldwin were noteworthy. One in Cameron, LA 27 Apr (DLL, CW, JW) was even more so. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were widely reported from Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In w. Tennessee, the influx was “unprecedented,” with reports from six locations in four counties. Look for more information in the nesting sea- son report. Two nesting pairs of Loggerhead Shrikes in Benton, AR (JN) were considered sig- nificant. VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS At Grand Isle, 120 White-eyed Vireos were found 5 Apr (CCS, PAW, BMM). A Yellow- throated Vireo was nesting in Arkansas on the early date of 12 Apr (MW), and a Blue-headed in Washington, AR 18 Apr (MM) was quite early. A Warbling Vireo in Washington 13 Apr was early, and there were several reports from parts of Alabama and Mississippi where Warblings are uncommon. Single Philadelphia Vireos were early in Davidson, TN 15 Apr (JKS) and in Lowndes, MS 28 Apr (SJD). One in Madison, AL 20 May was late (DRC, RC). The Sargents banded 2 Black-whiskered Vireos in Apr at Ft. Morgan. One at Grand Isle 18 May (PAW) was a good find. Truly outstanding was a Clark’s Nutcracker found in Cleburne, AL 19 Apr (G8cRJ), which stayed until 5 May (ph., m. ob.). Tree Swallows were reported nesting in three counties in Alabama and two in Arkansas. Six Bank Swallows in Marion, AR 11 May (RW) were considered significant. Cave Swallow reports 316 North American Birds Central Southern continued to increase and included singles at Ft. Morgan 14-17 Apr (JH, PBe et al.) and in Escambia, FL 15 Mar (RAD, WD). One in Santa Rosa, FL 14 Apr (LD, RAD) was believed to be one of the Caribbean races. The Cave Swallow nesting site in Cameron, LA seemed to have more than one pair this year (MPo, GP, BMM, DPM). Two Brown-headed Nuthatches enter- ing a nest hole in Cleburne, AR 1 1 Apr (KN, LN) were unusual for the area. Single Bewick’s Wrens in Washington, AR 16 & 23 Mar (MM) were considered very uncommon transients. A Sedge Wren in Washington 28 Apr (RHD) was considered significant. One of the wintering Blue-gray Gnatcatchers in Noxubee remained until 9 Mar (TS, MS). A Gray-cheeked Thrush at Grand Isle 5 Apr (PAW, CCS, BMM) was early. One reported without details 29 Mar in Cross, AR (N&CL) would be extremely early. A Wood Thrush in Noxubee 1 Apr (TS) was early. A Golden-winged Warbler was in Lafayette, MS 5 May (GK, SK), where it is an uncommon migrant; the 7 found in Lauderdale, TN 4 May (JRW, MAG, MCT) represented a high count. A Brewster’s was at Grand Isle 14 Apr (BMM, DPM), and a Lawrence’s was in Lauderdale, TN 3 May (JRW). A Tennessee Warbler at Ft. Morgan 23 Mar (JL et al.) was early, while an Orange-crowned in Washington, AR 18 May (MM) was quite late. Nashville Warblers were widely reported from Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas. A Northern Parula in Talladega N.F., AL 10 Mar (DPG) was early, as were 7 in DeSoto, LA 15 Mar (RS). Although Northern Parulas are common in Louisiana’s bottomland forests, the count of >300 in St. Tammany 25 Mar (CW, ESB, AS) was excep- tional. A Magnolia Warbler in Baldwin 1 Apr (DD) was Alabama’s earliest ever. A few Cape Mays were reported, including one in Davidson, TN 15 Apr ( JKS), the earliest area record in over 80 years. The Black-throated Blue wintering at Grand Isle stayed until 14 Apr (DPM, RDP), when it was singing vigorously. A Black-throat- ed Green in DeSoto, LA 15 Mar was early (RS), as was one 28 Mar in Lauderdale, AL (PDK, DEK); an early Blackburnian sang in the Pearl River W.M.A 26 Mar (CW et al.). Prairie Warblers were early in inland Alabama and Mississippi, as were single Palm Warblers 11 Apr in Cleburne (KN, LN) and 14 Apr in Washington, AR (MM). A Bay-breasted in Washington 1 May was the earliest ever in nw. Arkansas. We received reports of only 2 Cerulean Warblers, both in Mississippi, but a few were seen in coastal Louisiana. Significant counts of Swainson’s Warblers included the 15 found in Apr and May mostly in Oktibbeha, MS (TS, MS) and the 19 found at Et. Morgan dur- ing Apr (RRS, MBS, m. ob.). The only Connecticut Warbler reported was in Lake, TN 11 May (JRW, BF, MAG). On 28 Mar, single Hooded Warblers in Oktibbeha (TS) and at Birmingham (K&PW) were early. A count of 15 Wilson’s Warblers in Washington, AR 11 May (RHD) was exceptional. TANAGERS THROUGH GOLDFINCHES The Summer Tanager wintering in Oktibbeha stayed until 25 Mar (B&SW). A few reports of Bachman’s Sparrow were received from Mississippi and Arkansas; notable were 10 singing males in Stone, MS 16 May (SWo) and 5 singing birds in Apr and May in Scott, AR (JN). Three Clay-colored Sparrows were in Washington, AR 28 Mar (RHD), and a single in Lake 4 May (FB, SBo) was only the 3rd for w. Tennessee. Three Grasshopper Sparrows were at a breeding area in Clay, MS 16 May (TS). The count of >100 Grasshopper Sparrows in Lake, TN 1 1 May (MAG, m. ob.) is astounding. At the only known breeding location in Arkansas, 3-4 singing Henslow’s Sparrows were found in Washington (JN, MM, RHD, DJ). A Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow in Faulkner, AR 1 1 May (AM, SC, YB) was unusual. A count of >20 Lincoln’s Sparrows in Washington, AR 28 Apr (RHD) was excellent; singles were unusual in Oktibbeha 27 Apr (TS) and Lauderdale, AL 1 May (PDK). Six Harris’s Sparrows were in Boone, AR 3 Mar (SR); one stayed in Vermilion, LA through 16 Mar (M, L&CB). Another Harris’s was at F.W.B.S.F. 10 Apr (DW, LDa, JC). A Dark-eyed Junco described as of the Pink- sided subspecies was reported 21 Mar in Washington, AR (JN). Early Rose-breasted Grosbeaks included singles in Washington, AR 18 Apr (MM) and 21 Apr (RHD), and in Montgomery, AL 9 Apr (LFG, AM). A Black- headed Grosbeak in Red River, LA 17 Apr was a good find (p. a., PD). Several Painted Buntings were reported from inland parts of the Region, where they are not regular. A Western Meadowlark was singing in DeSoto, MS 24 Mar (VR, WRP). There were five reports of Yellow- headed Blackbirds in Arkansas, and one was in Montgomery, AL 4-7 Apr (DS). Bronzed Cowbird reports away from their stronghold in se. Louisiana included a pair in Cameron 27 Apr (MPo, GP) and a male in Iberville 27 May (JPO). A Purple Finch in Jefferson, AL 15 May was late (MBS, RRS). Alabama’s other spectacu- lar record was of White-winged Crossbill in Lauderdale, first found 26 Apr (SAW, JLW); it remained until 20 May (ph., m. ob.). Likewise marvelous, Mississippi’s first Lesser Goldfinch stayed in Hinds until 5 Mar (JE, m. ob.) OTHER REPORTS The editors received reports of Cory’s and Greater Shearwaters seen from shore in Florida. Although the written descriptions were sugges- tive of the species reported, they were not entirely conclusive. A reliable observer reported a Cave Swallow at New Orleans 1 1 May, but no details were received. CORRIGENDUM In N.A.B. 56: 62, the report of a possible Common Gull mistakenly included the initials DPM and MM; they saw the bird but did not concur with the identification. Review is ongo- ing, but preliminary examination of videotape suggests that the bird was a Ring-billed Gull. Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): Bill & Toka Beall, Giff R. Beaton, Sandy Berger, Phil Berry, Frank Bills, Paul Blevins, Yvonne Bombadier, Sharon Bostick, Roger J. Breedlove, Edward S. Brinkley, Marc, Liz, & Colin Broussard, Steven W. Cardiff, Sharon Carter, Jack Carusos, Phillip D. Casteel (middle Tennessee), David Chapman, Paul Conover, Margaret Copeland, Dean R. Cutten, Raelene Cutten, Lydia Daugherty (LDa), Paul Dickson, Mike Dillon, John Din, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Donna L. Dittmann, David Dortch, Robert H. Doster, Lucy Duncan, Robert A. Duncan (w. Florida), Will Duncan, Joyce Ellis, Karen Fay, Bob Foehring, Margaret Fontaine, Lawrence W. Gardella, Ben C. Garmen, Jeff T. Garner, David P. George, Michael A. Greene, Margie Griffith, Tom M. Haggerty, Jane Hinman, Howard E. Horne, Debra G. Jackson, Greg D. Jackson (Alabama), Doug James, Gretchen 8c Roger Johnson, Pat 8c Ron Johnson (P8cRJo), Keith Kamper, Dennis L. Kisiel, Sandy Kisiel (SKi), Donna E. Kittle, Paul D. Kittle, Joseph P. Kleiman (Louisiana), Gene Knight, Shannon Knight, Daniel F. Lane, Norman 8c Cheryl Lavers, Jan Lloyd, Steve W. McConnell, Charles Mills, Mike Mlodinow, Allen Mueller, David P. Muth, B. Mac. Myers, Joe Neal, Nancy L. Newfield, Kenny Nichols, LaDonna Nichols, John P. O’Neill, Helen & Max Parker (Arkansas), Dave Patton, W. Robert Peeples (w. Tennessee), Gary Pontiff, Matt Pontiff (MPo), R. Dan Purrington, Shawn E. Reed, Virginia Reynolds, Lisa Robichaux, Sheree Rogers, Robert R. Sargent, Martha B. Sargent, Marion Schiefer, Terence Schiefer (Mississippi), Rosemary Seidler, Debbie Sellers, Jan K. Shaw, Damien J. Simbeck, Eric C. Soehren, Curt C. Sorrells, Alison Styring, Michael C. Todd, Phillip A. Wallace, Don Ware, Ray 8c Louise Watson, James L. Wayland, Shirley A. Wayland, Jason Weckstein, Karen 8c Philip White, Mel White, Becky 8c Sam Wilkes, Jeff R. Wilson, Chris Witt, Stefan Woltmann (SWo). a Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 317 Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koes 135 Rossmere Crescent Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K 0G1 (rkoes@merlin.mb.ca) Pater Taylor P.O. Box 597 Pinawa, Manitoba ROE 1 LO (taylorp@granite.mb.ca) The Region was hit by the coldest spring since comprehensive records began in the 1940s. March was by far the coldest month of the win- ter, and much-below-normal temperatures per- sisted until late May. Most of the Region remained dry; violent winds whipped up dust storms and fanned forest fires, including a mas- sive 250,000-hectare burn near Fort McMurray, Alberta. Several snowstorms occurred in May, one on the 22nd dumping up to 40 cm of snow across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Ponds and lakes remained frozen well into May (June in the north), and vegetation leafed out weeks behind schedule. Major migrant waves passed through the south on 11-14 April and 1 1-12 May, while classic “fallout” conditions on 4-5 May and 21-23 May resulted in the best viewing opportunities in memory, as aquatic birds crowded the available open water and songbirds packed in around backyard feeders. Abbreviations: I.B.S. (Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary, AB); W.M.L. (Wascana Marsh and Lake, Regina, SK). LOONS THROUGH RAPTORS As in the cold spring of 1996, Red-throated Loons turned up in numbers in s. Manitoba: 15-1- on the Winnipeg R. near Seven Sisters Falls 5 May (PT), one at Winnipeg the same day (AE, m. ob.), and at least 4 more on the Winnipeg R. 13 May (PT). Common Loon concentrations included 600-1- on the Winnipeg R. 5 May (PT), 200 passing by there in 2 hours 1 1 May (PT, RZ), 33 on the Red R. in Winnipeg 5 May (RK), and several counts of about 50 in s. Alberta (MH, TK). Grebe concentrations included 150-1- Pied- billeds at W.M.L. 3 May (BL, TR), with another 75 at Blackstrap Res., SK 7 May (GW, HL), 600-1- Florneds at W.M.L. 3 May (BL, TR), 220 more at Winnipeg 5 May (RK), 600-t- Red-neckeds on the Winnipeg R. 4 May (PT et al.), and 420-t- Eareds at W.M.L. 5 May (BL, TR). A Pied-billed Grebe at ^ Churchill 5 May was out-of-range (BCh). The only notable waders were a Little Blue Heron (about the 16th for Manitoba) at St. Ambroise 25 May into Jun (TB, GH, ACs, m. ob.), a Green Heron in Winnipeg 28 May (R&TU), and a White-faced Ibis near Regina 24 May (fide LH). A Turkey Vulture at Galgary, AB 26 May (AC, m. ob.) was locally rare. Hawkwatchers at Windygates, MB counted 423-1- Greater White-fronted and 100 Ross’s Geese 13 Apr (RK et al.); a flock of 31 Ross’s Geese at Whitewater L., MB 25 May was late (DF). Above-average concentrations were reported for many of the commoner ducks, espe- cially in Saskatchewan. Twenty-three reports of Eurasian Wigeon in Alberta 24 Mar — 8 May included three hybrids {fide MH). Single hybrid Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teals were found at Irricana, AB (AS) and at Thunder Cr. Marsh, SK (BL, JC), both 4 May. A male Garganey near Cymric, SK 23-27 May was seen by many (fide ASm). At least 50 Greater Scaup were at Brightwater Marsh, SK 21 Apr (fide RJ). One of 2 wintering Long-tailed Ducks at Calgary remained until 21 May (GY). Yet another hybrid was a probable Common Goldeneye x Bufflehead at Chestermere L., AB 28 Apr (TK, J&MM), likely the same bird that was seen near- by in spring 2000. In Stonewall, MB, a Cooper’s Hawk was seen pulling a Purple Martin from a martin house 9 May (KG). A remarkable 60 “Harlan’s” Hawks, including 9 rare light-morph birds, passed Sheep River Valley 10 Apr (WS). The diurnal raptor migration in s. Manitoba was diffuse and pro- tracted, without spectacular peaks. GROUSE THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Virginia Rail, locally rare, was noted at Medicine Hat, AB 26 May (PHo). The only Whooping Crane reports came from Reston, MB 12 Apr (fide DB) and Cedoux, SK 18 Apr (CB), with 2 birds in each case. Black-necked Stilts are now regular in s. Alberta, but duos in Saskatchewan at Thunder Creek Marsh 27 Apr (PJ, BL) and near Ogema 13 May were notewor- thy (NH). Five early American Avocets were near Outlook, SK 13 Apr (WG), with singles the next day at Oak Hammock Marsh, MB (JS) and near Brandon, MB (MR, MY). Three hundred Whimbrels at Taber, AB 17 May represented one of the highest counts ever on the Ganadian Prairies (LB); notable Manitoba counts included 31 near Pinawa 23 May (PT), 45-f- at Whitewater L. 23-24 May (KD), and 20 at Oak Hammock Marsh 25 May (AGs, GH). Other high shorebird counts were 360-1- Hudsonian Godwits 27 Apr at Thunder Greek Marsh, Reed L., and Chaplin L. (BL, PJ); 2000-1- Sanderlings at Chaplin L. 17 May (DS); and 83-i- Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Buck L. 28 May (BL). Lone Western Sandpipers were near Chestermere L. 7 May (TK) and at Frank L. 26 May (IH, m. ob.). Three Baird’s Sandpipers near Manitou, MB 13 Apr were remarkably early (CA, RP, JS, LV). An ad. Litde Gull was enjoyed by many near Irricana 4-10 May (AS, m. ob.); there are fewer than 10 records in Alberta. Herring Gulls peaked at 610 at I.B.S. 20 Apr (TK) An Iceland Gull at W.M.L. 15-16 Apr (BL, m. ob.) was foOowed by 2 at I.B.S. 20 Apr (TK). Manitoba’s first Slaty-backed Gull, videotaped 11 May at the PR. 227 dump ne. of Portage la Prairie (DF), is awaiting review. Five Glaucous-winged Gulls were spotted in Alberta between 27 Apr and 29 May (RW, BW, TK, TH, RKl), and a Great Black-backed Gull visited the PR. 227 dump 25 Apr (PT, RK). Four Arctic Terns at Calgary 19 May were rare (CW, RW). The Band-tailed Pigeon seen in early winter at Brandon, MB was rediscovered there 21 Apr (AW). Eurasian Collared-Dove reports came from Mortlach, Val Marie, and Eastend, all in sw. Saskatchewan (MF, SL, HJ). Twelve active Great Gray Owl nests were found in se. Manitoba, compared with none last year ( J&PD). A winter- ing Red-bellied Woodpecker in Regina remained until at least 8 May (TR, m. ob.), and 2 were seen in sw. Manitoba (JJ et al.). PASSERINES Saskatchewan’s first Cassin’s Vireo was banded 318 North American Birds Prairie Provinces This adult Little Gull (at left) near Irricana, Alberta 4-10 May 2002 (here 5 May) provided one of fewer than 1 0 records for the province. Photograph by Terry Korolyk. O Passerine migration was severely disrupted by the cold spring. Heavy mortality was noted, W»Tiespecially in s. Alberta; elsewhere, crows were seen preying on weakened passerines. Breeding Bird Surveys may reveal the extent of the damage. Early arrivals such as lone Say’s Phoebes near Condie Res. 6 Apr (BL) and at Underhill, MB 13 Apr (DH), and a Barn Swallow at Windygates 13 Apr (RK, BC), were surely doomed. Tree Swallows undoubtedly suffered heavy losses as one cold storm after another crossed the Region. Many observers noted Catharus thrush- es grounded in large numbers for much of May. The warbler migration was spectacular, not for rarities, but for the sheer numbers of grounded and lingering birds. Many resorted to ground- level and over-water feeding, or were forced to subsist on cankerworm and tent caterpillar eggs. Daily counts were often 5-10 times the norm. Highlights of this event included a huge, extended Tennessee Warbler migration in Saskatchewan after the 22 May snowstorm, while 435 Tennessees were tallied in the Medicine Hat, AB area 26 May (DBa). Eight Cape May Warblers were found in s. Alberta 24-26 May, compared with one most springs. Up to 8 Cape Mays visited a single feeder at Lundar, MB, along with a phe- nomenal 50+ Baltimore Orioles (BE). Yellow and Blackpoll Warbler numbers warranted special mention in Saskatchewan. Ovenbirds are normally inconspicuous migrants, but 55 were seen in one Winnipeg neighborhood 16 May (RK). Most n. sparrows arrived late, then lingered for weeks. For example. Fox and American Tree Sparrows were still numerous in se. Manitoba 10 May. This Siberian Accentor showed up at a Calgary feeder five times between 20 March and 6 April 2002; despite a good deal of searching by Alberta birders, It was observed only by the homeowners! This Image was taken 5 April. Photograph by Walter Zwick Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 at Last Mountain Regional Park 23 May (ASm). Out-of-range Rock Wrens were at Regina 3 May (RM) and at St. Ambroise 24-26 May (T8(RU, m. ob.). Saskatchewan and Manitoba had 2 Townsend’s Solitaires each (m. ob.). A Northern Mockingbird at Sibbald Creek, AB 24 May was unusual so far west (B&TG). The bird of the sea- son was without a doubt the Siberian Accentor that visited a Calgary feeder on five occasions 20 Mar — 6 Apr; never seen by any of the birders who searched, it was fortunately photographed by the homeowner (WZ) after it had apparently visited another area home earlier (E&MK). A Nashville Warbler provided a rare spring sighting at Kinbrook Island PP, AB 24 May (CS). Other rare warblers were all in Saskatchewan: lone male Black-throated Blue Warblers at Weyburn 14 May (KS) and at Ogema 26 May (NH), a Pine Warbler at Ogema 11 May (NH), and a MacGillivray’s Warbler at Wascana Park 18 May (BL). Summer Tanagers are almost annual in Manitoba now; this year, birds were at Seven Sisters Falls 15-16 May (RL, m. ob.) and at Vita 28 May (SF). A Western Tanager was a good find at Bradwall, SK 25 May (KK, RJ), as were Spotted Towhees at Brandon Hills 12 May (R&TW) and at Winnipeg 22 May (CA). At least one Black- headed Grosbeak visited Melita, MB in late May (KDS, AW, CC). Seven Lazuli Buntings were reported in Saskatchewan; the lone Manitoba bird was in Winnipeg 22 May (ND). Orchard Orioles invaded s. Manitoba: 88+ were reported 20 — 31 May, mainly in the southeast, often at feeders or in flowering trees. Gommon Redpolls were plentiful in Saskatchewan; a female appar- ently feeding a fledged young in Saskatoon 12 May was well s. of the known breeding range (PH). Observers (provincial compilers in boldface): C. Artuso, D. Baresco (DBa), L. Bennett, C. Bjorklund, D. Braddell, T. Buhl, B. Carey, B. Chartier (BCh), A. Cole, A. Courcelles (ACs), J. Cummings, C. Cuthbert, K. De Smet (KDS), N. Duncan, J. & P. Duncan, A. Enns, B. Eyolfson, D. Fast, M. Flack, S. Foy, K. Gardner, W. Gierulski, B. & T. Goulet, 1. Halliday, P. Hardie, D. Hatch, L. Heinze, M. Harrison, N. Hentze, T. Hindmarch, G. Holland, P. Horch (PHo), R. (chanson, H. Johnson, J. Johnston, P. Jones, R. Koes, R. Klauke (RKl), E. & M. Knight, T. Korolyk, K. Krueger, F. Lahrman, S. Lament, H. Lane, R. Lofstrom, B. Luterbach, J. 8c M. Macdonald, R. Meyers, R. Parsons, M. Reed, T. Riffel, K. Sakatch, S. Savage, A. Slater, A. Smith (ASm), W. Smith, J. Swartz, P. Taylor, R. 8c T. Underwood, L. Veelma, A. Walleyn, G. Wapple, G. Wershler, R. Wershler, R. 8c T. Will, B. Wilson, G. Yaki, M. Yorke, R. Zach, W. Zwick. 319 Northern Great Plains Ron Martin 16900 125th Street SE Sawyer, North Dakota 58781-9284 (jrmartin@nclak.net) This was undoubtedly one of the strangest springs in recent memory. After the above- average warmth of February, the real winter finally arrived. The average temperature for the March — April period was the coldest in record- ed history at the Glasgow, Montana weather sta- tion. In Grand Forks, North Dakota, the tem- perature was seven degrees Fahrenheit below average for the season. Much of the Region saw snow several times in May. Continuing the trend of last fall and winter, precipitation levels were very low, and many wetlands are now dry. Most trees were just getting leaves at the end of May in North Dakota and Montana. The bulk of migration was one to two weeks late, and birds appeared to be feeling the stress of the cold, leafless conditions. Many eastern migrants, especially warblers, were displaced far to the west. Tennessee, Magnolia, Cape May, and Bay-breasted Warblers were the most noticeable. Major fallouts occurred 11, 17, & 22-25 May. Carlson recorded 43 species in his yard in Ft. Peck, Montana on 17 May. Many species were literally grounded 22-25 May. Hundreds of warblers were feeding on the streets of Fargo, and the same con- ditions were reported from many other areas. Several vagrant gulls were reported this spring, a phenomenon usually reserved for fall and winter. Abbreviations: N. G. P. (National Game Preserve). Species marked a “p. a.” are subject to review by the appropriate state records committee. LOONS THROUGH FALCONS Accidental in spring in Montana, a Red-throat- ed Loon was at Ft. Peck 14 Apr (CC, p. a.). Horned Grebes peaked at 1900 at the Grand Forks Lagoons, ND 4 May (EEF). A Red-necked Grebe in Custer, SD 28 Apr was unusually far west (KH). Establishing a new peak for North Dakota, 42 Clark’s Grebes were in Kidder 4 May (HCT, CDE). If accepted, a Glossy Ibis 20 May in Brown, SD would provide the 2nd record for the state (DAT, p. a.). A White-faced Ibis 14 Apr at Long L. NWR furnished the earliest spring record for North Dakota (PCV). Two Mute Swans in Pennington 28 Apr — 31 May furnished the 3rd report for South Dakota (ILB, TJ, p. a.). Among the 5000 Tundra Swans at Freezeout L., MT 31 Mar were 2 Bewick’s Swans (MS). Casual in North Dakota, 2 Trumpeter Swans were at the Grand Forks Lagoons 17 May. One individual sported a band from Crex Meadows, Wisconsin (EEF, DOL, ph., p. a.). An estimated 250,000 Northern Pintails at Freezeout L., MT 28 Mar must have been an impressive sight (MS). The 14th report for North Dakota, a Eurasian Wigeon was pho- tographed 25 Apr at the Grand Forks Lagoons (DOL, p. a.). An apparent Redhead x Ring- necked Duck hybrid was noted at Garrison Dam, ND 7 Apr (DNS). Casual in spring. Surf Scoters were reported 13 May in Charles Mix, SD (DS, p. a.) and 27 May at Fargo, ND (KRC, p. a.). A White-winged Scoter was in Sheridan, ND 4 May (KK). Providing the 14th report for North Dakota, a Barrow’s Goldeneye was pho- tographed at Garrison Dam 31 Mar — 13 Apr (REM, p. a.). A moribund Mississippi Kite picked up in Jordan, MT 9 May died the following night. This will provide the first record for Montana, leav- ing North Dakota as the only state in the Region without a record of this species. Seemingly on the increase, Red-shouldered Hawk reports in the Dakotas this spring included a single at Bismarck, ND 19 Apr (PMK, p. a.), and a calling bird 18 May over Grafton, ND (DOL, p. a.). In South Dakota, an individual was in Marshall 18 May (DS, JC, p. a.). A Gyrfalcon was very late in Stanley, SD 29 Apr (DB). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH GNATCATCHERS If accepted, a Snowy Plover at Dewald Slough, Kidder, ND 26 May would furnish the 6th record for the state (KE, p. a.). Very unusual was a high count of 1250 Ruddy Turnstones at Minnewaukan, ND 31 May (REM). The 2nd report for South Dakota, a Laughing Gull was in Stanley 27 Apr (RDO, p. a.). Two ad. Little Gulls in Sargent 19 May furnished the 7th report for North Dakota and the first for the spring season (DNS, REM, p. a.). A Mew Gull in Stanley, SD 21 Apr would provide the 4th record for that state if accepted (KM, p. a.). Lesser Black-backed Gulls made an unprecedented showing in the Dakotas this spring. Providing the 7th and 8th reports for North Dakota and the first for spring, singles were in Dickinson 15- 16 Apr and in Minot 19-20 Apr (JPL, p. a.). In South Dakota, individuals were noted in Hughes 1 Apr (KM, RDO, p. a.) and in Kingsbury 6 Apr (JSP, p. a.). These birds provided the 4th and 5th reports for the state. Eurasian CoUared-Doves continued at six loca- tions in North Dakota and five counties in South Dakota, including a new record in Todd (DS, JC, p. a.). The 3rd report for South Dakota, a White- winged Dove was noted in Lake 3 May (KB, p. a.). Casual in Montana, a Barn Owl was at Ft. Peck 13 May (NP, p. a.). Last winter’s Snowy Owl invasion concluded with peaks of 20 in Lyman, SD 31 Mar (GEM) and in Grand Forks, ND 4 Apr (EEF). The last noted were 2 in Grand Forks 30 Apr (EEF). A calling Boreal Owl 12 May in Lawrence, SD fur- nished the 5th report for the state and the 2nd for the spring season (DGP, p. a.). A Chuck-will’s-widow returned to the Stanley, SD breeding area for the 3rd consecu- tive year (RDO). Intriguing were reports of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds at two locations in Custer, SD 25 8f 27 May (MR, p. a.). There are no breeding records for the state in recent decades. Double-digit counts of Black-backed Woodpeckers were noted on some transects in the Jasper Burn of South Dakota’s Black Hills this spring {fide MR). A calling Pileated Woodpecker at Stump L., ND 14 Apr provided a first record for Nelson (CDE, HCT, JPL). A Dusky Flycatcher was n. of normal haunts in Harding, SD 17 May (JC). Several vireo species appeared w. of their usual migration routes. A Yellow- throated Vireo was noted 12 May in Pennington, SD (TJ, p. a.). Casual in Montana, a Blue-headed Vireo was at Ft. Peck 23 May (JC, p. a.). A Philadelphia Vireo was in Meade, SD 10 May (APB, p. a.). Providing about the 7th and 8th reports for Montana, Philadelphia Vireos were at Ft. Peck 22-33 May and near Loma 23 May (JC, p. a.). Tree Swallows peaked at 3000 in Cass, ND 1 1 May, a new high count for spring (REM). A 320 North American Birds Northern Great Plains — Southern Great Plains Violet-green Swallow was unusually far e. in Tripp, SD 6 May (REP). A Brown Creeper gath- ering nest material at Sully ’s Hill N.G.P. 25 May provided the first evidence of nesting for that species in North Dakota (JPL, CDE). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher sightings continued to increase in the Dakotas with three reports nw. of normal migration areas. Out west, a single noted in Custer, SD 26 May was in an area where individ- uals have been seen in recent years (CN, p. a.). WARBLERS A massive fallout of Tennessee Warblers in North Dakota and e. Montana began 22 May, with birds remaining to the 25th in some areas. A few examples were the hundreds noted n. of Glasgow, MT 22 May (JC) and 200 estimated at Ft. Benton, MT 23 May (JS). A peak of >650 was tallied at Fargo, ND 25 May, with most feeding on the streets (REM, KRC). Hundreds of Yellow Warblers were feeding on the ground in McElroy Park in Jamestown, ND 15 May (EDI). A good peak of 25 Magnolia Warblers was tal- lied in Lisbon, ND 21 May (BS), and at least four sightings were reported from e. Montana 22-23 May. Well to the w. for South Dakota, a single Magnolia was in Pennington 21 May (TJ). Casual in Montana, Cape May Warblers were noted in Phillips 22 May (SD, p. a.), at Ft. Benton 23 May (JS, p. a.), and at Bowdon N.W.R. 23 May (SD, p. a.). Unusually far w. in South Dakota was a single Cape May in Harding 27 May (KM, CEM). Three Black-throated Blue Warbler reports in North Dakota were above average, with 2 out west at Hettinger 19-20 May (DAG, CG). Four Audubon’s Warbler reports from North Dakota were well above average. A Townsend’s Warbler documented at McCluskey, ND 20 May furnished the 7th report for the state (GRO, p. a.). A possible Townsend’s x Hermit Warbler hybrid was documented in Grand Forks 15 May (EEF, p. a.). Another westward wander- ing warbler was a Blackburnian in Meade, SD 29 May (REP). Casual in Montana, Black-throated Green Warblers were seen n. of Glasgow (JC, p. a.) and in Phillips (SD, p. a.) 22 May, and a sin- gle was at Loma 23 May (JC, p. a.). Providing the 3rd record for North Dakota, a Yellow-throated Warbler was photographed in Fargo 28 Apr — 5 May (KRC, m. ob., p. a.). Four Bay-breasted Warblers were seen w. of the Missouri R. in North Dakota. In Montana, this casual species was noted at Ft. Peck 18 May (CC, JC, PH, p. a.), and 2 were seen at Ft. Benton 23 May (JS, p. a.). The 15th report for North Dakota, a Cerulean Warbler was singing at J. Clark Salyer N.W.R. 31 May (JR, AH, p. a.). Providing the 10th report for the state, a Worm- eating Warbler was identified in Richland, ND 23 May (DNS, BS, p. a.). Casual in South Dakota, Prothonotary Warblers were reported 12 May in Union (JC, p. a.), and 19 May in Lincoln (KM, RDO, p. a.). Also casual in South Dakota, 2 Kentucky Warblers were in Union 31 May (JC, DS, p. a.). A Connecticut Warbler in Great Falls, MT provided the 7th report for the state (GS, p. a.). Above average were three Mourning Warbler reports from e. Montana and 4 MacGillivray’s Warblers e. of normal areas in the Dakotas. A Wilson’s Warbler in Hughes, SD 18 Apr tied the previous early date for the state (RDO). TANAGERS THROUGH CROSSBILLS Casual in South Dakota, Summer Tanagers were reported 9 May in Union (DS, p. a.) and 14 May in Stanley (RDO, p. a.). Casual in North Dakota, a Western Tanager was documented in Dickinson 13 May (JPL, p. a.). A Scarlet Tanager n. of Glasgow 22 May would provide the 12th record for Montana if accepted (JC, p. a.). A Black-throated Sparrow photographed near Chester, MT 23 May will likely provide the 6th record for the state (HM, p. a.). Sparrow peaks included 520 White-throated Sparrows in Grand Forks 6 May (EEF) and 400 Harris’s Sparrows at Fargo 11 May (REM). The 5th and 6th reports for North Dakota, Gray-headed Juncos were studied 19-20 Apr in Bismarck (DNS, p. a.) and 27 May in Fargo (DPW, DW, p. a.). Well nw. of their now established range in se. South Dakota, a Great-tailed Grackle was in Butte 19 Apr (REP). A peak of 60 Orchard Orioles was tallied in Fargo 25 May (KRC) dur- ing the grounding of migrants there. A pair of Red Crossbills was nesting at the Minot Country Club, ND 28 Apr (REM), and three pairs of White-winged Crossbills nested in Hettinger, ND, with young fledged at the end of May (DAG, CG). Contributors (state editors in boldface): MON- TANA: Charles Carlson, John Carlson, Steve Dinsmore, Paul Hendricks, Harriet Marble, Nadine Pickthorn, Mike Schwitters, John Shipley, Gorham Swanberg. NORTH DAKOTA: Keith R. Corliss, Kim Eckert, Corey D. Ellingson, Eve E. Freeberg, Carolyn Griffiths, David A. Griffiths, Amy Hammond, Larry D. Igl, Paul M. Konrad, Karen Kreil, David O. Lambeth, Jack P. Lefor, Ron E. Martin, Gary R. Olson, Jon Reisenbuechler, Bryan Stotts, Dan N. Svingen, H. Clark Talkington, Paul C. Van Ningen, Dennis P. Wiesenborn, Diane Wiesenborn. SOUTH DAKOTA: Doug Backlund, Jocelyn L. Baker, Kristel Bakker, Addison and Patricia Ball, Jay Carlisle, Kevin Hachmeister, Todd Jensen, Charlie Miller, Kenny Miller, Colby Neuman, Ricky D. Olson, Jeffrey S. Palmer, Richard A. Peterson, Randy E. Podoll, D. George Prisbe, Michael Retter, Dave Swanson, Dan A. Tallman. Southern Great Plains Joseph A. Grzybowski 715 Elmwood Drive Norman, Oklahoma 73072 (jgrzybowski@ucok.edu ) In a Region where the abnormal too often seems the norm, it is difficult to assess a sea- son in which most things seemed normal. Adjacent states’ trends this season seemed out of Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 321 synch. For example, almost all unusual loon reports came from Oklahoma, Buff-breasted Sandpipers from Nebraska and Oklahoma, and crossbills from Nebraska. There was a shortage of water, low levels in some areas — not quite a drought, but enough to reduce some counts of waterfowl and shorebirds. Some species such as Western Grebes and California Gulls have cer- tainly fared better in wetter years. Abbreviations: Cheyenne Bottoms (Cheyenne Bottoms W.M.A., Barton, KS); Hackberry (Hackberry Flats W.M.A., Tilhnan, OK); Fiefner (L. Flefner, Oklahoma, OK); McConaughy (L. McConaughy, Keith, NE); Quivira (Quivira N.W.R. Stajford, KS); Rainwater Basin (mostly Filmore and Clay, NE); Red Slough (Red Slough W.M.A., McCurtain, OK). LOONS THROUGH DUCKS The numbers of loons being observed in the Region have increased in recent years, but L. Tenkiller, Sequoyah/Cherokee, OK is a clear hotspot. On 4 Apr, four species of loons were observed there, including several hundred Commons, a Red-throated, 3 Pacific, and a Yellow-billed Loon (JWA). Three Red-throated Loons were there 16 Mar, when 500 Horned Grebes were counted among 302 Common Loons ( JWA). A Red-throated Loon was also doc- umented at Hefner 27 Mar (JWA). The typical scattering of Western Grebes occurred in the Region, but with only 800 building nests at McConaughy (SJD; below previous seasons) and 20-1- at Cheyenne Bottoms (SS) by late Apr. A Clark’s Grebe was performing a mating dance with a Western at Cheyenne Bottoms 20 Apr (SS). The numbers of Clark’s are still relatively meager, with 3 noted at Cheyenne Bottoms 28 Apr (H&SG), and 2 at McConaughy 14-15 May (SJD, JF); single birds were in Kimball, NE 13 (PSw) St 17 May ( JF, SJD) and in Kearney, KS 6 May (CW). Part of the recent influx was this adult Glossy Ibis (an apparently pure individual), one of two present at Hackberry Flats, Tillman County, Oklahoma 1 2 May 2002. Photograph by Kurt Meisenzahl. Becoming almost annual are Brown Pelicans. This season, singles were documented in Murray, OK 11 Mar — 9 Apr (JMe) and Phillips, KS 23 Apr (SR). Two Neotropic Cormorants were located in Coffey, KS 3 Mar (DC), with another at Cheyenne Bottoms 6 May (BPe, CW), the only ones observed outside Red Slough, where they have become regular (DA, BH). Perhaps the most unusual heron in the Region is the Tricolored Heron, now appearing regularly at Red Slough, with 2 there 22 May (BH); one was at Cheyenne Bottoms 6 May (BPe, CW) and several breeders in Alfalfa, OK (fide AW ). This season saw a surge of Glossy Ibis, unusual in numbers and in season, as most previous records appear to refer to post-breeding wan- derers. This season, 2 were in Alfalfa, OK 24 Apr (EW, JL), 2 at Hackberry 26 Apr (JAG, DB) to 15 May (KM, BH, LT), and 2 on 30 Apr in McCurtain, OK (DA), with singles at Cheyenne Bottoms 7 May (BPe, CW) and Quivira 17 May (EW et ah). Hybrids between White-faced and Glossy Ibises were discovered in Alfalfa, OK at the end of the period (JWA; see summer report), which poses a genuine challenge for those evaluating extralimital Plegadis. The odd White Ibis put in appearances at Red Slough 20 Mar (DA), with another one w. to Hackberry 28 Apr (LT, MT) to 10 May (JAG, VF). A Black Vulture wandered w. to Grady, OK 21 May (JAG), for a first county record. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks continue to appear in Oklahoma, with 4 in Canadian 24 Apr (MF), up to 2 at Red Slough 14 Apr-l-, and 2 in Alfalfa 24 (EW, JLe) to 30 May (JWA). Impressive counts of Snow Goose included 250,000 in Geary, KS 3 Mar (C8cJO), 470,000 from the e. Rainwater Basin 10 Mar (LR, RH), and “perhaps a million” in Knox, NE 23 Mar (BD, RD). The best count of Ross’s Goose was only 21 in the e. Rainwater Basin 14 Mar (JGJ). Two Ross’s lingered in Barton, KS to 7 May (MRo, DK), with 5 at McConaughy 15 May (SJD, JF). Swans stayed north. A record count of Tundra Swans for the Region was the 17 in Douglas, NE 17 Mar (JGJ). Elsewhere, 3 were in Knox, NE 3-16 Mar (MB), with an ad. in Dakota, NE 22 Mar (BFH). Although the Region hosts major movements of waterfowl, unusual high counts or extralimi- tals were not as prevalent this season. Two American Black Ducks were in Osage, KS 5 Mar (DC). A Mottled Duck was identified in McCurtain, OK 20 Mar (DA). A bird reported as a Eurasian Wigeon 7 Mar in Cimarron, OK (JM, BH et al.) appeared to have some characters indicative of hybrid origin, probably with American Wigeon. A good count of 282 Canvasback was made in Knox, NE 17 Mar (MB). Among the more exceptional lingering birds were a Ring-necked Duck at Scotts Bluff, NE 27 May (KL) and a Greater Scaup there 24 May (JWA), plus a Common Goldeneye 4 May in Noble, OK (OBS?). Long-tailed Ducks were noted to 6 Apr in Washington, OK (RP) and 12 Apr in Sedgwick, KS (PJ, m. ob.). HAWKS THROUGH TERNS Broad-winged Hawk movements through the Region are difficult to quantify, as the birds have already dispersed from the large flocks seen in Texas. A juv. managed to wander w. to Kimball, NE 16 May (SJD, JF). Rather far e. were Golden Eagles in Lancaster, NE 3 Mar (LE), Osborne, KS 31 Mar (CA), and Keya Paha, NE 7 Apr (DS). Merlins of both richardsoni and columbarius subspecies were noted in all states. Rather late were Merlins in Pierce, NE 19 May (MB) and Antelope, NE 25 May (MB, DHe). Also adding some spectacular flavor to Plains birding are for- aging Peregrines Falcons at various waterfowl and shorebird staging areas from late Apr to mid-May. Both anatum and tundrius subspecies occur and were noted this season. Gray Partridges still persist in the Region, with reports of 2 birds each from Holt and Boyd, NE 29 May (MB). Four Black Rails were found in Comanche, KS 19 Apr (m. ob.) for the only report. A Yellow Rail found at a private residence in Tulsa 27 Apr was a piece of luck (JTe et al.). The very sparse sprinkling of King Rails in the Region included one in Linn, KS 13 Apr, with family groups at Red Slough during May (DA, BH, m. ob.). Purple Gallinules again graced Red Slough, the only breeding location in the Region, beginning 14 May (DA). Sandhill Cranes staging in cen. Nebraska reached estimated highs of 250,000 and 278,500 on 20 (PT) & 23 Mar [fide DM), representing what is believed to be 75% of the total crane population (ftdeWRS). The Region forms the guts of major inland shorebird movements, hosting a diversity rival- ing or exceeding that in most coastal areas and comprising primary corridors for some regional specialties; nevertheless, high counts this season were somewhat modest. Good for the Region were the 75-1- Black-bellied Plovers observed at Cheyenne Bottoms 5 May (MR) and 84 Marbled Godwits in Phelps, NE 21 Apr (WRS). And 1500 Stilt Sandpipers 6 May at Hackberry were a sight to behold (JAG, VF, MGe). A Snowy Plover reached Phelps, NE 2-5 May (MU). Among the persisting numbers of Piping Plovers in the Region were a small scattering of reports for up to 4 birds beginning 20 Apr; a high count of 13 was made at Reno, KS 28 Apr (PJ, LEd). Black- necked Stilts, once quite a find except in cen. Kansas, are now found more broadly n. and w. to Scotts Bluff, NE (KL), and n. and e. to Omaha 26 May (JSt, 3 birds). Double-digit stilt counts 322 North American Birds Southern Great Plains are routine at Hackberry (LT, MT). Small num- bers of the formerly exceptional Whimbrel were also located this season beginning 28 Apr, with high counts of 21 in Noble, OK 17 May, and 51 in Wagoner, OK 25 May (JWA). Ruddy Turnstones appeared mostly in Nebraska 14-27 May with 12 in Ktwx, NE 18 May (BP, LP). The only other reports were of a single bird in Linn, KS on the early date of 28 Apr. (MC) and 2 in Tulsa 25 May (BC). Exceptional in spring are Red Knots: singles in Kimball, NE (SJD, JF) and Noble, OK (JWA, SM) were both seen 17 May. Buff-breasted Sandpipers reports were erratic in distribution as usual, the high count of 115 birds coming from the e. Rainwater Basin 18 May (JGJ). On most birder’s “keep-looking” list, a Ruff, Nebraska’s 6th record and a female, was in Lancaster 4 May (CB). Short-billed Dowitchers were noted in e. Nebraska 2-17 May with 31 in Burt, NE 17 May (JGJ); 11 were found in Tulsa also on 17 May (JWA). Very early were 3 Wilson’s Phalarope observed in Phelps, NE 18 Mar (PL, MJI, KE). Red-necked Phalaropes were unusually abundant in the Nebraska Panhandle this spring, with a record count of 557 in Scotts Bluff 17 May (SJD, JF). Only casual elsewhere in the Region, singles were at Quivira 3-4 May (DG et ah), Cheyenne Bottoms 6 May (MRo, DK), Burt, NE 6 8c 24 May (JGJ), and Morton, KS 9 May (BPe, CW). Very early was a Franklin’s Gull in Douglas, NE 2 Mar (DS). Rather late were the 29 Bonaparte’s Gulls in Kimball, NE and 24 at Scottsbluff 28 May (JF, JB). Surprisingly low, only 5 California Gulls were noted at McConaughy, those on 20 Apr (WRS), with sin- gles in LeFlore, OK 4 Apr (JWA, JS), Cheyenne Bottoms 6 May (BPe, CW), and Scotts Bluff, NE 1 1 May (KL), and “several” in Scotts Bluff, NE 23 May (JG). Lesser Black-backed Gulls included a first-winter bird 9 (JAG) 8c 27 Mar (JWA) at Hefner, one 17 Mar in Lancaster, NE (PL), and one 5 May at Cheyenne Bottoms (MR). The only Glaucous Gull noted was on 10 Mar in Douglas, KS (AP). DOVES THROUGH FINCHES Among the more newsworthy doves was a White-winged in Kearney, NE 6 May {fide LR, RH). Farther s., 5 were reported from Kansas, with repeat observations coming from Wichita and up to 5 at a time from Oklahoma City (PV) and Lawton (JAG). Inca Doves also appear to be establishing themselves in several towns in the Region, particularly in s. Oklahoma. The odd Inca was noted n. to Meade, KS (TF) and Johnson, KS (MC). The Common Ground-Dove reported last season stayed until 2 Mar in Johnson, KS (MC). Black-billed Cuckoos can be difficult to find in the Region, particularly w., where one in Morrill, NE was located 30 May (HW, SW). Quite a surprise during spring was a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird in Finney, KS 27 May (TS, SSh). A Snowy Owl was found dead in Ellsworth, KS 3 Mar (LH), the latest document- ed for the recent invasion. A road-killed juv. Northern Saw-whet Owl found in Antelope, NE 25 May (MB, DHe), which suggested local breeding. A Whip-poor-will pushing the w. lim- its was in Keya Paha, NE 7 May (NRe fide CH). Sapsuckers’ distributions in the Region form a mosaic: 3 Yellow-bellied were in Cimarron, OK 9 Mar (BH, JM et al.) and one Red-naped in Scott, KS 17 Mar (TS, SSh). Wandering far afield was a Lewis’s Woodpecker in Finney, KS 26 May (CS). A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in Omaha 15 May (CHy) was the only one of this possibly under- reported species recorded this season. Details were provided for a Dusky Flycatcher in Kimball, NE 17 May (SJD, JF), only the 2nd spring report for Nebraska. A pair of Vermilion Flycatchers was found in Cimarron, OK 10 May+ (SM, m. ob.). Singles were noted in Cowley, KS 2 Apr (BL) and Ellis, KS 12 May (OK) as well. Unexpected so far w. was a Yellow- throated Vireo at McConaughy 5 May (AC). The 17 Philadelphia Vireos tallied in e. Kansas 3- 27 May {fide LM) and 5 in Tulsa 2-4 May {fide JL) represented something of an invasion. Among difficult to find mountain vagrants was a lone Clark’s Nutcracker in Sioux, NE 6 Apr (WM). Adding a detail to the distributional pat- terns of White-breasted Nuthatch races in w. Nebraska was the observation of a bird deter- mined to be cookei, the e. race, in Scotts Bluff 17 May (SJD, JF). A Rock Wren wandered out to Scott, KS 31 Mar (TS, SSh). A House Wren in Lincoln, NE 7 Apr (JK fide LRB) was rather early. Details for a report of 2 Western Bluebirds in Scottsbluff, NE 9 May (PD, DD) may support the first documented record of this species for Nebraska. Real surprises were the 6 Veeries 16- 17 May (SJD, JF) and 5 Gray- cheeked Thrushes 15-24 May located in the Nebraska Panhandle {fide WRS). Quite exceptional was the count of 50-1- Sage Thrashers in Cimarron, OK 8 Mar (JM, BH et al.). What would spring be without warblers? Reports of migrant Blue-winged Warblers were limited to singles in Comanche, OK 30 Apr (KM), Douglas, KS 7 (BA) 8c 11 May (PW), Lincoln, NE 1 1 May (LE, MUs), and Johnson, KS 12 May (MG). Two Blue-wingeds were noted at a breeding location in Cherokee, OK 25 Apr (JWA). Golden-winged Warbler seemed to be faring better. Seven were reported 5-17 May (m. ob.) in Nebraska {fide WRS), 10 in Kansas {fide LM), and 2 in Oklahoma (PS, BG). Rounding This Vermilion Flycatcher was the male of a pair nesting at Black Mesa State Park, Cimarron County, Oklahoma during May 2002 (here 10 May); the species is quite rare here. Photograph by Steve Metz. out the unusual Vermivora warblers for the Region were the Virginia’s Warblers in Morton, KS 10 May (CW) and at two locations in Cimarron, OK 17 May (DW, JL, PS). Eastern warblers farthest w. included Magnolias at two locations in Morton, KS 3 (CG, SPh) 8c 10 May (BPe, CW) and at two locations in Garden, NE 10 (HW, SW) 8c 15 May (SJD,JF); Chestnut-sided Warblers at two locations in Cimarron, OK 9 & 11 May (SM); a quite excep- tional Prothonotary Warbler in Scotts Bluff, NE 16-17 May (SJD, JF); Worm-eating Warblers in Scotts Bluff, NE 6 (PD, DD) 8c 17 May (SJD.JF) and in Morton, KS 9 May (CW); a Kentucky Warbler 4 May in Morton, KS (CG, SPh); and Hooded Warblers in Scotts Bluff, NE 4 {fide AK, PD, DD) 8c 17 May (SJD, JF). The only western warbler e. was a quite unprecedented male Hermit Warbler photographed in Knox, NE 15 May (MB, BB). “Zooties” anywhere in the Region are Cape May Warblers. This season, however, they were too numerous to list individually, with 10 reported from e. Nebraska 10-18 May {fide WRS) and 6 from Kansas 6-17 May {fide LM). One was exceptionally w. to Pawnee, KS 13 May (SS). The list for very rare Black-throated Blue One of a vagabond group was this Red Crossbill noted in Choctaw, central Oklahoma 1 6 May 2002. Photograph by Bill Horn. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 323 Part of a multi-regional influx was the White- winged Crossbill at Bartlesville, Washington County, Oklahoma 17 April 2002. Photograph by H. Gleaton. Warbler is shorter, with singles in Johnson, KS 3 May, Sedgwick, KS 9 May, Omaha, NE 10 May (CHy), and far w. in Cimarron, OK 28 May (BH, JM, et al.). The very rare Connecticut Warbler was seen 16 May in Cherokee, KS (DH), the only record. Among se. warblers edging into the Region was a Pine Warbler that visited a feeder in Sarpy, NE during cold spells 3, 14 & 25 Mar (BP, LP). A Cerulean Warbler passed through Dixon, NE 1 5 May (JJ). A male Prothonotary Warbler in Sarpy, NE 17 Apr (BP, LP) was the next-earliest record- ed for Nebraska. A Louisiana Waterthrush in Knox, NE 9 May (MB) provided a first county record {ftde'WRS). Records of Hooded Warblers extended w. in the Region to Sedgwick, KS 27 Apr (CG) 8c 20 May (JB) and Tulsa 20 Apr (JWA) to 11 May (GK,MK). An Eastern Towhee in Otoe, NE 13 Mar (LE) may have wintered. A Black-throated Sparrow 8 Mar in Cimarron, OK (BH, JM, et al.) was either exceptionally early or also wintered. Henslow’s Sparrows are reported in se. Nebraska each year; this spring, singles were in Seward 29 May (]G) and Pawnee 30 May (BP, LP). The only report for Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow was of one found in Stanton, NE 18 May (LR, RH). In surveying Comanche, KS, 24 Rufous-crowned Sparrows were located 18-19 May, extending the presumed breeding range into Kansas (m. ob.). A Lincoln’s Sparrow in Lincoln, NE 16 Mar (LE) probably beat the odds of not surviving a Nebraska winter. Westerly were male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Scotts Bluff, NE 14 May (HW, SW) and Cimarron, OK 29 May (BH, JM et al.). Odd Lazuli Buntings reported from e. reaches of the Region in all three states have become part of a general annual pattern. Red Crossbill flocks were detected within their summer range in iiw. Nebraska. Away from breeding areas were for reports for Nebraska, and one for Oklahoma — up to 6 in Oklahoma City 11-31 May (BHo). More newsworthy were White-winged Crossbills, following a rough tally of 75 birds reported during the winter period in Nebraska, about 30 were noted for the spring season (fide WRS). The peak count was the 7 (one ad., one imm. male, 5 females) in Omaha 24 Mar (NR). Five were still present in Omaha 25 May (CH), with 3 in Madison, NE 26 May and 2 in Otoe, NE 1-12 May (LE, CF). Single White-wingeds were noted s. to Finney, KS 16 Apr (TS, SSh), Washington, OK 17 Apr (HG), and Lawton, OK in late May (fide DB). Among the wandering fringillids was a Lesser Goldfinch n. to Finney, KS 10 May (TS, SSh). Cited observers (area editors in boldface): KANSAS: Charles Anderson, Bob Antonio, Mark Corder, Lisa Edwards (LEd), Tom Flowers, Dan Gish, Ghet Gresham, Mark Goldsberry, Harry 8c Sharron Gregory (H8cSG), Lori Hall, David Henness (DHe), Pete Janzen, Dan Kluza, Oliver Komar, Lloyd Moore, Chuck 8c Jaye Otte (C8cJO), Brandon Percival (BPe), Alexis Powell, Steve Phillips (SPh), Mike Rader, Mark Robbins (MRo), Shannon Rothchild, Curran Salter, Scott Seltman, Tom Shane, Sara Shane (SSh), Chris Wood. NEBRASKA: Jason Beason, Chad Brock, Ben Brogie, Mark Brogie, Linda R. Brown, Alan Contreras, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Bill Draeger, Rosemary Draeger, Dean Drawbaugh, Phyllis Drawbaugh, Kim Eckert, Larry Einemann, Carol Falk, Laurence Falk, Joe Fontaine, Joe Gubanyi, Carolyn Hall, Robin Harding, Carr Heaney (CHy), Dave Heidt, Bill F. Huser, Marshall J. Iliff, Jan Johnson, Joel J. Jorgensen, Josef Kren, Kathy Larson, Paul Lehman, Don Maas, Wayne Mollhoff, Babs Padelford, Loren Padelford, Don Paseka, Jan Paseka, Lanny Randolph, Neal Ratzlaff, W. Ross Silcock, Dave Stage, Jon Strong (JSt), PhU Swanson (PSw), Paul Tebbels, Edna Claire Thomas, Mark Urwiller, Moni Usasz (MUs), Harley Winfrey, Sarah Winfrey. OKLAHOMA: David Arbour, James W. Arterburn, David Barrett, Bill Carrell, Bonnie Gall, Vic Fazio, M. Fuller, Michael Gerber (MGe), H. Gleaton, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Berlin Heck, Bill Horn (BHo), George Kamp, Marty Kamp, J. Leonatti (JLe), Jo Loyd, Jeri McMahon, Kurt Meisenzahl, J. Melton (JMe), Steve Metz, Randy Porter, Pat Seibert, Jerry Sisler, J. Tennery (JTe), Mary Truex, Lou Truex, Pat Velte, E. Wade, David Wiggins, Ann Wilbur. A Texas Mark W. Lockwood 6710 Lancret Hill Drive Austin, Texas 78745 (mwlockwood@juno.com) Brush Freeman 120 North Redbud Trail Elgin, Texas 78621 (brush@onr.com) Clifford E. Shackelford 714 Shiny Rock Austin, Texas 78748 (clifford.shackelford@tpwd.state.tx.us) Greg Lesley 305 Loganberry Court Austin, Texas 78745 (glasley@earthlink.net) 324 North American Birds Southern Great Plains — Texas This Snowy Owl found just west of Abilene was just the fourth ever documented in Texas. It was dis- covered on the moderately late date of 22 March (here 23 March) and remained into early April. Photograph by Jimmy McHaney. Drought continued to be a universal theme across the state. One report from Texas Parks and Wildlife in the Panhandle mentioned that less than 5% of the Texas playa lakes have been holding water, while the rest are dry. The first week of March was one of the coldest on record for many parts of Texas. During the first few days of this season, some areas received their coldest blasts of air for the entire winter. The months of March and April, for the most part, were cooler than normal, but May was quite the opposite, as summer-like heat waves moved in quickly. Birding at migrant traps this spring, especial- ly along the coast, was one of the least fulfilling in years. The main reason seemed to be strong and persistent south winds that howled and pushed migrants northward; this made for some very frustrating birding. Species counts were low, as were counts of individuals, except for three fallouts on the Upper Texas Coast noted by Ron Weeks on 8 April, 13 May, and 17 May. One surprise was larger-than-average numbers of Blackpoll Warblers into coastal stopover sites in April, numbers that would be more expected from east of the Mississippi River. New this seasom — and the most heavily chased rarity — was the Snowy Owl just west of Abilene. Found by the landowner and seen by hordes of birders, this represented only the fourth documented record in Texas in almost 50 years. Second place went to a real mindblower, a Common Redpoll in deep South Texas, at the tail end of the season. Not only was this Arctic species far south of its normal wandering haunts, but the calendar year was nearly half over! Abbreviations: S.N.A. (State Natural Area); T.B.R.C. (Texas Bird Records Committee); U.T.C. (Upper Texas Coast). The following are shortened names for the respective local, coun- ty, state, or national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.: Alazan Bayou, Anahuac, Balcones Canyonlands, Big Bend, Big Bend Ranch, Brazoria, Buescher, Buffalo L., Matagorda Island, Packery Channel, Palo Duro Canyon, Quintana, Sabine Woods, San Bernard, Santa Ana, Sea Rim, Trinity River. LOONS THROUGH STORKS A Red-throated Loon on Greenbelt L., Donley 29 Apr (t, ph. KS, BP, RSc) provided the 2nd Panhandle record. The Pacific Loon reported in the winter in Coleman was last seen 23 Mar (BFr, EC). Other Pacifies were at L. Conroe, Montgomery 8 Apr (ChB), Balmorhea L. 7 May (BS), and Galveston on 13 May (DPe et al). An Eared Grebe lingered until 20 May at Round Rock, Williamson (TFe). Three Western Grebes in Midland, Midland 28 Apr provided the first record in more than a decade (fide RMS). A Clark’s Grebe at O. H. Ivie, Coleman 24 Mar (JaP) provided a first county record. Paton con- tinued to monitor breeding activity of Aechmophorus grebes at McNary Res., Hudspeth and found the following young on 25 May: 14 Western Grebes, 23 Clark’s, and 10 that were unidentified. An Audubon’s Shearwater seen from the Port Aransas jetty, Nueces 19 Apr (MO, WRu) provided a rare near-shore sighting. Becoming increasingly regular inland. Brown Pelicans wandered to Granger L., Williamson 2 May (TFe), L. Belton 8-18 May (GC), El Paso 24 May (JSp) and Lubbock 28 May (JScDH). An Anhinga at Buffalo L., Randall 23 Apr (LN), was only the 4th reported from the Panhandle. Unexpected was a Magnificent Frigatebird inland at L. Braunig, Bexar 24 May (UG, BFi). American Bitterns are rare migrants through the Trans-Pecos; this spring, singles were at Balmorhea S.P., Reeves 2 & 28 Mar (JMue, TJ). Providing only the 4th documented record for the state, a Great White Heron was at Port Aransas, Aransas 5-6 Mar (f, ph. MJI, KE, BFr, PHo). Inland Tricolored Herons included 4 at Bastrop 9 Apr (BFr), one in Big Bend 2 May (J&LW), and one in Freestone 5 May (PB). The Reddish Egret reported in Jones during the win- ter season remained through the period. A pair of Black-crowned Night-Herons along with 2 juvs. discovered at Rio Grande Village, Brewster 25 May (MF) were noteworthy, as there are no breeding records from Big Bend. A Glossy Ibis in Freestone 16 May (CBec) provided a new county record. Unexpected inland during the spring. Roseate Spoonbills were reported from five scat- tered locations across the e. half of the state as far n. as McLennan. Totally unexpected were 4 very early Wood Storks reported from High Island, Galveston 28 Apr (tJBu). WATERFOWL THROUGH QUAIL Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks wandered to the High Plains, with singles in Hockley 18 Apr (LeS) and Lubbock 6-18 May (m. ob.). Less unexpected were 10 at Cedar Creek L., Henderson 18 Mar (CSl), 4 elsewhere in Henderson 2 Apr (PB), 2 at L. Livingston, Polk 21 May (MSo), and 2 in Upshur 25 May (DScLB). Fulvous Wliistling-Ducks were inland with one at Temple, Bell 20 Mar (RPi), 6 at Mitchell L., Bexar 27 May (SGr), and 2 at Smithville, Bastrop 29 May (BFr). The wintering Trumpeter Swan Broad-winged Hawks were pushed west of their normal migration path this spring, producing an unprecedented passage over central Texas. On 7 April, Gallucci noted up to 75,000 individuals in the Hill Country just west of New Braunfels, Comal These birds passed over the eastern Hill Country northward through Travis and Williamson Counties. Large numbers of these hawks roosted in Austin and vicinity and during the morning of 8 April estimates of up to 150,000 individuals were reported as they moved off to the northeast. Mixed in with the Broad-wingeds were at least 5 Swallow- tailed Kites and large numbers of Swainson’s Hawks and Franklin’s Gulls. Volume 56 {2002), Number 3 325 from Brazoria N.W.R. was last reported on 18 Mar, while the 2 Tundras at Katy, Waller remained until 22 Mar. Four Mottled Ducks were at Granger L., Williamson 24 Mar — 26 May (TFe). Cinnamon x Blue-winged Teal hybrids were reported from Bell, Harrison, and Nueces this spring. Two very late Green-winged Teal were at Richland Creek W.M.A., Freestone 26 May (PB, DDC). A Surf Scoter was at an odd location floating on the Rio Grande in Mariscal Canyon, Brewster 17 Apr (DBu). A female- plumaged Masked Duck was at Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Cameron 4 May-l- (fm. ob). A pair of Osprey returned to a nest site first used last year at L. Livingston, San Jacinto (GR). A White- tailed Kite at White River L., Crosby 18 May (RK et al.) provided the 2nd record for the South Plains. This season, 85 young Bald Eagles were produced from 64 active nests in East Texas (CG); productivity has doubled in Texas during the last five years. A Bald Eagle nest was discov- ered in Bosque this spring, which is w. of the pri- mary breeding range of this species. Gray Hawks returned to Jeff Davis this spring, with 2 present along Limpia Cr. (LH, JK) and another in Madera Canyon on 13-18 May (GL, KB). A pair of Gray Hawks nested at Cottonwood Campground, Big Bend, for the 2nd consecutive year (MF). Common Black-Hawks nested, again unsuccessfully, at Rio Grande Village for the 7th consecutive year (MF). During this peri- od, this pair has managed to raise only one chick; birders should take care to stay well away from the nest. A Harris’s Hawk was in Bastrop 6 May (BFr), providing only the 2nd county record. Out west, single Broad-winged Hawks were at Midland on 11&16 Apr (SSt) and Rio Grande Village in Big Bend on 27 Apr (JDu). Two Short-tailed Hawks were documented this spring; a dark-morph bird at Honey Cr., Comal 26 Mar (t ML) and a light morph at Boot Spring, Brewster 27 Apr (fCBen) — the latter a first Trans-Pecos record and the 1 3th record for the state. The imm. gray-morph Gyrfalcon from the winter season remained in Lubbock until 7 Apr (m. ob.). Prairie Falcons lingered on the South Plains into May, with singles at Lubbock! Crosby line 5 May (RK, AF) and Tahoka, Lynn 20 May (BR). A pair of Gambel’s Quail surprised observers at Big Bend’s Panther Junction on 26 Apr (KG, m. ob.); the species is hardly known from the area. Northern Bobwhite was reported in greater numbers in the Central Brazos Valley this spring than in recent years, some of them from urban environs. CRANES THROUGH TERNS Two reports of very late Sandhill Cranes includ- ed 5 in Hockley 11 May (RK, BBe) and one at Buffalo L., Randall 22 May (KS). Two Black-bel- lied Plovers were in Terry 28 Apr (AA), and 2 others in Randall 3 May (KS) were noteworthy. An American Golden-Plover at Fort Bliss 4- 1 1 May (JPa, et al.) provided El Paso with a rare spring record. Mountain Plovers remained in the Granger area, Williamson to 21 Mar {fide TFe). Unusual in spring in the Pineywoods, 3 American Avocets were at Texas Eastman, Harrison 26 Apr and 3 others there 13 May (GLu). Willets were unusuaUy plentiful in the Panhandle and South Plains, with one to 12 reported from Garza, Randall, and Terry. Whimbrels are quite rare on the High Plains, but this season found up to 4 in Randall 23-28 Apr (BP, RSc, et al.) and 10 in Lubbock on 18 May (EM). A Whimbrel in w. Travis on 12 Apr (BFr) was a first for the Edwards Plateau. Noteworthy were 2 Whimbrel at Texas Eastman, Harrison 13 May and 52 Hudsonian Godwits there 10 May (GLu, ERa). A Hudsonian Godwit was well w. of its normal migration path in Jones on the late date of 26 May (JPa). A Ruddy Turnstone at L. Belton, Bell 28-29 May (GC, RPi) provided a 2nd county record. Sanderlings made news in the Pineywoods with 4 at Texas Eastman 13 May (GLu) and 7 at Sam Rayburn Res., San Augustine 17 May (JF, DWo). A Purple Sandpiper was at Fulton, Aransas 4-28 Apr (t, ph. m. ob.). Good finds for the High Plains were 3 Dunlin at Buffalo L. 26 Apr (BP, RSc) and 2 in Lubbock 12 May (AF). A late Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Mitchell L. 27 May (WSe). A Reeve was docu- mented at Anahuac N.W.R. 17 Apr (fSSo). Always rare in spring, 2 Red-necked Phalaropes were in Lubbock 13 May (AF, RK). An alternate- plumaged Red Phalarope was photographed at South Padre I., Cameron 20 May (fSM). Laughing Gulls were found at Lubbock on 22-26 Apr (PK, RK) and McNary, Hudspeth 25 May (JPa). The Great Black-backed Gull reported in the winter at Fulton Beach, Aransas remained until 12 Mar (MJI, KE). A first-summer Great Black-backed was at Port O’Connor on 23 April (t, ph. MH et al.). A Common Tern at Abilene, Taylor 22 May (JaP) was unexpected. An ad. Arctic Tern was well described from Fort Bliss, El Paso 21 May (tJPa). Extremely early terns included a Forster’s in Lubbock 18 Mar (AF) and a Black at North Padre I., Nueces 31 Mar (MCo). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS Eurasian Collared-Doves have now been report- ed from 188 (74% of) Texas counties. An astounding count of 2000 White-winged Doves were observed heading w. along w. Galveston 1. on 4 May (JSt). A White-tipped Dove was noted at Quemado, Maverick 3 May (TBr). More notable was another White-tipped Dove near Barksdale, Real 17 May (RWe), only the 2nd reported for the HUl Country away from Val Verde. A Groove-billed Ani was at Quintana, Brazoria 24 Mar (C&JW, R&KL), and another was at Sabine Woods, Jefferson 15 Apr (AM). Mind-blowing was a Snowy Owl at Tye, Taylor 22 Mar — 2 Apr (f, ph. AB, m. ob.) providing the 4th record for Texas and the first to be docu- mented since 1955. An Elf Owl was found at Guadalupe Mountains N.P. 21 May (EA). Elf Owls were confirmed to breed in Irion this spring {fide TM). After several years of isolated sightings, this adds another species to the list of breeders in the Concho Valley. An early and westerly Chuck-will’s- widow was at Lubbock 13 Apr (AF). A little early was a Whip-poor-will in Brazos on 15 Mar (MM et al.). A White-throat- ed Swift was observed at Buffalo L. in a flock of Barn Swallows 6 Apr (KS), providing the first Panhandle record in 12 years. A Green Violet- ear feeding on Erythrina blossoms at Packery Channel, Nueces 2-3 Apr (f, ph., BZ, MJI, MCo) afforded the earliest spring record for the state. A male Broad-billed Hummingbird was in Fort Davis Jeff Davis, 25 Apr — 27 May (KB, t> ph. ML, GL). A Violet-crowned Hummingbird was in Presidio near Valentine 27 May-l- (C8cJM, t, ph. KB) for the 6th state record. An overwin- tering Archilochus at Midland was revealed to be a Ruby-throated Hummingbird as its gorget developed (C&NH). A Calliope Hummingbird was in Rockport, Aransas 6 Apr (A&MCo), and one that overwintered in Austin was last seen 24 Mar. A pair of Ringed Kingfishers was along the Colorado R. in Austin, Travis 28 Mar— 1 1 Apr (m. ob.). Green Kingfishers nested along the San Gabriel R. near Georgetown, Williamson, for a rare documented record (TFe). A Red-headed Woodpecker at Rio Grande Village on 9 May provided the first spring record for the park {fide MF). A Ladder-backed Woodpecker was far up the coast at Brazoria N.W.R. on 7 May (fJSt). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH JAYS A very early Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was at Quintana, Brazoria 8 Apr (fCBr). An amazing concentration of 40-1- Yellow-bellieds was at Corpus Christi, Nueces 18 May (A&MCo). A nesting pair of Black Phoebes at Guadalupe Mountains N.P. in mid-May provided a first nesting record for the park (EA). Nesting Eastern Phoebes were found this season at two locations in Brazos, where the species is a rare breeder. Vermilion Flycatchers wandered in the e. half of the state, with the northernmost in Harrison on 26-27 Mar (ERa). Vermilions were also noted in Lubbock 21 Mar (AA), Kent 26 Mar (MCa), and a pair was seen at L. Allen Henry, Garza 20-21 Apr (SKa). A pair of Dusky- capped Flycatchers was again at Boot Spring, Big Bend 26 Apr-i- (JDu, m. ob., t GL). Ash-throated Flycatchers wandered up the coast to San 326 North American Birds Texas Bernard, Brazoria 3-22 Apr (R&KL). Great Crested Flycatchers were noted w. of normal range in Lubbock 15 Apr (DSt), Dickens T1 Apr (RK et al.), and Palo Duro Canyon, Randall 10 May-t- (m. ob.). Brown-crested Flycatchers were noted at two Big Bend locations, with singles at Rio Grande Village 11 Apr (MF) and Cottonwood Campground 11 May (J&WR). On the other end of the state, a Brown-crested was at Quintana 13 May (BG, CBr). The Great Kiskadees in Baytown, Harris that had been present for over a year remained through the period, nested, and successfully fledged 3 young (DD). Other wandering Great Kiskadees were at Mountain City, Hays 10 Apr (TW) and Smith Point, Jefferson 24 Apr (fide WB). Sulphur-bel- lied Flycatchers were documented at Rio Grande Village, Brewster 21 Apr (tJSm) and Aransas N.W.R., Aransas 2 May (tJPr). Tropical Kingbirds again returned to Big Bend’s Cottonwood Campground 27 Apr-1- (m. ob.), and another was at Rio Grande Village 23-26 May (MF et al). A vocalizing Couch’s Kingbird was at Rio Grande Village 25 Apr (MF). A pair of Couch’s was at Webberville Park, Travis 28 Apr (BSt, ASn); subsequent observers discovered nest building, and on 29 May the pair was feed- ing fledglings. This is the northernmost breed- ing record for the state. A well-described Gray Kingbird was at South Padre I. 18 May (fBC, MaC). A female Rose-throated Becard was noted building a nest at Santa Ana, Hidalgo 25 May-1- (DBe, JHo, fm.ob.); unfortunately no male was present. Westward wandering White-eyed Vireos were at Palo Duro Canyon 10-16 Apr (KS), Lubbock 14 8c 28 Apr (PK, AF), and the westernmost was at Big Bend Ranch S.P., Presidio 17 Apr (KB, TG). Bell’s Vireos were noted in Henderson 28 Apr (GLu) and in Brazos 29 Apr (JDz), where this species is a rare summer resident. A singing Black-capped Vireo was along Terneros Cr., Big Bend Ranch S.P. 5 Apr (KB), providing the first record for Presidio. A colony of 6 Black-cappeds was found 20 Apr on private property in Erath, providing the 2nd county record (RR), and oth- ers were in w. Coke on 25 May (JaP). Yellow- throated Vireos were observed at two Trans- Pecos locations: one in El Paso 7 May (JPa) and another at Big Bend’s Dugout Wells 28-29 Apr (BAn, ERu). A singing Cassin’s Vireo was stud- ied at length near Government Canyon, Bexar 16 Apr (tML). The Hutton’s Vireos found last season in Bexar remained into Mar. Hutton’s continue to be found with increasing frequency in the Hill Country. This spring included records from the Devil’s Sinkhole S.N.A., Edwards 14 Mar (KB), Leakey, Real 18-19 Apr (tJRo, CL), Fort Lancaster, Crockett 21 Apr (EC), and in Medina 17 May (BAr). Nesting Warbling Vireos were noted at Webberville Park, Travis 19 May and Waco, McLennan 27 May (DSh), both providing very rare nesting records for Central Texas. Philadelphia Vireos were recorded this spring at three High Plains loca- tions, two in Randall, and another in Lubbock (fide KS). A Yellow-green Vireo was described from Anahuac N.W.R., Chambers 18 May (fDSa). A Black-whiskered Vireo was docu- mented at High L, Galveston 30 Apr (t, ph., RPa, BAb). Last winter’s El Paso Blue Jay remained until 17 Mar (JPa). Up to 6 Tamaulipas Crows returned to Brownsville, Cameron 13 Mar and remained through the season (tJA, m. ob.). This is the only known group of this species in the United States. SWALLOWS THROUGH WARBLERS Pairs of Tree Swallows were noted at several water impoundments in Northeast Texas, where the species is known to breed. Well to the s., up to 3 Tree Swallows were investigating cavities at Granger L., Williamson during the season, but actual nesting could not be confirmed (TFe). A group of 16 nesting Cave Swallows was discov- ered at L. Alan Henry, Garza 9 Mar (AE), provid- ing a first county nesting record and the first for the South Plains region. A Red-breasted Nuthatch in the Chisos Mtns, Brewster 3 May ( JG) was a late lingerer, as was one in Washington on the same date (DVo). Carolina Wrens have been reported almost continuously along the Rio Grande in Big Bend, as was the case this spring. Blue-winged 26 May Golden-winged 18 May Tennessee 14&21 Apr 16 May Northern Parula 23 Apr 27 Apr 27 Apr 4 May Black-throated Blue 25 May Blackburnian 30 Apr 2 May Pine 28-29 Apr Palm 14 Apr Biackpoll 3 May 18 May Prothonotary 25 May Worm-eating 23 Apr 5 May Louisiana Waterthmsh (2) 7 Apr Kentucky 26 Apr Hooded 11-13Apr 14 Apr 1-2 May 4 May 23 May 26 May Farther w., a Carolina continued along Terneros Cr., Presidio, where it has been since Mar 2001 (KB). A late Winter Wren was at Honey Cr., Comal through 9 Apr (ML). A Sedge Wren was a good find in Garza on 30 Apr (AF). Exceptional for the High Plains were Verries in Lubbock 2-4 May (RK) and Bailey on 4 May (RS). A Wood Thrush was mist-netted at Davis Mts. 1 1 Apr (DO et al.), providing a first county record. This individual, or possibly another, was observed in the same area on 16 Apr, and amaz- ingly, yet another was netted on 14 May (KB). Clay-colored Robins were reported in unprece- dented numbers in the Lower Valley this spring, with more than 20 different individuals scat- tered along the Rio Grande. Equally noteworthy was a pair that nested at Laredo, Webb 2 May-t- (fRL et al.). Gray Catbirds made news in the Trans-Pecos, with one along Terneros Cr. 3 May and 2 in Big Bend 10 May (J&WR, CL). Two ter- ritorial Long-billed Thrashers were noted along the ne. edge of their range at Government Canyon, Bexar 25 Mar-1- (ML), and 2 were in sw. Guadalupe 25 May (SSc). Sprague’s Pipits seemed to linger in the state, with the latest on 23 Apr in Yorktown, DeWitt (DM). An unusual spring record of Phainopepla was turned in from Lubbock 21 Apr (CTh). As is often the case during the spring, a good number of e. warblers made their way to the w. half of the state (Table 1). An Orange-crowned Warbler was at the McDonald Observatory, Jejf Davis on the late date of 23 May (MA). This Big Bend N.P. (CJG) White River L., Crosby (RK, BBe) Lubbock (AF) Big Bend Ranch, Presidio (KB) Amarillo, Randali (RSc et al) Amarillo, Randall (BP) Davis Mtns S.R, Jeff Davis (JDu) Buffalo Lake, Randaii (KS) Big Bend N.P. (SH) Big Bend N.P. (fide MF) Lubbock (GJ) Terlingua Ranch, Brewster (tCOK) Lubbock (AF, RK) Lubbock (AF) Reese, Lubbock (TS) Buffalo Lake, Randaii (BP et al) Big Bend N.P.(//(/eMF) Big Bend N.P. (SB) Lubbock (AF) Davis Mtns S.P, Jeff Davis (BL) Lubbock (RK, AF et al) Muleshoe N.W.R,, 6a//ey (JBr) Dickens (RK, AF) Buffalo Lake, Randaii (EK, PT) Guadalupe Mtns N.P. (EA) Fort Bliss, El Paso (JPa) Table 1 . Eastern warblers found in the western half of Texas during spring 2002. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 327 Perhaps the most unpredictable occurrence of the spring was this Common Redpoll in the Lower Rio Grande Valley at Laguna Vista, Cameron County. Not only was the location unexpected, but it was pres- ent 28 (here) to 30 May 2002! Photograph by Scarlet Colley. warbler nests at higher altitudes in the Davis Mts. For the 4th consecutive year, a Colima Warbler was found in the Davis Mts. Preserve, Jeff Davis. This spring, a singing male was noted 18 May (KB). Following last year’s unsuccessful nesting attempt, a female Tropical Panda returned to Davis Mts. SR, Jeff Davis, seen 27 Apr — 12 May (JDu et ah). Tropical Parulas con- tinue to be present along the Devils River, Val Verde, and this spring saw reports of up to 5 ter- ritorial males. Nesting has yet to be document- ed but is almost certainly taking place. A male Black-throated Gray Warbler surprised observers at Sabine Woods, Jefferson 22-26 Apr ()Ros, AH, DVe). Golden-cheeked Warblers returned to Dallas for the 2nd consecutive year; 3 territorial males were present (DHu). Golden- cheekeds were noted for the first time in Erath, where single males were noted on three private ranches 17-19 Apr (RR). Painted Redstarts were noted in two El Paso locations this spring, one in Zimmer’s yard 25 Mar and one in Canutillo 9 Apr (JZ, MSc). More astounding was a Painted Redstart at Santa Margarita Ranch, Starr 8 Apr (fBZ, MJI). Almost unfathomable were 2 Slate- throated Redstarts at Hans Blucher Park in Corpus Christi, Nueces 10 Apr (f, ph. MCo, m. ob.). These represent the 5th state record and the first away from the Trans-Pecos. A Golden- crowned Warbler was well documented from Santa Ana, Hidalgo 29 Mar (f, ph. CMi). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Rare in the Trans-Pecos, a female Scarlet Tanager was at Cottonwood Campground 2 May (JG). This spring brought two records of Flame-colored Tanager, the 4th and 5th for the state: a female at South Padre I., Cameron 1 1-14 Apr (t, ph. MSt, BSc, SCo) and a male at Boot Spring, Brewster 26-27 Apr (JDu, t. ph. MV, KC). A White-collared Seedeater was well up the Rio Grande from known locations at Quemado, Maverick 4 May (TBr). Another seedeater made an unexpected appearance at Bentsen, Hidalgo 3 Apr {fide Brad McKinney). A Cassin’s Sparrow in Eannin on 7 May provided a first county record (MWh, RT). Providing an exceptionally early nesting record was an ad. Field Sparrow with 2 fledglings at Government Canyon, Bexar 3 Apr (ML). A Sage Sparrow at Big Bend’s Dugout Wells 16 Apr {fide MF) was a late linger- er. A Baird’s Sparrow was well documented at Cottonwood Campground on 12 May (t, ph. KB); the species has been noted in sparrow flocks on the mown lawns here at this time in several years past. A Fox Sparrow on w. Galveston Is. on 5 Apr (JSt) provided a rare late spring record for the coast. A Golden-crowned Sparrow was well described from Pinto Canyon, Presidio 2\ Apr (fDPo). Unexpected was a Pink- sided Junco in Nacogdoches 17 Mar (DWo et ak). A very early Rose-breasted Grosbeak was in Rusk 21 Mar (PHa), and there were singles at four scattered locations in the s. Trans-Pecos 7-17 May. The overwintering Black-headed Grosbeak in Nacogdoches remained until 10 Mar. The 2 Blue Buntings found during the winter in Hidalgo remained into the spring, with the one at Bentsen departing 31 Mar and the one at a private residence nearby last seen on 14 Apr (JA). A Lazuli Bunting at Richland Cr. W.M.A., Preestone 21 Apr (DDC, PB et al.) provided a first county record. An early Painted Bunting was in Travis 12 Apr (PSu), where they are not expected until the 20th. Two male Bobolinks were in Burleson 10 May (CL), where this species is a casual migrant. A Yellow-headed Blackbird at Alazan Bayou W.M.A., Nacogdoches 22 Apr (JF et al.) was the first for the area in almost a decade. A lone Rusty Blackbird was at Hornsby Bend 20 Mar (EC). A Bronzed Cowbird in Nacogdoches on 12-13 May (JF, ph.) provided the first record for the Pineywoods. Bronzed Cowbirds virtually invaded the South Plains this spring, with up to 10 in Crosby and Lubbock (m. ob.). Freeman was astonished by the large num- ber of Hooded Orioles present on a private ranch during late Apr and early May in e. Kenedy, where he encountered literally hundreds. In Big Bend, Hooded Orioles have become increasingly rare in recent years; however, this spring saw reports of several pairs at Cottonwood Campground, Hot Springs, and Rio Grande Village. A male Baltimore Oriole was a nice find in s. Brewster 25 Apr (KC). Pine Siskins lingered until 21 May in Nacogdoches (RH). Perhaps the most astounding sighting of the season was an ad. Common Redpoll at Laguna Vista, Cameron 28-30 May (t, ph. SCo et ak). This bird obviously provided the southernmost record ever for North America and the world. UNDOCUMENTED RARITIES The following T.B.R.C. Review Species were reported without documentation. Short-tailed Hawks in El Paso 16 Apr and Hidalgo 16-22 Apr, Arctic Tern 10 May in Reeves, Broad-billed Hummingbirds in Brewster 17 May and Jeff Davis 18 May, Thick-billed Kingbird 12 Mar in Brewster, Yellow-green Vireo in Travis 3 May, Black-whiskered Vireos 5 &. 10-14 Apr at High L, Galveston, Varied Thrush 3 Mar in Dallas, Slate-throated Redstart in Brewster 25-27 Apr, and Baird’s Sparrow 29 Apr in Brewster. Cited observers (sub-regional editors in bold- face): Bob Abrams (BAb), Mark Adams (Trans- Pecos: HC75, Box 1337-B, Ft. Davis, TX 79734- 5016. email: mta@astro.as.utexas.edu), Erik Andersen, Barbara Anderson (BAn), Adrian Andrei, Beryl Armstrong (BAr), John Arvin, Shawn Ashbaugh, Andy Barbee, Peter Barnes, Cheryle Beck (CBec), Chris Benesh (CBen), Brandon Best (BBe), Deb Beutler (DBe), Sarah Bourbon, David & Luanne Brotherton, Charles Brower (CBr), John Brunjes (JBr), Tim Brush (TBr), Kelly Bryan, Charles Bryant (ChB), John Buckman (JBu), Winnie Burkett, Dennis Buss (DBu), Marty Campbell (MCa), Eric Carpenter, Bill Clark, Scarlet Colley (SCo), Mark Conway (MaC), Arlie Cooksey, Mel Cooksey (MCo) (South Texas: 16 Townhouse Lane, Corpus Christi, TX 78412. email: ssi@stx.rr.com), Kelly Cotten, Phil Craighead, Grant Critchfield, D. D. Currie, David Dauphin, Jon Dunn (JDu), Joan Dziezyc (JDz), Kim Eckert, Jesse Fagan, Tim Fennell (TFe), Bob Fisher, Mark Flippo, Anthony Floyd, Brush Freeman (BFr), Bert Frenz (East Texas: 221 Rainbow Dr., PMB 12190, Livingston, TX 77399-2021. email: bert@bafrenz.com), Tony Gallucci, John Gee, Urs Geiser, Bill Godley, Chris Gregory, C.J. 328 North American Birds Texas-Idaho -Western Montana Grimes (CJG), Scott Gruwell (SGr), Matt Hafrier, Susan Hancock, Audrey Harvey, Jill & David Haukos, Peggy Harding (PHa), Linda Hedges, Ruth Heino, Chuck & Nancy Henderson, Petra Hockey (PHo), James Holloway (JHoJ, David Hurt (DHu), Marshall J. Iliff, Tom Johnson, George Jury, John Karges, Steve Kasper (SK), Philip IQte, Rich Kostecke, Ed Kutac, Ron Laduque, Greg Lasley, Cathy Liles, Mark Lockwood, Robert & Kay Lookingbill, Guy Luneau (GLu), Bill Lupardis, Mike Manson, Terry Maxwell, Ellen McBride, Art McKinnon, Craig Miller (CMi), Jody & Clay Miller, Sue Morris, Jim Mueller (JMu), Derek Muschalek, Lynn Nymeyer, Dale Ohl, Carolyn Ohl-Kolb, Mike Overton, Jay Packer (JaP), Jim Paton (JPa), Richard Payne (RPa), Dwight Peake (DPe), Barrett Pierce, Randy Pinkston (RPi), David Poteet, Jeff Price (JPr), Bob Rasa, Ross Rassmussen, Eddie Ray (ERa), Jan & Will Risser, Jon Rosford (JRos), John Rowlett (JRo), Elaine Rushing (ERu), George Russell, Will Russell (WRu), David Sarkozi (DSa), Susan Schaezler, Bill Scott (BSc), Marcy Scott (MSc), Rosemary Scott (RSc), Willie Sekula (WSe) (Central Texas: 7063 Co. Rd. 228, Falls City, TX 78113- 2627. email: wsekula@the-cia.net), Ken Seyffert (Northwest: 226 S. Lipscomb, Amarillo, TX 79109), David Shackelford (DSh), Claude Sloan (CSl), Jerry Smith (JSm), Leanna Smith (LeS), Ron Smith, Aletha Snowden, Mary Solmonson (MSo), Tom SoRelle, Steve Sosensky (SSo), John Idaho- Western Montana David Trochlell 1931 Tallwood Lane Boise, Idaho 83706 (dtrochlell@veiocitus.net) Earlyspring was unusually frigid; in fact, it was the fifth coolest March ever recorded in Montana. Wintry weather may have delayed waterfowl and early passerine migration for up to two weeks in some locations. April and May temperatures were fairly seasonal in most of Idaho but remained cooler than normal in Montana and north Idaho. Like last year, late spring precipitation was unsatisfactory in most of the Region. A series of snow and rain showers in May added some relief but did not make up for the prevailing moisture deficit set in motion by the “La Nina” winter weather pattern. The weather and avian event of the season was a severe storm in late May that was centered over the Great Plains and accompanied by strong easterly winds. The storm forced unprecedented numbers of rare Tennessee and Blackpoll Warblers as far west as west-central Montana, where they were grounded by heavy snow and rain. In addition to this dramatic event, the sea- son will likely be best remembered for the many exciting rarities found, including the Region’s first Slaty-backed Gull. Sproul (JSp), Sara St. Clair, Darlene Stevens (DSt), Jim Stevenson (JSt), Mark Stevenson (MSt), Byron Stone (BSt), Rose Marie Stortz, Paul Sunby (PSu), Chris Theodorakis (CTh), Randy Treadway, Peggy Trosper, Don Verser (DVe), Matt Victoria, Darrell Vollert (DVo), Jim & Lynne Weber, Ron Weeks (RWe; UTC: 110 Indian Warrior, Lake Jackson, TX 77566. email: igarapet@brazosport.cc.tx.us). Matt White (MWh; N.C. Texas: 882 Hwy 50, Campell, TX 75422. email: mkwhite@903internet.com), Terri Wilhelm, David Wolf, Mimi Hoppe Wolf, Connie & Jeff Woodman, Jimmy Zabriskie, Barry Zimmer. Abbreviations: Camas (Camas N.W.R., /ejferson, ID); L.M. (Lee Metcalf N.W.R., Ravalli, MT). PELICANS THROUGH OWLS An impressive and record-early flock of about 100 American White Pelicans was in Gallatin, MT 6 Apr (JR). Four others visited Missoula, MT 4 Apr (JH), and one was in Ennis, MT 14 Apr (RI), where they are unusual. Single Great Egrets were out of range in Moscow, ID 27 Apr — 6 May (ASn) and Lolo, MT 30 May (AH). Cattle Egrets also strayed n. in Idaho, with singles in Challis 23 May (D&EF) and Moscow 28 May (JW). The wader of the season was a Green Heron near Hamilton, MT 23-31+ May (SR); they are less than annual. Single White-faced Ibis wandered to Missoula, MT 3 May (CP, TT), L.M. 18 May (WT), and Lake, MT 22 May (RW). A rare occur- rence in the Region’s n. reaches were 3 Trumpeter Swans in Somers, MT 7 Mar — 19 May (DC, BR) and one in Kootenai, ID 24 Mar (LH). An outstanding count of >5000 Northern Pintails was made near Frenchtown, MT 23 Mar (JM). A tally of 12 Eurasian Wigeons in Idaho and 18 in Montana was unusually high — and identical to last year’s count. Long-tailed Ducks are especially rare in spring, so singles in Kootenai, ID 20 Apr (LH) and Lake, MT 23 Apr (CE) were noteworthy. Now annual in Idaho, a Red-shouldered Hawk was found in Payette 23 Apr (AS). Incredible finds were single Broad-winged Hawks at Camas 11 May (DM, KS) and near Livingston, MT 27 May (RW). The wintering Ferruginous Hawk in Lake, MT was last reported 10 Mar (WT). The spring Golden Eagle migration count at Rogers Pass, MT posted declining totals for the 5th con- secutive year; mild winters may have precluded eagle migration, resulting in reduced counts (FT). Gyrfalcons made a good showing, with Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 329 The most exciting bird of the spring season was this third-winter Slaty-backed Gull (right) found in Sandpoint, Idaho. Originally found by Lisa Hardy and four other birders, the gull's identity remained a mystery until digital photos were circulated throughout the Pacific Northwest (photographed here 27 March 2002). It provided a first record for Idaho and the Region and was one of several of the species far out of range in winter/spring 2001 -2002. Photograph by Mark Collie. singles reported near Poison, MT 3 Mar (BR), in Blame, ID 23 Mar (BS), and in Jefferson, ID 21- 24 Mar(RD, MD). An American Golden-Plover in Elmore, ID 20 Apr (MC) was an exceptional find in spring. A respectable tally of 21 Black-necked Stilts was reported in w. Montana 16 Apr — 1 May; although formerly quite rare, they are now expected. Other rare shorehirds included 4 Whimbrel in Idaho 12-25 May (PC, MCr, CW), a Hudsonian Godwit near Somers, MT 17 May (BR), an impressive 17 Marbled Godwits near Bigfork, MT 24 Apr (BR), 6 Sanderlings in Flathead and Missoula, MT 22-23 May (BR, DC, LW), and a total of 6 Short-hilled Dowitchers in both states. Idaho’s tally of rare-but-regular gulls included 2 Mew Gulls, 2 Thayer’s Gulls, and a Glaucous-winged x Western Gull. Even better were Idaho’s 11th Iceland Gull and 3rd Lesser Black-backed Gull in Lewiston 20-28 Mar (KC, MH, SL). The bird of the season was the Region’s first Slaty-backed Gull in Sandpoint, ID 10-30 Mar (LH, SL, m. ob.). An Arctic Tern at Camas 17 May (DCl, MCr, CW) provided a rare spring record. In Idaho’s Eurasian Collared-Dove news, one that wintered in Oakley stayed until 1 Apr (RL), 3 remained in Burley until 15 May (RL), and over 20 spent the entire season near American Falls (FB). A White-winged Dove that stopped in Idaho Falls 27-28 May (MD, m. ob.) provided Idaho’s 3rd record. The only reported Yellow-billed Cuckoo was at Camas 20 May (DCl). Idaho Snowy Owls turned up in Washington 16 Mar (MC) and Latah 17 Mar (TG), a good showing for spring. Single Burrowing Owls, rare in w. Montana, were at Somers 10 Apr (BR) and in Ravalli 26-27 Apr (WT). Black Swifts that arrived near Bigfork, MT 8 May were two weeks early (BR), and Vaux’s Swifts in Missoula, MT 12 Apr (TT) were about a week early. WOODPECKERS THROUGH GOLDFINCHES Both states reported extralimital woodpeckers: a Red-headed Woodpecker was near Glacier N.P., MT 24-27 May (BRn), and Idaho’s 2nd Red- breasted Sapsucker was in Valley 4 May (CSy). Always rare and local in w. Montana, Say’s Phoebes were found in Missoula and Ravalli 23 Mar (DG, CP). Like last year, a Pinyon Jay visited Ravalli, MT 9 Mar — 27 Apr (JMn, WT). A Cliff Swallow showed up at L.M. 15 Apr (JM, CP), about two weeks early. Many Varied Thrushes were reported in locations where they were unusual, but one in Yellowstone, MT 31 Mar — 2 Apr (PM) provided a latilong first. The wintering Northern Mockingbird in Canyon, ID was last seen 14 Apr, and another stopped in Fremont, ID 23 May (CW). Two Brown Thrashers were an excellent find at Camas 23-30 May (DCl, MJ). A wayward Sprague’s Pipit near Livingston, MT 27-30 May (RW) provided an interesting latilong first. A record 24 Tennessee Warblers were reported in W. Montana 22-28 May, and one visited Camas 25 May (D&EF). Other rare warblers at Camas included 3+ Chestnut-sided Warblers (MCr, DM), a Magnolia Warbler 26-29 May (MCr, RLR), a Black-and-white Warbler 15-16 May (MCr), and 2-1- Ovenbirds 23-26 May (DCl, MCr). Another Black-and-white Warbler was in Jefferson, ID 19 May (LM). A Yellow-rumped Warbler near Stevensville, MT 1 1 Mar ( JH) was at least a month early. The record-early Wilson’s Warbler found in Hamilton, MT 13 Mar (PS) may have overwin- tered. Montana’s 7th Black-throated Green Warbler was seen in Bozeman, MT 13 May (CNi). A Blackburnian Warbler in Helena 27 May (NT) provided Montana’s 8th record. An unprecedented 9 Blackpoll Warblers were found near Helena and Livingston, MT 23-27 May (JC, JP, HT, RW), and one visited Bonner, ID 25-27 May (RD). Undoubtedly the warbler of the season was Montana’s 2nd Hooded Warbler in Park 24 May (tDTh). A Summer Tanager that graced Camas 17-18 May (DCl, MCr, CW) was Idaho’s 5th. Rose- breasted Grosbeaks arrived in record numbers; 5 in Idaho and 14 in Montana. The only Indigo Bunting was in Ronan, MT 9 May (FS). Idaho’s 10th- 11th Clay-colored Sparrows were found in Moscow (CS) and Bomter — both 20-23 May (RD); they are increasingly reported in recent years. With fewer than 1 5 Sage Sparrow records in Montana, a small breeding population found near Bannack, Beaverhead 6 May (TB, CP) was exciting news. An excellent total of 6 Golden-crowned Sparrows was reported in Idaho 1-17 May, but even more unusual were 2 in Stevensville, MT 6- 12 May (GK). At least 4 Idaho Great-tailed Grackles were reported at new locations in Ada and Owyhee 4 Mar — 5 May (RB, BC). Following a two-year absence, 3 Common Grackles showed up in sw. Idaho 16-22 May (CN, SP, DT). Single Baltimore Orioles discovered in West Glacier, MT 26-27 May (DC) and Seeley L., Missoula, MT 29 May (BM) were incredible finds. The Brambling dis- covered near Arlee, MT 21 Jan persisted until 3 Apr (MM). Both states found Purple Finches, with one in Latah, ID 23-24 Mar (TG) and 2 in Flathead, MT in late Apr (DO, BR); they are now rare but regular visitors to n. Idaho and nw. Montana. Lesser Goldfinches continued to explore s. Idaho, with at least 8 found at new loca- tions in Cassia, Elmore, Madison, and Twin Falls. Contributors (subregional editors in boldface): IDAHO: Frank Baguley, Ryan Brady, Keith Carlson, Bill Clark, Darren Clark (DCl), Pat Cole, Marty Collar (MCr), Mark Collie, Bob Davis, Richard Dean, Rich Del Carlo (RDc), Mark Delwiche, Kas Dumroese, Dave & Elise Faike, Terry Gray, Lisa Hardy, Mark Houston, Marlin Jones, Steve Lindsay, Ron Lynch, Linda Milam, Dale Miller, Chris Neri, Stacy Peterson, Hadley Roberts, R.L. Rowland, Adam Smith, Alii Snaethorsson (ASn), Kit Struthers, Brian Sturgess, Shirley Sturts, Colleen Sweeney (CSy), Charles Swift, David Trochlell, Cliff Weisse, Jane Westervelt, Poo Wright-Pulliam, Fred and Melly Zeillemaker. MONTANA: Tim Barksdale, Dan Casey, Janet Coughlin, Christina Eisenberg, Deb Goslin, Janet Hardin, Alvin Hinman, Judy Hoy, Radd Icenoggle, Grace Koeppen, Jeff Marks, Bob Martinka, Judy Mason (JMn), Patrick Methany, Melinda Mull, Chris Nixon (CNi), Dan Owens, John Parker, Caleb Putnam, Sharon Ritter, Bruce Robertson (BRn), Bob Rost, Joan Ryshavy, Pat Santarone, Don Skaar, Fran Smith, Drew Thate (DTh), Fred Tilly, Terry Toppins, Wayne Tree, Nancy Tunnicliff, Hilliary Turner, Larry Weeks, Robin Wolcott. 330 North American Birds Idaho-Western Montana — Mountain West Mountain West Pawnee National Grassland Durango San f “f Monte Vista Valley Colorado Springs Lamaf^ Buttes Res. Baca County Van A. Truan 1901 Court Street Pueblo, Colorado 81003 (vtruan@msn.com) Brandon K. Peroival 835 Harmony Drive Pueblo West, Colorado 81007 (flammowl@juno.com) The drought continued throughout the season in Colorado and the southern half of Wyoming. In Colorado, spring run-off was com- pleted on most rivers by late Aprd, almost a month and a half early. Abbreviations: B.S.R. (Bump Sullivan Res., WY), C.B.R. (Chico Basin Ranch, CO), C.V.C.G. (Crow Valley Campground, Weld, CO), E.K.W. (Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park,' Natrona, WY), G.R.R. (Gray Reef Res., Natrona, WY), H.P.R.S. (High Plains Research Station, e. of Cheyenne, Laramie, WY), H.S.R. (Hawk Springs Res., Goshen, WY), L.P. (Lion’s Park in Cheyenne, Laramie, WY), T.M.W.A., (Table Mountain Wildlife Area, Goshen, WY), W.H.R. (Wyoming Hereford Ranch, e. of Cheyenne, Laramie, WY). All locations mentioned below are in Colorado unless otherwise indicated. LOONS THROUGH DUCKS A Red-throated Loon, a rare transient, was in El Paso 13 Apr (LE). Likewise rare, a Red-necked Grebe in alternate plumage was at Glendo Res., Platte, WY 18 May (SJD); in Colorado, one was in Adams 21 Mar (CLW) and another in Pueblo 2-13 May (DS). A subad. Brown Pelican was at Pueblo Res. 4-14 May (LA) — there are xx previ- ous records for this species in the state. An American Bittern, not often observed dur- ing migration, was seen at T.M.W.A. 18 May (SJD, JBF). Southern herons were noted on sev- eral occasions. An ad. Little Blue Heron was in Gunnison 20 Apr (KZ, BZ) and a Tricolored in Bent 25 May (DN). Very rare in nw. Wyoming, a Great Egret was at Yellowstone N.P. 21 May (R8{RW). In sw. Wyoming, 3 Cattie Egrets were at Bridget Ponds, Sweetwater 10 May (DF). A rare Green Heron was at L.P. 27 May (JBF). In Wyoming, reports of the very rare Glossy Ibis included one near Cheyenne 5 May (DF, JBF, ET) and 2 there 18 May (SJD, JBF, CM, GL, JL). A healthy 10 were reported in Colorado. A Trumpeter Swan was at G.R.R. 10 Mar (JBF, DF) and an imm. in Baca, 22 Mar (DAL). Two ad. Tundra Swans were in Huerfano 9-12 Mar (DJ, DS). A male Eurasian Wigeon was in Prowers 21 (JT) & 26 Mar (DAL). Greater Scaup in Wyoming included 2 at G.R.R. 10 Mar (JBF, DF) and 2 at W.H.R. 21 Apr (DF, JBF). A female Surf Scoter was in Pueblo 5-13 May (RMi), and an ad. male White-winged Scoter was at Chatfield Res. 13 Apr(JBH) HAWKS THROUGH TERNS A juv. Red-shouldered Hawk was in Larimer 25- 26 May (DAL, RH, JBF). Five migrant Broad- winged Hawks were reported in the Cheyenne area, WY 21 Apr — 24 May (v. o.). Colorado’s 2nd Zone-tailed Hawk flew over Pueblo City Park and then was followed to w. to Valeo Ponds 27 Apr (DAL, DCE, JMa). The white-morph Gyrfalcon at E.K.W. stayed until 6 Apr (CM). A Common Moorhen was at Barbour Ponds, Weld 4 May (CO, RMz). Rare in Wyoming, a Snowy Plover was at Goldeneye Res., Natrona 27-28 May (DF, CM), and a pair was at Old Eden Res., Sweetwater 30 May (DF). A Black-necked Stilt was at T.M.W.A. 21 Apr (JBF, DF). Whimbrel sightings from Wyoming included on at T.M.W.A., 28 Apr (JBn, JBF) & 12 there on 16 May (JBF, SJD), and one at W.H.R. 18 May (JBF, SJD). A Hudsonian Godwit was in Otero 28 May (SO). A Red Knot was at Soda L. in Casper, WY 10 May (JG), and an early one was in Bent 24 Mar (DN). Forty-five Sanderlings were at B.S.R. 16 May (SJD, JBF). Five White-rumped Sandpipers were in Goshen, WY16 May (SJD, JBF). A Dunlin was at B.S.R. 26 May (DF). A Short-billed Dowitcher was near Cheyenne, WY 4 May (JBF, DF). High totals for Wyoming were 400 Red-necked Phalaropes at T.M.W.A. 16 May (SJD, JBF) and 307 at B.S.R. 16 May (SJD, JBF). Single Laughing Gulls were in Larimer 23 Apr (RH) and in Weld 8-17 May (SR). Ten Bonaparte’s Gulls were near Cheyenne 4 May (JBF). Single Mew Gulls were in Pueblo 11 Mar (BKP), Boulder 23 Mar (CLW, BPG, SLH), and Broomfield 4 Apr (CLW). Wyoming’s first Glaucous-winged Gull was at Soda L. 5 May (CM). A first-basic Glaucous-winged Gull stayed in Arapahoe 5 Mar — 22 Apr (BB). A late Glaucous Gull was at L. Beckwith, Colorado City 9 May (DS) and another at Pueblo Res. 13 May (DS). An ad. Great Black-backed Gull was in Kiowa 19 May (DN). An ad. Black-legged Kittiwake was in Kiowa 8-9 Mar (ASp, GW, DN). An ad. Common Tern was in Goshen, WY 16 May (SJD, JBF), and a Least Tern was in Alamosa 15 May (LR), for a rare San Luis Valley record. DOVES THROUGH THRASHERS Eurasian CoUared-Doves continue to appear in Wyoming. A pair was in Rock Springs through the period (RS), up to 4 w. of Torrington 21 Apr — 19 May (JBF, DF, SJD), up to 3 at Pine Bluffs 28 Apr — 17 May (JBn, JBF, ALC, HH, SJD), and 3 at Ft. Laramie 17 May (CM). The 3rd White-winged Dove for Wyoming was near Casper 20 May (GL, CM). White-winged Doves in Colorado included 13 birds. One to 2 Inca Doves returned to Otero 11 Mar — 12 Apr (SO). Black-billed Cuckoos were in Pueblo 12-13 May (DJ, MY) and in Prowers 27 May (BPG). A Snowy Owl was in Otero 3-17 Mar (SO), and 3 were in Bent/Kiowa 9 Mar — 22 Apr (DN, m. ob). A Short-eared Owl was in Goshen, WY 21 Apr (JBF). A Black Swift was at Alamosa 24 May (SO, LS, CLW, BKP), providing a rare San Luis Valley record. On 24 May, single Chimney Swifts were Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 331 An unusual sight in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 21 May 2002 was this Great Egret. Photograph by Robin Wolcott. in Montrose (RL, CD, BS) and in Archuleta (SO). A female Magnificent Hummingbird was band- ed at C.B.R., El Paso 18 May (TL, ph. LS). In Wyoming, Red-headed Woodpeckers were found: one to 2 were at W.H.R. 20-27 May (JBF), and 2 were at Rawhide W.M.A., Goshen 16 May (SID, JBF). A singing Eastern Wood-Pewee was in Baca 10 May (JK). An Alder Flycatcher was banded at C.B.R. 18 May (NG, TL, ph. LS). Gray Flycatchers in Wyoming included one at H.P.R.S. 1 May (CLW, JBn) and one at W.H.R. 1 May (CLW, JBn). Black Phoebes in Colorado were reported from A rare vagrant so far north, this female Magnificent Hummingbird graced the Chico Basin Ranch in El Paso County, Colorado 1 8 May 2002, where it was banded. Photograph by Larry Semo. nine counties, mostly from w. and sw. Colorado, the San Luis Valley; and in Pueblo and Fremont. An Eastern Phoebe was at H.S.R. 9 May (DF). A male Vermilion Flycatcher returned to Higbee, Otero 9- 12 Apr (ASp), and other single males were in Prowers 30 Apr (BPG) and at C.B.R., Pueblo 11-18 May (RL). An Ash-throated Flycatcher wandered e. to W.H.R. 28 Apr ( JBF, JBn). A Cassin’s Kingbird was at W.H.R. 1 May (CLW, JBn). A pair of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were s. of Lamar, Prowers 5-13 May (RO, JK), and one was in w. Colorado at Dotsero, Eagle 17 May (JMe). Single White-eyed Vireos appeared in Baca 5 May (RO, JK), Prowers 1 1 May (DAL), Lincoln 19 May (TL, NG), and Boulder 26 May (JC). Five Yellow-throated Vireos were in e Colorado 4-31 May. A Philadelphia Vireo was at C.V.C.G. 19-20 May (RO, JBF, RH). A pair of Eastern Bluebirds was at H.P.R.S. 18 May (CM), and a male was at W.H.R. 24 May (JBE). A Veery was at Rawhide W.M.A., WY 16 May (SJD, JBF). Very rare in Wyoming, single Gray-cheeked Thrushes were at Rawhide W.M.A. 16 May (JBF, SJD) and at W.H.R. 19 May (DF), 20 May (JBF), and 25 May (DAL). Four Wood Thrushes were found in e. Colorado 26 Apr — 28 May. Northern Mockingbirds in Wyoming included one at E.K.W. 26 Apr (CM, AH), one w. of Casper 4 May (HS), one at H.P.R.S. 18 May (CM), one at W.H.R. 22-24 May (JBF), and one in sw. Wyoming at Fontenelle Dam, Sweetwater 24 May (RS). WARBLERS This was a very good season for warblers in the Region (Table 1). Rarities in Wyoming were remarkable. Single Northern Parulas at W.H.R. 4-5 May (JBF, DF, ET) and L.P. 18 May (CM) were the only ones reported. A Chestnut-sided at Fontenelle Dam 25-27 May (RS) was rare there, while single Magnolia Warblers at L.P. 21-22 May (DF, JBF) and E.K.W. 22-23 May (CM, BR, AH) were uncommon. A female Black-throated Blue Warbler was at E.K.W. 27 May (CM, HS, GL). A Black-throated Gray Warbler was at W.H.R. 1 May (CLW, JBn), and a male Black-throated Green Warbler was at L.P. 27 May (JBE). Two Yellow Palm Warblers were found, one at Table 1. Warbler totals from the Mountain West Region, Spring 2002. Species WY CO Blue-winged Warbler 0 4 Golden-winged Warbler 0 11 Tennessee Warbler 15 49 Nashville Warbler 4 7 Virginia’s Warbler (away from foothills) 6 More than normal Lucy’s Warbler 0 1 Northern Parula 2 22 Chestnut-sided Warbler 4 14 Magnolia Warbler 2 4 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 3 Black-throated Gray Warbler (away from breeding areas) 1 1 7 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 6 Townsend’s Warbler 3 3 Hermit Warbler 0 1 Blackburnian Warbler 0 4 Yellow-throated Warbler 0 1 Pine Warbler 0 2 Prairie Warbler 0 2 Western Palm Warbler 0 9 Yellow Palm Warbler 2 0 Bay-breasted Warbler 0 1 Blackpoil Warbler 5 14 Black-and-white Warbler 3 22 American Redstart 4 29 Prothonotary Warbler 0 1 Worm-eating Warbler 1 1 1 Ovenbird 0 13 Northern Waterthrush 3 29 Kentucky Warbler 0 3 Connecticut Warbler 1 0 Mourning Warbler 0 2 Hooded Warbler 2 12 332 North American Birds Mountain West — Great Basin Part of a very broad invasion that brought indi- viduals as far south as Texas, this Snowy Owl north of Lake Holbrook in Otero County, Colorado 17 March 2002 was one of at least four still in the state in the spring season 2002. Photograph by Larry Semo. W.H.R. 1 May (CLW, JB) and the other at L.P. 18 May (SJD, JBF). A Worm-eating Warbler was at Casper 5-6 May (B&DW, )L). A male Connecticut Warbler was at W.H.R. 18 May (CM, JL, GL, SJD, JBF), and a male Hooded Warbler was at E.K.W. 30 Apr — 4 May (CM) and a female there 15-19 May (CM, HS, SJD). Colorado was no less productive. A Lucy’s Warbler at Lamar, Prowers 21 Apr (BPG) provid- ed the 5th state record. A female Northern Parula was in Alamosa 27 May (JRa, LR), while a Chestnut-sided was there 2-4 May (LR). A female Hermit was at Barr L., Adams 4 May (TL). Single Blackburnian in Bent 1 May (DN), at Durango, La Plata 13 May (JBy, SA), at C.B.R., Pueblo 16-18 May (CLW), and in Morgan 18 May (JRi). A Yellow-throated at L. Beckwith in Colorado City, Pueblo 2 May (DS). Single Pine Warblers appeared in Prowers on 19 Apr (BPG, SC) and 8-10 May (BPG, ph. DAL). Two singing Prairies were in Pueblo 28 May (VAT). A female Bay-breasted Warbler was banded at C.B.R., El Paso 19 May (TL), and single male Blackpolls were seen in La Plata 7-8 (SA, JBy) & 20 May (JBy, SA). A female Black-and-white Warbler was in Alamosa 11 May (JRa, LR); a male Prothonotary was at Boulder 2-5 May (TF). A Worm-eating Warbler was in Alamosa 16 May (JRa), providing the 2nd San Luis Valley record. Single Kentucky Warblers were rare in Baca 5 May (BKP) and at Chatfield Res. 7 (GW; male) 8c 14 May ( JBH; female). A Mourning Warbler was found in Bent 9-11 May (DN, SO), and another was in the same county 23 May (DN). A male Hooded Warbler was in Montezuma 26-31 May (D8cMH), a rare find in sw. Colorado. TANAGERS THROUGH CROSSBILLS A male Hepatic Tanager was banded at C.B.R., El Paso 11-12 May (RL). A Summer Tanager was at Casper, WY 9 May (CM, AH, BR). A Green-tailed X Spotted Towhee was in Casper, WY 16 May (ph. CM, HS). A male Eastern Towhee was at E.K.W. 11 May (CM) may be Wyoming’s first confirmed record. A Black-throated Sparrow was at Seedskadee N.W.R., Sweetwater 11-12 May (DF). Easterly were a Sage Sparrow in Bent 14 Mar (DN) and 2 in Jefferson 5 Apr (RO). Single White-throated Sparrows in Wyoming were one at W.H.R. 1 May (CLW, JBn) and one at Fontenelle Dam 24 May (RS). Three Snow Buntings were in Gunnison 19 Mar (LS). At least 6 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were in e. Wyoming 7-24 May (v. o.). A male Indigo Bunting was at W.H.R. 18-24 May (SJD, JBF, DF). A female Painted Bunting was banded in Prowers 22 May (BPG). One to 5 Great-tailed Grackles were at T.M.W.A. 21 Apr— 8 May (JBF, SJD, DF). A first- spring male Baltimore Oriole was at W.H.R. 25 May (DAL). A male Scott’s Oriole was in Jefferson 13 May (ASy). A Purple Finch was at C.B.R., El Paso 5 May (TL, NG). A pair of White- winged Crosshills visited Casper, WY 7 Apr (CM) and one was at L.P. 1 May (CLW, JBn). Eight to 10 White-winged Crossbills were at Ft. Collins 16 Mar (DAL). Cited observers: Lyle Anise, Susan Allerton, Jason Reason (JBn), Jim Beatty (JBy), Bob Brown, Stacey Campbell, John Cobb, Alan L. Contreras, Coen Dexter, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Lisa Edwards, David C. Ely, Doug Faulkner, Ted Floyd, Joe B. Fontaine, Jim Gaither, Brian P. Gibbons, Nancy Gobris, Stephanie L. Hanson, J.B. Hayes, Hendrik Herlyn, Dean 8c Mona Hill (D8cMH), Ann Hines, Rachel Hopper, Dave Johnson, Joey Kellner, Gloria Lawrence, Jim Lawrence, David A. Leatherman, Tony Leukering, Rich Levad, Chris Michelson, Joe Mammoser (JMa), Richard Mendez (RMz), Jack Merchant (JMe), Rich Miller (RMi), Duane Nelson, Ric Olson, Stan Oswald, Chris Owens, Brandon K. Percival, Scott Rashid, John Rawinski (JRa), Lisa Rawinski (LR), Betty Rickman, Joe Rigli (JRi), Bill Schmoker, Hustace Scott, Alice Selby (ASy), Larry Semo, David Silverman, Andrew Spencer (ASp), Rick Steenburg, Elena Thomas, Janeal Thompson, Van A. Truan, Glenn Walbek, Bruce and Donna Walgren (B8cDW), Richard 8c Robin Wolcott (R8cRW), Chris L. Wood, Mark Yaeger, Barry Zimmer, Kevin Zimmer. A Great Basin J NEVADA Elko ^ pyramid Lake • Reno ,Lake mCarsooLake [TaJioe Miller’s Rest stop Sie • Tonopah Nevaaa Torrance Ranch Ruby Lake NWR Spring^ Mountains Steve Summers 2146 North Chandler Drive Cedar City, Utah 84720 (summers@cedarcity.net) Rick Fridell 3505 West 290 North Hurricane, Utah 84737 (rfridell@redrock.net) The Spring season was unusually dry, with some areas experiencing no precipitation during May. Many rivers and lakes in the south- ern half of the Region were at the lowest record- ed levels in decades. At Corn Creek, observers thought this was one of the best spring migra- tions ever, with numbers of birds exceeding those of the previous five years. It may be the Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 333 drought dried up springs and seeps across the Great Basin ranges, concentrating birds in areas with permanent water sources. Birds that are typically well into their mountain breeding habitats by the end of the season were still at lowland locations in early June. Spring flowers were very scarce at many upland locations, and birds such as Broad-tailed Hummingbirds remained in lowland riparian areas and deserts with 100-1-° Fahrenheit temperatures through the end of the season. And it looks like the Summer season is shaping up to be extraordi- narily dry as well. Although many rarities were reported over the bird Internet lines, only a few were very well documented, and for many, no documentation was received at all. It is impor- tant to send documentation on all rare birds to your regional editors and appropriate rare bird committees, even if they have been reported on the bird lines. We’d like to thank Ted Floyd who got the Great Basin Region off to a great start. He will be missed throughout the Great Basin, but we all wish him good luck as the new editor of Birding. Abbreviations: A.I.C. (Antelope Island Gauseway, Davis UT); Ash Meadows (Ash Meadows N.W.R., Nye NV); Gorn Cr. (Gorn Greek, Desert N.W.R., Clark, NV); Farmington Bay (Farmington Bay W.M.A., Davis UT); Fish Springs (Fish Springs N.W.R., Juab, UT); H.B.V.P. (Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Clark NV); Lemmon V.M. (Lemmon Valley Marsh, Washoe NV); Lytle (Lytle Ranch Preserve, Washington UT); Miller’s R.A. (Miller’s Rest Area, Esmeralda, NV); Red Hills G.G. (Red Hills G.C., St. George, Washington, UT) Overton (Overton W.M.A., Clark NV); p.a. (pending acceptance by appropriate state records committee); P.L. (Pyramid L., Washoe NV); Q.G.R. (Quail Greek Res., Washington, UT); Stillwater (Stillwater N.W.R., Churchill NV). LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL A Yellow-billed Loon at P.L. found earlier in the winter lingered until at least 19 Mar (TL). This species is starting to be a rare but semi-regular visitor to the Region. Single Horned Grebes were reported from P.L. through Mar and into early Apr. The only Utah reports were of one at Paragonah, Iron, UT 21 Apr (SS) and one at A. LG. 28 Apr (J&KB). A Red-necked Grebe was at P.L. 2-19 Mar (TF, NB, TL). One was on the P.L. GBC but had not been seen since 28 Jan. Three reports of Brown Pelican, all in Nevada, were most unusual. The first was at Ash Meadows 5 May (p. a. DJ, fide SG), the 2nd at Stillwater 13 May (p. a. WHe) and the last, an imm., at H.B.V.P. 22 May (p. a. JH). Several American Bitterns were reported from their regular haunts in Utah (Box Elder, Juab, Millard,and Uintah). Great Egrets are much more regular in Nevada than in Utah. Utah reports this spring included 3 at Henefer, Summit 28 Apr and 2 at Circleville, Piute (both J8cKB). A juv. California Condor was sighted at Goodsprings, Clark, NV on 21 Apr (DB) — undoubtedly a wanderer from the Arizona release sites but impressive nonetheless. More records of this remarkable species should prob- ably be expected in the years ahead. Greater White-fronted Geese went unreported from Utah, but up to 1 1 were seen at Lemmon V.M. 2 Mar — 2 Apr (KM, TF, FP), and 2 were at Overton 7 Apr (JC). On 2 Mar, a high count of 7000 Snow Geese was made at Carson L., Churchill, NV (JWa). More than 100 Ross’s Geese were seen among 2000-t- Snow Geese at Gunnison Bend Res., Millard, UT (J&KB). Other reports of Ross’s Goose came from Box Elder, Davis, Utah and Washington in Utah and Washoe in Nevada. Always hard to identify. Trumpeter Swans were reported from Lynndyl, Millard, UT 10 Mar (J&KB) and Hennefer Wastewater Ponds, Summit, UT 14 Apr (DO’B et ak). The highest reported number of Tundra Swans for the season was 1000+ at Bear River N.W.R., Box Elder UT (JM et al.) 1 Apr. Nevada’s highest reported count was 175 on 2 Mar at Lemmon V.M. (FP). There were nine reports of Wood Ducks from three Utah coun- ties (Cache, Grand, Uintah) and three Nevada counties (Churchill, Clark, Washoe) spanning the season. Blue-winged Teal reports ( 1 1 total) were received from four Nevada counties (Clark, Churchill, Lincoln, Nye), and four Utah counties (Davis, Summit, Utah, Washington), with the earliest at Nye 3 1 Mar and the latest at Churchill 17 May. A Eurasian Wigeon was at Lakeridge G.C., Reno 6 Mar (JD, TF). A Eurasian x American Wigeon drake, which is rarely reported in the Region, was at Rosewood G.C., Reno 6 Mar (JD, TE). Greater Scaup, a scarce but regular visitor to the Region, were at Garson L., Churchill 1 Mar (JWa), Key Pittman W.M.A. 2 Mar, Lincoln, NV (J&MG), A.I.C. 3 Mar (J&KB), P.L. 19 Mar. (TL), and Earmington Bay 23 Mar (W&DSg). The 25 Greater Scaup at A.I.C. provided an unusually high count for the Region. Single Barrow’s Goldeneyes, another scarce visitor, were at Lemmon V.M. 3-20 Mar (EP, TL, TF et ak), Gache Valley, Cache, UT 6 Mar (JLo), A.I.C. 20 Mar (PBe), and Farmington Bay 26 Mar (W&DSg). HAWKS THROUGH TERNS Common Black-Hawks were reported as breed- ing or possibly breeding at three sites in Washington, UT. The first reported date of arrival this spring was 9 Apr along the Santa Clara R. It is hard to tell whether black-hawks are becoming more established in this area or whether birders are getting out into more suitable habitat to look for them. In the last few years, tJie trend has been toward increas- ing Red-shouldered Hawk sightings in the Region, and this Spring was no exception. Three birds were reported: one from Warm Springs Ranch, Clark NV 1 Mar (TF, DM); one from Stillwater 12 Mar (WHe); and one from Overton 7 Apr (JC). There were two reports of Broad-winged Hawk, both from Utah and both on the same day, 14 Apr. One was at Lytle (RF, KCm), and one was at Utah L. (Genola) (DG, JVM). An extremely late report of a Rough-legged Hawk came without details at H.B.V.P. 11 May (B&PH). Merlins were widely reported throughout the Region, as expected, with the latest being 20 Apr at Carson L., Churchill (MMe). A Peregrine Falcon flying over Red Hills G.G. 25 May was carrying a prey item, possibly a bat. The recently discovered Clapper Rails con- tinue at Overton. One was heard there 3 May (DSe et al.). No Black Rails were reported. Nesting of Sandhill Cranes was confirmed for the Carson Valley, Douglas NV when a pair with young were seen there 18 May (B&BC). A migrant Sandhill Crane 4 May was a little out of place at Old City Park, Moab, Grand UT (DF). Another found dead at Cottonwood Creek, Lake Powell 10 Apr had been banded in Arizona in 1999 (JS). An American Golden- Plover at A.I.C. 13 Apr was the only one of this scarce migrant reported (GB et ak). Two Snowy Plovers at Kolob Res. 16 Apr were noteworthy as being at the unusually high ele- vation of 2428 m (C&MS). Owing to the drought, typically full high elevation lakes and reservoirs showed receding shorelines. An early Lesser Yellowlegs was at Las Vegas Wash, Clark NV 5 Mar (CT). Solitary Sandpipers seemed a bit scarcer than usual, with only 3 reported for the Region. Whimbrel is always a good find in the Great Basin, so three reports this spring are noteworthy. The first was in Carson V., Douglas, NV28 Apr (JWa). Up to 2 were seen along the A.I.C. 28 Apr — 12 May, and another was at Farmington 12 May (PM). A Hudsonian Godwit was reported from Farmington 20 Apr (p. a. J&KB). A flock of about 200 Marbled Godwits 22 Apr at Wahweap Bay, Kane, UT was described as a “particularly large flock for Lake Powell” (JS). The only Ruddy Turnstone report came from A.I.C. 23 May (AS). The first Sanderling of the season was at A.I.C. 13 Apr (GB). By 25 May, an estimated 2000+ were gracing the shores of A.I.C. (J&KB). Two were at Overton 3 May 334 North American Birds Great Basin (DSe). A high count of 600+ Western Sandpipers was made 28 Apr at A.I.C. (J&KB). Baird’s Sandpipers are very rare as spring migrants and are usually found early, so a slight- ly late one at H.B.V.P. 1 1 May was noteworthy (B&PH). Single Dunlins were reported only from A.I.C. and H.B.V.P. 20 Apr & 6 May, respectively. Five were at H.B.V.P. 1 1 May (B&PH). An ad. Mew Gull was reported at the Lemmon Drive McDonald’s, Reno 29-30 Mar (ph. MR, IT). Thayer’s Gulls are somewhat reg- ular in the n. portion of the Region in both states. Four (2 first-years and 2 ads.) were near their probable s. limit of regular occurrence at Walker L., Mineral, NV 5 Mar (JD). A Herring Gull (probably a second-year bird) was at Q.C.R. 16 Mar. where they are seldom recorded (P&SS, RF). A Glaucous-winged Gull was at P.L. 2-1 1 Mar (TF, NB et al.). A rare spring Common Tern was at Q.C.R. 20 May (RF). Two very rare Least Terns were reported from Utah. The first was along the Virgin R., Washington (tKW) 15 May, and the second was reported without details from the Provo Airport Dike, Utah 16 May (MJ). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS Eurasian Collared-Doves are again in the news. One was at Corn Cr. 27 Apr (RSa). There has been some debate about the origin of individu- als of this species in Nevada and Utah, as well as in adjacent states. It’s interesting that this species has not been reported until rather recently, with most of the sightings (perhaps all) in Nevada and Utah in rural areas. If some or all of these birds are escapees, why is it only now that they are escaping? This species is definitely moving westward from naturalized populations in the Southeast, and there are now records from most of the lower 48 states. Isn’t it likely that these birds are part of that movement? A northerly White-winged Dove was at Fish Springs 2 May (IBa, SO, RSi). More normal was a White- winged Dove at Corn Cr. 12 May, which remained until 31 May (RSa). Inca Doves were reported from Washington, where they are breeding and found year-round. Most unusual was the occurrence of Black Swifts in Washington. The first were reported in the Washington Fields 14 May, where they were seen off and on until the end of the period (I&KB, ph. RF, KW). There is only one previous record of this species in Washington. Away from Washington, 3 were seen at Pelican L., Uintah, UT 24 May (I&KB). A major flight of Vaux’s Swift occurred in the w. and s. part of the Region, with too many reports (24+) to include here. The first were reported from Washington, UT 16 Apr (RF) and the last continued into summer. Most sightings were of single birds. The highest totals were 10 at Sunset Park, Las Vegas 2 May (I&MC) and 11 at Oxbow Park, Reno 10 May (MMe). Reported sightings came from three Nevada counties {Clark, Lyon, Washoe) and three Utah counties {Kane, Utah, Washington), but they were most certainly more widespread. Anna’s Hummingbirds continue to make a presence in sw. Utah. One male was found 14 Mar (CS) and seen until at least 16 Mar (RF, SS, PS) in Leeds, Washington. Another was pho- tographed at Canyon Ridge, Hurricane, Washington 2-6 May (RF, KCm). A Calliope Hummingbird at Corn Cr. 9 May was a good find for this desert location (SC). One at Provo, Utah, UT 6 May was more expected (MMo). Lewis’s Woodpeckers are rare in the s. deserts and in many years are not recorded at all. One was at Overton 9 Mar (B&PH), and up to 3 were at Corn Cr. 27 Apr-2 May (RSa, NB, IT, IC). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWINGS Olive-sided Flycatchers were much more evident than usual at lowland migrant traps. Normally only one or 2 a season are seen at places like Corn Cr. and St. George, but this spring, observers were reporting several in a day and throughout the season. There were four reports of Least Flycatchers all banded and/or photographed. The first was of one banded at the Ambrose Nature Study Area, Carson City 23 May (IE, ILy, B&BC). The next 3 all came on the same day, 26 May. A photographed bird was at Lytle (p. a. RF, KCm, P&SS); one was banded and photographed at the Canson R. delta, Lyon, NV (IE, ILy, B&BC); and one was banded at Numana, Truckee R., Washoe, NV (IE, ILy, B&BC). Northerly Black Phoebes were at P.L. 2-11 Mar (TF, LW, NB); Silver Saddle Ranch, Douglas, NV 13 Mar (NB); Mason Valley, Lyon, NV 3 Apr (FP): Univ. of Nevada, Reno 12 Apr (TF); and Idlewild Park, Washoe 13 Apr (TF et al.). Vermilion Flycatchers were widely report- ed throughout Clark, with a high count of 6 at Bunkerville Co. Park 1 1 Apr (DM, DC). They were also reported at their usual locales around St. George, Washington, UT. One at Ash Meadows 31 Mar was approaching its norther- ly limits (IC). One at Capitol Reef N.P. (hous- ing area), Wayne, UT 13 Apr was definitely out of range (DW). A Cassin’s Kingbird at Lytle 26 Apr was at a usual, but not regular, locale (RF, KW). The last reported Northern Shrike of the season was seen at the Provo Airport Dike, Utah 17 Mar (CPy). There were only three reports of migrating Cassin’s Vireos, 2 in Washington 14 & 26 Apr and one in Clark 13 May. A Philadelphia Vireo was reported from Red Hills G.C. 14 May (p. a. I&KB; fto the Utah Bird Records Committee). As yet, there are no accepted records of this species for Utah, and the species is extremely rare any- where in the West during the spring migration. A Red-eyed Vireo was at Corn Cr. 31 May (RF, RSa). Purple Martins are not often reported from this Region. The only report this season was one at Springville, Utah 23 May (I&KB). A singing Cactus Wren in Leeds, Washington, UT 16 Mar was probably at the extreme n. limits for the species in the state (P&SS, RF). Two old nests were also found there. Winter Wrens are scarce winter visitors to the Region and occa- sionally stay in the area into spring. This year, the latest report came on 24 May at Maple Canyon, San Pete, UT (KCl). Occasionally some do stay into the summer. The most southerly report was of one at Q.C.R. 19 Apr (RF). Swainson’s Thrush is an expected spring migrant in s. Nevada, but this year observers noted that it was more numerous than usual. Most reports were from Clark, but they were reported in Carson City and Esmeralda as well. In Utah, Swainson’s Thrush is not an expected migrant, especially in the south, so one at the Washington Diversion Dam, Washington 22 May was noteworthy (RF). Varied Thrushes, always good finds in the Region, were at Reno 7 C IV Cordilleran/Pacific-sIope Flycatchers were reported this season. Martin Meyers W*^reported multiple “Westerns” at Dyer, Lida, Beatty, and Corn Cr. 25-27 May. Most were silent birds, but he noted that “at each stop, at least one or two gave the upslurred call suggestive of Pacific-slope, whereas none gave the two-note Cordilleran call.” A “Western” at Lytle 26 May also called several times with the upslurred note of a Pacific-slope (RF, KCm, P&SS). There are no records of Pacific-slope Flycatcher for Utah. Several observers (includ- ing both regional editors) have commented on the fact that Cordillerans in breeding habitat in Utah and Idaho can give a Pacific-slope-like call in addition to their usual two-note call. This is certainly the case in e. Oregon and ne. California, where Summers is familiar with this problem. The field separation of these sibling species may not be possible without full song, which is rarely heard from migrants in this area. It is interesting, in any case, that the two- note call of the Cordilleran is virtually never reported here from migrating birds. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 335 Mar (MJE) and Elko 17 Mar (M&LP). A Brown Thrasher was reported at Corn Cr. 27 Mar — 5 May by many observers. It was not clear whether only one bird or more were involved. A Brown Thrasher at Stillwater 22 Apr provided that area with a rare report (WHe). Bendire’s Thrashers put in a good showing in Clark with one (or more?) at Corn Cr. 6 Apr — 8 May, one at H.B.V.P. 14 Apr (B&PH), and one at Floyd Lamb S.P. 26 Apr (NM). Bohemian Waxwings were only reported from two locations. Fifteen were at Rye Patch Dam, Pershing, NV 1 Mar (JD), and 10+ were at Foote Res., Millard, UT 14 Mar (KW, MG). WARBLERS THROUGH TANAGERS No fewer than 27 species of warblers were reported in the Region this season. Unfortunately, most reports were gleaned from the Internet, and very few reports included documentation of any sort. A Tennessee Warbler hung around Corn Cr. 17-31 May (RSa, RF), and one was photographed at Parker Ranch, Nye, NV 26 May (R&DSe, MMe). An unexpected female Lucy’s Warbler was mist- netted and banded at Fish Springs 7 May ()Ba). This is likely the most northerly record of this species in the Region. Four reports of Northern Parula were quite good for the Region. The first at Corn Cr. 2-5 May (JC, DC-R) was followed by one at Lower Spanish Fork R., Utah, UT 20 May (DSh), one at Capitol Reef N.P., Wayne, UT 25 May (DG), and one at Santa Clara R. above Gunlock Res., Washington, UT 26 May (tP&SS, RF). A nice male Chestnut-sided Warbler graced the Virgin R. at the Washington Diversion Dam, Washington 17 May (tRF, KW, MG). A described first-spring male Cape May Warbler was at Corn Cr. 25 May (p. a. tCT, N&KM). A male Black- throated Blue Warbler, very rare for spring, was reported from Deseret Ranch, Rich, UT 25 May (p. a. MS). Hermit Warblers were at Corn Cr. 16 Apr (DTr); Pine Valley Mts., Washington 25 Apr (TS); and Lytle 11 May (ph. PF). This species is a scarce spring migrant in the s. portions of the Region. An undocumented, and unprecedentedly early, Blackpoll Warbler was reported from Bunkerville, Clark, NV 12 Apr (p. a. JWa). Six individual Black-and-white Warblers provided more reports than usual at the following loca- tions; Corn Cr. 4-12 May (FO, RSa); Miller’s R.A. 18 May (MMe, DTr); Slate Canyon, Utah 22 May (MW); Lakeshore, River Lane, Utah (TR); Torrence Ranch, Nye 26 May (DSe, GS); and Parker Ranch, Nye 28 May (LC). Four American Redstarts were reported, all females or first-spring males: Miller’s R.A. 18-19 May (MMe, DTr); Lower Spanish Fork R., Utah (DSh); Corn Cr. 23 May (RSa); and Red Hills G.C. 24-25 May (RF, KCm, P&SS). One or more Ovenbirds were reported from Corn Cr. 16 Apr — 31 May (m. ob.). There was indication whether one or multiple individuals were involved. The only other Ovenbird report came from Torrence Ranch 25-26 May (m. ob.). A Northern Waterthrush was at Corn Cr. 11-16 May (m. ob.), and one was at Bodyfeldt Ranch, Nye, NV 17 May (DTr). A Louisiana Waterthrush report with no details came from Deseret Ranch, Rich, UT 27 May (p. a. MS). If accepted by the state review committee, this would constitute Utah’s first record. Utah’s 2nd Kentucky Warbler was a male banded and photographed at Sheep Creek Canyon, Uintah 25 May (RN et ah). No description was submit- ted for a Hooded Warbler reported 27 Apr at Natural Bridges N.M., San Jnan, UT (p. a. DF). This would be a somewhat early date for this distinctive species. Most observers commented on the abundance of migrating Wilson’s Warblers. One observer called it “astounding.” Following last year’s Painted Redstart at Zion N.P., another (or possibly the same) bird showed up again this year. A singing male was first reported 7 Apr at the Temple of Sinawava (PP), and was subsequently seen by many observers. One observer thought there might have been two redstarts present. Then, on 28 Apr, two separate birds were definitely seen more than 2 km apart (RF, KCm). The 2nd bird was silent, perhaps indicating a female was also present. The last reported sighting was 13 May (J&KB). Another Painted Redstart was report- ed without details at Bunkerville County Park, Clark 8-10 Apr (p. a. RSt, DG, DC). A report of an ad. female Hepatic Tanager at a feeder at Stillwater 21 May comes without details (p. a. WHe). Since this is well n. of this species’s expected range, we hope this record will be submitted to the state records commit- tee. Two northerly Summer Tanagers were reported. A second-year male was mist- netted and banded at Fish Springs 13 May (IBa), and a male was at Miller’s R.A. 18 May (MMe). SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Clay-colored Sparrow reports numbered five, which is unexpected. The first was at Provo Airport Dike, Utah 27-28 Apr. (MW, TR). This was followed by individuals at Corn Cr. 8 May (tCT, N8cKM), Red Hills G.C. 13-14 May (fRF, KCm, JScKB), Lower Spanish Fork R., Utah 20 May (DSh), and Lytle 26 May (tRF, KCm, P&SS). Grasshopper Sparrows were again found on Antelope L, Davis, where at least one was seen 25 May (J&KB). Fox Sparrows are only uncommonly reported during migration in Utah and s. Nevada, so individuals at City Creek, Salt Lake City 16 Mar (KCC, KK) and Corn Cr. 31 Mar (B&PH) are interesting. The one in Salt Lake was likely a Slaty form, but the one from Corn Cr. could have been any of sev- eral subspecies. A White-throated Sparrow was at Leeds, Washington, UT 4 Apr (C&MS), another was at the Provo Airport Dike 29 Apr (TR), and a 3rd was at Fish Springs 29 Apr (SO). These were the only reports this spring. The only Golden-crowned Sparrow reported was one at Corn Cr. 1 1 May (JC). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are getting to be regular spring migrants. This year there were seven reports, all males. An early one was pho- tographed at a feeder in Elko, NV 1 Apr (Larry Heske fide Pete Bradley). One in Panguitch, Garfield, UT 15 May may be that county’s first (CW). One at Dyer, Esmeralda 17 May (MMe) and one at Miller’s R.A. 27 May (JWa, DTr) were at regular vagrant traps, as was one band- ed at Fish Springs on 22 May (JBa). Corn Cr. had one 23-26 May (RSa, CT et ah). One in the White Mts. at Queen Canyon, Mineral, NV 27 May is probably one of a few records for that under-birded county (J&DP). Indigo Buntings are another regular “eastern” vagrant to the Region, but the only ones reported this spring were from Corn Cr. 2-3 1 of May, with a high count of 5 (2 ad. males, 2 first-year males, one female) 19 May. A male Painted Bunting was seen by several observers at Corn Cr. 8-13 May. It was photographed by CT on the last day of its stay there. The origin of Painted Buntings out- side of their normal range in the Southwest is often questioned, and inasmuch as thousands are trapped for sale in Mexico annually, there is good reason to consider captive origin. But this spring saw a notable irruption of this species from mid-May to early June into many parts of the continent, and, in this context, an over- shooting May migrant is quite plausible in our Region. Migrant Bobolinks are always notable in the Region. Two, then one, were at Miller’s R.A. 14 &18 May (JWa, MMe, DTr). A male was at Fish Springs 16 May (JBa); and at least one was in the Heber Valley, Wasatch, UT 17 May, where they are known to breed (J&KB). Tricolored Blackbirds were at their known areas in the Carson Valley 1 1 Apr — 20 May. A high count of a 10 nesting pairs was made 28 Apr (B&BC). Two Common Crackles were reported from Taylorsville, Salt Lake 26 Apr (CD), and 3 were at Charleston Park, Cache, UT 18 May (J&KB). A fairly well-described Bronzed Cowbird was at Red Hills G.C. 8 May (MMo et ah). If accept- ed, this would constitute Utah’s 3rd record. A photographed male Baltimore Oriole was at Corn Cr. 9 May (CT). Numbers of Scott’s Orioles in some desert locations were remark- able. At Lytle during late May, 50+ were count- 336 North American Birds Great Basin — Arizona Arizona ed in the orchard at the ranch. They were also much more numerous at Corn Cr. than nor- mal. Perhaps the drought has driven them out of their parched Joshua Tree — ^juniper wood- lands habitat. Likewise, there were surprising numbers of Cassin’s Finches in Dyer, NV 17 & 25 May. On the 17th, at least 35 were there and on the 25th there were nearly as many (MMe). A holdover from last season’s invasion of Common Redpolls was at a residential feeder in Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake 13 Mar (J&SSa). Finally, an obvious escapee European Goldfinch was seen and photographed in Layton, Davis, UT 31 Mar (BF). Contributors and cited observers: Jay Banta (JBa), Glenn Barlow, Pat Bean (PBe), Joel & Kathy Beyer, Jack Binch (JBi), Nancy Bish, Donn Blake, Pete Bradley (PBr), Richard, Brune, KC Childs (KCC), Beth & Bill Clark, Jack Cochran, Kevin Colver (KCl), Kristen Cornelia (KCm), Donna CraO-Rugotzke, Jim & Marian Cressman, Dorothy Crowe, Laura Cunningham, Marilyn Davis, Jon Dunn, Jim Eidel, Mary Jo Elpers, Damian Fagan, Bill Fenimore, Ted Floyd, Rick Fridell, Pomera Fronce, Shawn Goodchild, Matthew Gowans, Dana Green, Ray Groesbeck, Brian & Phoebe Hawson, Jim Healey, W. Henry (WHe), William Hunter (WHu), Debi Johnson, Mike Johnson, Katie Knight, Tim Lenz, Kent Lewis, James Lofthouse (JLo), Jim Lytle (JLy), Kevin Mack, Neil & Karen McDonald, Don Mclvor, Paul Merola, Martin Meyers (MMe), MOton Moody (MMo), Russell Norvell, Deedee O’Brien, Sam Orr, Felix Owens, Jim & Debby Parker, Christian Peay (CPy), Fred Petersen, Cheryl Paterson (CPt), Paul Pisano, Mark & Lois Ports, Mike Rogers, Tuula Rose, Terry Sadler, Jeffrey & Susan Saffle, Mike San Miguel, Rick Saval (RSa), Greg Scyphers, Donna Segni (DSe), Wes Segni, Dennis Serdehely (DSe), Rebecca Serdehely, Charlie & Marilyn Sheard, Dennis Shirley (DSh), Robert Sims (RSi), Arnold Smith, John Spence, Mark Stackhouse, Rose Strickland (RSt), Priscilla Summers, Steve Summers, Jane Thompson, Donna Thorum (DTh), Carolyn Titus, Dennis Trousdale (DTr), Julie VanMoorhen, Jack Walters (JWa), Merrill Webb, Kevin Wheeler, Larry Williams, Jason Williams (JWi), Cathy Woodard, Dave Worthington. Gary H. Rosenberg (Passerines) P.O. Box 91856 Tucson, Arizona 85752-1 856 (ghrosenberg@comcast.net) Mark M. Stevenson (Non-Passerines) 4201 East Monte Vista Drive, #J207 Tucson, Arizona 8571 2-5554 (drbrclr@att.net) Extreme dry conditions persisted statewide, leading to early forest fires and eventual clo- sure of many public lands. Migrants were con- centrated at the remaining water sources, giving at least the appearance of large numbers. Empidonax flycatchers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were particularly numerous this sea- son. Conversely, shorebirds were considered sparse in most areas. Very exciting was Arizona’s second Snow Bunting, far to the south in Thatcher. Nearly as exciting was another nesting by Rufous-capped Warblers in French Joe Canyon. Abbreviations: A.B.C. (Arizona Bird Committee), A.V.S.T.P. (Avra Valley Sewage Treatment Plant), C.S.L. (Cow Springs L.), H.R.P. (Hassayampa River Preserve), L.C.R. (Lower Colorado River), N.I.R. (Navajo Indian Reservation), P.A.P. (Pinal Air Park pecan grove), S.P.R. (San Pedro River). LOONS THROUGH FALCONS Several loons were late in migrating or depart- ing, including a Pacific Loon at Lake Havasu City 13 Apr (RD et al), a Common Loon at Sierra Blanca L. 18 May (DR, GC), and the win- tering Yellow-billed Loon at Lake Havasu City, last reported 13 Apr (RD, m. ob). Still casual, a Least Grebe at Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson 8 May-r (fBZ, KZ; ph. GHR, m. ob.) was the 2nd at this site in two years, and only the 3rd ever from spring. Casual away from the L.C.R., a Horned Grebe was at Becker L. 28 Mar (DR). A Red-necked Grebe on L. Havasu 13 Mar (tJH) would be about the 8th record if accepted by the A.B.C. The pattern of occurrence of Clark’s Grebe is still being discerned; spring reports were from Willow L. 26 Mar (CST), 2 at Fountain Hills 6 Apr (TC), Tucson 19 Apr — 12 May (D. West), Santa Cruz R., Tucson 21 Apr (MMS), 3 at Saguaro L. 1 1 May (TC), Willow L. 12 May (CST), and Crescent L. 24 May (SB). A Brown Pelican at Luna L. 25 Apr-f (DR, GC, m. ob.) was the 3rd record from this site in the ne.; all 3 have been imms. Thirty Neotropic Cormorants were along the Gila River w. of Phoenix 30 Mar (TC), now regularly outnum- bering those at Patagonia L. at this, their n. limit. An American Bittern at Willcox 26 Apr — 1 8 May (B. Percival, DS et al.) was late for the se. A flyby Little Blue Heron over Sweetwater Wetlands 25 Apr (fMMS, RH) was casual. A late migrant Canada Goose was at Willcox 2 May — 2 Jun (RT et al.). Montezuma Well hosted a male Eurasian Wigeon 19 Mar (B Hirth). Another late migrant, a female Surf Scoter was at Thatcher S.T.P. 13 May — 2 Jun (ph. JW, m. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 337 Arizona’s eighth Black Skimmer was in eastern Tucson 9 May 2002. Photograph by Mark M. Stevenson. ob.), where casual. The Long-tailed Duck at Parker Dam was last reported 4 Apr (m. ob.). Very late for spring, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers paused in ne. Tucson 3 Apr (vt. B Nicholas). A White-tailed Kite in Bouse 16 Mar (CB) was well away from usual habitat and areas of occurrence. The only other reports were from Hereford 20 Apr (JH) and P.A.P. 12 May (PS). Mississippi Kites returned to St. David by 9 May (M. Auslander, H. Lauchstedt), 130 km s. of the Dudleyville outpost. Nest-building was first observed in St. David in 1997. Far more unusu- al was one seen soaring over the e. side of the Chiricahua Mts. 14 May (fS. Heinl, A. Piston). There is only one prior sight report of Mississippi Kite from this range. Still casual in the state, the pair of Red-shouldered Hawks persisted at H.R.P. throughout (m. ob.), but no nesting activity was noted [fide TC). An early Broad-winged Hawk in Skull Valley 10 Mar (fB. Pearson) will be reviewed by the A.B.C. Documentation for all reports of this species is still requested. For the 3rd consecutive year. Short-tailed Hawks were seen over the Chiricahuas, with 2 light-morph ads. reported 4 May near Barfoot Park (tRT, C Sharpe et ah). The species appears to be slowly expanding its range from s. Sonora. A casual migrant, a dark- morph Harlan’s Hawk paused in Marana 9 Mar (MMS, BS, C Neese). RAILS THROUGH TERNS Well away from their closest known outpost at Picacho Reservoir, a Clapper Rail was closely observed at Willcox 11 May (fSB). Apparently breeding locally again after many years, a Sora was along the Gila R. w. of Phoenix 1 1 May [ftde TC). Casual in the ne., a Common Moorhen was at Nelson Reservoir 9 May (DR). Three Mountain Plovers were seen in appro- priate breeding habitat w. of Springerville 16-21 May shortly before the area burned in a range fire (ph. BG). Several large flocks of Willets were reported, including 72 at L. Powell 24 Apr (J. Spence), 26 at Luna L. 25 Apr (DR, GC), and 40 at A.V.S.T.P. 4 May (LL, B. Percival). Casual in spring away from the L.C.R., a Whimbrel was w. of the Tucson Mts. 19 Apr (fKK). Some 65 Marbled Godwits at Kachina Wetlands 28 Apr (F. Brandt) was a large number away from the L.C.R. Eight at Willow L. 27 Apr (CST, B. Thomen) were notable for the Prescott area. The only Sanderling reported was a single at Willcox 1 1 May (DS). The only Semipalmated Sandpiper was at A.V.S.T.P. 2-4 May (RT, C. Sharpe, MMS). Among 8 late individuals statewide, the latest Western Sandpiper was at A.V.S.T.P. 23 May (DS). Very sparse in spring in the ne., a Baird’s Sandpiper was at Wahweap S.T.P. 15 May (CL, DS, MMS). Casual migrant Dunlin were at Gila Bend S.T.P. 11 Mar (H. Detwiler) and A.V.S.T.P. 19 May (DS). Also casual in spring. Stilt Sandpipers were at opposite ends of the state in mid-May: Wahweap S.T.P. 15 May (CL, DS, MMS) and Willcox 19 May (SB). An unprecedented report of 4 Pomarine laegers s. of Tucson 26 Apr (fLL) will be reviewed by the A.B.C. Franklin’s Gulls were seen in above-average numbers, with 75 statewide 20 Mar — 22 May. Conversely, only 5 Bonaparte’s Gulls were reported, 7 Apr — 11 May. The gull of the season was a one-year-old Heerman’s Gull 20 Apr at Patagonia L. (CDB, J. Higgins et ah). Two Herring Gulls at C.S.L. 24 Apr (ph. DD) made the 8th spring N.I.R. record. Terns made a good showing away from the Colorado R. Ten Caspians were noted 18 Apr — 14 May. A Common Tern, causal in se., was at Willcox 9 May (tJH). Eleven Forster’s Terns were tallied 16 Apr — 2 Jun. Least Tern continues to be regular in small numbers in spring. Singles were reported from Willcox 17 Apr (G. Chaniot), WillcoxH May (fS. Heinl, A Piston), C.S.L 16 May (DD), Willcox 27 May (MMS et ah), and Thatcher S.T.P. 4 Jun (DP, BM). A Black Tern at Willcox 18 May (GHR et al.) and 2 at A.V.S.T.P. 29 May (PS) were casual. Outstanding was a Black Skimmer at Lakeside Park in Tucson 9 May (B. Rathjen, ph. MMS, vt. MPo, m. ob.), only the 8th Arizona record. DOVES THROUGH TROGONS Apparently unabated, Eurasian Collared-Doves continued to spread: 38 were reported statewide, with sightings from Yuma to Kayenta and San Simon to Fredonia (m. ob.). White- winged Doves in Kayenta 3 Mar-t (S. Kuras, CL) and Eagar 14 Mar-l- (GC, DR) reflect the northward spread of this species. Nesting was first noted in Eagar last spring (GC, DR). An Inca Dove in Page 18 Apr (C. Goetze) was well n. of the typi- cal range. A Ruddy Ground-Dove lingered in Patagonia through 16 Mar (SH, m. ob.). Two in May were quite late: a female near Hereford 15 O presence of apparent hybrids wir^as increasingly clouded the status of Berylline Hummingbird in recent years. Reports of suspected hybrids with Magnificent, Broad-billed, and Anna’s from Miller and Ramsey canyons were received this season. Actual Berylline reports included one to 2 in Ramsey Canyon 2 Apr-1- (E. Malais, S. Atkinson, m. ob.), a male in S. Fork of Cave Creek 14 Apr (T. Galluci), and one at Miller Canyon 10 May-1- (R. Stovall, m. ob.). As there is clearly a problem with hybridization in Arizona, this species remains on the A.B.C. review list; careful observation and docu- mentation are warranted. May+ (t, vt. S. G. Mlodinow) and a male 25-27 May s. of El Mirage (BG, TC). In recent years. Buff-collared Nightjar has been far less regular. Most welcome was the discovery of one to 2 birds near California Gulch 26 Apr-l- (K. Nelson, J. Ellis, m. ob.). White-eared Hummingbirds appeared in the usual Huachuca Mtn. areas, with a male in Ramsey Canyon 15 Apr-l- (MPr, m. ob.) and a female in Miller Canyon 4 May-t- (TB, m. ob.). Lucifer Hummingbirds away from Portal were in the Mule Mts. 26 Mar and 10 Apr (tRHu), Kartchner Caverns S.P. 12 Apr (J. 8c S. Hammon), lower Carr Canyon 13 Apr (H. Brodkin), and in Miller Canyon (several) 15 Apr-t- (TB, m. ob.). Notable Calliope Hummingbirds were late and/or casual singles at Mt. Ord 11 May (TC), Wahweap 15 May (DS), and 2 in Miller Canyon 26 May-1- (ph. JS, SL). Likely displaced by the drought, an Elegant Trogon at Sabino Canyon 24 May (WR, MMS) was the 2nd in the Catalina Mts. since the 1880s. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRASHERS A Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet was at the B. T.A. 15 Apr (TC); this species is an infre- quent spring and summer visitor this far n. but likely breeds locally. Intriguing was a report of a singing Yellow-bellied Flycatcher from C. S.L. 17 May {DD-, fide CL); hopefully a report will be made available to the A.B.C., and if accepted, would represent only a 3rd Arizona record. Another difficult-to-evaluate report was that of a Least Flycatcher from Tucson Mtn. Park 15 May (tRT); it should be noted that apart from three specimen records described in Monson and Phillips’s Checklist of the Birds of Arizona, the A.B.C has accepted only two sight reports of this species, and there has yet to be any photographic evidence for 338 North American Birds Arizona any Least Flycatcher report, including this one. This spring was exceptionally good for Empidonax flycatchers, with huge numbers reported during Apr and May from around the state. Incredible was the report of at least 400 “empids” (Hammond’s, Dusky, and Gray) per day in the Prescott area 26-27 Apr (CST). Black Phoebe is local and scarce anywhere in n. Arizona; therefore one at Cameron 21 Apr (CL), and another at Pipe Springs N.M. 16 May (CL, DS, MMS) were of interest, but it is still unclear whether these isolated reports represent migrants or local breeders. Eastern Phoebes at Safford 24 Mar (tJW, B. Matheny), at the A.V.S.T.P. 29 Mar — 5 Apr (N. Miller et al.), and at Cameron 6-8 May (CL, JC) all represented birds that had not been seen during the winter; the Cameron sighting is only the 5th report from the N.I.R. A Vermilion Flycatcher at the Kachina Wetlands s. of Flagstaff 27-28 Mar (J. Hildebrand, B. Breed et al.), another one in Flagstaff 2 Apr (C. Holm), and one at Sipe Wildlife Area near Springerville 8 May (DR, GC et al.) were all exceptional for n. Arizona. Two Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers along the W. Fork of Oak Creek Canyon 19-20 May (CL, DD, T. Brush) were well n. of normal range in Arizona, but there have been sporadic reports along Oak Creek since 1997. For the 2nd year in a row, a pair of Tropical Kingbirds were found at H.R.P. 5-12 May (ph. J. Woodley). Elsewhere in s. Arizona, this species was found at a greater-than-usual number of locales along the San Pedro and Santa Cruz Rivers, including one at Roger Road S.T.P. in Tucson 1 lun (D. Wright; ph. B Gerstan). Thick- billed Kingbirds were at odd localities at Madera Canyon 5 May (S. Barlow) and near Hereford 25 May (R. Weissler). A species that has been reported less frequently in Arizona during the past decade, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was at Spring Valley 12 May (R. Duerksen). A male Rose-throated Becard was present at the historical nesting area along Sonoita Cr. (Roadside Rest) beginning 18 May {fide M. Brown, JBo); this species has declined in recent years. A White-eyed Vireo was in ne. Tucson 14 Apr (B. Nicholas; fMMS), and another was at Page Springs 3-4 May (tJ&L Estis); there are fewer than 15 total records for the state. Another casual bird, single Yellow-throated Vireos were reported from Tonto N.M. 19 Apr (fG. Martinez) and from C.S.L. 16-24 May (DD, CL). This species has recently been elevated to the review list by the A.B.C. A Winter Wren in upper Secret Canyon (below the Mogollon Rim) 3 May (T. Schultz, CL) was in suitable nesting habitat; this species has only recently been confirmed nesting in Arizona in similar canyons coming off the Rim. Five different Varied Thrushes were seen in the Region this spring: a female at Granite Basin present during the winter was seen through 22 Mar (CT); another continued at Pena Blanca L. 12 Mar (SH); one was along the Colorado R. in the Grand Canyon 20 Mar (J. Spence); a female was in S. Fork of Cave Creek Canyon 22 Apr (fR. Hamilton); and one was reported from California Gulch 24 Apr (K. Graves). This incursion was likely spill-over from a substan- tial movement of this species along the coast during the fall and winter. Gray Catbirds are still casual in the state away from breeding grounds in the White Mts.; therefore, one in Miller Canyon 15-18 May (M. Haldeman, T. Beatty et al.), one at C.S.L. 16-17 May (DD), and one at Granite Oaks, nw. of Prescott 28-29 May (B. Stewart, M. Trevor) were of note. Brown Thrashers continuing from the winter included singles at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson 2 Mar (m. ob.) and B.T.A. 29 Apr (DS). Other spring records included one at St. David 17 Mar — 3 Apr (KK et al.) and one banded at Tumacacori 21 Apr — 4 May (WT). WARBLERS THROUGH GOLDFINCHES A singing male Tennessee Warbler was in Tucson 30 Apr- — 2 May (D. Touret et al.); there have been a decreasing number of reports of this species during the past 10 years. Northern Parula has increased as a migrant in recent years; this spring, at least 10 were reported 13 Apr — 28 May, all from s. Arizona. A Magnolia Warbler along Sonoita Cr. near Patagonia 24 May (J. Moore, fMMS; vt. MPo) provided about an 8th spring record. A Pine Warbler, thought to be a female, was in Marana 9-11 Mar (fRH, P. Saloman, JBo et al.); there are fewer than 10 accepted state records, virtually all from winter. A greater-than usual number of Palm Warblers was reported, with one along the S.P.R. near Hereford 19 Apr (R. Carlson fide RHu), one along the Blue R. in the White Mts. 29 Apr (DR), one at Willcox 4 May (C. Smith, fBS), one at Cameron 6 May (CL), and one in Flagstaff 13 May (P. Kegley, S. Ordway); this species is still considered a review species by the A.B.C. Very unusual for spring, a male Blackpoll Warbler was reported from Prescott 10 May (tCST, W. Bull); there have been about five previ- ous spring reports. We received eight Black-and- white Warbler reports this spring, an above-aver- age number. The only Prothonotary Warbler of the season was a male at A.V.S.T.P. 24-25 Apr (D. West et al.). Two Worm-eating Warblers were reported, with one at the Phoenbc Zoo 18 Apr (Rf) and one in Cave Creek Canyon 28 Apr (DJ); there have been very few reports of this species in recent years. Three Ovenbirds, about average for Arizona’s second Snow Bunting was at Thatcher 11 to 20 April (here 12 April) 2002. Photgraph by Gary H. Rosenberg. a spring, were reported, with one near Big L. 26 May (SB), one in Phoenix 27 May (ph. BG), and one in French Joe Canyon 31 May (M. Kehl). No fewer than 22 Northern Waterthrushes were reported statewide, above the average for a spring. Three different Hooded Warblers turned up, with one along the S.P.R. 29 Apr (R. Weissler), one in French Joe Canyon 3 May (P. Sweet), and a singing male in Madera Canyon 16 May (L. Debataz et al). Something was up with Painted Redstarts this spring, with no fewer than six low- land migrant records from mid-late Mar. The pair of Rufous-capped Warblers that have been pres- ent in French Joe Canyon apparently nested suc- cessfully for the 2nd year in a row, with the ads. feeding a juv. 27-31 May-l- (SH, RHo et al). An ad. male Scarlet Tanager was in the Patons’ yard in Patagonia 21-23 May (R. Baxter, m. ob.; tMMS, vt. J. Mueller); there are fewer than 25 total reports from Arizona. A singing male Flame-colored Tanager established a ter- ritory in upper Miller Canyon 11 Apr-i- (J8cD Parker; ph. J. Woodley); there have been fewer than 10 accepted records from Arizona, where its status has been complicated in recent years by numerous presumed hybrids with Western Tanager. At least 7 Clay-colored Sparrows were report- ed, which is a higher number than normal for a spring. A Grasshopper Sparrow at H.R.P. 12 May provided a first spring report from Maricopa. An apparent Sooty Fox Sparrow was in Sahuarita 27 Mar (ph. C. Gathers); if con- firmed, it would represent one of the only records of this form from Arizona. A Harris’s Sparrow was at C.S.L. 9 May (ph. DD); this species is seldom seen as a spring migrant in the state. Quite amazing was the report of a Yellow- eyed Junco from cen. Tucson 12 Apr (B. Rowe). Far-and-away the best bird sighting of the spring was a female Snow Bunting found at Thatcher S.T.P. 1 1-20 Apr (B. Metheny, JWi, m. ob.; ph. GHR, ph. SH); this represents a 2nd Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 339 Arizona record, and one of the farthest s. reports for the species in the West. Rose-breasted Grosbeak is considered a rare- but-regular spring migrant/visitor anywhere in the state, but this spring, no fewer than 46 indi- viduals, an unprecedented number, were report- ed. Indigo Buntings also appeared to be more numerous than usual this spring. Single Painted Buntings were reported from Hereford 9 Apr (C. Anderson) and from Prescott 29 May (CST). Two Bobolinks were at C.S.L. 14-18 May (DD, CL), while another was at Kayenta 25 May (CL); this species has nested once in n. Arizona previ- ously. A first-year male Orchard Oriole was at Cameron 15 May (DS, MMS), while another male was at Red Rock 27 May (C. Wood); these represent only the 2nd and 3rd N.I.R. reports. At least 3 different ad. male Baltimore Orioles were reported, with one in Tucson 9 May (fMMS, B. Koenig), one at Sipe Wildlife Area near Springerville 16 May (ph. DR, GC), and one in Cave Creek Canyon 16-17 May (fS. Heinl, S. G. Mlodinow et al). Of interest were two late spring reports of Lawrence’s Goldfinches, one from Paradise 21 May (George Walker House) and one from Patagonia 24 May (RT). Contributors: Charlie Babbitt, Steve Barlow, Tom Beatty, Chris D Benesh (CDB), Jerry Bock (JBo), Bill Scott, Troy Corman, Dean DiTommaso, Gary Crandall, Robert Darby, Bill Grossi, Stuart Healy, John Hirth, Rich Hoyer (RHo), Rob Hunt (RHu), Marge Imperatrice (Globe), Dave Jasper, Ken Kertell, Chuck LaRue (N.I.R), Susannah Lerman, Larry Liese, Bill Massey, Dick Palmer, Molly Pollock (Mpo), Mark Pretti (MPr), Gary H Rosenberg, Donna Roten (Springerville), Will Russell, Peter Salomon, Bill Scott, James Smith, Dave Stejskal, Mark M. Stevenson (s. Arizona), Rick Taylor, Carl S Tomoff (Prescott), Will Turner, John Williams (JWi), Janet Witzeman (Phoenix), Barry Zimmer, Kevin Zimmer. ,, New Mexico Sartor 0. Williams III 1819 Meadowview Drive, NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104-2511 (sunbittern@earthlink.net) The severe drought gripping New Mexico deepened in spring 2002, reaching condi- tions not seen in half a century; by season’s close, forests were burning, lakes and rivers were drying, and everywhere dry topsoil was blowing away with the wind. Against this backdrop, birds and birders concentrated at shrinking wetlands and surviving oases, resulting in discovery of many rarities, especially shorebirds and water- birds as well as eastern strays, particularly war- blers. As always, in the following report all unusual species are supported by documenta- tion unless otherwise noted. Abbreviations: B.L.N.W.R. (Bitter Lake N.W.R.); Bosque (Bosque del Apache N.W.R.); L.V.N.W.R. (Las Vegas N.W.R.); Maxwell (Maxwell N.W.R. and vicinity); Mills Canyon (Canadian R. canyon w. of Mills, Harding); N.R.T. (n. Rooseve/f migrant trap near Melrose); R.G.N.C. (Rio Grande Nature Center, Albuquerque); R.G.V. (Rio Grande Valley); R.S. (Rattlesnake Springs area, Eddy). LOONS THROUGH FALCONS Surprisingly reluctant to leave, single Common Loons lingered at Ute L. 4 May (JO), Maxwell 20 May (DC), and Stubblefield L. 28 May (DC). Late Horned Grebes included singles at Holloman L. 29 Apr (CR) and L.V.N.W.R. 11 May (CR). Undetailed was a possible Brown Pelican at L. Avalon 27 May {fide SW). Two Neotropic Cormorants strayed n. to Sevilleta N.W.R. 7 Apr (WH). An American Bittern at Bosque 17 Apr (WW) and 2 at B.L.N.W.R. 3 May (GW) furnished the only reports for this now rare species. Great Egrets continued to appear in out-of-the-way places, including 2 at Peralta, Valencia 3 Apr (KC) and singles at Clanton Cienega, Hidalgo 11 May (NMC), Columbus 28 May (SOW), Mayhill 28 Apr (SW), and Jal 9 May (SW); a high 26 were at Bosque 12 Apr (JEP). Far n. was an ad. Little Blue Heron at Springer L. 8 May (ph. DC); another was at B.L.N.W.R 25-27 Apr (JEP, JO, DK, GW) and one to 2 were at Bosque 2-28 May (WH, DE, BN, JO, CB). An imm. Reddish Egret at Holloman L. 24 May (BZ) — New Mexico’s 18th overall — provided an Otero and May first. An ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron made a brief Bosque visit 26 May (T. Warren). An ad. White Ibis split its time between Bosque and La Joya 12 Apr — 28 May (m. ob., ph. JO). Glossy Ibis was documented for the 4th consecutive spring, with singles at Bosque 13 8c 17 Apr (WW, ph. JO) and 10 May (DE, BN), near Bernalillo 1 May (ph. JO), and at L.V.N.W.R. 25 Apr (D & BE), where there were 2 on 5 May (ph. JO). An ad. Fulvous Whistling-Duck visited a field s. of San Antonio 22-23 Apr (RK, PS, ph. JO). Noteworthy were 2 Greater White-fronted 340 North American Birds Arizona — New Mexico Geese at Deming 27 Mar (LM). Ross’s Geese lin- gered late, with 1000 still at Bosque 9 Apr (PS). Last of the winter’s Tundra Swans were 8 at L.V.N.W.R. 17 Mar (CB), 5 at Maxwell 19 Mar (DC), and one at Bosque 29 Mar (WH, DK). Wood Ducks in obscure places included singles at Quarai 26 May (NV) and Bluit, Roosevelt 13 Apr (LS). At R.G.N.C., the wintering male Eurasian Wigeon and Greater Scaup were last seen 3 Mar (BV); noteworthy were 3 Greaters at Brantley L. 2 Mar (JO) and 2 at L.V.N.W.R 25 Apr (D&BF). New Mexico’s breeding Ospreys continued to increase, to 13 pairs in May — 12 in the Heron-El Vado area and one at Cochiti (DS). In contrast to last year’s multiple nestings, the dry spring produced few White-tailed Kites — singles w. of Columbus 15 Mar (RM) and 16 May (RM) and near Arrey 1 Apr (MW) — and no nests. Mississippi Kites were well represented in the Pecos Valley and e. plains; noteworthy for the R.G.V. were 2 at Jacona near Pojoaque 31 May (BZ), one at Corrales 12 May (WH), and 2 at Isleta 27 May (DE, BN). An ad. Gray Hawk at Virden 19 Apr (DZ, MZ, RW) was the first there in over two decades. Common Black-Hawks in the Pecos and Rio Grande drainages were singles at Santa Rosa 14 May (WW), over the Rio Bonito near Lincoln 31 May (SW), in Valencia at Isleta 28 Apr (ph. JO), and at Percha 20 Apr ( JS); in the Gila Valley, at least 2 black-hawk nests failed due to disturbance. An ad. Harris’s Hawk was at Bosque 8 & 29 Mar (GE, WH). The Red- shouldered Hawk that wintered near Turn was last seen 17 Mar (ph. JO). Four Broad-winged Hawks passed the Sandia Mts. lookout 14-23 Apr (HWI); farther e. were singles at Roswell 14 Apr (CR) and R.S. 25-26 Apr (JEP), plus a late one at Fort Sumner 27 May (JO). Notably early Swainson’s Hawks were singles near Deming 20 Mar (RM), Luis Lopez 22 Mar (JO), and Las Cruces 23 Mar (GE), with nesting underway at Las Cruces by 14 Apr (GE). Three Zone-tailed Hawks passed the Sandia lookout 21-24 Apr (HWI). Late for the s. was a Rough-legged Hawk near Deming 11 Mar (LM); 2 at Maxwell 1 Apr (DC) were the last seen. Although dismissed by some as merely “occasional sightings,” naturally- occurring Aplomado Falcons are now resident in s. New Mexico; the pair that nested in 2001 nested again in 2002 (RM), a 2nd pair was observed mating 8 May, and single ads. were documented at two additional locales 3 Mar and 10-14 May (RM). PARTRIDGES THROUGH TERNS A Chukar was at Hachita 26 May (SOW); no self-sustaining populations are known in New Mexico. Totally unexpected was a Blue Grouse seen at close range on South Baldy, Magdalena Mts. 19 May (D. Kinney). A Black Rail was tape- recorded on Ponil Cr. e. of Cimarron 29 Apr (DC); if conclusive, this would be the first veri- fication of the species for the state. Late was a Sandhill Crane at Los Lunas 28 May (DH). Impressive were 12 Black-bellied Plovers at Maxwell 20 May (ph. DC). Snowy Plovers made a good showing, including 216 at B.L.N.W.R. 3 May (GW) and 87 e. of Loving 1 1 May (SW), the latter the most found there in years; Snowies lin- gering at prairie wetlands included 4 at Maxwell 28 May (DC), 3 at Springer L. 29 May (DC), and one at L.V.N.W.R. 1 1 May (CR). High counts for Semipalmated Plovers were 1 1 at Maxwell 3 May (DC), 10 at B.L.N.W.R. 27 Apr (JO), and 3 at Holloman L. 28 Apr (SW). American Avocets pioneering isolated locales included 3 each at Carrizozo 12 May (JO) and Columbus 28 May (SOW); highs included 248 at Maxwell 3 May (DC) and 400 at B.L.N.W.R. 13 Apr (CR). Generally scarce in spring. Solitary Sandpipers enjoyed a good season, with one to 10 near Las Vegas, Corrales, Isleta, Bosque, and B.L.N.W.R 19 Apr — 3 May (m. ob.). Willets made an impressive showing nearly statewide 19 Apr — 28 May (m. ob.); notable maxima were 26 at Stubblefield L. 4 May (JEP), 20 at Bosque 10 May (DE, BN), 40 at B.L.N.W.R. 27 Apr (GW), 76 at Deming 1 May (LM), and 120 at Brantley L. 27 Apr (JO). Whimbrels likewise were much in evidence, with one at Cochiti L. 1 May (ph. JO), 3 at Stubblefield L. 13 May (ph. DC), one at Ruby Ranch 22 & 24 May (WW), and 2 at B.L.N.W.R. 24 May (GW). An ad. Hudsonian Godwit at Springer L. 25-26 May (CR, DE, BN) relocated to Maxwell 28 May (ph. DC). High count for Marbled Godwits was 40 at Sumner L. 27 Apr (WW). Earliest White-rumped Sandpipers were singles at Portales 17 May (JEP) and near Melrose, Curry 18 May (JO); maxima were 23 at Wetherly L., Union 25 May (CR, DE, BN), 18 at Springer L. 25 May (CR), and 5 each at Stubblefield L. 28 May (ph. DC) and Maxwell 30 May (DC). Very early was a Baird’s Sandpiper at Bosque 10 Mar (WH); noteworthy were 2 Pectorals w. to Deming 22 Apr (LM) and 2 Dunlins at Maxwell 8 Apr (DC). A probable Ruff, described as an ad. male in basic plumage, was at Springer L. 24 May (BN); there are but 4 previous (one certain) reports. A vocal Short-billed Dowitcher was among Long- billeds at B.L.N.W.R. 26 Apr (JO, J. Malcom). Scarce in spring, 5 Red-necked Phalaropes were at Ruby Ranch 24 May (WW). A Laughing Gull “invasion” produced singles at Sunland Park 30 Mar (B. Whitman, ph. JNP), Brantley L. 27 Apr (ph. JO) and nearby L. Avalon 30 Apr (SW), Sunmer L. 5 May (NP, sketch NV), and Springer L. 24 May (CR, DC). Lingering California GuDs included 3 at Maxwell 20 May (DC) and one at Springer L. 24 May (CR). A Caspian Tern at Brantley L. 12 May (ph. JO) provided the only report; and ad. Arctic Tern there the same day (ph. JO) furnished New Mexico’s 6th credible report and the first since 2000. Exceptionally early was a Least Tern at Bosque 6 Apr (JEP), where there were also sin- gles 29 Apr 8c 15 May (JO); other Leasts away from their B.L.N.W.R breeding grounds were one at Brantley L. 12 May (JO) and 2 there 28 May (WW), plus 4 at Six Mile Dam, Eddy 11 May (SW). DOVES THROUGH VIREOS Eurasian Collared-Doves continued their remarkable colonization of New Mexico, with numerous reports (many supported by photos) of vocal, courting birds from at least three dozen communities from the R.G.V. east; farther w. were one at Magdalena 28 May (BZ), 5 at Deming 7 May (ph. BZ), a courting pair at Columbus 28 May (SOW), and several in and around Silver City (DZ, EL). Peripheral White- winged Doves were singles at Maxwell 30 Apr — 27 May (ph. DC) and Manzano L. near Quarai 10 Mar (NV, NP); large increases were noted in Albuquerque’s North Valley (DM), while in Silver City, White-wingeds had largely replaced Mourning Doves at feeders (DZ). Inca Doves increased their presence at Albuquerque, includ- ing 3 in the University area 5 May (GM) and one in the Heights 31 Mar and 2 there 4 May (JEP); Incas on the edge of range were singles n. to Ute L. 4 May (JO) and in P.O. Canyon 18 May (CL), plus 2 at Hillsboro 21 Apr (CR). The only Common Ground-Dove was near Radium Springs 6 Apr (MS, JZ). Two Elf Owls were in Clanton Canyon 31 Mar {fide DZ), where there are few Mar reports; in the e., one Elf was vocal at Last Chance Canyon, Eddy 27 May {ftde SW). A pair of Long- eared Owls that nested on a ledge in a sinkhole at B.L.N.W.R had nestlings by 2 May (GW); the Long-eared that wintered at Columbus was last seen 29 Mar (LM). Four Northern Saw-whet Owls were on Signal Peak 20 May (RW), where 2 were tape-recorded 22 May (DZ, RW) but none were detected 29 May (DZ), which sug- gests the earlier birds may have been migrants. A Whip-poor-will was vocal in the Sandia Mts. 15 May (CB), where rare; in the e. plains, singles were at N.R.T. and Boone’s Draw 26 Apr (JO). West was a Chimney Swift at Raton 24 May (CR); east were 2 White-throated Swifts at Conchas L. 25 Apr (WH). Dry conditions caused hummingbirds to abandon the country- side, for the most part, in favor of feeders, delighting observers but probably reducing overall nesting success. A male Broad-billed Hummingbird was n. to P.O. Canyon 23 Apr & Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 341 31 May (CL); a female was e. to Radium Springs 14 Apr — 30 May (MS, JZ). Seven Magnificents were at Grant feeders 11 May (DZ). Lucifers returned to RO. Canyon 31 Mar (R. Scholes, CL); at least 6 were present there through May, and a male was in nearby Beehive Canyon 26 May (CL). Highly unusual in New Mexico in spring, single male Calliopes were at Luis Lopez 21-24 Apr (ph. JO), near Pinos Altos 6 Apr (fide DZ), and in RO. Canyon 31 Mar and 14 & 25 Apr (CL), where there was also a female 9-14 Apr (CL). Rufous Hummingbirds are equally unexpected in spring, but this season produced 2 males at Luis Lopez 22 Apr (ph. JO), 2 males at Silver City (EL, DZ) and another at Pinos Altos (fide DZ) 1-7 Apr, and one or more males in RO. Canyon 2-23 Apr (CL). A male Elegant Trogon was along Indian Cr., Animas Mts., 10-11 May (AC), where occur- rence is irregular. A Belted Kingfisher was enter- ing a nest hole on the Vermejo R. near Cimarron 18 May (DC); 2 at Bosque Redondo 26 May (WH) may have been local breeders. A tardy Lewis’s Woodpecker was at Mesilla 5 Apr (GE), and another was at Socorro 11 May (DE, BN). An ad. male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was w. to Deming 15 Mar (LM). The Sacramento Mts. support the southeasternmost population of Three-toed Woodpeckers; this season, a male was on Sacramento Peak near Sunspot 5 May (ph. MB), and another was on nearby Alamo Peak 20 May (MB). A male Yellow-shafted Flicker was at Albuquerque 31 Mar— 1 Apr (BV). A vocal Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet at Double Adobe, n. Animas Mts. 23 8c 27 Apr (AC, NM-C; banded) furnished one of the few records away from Guadalupe Canyon. Early was a singing Greater Pewee at Cherry Creek, Pinos Altos Mts. 7 Apr (fide DZ). An Eastern Wood-Pewee at N.R.T. 19 May (DE, BN, vt. JO) was taped while singing, providing New Mexico’s 3rd definite record. Early was a singing Gray Flycatcher at Water Canyon 5 Apr (JEP); e. was a Cordilleran at N.R.T 27 May (JO). Black Phoebes pushing n. included one at Four Corners, San Juan 9 Apr (TG) and 2 near Cimarron 25 May (ph. DC). Eastern Phoebes in possible breeding locales were one at Mills Canyon 23 May (DC) and 2 at Tres Lagunas, Santa Rosa 14 May (WW). Unusual at 3210 m was a Say’s Phoebe at Sandia Crest 19 May (CR). Vermilion Flycatchers were unusually abundant and widespread, especially in the R.G.V., where found from San Acacia (BV) s. and including fledglings at Percha 31 May (MS, JZ); in the ne., an active nest was at Conchas L. 25 Apr (WH) and a single was at Santa Rosa 14 May (WW). A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher wandered to House, Quay 8 May (WW). A Northern Shrike was near Cimarron 4 8c 21 Mar (DC). Well-described were single White-eyed Vireos near Amistad, Union 16 May (RG) and R.S. 5 May (SW). North was a Hutton’s Vireo at Water Canyon 5 Apr (JEP); early was a Hutton’s nest with eggs at RO. Canyon 1 Apr (CL). Single Red-eyed Vireos were at N.R.T. 12, 19 8c 24 May (JEP, JO), near Lingo 1 1 May (LS), and at R.S. 5 May (SW). JAYS THROUGH TANAGERS A Steller’s Jay at Santa Rosa 9 Mar (CR) was like- ly a winter holdover; unusual for the Organ Mts. was one at Aguirre Springs 26 Mar (GE). A Blue Jay that wintered at Albuquerque was last seen 24 Apr (M. Arthur); late was one at Maxwell 15 May (DC). American Crows continued to expand; noteworthy were an active nest at Mills Canyon 23 May (DC) and another at Paradise Hills in Apr (WH). Only one Purple Martin was w. of Raton 14 May (DC), where the species has nested in recent years. A pair of Tree Swallows was visiting a nest box at Eagle Nest 29 Apr (DC); e. was a Violet-green at the Mosquero escarpment, Harding 5 May (JO). Unusual at 3150 m were several Barn Swallows at buildings on South Baldy, Magdalena Mts. 24 May (HS). Although long considered resident in the Animas Mts., local breeding by Mexican Chickadees was undocumented until an active nest was found along Indian Creek 10-11 May (AC). A Juniper Titmouse nest in Guadalupe Canyon 1 1 May (NMC) was at the far s. fringe of the breeding range. Late for the R.G.V. was a Red-breasted Nuthatch at Sabinal, n. Socorro 28 Apr (CR). Carolina Wrens returned to the news, with singing singles at Sumner L. 28 Apr (JO) and Socorro 8 Mar (JEP). A Sedge Wren heard at Bosque 29 Mar (DK) provided the only report. A Black-tailed Gnatcatcher was in the Little Hatchet Mts. 10 May (LM). Eastern Bluebirds where seldom recorded were one at Sugarite S.R 28 Mar and 10 Apr (DC) and 3 at Mills Canyon 2 Mar (ph. DC); late was one at Corrales 12 May (WH). Noteworthy for the ne. was a Western Bluebird pair feeding nestlings at Mills Canyon 6 May (DC). With but one certain record, the Gray-cheeked is unquestionably the rarest thrush in New Mexico; fairly well-described was a possible one at N.R.T 27 May (WW). A Wood Thrush was at N.R.T. 31 May (JEP, ph. JO). Gray Catbirds continued their southward expansion, including 5 territorial singers at Bosque Redondo 27 May (JO) and a pair at Quarai 12 & 19 May (NP, NV). Northern Mockingbirds coped with drought by moving higher in elevation, including 6 on territory at 2250 m along Bluewater Cr. 3 1 May (HS); one at Hatchet Gap 27 May (SOW) was giving a fine “Pauraque” imitation. West was a Brown Thrasher at Clanton Cienega 20 May (NM-C). A (the?) Long-billed Thrasher was singing at Bosque Redondo 16 Mar (JEP, vt. JO), marking the 5th consecutive spring an individual has been there. North were 2 Crissal Thrashers at Eldorado near Santa Fe 13 May (DS). Late was a Sprague’s Pipit on the prairie e. of Las Vegas 24 May (WW). Among 6 Cedar Waxwings at Mills Canyon 23 May was a pair possibly engaged in nest-building (DC). North was a male Phainopepla near Carnuel, Bernalillo 19 May (CB). At least 5 Olive Warblers were on Signal Peak by 29 Mar (fide DZ). The spring produced 33 species of warbler, highlighted by an impressive array of e. strays, including single male Blue-winged Warblers at N.R.T. 14 May (WW) and San Andres N.W.R 20 May (CR) and a female Golden- winged Warbler at N.R.T. 19 May (DE, BN, ph. JO). Single Northern Parulas were at nine sites 13 Apr — 6 May (m. ob.), including w. to Water Canyon 18 May (DM) and Clanton Cienega 23 Apr (AC, NM-C). Chestnut-sided Warblers made a good showing, with singles near Las Vegas 11 May (CR), near Belen 9 May (DS), Quarai 11-12 May (HS, NP, sketch NV), and N.R.T. 18-19 May (JEP, DE, BN, ph. JO). Two Magnolia Warblers were at N.R.T. 19 May (DE, BN), where at least one lingered 27 May (WW, JEP, ph. JO); w. was another at Paradise Hills 9 May (J. DeLong). Early Black-throated Grays were singles at Water Canyon 5 Apr (JEP) and Cherry Cr. 7 Apr (fide DZ). A female Blackburnian Warbler was at N.R.T. 11 May (JEP, ph. JO). A Yellow-throated Warbler was at Luis Lopez 29 Apr (ph. JO); another was singing at Sabinal (vt. D. Varela- Phillips). A Prairie Warbler was singing at R.S. 26 May (JO); there are fewer than 10 credible state records. A male Bay-breasted Warbler at N.R.T. 11 May (JEP, ph. JO) was followed by a female Bay-breasted there 18 May (JEP, ph. JO) and a female BlackpoU Warbler 19 May (JO, DE, BN). A Louisiana Waterthrush was tape-record- ed at R.S. 13 May (JO); there are but 12 previous state records. Nicely detailed was a Kentucky Warbler at Corrales 6 May (DK), whOe single Hoodeds were at Albuquerque (JEP), Escondida (DH), B.L.N.W.R. (JEP, DK, ph. JO), Boone’s Draw (JEP), and R.S. (JEP) 24 Apr— 29 May. Most unusual for the R.G.V. was a Red-faced Warbler at Escondida 15 May (DH). Early was a Painted Redstart singing near Pleasanton 16 Mar (SOW). Among several easterly Hepatic Tanagers was a singing male at the Mosquero escarpment 5 May (JO). Single male Summer Tanagers were n. to Puerto de Luna, Guadalupe 26 May (WH) and near Las Vegas 1 1 May (CR). A male Scarlet Tanager at Quarai 25 May (J. Holmes). 342 North American Birds New Mexico — Alaska SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Previously unreported in New Mexico, a prob- ble Henslow’s Sparrow was at Bosque 28-29 Apr (J. Place, DH), reportedly singing on the latter date; details are under review. Notably late, a White-throated Sparrow was singing at Corrales 6 May (DK). Lingering from winter were single Harris’s Sparrows at Luis Lopez 23 Apr (JO) and near L. Roberts 25 Apr (CR). A White-winged Junco at Sugarite S.P. 5 Mar (ph. DC) provided a local first. Very far n., a singing male Northern Cardinal at Maxwell 7-26 Apr (ph. DC) provided the first certain Colfax record. The season produced another strong Rose-breasted Grosbeak showing, with one to 3 at 18 sites 26 Apr- — 30 May (m. ob.), including w. to Cliff (S. Stoleson), Silver City (DZ), and Separ (LM). Birders seeking Lazuli Buntings near Pojoaque 31 May found a male Indigo instead (BZ). Single Varied Buntings at Guadalupe Canyon 10 May (NM-C), San Andres N.W.R. 20 May (CR), and Walnut Canyon, Carlsbad Cavern N.P. 28 May (WW) implied that those three core populations were persisting. Early was a Painted Bunting at R.S. 26 Apr (JEP); n. were singles singing near Radium Springs 31 May (MS, JZ) and N.R.T. 27 May (JEP). Early was a Dickcissel at Fort Sumner 14 May (WW). A singing Bobolink at N.R.T. 14 May (WW) provided a local first. Brewer’s Blackbirds are rare nesters in c. New Mexico, so noteworthy were 6 breeding at the Paako Ridge golf course n. of Sandia Park 6 May (HS) and another 6 breeding in e. Albuquerque 25 May (HS). Common Crackles pushing w. included singles at Quemado 7 Apr (ph. JO), Sapillo Cr., Grant 25 Apr (CR), and Deming 11 May (LM). Continuing a worrisome trend, Bronzed Cowbirds were at multiple sites in Hidalgo, Luna, Dona Ana, and Eddy (m. ob.); n. were sin- gles at Silver City (EL), Percha (GE), Roswell (WW), B.L.N.W.R. (GW), and Oasis S.P., Roosevelt (JEP) 6-27 May. Another unfortunate sign of the times: the 517 Brown-headed Cowbirds in Grant 11 May (DZ et al.) made it the most numerous species counted in the county that day! Orchard Orioles increased their presence in n.-cen. areas, with one to 3 near Clovis 17-25 May (JEP, JO), one at Tolar 26 May (WH), and 2 at Fort Sumner 19 May (DE, BN); very far n. was an ad. male at Maxwell 12 May (ph. DC). A Hooded Oriole at Hillsboro 21 Apr was out of place (CR). An ad. male Baltimore Oriole strayed to Mills Canyon 22 Apr (DC); a young male was at N.R.T. 28 Apr (JEP, ph. JO). Scott’s Orioles on their ne. fron- tier included singles at Quarai 1 1 May (HS) and near Sabinoso 5 May (JO) and 2 at N.R.T. 28 Apr 8c 4 May (JEP, ph. JO). Last of the Sandia Crest rosy-finches were 2 Gray-crowneds, 10 Blacks, and 5 Brown-cappeds 3 Mar (CB), while a mixed flock of 12 was at the Taos ski area 8 Apr (TG); unusual at 2100 m were 4 Brown- cappeds drinking from a puddle in the Manzano Mts. 1 Apr (V. Sutherland). A Pine Grosbeak was w. of Angle Fire at Palo Flechado Pass, Colfax 23 Mar (DC). Cassin’s Finches were unusually prevalent in the sw., including 4 near Kingston 24 Apr (CR), 40 at Emory Pass 20 Apr (JEP), and one at Silver City 28 Mar 8c 2 Apr (EL); e. were 5 Cassin’s at Mills Canyon 9 Mar (DC). Six Red Crossbills in the Manzano Mts. 10 Mar increased to 17 by May, when ads. were feeding fledglings (TH). Notably early for the n. was a Lesser Goldfinch at Mills Canyon 2 Mar (DC). Late American Goldfinches included 2 each at Silver City 31 May (EL) and Maxwell 28 May (DC), plus 11 at Clayton 25 May (CR). Thede Tobish 251 0 Foraker Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99517 (tgt@alaska.net) Punctuated with several late-winter snow- storms, spring 2002 was cold, slow-to- warm, and relatively dull in the context of the past decade’s seasons. Especially in the Bering Sea, where Asian species were sporadic and generally under-represented, rarer species and concentrations of migrants were fewer than what has come to be the norm. A season-long Initialed observers: Mike Bradford, Celestyn Brozek, David Cleary, Kathleen Cotton, Alan Craig, Douglas Emkalns, Gordon Ewing, Dana & Bob Fox, Tony Gallucci, Rebecca Gracey, HawkWatch International, William Howe, Tyler Huning, David Krueper, Robert Kruidenier, Eugene Lewis, Carroll Littlefield, Larry Malone, David Mehlman, Raymond Meyer, Gale Monson, Narca Moore-Craig (NM-C), Bruce Neville, Jerry Oldenettel, John E. Parmeter, James N. Paton, Nicholas Pederson, Christopher Rustay, Lawry Sager, Hart Schwarz, Marcy Scott, John Shipman, Patricia Snider, Dale Stahlecker, Brad Vaughn, Nick Vaughn, Gordon Warrick, Mark Watson, Steve West, William West, Robert Wilcox, S. O. Williams, James Zabriskie, Barry Zimmer, Dale Zimmerman, Marian Zimmerman. weak and unfavorable storm track contributed to this poor showing in the western Aleutians and at Gambell; only the Pribilofs were pro- ductive, with a mix of offshore vagrants from both continents. Early snowmelt and subse- quent open habitats were felt to be contribut- ing factors in the rather weak passage of birds at Gambell and Nome. Elsewhere, from the Southeast and the south-central mainland, all but geese and shorebirds were notably, often significantly late by up to two weeks in several cases. Alaska Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 343 Abbreviations: A.B.O. (Alaska Bird Observatory); SE (Southeast Alaska); SC (Southcoastal Alaska). Referenced details, specimens, photographs, and videotape are on file at the University of Alaska Museum. Italicized place names denote especially unusual locations for the noted species. LOONS THROUGH RAILS At least 4 Arctic Loons around Shemya 1. 10 Apr — 1 May+ (CS, MS) continued the trend of recent w. Aleutian spring reports. Singles were otherwise mostly sporadic at the Cambell sea- watch (m. ob.). The season’s only Pied-billed Grebe was a migrant in Juneau 6 May (GW, PS). The latest Western Grebe account includ- ed a group of 20 in Carroll Inlet near Ketchikan 23 May (MAW). Most Westerns depart s. SE winter sites by early May. An intriguing Red-faced Cormorant description from Gambell 24-26 May (HLE, tPD) is likely the first St. Lawrence I./n. Bering Sea report since the late 1800s. Ardeids dropped into the w. Aleutians (where casual) again early in the season, with a Great Egret at Shemya 19 Apr — 1 1 Jun-t- (CS, MS ph.) and an ad. Black-crowned Night-Heron to the w. at Attu 10-11 May (KW, DWS; first specimen for the state). Given the observers’ arrival date and prior weather conditions, it is possible that the night-heron arrived with the same system as the Shemya egret in Apr — all of the previous Aleutian night-herons are from Apr. The season’s lone Bean Goose was pho- tographed at Shemya 22-31 May (CS, MS ph.). Weather apparently concentrated both the timing and distribution of geese in the s. half of SE, where Ketchikan and Juneau observers made atypical inshore high counts of Greater White-fronted, Snow, and Canada Geese (as well as Brant), all focused in the 22 Apr — 1 May period (SCH, AWP, TLG, SZ). This spring’s latest winter or out-migrant Whooper Swans lingered at Shemya 9-12 Apr, with 5 still present through the 17th (CS, MS ph.). Palearctic waterfowl made a strong early sea- son showing in the w. Aleutians, where observers found excellent concentrations: 127 Eurasian Wigeon 23 Apr and 4 Smew 21-27 Apr were remarkable at Shemya (CS, MS). Regional high- lights were otherwise a little light, including a Wood Duck pair, now nearly annual in SE, from Juneau 26 Apr (MLK), 35 Eurasian Wigeon at St. Paul 1. (ST PAUL) and up to 3 in Ketchikan 21- 28 Apr (AWP, SCH), an excellent spring count of 29 Blue-winged Teal from Juneau 26 May (PS, MS), a late drake Garganey from Shemya 3 Jun (CS, MS), a well-documented nominate-type Green-winged Teal from Ketchikan 21 Apr (a first local record; AWP, SCH ph.), a rare w. Aleutian Canvasback, a drake at Shemya 10-13 Apr (CS, MS), another casual-in-SC Tufted Duck at Kodiak 26-27 May (RAM), and 2 Smew from St. Paul 1. 5-11 May (ST PAUL). Rivaling any previous extralimital eider reports in the Region was the female Steller’s Eider from Creamers Field in Fairbanks 18-19 May {fide DDG, ABO), certainly a first for the Interior. Notable raptor reports included an. Osprey in the Bering Sea, where casual, at Gambell 2 Jun (HLE, WINGS), at least one, and possibly 2 imm. White-tailed Eagles at Shemya 18 Apr — 1 Jun (CS, MS ph.) that must have win- tered in the w. Aleutians, and an extremely early w. Aleutian Northern Harrier at Shemya 18 Apr (CS, MS). Single American Coots showed up in Ketchikan 25 Apr (SCH) and Juneau 27 Apr and 12 May (MS); spring migrant coots are casual in SE. PLOVERS THROUGH DOVES The northbound shorebird passage was slow to develop, relatively quiet, and lacked the expect- ed significant coastal concentrations. The Palearctic component was also weak, except for one storm-induced fallout in late May. Notable Asian waders included: a maximun of 8 Mongolian Plovers at Shemya 29 May (CS, MS) and a single at S. Paul 1. May 30 (ST PAUL); only one Common Greenshank at Shemya 2 Jun (CS, MS); a season high 10 Common Sandpipers e. to St. Paul 1. 31 May (ST PAUL), with a single at Gambell 5 Jun (HLE, WINGS); one and 5 Terek Sandpipers at Shemya 29 May — 4 Jun (CS, MS) and St. Paul 1. 31 May (ST PAUL), respectively; one Temminck’s Stint from Shemya 30 May (CS, MS); and a group of 7 Ruffs from Gambell, where occasionally found in flocks, 3 Jun-l- (HLE, WINGS). A late-May storm deposited unusually high stint numbers in the w. Aleutians, including 50 Red-neckeds and 40+ Long-toeds at Shemya on the 28th (CS, MS) and a good tally of 5 Red-neckeds e. to Adak 1. on the 31st (PB). There have been several late-May storm events that deposited similar shorebird numbers. Other noteworthy shorebird reports included a first documented (pending receipt of photo- graph) Bering Sea Upland Sandpiper at St. Paul 1. 31 May (ST PAUL). Two exceptional season highs were of 30-1- Marbled Godwits in s. SE at Annette 1. and Ketchikan 27 Apr — 7 May (SCH, AWP) and 100+ Semipalmated Sandpipers at Juneau 17 May (GW, RJG). Casual in the Bering Sea, up to 3 Short-billed Dowitchers were seen at St. Paul 1. 30-31 May (ST PAUL), and the spring had perhaps the best-ever Wilson’s Phalarope showing, with 2 each in Juneau 17-30 May (GW, MS, PP) and A Great Egret was a great find at Shemya Island 1 9 April to 1 1 June and beyond. This bird pre- sumably of the subspecies modestus, which ranges regularly to the Amur River mouth in Siberia, over 2000 km away. Note the partly dark bill. Photograph by M.T. Schwitters. An excellent count of 10 Common Sandpipers was made on St. Paul Island 31 May 2002, with this bird photographed two days prior. Photograph by Susan Hengeveld. Fairbanks 23 May (ABO, JG) — Kodiak’s first ever was a single 26-27 May (RAM ph.). Wilson’s Phalarope remains casual at best in spring, with most reports from late season in the Interior. 344 North American Birds Alaska Juneau birders found and documented a first-summer Little Gull there 28 May (PS ph.), a first spring record of this casual Alaska visitor. Casual in spring in the Region, ad. Franklin’s Gulls showed up at extreme loca- tions, with singles at St. Paul I. 20 May (ST PAUL, ph.) and Juneau 23 May (SS, JS). The Pribilof bird becomes the Bering Sea’s 3rd doc- umented report. Unusual n. in the Bering Sea was an ad. Black-headed Gull at Gambell 31 May — 2 Jun (HLE, WINGS). Extralimital Slaty-backed Gulls included an ad. up into Cook Inlet, where casual, in the Kenai area 15- 22 Mar (RD ph.), and 2 ads. in Kodiak 10 Apr — 31 May (RAM). Migrant Sabine’s Gulls were in unprecedented numbers inshore in Ketchikan, with a peak 225 in one flock 30 May (SCH). The season’s only Common Tern was an early single at St. Paul I. 4 May (ST PAUL). SB’s first contemporary Black Tern was docu- mented in Juneau, where a definitive ad. was photographed 23 May (ph. PS et al.). Nearly all of the few reports from the past decade came from Jun in the Interior. Five Kittlitz’s Murrelets in small groups were discovered up Lynn Canal n. of Juneau 7 Apr (AD) — possibly indicative of wintering grounds or a stopover area to known Glacier Bay breeding areas. OWLS THROUGH PIPITS Bared Owl was only mentioned from the Taku R., with a single in floodplain forest 29 Apr (AD). Only one Common Cuckoo made the spring report, a gray bird from Shemya 30 May (CS, MS). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers made long excursions beyond the e. Interior, where they are casual. Singles were substantiated again in late May near Fairbanks in the Bonanza forest area, where a nest was found last spring {fide A.B.O.), and s. to the Anchorage Hillside, where SC’s sec- ond was photographed above Potter Marsh late May to 8 Jun (fide DFD; ph. RLS, m. ob.). One of the Region’s earliest ever Cassin’s Vireos sang briefly near Juneau 23-24 May (MS et al.), where singles have been found periodi- cally since the early 1990s. No doubt lingering fi'om winter was a single Boreal Chickadee in the Haines area 6 Apr (AD). This Interior resident is occasional in winter down through the Coast Range to tidewater forests. Migrant Arctic Warblers made a brief showing in the w. Aleutians, with 2 at Shemya 9-10 Jun (CS, MS): northbound P. b. xanthrodryas remains sporadic in Jun in the w. Aleutians. Siberian Rubythroats arrived on time in the w. Aleutians, 28 May — 3 Jun at Shemya, with up to 3 there on the 29th (CS, MS) being the season’s peak. Single female/imm. male Red-flanked Biuetails (no t) skulked in the Shemya thickets 2 1 May and 2 Jun (CS. MS), for approximately the Region’s 8th McKay’s Bunting, a little-known species to most North Americans, was photographed nicely on 1 June 2002 on St. Paul Island, the site where most birders see their “lifer” McKay’s. This bird was apparently paired with a Snow Bunting. Photograph by Susan Hengeveld. spring report since the first ever from Attu in early Jun 1982. Eye-browed Thrushes were only reported from Shemya L, with up to 5 around the island 19 May — 3 Jun (CS, MS). Surprisingly rare offshore in the Bering Sea, Gambell birders turned up an American Robin in the middens there 26-30May+ (HLE, WINGS), only about the 3rd St. Lawrence 1. spring report. European Starlings pioneered a new winter range at Kenai, where a pair was noted 14-15 Mar+ (ph. RD); there are still surprisingly few starling reports on the Kenai Pen. For a season where Palearctic motacillids were poorly represented — e.g., a total 4 Yellow WagtaOs at Shemya all season — at least 7 Olive-backed Pipits were discovered in Shemya thickets 21 May — 11 Jun (CS, MS). None were seen elsewhere. White Wagtails continue to be scarce or missed at both Gambell and the w. Seward Pen., a trend which began in the late 1990s. WARBLERS THROUGH FRINGILLIDS Parulids arrived generally up to two weeks late across all arrival fronts in the Region, especially in SB, and there were no reports of vagrants. In contrast, when they were mentioned. Western Tanagers were early in SB locales, highlighted by one of the Region’s earliest in Ketchikan 19 May (GZ, fide SCH), also a first local spring record. Two of Ketchikan’s 3 wintering White-throated Sparrows lingered at feeders until 19 Mar, while the 3rd sang on territory through 19 Apr (SCH). The season’s sole Rustic Bunting was a female at Shemya 20 May (CS, MS). A waif Common Crackle appeared near Ketchikan 20 May (vt. JFK), one of few in SB and a local first. Still without a discernible pattern of occurrence. Bronzed-type Common Crackles continue to pop up every few years at various locations throughout the Region, mainly between late May and Sep. The nearest known breeding populations extend n. and w. into ne. British Columbia. Indicative of the . relatively weak showing for Asian passerines were the small Brambling numbers, with a one-day high of only 10 from Shemya 13 May (CS, MS). Normal (that is, only few and local) reports for both crossbill species continued Regionwide, and only Kodiak noted local breeding, with HY young found by 15 Apr (RAM). Unique for the season was the single male Hawfinch at a Shemya feeder 19-26 May (CS, ph. MS). Readers will be happy to learn that the House Sparrows survived the winter in Ketchikan, where the male was last seen 1 May (SCH). CORRIGENDA Corrections to the fall report for 2001 include: N. A. B. 56: 91, there was a single Yellow-rumped Warbler at Gambell 26 Aug (not 26 birds) and another single 17 Sep. On page 92, the caption to the Black-throated Blue Warbler is incorrect. The species nests no closer than southeastern Saskatchewan, but there are records of vagrants from points much closer, in British Columbia and Alberta, for instance. Contributors and observers: A. B. O. (N. DeWitt et al), B. Alger, R. Armstrong, R Bartley, A. M. Benson, E. Clark, L. Craig, R. Davis, J. Dearborn, L. DeCicco, D. F. Delap, A. DeMartini, R. M. Fowler, B. P. Gibbons, D. D. Gibson, J. Gilbert, R. E. Gill, R. J. Gordon, T. L. Goucher, H. Griese, S. C. Heinl, HLE (High Lonesome Ecotours, P & B Davis et al.)M. L. King, J. F. Koerner, A. Lang, R. A. Macintosh, D. MacPhail, B. Micklejohn, L. J. Oakley, A. W. Piston, P. Pourchot, C. Reiser, D. Rudis, K. Russell, S. Savage, R. L. Scher, J. Schoen, M. A. Schultz, W. Schuster, M. Schwan, C. & M. Schwitters, S. Senner, D. Shaw, D. W. Sonneborn, ST PAUL (St. Paul Tours — G. L. Armistead et al), P. Suchanek, A. Swingley, M. E. Tedin, L. Tibbitts, T. Tobish, R. Uhl, G. Van Vliet, M. L. Ward, T. Webber, WINGS (J. L. Dunn, G. H. Rosenberg, S. N. G. Howell et al.), K. Winker, M. A. Wood, G. Zerbetz, S. Zimmerman. . Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 345 British Columbia-Yiikon Donald G. Cecile 7995 Wilson-Jackson Road Vernon, British Columbia V1B 3N5 (dceciie@sd22.bc.ca) Winter arrived in British Columbia on about 4 March 2002, when the Arctic air mass that had stayed bottled up in its source region decided to move southward. And move it did, with a vengeance, bringing brisk northerly winds and plunging temperatures. March and April’s low-temperature records were smashed right across the Region. Precipitation was significant in places but light in others. The snowfall on the South Coast 18 March was the second-latest ever at Vancouver International airport. The month of May grad- ually warmed as the north winds subsided, but the month was still on the cool side. Mountain snowpacks accumulated rather than melted during the period, setting the stage for poten- tial early summer flooding. Deciduous green- up was understandably delayed by two to three weeks everywhere. As a result, many species’ arrival was delayed. Although a few hardy members of most migrant species still manage to arrive more or less on time, many were late, and it is likely that the nesting season will also be delayed. Abbreviations: Chichester (Chichester Bird Sanctuary, Kelowna), C.I.P. (Cottonwood Island Park, Prince George), F.RT.W. (Forests for the World, Prince George), Whse. (Whitehorse, Yukon). LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL Staging Common Loons included: 180 at Tagish, Yukon 15 May (JJ, AR) and 122 at William’s L. 19 Apr (PR). A Pufpnus shearwa- ter was reported 9.6 km s. of Leonard L, off Tofino 5 May (DA). Interior Double-crested Cormorants included a single at William’s L. 19 Apr (PR). There were few reports of Great Egret this spring, with singles at: Reifel 7 May (m. ob.); Oliver, s. Okanagan, 10 May (BL); and William’s L. 26 May (SH). White-faced Ibis is very rare in the province; up to 10 seen at Elizabeth L., Cranbrook 21-25 May (m. ob.) were thus noteworthy. A handful of Ross’ Goose reports came in: a lone bird returned to its traditional field near Quilchena 22 Apr (RH), where it has been seen in 2001, 1998, and 1997, when it was accompa- nied by 10 others. A Bewick’s Swan was at Guichon Flats 29 Mar near Kamloops (WW); there are only a handful of records for the Region. No fewer than 32 Eurasian Wigeon were recorded in the B.C. interior this spring. A high count of 2500 Northern Pintail was obtained at Head of the Lake 24 Mar (DGC). A male Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal was in Duncan 23 Apr (DM), while another male was at M’Clintock Bay 1 1 May and furnished the 4th Yukon record (CE). The Yukon’s first Tufted Duck, a male, was an exciting find at L. Laberge 18 May (JJ, AR). The male King Eider, first dis- covered in Jan, was last reported off Denman I. 21 Mar ( fide GLM). Rare were Black Scoters, a male and a female, at Jackfish Bay, L. Laberge 25 May (JJ, AR). Surf Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks were more prevalent in the interior than in recent years. A rare hybrid male Barrow’s x Common Goldeneye was observed in the Nicola R. at Merritt 17 Mar (WW). C ^ migration watch by the Canadian lJ#^Wildlife Service conducted by Jukka Jantunen and Amelie Rousseau in Whse. through the spring produced impressive totals, although some of the early spring numbers were lower than in 2001. The totals included 15,543 geese (2115 Greater White- fronted, 61 Snow, 2883 Canada, 10484 unidentified), 18,503 swans (2870 Trumpeter, 6976 Tundra, 8657 unidentified), 100 Bald Eagles, 553 Northern Harriers, 245 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1347 Buteos (10 Swainson’s, 260 Red-tailed, 229 Rough-legged Hawks, 848 unidentified), 308 Golden Eagles, 23 Peregrine Falcons; and 1128 Bonaparte’s and 2664 Mew Gulls. Rare in the Region, an ad. Ferruginous Hawk was flying over Anarchist Mtn. in the s. Okanagan 5 Apr (DB), and another was seen in Nakusp 13 Apr (GSD). A Rough-legged Hawk remained late in the Vernon area 19-24 May (DGC). The Mount Lorette Raptor Count pro- duced 3218 migrating Golden Eagles as of 15 Apr (PSh). A Demoiselle Crane that had apparently spent the winter in California sur- prised local observers in Smithers 2 May (DE, ph). This bird’s strong migratory instinct and desire to remain with wild Lesser Sandhills — coupled with a lack of information that would indicate captive origin — seems to suggest that this bird may indeed be a wild bird. C spring’s unprecedented virTlinvasion of at least 45 Black-necked Stilts, 28 were recorded this spring, along with the province’s first confirmed nesting. Their arrival began with 12 stilts in Kelowna 5 Apr (BT), followed by a single in Penticton 25 Apr (OD); 8 were present at Columbia L., East Kootenays 28 Apr (RaH); one to 2 in Cranbrook 29 Apr-t (RG, m. ob.); and 2-3 birds were at Alki L. in Kelowna 10-29 May (LR, m. ob.). The event of the season began with the discov- ery of a single stilt at T’Kumlups marsh near Kamloops 10 May (IB, BD, WW), where it was later discovered a pair was present. By 17 May, the male was acting territorial, chasing other waterbirds away and was sitting on a nest (RH), and on 29 May, four eggs were seen in the nest (GG). Once considered rare in the province, this species has become a regular spring visitor in recent years. 346 North American Birds British Columbia-Yukon Rare on Vancouver I., a Long-bOled Curlew was at Somenos Marsh, Duncan 16-17 Apr (DM), furnishing a 2nd local record. Another was in cen. Saanich 4 May (m. oh.), and even more outstanding was an individual at Dawson Cr. 25-26 Apr (MP). Rare along the s. coast, an alternate-plumaged Hudsonian Godwit was at Iona I. 28 Apr (m. ob.); another was found at Boundary Bay 11 May (m. ob.). Rare shorebirds in the Yukon included a Ruddy Turnstone at Army Beach, Marsh L. 22 May (JJ), a Stilt Sandpiper at Lewes Marsh 23-24 May (JJ, AR), a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Shallow Bay, L. Laberge 24 May (CE) — and likely the same bird at a different location on L. Laberge 25 May (JJ) — and the Yukon’s first Ruff, a female, at Lewes Marsh 19 May (JJ,AR,m.ob.). Single White-rumped Sandpipers were at L. Laberge 25 May (JJ), Lewes Marsh, Marsh L. area 26 May (JJ), and Judas Cr. 28 May ( JJ, AR). An extreme- ly early Baird’s Sandpiper was in Kelowna 9 Apr (WW). A very high count of 73 Red Knots was recorded in Tofino 14 May (AD). A sighting more typical of the fall was a gath- ering of 12 Parasitic Jaegers off Iona 1. 9 May (RTo). A very early ad. Bonaparte’s Gull was present in Vernon 29 Mar (DGC). Rare gulls at the Whse. landfill included a Ring-billed Gull 1 1 May (CE) and an ad. Thayer’s Gull 9 May (CE). This winter’s ad. Iceland Gull and the second- basic Lesser Black-backed Gull were last report- ed from the mouth of Vernon Cr. 8 Mar (HV), and an ad. of the latter furnished a 2nd Vancouver area record 6 Mar (DJ, RTo) in Delta. An ad. Slaty-backed Gull remained in Delta until at least 10 Mar (m. ob.). Very rare during spring in the interior, an ad. Sabine’s GuO made a brief appearance over Swan L., Vernon 24 May (DGC, DB). Rare along the s. coast, 6 Black Terns were at Pitt Meadows (RTo). A Snowy Owl was a sur- prising find 18-24 May in Lavington (PG, MC, DGC ph.). An interesting winter for Northern Hawk Owls continued, with one in downtown Whse. at least through 19 Mar (m. ob.), one at Meadow L. in Whse. through 12 Mar (JJ), one at Mendenhall 15 Mar (JJ), one at the Takhini Burn 23 Mar (CE), and 2 at Fox L. on 30 Mar (CE,PS), and numerous birds seen along the N. Klondike Hwy. between Pelly Crossing and the Minto Burn (MO’D). A pair of hawk owls nested again in the same tree in Becher Prairie near Riske Cr. 18 May+ (m. ob.). The Yukon’s 2nd Northern Saw-whet Owl was calling at Haunka Cr., Atlin Rd. 15 Apr — mid-May (JJ, m. ob.). A Black-chinned Hummingbird was rather early in Kaleden 27 Apr (DO), and an early female Calliope Hummingbird was there 2 Apr (DO). Calliope Hummingbirds are being noted with greater frequency in the lower mainland (there were at least 4 birds sighted this spring); whether this is due to a change in status or observer effort is unknown. An Alder Flycatcher was a rare sight at Pitt Meadows 30 May (fide CG). The first overwintering Pacific-slope Flycatcher in the province remained in Victoria to 20 Mar (m. ob.). An Eastern Phoebe near Chopaka furnished the Okanagan’s 3rd record 27 May (CC). Rare at any time of year, a Loggerhead Shrike was near Osoyoos L. 19 Mar (DB). A pair of Blue Jays were winter holdovers at Comox, Vancouver 1. 27 Mar (NH). The Western Scrub-Jay present in Port Coquitlam since Dec was last observed 2 Mar (FV, MV et al). This species is a casual vis- itor along the s. coast. The extraordinary winter- ing Barn Swallow phenomenon continued, with 17 birds at Reifel 1 Mar (fide LC) and 2 at Serpentine Fen 1 Mar (JAM). On Vancouver I., one was at Blenkinsop L. 15 Mar. The single bird along Mission Cr. 4 Mar (CC) provided by far the earliest record ever for the Okanagan Valley. An extremely early Northern Rough-winged Swallow was with other swallows over Okanagan L., Kelowna 2 Mar (DTy, JL). The male Mountain Bluebird that wintered near Duncan remained to 1 Apr (DM); another was rather early at Johnson’s Landing 10 Mar (SV). Sage Thrashers are very rare outside of the s. Okanagan, a single at Creston 29 Apr (m. ob.) was a delight. An early American Pipit was at Robert L. Kelowna 27 Mar (RyT). Rare on Vancouver I., a Nashville Warbler was in Saanich 4 May (m. ob.). Rare in the s. interior, a male Tennessee Warbler was found singing in Vernon 26 May (MC,CS). Kelowna’s overwin- tering Palm Warbler remained to 4 Apr (MF). Rare in the lower mainland was a singing male Blackpoll Warbler at Jerico Beach Park 19 May (AG). Also rare were 3 Black-and-white Warblers at Cranbrook 20 May (TM, MM). At least one Northern Waterthrush was still pres- ent at Reifel 1. 7 Apr (RTo, MMe). A male Yellow-breasted Chat was at Upper Hat Cr. (1200 m elev.), the first record for the Lilloet area (PMc). A Clay-colored Sparrow was dis- covered in Cowichan Bay 26 May (DM), one of few Vancouver 1. records. A Lark Sparrow was well n. at William’s L. 23 May (AS). A Brewer’s Sparrow of the interior form was at Clover Point Victoria 14-17 May (m. ob.) and fur- nished the 2nd record for Victoria. Rare in the s. interior, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak visited a Vernon feeder 21-23 May (MC). Rare on Vancouver L, a male Yellow-headed Blackbird was in Parksville 13 May (GG). Kelowna’s Great-tailed Grackle remained through the period (m. ob.). Common Crackles are rare away from the Peace R. area; a single was at Johnson’s Landing 2 May (GS). A Snow Bunting was very late at Johnson’s landing 6 May (GS). Contributors (subregional editors in boldface): Dave Aldcroft, Ian Barnett, Jack Bowling (Prince George, weather summary), Doug Brown, Derek Bullard, Chris Charlesworth, Mary Collins, Mark Connor, Larry Cowan, Gary S. Davidson (Kootenays), Bruno Delesalle, Boris Dobrowolsky, Adrian Dorst (Tofmo-Ucluelet), Orville Dyer, Cameron Eckert (Yukon), Dave Evans, Michael Force, George Garner, Calvin Gehlen, Phil Gehlen, Graham Gillespie, Ruth Goodwin, Al Grass, Helmut Griinberg (Yukon), Nathan Hentze, Randy Hopkins, Steve Howard, Rick Howie, Jukka Jantunen, B. Lancaster, Brian Lendrum, John Luce, Jo Ann MacKenzie, Derrick Marven, Peter McAllister, Margol McKinney, Travis McKinney, Mitch Meredith, Guy L. Monty, Mark O’Donoghue, Doreen Olson, Mark Phinney, Phil Ranson (Cariboo-Chilcotin), Laurie Rockwell, Amelie Rousseau, Peter Sherrington, Chris Siddle, Pam Sinclair, Gail Spitler, Andy Stepniewski, Brenda Thomson, Ryan Tomlinson, Rick Toochin, Danny Tyson, Hank Vanderpol, Susan VanRooy, Fred Visentin, Marian Visentin, Wayne Weber. SHADE-GROTO COFFEE SAVES TREES FOR MIGRATING BIRDS SONG BIRD COFFEE saves critical bird habitat AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION helps to fund ABA programs, including support for Partners in Flight. TO ORDER FROM ABA SALES: 800/634-7736 www.americanbirding.org/ aba sales/salecatal.htm Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 347 Oregon-Washington Cape Flattery Port Angeles “ Ocean'' Shores4-i_Gra/s Westport^'^®™'’ Ledbetter! Point Seaside^toria r Sauvie l! '^Tillamook Newport^ Corvall^ , FernRii Florence Steven MIodinow 4819 Gardner Avenue Everett, Washington 98203 (SGMIod@aol.com) Gerard Lillie 329 SE Gilham Portland, Oregon 97215 (GLillie@attbi.com) Bill Tweit P.O. 80x1271 Olympia, Washington 98507-1271 (Sebnabgill@aol.com) This spring again provided an amazing spec- trum of rarities, but excluding holdovers from winter, spring 2002 didn’t quite match spring 2001. Perhaps the most interesting event was an influx of shorebirds that normal- ly pass east of the Region during spring, including Hudsonian Godwit, Baird’s Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper. Interestingly, American Golden-Plovers, which one might expect to share in such an incur- sion, were not present in unusual numbers. Possibly these shorebirds arrived here due to drought farther east, but the Pacific Northwest did not have a repeat of last year’s drought- related irruptions of American White Pelican, White-faced Ibis, and other species. And on a happy note, several species continue to expand their range/numbers in the Region, including Manx Shearwater, Black- necked Stilt, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, and Bewick’s Wren. The weather was cold throughout the Region for virtually the entire spring. March was dry on the eastside and normal on the westside, but this arid tendency strengthened throughout the spring, so that only the denizens of nw. Washington were still receiving normal rainfall in May. Possibly due to these chilly conditions, both the arrival and depar- ture of spring passerine migrants seemed delayed by one to two weeks. Abbreviations: F.R.R. (Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lane, OR); Malheur (Malheur N.W.R., Harney, OR); N.S.C.B. (N. Spit Coos Bay, Coos, OR); O.S. (Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor, WA); Ridgefield (Ridgefield N.W.R., Clark); W.W.R.D. (Walla Walla R. delta, Walla Walla, WA). “Eastside” and “westside” denote loca- tions east and west of the Cascade crest, respectively. LOONS THROUGH FALCONS Peak loon counts from Boiler Bay, Lincoln included 7500 Red-throateds on 4 Apr and 80.000 Pacifies on 25 Apr (PP). In Washington, 30.000 Pacifies flew past Westport in one hour on 27 Apr (BTw). Pacifies at W.W.R.D. 19 May (MD, MED), Richland, Benton 24 May (BW), and Vantage, Kittitas 30 May (TA) were excep- tionally late for the eastside. A tally of 209 Common Loons at Wickiup Res., Deschutes 21 Apr was remarkable for an inland site. Representing an average spring, 4 Yellow-billed Loons were found, with singles at Anacortes, Skagit 1-22 Mar (m. ob.), Yaquina Bay, Lincoln 1-27 Mar (C. Philo), Florence, Lane 1 Mar — 5 Apr (D. Pettey), and Boiler Bay 30 Apr (PP). Five pelagic trips took place this spring: three out of Westport during Apr — May and one out of Newport in both Mar and Apr. Laysan Albatrosses were again found this spring, with 3 off Newport 21 May (GG). Northern Fulmar numbers dropped quickly from their high winter totals, averaging 15 per trip. Pink-footed Shearwaters were extremely scarce at only 12 per trip. Very rare during spring, and about six weeks early, was a Flesh- footed Shearwater at Perpetua Bank 23 Mar (GG). Sooty Shearwater abundance may be returning to its long-term average, as over 2000 per trip were recorded. Manx Shearwaters were reported for the 3rd consecutive spring. Two were about 3 km off Westport 18 May (fBTw, RTS), and 3 were seen from Boiler Bay 25 Apr (PP); additionally, singles were seen sporadi- cally from Boiler Bay 1 Apr — 7 May (PP). Totally unexpected was Washington’s 2nd Brown Booby, which landed on a boat in the Puget Sound and hitched a ride into port at Tacoma 18 May (tJ. McMillan); though there are records from every month in the sw. U.S., most have been Jul — Oct, and the two previous Regional records were from Oct. Rare on the westside, 4 American White Pelicans were at F.R.R. 26 Apr (DDW), and 2 were there 12 May (R. Robb). Brown Pelicans returned early this year, with one at Yaquina Head, Lincoln 3 Apr being the first (E. Horvath). Now annual in Washington, single Snowy Egrets were at Edmonds, Snohomish 20-22 May (fTP) and Corfu, Grant 20-25 May (RH, ph. SR, tBTw). This spring’s Cattle Egret was at Burbank, Walla Walla 5 May (D. Bagley). Two Green Herons at Easton, Kittitas 2 May were on the eastside, where barely annual (TA). Despite the irruptions of the last couple years. White-faced Ibis are still rare in Washington and w. Oregon, so 8 at W.W.R.D. 19 May (MD, MLD), 5 at W. Richland, Benton 6-8 May (M. Crowder), and 4 at Baskett Slough, Polk 24 Apr (BT) were note- worthy. Two Emperor Geese remained from the winter’s influx, with singles at Coos Bay to 5 Apr (TR) and at Nestucca N.W.R., Tillamook 19 Mar (RH); additionally, the long-staying 348 North American Birds Oregon — Washington Emperor at Port Angeles, Clallam survived another spring (B. Boekeiheide). Five blue- morph Sno’w Geese were at Malheur 24 Mar (SS) and one at Whitcomb L, Benton 10 Mar (KK); they are rare in the Region. Ross’s Goose numbers were about average for the last decade, with nine records involving 14 birds from Washington and 3 singles in w. Oregon, all from 2 Mar — 4 May. Rare away from salt- water was a Black Brant at Finley N.W.R. 20 Apr (HH). Very rare in sw. Oregon were 2 Trumpeter Swans at Coquille, Coos 8 Mar (TR). A Bewick’s Swan, the first in Washington since at least 1990, was nicely described from Dodson Rd., Grant 1 Apr (tE. Kane), and another (or the same?) was near Antone, Wheeler 10 Mar, providing the first Oregon record in several years (tCC, JC, D. Lusthoff, D. Anderson). Washington’s 3rd Falcated Duck, found in Feb, remained at the Samish Flats, Skagit until 26 Mar (BF, tBTw). Seventeen eastside Eurasian Wigeon was well above normal but below the impressive totals from 2000 and 2001; one at Richland, Benton 22 May was the latest ever for e. Washington (NL, BW, RF). Reported annually in the Region, male Blue-winged Teal x Cinnamon Teal were at Dry L., Chelan 25 Apr (DB) and Spencer I., Snohomish 1 May (TP). Common Teal were again widely reported, with 8 found on the westside, 1 Mar — 20 Apr. One hybrid Common x Green-winged Teal was also noted (GG). Two Long-tailed Ducks were at Hood R. 26 Apr (D. Roll), plus singles were at Clarkston, Asotin 24 Mar (DB), Upper Klamath L. 28 Apr (T. Janzen, S. Russell), and Nile L., Stevens 11 May (S. Ellis); this species is very rare on the eastside during spring and casual after mid- Apr. A White-tailed Kite was at Hines, Harney 10 Apr (L. Bardeen); in addition to increasing numbers on the westside, this species is now almost annual in se. Oregon. A dark-morph Broad-winged Hawk was at Phileo L., Spokane 1 Apr (tMMo); Washington has only four pre- vious records of northbound Broad-wingeds spanning 1 1 Apr — 4 Jun. A Ferruginous Hawk, very rare on the westside, was at Sauvie I. 21 Mar (HN). Four Gyrfalcons this spring was about average, with singles near Snohomish 12 Mar (S. Pink), near Grand Mound, Thurston 17 Mar (BTw, R. Orness), near Burlington, Skagit 5 Apr (RH), and a reported white morph at Astoria, Clastop 22 Apr (MP). Given the late date and the extreme rarity of white morphs in the Region, one must seriously con- sider the possibility of an escapee. Westside Prairie Falcons included 2 in Linn 18 Mar (J. Fleischer) and a late bird at F.R.R. 20 Apr (A. Prigge). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Pacific Golden-Plovers this spring included singles at Westport 5 May (T. Bock) and N.S.C.B. 15 May (TR), while the only American Golden-Plover was at N.S.C.B. 15 May (TR), and an unidentified golden-plover was at Seattle 15 May (R. Orness); this repre- sents a below-average spring for both species. A Snowy Plover at Iowa Beef, Walla Walla 25- 26 May (DR, KK, MD) was only about the 6th for e. Washington and the first since 1993. The Black-necked Stilt population in e. Washington continues to explode, with a record count of 1 17 at Othello, Adams 30 May (SM). On the westside, numbers were again exceptional but not up to those from last year’s irruption. In w. Oregon, 23 were found at eight-l- locations 7 Apr — 15 May. In w. Washington, 5 were at Ridgefield 25 Apr (KK) and one at Stanwood, Snohomish 27 Apr (DD, SM, CB). American Avocets returned to their only known w. Washington breeding location as of 27 Apr (J. Stephens), with 3 ads. and one nest present by mid-May (B. Merrick). Generally rare on the westside, other avocets included 2 at Bay Center, Pacific 8 May (TA), one at Nisqually N.W.R., Thurston 25-26 May (D. Hayden), Hammel Pond, Jackson 14 May (N. Barrett), and one at Coos Bay to 4 Mar (TR). Thirty Solitary Sandpipers, 21 Apr — -17 May, was about average, with a maximum of 5 near Rock L., Whitman 11 May (JL, MD, MLD). Willets are very rare away from the outer coast and se. Oregon, so singles at Baskett Slough, Polk 26 Apr (N. Wander), Othello 26 May (SM, BF, CB), and Nisqually N.W.R. 26 May (S. Nord) were noteworthy. Lone Long-billed Curlews were near White City, Jackson 28 Apr (C. Brummit), Portland 2 May (J. Fitchen), and Sequim, Clallam 27 May (BN); they are rare on the westside away from the outer coast. Three Hudsonian Godwits this spring was an unprecedented number: one was at Texas L., Whitman 1 1 May (JL, KK, MD, ph. MLD), and 2 were at Bottle Beach, Grays Harbor 12 May (fC. Chappell), with one there 21 May (CW); there are only seven previous Regional records of northbound birds span- ning 26 Apr — 8 Jun. Four Semipalmated Sandpipers, 7-18 May, was typical for spring. The Region averages 3- 4 Baird’s Sandpipers per spring. This year, there were 24 from 29 Apr to 19 May, with top counts of 11 at Sprague, Lincoln 5 May (JA) and 6 at Swanson Lakes, Lincoln 9 May (JA). Pectoral Sandpipers, which usually occur at a rate of one to 2 per spring, staged an unprece- dented invasion: at least 72 were found, most- ly 3-20 May, with a record spring maximum of 30 at Sauvie 1. 9 May (HN); additionally, 2 at Lament, Whitman 13 Apr probably set a record-early date for the eastside (MD, MLD, P. Bartley). A male Ruff near White City, Jackson 11 Apr provided Oregon with its 7th spring record, most of which have been early Apr — early May (M. Moore, ph. J. Lividaise). A tally of 30 Wilson’s Phalaropes at Baskett Slough, Polk was exceptional for the westside (R. Gerig); notably, several pairs nested at this location last summer. Long-tailed Jaegers at Clatsop Spit 15 May (TT) and off Westport 20 Apr and 18 May (BTw) furnished very rare spring records. As many as 14 Franklin’s Gulls were found along the Oregon coast, mostly flying past Boiler Bay as pairs or singles, 21 Apr — 25 May (PP, TT, R. Cheek); until recently, Franklin’s Gulls were very rare on the outer coast, but reports from there have been steadily increasing over the past five years. In e. Washington, where rare, 3 Franklin’s were at Sprague L., Lincoln 12 May (JA). Little Gulls, barely annual during spring, were at Pt. No Pt., Kitsap 16-19 Mar (VN) and the Winchuck R. mouth. Gurry 16 May (K. Goldwater). A Heermann’s Gull at Edmonds, Snohomish 14 Apr was at least a month early (DD). Only 3 Glaucous Gulls were found this spring, including one that was a month late at Lincoln City 23 May (PP). An ad. Iceland Gull at Clarkston, Asotin 2-21 Mar was Washington’s 9th (MD, MLD, KK, ph. SR); 4 of the previous records were 17 Mar — 16 Apr. Hot in pursuit of the Iceland Gull, observers found Washington’s 2nd Lesser Black-backed Gull at Clarkston 16-24 Mar (ph. BF, fDB). A tally of 9000 Black-legged Kittiwakes flying past Boiler Bay 16 Mar provided a new Oregon record high count (PP). A Caspian Tern at Brookings, Gurry 3 Mar was about three weeks early (DM). Western Washington’s first nesting Black Terns were at Ridgefield last summer; 7 had returned there as of 19 May (JE, D. Friesz, KK). They also returned to their traditional w. Oregon site at F.R.R. by 16 May (N. Stryker). Otherwise, it was a subpar spring for this species on the westside with 2 at Monroe, Snohomish 24 May (J. O’Connell) and one at Jackson Bottom 24 May (D. Manzer). Oregon’s 5th Thick-billed Murre was at Boiler Bay 19 May (fW. Hoffman); all prior Regional records were Aug — Feb. Thirteen Ancient Murrelets were off Newport 23 Mar (GG), and 2 were off Westport 20 Apr (BTw); they are irregular in spring. Cassin’s Auklets averaged nearly 100 per trip; we hope these numbers indicate a population rebound. A previously unknown population of Mountain Quail was discovered on Rock Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 349 Candy Mt., Thurston 9 May, when at least 10 birds were noted (RTS, CW); the only known established populations in w. Washington are on the westside of the Puget Sound, mostly in Kitsap, but there was a recent record of 2 ads. with young from Pierce. An apparent Eurasian Collared-Dove x Ringed Turtle-Dove hybrid was photographed at Othello, Adams 7 May (BE, RH); there is still only one record of Eurasian Collared-Dove from Washington. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was near Fields, Harney 26 May (TR); this species is nearly annual in se. Oregon, late May — mid-Jun. The last of the winter’s Snowy Owls was rather far s. at Halsey, Linn 13 Mar (J. Fleischer). Three w. Oregon Burrowing Owls was above average: near Perrydale, Polk 2 Mar (D. Elliott), N. Medford, Jackson to 20 Mar (fide M. Moore), and at Baskett Slough, Polk to 24 Mar (M. Ratzlaff). Common Poorwills are very rare on the west- side n. of the s. Willamette Valley, so one at Salem 30 Apr was noteworthy (J. Hannum). A flock of 25 Vaux’s Swifts at Falls City, Polk 21 Mar was about three weeks early (S. Burgett). A Black-chinned Hummingbird, very rare in w. Washington, was at Mt. Pleasant, Skamania 17 Apr (WC); less unusual but still noteworthy was another Black-chinned in w. Oregon’s Rogue R. valley at Eagle Pt. 20-21 May (H. Sands, M. Miller). Anna’s Hummingbirds seem to be increasing in e. Washington. One was found during mid-Mar in Lyle, Klickitat, where this species is some- what regular (DG), but a female with a nest far to the n. in Ephrata, Grant 14-15 Mar (BF) was unprecedented. Additionally, the Anna’s that wintered in Kennewick, Benton lingered until 21 Mar (R. & N. Gregory). Washington’s 3rd Costa’s Hummingbird was at Redmond, King 18-24 May (M. Wile, ph. RS). In Oregon, 5 Costa’s were spread throughout the period and the state, excluding the ne. quadrant — well above the one or 2 per spring average. Twelve Calliope Hummingbirds w. of the Cascades in Oregon was distinctly above average and included one about three weeks early at Eugene 29 Mar (L. Bloch). A Calliope was also at Mt. Pleasant, Skamania 15-25 Apr (WC); they are not quite annual w. of the Cascades in Washington. Lewis’s Woodpecker reports, rare on the westside n. of se. Oregon, included 4 near Perrydale, Polk 23 Mar (N. Wander) and one at Cottage Grove, Lane 20 May (H. Lown). Up to 3 Acorn Woodpeckers were found throughout the spring at their sole Washington site near Lyle, Klickitat (K. Kemper, WC, KK). Three westside Red-naped Sapsuckers 11-26 Apr was a normal number. A Red-breasted Sapsucker, very rare e. of the Cascades, was at Othello, Adams 27 Apr (BF). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS Five Least Flycatchers this spring was about twice normal, with singles at Wenatchee, Chelan 20 May (DB), Malheur 25 May (JG, TR), near Wenas, Yakima 25 May (m. ob.), Corfu, Grant 26 May (BF, SM, CB), and the Kalispell Indian Reservation, Pend Oreille 30 May (MMo). Six Gray Flycatchers at Detroit Flats, Marion 19 May likely provided a record westside high count (SD). Three were also at Detroit Flats 5 May (SD), and singles were at Rogue Valley Manor, Jackson 21 Apr (J. Kemper), Eugene 7 May (A. Prigge), and Portland 11-14 May (tJG); this species is rare in w. Oregon, with most records being late Apr — early May. Dusky Flycatchers are very rare in Washington w. of the Gascades, so one in Seattle 18 May was noteworthy (DP). Also unusual were 6 Dusky Flycatchers in the n. Willamette Valley 22 Apr — 3 May. Black Phoebes at Grand L, Marion 17 Mar (F. Shrock) and Ankeny N.W.R., Marion 21 May — Jun (J. Lundsten) were well n. of their usual range, perhaps evidence of further range extension. Say’s Phoebes staged a major inva- sion onto the westside, with 23 in Oregon and 4 in Washington — fourfold greater than nor- mal; most were in Mar, with the latest being 2 birds at N.S.C.B. 7 May (TR) and the maxi- mum being 5 near Portland 24 Mar (P. Osburn). Ash-throated Flycatchers at Eugene 19 May — Jun (D. Wendt) and near Portland 22 May (1. Tomlinson, J. Fitchen) were n. of their breeding range in sw. Oregon; most such records are May — Jun. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Cape Blanco, Curry was about the 15th for Oregon; most records have been during May and Nov (TJW). Loggerhead Shrikes were at N.S.C.B. to 24 Mar (TR) and at Detroit Flats 6, 14, & 26 Apr (SD); the westside averages about 3 per spring. A Plumbeous Vireo at Portland 11-15 May provided a first westside record (tJG); another at Malheur 25 May was in se. Oregon, where reported annually during late May through early Jun (TR). The season’s only Blue Jay lin- gered from winter to 18 Apr in Spokane (JA); the Region averages about 3 per spring. Washington’s first woodhouseii/nevadae Western Scrub- Jay remained at Chief Timothy S.P., Asotin until at least 31 Mar (KK). Coastal Western Scrub-Jays continue their push north- ward as evidenced by one near Sequim, Clallam 6-7 Apr (S. Chickman, B. Lynette). A Mountain Chickadee at Corvallis, Benton 22 Apr was the only westside lowland report and rather late (J. Geier). An isolated poplua- tion of White-breasted Nuthatches in s. Puget Sound has dwindled to nearly zero. One at Sumner, Pierce 8-16 Apr raises hopes of addi- tional surviving individuals, though it could have been a vagrant from the interior (CW). Rare on the westside. Rock Wrens were at N.S.C.B. 18 May (R. Hoyer, TR) and Finley N.W.R. 26 May (R. Jameson). Wayward records of Bewick’s Wrens included one near Fossil, Wheeler 10 Mar (D. Lusthoff) and 2 near Blueslide 26 May (MMo), which provided Pend Oreille’s 2nd record. Washington’s 8th Blue-gray Gnatcatcher built a nest and vigor- ously proclaimed its territory at Hardy Canyon, Yakima 25 May — Jun (B. McGarry, T. Davis, ph. RS); all previous records were Sep — Jan, and the nearest breeding areas are over 400 km to the s. in s. Oregon. More modestly out of range was a Blue-gray at Page Springs, Harney 17 May (D. Pettey). A Western x Mountain Bluebird hybrid was nicely described from Conboy N.W.R., Klickitat 6 Apr (tDG); to our knowledge, this hybrid has not been previously found in the Region. The only westside Mountain Bluebirds were at Eugene 27 Mar (J. Turner) and near Sequim, Clallam 31 Mar (P. Wenger). A jaw- dropping 200,000 American Robins moved past a point near Union Gap, Yakima 15 Mar (D. Brown); the previous Washington record was of 40,000 during Feb 1998 in Yakima. Rare away from breeding areas, a Veery was at Malheur 17 May (M. Kleinbaum) and at Windust S.P., Franklin 18 May (MD, MLD); the latter was a county first. Seven Northern Mockingbirds in Oregon was a bit below nor- mal, but 2 in Washington was fairly typical: Corfu, Grant 25 May (DB) and at Port Angeles, Clallam to 20 Mar (D. Manson). Six Sage Thrashers were found on the westside, where not annual, with singles at Detroit, Marion 14 Apr (SD), Marymoor Park, King 17 Apr (B. Bell), Central Point, Jackson 24 Apr (DV), Monroe, Snohomish 24 Apr (J. O’Connell), Steigerwald L., Clark 25 Apr (WC), and Seattle 11-12 May (DP, S. MacKay). A Tennessee Warbler on the coast at Astoria, Clatsop 27 Apr was about three weeks early (L. Cain); also, though annual during spring in Oregon, most records are from se. Oregon. A Northern Parula, now annual during May — Jun in Oregon, was near Fields, Harney 26 May (m. ob.). Adding to about 35 prior Oregon records was a Magnolia Warbler at Malheur 26 May (AC). A Black-throated Gray Warbler at FEALE, Benton 12 May was in far e. Washington, where very rare (BL, NL, BW). A Hermit Warbler at Roseburg, Douglas 31 Mar was about a month early (DI). Palm Warblers are very rare during spring away from the outer coast, so singles at Toledo, Lincoln 2 Apr (G. Philo) and Monmouth, Polk 28 Apr (N. Wander) were noteworthy. Single Black-and- 350 North American Birds Oregon — Washington white Warblers at the Wilson Wildlife Area, Benton 24 May (J. Geier) and Malheur 27 May (TR) furnished about half the usual May total. Single Ovenbirds at Lincoln City 27 May (PP) and Fields 28 May (CW) added to 40+ previ- ous Oregon records but were the first since Jun 2000. A Northern Waterthrush was near McMinnville, Yamhill 24 May (P. Adamus); despite breeding locally in e. Oregon and wide- ly in ne. Washington, this species is a very rare spring migrant on the westside. A Mourning Warbler at Fields 28 May was the 6th for Oregon (tCW); half of the Region’s previous records were from late May — early Jun. A Wilson’s Warbler near Snohomish 1 Mar was almost certainly a holdover from winter and provided Washington’s first Mar record (S. Gerstle). A Yellow-breasted Chat at Olympia 28-29 May provided w. Washington’s 26th record since 1970, most of which have been late May — late Jun (K. Brady). SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Though much increased as a fall migrant, northbound Clay-colored Sparrows remain very rare. One near Ellensburg, Kittitas 19 Apr provided the earliest such record for Washington (fCW), and another was at Brookings, Curry 3 May (tS. Chambers). A Clay-colored near Portland 30 Mar had likely wintered nearby (D. Mandell), while one near Spokane 26 May — Jun was at a traditional nesting location (JA). Brewer’s Sparrows are extremely rare on the Oregon coast and very rare in the Willamette Valley, so singles at Eugene 30 Apr (A. Prigge, B. Hunter) and Flores L., Curry 4 May (DL, KC) were note- worthy. A Lark Sparrow near Concrete, Skagit 19 May was only about the 7th for spring in w. Washington (fR. Robinson); others have been 26 Apr — 28 May. A Sage Sparrow near Eugene 26 Mar was about the 15th for w. Oregon, most of which have been during early spring (A. Prigge, B. Hunter). A Lark Bunting along Dodson Rd., Grant 24 May was the 12th for Washington (fL. Anglin); six of the previous records were late May— mid-Jul. Very rare w. of the Cascades, a Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was at Joyce, Clallam 29 Apr (fBN). Only 3 spring Swamp Sparrows were noted, with sin- gles at Ridgefield 2 Mar (SM), Clarkston, Asotin 2 Mar (KK, MD, MLD), and Fernhill Wetlands, Washington 8 Apr (W. Gross, J. Hurt). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were again present in well above-average numbers. Six were found during mid-to-late May in s. Oregon and one at Spokane 31 May (tJA, fMMo); more notably, singles at Cape Meares, Tillamook (M. Tweelinckx) and Seattle 2-4 Apr (R. Lawson, ph. RS) likely had wintered nearby. The Region averages 3-4 per spring, mostly during mid-to-late May. Indigo Buntings continue to be found in above-average numbers. In Washington, singles were at Yakima 18 May (V. Romera, ph. DC) and near Potholes Res., Grant 25-28 May (fS. Downes, M. Dossett, vt. SM, fDB), while in Oregon individuals were at Malheur 21-25 May (SS) and Page Springs, Harney 26 May (L. McQueen); Washington had 12 previous records and Oregon about 50. Washington’s first Painted Bunting remained at Seattle to at least 3 Mar (B. Wilson, ph. RS). A Bobolink at Cochreham L, Skagit 18 May provided about the 3rd w. Washington spring record (tJ. Douglass). Tricolored Blackbirds continue their advance. In Oregon, the male returned to Fernhill Wetlands, Washington 26 May (D. Manzer), and a new colony was found near Boardman, Morrow 24 Mar (Paul Sullivan). In Washington, 30+ were at the only established colony near Wilson Cr., Grant 12 Apr ( JA, W. Hall), 2 were at Othello, Adams 22 Mar — 7 Apr (BF, RH), and 30-40 were near Texas L., Whitman 31 May (vt. SM, BF, fBTw, RTS); the latter group was not near suitable nesting habitat and contained no juvs./imms., thus likely representing birds that had failed nesting elsewhere or were scouting for breed- ing areas. In any case, they were only about 60 km from Idaho! Rare on the outer coast, lone Yellow-headed Blackbirds were at Chinook, Pacific 13 Apr (MP) and O.S. 18 May (DP). Common Crackles staged a virtual irruption into the Region. Washington’s 8th was at Yakima 9 Mar — Jun (ph. DC), while Oregon added to approximately 25 records, with 4 near Denio, Harney 26-27 May (TR) and one at Fields, Harney 14 May (R. Hoyer); May accounts for about half of the Region’s previ- ous records. Three of the Great-tailed Crackles that wintered at Ontario, Malheur remained through the spring (M.A. Kaplin, M. Jones), while another was at Fields 27 May (JG, G. Lillie), representing a fairly typical spring for this species. The Orchard Oriole pair that wintered at Brookings, Curry remained to 24 Mar (DM). A Hooded Oriole at Fields 17 Apr was in e. Oregon, where extremely rare (ph. BF). Baltimore Orioles near Denio 27 May (TR) and at Malheur 24 May (m. ob.) added to about 28 prior Oregon records. A Bullock’s Oriole at Seaside, Clatsop 4 Mar provided an extremely rare Mar record (MP). A Hepburn’s Gray-crowned Rosy- Finch at Rosario Head, Skagit 2 May provided a very rare westside lowland record (DP), while 2500+ at Swakane Canyon, Chelan 16 Apr was a remarkable concentration for anywhere in the Region (DB). Two Cassin’s Finches were at Mt. Pleasant, Skamania 19 Apr (WC); they are very rare w. of the Cascades. A Common Redpoll at Spokane 27 Mar was the last report- ed from this winter’s invasion ( JA), while 400+ in Whatcom 19 Mar was the highest westside tally for the irruption (P. DeBruyn). Furthermore, one at Yachats, Lincoln 11 Mar provided an extremely rare Oregon coast record (K. Houston). ADDENDUM AND CORRIGENDUM The following was accidentally deleted from last winter’s column: In Washington, where very rare during winter, a Lesser Yellowlegs was near Bruceport, Pacific 18 Jan (TP, SM, DD) and at Othello, Adams 22 Feb (RH); the latter bird was about the 4th for e. Washington dur- ing winter. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird reported from Salem 1 May 2001 has been retracted by the observer. Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): Jim Acton, Tom Aversa (Washington), Casey Beachell, David Beaudette, Wilson Cady, Alan Contreras, Craig Corder, Judy Corder, Merry Lynn Denny, Mike Denny, Don DeWitt (DDW), Steve Dowlan, Dennis Duffy, Joe Engler (Clark), Ruth Fischer, Bob Flores, Jeff Gilligan, Greg Gillson, Denny Granstrand ( Yakima), Hendrik Herlyn, Randy Hill, David Irons, Ken Knittle, Bill LaFramboise (lower Columbia Basin), Nancy LaFramboise, Joe Lipar, Matt Moskwik, Don Munson, Harry Nehls (OR), Vic Nelson, Bob Norton (Olympic Pen.), Michael Patterson, Dennis Paulson, Ted Peterson, Phil Pickering, Scott Ray, Dennis Rockwell, Tim Rodenkirk, Ryan T. Shaw (RTS), Steve Shunk, Dan Stephens (Chelan), Patrick Sullivan (PtS), Ruth Sullivan, Todd Thornton, Bill Tice, Greg Toffic, Bill Tweit (BTw), Dennis Vroman, Terry J. Wahl, Bob Woodley, Charlie Wright. a Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 351 Middle Pacific Coast P(.Sf. George Fort Bragg Point Arena •k Bodega Bay Cordell Bank Lake ^maiior Hon^ , Sacramento * Valley 'Refuges »Santa Rosa •Sacramento PI. Reyes .Stockton Berkeley San Francisco 1*1 "^Oakland S.E. Farallon Is.* ^ <5 ) San Jose \ % Santa Cruz*'> Monterey Bay Salinas'* Big Sur Davidson Seamount Hotel, z: , San Joaquin '''■ Valley Refuges ev Kings Canyon Fresno • Sequoia NpI..J\/' Tulare Lake Basin Steven A. Glover (Doves to Wrentit) 6526 Conestoga Lane Dublin, California 94568 (Sgloverccc@aol.com) Don Roberson (Thrashers to Finches) 282 Grove Acre Avenue Pacific Grove, California 93950 (creagrus@montereybay.com) Scott B. Terrill & Thomas P. Ryan (Loons to Frigatebirds, Larids to Alcids) H. T. Harvey & Associates 3150 Almaden Expressway, Suite 145 San Jose, California 95118 (sterri I l@harveyecology. com) (tryan@harveyecology.com) Michael M. Rogers (Herons to Shorebirds) 499 Novato Avenue Sunnyvale, California 94086 (m.m.rogers@att.net) The spring season was fairly quiet, with few outstanding rarities and a generally weak showing by landbird vagrants, especially along the coast. Big numbers of some western migrants did draw comment, particularly Nashville Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Lazuli Buntings. Widely reported northerly and westerly incursions of species such as Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black- chinned and Black-throated Sparrows, and Lawrence’s Goldfinch may have reflected dis- persal related to extensive drought in the interi- or West, including eastern and southern California. Abbreviations: C.B.R.C. (California Bird Records Committee); C.V. (Central Valley); F.I. (Southeast Farallon L, San Francisco), N.A.S. (Naval Air Station), N.S. (National Seashore); O.S.P. (Open Space Preserve), R.P. (Regional Park); R.S. (Regional Shoreline); S.B. (State Beach); S.F. (San Francisco); S.R. (State Reserve); W.A. (Wildlife Area). Reports of exceptional vagrants submitted without documentation are normally not pub- lished. Observers wishing C.B.R.C. review should also send their documentation to Guy McCaskie, Secretary, P.O. Box 275, San Diego, CA 91933. Banded birds on F.I. should be cred- ited to Point Reyes Bird Observatory; those banded at Big Sur R. mouth are credited to Big Sur Ornithology Lab of the Ventana Wilderness Society. LOONS THROUGH SHEARWATERS Very rare inland, especially in spring, a Red- throated Loon at Camp Far West Res. 23 Apr (tTDM) was a first for Yuba. A Pacific Loon was at Mono L., Mono 26 May (Justin Flite). The peak count of northbound Pacific Loons off San Mateo was 85,000 on 17 Apr (RSTh). An imm. Short-tailed Albatross photographed from an offshore fishing vessel in Apr was a first for Humboldt (fide DFx). Appearing almost annually in recent springs, Manx Shearwaters were seen from shore in San Mateo off Bolsa Pt. 9 May (RSTh) and Pigeon Pt. 12 May (fAME); another was offshore in Monterey 24 Mar (SFB et al.). HERONS THROUGH DUCKS Few Cattle Egrets were reported, with 35 along Delta Rd. near Knightsen, Contra Costa 21 Apr being the high count (Joel Summerhill, Gloria Cannon). Seven birds still present there 22 May (SAG) were noted as “very late” for the county. Small numbers of White-faced Ibis reached the coast from Monterey to Humboldt in May. A flock of 65-F at Schollenberger Park, Sonoma 12- 19 May (Gail Powell, LHg) was by far the largest group reported. One in Richmond 26 May (RSa, Bob Lewis) was the first for w. Contra Costa. Single wintering Emperor Geese remained at F.I. through 4 Mar (fide PP); at Areata Bottoms, Humboldt through 28 Mar (KGR); and at Bodega Bay, Sonoma through 21 Apr (Mike Peters). A group of 18 Ross’s Geese near Manton, Tehama 5 Apr included a rare dark- morph bird (JCS). Unusual for south S.F. Bay, a Brant graced Redwood Shores, San Mateo 5 May (RSTh). An unbanded Nene, almost cer- tainly an escapee, associated with Canada Geese at Bridgehaven, Sonoma 3-22 May (Matt Brady, David Vander Pluym, m. ob.). More likely a nat- ural vagrant, a Falcated Duck spent 19 Mar — 2 Apr at the Fleming Unit of the Honey Lake W. A., Lassen (tJCS, Bud Widdowson, m. ob., ph.), spending much of its time courting Gadwalls. The simultaneous occurrence of another drake in Skagit, WA 21 Feb — 26 Mar may bolster the case for natural occurrence. Among a smatter- ing of Eurasian Wigeon were the first for Calaveras at Salt Spring Valley Res. 29 Mar (tJSL) and a very late bird at Humboldt Bay N.W.R., Humboldt 20 May (DEx). Eive 352 North American Birds Middle Pacific Coast Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal, both coastal and inland, were perhaps all different from those reported this past winter. Precocial young Cinnamon Teal at the Ukiah W.T.P. 27 May (CEV) constituted the 2nd breeding record for Mendocino. A male Ring-necked Duck at E.I. 14 May was only the 2nd island record; a female at Swanton Pond, Santa Cruz7 May (DLSu) was the latest reported onshore this season. Two Barrow’s Goldeneyes at the Mineral W.T.P. 20- 21 Mar (BED, MFi, JLx) were apparently the first for Tehama since 1981. Lake’s first nesting record of Hooded Merganser, a female incubat- ing nine eggs, was found during a check of Wood Duck boxes at Romerquie Vineyards 7 Apr; all but 2 eggs later hatched (Eugene Rentsch). HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS A rare spring Broad-winged Hawk flew over Skyline Ridge O.S.P. in both San Mateo and Santa Clara 14 Apr (RSTh), providing only the 2nd spring record for the latter county. Six coastal Swainson’s Hawks were reported from Santa Cruz to Sonoma 5 Apr — 6 May. One of the San Mateo birds flew into Santa Clara 14 Apr to make the 3rd record from that slightly inland location in 2 weeks. An imm. Ferruginous Hawk near Tranquility, Fresno through 2 May (Kimberly Kreitinger) provided our latest date on record for a wintering bird. Lingering Merlins included birds at the Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey 5 (RbF) & 8 May (Sarah Hamilton) and another at Coyote Pt., San Mateo until 8 May (RSTh). Out-of-place Snowy Plovers included 2 at the L. Tahoe Keys Marina, El Dorado 24 Apr (TS) and 2 at the Madera W.T.P. 13 Apr (KW), the latter apparently a first for Madera. A single Mountain Plover at Turlock L. 24 Mar (CLu, LLu) is the latest Regional record in our note- books and two months after the usual departure date for Stanislaus. Black Oystercatchers and Surfbirds continued at Hayward R.S., Alameda through 14 Apr and 20 Mar, respectively (both RJR). The recent surge in Black Oystercatcher records from this location may be related to recent breeding by this species at the old Alameda N.A.S. to the n., as there was only a single Hayward record prior to 2000 (RJR). For the first time ever, both Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets attempted breeding at the same site in Humboldt, with a single stilt nest and 12-15 avocet nests at the Humboldt Bay N.W.R. during mid-Apr and May (MWa, DFx, JCP, m. ob.). Although some chicks did hatch, none survived to fledging, all apparently falling victim to Common Ravens. Two alternate- plumaged Wandering Tattlers were a surprise well inland at Mono L., Mono 21 May (f Justin Hite). Almost as unusual was a Ruddy Turnstone at Crowley L., Mono 16 May (KNN). A Marbled Godwit at the Loyalton W.T.P. 19 Apr (MMC) was only the 2nd for Sierra; a Red- necked Phalarope there 1 May (MMC) was a county first. Offshore, passage of Red-necked Phalaropes peaked 1 1 May, with 19,600 moving n. past Bolsa Pt., San Mateo during a two-hour seawatch (RSTh). A Rock Sandpiper in partial alternate plumage 14 Apr was unusually far s. at the Moss Landing Jetty, Monterey (ph. Stan Wulkowicz). Perhaps the rarest shorebird of the season, a female Curlew Sandpiper was found and videotaped at the Hacienda Evaporation Basin, Kings 19-20 May (RH, ph. tJSy). Other notable shorebirds seen at this inland location included 7 Red Knots 19-20 May (RH, JSy), record numbers of up to 20 alternate-plumaged Sanderlings 19-23 May (JSy, LkC), and 3 Stilt Sandpipers 19-20 May (RH, JSy). Baird’s Sandpipers were reported only from Yolo (3; BWb, SCH) and Mono (3; KNN, Justin Hite) 4- 15 Apr; Pectoral Sandpipers only from Humboldt, with several May reports of up to 8 birds (KI, m. ob.). Santa Clara’s Ruff remained through 23 Apr (RWR, FV). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS Franklin’s Gulls were widely reported and in greater-than-normal numbers this spring. High counts included 53 at Tule Lake N.W.R. on the Modoc/Siskiyou border 5 May (RE) and about 30 at Goose L., Modoc 29 May (RS). Formerly considered rare along the coast in spring, this species is being detected more frequently of late. Coastal sightings included singles at Mendocino Headlands S.P. 5 May (JRW) and off Laguna Pt., Mackerricher S.P. 26 May (MAM), Mendocino; n. of Jenner, Sonoma 26 May (LLu, CLu, RS); 13 8c 17 Apr and 4 May at Bolsa Pt. (RSTh); 27 Apr and 27 May at Pescadero, San Mateo (RSTh, LkC); 21 May at Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz (SGe); and 12 May at Moss Landing, Monterey (Sarah Lane). Reports of multiple birds included 3 at Bolinas Lagoon, Marin 18 May (LLu, CLu, Scott Hein), 5 at Pigeon Pt., San Mateo 24 May (RSTh), and 2 at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz 22 Apr (DLSu). Remarkable were 2 alternate-plumaged ad. Heermann’s Gulls at L. Tahoe, El Dorado 1 May (TS, JCS). This species is quite rare inland, espe- cially in spring. Returning for a 4th year, four pairs of Heermann’s Gulls nested at Roberts L., Seaside, Monterey (DR), but all nesting attempts failed for unknown reasons. Unusual far inland, a Thayer’s Gull at Crowley L. on 3 Apr was the 2nd for Mono (JLD, Karen Perry, Lucy Lee). In Santa Clara, the Lesser Black-backed Gull win- tering at L. Cunningham was last observed 22 Mar (MJM, m. ob.); it has spent the past five winters here. Another observed at Alviso, Santa Clara 9 Mar has been seen in this area intermit- tently for the past seven winters (fMMR). Large numbers of migrating Black-legged Kittiwakes moved n. along the San Mateo coast, with 1780 seen in four hours off Bolsa Pt. 13 Mar (RSTh) and 1250 seen from Pigeon Pt. 15 Mar (JiD). Least Terns returned to their newly estab- lished colony at the Albany Crescent, Contra Costa 23 Apr. Numbers peaked at 20 ad. 25 May, but no nests were observed (Dustin Alcala). A high count for Mono, 340-t Black Terns were at Crowley L. 6 May (KNN). Three were seen at Salt Spring Valley Res., Calaveras 1 1 May (JND). Black Skimmers continue their expansion into the Region. Numbers at Charleston Slough, Mountain View, Santa Clara declined from 19 on 5 Apr to 3 on 30 Apr (WGB, m. ob.). Up to 3 pairs were observed 12 Apr — 1 1 May at nesting islands in Salt Pond A 16, Alviso, Santa Clara (RWR, FV, MJM), where a pair was observed incubating 12 May (FrT). Other scattered sight- ings included 2 at Bodega Harbor, Sonoma 2 Apr (Chris Nicholi), 2 at Hahn Marsh, Corte Madera, Marin 18 May (LLu, CLu), one at Coyote Pt, San Mateo 4 Apr (RSTh), up to 3 at Elkhorn Slough 29 Mar — 25 May (YG, CKf), and 5 at the Salinas R. mouth, Monterey 21 May (Kathryn Hannay). Thick-billed Murres are rare off California and typically occur singly, so 4 birds off Eureka, Humboldt 12 May (EE, fTMcK, tDFx, et al.) were remarkable. Two calling Marbled Murrelets over the San Lorenzo R. basin, Santa Cruz were the first there since 1930 (DLSu). This isolated population, at the s. edge of the breeding range of this threatened species, appears to be dwindling (DLSu, pers. comm.). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS A White-winged Dove at Santa Cruz 9 Mar — 4 Apr was presumably the same bird present 2-3 Feb (William T. Park, William J. Park, DLSu, Dawn Whittaker). The known range of Barred Owls in California was extended southward yet again by a bird found at Muir Woods, Marin 29 Apr — 4 May (Dave MacKenzie, RS). A Short- eared Owl at Younger Lagoon 18 Apr was the first spring record for Santa Cruz (SGe), and another near Byron 30 May was the first breed- ing season record for the nearly completed Contra Costa Breeding Bird Atlas (DSW, Dorthy Furseth). Two Lesser Nighthawks in w. Amador 15 May are apparently the first to be document- ed from that under-birded county (TS). Migrant Black and Vaux’s Swifts were noted at normal times and locations, though at least 20 Blacks moving past Snow Mt. 24-26 May were noteworthy {Lake’s 3rd to 5th; DvW, Brian Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 353 Woodward, JRW). Ten White-throated Swifts with large flocks of migrant swallows near Byron 13 Mar were a rarity for the C.V. portion of Contra Costa (SAG). Single female Calliope Hummingbirds at Mt. Davidson 10 Apr (fPSa, fMWE, m. oh) and Bayview Hill 26 Apr (tJSL) were the overdue first records for mainland S.F. An impressive invasion of Rufous Hummingbirds occurred at Rl. 3-5 Apr, with maximum same-time counts of 70, 80, and 40 respectively. Since these diur- nal migrants usually remain on the island for only an hour or two, it was estimated that at least 200-300 were present each day (PP). A similar but smaller influx was recorded there 12-14 Apr 1978. Five Acorn Woodpeckers at scattered S.F. locations 13 Mar — 29 May were unusual (m. ob.). Wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers remained through 3 Mar at Bolinas, Marin (KH, m. ob.) and at Almaden, Santa Clara through 30 Mar (AV). Nine Nuttall’s Woodpeckers near Castle Rock S.P., Santa Clara/Santa Cruz 25 May (DLSu) were in a location where they were completely absent as recently as several years ago, further evidence of this species’s continuing range expansion. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH KINGLETS While a higher-than-normal 6 migrant Dusky Flycatchers were detected, including one very early 6 Apr at Coyote Pt., San Mateo (RSTh), Hammond’s Flycatchers were reported in far smaller numbers than has been customary in recent years. A Gray Flycatcher at Snow Mt. 26 May, Lake’s 3rd, fueled suspicion that this species might actually nest locally; the previous records are also from very late May (JRW, DvW). The closest known breeding areas in the Region are east of the Sierra/Cascades. A vagrant Eastern Phoebe put in a brief appear- ance at Bolinas, Marin 17-21 May (KH, CLu, LLu, JMR). A pair of nesting Say’s Phoebes at Clayton, Contra Costa 20-24 Apr earned the dis- tinction of being the northwesternmost breed- ers in the Region (fSusan Watson). Amongst the Tyrannns flycatchers were S.F.'s Tropical Kingbird, present to at least 18 Apr (m. ob.), a vagrant Cassin’s Kingbird at Coyote Pt., San Mateo 8 May (RSTh), and an Eastern Kingbird, also at Coyote Pt. 22 May (RSTh). Two good- sized waves of Western Kingbirds were counted: 39 on 8 May at Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey (RF, RgW), and 18 in 2 hours at Coyote Pt., San Mateo 13 May (RSTh). A Loggerhead Shrike at MacKerricher S.P. 1 1 Mar was a Mendochto rar- ity (DT, RKI). A singing Bell’s Vireo voice recorded at Fish Slough 3 1 May was Mono’s 2nd record of this now accidental species (DbP). Mountaineering Western Scrub-lays were at Donner Lake S.P., Nevada 4 May (Martin Myers) and near Tahoe City, Placer 29 May (Richard C. Carlson). The mystery of Yellow- billed Magpies on the S.F. Peninsula, S.F./San Mateo, continued to deepen this spring, with up to 2 birds at Coyote Pt. 20 Mar — 16 Apr (RSTh), 3 at Ft. Funston 14 Mar (PSa) and pos- sibly the same birds 24 Mar at Sutro Heights Park (Myra Ulvang), 2 near Hunters Pt. 24 Mar — 5 May (ASH, m. ob), and one at mid- span of the Golden Gate Bridge 5 Mar (Herb Brandt). Though it has long been assumed that these out-of-range birds must be escapees, there does seem to be a weak but strengthening pat- tern of spring vagrancy developing. An American Crow at Ft. Bragg 21 Apr was only the 3rd coastal record for Mendocino (Feather Forestwalker). A pair of Purple Martins in a large snag near Alder Springs in w. Glenn 25 Apr was thought to be the first county nest record in over 50 years (BDW, BED, SAG, EP). A pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches in the Presidio 30 Apr — 28 May provided the first nesting confirmation for mainland S.F. (Matt Zlautnich, MWE, DvA). A nesting pair of White-breasted Nuthatches at Upper Zayante Rd. 9 May was the first breeding confirmation for Santa Crwz since 1976 (DLSu); one bird 4-7 Apr at Hayward R.S., Alameda (RJR) was unexpected given the sedentary nature of this species in the Region. Ruby- crowned Kinglets at Ten-mile R., Mendocino 23 May (DT) and at Rl. 25 May (PP) were extremely late, causing Pyle to ponder the pos- sibility of the Rl. bird being an eastern vagrant. THRASHERS THROUGH WARBLERS The wintering Sage Thrasher lingered at Montara, San Mateo to 29 Mar (AJ); a migrant along Meiss Rd. in e. Sacramento 10 Apr (Andy Engilis, Jr.) was out of place. A Bohemian Waxwing along Dechambeau Cr., Mono 10 Mar (Joel Ellis, KNN) was late. Phainopeplas scat- tered widely to new locales, including Loma Prieta, Santa Clara 18 May (female; AME); the first S.F. City records at the Presidio 16 May (female; Josiah Clark) and Lincoln Park 24 May (tHuC); and Redding, Shasta 4 Mdit (R. & ). Van Orden). A male Lucy’s Warbler at Montara 8 Apr (AJ) was just the 2nd spring record for San Mateo. A Northern Parula in Burlingame 24 Feb — 17 Mar (RSTh) was the first to winter in San Mateo; one s. of Livermore, Alameda 18-27 Mar (ALE) was likely also wintering; another in Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo, Contra Costa 22 Apr (DWo) was quite early for a spring vagrant. A singing Northern Parula was at Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey 24 May (Jason Scott), but no breeding was suspected this year; evidence sug- gests that Northern Parulas bred here most years from 1996 to 2001. Two singing Northern Parulas were in Santa Cruz in May (DLSu, Eric Preston). An ad. male Black-throated Blue Warbler at a mobile home park in Campbell 5 Apr {Santa Clara’s 3rd; Jerry Towner) was sur- prising. The early date suggests perhaps a win- tering bird on the move. Extensive surveys in the Santa Cruz Mts. in Santa Cruz/Santa Clara found Hermit Warblers breeding more widely than previously known (DLSu, m. ob.). Spring vagrant Black-and-white Warblers were along San Pedro Cr., Pacifica, San Mateo 12 May (DSg) and Valencia Rd., Santa Cruz 16 May (DLSu). The only American Redstarts were at Big Sur R. mouth 24 May (Dee Sardoff) and on Rl. 25 May (2; PP). Ovenbirds were banded on Rl. 5 & 27 May and at Big Sur R. mouth 31 May; a male was along Tunitas Cr., San Mateo 25 May (RSTh). Unexpected Northern Waterthrushes were in Mountain View, Santa Clara 2-11 Apr (singing male; Kristi Hein, m. ob.), in the Garcia R. bottoms at Pt. Arena, Mendocino 22 Mar (fA. Vishnu), and in Sierra Valley 25 May (first Plumas record; Brian Fitch). Another on Mill Cr., Mono 20 May (KNN) was e. of the Sierra, where expected in small num- bers. A Common Yellowthroat at 1 140 m elev. at White Pines Res. 18 Apr (JND) was the first Calaveras report above 900 m. A singing male Hooded Warbler brightened a Regional Editor’s wedding at Carmel R. mouth, Monterey 4-5 May ( JM, Rohbie Fischer, RC, m. ob.). Four female Hooded Warblers were scat- tered from Pt. Reyes, Marin 10 Apr (very early; RS) to Moss Beach 14 May & Pescadero Cr. 31 May, both San Mateo ( RSTh), to Hopkins Gulch Rd., Santa Cruz 21 May (DLSu). Compilers from a dozen counties commented on the high- er-than-usual numbers of Yellow-breasted Chats from mid-Apr through May (earliest 19 Apr Big Sur R. mouth; 16 were found during a “wave” there 8 May; RF, Roger Wolfe). This species is typically a scarce migrant and local breeder along the coast. TANAGERS THROUGH LONGSPURS A female Summer Tanager wintering along Soquel Cr., Santa Cruz lingered to 17 Mar (Andy Stone, DLSu); another female was in Golden Gate Park, S.F. 3 Mar (Dennis Braddy, JM, m. ob.). Two were together at Pt. Reyes, Marin 28 May (RS). The Green-tailed Towhee wintering on Coyote Cr., Santa Clara was pres- ent to 10 Mar (Eric Feuss); a spring bird was well out of place at the Cosumnes R. Preserve, Sacramento 4 May (Chris Conard, John Trochet). Both Clay-colored and Brewer’s Sparrows are very rare on the coast in spring, but single Clay-coloreds were at Little River, Mendocino 5 May (Charlene McAllister) and 354 North American Biros Middle Pacific Coast Coyote Pt., San Mateo 13 May (RSTh), and Brewer’s were on F.I. (2 birds, 8 & 23-25 May) and at Pigeon Pt., San Mateo 19 May (Richard C. Carlson). Unexpected Vesper Sparrows were found in five coastal counties. A Black-throated Sparrow was at n. Lake Tahoe, Placer 4 May (Will Richardson), and another was singing on territory on Ice House Rd., El Dorado 18 May ( WEH, EDG). They have bred nearby on the w. slope of the Sierra before (see EN. 51: 951, 1051 & N.A.B. 53: 327); inter- estingly, a Black-chinned Sparrow (equally rare here) was singing in the same vicinity (WEH, EDG). Black-throated Sparrows were abundant at lower elevations throughout Mono in May, possibly due to dry conditions farther s. (KNN et al.); a half-dozen were in e. Alpine (JSL et al.), where there are few prior records. Siskiyou’s first Lark Bunting was a male nicely sketched in Shasta Valley 25 May (tlean & Michael Taylor). Grasshopper Sparrows were reported as unusu- ally widespread in Mendocino and Santa Clara', one at Salt Springs Res. 11 May (JND) was in Calaveras, where few have been found. The win- tering Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Areata, Humboldt was last reported 25 Mar ( JTz, Russ Namitz). With talk of splitting the Fox Sparrow into several species, some observers are more closely studying those they find and reporting unusual forms to us. This is appreciated, but some of these identifications should be regarded as ten- tative, as identification criteria for many races and the distribution of birds away from their breeding grounds are not fully understood. An amazing 8 Harris’s Sparrows were located away from the Great Basin, including at feeders in Watsonville, Santa Cruz (2 different birds 7 Mar — 30 Apr; Eileen Halvery, Wayne & Sylvia Macon); a late ad. at Half Moon Bay, San Mateo 4-6 May (RSTh); an ad. in Redding, Shasta 30 Apr (Dan Greanery, BED); 2 at Loyalton, Sierra 26 Mar — 9 Apr (JSL, Dennis Cavallo); and Placers first near Lincoln 13 Mar (BDW). Birds showing characters of hybrid White-crowned x Golden-crowned Sparrows were described from Shasta Valley, Siskiyou 11-19 Apr (RE) and Los Altos, Santa Clara 21 Apr (fRob Colwell). A Chestnut-collared Longspur in full nuptial dress was at Mono L., Mono 2 Mar (KNN), but a Lapland Longspur at Moss Landing, Monterey 3 Apr (RF) showed no signs of prealternate molt and may have wintered nearby. GROSBEAKS THROUGH FILCHES Seventeen Rose-breasted Grosbeak reports came our way this spring (6 in Santa Cruz, 4 each in San Mateo & Monterey). Dates spanned 1 Apr — 31 May. We considered 9 an “excellent number” as recently as spring 1998, 11 were “impressive” in spring 2000, and there were a dozen last spring. Will nesting be next? Huge numbers of Lazuli Buntings peaked in early May, with many more banded at Big Sur R. mouth than in any other spring and migrants 10 times more abundant than usual in places like Henry Coe S.R, Santa Clara (m. ob.). An apparent Lazuli x Indigo Bunting was banded at Stone Lakes N.W.R., Sacramento 1 1 May (fTDM et al.), and another photographed at Windy Hill O.S.R, San Mateo (MMR), but oth- erwise Indigo Buntings were conspicuous by their absence, with but 2 on F.I. and a male at Castle Rock S.R, Santa Cruz 28 May (RWR, FV). Single Common Crackles giving diagnostic calls were nicely described from Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey 18-19 May (fCHo, fTonya Haff; a grackle in flight there 26 May could have been this bird), and one at the Klamath R. near Beaver Cr. 9-11 May (fBob & Patti Claypole) was the first documented for Siskiyou. There are still only about a dozen records for all of n. California. Many new breeding pairs of Great- tailed Crackles were documented in Santa Cruz (John Welch et al.). A pair carrying nest materi- al in Hollister 17 May provided the first breed- ing evidence for San Benito (Mark Paxton). Courting males were at Kutras L., Redding, Shasta (Barbara Peck) and new colonies formed at Delevan N.W.R., Colusa (BDW) and at lone, Amador (TS). One to 2 males at Angels Camp 15 Apr — 13 May (fKeith Maurer) were the first records in Calaveras. Two Tricolored Blackbirds in Sierra Valley 12 May (LLu, CLu) provided only the 2nd record for Plumas. A Scott’s Oriole in Golden Gate Park, S.F. 12-31 Mar (Stephen Davies, m. ob.) was a pleasant surprise; they are exceedingly scarce in our Region. The ad. male Orchard Oriole that wintered at Natural Bridges S.B., Santa Cruz stayed until 2 Apr (m. ob.) and over- lapped with an imm. male there 27 Mar — 29 Apr (SCe,. DLSu, m. ob.). Another imm. male visited the S.F. Zoo 17 Mar — 3 Apr (fDM). An imm. male Baltimore Oriole at Laguna Grande, Monterey 13 Apr (RbF) was an early migrant, as none wintered there; given the date, however, it must have wintered somewhere on the West Coast. More typical late-spring vagrant Baltimores were at Big Sur R. mouth 18 May (CHo); Natural Bridges S.R, Santa Cruz 25-28 May (Steve & Stephanie Singer et al.); and F.I. 25-27 May (2 birds; RP). There was a substantial movement of Pine Siskins in the Santa Clara lowlands from mid- Mar to late Apr, while one at a feeder near Red Bluff, Tehama 24 Mar (BED) was the first ever there in 1 1 years. And last, but not least, once again Lawrence’s Goldfinches were everywhere. breeding madly along the Monterey and Santa Cruz coasts, plentiful throughout the Diablo Range and Berkeley Hills, numerous n. to Mendocino, and a few scattered to Shasta and Tehama. CORRIGEriiDA The Common Loon at East Park Res. 4 May 2001 was in Colusa, not Tehama. The Laughing Gull reported in Santa Clara was observed 14 Oct 2001, not 23 Oct, and the Little Gull in Santa Clara was observed on 17 Sep 2001, not 1 7 Nov. Cited observers (county coordinators bold- faced): David Armstrong, Stephen F. Bailey, William G. Bousman (Santa Clara), Penelope K. Bowen (Alpine & Calaveras), Rita Carratello, Luke Cole (Kings), Hugh Cotter, Jim Danzenbaker, Jeff N. Davis, Bruce E. Deuel ( n. C.V. counties), Jon L. Dunn, Mark W. Eaton (S.F. City), Arthur L. Edwards, Alan M. Eisner, Ray Ekstrom (Siskiyou), Elias Elias, Mark Fisher, David Fix (Humboldt), Rick Fournier (RF), Rob Fowler (RbF), Steve Gerow, Yohn Gideon, Steven A. Glover (Contra Costa), Edward D. Greaves, Steve C. Hampton, Keith Hansen, Rob Hansen, W. Ed Harper, Craig Hohenberger, Alan S. Hopkins, Lisa Hug, John E. Hunter ( Trinity), Richard K. Irvin, Ken Irwin, Alvaro Jaramillo, Robert J. Keiffer (Mendocino), Clay Kempf, Robin L.C. Leong (Napa & Solano), Cindy Lieurance, Leslie Lieurance, Jim Lomax, John S. Luther, Michael J. Mammoser, Timothy D. Manolis (Sacramento & Yolo), Matthew A. Mathiessen, J. “Mac” McCormick (MMC; Sierra & Plumas), Tristan McKee, Peter J. Metropulos (San Mateo), Joe Morlan, Dan Murphy, Kristie N. Nelson (Mono), Ed Pandolfino (Placer), Debby Parker, Jude C. Power (Humboldt), Peter Pyle (FL), Robert W. Reiling, Jean M. Richmond, Robert J. Richmond (Alameda), Don Roberson (Monterey), Michael M. Rogers, Kerry G. Ross, Ruth A. Rudesill (Sonoma), Paul Saraceni, Rusty Scalf (RSa), Jeff Seay, Dan Singer, Rich Stallcup, John C. Sterling (Modoc), Tim Steuer (El Dorado), David L. Suddjian (DLSu; Santa Cruz), Ronald S. Thorn, Jim Tietz, Dorothy Tobkin, Francis Toldi, Frank Vanslager, Chuck E. Vaughn, Ann Verdi, Kent Van Vuren (Merced & San Benito), Matt Wachs, Bruce Webb, Jerry R. White (Lake), Denise S. Wight, Brian D, Williams (Nevada), Dennis Wolfe, Roger Wolfe, Dave Woodward, Bob & Carol Yutzy (Shasta). Many more observers were not specifically cited; all are appreciated. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 355 Southern Pacific Coast Guy McCaskie 954 Grove Avenue imperial Beach, California 91932 (guymcc@pacbell.net) Kimball L Garrett Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90007 (kgarrett@nhm.org) Only a day or two of significant precipitation occurred through the entire period, and the twelve-month period ending 30 June 2002 was the driest on record in Los Angeles and many other stations in the Region. Drought- deciduous vegetation characterizes most of the shrublands that dominate natural habitat in the Region, and these plants were largely leaf- less through the spring; annual growth was practically nonexistent in the deserts and chaparral areas, and spring migrants were thus largely deprived of their most important forag- ing areas. What resulted was heavier-than-nor- mal use by migrants of landscaped residential areas, parklands, and desert “oases,” as well as a concentration of migrants at natural riparian areas. Flights of many warblers and other species were characterized as “spectacular” and “umprecedented,” and exceptional numbers of Calliope Hummingbirds were noted in the coastal and desert lowlands. The season saw many notable early and late dates and concen- trations. It is difficult to tease away the drought impacts that concentrated migrants at a few well-worked localities; it might be this concen- trating effect that led to early and late birds being more readily encountered (rather than truly extended migrations). A couple of note- worthy seabirds were found, but the passage of shorebirds was somewhat uneventful. Abbreviations: C.L. (China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, extreme ne. Kern Co.); E. A.F.B. (Edwards Air Force Base, se. Kern); F. C.R. (Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Monument, Inyo); G.H.R (Galileo Hill Park in extreme e. Kern); N.E.S.S. (n. end of the Salton Sea, Riverside); S.E.S.S. (s. end of the Salton Sea, Imperial); S.F.K.R.P. (South Fork Kern River Preserve near Weldon, Kern); V.A.F.B. (Vandenberg Air Roce Base near Lompoc, Santa Barbara). Because virtually all rarities in s. California are seen by many observers, only the observer(s) initially finding and identifying the bird are included. Documentation for species on the California Bird Records Committee (C.B.R.C.) review list is forwarded to the C.B.R.C. Secretary and archived at the Western Foundation for Vertebrate Zoology in Camarillo. LOONS THROUGH HAWKS A Yellow-billed Loon present on the Arizona side of Havasu L. since Feb moved to the San Bernardino side 4 Mar — 8 Apr (MBM, NMo). One of the 2 Red-necked Grebes wintering on L. Perris, Riverside was still present 11 Mar (CAM). A Laysan Albatross 109.5 km w. of Pt. Conception, Santa Barbara 27 Apr (JoB) was in an area where this species is probably of regular occurrence. A Murphy’s Petrel 104 km w. of Pt. Conception 27 Apr (TMcG, DMH) and another seen from West Cove Pt. on San Clemente 1. 19 Apr (BLS) are 2 of only a few ever seen in s. California waters. Two Manx Shearwaters well seen from West Cove Pt. on San Clemente 1. 4 Mar (BLS) add to the ever- growing list of records for the Region. The subad. Masked Booby present at Dana Point, Orange since 9 Feb was last seen 28 Apr (MJ, CD) and joined by the released rehabili- tated bird 25 Feb — 24 Mar (DRW). A Brown Pelican in flight high over Big Bear L. in the San Bernardino Mts. 21 May (VL) was an unexpected sight. A Neotropic Cormorant, a species for which there are only 10 previous records for California, was in Blythe, Riverside 12 Apr (RHi). A Little Blue Heron at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Orange 9 May-t- (PK) and another spending its 2nd summer in the Prado Basin Riverside/San Bernardino 10 May+ (JEP) were the only 2 reported away from coastal San Diego. A Tricolored Heron in Goleta, Santa Barbara 12-21 May (RPH) and another at the Tijuana R. mouth, San Diego 2-28 May (MH, KCM) were the only ones reported. The Reddish Egret at Pt. Mugu, Ventura was still present 19 Mar (DBr), the last of the 2 at the San Diego R. mouth remained through 22 May (MB), and single birds were near Oceanside, San Diego 14 Apr — 8 May (BF), Chula Vista, San Diego 5-21 May (GCH), and Coronado, San Diego 5 May (GCH). The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron in La Jolla, San Diego 6 Dec was still present 4 May (SW). The long-time resi- dent Wood Stork near Escondido, San Diego was still present 17 Mar (PDelP). A Fulvous Whistling- Duck at S.E.S.S. 27 Apr (CMcG) was the only one reported. A female Harlequin Duck flew n. past Pt. Piedras Blancas, San Luis Obispo 16 Apr (BAB). The only Long-tailed Duck reported was one mov- ing n. with thousands of Surf Scoters off Pt. Mugu, Ventura 23 Mar (DPe). A Northern Goshawk in the San Bernardino Mts. near Baldwin L. 30 May (CMcG) was in an area where this species could nest. A Mississippi Kite, a rare spring straggler to California, put in a brief appearance at Blythe 27 May (RHi). A Harris’s Hawk of unknown 356 North American Birds Southern Pacific Coast origin has been present around Blythe since 17 Mar (RHi). The Broad-winged Hawk that spent the winter on San Clemente I. was still present at the end of the period (BLS). Fifty Swainson’s Hawks near Borrego Springs, San Diego 16 Mar (HS) was the largest flock report- ed this spring. Single Zone-tailed Hawks in San Diego were near L. Henshaw 30 Mar (RBR), near L. Murray 25 Mar (DBo) and over Spring Valley 11 Apr (MH), and the wintering bird at San Clemente, Orange remained through 19 Mar (MS). A Ferruginous Hawk on San Clemente I. 6 Mar (NMu) was only the 2nd to have reached this offshore location. CRANES THROUGH TERNS A calling Sandhill Crane that passed over Blythe 12 May (RHi) was exceptionally late for a migrant. The wintering Pacific Golden- Plovers at the Tijuana R. mouth remained to at least 26 Mar (RTP). Three Mountain Plovers at Owens L., Inyo 7 Mar (MP) were unexpected. An American Oystercatcher was on San Nicolas I. 21 May (WW); this species’s range extends n. to n. Baja California, where hybridization with Black Oystercatchers is not uncommon. Single hybrid American x Black Oystercatchers were in Laguna Beach, Orange 8 May (KLP) and Long Beach, Los Angeles 9 Mar (KLG), 2 flew past Newport Beach, Orange 28 Apr (JEP), and another was found paired with a Black Oystercatcher on San Clemente 1. in May (NMu). Since few Solitary Sandpipers are found along the s. California coast in spring, one near Nacimiento L., San Luis Obispo 21 Apr (RHZ) was of note; single birds at Borrego Springs 13- 20 Apr (AME, GCH) and near Lancaster, Los Angeles 28 Apr (LLi), a minimum of 6 around Blythe between 21 Apr and 29 May (RHi), 8 in e. Kern after 12 Apr (JCW) and one at F.C.R. 25 May (MSanM) were in the e. part of the Region, where considered regular in small numbers. A Wandering Tattler, a casual strag- gler to the interior, was at S.E.S.S. 12 May (MBM). A Black Turnstone at N.E.S.S. 30 Apr — 1 May (GMcC, CMcG) was the only one reported inland. A Stilt Sandpiper at the Tulare Lake Drainage District 5 May (RHa) and another at C.L. 17 May (SSt) were only the 2nd and 3rd to be found in Kern in spring. The only Ruff reported was a female near Lakeview, Riverside 20 Apr (EAC). About 25 Franklin’s Gulls were found migrating along the coast, with 5 passing Pt. Vicente, Los Angeles 27-28 Apr (KLa, MSanM), at least 4 in Goleta between 28 Apr and 18 May (DMC, JH) and 15 flying n. past Pt. Piedras Blancas between 10 Apr and 16 May (RAR); however, 15 in the e. part of the Region between 13 Apr and 31 May were fewer than expected. A Heermann’s Gull at C.L. 29 May (SSt) was inland and away from the Salton Sea. The Lesser Black-backed Gull spending its 5th winter at N.E.S.S. remained through 18 Mar (HY). An ad. Western Gull at Owens Lake 28 Mar (JZ, CH) was the 2nd to be found in Inyo. Single Glaucous Gulls flew n. past Pt. Piedras Blancas on 10 & 17 Apr (RAR). High numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes were along the n. coast in Mar, as illustrated by 8 off Pt. Mugu 12 Mar (PR), 160 off Goleta 14 Mar (DMC), and 5000-f off Pt. Piedras Blancas Mar 18 (RAR), but quickly moved n., with single birds at Pt. Piedras Blancas 11 Apr (RAR) and Santa Barbara 5 May (PAGa) being the latest Two Least Terns were found far inland, and away from the Salton Sea, with one at C.L. 16 May (SSt) and the other at F.C.R. 19 May (JDB). CUCKOOS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Yellow-billed Cuckoo on the coast near the mouth of Honda Cr., Santa Barbara was pres- ent on the remarkably early date of 24 May (MAH). A Eurasian Collared-Dove near Bishop 8 Mar (J & DP), a pair remaining in Ridgecrest since May 2001 (LLa), another at G.H.P. 14-25 Apr (TEW), up to 9 near Blythe 19 May-t- (RHi), and 3 in Calipatria 4 May (GMcC) had all most likely reached these loca- tions from areas e. of California; one in Chula Vista 29 May — 1 Jun (GMcC) was the first to be found in San Diego, and introduced popu- lations in coastal Ventura and Santa Barbara are expanding. Two male Ruddy Ground- Doves were still present at F.C.R. 11 May (T & JH), 4 remained at different locations around Blythe to 8 Mar (RHi) and 27 Mar (RHi), the last of the 2 near El Centro, Imperial remained through 15 Mar (KZK), and a female was near Nipton, San Bernardino 14 May (JS). An Inca Dove at Menifee, Riverside 1 Apr (ES) and another at Yucca Valley, San Bernardino 28 May (HK) were farther to the nw. than previ- ous records. A Common Nighthawk in Independence, Inyo 18 May (A&LK) appears to have estab- lished the earliest date for a spring migrant in California. A Common Poorwill near El Centro 28 Mar (KZK) was an early spring migrant. Calliope Hummingbirds were far more numerous than normal along the coast, with an exceptionally early male on Pt. Loma, San Diego 9 Mar (REW), followed by counts of up to 12 in a day between 22 Mar and 1 1 May, and a very late straggler there on 20 May (REW); elsewhere along the coast and foothills “record high numbers” were in Orange between 7 Apr and 1 1 May (DRW), “unprece- dented numbers” were in Los Angeles in late Apr and early May with a migrant noted in Tujunga as late as 25 May (KLG), more than 10 were in Venturahetween 10 and 30 Apr (WW), about 50 in Santa Barbara between 3 Apr and 15 May (DMC), and one was at Atascadero, San Luis Obispo 10 May (RHZ). Inland, “unprecedented numbers” passed through e. Kern, as indicated by about 40 at G.H.P. between 6 Apr and 12 May (TEW). More than the expected number of Acorn Woodpeckers was found away from areas of normal occurrence, with 4 in e. Kern between 13 Apr and 1 1 May (KLe, TEW), one at Cactus City, Riverside 13 May (CMcG), one on Pt. Loma 12 May (REW), and another on San Clemente 1. 23-27 Mar (JHP). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH CORVIDS An Olive-sided Flycatcher in Irvine, Orange 8 Apr (MSanM) was rather early, and 8 birds in Long Beach, Los Angeles 8 May (KSG) was a large concentration; singles at S.E.S.S. 2 Jun (GMcC) and near El Centro, Imperial 9 Jun (KZK) were the latest spring records for the Imperial Valley. A Western Wood-Pewee at G.H.P. 14 Apr (TEW) was the earliest ever for Kern. The only Least Flycatcher was a singing bird at S.F.K.R.P. 30 May-t- (MW). Four Dusky Flycatchers were identified along the coast, where scarce in spring, 1-20 May (RoH, JEP, DRW). Early migrant Gray Flycatchers includ- ed one at Butterbredt Spring 6 Apr (TEW; the earliest ever for Kern) and 2 at Birchim Canyon near Bishop, Inyo 14 Apr (J&DP). Perhaps due to drought conditions. Say’s Phoebes lingered and even nested at more coastal localities than usual; details to follow in the summer report. The wintering Dusky-capped Flycatcher in San Diego was last seen 20 Apr (ML); the last cer- tain report of the wintering Brown-crested Flycatcher at H.C.P. was 15 Mar (PK). A Cassin’s Kingbird, casual in e. Kern, was at C.L. 26 Apr (SSt); the first of the spring in Inyo was w. of Bishop 26 Apr (J&DP). A Western Kingbird in Independence, Inyo 26 Mar (RAH) was early for that n. locality. Eastern Kingbirds, rare but regular in late spring, were at C.L. 15- 16 May (SSt) and California City 7-8 Jun (MMcQ). Rare as a migrant, a Bell’s Vireo of the Pacific Coast subspecies pusillus was on Pt. Loma 6 May (REW); recovering breeding pop- ulations continue to reoccupy breding sites, e.g., a singing bird (and later pair) at Harbor L. near San Pedro, Los Angeles 8 May -I- (SSo, KLa). A Plumbeous Vireo at G.H.P. 12-13 Apr (TEW) was by far the earliest for e. Kertr, 2 Gassin’s Vireos near El Gentro 28 Feb (KZK) were the earliest for Imperial. A Yellow-throat- ed Vireo, casual in spring, was at G.H.P. on 13 Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 357 Apr (DR), California’s earliest spring record by a day. A Philadelphia Vireo at well-worked El Dorado Park, Long Beach 21 Mar — 11 Apr (KSG; BED, TEW) certainly wintered some- where nearby, as the spring vagrants to California have appeared no earlier than 23 May. Three Red-eyed Vireos, a decreasing vagrant to the Region, were found in Kern: Indian Wells Canyon 15 May (DLaB) and G.H.P. 24 May (TEW) and 31 May — 2 )un (TEW); another was at F.C.R. 24 May (AH, VH). A Steller’s Jay (subspecies undetermined) at Deep Springs, Inyo 24 May (AH, VH) was well outside breeding habitat. Up to 6 American Crows in California City 23 Mar — 8 Jun (TEW) were outside normal range. WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS Two calling Winter Wrens along Pine Cr. near Bishop 11 May (J&DP) may indicate local breeding. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet on San Nicolas I. 20-22 May (RoH) was quite late. Breeding success of California Gnatcatchers was thought to be quite low due to drought conditions; of interest was a single bird in Huntington Beach, Orange in Apr and May (LDT), isolated by 8 km of urban habitat from the nearest known breeding localities. Late Townsend’s Solitaires in coastal areas included birds on San Clemente 1. 8 (IHP) & 19 May (TTH) and on Pt. Loma 8 May (REW); 10 at G.H.P. 20 Apr (TEW) was a very high count. Swainson’s Thrushes appeared early over a wide part of the Region; record or near- record early dates included one at San Simeon, San Lnis Obispo 6 Apr (RAR), one in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles 8 Apr (RB), one in Irvine 14 Apr (DRW), one at G. H. P. 21 Apr (TEW), and one near Bishop, Inyo 2 May ( J&DP). Late Varied Thrushes along the coast included one at San Simeon 4 May (RAR) and one on Pt. Loma 10 May (REW). Gray Catbirds, casual in spring, were at Pt. Loma 27-28 May (REW) and Ridgecrest, Kern 29 May (JS). A Brown Thrasher at Eaton Canyon, Los Angeles 2 Mar — 5 May (JE) was present for the 2nd con- secutive late winter/ early spring period; the wintering bird in Moreno Valley, Riverside was last reported 25 Mar (JG). A Curve-billed Thrasher at Otay Mesa, San Diego 29 Apr (PU) was close to the international border and con- sidered a probable escapee by the observer. The migration of western warblers was spectacular, due to the concentrating effects of oases, landscaped parks, and gardens in an extremely dry year when natural scrub habitats were parched. With birds concentrated at well- worked localities, some interesting early and late dates were obtained as well, though it is debatable whether these truly reflect early or late movements. A Nashville Warbler at Ridgecrest 21 Mar (JS) was the earliest ever for Kern. A Townsend’s Warbler near El Centro 6 Apr (KZK) was the earliest spring migrant ever recorded in Imperial, and 2-3 at V.A.F.B. 3 Jun (CF) were very late. The Hermit Warbler migration was widely considered to be the most impressive in memory, with major coastal waves late in the first week of May as evidenced by counts of 704- in Long Beach, Los Angeles 6-7 May (KSG) and 45 at H.C.P. 5 May (DRW), and a smaller wave late in the 3rd week of May. A concentration of 2000-1- Wilson’s Warblers in just a small portion of landscaped G.H.P. 29 Apr (KSG) must have been a spectacular sight. Among our scarce and vagrant warblers, 5 Tennessee Warblers along the coast 10 May — 2 Jun and one at Ft. Piute, San Bernardino 24 May (JS) were perhaps a bit below average. A Virginia’s Warbler in Inyokern 4 May (JS) was only the 2nd well-documented spring record for Kern; also unusual was a migrant in Bishop 3 May (J&DP), whereas one near Riverside 14- 17 Mar (JG) had certainly wintered locally. Thirteen Northern Parulas 26 Apr — 11 Jun (7 coastal and 6 on the deserts) was about nor- mal; quite early was one on Pt. Loma 13 Apr (DF). The wintering Black-throated Blue Warbler in Newport Beach, Orange was last seen 15 Apr (M&BN), and wintering Chestnut-sided Warblers in Los Angeles were last seen 7 Apr (RB) in El Segundo and 21 Apr near Glendale (RB). The only Magnolia Warbler was a male at F.C.R. 26 May (SBT). A Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler on San Nicolas I. 20 May (WW) was a vagrant from e. North America. Of the Black-throated Green Warblers wintering in San Diego, the National City bird stayed latest, being last seen on 18 Apr (DWA). A Blackburnian Warbler at Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo 5-6 Apr (AW, CAM) must certain- ly have wintered locally; a spring vagrant male was in Afton Canyon, San Bernardino 13 May (JS) and another was at F.C.R. 24 May (AH, VH). Yellow- throated Warblers, casual in spring, were on San Clemente 1. 3 May (JTB), Goleta 23 May (NS), and the Prado Basin s. of Chino, San Bernardino 30 May (DhP). The Grace’s Warbler present since Sep on Pt. Loma was last seen 20 Apr (SSm). Spring vagrant Palm Warblers were at Butterbredt Springs 4 May (AH), 13 May (RAB) and 17 May (MSanM), at G.H.P. 16-18 May (ES) and 12 Jun (KSG), in Bishop 7 May (CH), and on San Clemente 1. 15 Apr (NMu); the wintering bird in San Diego was last seen 20 Apr (ML). The last of the wintering Pine Warblers in Long Beach, Los Angeles was seen 15 Apr (KSG); a male at Pt. Loma 3 Apr (VJ) likely wintered locally, as the few spring vagrants for California have been in late May and early Jun (despite the fact this is an early migrant in the East). A Blackpoll Warbler at G.H.P. 10 Jun (KSG) was the 4th spring record for Kern. Twelve Black-and-white Warblers were noted in the interior 29 Apr — 5 Jun, and another 13 were at coastal or island localities 14 Apr — 5 Jun. The onJy Prothonotary Warbler was in Ridgecrest 3 May (LSu); a Worm-eating Warbler was reported without documentation from Morongo Valley 18-26 May (EAC). Eleven to 12 Ovenbirds 19 May — 12 Jun was about average; 10 of these were on the deserts. A singing male Northern Waterthrush 20-21 Apr in Huntington Beach (JEP) was followed by one in Wilmington, Los Angeles 7 May (TM) and 12 on the deserts 8 May— 5 Jun. A Kentucky Warbler, casual in spring, was at G.H.P. 2 Jun (TEW). A male Mourning Warbler was at F.C.R. 26 May (SBT); only about 15% of California records are for spring. A Hooded Warbler at Cottonwood Springs, Riverside 27-28 Mar (MO’B) was extraordinarily early; birds on San Nicolas 1. 21 May (RoH), in Goleta 22 May (DMC), and at Horse Thief Springs in the Kingston Mtns., San Bernardino 3 Jun (JS) were in a more expected time frame. A female Canada Warbler was in Yucca Valley, San Bernardino 24 May (JS). A Painted Redstart was at Morongo Valley 24-28 Apr (LSw), along with Kerns 3rd through 5th records at G.H.P. 13 Apr (DR) and 8 May (JLF) and at Ridgecrest 29 Apr — 1 May (LSu); the wintering bird in Palm Desert, Riverside was last seen 23 Mar (DG). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES A female Hepatic Tanager on Pt. Loma 1 1 Jun (REW) was weO out of range. An ad. male Scarlet Tanager in Tustin 13 May (W&VG) was the 2nd spring record for Orange. Western Tanagers near Olancha (JEW) and Bishop (J&DP) 14 Apr were the earliest for Inyo by four days. Small numbers of Clay-colored Sparrows were noted in the coastal counties, with a win- tering bird in Santa Barbara remaining to 13 May; one in Irvine 8 May (RAE) was the 2nd spring record for Orange. Several Black-throat- ed Sparrows wandered w. to the coast, with 4 in coastal Los Angeles 18 Apr — 4 Jun, and singles in Tustin 18 May (RoH), near Corona 15 May (JEP), Pt. Loma 13 Apr (SSm), and Leucadia, San Diego 4 May (SB). Lark Buntings were on San Clemente 1. 24 May (JTB) and F.C.R. 24-26 May (AH, VH, SBT). Two migrant schistacea- 358 North American Birds Southern Pacific Coast group Fox Sparrows at G.H.P. 23 May (JLD) seemed quite late. Late migrant Swamp Sparrows on the desert were at G.H.P. 4-5 May (TEW) and 22-23 May (MSanM, JLD) and Shoshone, Irryo 24 May (MSanM). A Lincoln’s Sparrow near Castaic, Los Angeles 16 May (BED) was late for the coastal slope. Several coastal wintering White-throated Sparrows remained to Apr and even early May; 8 migrants were on the deserts 3-24 May, and a very late bird was near Riverside 25-27 May ( JG). A Harris’s Sparrow was in Atascadero, San Luis Obispo 6 May (RHZ). Two to 3 Chestnut- collared Longspurs near Independence, Inyo 20 Apr (A&LK) were among the latest ever found in the Region. A count of introduced Northern Cardinals in the Whittier, Los Angeles area on 23 Mar yielded 12 birds, with about half of suitable habitat censused (MCL). Two singing Pyrrhuloxias were near Palo Verde, Imperial 27 May (KB); breeding has been documented in desert washes some 100 km to the north. At least 17 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were in coastal areas 22 Apr — 9 Jun, and a few birds earlier in Apr were known or suspected to be wintering locally; another 9 were on the deserts 15 May — 13 Jun, with an exceptionally early (possibly wintering?) male in Palm Springs 25 Mar (ES). There were 13 coastal Indigo Buntings 5 May — 9 Jun, and 26 on the deserts 26 Apr — 2 Jun. A Lazuli Bunting at Butterbredt Spring 6 Apr (TEW) was the earliest ever for Kern. A Dickcissel in Rovana 11 May (J&DP) was the earliest spring record for Inyo. Up to 3 Bobolinks at F.C.R. 24-26 May (AH, VH, SBT) were expected, but a male near Seeley 4-5 Jun (BM) was only the 2nd for Imperial Four Bronzed Cowbirds in Brawley 2 Mar (J&DP) were the earliest ever for Imperial, and northerly birds were Kerns 3rd at Ridgecrest 7 May (LSu) and a pair at F.C.R. 25 May (MJSanM). An ad. male Orchard Oriole in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo 17 Mar (JMcD) was not known to have wintered. Spring vagrant Baltimore Orioles were on San Clemente 1. 30 May (BLS), at F.C.R. 26 May (SBT), and in California City, Kern 27 May (JCW); 2 in Ventura 5 Apr (OA), one on Pt. Loma 24 Mar — 8 Apr (DL), and one in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino 29 Mar ( JA) had likely wintered locally. A Bullock’s Oriole at Diaz L. 21 Mar (JLW) was the 2nd earliest spring record for Inyo. Three Scott’s Orioles, scarce on the coast, were at Pt. Loma 7-28 May (REW). Fifty Red Crossbills on Frazier Mountain, Ventura 12 Mar (JT) included nest-building birds. Cited observers (county coordinators in bold- face): Douglas W. Aguillard, Onik Arian, Jonathan Ausubel, Robert A. Barnes, Richard Barth, Mark Billings, Bill A. Bouton, David Bostok (DBo), John Brack (JoB), Steve Brad, Jean D. Brandt, Dick Branton (DBr), John T. Brollini, Ken Burton, Eugene A. Cardiff ( San Bernardino), David M. Compton (Santa Barbara), Brian E. Daniels, Pat Del Pizzo (PDelP), Jon L. Dunn, Chris Duthia, Tom M. Edell (San Luis Obispo), Alan M. Eisner, Richard A. Erickson, Michael U. Evens (San Diego), Chris Farmer, Jon Feenstra, Jon L. Fisher, Brian Foster, David Furseth, Peter A. Gaede (PAGa), Kimball L. Garrett (Los Angeles), Karen S. Gilbert, Peter A. Ginsburg (PAGi), Wayne and Virginia Gochenaur, Dave Goodward, John Green, Robb Hamilton (RoH), Tim T. Hanks, Rob Hansen (RHa), Joan Hardie, Marjorie Hastings, Gjon C. Hazard, D. Mitchell Heindel, Tom & Jo Heindel (Inyo), Roger Higson (RHi), Ron P. Hirst, Mark A. Holmgren, Chris Howard, Andrew Howe, Vernon Howe, Robert A. Hudson, Virginia Johnson, Mona Jones, Howard King, Andrew and Leah Kirk (A & LK), Paul Klahr, Kenneth Z. Kurland, Denise LaBerteaux, Dan Langhoff, Kevin Larson (KLa), Lisa Lavelle (LLa), Vic Leipzig, Kelli Levinson (KLe), Les Lieurance (LLi), Michael C. Long, Mike Lubin, Curtis A. Marantz, Guy McCaskie (Imperial), John McDonald, Chet McGaugh, Todd McGrath, Robert McKernan (Riverside), Mike McQuerry, Thomas Miko, Bob Miller, Kathy C. Molina, Nathan Moorhatch (NMo), M. Brennan Mulrooney, Nicole Munkwitz (NMu), Martin and Barbara Natland, Matthew O’Brien, Jim and Debby Parker (J & DP), Robert T. Patton, Dharm Pellegrini (DhP), Dave Pereksta (DPe), Kaaren L. Perry, James E. Pike, Jonathan H. Plissner, Mike Prather, David Richardson, Royce B. Riggan, Paul Rosso, Richard A. Rowlett, Michael San Miguel (MSanM), Michael J. San Miguel (MJSanM), Mark Silverstein, Susan Smith (SSm), Steve Sosensky (SSo), Nancy States, Susan Steele (SSt), John Sterling, Herb Stone, Emilie Strauss, Brian L. Sullivan, Lee Sutton (LSu), Lee Swanberg (LSw), Scott B. Terrill, Larry D. Tripp, Phil Unitt, Stanley Walens, Albert Warren, Richard E. Webster, Walter Wehtje ( Ventura), Mary Whitfield, Judy L. Wickman, Douglas R. Willick (Orange), John C. Wilson (Kern), Thomas E. Wurster, Herb Young, Jerry Zatorski, Roger H. Zachary. An additional 35+ observers who could not be individually acknowledged submitted reports this season; they have our thanks. BIRD SLIDES Nearly 6,000 species worldwide Over 90,000 slides available SLIDE SETS Familiar Birds, Eastern Warblers, Raptors, Owls, Endangered Species Bird Behavior, Bird Famiies of the World, Neotropical Migrants & more Individual slides Request our free North American catalog or send a custom list indicating age, sex, behavior, or color morph. Catalog slides $3.00 Custom slides $5.00 Minimum order $15.00 Allow 4 weeks for delivery. These slides are for non-profit lectures only and may not be duplicated. For publication or other reproduction rights, please call us. VIREO (Visual Resources for Ornithology) The Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 299-1069 www.acnatsci.orgWIREO Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 359 Baja California Peninsula Ensenada , , Tijuana / Mexicali /s/as — /- Todos ' \ V''% f'Cerro Prieto Santos"^^^' <^® f^sforma lower Rioy^y ,(san Felipe Santo Tomas /'<. San \ Maneadero P/a/n^Quintin) El RosarioV . V Catavina gg^,g Los Angeles Islas San Benitos, tsta Cedros ^ Vizcaino Peninsula BAJA VCALIFORNIA 'Nec^^ffSlFORNIA San Jose del Cabo Robert A. Hamilton 34 Rivo Alto Canal Long Beach, California 90803 (robb.haniilton@gte.net) Michael A. Patten Environmental Studies Program Dartmouth College Hanover, New Hampshire 03755 (michael.a.patten@dartmouth.edu) Eduardo Palacios Ecologia, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y Educacion Superior de Ensenada Miraflores 334, Fracc. Bella Vista La Paz, Baja California Sur 23050, Mexico (U.S. mailing address: P.O. Box 434844, San Diego California 92143-4844) (epalacio@cicese.mx) Roberto Carmona Departamento de Biologia Marina Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur Apartado Postal 1 9-B La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico (beauty@uabcs.mx) The winter’s exceptional aridity continued through spring, conditions that apparently concentrated passage of western migrants through the coastal lowlands both in Baja California and in adjacent southern California. Observer coverage was again sparse this sea- son, although Mexican biologists working in various wetlands made numerous notable con- tributions. Black Rails were found in Baja California Sur, Clapper Rails were found inland on the Pacific slope, and both species were found at other new locations (see S.A.). Numbers of eastern vagrants were disappoint- ing, with the main passerine highlights being the first Blue-headed Vireo for B.C.S. and a Cape May Warbler in each of the states — all three likely or certainly wintered in the Region. We welcome Michael Patten as a guest editor this season. LOONS THROUGH ALCIDS Two Least Grebes at Todos Santos, B.C.S. 24 Mar (vt. SGM) were at a previously unknown location. A Masked Booby at the Islas Los Coronados 6 Apr (GS, fide GMcC) may have been the same bird present there 20 Jan. A juv. booby off Cabo San Lucas 2 Mar (tSFB) was considered very likely a Nazca, although Masked was not ruled out entirely. An American Bittern at Bahia de San Quintin 21 Apr (EDZH et al.) provided one of few spring or summer records for the Peninsula; breeding remains unknown. Two Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks at Lagunas de Chametla, B.C.S. 26 Mar (vt. SGM) were probably from the small group that win- tered there. The continuing imm. Lesser Canada Goose (B. c. taverneri/parvipes) at Lagunas de Chametla showed a prominent neck-ring on 26 Mar (vt. SGM); such rings generally become well developed after a bird’s first winter (Paul R Springer, in litt.). Lessers occasionally develop a neck-ring, and this bird’s sloping forehead, relatively large bill, and lack of a dark lower border to the neck-ring were inconsistent with an Aleutian bird {B. c. leiicopareia) . Late American Wigeons were at the Rio del Rosario estuary 31 May (RAE) and on the Maneadero Plain 1 Jun (RAH et al.), and an unexpectedly late concentration of 100-F Northern Pintails was at the Rio del Rosario estuary 31 May (RAE et al.). A late Common Merganser was on the Colorado River 24Apr (OHH). Bald Eagles are rare throughout the Region, particularly in B.C.; a subad. was on the El Mayor River 11 Mar (OHH). A Solitary Sandpiper on the Colorado R. 29 Apr (OHH) furnished the third spring record for ne. B.C. and the first since 1894 (see Patten et al. 2001. Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 42). DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS A Spotted Dove at Cantamar, B.C. 19 Apr (RAE, RAH) was one of the southernmost recorded. Beginning in the mid-1980s, the Ruddy Ground-Dove expanded its range northward in w. Mexico (see Russell and Monson 1998, Birds of Sonora, Univ. of Arizona Press). It now occurs regularly as a vagrant in the Southwest: Arizona and California have amassed nearly 100 records each. A similar trend has been documented on the Baja California Peninsula: it first was recorded in 1990, but dozens have been recorded since, especially in southern B.C.S. (Llinas G. 2001, Anales Inst. Biol. Univ. Nac. Auton. Mexico, Ser. Zool. 72: 163-166). This species might now be resident at San Jose deJ Cabo, where anoth- er 4-5 were recorded 23-26 Mar (vt. SGM). One of few recent records of the Short-eared OwJ was furnished by a bird at Bahia de San Quintin 21 Apr (RAE, RAH). The late date hints at the possibility of local breeding. A Lesser Nighthawk over the n. island 18 May (RAE et al.) was only the 2nd recorded on Islas los Coronados, following one on 6 Aug 1973 (see Jehl 1977, Western Birds 8: 91-101). A Black-chinned Hummingbird at San Jose del Cabo 29 Mar (SGM) furnished the first record of an apparent spring migrant for B.C.S. The Calliope Hummingbird migration through s. California was perhaps the best on record (P. Unitt, pers. comm.); transients at Laguna Hanson, B.C. 21 Apr (MAP, BDSP) and at Parque Morelos in Tijuana 9 May (RAE) fit nicely into the broader pattern. An early Olive-sided Elycatcher, seldom recorded during migration, was at Real del Mar, B.C. 19 Apr (RAH); more seasonal was one on the Maneadero Plain 5 May (MAP). Despite breeding in the Sierra San Pedro Martir and adjacent s. California, migrant Dusky Elycatchers had been recorded only twice on the Peninsula, both in fall; the first record of a spring migrant was of a carefully studied bird at Valle de la Trinidad, B.C. 21 Apr (tMAP, BDSP). A Tropical Kingbird was at 360 North American Birds Baja This female Cape May Warbler on the Maneadero Plain 20 April 2002 was one of two Cape Mays that wintered on the Peninsula this year. Photograph from digital video by Robert A. Hamilton. Estero San Jose del Cabo 25 Mar (vt. SGM). Two Thick-billed Kingbirds near Miraflores, B.C.S. 23 & 25 Mar (vt. SGM) may have been returning birds from previous winters (see Erickson et al. 2001, Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 133; N. A. B. 55: 231). ViREOS THROUGH FINCHES A singing Blue-headed Vireo at Boca de la Sierra, B.C.S. 25 Mar (audio, fSGM) provided the first unequivocal record for the peninsula (see Howell et al. 2001, Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 191). In typical range, the species is a very early (Mar) migrant; never- theless, this bird could have wintered at Boca de la Sierra. California claims a few winter records, but Blue-headed Vireos have not been found wintering in Mexico nearer than Oaxaca. Cedar Waxwings at El Rosario 31 May (RAH) and on the lower Rio Santo Tomas 1 Jun (ERL, RAE) were late. A Tennessee Warbler was at San Jose del Cabo 25 Mar (SGM), and a Northern Parula was at Real del Mar 19 Apr (vt. RAH, RAE). An ad. Mangrove Warbler was out of habitat ffc II After the unexpected rediscovery of Black Rails, and possible sighting of a Clapper Rail, along the Rio San Telmo in summer 2001 A. B. 55: 485), EP and OHH led six other observers (JAC, RAE, SGG, RAH, EDZH, and HIR) on a focused search for rails in wetlands from Cantamar to El Rosario 20-23 April and 1 May 2002. These standardized surveys included playback of Black Rail and Clapper Rail tapes. In May and June, EA, MG, and EP found additional rails south to Ensenada de La Paz. The records reported below are on dates when rails are expected to be on breeding territories, and pertain to birds in apparently suitable nesting habitat. Previously unknown breeding locations for Black and Clapper Rails are boldfaced. Location (north to south) Baja California Date Observers Black Rail Clapper Rail Virginia Rail Sora Lagunita El Cipres 23 April EP, JAC — 9 1 — Estero de Punta Banda 20 April EP, OHH et al. — 28 1 — Estero Rio Santo Tomas 23 April EP, JAC — — 1 1 Valle San Telmo 20-21 April RAH, RAE et al. 2 2 (pair) 4 2 Valle San Telmo 4-5 May MAP, BDSP 1 2 3 — Valle San Telmo 19 May EP, JAC — 2 — — Bahia de San Quintin 21-23 April EP, OHH et al. 4 63 — — Lower Rio del Rosario 22 April EP, OHH 1 2 — 2 Laguna Guerrero Negro 9 May MG fide EP — 5 — — Baja California Sur Estero la Bocana 31 May EPEA 4 14 — — Estero el Coyote 1 June EPEA — 33- — — Bahia Almejas (Bahia Magdalena) Canal Santo Domingo 30 April EP — 4 (Bahia Magdalena) El Conchalito 3-4 June EPEA — 6 (Ensenada de La Paz) 7 June EP — 1 — — Rails were not detected at San Antonio del Mar, La Misibn, El Descanso, or Arroyo San Miguel. Thus, marshes in Valle San Telmo are confirmed as supporting the only known inland population of the Clapper Rail on the Peninsula’s Pacific slope (the site is over 10 km from the ocean), two new coastal locations were found, and it seems likely that Laguna Guerrero Negro, together with the vast salt marshes of Laguna Ojo de Liebre, hosts an important Clapper Rail population. Three new breeding-season locations were identified for Black Rails, including the first record for B.C.S. Clearly, much remains to be learned about the status and distribution of rails on the Baja California Peninsula. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 361 Mexico at Miraflores 23 Mar (vt. SGM). A Cape May Warbler wintering on the Maneadero Plain lingered until 22 Apr (vt. RAH et ah). Remarkably, another wintering bird (an ad.) was at San lose del Cabo 28 Mar (vt. SGM). There are only five records of this species for the Peninsula, and it is extremely rare any- where in Mexico. A Western Palm Warbler in breeding plumage at Estero de Punta Banda, B.C. 4 May (fMAP, BDSP) furnished only the 2nd record of a definite spring migrant for the Peninsula, following one at Isla San Benito Oeste 28 Mar 2001. The Palm is an early migrant in spring, so whether a nominate bird at Estero San Jose del Cabo 24 Mar (SGM) had wintered locally or was an early transient is anyone’s guess. An American Redstart at Middle Island 18 May (RAE) was the first reported from the Islas Los Coronados. A MacGillivray’s Warbler on the Maneadero Plain 20 Apr (RAE, RAH) and 4 May (MAP) was in precisely the spot where a presumably wintering bird (the first for B.C.) was observed on 4-5 Jan. Migrant Green-tailed Towhees were found near Algodones 17 Apr and on the lower Rio Santo Tomas 22 Apr (RAE). A Slate-colored Fox Sparrow (P. i. schistacea) on the lower Rio Santo Tomas 5 May (MAP, BJ3SP) furnished the latest record of the species for the Peninsula away from sites where P. i. stephensi breeds in the Sierra San Pedro Martin An imm. Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Mision Santo Domingo, B.C. 31 May (RAE et al.) was only the 4th recorded in spring. An ad. Orchard Oriole was at San Jose del Cabo 29 Mar (vt. SGM); although a notoriously early migrant, this bird may well have wintered. Contributors: Edgar Amador, Stephen F. Bailey, Harry R. Carter, Jose Alfredo Castillo, Richard A. Erickson, Martin Garcia, F. Gress, Salvador Gonzalez-Guzman, Robert A. Hamilton, Osvel Hinojosa-Huerta, Helena Iturribarria-Rojas, Eric R. Lichtwardt, Guy McCaskie, Eric Mellink, Steven G. Mlodinow, Eduardo Palacios, Michael A. Patten, Brenda D. Smith-Patten, Gary Smith, Darrell Whitworth, Enrique D. Zamora-Hernandez. a Hector Gomez de Silva Xola 314-E 03100 Mexico, D. F. (Jigomez@miranda.ecologia.unam.mx) Subregional coverage in this spring’s report is very uneven, with an extra -large contribution from Southern Mexico. The abundant reports from Oaxaca (mainly the central part) are for the first time complemented with a large number of reports from Chiapas, particularly from the very special El Triunfo area, where a string of four tours provided coverage spanning practically the whole season. This spring produced a few reports of Eurasian Collared-Doves from northern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula (plus a few prior ones that came to light while researching them). Our subregional editors from Torreon, Coahuila report that this spring was warmer than usual, with temperatures near 30°C in early March (mean March temperature is 20.9° C). Arvin reports that in the first half of March, Tamaulipas experienced an infrequent climatic phenomenon he calls “the dry westerlies,” in which warm and dry west and southwest winds descend over the normally humid eastern slope of the Sierra Madre Oriental, bringing the high- est temperatures of the year and low relative humidities. However, the usual tropical mar- itime air mass had reestablished itself by 17 March, providing cooler humid conditions in the Sierra. Peak blooming by many species of plants occurred in March, providing a rich food source for hummingbirds, orioles, and some tan- agers. Many species of birds began to sing in March, as usual, though few species breed at this time of year (euphonias being an exception), most waiting until the return of the rains in May and June. As usual, the flocks of small insecti- vores that form between late summer and February dispersed in March, and the Golden- browed Warbler that dominated them returned to the higher pine-oak forests. In early May, Tamaulipas was still suffering from the extended drought and strong southeasterly winds that also plagued southern Texas, with the thorn forest appearing partly defoliated. The tropical decidu- ous and lower cloud forests on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental were comparatively lush and mostly leafed out after the first showers fell around Gomez Farias in early May. Abbreviations: B.V.C. (Bosque Venustiano Carranza, Torreon, Coah.), E.C.B.S. (El Cielo Biological Station). GREBES THROUGH NIGHTJARS There were 300 Eared Grebes at the Estero Mania, s. of Puerto Penasco, Son. 31 Mar (HA). An ad. Little Blue Heron was seen high in the trees of B.V.C. 13 & 21 Apr (EC, EVP, WB, ph.), where there is no water. There was an imm. Reddish Egret at Estero Mania 31 Mar (HA). A Brant of the race nigricans was seen as it flew from the ocean into the mouth of Estero Pozo in San Bias, Nay. 2 Mar (MDC). Following the sighting of 73 Wood Ducks in three large groups over the Nazas R. near Sapioriz, Dgo. in late Feb (FVB, WB), fifteen pairs were seen at La Isla and other locations in the Nazas R. 5 May (EG, EVP); on 12 & 19 May, males were still frequently seen, but females seemed absent in most locations, suggesting probable nesting (EG, EVP). Migration of Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, and Blue-winged Teal in the Torreon area seemed to take place later than usual, with sightings in May, when unrecorded in previous years (EG, EVP, WB). The Puerto NORTHERN MEXICO 362 North American Biros Mexico A first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Puerto Pehasco sewage treatment plant (center bird) was an excellent find here 1 April 2002. Records from both coasts of Mexico continue to accumulate. Photograph by George L Armistead. Penasco wastewater treatment plant had 1400 Ruddy Ducks 30 Mar (HA). A Swallow- tailed Kite was seen on Hwy. 85 n. of Monterrey, N.L. 3 Apr (RW et al.). A Crane Hawk was seen at Laguna Flamingos, Tamps., the northernmost site for this species, in early May (JCA). An esti- mated 1000 Swainson’s Hawks were s. of Linares in kettles or perched on fenceposts or scrub 4 Apr (RW et al.). A pair of Broad-winged Hawks was sighted in B.V.C. 31 Mar — 14 Apr, on occa- sion whistling to each other (EC, WB). Peregrine Falcons, usually a pair, were seen in urban Torreon feeding on pigeons and doves; the last confirmed sighting being from the Canal 9 tele- vision antenna 30 Apr (WB, FVP). Several singles and one flock of about 15 Wild Turkeys were seen at Laguna Flamingos in early May (JCA). There were 2 juv. Glaucous-winged Gulls at the Puerto Penasco wastewater treat- ment area 30 Mar (HA). In the first half of May, singing Mangrove Cuckoos were encountered widely in Tamps., with at least 3 at Laguna Flamingos in a pasture with scattered large ebony and mesquite trees, and 3 in tropical deciduous forest above Gomez Farias, including one in tropical/cloud forest transition at nearly 1000 m., unexpectedly high for this species (JCA). However, none were heard in mangroves at Laguna Morales, Tamps., the southern exten- sion of the Laguna Madre (JCA). Along the lower Nazas R., Yellow-billed Cuckoos returned to La Isla 12 May and were seen in La Posta 19 May (FVP, WB, FG). Only one Red-billed Pigeon was heard in the Gomez Farias region early Mar, and the flocks had not yet broken up into pairs (JCA). A male Ruddy Ground-Dove was n. of its mapped range at Laguna Flamingos in early May (JCA). A Eurasian Collared-Dove was sighted in Ciudad Chihuahua, Chih. 17 Mar (BR), and a bedrag- gled individual thought by the observers to be a recent escapee was seen in B.V.C. 30 Mar — 20 Apr (FVP, WB). Prior to this, reports from Mexico are 2 in n. Tamps. July 2000 (JCA, Clifford Shackelford), one in Campo Mosqueda, B.C. 5 May 2001 {N.A.B. 55: 360), and 5 at a grain storage facility in Pedro J. Mendez in the vast agricultural fields 85 km s. of Reynosa, Tamps. 1 Jan 2002 (TB). A pair of Military Macaws was perched in a budding sweetgum near the El Cielo Biological Station 16 Mar (JCA). An escapee Military Macaw was seen in B.V.C. through Apr and May, and a pair was sighted there late May; both had short tail feathers (WB, FVP). On 5 May, a Burrowing Owl was seen on the grounds of the Torreon airport, standing near a burrow where a pair had been late last year (FVP). Three territories of Tamaulipas Pygmy-Owl were noted around the E.C.B.S. (often mobbed by White-throated and Clay-colored Robins, Green Jays, Audubon’s Orioles, humming- birds, and Flame-colored Tanagers), and one was singing at the low elevation of 700 m just above Gomez Farias in early Mar (JCA). A Mexican Whip-poor-will that sang for a minute or two predawn around the E.C.B.S. in early Mar was probably an altitudinal visitor from higher eleva- tions, as the species, though common in the pine- oak forests, does not occur at cloud forest eleva- tions during the breeding season. HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH ORIOLES Hummingbirds recorded at the E.C.B.S. in a brief early Mar visit by Arvin were a Wedge-tailed Saberwing, a male Broad-billed Hummingbird (this species is not uncommon in the area in the spring dry season, and there is at least one nesting record), several Azure-crowned and Amethyst-throated Hummingbirds, a Buff- bellied Hummingbird (an accidental visitor from lower elevation), a male Magnificent and a female Bumblebee Hummingbird (the latter is a regular wet-season visitor from higher eleva- tions). A single male Anna’s Hummingbird was observed regularly 22 Mar — 14 Apr in B.V.C. (WB). Mountain Trogons, Blue Mockingbirds, and Flame-colored Tanagers were in full song in the Sierra Madre Oriental above Gomez Farias in early Mar, but Blue-crowned Motmots and Bronze-winged Woodpeckers were just begin- ning to sing. There were a Lewis’s Woodpecker and a Cassin’s Kingbird (rare in winter) at Puerto Penasco 30 Mar (HA). There were records of Northern Beardless-Tyrannulets along the lower Nazas R. at La Isla 12 May and La Posta 19 May (FVP, WB, FG). A male Sinaloa Martin was seen soaring over Imala, Sin. 8 May (KLG, KCM, XV). Black-headed Nightingale- Thrush, which is apparently migratory in ne. Mexico, was still absent above Gomez Farias 13- 17 Mar (JCA). Single Hermit Thrushes were recorded in B.V.C. 28 Apr and 15 May (WB, FVP). White-throated and Clay-colored Robins seemed about equally abundant above Gomez Farias in early Mar (but only rarely singing), whereas in the breeding season, White-throated Robin is far more abundant at cloud forest ele- vations (JCA). Very few Cedar Waxwings were seen in groups of 4 or 5, mainly in the grounds of Institute Tecnologico de La Laguna in Torreon 23 Apr — 14 May (FVP, WB). A single male Gray Silky-Flycatcher was found at about 900 m eleva- tion above Gomez Farias NEED DATE, a low ele- vation for this time of year (JCA). Mangrove Warblers were conspicuous and singing in early May at Laguna Morales (JCA). An Little Blue Herons sometimes wander to high ele- vations and odd locations, but this one — high in the trees of Bosque Venustiano Carranza, in Torreon, Coahuiia state 13 and 21 April 2002 — was extreme: there is no water around for miles. Photograph by William Beatty. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 363 CENTRAL MEXICO Ovenbird was seen in B.V.C. 15 May (FVP). For the first time in the last three years, no American Redstarts were recorded in B.V.C. (WB, FVP). Regular vireo visitors to B.V.C. included Black- capped (13 Apr), Plumbeous (13, 20 Apr), Cassin’s (20 Apr and 1,2 May) and Warbling (21 Apr, 5 May). Also recorded were were warblers; Nashville (23 Mar — 5 May), Yellow (4 & 10-12 May), Black-throated Gray (14, 21 Apr), Townsend’s (21 Apr — 12 May), Hermit (21 Apr), Black-and-white (23 Mar — 1 May), MacGOlivray’s (Im 10 May), and Wilson’s (13 Apr — 12 May; all WB, FVP). A single Slate- throated Redstart at the E.C.B.S. was Arvin’s first record for cloud forest elevations in the region (the species is an uncommon and local breeder at higher elevations). A male Prothonotary Warbler was found in mangroves at Bahia Pabellones near Culiacan, Sin. 1 1 May (KLG, KCM,XV,TP). Three Red-legged Honeycreepers were near El Naranjo, S.L.P. 6 Apr ( JH, KN ftde BC). A pair of Yellow-winged Tanagers was seen gathering nesting material at 900-1000 m above Gomez Farias in the first half of Mar (JCA). A flock of 7-8 Crimson-collared Grosbeaks (only one of them in ad. male plumage) was at the E.C.B.S. in early Mar (JCA). Sightings of Painted Buntings were unusually frequent in the Torreon area this season: a male and a female were eating fruit from a mulberry tree in the Instituto Tecnologico de La Laguna campus 23-24 Apr, a male was seen in B.V.C. 1 May, and at least 3 males and 2 females were seen in La Isla 12 May, the males singing and chasing each other aggressively (FVP, WB, FG). White-collared (Cinnamon-mmped) Seedeaters were singing and generally very active in La Isla 12 May (WB, FVP, FG). A White-throated Sparrow was at Puerto Penasco 30 Mar (HA). A flight of 20-1- orioles at Puerto Penasco 1 Apr included Hoodeds and Bullock’s. Two male Hooded Orioles competed for nectar at a flow- ering Erythrina at the E.C.B.S. early Mar, Arvin’s first records of this tropical zone species at cloud forest elevations. An ad. male Orchard Oriole on the edge of Bahia Yavaros, Son. 5 May was late and out of range (KLG). Contributors (area compilers in boldface): Harry Armistead, John C. Arvin, William Beatty, Tim Brush, Ernesto Cabrera, Michael D. Carmody, Bob Cecil, Kimball L. Garrett, Felipe Gaetan, James Huntington, Kathy C. Molina, Kay Niyo, Tony Pico Sr., Francisco Valdez Perezgasga, Xico Vega, Russ Widner. Abbreviations: P.E.C.M. (Parque Ecologico de la Ciudad de Mexico, D.F.), U.N.A.M. (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico). GREBES THROUGH NIGHTJARS One Least Grebe was high at 2300 m elevation at Puerto del Aire, Ver. 2 Mar (HGdS). Thousands of Turkey Vultures were soaring northeastward in kettles over Colonia Francisco Barrios and La Mancha, Ver. 2 Mar (HGdS). A Hook-billed Kite was seen at the U.N.A.M. Botanical Garden through Mar, probably the same bird seen there Oct and Nov; it was not seen there in Apr but was there again, joined by a 2nd bird, in May (SA). An imm. Snail Kite was inland near Microondas Las Trincheras, Ver. 1 Mar (HGdS). Long-tailed Wood-Partridges were heard in the P.E.C.M. 10 Mar (SA). Around 10 Spot-tailed Nightjars were seen and heard 7.5 km s. of Las Choapas, Ver. 24-25 May; they were perching in low branches of scattered small oaks in a recent- ly burned area with short grass (FGG). SWIRS THROUGH ORIOLES A flock of White-collared Swifts was at the P.E.C.M. 17 May (SA). One Dusky Hummingbird was at the Zapotitlan de las Salinas Botanical Garden, Pbla. 3 Mar (HGdS). A Violet-crowned Hummingbird, very rare in the D.F., was in the U.N.A.M. Botanical Garden 15 May (CM). A female Magnificent Hummingbird was recorded 27 Apr in the Parque Ecoguardas, and a male was recorded in the U.N.A.M. Botanical Garden 26 Apr (SA). Single Blue- throated Hummingbirds were in Parque Ecoguardas 17 Mar and 4 May, and one was seen in Parque Tepozan, D.F. 11 May (SA). All three Mexican toucans were recorded at Amatlan, Ver. 1 Mar (HGdS). Single Acorn Woodpeckers were seen in pine forest in the P.E.C.M. 26 Mar and 12 May (SA). A Greenish Elaenia was heard in oak forest in the P.E.C.M. 10 Mar (SA). A silent Ochre-bellied Flycatcher was at Amatlan 1 Mar (HGdS). Two Pine Flycatchers were seen near Llano Grande, Mex. 3 Mar (HGdS). A pair of Vermilion Flycatchers were near the U.N.A.M. Botanical Garden, where rare summer visitors, in late May (HGdS). Several Boucard’s Wrens were at the Zapotitlan de las Salinas Botanical Garden 3 Mar, where they are common residents (HGdS); this is somewhat n. of the distribution mapped by Howell & Webb (1995). Sumichrast’s Wrens were oddly silent at Amatlan 1 Mar, even after much tape-playing, until midday (HGdS) — per- haps in response to the atypically cool weather. An Eastern Bluebird was heard near Microondas Las Trincheras 1 Mar, and a pair was at Puerto del Aire 2 Mar, both localities slightly e. of its mapped range, 1 Mar (HGdS). An early Veery was slightly nw. of mapped range at Amatlan 1 Mar (HGdS). Several Rufous-backed Robins were in the e. outskirts of Tehuacan, Pbla., e. of its mapped range, 2 Mar (HGdS). Three male Wbite-lored Gnatcatchers and 10 Phainopeplas were at Zapotitlan de las Salinas Botanical Garden 3 Mar (HGdS); both are resi- dent in the area, although not mapped or not mapped as resident there by Howell & Webb (1995). Small groups of Gray Silky-Flycatchers were recorded in the U.N.A.M. Botanical Garden throughout the period ( SA) . Hermit Warbler was last recorded in the s. D.F. 19 Mar (SA). A Hooded Oriole was near Microondas Las Trincheras 1 Mar (HGdS). Scott’s Orioles were recorded in the U.N.A.M. Botanical Garden (a pair), in the Parque Ecoguardas and in oak forest and desert scrub of the P.E.C.M. throughout the period (SA). 364 North American Birds Mexico SOUTHERN MEXICO Contributors (area compiler in boldface): Sofia Arenas, Hector Gomez de Silva, Fernando Gonzalez Garcia, Constantino Macias. Central Oaxaca was much drier than normal this spring even after brief showers 10 April and 10 May. Wintering passerines became notably scarce from late March, and many warblers were seen only into mid-April. Most ducks were gone by early April. Arrival of unusual migrant passer- ines (Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Canada Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Mourning Warbler) was similar to spring 1998. That spring was also extremely dry, and some 20 unusual migrant passerine were recorded, including all of the ones seen this year. Earliest nesting dates were normal for cen. Oaxaca. However, there may have been some overall delay of nesting. Forcey noted a lack of display by Blue-black Grassquits, usually record- ed April to early May, and failures of several early nesting efforts by American Robins and Gray Silky- Flycatchers. Notably absent were a number of species normally recorded, even if sparingly, during spring: Northern Harrier, Belted Kingfisher (none all winter either), Cedar Waxwing (none all winter either), and Summer Tanager. Also, Grasshopper Sparrow seemed scarcer than expected. Abbreviations: B.J. (Benito fuarez, Oax. 2800 m elevation above Teot.), Cuaj. (Cuajimoloyas, Oax., 3000 m above Tlacolula), Est. (El Estudiante; Hwy. 175 from near Oaxaca City to pine-oak zone below La Cumbre), Guac. (La Guacamaya, Oax. at 2700 m nw. of Oaxaca City, access through Etla), RA.D (Piedra Azul Dam, Teot., 1700 m), S.A.R. (San Andres Reservoir, 4 km n. of Oaxaca City on Hwy. 175), S.F.P. (San Felipe Park, in lands of San Felipe el Agua adjoin- ing Oaxaca City to the n., 1700-2200 m), S.J.G. (Rio Salado near San Juan Guelavia, about 20 km e. of Oaxaca City, approx 1550 m), Teq. (Tequio Park next to Oaxaca airport), Teot. (Teotidan del Valle, Oax. and vicinity), T.S.P.(Tlacolula sewage ponds, Oax.), Yag. (Yagul archaeological site and environs, Oax.). TINAMOUS THROUGH NIGHTJARS Thicket Tinamous were silent (or absent) at El Sumidero, Chis. 27 & 29 Mar but were singing frequently from 15 Apr-1- (HGdS). There were 39 Least Grebes at P.A.D. 5 Apr (JMF et al.) and 30 on 9 Apr (HGdS). These high numbers reflect the drying up of aquatic habitat in cen. Oax.; P.A.D. itself was completely dry 23 May. Six ad. Blue-footed Boobies were on a rocky islet near Santiago Astata, Oax. 10 Apr (HGdS). Two American White Pelicans were seen in the Laguna de Tuxpan near Iguala, Gro. 9 May (MDC). A flock of 15 Brown Pelicans were inland 40 km s. of Malpaso, Chis. 28 Mar (BD et al), and 4 (one ad. with 3 juvs.) were at El Sumidero, Chis. 29 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et al.). There was a Great Egret at S.A.R. 21 May. A Little Blue Heron was at San Pablo Etla 7 Mar. Four juv. (inc. a white morph) and 2 ad. Reddish Egrets were at a lagoon near Santiago Astata 10 Apr (HGdS). An ad. Agami Heron was pho- tographed 9 May on the Rio Lacanja at Bonampak, Chis. (SJD). An ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was on the river between Frontera Corozal and Yaxchilan, Chis. 11 Mar (HGdS). At least 40 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were near Jaltenango, Chis. 25 Apr (HGdS). A Muscovy Duck was near the turnoff to Nueva Palestina, Chis. 1 1 Mar, and 3 were e. of Tonala, Chis. 13 Apr (HGdS). A Green-winged Teal at P.A.D. 5 Apr was a new late date for cen. Oax. The last Blue-winged Teal recorded this season in cen. Oax. was 1 at S.A.R. 8 Apr (HGdS). There was one female Lesser Scaup in Tonala, Chis. on the late date of 20 May (MDC). Ruddy Ducks were last recorded in cen. Oax. at P.A.D. 9 Apr (HGdS). A Black Vulture was at high elevation at Cuaj. 1 May, while King Vultures away from the Lacandon rainforest were one near Finca Prusia 20 Mar (GL), one near Limonar 25 Mar (GL), and another near Villa Flores 14 Apr (HGdS). A Snail Kite was near Jaltenango 25 Apr (HGdS). Single dark-morph Hook-billed Kites were recorded near Frontera Corozal, Palenque and Yaxchilan, Chis. 6-11 May (SJD). Eight Swallow- tailed Kites were in a kettle at Lagunas de Montebello, Chis. 25 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et al.), where regular, and 5 there 10 May (SJD). Cooper’s Hawks were seen in cen. Oax. through- out the period; a female was on the same nest as last year by 20 Apr. A Broad-winged Hawk was on the road to Guac. 28 Mar (apparently the 2nd record for cen. Oax.), a Short-taUed Hawk was at S.F.P. 15 May, and a pair of Red-tailed Hawks in courtship flight was noted S.F.P. 21 Mar. A juv. Ornate Hawk-Eagle was photographed near San Isidro Piedra Ancha, close to Jalapa de Diaz, Oax. 17 Mar (FMZ). A Laughing Falcon was heard near Finca Prusia 20 Mar (GL). American Kestrels seemed to leave cen. Oax. early, with the last seen 9 Apr near Teot. (HGdS). A Merlin was at S.A.R. 8 Apr (HGdS). A Peregrine Falcon, rarely recorded in cen. Oax. in spring, was at Yag. 27 Apr. West Mexican Chachalaca was recorded S.F.P. 16 May. Up to 10 Common Moorhens were at S. J.G. throughout the period. An American Golden-Plover was at S.J.G. 23 Mar, and 3 were at T. S.P. 5 Apr. Three Killdeer were at S.J.G. 14 Mar. Two Collared Plovers were on the Usumacinta R. at Yaxchilan 10 May (SJD). Several Northern Ja^anas were near Jaltenango in Mar and Apr (HGdS, GL). Greater YeUowlegs were recorded at T.S.P. 5 Apr and at S.A.R. 16 Apr. One or 2 Lesser YeUowlegs were at S.A.R. 5-25 Apr (JMF et al.), and 4 were at S.A.D. 9 Apr (HGdS). Five Solitary Sandpipers were at T.S.P. 5 Apr, and 5 were at S.A.R. 16 Apr. Spotted Sandpiper was last recorded in cen. Oax. 21 May. A Least Sandpiper at T.S.P. 25 May estab- lished a new late date for cen. Oax. A Semipalmated Sandpiper was at P.A.D. 9 Apr (HGdS), one of only a few records from cen. Oax. Two Semipalmated Sandpipers and 2 White- rumped Sandpipers were seen among other shorebirds at Puerto Morelos, Chis. 19 May (MDC). The only records this season of Baird’s Sandpiper in cen. Oax. were of one at RA.D. 5 Apr (JMF et al.) and 2 at S.A.R. 8 Apr (HGdS). An Upland Sandpiper was near Mazunte, Oax. 12 Apr (HGdS). A raft of 300 alternate-plumaged ad. Franklin’s Gulls was just outside the surfline at Puerto Arista, Chis. 13 Apr (HGdS). A Least Tern at S.A.R. 5 Apr (JMF et al.) represented only the 2nd record from cen. Oax. (MG report- ed one at Huitzo dam in Aug 2000.) A pair of Red-billed Pigeons was at El Triunfo clearing 19 Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 365 Table 1 . Dates of earliest observations of nesting in central Oaxaca, spring 2002. Species White-winged Dove Tufted Flycatcher Western Wood-Pewee Greater Pewee Cordiileran Flycatcher Great Kiskadee Social Flycatcher Tropical Kingbird Thick-billed Kingbird Rose-throated Becard Northern Raven Bushtit Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Clay-colored Robin Rufous-backed Robin American Robin Gray Silky-Flycatcher Elegant Euphonia Hepatic Tanager Black-headed Grosbeak Great-tailed Crackle Location S.A.R., S.F.P. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.A.R. S.A.R. S.F.P. S.F.P. Yag. Jilguero arroyo above Teot. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.A.R. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.F.P. S.F.P. Oaxaca City Earliest nesting observation 21 May (1 imm., 1 nesting pair) 18 Apr 16 Apr 16 Apr 16 May (with nestlings) 18 Apr 21 May 21 May 16 Apr 12 Apr 27 Apr (with large nestling) 23 May 16 May 18 Apr 13 Apr 12 Apr 12 Apr 16 Apr 24 Apr 3 Apr 1 Mar Mar and late Apr (HGdS, MSanM et al., GL). Band-tailed Pigeons are often difficult to find in spring in cen. Oax.; there were four records this season (single birds, one group of about 15). A pair of Yellow-headed Parrots was near Mazunte 12 Apr (HGdS). A single Red-lored Parrot was seen near Jaltenango 15 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah), and 2 pairs were there 26 Apr (HGdS). A total of 80 Yellow-naped Parrots flew to their roosts over Mapastepec microwave valley 21 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et al.). Single Black- billed Cuckoos were at S.F.P. 16 Apr and 15 May. One Black-billed, 2 or 3 Yellow-billed, and 4-5 Mangrove Cuckoos were in a large bushy field along the coast at Tonala during the late after- noon of 24 May (MDC). A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was at Palenque 6 May (SJD). A pair of Great Horned Owls was sighted at Yag. 27 Apr and 9 May. A group of 3-4 Spot-tailed Nightjars were singing in a heavily grazed pasture at km 3 of the Uxpanapa road, Oax. one hour before sunrise 27 May (MDC). HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH VIREOS For the 2nd time in 1 1 spring visits to the Sierra Madre del Sur, Gro., Carmody found Green Violet-ears were not yet singing on their usual lek in May. Violet Sabrewings were at their leks at El Triunfo in late Apr but not yet 16-19 Mar (HGdS). Single Rufous Sabrewings at three places in the upper cloud forest of El Triunfo 28 & 30 Apr (HGdS) may have dispersed uphill fol- lowing the flowering Heliconias. A few Emerald- chinned Hummingbirds were at El Triunfo in Mar and Apr (HGdS, MSanM et ah). Single Garnet-throated Hummingbirds were near the El Triunfo clearing 16-19 Mar and near San Cristobal de las Casas, Chis. 24 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah). A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird was in a landslide gap at El Triunfo 16 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah). A female Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird was at the El Triunfo clearing 17 Mar, and another was at Laguna Bdgica, Chis. 26 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah). Single Beautiful Hummingbirds were seen in Oaxaca City 15 & 22 Mar. As last spring (also dry). Green Kingfishers in cen. Oax. were in lower riparian habitat in S.E.P. 16 & 22 May, and along Rio Salado, which continued to have some water flow, 23 May. Three vocal Tody Motmots were at Palenque in early Mar (RH, D&CF, SM), a reliable loca- tion for this retiring species. Two vocal Strong- billed Woodcreepers were at Lagos de Montebello 25 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah). Single Scaled Antpittas were recorded at S.F.P. 27 Mar and 13 May (JMF et ah) and at Huitepec Reserve, Chis. 12 May (SJD). Paltry Tyrannulets appeared more territorial at El Triunfo in late Apr than in Mar (HGdS). Greenish Elaenia was recorded 13 times 21 Mar — 23 May at mid-elevation riparian areas of cen. Oax., and 10 were seen or heard at S.E.P. 23 May. One was near Jaltenango 15 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah). Belted Elycatchers were at El Sumidero 27 8c 29 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah) but were not noted there 15 8c 25 Apr or 4 May (HGdS). An Olive-sided Elycatcher was at Cordoba above Union Juarez 22 Mar (MSanM et ah, HGdS), and up to 3 were at El Triunfo upper cloud forest 25 Mar (GL) and 29 Apr (HGdS). Western Wood-Pewees at S.F.P. 21 Mar established a new early date for cen. Oax. Single Greater Pewees were in a pine grove between Jaltenango and Finca Prusia 14 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah). A migrant Dusky Flycatcher was seen in a landslide gap in the El Triunfo upper cloud forest 28 Apr (HGdS). An Acadian Flycatcher was along the San Manuel Road near Palenque 19 Mar, and another was below Palenque ruins 21 Mar (RH, D8cCF, SM). A nest-location dis- play by a female Vermilion Flycatcher was noted at Teq. 6 Apr. Ash-throated Flycatcher was last seen in cen. Oax. at Teq. 6 Apr. Dusky- capped Flycatchers were heard at the edges of the El Triunfo clearing, where rare, 16 8c 17 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et ah). A Brown-crested Flycatcher was heard at Jaltenango 15 Mar (HGdS). There were six records of Social Flycatcher in cen. Oax. 1 3 Apr — 2 1 May in riparian areas and parks. The earliest record of Sulphur-bel- lied Flycatcher in Chis. was a silent individual The state of Oaxaca’s second — and central Oaxaca’s first — Palm Warbler was banded at Tequio Park, Oaxaca City, 14 March 2002. Photograph by Manuel Grosselet. 366 N (5 R T H American Birds Mexico at Palenque 10 Mar (HGdS). A Sulphur-bel- lied Flycatcher was recorded at P.A.D. 23 May. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was noted at Teot. 5 Apr (JMF et al), and 2 were at the El Triunfo clearing 17 Mar (MSanM et al., HGdS). A Western Kingbird was at the El Triunfo clear- ing 28 Apr (HGdS), and an Eastern Kingbird was there 15 May (MDC). Two Eastern Kingbirds, along with a Scissor-tailed and 2 Alder Flycatchers, were in a large brushy field near Tonala 24 May (MDC). A Rose-throated Becard at 3000 m in Llano Grande 15 Mar. was somewhat high, though regular at this altitude in the Sierra de Aloapaneca. Rose-throated Becards were first seen in the valley of Oax. at S.F.P. 3 Apr. A juv. Red-capped Manakin was singing at Palenque 18 Apr (HGdS). A Bell’s Vireo was at Teq. 6 Apr. The latest Blue-headed Vireo in cen. Oax. was noted 25 Apr. A Blue-headed Vireo was at El Triunfo 30 Apr (HGdS). Plumbeous Vireos were in lower riparian areas of cen. Oax 3-25 Apr. An estimated 10-15 singing Golden Vireos were recorded in lower riparian areas of cen. Oax. 21 Mar — 23 May. Pair- formation and singing by Warbling Vireos were observed 25 Apr — 21 May in a narrow riparian corridor in arid subtropical scrub along Est. arroyo. A worn Brown-capped Vireo was low at 1000 m between Jaltenango and Finca Prusia 16 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et al.). A Red-eyed Vireo was reported at S.A.R. 21 May. JAYS THROUGH FINCHES Dwarf Jays were still flocking with Gray-barred Wrens and Steller’s Jays in pine-oak forest above the valley of Oax. 14 & 28 Mar. A Purple Martin was near La Libertad, Chis. 13 Mar (HGdS). Violet-green Swallows were last seen in cen. Oax. 25 Apr. Three Bank Swallows were at T.S.P. 5 Apr. The only record of Marsh Wren in cen. Oax. this spring was one at S.J.G. 14 Mar. The earliest nesting by Brown-backed Solitaire in cen. Oax. was noted at S.F.P. 16 May (JMF et al.), whereas in Chis. there were already active nests along the El Triunfo trail by the last week of Apr (HGdS). Nesting starts by other species are gathered in Table 1 . Orange- billed Nightingale Thrushes were recorded in lower riparian areas of cen. Oax. 21 Mar-t, and singing and displaying birds were observed from 27 Mar. A pair of Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrushes was on the road to Guac. 20 Apr. An imm. Russet Nightingale- Thrush was near La Cumbre, Oax. 7 Apr (HGdS), an excellent location for observing this Mexican endemic. One to 2 Swainson’s Thrushes, very uncommon spring migrants in cen. Oax. (Forcey, in press), were recorded in middle riparian areas 16 & 20 Apr and 16 May. A Wood Thrush was at El Triunfo 23 Mar (GL). Clay-colored Robins were recorded five times in known breeding areas in cen. Oax. 3 Apr — 21 May. There were ten records of White-throated Robins in cen. Oax. beginning 21 Mar, with singing recorded at S.F.P. 27 Mar, while Rufous- backed Robins began singing 6 Apr. A male Black Robin was at La Cumbre 7 & 8 Apr (HGdS). Black Robins in juv. plumage were singing around El Triunfo mid-Mar and in late Apr were imitating songs of Plain Chachalaca (evidence of the robins’ altitudinal migrations), Mexican Whip-poor-will, White-collared Swift, and Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, among others (HGdS; see Gomez de Silva et al. 1999). A Gray Catbird was at Yag. 27 Apr. Singing by Ocellated Thrasher was noted in cen.Oax. and near Guelatao from early Mar+ (MEG, ESB et al.), and an ad. with young were observed in S.F.P. 16 May. An ad. Curve-billed Thrasher was feeding a fledged juv. in Oaxaca City 10 Apr. Blue Mockingbirds were hardly seen in cen. Oax. through the winter but were recorded 18 times 9 Mar — 23 May, mostly in lower riparian areas. The latest American Pipit record in cen. Oax. was of 3 at P.A.D. 9 Apr (HGdS). Gray Silky- Flycatchers were abundant along riparian areas in cen. Oax. throughout the period. Warblers were well reported. A Golden- winged Warbler was at Palenque 6 May (SJD). A Blue-winged Warbler was at El Triunfo 18 Mar (BD, HGdS, MSanM et al), and one was near Jaltenango 20 Mar (GL). Tennessee Warblers were at the El Triunfo clearing 16 & 17 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et al.). Single Yellow-rumped Warblers were occasional in the El Triunfo clear- ing Mar and Apr (HGdS). Single Magnolia Warblers were in the El Triunfo clearing 16 Mar (HGdS, MSanM), on the lower Atoyac road, Gro. 4 May, and at El Sumidero 20 May (MDC). Late dates for some warblers in cen. Oax. were: 2 Orange-crowned 18 Apr, Nashville seen regular- ly to 24 Apr with a straggler 2 1 May, Virginia’s 1 8 Apr, Audubon’s 2 May, Black-throated Gray 20 Apr, Townsend’s seen regularly to 24 Apr but 3 stragglers 16 May (establishing a new late date for the area). Hermit 28 Mar, Black-and-white 7 Mar (a very early last date for the area), MacGillivray’s seen regularly to 25 Apr with a straggler 23 May, Common Yellowthroat seen regularly to 27 Apr with a late bird 23 May, Wilson’s Warbler 23 May (a new late date), and Red-faced 7 Apr (HGdS). Yellow Warblers were noted at a variety of lower elevation locations in cen. Oax. 24 Apr — 16 May. Up to 6 Chestnut- sided Warblers were at S.F.P. 13-16 May. As in cen. Oax., Townsend’s Warbler went unrecorded in El Triunfo in late Apr and May (HGdS, MDC), whereas they had been noted there through Mar (HGdS, GL). Two Hermit Warblers were at El The great surprise of the season came from S.K.B.R. After observing an unusual number (15 to 20) of what were assumed to be Yellow Warblers along a quarter km of coastal road without see- ing practically any other migrant warbler, MacKinnon and others took a closer look at those caught in the nets. They had the darker crowns and cheeks, strongly marked wing coverts, and other markings of the Dendroica p. petechia group, the related Caribbean races of what is some- times called Golden Warbler. A total of 22 individuals, both adults and young, were caught in nets at Sac. 21-23 April, and most were photographed (BM, AdA, MTuz). If the identification is confirmed, this would represent the first record of this subspecies group from Mexico. Triunfo 22 Mar (GL). Blackburnian Warbler was recorded at various low riparian areas in cen. Oax. 10-18 May. The earliest Blackburnian Warblers in Chis. were recorded 15 Apr, and many were in full song in an oak ridge above Paval 2 May (HGdS). A Palm Warbler was mist- netted and photographed at Teq. 14 Mar (MG), the first record for the cen. Oax. Northern Waterthrush was recorded in cen. Oax. 5 Apr, whereas the last Louisiana Waterthrush was seen 3 Apr. A Swainson’s Warbler was at Palenque 20 Mar (RH, D&CF, SM). A Kentucky Warbler was at El Triunfo upper cloud forest 23 Mar (GL). A Mourning Warbler was at S.F.P. 21 May. Single Mourning Warblers were at El Triunfo 16 May, Mapastepec 20 May, El Sumidero 24 May (MDC), Palenque 6 May, and Bonampak 8 May (SJD). Canada Warbler was recorded six times in lower riparian areas of cen. Oax. 10-21 May. Single Canada Warblers were in the El Triunfo upper cloud for- est 28 Apr (HGdS) and in Lagunas de Montebello 11 May (SJD). A Painted Redstart was in a pine grove near Finca Prusia 20 Mar (GL). One Fan-tailed Warbler 15 Mar at an ant swarm around 2000 m was a first record for the El Triunfo upper cloud forest (HGdS, MSanM et al.). A late female Summer Tanager was at Bonampak 7 May, and a male Scarlet Tanager was there 9 May (SJD). A Western Tanager at S.F.P. 21 May was a new late date for cen. Oax. A pair of Red-headed Tanagers, rare in cen. Oax., was at S.F.P. 18 Apr. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were noted 7 Mar and 20 Apr in cen. Oax. (JMF et al.) and in different parts of Chis. 15 Mar — 18 Apr (HGdS, MSanM et al.). The earliest singing Black-headed Grosbeaks in cen. Oax. were Volume 56 {2002), Number 3 367 recorded 8 Mar. Yellow Grosbeaks have penetrat- ed farther from the El Triunfo clearing, “coloniz- ing” the small to medium openings in the cloud forest created by the 1998 storms that hit the Sierra Madre de Chiapas (HGdS). An early singing Blue Grosbeak was at S.J.G. 14 Mar. Up to 9 Indigo Buntings were recorded at two loca- tions in cen. Oax. 3-13 Apr, and single Painted Buntings were recorded 6 & 1 3 Apr. A Dickcissel was at Teq. 6 Apr (the only previous records from cen. Oax. are from 1999). Dozens of Dickcissels were near Ocozocuautla, Chis. 14 Apr (HGdS). Slate-blue Seedeaters were 12 km n. of Iguala, Gro. and on the road to Filo de Caballo, Gro. in early May (MDC). A White-faced Ground- Sparrow showed up at the El Triunfo clearing 27 Apr (HGdS); it has only been seen there twice previously in 20-1- years {fide Rafael Solis). Blue- black Grassquits were recorded at Teq. 6 8c 13 Apr and at S.J.G. 23 May. A pair of Yellow-faced Grassquits (restricted in Mexico to the Gulf slope) was foraging with dozens of White-col- lared (Cinnamon-rumped) Seedeatersnear Guelatao 7 Apr, an interesting combination (HGdS). Botteri’s Sparrows were singing at Teq. 6 Apr and at S.A.R. 21 May. Oaxaca Sparrow pairs were noted 16 Apr — 21 May at S.F.P. A low- elevation Rusty Sparrow was along a dirt road below Palenque ruins 21 Mar (RH, D8cCF, SM). Late dates for migrant sparrows in cen. Oax. are 9 Apr for Lark Sparrow (HGdS), 27 Apr for Chipping Sparrow, 13 Apr for Clay-colored Sparrow, 5 Apr for Vesper Sparrow, 13 Apr for Savannah Sparrow, and 21 May for Lincoln’s Sparrow. This spring’s only Grasshopper Sparrow in cen. Oax. was at Yag. 9 Apr (HGdS). Displaying Red-winged Blackbirds were at a cattail marsh at S.J.G. 23 May. Several Melodious Blackbirds were near Jaltenango, Finca Prusia, El Triunfo, Tres de Mayo, Mapastepec, Tapachula, Huixtla, Tonala, Villa Flores and Ocozocuautla (HGdS, GL), where inadvertently omitted by Howell 8c Webb (1995). Five Bronzed Cowbirds, including a displaying male, were at the El Triunfo clearing in late Apr (HGdS). The latest Orchard Oriole in cen. Oax. was at Yag. 27 Apr. Four imm. Orchard Orioles at Mapastepec microwave valley 3 May were late (HGdS). A Hooded Oriole was in Oaxaca City 20 Mar. Bar- winged Orioles were not noted at El Sumidero 27 8c 29 Mar (HGdS, MSanM et al.) but were there 15 8c 25 Apr (HGdS) and 13 May (SJD). An Audubon’s Oriole near Guelatao 7 Apr (HGdS) was between the ranges of dickeyae and gradua- cauda. A Streak-backed Oriole at Teq. 6 Apr was a first for the Valley of Oaxaca, but the species is very common on the Pacific Slope some 40 km away. A Bullock’s Oriole at S.F.P. 16 May was late. Scott’s Oriole was recorded at Cuaj. 2 May. Carmody reports three groups of Black-capped Siskins totaling at least 15 birds around km 3 of the Ocosingo road, Chis. in late May, and Davies saw at least one along the road to Chanal, Chis 12 May. Three Evening Grosbeaks were at Llano Grande 14 Mar. Undocumented reports A Chuck-will’s-widow was reported at El Triunfo, upper cloud forest, 24 Mar (GL). Contributors (area compilers in boldface): Roque Antonio (RAn), Ramiro Aragon (RAr), Abbreviations: R.L. (Rio Lagartos, R.L.B.R.), R. L.B.R. (Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yuc.), Sac. (Sacrificios, S.K.B.R.), S.F. (San Felipe, R.L.B.R.), S. K.B.R. (Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Q.Roo), S.R. (Santa Rosa, S.K.B.R.), Y.P. (Yucatan Peninsula). HERONS THROUGH NIGHTJARS One Great White Heron, uncommon on the w. coast of the peninsula, was seen 10 Apr in Celestun (DB), while an ad. white-morph Reddish Egret interacted with an ad. and an imm. dark morph of the same species in R.L. 14 May (BM, MT). A Glossy Ibis was found feeding in a salt pond in Celestun 9 Apr, while another was observed feeding in a roadside pond near El Cuyo, Yuc. 19 May ( JA 8c MTP). Around 85 White-faced Ibis outnumbered 15 Glossies in the first five km of the road to Palizada, Camp. 20 Mar (RH, D&CF, SM). A Jabiru was on the Usumacinta marshes in Camp. 13 Mar (RH). A Fulvous and 4 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were near El Cuyo 19 May (JA 8c MTP). There were 3 Muscovy Ducks in Tab. marshes n. of La Libertad, Chis 13 Mar (HGdS). Thirteen Blue-winged Teal were observed in the Celestun estuary 9 Apr, while 6 Ciiuiamon Teal were reported by a sport fisherman in the salt- water lagoons behind S.R. 20 Apr (new record for the S.K.B.R., but not unexpected, fide BM). Approximately 30 Northern Shovelers were seen by Edward S. Brinkley, Michael D. Carmody, Megan Edwards Crewe, Brian Daniels, Stephen J. Davies, John M. Forcey, Dutton 8c Caroline Foster, Hector Gomez de Silva, Manuel Grosselet, Ruth Guzman, Rich Hoyer, Greg Lasley, Francisco Marini Zuniga, Mike San Miguel et al. (Jon Dunn, Brian Daniels, Pete Ginsburg, Curtis Marantz, Guy McCaskie, Michael San Miguel), Stauffer Miller. Uncredited observations are by John M. Forcey, often with Roque Antonio, Ramiro Aragon and/or Ruth Guzman. bird workshop participants in the Celestun estuary 10 Apr. A Swallow- tailed Kite was observed flying over Celestun just above hundreds, if not thou- sands, of Barn Swallows 15 Apr (AD). Six more were observed over El Cuyo May (SF, UOC). A White-tailed Kite was near Celestun 2-3 Mar (DB, WB). A probable Harris’s Hawk flew over the cross- roads of R.L. and San Felipe 14 Mar (IN, BM), as did a pair of Short-tailed Hawks the next morning in same location. A pair of White- tailed Hawks was reported 26 Mar near the Rio Lagartos/Las Coloradas junction (GW). A Zone-tailed Hawk, a regular winter visitor to Celestun, was reported there 9 Apr, along with a Merlin (DB). A Limpkin was viewed perched in the mangrove in the Celestun estuary 10 Apr by the bird work- shop participants led by BM. Five Wilson’s Plovers, along with a Black-bellied and 4 Semipalmated Plovers, were in Celestun 30 May (DB). Five Willets were observed in R.L. 14 May (BM, MT), while in Celestun there was the normal gathering of sand- pipers, including 8 Greater Yellowlegs 8 Apr, 2 Solitary Sandpipers 9 Apr (BM), as well as 10 Willets, 6 Spotted Sandpipers, and one Upland Sandpiper 1 May (AD). A Long-billed Curlew and one Marbled Godwit were in Celestun 9 Apr. Other sightings include 6 Marbled Godwits along with 2 Ruddy Turnstones in Celestun 30 May (DB). A YUCATAN PENINSULA 368 North American Birus Mexico — Central America Western and a Least Sandpiper were observed in R.L. 15 May (BM, MT), whilelS Least Sandpipers were reported for Celestiin 30 Apr (AD). Two White-rumped Sandpipers were seen 30 May in Celestiin (DB), and a Stilt Sandpiper was there 9 Apr (DB). Two Stilt Sandpipers were in a salt pond in R.L. 1 May (BM), while a Wilson’s Phalarope was observed 8 Apr in Celestiin (DB). A single Least Tern showed up in Celestiin, where known to nest, 10 Apr, perhaps a week earlier than usual (DB). One Ring-billed and an imm. Herring Gull were in Celestiin 9 Apr (DB). Three Herring Gulls were at Celestiin 30 May (DB). Single Eurasian Collared- Doves were reported from Canciin, Q. Roo in Jan (PW) and 6-8 km s. of San Miguel, Cozumel 10 Mar (CB). Four Spot-tailed Nightjars were heard and seen in Tab. from the 2nd bridge n. of La Libertad, Chis. 13 8c 18 Mar (RH, D8cCF, SM). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS A Great Crested Flycatcher was in Celestiin 9 Apr (DB). Seven exhausted Eastern Kingbirds were observed two km inland from the coastline at Xcalak 4 May, probably having just completed their northbound crossing of the Bay of Honduras. Two vocal Mangrove Vireos were in Tab. n. of La Libertad, Chis. 19 Apr (HGdS). Spring Purple Martin migration is rather thin over the Y.P. com- pared to the fall, and a few observations were reported for this period. One was recorded 9 Apr in Celestiin, moving along with Barn Swallows. A total of 20 was reported 21 Apr in Celestiin (AD), while 2-3 males were feeding and moving amidst hun- dreds of Barn Swallows over R.L. 1 8c 13 May. Among the swallows flowing through Celestiin 21 Apr were 2 Bank and 5 Cliff Swallows (AD). A few Barn Swallows were seen as early as 27 Feb in Celestiin, and a few were in S.F. 8-9 May (BM). Another new species for the S.K.B.R. was a Gray- cheeked Thrush netted and photographed 22 Apr (BM). Only one Gray Catbird was observed 9 Apr in Celestiin. Single male Golden-winged Warblers were reported in Celestiin 8-10 Apr (DB, BM). A female Northern Parula was seen in S.F. mangroves 6 May, when most migrant warblers had left. The latest Yellow Warblers were one ad. and one first-year male in R.L. 14-15 May (BM, MT). A Palm Warbler was netted at S.R. 22 Apr. Another new record for the S.K.B.R. was a male BlackpoU Warbler in alter- nate plumage 20 Apr at Sac. A female American Redstart was in S.F. 6 May (BM). A male Prothonotary Warbler was in Celestiin 10 Apr. A Northern Waterthrush at Sac. 21 Apr (BM) was the only migrant found during a week that should have been the middle of the spring migration. The winds, however, were east-northeast, which would not have favored birds crossing the Bay of Honduras. Only one Northern Waterthrush was detected in R.L. 5 May, and another was in S.F. 14 May (BM, MT). One female Common Yellowthroat was at S.F. mangroves 9 May (BM), while a first-year male was in R.L. 14 May (BM, MT). TANAGERS THROUGH ORIOLES A female Rose-throated Tanager was one of 25 species in Isla Pobre 19 Apr (BM). Of special note for the same location and date was one juv. male Red-legged Honeycreeper being fed by an ad., with 4 others nearby. Inland from El Cuyo in a forested area, 3 male and a female Red-legged Honeycreeper were feeding on annona fruit 19 May (JA 8c MTP). Another new record for the S.K.B.R. was a White- crowned Sparrow netted at Sac. 21 Apr. Of interest were 2 male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at Xcalak feeding on seeds of the dune plant Trema mkrantha 4 May. This locality is important as a refueling and rest stop for northbound migrants that cross the Bay of Honduras. Two male Bobolinks in transi- tional plumage were at Sac. 21 Apr (BM). A Brown- headed Cowbird was observed at Celestiin in the same area as during fall 2001, but this one was on 27 Feb, earlier than expected for a transient (BM). Single male Orchard Orioles at S.F. 8 May (MT) and at nearby R.L. 14 May (BM, MT) were late. Contributors (area compiler in boldface): Alejandro de Alba, Joanne Andrews, David Bacab, William Beatty, Chris Benesh, Ismael Caamal, Alexander Dzib, Sandra Flores, Dutton 8c Caroline Foster, Hector Gomez de Silva, Rich Hoyer, Barbara MacKinnon (BM), Stauffer Miller, Uriel Ortiz Chay, Maria Teresa Puig, Melgar Tabasco (MT), Margarito Tuz (MTuz), Paul Wood. Uncredited observations are by Barbara MacKinnon. Literature cited Forcey, J.F., in press. Notes on the birds of central Oaxaca, Part III: Columbidae to Vireonidae. See the on-line journal Huitzil (http://www.huitzil.net). Gomez de Silva, H., F. Gonzalez-Garcia 8c M.P. Casillas-Trejo. 1999. Birds of the upper cloud forest of El Triunfo, Chiapas, Mexico. Ornitologia Neotropical 10: 1-26. Howell, S.N.G. and S. Webb. 1995. A guide to the birds of Mexico and northern Central America. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Central America H. Lee Jones P. 0. Box 158 Punta Gorda, Belize U. S. address: 61 08 Wildwood Road Lake Isabella, California 93240 (buteo@attglobal.net) The number of observers submitting records this spring was down substantially from the winter season; nevertheless, the number of first and second country records continues to increase unabated. Two long overdue docu- mented country firsts were Upland Sandpiper in El Salvador and Orange-crowned Warbler in Belize. Other not-so-surprising firsts were Ring-necked Duck in El Salvador and Rufous- necked Wood-Rail in Guatemala. Six addition- al species were recorded for only the second time in either Belize, El Salvador, or Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 369 Guatemala. Costa Rica and Panama, with their more complete ornithological record, had no first or second records to report; however, two storm-petrels, thought to be Leach’s, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica may have been the most exciting finds of the season. Abbreviations: Cockscomb Basin (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Stann Creek District, Belize); Tikal (Tikal National Park, Peten District, Guatemala). Hunting, Lime, and Nicholas Cayes are in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve off s. Belize. Ducks were the big news in El Salvador this spring, thanks to the continuing efforts of RIP and WR, whose countrywide Ducks Unlimited waterfowl surveys have already added a new chapter to our understanding of this largely ignored family in C.A. On 15 Apr, on Laguna El Jocotal, San Miguel they discov- ered El Salvador’s sixth Cinnamon Teal and the first recorded in spring. An impressive 546 Lesser Scaup were on Lake Guija, Santa Ana 13 Mar, and 200 were on Laguna de Olomega, San Miguel 26 Mar. But the real surprise came late in the sea- son when RIP found a pair of Ring-necked Ducks on Lake Guija 22 May. This was not only a first country record but an excep- tionally late date as well. A flock of 43 Ruddy Ducks, first observed 3 Mar at Laguna Olomega, were still present 15 May, suggesting that there may be a breed- ing population at this site. Received late, but equally significant, is a report of a remarkable 21 Muscovy Ducks, an endan- gered species in El Salvador, on Laguna El Jocotal 5 Feb (RIP,WR). EGRETS THROUGH HAWKS A Reddish Egret was present at Gatun Spillway, Panama Canal Dec — 9 Mar (WA). There are fewer than 10 records for this species in Panama. An ad. Glossy Ibis at Laguna de Olomega, San Miguel 15 May (RIP, WR) was only the 2nd record for El Salvador and the Pacific slope of n. C.A. This species continues to expand its range throughout much of the New World. Although the Short-tailed Hawk is resident in El Salvador, the first nest was not discovered until late Feb, when TJ found a pair (light- morph female, dark-morph male) building a nest in pine forest near Perquin, Morazan. On 7 Apr, the female was incubating a single egg. An impressive flock of 2000 migrating Swainson’s Hawks was seen over the Quetzaltenango (Guatemala) National Hospital 16 Apr (JB). Noteworthy, also, was a Crested Eagle at Tikal 29 Apr (JB). This rare forest species is seldom seen in n. C.A. . Equally noteworthy was an ad. Harpy Eagle observed feeding on a Tamandua ( Tamandua mexicana) 15 Apr (MA, SY) in what little was left of the Hurricane Iris-ravaged forest near Golden Stream, Toledo. This is the latest in a series of reports of this species in s. Belize in the past four years. A late Merlin was observed migrat- ing past Hunting Caye, Belize 1 May (LJ). RAILS THROUGH TERNS A Rufous-necked Wood-Rail observed near Tilapa, San Marcos lOApr(JB) maybe the first ever documented in Guatemala. The status of this elusive species along much of the Pacific coast of s. Mexico and n. C.A. is unclear. In contrast, its presence on the Caribbean side is well documented. For example, J & DB rou- tinely see as many as a dozen in sight at one time seasonally in their yard on Caye Caulker, Belize (they live on the edge of a mangrove swamp). In Mar, they had up to 13 daily, but by May their numbers had dwindled, and the last one was recorded 31 May. This species is not seen on the caye between Jun and mid-Sep, suggesting it either disperses off the caye or moves to the uninhabited and largely inacces- sible n. half of the caye during the breeding season. Two Soras at Laguna El Jocotal, San Miguel 24 Apr (RIP, WR) were late migrants. A Snowy Plover at Corozal Town 3 Mar (TS) was only the 3rd confirmed record for Belize; how- ever, this species is likely to occur more fre- quently than these few records suggest — if only more people paid attention to the wealth of shorebirds in the country! An impressive flock of 87 American Oystercatchers was at Isla Martin Perez in the Gulf of Fonseca 23 Apr (ph. NH). The previous high count for El Salvador was 22 in Bahia de Jiquilisco, where they nest. Long overdue were El Salvador’s first confirmed Upland Sandpipers. Two were seen near Comalapa, La Paz 14 Apr (TJ). Three Dunlin near Tilapa, San Marcos 7 Apr (JB) may represent only the 2nd documented record for Guatemala. Jaegers are not often reported in Caribbean C.A., and the seasonality and relative abun- dance of the two species in this Region are still poorly known. For this reason, all jaeger sight- ings should be reported, along with the date, locality, plumage, and (with appropriate cau- tion) species. In Belize, a Pomarine Jaeger was seen e. of Caye Caulker 20 Mar (J&DB 8c m. ob.), and a very worn jaeger sp. still in juv. plumage was seen in flight at Barranco, Toledo 1 1 May (LJ). CUCKOOS THROUGH VIREOS Two Black-billed Cuckoos were on Lime Caye, Belize 2 May (LJ, CW). Although considerably more plentiful than Black-billed, 20-i- Yellow- billed Cuckoos on tiny Lime Caye, with several more on other, nearby cayes 29 Apr (LJ, CW) was an impressive concentration. A Mangrove Cuckoo was seen near David, Chiriqui 19 Mar (JR, JC, Field Guides tour). This species is rare in Panama, and its status as a rare resident or migrant remains unresolved. A Vermiculated Screech-Owl at Finca Patrocinio, Retalhuleu 14 Mar (JB) was unex- pected, as this species had not been previously reported from the Pacific slope of Guatemala. The Brown Violet-ear is seldom reported in the lowlands of Belize, so one at lower elevations in the e. Cockscomb Basin 18 Mar (J8cDB) was unexpected. A Black-crested Coquette, uncommon on the Pacific slope of Guatemala, was at Finca Patrocinio, Retalhuleu 14 Mar (JB) .A group from Quebec was surprised to find an ad. female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Metropolitan Nature Park, Panama City on 14 Mar (DM, LRo). The Vermilion Flycatcher is a casual migrant in Panama, so a male and 2 females at Finca Batipa, Chiriqui 31 Mar were a treat for LR, JJ, and LS. Two Western Kingbirds were at Duplooy’s Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio, Cayo 27 Feb (TW), and another was at the Quirigua Ruins, Izabal 24 Apr ( JB) in the Caribbean low- lands of Guatemala just s. of Belize. This species was first documented in Belize only last fall; however, it may be overlooked to some extent because of its similarity to the abundant Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds. The Yellow- green Vireo is strictly a migrant on the Belize cayes. Thus, one on Nicholas Caye 1 May (LJ, CW) was either an exceedingly late spring migrant or a wandering individual, as this species is weO into its breeding season on the mainland by May. Two Black-whiskered Vireos, a rare visitor anywhere in C.A., were reported this spring. One seen 11 Apr along Semaphore Hill Road near Panama City ( JT, LP, ECo) was an unexpected treat, but one on s. Ambergris Caye 13-18 May (SL et al.) was only the 2nd ever recorded in Belize. JAYS THROUGH PIPITS The Black-chested Jay was first recorded on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica in Dec 2000. This spring, 2 seen near Gutierrez-Braun 30 Mar (JRZ) at 1100 m elevation in the upper Goto Brus Valley (at the same elevation and about 15 km from the previously reported site) represent only the 2nd Pacific slope record. Like the Yellow-green Vireo, the Gray-breasted Martin is strictly a migrant on the Belize cayes. On the 370 North American Birds Central America mainland, it arrives in Jan and is well into its breeding season by Apr. The earliest south- bound migrants do not start massing along the coast until the end of Jun, so a group of 5 seen migrating n. over and past Hunting Caye 35 km offshore 30 Apr defies explanation. The Tree Swallow is an “irregularly rare to locally com- mon migrant” in Costa Rica (Stiles and Skutch 1989). In most years, it is certainly the former, with few reports at all in the past decade or more. JRZ’s first encounter with the species in Costa Rica came 12 Apr, when he observed a compact flock of 15-20 migrating above the La Selva entrance road. Mid- Apr is also a bit late for this species, which is the first Neotropical migrant to vacate C.A. for its n. breeding grounds in spring. An American Robin, only the 2nd ever reli- ably recorded in Belize, was with Clay-colored Robins in Crooked Tree Village on 23 Mar (SS). Five or more American Pipits near Tilapa, San Marcos 7 Apr ()B) were unexpected. This species is still considered a vagrant in Guatemala and the rest of n. C.A., but better coverage of the area by people familiar with the species will undoubtedly prove it to be more frequent. WARBLERS THROUGH SPARROWS Two or 3 Northern Parulas at Tilapa, San Marcos 7 May, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler at Finca Patrocinio, Retalhuleu 15 Mar were noteworthy (both )B). These species are con- sidered to be vagrants on the Pacific slope of Guatemala, but with more coverage they may well prove to be more frequent. Two male Blackpoll Warblers were in the same tree on Northeast Sapodilla Caye, Belize 28 Apr (LJ, CW). This species is proving to be a regular, but rare, spring migrant on the cayes, with records now almost every spring. A migrant Western Palm Warbler was seen in the Sarapiqui area of Costa Rica 21 Apr (JRZ). A lingering Kentucky Warbler at Tikal 29 Apr (JB) was a bit later than normal. A male Canada Warbler on Hunting Caye 2 May (LJ) established only the 2nd documented spring record for Belize. The rare Ashy-throated Bush-Tanager was first recorded in Panama in 1982 in cen. Bocas del Toro, and there are still fewer than a dozen records, all from that area. Thus, 3-4 seen along Fortuna Road 20 Mar (JR, JC) were noteworthy. Several male and female Slaty Finches seen near Cerro Punta, Chiriqui 20-22 Mar (GA et al.) were also note- worthy, as this species is a rare and poorly known resident in Panama. BLACKBIRDS Three open-country blackbird species are expanding their breeding range in Costa Rica, no doubt in response to the ever-expanding acreage of available habitat. On 22 May, BY and JRZ found a Red-winged Blackbird nest with 2 young and many singing males in a wet pasture about 3 km se. of Puerto Viejo/La Selva. This record marks a 40-km eastward extension of the species’s known breeding range on the Caribbean side. On the Pacific side, JRZ observed several males and females around Playa Hermosa on 6 Mar., s. of known breeding sites in Guanacaste. Expanding in the opposite direction is the Red-breasted Blackbird. On 21 Apr, JRZ and EC encountered this species in several locations between La Selva and the Nicaraguan border, as far as 70 km n. of known breeding localities on the Caribbean side. This species was unrecorded in Costa Rica until 1974, having expanded west- ward from Panama. These recent sightings suggest that it may have already reached Nicaragua. In the 25 months since the Crested Oropendola was first recorded in Costa Rica, it has become an established resident in the se. corner of the country. A number of breeding colonies were found in this area of the Pacific lowlands on 2 Apr (JRZ). The westernmost colony was 6.5 km e. of Rio Claro, and the largest colony, containing 10 nests, was in an oil palm plantation near Caiman. There is even an unconfirmed report now from the Caribbean lowlands. UNDOCUMENTED RARITIES The washed up remains of a bird identified as Leach’s Storm-Petrel (white rump, notched tail, wing chord of 155 mm) was found on the beach at Tortuguero 10 May (MG). A similar storm- petrel was found alive earlier, on 3 May, in the gardens of one of the Tortuguero lodges and supposedly photographed. Neither of these birds has been independently verified, and the possibility of one or both being some other species, perhaps Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, has not been ruled out. Regardless of species identification, the records are extraordinary. ADDENDA Two interesting records were received too late for inclusion in the appropriate seasonal reports. An ad. Sooty Tern was found and pho- tographed at close range on Laguna Olomega, San Miguel approximately 10 km inland from the Pacific coast 10 Oct 2001 (ph. RIP, WR). This represents the 2nd record for El Salvador and the first inland. Belize’s first documented Orange-crowned Warbler, a female, was mist- netted along the Sibun R. 7.5 km w. of Grade Bank 16 Dec 2001 (OF). This species is report- ed in Belize almost annually but without sup- porting details. Several photographs of pre- sumed Orange-crowned Warblers in the past have variously proven to be imm. female Mangrove Warblers, Tennessee Warblers, or inconclusive. Literature cited Stiles, F. G., and A. F. Skutch. 1989. A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica. Cornell University Press, New York. Cited observers (country coordinators in bold- face): Marcilio Ack, William Adsett, George Angehr (Panama), Jason Berry, Jim and Dorothy Beveridge, Eric Castro, Emilio Contreras (ECo), John Coons, Omar Figueroa, Nestor Herrera, Tom Jenner, Lee Jones (Belize), Janice Jorgensen, Oliver Komar (El Salvador), Darien Montanez, Susan Lala, Luis Paz, Ricardo Ibarra Portillo, Luis Rios, Wilfredo Rodriguez, John L. Rowlett, Luis Rios, Laval Roy (LRo), Loyda Sanchez, Tom Schall, Sherrard Smith, Jose Tejada, Tom Wheeker, Carren Williams, Samuel Yatz, Bruce Young, James R. Zook (Costa Rica). ll takes more tlian Itic u to preserve, proLccl, onJ restore our licritage — It takes you. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 371 West Indies ATLANTIC OCEAN Grand Ceyman^ JAMAICA Kingston 6 ■ BAHAMA IS, Turks & Caicos Is. ^Greal Inagua I. DOMINICAN SLJohn REPUBLIC sincm,s I Anegada s VIRGIN IS. CARIBBEAN SEA r^K Amtw Curacao Bonaire Moniserraf'’ ^Guadetoupe 5)OonHnica Martinique^ Bartiados SL Vincent Q O LESSER Grenada^ ANTILLES Robert L. Norton 8960 NE Waldo Road Gainesville, Florida 32609 (corvus0486@aol.com) Anthony White 6540 Walhonding Road Bethesda, Maryland 20816 (spindaiis@aol.com) Andrew Dobson Warwick Academy 117 Middle Road Warwick PG 01 Bermuda (info@audubon.bm) The drought in the Bahamas and Cayman Islands this winter and spring brought extensive fires in the pinewoods of southern Great Abaco Island, in the area where Bahama Parrots nest. Although the short-term damage to understory may affect immediate nesting, fire is beneficial in the long run where there are fire-climax forests such as there are in southern Florida. The drought also affected shorebird breeding at salt ponds and ephemeral pools, as noted at Little Cayman Island, where waders and other shorebirds nest and forage. The most exciting observations in the Bahamas this season involved a small flock of Kirtland’s Warblers on Eleuthera. Two Bald Eagles photographed on Great Abaco also made headlines. Nesting for most tern and gull species had commenced by late May, as report- ed by Woody Bracey off Great Abaco, as well as by Paul Dean, Eric Garey, and Melanie Steinkamp on the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. GREBES THROUGH DUCKS At Bermuda, Pied-billed Grebes bred at both Somerset Long Bay Nature Reserve (two broods) and Pitman’s Pond (at least one brood) On Bracey ’s 16 May pelagic trip 8-32 km out of Hope Town, Great Abaco, a Black-capped Petrel, one Greater and 10 Audubon’s Shearwaters, and one Leach’s and 3 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels were seen. Among the transient pelagic species seen off Bermuda, Cory’s Shearwaters’ passage was lighter than usual in May. Greater Shearwaters were uncommon until late May, with most birds being well off- shore (71/hour max; SR). Sooty Shearwaters, however, were seen in good numbers in mid- May, with up to 47/hour on 23 May (SR). Manx Shearwaters are early-spring migrants off Bermuda, so very few were seen after Apr. Off the coast of Port Antonio, Jamaica, a half- day pelagic trip recorded only Audubon’s Shearwater and Red-necked Phalaropes before being turned back by high seas (ESB et al.) At Port Antonio proper, Hoyer found 5 White- tailed Tropicbirds near Polly Point Lighthouse, which may represent an unrecorded colony. A few Masked Boobies have been visiting the Brown Booby colony on Cayman Brae since 1984; one was seen again this spring on 15 Mar (BH, NN). A pair of Red-footed Boobies (one dark morph, one light) nested on Catto Cay, San Salvador, Bahamas 26-30 Apr (WH). Previously only white-morph birds have been reported from this location. A single Double-crested Cormorant was in a flock of 60 Neotropic Cormorants at Cable Beach, New Providence, Bahamas 6-7 May (BH). A superb Little Egret in breeding plumage at Pitman’s Pond from 26 Apr — 3 May (EA) was the 2nd ever for Bermuda (first in 1985). At least 4 Green Herons (WE) on 26 May at Trott’s Pond may well have been attempting to breed. Roseate Spoonbills are rarely seen res- idents on Andros, Bahamas, but 4 were seen there 15-17 May (PD, EC, JW, JH). A blue- morph Snow Goose (RB) at Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda 12 May was the first-ever spring record of this form. Another blue Snow Goose was noted at Treasure Cay, Great Abaco, Bahamas from 25 Mar — 15 May (WB, BH). Pifty Ruddy Ducks was a high count at Blue Pond, Great Exuma, Bahamas (LG, B&JM, MS). O /V Madeiros, the Conservation Warden on Bermuda who has stepped into David wr%Wingate’s shoes, reports good news for the Bermuda Petrel (Cahow). “Since intensive man- agement of the Cahow began, its population has increased from 18 pairs producing 8 fledgling chicks in 1962 to 65 breeding pairs with a record 36 chicks in 2002. (The previous record was 32 in 2001.) Despite the continuing increase in the population, it remains critically endangered and still nests on only four tiny rocky islets totaling less than two acres in area. Continuing threats include: coastal erosion by hurricanes; overwashing of nesting islands; sea level rise; and the physical con- straints of the present breeding areas.” Madeiros has continued to pursue Wingate’s dream of a nest- ing colony on the now-restored and rat-free Nonsuch 1. and is gathering information to attempt translocation of newly fledged chicks to that site in the future. With help from Porzana Ltd. of the U.K., a banding program for the species has begun, with 30 fledglings and 10 adults now sporting custom-made bands, the first of their species to wear them. Individual Cahows can now be distin- guished at the breeding areas, which will aid in the study of their breeding biology. Pinally, growth rates have been studied: “Some 20 fledglings have been weighed regularly to determine growth rates. This has already shown that there is great variation in the rate at which individual chicks develop. Fifty- two days after hatching, the chicks range from 21 1 to 508 g in weight.” The success of the con- servation program appears to have borne fruit in other Regions as well: Bermuda Petrels are now seen annually off North Carolina, and this spring, two birds were seen together 27 May, the first record of multiple birds away from breeding areas. 372 North American Birds West Indies KITE THROUGH TERNS A Mississippi Kite over Nonsuch I. 20 May (DBW; vt. EA) was the first record for Bermuda and the farthest recorded from con- tinental landmasses; it apparently crossed to Cooper’s I. and was possibly seen later in the day over the Hamilton Harbour Is (SR, DW). Two Bald Eagles photographed over Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco 13 Mar were the first confirmed record for the Bahamas (RP). A Red-tailed Hawk (DW) was over Morgan’s Pt. 27 Apr (presumed to be the bird seen in Dec). A Northern Bobwhite was heard at Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba 1 Mar (IM, GM,J C). Between 45 and 50 Piping Plovers were hud- dled on the lee shore at Kamalame Cay, Andros 2 Mar, seeking protection from strong winds and high waves (EC). A Black-necked Stilt (AD) flew over Harrington Sound, Bermuda on 20 Apr, then stayed at North Pond into May. Several sightings of Red Knot were made at Bermuda this spring 21 May+.ARuff (WF, SR) was at North Pond, Bermuda from 18-24 Apr. This was a very good spring for skua sight- ings off Bermuda. The four records here refer either to Great Skua or to South Polar Skua, the latter being presumably much more likely: sin- gle birds were offshore on 5 May (GL), over Nonsuch 1. 16 May (WF), off Devonshire Bay 18 May (SR), and at Elbow Beach 19 May (SR, AD). There was also a good passage of the three jaeger species (SR) off the s. shore of Bermuda. A Ring-billed Gull ne. of Port Royal 28 Apr and a second-summer Herring Gull at Parrottee 22 Apr were rare for lamaica (ESB et al.). A sec- ond-summer Laughing Gull was seen through- out the period at Bermuda (AD). A survey of breeding seabirds in most of the s. two-thirds of the Berry Islands, Bahamas 21-24 May (PD, EC, MSt) provided important new data sum- marized in Table 1. (The number given is a gross estimate of the number of nests; “x” means the species was present on the island.) PIGEONS THROUGH ORIOLES An estimated 500 Ring-tailed Pigeons were seen flying eastward all morning in small flocks over Ecclesdown, Drivers River Valley, Jamaica 1 1 Apr (RLS, RH). This is the highest day count of the species reported in this Regional report and one of the highest known to Sutton. The remains of a Northern Saw-whet Owl (JM) were found in Jenningsland, Bermuda on 24 Apr. On 28 Mar, JV videotaped a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Freeport, Grand Bahama, where it is a rare win- ter visitor. In a moment of ecological balance reminiscent of David Lack’s studies of niche loading on Caribbean islands, 2 each of Cuban Table 1. Breeding seabirds in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. See Text. Species Laughing Gull Gull-billed Tern Royal Tern Roseate Tern Least Tern Bridled Tern Sooty Tern Brown Noddy Location Mamma Rhoda Rock X X 25 too 150 S. Stirrup Cay X X Bushes Cay X 1 X Rum Cay 200 1000+ Chub Cay 2 Cat Cay X X N. Fish Cay 250 X Sandy Cay 25 X Rock off Little Whale Qy 75 Frozen Cay X X X 300 700 400 Alder Cay 200 50 100 50 S. Market Fish Cay 25 X X X X X White Cay 40 X 20 N. Market Fish Cay 20+ X High Cay 5 17 Abner Cay X X X Guana Cay X Cabbage Cay X X Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 373 Emerald and Bahama Woodstar were found on tiny Cave Cay located between Grand Bahama and Great Abaco 28 Apr (EM-G, RJ, KNT). On 1 Mar, 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were noted at Santa Clara, Cuba (JM, GM, JC). A Gray Kingbird was present at Tudor Farm, Bermuda 11-13 May (WE, SR), while a Red-eyed Vireo was on Nonsuch I. 11-12 May (JM). Barn Swallows arrived at Bermuda in small numbers during the period. On 9 May, BH noted a Bank Swallow at Marsh EJarbour dump. Great Abaco. A single Cuban Crow was noted at Santa Clara, Cuba 1 Mar (JC, JM, GM). Four Bahama Swallows at Chub Cay, Berry Is., Bahamas 9-15 Mar (SS) were outside their breeding range. A Veery (WE, SR) was a very good find at Ferry Point, Bermuda 4 May (the latest ever spring record). Rich Hoyer and party found both Tennessee and Black-throated Green Warblers in the same Grevillea tree on 10 Apr near Hardwar Gap, Jamaica; Cape May Warblers were noted at Barbecue Bottom 10 Apr (3 birds) and e. of Port Antonio 12 Apr (one; RH et al.) and near Black River 22 Apr (2; ESB et al.). Several Magnolia Warblers were seen in May, making it the most common spring warbler at Bermuda. A stunning male Blackburnian Warbler was seen at Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, Bermuda 1 2 May, where it stayed for a few days, a very rare spring migrant (WE). A singing Prairie Warbler (WE) was found in the same area on Eleuthera as the Kirtland’s from 12-23 May; the species had never previously been recorded in May here. May warbler sightings at Bermuda included American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, and Common Yellowthroat. At Ecclesdown, Drivers River Valley, Jamaica, RH noted a Worm-eating Warbler 1 1 Apr and anoth- er at Port Antonio 12 Apr. Three Red-legged Honeycreepers were seen at Santa Clara, Cu. on 1 Mar (GM, JM, JC). A Blue Grosbeak (WE, SR) was at Ferry Point, Bermuda on 4 May, while the only spring Bobolink (EA) was singing at Hog Bay Park on 6 May. On San Salvador, Bahamas, WH noted a pair of Bobolinks on 16 May. A pair of Shiny Cowbirds was at Santa Clara, Cuba on 1 Mar ( JC et al). The Suttons have noted a distinct increase in Shiny Cowbirds on Jamaica in the past three years; one tour group saw 2 to 4 daily at multiple locations 22-27 Apr, which was unprecedented (ESB et al.) Michael Baltz found 17 Greater Antillean Orioles (formerly Black- cowled Oriole), including 5 imms., on Andros, Bahamas 14-17 May; he also found a nest with 4 oriole nestlings and no young cowbird at Stanniard Creek, Andros, Bahamas. EXOTICS Blue-fronted Parrots, still being seen in the area of Southampton, Bermuda, raised 2 young in a cedar tree this spring. Monk Parakeets appear to be well established on Grand Cayman, where sev- eral communal nests were located 8-11 Mar (BH, NN). Although firmly established in the conti- nental avifauna, European Starling should be considered an invasive exotic worthy of expulsion from the West Indies. They now breed now in the Bahamas (White 1998), where BH has recorded nesting at Abaco (9 May). Observers and contributors (subregional editors in boldface): Eric Amos, Michael Baltz, Johnny Bethell, Robert Blakesley, Elwood & Betsy Bracey ( WB), Edward S. Brinkley, Sandy Buckner, Chuck Cable, Eric Carey, Julie Craves, Paul Dean, Andrew Dobson, Charles Fernie, Wendy Frith, Lynn Gape, Nelse Greenway, Bruce Hallett (BH), William Hayes, James Hickey, Rich Hoyer, Lee Johnson, Ricardo Johnson, Kayak Nature Tours, Lionel Levine, Jeremy Madeiros, Gary Markowski, Melissa Maura, Neil McKinney, John McNeely, Basil and Jane Minns, Predensa Moore, Erika Moultrie-Gates (EM-G), Nancy Norman, Ron PagJiaro, Steve Rodwell, Freddie Schaller, Richard Sofer, Lisa Sorenson, Melanie Steinkamp (MSt), Sigrid Stiles, Ann Haynes Sutton, Robert L. Sutton, Monique Sweeting (MS), John Vanderpoel, Paul Watson, David Wallace (DW), Tony White, David B. Wingate (DBW), Jessica Hawaiian Islands Robert L. Pyle 1 31 4 Kalakaua Avenue #1 01 0 Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 (rlpyle@hawaii.rr.com) Peter Donaldson 2375 Ahakapu Street Pearl City, Hawaii 96782 (pdonaidson@hawaii.rr.com) Heavy rains, which started last Oct, continued into late May. Rainfall for the year was near normal to above normal at most locations through May. The main exception was the Kona district of Hawai'i I., where rainfall was only about half the normal amount. Abbreviations: E. (Endangered Species); H. (Hawai’i Island); Hakalau (Hakalau N.W.R., Hawai'i Island); Hanalei (Hanalei N.W.R., Kaua'i L); Honouliuli (Honouliuli Unit of Pearl Harbor N.W.R., 0‘ahu Island); K. (Kaua‘i Island); Kanaha (Kanaha Pond, Maui Island); Kealia (Kealia Pond N.W.R., Maui Island); Kii (Ki‘i Unit of James Gampbell N.W.R., 0‘ahu Island); K.P. (Kilauea Pt. N.W.R., Kaua'i Island); M. (Maui Island); O. (0‘ahu Island); Waiawa (Waiawa Unit of Pearl Harbor N.W.R., 0‘ahu Island); T. (Threatened Species). ALBATROSS THROUGH EGRETS Two Short-tailed Albatrosses that appeared on Midway atoll last fall departed on schedule. The last reports were from 1 1 Apr for a bird on Sand I. and 12 Apr for a bird on Eastern I. (WS). One Streaked Shearwater was spotted from a boat near Kaua‘i I. 22 Mar. A brief but convincing description was provided (fDK). Streaked Shearwaters are very rare in Hawaiian waters. As usual, reports were too sparse to tell much about arrival dates or numbers for locally breeding tubenoses. Hawaiian Petrels (E.) were seen off 374 North American Birds Hawaiian Islands Kona H. (RB) and heard over Kaua'i I. (DK) in early Apr. A few Bulwer’s Petrels were observed daily off Kona H.1-6 Apr (RB), and 3 were counted between Kaua'i I. and Lehua I. 7 May (DK). Several Christmas Shearwaters were observed off Kona H. in early Apr (RB), and one was reported between Kaua‘i I. and Lehua I. 7 May (DK). Newell’s Shearwaters (T.) were heard calling in Waimea Canyon K. 28 Mar (DK). It is troubling that no one reported seeing any this spring. Two Band-rumped Storm-Petrels were found off Kona H. 6 Apr and one on 7 Apr (RB). Band-rumpeds were first heard calling in Waimea Canyon K. 29 May (DK). That seems to be a typical date (as far as we can tell) for this lit- tle-known species. A Red-billed Tropicbird was studied at K.P. 21 Mar (DK). A Red-billed frequented K.P. in the springs of 1999 and 2000 but was not reported during the spring of 2001. Reports from K.P. were sparse last spring, so it is possible the bird was present but not reported. A Great Blue Heron was observed 15 & 17 Apr at Lokoaka Pond H. Great Blue Herons are rare in the Hawaiian Islands. DUCKS THROUGH RAILS Wintering waterfowl, low in numbers again, seemed to leave rather early this year. The last dabbling ducks were reported at Kealia 2 May, where 4 Northern Shovelers were counted (MN). The last report of a migrant duck was 19 May, when 2 scaup were seen at Kealia (DK). Single Ospreys were observed at Kealia 21 Mar & 4 Apr (MS) and at Lokoaka Pond H. 17 Apr (DL). The Rough-legged Hawk that appeared on Midway Atoll last fall was last reported there 19 Mar (CV). A Rough-legged Hawk seen 20 Mar on Kaho’olawe I. may have been the same bird seen there by the same observer last Nov (LT). Rough-leggeds are very rare in Hawai’i. There were no reports of Peregrine Falcons this spring. Perhaps the win- tering Peregrines left early this year. Numbers of Hawaiian Coots (E.) were low in most locations on 0‘ahu I. and Maui I. (PD, MN). Honouliuli was an exception: Hawaiian Coots continued to breed there in healthy num- bers. On 1 May, there were 145, including many broods of chicks, with 12 ads. sitting on nests. An American Coot discovered last Dec at Waiakea Pond H. was observed there 2 Mar (JR), 20 Mar (DL) and 15 Apr (DL) — the last report- ed sighting of the bird. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERMS A pale-headed stilt discovered near Kailua H. Feb was scrutinized 16 Mar (JR, DL) and 22 Apr (AE). There was speculation that it might be a vagrant Black-winged (Pied) Stilt from Australasia, but the bird’s head had darkened by Apr, leaving little doubt it is a Hawaiian Stilt. Hawaiian Stilts (E.) began nesting unusually early this year and by 1 May, some chicks had already fledged (PD). A Black-taUed Godwit first seen on Maui Oct 2000 remained at Kii Jan 2001 — Apr 2002 (m. ob.). The godwit never molted into breeding plumage in 2001. This year the bird had started molting into breeding plumage by 30 Mar (PD, KP) and was last observed 20 Apr, when it was reported to be about a week from attaining definitive alternate plumage (MO, RPy). We sel- dom have exact departure dates for migrant shorebirds, but flocks of Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings were observed at Kii 30 Apr heading n. over the ocean till they disappeared from sight (PD). Four Pomarine Jaegers were observed off 0‘ahu I. 17 Mar (PD), and one was spotted there 28 Mar (SZ). A single Pomarine Jaeger was seen off Kaua’i 1. 22 Mar. (DK). Pomarine Jaegers are reported regularly in small numbers from fall through spring. Much higher num- bers were reported before 1980, when raw sewage was being piped offshore. Numbers of wintering gulls dwindled rapid- ly after Jan. The last Laughing Gulls seen were 4 first-year birds at Kii 3 Mar (PD). Glaucous- winged Gulls lingered until at least 4 Apr, when 2 were at Kealia (MS). As the wintering gulls disappeared, new species turned up. Single Franklin’s Gulls were at Kealia 18 Apr & 2 May (MN), and 2 were in Waimea, K. 13 May (DK). This pattern is typical. Most gulls in Hawaii are imm. birds seen in winter, but in most springs, a few ad. Franklin’s Gulls appear in alternate plumage. A Bonaparte’s Gull in alternate plumage over Hilo Bay H. 14 & 15 May (fDL) was exceptional. A Gaspian Tern was observed at Kii 9 Mar (PD) and in Kane’ohe O. 15 Apr (MR). This is probably the same individual that has been in the islands since Nov 2000. One basic- plumaged Common Tern was seen at Kanaha 19 Mar (DK). Both of these species are uncom- mon in Hawaifi. About 20,000 Sooty Terns were estimated to be on Manana L, a small island near 0‘ahu I., 21 May. That is much lower than the 60,000 to 80,000 normally there in May. Only a few Brown Noddies were seen; thousands are normally present (DS). A survey of White Terns in Honolulu found 670 ads. and 187 “nests” (EV). (White Terns lay their eggs directly on tree branches or other platforms, so they don’t have nests in the usual sense). PUAIOHI THROUGH PASSERINES One Puaiohi (E.) was seen well in the Alaka‘i Swamp K. 3 Apr (SZ), and one was heard there C /V Staff and volunteers with the Maui WFmForest Bird Recovery Project have been trying to unite one of two female Po‘ouli with the only remaining male. After weeks of effort in a remote moun- tain area of Maui I., project members suc- ceeded in capturing a female 4 Apr. She was fitted with a radio transmitter and moved into the male’s territory. The female remained overnight but the next morning she quickly returned to her own territory (JG). 19 Apr (JR). Five Greater-Necklaced Laughing- thrushes were glimpsed near Puhi K. 4 Apr (SZ). This elusive exotic is seldom reported. Palila (E.) were observed at Pu‘u La‘au H. 15 Mar and 1 Apr (RP) and again 27 Apr. On 27 Apr, there were many mamane seedpods, the Palila’s main food (DL). ‘Akohekohe (E.) were heard along the Waikamoi boardwalk M. 9 Mar, but no Maui Parrotbills (E.) could be found. On 21 Mar, a Maui Parrotbill was spotted, and ‘Akohekohe were again heard but not seen (SZ). One or 2 ‘Akiapola‘au (E.) were observed along Pu‘u ‘0‘o Trail, H. 10 & 20 Mar and 20 Apr (JR). ‘Akiapola‘au continue to be seen regularly by tour groups on Pu‘u ‘0‘o Ranch H. Mar-l- (RP). ‘Akiapola‘au in Hakalau were very vocal last May; this May they were nearly silent (LP). This may be related to the rainier weather this year, but not enough is known about this rare species to be sure. ‘Akikiki were observed collecting nest material in the Alaka‘i Swamp K.16 (DK) & 18 Apr (JR). A nest was located 22 Apr (DK). The unfinished nest had been abandoned by 30 Apr (DK). One‘Akeke‘e was observed building a nest inKoke‘e S.P. K. 18 Apr (JR). Black-rumped Waxbills were reported in Pu‘uanahulu H. 24 Mar, and 2 Red-cheeked Cordonbleu were observed there 21 Apr (DL). These little exotic finches are rare and local. African Silverbills have been rare and local on 0‘ahu 1. but have been reported more frequent- ly in the last few years. Small numbers were spotted regularly at Honouliuli this spring (PD). Contributors: Robin Baird, Chad Castle, Reg David, Jim Denny, Peter Donaldson, Andrew Engilis, Jeff Foster, Jim Groombridge, David Kuhn, Dan Lindsay, Richard May, Mike Nishimoto, Mike Ord, Rob Pacheco, Liba Pejchar, Kurt Pohlman, Robert Pyle (RPy), Mark Rauzon, Jason Rogers, Wayne Sentman, David Smith, Lance Tanino, Cynthia Vanderlipp, Eric VanderWerf, Michael Walther, Samantha Whitcraft, Steve Zimmerman. Volume 56 {2002), Number 3 375 statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1 . Publication Title: North American Birds 2. Publication No; 1525-3708 3. Filing Date: 09^6102 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly 5. No of Issues Published Annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription Price: $30 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: P.O. Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934-65998. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: P.O. Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599 Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: American Birding Association, P.O. Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599; Editor: Edward Brinkley, 9 RandophAve., Cape Charles, VA 23310-3213 10. Owner: American Birding Association, P.O. Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication Title: 14. Issue Date for Circulation North American Birds Data Below: Vol 56:2 15. Extent and Nature of Avg No. Circulation Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months Actual No. of Copies Single Issue Published Nearest to Filling Date a. Total No. Copies „ ocn (Net Press Run) 5,001 b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation (1) Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions 4488 (Including Advertisers’ Proof of copies/Exchange Copies) 4385 (2) Paid In-county Subscription 0 0 (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and 0 Counter Sales (Not Mailed) 0 (4) Other Classes Mailed USPS 0 0 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation [Sum of 15b. (1). (2). 4488 (3) and (4)] 4385 d. Free Distribution by Mail [Samples, complimentary, and 75 other free] (1) Outside-County 75 (2) In-County 0 0 (3) Other Classes Mailed USPS 0 0 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail 0 (Carriers of Other Means) 0 f. Total Free Distribution (Sum yg of 15d and 15e) 75 g. Total Distribution 4FR3 (Sum of 15c and 15f) 4460 h. Copies Not Distributed 787 541 i. Total (Sum of 15 g, and h.) 5350 5001 j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 98% (15c. /15g. X 100) 98% 16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Vol 56:3 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Paul Green, Executive Director, 07 October, 2001 , 1 certify that all Information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or mis- leading information requested on the form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). Jou ours P.O. BOX 196 PLANETARIUM STATION NEW YORK, NY 10024 U.S.A. (212) 866-7923 “the greatest operator of ornithological tours on earth” Arthur Frommer The Asia Specialists website: www.kingbirdtours.com email: kingbirdtours@earthlink.net 2003 BIRDING TOURS THAILAND Northwest, Central, Peninsular 4- 26 January SOUTH INDIA Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman Is. 2-25 January Forest Owlet Pretour 28 December- 4 January SRI LANKA 24 January-10 February PHILIPPINES Luzon, Mindanao, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, Negros 31 January- 3 March CAMBODIA Giant Ibis 7-25 March CHINA #1 Beidaihe Migration 3-19 May CHINA #2 Manchuria, Inner Mongolia 20 May-14 June INDONESIA #1 Java, Bali 12 July-2 August INDONESIA #2 Sulawesi 3-24 August BHUTAN 28 March- 20 April EAST HIMALAYAS West Arunachal Pradesh 25 April-18 May MALAYSIA Malaya, Borneo (Mt. Kinabalu) 3-25 May Looking for a Birding Adventure? Go offshore with SSStbirdltl^ ? " ‘ ' ' ' J ivLttA. • Pelagic trips since 1986 • Departures from Virginia Beach, VA Oregon Inlet, NC Hatteras, NC aboard the best & fastest boats available • Friendly knowledgeable leaders with extensive offshore experience • Chum for bringing the birds close • Winter trips for Great Skua For more information contact and alcids Brian Patteson Seabirding • Spring & summer trips for Gulf Stream specialties RO.Box 772 including me Pterodromas Hatteras NC 27943 and tropicbirds (252) 986-1363 • Late summer trips for White-faced http://www.seabirding.com Storm-Petrel 376 North American Birds Photo Salon Black-capped Petrel is the species that sparked initial interest in North Carolina pelagic trips three decades ago. Once thought to be quite rare, it is now seldom missed on birding trips to deep Gulf Stream waters, which often tally over 100 of these handsome birds, with counts approaching 600 birds in summer. The species is still listed as Endangered by most authorities. 27 May 2002. J.B.P. Greater Shearwater, which bears a superficial resemblance to Black-capped Petrel, is often quite common in early June but is sometimes hard to find in even the last few days of May. Its passage into the North Atlantic is from the nesting grounds at Tristan da Cunha and vicinity, in the South Atlantic Ocean. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. Since the mid-1990s, Bermuda Petrel has been seen almost annually off Cape Hatteras. The majority of the records have been from late May and early June, which could reflect the intense pelagic birding effort at that sea- son or the spring dispersal of breeding adults and juveniles from the nesting grounds 900 km away. Pelagic sightings should increase as this critically endangered seabird continues its comeback. This bird, probably an adult (adults molt remiges and rectrices in spring), was found sitting on the water with a newly-fledged juvenile Bermuda Petrel and three Black-capped Petrels. 27 May 2002. J.B.P Virtually unknown in North American waters prior to the 1 990s, Pea’s Petrels are rare but regular in the deep water of the Gulf Stream, with most records from late May to July. The species is most often observed during or just after periods of easterly or southeasterly winds. Note the heavy bill on this bird, appreciably different from that of the smaller Zino’s Petrel. 27 May 2002. J.B.P Unlike most pelagic seabirds off Cape Hatteras in the warm months, both Greater Shearwater and Wilson’s Storm-Petrel are easily attracted to chum and will often follow boats. Greater Shearwaters are particularly hungry, having crossed thousands of kilometers of comparatively sterile tropical water en route to feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 377 Gulf Stream Seabirds, Spring 2002 Of the three rare gadfly petrels found off Cape Hatteras, Herald Petrel is the most likely to be seen. Its appearances here do not appear to be as depend- ent on easterly winds as are Bermuda and Pea’s Petrels’. Plumage varies considerably in the species; the dark morph is the type most often seen. This bird is in active molt of coverts as well as flight feathers. 26 May 2002. J.B.P. Audubon’s Shearwater is a common summer visitor to Gulf Stream waters but may be rather scarce in spring, particularly if its primary habitat, large rafts of gulf weed {Sargassum spp.), is hard to find. 1 June 2002. J.B.P. In spring. Sooty Shearwaters, most often observed within a few km of coastal beaches, also occur far out to sea, where observers sometimes mistake them for Herald Petrels. Differences in shape, flight style, bill structure, and plumage distin- guish the two. Most Sooty Shearwaters pass Cape Hatteras in the last two weeks of May. By the second week of June, they are uncommon in the Gulf Stream and most likely to be seen during a northeasterly blow. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. Wilson’s Storm-Petrel is by far the commonest storm-petrel seen on spring trips to the Gulf Stream. Like Greater and Sooty Shearwaters, most of these birds are transients on their way to cooler, more productive waters in the North Atlantic, but many remain through the early autumn, and records extend into December. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. As is true of the rare gadfly petrels, tropicbirds are noted more frequently on days with southeasterly winds, even very light winds. The catesbyi subspecies of White-tailed Tropicbird is a common breeder on nearby Bermuda and in the Caribbean Sea. 2 June 2002. J.B.P. 378 North American Birds Photo Salon While adult Pomarine Jaegers such as this one can be still be seen sparingly in late May, the largest numbers of adults are usually seen in late April and early May. As May progresses, the proportion of subadult birds increases steadily. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. Though it may be the commonest jaeger seen from land in North Carolina on some days in May, Parasitic Jaeger is actually the least likely of the three species to be seen far offshore. This bird is an adult light morph. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. Encounters with adult Long-tailed Jaegers are a good possibility on May pelagic trips from Cape Hatteras, especially when the wind is blowing toward shore. With the right conditions, one even has a reasonable chance of seeing this species from shore at Buxton. The peak count from land at Cape Point is 12! 24 May 2002. J.B.P The dusky breast and barred underwing and undertail coverts help to age this Long-tailed Jaeger as a bird in its third calendar year (second-sum mer plumage). Younger birds, without reproductive responsibilities, often outnumber adults as the migration progresses. 24 May 2002. J.B.P Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 379 Gulf Stream Seabirds, Spring 2002 Spring 2002 saw an unusually late heavy migration of Pomarine Jaegers off the coast of North Carolina. Peak passage of the species usually occurs from mid-April to early or mid-May, but as many as 78 were recorded on 24 May, when this bird was photographed. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. Dark morphs of Pomarine Jaeger are common, and though some references indicate that only ten per cent of the population is dark, the proportion regis- tered on pelagic trips in the western North Atlantic can be higher. This bird is probably in its fourth calendar year or perhaps younger, as it is adult-like in plumage but retains some of the calico leg patterning of a subadult. Many dark morphs show reduced white in the primaries and underprimary coverts, such as this one. Some have an almost purplish sheen. 24 May 2002. J.B.P Both this Pomarine Jaeger and the one to the left show fairly well developed caps and central rectrices, approaching the appearance of definitive adult plumage, but heavily barred sides and underwings, which are seen in younger plumages. Both can be tentatively aged as birds in their third calen- dar year (second-summer plumage), but some experts suggest fourth year for the bird above. 24 May 2002. J.B.P. Ageing young jaegers can be difficult, both in the field and from photographs. i This bird is probably in its second calendar year, based on the somewhat indistinct cap, fully barred underparts, and undeveloped central rectrices. ! This could, however, be an intermediate morph in its third calendar year. | 24 May 2002. J.B.P. \ This bird is difficult to age based on the dorsal view alone. Its adult-like plumage perhaps indicates an adult that has yet to shed the barred uppertail coverts of basic plumage, but the extent of white remaining in the tail (in late May) suggests a light morph in its fourth calendar year (third-summer plumage). 24 May 2002. J.B.P. 380 North American Birds Pictorial Highlights Intermittent and short-lived northeasterly winds brought a few European Golden-Plovers to Nev.rfoundland, including this bird in Eastport photographed 28 April, one of three present at that locali^' 22-28 April 2002. Photograph by Bruce Mactavish. This male Eurasian Kestrel delighted observers on Cape Cod this spring. First found at Wellfleet 1 4 April 2002, it was relocated four days later on Morris Island in Chatham, where it stayed through 5 May. The only other state record is from Hull — 29 September 1 887! Photograph by Phil Brown. This immature junco, photographed at Saint-Celestin, Quebec 27 April 2002, stirred some controversy but was finally thought to be a Pink-sided Junco, the meams/ subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco, a very scarce vagrant east of ^'pical range. Photograph by Julie Lampron. Providing the first confirmed breeding record in the United States away from southern California was this Elegant Tern (upper left) incubating an egg at an Audubon Sanctuary in Hillsborough Bay, Florida (here 24 May 2002). The bird was thought to be a male based on bill morphology; its mate was apparently a Sandwich Tern, and a chick was tended by the two in early June. Photograph by Rich Paul. Records of White-faced Ibis out of core range continue to accumulate. These birds were found in two eastern states’ refuges: at Chincoteague N.W.R. in coastal Virginia 19 May to 5 June 2002 (right; here 2 June) and at Eufaula M.W.R. in southwestern Georgia 19 March to 20 April 2002 (left). Photographs by Todd M. Day (right) and James R. Flynn, Jr. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 381 This female Herring Gull at Rutherford Beach, Cameron Parish, Louisiana — apparently a “pure” bird of the North American smithsonianus subspecies — showed yellow legs, a very rare character in North American birds, it was collected 25 April 2002 and was one of three similar birds seen in the area 25-26 April. Photograph by B. Mac. Myers. The spring of 2002 was memorable for the presence of many western (and midcontinental) species east of normal range, but Minnesota’s two male Scott’s Orioles may take the prize in this category. One in Wright County was noted 20 March to 23 April, while this one at Oronoco, Olmsted County was seen by many 17 (here) to 20 April. The state has one other record, from May 1 974. Photograph by Anthony Hertzel. One of four La Sagra’s Flycatchers present in Florida this season, this individ- ual was found Christmas Day 2001 and remained to 21 March (here 17 March) 2002. Photograph by Jay Lehman. Flame-colored Tanagers made two appearances in Texas this spring: a female on South Padre Island, Cameron County, and this male in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park 26 to 27 (here) April 2002. The three previously found in the state were all in the mountains of western Texas. Photograph by Matt Victoria. This Black Rail, one of two present, was discovered at The Nature Conservancy’s recently reclaimed Kankakee Sands wet prairie in Newton, Indiana on 25 May 2002. At least one individual remained through 27 May. Observers searching for Black Rails in interior wetlands have met with sur- prising successes in recent years. Photograph by Jeffrey J. McCoy. The Canadian Wildlife Service made efforts in 2002 to assess the Ontario breeding population of Henslow’s Sparrow. An encouraging sign was the seven individuals seen at Point Pelee during April and May, one of which is pictured here from May 2002. Photograph by Aifred Rider. 382 North American Birds Pictorial Highlights This Clark’s Nutcracker, discovered in Cheaha State Park, Cleburne County, Alabama on 19 April 2002, provided a first state record and one of the east- ernmost records anywhere. Photograph by Greg D. Jackson. One of six Terek Sandpipers found in Alaska in spring 2002, this one was present at St. Paul Island 31 May. Photograph by Susan Hengeveld. Two male Falcated Ducks were found on the West Coast this spring. This one was studied 19 March to 2 April 2002 (here 31 March) at the Fleming Unit of the Honey Lake Wildlife Area in Lassen County, California, where it attempted to court Gadwail hens. Another was present 21 February to 26 March in Skagit County, Washington. Photograph from videotape by Leslie Lieurance. The only Hawfinch of the season was this male at a Shemya Island, Alaska feeder 19-26 May 2002. Photograph by M. T. Schwitters. South Florida’s population of fifu/Jcf/ac/i/Yeiiow Warblers (sometimes called “Golden Warbler” collectively with the rest of the Caribbean petechia group) numbers on the order of 2000 pairs, but it still poses identification problems, particularly the very pale young females. This subspecies also nests in Cuba. This photograph was taken on Card Sound Road in Monroe County 1 8 May 2002, a good place to see gundlachi. Photograph by Joe B. Milosevich. Of the 43 subspecies of Yellow Warbler, there are three main groups: the migratory aes- tiva group of North America, the nominate petechia group that includes gundlachi (to the left), and the erithachoridesqmp (“Mangrove Warbler”) of the coasts of (Central and South America. Twenty-two Yellow Warblers caught in the nets 21 -23 April 2002 at Sacrifios in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico, were apparently Caribbean petechia-qmp birds, rather than Mangrove Warblers or migrating northern birds. Photograph by Barbara MacKinnon. Volume 56 (2002), Number 3 383 An adult male Bullock’s Oriole is doubly rare in the East, where most reports are of difficult-to-identify young birds. This bird constituted a first confirmed state record at Vienna, Virginia, where it was present 1 6 March to 6 April 2002. Photograph by Marshall J. Iliff. Washington’s first Painted Bunting, found in the winter, continued at Seattle through 3 March 2002, when it was photographed here. Vagrant Painted Buntings were found throughout much of the continent this season. Photograph by Ruth Sullivan. A Western Scrub-Jay of the woodhouseii/nevadae group remained at Chief Timothy State Park, Washington through the end of March (here 31 March 2002) Note the slender bill and dull underparts. Photograph by Ruth Sullivan. This juvenile Ornate Hawk-Eagle was photographed near San Isidro Piedra Ancha, near Jalapa de Diaz, Oaxaca 17 March 2002. According to published references, the species is rare in this state of Mexico. Photograph by Francisco Marini Zuniga. Researchers working on Kirtland’s Warblers in the Bahamas have met with success in tracking wintering birds. This bird on Eleuthera was one of at least eight noted 9 March to 28 April 2002 (here 18 March) in broadleaf cop- pice south of Tarpum Bay; six of these birds were color-banded here. Photograph by Aiieen Bainton. One of an increasing number of vagrant Black-chinned Hummingbirds record- ed east of the Mississippi River, this bird provided a first photographic state record at Virginia Beach, Virginia 6 January to 5 February 2002. The recurved, club-shaped outer primary tip, ashen face, and rather long bill distinguish Black-chinned from Ruby-throated, one of which also overwintered in Virginia Beach in 2001-2002, the first such state record. Photograph by Andy Tate. This Common Ringed Plover photographed at Baie-du-Febvre was the second in less than two years for the province of Quebec. Photograph by Sylvain Gosselin. 384 North American Birps NEW. BRUNTON EPOCH™ BINOCULARS IN 7.5X43MM and 10.5X43MM. ATTACHABLE 2X FIELD SCOPE ALSO AVAILABLE. V y'^^oVi ''Of; ls