BIRD A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION MARCH THROUGH MAY 2004 VOLUME 58: NO. 3, 2004 © American Birding A s s o C I A T 1 ° N SPRING MIGRATION • EXTRALIMITAL SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS SWASOVSKf m Fly with Swarovski You’ll see more in nature. New 32 MM E L Compact Binoculars: • The Ultimate Class of premium binoculars in a smaller, lightweight (21.5 oz & 5.4" tall) package in 8X32 and 10X32 power configurations with close focus from 7 ft. • Brilliant, Swarobright'", optical performance, shockproof, waterproof submersible, widest fields of view and perfect under a birding coat or in a jacket pocket. Also accepts 2X Doubler. • Comfortable, Double Bridge, ergonomic design, with rugged, armored, magnesium housing. Comes with our legendary Limited Lifetime Warranty.* See for yourself at a dealer near you. Contact 800-426-3089 or www.swarovskioptik.com. EL 10X32 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. O N T E NTS Spring Migration: March through May 2004 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS • AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION • VOLUME 58 • NUMBER 3 • 2 0 0 4 . - wmm ■ Little Stint ( Calidris, minuta ) in North America and the Hawaiian Islands: a review of status and distribution Marshall J. Iliff and Brian L. Sullivan 324 The Changing Seasons Stephen J. Dinsmore and W. Ross Silcock 364 Eastern Highlands & Upper Ohio River Valley Victor W. Fazio, II! and Nick Pulcinella 370 374 Illinois & Indiana Kenneth J. Brock Western Great Lakes Jim Granlund 417 Alaska Thede Tobish 421 British Columbia Donald G. Ceciie ffummsmuaiM 422 Oregon & Washington Steven Mlodinow, David Irons, and Bill Tweit Editor’s Notebook 454 Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus): a first for Mexico Daniel Galindo, Steven G. Mlodinow, Luis Sauma, and Roberto Carmona 4Q Photo Salon 460 Pictorial Highlights The Regional Reports 11 A Atlantic Provinces & St. Pierre Et Miquelon Blake Maybank = ; / Quebec Pierre Bannon, Samuel Denault, Yves Aubry, and Normand David 339 ^ew !":n Simon Perkins 2/1/1 Hudson-Deiaware Richard R. Veit, Joseph C. Burgiel, David A. Cutler, Steve Keliing, and Robert 0. Paxton IdQ Middle Atlantic Todd M. Day 408 Great Basin Steve Summers and Rick Fridell 354 Southern Atlantic Ricky Davis ,41 A New Mexico ' Sartor 0. Williams III 2CQ Florida Bill Pranty Ontario Matthew L. Holder 414 Arizona Mark M. Stevenson an# Gary H. Rosenberg 0S THE COVER: The bird of the season in Texas was this male Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush that set up shop in Pharr beginning 27 May 2004 (here 31 May), This individual is the first to be documented in the United States, but the s pedes is an abundant summer resident as far &. north as central Tamaulipas in Mexico, Just 240 km to the south. Photograph by Rath Hoyt. m Iowa & Missouri Roger D. McNeill 2 Of Tennessee & Kentucky Chris Sioan and Brainard Palmer-Bali, Jr. 204 Central Southern Phillip A. Wallace 207 Northern Canada Cameron D. Eckert 2 OQ Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koes and Peter Taylor 391 Northern Great Plains Ron Martin 394 Southern Great Plains Joseph A. Grzybowski and W. Ross Silcock Texas Mark W. Lockwood 4Q Idaho & Western Montana David Trochleil 405 Colorado & Wyoming Christopher L. Wood and Doug Faulkne A! Middle Pacific Coast Scott B. Terrill, Luke W. Cole, Steven A. Glover, and Michael M. Rogers Southern Pacific Coast Guy McCaskie and Kimball L. Garrett 4 Baja California Peninsula Richard A. Erickson, Robert A. Hamilton, Eduardo Palacios, and Roberto Carmona 440 Mexico Hector Gomez de Silva 446 Central America H. Lee Jones /j Zip West Indies & Bermuda Robert L. Norton, Anthony White, and Andrew Dobson Hawaiian Islands Robert L. Pyle and Peter Donaldson $ American Birding ASSOCIATION CHAIR Richard H. Payne VICE-CHAIR Bettie R. Harriman BOARD OF DIRECTORS David M. Bird Paul Bristow Donald Dann John C. Kricher Dennis H. Lacoss Michael Ord Father Tom Pincelli Debra Shearwater Ann Stone William R. Stott, Jr. Harry Tow Bob Warneke Anthony W. White PRESIDENT & CEO Steve R. Runnels VICE PRESIDENTS DIRECTOR OF ABA SALES Terry O’Nele DEVELOPMENT Steve R. Runnels MEMBERSHIP Rich Downing CONVENTIONS AND CONFERENCES Nanci Hawley and Bill Maynard CONSERVATION David Hartley and Betty Petersen EDUCATION Lori Fujimoto TREASURERS CFO Lesli Rhodes SECRETARY OF ABA Carol Wallace 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) A CO CO (A > Ul' o oo D~ in X CD < CC 'c CD Lef CZi m C/J \tP North American Birds is published by ihe American Birding Associalion. 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 North American Birds, 9 Randolph Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310. For correspondence on photographic material, contact the Photo Editor at the email address below. PUBLISHER American Birding Associalion EDITOR COPY EDITOR Edward S. Brinkley Virginia Maynard (ensifera@aol.com) PUBLICATIONS CHAIR John C. Kricher PHOTO EDITOR Matthew E Sharp (sharp@acnatsci.org) ASSOCIATE EDITORS Louis R. Bevier P. A. Buckley Stephen J. Dinsmore Alvaro Jaramillo Paul E. Lehman REGIONAL EDITORS Bruce H. Anderson, Yves Aubry, Margaret J. C. Bain, Pierre Bannon, Kenneth J. Brock, Joseph C. Burgiel, Roberto Carmona, Robert I. Cecil, Donald G. Cecile, Luke W. Cole, C. Dwight Cooley, Hugh G. Currie, David A. Cutler, Brian Dalzell, Normand David, Ricky Davis, Todd M. Day, Samuel Denault, James J. Dinsmore, Andrew Dobson, Peter Donaldson, Robert A. Duncan, Lucy R. Duncan, Bill Eddleman, David H. Elder, Walter G. Ellison, Richard A. Erickson, Doug Faulkner, Victor W. Fazio III, Rick Fridell, Steve Kelling, Kimball L. Garrett, Steven A. Glover, Hector Gomez de Silva, Jim Granlund, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Robert A. Hamilton, Matthew L. Holder, Pam Hunt, Marshall J. lliff, David Irons, H. Lee Jones, Steve Kelling, Rudolf F Koes, Bruce Mactavish, Mark Lockwood, Nancy L. Martin, Ron E. Martin, Blake Maybank, Guy McCaskie, Roger D. McNeill, Steven G. Mlodinow, Robert L. Norton, Eduardo Palacios, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Robert O. Paxton, Simon Perkins, Wayne R. Petersen, David J. Powell, Bill Pranty, Nick Pulcinella, Robert D. Purrington, Robert L. Pyle, Michael M. Rogers, Gary H. Rosenberg, W. Ross Silcock, Chris Sloan, Mark M. Stevenson, Steve Summers, Peder Svingen, Peter Taylor, Scott B. Terrill, Thede Tobish, David Trochlell, Bill Tweit, Richard R. Veit, Phillip A. Wallace, Anthony W. White, Sartor O. Williams III, Christopher L. Wood ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Bryan Patrick CIRCULATION Linda L. Duggins ADVERTISING Ken Barron GRAPHIC DESIGN Ed Rother Jim Harris TECHNICAL REVIEWERS Bill Pranty Steve Mlodinow Marshall J. lliff PAST JOURNAL EDITORS John W. Aldrich (1947-1951) Chandler S. Robbins (1951-1954) Editorial Board, including Robbins, Ludlow Griscom, Allan Cruickshank (1954-1967) Richard L. Plunkett (1967-1970) 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 (ISSN 1525-3708) (USPS 872-200) is published quarterly by the American Birding Associa- tion, Inc. 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, Col- orado Springs, Colorado, 80934-6599; (800) 850-2473. Subscription prices: $30/year (US) and US$35/year (Canada). Copyright © 2004 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 con- tributing 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. 314 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Remote. Wild. Unbelievable •Home to 1,000,000 Fur Seals •Spectacular Seabird Colonies •Arctic Fox and Reindeer •Brilliant Showcase of Wildflowers •Historic Russian Church Looking for a Bsrding Adventure? Go offshore with SCHbirdillff For more information contact Brian Patteson Seabirding P.O.Box 772 Hatteras NC 27943 (252) 986-1363 http://www.seabirding.com Peiagit 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 and alcids Spring & summer trips for Gulf Stream specialties including rar e Pterodromas andtropicbirds Late summer trips for White-faced Storm-Petrel - — — - - - - — I Song Bird Coffee is shade grown. Forest canopies provide habitat for birds, including North American summer migrants, as coffee is grown below. Most coffee you buy is grown in full sun on land cleared of forest, and uses high inputs of fertilizers and pesticides. Shade-grown coffee also tastes better. By choosing to buy shade-grown coffee, you choose to save habitats for birds. Song Bird Coffee is the American Birding Association's own brand, supplied by the Thanksgiving Coffee Company and distributed by ABA Sales. Remember, all ABA royalties from Song Bird Coffee go to support our Birders Exchange program. Specify ground or bean. Item #13686, Hazelnut $9,35 Item #13688, Costa Rican $9,35 Item #13690, Nicaraguan $9,35 Item #14686, DeCaf $10.95 Item #13687, Guatemalan $9.35 Item #13689, French Roast $9.35 Item #13691, Panama Blend $9.35 The Birder's Catalog • ABA Sales American Birding Specializing in books, optics, multi-media products, and accessories for birders. Check out our on-line catalog at www.americanbirding.org/abasales Toll-free 800/634-7736 PO Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934 ■ — 315 VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 ii ue Stii -p*. a atonn America ana me H .awaitii a isianas: a r< of status and d nri Marshall J. Miff 246 East 16th Street, 16th St., Unit B Costa Mesa, California 92627 (email: miliff@aol.com) Brian L. Sullivan PRBO Conservation Science 4990 Shoreline Highway Stinson Beach, California 94970 ABSTRACT This paper reviews the 91 reports of Little Stint ( Calidris minuta ) in the New World and provides information on geographical and seasonal distribution of the species in these areas, as well as information on ages of vagrants. All New World spring records of known-age individuals pertain to adults (25 April-10 June), whereas New World autumn records have involved both adults (30 June-6 September) and juveniles (6 August-21 November). Seasonal distribution of age classes is similar on both North American coasts; however, all fall Alaska records (save one) have involved juveniles. The lone South American record is from winter, but there are no definite winter records in North America; however, an interior California record from November may have pertained to a wintering attempt. Although breeding in the New World has not yet been documented, summer records from Alaska’s North Slope raise the possibility of Nearctic breeding. RESOURCES FOR FIELD IDENTIFICATION The Little Stint ( Calidris minuta- Figures 1-5) is one of seven small, similarly plumaged, Arctic-breeding scolopacids that are known collectively in the United States and Canada as “peeps” and in the Old World as stints. Members of this group pose considerable field identification chal- lenges, the most difficult of which arises among the four small, black-legged species: Semipalmated (C. pusilla) and Western (C. mauri ) Sandpipers, and Little and Red- necked (C. ruficollis ) Stints, which are sim- ilar in size, structure, and plumage. Indeed, Red-necked and Little Stints can be so sim- ilar that even some specimens have been considered unidentifiable. For instance, a second-year [SY ] stint collected at the Salton Sea, Imperial County, California, 17 August 1974 (Erickson and Hamilton 2001; SDNHM #38887) was initially identified as a Red-necked Stint (McCaskie 1975), the latter identification also supported by Veit (1988). More recently, however, the indi- vidual has been considered unidentifiable by the California Bird Records Committee (C.B.R.C.) (Erickson and Hamilton 2001). Similarly, Semipalmated and Western Sand- pipers are so similar in basic plumage that their respective winter ranges were only recently determined (Phillips 1975). Wallace (1974) gave the first thorough treatment of small Calidris. Jonsson and Grant (1984) and Veit and Jonsson (1984) updated and expanded upon the field iden- tification of this group; the former treats the issue from a European perspective, the lat- ter from a New World viewpoint. Identifi- cation criteria have changed little since the early 1980s, and readers are referred to those two excellent sources. Other thor- ough treatments of the field identification of small Calidris are found in illustrated field guides by Jonsson (1993), Mullarney et al. (1999), and Sibley (2000). DISTRIBUTION AND VAGRANCY Little Stint is a long-distance migrant breed- ing in the High Arctic across the northern Palearctic and wintering primarily in Africa and India. The world population is esti- mated at 1,434,000 (del Hoyo et al. 1996). From June to August, breeding occurs between northern Scandinavia through north-central Siberia in tundra and taiga habitats (del Hoyo et al. 1996, A.O.U. 1998); breeding has also occasionally been documented on the Chukotskiy Peninsula in eastern Siberia (Gibson and Kessel 1992). Little Stint winters throughout Africa and the Mediterranean and east through the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf, to India and Myanmar, in a wide variety of wetland habitats (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Zim- merman et al. 1996, A.O.U. 1998, Grimmett et al. 1999). It winters only rarely in the United Kingdom and southeastern Mada- gascar (del Hoyo et al. 1996). Little Stint migrates widely through Europe and western Asia, typically moving southward to southwestward from its Arctic breeding grounds. Recently, it has been found to occur rarely but regularly in Thai- land 0- L. Dunn, pers. comm.) and Hong Kong (in spring only; Carey et al. 2001). Vagrants have been documented in the Cape Verde Islands, Iceland, the Faroes, Spitsber- gen, Bear Island, Japan, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, and Australia (Hayman et al. 1986, Brazil 1991); there are no documented records from Greenland (Boertmann 1994). Fall migration takes place from July through November, and spring migration occurs from April to early June (Hayman et al. 1986). Juveniles begin their migration in August, later than the passage of most adults, which peaks during July and early August (Hayman et al. 1986). Some juve- niles remain on wintering grounds through- out the first year (del Hoyo et al. 1996). Since 1975, Little Stint has been found with increasing regularity as a vagrant in the New World, primarily in Alaska. Herein we consider 91 records through 15 August 2004 (Table 1, on pages 322-323) and review pat- terns of seasonal distribution in several geo- graphic regions. Included in Table 1 are all records reviewed and accepted by appropri- ate state and provincial records committees, NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 316 gBggfffi Figure 1. Little Stint, Ester® Punta Banda, Baja California, Mexico, 22 October 2002. Side profile showing straight bill structure, bold head pattern, scapulars, tertiais, and upperwing covert patterns. All photographs bp Brian L Sullivan. as well as several unreviewed and pending records. An unsubstantiated report from Antigua on 16 November 1975 (Holland and Williams 1978) is not included here, nor is a subsequent report from Antigua on 23 July 1976 (Morrison 1980); to our knowledge, neither individual was documented. Although some reports excluded from Table 1 may well pertain to correctly identified Lit- tle Stints, at least 23 reports of the species have been reviewed and not accepted by state and provincial records committees: Nova Scotia (1); Connecticut (2); Pennsyl- vania (1); Delaware (3); New jersey (3); Maryland (1); California (11). Of Califor- nia’s 18 reports, the C.B.R.C. has accepted only seven, all of which are supported by photographs or a specimen. (Note that one report included in Table 1 was reviewed and rejected by the C.B.R.C.; we have independ- ently reviewed the written documentation and consider the report acceptable.) All New World records pertain to single birds, with the exception of two Alaska records: one to two juveniles at St. Matthew Island in August 1986; and two to three juveniles at Attu Island in September 1983. Thirty-seven per cent of the New World records come from Alaska, with most of the remainder split between the East Coast (Newfoundland to North Carolina; 24%) and the West Coast (British Columbia to Baja California; 20%). There are four records From Barbados, three records from the Hawaiian Islands, two records each from Ontario and inland California, and single records from the Yukon Territory, North Dakota, Bermuda, Montserrat, and South Georgia Island. In Canada and the Lower 48 States, California has the most records with eight, British Columbia has seven, followed by Massa- chusetts (six), Oregon (four), New York (four), New Jersey (three), and Delaware (three). Almost all records have come from well-known coastal shore- bird staging areas that are systematically covered by birders seeking unusual shorebirds during migra- tion (e.g., Monomoy Island, Massachusetts; Jamaica Bay Refuge, New York; Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Little Creek Wildlife Area, Delaware; San Joaquin Marsh, Moss Landing, and Bolinas, California; and Iona Sewage Ponds, Vancouver, British Colum- bia). Although most Little Stint records (92%) are from coastal sites and oceanic islands, a few inland occurrences — in Ontario, California, the Yukon, Washing- ton, and North Dakota — have been docu- mented. Overall, New World records span the dates 25 April to 21 November, with most occurring during peak spring (May-June) or fall (july-September) shore- bird migration periods (Figures 6, 7, 8). Alaska’s 34 Little Stint records (of 37 birds) have all come from islands or penin- sulas, most of them well-known locations for viewing migrants and vagrants from Siberia (and the New World). In the Bering Sea, offshore islands such as St. Paul (11 records), St. George, Buldir, and St. Lawrence (four records each), and Attu and Shemya (two records each), account for nearly all Alaska records. In Alaska, spring migrant Little Stints (12 records) have occurred from 19 May to 28 June and have invariably involved alternate-plumaged adults (Figure 6). Spring records have been from St. Lawrence Island (four records), the Aleutians (three records), the Pribilofs (one record), Barrow (four records), and Prud- hoe Bay (one record). Notably, the records at Barrow and Prudhoe Bay have fallen in the period from mid- to late June, and the most recent, present from 10 June through 23 June 2002, involved an adult that was at times engaged in courtship display flights (B. R. Zimmer, pers. comm.). Fall migrants (22 records) have occurred between 6 August and 10 September (Figure 6); twenty-one out of twenty-two fall records classified to age in Alaska have been juve- niles. In contrast to records elsewhere in the New World, Alaska has just a single record of a fall migrant adult, which explains the lack of records from July (Figure 6). Fall records have come from the Aleutians (six records) and remote St. Matthew Island (one record), but the Pribilofs have hosted the majority of fall records (14 records). Along the Pacific Coast of North Amer- ica, there is but one spring record, of an adult in British Columbia (Table 1). Records of fall migrant adults have occurred 9 July-6 September (ten records), with seven in the window 9-28 July. Nine juveniles have been found 10 August-30 October. Records of juveniles are most concentrated in mid-September, with six of 10 records falling between 4 and 22 September. Juve- nile outliers include the 10-11 August 1995 record in Clatsop County, Oregon, fully Figure 2. Juvenile Little Stint, Ester© Punta Banda, laja California, Mexico, 22 Odeber 2002. Feeding posture emphasiiing long, straight bill, pale mantle braces, flared tertiais, and long rear-ended look. VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 317 three weeks before the next record of a New World juvenile away from Alaska, and the three mid-October records (Table 1). Along the Atlantic Coast of North Amer- ica, there are only two spring records, both of which pertain to alternate-plumaged adults (Table 1). An alternate- plumaged adult at Monomoy, Massa- chusetts 19-25 June 1980 was anom- alous, essentially spanning the end of typical spring migration and the beginning of fall migration. There are 16 records of fall migrant adults 30 June-19 August, and 11 of those records fall in the three-week win- dow of 16 July-5 August (Figure 8). There are just three East Coast records of juveniles, all of which have occurred well after the latest record of an adult (Table 1). In the North American interior, there are four records of fall migrant adults 4 July-20 August (Table 1). The southern Ontario record is from an area containing small concentrations of migrant shorebirds, whereas the northern Ontario record was in a small puddle with only a few other shore- birds present. The North Dakota adult was found at sewage ponds. Two exceptional records from interior Cali- fornia at the Salton Sea and Harper Dry Lake are of a spring migrant adult and a juvenile, respectively (Table 1); the latter, collected in late November, may have been attempting to winter. A final record of a spring adult comes from the Yukon Territory. Ten additional records of single birds come from mid-oceanic islands in the North Pacific (Kure Atoll; Oahu), North Atlantic/Caribbean (Bermuda; Barbados; Montserrat), and South Atlantic (South Georgia Island). The seven Atlantic records include a migrant adult on Bermuda in June, an August adult from Montserrat, and four May records from Barbados. A speci- men record from Bird Island, South Georgia (a Southern Atlantic island group claimed by Argentina and the United King- dom) on 31 Dec 1977 is unique: not only is it the only South Amer- ican record and only winter record in the New World, but it was also reported as being in alternate plumage (Hayrnan et al. 1986). The Hawaiian records involve two records of fall juveniles 14 Septem- ber-10 October and a single spring adult (Table 1). Stint have hindered understanding of its New World distribution, but looking for stints in summer has steadily gained in pop- ularity, even featuring in mass-media stories (Tussig 2003). Excepting a 1961 specimen discovered after the fact (Gibson and Kessel Figure 3. Juvenile Little Stint, Estero Punta Banda, Baja California, Mexico, 22 October 2002. When viewed head-on, the pattern of the split supercilium became striking, as did the bold dark central crown, clean white throat and lower malar region. The dusky grayish wash across the upper breast was also evident in this posture. 1992), the first record was documented in 1975 (Pellow 1976), with six records fol- lowing in the 1970s, 48 in the 1980s, 19 in the 1990s, and 16 between 16 July 2000 and 10 August 2004. This species has been found nearly annually since 1979, which suggests that it has probably occurred regu- larly in very low numbers in the New World and only began to be detected as coverage increased and our knowledge of field identi- fication of small shorebirds improved, par- ticularly following three seminal articles on EXTRALIMITAL DISTRIBUTION AND POSSIBLE VECTORS OF VAGRANCY Difficulties in identifying Little Figure 4. Juvenile Little Stint, Estero Punta Banda, Baja California, Mexico, 22 October 2002. Side view accentuating the rufous spotting of the upper breast sides, dark auriculars, rufous patch on the rear crown, and pale hind neck. the topic (Wallace 1974, Jonsson and Grant 1984, Veit and Jonsson 1984). Despite the advances in field identification of this group, many Little Stints must continue to pass unnoticed among large flocks of migrating peeps along both coasts and prob- ably through the interior as well. Basic- plumaged birds from August through April would be exceptionally difficult to detect, and it is not surprising that there is but one record of such a bird in the New World (Table 1). Still, the regularity with which the species is detected in fall migration along both coasts suggests that a few indi- viduals probably winter in the New World; however, the South Georgia Island speci- men is the only such evidence to date. The records of spring migrants further support this suspicion, especially the 18 May 1991 record from the Salton Sea, a most unlikely location for a newly arrived vagrant from the Old World. Detection biases certainly influence the numbers and composition of records from different parts of the New World. Remote oceanic islands, such as Hawaii, where no small black-legged peeps are regular, are known for their records of remarkable long- distance vagrants, and the lack of a well- defined pattern suggests that vagrant Little Stints are genuinely rare there. In Alaska, where Red-necked Stint is regular, some breeding-plumaged adult Little Stints may be passed off as Red-necked Stints in spring and summer by unwary observers. Similarly in fall, juvenile Red-necked Stints are regu- lar on some western Alaska islands, and juvenile Little Stints can easily be over- looked among Red-necked Stints. Away from Alaska, any bright-plumaged adult peep is an occasion for study, so careful observers are unlikely to pass over an adult Little Stint in spring or summer. Interest- ingly, adult Little Stints have been detected almost twice as often in East Coast states (19 records) as in West Coast states (12 records), whereas records of juveniles have predomi- nated in West Coast states, where there are ten records compared to just three in the East. The disparity between the coasts may be a product of the molt timing of the more common Calidris , as hatching-year Western Sandpipers begin their post-juvenal molt on migration in August, much earlier than either Semi- palmated or Little Stint, both of which typically molt on their wintering 318 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS grounds and thus are in juvenal plumage through October (Veit and Jonsson 1984). Due to those differences in molt timing, a juvenile Little Stint among Western Sand- pipers on the West Coast in mid-September might stand out as the only individual still in juvenal plumage (as at Estero Punta Banda; Figures 1-5), whereas on the East Coast, such a bird might be sur- rounded by hundreds of juvenal-plumaged Semi- palmated Sandpipers. On the other hand, the differ- ence in detection may sim- ply be owing to the greater effort to scrutinize juvenile peeps on the West Coast, where Semipalmated is actively sought by birders each season. Four theories of avian vagrancy in Arctic-nesting shorebirds may in part account for appearances of Little Stint in North America. Among these, “reverse” migration, a hypothetical form of misorien- tation in which north and south bearings are reversed, and “mirror” migration, in which east and west are reversed (DeSante 1983), could together account for most reports of the species south of Alaska. Vinicombe and Cottridge (1996) review avian vagrancy in Britain and stress the sig- nificance of 180° “reversed migration” over the North Pole in bringing some juvenile shorebirds to Britain — e.g., Pacific Golden- Plover (Pluvialis fulva), Gray-tailed Tattler ( Heteroscelus brevipes ), and Red-necked Stint. While this model appears to have some explanatory power in the case of juve- niles, and could surely account for juvenile Little Stints in North America, it is not clear that reverse-migrants over the pole would be able to maintain normal migration cycles — and thus it is problematic to apply such a theory to the many adult Little Stints noted in North America in fall. (Misorien- tation in birds that breed at high latitudes need not be a product of physical deficien- cies: a bird caught up in a storm while migrating might surely become misoriented in near-polar regions, where magnetic indi- cations of north and south are weak.) On the other hand, “mirror” migration would direct fall migrant Little Stints in the Palearctic southeastward instead of south- westward, or vice-versa, for instance thus presumably allowing birds to return to their nesting grounds, and successful repetitions of this “flawed” migratory route could bet- ter account for the appearance of some adult Little Stints in North America. The fact that Red-necked Stint is a genuine rar- ity in the United Kingdom (Lewington et al. 1991, Vinicombe and Cottridge 1996) is of interest: records of Red-necked on the U. S. East Coast are similar in number to those of Little Stint (Escott 1995), and this parity, in light of the few western European records of Red-necked, would appear to support the notion, as do the interior North American records, that stints on the East Coast in fall arrive from a northwesterly direction. The May records from Barbados and the spring East Coast records suggest a third explanatory model, that of displacement or disorientation over the ocean, followed by northward reorientation in North America. This scenario was described by Eisenmann (1960) to explain the occurrence of Eurasian shorebirds such as Ruff ( Philo - machus pugnax ) and Curlew Sandpiper ( C . ferruginea) in the New World (see also Wil- son 2001). In the case of Little Stints, per- haps individuals possessing normal migra- tory orientation are occasionally displaced westward of their spring migration routes (from Africa northward and northeastward into Europe and western Eurasia) by weather events, and these displaced birds over the Atlantic Ocean eventually fly downwind in the east-northeasterly trade winds at about 15° N latitude. First landfall for such a bird might be on the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles and especially Barbados, which lies some 150 km to the east of the nearest Windward Islands. Other migratory Palearctic species that winter in Africa in fall — including Garganey (Anas querquedula) , Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), and Gray Heron ( Ardea cinerea ) — have shown such patterns of occurrence (Ebels 2002). Once in the western North Atlantic region, these birds might then engage in northward migration toward the North American Atlantic coast. Finally, the 34 Alaska records are most easily explained in two ways: the spring records of adults would seem to be the product of breeders “overshooting” the Siberian breeding grounds, whereas the autumn records of juveniles would seem more likely to involve “reverse” migration over or near the pole. Thirteen Alaska records are from spring or summer, whereas twenty- one are from the “fall” migration window; thus it seems safe to say that Little Stint is a more common fall than spring vagrant there. Visit- ing birders to westernmost Alaska (including the Aleutians and Pri- bilofs) have tended to be much more numerous in spring and early summer than fall, thus apparently supporting the seasonal disparity in Little Stint occurrence there. Apart from the four Barrow/Prudhoe Bay records, all Alaska records are from island outposts, most of which have had better coverage by visiting bird- ers during spring than in fall, with few receiving uniform coverage through both seasons. One recent exception is St. Paul Island, in the Pribilofs, which recently has had active birders present from early May through late August, a period that encompasses almost all Alaska records of Little Stint. Despite the good coverage through these months, some 14 of the 16 Pribilof records have been of fall juveniles, while just one is of an adult in spring (Table 1). Thus fall juvenile Little Stints would seem to occur in Alaska far more frequently than do adults in spring, a pattern similar to that shown by Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, for which there are few spring records (12 May-11 June) but large numbers, occasion- ally including flocks of over 100 birds, in fall (Mlodinow 2001). The reduced cover- age of island outposts in fall and the diffi- culty of separating juvenile Little Stints from Red-necked Stints conceivably contin- ues to obscure the relative abundance of Lit- tle Stints in the Bering Sea region in fall. The three records of Little Stint from Bar- row and the one from Prudhoe Bay come from mid- to late June, later than all other records of spring migrants in the New World. The 2002 sight record of an indi- vidual engaged in courtship flight displays suggests that this species may be nesting in the New World. Little Stint has bred as dose to Alaska as the Chukotskiy Peninsula in extreme eastern Siberia and should be watched for as a breeding species on the North Slope at Barrow and Prudhoe Bay, and, perhaps, Nome. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors would like to thank George L. Armistead, Gavin Beiber, Don Cecile, Figure 5. Juvenile Little Stint, Estero Punta Banda, Baja California, Mexico, 22 October 2002, During active feeding, the bird tooled rather slim overall, long-necked and long-winged. VOLUME S 8 ( 2 0 0 4 ) • NUMBER 3 319 >- > z z z _i _l _1 CD CD CD Q_ < < 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 UJ CM 2 CO —> ” 3 CNJ —> CO ~~3 CNJ 3 CO < < CM < CO C O 10-Day Period Figure 6. Seasonal distribution by age class of Little Stints in Alaska. Records were placed in each 10-day period based on the date of initial detection. 10-Day Period Figure 7. Seasonal distribution by age class of Little Stints on the New World West Coast. Records were placed in each 1 0-day period based on the date of initial detection. w "O i o o (D cr O) E > 2 2 z 1 o CD CD Q, 0l CL s_ 1— < 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 LLI LLI LLI O o O CO — 3 ~3 CM “O CO “ D "O CM “0 CO < < CM < CO CO CO CM CO CO o o CM O CO 10-Day Period Figure 8. Seasonal distribution by age class of Little Stints on the New World East Coast. Records were placed in each 10-day period based on the date of initial detection. Peter Donaldson, Richard A. Erickson, Martin Frost, Steve Heinl, Robb S. A. Kaler, Rick Knight, Paul E. Lehman, Edward B. Massiah, Steve G. Mlodinow, Robert L. Norton, Robert L. Pyle, and Frank Rohrbacher for providing assistance with assembling records. Richard A. Erick- son, Robb S. A. Kaler, Nils Warnock, and Alvaro Jaramillo reviewed earlier drafts of this article and greatly improved it. LITERATURE CITED American Ornithologists’ Union [A.O.U.]. 1998. Check-list of North American Birds. Seventh edition. American Ornitholo- gists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Boertmann, D. 1994. A[n] annotated check- list to the birds of Greenland. Bioscience 38: 1-63. Brazil, M. A. 1991. The Birds of Japan. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washing- ton, D. C. Byrd, G. V., and R. H. Day. 1986. The avi- fauna of Buldir Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Arctic 39: 109-118. Campbell, R. W., N. K. Dawe. I. McTaggart- Cowan. J. M. Cooper, G. W. Kaiser, A. C. Stewart, and M. C. E. McNall. 1990. The Birds of British Columbia. Volume 2. Uni- versity of British Columbia Press, Van- couver, British Columbia, del Hoyo, J., A. Elliot, and J. Sargatal, eds. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Hoatzin to Auks. Lynx Editions, Barcelona, Spain. DeSante, D. E 1983. Vagrants: when orien- tation or navigation goes wrong. Point Reyes Bird Observatory Newsletter 61: 12-16. Di Labio, B. 1992. Little Stint: Ontario’s sec- ond record. Birders Journal 1: 292-294. Dunn, J. L. 1988. Tenth report of the Cali- fornia Bird Records Committee. Western Birds 19: 129-163. Ebels, E. B. 2002. Transatlantic vagrancy of Palearctic species to the Caribbean. Dutch Birding 24: 202-209. Eckert, C. D., and P. H. Sinclair. 1997. Little Stint a Yukon first at Judas Creek. Birders Journal 6: 183-185. Eisenmann, E. 1960. Palearctic waders in eastern North America. British Birds 53: 136-140. Ellison, W. G., and N. L. Martin. 2004. The fall migration: New England region. North American Birds 58: 36-41. Erickson, R. A., R. A. Hamilton, E. Palacios, and R. Carmona. 2003. The fall migra- tion: Baja California Peninsula region. North American Birds 57: 120-122. Erickson, R. A., and R. A. Hamilton. 2001. Report of the California Records Com- mittee: 1998 records. Western Birds 32: 13-49. Escott, C. J. 1995. Extralimital occurrence 320 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS LITTLE STL of Rufous-necked Stint Calidris mficollis in North America. Birders Journal 4: 132-138. Forster, R. A. 1988. The autumn migration: Northeastern Maritime region. American Birds 42: 231-238. Gibson, D. D. 1981. Migrant birds at She- mya Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Condor 83: 65-77. Gibson, D. D., and B. Kessel. 1992. Seventy- four new avian taxa documented in Alaska 1976-1991. Condor 94: 454-467. Gilligan, J., M. Smith, D. Rogers, and A. Contreras. 1994. Birds of Oregon. Cinclus Publications, McMinnville, Oregon. Godfrey, W. E. 1986. The Birds of Canada. National Museums of Canada, Ottawa. Gordon, J. 1997. Delaware Records Com- mittee annual report for 1997. Delmarva Ornithologist 29: 25-35. Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp, and T. Inskipp. 1999. A Guide to the Birds of India, Pak- istan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Princeton Uni- versity Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Hayman, P., J. Marchant, and T. Prater. 1986. Shorebirds: an identification guide to the waders of the world. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Heindel, M. T., and K. L. Garrett. 1995. Six- teenth annual report of the California Bird Records Committee. Western Birds 26: 1-33. Heindel, M. T., and M. A. Patten. 1996. Eighteenth annual report of the Califor- nia Bird Records Committee: 1992 records. Western Birds 27: 1-29. Hess, G. K., R. L. West, M. V. Barnhill, and L. M. Fleming. 2000. Bird s of Delaware. University of Pittsburgh Press, Pitts- burgh. Holder, M. 1995. Cross Canada Round-up. Birders Journal 4: 211. Holland, C. S., and j. M. Williams. 1978. Observations on the birds of Antigua. American Birds 32: 1095-1105. Howell, S. N. G., and P. Pyle. 1997. Twenti- eth report of the California Bird Records Committee: 1994 records. Western Birds 28: 117-141. Jonsson, L. 1993. Birds of Europe, with North Africa and the Middle East. Princeton Uni- versity Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Jonsson, L., and P. j. Grant. 1984. Identifi- cation of stints and peeps. British Birds 77: 293-315. Levine, E. (ed.). 1998. Bull’s Birds of New York State. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York. Lewington, I., P. Alstrom, and R Colston. 1991. A Field guide to the rare birds of Britain and Europe. Harper Collins, Lon- don. Mactavish, B. 1989. The autumn migration: Atlantic Provinces region. American Birds — — — — VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 43: 55-59. Martin, R. The nesting season: Northern Great Plains region. North American Birds 57: 508-509. Mazar Barnett, J., and M. Pearman. 2001. Annotated checklist of the birds of Argentina. Lynx, Barcelona. McCaskie, G. 1975. A Rufous-necked Sand- piper in southern California. Western Birds 6: 111-113. McCaskie, G., and K. Garrett. 2003. The fall migration: Southern Pacific Coast region. North American Birds 57: 116-119. Mlodinow, S. G. 2001. Possible anywhere: Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Birding 33: 330-341. Mlodinow, S., and M. O’Brien. 1996. Amer- ica’s 100 Most Wanted Birds. Falcon, Helena, Montana. Mlodinow, S. G., and B. Tweit. 2002. The fall migration: Oregon-Washington region. North American Birds 56: 476-480. Morrison, R. I. G. 1980. First specimen record of the Little Stint ( Calidris minuta ) for North America. Auk 97: 627-628. Mullarney, K., L. Svensson, D. Zetterstrcm, and P. J. Grant. 1999. Birds of Europe. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Myers, J. R, and R. S. Greenburg. 1978. Pho- tographic record of the Little Stint ( Calidris minuta) for mainland North America. Condor 80: 451-452. Nikula, B. 1980. Observation of a Little Stint (Calidris minuta) in Massachusetts. Birds Observer of Eastern Massachusetts 8: 95-101. Norton, R. L., A. White, and A. Dobson. 2004. The fall migration: West Indies & Bermuda region. North American Birds 58: 158-161. Patten, M. A., S. E. Finnegan, P. E., and Lehman. 1995. Seventeenth report of the California Bird Records Committee: 1991 records. Western Birds 26: 113-143. Paxton, R. O., W. J. Boyle ,Jr., and D. A. Cut- ler. 1985. The nesting season: Hud- son-Delaware region. American Birds 39: 890-894. Paxton, R. 0.,J. C. Burgiel, and D. A. Cut- ler. 1999. The nesting season: Hud- son-Delaware region. North American Birds 53: 367-370. Paxton, R. O., J. C. Burgiel, D. A. Cutler, S. Kelling, and R. R. Veit. 2004. The nesting season: Hudson-Delaware region. North American Birds 57: 470-474. Pellow, K. 1976. A Little Stint in Bermuda. American Birds 30: 918. Peterjohn, B., and P. Davis. 1996. First report of the Maryland/DC Records Com- mittee. Maryland Birdlife 52: 3-43. Petersen, W. R. 1985. A second record of Little Stint ( Calidris minuta ) in Massa- chusetts. Bird Observer of Eastern Massa- chusetts 13: 278-280. Phillips, A. R. 1975. Semipalmated Sand- piper: identification, migrations, summer and winter ranges. American Birds 29: 799-806. Prince, R A., and J. P. Croxall. 1996. The birds of South Georgia. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 116: 81-103. Pyle, P. B., PV Donaldson, R. David, and R. L. Pyle. 1988. The status of small Calidris sandpipers in the Hawaiian Islands, doc- umentation of the three first records for the state. ‘Elepaio 48: 71-77. Roberson, D. 1986. Ninth report of the Cal- ifornia Bird Records Committee. Western Birds 17: 49-77. Rowlett, R. A. 1980. Little Stint ( Calidris minuta) in Delaware. American Birds 34: 850-851. Sibley, D. A. 2000. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Knopf, New York. Tobish, T. 2002. The fall migration: Alaska region. North American Birds 56: 89-92. . 2003. The fall migration: Alaska region. North American Birds 57: 102-104. . 2004. The fall migration: Alaska region. North American Birds 58: 125-128. Tobish, T. G. Jr., and M. W. Isleib. 1991. The autumn migration: Alaska region. Ameri- can Birds 45: 139-142. Tussig, J. 2003. Going to the birds. The Boston Globe Magazine 23 November: 16-18, 40-43. Tweit, B., and J. Gilligan. 1996. The fall migration: Oregon/Washington region. Field Notes 51: 105-109. Veit, R. R. 1988. Identification of the Salton Sea Rufous-necked Sandpiper. Western Birds 19: 165-169. Veit, R. R., and W. R. Petersen. 1993. Birds of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Audubon Society Lincoln, Massachusetts. Veit, R. R., and L. Jonsson. 1984. Field iden- tification of smaller sandpipers within the genus Calidris. American Birds 38: 853-876. Vinicombe, K. and D.M. Cottridge. 1996. Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland: a photo- graphic record. Harper Collins, London. Wallace, D. 1. M. 1974. Field identification of small species within the genus Calidris. British Birds 67: 1-17. Wilson, A. 2001. The status and origins of Curlew Sandpipers in New York State. Kingbird 51: 460-477. , ed. 2002. Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2000. Kingbird 52: 291-320. Zimmerman, D. A., D. A. Turner, and D. J. Pearson. 1996. Birds of Kenya and North- ern Tanzania. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. © 321 LITTLE STINT . Table 1. All New World and Hawaiian records of Little Stint through 15 August 2004 by geographic region. j ALASKA Age No. Date Location Status Reference Comments i J 1 6 Aug 1961 St. Paul l„ AK * Gibson and Kessel 1992 *USNM 476187, male 2 J 1 13 Aug 1975 Buldirl., AK * Byrd and Day 1986 *UAM 3422 3 J 1 18 Aug 1975 Buldirl., AK * Byrd and Day 1987 *UAM 3423 4 A 1 28 Jun 1976 Pt. Barrow, AK P Myers and Greenburg 1978 5 A 1 8 Jun 1980 St. Lawrence 1., AK * Gibson and Kessel 1992 *UAM 3753, male 6 A 1 23 Jun 1980 Barrow, AK * Gibson and Kessel 1992 *UAM 3762, female 7 J 1 20-21 Aug 1981 St. Paul 1., AK P Gibson and Kessel 1992 8 J 1 24 Aug 1981 St. George 1., AK P* Gibson and Kessel 1992 *U AM 4132, male 9 A 1 31 May-1 Jun 1983 Shemya 1., AK P Gibson and Kessel 1992 with Red-necked Stint 10 J 2-3 5-10 Sep 1983 Attu l„ AK P Gibson and Kessel 1992 11 A 1 31 May 1984 St. Lawrence L, AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 12 J 1 10 Aug 1986 St. George L, AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 13 J 1 11 Aug 1986 St. Paul L, AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 14 J 1 14 Aug 1986 St. George L, AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 15 J 1 15 Aug 1986 St. George L, AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 16 J 1-2 16-21 Aug 1986 St. Matthew l„ AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 17 J 1 18 Aug 1986 St. Paul L, AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 18 J 1 24-25 Aug 1986 St. Paul L, AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 19 A 1 22 May 1987 Shemya L, AK P Gibson and Kessel 1992 20 A 1 10 Jun 1987 St. Lawrence 1., AK P Gibson and Kessel 1992 21 A 1 31 May-2 Jun 1988 St. Lawrence 1., AK P Gibson and Kessel 1992 22 A 1 19 May 1989 St. Paul 1., AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 23 J 1 25-27 Aug 1989 St. Paul 1., AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 with juvenile Red-necked Stints 24 J 1 28 Aug 1989 Buldirl., AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 25 U 1 9 Aug 1990 Buldirl., AK Tobishand Isleib 1991 1. L. Jones, no details 26 A 1 22-26 May 1991 Attu l„ AK P Gibson and Kessel 1992 27 A 1 19 Jun 1991 Prudhoe Bay, AK P N. Warnock, pers. comm. 28 U 1 7-8 Aug 1996 St. Paul 1., AK Gibson and Kessel 1992 29 A 1 16 Jun 2001 Freshwater L., Barrow, AK P A. Jamarillo, pers. comm. dull adult 30 J 1 17-19 Aug 2001 St. Paul 1., AK P Tobish 2002 31 A 1 10-23 Jun 2002 Stint Pond, Barrow, AK B. R. Zimmer, pers. comm. giving flight display 32 J 1 21-24 Aug 2002 St. Paul L, AK a Tobish 2003 33 J 1 9 Sep 2002 Shemya 1., AK * Tobish 2003 34 A 1 8-9 Aug 2003 St. Paul 1., AK P Tobish 2004, G. Beiber pers. comm. WEST COAST Age No. Date Location Status Reference Comments i A 1 21 Jul 1983 Iona Sewage Ponds, Vancouver, BC A Di Labio 1992 2 J 1 14-22 Sep 1983 Bolinas, Marin Co., CA P Roberson 1986 3 J 1 7 Sep 1985 Tillamook Bay, Bayocean Spit, Tillamook Co., OR P Gilliganetal. 1994 4 J 1 10-21 Sep 1985 Moss Landing, Monterey Co., CA P Dunn 1988 ph. in Dunn 1988 5 J 1 12 Sep 1986 Bandon Marsh, Coos Co., OR P Gilliganetal. 1994 6 A 1 9 Jul 1988 Upper Newport Bay, Orange Co., CA a Heindeland Garrett 1995 Not accepted by California B.R.C.; we consider details diagnostic 7 A 1 10 Jul 1988 112th Street, Vancouver, BC A Campbell etal. 1990 8 A 1 17 Jul 1988 Esquimalt Lagoon, Colwood, BC P D. Cecile, pers. comm. 9 A 1 2-4 Jun 1992 Iona Sewage Ponds, Vancouver, BC P Di Labio 1992 10 A 1 25-28 Jul 1992 San Joaquin Marsh, Orange Co., CA P Heindeland Patten 1996 cf. American Birds 46: 1196 11 J 1 22 Sep-14 Oct 1994 Bolinas, Marin Co., CA P Howell and Pyle 1997 12 J 1 10-11 Aug 1995 S. Jetty, Columbia R., Clatsop Co., OR P Tweit and Gilligan 1996 13 A 1 4-6 Sep 1995 Iona Sewage Ponds, Vancouver, BC A Holder 1995 molting 14 A 1 12 Jul 1998 Rocky Pt. Banding Observatory, Matchosin, BC D. Cecile, pers. comm. 15 J 1 4-8 Oct 1999 Iona Sewage Ponds and Iona South Jetty, Vancouver, BC A D. Cecile, pers. comm. 16 A 1 13 Jul 2002 Coos Bay North Spit, Coos Co., OR P Mlodinow and Tweit 2002 17 A 1 25-26 Aug 2002 Los Angeles R. mouth, Los Angeles Co., CA P McCaskieand Garrett 2002 fading alternate 18 J 1 22-30 Oct 2002 Estero Punta Banda, P Erickson et al. 2002 ph. in North American Birds 57: 144 Baja California, Mexico 322 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS L I T T L E S T I § t EAST COAST Age No. Date [station Status Reference Comments 1 A 1 23 May 1979 Pott Mahon, Kent Co., DE P Rowlett 1980 not yet reviewed by B.R.C. 2 A 1 19-25 Jun 1980 Monomoy, Barnstable Co., MA P Nikula 1980 with Red-necked Stint 3 A 1 30 Jun— 4 Jyi 1980 Castalia Marsh, Grand Manan l, MB P Godfrey 1986 4 A 1 24-30 Jul 1982 Port Mahon, Kent Co., DE Hess et al. 2000 not yet reviewed by B.R.C. 5 A 1 17-22 Jul 1983 Jamaica Bay Refuge, Queens, NY P Levine 1998 6 J 1 23-25 Oct 1983 Hartlen Pi, NS P Godfrey 1986 ph. in American BkdsSB: 176 7 A 1 5 Jun 1984 Jamaica Bay Refuge, Queens, NY Levine 1998 not yet reviewed 8 A 1 22-24 Jul 1985 Brigantine N.W.R., Atlantic Co., NJ A Paxton etai. 1985 fading alternate 9 A 1 25 Jul-5 Aug 1985 Third Cliff, Scituate, MA P Petersen etai. 1985 10 11 A 1 A 1 6-14 Aug 1986 28JuI-8 Aug 1987 Duxbury Beach, Plymouth Co., MA Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA P Veit and Petersen 1993 Forster 1988 molting (bright but fading) 12 J 1 2 Sep 1987 Jamaica Bay Refuge, Queens, NY A Levine 1998 13 J 1 20 Sep 1987 Hart-Miller L, Baltimore Co., MD A Peterjohn and Davis 1996 14 A 1 3 Aug 1988 Castalia Marsh, Grand Manan L, NB A Mactavish 1989 convincingly described 15 A 1 22-25 Jul 1989 Cape Hatteras, Cape Pt, Dare Co., NC P Mlodinowand O'Brien 1998 slightly worn 16 A 1 19 Aug 1989 Plum 1. N.W.K., Essex Co., MA A Veit and Petersen 1993 not yet reviewed by B.R.C. 17 A 1 28 Jul-5 Aug 1990 Squantum, MA A Veit and Petersen 1993 18 A 1 7 Jul 1996 Bombay Hook N.W.R., Kent Co., DE A Gordon 1997 19 A 1 11-18 Jul 1999 South Cape May Meadows/Higbee Beach, Cape May Co., NJ P Paxton etai. 1999 fading alternate, ph. in North American Birds 53: 460 20 A 1 16 Jul 2000 Pike's Beach, Suffolk Co., NY P Wilson etai. 2002 fading alternate 21 A 1 9-1 0 Jul 2003 Stone Harbor Pt, Cape May Co., NJ P Paxton et al. 2004 22 A 1 7-11 Aug 2003 INTERIOR NORTH AMERICA Odiorne Pt. and vicinity, Rye, NH P Ellison and Martin 2004 molting; ph. in North American Birds SB: 172 Age No. Date Lscalm Status Reference Comments i A 1 10 Jul 1979 North Point, ON p* Morrison 1980 NMNS #68651 (Ottawa), male 2 j 1 21 Nov 1988 Harper Dry Lake, San Bernardino Co., CA p* Heindei and Garrett 1995 SBCM #52766 3 A 1 18 May #1 Wister Unit, Imperial Wildlife Area, Imperial Co., CA P Patten etai. 1995 4 A 1 25 Jul 1992 Casselman Sewage Lagoons, Russell Co., ON ‘ P Di Labio 1992 5 A 1 19 May 1997 Judas Creek, YK P Eckert and Sinclair 1997 6 A 1 4-5 Jul 2003 Minot Sewage Lagoons, Minot, ND P Martin 2004 ph. in North American Birds 57: 574 7 A 1 5-13 Aug 2004 OCEANIC ISLANDS Yakima R. Delta, Richland, WA P ffrfeB.and N. LaFramboise Age No. Date Location Status Reference Comments i A 1 8-11 Juri 1975 Luke's Farm, Bermuda P Fellow 1976 2 J 1 26 Ssp-10 Oct 1983 Kure Atoll, HI P Pyle etai. 1988 3 J 1 14-25 Sep 1985 Waipio Peninsula, Oahu, HI P Pyle etai. 1988 4 A 1 25 Apr-2 May 1987 Waipio Peninsula, Oahu, HI P Pyle etai. 1988 transitional plumage 5 A 1 1-6 May 1997 Congo Road, St. Philip, Barbados P E. Massiah, pers. comm. 6 A 1 11 May 1997 Congo Road, St. Philip, Barbados a E. Massiah, pers. comm. 7 A 1 16 May 1999 Packers, Barbados P E. Massiah, pers. comm. 8 A 1 3 May 2002 Congo Road, St. Philip, Barbados a E. Massiah, pers. comm. 9 A 1 17 Aug 2003 Belham R. mouth, Montserrat P Norton et al. 2004 10 A 1 31 Dec 1977 Bird South Georgia Island, Argentina * Mazar Barnett and Pearman 2001, Prince and Croxall 1996 female; date incorrectly reported as 29 Dec in Prince and Croxall 1996 Age Codes A = Adult, J - Juvenile, U - Unknown Status Codes P = accepted by Bird Records Committee (B.R.C) with photographs p = identifiably photographed A = accepted by B.R.C. based on written details a = acceptable based on descriptive details *= museum specimen VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 323 The Changing Seasons Expansions Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Mississippi State University Box 9690 Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762 (email: sdinsmore@cfr.msstate.edu) W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57 Tabor, Iowa 51653 (email: silcock@rosssilcock.com) Spring is a season of change for billions of birds, a time of passage that brims with the sense of urgency to breed, a time rife with increased hormonal activity. This is especially evident among the many species of long-distance migrants that make their way from points south of the equator to the northern reaches of the western hemisphere. But spring is also a season of unease, as the multitude of pit- falls confronting these migrants become apparent: persistent droughts, violent weather systems, the further spread of West Nile virus, and the gauntlet of an- thropogenic obstacles — factory smoke- stacks, glass-plated skyscrapers, enormous antennas — that proliferate across the conti- nent. In this column, we offer our thoughts on some of the more noticeable patterns we discerned in the spring 2004 regional re- ports. Many noteworthy events and obser- vations are digested in Special Attention boxes, which are recommended reading. We welcome the new Northern Canada re- gion to these pages — its presence fills a huge void in the journal’s coverage — and we are especially eager to read in coming years about high-latitude species whose ranges are contracting rather than expand- ing: most of the expanding species consid- ered in this column nest between the U.S.-Mexico and the U.S.-Canada borders, and it is virtually certain that global climate change, while a boon for some species, will be a bane for many others. Our increasing understanding of the changes in American Arctic habitats will hopefully be measura- ble against reports of birds in this journal, counterbalancing to some degree our bias toward reports from more densely popula- tion regions. WEATHER Weather and climate, perhaps more than any other factors, are responsible for the changing patterns we observe in bird distri- bution. The continental climate in spring 2004 was in most respects a continuation of long-term patterns, the most significant of which was clearly the continued drought in the West. Dry conditions were especially acute in the central Rocky Mountains, the western Great Plains, and the Great Basin: Wyoming had its thirteenth driest and Col- orado its twenty-seventh driest spring in more than a century. In Arizona, declines in hummingbirds were attributed to the ef- fects of long-term drought. On the plus side, the continuing reduction of water lev- els in at least one major reservoir on the western Great Plains exposed suitable nest- ing habitat for Piping and Snowy Plovers. The reporting regions noted a potpourri of weather conditions, as is usual. At the high end of the moisture continuum was Hawaii, which recorded its wettest spring since 1997. The Pacific Coast and northern Rockies generally reported warm and dry conditions, especially in April, leading to numerous early arrival dates as far north as Alaska. Late-arriving migrants, however, were slowed in these regions, as a series of May storms brought cooler temperatures and much-needed moisture — but, in the case of several late-season snowstorms, too cool for many insectivorous species. In much of the East, the weather was warm and dry right through most of the spring, with most regions reporting essentially no fallouts of migrants south of the Great Lakes and New England. Florida recorded only minor fallouts during April, while far- ther north along the Atlantic Coast condi- tions were poorer still for birders hoping to witness migration. However, the persistent southerly airflows from April through at least mid-May were perhaps responsible for a better-than-average showing of southern species as far north as Maritime Canada and the Great Lakes region. Included in this mix were reports of Anhingas in Connecti- cut, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Wis- consin, Wilsons Plovers in upstate New York, Ontario, and Wisconsin, a Brown Pel- ican in Indiana, a White Ibis in Massachu- setts— and Painted Buntings nearly every- where: across the northern tier of the United States from Minnesota to Maine, and in Canada from Ontario and Quebec (and even Saskatchewan!). Though it is im- possible to link any of these appearances conclusively to particular weather systems, as is true for records of kites and doves out of range (Brinkley 2003), their arrivals did often coincide with periods of southerly wind. Overall, though, most of these records, viewed interannually, appear to re- late to climate change rather than the caprice of weather — Alaska’s first Dickcis- sel, a territorial male rather than a feeder bird, makes the point well. The weather patterns in the continent’s center were more complex this spring than on the Atlantic Coast. Around the Great Lakes, Great Plains, and Gulf Coast, northerly winds of several major systems produced some notable fallouts, especially along the western Gulf of Mexico coast- lines. The most productive of these oc- curred on 26 April along the central and western Gulf and on 2 May along the west- ern Gulf coasts. Maritime Canada also saw a stalled low-pressure system in late May: cool and wet conditions caused significant avian mortality at Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, for instance, and probably much more widely than was observed. Despite the notoriety of several of the spring’s migrant fallouts, the flavor of the 2004 spring season might be better charac- terized as a series of expansions: a few wide- spread species continued to fill gaps in their ranges, southern and southwestern species showed continued signs of expanding or pi- oneering northward, and several Eurasian species with expanding populations turned up as vagrants on our shores. PASSERINES This spring saw notable extralimital flights of several species of songbird, particularly warblers. A series of low-pressure systems moving east in late April and early May pro- duced large fallouts along the central and western Gulf Coast, with adjectives hardly used in recent seasons — “spectacular” in 324 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS The Rites of Spring. This adult Short-tailed Albatross was seen vocalizing, dancing with, and even preening one of the decoys set out to encourage nesting of this Critically Endangered species on Eastern Island, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Reguge, Hawaii 11 February 2004. This bird passed the breeding season, from October into April, on the island, but unfortunately, the banded female Short-tailed that been an annual visitor to Sand Island, Midway for so many years did not reappear in 2003-2004. Photograph courtesy ofJ. Klavitter, United States Fish & Wildlife Service. the Lower Rio Grande Valley, “remarkable” farther north and east on the Gulf Coast. Two species — Cape May and Blackpoll Warblers — were unusually numerous dur- ing this period: Cape Mays were wide- spread along the western Gulf Coast, with several in Texas and more than normal in Louisiana and Mississippi. Blackpolls had a similar spring, prompting Mark Lockwood to label it “an amazing spring migration of Blackpolls” in Texas. After the last major fallout on 2 May, these birds gradually dis- persed inland and did not merit remarks from regional editors until ten days later. On 11-12 May, a major snowstorm ground- ed many passerines in northern North Dakota, southeastern Saskatchewan, and southern Manitoba (Figure 1; see the S.A. in the Prairie Provinces report). Huge num- bers of Tennessee Warblers, “gathered like House Sparrows in Regina gutters,” now joined the mix, along with above-normal numbers of Blackpolls and Cape Mays. Many of these migrants perished in the per- sistent cold and wet conditions, often hit by cars as they gathered along cleared road- sides. Not as evident in the regional reports was another late May fallout, this one on 23-24 May, in the northern Great Plains. As was true of the earlier front, this one held huge numbers of Tennessee and Blackpoll Warblers and a sprinkling of Cape Mays. Numbers of Cape Mays were “unprecedent- ed” in North Dakota and coincided with unusually high numbers in Kansas and South Dakota. Interestingly, however, no Cape Mays were detected far to the west of their usual spring corridor, on the Pacific Coast, for instance. Thus, as in spring 2002, there appears to have been a decided west- ward shift in the migratory paths of some Tennessee, Cape May, and Blackpoll War- blers this spring. As Chris Wood and Doug Faulkner report from Colorado & Wyoming, species of warbler that winter in the West Indies are rather scarce in spring through the continent’s center, as most of their northward migration in the Lower 48 states occurs east of the Mississippi River. Some five Black-throated Blue Warblers in Colorado complemented Boulder’s singing male Cape May Warbler (a crowd pleaser) this season, and high numbers of Black- throated Blues from western Texas, the Southern Great Plains, Arizona, New Mexi- co, and Utah also suggest a westward shift in the migration of this species. Warblers that breed chiefly in the East were also found out West, some in apprecia- ble numbers but most not quite in counts ri- valing those of spring 1992 in California (Patten and Marantz 1996). Numbers of such species in the Great Plains, along the eastern slope of the Rockies, and in the Great Basin were near average or slightly above, but along the Pacific Coast and in the desert Southwest, birders were busy check- ing their spring “traps,” which were very productive from the middle of May into ear- ly June. Though this phenomenon occurs to some extent every spring in California, this season’s influx of certain southeastern species was superior there. Hooded Warbler staged a “small invasion” in southern Cali- fornia and the “strongest showing in years” VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 325 in central California, with numbers of birds reported almost double those of 2001 (Brinkley 2001). Hoodcds were unusually numerous on the Great Plains also, with eight in Colorado, seven in Nebraska, and four as far north as North Dakota. Northern Parula, another species in the suite of south- eastern species observed in large numbers in 1992 and 2001, was “in abundance” in Utah and Nevada this season and numbered about 45 in California (44 reported in 2001). Ken- tucky Warbler, a southern rarity also detect- ed in the earlier flights, was noted six times in California this spring (twice in 2001) and was well represented elsewhere out of range: north to Michigan (six) and west to Col- orado (five). Yellow-throated Vireo, increas- ingly numerous as a vagrant to California in recent years, was recorded six times in that state (compared to nine each in 1992 and 2001 in California), whereas White-eyed was recorded just four times (thrice in 2001, ten times in 1992). Species that breed well into the mixed boreal/deciduous forest interface in south- ern Canada and the northern United States were also recorded west of usual range. Mourning Warbler, not a southeastern- breeding species, is very rare west of its usual migration corridor (and can be an identification challenge; see the comments in the Oregon & Washington region), but this year a sighting in Nevada was the “find of the season among warblers,” there were two sightings each in west Texas and Wyoming, where “very rare,” and Monterey County, California had a singing male on 5 June. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, with 38 sightings in California and eleven in Idaho and western Montana, was also recorded in above-average numbers. Western passerines east were fewer, as is invariably the case. Three Say’s Phoebes were found in Minnesota, with singles in New Brunswick and Indiana. Indiana and South Carolina had Vermilion Flycatchers. Smiths Longspur was found in North Car- olina and a Bullock’s Oriole in New Jersey. Ontario had the only Rock Wren east of normal, and it also had a Sage Thrasher, a species also reported in New Jersey, Min- nesota, and Missouri. Massachusetts and Illinois turned in Spotted Towhees, and Harris’s Sparrows were in North Carolina and New York. Some of the most widely re- ported species were found in a great many places. About sixteen Western Tanagers were documented from Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Manitoba, whereas six Black-headed Grosbeaks were in Minneso- ta, Iowa, Missouri, and eastern Texas. Ar- guably, any or all of these birds might have wintered in the United States and thus were not displaced in the same way the Neotrop- ical migrant warblers in California almost certainly were. The flycatchers may well have wintered along the Gulf Coast; the sparrows and towhees might have wintered anywhere; and the tanagers and grosbeaks could easily have taken up at feeders in Florida, as at least a few were known to have done over the past season. There was a distinct eastern “flight,” on small scale, of vagrant Sage Thrashers, Say’s Phoebes, and Harris’s Sparrows in fall/winter 2003-2004, and so some of the spring birds were surely birds that overwintered in the East. The same could be said of short-distance mi- grant warblers, such as the Audubon’s War- blers in Alabama, Wisconsin, Florida, and Pennsylvania — but what of Queens, New York’s MacGillivray’s Warbler? If identified correctly, this bird would be truly excep- tional in the spring. (Of course, it too could have wintered in Florida!) An- other surprise in the re- gional reports was the pro- liferation of Lazuli Buntings this spring: On- tario, Pennsylvania, Mis- sissippi, Arkansas, Wis- consin, Michigan, and Minnesota all had sight- ings of this species, nor- mally extremely scarce east of range (there are fewer than ten records from East Coast states, in fact). Will Figure 2. There was a fair flight of "southeastern" warblers and vireos into the South- west this spring, not quite on par with that of 1992 but similar to that of 2001 . This cooperative Kentucky Warbler at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest, Kern County, Califor- nia 1 6 May 2004 was one of four found in this area of California this May, three of them in Kern County, thus the local moniker "Kerntucky Warbler." Photograph by Bob Steele. Figure 1 . While much of the American East experienced withering heat and humidity in May 2004, the Great Plains and the Prairie Provinces suffered periodic snowstorms and northerly winds that grounded, and sometimes killed, enormous numbers of Neotropical migrant passerines. These 19 Tennessee Warblers (and one Blackpoll Warbler) were photographed 23 May at Regina, Saskatchewan, as they gleaned morsels of food from the pavement. Photograph by Greg Kratzig. 326 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS this species soon show patterns of extralim- ital appearance like those long seen in Indi- go Bunting and more recently detected in Painted Bunting? Still more puzzling, several Eurasian or European passerines were noted from the Great Lakes to the Northeast, the star of the show being Michigan’s ocularis White Wagtail (another wagtail was noted in Baja California Sur), with the Fieldfare in Quebec and Brambling in Manitoba also remarkable finds. Old World finches, reported in small numbers beginning late last fall, continued to figure in the re- gional reports: scattered reports of European Goldfinches stretching from Manitoba (one in late au- tumn) to northern Ontario (many) and to Quebec (two in winter), sin- gle Eurasian Siskins in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Michigan, and a . . . Eurasian Linnet in Michi- gan? Most records committees rele- gate records of “cage” birds to “sta- tus unknown” categories, and for good reason. With help from Julie Craves and Alan Wormington, we opened a Pandora’s Box of surpris- es from the Great Lakes: reports of Eurasian jays, Common Chaffinches, Euro- pean Greenfinches, Saffron Finches, Eurasian Linnets, a Blue Tit, and two pairs of breeding Great Tits — plus hundreds of Eu- ropean Goldfinches coming to feeders across a nine-state, three-province area. Most of these have not been reported in this journal. A rumor has persisted that a large importer, International Zoological Imports in Vernon Hills, Illinois (near Chicago), closed its doors in 2002 and released many of its charges into the wild. As Craves notes, “there is no confirmation of this rumor, but a compilation of reports does suggest the Chicago area as the point of radiation.” Still, as John Idzikowski points out, records of European Goldfinch were on the rise around the Great Lakes before 2002. So the southern-tier states and Hawaii are not the only ones with multiple exotic species on the loose: now Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Manito- ba, Quebec, and Ontario have records of one or more suspicious species. And these are not Southern Ground-Hornbills, Knys- na Turacos, Wooly-necked Storks, or Alexandrine Parakeets but largely species that have been reported in the Northeast (New England and the Canadian Mar- itimes) historically, albeit in very small numbers. Clearly, some records are “above” suspi- cion: wagtails are not kept in captivity, for instance, nor are most thrushes, including Fieldfare. Most of the finches, however, are either imported or propagated (legally) in the United States — including Brambling, which has a mostly “clean” track record of Figure 3. This Eurasian Siskin at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, Michigan (here 5 May 2004), was one of an interesting run of Eurasian finches — including many European Goldfinches, a Common Chaffinch, a Brambling, and a Eurasian Linnet— detected since autumn 2003 in east- ern Canada and the Midwest. Though Eurasian Siskin is a plausible vagrant to this site, the plethora of Eurasian species noted since 2002 in the Midwest has cast uniform doubt on all such reports as referring to wild wanderers. Photographs by Caleb Putnam. vagrancy in North America otherwise (Mlodinow and O’Brien 1996). This is all very disheartening, especially when one considers the apparent distances traveled by some of these (assumed) escapees: Euro- pean Goldfinches reached Gimli, Manitoba, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia while a Common Chaffinch made it to Silver Islet (in Lake Superior), Ontario, and the Eurasian Siskins traveled to Whitefish Point, Michi- gan (Figure 3), the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec, and Lorneville, New Brunswick! These are mostly fall and spring records, suggesting that these presumed former cap- tives still tend to move as migrants in sea- son. Sharp (2002) has asked already in this column about separating the wheat(ear) from the chaff(inch), but one has to keep the question alive: hypothetical flights of goldfinches from Chicago to Thunder Bay (740 km) or Whitefish Point (less that 600 km) or even the Lake Winnipeg area (-1200 km) are impressive, but the siskins in the Gaspe and the Saint John, New Brunswick areas were almost 1800 km away from the Windy City. How far to the east in Canada do these birds go before they become inseparable from the Eurasian finches reported there occasionally as ap- parent legitimate strays? Some would argue that Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador hold the key: neither province has seen a flight of finches in this century that would provide context for any of the Great Lakes (or nearby) birds. The only Eurasian birds of note this season in the Maritimes, aside from waterfowl, was a Eurasian Hob- by— but editor Blake Maybank was quick to point out the ship-riding habits of small fal- cons, amply substantiated in the Sea Swallow, the annual report of the Royal Naval Bird Watching Society. Despite the overwhelming circumstantial evidence that most of the Eurasian passer- ines noted around the Great Lakes were not of wild prove- nance, we still think it impor- tant for observers to record what they see and study indi- vidual birds in detail. Caleb Putnam, for instance, studied the Michigan siskin carefully, noting three retained juvenal outer greater coverts, indica- tive of a bird in its first spring — probably the most likely age to make a naviga- tional error on its first migra- tion. As there are known prop- agators of this species in North America, the proper ageing of this individual does not lay to rest concerns about its provenance. However, we hope that other observers of such birds will go to similar lengths to identify and age birds of this sort, so that, minimally, we come to know what birds inhabit our landscapes and what their movements might be. WATERFOWL We noted in reading through the regional reports that the statuses of several water- fowl species appear to be receiving greater scrutiny, some of which may be owing to increased observer awareness and attentive- ness. A Trumpeter Swan in Massachusetts (the first, but probably not the last, for New England) and a Mottled Duck in Illinois might have been easily confused with simi- lar species and escaped detection, but it is just as likely that the recent expansions of both species are the reason for their detec- tion. In the case of the duck, extralimital re- ports are on the increase in the Southern Great Plains and as far to the east as Ten- nessee; the swan’s proliferation in the East is clearly linked to breeding programs in the Midwest and western states. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a prime example of an expanding species that is un- likely to escape detection: their ringing calls and birder-friendly habits make them all too obvious in most settings. We suspect that many state records committees are presently coming to grips with extralimital 327 VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 C H A N G 1 N G S E A 5 O N S reports of this species. Over the past decade or so, Black-bellieds have experienced widespread increases, especially in the south-central United States, with instances of vagrancy also increasingly, chiefly in the Southern Great Plains, the Midwest, and the East as far north as mainland southeast- ern Canada. This spring, that pattern inten- sified. Their expansion in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma was showcased this season by up to 33 at Red Slough in southeastern Oklahoma, a record-high count for the state. Reports from Missouri and Ohio this spring can al- most certainly be attributed to this expan- sion. Reports along the Atlantic Coast (such as this season’s from New Jersey and the Carolinas) could also pertain to birds from the south-central United States (/Mex- ico) or might be from Florida. Both popula- tions could be responding to the same stim- ulus or stimuli in their northward flights, perhaps the gradual warming of the cli- mate. As a side note, some observers have opined that Florida’s Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are not of wild origin but instead derived from escapees at Key Bis- cayne in the late 1960s. This turns out not to be the case. Bill Pranty (pers. comm.) comments that “essentially every one of the state’s reports of the species, since the ap- pearance of a flock in Sarasota in the early 1980s, is believed to be refer to birds of wild provenance, possibly from the Yucatan. All of the data on this species’ spread, especial- ly in the central and southern peninsula in the past ten years or so, point to natural col- onization.” Populations of geese that nest in high lat- itudes are on the increase as well — virtually all of them. Snow Geese were reported in mind-numbing numbers throughout the winter and spring; even areas peripheral to their main migration routes had very high counts. Their small-bodied cousin, Ross’s Goose, continues to show dramatic increas- es in abundance in the Great Plains and is increasingly reported (in increasing num- bers) continent-wide, a trend that is also at least twenty years old now. This spring, Ross’s Geese were noted as increasing in Oregon and Washington and in “unprece- dented numbers” in British Columbia, while a remarkable 15 were detected in the Hudson-Delaware region, where considered “extralimital” only a decade or so ago. Stragglers were reported in Quebec, Ver- mont, Maryland, Ontario (four), and south- eastern Alaska, a pattern that is likely to continue and even accelerate. Two dark- morph Ross’s were reported in Pennsylva- nia; because the potential for confusion with hybrids of Lesser Snow Goose and Ross’s Goose is very high, such extralimital birds should be documented carefully. Canada Geese, likewise on the increase, are also in need of more careful scrutiny. As most readers are already aware, the Ameri- can Ornithologists’ Union has recently split the Canada Goose into two species: Cack- ling Goose ( Branta luitchinsii) and Canada Goose (B. canadensis ) (see the Editor’s Notebook). This action may have the broadest impact on birders of any split in recent memory. Knowledge of the impend- ing split dates to at least the mid-1990s, and a small subset of the hireling commu- nity has since been diligently recording subspecific data for as many sightings as possible. However, in reading this seasons regional reports (and many others over past years), we have been struck by how little information there is for what are now considered two separate species. Cackling Geese were reported in New York and Maryland — were they not worthy of men- tion in other regions? We certainly look forward to more reports of this species in upcoming issues. As their respective populations also in- crease, several “vagrant” taxa — Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose, and Greenland Greater White-fronted Goose — have also been detected more frequently. The prolif- eration of Barnacle Goose records in the East continued this spring, with reports from Quebec (two), Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland. The reports of Pink- footed Geese from Quebec and Pennsylva- nia over the season fit a more minor recent pattern as well, but one in Washington (probably one of the two that showed up 2 November 2003 originally) was said to be of uncertain provenance. After a winter with numerous Greenland Greater White- fronted Geese, as far south as Florida, many were reported this spring, in Nova Scotia, New England, New York, and New Jersey. Old World waterfowl otherwise continue to figure prominently in regional reports from fall, winter, and spring alike. This sea- son, some 46 Eurasian Wigeons were re- ported from 14 provinces and states away from the Pacific coast, with five Tufted Ducks from the same area. Common Teal appear to be increasing as visitors to North America, with 23 reported from nine states/provinces. A Falcated Duck in Ore- gon was unique. SEABIRDS The Pacific Ocean seabird scene rarely goes a year without some earth-shattering sur- prise. This spring, the shock came from a most unexpected locale; no one anticipated that Manx Shearwater would be the next species added to Montana’s list. This bird — discovered at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge by a Victor Emanuel Nature Tour guided by Denver Holt and Brennan Mul- rooney — was seen bobbing around with courting Western Grebes and pho- tographed extensively, leaving no doubt as to its identity. But what path did this bird take to arrive here, roughly 400 miles (over 600 km) from the Pacific? The arrival of this bird in the midst of the Rocky Moun- tains did not coincide with any weather sys- tem that might be linked to its arrival, at least not in any obvious way; a low-pressure system centered in southwestern Canada swept through the area 28 May from the Pa- cific, but it was not unusually powerful. In the Pacific basin, sightings of Manx are recently verging on the “regular,” at least off California and Washington, where it has been recorded for the past five sea- sons, and reports of several Manx per trip are now not unheard of for California. A Manx provided a first record for San Diego County, California this spring, and a report for Santa Cruz County is under review. Is there a breeding population in the Pacific? Away from the U.S. Pacific Coast, the species is essentially unknown in the Pacif- ic; it is a vagrant to New Zealand, Australia, and temperate South America. In the North American interior, there is only one record of the species (from Michigan), also appar- ently not storm-related. What were these birds doing there? Could cross-continental wanderers be the source of the Pacific birds? This seems highly improbable, even considering the large population of the species and its protracted northward migra- tion from South American waters in the spring. More likely would seem to be a mis- oriented bird from the Pacific, the site of re- cent increases in records. Some have wondered aloud whether the recent perturbations in environmental and seawater temperatures are blurring the boundaries between the various Pacific sea- water currents, allowing a few birds nor- mally confined to the Humboldt Current to slip northward, but thus far, there are no species known to have done so (Salvin’s Al- batrosses would be the most likely of recent vagrants to have come up from the Hum- boldt). Manx Shearwaters have been re- cently documented in the Humboldt, it is true, but until January 1998, there were no records north of the Straits of Magellan, Chile (very near Argentina). On 11 January 1998, Mackiernan and party (2001) ob- served a single Manx off the coast of Chile at 29° S, and since that time Alvaro Jaramil- lo has documented single birds off Valparai- so on 13 February 2003 and off Arica on 9 February 2004, both in Chilean waters. But Manx Shearwaters do not require a cool- water conduit between South and North Pacific: they routinely cross large expanses of tropical water on their northward migra- tion in the Atlantic. The most likely expla- 328 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS nation for the appearances of Manx Shear- waters off the Pacific is that they are birds that rounded Cape Horn or became trapped in the Straits of Magellan and ended up northbound in the Pacific, where they be- haved “normally,” heading toward the northern hemisphere at the onset of the austral winter. The Greater Shearwaters found off California in recent years proba- bly took the same route. But the Montana Manx? Oddball behav- ior in the species is well documented (who could forget “Mad Manx,” the shearwater that flew on board, striking birders off the coast of Massachusetts in years past?), but their navigational sense is remarkable, as documented by the legendary Manx that was taken from its nest in Wales, U.K., flown to Boston, and released. It arrived back on the nest in 12 days, 12 hours, and 31 minutes: not bad for a pelagic flight of 4960 km. One has to wonder whether the determined little Montana Manx was strik- ing out for its natal areas in the North At- lantic (as close as 4540 km away) and just pausing to take in the Rockies. Most heartening was the increase in re- ported Laysan Albatrosses at several loca- tions: there were several reports of groups of 20 or more at the Bering Sea/North Pa- cific interface between Attu and Shemya, the species is “now annual during spring” off Oregon and Washington, and Laysans outnumbered Black-footeds west of the Channel Islands on one California trip. Hopefully, a similar trend will materialize after Short-tailed Albatrosses respond to the irresistible decoys and audio-lures set out at Midway (frontispiece)! Also reported in higher numbers than usual this spring were Flesh-footed Shearwaters, which may be benefiting from extensive predator control on the offshore breeding islands of north- ern New Zealand. (Interestingly, Pennhal- lurick and Wink [2004], echoing older cat- egorizations, suggest that Flesh-footed might be best considered a dark morph of Pink-footed Shearwater, as the two species differ genetically only by 0.70%.) Seabirds also made news in the Atlantic, and once again North Carolina stole top honors with a well-documented Black-bel- lied Storm-Petrel, a first for the A.B.A. Area. A few albatross reports tantalized: only one was identified to species, a Yellow-nosed Albatross in North Carolina at Cape Hat- teras in April, but unidentified albatrosses were reported off Virginia and New York, the former thought to have been a Black- browed. Magnificent Frigatebird, normally a late summer wanderer, staged a better- than-average spring flight along the south- ern Atlantic Coast, with reports from Vir- ginia, North Carolina (two), South Carolina, and Georgia. The connection with persistent southwesterly winds throughout most of the late spring in the Southeast seems a reasonable one. SANDHILL CRANES One of the more interesting expansions of the past decade — one, like those of the geese, not obviously tied to climate change — has been the slow but steady spread of Greater Sandhill Cranes ( Gras canadensis tabida). The 1980s and 1990s saw this subspecies slowly expand its breeding range southward and westward— into the Midwest and eastern Great Plains — and even eastward to New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine. Iowa, Nebraska, southern Minnesota, and northern Illinois have seen pioneering nesting, presumably originating from established birds in central Wisconsin and Minnesota. They have also expanded dramatically around the Great Lakes, especially in Michigan and southern Ontario. In concert with a growing breed- ing range, records of Sandhill Cranes out- side of their normal non-breeding range in the East have proliferated. This spring saw a flush of Sandhill Crane reports in the East, most probably pertaining to the sub- species tabida. Blake Maybank noted that cranes may soon be breeding in the Atlantic Provinces region, and a late May report from Massachusetts was suggestive of nest- ing. They were widely reported in Quebec and upstate New York, while as many as four birds through mid-May in South Car- olina were suspected of being possibly prospecting nesters. If this expansion does continue, which directions will it take? The pair in northwestern Missouri this spring was suspected of nesting, as were birds at several sites in the Northeast (and Virginia even had summering birds!). This mirrors the pattern of expansion in Iowa and New York in the 1990s. Typically, singletons (presumed to be subadults and thus inex- perienced breeders) frequented potential breeding sites first, and then eventually formed pairs, with breeding confirmed one to three years later. At least in Iowa, this pattern continued this year, with single birds and pairs frequenting many of the large wetlands in the northeastern quarter of the state. This species will almost cer- tainly nest in the Maritime Provinces and Missouri within the next decade, and possi- bly also in other places such as the eastern Dakotas, Kansas, and several northeastern states. As a past editor of this journal was fond of saying: “Stay tuned!” SH0REBIRDS In a season slim on Eurasian visitors — out- side Alaska, eight Curlew Sandpipers and three or four Bar-tailed Godwits visited the Lower 48 states and Canada — nesting VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 species were very much in the news. Black- necked Stilts continued their amazing “leapfrog” expansion on multiple fronts. In the West, nesting again occurred in British Columbia, and they continued to “explode” in western Oregon. Their breeding range also continued to expand in the Northern Rockies and in New Mexico. In the Great Plains, South Dakota recorded its third nesting, and counts of the species were way up in Oklahoma. Predictably, the numbers of these birds spilling farther east were cor- respondingly high, with an unprecedented incursion into Iowa (eleven), Missouri (seven), the western Great Lakes region (eight), Illinois (twenty), Indiana (six), as well as farther east to Ohio (four), Ontario (three — including the province’s first nest- ing), Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. This pattern of rapid expansion and far-flung nesting records can be expected to continue throughout the East. Snowy Plover was another species on the move this spring, particularly in the middle of the continent. There, the abundance of suitable nesting habitat caused by diying reservoirs and large lakes made conditions favorable for dispersing individuals. This was especially evident in Nebraska, where nesting birds were found at two large reser- voirs and five wanderers were located in the eastern reaches of the state. We wonder how many went undetected nesting at oth- er locales in Nebraska and surrounding states. Elsewhere, apparent overshooting migrants were detected in Illinois (two), Missouri (two), and Iowa, and a few were reported away from traditional sites in the Southwest and Great Basin, most of these attributed to the effects of drought. In other shorebird news, we read with in- terest the S.A. in the Hudson-Delaware re- gional report concerning the new catch lim- its placed on Horseshoe Crabs in the Delaware Bay. This should be welcome news for the Red Knots and tens of thou- sands of other migrant shorebirds (Semi- palmated Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, and Sanderlings in particular) that stage in this critical area each spring. We hope that such measures are not too little and too late to reverse the long-term declines docu- mented in this striking shorebird. SOUTHWESTERN AND WESTERN SPECIES Theorizing the effects of increasing average global temperatures on avian distribution is still in the speculative stage, although some evidence of range expansion in southwest- ern species — to be expected in warmer (and in some cases drier) conditions — would seem to correlate with climatic data. Both White-faced and Glossy Ibis have been seen increasingly often out of typical range, but the western White-faced is the real wander- 329 er, recorded this season in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Ontario, and Maine, with two each in Ohio and Illinois and seven in Minnesota. On a smaller geographic scale, reports of Black-capped Gnatcatcher in Arizona were increasingly widespread. As for the ibises, which are believed to hybridize in situations of extralimital occurrence, Gary Rosenberg and Mark Stevenson emphasize the need to identify Black-cappeds criti- cally, as mixed pairs with Blue-gray Gnat- catcher are known. Also in Arizona, a “pure” pair of Flame-colored Tanagers nesting in Madera Canyon suggests that enough birds of this species are present to avoid mixed-pairing at the northern edge of the range, which has been mostly the case (or at least inferred from the presence of hybrids) in the past. The early arrival of a (now resident?) pair of Rufous-capped Warblers in French Joe Canyon, Arizona and the presence of additional singles in Cave Creek and Sycamore canyons may also indicate a northward move. Buff- breasted Flycatcher, as well as returning for the sixth consecutive year to the Davis Mountains in Texas, appears to be estab- lishing “small local breeding populations” in Cave Creek Canyon and the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona. Farther northward, a pair of Lucy’s Warblers in southwestern Colorado provided the first state nesting record since 1913, and sightings of the species in noteworthy places as widely separated as Oregon, the Imperial Valley of California, El Paso, and a few unex- pected locations closer to home in New Mexico suggest that something is happen- ing with this species. The lilianae sub- species of Eastern Meadowlark, which breeds in the Southwest and is often called Lillian’s Meadowlark, also appear to be moving, as it continues to spread north- ward in New Mexico and reappeared for the second year in southeastern Colorado. And those southwestern doves- — White- winged and Inca — continued to make in- roads, the former as a long-distance va- grant well into Canada and the northern United States (to sites too numerous to mention!), the latter by much smaller steps into Mississippi. On the East Coast, some (many?) records of White-winged Doves could also pertain to birds from the Florida population. From the perspective of mid-latitude birders, the expansion of many birds’ ranges appears beneficial, especially for those species with limited breeding ranges. A reassuring development of this sort is the expansion of Tricolored Blackbird. A colony with twenty breeding pairs in Dou- glas County, Nevada is doing well. The species is rapidly expanding in Washing- ton, where it was first noted breeding in Grant County in 1998; undetected addi- tional nesting areas almost certainly exist in that state. In California, Mendocino Coun- ty now has three nesting colonies, where only one was known previously, and hun- dreds were at Soda Lake in Santa Cruz County, a site first used in 2003. Our mantra in this column — that bird- ers should keep track of common species as assiduously as we track uncommon ones (Dinsmore 2001, Dinsmore and Fontaine 2003) — was recently seconded in Birding magazine (Davis 2004), though Davis does not favor a recording system on a national or continental scale. The pres- ent journal is of course not able to stan- dardize (or even easily quantify) all the birds reported to its editors, but it can flag expanding and extralimital species, in- cluding “common” species, very well. An interesting potential range expansion, for instance, was intimated by the presence of a pair of House Finches in Ketchikan, Alaska, where at least one bird has ap- peared now for three consecutive years. Eurasian Collared-Doves reached Quebec this season, while Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Baja California had their first nesting records of the species. In many other places across the West and Southwest, the species has established itself firmly at many hundreds of sites, and reports from Mexico are also on the increase. In the East, where the expansion has been slow (at least north of the Carolinas), records have begun to increase as well. We contin- ue to believe that birders across the conti- nent would both benefit from, and be ben- eficial for, a national data-recording project that tracks the movements of such “common” birds with more nuance. The best — -and only — current data gathering at this level is by the Cornell Lab of Or- nithology/National Audubon Society proj- ect called “eBird”: if you haven’t yet done so, please check into it on the Web at . The information logged here is turning out to be very helpful for regional editors’ summaries, another rea- son to support this fledgling project. Many regions, after all, remain in need of basic information on bird distribution and seasonal abundance, especially those regions on the edges: Mexico and Central America, Alaska, Northern Canada, and the Caribbean islands. We encourage readers who travel to submit reports to regional ed- itors from such areas in particular. With coverage of the A.O.U. Area nearly com- plete in this journal (only Greenland is ex- cluded), our hope is that each regions cov- erage can continue to be refined and to expand; indeed, from nearly every region, the contributors’ reports continue to in- crease in number and quality. As our un- derstanding of bird distribution deepens, we find our “hobby” too, is in a mode of rapid expansion: consider that northern California’s first Common Black-Hawk, Vir- ginia’s first Magnificent Hummingbird, Louisiana’s second Green Violet-ear, Wash- ington’s fourth Great-tailed Grackle, and Quebec’s ninth Fieldfare were discovered by people who simply took a moment to look out their back window, folks whom we might not consider among the “hardcore” but who know enough about birds to con- tact local birding gurus and to document what they see — people who are rapidly ex- panding the eyes and ears of our network well beyond what we’ve ever witnessed on this continent. Let’s keep it going. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We wish to thank Alan Wormington, Julie Craves, Alvaro Jaramillo, Susan Smith, Marshall Iliff, and Bill Pranty for assistance with several sections of this essay. Thanks, as ever, to all the diligent regional editors for their unflagging efforts to portray the spectacle of migration and the start of the nesting season with such economy and ac- curacy. LITERATURE CITED Brinkley, E. S. 2003. The Changing Seasons: displacements. North American Birds 57: 307315-264. . 2001. The Changing Seasons: drifters. North American Birds 55: 258-264. Davis, R 2004. Non-rarities from a rarities perspective. Birding 36: 319-393. Dinsmore, S. J. 2001. The Changing Sea- sons. North American Birds 55: 398-405. and J. Fontaine. 2003. The Changing Seasons. North American Birds 57: 164-170. Mackiernan, G., R Lonsdale, N. Shany, B. Cooper, and R Ginsburg. Observations of seabirds in Peruvian and Chilean waters during the 1998 El Nino. Cotinga 15: 88-94. Mlodinow, S. and M. O'Brien. 1996. Ameri- ca’s 100 Most Wanted Birds. Falcon, Hele- na and Billings, Montana. Patten, M. A., and C. A. Marantz. 1996. Im- plications of vagrant southeastern vireos and warblers in California. Auk 113: 911-923. Penhallurick, J., and M. Wink. 2004. Analy- sis of the taxonomy and nomenclature of the Procellariiformes based on complete nucleotide sequences of the mitochondr- ial cytochrome-k gene. Emu 104: 125-147. Sharp, M. E 2003. The Changing Seasons: drought, fire, plague, and a penguin. North American Birds 56: 402-408. O 330 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Swarovski Outdoor Packs The fabric used to make these bags and packs is a textured Cordura with a polyurethane coating that remains elastic and pliable in all temperatures and also makes the material water resistant. Three-ply seams are used exclusively, guar- anteeing against tears and abrasions. All bags include the Swarovski Lifetime Warranty. omy, behavior, courtship and breeding, nesting, migration, and conservation efforts. Item #788, ABA Sales Price $24.95 Swarovski Extremadura This rugged, medium-sized backpack makes it possible to carry > a tripod, scope, |G5i binoculars, field fl guide and oilier IH necessities for longer outings. Item #78001, ABA Sales Price $295 Hawks and Owls of the Great Lakes & Eastern North America Chris G. Early Firefly Books; published 2004; 128 pages; paper A great introduction to raptor ID, this title features more than 180 photos and comparison pages group similar-looking birds on a single page for quick reference. It includes male/female differences, seasonal and immature plumages, morphs, distinctive markings, and range maps. Item #783, ABA Sales Price $16.95 ismwxoatHi Swarovski Nakuru This is a small, padded, hip or shoulder field bag for day trips. Item #78003, ABA Sales Price $125 Swarovski Taimyr This is a medium-sized, ergonomically padded, shoulder field bag for day trips Item #78003, ABA Sales Price $165 information on how to find boreal specialties, such as Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, and White-winged Crossbill. Includes maps, bar-graphs, an annotated list of specialty species, and lists of other animals. Item #288, ABA Sales Price $26.95 (List Price $28.95) A Guide to Hawk Watching in North America Donald S. Heintzelman FalconGuide; published 2004; 426 pages; paper Each year tens of thousands of this guide 4a ■ qf raptors migrate T* provides detailed information on 460 sites throughout North America and profiles forty- one species of diurnal raptors and vultures. Item #787, ABA Sales Price $16.95 American Birding 800/634-7736 AX 800/590-2473 E-MAI abasales@abasales.com PO Box 6599 • Colorado Springs, CO 80934 • Web: www.americanbirding.org/abasales Editors’ Notebook The Forty-fifth Supplement By now, most readers have heard that the American Ornithologists’ Union’s Check-list Committee has published the forty-fifth Supplement to the A.O.U. Check-list. There are numerous changes to the Check-list in the new document, many being minor updates of scientific names in order to make the (linguistic) gender of species match that of genus. As is typically the case, the changes that interest most field observers are the additions to the list and the “lumps” and “splits.” The new additions to the list include Great-winged Petrel, Greater Sand-Plover, Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, and Spotted Flycatcher. Cuban Pewee is officially added as a vagrant to the United States. (Readers will recognize most of these names from past articles in this journal!) There were no species lumped, and only a few of the splits pertain to species regular in the United States and Canada, those being of Canada Goose and Yellow Wagtail. Caribbean observers will be interested to see that Gray-fronted Quail-Dove has been split, while another taxonomic rearrangement means that Panama’s Pygmy Antwren is now called Mous- tached Antwren. Birders have long known that there are two “size classes” of Canada Goose, and anyone who has seen one of the small forms next to one of the large forms probably has wondered why these two incredibly different beasts were con- sidered a single species. The similarity in plumage but dissimilarity in size mirrors the situation, for instance, in Ross’s and Snow Goose, or in Lesser and Greater White-fronted Geese, which have long been considered separate species. The smaller taxa of Canada Goose are now known as Cackling Goose ( Branta Initchinsii ); the large ones are still known as Canada Goose (B. canadensis )_ Ornithologists have been aware that, in addition to differences in size, these two groups differ in their breeding habitat (Cackling breeds largely in tundra), migration routes, wintering areas, voice, and other characters. However, a new set of data has emerged from a series of papers that focuses on molecular (genetic) attributes of the genus Branta. Not only are Cackling Geese clearly sep- arable as a different and old lineage from Canada Goose — it also appears that the closest relative of Cackling Goose is actually Barnacle Goose (B. leucopsis )! The radiation of Hawaiian geese, of which the only remaining member is the Nene (B. sandvicensis), is an offshoot of the Canada Goose (in the strict sense) lineage. Two issues emerge from this reorgani- zation that may concern birders. First, “Cackling Goose” is a name that has been traditionally used to refer only to the subspecies minima, and so using this name for the newly separated species- — which includes minima, leucopareia, tav- erncri, asiatica, and hutchinsii - — is bound to cause some confusion. Perhaps a new name (“Tundra Goose”?) should have been considered for the small taxa. Also a complicated matter, two taxa that have been thought difficult to tell apart and that have been considered intermediate between the large and small Canada geese — Lesser (parvipes) and Taverner’s ( taverneri ) — are placed in different species: taverneri is assigned to Cackling Goose, while parvipes becomes part of Canada Goose. The genetic distinction between these two taxa, however, is unambiguous. The confusion between taverneri and parvipes appears to have arisen for several reasons: 1) observers have confused the two on the wintering grounds; 2) there has long circulated an unsubstantiated notion that there is a cline (or zone of intergradation) between large and small Canada Goose taxa in Alaska and the Yukon; and 3) some literature has incorrectly listed Taverner’s as a breeder in the interior of Alaska rather than on the north coast of Alaska. Now that Cackling Goose has been split from Canada Goose, much work lies ahead for committees to sort out errors in the older literature and archived records — and to help clarify the field identification of these species, still a challenge in many cases. The other three splits are likely to have less impact on our readers. If you have seen the Yellow Wagtails that breed in Alaska and the Yukon, then you have seen the Eastern Yellow Wagtail ( Motacilla tschutschensis) . The systemat- ics of the Yellow Wagtail complex are quite involved, but several lines of data, including genetics, argue for this split from the Yellow Wagtail ( Motacilla Jlava). There may well be more splits within the other Yellow Wagtail taxa in time, and records from Newfoundland and from Alert, Nunavut should be reviewed as possible examples of Yellow Wagtails (in the new sense) in North America. Another split, of White-fronted Quail-Dove ( Geotrygon leucometopia of Hispaniola) from the Gray-fronted Quail-Dove (G. caniceps of Cuba), fur- thers the splitting trend in the systemat- ics of West Indian fauna. Finally, the Pygmy Antwren complex ( Myrmotherula brachyura ) has been reorganized: the species found from Panama to Ecuador (west of the Andes) is now known as Moustached Antwren (M. ignota ). The Supplement makes several English name changes. One breeder in this jour- nal's area of coverage. Red-vented Wood- pecker ( Melanerpes pygmaeus), is now sensibly known as Yucatan Woodpecker, a name already in wide use. Those who bird the Bering Sea Islands in spring (and anyone reading the Alaska spring report in this issue) will want to take note that Siberian Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) is now called Dark-sided Flycatcher, and that its relative, Gray-spotted Flycatcher (M. griseisticta) , is now known as Gray- streaked Flycatcher. Another vagrant or rare visitor to the A.O.U. Area, the bird we once fondly called Mongolian Plover ( Charadrius mongolus ) is now known by the more pedestrian name of Lesser Sand- Plover (similar to the name used in Eura- sia, but with the addition of a hyphen). Ironically, there is the distinct possibility that Mongolian Plover (in the narrow sense: the easternmost breeding taxa of Lesser Sand-Plover) will be recognized as a species distinct from Lesser Sand- Plover — so we may be hearing Mongolian Plover (Mongolian Sand-Plover?) again some time in the future. All these gym- nastics to standardize the English names of birds do make one wonder why we rearrange them so oftenv when the scien- tific names (if not the taxonomic rank- 332 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ings!) are already relatively well standard- ized around the English-speaking world. — Alvaro Jaramillo Moves We have, as ever, new peregrinations and colonizations to report. Colorado & Wyoming regional editor Chris Wood has migrated to the Midwest and can now be contacted at: Christopher L. Wood 1301 Brian Place #3 Urbana, Illinois 61802 (clw@insightbb.com) He will continue to write the regional report with Doug Faulkner. David Trochlell, longtime regional editor lor the Idaho-Western Montana region, is mov- ing to Oregon. The new regional editor for that region will be Harry Krueger, con- tactable at: J. Harry Krueger 5107 West Ponder Street Boise, Idaho 83705 (hkrueger@cableone .net) David will continue to edit with Harry for a few seasons, so please send sightings to both regional editors for the time being. For the fall season only, seasonal regional editor Steve Kelling will pass his duties to Michael Powers, also at the Cor- nell Laboratory of Ornithology. Mike can be contacted at: Michael Powers Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, New York 14850 (mep42@cornell.edu) Finally, for the spring season only, sea- sonal regional editor Roger McNeill will be moving to New Zealand; we will announce the new spring editor for the Iowa & Missouri region in the next issue. Thanks to Steve and Roger for their hard work in their respective regions. Cozumel Thrasher's return We were delighted to see that the Ameri- can Bird Conservancy (ABC) proclaimed this spring at a major joint press confer- ence with Conservation International in Mexico City that the Cozumel Thrasher was in fact still hanging on ( Bird Calls 8 [21: 1). On hearing the good news, we assumed that our reports of the species from 1998 and 2001 in this journal — in the Mexico regional report (N.A.B. 56: 114) — had provided the impetus for the search, though we were surprised to read in the ABC press release that the species had not been reported in “ten years.” When we contacted ABC to let them know of persistent records from Cozumel, we learned that the organiza- tion was unaware of the persistent records of the species. How much more timely it might have been, for the thrasher’s sake, if we had managed to get out the word of the thrasher’s continued existence sooner! The recovery project might have begun years ago. What is the lesson of this missed opportunity to be of help to the profes- sional ornithologists and bird conserva- tionists of North America? We started by sending a complimentary subscription to the ABC, of course, and we have begun to assemble a short list of organizations that might also benefit from the view this jour- nal provides on basic bird distribution, a field that has fallen out of favor in much of the academic world, for understand- able reasons. We hope that subscribers to this journal can help us by encouraging local, regional, and university libraries to restart their North American Birds subscriptions — many of which have lapsed owing to widespread budget cuts. Bird clubs, conservation groups, and bird observatories might also consider sub- scribing on behalf of the officers or direc- tors, who will want to keep abreast of changes in bird distribution. We cannot, after all, have much impact in the world of bird conservation if we’re not read by people charged with conserving North America’s birdlife! — Edward S. Brinkley Errata In the paper by Paul W. Sykes et al. on the first Mangrove Swallow for the United States (N.A.B. 58: 4-11), a citation was inadvertently omitted on page 11 (Gill, F B. 1990. Ornithology. Freeman, New York), and one reference on page 9 for Howell and Webb (1995) contained a typographic error in the date of publication. Mary Gustafson points out that the Lark Sparrow depicted in N.A.B. 58: 45 represented the second, not first, photographic record for Delaware. Phil Davis notes that the Mary- land Bird Records Committee continues to deliberate on state specimens of Western Wood-Pewee from 1961 and 1967 ( contra N.A.B. 58: 57). © STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS USED IN THE REGIONAL REPORTS * specimen collected + bird(s) seen through end of period t written details on file A.F.B. Air Force Base acc. accepted by records committee A.R.C. Avian Records Committee b. banded B.B.S. Breeding Bird Survey B.O. Bird Observatory B.R.C. Bird Records Committee C.A. Conservation Area C.B.C. Christmas Bird Count C.P. County Park cm centimeter(s) Cr. Creek Ft. Fort G.C. Golf Course G.P. Game Preserve Hwy. Highway 1. (Is.) Island(s), lsle(s) imm. (imms.) immature(s) Jet. Junction juv. (juvs.) juvenal [plumage]; juvenile(s) km kilometer(s) L. Lake mm millimeter(s) m.ob. many (or multiple) observers Mt. (Mts.) Mount/Mountain (Mountains) N.A. Nature Area, Natural Area N.F. National Forest N.M. National Monument N.P. National Park N.S. National Seashore N.W.R. National Wildlife Refuge P-a- pending acceptance P.P. Provincial Park Pen. Peninsula ph. photographed (by + initials) Pt. Point (not Port) R. River R.A. Recreation(al) Area R.B.A. Rare Bird Alert R.P. Regional Park R.S. Regional Shoreline Res. Reservoir Rte. Route S.B. State Beach S.F. State Forest S.G.A. State Game Area S.P. State Park S.R.A. State Recreation Area S.R. State Reserve S.W.A. State Wildlife Area S.T.P. Sewage Treatment Plant/Pond subad. (subads.) subadult(s) Twp. Township v.r. voice recording (by + initials) vt. videotape (by + initials) W.A. Wildlife Area W.M.A. Wildlife Management Area W.T.P. (Waste)water Treatment Plant/Pond VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 333 Atlantic Provinces & St. Pierre et Miquelon iKillinek I. Jorngat Mtns. N. P. kHebron LABRADOR SLA LABRADOR Cape Harrison JHopedale ^ Cartwright Gannet Island Ecological Reserve Strait of Belle Isle LAnse-aux-Meadows 4St. Anthony Gander NEWFOUNDLAND Bonavista NOVA SCOTIA Halifax— Dartmouth ^Lunenberg pYarryfouth ■ Cape Sable I. St. John’s Avalon Peninsula Cape Race Cape St. Mary’s Lettered Nova Scotia Sites: A Pictou B Amherst C Truro D Wolfville E Digby Blake Maybank 144 Bayview Drive White's Lake, Nova Scotia BBT 1Z1 (maybank@ns.sympatico.ca) The very cold winter with its record snowfall faded gradually into a long, lin- gering, cool spring, one of the coldest in many years. There would seem to have been lit- tle reason for any birds to arrive ahead of sched- ule, but a number did so, setting record-early dates in the process. There was little stormy weather, although late May frosts must have taken a toll on insectivores, and Brian Dalzell reported from Grand Manan that “between 25-28 May, significant mortality occurred due to strong easterly headwinds combined with cold rain and fog. Lobster fishermen from Saint John to Grand Manan reported many weak birds coming aboard their boats during this pe- riod, and many floating dead on the ocean. I conservatively estimate 10,000+ birds died dur- ing these forced landings, principally warblers (Magnolia, Blackburnian, Yellow, Common Yel- lowthroat, Wilsons, Blackpoll) and flycatchers (Alder and Least). A stark reminder that nature still rules...” Coverage was good to excellent from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Saint Pierre et Miquelon, while mostly reports of rar- er species came from Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. Abbreviations: A.B.O. (Atlantic Bird Obser- vatory); B.I. (Brier I., NS); B.P.I. (Bon Portage I., NS); C.B.R.M. (Cape Breton Regional Mu- nicipality, NS); C.S.l. (Cape Sable L, NS); G. M. (Grand Manan archipelago, NB); H. R.M. (Halifax Regional Municipality, NS), N.A.M.C. (North American Migration Count, 10 May); N.S.B.S. (Nova Scotia Bird Society). LOONS THROUGH VULTURES At Saint Pierre, very early arrivals by both Greater Shearwater (4 on 7 Apr, a week earlier than the previous record) and Sooty Shearwater 4 Apr (five days earlier than the record) were noted (LJ; BL). Also there, 4 Northern Gannets 7 Apr were two weeks ahead of their average ar- rival date, while an unprecedented 2500+ streamed into Chaleur Bay 4 May, perhaps in pursuit of smelt (Mike Lushington). It was an average spring for s. herons, egrets, and ibis (Table 1), with Great and Snowy Egrets arriving in numbers, along with a sprinkling of Little Blue Herons but no Tricolored Herons reported. Turkey Vultures seem to be gradually explor- ing areas away from their small strongholds in the Maritimes. In Nova Scotia in Apr and May, away from Digby and Yarmouth, there were 12 in Queens (Paul Gould), 5 on C.S.L (MN), 2 each in Annapolis and Cumberland, and singles in Lunenburg and far-flung Canso, Guysborough. Turkey Vultures are now routine in se. New Brunswick, but farther n. they are still scarce; in early May, 3 were reported, one in Madawaska and 2 in Gloucester. WATERFOWL A flavirostris Greater White-fronted Goose was noted 21 Apr near Canning, Kings, likely the same bird seen in the area in previous years, ei- ther in migration or overwintering. Snow Geese are increasingly using the Restigouche R. estu- ary in nw. New Brunswick as a spring staging area; first noted there a decade ago, 2000-3000 were present between Atholville and Dalhousie in late Apr and early May this year. By contrast, there were just three flocks totaling 19 birds spread across three Nova Scotia counties in Apr and May, and a single bird on St. Pierre 20-25 Mar. The overwintering Snow Goose at Sulli- vans Pond, H.R.M. was last noted 12 Apr. Brant numbers continue to grow on C.S.L, with a peak of 12,000 on 6 Apr (MN). Eurasian ducks are too routine in spring in Newfoundland to warrant reporting, but a pair of Gadwall 10 May in St. John’s was considered noteworthy (Todd Boland), as was a Wood Duck in Stephenville 19 Apr (Bill Winsor). St. Pierre et Miquelon had 4 Wood Ducks, 2 males and a pair. Old World ducks are still carefully tabulated on the main- land; there were 7 Eurasian Wigeons and one Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal report- ed from Nova Scotia, while New Brunswick had the only Tufted Duck (very scarce of late) in Kent on the e. coast, from which there are very few records. Green-winged Teal arrived two weeks late on Miquelon, and by the end of the period there were but a half-dozen reports from that island, and none at all from St. Pierre. Else- where in the Region, the species was observed in normal numbers. Four pairs of Redheads at a Shediac sewage lagoon 10 May (Louis-Emile Cormier) was one of the largest spring Region- al groupings. A stunning male King Eider on B.RI. 28-31 May was seasonally late and s. of usual (A.B.O.) . Around the Restigouche R. es- tuary, which is the principal spring staging area in e. North America (and likely the continent) for Black Scoters, Mike Lushington estimated 58,000 present 26 Apr. Susann Meyers counted 11 Barrow’s Goldeneye on the Sydney R. 19 Mar, an excellent provincial concentration. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 334 Marcel David has been undertaking painstakingly precise shorebird surveys from the Acadian Peninsula, NB, especially Maisonette Dune near Caraquet, a premier spring shorebirding site in Atlantic Canada, perhaps sur- passing even C.S.I., itself well known as the finest winter shorebird site in e. Canada. Some counts (record highs in bold) from the Maisonette Dune this spring include: 149 Black-bellied Plovers 22 May; 220 Semipalmated Plovers 24 May; 127 Semipalmated Sandpipers 3 Jun; 151 Least Sandpipers 22 May; 10 White-rumped Sandpipers 31 May; 23 Dunlin 24 May; and 313 Short-billed Dowitchers 22 May. In light of some of these record-high totals, it is perhaps rel- evant that the number and variety of spring shorebirds was also higher than normal in neighboring P.E.I. Ruddy Ducks made their first-ever spring ar- rival in Newfoundland, with a drake in Wabush, Labrador 18 May (Lee Preziosi) and a pair in St. John’s 22 May (TB et al.). On the mainland, a group of 8 was at the Saint-Joseph sewage lagoon 13 May (Alain Clavette). OSPREY THROUGH SHOREBIRDS An Osprey on St. Pierre 12 Apr was record early by nine days (FPA). There were two sightings of Sharp-shinned Hawk on St. Pierre et Miquelon in May, at a time of year when they are not ex- pected. The only Red-shouldered Hawk report came from Blackville, Northumberland, NB, 23 Apr (BS); this is the ne. limit of the species’ range in the province, where only rarely en- countered. A report of 2 from P.E.I. was not accompanied by details. Golden Eagles are rare in spring in s. New Brunswick, so a year-old bird near St. Stephen 15 May was a good find (BS). The species, while still rare, is a bit more expected in Cape Breton, so two sightings in the first half of May in Victoria were expected. American Kestrels remain rare on St. Pierre et Miquelon in spring, but LJ noted single tiercels on both Langlade and Miquelon in the 2nd week of May. On 21 May at Cape Spear, NL, Paul Line- gar observed an unfamiliar falcon fly by as close as 10 m. His description, still before the provin- cial Bird Committee, strongly suggests a Eurasian Hobby. At about the same time, a hob- by appeared on Iceland (where very rare). It is worth bearing in mind that a Eurasian Hobby spent a week on a research vessel 550 km e. of Newfoundland in early May 1989. On 29 May, Ray Cooke and party found 2 Peregrine Falcons in Prince Edward Island N.P; spring sightings in P.E.I. have been quite rare, but perhaps the fal- cons may be attempting to breed, as the species’ population is expanding in the Region. An ongoing debate in New Brunswick re- garding the advisability of introducing Wild Turkeys may soon be superfluous, as birds from the burgeoning Maine population are crossing the border into York and Charlotte, and breed- ing cannot be far off. News of a Purple Gallinule in the town of Yarmouth, NS 10-12 May was suppressed at the request of the landowner. Sandhill Cranes will be breeding in the Region before long: you read it here first. They are now routine in New Brunswick, where there were 5 in May, 4 of which lingered into Jun. One bird was seen in Colchester, NS, and there were three separate sightings of a pair in C.B.R. in Apr and May; more than one pair may have been in- volved. A pair over Saint Pierre 8 May (FPR) was filmed by a television crew the next day and furnished only the 2nd record for St. Pierre et Miquelon. Yet another pair was at Deer Lake, NL 16 May, in a horse pasture (Ruth Story). An American Golden-Plover on St. Pierre 24 May provided the 2nd spring record for the is- lands. When Etcheberry was preparing the St. Pierre et Miquelon data for this spring’s report, he was astonished to discover that there had been not one single report of Semipalmated Plover from anywhere on St. Pierre et Miquelon in spring 2004 — an unprecedented absence. At least one Upland Sandpiper is ex- Table 1. Records of "southern" herons, egrets, and ibis in Atlantic Canada, Spring 2004. NS NB NF SPM PEI Great Egret 9 6 1 0 2 Snowy Egret 10 5 1 0 0 Little Blue Heron 4 1 0 1 1 Cattle Egret 3 0 0 0 0 Green Heron 2 0 0 0 0 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 1 0 0 0 0 Glossy Ibis 2 0 1 0 2 pected in Nova Scotia each spring, and this year it was seen on C.S.l. 17 Apr (MN). A Hud- sonian Godwit at C.S.L 11 May (MN) fur- nished the first spring record for the province, although there have been two early Jun birds on Sable I. Two unusual inland New Brunswick shorebird sightings include a White-rumped Sandpiper 28 May at St. Hilaire, Madawaska ( fide Roy LaPointe) and a Dunlin at Lower Jemseg, Queens 21 Apr (Don Gibson). The only Ruff reported this season was at Mavillette Beach, Digby 17 May (MN), while the only Wilson’s Phalaropes were a female at Bloom- field, Kings, NB 5 May (Ian Cameron), and 2 the same day at Lower Jemseg (Merv Cormier). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS There was a scattering of Laughing Gulls Re- gionwide in May: an ad. in St. John’s 15-16 May, one or 2 ads. at St. Pierre et Miquelon 15-16 & 23 May, and a second-summer at White Pt., Victoria 26 May. For the first time in many years, observers on St. Pierre et Miquelon did not observe a single Black-headed Gull all winter and spring. Don McAlpine discovered a colony of Ring-billed Gulls (six pairs) on Man- awagonish I., off Saint John, NB, the first such provincial nesting on the cold Bay of Fundy’s shore. The species has yet to be found nesting in neighboring Nova Scotia, the only Canadian province not so blessed. A well-described third- year California Gull at Eel R. Bar, Res tigouche 5 May (ML) was but the 3rd provincial sighting. On P.E.I., where there are only a few previous records, DS and RC independently reported an ad. Thayer's Gull in the Charlottetown Har- bour area around 1 1 Mar. The hybrid Herring Gull x Glaucous Gull at Lockeport, Shelburne, NS, during the winter stayed at least until 27 Apr. The only reported Lesser Black-backed Gulls were from Nova Scotia, where 9+ were noted from Cum- berland, Kings, and H.R.M. A first-winter Ivory Gull at East Pt., P.E.I. 17 Apr was remarkably late and at an unexpected loca- tion (RC). The Regional strong- hold of Black Terns is at Black Duck Marsh, Lower Jemseg, NB, where a 150 were estimated in late May, the highest count there to date. The 2 Atlantic Puffins found by Jeff Ertle and Floyd Kent in Baddeck Bay, Victoria, NS 25 Mar were unusually far from the open sea; the date and location suggest that they were late-winter strays rather than spring arrivals. Puffins are rarely noted from RE. I., but there was one off East Pt. 14 May (RC). DOVES THROUGH WAXWINGS A White-winged Dove made a brief visit to a feeder in Barrington, Shelburne, NS 21 Apr, after which 2 arrived 31 May at George Crowell and Bev Sarty’s feeders in Glace Bay, C.B.R.M. (where one occurred in Aug 1991). Nova Scotia’s White- winged Dove total now stands at 28, probably Both remarkably late and remarkably far south, this male King Eider was at Bon Portage Island, Nova Scotia on 30 May 2004. Photograph by Ross Baker. VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 335 ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET M I QTJ E 1. 0 N the largest of any state or province well beyond the fringes of the species’ normal breeding range. A Snowy Owl lingered in the Rustico area of RE. I., with sightings by different observers 8-25 May. On 27 Apr, a Long-eared Owl perched obligingly on a fence post in Labrador City, NL, allowing Gary Peckam a chance to document only the 3rd record for the province and the 2nd in Labrador. A Common Nighthawk over Mt. Uniacke Estate, Hants , NS 20 Apr was almost record ear- ly (Hans Toom), but there were few subsequent sightings, a wor- risome trend. A lone Chimney Swift made it n. to St. Pierre et Miquelon 23 May (FPA), where they are decid- edly rare. The 4 Red-bellied Woodpeckers in Nova Scotia and 2 in New Brunswick were thought to be holdovers (more accurately sur- vivors) from the large incursion of last autumn and winter, but the status of one at Tryon, P.E.l. 21-27 May was uncertain (Betty Howwat). A Willow Flycatcher seen and heard near Pa- quetville, Gloucester, NB 9 May (Roger Du- maresq, Frank Branch) was apparently the first record for the Acadian Peninsula. Eastern Phoebes remain scarce on RE.l., despite appar- ently suitable habitat. This spring, however, 2 were at Greenich 23 Apr (Arja Page et al.), fol- lowed by singles in Charlottetown 29 Apr (Dwaine Oakley) and East Pt. 29 May (Dan Mcaskill et al.). A Say’s Phoebe was a one-day wonder near Sainte-Antoine, Kent, NB 1 May (Denis Doucet), only the 2nd spring record for the province, on the heels of the one a year ago. Out-of- range vireos were limited to s. Nova Sco- tia— 2 Warbling Vireos on C.S.I. 19 May, a sin- gle there 30 May (both MN), and a Philadelphia Vireo on B.P.l. 21-23 May (N.S.B.S.). A Purple Martin was quite far n. at St. Johns 24 May (Dave Brown), while a Northern Rough-winged Swallow at the Goose Cr. Marsh, Yannouth 27 Apr was out of range (Paul Gould). Etcheberry notes that Black-capped Chickadee is now a very rare bird on St. Pierre et Miquelon, so one on Saint Pierre 16 May was appreciated. New Brunswick’s 10th Tufted Titmouse was at Breadalbane, Charlotte 25 Apr (Hugh Parks). The only Carolina Wren reported was one singing at St. Andrews, NB 23 May (TD). A House Wren singing at Scoudouc, Westmore- land, NB 22 May+ (Norm Belliveau) provided one of very few county records at any season, and there was but one Nova Scotia House Wren, 17 May in Wolfville (Bernard Forsythe). It was a quiet spring for Blue-gray Gnatcatch- ers, with only 3 detected, at St. Andrews, NB 2 May (TD), at White Head, G.M.A. 14 May (Marco Scichilone et al), and at Canso, Guys- borough, NS 9 May (Tom Cavanaugh). Winds did not favor Northern Wheatears’ arrival, with a single at Cape Spear, NL 27 May (Dave Brown, Jared Clarke) being the only one re- ported. A Wood Thrush was well described from St. Pierre et Miquelon 7 May (Dominique Gouverne); there are very few records from the n. side of the Cabot Strait. In light of this species’ apparent vanishing act from Nova Sco- tia, the 4 sighted this past Apr and May give a slight sense of hope, although three sightings were from coastal locations and surely per- Table 2. Records of "southern" tanagers and cardinalids in Atlantic Canada, Spring 2004 NS NB NF SPM PEI Summer Tanager 7 1 2 0 0 Scarlet Tanager 10 2+ 3 0 0 Blue Grosbeak 5 i 0 1 1 Indigo Bunting 30+ 30+ 12+ 4 1 tained to migrants, not to prospective local breeders. Brown Thrashers have had one suc- cessful nesting in Nova Scotia, and this year, more attempts might be made, as 9 birds were noted, almost all in May in the s. half of the mainland. A pair of Bohemian Waxwings at North Head, G.M.A. 15-25 May (Jim Wilson et al.) was record late for so far s. in the Region and raised the possibility of breeding. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES There were few vagrant warblers this spring, but a Blue-winged Warbler on B.RI. 21 May was ap- preciated (N.S.B.S.). An Orange-crowned War- bler was both extralimital and quite late at New Harmony, P.E.L 29 May (RC et al.). A Nashville Warbler well seen by PB on Saint Pierre 18 May was record early by one day, and another ap- peared in the village of Miquelon two days later (RE); the species has been seen in spring in St. Pierre et Miquelon eight years out of 31. A Yel- low-throated Warbler just made into the period by appearing 31 May on C.S.I. (MN). Pine War- bler is the most likely s. warbler to be added as a new nesting species in Nova Scotia, and there were 3 noted this spring 3-10 May, including 2 singing males. Black-throated Blue Warblers are scarce in St. Pierre et Miquelon, but there was one on Langlade 22 May (MD). Two American Redstarts in St. Pierre et Miquelon 16 May (MD) were record early by one day (MD). A rare male Hooded Warbler was at Fundy N.P., NB 22 May (Sheila Pugsley). Yellow-breasted Chats are ex- pected in autumn and early winter, but spring sightings are scarce, so one in Lunenburg 4 May was noteworthy (Dave Watson). Each spring, certain colorful, feeder-friendly passerines overshoot their more southerly breeding ranges to arrive in Atlantic Canada. And they seem to arrive in tandem: Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted and Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings and Baltimore Ori- oles. The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Balti- more Orioles breed somewhat widely on the mainland, so they tend to be notable only on St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland. Scarlet Tanagers are very scarce breeders in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and so are noted when seen. This annual “Rainbow Arrival” varies in intensity each year, but it is always welcome. Table 2 shows that numbers of Blue Grosbeaks were low, and that Prince Edward 1. needs more birders: the lone Indigo Bunting found there actually occasioned a bit of a “twitch,” something that would not happen elsewhere in the Maritimes. It was an average spring for Eastern Towhees, with 4 report- ed from Nova Scotia and 3 from New Brunswick, all between 23 Apr and 10 May. The 3 overwin- tering Clay-colored Sparrows in Canso lingered into late Apr and early May, and there were 2 other Nova Scotia sightings in May, one of which lingered most of the month at a C.S.I. feeder. There were 3 Field Sparrows at Nova Scotia feeders in May, while New Brunswick had a larger in- flux, with 5 in the s. half of the province; this is a species that could be expected to increase in the Region as climate warms. An Ipswich Sparrow was photographed on St. Pierre et Miquelon 16 May (Pascal Asselin), the first documented record for the French islands. Five Rose-breasted Grosbeaks reached St. Pierre et Miquelon, and a “few more than nor- mal” reached Newfoundland. Several of Nova Scotia’s overwintering Dickcissels survived and departed by mid-Apr; 3 overshoots were found at coastal migrant traps in May in s. Nova Scotia. It was a fairly good spring for Orchard Ori- oles, with seven May sightings in Nova Scotia (all on s. and w. coastlines) and 11 in New Brunswick, 10 of which were on G.M.A. Birders on St. Pierre et Miquelon had to settle for a lone imm. Baltimore Oriole 22 May (PB). Purple Finches staged a massive flight into the s. half New Brunswick 3-5 May, with feeder reports of 25-100 or more being commonplace (fide BD). Both crossbills continue to be present in low numbers across the Region. After their exten- sive winter incursions, the last small flocks of Common Redpolls had departed by early May. Dalzell reports from New Brunswick that “there is a possibility that an imm. male Eurasian Siskin at a Lorneville, Saint John feeder 31 May-3 Jun (fide Jim Wilson) was a genuine va- grant, given the other records in Quebec and Michigan this spring.” Contributors (subregional editors in boldface): Frederic & Patricia Allen-Mahe, Todd Boland, Patrick Boez, Alain Clavette, Ray Cooke, Brian Dalzell, Tracey Dean, Marc Derible, Roger Etcheberry, Sylvia Fullerton, Ulli Hoger, Andy Horn, Laurent Jackman, Fulton Lavender, Mike Lushington, Bruce Mactavish (BMt), Ken McKenna, Ian McLaren, Murray Newell, John- ny Nickerson, Terry Paquet, Bev Schneider, David Seder, Richard Stern, Stuart Tingley. Special thanks to Brian Dalzell for putting to- gether a comprehensive New Brunswick report and to David Seeler for collecting sightings from Prince Edward I. © 336 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS The spring of 2004 was cooler than nor- mal for most of the Region except the ex- treme southern part. In addition, the Re- gion experienced a wetter-than-normal spring, except the extreme southern part that was fa- vored by the weather once again. In contrast with spring 2003, the migration was beyond doubt more exciting and brightened up by sev- eral fallouts and a substantial number of rarities, particularly in May. LOONS THROUGH NIGHTJARS A first-winter Red-throated Loon at Saint-Jean- sur-Richelieu 4 Mar was most probably a very early migrant (PB). A count of 2600 at Riviere - Ouelle 22 May was the highest ever for this lo- cality (CG, C. Auchu). A Pacific Loon in alter- nate plumage seen in flight from the Riviere-du-Loup/Saint-Simeon ferry 29 May was well described (CG). Although a flying Arctic Loon could not be technically eliminated in this case, this last species has never been re- ported in the Region. The only inland Great Cormorant was found at L. Magog 30 Mar (G. Gilbert, L. Simard). Single Great Egrets at Saint- Fulgence 6 May (CC, GS et al.) and Sept-Iles 22-29 May (JE Laporte et al.) were far off their s. Quebec breeding range. A Tricolored Heron graced Havre-aux-Basques 10 May (P Poirier, A. Richard). Six single Glossy Ibis were detect- ed between the Outaouais R. and the Lower St. Lawrence. One of the most exciting finds of the period was a Pink-footed Goose discovered at Plaisance 17 Apr (JD), seen and photographed by many through 28 Apr. Two Ross’s Geese at Sainte- Helene-de-Mancebourg 5 May represented the 2nd record for the Abitibi region (R. Deschenes). Single Barnacle Geese visited Baie-du-Febvre 29 Apr (F & R. Dion) and Trois-Pistoles 14 May (LD-S, JM). Single Mute Swans appeared at Gran- by 28-31 May (M. Maheu, MB) and at Berthier 29 May (R. Piche, N. & R. Veillette). Seven Tun- dra Swans were scattered throughout the Region (fide PB). Following last summers numerous re- ports, another apparent Canada Goose x Chinese Goose hybrid was seen at Saint-Blaise 19 Mar (LD-S). A subad. male Harlequin Duck at LaSalle 13-31 May was surprisingly late for the Montreal area (JC. Sorel, rn.ob.), while one at Destor 7 May provided the first spring record for Abitibi (SG). An impressive 17 Golden Eagles at Godman- chester 11 Mar represented a new one-day high count for this locale (PB). Sandhill Cranes were widely reported. Notable sightings included a group of 7 birds flying over Montreal 29 Apr (M. Larouche) and 2 individuals at Etang des Caps, Magdalen Is. 11-19 Apr (DGG, CA. Gaudet, C. & S. Roy). There was a notable grounding of shorebirds in May, although it was not as extensive as the fallout of landbirds. For instance, Semipalmated Plovers amounted to 650 at Saint- Vallier 27 May (JL) and 250 at Saint-Fulgence 30 May (CC, GS). A banded Piping Plover was totally unex- pected at the Aylmer marina 13 May (JD). There are few records of this species for s. Quebec. Port-Carder hosted a rare American Avocet 18 Blanc- Sablon • Amos L. Saint-Jeani • Rouyn „ Tadoussac* Cap-Tourmente < Marie \ Mont-. Quebec City* Laurier Berthierville, Montreal. - .VictorJaville .Sherbrooke 3aie-du-Febvre Ites-de-la Madeleine Gatineau L. Champlain Pierre Bannon 1517 Leprohon Montreal, Quebec H4E1P1 (pbannon@videotron.ca) Samuel Denault 75 Beauchemin Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Quebec J3N 1J6 (samuel.denault@videotron.ca) Yves Aubry Canadian Wildlife Service P.0 Box 10100 Sainte-Foy, Quebec G1V4H5 (yves.aubry@ec.gc.ca) Normand David 347 Donegani Pointe-Claire, Quebec H9R 5M4 (ndavid@netrover.com) May (M. & R. Dumais). A Willet at Fabre, Temis- camingue 24 May was quite a surprise (JF), whereas one at Bic 30 May was more expected (V Therriault-Proulx). Usually rare in spring, single Whimbrels were found at Rimouski 22 May (G. Gendron, RS-L) and at Sabrevois 25 May (M. Gauthier), while groups of 6 were at Saint-Hyacinthe (RG) and 11 at Fabre (JF), both 24 May. A Regional total of 18 Hudsonian God- wits also represented a high count (fide PB). A Marbled Godwit at Baie-du-Febvre 29 Apr was record early for the Region (D. Houx, P Nadeau, FG); 3 additional birds were reported in May. A rare spring visitor in the Region, a Stilt Sandpiper was located at Baie-du-Febvre 22 May (FG). At least 5 Ruffs, all females, were reported (fide PB). Two hendersoni Short-billed Dowitchers were su- perbly photographed at Les Escoumins 30 May VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 337 There were several massive fallouts and longshore flights this spring in the North Shore and Lac Saint-Jean ar- eas. Large numbers of landbirds, mainly sparrows, were seen migrating in a westerly direction by day during a snow storm at Saint-Fulgence 4 May (CC, GS). Moreover, thousands of warblers, mainly represented by Yellow- rumped Warblers, were migrating also in a westerly direction by day 15 & 29 May on the North Shore and at Lac Saint- Jean. The fallout of 1 5 May was most spectacular at Bergeronnes (SB et al.), Tadoussac (R. Pintiaux), Saint-Fidele (M. Robert), Saint-Fulgence (CC, GS), and even Quebec City (OB), as evidenced by estimates of over 1 0,000 warblers seen moving at treetop-level for the whole day in some localities. Following a similar fallout in 2002, we noted in this col- umn that birds in these areas were migrating westward probably after drifting too far to the east during the night. It now appears likely that this westerly movement is the rule rather than the exception, as each spring, more and more observers on the North Shore and at Lac Saint-Jean are reporting landbirds moving westward rather than to the east or north. The pattern seems to be heightened by special weather conditions, particularly by strong westerly winds, but these winds probably just contribute to make the phenomenom more visible and more spectacular. One explanation for this westward diurnal migration is that it compensates for eastward drift; such compensatory or corrective flights are commonly observed at coastal sites, both along the Atlantic and the Great Lakes, confirmed both by visual and radar studies. Another hypothesis to explain this movement is that these birds first move northward through the Atlantic coastal states toward the Maritime provinces and then make a westward turn towards the Quebec North Shore— a dogleg pattern that could represent an ancestral pathway developed after the ice sheet withdrew to the north during the late Pleistocene. The climate was then surely milder on the coast, where the migrants perhaps first established themselves before progressing toward the interior of the continent. More research, particularly analysis of radar data, would be need- ed to confirm this pathway. (SB), while a Long-billed Dowitcher stopped briefly at Baie-du-Febvre 16 May (FG). A Red- necked Phalarope at Montreal 2 May established a new Regional record-early arrival date (M. Dubuc, D. Demers). Extralimital gulls were rather scarce and in- cluded an ad. Laughing Gull at Sainte-Foy 19 May (OB, M. Cote) and an ad. Franklin’s Gull at Metis-sur-Mer 30 May (M. Larivee). Two ad. Lit- tle Gulls at Amos 16 May provided a 2nd record for Abitibi (LI), while 2 Black-headed Gulls were out of range: an ad. at Saint-Vallier 24 Apr (JL) and a first-summer bird at LaSalle 25 May (PB, D. Hughes). From 3 to 7 Arctic Terns at LaSalle 22-25 May (PB, GZ, SD) and 9 at Maple Grove 29 May (M. Raymond, R Lane) were worthy of mention for the Montreal area. A rare Forster’s Tern in first-summer plumage was a prize find at LaSalle 23 May (FG, N. Chauvette, PB). At last, the Region got its first Eurasian Col- lared-Dove. This bird was identified and pho- tographed at a feeder on He du Grand Calumet 25-26 May (M. Gervais). Worthy of mention for spring, single Yellow-billed Cuckoos visited Huntingdon 16-31 May (j. Beaulieu, E Viau) and lie Bizard 16 May (G. Leroux, A. Quenneville et al.). A Barn Owl made its way to Saint-Alexis-de- Matapedia 28-29 Apr, one of very few sightings for the Gaspe Pen. (G. Belanger, L. Lyons). A fe- male Chuck-will’s-widow visited lie Sainte-Mar- guerite (Boucherville) 10 May, providing only the 2nd record for the Region (Y. Gauthier, ph., m.ob.). WOODPECKERS THROUGH FINCHES No fewer than 6 Red-bellied Woodpeckers showed up in the Region, a record number in spring. An Acadian Flycatcher was heard and seen at Quebec City 29-30 May, providing the Region its 4th record (JM. Giroux, JP. Ouellet, M. Lafleur). An Eastern Phoebe at Pointe-aux-Loups 26 Apr and lie de l’Est 29 Apr provided the first spring record for the Magdalen Is. (DGG). A Say’s Phoebe strayed to Baie-Conteau 16 May (B. Pel- letier, L. Rousseau, J. Fortin). A Red-eyed Vireo at Summit Park, Montreal 30 Apr matched the ear- liest Regional spring arrival date (PB). The Blue- gray Gnatcatcher made its best showing ever in the Region, with a total of at least 26 individuals being reported. The easternmost birds were 4 in the Lower St. Lawrence (fide CD) and one at Pa- bos Mills, Gaspe sie 7 May (JM. Smith). Enriching our knowledge of the distribution of the Eastern Bluebird was a report of 3 individ- uals 100 km n. of Baie-Conteau 28-29 May (N. This Pink-footed Goose at Plaisance 17 through (here) 28 April 2004 represented the eighth record for the Region. The populations of this species are increasing, and most records probably represent birds of wild provenance. Photograph by Pierre Bannon. Faubert). Outstanding for spring, a Townsends Solitaire was detected at Roquentaure, Abitibi 9 May (SG). A Wood Thrush at Riviere-Saint-Jean, lower North Shore 6-8 May was exceptional so far n. (C. Buidin, YR). While sitting in his living room, an observer spotted a Fieldfare outside the window at Baie-Conteau 13-14 Mar (ph. S. Mar- tin). A Varied Thrush at Saint-Georges-de-Beauce 16 May was a good find (SL. Voyer, fide A. Beauchamp). A male Blue-winged Warbler at Sainte-Foy 7 May was record early for the Region (S. Gos- selin). The establishment of this species in the Region certainly took a step forward this spring with the discovery of 3 singing males in the Lake- Brome area 13 May+ (JPS, GP, F Hamel-Sur- prenant, B. Hamel). Moreover, a male Lawrence’s Warbler 22 May+, the 3rd only for the Region (ph. JPS, m.ob.), and a male Brewster’s Warbler 11 May+ (GP, m.ob.) were also found on territo- ry in the same area. A male Cape May Warbler at Saint-Hyacinthe 1 May was record early for the Region (RG). A male Prothonotary Warbler, the 12th for the Region, spent a day singing near a birdhouse in a swampy area at Venise-en-Quebec 19 May (ph. R Savoie, m.ob.). A Louisiana Wa- terthrush was singing on territory in the Gatineau Park 13 May+ ( fide C. Lewis). Tanagers also made the news. No fewer than 3 Summer Tanagers were discovered, a young male at Chandler 15 May (PP, G. Roy), a female at Summit Park, Montreal 22 May (PB, J. Luce, GZ, m.ob.), and another female again at Chandler 23-25 May (ph. R. Garrett, PP, D. Mercier, JRL et al.). Even more impressive was the discovery of 4 Western Tanagers, a male at Saint-Romuald 18 Apr (J. Grignon, J. Allard), a male at Penouille 27 Apr-4 May (G. Johnson), a young male at Chicoutimi 4-16 May (ph. L. Gagne et al.), and finally a female in Mount-Royal Park, Montreal 18-19 May (SD, PB). A female Lark Bunting, the 16th for the Re- gion, was photographed at a Sept-lles feeder 24 May (B. Poulin, N. Chouinard). Providing the 8th record for the Region, a male Painted Bunting at Price 14-16 May also represented an outstanding record for the Lower St. Lawrence (ph. M. Poulin). Two Yellow-headed Blackbirds were reported, a male at Thetford Mines 14 May (B. Paule, G. Rouleau) and a female at Baie-du- Febvre 16 May (LD-S, JM). The only Orchard Oriole, a male, was reported at Saint-Lazare 12 May (M. Dennis). Finally and not the least, a male Eurasian Siskin was filmed at a Chandler feeder 29 Apr (JRL, D. Lavoie). Despite the sub- stantial flurry of European finches scattered across the Great Lakes through the Maritime Provinces this spring, its provenance still remains open to question, but the possibility that this bird was a genuine straggler from Europe cannot be ruled out in an e. location such as the Gaspe Pen. Contributors (subregional editors in boldface): P. Bannon (Montreal), O. Barden, S. Belleau, M. Berlinguette (Brome-Mississiquoi), C. Cormier, L. Deniger-Simard, C. Douville (Lower St. Lawrence), J. Dubois, R. Fortin (Lower St. Lawrence), J. Frechette, S. Gagnon, DG. Gaudet (Magdalen Is.), R. Gauvin, C. Girard, F Grenon, L. Imbeau (Abitibi), J. Lachance (Quebec City), JR. Lepage, J. May, G. Poirier, P. Poulin (Gaspesie), Y. Rochepault (North Shore), C. Roy (Bois-Francs), R. Saint-Laurent (Lower St. Lawrence), JP. Santerre, G. Savard (Saguenay- Lac-Saint-Jean), G. Zenaitis. © 338 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS N ew England Addison County' Berkshire County Litchfield I County' Stamford ATLANTIC OCEAN Chatham Monomoy/South Beach Nantucket /. Lighthouse Pt. Sachuest Pt. Jamestown nWR r_ — — _ — _____ — _ — , r" he season was characterized by nu- merous days of south winds that JL provided many migrants express passage through the Region. This weather pattern was linked by several subregional editors to the lackluster passerine passage: a clear case of weather conditions that are favorable for the migrants but less than fa- vorable for the birders hoping to see those migrants. One exception to this pattern came in late May, when inclement weath- er associated with a stalled front produced an unprecedented fallout of waterbirds in interior Massachusetts and New Hamp- shire and a fallout of landbirds at Plum Is- land, Massachusetts. During a single weather event on 7 April, record rainfall totaling 13-18 cm in eastern portions of the Region created excellent conditions for waterbirds. New state records included Trumpeter Swan in Massachusetts and Mississippi Kite in New Hampshire. Abbreviations: H.B.S.P. (Hammonasset Beach S.R, Madison, CT); Plum 1. (Essex, MA); Quabbin Res. (Worcester/ Franklin/Hampshire, MA). LOONS THROUGH VULTURES Two to 3 Pacific Loons were seen sporadi- cally from Race Pt., Provincetown, MA 10 Mar-11 Apr (VL, ph. BN), and others in Massachusetts were reported from Orleans 22 Apr (G. Gove), Chilmark 27 Apr (VL), and Edgartown 23 May (AK). Another was off Georgetown, ME 28 Mar (B. Gette et al.). High coastal counts of Red-necked Grebes included 250 in Eastham, MA 13 Mar (BN) and a three-day total of 301 mi- grating past Pt. Judith, R1 16-18 Apr (RF). Eleven Red-neckeds in Southwick, MA 15 Apr (SK) and 14 at Bantam L., Litchfield, CT 14 Apr (S. Slater) represented fairly high totals for inland sites. The Eared Grebe that has now spent at least the last nine winter/spring seasons in Gloucester, MA was last reported 6 Mar (B.O.). Two Sooty Shearwaters in Truro, MA were a tad early 19 Apr (]. Center), as was a Manx Shearwater at Provincetown, MA 9 Apr (GW). In the odd years when Anhingas are seen in New England, they have been single birds and always seen soaring; as far as this editor is aware, such birds have never been photographed in the Region. An unprecedented total of 3 included 2 to- gether over Canton, CT 23 May 0- Ka- plan) and one over Chester, NH 19 May (A. Delorey). A Little Egret graced Nantucket 15-24 May (ph. E. Ray et al.), and a “possible” Little Egret was in Hingham, MA 2 May (S. Maguire, D. Peacock). Half of the ap- proximately 10 Little Egret records from New England (seven in Massachusetts, two in New Hampshire, and one in Rhode Island) have now come from Nantucket, MA; all 10 records have come within the last 15 years, the first in the U.S. appear- ing at Plum I. in Aug 1989. The northern- most Cattle Egrets were singles in Augus- ta, ME 11 May (R. Spinney) and L. Umbagog N.W.R., Wentworth Location, Coos, NH 13 May (ph. L. Wunder et al). Because of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons’ somewhat secretive nesting habits, and because they are much scarcer Regionally than Black-crowneds, Yellow-crowned is rarely detected nesting in the Region, so the discovery of two nesting pairs in Mys- tic, CT 1 May (GW) was noteworthy. One was a bit far afield at Star I., Rye, NH 31 May (MH). A White Ibis was seen briefly in Mashpee, MA 29 May (M. Keleher et al.), and a tantalizing report of a White- faced Ibis in Scarborough, ME 24 Apr (JA) made mention of red eyes, but the de- scription included few other details. If ac- cepted, the sighting would represent the Simon Perkins Massachusetts Audubon Society Lincoln, Massachusetts 01742 (sperkins@massaudubon.org) 4th state record. Black Vultures continued their influx n. of their current Connecti- cut strongholds; most noteworthy were a single in Scarborough, ME 28 Apr (GC), and a flock of 27 in Sheffield, MA 6 Mar (C. Blagdon), a total more than double the previous Bay State high. WATERFOWL Greater White-fronted Geese have come a long way in New England within the last 25 years, and they are now expected in small numbers annually. Marked increases VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 339 in the breeding population in Greenland have been documented at during the same period. This spring, reports from four states included one or 2 in Easthampton, MA 13-25 Mar (J. Schell et ah), 2 at Nap- atree Pt., RI 4 Apr (CR), one in Avon, CT 11 Apr (P. Cianfaglione), and one in Kingston, NH 14-28 Mar (MH et ah). Barnacle Geese have made similarly broad strides — both on their Greenland breed- ing grounds and in the eastern United States and Canada. A single Barnacle Goose was in West Newbury, MA 15-16 & 24 Apr (T. Wetmore, ph. D. Lar- son). Snow Goose populations have skyrocketed as well; among the many thousands that now frequent the lower reaches of L. Champlain, VT, a Ross’s Goose was found 6 Mar (TM). In light of the Trumpeter Swan reintro- duction efforts currently underway in the Midwest, and recent records of such birds throughout the East and South, the first New England Trumpeter Swan — in Northampton, MA 10-30 Mar (B. Bieda, T. Gagnon, m ob., ph., vt.) — came as no great surprise. However, surprising indeed was how difficult the identification of this yearling individual was: its separation from juv. Tundra Swan was far from straightforward, and only through the efforts of several “digiscopers” did birders with more experi- ence with this species pair have the opportunity to assist with the final verdict. A healthy total of 9 Tundra Swans included a flock of 5 that over- wintered in Rhode h, one in Maine, one in Ver- mont, and 2 in Massa- chusetts (one of which was late at Quabbin Res. 1 May [ML]). In late Apr, a high count of 35 Northern Shovelers came from L. Josephine, Easton, ME (BS), at one of only two known state breeding sites (fide JD). Regionally, the numbers of reports of both Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal and Common Teal x Green-winged Teal inter- grades (or hybrids, according to taxono- mists outside of North America, who rank both taxa as full species) have increased significantly within the last 10 years or so. A single Common Teal was at Milford Pt., CT 21 Mar-3 Apr, with 2 present there 28 Mar (fide GH), and other singles were in Hampton, NH 28 Mar (MH et ah), Bow- doinham, ME 3 Apr (JA), and Newbury, MA 7 Mar (SP), and 2-4 Apr (RSH et ah). A Common Teal x Green-winged Teal was found in Easton, ME 17 May (BS), and up to 2 of these intergrades were in Newbury, MA 6-7 Mar (JT). The now-annual Tufted Duck is yet another species of waterfowl whose Regional frequency of occurrence has greatly increased within the last 20+ years, although lately there has been a no- table decline in numbers, as in Atlantic Canada and in states to our south. This year’s only representative was in Pem- broke, MA 11—16 Apr (B.O.). King Eiders that linger late into spring are typically imms., so a male in high plumage at H.B.S.R 22 May (M. DiGorgio) was unusual. A fallout of sea ducks and shorebirds detected in parts of Massachu- setts and New Hampshire in late May was apparently owing to heavy rain associated with a stalled front over the Region. Interestingly, the downed ducks were almost exclusively White-winged Scot- ers. A seawatch at Rye, NH 24 May (SM) that produced a count of 5170 migrating White- wingeds in three hours provid- ed an early indication that this species was on the move. At in- land sites in New Hampshire, counts of White-wingeds be- tween 24 & 26 May included 500 in Sandwich, 170 on L. Massabesic, Rockingham/Hills- borough, 63 in Concord, 54 on Surrey Mountain L., Cheshire, and 19 in Keene (fide PH). The only birds noted in Massachusetts were 200 White-wingeds 24 May at Wachusett Res., Boylston, MA (B. Kamp). Pt. Judith, Galilee, Rl is one of very few points of land in New England from which large numbers of migrating sea ducks (and Red-necked Grebes) can be viewed in spring (there are many such points in fall). A two-day seawatch at Pt. Judith 17-18 Apr produced 14,400 Surf Scoters, 834 White- winged Scoters, and 800 Black Scoters (RF). Six hundred Long- tailed Ducks seen from Milford, CT 20 Mar (J- Hough) represented an unusually high count for anywhere in Long I. Sound. Following a sharp cold snap during which L. Champlain began to re- freeze, an impressive total of roughly 2500 Common Goldeneyes converged on one area that remained open in Colchester, VT 20-21 Mar (A. Strong). Among these Commons were 4 Barrow’s Gold- eneyes. Champlain is the only inland water body in New England that regu- larly hosts Barrows, so the appearances of 4-5 single Barrow’s at several inland sites in Massachu- setts was most unusual (B.O.). KITES THROUGH CRANES New Hampshire’s first Mississippi Kite — Pacific Loons made a good showing at Cape Cod, Massachusetts this season, with at least three different birds reported. This one was nicely digiscoped with 2 Common Loons off Provincetown 4 April 2004. Photograph by Blair Nikula. Representing the first state record, and the first for New England anywhere, this yearling Trumpeter Swan at East Meadows, Northampton, Massachusetts (here 18 March 2004) proved difficult to identify, as is often the case with young swans. Photograph by Andrew Spencer. 340 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Vying for the top avian event of the season was the sequential discovery by Blair Nikula (ph.) of 3 Bar-tailed Godwits at N. Monomoy and nearby S. Beach, Chatham, MA 9 & 12 May and 5 Jun. Though the latter fell out- side the "official" spring season dates, it is included here with the others because the 3 probably arrived on American soil around the same time. Their identities as different individuals (a baueri and 2 lapponica, respectively) were con- firmed through careful study of the various differences in plumage, structure, and bill color. Nikula observed that the last godwit closely resembled — and was probably the same individual as — a bird that had been present on Long I., NY a week earlier. Upon finding the third bird, Nikula was quoted as saying "this is getting a bit ridiculous!" Of the state's now 18+ records of the species, only a summer 1988 record pertains to baueri; there are no previous reports of multiple birds at any season. The only comparable record on the East Coast is of 2 Bar-taileds at remote Portsmouth I., NC 23 Apr 1 993, with one bird lingering through 9 May (S. J. Dinsmore). in Newmarket, Rockingham 30 May (P. La- course) — was also the latest for the spring season. The hawkwatchers at Pilgrim Heights in N. Truro, Cape Cod detected most of the Mississippis, including the earliest 29 Apr (BN). In chronological or- der, the other sightings (all on Cape Cod) included one at N. Truro 5 May (DM), one in Orleans 11 May (C. Goodrich), one in Wellfieet 14 May (R. Prescott), 2 at N. Truro 15 May (DM), and one in Bourne 29 May (AK). How many individuals were represented by these sightings is un- known. An impressive total of 22 Bald Ea- gles congregated at the Dead Creek W.M.A., Addison , VT 18 Mar to feed on the annual winter kill of carp and catfish (TM). Rough-legged Hawk is usually hard to come by in May. This May, 3 were re- ported from Massachusetts and 3 from Maine, the last being in Scarborough, ME 30 May (GC). Among the above-average total of seven Golden Eagle reports re- ceived by this editor, none came from Ver- mont, which is often the source of most Regional reports; 5 were in Massachusetts and singles were in Maine and Rhode Is- land. By Apr, Merlins were back on terri- tory and preparing to nest in both Burling- ton and Rutland, VT. The record-setting rains in early Apr may have come at precisely the optimal time for the growth of new cattails in local freshwater marshes, and the sudden ap- pearance of bitterns and rails in localities that they had not occupied in recent years may have been attributable to these heavy rains. Nowhere was this more conspicu- ous than at Plum 1. where no fewer than seven species of rare and/or declining species were present this spring. These in- cluded Pied-billed Grebe, American Bit- tern, Least Bittern, King Rail, Sora, Com- mon Moorhen, and Northern Harrier. And, the presence of all but the first two through the end of May suggested that they were nesting or attempting to nest on the island (see the Nesting Season report for more details). Higher counts of Sand- hill Cranes (such as the 8 reported this season) have become typical since Sand- hills were recently discovered nesting in VOLUME 58 (2004) Maine and upstate New York. Among the 6 in Massachusetts, one in Petersham, near Quabbin Res. 31 May (ML) was in- triguingly late. If Sandhills ever begin nesting in Massachusetts, the first site might well be somewhere around Quab- bin, as this is one of very few remaining areas in the state with enough “wilder- ness” to provide the solitude they require. A Sandhill returned this spring to Monroe, Grafton, NH for the 6th consecutive year (S. Turner). SHOREBIRDS American Golden-Plover remains a very scarce spring visitor in the Region; the only report this year was of a single bird in Wellfieet, MA 15 May (D. Reynolds). Among the more noteworthy shorebird re- ports in Connecticut were a Black-necked Stilt that made a one-day showing at Sandy Pt., West Haven 30 May (M. Stock- mal), an early Lesser Yellowlegs at Durham Meadows 7 Mar (R Fusco), a very early Spotted Sandpiper in Milford 7 Mar (E Mantlik), and a count of 80+ Whimbrel at Greenwich Pt. 21 May that furnished a spring total higher than average by an or- der of magnitude. An early Pectoral Sand- piper was in Newbury, MA 7 Mar (WRP). When northbound in spring, what few Western Sandpipers and Long-billed Dowitchers migrate on the Atlantic Seaboard very rarely get as far as New England before turning northwestward to- ward their breeding grounds in far nw. Canada and Alaska. Oddly, a single West- ern Sandpiper has been reported from Martha’s Vineyard for three consecutive springs, this years in Edgartown 23 May (AK et al.). A single Long-billed Dowitch- er was at Napatree Pt., RI 8-11 May (CR). A Reeve and a Ruff, respectively, were in Newburyport Harbor, MA 18-21 (RSH) & 25-27 Apr (D. Chickering), and another Ruff spent nearly two weeks in Biddeford, ME 14-26 May (T. M. Day, m.ob.,/ideJ. Suchecki). The aforementioned late-May weather system that produced the scoter fallout in interior New Hampshire and Massachu- setts also downed large numbers of shore- birds. Table 1 summarizes the species to- tals (all data fide PH and SK). Typically in spring, all of these species of shorebirds are scarce at inland sites, and Whimbrel, knot, turnstone, and White-lumped Sand- piper are rare. The Dunlin count at Surrey Mountain L. was one of the highest ever recorded in New Hampshire at any time of year, and the knots may have been the first ever for inland New Hampshire. An in- shore Red-necked Phalarope in Ipswich, MA 16 Apr (JB) was somewhat early. JAEGERS THROUGH SHRIKES An apparently healthy ad. Pomarine Jaeger inexplicably spent several days sitting on a jetty in Osterville, Barnstable, MA 16-21 May (S. Miller, ph. BN); the bird was not only very approachable but even accepted fish handouts from local fisherman with whom the jaeger was willing to share the jetty. A Parasitic Jaeger seen from Pt. Judith, RI 16 Apr (RF) was the earliest on record for the state. A report of a Long-tailed Jaeger flying into Wells Harbor, ME 23 May did not include a description beyond the mention of “...long and wavering tail streamers...”. The highest counts of Lesser Black-backed Table 1. Shorebirds detected during weather-related fallouts in interior New England, 2004. 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 May Black-bellied Plover 8 (K) 32 (K) Semipalmated Plover 34 (K) 92 (K), 33 (S) Whimbrel 1 (K) Dunlin 600 (S.M.L.) Red Knot 5 (K) Ruddy Turnstone 1(K) White-rumped Sandpiper 4 (S.M.L) Short-billed Dowitcher 41 (L) 16(D), 110(H) 70(C) 120 (S) 34 (K), 13 (S) Dunlin and dowitchers 400 (S.M.L.) large shorebird sp. (many dowitchers) 1200 (S.M.L.) Site abbreviations in parentheses: Hopkinton (H), Concord (C), Keene (K), Surrey Mountain L. (S.M.L.), and Sandwich (S), all New Hampshire; and Deerfield (D) and Longmeadow (L), Massachusetts. NUMBER 3 341 Though perhaps of nearly annual occurrence in the northeastern United States in recent years, most Barnacle Geese have been dismissed as probable escapees. The species' increasing populations, however, have lately led to more careful consideration of wild provenance for some individuals, such as this bird at West Newbury, Massachusetts 16 April 2004. Photograph by David Larson. Gulls came from the usual spots: 16 were still at Nantucket 21 Mar (ER), and 7 were counted at N. Monomoy, Chatham, MA 24 May (BN). A few Caspian Terns are detected each spring on their way through New Eng- land. This year, 8 were seen in Massachu- setts (B.O.), and 2 were noted in Rhode Is- land (CR). Forster’s Tern is similarly scarce in spring, even though this species has nest- ed at least once in Newburyport, MA, and one or 2 are usually present there every year. Two Forster’s that were back in Newbury- port Harbor by 1 May were seen in the area sporadically throughout the rest of the sea- son, and the only other Forster’s in the Re- gion was doubly notable for being rather early and inland, 27 Apr at Bantam L., Litch- field, CT (D. Rosgen). A Feast Tern that first appeared at the Great Meadows N.W.R. in Concord, MA 7 May (J. Collins, m. ob.) de- parted 15 May, the same day it was seen in the company of a 2nd individual. It is possi- ble that these terns were the same 2 that were present at Great Meadows last fall, and in light of the fact that Atlantic Coastal Least Terns are very rarely seen inland out- side the context of tropical cyclones, it is further possible that the birds were from an interior population. Several Mar nrurre observations merit mention. Sixteen Thick-billed Murres off Rockport, MA 17 Mar (RSH) represented a total well above average for anywhere in the Region at any time of year, and a count of 70 Common Murres off Provincetown, MA 10 Mar (VL) probably represented an all-time Regional high. A White-winged Dove visited a feeder in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard 13-15 May (S. Whiting, VL et al., ph., vt.). This species is now reported nearly annually in the Re- gion. Though Monk Parakeet has been breeding in Rhode Island and Connecticut for years, the species has yet to he found breeding elsewhere in the Region, including Massachusetts where, for at least 10 years, 2-8 have built “nests” in various towns near the Rhode Island border. Three Monks were in S. Dartmouth 23 May (J. Hoye). A very early Yellow-billed Cuckoo in New Bedford 15 Apr (M. LaBossiere) was followed in May by a very good cuckoo flight, with numbers well above average reported from Connecti- cut and New Hampshire. In addition to a Chuck-will’s-widow that now returns annu- ally to Wellfleet, MA, 2 more were located in the Bay State: one at Marblehead 8 May (R. Kipp) and one at Holyoke 15 May (D. McLain), far inland along the Connecticut R. Valley, where rare. The inclement weather in late May grounded enormous numbers of migrants at Plum I. 25 May. Among these were 71 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (RSH), a count that no doubt represented an all-time Regional high for a single site. Migrating Northern Flickers made a big push 18 Apr, when 185 were counted moving up Plum I. (RSH) and 65 were noted passing the Truro, MA hawkwatch (DM). Also at the Truro hawkwatch, an Eastern Kingbird was very early 8 Apr (DM). The inclement weather on 25 May also accounted for a record-high count of 16 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers (RSH). Neither of two reports of single Log- gerhead Shrikes was accompanied by de- tails. This species has all but disappeared from New England, and accurate tracking of its continued decline will require careful identification and clear documentation. CORVIDS THROUGH WARBLERS Common Ravens continued to consolidate The very Mayor of Monomoy, Blair Nikula discovered some three Bar-tailed Godwits in Massachusetts this spring, two in May (on the 9th and 12th), the other 5 June 2004, at North Monomoy Island and nearby South Beach in Chatham. Careful study of these birds revealed that two were nominate lapponica but one was of the Siberian/Alaskan subspecies, baueri. This image, taken 12 May, shows a nominate-race Bar-tailed. Photograph by Blair Nikula. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 342 their gains in the Region. Five reports of single birds in Rhode Island probably con- stituted a new state high (though none was reported in May) , and a pair found nesting in Manchester, Essex , MA 27 Apr (RSH) that eventually fledged 3 chicks was the first raven pair to nest in a coastal town s. of Maine since the colonists drove them into the wilderness several centuries ago. Based on the relatively low number of Car- olina Wren reports, including none in Maine n. of the two southernmost coun- ties, it appears that the heavy snows of the win- ter before last and the be- low-average temperatures during this past winter may have greatly reduced the Regional population. While Carolina Wrens continue to struggle with severe winters near the n. limit of range, overall this species may be con- sidered a successful colo- nizer in much of s. New England: a pair in Grand Isle, VT, for instance, fledged 3 young on the early date of 29 Apr (DH), and the eggs had hatched on 13 Apr, the day after the local tem- perature dipped to 20° F! On 18 Apr, the condi- tions that produced the heavy flight of flickers at Plum 1. also brought many kinglets and Hermit Thrushes. Totals on the island in- cluded 78 Golden-crowneds, 115 Ruby- crowneds, and 86 Hermit Thrushes (RSH). A Varied Thrush that spent part of the win- ter in Ware, MA remained there at least through 20 Mar (D. Deifik et al.), and an- other wintering bird in Bradford, NH was last seen in mid-Mar ( fide PH). Also in New Hampshire, a Varied Thrush was seen 1 & 8 Apr in Meredith (F Tyrrell). The winter Bo- hemian Waxwing flight continued well into the spring, with high counts that included at least 1200 in Burlington, VT, 475 in Northfield, NH, 1200 in Portland, ME, and 325 in Gardner, MA. Late dates included 40 in Sandwich, NH 29 Apr (TV), one in Bev- erly, MA 1 May (S. Hedman), and about 20 in Wilton, Franklin, ME 5 May (W. Howes). Despite the magnitude of this flight, no Bo- hemians were reported during the spring from either Rhode Island or Connecticut. Good evidence that conditions were highly conducive to migration could be seen in the total of the 25 species of war- blers reported in Apr in Massachusetts alone. Early among these were Tennessee and Cerulean both on 30 Apr, Yellow on 17 Apr, and Worm-eating in Newbury 4 Apr (ph. L. Lyka). Northernmost among the s. warblers were a Prothonotary in Portland, ME 24 Apr (D. Levasseur) and a Hooded on Monhegan 15 May ( fide B. Boyton). The greatest numbers of warblers were record- ed at Plum I. following the major ground- ing event 25 May. Totals that day included 190+ Yellow Warblers, 17 Chestnut-sideds, 72 Magnolias, 49 American Redstarts, 77 Common Yellowthroats, 13 Wilsons, and 13 Canada Warblers (RSH). Not a rare species people on land on a jetty in Massachusetts, but one that rarely rests on land — much less consorts with this adult light-morph Pomarine Jaeger spent 16-21 May 2004 (here 20 May) in Osterville, accepting fish from the locals. Photograph by Blair Nikula. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Eight Summer Tanagers were reported from Massachusetts, 6 were in Maine, and one each was found in Rhode Island and Connecticut. It seems ironic that Maine annually hosts more Summer Tanagers than Connecticut, inasmuch as Connecti- cut is far closer to the species’ breeding range, but Maine is a far larger state, pro- jecting much farther to the east, and land- fall for an overshooting spring migrant coming off the ocean is perhaps far more likely in Maine. An early Scarlet Tanager showed up at Martha’s Vineyard 14 Apr (B. Carroll), and 2 others were a bit early at Nantucket 16 & 19 Apr (fide ER). The total of 3 Spotted Towhees this spring represented a new Regional high count for a season. Individuals that overwintered in Concord and Grafton, NH lingered into spring, though no dates were available at the time of this writing, and a 3rd, located in Rockport, MA on 20 Apr (C. Leahy), may have spent the winter somewhere in the Northeast as well. Most noteworthy among sparrow reports was a huge count of 500 (mostly migrant) Song Sparrows at Plum I. 27 Mar (T. Wetmore). A remarkably resilient Rose-breasted Grosbeak that endured a particularly se- vere New England winter at a feeder in Orleans, MA remained at least through the end of Mar (ph. K. Skowron et al.). North- ernmost among the 10 Blue Grosbeaks in the Region were 2 some 55 km from the coast in Belgrade, ME 18 May (D. Mairs) and one in Orrington, ME 15-17 May (J- Ryder). Single male Painted Buntings made surprise showings on consecutive days in two different towns in Maine: at Belfast, Waldo 15 May (ph. C. Kendrick) and at Cape Niddick, York 16 May (ph. L. Scotland). Six Dickcissels included singles in Maine and Connecticut and 4 in Massachusetts. The only Yellow-headed Blackbird of the season was found at Deep River, CT 14 May (D. Sadowsky). By mid-Mar, the 8 Boat- tailed Grackles that overwintered in Strat- ford, CT were again in preparation for the breeding season. An impressive flock of 200+ Common Redpolls was still present in Bran- ford, CT 7 Mar (A. Gia- rdiello), and Hoary Red- polls hanging on from the winter redpoll flight included 5-6 in Mar in New Hampshire, with one in New Hampshire that re- mained in Sandwich through 15 Apr (TV); 5 in Maine, including one still present in Woodland, Aroostook 13 Apr (BS); and 5 in Massachusetts, including one still pres- ent in Brewster, MA 1-6 Apr (D. Clapp). A big push of diurnal migrants at Plum 1. 11 May included a minimum of 2415 Ameri- can Goldfinches that passed high over the dunes in flocks of more than 100 at a time for more than three hours (RSH). Observers (subregional editors in bold- face, contributors in italics): J. Adams, Bird Observer (B. O.), J. Beny, G. Dennis, Jody Despres (Maine), G. Carson, Rachel Farrell (RI), R. Ferren, C. Floyd, Greg Hanisek (Connecticut), M. Harvey, R. S. Heil, D. Hoag, Pam Hunt (New Hamp- shire), A. Keith, D. Lovitch, V Laux, D. Manchester, S. Mirick, T. Murin, B. Nikula, W. R. Petersen, C. Raithel, E. Ray, Marj Rines (Massachusetts), Robert Stymeist (Massachusetts), Jeremiah Trimble (Massachusetts), Seth Kellogg (Massa- chusetts), B. Sheehan, T. Vazzano, G. Williams. © VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 m Hudson-Delaware Lake .Champlain f New Shinnecock Montauk F 'pint York Inlet \ L-MN^m^k^Robert Moses SP Jones Beach SP \ Jamaica Fire Is. LONG ISLAND Inlet DETAIL MAP BayWR see Long Island detail map at left DELAWARE SITES: A = White Clay Creek SP B = Delaware City C = Bombay Hook NWR, D = Kitts Hummock E = Prime Hook NWR F= Cape Henlopen G = Indian River Inlet To Hudson Canyon (100 mi E of Barnegat Inlet) Little Creek WMA, Port Mahon H = Redden SF ATLANTIC OCEAN Richard R. Veit Biology Department CSI— CUNY 2800 Victory Boulevard Staten Island, New York 10314 (veitrr2003@yahoo.com) Joseph C. Burgiei 331 Alpine Court Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 (burgieS@alum.mit.edu) David A, Cutler 1003 Livezey Lane Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19119 (david@ddpaper.com) Steve Kelling Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, New York 14850 (stk2@corneil.edu) Robert 0. Paxton 460 Riverside Drive, Apt. 72 New York, New York 10027 (rop1@columbia.edu) The weather during spring 2004 in the Region was generally charac- terized as warm and wet through- out. Exceptions to this general pattern in- cluded a sunny and dry May in the Adirondack-Champlain region, and the hottest May on record in New Jersey. Ex- ceptionally heavy rain fell 22-24 May, re- sulting in localized flooding in the Hud- son River Valley and in a major fallout of shorebirds in western New York 23 May. Major hawk flights occurred on 24 March in the Niagara region, 6-7 April at Sandy Hook, NJ and in the Niagara Frontier re- gion, and on 19 April at Braddock Bay on Lake Ontario. Major waves of migrating passerines were noted at Sandy Hook on 21 and 28 March, in Central Park on 18, 23, and 29 April and on 4, 9, 20, and 26 May. The best passerine flight of the spring at Cape May occurred 10 May, and there- after the passerine migration was deemed poor due to continuously sunny weath- er,southwesterly or southerly winds, with few or no “grounding” fronts. Abbreviations: Batavia (W.T.P., Genesee, NY); Braddock Bay (B.O., Rochester, NY); Brigantine (Forsythe N.W.R., At- lantic, NJ); Bombay Hook (N.W.R., BE); Captree (S.P., Long I., NY); Chazy (Chazy R., Clinton, NY); Derby Hill (Hawkwatch, Oswego, NY); Hamburg (Hawkwatch, near Buffalo, NY); Hamlin Beach (S.P., near Rochester, NY); l.N.W.R. (Iroquois N.W.R., Genesee/Or- leans, NY); Jamaica Bay (Wildlife Refuge, Gateway N.P., New York City); Jones Beach (S.P., Long I., NY); Moriches (Moriches Bay & Inlet, Long I., NY); Lit- tle Creek (W.M.A., Kent, BE); Montauk (Montauk Pt., NY); Riis (Jacob Rns Park, Queens, New York City); Ripley (Hawk- watch, Chautauqua, NY); Sagaponack (Pond, Bridgehampton, Long L, NY); Sandy Hook (Sandy Hook Unit/Gateway National Recreation Area, NJ); Shin- necock (Shinnecock Bay and Inlet, Long L, NY); Ted Harvey (Ted Harvey C.A./Lo- gan Lane Tract, BE). LOONS THROUGH PELICANS A basic-plumaged Pacific Loon 18 May at Tiana Beach, Shinnecock Bay, LI (PAB, AB, SM, PL) was the only one reported. High counts of Red-necked Grebes on L. Ontario included 1487 between Hamlin Beach and Kendall 4 Apr (RSp, WS) and 665 between Parma and Hamlin 7 Apr (RSp); counts of similar magnitude from the same locations were inadvertently omitted from the spring 2003 report. A count of 62 migrants passing Rye, NY 18 Apr was an impressive total for w. Long I. Sound (TWB et al.). Two Eared Grebes were found, one at Batavia 8 May (KF) NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 344 i AS HUDSON- Purple Gailinules are very rare visitors to New Jersey, with most birds recorded in the spring and late fall. This bird was in the marshes along the Stone Harbor causeway 2 May 2004, Photograph by Rick Wiltraut. and another at Dewey Beach, DE 17 Mar (AGo). A Western Grebe was present off Staten I. 8 Mar-10 Apr (Phil Brown); this was possibly the same individual present at the same location two years ago, but the number of records of this w. species in the Northeast in recent years suggests that multiple individuals have been involved. Eight Northern Fulmars were seen from a boat s. of Montauk 8 Mar (MW). An unidentified albatross v/as seen from a boat 8 km s. of Moriches Inlet 23 May (MW). A pelagic trip to Hudson Canyon 22-23 May produced 3 Leach’s Storm-Pe- trels, 2 Manx Shearwaters, and a “few” Cory’s Shearwaters. Single American White Pelicans in Cumberland, NJ 7 Mar (L. Kenney, J. & L. Jones) and at Prime Hook-, DE 30 Apr-8 May (MEG, ES) were the only ones reported in the Region, but others were seen in neighboring states. Two Anhingas soared over the Holly For- est at Sandy Hook, NJ 15 May (SB, RK). HERONS THROUGH WATERFOWL Least Bitterns seemed more widely report- ed than usual: a migrant was seen sitting in a Prospect Park (Brooklyn, NY) tree 9 Apr (Rob Jett), up to 2 were at a tradition- al nesting location at Jamaica Bay through much of May, and one was seen at a not- so-traditional location at Mecox Bay, Long I. 23-28 May (HM). Forty-six Great Egrets along the Niagara R. 29 Apr was an exceptionally large concentration for that location ( fide DFS). Some 150 Glossy Ibis counted at Port Norris, NJ 13 Apr (T. Klock) was the largest aggregation report- ed. Single White-faced Ibis were in n. Cape May, NJ 13-15 May (m. ob.) and at Jamaica Bay 16 May (AW). Black Vultures continue to increase, with 5 reported outside of their area of reg- ular occurrence, which extends from the lower Hudson R. Valley, n. to Derby Hill and Hamburg, Erie, and e. to Montauk. Nine Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were seen flying in off the ocean at Cape May and continuing on to the w. 25 May (Tom Collins, Seth Kellogg et al). Nearly all North American geese continue to in- crease and expand at least their nonbreed- ing ranges. About 10 Regional Greater White-fronted Geese included several in the Niagara region through 9 Apr (Paul Hess, m. ob.), 2 at Staten 1., NY through- out Mar (M. Shanley et al.), and one at Mannington, NJ 20-30 Mar (CK et al.). Impressive counts of Snow Geese included 530,000 passing over Derby Hill 26 Mar, an estimated 1,000,000 at Montezuma N.W.R. 11 Mar (JM), and 20,000 at Merrill Creek Res., NJ 14 Mar (SB). About 15 Ross’s Geese were reported, including 4 in the Niagara region, 2-3 near Rochester, and 5 between Delaware and New Jersey. Cackling Geese are certainly more numer- ous in the Region than they were 10 years ago; groups of 9 at New- stead, Erie, NY 6-14 Mar and 10 at Hartland, Nia- gara, NY 7-14 Mar (WW, PY) represent high spring counts for that area, and singles were seen at Chazy 22 Apr (BK) and at Mon- tauk 15 Mar (HM). At least 5 Black Brant were found: multiple sightings in the Brooklyn/Staten 1. /Sandy Hook area 7 Mar-13 Apr (AW, RRV, SB, TBo et al.) in- volved a minimum of 2 and perhaps as many as 5 birds, while another was at Indian River Inlet, DE 7 Mar (FR). Interestingly, no Brant were seen in westernmost New York, but 2165 passed Der- by Hill 20 May (RSp). A Barnacle Goose on the Hoosic R. near Albany, NY continued from the winter season (m.ob.) and was likely a vagrant rather than an escapee, considering the current population growth of that species. A Trumpeter Swan at I. N.W.R. through- out May (Gail Seamans), as with other state records, certainly derived from local releases or stocking projects (see Carroll, D., and B. L. Swift. 2000. Kingbird 50: 232-236). Higher counts of Tundra Swan included 350 at Whitesbog, NJ 1 Mar (Len Little) and 661 at I. N.W.R. 14 Mar (WW). One on the Central Park Res. in Manhattan was unusual for that lo- cation (Alex Wilson, L. Spitalnik). Eight Eurasian Wigeons were reported, a near-average total, as were 5 Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal. An inter- grade Common Teal x Green-winged Teal was at Hempstead L., Long I. 7-21 Mar (B. Berlingeri, SM, PL). Two male Cinnamon Teal were found in upstate New York: 14-15 May at I. N.W.R. (Bill Broderick, WW, Don Harris) and 25 Mar near Rochester (G. Buell, R. Pack, m.ob.). These dates of occurrence closely match those of other vagrants to the East; there are perhaps 10 other records of this species for New York. The Tufted Duck that spent much of the winter at Fairhaven in the Oneida L. Basin remained until 20 Mar. The more southerly King Eiders re- ported were singles at Cape Henlopen, DE 7 Mar and Sandy Hook NJ 9-15 May (MF; late). Common Eiders nested for the 3rd year in a row on tiny islets off Fisher’s 1., NY; this year, four nests were found (G. Williams). These are the southernmost nests of this species in the world. A flock r ft Each spring, numbers of scoters congregate in Delaware Bay prior to their onward migration toward the 3n breeding areas. This year, however, numbers there eclipsed all previous totals. In early Mar, numbers of all three species were estimated in the tens of thousands, with Black and Surf numerically dominating the White- wingeds, as is usual. The scoters were most easily seen from the beach between Cape May Pt. and the Cape May fer- ry landing. Ail observers agreed that there was a spatial segregation among species, Blacks closest to shore, and the proportions of Surfs and White-wingeds increasing with distance from land. A sample tally from 9 Mar noted 1 00,000 Surf, 35,000 Black, 1300 White-winged, 50,000 unidentified 9 Mar (MO'B). The flocks grew to an estimated 250,000 birds by the middle of Mar, then gradually dwindled through rest of the month. To put these numbers in perspective, the eastern North American population of Black Scoters was estimated at 1 00,000 in 2002 (roughly the same in the Pacific), While Surf Scoters were estimated at up to 400,000 and White-wingeds at about a million (Delaney, S., and D. Scott. 2002. Waterfowl Population Estimates.), Thus, the scoters staging in Delaware Bay this spring could repre- sent about 15 per cent of the combined North American populations. ■ VOLUME 5 8 ( 2 0 0 4 ) NUMBER 3 345 Representing a first spring record for the East Coast, this Sage Thrasher was at Oceanville, New Jersey 27 April 2004. Photograph by Shelley Spanswick. HAWKS THROUGH GROUSE Major flights of migrating hawks occurred 24 Mar at the Hamburg Hawkwatch (300 Turkey Vultures, 49 Red-shouldered Hawks, and 34 Red-tailed Hawks), 6-7 Apr at Sandy Hook (250 total), 7 Apr at Ham- burg (400 Turkey Vultures), 11 Apr at Nia- gara (4 Golden Eagles), and finally 19 Apr at Braddock Bay (11,639 Broad-winged Hawks, 1447 Turkey Vultures, 1136 Sharp- shinned Hawks, 571 Red-tailed Hawks, and 136 Rough-legged Hawks among a to- tal of 14 species of raptors). Swallow-tailed Kites appeared at Cape May 20 Apr (C. Bauer) and 12-13 May (PEL, m.ob.), White Clay Creek S.P., DE 2 May (Joe Swertinski, Carol Leigh Ralph), Prime Hook N.W.R., DE (ES), and Sandy Hook (Joe Carragher), the latter both 12 May. At least 8 Mississippi Kites appeared at Cape May, with peak numbers 12-20 May (Alan Bennett, M.K. Adams, m.ob.), 2 were at Sandy Hook 15 May (SB), and a single bird was seen at Princeton 29 May (SB). This in- flux of kites was perhaps related to an emergence of 17-year cicadas (of “Brood X”) beginning in mid-May in the southern- most parts of the Region. Bald Eagle num- bers also were up, with a seasonal total of 366 over Braddock Bay and 46 in the Nia- gara region. Three Swainson’s Hawks were reported: a light-morph ad. at Braddock Bay 16 Apr, one over Derby Hill 24 May, and a light-morph imm. over Braddock Bay 26 May. Two out of four nests of Red-tailed Hawks in and around Central Park, New York were successful (R. Davis, B. Hart), and another was found on a Bronx fire es- was discovered building a nest on a build- ing adjacent to Manhattan's Central Park 22 May (DA); this is encouraging news in light of the species' declining populations. The Rochester area Gyrfalcon remained at Sodus Point until 1 Mar, and another was seen flying over Braddock Bay 30 Mar. RAILS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS Rails in general were poorly reported this spring. Exemplifying this pattern was a complete lack of rails (even Clappers, which are usually common there) along the Port Mahon Road in Delaware. Part of the rea- son for the decline is undoubtedly the re- Bridge, DE 5 May (DAC, HTA). An oblig- ing Purple Gallinule spent 15 Apr-17 May in a handball-court-sized patch of marsh and backyard near Stone Harbor, NJ (Mar- ney Mohr, m.ob.). Common Moorhens have declined so much in the Region that a single bird reported near Fire I. Inlet, NY 24 Apr (J- Fritz) was considered worth re- porting. Sandhill Cranes continue to ex- pand explosively; 59 were counted over the Ripley Hawkwatch, 17 were noted in the Rochester area during the spring, 8 were in the Oneida Lake Basin, and 2 were found s. to Sussex, NJ 14 Mar. A Wilson’s Plover on Sandy Pond, Os- wego, NY 21 May (David Wheeler, Kevin McGann) is the first inland record for New York, although others have been seen near the Great Lakes, e.g., in Pennsylva- nia, Michigan, and Ohio. American Avocet concentrations included a below-average 400 at Ted Harvey, DE 29 Mar. The north- ernmost Black-necked Stilts were singles at Cook’s Beach Rd., Cape May and Brig- antine, both 12 May. A Western Willet lin- gered at Heislerville, NJ 5 May (JD, CS); a Willet unidentified to subspecies was seen at Batavia 8 May (KF), where rare. Seven Whimbrels at Chazy 23 May (M. Medler) were the first recorded in spring in the ; There is some encouraging news from Delaware Bay 3 r% in that the Interstate Fishery Management Plan of the Horseshoe Crab Management Board has imposed limits on the horseshoe crab fishery in Delaware Bay. Nonetheless, numbers of Red Knots continue to plummet rapidly. These birds do not seem have "gone elsewhere" — extensive air- craft surveys of the entire East Coast this spring could not lo- cate the knots, and birders in Virginia and the Carolinas re- port seeing almost none this season. This is a species in crisis: without immediate action, it could very soon move from being one of our most abundant to one of our Region's rarest North American migrant shorebirds. 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year Figure 1. Numbers of Red Knots using the Delaware Bay shore in late May and June, 1998-2004. Source: New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program. of 200 seen from a boat off Montauk 6 Mar (MW) was larger than normal for recent years, though far below the numbers of 1997. Larger (locks of Harlequin Ducks included 22 at Barnegat Inlet, NJ 29 Mar, 8 at Pt. Lookout, Long I. 10 Apr, and 8 at Cold Spring jetties. Cape May, NJ 14 Mar (m.ob.); a late individual was at Cape Henlopen, DE 17 May (MEG). A rare dark-morph Ruddy Duck was at Braddock Bay 29-30 Apr (TSm, m.ob.). cape, where 2 chicks were removed by the state’s environmental conservation depart- ment (C. Nadareski). Golden Eagles were reported in above-average numbers throughout the Region, including seasonal totals of 6 in the Adirondack-Champlain region, 6 in Niagara, 18 at Braddock Bay, and 55 at Derby Hill. An American Kestrel newed interest in ditching salt marshes for mosquito control, a very destructive prac- tice and one not convincingly linked to re- duction of mosquito populations (Teal, J., and M. Teal. 1969. The Life and Death of the Salt Marsh. New York: Ballantine). A King Rail was seen at Mt. Loretto, Staten I., NY 24 Apr (SW), and 5 were at Reedy Pt. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Adirondack-Champlain region since 1969, and a total of 216 passing by Ham- lin Beach furnished a record inland count for spring (DT, TSm). The rarest shorebird of the spring was a Bar-tailed Godwit at Mecox Bay, Long I. 28-29 May (Ken & Sue Feustel, m.ob.). A similar bird, per- haps the same individual, appeared at Monomoy, MA later in Jun. Unusual spring shorebirds from the Rochester area included 2 West- ern Sandpipers 21 May (WS) and a re- markable 4 Baird’s Sandpipers 30 May (MT); the latter would be the highest spring count ever for the Region. A total of 2240 Dunlin flying past Ham- lin Beach 23 May provided a very high inland count for the state (DT, TSm). There were 7 Ruffs this spring, all at coastal localities, and 3 Curlew Sandpipers, all in coastal Delaware. Two Stilt Sandpipers at Sagaponack Pond 27 Apr-9 May were unusual that far n. on the coast in spring (HM et al). A Red Phalarope at Sandy Hook 3 Apr was early for a migrant, and Red-necked Phalaropes included 2 on the Delaware R. at Palmyra (PD) and one at I.N.W.R. 16 May (D. Har- ris,]. Pawlicki). sightings of this species in spring continue to increase, probably a result of increased observer awareness and increased sea- watching activity at this season. Counts of Razorbills included 15 off Montauk 6 Mar and 10 off Cape May 14 Mar (PEL); a Common Murre was seen at Port Mon- mouth, NJ 6 Mar (DF). GULLS THROUGH ALCiDS Single Parasitic Jaegers were at Cape May 26-27 Apr (PEL). Single Franklin’s Gulls were at Schroeppel, Oswego, NY 25 May (KM, J. Thurber) and Fortescue, NJ 31 May (MO’B). Twenty-one Little Gulls were reported, with a maximum of 8 at Ni- agara Falls, and 3 Black-headed Gulls were found between Niagara and Pt. Lookout, Long I. Counts of Glaucous (12), Iceland (17), and Thayer’s (2) Gulls seemed high for the spring season; the only concentra- tion was of 4 Icelands at Wilmington, while the southernmost Glaucous was at Cape May. A Glaucous Gull x Herring Gull hybrid was identified at Cape May 14 Mar (E A. Guris). The highest count of Lesser Black-backed Gulls was of 48 at Pittstown, Hunterdon, NJ 18 Apr. Two Sandwich Terns appeared at Shin- necock Bay 31 May (MW). Most unusual was an Arctic Tern seen at Spruce Run Res., NJ 28 Apr (FS, RK); Arctic Terns are rarely seen at inland locations at any time, but this one represents the earliest record for either New York or New Jersey by some two weeks. The Arctic was seen in the company of a Forster’s and 2 Common Terns. Another 2 Arctic Terns at Chazy 17 May were a bit more on schedule but still unusual for an inland site (H. & R. Booth). Several Arctic Terns were seen at the coast between Cape May and Mecox Bay, Long I. in mid- to late May; onshore This Wilson's Plover at Sandy Pond, Oswego County, New York 21 May 2004 furnished the first inland record for New York. Photograph by Bill Purcell. DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS Three or 4 White-winged Doves were found this spring: at Sandy Hook 1 May (SB), at Cape May 5-6 & 13 May (B. & E. Schuhl; m.ob.), and at Rehoboth, DE 15 May (L. Safir). The Snowy Owl at the Indi- an R. Inlet, DE remained until 13 Mar Swainson's Warblers seem to be increasing as vagrants past the northern limit of their range. This bird was banded and photographed at Island Beach State Park, New Jersey on 20 May 2004. Photograph by Bob Prantle. (m.ob.). A Great Gray Owl was picked up and brought to a rehabilitator in Clay, Onondaga, NY on the rather late date of 16 Apr. Northern Saw-whet Owls were numer- ous in the Niagara Frontier region, where 9 calling birds were in Wyoming, and 9 others were found roosting in Niagara during the Breeding Bird Atlas Project. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was unusually far n. at Willsboro, NY in the Adirondack-Champlain region. Both American Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers were found at more-or-less regular loca- tions in the Adirondacks, but one Black-backed was a bit s. of known breeding range at South L., Herkimer, NY (BP). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS Scissor-tailed Flycatchers appeared at Cape May 15-16 (B. Thompson, J. Gordon, PEL) & 29 May (Steve Zeigler, m.ob.); one was at Ocean City, NJ 23 May (D. Regensberg). A Loggerhead Shrike in Hartland, Ni- agara 27 Mar provided one of the very few Regional records in recent years (WD, WW et al.). Given the genuine rarity of the species in the Region, great care should be taken in identification of shrikes in the field. A Philadelphia Vireo in Belleplain S. F, NJ 24 Apr ties the earliest spring record for New Jersey (T. Brown, JS). An impres- sive count of 1100 Fish Crows was made at Mannington Marsh, NJ 13 Mar (SK). A Common Raven appeared s. to Sandy Hook 23 Mar (SB). Locally breeding ravens included 6 at High Point S.P., NJ, a regular site. Concentrations of nesting Cliff Swallows included 30-40 nests at L. Parsippany, NJ 6 May (SB) and 114 nests at Tonawanda, NY 20 Apr (DFS). WRENS THROUGH WAXWINGS Two Sedge Wrens were found at their tra- ditional nesting site in Niagara (R Hess, S. & T. O’Donnell). A Sage Thrasher was present 27 Apr at Oceanville, NJ (near Brigantine), where it was nicely pho- tographed (R. Blair); this provides one of a handful of records for anywhere in the Northeast, the 3rd for the state, and the first spring record for the East Coast. Lin- gering flocks of Bohemian Waxwings in- cluded 250 at Adams, Oswego, NY 8 Mar (RC) and 50 in Plattsburgh, NY 2 Mar (E. Fitts). A handful of single birds in New Jersey included one that remained at Sandy Hook 4-23 Mar. The last bird was joined by a peculiar individual judged to be a Cedar Waxwing x Bohemian Waxwing hybrid (PAB, RRV). VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 3 347 HUD SO N - D ELAWA RE WARBLERS Thirteen Golden-winged Warblers were reported, with the main concentration not unexpectedly detected in the Niagara re- gion. Of the hybrid forms, 7 Lawrence’s and 6 Brewster’s Warblers were reported. We urge observers to submit all reports of these rare and declining warblers. Orange- crowned Warblers continue their upward trend in the Region: 12 were banded at Braddock Bay, 4 more were seen in the Niagara region, and another 5 were scattered s. to Central Park and cen. New Jersey (cf. 10 total for the Region last year). Worm- eating Warblers farther n. than usual included 4 in May in the Rochester area, one at Saranac L., NY 30 Apr (T. Dudones), one in the Oneida L. Basin 29 Apr, and one at Niagara 1 May. Kentucky Warblers were reported in the Rochester area in May, and a high total of 14 came from Central Park, including one early on 23 Apr (DA). Yellow- throated Warblers n. of typi- cal range were noted at Derby Hill 23 Apr, at Niagara 16 May, and at Rochester 1 May. A Cerulean Warbler in Central Park 18 Apr (R. Pasquier) furnished the earliest date ever for New York by three days. Continuing the roster of s. warblers, 3 Swainson’s Warblers were found in the Region: sin- gles on Staten I., NY 20 May (H. Fisher), Island Beach S.R, NJ 20 May (G. Smith), and at Cape May 23-25 May (KL, GM). Connecticut Warblers were seen in the Rochester area 18 & 23 May. The rarest of the season was the MacGillivray’s War- bler 7 May (E. Miller, m. ob.) in Forest Park, Queens, the 2nd or 3rd documented record for New York. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Summer Tanager totals included 6 in Cen- tral Park, one in E. Quogue, Long I. 9 May, and another on the Grumman property on Long I., a location where the species has nested in the past. A Clay-colored Sparrow wintered at Taylor Refuge, Burlington , NJ through 3 Apr, and coastal migrants were seen at Jones Beach 20 Apr and Jamaica Bay 13 May; 4 each were reported in the Niagara and Rochester areas during May. Two Henslow’s Sparrows were heard singing at Lancaster, NY in an area where they have bred in the past; the species has become very scarce in upstate New York since the mid-1990s. Several observers on Long 1 commented on an apparent in- crease in the numbers of Grasshopper Sparrows present at traditional nesting sites. Single Harris’s Sparrows were noted at West Seneca, NY 17 May and Jamaica Bay 15 May (B. Legirstrom, L. White). A junco at Jamaica Bay 11 Apr (RRV, TWB, JS, E. Silverman et al.) was clearly not a typical Slate-colored Junco; observers felt it was either an individual of the enigmat- ic cismontanus from the n. Rocky Moun- tains or a Pink-sided Junco from the cen. Another vagrant at Island Beach State Park, New Jersey this spring was this apparent female Bullock's Oriole photographed on 27 April 2004. Photograph by Alex Tongas. Rockies. A female Snow Bunting was late at Brigantine 1-3 May (m.ob.). Four Paint- ed Buntings were found: Southhold, Long 1. 17-18 Apr (HM), Buffalo, NY 12 May (male; N. & R Vigyikan) , Sandy Hook, NJ 12 May (female; TBo), and Sandy Hook 19 May (male; Ken Klapper, TBo). Dickcis- sels were at Montauk 30 Apr (HM) and Cape May, NJ 12-13 May (SB). BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES A Western Meadowlark was heard in Ben- nington, Wyoming , NY 27 Mar (KF). Yel- low-headed Blackbirds were at Derby Hill 23 Apr and at Port Penn, DE 6 Apr. A fe- male Bullock’s Oriole was well pho- tographed at Island Beach S.P., NJ 26-27 Apr (AT, FL, J. Hanley). Following a big fall flight, large numbers of Purple Finch- es were recorded just about everywhere in the area, with some peak counts including 15 at Northville, Long 1. 22 Apr and 17 at Ashford in the Niagara region 25 Apr, and a maximum of 750 over Derby Hill 10 May. The only White-winged Crossbill re- ported was one in Columbia, NY 11 Apr. Hoary Redpolls continued through Mar at several n. locations: 7 were at L. Placid 17 Mar, and 6 were at Georgetown, NY 20 Mar. Small groups of Evening Grosbeaks were seen in Apr s. to the Hudson-Mo- hawk region of New York, and two Buffa- lo area censuses in Apr and May each recorded 14 birds. Observers (subregional compilers in bold- face): Henry T. Armistead, Deborah Allen (Central Park, New York City) , Pete Bacin- ski (New Jersey), Andrew Baldelli, Scott Barnes (North Coast Region, NJ: Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, P.O. Box 553, Ft. Hancock, NJ 07732), Chris Bennett (Sus- sex, DE: Cape Henlopen S.E, 42 Cape Hen- lopen Dr., Lewes, DE 19958), Michael Bochnik (Hudson-Delaware, NY: 86 Em- pire St., Yonkers, NY 10704), Tom Boyle (TBo), R A. Buckley, Thomas W. Burke (New York Rare Bird Alert), Terry Clarke (N.Y.C. area), Richard Crossley, Willie D’Anna, Jim Dowdell, Paul Driver (sw NJ: 915 Melrose Ave., Elkins Park, PA 19027), Andrew R Ednie ( New Castle and Kent, DE: 59 Lawson Ave., Claymont, DE 19703), Vince Elia (South Coast and Delaware Bay Regions, NJ: CMBO R&E Center, 600 Rte 47 North, Cape May Cour- thouse, NJ 08120), Mike Fahay, Kurt Fox, Don Freiday, Mark S. Garland (Cape May NJ), Kevin C. Griffith (Genesee Region, NY: 61 Grandview Lane, Rochester, NY 14612), Anthony Gonzon (AGo), Mary E. Gustafson, Andy Guthrie, Armas Hill (Philadelphia Birdline), Richard Kane, San- dra Keller, Chip Krilowicz, Bill Krueger, Robert J. Kurtz, Laurie Larson (New Jer- sey), Anthony J. Lauro, Paul E. Lehman (PEL), Fred Lesser, Patricia Lindsay Karl Lukens, Kevin McGann, Jay McGowan, Hugh McGuiness (Eastern L.I., NY: PO. Box 3005, Southampton, NY 1 1969), Shai Mitra, Mike Morgante (Niagara Frontier region, NY: Briar Hill Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127), George Myers, Michael O’Bri- an, Bill Ostrander (Finger Lakes region, NY: 80 Westmont Ave., Elmira, NY 14904), John M. C. Peterson (Adirondack-Cham- plain Region, NY: 477 County Rte 8, Eliza- bethtown, 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), Frank Rohrbacher, Tom Salo (TSa; Susque- hanna Region, NY: 5145 State Highway 51, W. Burlington, NY 13482), Jarrod Santora, Sy Schiff (L.I., NY: 603 Mead Terrace, S. Hempstead, NY 11550), Mickey Scilingo, Frank Sencher (nw NJ: 43 Church Rd. Milford, NJ 08848), Ed Sigda, T. Smart (TSm), Robert Spahn (RSp) (Genesee Or- nithological Society), Tom Sudol (TSu), Clay Sutton, Pat Sutton (Cape May Bird Observatory), W. Symonds, David Tetlow, Mike Tetlow, Alex Tongas, Matt Victoria, Mike Wasilco, William Watson, Angus Wilson, Alvin Wollin (AWo) (L.I., NY: 4 Meadow Lane, Rockville Center, NY 11570), Seth Woolney, Will Yandik (Hud- son-Mohawk NY: 269 Schneider Road, Hudson, NY 12534), Peter Yoerg, Robert P. Yunick. © 348 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS his season was memorable for a mild March and early April and for record- high average temperatures between mid-April and late May, a period that saw al- most no groundings of migrants, with a few exceptions (such as 8 May). Several Region- al observers described the spring passerine migration either as “minor” or as “a major bust” — the birds apparently overflew much of the Region during that period, at least in the eastern half of the Region. Perhaps tied to the persistent southerly and southwester- ly winds of the spring, southern species such as Magnificent Frigatebird, Gray Kingbird, and White-tailed Kite put in rare appear- ances in eastern Virginia, and an Anhinga was recorded in Maryland. The warm weather also seemed to trans- late into early, mostly successful nesting of many landbird species. By late May, the northern part of the Region experienced the start of the emergence of “Brood X” cicadas, a food supply for many taxa of birds, espe- cially Mississippi Kites, which appeared in record-breaking numbers in several areas. Abbreviations: Assat. (Assateague I., Worcester, MD); Bay (Chesapeake Bay); Black. (Blackwater N.W.R., Dorchester, MD); Blandy (Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke, VA); C.B.B.T. (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, s. of Northampton, VA); Chine. (Chincoteague N.W.R., Accomack, VA); Craney (Craney 1., Portsmouth, VA); D.C. (District of Columbia); E.S.VM.W.R. (E. Shore of Virginia N.W.R.); Huntley (Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax, VA); Julie Metz (Julie Metz Wetlands Mitiga- tion Bank, Prince William, VA ); Kerr (Kerr Res., Mecklenburg, VA); O.C. Inlet (Ocean City Inlet, Worcester, MD). The state for a location is noted the first time it is men- tioned in the text. LOONS THROUGH IBISES There were two significant fallouts of Common Loons this spring. The first was 2-3 Apr, with impressive totals from many locations. Most observers reported vocal- izing birds in alternate plumage. The highest count was 230 seen at Liberty L. on the Carroll and Baltimore, MD line 3 Apr (RFR, Bill Ellis), with only 16 found the next day. Other Maryland evidence of this fallout came 2 Apr with 22 at Triadel- phia Res., Howard (JSo, Rick Sussman); 54 and 26 at Loch Raven Res. Baltimore 2 & 4 Apr (with 22 still present 8 Apr) (Taylor Middle Adantic Huntley Meadows County Park Hunting Creek Patuxent R. Naval Air Station Pt. Lookout SP Conowingo Dam & Susquehanna R. hrkey Pt. Pt.SP NeckNWR n Worcester Co. Ocean pity irginia Beach Back Bay NWR McLean, Debbie Terry); and 45 at Piney Run Park, Carroll (RFR). Seventy-five were at Ft. Smallwood, Anne Arundel 3 Apr (SR); 60 and 47 at Piney Res., Garrett, MD 3 & 4 Apr (JBC); 23 at Big Pool, Washington, MD 3 Apr (RFR); 16 at Rocky Gorge Res., Howard/Prince George’s, MD 3 Apr (Bob Elvander); and 13 at Rocky Gap S.L. Allegany 4 Apr (RK, JBC). In Virginia, 10 were at Mill Creek L., Amherst 2 Apr (MJ), keeping company with 34 Red- breasted Mergansers and 27 Double-crest- ed Cormorants, and 50 were at Burke L., Faitfax 4 Apr (with 40 present 5 Apr and 16 on 7 Apr) (KG, m.ob.), these birds seen with up to 250 Double-crested Cor- morants. The next pulse of these birds came 14-15 Apr in Virginia. Some 208 were counted at Philpott L., Henry and 95 at the Martinsville Res. 14 Apr (both CK). In a ten-minute span, 67 were counted over Oakton, Faitfax 15 Apr (FA). Two of the Virginia Pacific Loons reported in winter were observed in spring: 6 Mar at L. Anna, Louisa (Jl, TP), and 7 & 12 Mar at Kerr (AD, MRB). S. Holston L., Wash- ington, VA continues as the Region’s only reliable spot for Eared Grebes. Nine were r A for the first time in state history, a full-time spring seabird watch was conducted. This season's count was from ■ J n the Cape Charles Lighthouse on Smith L, Northampton 1 4 Mar-1 3 May, complementary to a fall seabird watch at the same location. Tom Tustison, Stacy Baker, and four volunteers logged 261 hours of observation and noted 42,808 seabirds of 27 species, two-thirds of these birds being Double-crested Cormorants and loons. Peak loon move- ment was 4-10 Apr, with 7283 noted. Cormorants peaked 10-17 Apr, with 5266 birds. Mo alcjds or jaegers were not- ed during the survey. Todd M. Day 5118 Beaver Dam Road Jeffersonton, Virginia 22724 (blkvulture@aol.com) with 15 Homed and 14 Pied-billed Grebes 9 Mar (JWC, LM). “Hundreds” of Horned Grebes were noted at inland Kerr 7 Mar (AD). One of the more interesting reports from the season was of an albatross seen from a small airplane 17 Mar by a crew surveying damage from a sunken tanker approx. 85 km off the coast of s. Assateague L, Accomack, VA. Experienced seabirder Jeff Davis got brief but decent looks of a bird he believed to be a Black-browed Albatross, though the excellent details submitted did not rale out all other albatross species (p.a.). The Region has only one record of Black-browed (6 Feb 1999) and three of Yellow-nosed (1 Feb 1975, 3 Dec 1979, 28 Nov 1981). American White Pelicans were reported seven times, the most unusual a large, white bird seen alighting atop a tree at dusk 8 May well inland at a farm in Halifax, VA, leaving its identity uncertain until daybreak when several area birders arrived to confirm that it was indeed a pelican (p.a., ph. tJBl, MRB, m.ob.). Other Virginia sightings were 19 Apr between Fisherman I. and the C.B.B.T., VOLUME 5 8 ( 2 0 0 4 ) NUMBER 3 349 Northampton, VA (AL, Pat Larner), and 25 May-6 Jun at Back Bay N.W.R., Vir- ginia Beach (RLAk, Dorie Stolley). Maryland reports were from 8 Mar at King’s Landing Park, Calvert (p.a., Tom Harden), 2 on 11 Apr over Ft. Washington, Prince George’s (p.a., DC), 2 on 17 Apr at Havre de Grace, Harford (p.a., HH, JBr), and one 13 May at Poplar I., Talbot (Jan Reese). Out of place was a Brown Pelican along the Potomac R. in D C. 20 Mar, a first for D.C. (p.a., Rob Hilton, Lisa Shannon, PP, RFR, m.ob.). An imm. Great Cor- morant was seen 12 Mar at Kerr (p.a., MRB, Mj), while 4 were somewhat late 19 May at the C.B.B.T. (ESB). Double- crested Cormorants again nested on the Potomac R. in Montgomery, MD with birds noted on nests 11 Apr, and as many as 10 nests believed to be present (CH). Liberty L., Carroll, MD is proving to be a minor flyway of Double- crested Cormorants, with large numbers noted 20-30 Apr, peaking with 148 on 20 Apr (BE). A soaring Anhinga was seen near Patterson Park, Calvert 16 Apr, following strong southwesterlies the prior two days (p.a., TB); another was seen 28 May over- head along Steel Bridge Rd., Southampton, This Magnificent Frigatebird, a first-stage juvenile, was photographed 23 May 2004 at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Virginia; the state has about fourteen prior reports of the genus, many of those not determinable to species. Photograph by Gwen Gantt. VA, in an area where breeding has been sus- pected (RB, MJ, Judy Weigand). Another ex- ceedingly rare sighting this season was of an imm. Magnificent Frigatebird 23 May at the C.B.B.T. Eccles discovered this cooperative bird with a small party of birders on the 3rd island, allowing for solid documentation (p.a. tSE, ph. GG, JG, et al). Half of the states approximately 14 prior records of the genus come from the Eastern Shore. American Bitterns made appear- ances at several previously unknown locations: 21 Apr in Augusta, VA (JSp); 22 Apr at Pinto Marsh, Allegany, MD (JBC); 28 Apr in Patrick, VA (a county 3rd; CK); 8 May at Blandy (SB); and 10 May at a farm pond near Sperryville, Rappahannock, VA (TMD, SAH, Bob Abrams). Other unusual heron sight- ings included a Snowy Egret 9 Apr at Morrisville, Fauquier’s first (TMD); single Little Blue Herons 20 Apr at Siler, Frederick, VA (Margaret Wester fide SB) and 22 Apr at Chester Phelps W.M.A., a 2nd for Fauquier (TMD, SAH). Cattle Egrets well away from the Coastal Plain included one 12 Apr at Buchanan, VA (David Raines, Ed Bailey fide RM); one n. of Rapidan, Culpeper, VA 2 May for probably the county’s 2nd (SAH, TMD); and one 7 May at Bealeton, Fauquier’s first (TMD, SAH). Yel- low-crowned Night-Herons nested along Shanks Rd., Roanoke, where a pair was seen tending a nest 27 Apr (AQ), and at Run- nymeade Park, Fairfax, for the 2nd year, with a bird seen on nest 30 May (Jay & Car- ol Hadlock), and possibly at another loca- tion near Herndon, Fairfax, where a pair was first noted 2 Apr (SAH, Allen Hart). A first SAI Again this year, there was an influx of Red-necked Grebes into the Region, though it paled in comparison to the massive flight of late winter 2003. Nevertheless, it was the 3rd largest 1 ever documented locally, after Feb 1994 and Feb 2003. Two early sightings had come from sites away from the coast on 6 Dec at Roaches Run, Arlington, VA (RR) and 27 Dec-3 Jan at Kerr Res., Mecklenburg (AD). Mid-Jan saw two reports at coastal locales, which are more typical: one at Grandview Nature Preserve at Hampton, VA 13 Jan (John Drummond) and an- other at Assat. 14 Jan (Adam Smith). These individuals were probably connected to the later influx. Between 1 9 Jan and 4 Feb, partial freezing of the Great Lakes occurred, with L. Erie entirely covered, and significant portions of the other four lakes frozen. This remained the case until nearly mid-Mar. Perhaps the first indication of displaced birds was at Fort McHenry, Baltimore 30 Jan-4 Feb, where as many as 9 birds were seen at times (JP, fide KEC), or at Belle Table 1 • Records of Rednecked Grebes from the Middle Atlantic re9'on' sPrin9 im- Haven Marina, Fairfax 25 Jan (DK). By mid-Feb, grebes were being reported around the Region, with a decidedly coastal bias. From 14to 29 Feb, seven other coastal and three inland sites hosted birds, usually numbering between one and 3 individuals. Virginia sightings were mostly at the C.B.B.T. 14-21 Feb (ESB, Steve Hairfield, Valerie Kitchens, TMD, m.ob.), 3 at Yorktown, James City 21 Feb (BW), one at Whitethorn, Montgomery 21-29 Feb+ (BK), and one at a drainage pond at Manassas, Prince William 23-28 Feb (LC). Maryland saw one bird at Ft. Armistead, Anne Arundel 8 Feb (SA), up to 2 at O.C. Inlet 10-29 Feb+ (SM, PJ, m.ob.), one on the Potomac R. at Seneca Cr. 11-29 Feb+ (DC), one at Solomon's, Calvert 15 Feb (SA), 2 on 20 Feb at Ft. Smallwood, Anne Arun- del (SR), 2 at Bogle's Wharf, Kent 28 Feb (WGE, HIM), and one at Assat. 29 Feb (JLS, MH, MLH). As expected after a flight that stretches into late Feb, many grebes were lo- cated in the spring season (see Table 1). The movement of birds in 2003 came about two weeks later than the flight in 2004, with the first push in mid-Feb in 2003, and the biggest influx arriving in the first week in Mar. In 2003, however, there was more extensive and earlier freezing of the Great Lakes: L. Erie was mostly covered by 21 Jan 2003 and remained so into Apr. Possibly a more important factor in 2003 was the nearly complete freezing of L. Superior and L. Huron by 28 Feb (see: ). With- out the extensive freezing seen in 2003, it is not surprising that the 2004 influx of grebes involved considerably fewer birds. This season's reports unfortunately shed lit- tle light on the mystery of the source of such movements of this species into the Re- gion (cf. N.A.B. 57: 329) but further support their connection to Great Lakes freezes. Date 4&15 Ma7 4-6 Mar 6 Mar No. 2 Location Claytor L. Violette's Lock L. Anna Georgetown Res. Municipality Pulaski, VA Montgomery, MD Louisa, VA Obserwer(s) GE, SJR, BK DC Jl, TP PP, m.ob. 6 Mar-7 Apr 1-2 D.C. 6-21 Mar 1-2 O.C. Inlet Worcester, MD N&FS, m.ob. 7 Mar 7 Mar 1 S. Holston L. Washington, VA JWC, LM 1 Patuxent R. Calvert, MD Montgomery, VA HH 13 Mar 1 Whitethorne BK 13 Mar 1 Chester R. Kent, MD WGE, NLM 20 Mar 1 Ft. McHenry Baltimore, MD JP 20 Mar-15 Apr 1 Sandy Pt. S.P. Anne Arundel, MD BS 22 Mar 2 Miller's 1. Rd. Baltimore, MD MH 25 Mar 2 Lapidum Landing Harford, MD LE 27 Mar-1 Apr 1 Airlie Res. Fauquier, VA TMD 28 Mar 1 City Reservoir Martinsville, VA J. Beard 30 Mar 4 Belmont Bay Fairfax, VA BJ, BH 3 Apr 1 Triadetphia Res. Howard, MD KS 9 Apr 2 Violette's Lock Montgomery, MD DC 9 Apr 7 Liberty L. Baltimore, MD BE 16 Apr 1 Kerr Res. Mecklenburg, VA JT NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 350 - . o \ - ■■ v ' \ y' ,,,y for Campbell, VA was a Glossy Ibis 14 Apr (TD, Dave Reid). A White-faced Ibis was seen at Chine. 25 May+, marking the 4th consecutive year that at least one bird has spent spring there (MI, MRB). WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS Late was a Tundra Swan 21 May at Halethorpe Pond, Baltimore (SA, Brian Sykes). A Brant was a surprise at Piney Run Park, Carroll, MD 7 Mar (SA). A Ross’s Goose accompanied 4000 Snow Geese 23 Mar at Ruthsburg, Queen Anne’s, MD (Danny Poet). Two Greater White-fronted Geese at Lilipons, Frederick, MD lingered from winter, last seen 1 Mar (GM, BC), and another was at Paper Mill Road, Baltimore 21 Mar (ITaylor McLean). A Cackling Goose was found at Cen- tennial L.,, Howard, MD 1-2 Mar (MH, KS); this individual may have been identifiable as subspecies mini- ma, in which case wild provenance would be difficult to support. A Bar- nacle Goose at Spring Road, Talbot 10 May (Les Roslund) was of uncer- tain provenance. A Eurasian Wigeon was at Ridgeway Park, Hampton, VA 1-10 Apr (Ben Copeland). A late American Wigeon was at Dixon Farm, Frederick, MD 20 May (RFR). Northern Shovelers were seen from the causeway to Chincoteague 1. spo- radically as late as 23 May (ESB, TMD); a pair took up residence 16 May+ at a mitigation site at New Windsor, Carroll, MD, but breeding was never confirmed (RFR). A regular lingerer in late spring, a Lesser Scaup was found at Hains Pt., D.C. 25 May (John Beetham). Bufflehead rarely linger in the Region unless injured; this season, an ad. male was at Oyster, Northampton 18-31 May+ (ESB, RLAk), another was at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax 30 May+ (SE et al), and 2 were at Westminster Res., Cairoll, MD 20 May (RFR). As many as 25 Common Eiders were at O.C. Inlet 21 Mar, with the last report being “a flock” 3 Apr. Four Harlequin Ducks were reported from the C.B.B.T. 19 Apr (RLAn). Armistead had impressive Bay counts of Surf Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks around Ferry Pt., Talbot through Mar/Apr, peaking with over 5000 scoters 28 Mar (with over 700 Long-tailed Ducks), and over 1100 as late as 24 Apr, while 1100 Long- tailed Ducks were tallied 3 Apr. Away from the Bay and ocean, reports of Surf Scoters included: one 11 Apr at Hains Pt, D.C. (PP); 3 at Kerr 11 Apr (JT); one 13 Apr at Allen’s Fresh, Charles, MD (GJ); 8 at Piney Run Park, Car- roll, MD 17 Apr (Dave Harvey); 3 at Rocky Gap S.P., Allegany 18 Apr (RK); and one 20 Apr at Piper’s Gap, Carroll, VA (GE). A White-winged Scoter was at Parrot, Mont- gomery, VA 4 Mar (GE, SJR); 2 were on the Potomac R. in D.C. 19 Mar (MB); and 4 were at Rocky Gap S.P , Allegany (RK, JBC). Twen- ty-one Common Goldeneyes were on the Po- tomac R. at Violette’s Lock, Montgomery, MD 8 Mar, along with a single Long-tailed Duck (DC). Czaplak discovered a small Common Merganser chick on the Potomac R. at Vio- lette’s Lock, Montgomery, MD 30 May (with a hen and 6 young seen near here 6 Jun); fur- ther details will follow in the Nesting Season This Gray Kingbird, about the thirteenth for Virginia, was observed during the "Birds & Blossoms" festival 8 May 2004 at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Northampton County. Photograph by Edward 5. Brinkley. report. Triadelphia Res. hosted 1600 Com- mon Mergansers 2 Mar (JSo, Emy Holdridge), a high count for well-watched Howard. A hen Hooded Merganser with 9 tiny young was seen at Chester Phelps W.M.A. 10 Apr, and again 18 Apr (though the young were considerably larger), one of few breeding records for the Piedmont and the first for Fauquier (SAH, TMD). Another Hooded hen with 10 small young was pho- tographed at Race Rd. Wetlands, Howard, MD 24 Apr (Mark Hollis), the 3rd consecu- tive year of breeding at this spot. Huntley has had successful breeding seasons in recent years, including this season, with one pair fledging several young in a wood duck box (Ken Hollinga). Four Rough-legged Hawks were reported in Virginia in the early part of spring: at Swope, Augusta, VA 3 Mar (AL); Burke’s Garden, Tazewell 6 Mar (Ed and Michelle Talbot); along 1-66 near Markham, Fauquier 11 Mar (Greg Justice); and along 1-64 in Albemarle 29 Mar (MRB). A Merlin 21 May at the C.B.B.T. was one of the latest for the Virginia coast and continues a recent trend on the Atlantic coast generally (ESB). The MIDDLE ATI. AN spring hawkwatch at Ft. Smallwood, Amur Arundel, reported an average year com- pared with the past four. Notable were some unprecedented flights in early Apr. Twice over 1000 birds were counted: 1161 on 7 Apr and 1246 on 9 Apr. The single- day total of Cooper’s Hawk was bested by one 7 Apr with 102 tallied (SR). RAILS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS King Rails were at Julie Metz Wetlands, Prince William again this spring, calling from 28 Mar through at least 20 Apr (MR, DK). A Black Rail was briefly seen but never heard 17 Apr at Hunt- ley (BL, Jen Foults); others were heard in the Gunpowder R. marshes, Harford, MD 15 May (MH, JLS et al.); up to 4 calling from four spots along Elliott I. Rd. 19-20 May (George & Elliott Adams, fide HTA); and one at Saxis, Accomack, VA 23 May (RLAk, JSp, BW, KG). A King Rail at Swan Harbor, Harford, MD 15 May was probably a migrant (MH, JLS, et al.). Virginias first Purple Gallinule in a decade was an ad. along Colonial Parkway, James City 9-23 May (Dan Cristol, BT, rn.ob.). Another was at Hughes Hollow, Montgomery, MD 6-31 May (Paul Woodward), the lat- ter keeping company with up to 2 Common Moorhens first discovered 11 Apr (Frank Powers) and seen through Jun (rn.ob.). Single Com- mon Moorhens were at Dick Cross W.M.A. , Mecklenburg 28 Apr (BB) and at Huntley 12-17 May (Jesse Ful- ton, RR, LC). A Sandhill Crane arrived at Rural Retreat L., Wythe, VA 26 Mar, only to be joined 5 Apr by 3 others; the last was seen 9 Apr (GE, Allen Boynton, MRB, PS). A Piping Plover provided the 3rd Calvert record 20 Mar at Calvert Cliffs S.P (ph. MC). Three Piping and 2 Wilsons Plovers were at little-visited Wreck I., Northampton 3 Apr (KG et al.), the latter providing a good ar- rival date. American Oystercatchers nested successfully on the 3rd island of the C.B.B.T., first noted on eggs 1 May (RLAn). Along with Mallard, oystercatchers are the only species to have bred on these islands. A few reports of Black-necked Stilts came from atypical locations in Maryland. Two were found 7 May at Merkle W.M.A., Prince George’s (Fred Shaffer), one 15-21 May at the US Route 50 borrow pit, Wicomico (Sam Dyke, D&CB), and 3 at Jug Bay, Anne Arun- del 24 May' (Danny Bystrak). A Willct was well out of place at Fairlawn Ponds 28 Apr in Pulaski, VA (JK). Spotted Sandpipers were present at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax through mi- gration and into spring, with 2-3 birds not- ed frequently suggesting this species might be breeding nearby (RR, rn.ob.). Uncommon VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 3 351 MIDDLE ATLANTIC on the coast in recent springs, an Upland Sandpiper e. of Exmore, Northampton 8 Apr (ESB, TS) was a bit early. Others were 2 at Long Neck Rd., Saint Mary’s , MD 17 Apr (MC, Pat Rose) and a single at Harrison Rd., Fauquier 1-6 May (AR, m.ob.). The winter assemblage of Marbled Godwits at Willis Wharf, Northampton still numbered 150 on 4 Mar (Ralph Wall), and 3 lingered 25 May along the causeway to Chincoteague 1. (MRB, Ml). A Ruddy Turnstone was at Ma- son-Dixon Farm 22-24 May (RFR et al.), the 4th for Frederick , MD, and 6 were along Rte. 574 on 22 May (HH), Wicomico's 4th. A flooded, plowed field e. of Jeffersonton, Culpeper hosted 5 Sanderlings 9 May (tTMD). A White-rumped Sandpiper was at a wetland mitigation site near Nokesville, Prince William 30 Apr (SAH), and another was at Greenfield Pond, Botetourt , VA 1 May (Tad Finnell). A low of 2 White-rumpeds at Chine. 18 May (ESB, RLAk) would be im- proved by early Jun. Small numbers of Purple Sand- pipers were seen through late May at the C.B.B.T., with 39 seen 19 May (ESB); all were gone by 1 Jun. Some 2000 Dunlin along with 240 Short-billed Dowitchers, 400 Semipalmated Plovers, and 1300 peep were at Chine. 8 May (ESB). Single Ruffs were at Jug Bay, Prince George’s , MD 7 Apr (JLS) and at Chine. 21-22 May (a red ad. male; SE, ph. JG, GG, m.ob.). Following the pas- sage of a front in Kent , MD on 3 May, Ellison noted a modest fallout of shorebirds, consisting mainly of 230 Least Sandpipers, 75 Lesser cally more frequent in Maryland, with Back R , Baltimore reliably producing 1-5 birds 22 Mar-10 Apr (MH, GM, BC, m.ob); an ad. was seen 20 Mar at Lapidum Landing, Flarford , MD (with an ad. Black-headed Gull), with 2 there 23 Mar (MH, ZB); a ba- sic ad. was at Violette’s Lock, Montgomery , MD 21 Mar (DC); and the lone Virginia re- port was from the southernmost C.B.B.T. island 28 Apr (RLAk, Tom Tustison). Fol- lowing the recent winter reports of Califor- nia Gull at Neabsco Cr., Prince William , one was reported again 13 Mar (p.a. MR), while another was reported from Hunting Cr., Faitfax and Alexandria line, 19, 23 & 27 Mar (p.a., KG, tMB, SS). A first-winter Thayer’s Gull was at Ft. Story, Virginia Beach 22 Mar (MRB, AD). Leftover from winter were first-winter Iceland and Glau- cous Gulls at Prince William’s landfill through 14 Mar (LC, BL, George Wheaton). A first-winter Iceland Gull was Many experienced observers expected unprecedented kite numbers to coincide with the ci- cada emergence, and no one was disappointed. Aside from the plethora of Mississippi Kite re- ports (Table 2 is a partial accounting), including a nesting bird in Prince William, VA (more details in the Nesting Season report), there was a well-described White-tailed Kite 3 Apr near the Nansemond R. at Suffolk, the 3rd for Virginia and the Region (acc. C1W). The season saw four reports of Swallow- tailed Kites, with one in place through mid-Jun. McCandless had a number of Mississippi Kites at his Elkton, Cecil, home beginning 22 May and peaking with a dozen in early Jun. He discovered a Swal- low-tailed Kite 29 May, which was seen regularly through 1 0 Jun (p.a., ph., tSM, m.ob.). Other Swal- low-taileds were at Black. 9 Apr (p.a., JF, BD), at E.S.V.N.W.R. 15 May (BT), and near Oxford, Talbot 17 May (D&CB). Table 2. Records of Mississippi Kite in Virginia and Maryland, Spring 2004. MARYLAND SA’ .c Plovers, and 18 Black-bellied Plovers. Mason-Dixon Farm hosted up to 2 Red-necked Phalaropes 19-21 May, the 7th county record (Barbara Gearhart, Paul Mauss, RFR). JAEGERS THROUGH NIGHTJARS A dark- and a light-morph Parasitic Jaeger were seen 18 Apr at the C.B.B.T (RLAn). A Laughing Gull was unusual at Kerr 28 Apr, with 3 Bonaparte’s Gulls (BB). An ad. Franklin’s Gull was at Jug Bay, Atme Arundel 8 May (MH), and 2 were seen from Ft. Smallwood, Anne Arundel 27 May (SR). Little Gull reports are typi- No. Date Location Municipality Observer(s) 1 2 May nearS. Mt. Frederick HH 2 12 May Ft. Smallwood Anne Arundel R. Geuder 1 12 May Hughes Hollow Montgomery T. White 1 13 May Pt. of Rocks Frederick TMD, E. Hynes 1 14 May Patterson Park Calvert TB, T. Jordan 1-12 22 May+ Elkton Cecil SM 1 23 May Ft. Smallwood Anne Arundel SR 4 24 May Ft. Smallwood Anne Arundel SR 1 27 May Clyburn Arboretum Baltimore City S. Sanford VIRGINIA No. Date Location Municipality Observer(s) 1 mid-May Rock Church Virginia Beach Doug Davis ca. 10 9May+ various, Greensville/Southampton Counties MRB, TMD, m.ob. 1 11 May Fort Hunt Rd. Fairfax E. Eder 1-7 16 May-f- Riverview area Prince William J. Pearson 4 16 May E.S.V.N.W.R. Northampton ESB 4 17 May College Creek James City County BT 1-2 18-25 May Banister R. W.M.A. Halifax JBI 1 22 May Great Dismal Swamp Suffolk City SCR 5 22 May+ Huntley Meadows Fairfax RR 1 23 May off 1-64 Portsmouth City ESB, GLA etal. also at the Salisbury Landfill, Wicomico 4 Mar (CH, Cyndie Loeper), and an ad. was at O.C. Inlet 3 Apr (WGE, NLM, Peter Mann, m.ob.), seen with a first-winter Glaucous Gull. Later Glaucous Gull re- ports from Maryland included a second- winter 3 Apr at the Route 50 borrow pit, Wicomico (BS, Eric & Pat Decker) and an- other 12 & 16 May on Assat. (DP, N&FS). Providing the first Gairett record and 2nd for w. Maryland, a Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Broadford Res. 20 Mar (p.a., tFran Pope). A Gull-billed Tern was at Skimmer I., Ocean City, Worcester 24 Apr (N&FS). Inland Caspian Terns included two reports from w. of the Blue Ridge in Virginia: 3 at S. Holston L. 9 Apr (JWC, Rack Cross et al.) and 5 at Riverview Park, Radford 12 Apr (JK). Others were several at Kerr 16 Apr (JT); 55 at Four Mile Run at the Potomac R. 18 Apr, a good count for D.C. (PP); and 2 in w. Maryland at Rocky Gap S.P., Allegany 25 Apr (John Hubbell). Two Black Terns at Mason-Dixon Farm were unusual inland 23-24 May (Helen Horrocks, RFR et al.). On the heels of a strong cold front with 20- knot ne. winds, David and Linda Hughes and later Brinkley found hundreds of terns and shorebirds be- tween Fisherman I. and the northernmost C.B.B.T. is- lands 8 May, including 4 Black Terns (DLH, LH, ESB), plus a single Arctic Tern at the C.B.B.T. and a Roseate Tern at Fisherman I. (ESB), the latter both thought to be rare, although the complete lack of sea- er coasts in spring since the early 1990s means that both species conceivably pass undetected. The bulk of the C.B.B.T. birds were Com- mon Terns and dozens of Royals, the shorebirds pri- marily Dunlin and Least and Semipalmated Sand- pipers. Razorbills continued at O.C. Inlet through 14 Mar, with a high count of 7 seen 9 Mar (v.o.). Eurasian Collared-Doves still hold strong at the Northampton intersection of Rtes. 600 and 645, with re- ports scattered throughout the season. Other reports from Virginia were at Sand- bridge, VA in May (Murray 352 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Honick, fide RLAk) and Dublin, Pulaski 2 Mar (Ron Underwood, fide CK). A Rufous Hummingbird that wintered at Cave Spring, Roanoke , VA was last seen 8 Apr (George Munsey, vt. Bill Grant). Two Northern Saw- whet Owls were singing at Cranesville Swamp, Garrett 25 May (MH, DP). The Kip- topeke 2003 fall banding operation of Saw- whets netted 119 owls, with an age ratio that was not skewed toward HY birds, and cap- ture rates well below the invasion years of 1995 and 1999, indicating that 2003 was a non-invasion year (Paxton, B.J., B.D. Watts, and EM. Smith. 2004. Autumn Migration of Northern Saw-whet Owls on the Low- er Delmarva Peninsula 1994-2003: Project Report 2003.). Chuck-will’s- widows were reported from several unusual locations in Virginia: one at Union Springs Dam, Rockingham 5 May (Ken Hinkle et al.); one 8 May at Marine Base Quantico, Prince William, where not detected in sever- al years (MR); and one at Rapidan, Culpeper 8 May (TMD, 1CT). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES A Gray Kingbird was discovered 8 May at the E.S.V.N.W.R., seen by four parties through the morning, including the “Birds & Blossoms” festival participants led by Ake (ph., tESB). The Western Kingbird returned for its 3rd year to Ft. McHenry, Baltimore 10 May. Re- ported originally to be associating (again) with an Eastern Kingbird, surprisingly it disappeared 31 May, not to be seen again (despite frequent monitoring of the site) until mid-Jul (JP, Mike Lynch, KEC, m.ob.). A coastal Yellow-bellied Flycatch- er was a C.B.B.T. 20 May (ESB), where not without precedent. A Sedge Wren was at Huntley 23 Apr (MRB); one at Elkton 1-2 May was the first for Cecil (SM, PJ); an- other was at Truitt’s Landing, Worcester 12 May (DP); and one was at a marsh along Terry’s Run, Orange, VA 12 May (MRB). Marsh Wrens were at Parrot, Pulaski 11 Apr (BK) and at Glen Alton, Giles 15 May (PS). A Brown-headed Nuthatch was found 1 Apr at Camp Holiday Trails Rd., Albemarle, VA, well away from the typical range for the species in the Region and very nicely documented (ph., v.r. tjohn L. Rowlett). Loggerhead Shrikes were seen near Parker Rd., Bedford, VA 4-8 May, with food-carrying noted (RB). A late mi- grant Hermit Thrush was at Mason Neck S.P., Fairfax 30 May (Mary Alice Koeneke, Glenn Koppel). A male American Redstart was record early for Maryland 27 Mar at Colbourne Mill Road, Worcester (ZB). A male Pro- thonotary Warbler was seen and heard singing at a pond in Rappahannock 5-24 May and also observed bringing materials to a nest box, but it did not attract a mate (Bruce Jones). Other sightings were 5 May along the New R. at Radford (CK) and 8 May n. of Calloway, Franklin (BK). An ap- parent second-year male Western Tanager appeared at a feeder in Staunton, Augusta 27 Mar and stayed through 29 May (ph. tAndrew Clem, ph. TBrenda Tekin, YL). Another Western Tanager was at Chip- pokes S.P., Surry, VA 18 Apr (Mitchell & Lois Byrd, fide BW). The Rose-breasted Grosbeak that overwintered in Bedford was A green male Painted Bunting at the home of John and Pat Kominski Green west of Ellicott City, Maryland 15-24 December 2003 (here undated) provided a first record for well-watched Howard County. Photograph by John Kominski. last seen 9 Mar (fide TD). There was a con- sensus among many of the Region’s birders that Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were seen in numbers either unprecedented or not seen in many years. The peak count was of 15 at a feeder in Bedford 30 Apr (TD). A male Painted Bunting visited a Dameron, Saint Mary’s feeder 8 May (Patty Craig), while a female was at a feeder in w. Ocean City, Worcester 22 May (ph. N&FS). Two spring Clay-colored Sparrows were reported: 21 Mar at Shiloh School Rd., Northumberland, VA (TS) and one singing 20 Apr at Corn- field Harbor Road, Saint Mary’s (Gemma Radko, Jim Green, fide DP). A grayish Nel- son’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow thought to be of the Acadian race s ubvirgatus was at the southernmost C.B.B.T. island 23 May (ESB, GLA). Seaside Sparrows were seen at three atypical Maryland locations: 17 Apr at Diamond Pt. Rd., Baltimore (RFR, BE), 18 Apr at Scientist’s Cliffs, Calvert (SS), and 23 Apr at Flag Ponds S.P., Calvert 23 Apr (5 birds; Arlene Ripley). One of the 3 Harris’s Sparrows at Julie Metz since Nov was seen through 12 Mar (CH). An ad. male Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Julie Metz 19 Mar (Craig Turner). Following the unprecedented invasion of Common Redpolls in winter, there were sev- eral to report in spring. In Virginia, one that frequented a Lynchburg feeder in Feb was last seen l Mar (Cinda Hurt); another win- ter leftover at a Chesterfield feeder was seen through 13 Mar (John Coe); one visited a Spotsylvania feeder 13-18 Mar, the same feeder hosting an Evening Grosbeak through 12 Mar (Jackie Nelson, AR, Larry Meade, m.ob.); and Maryland had one at a w. Ocean City, Worcester feeder 6 Mar (N&FS). It seemed a good year for Red Crossbills in the Mountains & Valleys of Virginia. At Twelve O’clock Knob, Roanoke, as many as 7 were seen 1-16 Apr (AQ); one was al Roan Mt., Giles 9 Apr (PS); and a flock of 25 was seen at Whitetop Mt., Grayson 29 Apr (BK). Addenda: A Painted Bunting was a first for Howard at a feeder in Ellicott City, visiting 15-24 Dec (p.a., ph. Pat & John Kaminski, fide JS). Howard Common Redpolls from winter were: singles 2 Jan at Iron Pan Pi. (Doug Odermatt) and 21 Jan at Ilchester Rcl. (Janet Lydon), 8 at Harness Ct. 22-29 Jan (Emy Holdridge), and up to 3 at Ellicott City 22 Jan-5 Feb (Kevin Heffernan, Karen Darcy). Contributors: Robert L. Ake (RLAk), Robert L. Anderson (RLAn), George L. Armistead, Henry T. Armistead, Stan Arnold, Fred Atwood, Zach Baer, Scott Baron, Tyler Bell, Jeff Blalock 0B1), Michael R. Boatwright, Brian Bockhann, Mike Bowen, Jim Brighton (JBr), Edward S. Brinkley, Don & Carol Broderick, Rexanne Bruno, Laura Catterton, J. B. Churchill, J. Wallace Coffey, Barry Cooper, Keith Eric Costley, Marty Cribb, Dave Czaplak, Thelma Dalmas, Dave Davis, Todd M. Day, Adam D’Onofrio, Barbara Dowell, Samuel H. Dyke, Les Eastman, Stephen Ec- cles, Glen Eller, Bill Ellis, Walter G. Ellison, Jane Fallon, Gwen Gantt, Joseph Gantt, Kurt Gaskill, Matt Hafner, Clive Harris, Susan A. Heath, Mark L. Hoffman, Hans Holbrook, Bart Hutchinson, John Irvine, Mike Iwanik, Scott Jackson-Ricketts, Ben Jesup, George Jett, Parke John, Mark Johnson, Brian Kane, John Kell, Clyde Kessler, Ray Kiddy, Dan Kluza, Allen Larner, Yulee Larner (Augusta, VA), Bev Leeuwenburg, Gail Mackiernan, Nancy L. Martin, Roger Mayhorn, Sean Mc- Candless, Larry McDaniel, Tom Pendleton, Jim Peters, Paul Pisano, Dave Powell, Alyce Quinn, Andy Rabin, Marc Ribaudo, Sue Ric- ciardi, Rich Rieger, Robert F. Ringler, Stephen C. Rottenborn, Norm & Fran Saun- ders, Tom Saunders, Bill Schreitz, Kurt Schwarz, Jo Solem (Howard, MD), John Spahr, Peggy Spiegel, James L. Stasz, Sher- man Suter, Brian Taber, Jeff Taylor, Ian C. Topolsky, Bill Williams, C. Les Willis. O VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 353 - ; — , „ „ — __ ■ Southern Atlantic Great Smoky Mtns. NP...... Alligator R. NWR Manteo Cape Croatan Natl. Forest Hatteras - Mr Cape lore- Lookout city ' NORTH CAROLINA Ft. Fisher SR A Valdosta# Okefenokee Swamp Hilton Head Is. - Savannah NWR & Savannah Spoil Site (SC) ■Tybee I. 1 St. Catherines I. I Sapelo I. ■«wirsl 1 Cumberland I. Ricky Davis 608 Smallwood Drive Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 (RJDNC@aol.com) This spring’s weather was character- ized by generally bclow-average pre- cipitation (Georgia experienced one of its driest springs on record) and slightly above-average temperatures. This weather pattern produced few notable fronts, so the migration flowed through the season with no noteworthy events. Groundings due to weather systems were almost nonexistent. Predictably, then, most observers called the migration very poor, although for the birds, it was probably quite successful! As usual, there were a few rarities, most notably a first for the western North Atlantic Ocean on one of the North Carolina pelagic trips. Abbreviations: C. Hatt. (Cape Hatteras, NC); E.L.H. (E.L. Huic Land Application Facility, Clayton, GA); H.B.S.P (Hunting- ton Beach S.P., SC); Hoop. (Hooper Lane, Henderson, NC); K. Mt. (Kennesaw Mt. National Battlefield Park, GA); L. Matt. (L. Mattamuskeet N.W.R., NC); PL (Pea Is- land N.W.R., NC); S.S.S. (Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper, SC). LOONS THROUGH ROSEATE SPOONBILL Loons lingering from the winter season in- cluded the Red-throated Loon at L. Julian, NC until 27 Apr (TJ) and the Yellow- billed Loon at L. Horton, GA until 3 Apr (MI). Also of note for the spring was the Red-necked Grebe at Shallotte Inlet, Brunswick, NC 9-1 1 Apr (TP). A complete surprise was the Yellow-nosed Albatross observed at Cape Pt., Buxton, NC point for over 20 minutes as it flew offshore to- ward Diamond Shoals 11 Apr (KM) Pho- tographs should provide the 2nd docu- mented record for North Carolina, though there are several sight reports of albatross for the state. The usual complement of late May pelagic trips off North Carolina’s Outer Banks was run again with much success (BP). Gadfly petrels were high- lighted by at least 4 Feas and 10 Herald (Ttinidade) Petrels 21-31 May (off Ore- gon and Hatteras Inlets). Shearwater num- bers were about average, though 9 Manx during the period was evidence of the in- creasing effort to locate this species (which is often seen in cooler inshore wa- ters) on the pelagic tours. Storm-petrel numbers were about normal for spring, with the peak counts including 32 Leach’s and 19 Band-rumpeds 30 May off Hat- teras. The highlight of the spring, howev- er, was the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel found off Oregon Inlet 31 May (P. A. Guris, M. D. Overton, M. R. Tove, R. Wiltraut, G. Wheaton, J. Gallup et ah). The bird was associating with a mixed storm-petrel flock in a cool eddy of the Gulf Stream in 800 fathoms of water. It was immediately identified as a F regetta storm-petrel; photographic documenta- tion indicated Black-bellied rather than White-bellied. If accepted, this would rep- resent the lirst record for North America! Other highlights of the season included 3 Red-billed Tropicbirds (now almost annu- al) during May (BP) and a Masked Booby near shore out of Hatteras 22 May (S. Howell). An imm. Brown Booby was pho- tographed on a channel marker near Harkers L, Carteret, NC 15 Apr (JC), pro- viding a very rare sighting for that state. In South Carolina, rare pelagic species in- cluded a Manx Shearwater off Charleston 10 Apr and 5-6 Band-rumped Storm-Pe- trels off Charleston 30 May (ND et ah). American White Pelicans continued to be found Regionwide, with the most unusual sightings being 45 at L. Matt 7 Mar (fide WC), 6 at Jordan L., NC 19-20 May (fide WC), 15 at L. Burton, Rabun, GA 11 Apr (fide TM), and 15 at L. Julian, NC 11 Apr (TL). Also rare inland was the Brown Pelican at L. Townsend, Guilford, NC 10-20 Apr (ET). There were more Magnificent Frigatebird re- ports this spring than usual, with birds being noted at Cumberland L, GA 2 May (BW et al.), at Cedar I., NC 16 May (JF, JFe et ah), at Wrightsville Beach, NC and later that day at Ft. Fisher, NC 26 May (A&CR, OA), and at Folly Beach, SC 27 May (CW). Reddish Egrets included the usual bird at Gould’s In- let, GA during Mar and Apr (JFl, EH, PS, GB), a white morph at Donnelley W.M.A., SC 17 May (KA), and one on Little St. Simons I., GA 23 May (BN). Noteworthy inland were the 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons at L. Junaluska, Haywood, NC 14 Apr (DH, BO) and the Glossy Ibis at Santee N.W.R., SC 17 Apr (MT). Roseate Spoonbills provided rare sight- ings for the Carolinas, with singles at Folly Beach, SC late Apr-early May (fide DF), at S. Tibwin, Charleston, SC 14 May (CW), and at Bodie I., NC lighthouse pond 19 May+ (RD, ESB, GLA, ph. Bob Salomon, m.ob.). The lat- ter bird, about the 12th for the state, was ap- parently present for several days earlier and later in the nearby PL area (v.o.). WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks continued their presence at Donnelley W.M.A., SC, with up to 12 seen 27 May (LM), and 5 were seen briefly in a flooded field in Tyrrell, NC 17 May (fide JL). It is general- ly believed that these birds are of wild provenance, potentially from the Florida — 354 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN population. There were several lingering waterfowl of note this spring. Up to 2 Snow Geese were very late at E.L.H. 14-15 May (CL, JS et ah). A subad. male Com- mon Eider was found near Harkers 1., NC 15 May (R&PT), and up to 2 Long-tailed Ducks remained in the Ft. Macon, NC area until at least 10-11 May (RN, JF). Scoters lingered at several sites this spring, with the latest being one Surf and 3 Blacks at Caswell Beach, NC 30 May (JP). Two Common Mergansers were very late at Falls L., NC 2 May (BB), and a Red-breast- ed Merganser was very late along the Al- tamaha R., GA 31 May ( fide DC). The Cin- namon Teal found at the Altamaha W.M.A., GA during late Feb, was last seen 3 Mar (RW, GB, BH). The best inland scot- er report was of 8 Surfs at L. Julian, NC 18 Mar (TJ et ah). There was the usual scattering of Swal- low-tailed Kite reports from all three states this spring. One moving northward at the Altamaha R., Long, GA 3 Mar (GB, BH) was easily one of the earliest ever for that state. Another very early one was n. of George- town, SC 7 Mar (TK). Somewhat out of range were singles at Oxbow Meadows, GA 4 Apr (WCh) and McAlpine Greenway, Charlotte, NC 24 Apr (JW et ah). The biggest flock of Mississippi Kites reported was the 79 near Wedgefield, Sumter, SC 5 May (LM), while the most out of range were the 2 at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC 9 May (RS). An ad. Swainson’s Hawk seen in flight near Santee N.W.R., SC 3 Apr (LM), if accepted, would be only the 3rd from that state. Rare in the spring season after mid- Mar, a Rough-legged Hawk was a good find near Roper, Washington, NC 3 Apr ( fide TP). A Clapper Rail was found dead in downtown Charlotte, NC 26 Apr (TP) for a rare but not unprecedented inland occurrence. Much more unusual and totally out of place was the Purple Gallinule seen walking from a road toward the beach on Ocracoke 1, NC A species recorded with certainty only once previously in North Carolina, this adult Yellow-nosed Albatross spent twenty minutes flying around Cape Point, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Buxton on 11 April 2004. Photograph by Kevin Metcalf. 24 Apr (TPe et al.). Causing much excitement was the ap- pearance of 8 Whooping Cranes from the Florida rein- troduction program on their way north. First seen in Lown- des, GA 29 Mar (NK), they were again seen somewhat e. of the expected migration path near Franklin, NC 1-3 Apr (v.o.). Sandhill Crane reports included 2 at K. Mt. 10 Apr ( fide GB), 2 near Townville, SC 18 May (SP et al.), and 2 at Bear Island W.M.A., SC 24 Apr (ND) and 21 May (SW). PLOVERS THROUGH ALCIDS Only one American Golden- Plover was found this spring, that being one in basic plumage at Oxbow Mead- ows, GA 3-4 Apr (WCh). Very rare inland Black- necked Stilts were found at Oxbow Meadows, GA 14-16 May (WCh) and at Phinizy Swamp, Augusta, GA 29-30 May (LS). American Avocets were noteworthy inland, with one at Falls L., NC 2 May (BB) and 17 in Bartow, GA (BZ). Other very rare inland shorebirds in- cluded a Willet at L. Junaluska, NC 26 Apr (DH, BO, WF), a Baird’s Sandpiper in Mar- shallville, Macon, GA 17 Apr ( fide TM), and a another Baird’s at Hoop. 15-17 Apr (WF, BO). The latter bird, if accepted, would be only the 3rd spring report for that state. Upland Sandpiper reports were down again this spring, with Georgia be- ing the only state that reported birds. Georgia also had the only Long-billed Curlews, with one at Little St. Simons 1. most of the spring (BN) and 3 on Sapelo I. 12-14 Mar (MF). One Curlew Sandpiper was reported, that be- ing one photographed at the S.S.S. 31 May (SC). Another rare shorebird was the female Ruff (Reeve) found at Bear Island W.M.A., SC 20 Apr (DF). There is only a handful of spring re- ports for that state. Only two re- ports of Wilson’s Phalarope were received, single birds at the Al- tamaha W.M.A., GA 29 Apr and 3 May (BD, TKe, DHd) and at the S.S.S. 28 May (SC). Rare onshore Red-necked Phalarope reports included 5 at the S.S.S. 19 May (SC) and one at the Long Beach, NC airport 30 May (JP). A pelag- ic trip out of Charleston, SC 10 Furnishing only about the fifteenth record for North Carolina, this elusive immature Roseate Spoonbill haunted several impoundments on the state's northern Outer Banks 19-31 May 2004 (here 24 May at Bodie Island lighthouse pond). Digiscoped photograph by Bob Salomon. 5 May Apr had excellent numbers of phalaropes, with 450 Red-neckeds and 350 Reds (ND et al.). This spring’s Outer Banks pelagic trips yielded lowest-ever numbers of jaegers but did produce as many as 5 South Polar Skuas 21-30 May (BP), though the identification of one of the birds on 25 May was much dis- cussed: photographs of the bird may be pub- lished in the British journal Binding World as a first-summer Great Skua, a plumage essen- tially undescribecl in the literature. Inland Laughing Gulls included 2 at Falls L., NC 2 May (BB) and 2 at L. Walter E George, GA 30 May (J&MA). yery rare jn spring, a Franklin’s Gull was a good find at the West Point L., GA dam area 22 Mar (WCh). Even more unexpected was the ad. Black-headed Gull found for one day at the s. end of Jekyll I., GA 21 Mar (BW et al.). If accepted, this would be that state’s 2nd. Rare spring Glau- cous Gulls included first-winter birds at Beaufort, NC 24 Apr (JF et al.) and on Was- saw I., GA 27 Apr (PR). As expected, all North Carolina Arctic Terns were found off the Outer Banks. Found on four trips, the peak count was the 6 off Oregon Inlet 21 May (BP). In South Carolina, where much rarer, one was off Murrell’s Inlet 14 May (JPe), and 4 were off Charleston 19 May (ND). Noteworthy inland terns included 7 Forster’s Terns at Garden Lakes, Rome, GA 27 Apr (MD) and a Least Tern near State- V0LUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 355 This immature Brown Booby was photographed on a channel marker near Harkers Island, North Carolina 15 April 2004. There are over ten reports of this sulid for that state, most of them recent. Photograph by Jeff Cordes. burg, Sumter , SC 17 May (MT). Bridled Tern numbers were down, with the best North Carolina count being 5 off Oregon Inlet 30 May (BP). South Carolina had 2 off Charleston 10 Apr (ND et al.) for an early sighting. Sooty Tern sightings were one off Charleston, SC 10 Apr and 2 off Charleston 19 May (ND et al.), 2 off Oregon In- let, NC 21 May (BP), and one on- shore in the Cape Fear R. near Southport, NC 17 Apr (MH et al.). Only one inland Black Tern was reported, that being at the E.L.H. 31 May (EH). The winter’s influx of alcids in North Carolina contin- ued into Mar. A sick Dovekie (which later died) was found on the beach at Atlantic Beach 4 Mar ( fide JF), and another dead one was found there 5 Mar (JF)- Also an injured Thick- billed Murre was found on Ocracoke 19 Mar and taken to a local rehabilitator (EHa). Ra- zorbill reports involved dead ones off C. Lookout 3 Mar ( fide JF ) and at Ft. Macon 5 Mar (RN). Live ones included 3 flying past Atlantic Beach 17 Mar (JF, JFe, BHo), one at Ft. Macon 23 Mar (RN), and one off Cape Lookout 24 Mar (JFe). DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES Only one White-winged Dove was report- ed, that being at a feeder in Shelby, NC 15 Apr ( fide TP). Black-billed Cuckoo sight- ings were about average, coming from the w. portions of the Re- gion. A Short-eared Owl at Little St. Simons L, GA 16 Mar was a good find for that coastal locality in spring (BN). Unusual was the Common Nighthawk found far offshore of Hatteras, NC 22 May (BP). A Whip-poor-will was very early in s. Moore , NC 5 Mar (JB). Woodpeckers made news this spring with several high counts. A one-day total of 23 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers at K. Mt. 22 Mar (GB et al.) was quite remarkable for this generally scarce species. A flight of 77 Northern Flickers in one hour in n. Greene, GA 21 Mar (PS) was very notable, and a count of 50 Pileated Woodpeckers on the Milltad Creek B.B.S., Dare, NC 30 May was very impressive (ML). Only one Olive-sided Flycatcher was mentioned this spring, that being at Call- away Gardens, GA 9 May (D&PM). There were several noteworthy Empidonax sight- ings this spring: a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at K. Mt. 2 May (only the 3rd spring record there; fide GB), an Alder Flycatcher at Hoop. 16 May (WF, BO), and a Least Flycatcher at Eno River S.P., Durham, NC 5 May (HL). South Carolina’s 3rd inland Vermilion Fly- catcher was an ad. male near Lexington 29-30 May (DS, MS, BF). Rare spring sight- ings of Western Kingbird involved singles at James I., SC 17 Apr (CH et al.) and Jekyll L, GA 1 May (IS). Also of note was the Gray Kingbird at Edisto Beach, SC 18 Apr (SG et al.), this being away from the usual sites in coastal s. Georgia. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers once again were present in the Region. One bird returned to the Monroe, NC site 19 Apr but did not stay this year (AO). One was seen not too far from there 11 May (GM), probably the same bird. At the McDonough, GA site, birds returned 16 May (BZ et al.). Other sightings included one n. of Perry, GA 4 May (D&PM) and one near Brattonville, York, SC 28-30 May (BE BM, JH). Some of the rarer vireo reports included an early Yellow-throated at Lilburn, GA 14 Mar (TR), a Warbling at K. Mt. 28 Apr (RH, PH et al.), a Philadelphia at the E.L.H. 23 Apr (CL), 2 Philadelphias at Bethabara Park, Winston- Salem, NC 1 May (fide RSn), and an early Red-eyed at Paulk’s Pas- ture, Glynn, GA 21 Mar (GK). The thrush migration was considered to be very poor this spring. Num- bers of birds were way down, and many observers did not mention them at all. Extremely early were a Gray-cheeked Thrush near Winnabow, Brunswick, NC 11 Apr (GM) and a Wood Thrush at How- ell Woods, Johnston, NC 23 Mar (DW). A Bicknell’s Thrush was banded and photographed at How- ell Woods, NC 5 May (BS et al., fide HL). If accepted, this would provide only the 3rd documented Bicknell’s for the state. Even if this taxon is “lumped” again with Gray-cheeked, as is being consid- ered by the A.O.U., records of subspecies continue to be of interest, and observers are encouraged to document such birds as thor- oughly as possible. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES The warbler migration, like the thrush mi- gration, was generally described as poor. Some early arrivals included 2 Black-throat- ed Greens in the Croatan N.E, NC 19 Mar (JF), where waynei usually arrives a week later, and a Prairie at Black Mountain, NC 3 Mar (SGi). Out of place were several off- shore warblers off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A Magnolia Warbler was off Ore- gon Inlet 21 May, and a Prothono- tary Warbler was off Hatteras 29 May (BP). The latter bird was ex- tremely late for a migrant (most spring migrants peak in early to mid-Apr); it was captured and re- leased in habitat at Frisco. Cerulean Warblers staged one of their better spring migrations at K. Mt. this year, as evidenced by the excellent count of 12 there 12 Apr (GB et al.). Rare for the mts. was the Prothono- tary Warbler in the French Broad R. valley, Henderson, NC 27 Apr (WF, MW). Another good count for K. Mt. was the 14 Worm-eating War- blers there 12 Apr (GB et al.), which set a high single-day total for the park. There were two reports each of the rare Oporornis species this spring. Jackson Park, Henderson- ville, NC had one Connecticut Warbler 14 May (WF, RS), 2 Connecticuts on 17 May (RS), and a Mourning on 6-7 May (WF, RS). Another Mourning Warbler was at K. Mt. 20 May (GB, BZ), providing only the 2nd spring report there. Western Tanager has become an annual visitor in recent years. This spring’s sight- ings involved a female at a feeder in Albe- A rare species in South Carolina, this Curlew Sandpiper was present at the Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper County 31 May 2004. Photograph by Steve Catver. 356 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS marie, Stanly, NC 7-11 Mar (MM), a male at a feeder in Winston, Douglas , GA 26 Apr-1 May (fide JS), and a young male singing at the Roanoke River N.W.R., NC 23 Apr (R&SB). The Clay- colored Sparrows that, win- tered in numbers at North R., Carteret, NC remained until 25 Apr, when 2 were still present (JF). Elsewhere, rare spring Clay-coloreds were at James I., SC 17 Apr (CH et al.), at the S.S.S. 21 Apr (SC et ah), and at Table Rock S.P., SC 4 May (JCa, SS). Very rare and unexpect- ed in spring was the Henslow’s Sparrow found at the N.C.S.U. farm s. of Raleigh, NC 8 May (}IV1 et ah). There were more Lincoln’s Sparrow reports than usual this spring. Singles were found at River- bend Park, Catawba, NC 11 Apr (DM), at Little St. Simons L, GA 16 Apr (JSi, fide BN), at Griffin, GA 24 Apr (EB), at Athens, GA 25-28 Apr (JFl, CS), at Durham, NC 25 Apr (WC), and at Mills R., Henderson, NC 29 Apr (WF). Of interest were the 2 White- throated Sparrows that remained through the period in south-coastal Georgia at Darien (DC). Completely unexpected was the Harris’s Sparrow that showed up at a feeder in Winnabow, Brunswick, NC 20-25 Apr (EC, m.ob.). This bird pro- vided about the 6th record for North Carolina. Even rarer was the ad. Gray-headed Junto (Junco hyemalis caniceps ) photographed at a feeder in Charlotte, NC 25-27 May (JSh, TP). Obviously the first for the Region, this indi- vidual represents certainly the easternmost record; there is a handful of extralimital records from the Southern Great Plains and one from Ohio. North Caroli- na also had its 4th Smith’s Longspun one was photographed with Laplands at Hoop. 26 Mar (WF, RS). Snow Buntings, very rare in the Region in spring, pro- vided some excitement this year. A male in high plumage was a complete surprise in a yard in Ze- bulon, Wake, NC 10-11 Apr (DO) and provided only the 5th Apr report for the state. This bird was out- done however by the female, also in high plumage, found at the jetty at Oregon Inlet, NC 6-9 May (HT, JL, JK), providing the first May report for the state. In North Carolina, Painted Buntings wan- dered inland more than usual this spring. The This Smith's Lorsgspur accompanied several Lapland Longspurs at Hooper Lane, Henderson County, North Carolina 26 March 2004, providing the fourth or fifth record for that state. Photograph by Wayne Forsythe. most amazing was the ad. male photographed at a feeder in Asheville 11-12 Mar (MW, ST, JMa), which provided the first documented mountain record for the state. Others includ- ed a female at Fayetteville 2 May (BWa) and a female at Greensboro 7-8 May (D&CA). Dickcissel reports were about average, with the best counts being 5 in Bartow, GA during May (BZ, PH) and 4 at the Harris Farm, e. Franklin, NC 11 May+ (RD). An imm. male Yellow-headed Blackbird was a surprise in a yard n. of Mt. Pleasant, SC 4-5 May (BC, EB1). A locally good count of 31 Brewer’s Blackbirds was had at the usual Open North Carolina 20 through (here) 25 April 2004, about the sixth record of the species for that state. Photograph by Will Cook. Ground, Carteret, NC area 5 Mar (JF, JFe). Only one Shiny Cowbird was reported this spring, that being a second-year male at Blackbeard Island N.W.R., GA 20 May (PS). A pair of Baltimore Orioles nested just e. of Greenville, NC; the male was seen carrying food to a nest 30 May (JWr). As amazing as this seems, nesting by this species was attempted in Greenville during the late 1980s and early 1990s as well. And finally, a Common Red- poll put in an appearance at a feeder in Charleston, SC 5-7 Mar (ND, m.ob.)- — most like- ly a part of the earlier winter influx into the Carolinas. Contributors: Don & Car- olyn Allen (D&CA), Ken Allen, Oliver Alphin, jerry & Marie Amerson (J&MA), George L. Armistead, Jeff Beane, Giff Beaton, Eric Beohm, Ed Blitch (EBl), Bri- an Bockhahn, Rich & Susan Boyd (R&SB), Edward S. Brinkley, Steve Calver, Jeff Gatlin (JCa), Walt Chambers (WCh), Bob Chinn, Doris Cohrs, Will Cook, Earl Cooke, Jeff Cordes, Ricky Davis, Nathan Dias, Marion Dobbs, Bruce Dralle, jack Fennell (JFe), Jim Flynn (JFl), Dennis Forsythe, Wayne Forsythe, Mark Freeman, Billy Fuller, John Fussell, Sidney Gau- threaux, Jr., Stu Gibeau (SGi), Bruce Hal- lett, Elizabeth Hanrahan (EHa), David Hedeen (DHd), Don Hendershot, Roy Hes- ter, Chris Hill, J. B. Hines, Mark Hoffman, Bob Holmes (BHo), Earl Horn, Pierre Howard, Mike Ivie, Tom Joyce, Tim Kalbach, Gene Keferl, Tim Keyes (TKe), Nathan Klaus, Joan Kutulas, Car- ol Lambert, Harry LeGrand, Jr., Jeff Lewis, Tim Lewis, Merrill Lynch, Dwayne Martin, joAnn Martin (JMa), Greg Massey, Bob Maxwell, Denny & Pam McClure (D&PM), Kevin Metcalf, Lloyd Moon, Terry Moore, M. K. Morri- son, Jim Mulholland, Randy Newman, Brandon Noel, Anne Olsen, Bob Olthoff, Dave Osborn, Steve Patterson, Brian Patteson (BP; Seabirding, Inc.), Jack Peachey (JPe), Temple Pearson (TPe), Taylor Piephoff, Jeff Pip- pen, Pete Range, Ann & Chester Robertson (A&CR), Tim Rose, Ron Selvey, Jeff Sewell, Mac Sharpe, Jill Shoemaker (JSh), John Sill (JSi), Chris Skelton, Donna Slyce, Ramona Snavely (RSn), Lois Stacey, Scott Stegen- ga, lain Stephenson, Brian Strong, Paul W. Sykes, Jr., Simon Thompson, Harry Timmons, Mike Turner, Emily Tyler, Russ & Patricia Tyndall (R&PT), Steve Wagner, Judy Walker, Bill Warfel (BWa), Craig Wat- son, Marilyn Westphal, Russ Wigh, David Williams, Brad Winn, John Wright (JWr), Bob Zaremba. ® VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 357 ■ Dry Tortugas N.P. ^ Marathon • Key West Bill Pranty Avian Ecology Lab Archbold Biological Station 123 Main Drive Venus, Florida 33960 (billpranty@hotmail.com) Rainfall in the Region was somewhat be- low normal, and temperatures were at or above normal. Several minor fallouts were noted in April, especially at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park near Miami. Caribbean vagrants were few, but two exotic species were newly verified and another was reported for the first time. LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL Migrant loons observed inland were a Red- throated over Gainesville, Alachua 31 Mar (AK) and a Common over Osceola N.E, Baker 28 Mar (JHi, RR et al.). Lingering Commons in alternate plumage were at Longboat Key, Sara- sota 20 May QGi) and Tallahassee, Leon 23 May (GM). In partial alternate plumage was a Horned Grebe at Spring Hill, Hernando 23-27 May (A&rBH). Two Red-footed Boobies spent the season at Dry Tortugas N.P, Monroe (LMa et ah). Increasing inland, 2 Brown Pelicans vis- ited Lake Apopka R.A., Orange 4 Apr (HR). Also at Lake Apopka R.A. were 60 American Bitterns 24 Mar (HR), while one in Dixie 29 May (LA) was apparently summering. Sixteen Least Bitterns at L. Jackson 22 Apr (MH) prob- ably furnished the high count for the Tallahas- see area. Great White Herons strayed inland to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve S.P., Okeechobee in mid-Apr (PM) and Lake Apopka R.A. 30 May (HR). Two white-morph Reddish Egrets were quite rare n. to Nassau Sound, Duval 18 May (PL). Casual but reported increasingly in the Region were 5 White-faced Ibis at St. Marks N.W.R., Wakulla 22 Apr (tAW). Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were numer- ous (v.o.), with 57 at Lake Apopka R.A. 7 Apr (HR), 145 at Paynes Prairie Preserve S.P., Alachua 22 Apr (HA), and 44 at McIntosh, Marion 18 May (RR). Six Fulvous Whistling- Ducks at Paynes Prairie 7 Apr (BC, BE) and singles at St. Marks N.W.R. 19 Mar (TC) and 15 Apr (AW) were out of core areas. A Greater White-fronted Goose at Lake City, Columbia 19-20 Mar (JHi et ah) was the only report of the species. Canada Geese were widespread s. to the cen. peninsula (v.o.), and some of these may have represented wild birds; the Canada Goose at Stock h, Monroe 17 Apr-6 May (LMa, JPu, MG et ah) was likely feral. Undoubtedly feral was the Mute Swan at Jacksonville 28 Apr+ (PP et ah). Two Blue-winged Teal in Sara- sota 30 May (JPa, JDu) and 3 Ring-necked Ducks at Emeralda Marsh, Lake 16 May (JPu) were late or summering. Three Black Scoters at Ft. Myers Beach, Lee remained until 19 Mar (BPi), with a female lingering through 27 Mar (CE). RAPTORS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS Bowman observed single White-tailed Kites s. of Lake Placid, Highlands 27 Feb-3 Mar and e. of L. Manatee, Manatee 4 Mar. Mississippi Kites at Tallahassee 5 Apr (GM) and Gainesville 7 Apr (RN) were early while one at Belleview, Marion 30 May (AL) was s. of the known breeding range. Another Mississippi provided the first for Lake Apopka R.A. 5 May (HR), while 200 at Tram Road S.T.P., Tallahassee 6 (EWo, EWe) & 20 May (GM et ah) must have been awesome. Perhaps equally inspiring were the 49 Bald Eagles at Circle B Bar Reserve, Polk 20 Mar (fide CG). Cooper’s Hawks nests were found at Lakeland, Polk 21 Mar (BS) and Cape Coral, Lee 20 (JGr) & 25 May (WW). A Broad- winged Hawk at Talbot Islands S.P., Duval 4 Apr (PL) was early and outside its known breeding range. The most interesting of six Short-tailed Hawk reports was a mixed-morph pair at New Port Richey, Pasco for the 8th year (KT), a light morph at Jena, Dixie 19 Apr (JK), and a dark morph at Redlands, Miami-Dade 22 May 0b). Unusual and late was the dark- morph Swainson’s Hawk in e. Polk 23 Apr (B&rLC). A Peregrine Falcon was northbound over Lake Wales Ridge S.E, Polk 15 Apr (BPr), while 4 were at Dry Tortugas 4-6 May (MG et ah). Continued surveys at Salt Springs S.P., Bayonet Pt., Pasco indicate a widespread popu- lation of Black Rails (KT et ah). A Purple Gallinule was unusual at Cedar Key 14-17 Apr (DH, JHi), and 97 at Lake Apopka R.A. 25 Apr (HR) represented the high count from that site. American Golden-Plovers were detected at Lake Apopka R.A. 28 Mar (3; HR), Crandon Beach, Miami-Dade 13 Apr (2; RD), and Mer- ritt I. N.W.R. , Brevard 25 Apr (one; JPu et ah). Thirty-eight Piping Plovers around Nassau Sound 14 Mar included 7 that had been color- banded at sites around the Great Lakes (PL). Meanwhile, 25 American Oystercatchers at Lit- tle Estero Lagoon, Lee 10 May included birds banded as chicks in North Carolina and Mass- achusetts (CE). Perhaps increasing as breeders in the n. peninsula, Black-necked Stilts num- bered 20+ at Hamilton phosphate mines 20 Mar (RR, JHi) and 21 (5 of these fledglings) at Paynes Prairie Preserve 2 Apr+ (AK et ah). Twenty-nine Solitary Sandpipers were at Circle NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 358 FLORID' B Bar Reserve 18-19 Apr ( fide CG). A Willet at Polk mines 9 May was quite rare there (PI, PF). Three Whimbrels lingered at Little Estero La- goon to 26 May, while a Long-billed Curlew re- mained into summer (CE). Alternate- plumaged Hudsonian Godwits graced Alafia Bank, Hillsborough 12-28 Mar (a male; MK, BA et al, ph.) and 2-10 Apr (a female; RP, MK et al.) and Hickory Mound Impoundment, Taylor 16 Apr (JK). Irregular inland but almost ex- pected at Lake Apopka R.A., a Marbled Godwit paused 21 Apr, and 2 Sanderlings were found there 20 May (HR). Of the 1500 Red Knots near Nassau Sound this season were 54 color-banded birds — 40 from the e. U.S., 9 from Argentina, 3 from Chile, and 2 from Brazil, including one knot banded in 1983 (PL). Multiple White-rumped Sandpipers were found at Eagle Lakes Park, Naples, Collier 27 Apr-4 May (3; DS, CE et al), Lake Apopka R.A. 16 May (6; HR), and Merritt 1. N.W.R. 19 May (10; JPu). Rare in the Region, 5 Baird’s Sandpipers were notable at Springhill Road S.T.P., Tallahassee 12 Apr (GM et al.). Up to 3 Ruffs were observed at Stormwater Treatment Area 5, Hendry 3-13 Apr (RU et al, ph.) until the area was deter- mined to be off-limits to visitors. Paynes Prairie Preserve hosted 3 Long-billed Dowitch- ers 23 Apr (JHi) and 70 Wilsons Snipe 29 Mar (AK). Not usually observed in the Region dur- ing spring, single Wilson’s Phalaropes were surprises at St. Petersburg 1 Apr (BA) and St. Marks N.W.R. 18 Apr (MH et al.), with duos at Circle B Bar Reserve 19 Apr (B&LC, SRi) and Springhill Road S.T.P. 20 Apr (GM, JC). JAEGERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Two Pomarine Jaegers were 15 km off Marco I., Collier 18 May (DS). Laughing Gulls inland in- cluded one at Ocean Pond, Osceola N.E 28 Mar (RR, JHi et al.) and several at L. Eustis, Lake 3-19 Apr (JPu). Lesser Black-backed Gulls are now too numerous to list even a ma- jority of the reports — among 19 at Crandon Beach 19 Apr was an apparent intermedins (RD). Another Lesser Black-backed at Stock I. 6 May (MG) was rare in the Keys. A Glaucous Gull at L. Okeechobee, Okeechobee late Mar-4 Apr ( fide GW et al.*) provided only the 2nd in- land record, while another at Ochlockonee Bay, Wakulla 2-10 May (JM et al.) was casual in the Panhandle. Three Great Black-backed Gulls lingered at Crandon Beach to 26 May (RD). Gull-billed Terns were surprisingly wide- spread, with one at Cedar Key 17 Mar (JHi), up to 2 at Lake Apopka R.A. 2-20 May (HR), and singles at Pelican Island N.W.R., Indian River 8 May (BW), Jupiter Inlet Colony 12 May (JHa), and Merritt Island N.W.R. 25 Apr-19 May (JPu). An apparently “pure” Elegant Tern was observed copulating with a Sandwich Tern at Ft. De Soto Park, Pinellas 27 Apr-early May (LA et al, ph. LA, AM). Terns at Lake Apopka R.A. included a Sandwich 18 Apr, 6 Commons 10 May, and 514 Forster’s 31 Mar (HR). Other notable Commons were singles at Dry Tortugas 5 May (MG) and Jupiter Inlet Colony 12 May (JHa) and 5 at Nassau Sound 27 May (PL). Five Least Terns were at Tigertail Beach, Marco I., Collier on the early date of 21 Mar (BRo). Two Black Noddies spent the season at Dry Tortugas (LMa). A singing White-crowned Pigeon was at Ten Thousand Islands N.W.R. 25 May (TD), out- side the known breed- ing range. Two White- winged Doves at Alligator Pt., Franklin 2 Apr (JM) were west- bound migrants, but several variously at Ocala N.F. 21 Apr+ (JPu) and at Lutz, Hills- borough in mid-May (TM) were breeders. Doyle tallied 26 Man- grove Cuckoos during point counts at Ten Thousand Islands N.W.R. 9-27 May (TD). Dry Tortugas hosted a Barn Owl 6 May and a Caribbean Short-eared Owl 5 May (MG et al). Migrant Chuck-will’s-widows at Ft. Myers Beach, Lee 27 Mar (CE) and Sanibel Light- house 28 Mar (VM, WW) roosted under car- ports after crossing the beaches! A Chimney Swift arrived at Eustis, Lake 30 Mar (JPu), and 360 were tallied at Lake Apopka R.A. 4 Apr (HR). Seven swifts at a chimney roost at New Port Richey 7 Apr increased to 166 the next day, and numbered 378 individuals 10 Apr (KT). A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird was incubating eggs at Collier-Seminole S.P, Collier on the early date of 8 Mar (TD, DS). A Selasphoivs remained at Alachua, Alachua to 31 Mar (PBu). Becoming rare in the ne. penin- sula, a male Hairy Woodpecker enlivened Or- angedale, St.Johns 7 Mar (PP). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWINGS Final dates for wintering tyrannids at Lake Apopka R.A. were Least Flycatcher 23 Apr, Ash-throated Flycatcher 7 Apr, Tropical King- bird 28 Apr, Cassin’s Kingbird 28 Mar, West- ern Kingbird 2 May, and Scissor-tailed Fly- catcher 31 Mar (HR). The Vermilion Flycatch- er that wintered at Frog Pond W.M.A., Mia- mi-Dade remained through 7 Mar (JB), while the one that graced Piney Z L., Leon 1-7 Mar (FG et al.) may have been overlooked previ- ously. An Ash-throated Flycatcher tarried at Tallahassee until 3 May (GM), while single Brown-crested Flycatchers were spotted at Matheson Hammock 4 Apr (PBi, JB et al.) and Royal Palm, Everglades N.R, Miami-Dade 15 Apr (BRa). Now annual in the Region, a La Sagra’s Flycatcher was a good find at No Name Key, Monroe 3 May (MG). Other Western King- birds were at Dry Tortugas 15 Apr (JPu et al), Rosewood, Levy 24 Apr (2; RR, SC et al), and Alligator Pt. 17 May (JM)- A Gray Kingbird ■ ft Bizarre was the report of a Common Myna that may have bred with a European Starling (!) at Neptune Beach, t \ Duval in early May (SRo, PP et al.). The myna was first observed entering a cavity in a supermarket sign 1 May, then was seen to feed a juv. starling 8 May. it was not seen afterward. If the myna was not a local escapee, then it rep- resented (by far) the northernmost dispersal to date. Neptune Beach is about 170 km n. of Sanford, Seminole, previ- ously the n. limit of myna occurrence in the state, and only 30 km from the Georgia border. The spring migration of 2004 was a goad one for vagrant Western Tanagers, some of which — like this bird near the south end of Lake Jackson, Leon County, Florida (here 25 February) — surely overwintered in atypical locations. Photograph by Jim Cavanaugh. strayed to Lake Apopka R.A. 23 Apr (HR), where birds are seen annually, the only regular inland site n. of L. Okeechobee. The latest of nine Scissor-tailed Flycatcher reports (v.o.) was one at Alligator Pt. 8 May (SM). Typically an early spring migrant into the Region, a Yellow-throated Vireo was found along the Ichetucknee R., Columbia 4 Mar (ES), 4 others were at San Felasco Hammock Preserve S.P, Alachua 7 Mar (JHi, MM), and a pair had built a nest at Lakeland by 21 Mar (BS). Quite rare during spring was the Philadelphia Vireo at Ft. De Soto 3-4 May (JPu et al.). Forty-three Black-whiskered Vireos were tallied during point counts at Ten Thou- sand Islands N.W.R. 9-27 May; numbers have declined annually since the survey began in 2000 (TD). Black- whiskereds at Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach 1-10 May (BPa et al.) and Cedar Key 26 May (DH) were apparently over- shooting birds. A singing Horned Lark at Hague, Alachua 22-23 Apr (MM et al.) provid- ed one of few inland reports in Florida. Tree Swallows often remain into May. This year, 472 tarried at Polk mines 9 May (PT, PF), 15 remained at Lake Apopka R.A. to 14 May (HR), and one was at L. Rousseau, Citrus 15 May (RR, SC et al.). Other swallows at Lake Apopka R.A. included a Northern Rough- winged 10 Mar, 5 Banks 5 May, and 5 Cliffs and VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 359 F I | :■ | ■ LORIDA 2 Caves 14 Apr (HR). Other Bank Swallow re- ports came from the Charlotte/Lee border 19 Mar (WD, WW) and Polk mines 9 May (3; PT, PF). A Barn Swallow at Brooker, Bradford 7 Mar (RR, BC, BE) was early. Two Marsh Wrens lingered at Lake Apopka R.A. through 10 May (HR). Scarce migrants, Wood Thrushes en- livened Garden Key, Dry Tortugas 15-17 Apr (JPu) and Guana R. S.P, St. Johns 1 May (JHo). Extremely scarce in the Region this past winter, Cedar Waxwings arrived at Ocala N.E 22 Mar (14; JPu) and Lake Apopka R.A. 25 Apr (2; HR). Twenty waxwings lingered at Salt Springs S.P through 12 May (JPu), with 28 at Lake Apopka R.A. until 14 May (HR). WARBLERS THROUGH SISKIN Single Blue-winged Warblers graced Gainesville 14 Apr (AK), Largo 17 Apr (KN), and Paynes Prairie Preserve 27 Apr (JHi). Fall- outs of Northern Parulas were 60 at Dunedin Hammock, Pinellas 14 Mar (KN), 30 at Bonner Park, Largo 16 Mar (KN), and 25+ at Bill Bag- gs Cape Florida S.P, Mi ami-Dade 5 Apr (RD). A Magnolia Warbler at Brooker, Bradford 7 Mar (BC, BE) was so early that it may have wintered locally. Cape May Warblers are rare inland dur- ing spring, so one at Lake Wales Ridge S.E 21 Apr (BPr) and 3 at Lake Apopka R.A. 25 Apr (HR) were notable. Also at Lake Apopka were 5 Black-throated Blue Warblers 28 Apr (HR). Other warbler fallouts at Cape Florida S.E were 100 Black-throated Blues 28 Apr (BRa); 125 Prairies 3 Apr (RD); 300 Palms 1 Apr (RD); and 100 Palms, 100 American Redstarts, and 100 Common Yellowthroats 28 Apr (BRa). A male Audubon’s Warbler photographed at Dry Tortugas 15 Apr (BM et al.) represented per- haps only the 3rd Florida record. Thirty-one singing male Prairie Warblers tallied at Ten Thousand Islands N.W.R. 9-27 May represent- ed the lowest number detected during annual surveys since 2000 (TD). Rarely observed in the Region during spring, 3 Bay-breasted War- blers at Largo 3 May (KN) and 2 at Ft. De Soto 4 May (JPu et al.) were surprises. Rarely found inland in numbers, 20 Blackpoll Warblers were counted at Lake Apopka R.A. 28 Apr (HR). An American Redstart at Ocala, Marion 30 May (BRo) was late, while a Prothonotary Warbler at Lake Apopka R.A. 24-28 Mar (HR) was ear- ly. Swainson’s Warblers were surprisingly wide- spread 4-19 Apr, with reports from Brevard , Broward , Lee , Levy, Mi ami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Pinellas (v.o.). Good numbers of wa- terthrushes at Lake Apopka R.A. were 20 Northerns 28 Apr and 7 Louisianas 19 Mar (HR). Another Northern lingered at Newnans L. through 23 May (RR). As is typical, Con- necticut Warbler reports fell within a narrow window in May. Largo supported singles 8-10 6 13 May, and 2 on 17 May (KN), with anoth- er at Bonita Springs, Lee 11 May (DS et al.). Early were the Hooded Warblers at Largo 15 Mar (KN) and Lake Apopka R.A. 22 Mar (HR). Forty other Hoodeds swarmed Ft. De Soto 5 Apr (RS), while a singing male along the Ock- lawaha R., Ocala N.E, Putnam 9 May+ may have been a local breeder (JPu)- Quite scarce during spring, Canada Warblers graced Alachua 22 Apr (MW) and Paynes Prairie Pre- serve 24 Apr (LH). Forty-one Yellow-breasted Chats at Lake Apopka R.A. 23 May (HR) were at the s. edge of their breeding range, and 2 other chats remained all season at Cape Flori- da S.P. (RD). A male Red-legged Honeycreeper was a one-day wonder at Grassy Key, Monroe 16 Apr (LMc, LMo, LMi). This furnished the 5th Flori- da report, all of single males within the previ- ous 13 months, but provenance will surely be an issue. The male Western Tanager that win- tered at Tallahassee remained to 10 Apr (FR et al.). Reported annually in recent years, a black- backed male Western Spindalis from the n. Ba- hamas was discovered at Key Largo, Monroe 23 Apr (EC, JDe, ph.). Another Caribbean va- grant, a Black-faced Grassquit, spent a week at Jupiter Ridge Natural Area, Palm Beach 21-27 Mar (PC, SS et al). Lingering sparrows included 2 Chippings at Ocala N.E 2 May (JPu), a Savannah at Lake Apopka R.A. 30 May (HR), and a Le Conte’s at Crystal River Preserve S.P., Citrus 1 May (A&BH et al). Two Clay-colored Sparrows en- livened Lake Apopka R.A. 25 Apr (HR), with another at Honeymoon Island S.P, Pinellas 1 May (EK). A Lark Sparrow moved through Cedar Key 14 Apr (JHi). One hundred Seaside Sparrows were estimated along the s. part of County Road 361, Dixie 5 May (JHi et al.). Sin- gle Lincolns Sparrows appeared at Lake Apop- ka R.A. 19 Mar and 18 Apr (HR), Eco Pond, Everglades N.P 10 Apr (BRo), Talquin S.E, Leon 19 Apr (JM, GM), and St. George I., Franklin 28 Apr (JC). A Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow may have been the first for Dry Tortugas 4-5 May (MG et al.). Emberizids at Lake Apopka R.A. included 44 Blue Grosbeaks (breeding) 2 May, 12 Painted Buntings (breeding) 26 May, 5 Dickcissels (3 males and 2 females; probably breeding) 18 Apr+, and 2590 Bobolinks 28 Apr (HR). Other Dickcissels were at St. Marks N.W.R. 29 Mar (TC) and St. George I. 4 May (JC, GM), while 170 Bobolinks graced Circle B Bar Reserve 22 May (fide CG). An imm. male Yellow-headed Blackbird tarried at Cedar Key 21-24 May (DH, NT). Two male Shiny Cow- birds were spotted at St. George I. 4 May (JC, GM), with another at Lake Apopka R.A. 20 May (HR). Bronzed Cowbirds continue to increase in the Region, with 42 at Eagle Lakes Park 2 Mar, with 7 displaying males and one female there to 27 Apr (DS et al). Another Bronzed was photographed at St. Cloud, Osceola 20 May (ph. KT). Tracey found 4 Baltimore Orioles and 6 Orchard Orioles at New Port Richey 18 Apr. Three male House Finches were counter- singing at Orlando, Orange in early Apr (GB). Pine Siskins were found at Tallahassee 11-25 Mar (2; FR), Alachua 21 Mar (JM), and Gainesville 18 Apr (MD). EXOTICS A Woolly-necked Stork seen at Homestead, Mi- ami-Dade 15 Apr (BRa) presumably was the bird that escaped from Miami MetroZoo in 1992 and that has been observed on a few oc- casions since then. A Diamond Dove was pho- tographed at Plantation, Broward 1 Apr (BD). Four Black-hooded Parakeets at Johnson 10 Mar+ (CH) were new for Putnam. A Peach- fronted Parakeet photographed at St. Peters- burg 14 May (LS) furnished the first verifiable Florida record. Other rare psittacids were a Red-breasted Parakeet at Miami 27 Mar (JB et al., ph.) and 3 Scaly-headed Parrots nearby at Matheson Hammock 17 Apr & 1 May (JB et al.). Native to Africa, 2 Southern Ground- Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri ) at McIntosh, Marion 15 May+ that had escaped from a col- lection nearby (RH, RR, MJ, ph.) furnished a new Florida exotic. Another new species was the Black-chested Jay ( Cyanocorax affinis ) ob- served at College Park, Orlando 21 Mar (GB, TR et al.) and reportedly photographed several months earlier by the discoverer. The species is native from Costa Rica south to Colombia and Venezuela. Cited contributors (members of the Florida Ornithological Society Records Committee in boldface): Bruce Ackerman, Bruce H. Ander- son, Howard Adams, Lyn Atherton, Paul Bithorn (PBi), Reed Bowman, John Boyd, Greg Bretz, Pat Bums (PBu), Bob Carroll, Jim Ca- vanagh, Buck and Linda Cooper, Ed Clark, Pinya Cohen, Steve Collins, Tom Curtis, Judy Dearborn (JDe), Barbara DeWitt, Robin Diaz, Wes Dirks, Terry Doyle, Michael Drummond, Jeanne Dubi (JDu), Becky Enneis, Charlie Ewell, Paul Fellers, Murray Gardler, Chuck Geanangel, John Ginaven (JGi), Frank Good- heart, Jon Greenlaw (JGr), Jack Hailman (JHa), Al and Bev Hansen, Roxanne Hart, Dale Henderson, Candy Hendry, Linda Hensley, Michael Hill, John Hintermister (JHi), Jackie Holstein (JHo), Mike James, Marianne Korosy Andy Kratter, Jerry Krummrich, Ed Kwater, Patrick Leary Angela Luzader, Mike Manetz, Larry Manfredi (LMa), Tim Mann, Linda Mc- Candless (LMc), Sean McCool, Vince Mc- Grath, Gail Menk, Leo Miller (LMi), Paul Miller, Arthur Morris, Linda Most (LMo), Brennan Mulrooney, John Murphy, Kris Nel- son, Robert Norton, Jeff Palmer (JPa), Rich Paul, Bob Paxson (BPa), Bob Pittell (BPi), David Powell, Peggy Powell, Bill Pranty (BPr), John Puschock (JPu), Brian Rapoza (BRa), Sue Riffe (SRi), Ted Robinson, Bryant Roberts (BRo), Harry Robinson, Sandy Rogers (SRo), Rex Rowan, Fran Rutkovsky, Earl Scales, Stefan Schlick, Ron Smith, Bob Snow, Lee Snyder, Doug Suitor, Paul W. Sykes, Jr., Nancy Taylor, Pete Timmer, Ken Tracey, Raul Urgelles, Billi Wagner, Martha Walsh-McGe- hee, Elizabeth Wells (EWe), Walt Winton, Ed Woodruff (EWo), Glen Woolfenden, Andy Wraithmell. © — 360 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Despite the relatively mild winter in much of Ontario, March and April re- mained cooler than normal overall and fairly quiet from the perspective of rari- ties. Spring migration appeared delayed at many locales, with pushes of returning mi- grants occurring later than usual. However, as is often the case, there were many exceptions that set local record-early dates, if only by a few days. Cold and wet conditions in March and April changed to warmer and more sea- sonal conditions in May, although that had the consequence for birders in allowing mi- grants to over-fly many traditional birding spots. Fallouts were noted at the end of April, but few were noted afterwards. Highlights in- cluded White-faced Ibis, Rock Wren, Bell’s Vireo, and two colorful buntings, a Lazuli Bunting and a Painted Bunting, which en- thused those who were able to see them. Abbreviations: N.P.H. (Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch); Pelee (Point Pelee N.R, Essex); E E. Pt. (Prince Edward Pt., Prince Edward)-, T.C.B.O. (Thunder Cape B.O.). Place names in italics refer to districts and regional munic- ipalities as well as to counties. LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL As is usual, numbers of Red-throated Loons appeared on the Great Lakes through the spring, with the highest count being 86 indi- viduals at one spot along the L. Huron shore- line, near Kincardine, Bruce 6 Apr (MLH). A Pacific Loon was at Cabot Head, Bruce 17 May (VM, GS). On 6 Apr, Brights Grove, Lambton, had 2 Horned Grebes (JMi), and at least 2000 Red-necked Grebes were at Ben Machree Park, Peel (BF, RS). Humber Bay Park in Toronto had an Eared Grebe 29 Mar (BY), an- other was at the Tip of Pelee 12 Apr (HTO), one was reported from Oshawa Second Marsh, Durham 22 Apr ( fide TH), and anoth- er was at Exeter S.T.P, Middlesex 30 May (RT). Rock Pt., Haldimand had an American White Pelican 23 May (PY, BH), and a Great Cor- morant was observed at EE. Pt. 20 May (DO). Thirty active Double-crested Cormorant nests were counted 30 May on Gull 1. in Algonquin EP. (RSt), more than double the number of nests seen there last year. The peak of Double- crested Cormorants at Kingston reached 10,000 on 21-22 May (KFN). Single Snowy Egrets were at Pelee 15 May (RGT, LA et al.) , Amherst 1., Lennox and Addington 24 May (KH, BR), and Sturgeon Creek, Essex 29 May (DAS). A Little Blue Heron stayed at Brantford 11-13 May (JP), a Tricolored Heron was reported from Rock Pt. 22 May (BW), and an ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was at Sturgeon Creek, Essex 25-26 Apr (MG, NG et al.). The province’s 4th White-faced Ibis, and the 2nd for Pelee, was at Holiday Harbour 9 May (JMG, jnf et al.). Single Black Vultures were in Haldimand, e. of Marburg 18 Apr (MGa) and near Duf- ferin 14 May (MF). Other singles were at Lon- don, Middlesex 29 Mar (ARa), at Beamer C.A., Parry Sound Kingston./ L. _ . , • , 3^ Ontario Peterborough- Toronto*^ Presqu’ile PP milton Magara Falls 1 Bird Observatory L. Erie Niagara 5 Apr (TT et al.), at Pt. Petre, Prince Edward 19 Apr ( fide RTS), at Pelee 15 May (MJ, JK et al.), at Tobermory, Bntce 19 May OH), and at P.E. Pt. 29 May (EM). Greater White-fronted Geese were at Peter- borough 10 Mar (AA), at Sandbanks P.P., Prince Edward 13-17 Mar QB et al.), at Carls- bad Springs, Ottawa-Carleton 28 Mar (YL), in Thunder Bay from 9 Apr into May (TA), and in Ottawa 13 Apr (BD). Away from the typi- cally large numbers in e. Ontario, a flock of approximately 100 Snow Geese was signifi- cant at Binbrook, Hamilton 7 Mar (BK, RKi), surpassed by a flock of 150 near Port Dover, Notfolk on the same day (GB). A Ross’s Goose was at Amherstburg, Essex 6 Mar (fide AW), one was at Aylmer W.M.A., Elgin 24-26 Apr (KS et al), and up to 2 were in the Hamilton area, with one near Vinemount 28 Mar (BHo, EH) and one at Mountsberg Res. 6 Apr (AMi); remarkably, one was found at Lavigne on L. Nipissing 30 Mar (AMa, GM). Only the 4th ever spring record for Pelee, 7 Brant were at the Tip 5 May (BM, LK). The peak number of Tundra Swans in the Pinery area, Lambton was tallied 17 Mar, with approximately 16,000 noted (AR). Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland had a Eurasian Wigeon 4 Apr (BD), and po- tentially the same bird, accompanied by an unidentified female wigeon, was observed there 1 May (DM, BG, RA); other single males were at Townsend S.T.P. 10 Mar (DSa, RS, Matthew L. Holder Jacques Whitford Limited 7271 Warden Avenue Markham, Ontario L3R5X5 (matt.holder@jacqueswhitford.com) LM), Exeter S.T.P, Middlesex 22 Apr (RT), and the Provincial mill, Thunder Bay 9 May (SB). A pair of Cinnamon Teal at nw. Hillman Marsh, Essex furnished Pelee’s 3rd record (MH, RF et al.). Algonquin P.P., Nipissing, had a pair of record-early Ring-necked Ducks 29 Mar (RGT). At PE. Pt., a King Eider was observed 10 Mar (JHE, PJG, VPM), and another was at Gull Pt., Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland 8-15 Apr (DM, MR). An ad. female Common Eider at the Tip of Pelee (KAM et al.) was probably the same bird present in the area in 2003 and may also be the same individual observed elsewhere in L. Erie during the past two years. A single male Harlequin Duck was at Humber Bay, Toronto 18 Mar-30 Apr (BY, m.ob.), but a pair was at Ben Machree Park, Peel 21 Mar-11 Apr (GC). Numbers of White-winged Scoters at P.E. Pt. peaked at 1295 on 20 Apr (RTS), while the peak number of Long-tailed VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 361 ONTARIO Ducks, totaling approximately 50,000 birds, occurred 10 Mar (KFN). Single Barrow’s Goldeneyes were observed on Hamilton Har- bour 2-21 Mar (RC, GS1; m.ob.) and Presqu’ile PR, Northumberland 3 Apr (BD). RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS Single Mississippi Kites were at Pelee 1 3 (JS et al.) & 15 May (HMS et al.). Bald Eagles were nesting near Kettle Pt., Lambtoi l as early as 19 Mar, despite the late spring (AR). New high one-day counts of Rough-legged Hawk at Bearner C.A., Niagara were 46 on 29 Mar and 37 on 16 Apr (N.RH.); a late Rough-legged was at Pelee 16 May (BHo, EH, SH) and Pelee I. 17 May (GG, DW), and another was at Cabot Head, Bruce 27 May (SM). Golden Ea- gles in the Kingston region included single birds al Howe I. Apr 7 ( fide RDW), at P.E. Pt. 26 Apr (DO), and at Chaffey’s Lock 1 May OS). Technology combined with nesting habits of Peregrine Falcons can make bird al- iasing easy: webcam images of a Peregrine nest with eggs in Toronto provided confirmed breeding evidence 20 Mar (SHa). Spring Pere- grines are a rare sight in L ambton, so the indi- viduals seen at Kettle Pt. 26 Apr (AR) and at Grand Bend S.T.P 22 May (AR) were note- worthy. The Peregrine seen at Arowhon Rd. 25 Apr was Algonquin PP’s earliest ever (BD). Algonquin PR's 4th ever Wild Turkey was at Basin Depot 29 Apr (JY, DSm); the park’s first record came only two years ago. A Yellow Rail was early at the Sedge Wren Marsh in Carden Twp., Kawartha Lakes 27 Apr (AA, BP, TB), and one was at the Marsh Boardwalk, Presqu'ile PP, Northumberland 29 Apr-May, with 2 reported 7 May 0B, m.ob.); another was heard calling in the marsh at the mouth of the Wolf R. in Dorion, Thunder Bay in May. The King Rail banded at Rock Pt., Haldimand 14 May was a very rare treat for bird banders (JL, JS). PLOVERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A female Wilson’s Plover at Tollgate Ponds, Hamilton Harbour 15-19 May (KW; m.ob.) was an excellent find, only the 3rd for Hamil- ton. A Piping Plover with color-bands on the legs at Burlington Beachstrip, Halton 1 May (1R) was determined to have been banded as a hatchling in Michigan in 2003, different from an unmarked bird seen 8 May at nw. Hillman Marsh, Essex (JL et al.). Interestingly, one of the 2 Piping Plovers seen on Pelee I. in late May was banded and was also determined to have come from Michigan (PAW); it has been suggested that the observations of Piping Plover at Oshawa Second Marsh, Durham 11-17 May and 22-23 May pertain to 2 birds, one banded and one not banded (DK, JD). Pelee l.’s first Black-necked Stilt was at Pelee 1. Bird Observatory 18 May ( fide DW). On the same day, a pair of stilts was found at Jarvis S.T.P, Haldimand (BJ). These birds were seen copulating at Townsend S.T.P. 19 May (MK, CK), and a nest with three eggs was found near the Jarvis S.T.P. 28 May for the first confirmed nesting of Black-necked Stilt in Ontario (MP et al.). Unfortunately, the nest was later abandoned, with only pieces of eggshell remaining, presumably a result of predation. A collection of American Avocets was seen at nw. Hillman Marsh, Essex in late Apr: 3 birds were there 22 Apr (TAy, CA), surpassed by 14 on 27 Apr (GDB et al.). This spring saw a remarkable number of Willets at Pelee, with a total of 258 birds seen. The 130 Willets at nw. Hillman Marsh 5 May represented a high count for the province (KAM). Elsewhere, a Willet was at the Chippewa S.T.P, Thunder Bay 21 May (BMo), and another was at Toll- gate Ponds, Hamilton Harbour 22 May (MC). Three Hudsonian Godwits were near Pelee 25 May (GJ), which earlier had 4 Marbled God- wits 27 Apr (DW, GDB et al.), one lingering to 5 May. A Marbled Godwit was also at Oshawa Second Marsh, Durham 29-30 Apr (TH). The Sanderling al the Tip of Pelee 24 Apr was a very early arrival (STP). Three Semipalmated Sandpipers at Canoe L. 16 May were Algo- nquin PR’s earliest ever (JR), and a Western Sandpiper was at Blenheim, Chatham-Kent 7 May (RC, GS1). Up to 2 Stilt Sandpipers were at nw. Hillman Marsh, Essex in mid-May (KAM, RLW et al.), and single Ruffs were at Embrun S.T.P. 2-3 May (Reeve; fide CL) and at Blenheim S.T.P, Chatham-Kent 5 May (black Ruff; SC). The 395 Short-billed Dow- itchcrs at Pelee 10 May was a record-high tal- ly for the area (AW, BSC, LC et al.). Three Pomarine Jaegers were an exciting find at the Tip of Pelee 17 May, representing the first spring record for Pelee (DS, PRA, LMD, CT). A total of 3-4 Laughing Gulls came from Pelee, with singles 9 (DW), 17-19 (EPL, RJC et al.), 22-23 (DW et al.), & 24 May (BG, VLM). A first-summer Franklin’s Gull was at sw. Hillman Marsh 22 May (ICP, GP PAR, RR). Single ad. Black-headed Gulls were at Coterie Park, Essex 27 Mar-2 Apr (AW et al.), Queenston. Niagara 28 Mar (GB), and Port Elgin. Bruce 15 Apr (MP et al.), with an imm. at Blenheim S.T.P, Chatham-Kent 6 May (ARo, LJ). A very late Thayers Gull was at Wheatley Harbour 22 May (KAM), and an ad. Black-legged Kittiwake was at the Tip of Pelee 19 May, representing the 4th spring record for the area (LW, BJo, EZ et al.). A Forster’s Tern was e. to Ottawa 24 May (CL, BB). The Band-tailed Pigeon that successfully overwintered in London, Middlesex remained until 10 Apr (m.ob.). Pelee’s first White- winged Dove was seen 15 May (MB, RKo et al.), one was at Tobermory 8-9 May (DWi, MW), and another was in the n., in a backyard in s. Thunder Bay 22 May (JC). Great Gray Owls were relatively numerous in Thunder Bay this spring, with at least seven reports coming from the district in late Apr and May; 2 were banded at Thunder Cape (NGE). It is unknown whether these birds were breeding locally or lingering on their way to other breeding grounds. The Short-eared Owl at Jake L. tower 21-22 Apr provided one of Al- gonquin PR’s few records of this species, which is very rare in the park (JI_o). A Lewis’s Woodpecker was reported n. of Stratton, near Kenora (fide NGE). The declining Red-headed Woodpecker had a good showing in Ontario this spring, with more significant reports in- cluding 2 reaching Thunder Bay in May, Algo- nquin PR’s first since 1990 at Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Area 26-28 May (CB et al.), and 32 birds flying s. off the Tip of Pelee 30 Apr (RGT, PT, AW). Very rare in n. Ontario, a Red- bellied Woodpecker was banded at Thunder Cape 19 May (T.C.B.O.), the district’s 2nd of the spring. A male Black-backed Woodpecker was s. to Serena Grundy Park, Toronto 1-2 Apr (AJ). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES A Western Kingbird was on the Sibley Pen., Thunder Bay 24 May (AE). The Loggerhead Shrike at Hastings 20 Apr was the first spring record in the area since 1999 (CEG et al.). The first Pelee record since 1992, a Bell’s Vireo was at nw. Hillman Marsh 16 May (GTH et al.). The Warbling Vireo at Pelee 22 Apr was record early for the area (MBR, JHa). Leucistic and albino birds are not so rare as to be note- worthy in all cases, but an all-white Gray Jay visiting a feeder in Kaministiquia, Thunder Bay in Mar was unusual (fide BRa). Common Ravens appear to be extending their range southward, with records becoming more reg- ular s. of the Precambrian Shield. One was at Presqu'ile PP., Northumberland 27 Mar (DM, BG, MR), another was at P.E. Pt. 20 Apr (DM, BD), and a 3rd was s. to the Beverly Swamp, Hamilton 27 Apr (AMS). Kingston had a Tuft- ed Titmouse 29-30 Mar (BR, FA, RSa et al.), Howe 1. hosted one 4-5 Apr (SD), and Lynde Shores C.A., Durham had one 24 Apr (JG, WR). Remarkably, Elk L., Timiskaming, host- ed a Rock Wren 4-7 May (SVP et al.; ph.). A Varied Thrush lingered at Beverly Swamp 27 ! Mar-16 Apr (PDS, AMS), and a Sage Thrash- er was banded at Thunder Cape, Thunder Bay in late May (T.C.B.O.). Very rare in n. Ontario, 4 Golden-winged Warblers were also banded at Thunder Cape this spring (JW, ph). A Lawrences Warbler was reported from Lighthouse Pt., Pelee I. 13 May (fide DW). Algonquin PR had record-ear- ly Magnolia and Yellow-rumped Warblers 1 May (DT; CB, KC), while on the same date, Kettle Pt., Lambton hosted a fallout of Yellow- rumped Warblers, with 1000 birds observed moving in from before dawn to about 10 a.m., moving ne. along the L. Huron shoreline (AR). Single Yellow-throated Warblers were at P.E. Pt. 19-22 Apr (EBa, VPM), at Cabot Head, Bruce 7 May (RG, AD, SM), and at Pelee 24 Apr (FJU, RPH et al.) and 1-8 (LA et al.), 362 NORTH AMERICAN BIR 16 (GSh), & 20 May (possibly 2 birds; BF, FJU et al). Pelee I. also hosted one on 14 May (m.ob.)- Kirtland’s Warblers at Pelee included an ad. male 11 May (RO, JO) and an imm. male 17-19 May (AAd, DL). Prairie Warblers were picked up in good numbers across the province, with 17 reported from Pelee alone (m.ob.). Rare for the area, a Yellow Palm War- bler was at Pelee 24 Apr (STP), and the Black- poll Warbler at Pelee 30 Apr was very early (HTO). Away from sw. Ontario, a male Pro- thonotary Warbler at Hendrie Valley, Burling- ton 26 Apr (MA) was an early migrant, and a Worm-eating Warbler was n. to High Park, Toronto 4-5 May (JP)- Other Worm-eatings were at Cabot Head, Bruce 30 Apr and 12 May (SM et al.) and PE. Pt. 17 May (EBa, VPM). A Swainson’s Warbler was at Pelee 1 1 May, the 3rd record for the area (JWB, ST). The Oven- bird at Presqu'ile P.P., Northumberland 29 Apr was apparently the earliest record for the park (BG). Away from traditional breeding areas, a Louisiana Waterthrush was at Moore Park Ravine, Toronto 8 May (HK), and a singing male was near Ahmic Harbour 20-22 May, the first record for Parry Sound (AM). Kentucky Warblers were at Rondeau P.P., Chatham-Kent 3 May (DB et al.), and another was at Thick- son’s Woods, Durham 14-15 May (MBa). Pelee furnished what may be a record-early Mourning Warbler, seen 3 May at Post Woods (CP). A Hooded Warbler in an Oakville back- yard, Halton 18-20 Apr (A&jE; m.ob.) was very early. Exceptional numbers of Summer Tanagers were observed in late Apr and May. Pelee had a total of 25, and individuals were seen daily on Pelee 1. (m.ob.). Away from Essex, an imm. male was found at Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland 29 Apr (BG, RA, DSh, IS), another imm. male lingered in Thunder Bay 1-2 May (WF), one was at Port Hope, Northumberland 2 May (RFr), one was at Thickson’s Woods, Durham 2-4 May (m.ob.), a male was at Kincardine, Bruce 14-17 May (RKn), single birds were at P.E. Pt. 16 (Kingston Field Naturalists) & 31 May (MWPR), and a male was at Rattray Marsh, Peel 22 May (WR). Clay-colored Sparrows are seldom found in large numbers on spring passage at Pelee, so the 19 seen at Pelee this spring was an excellent total, including 8 on 10 May (AW, WGL, KAM et al). In with the thousand Yellow-rumped Warblers men- tioned above, approximately the same num- ber of Savannah Sparrows was estimated at Kettle Pt. 1 May, followed by a fallout of ap- proximately 5000 White-throated, White- crowned, Chipping, and Field Sparrows the next day (AR). Always a rare sight due to their genuine rarity and secretive habits, sin- gle Henslow’s Sparrows at Pelee 29 Apr (JHa, MBR) and 11-12 May (RLW, BNC, DBo) tan- talized observers; another was at Windsor, Essex 5 May (DMc). Pelee hosted single Le Conte’s Sparrows 2-3 (MS, PAR, SR et al.), 9-10 (MWJ, DEO et al.), 1 1 (LM, CM), & 14 May (m.ob.). Elsewhere, singles were discov- ered at Thickson’s Woods, Durham 27 Apr (m.ob.), Pelee 1. 15 May (OG, AK), and at the old airfield in Algonquin PR, Nipissing 19 May (CB). Algonquin PR’s earliest-ever Fox Sparrows arrived at the Algonquin Visitor Centre 30 Mar (CB, KC). A number of spar- rows successfully overwintered in nw. On- tario, the most interesting being a Lincoln’s Sparrow that survived in Atikokan, Rainy River (DHE). In s. Ontario, single Harris’s Sparrows were at Wheatley P.E 8-10 May (m.ob.). Long Pt., Norfolk 9 May (BHo, EH), and Pelee 10 May (SF, LH, DY et al.). An ad. male Oregon Junco was at Pelee 27 Mar (ACP). The spring flight of Lapland Longspurs along the L. Erie shoreline was noteworthy this year. The peak day at Selkirk P.P., Elaldimand was 23 Apr, when 249 were counted during an 80-minute census around the banding area, and at least 400 were esti- mated to have flown over that day (fide JM). Similar numbers were observed at Rock Pt., where 221 were counted flying over the banding site 27 Apr (JLe, JS), and up to 400 were estimated in a field near Stromness, Elaldimand 28 Apr (JLe, JS). In Thunder Bay, where rare, Northern Car- dinals appeared in Pardee Twp. and Silver Islet in May (m.ob.). A Black-headed Gros- beak was reported from Harrington, Middle- sex 12 May (SHt). Blue Grosbeaks were most- ly restricted to Pelee and Pelee I., with 3 at the former locale, on 3 (EKA), 13 (BHg, KHg), & 16 May (MBM), and one on Pelee I. 15 May (OG, AK); a male was reported from Port Elgin, Bruce 14 May (CC). A Lazuli Bunting graced the feeders of a home in Ot- tawa 29-31 May (DH), and a male Painted Bunting was photographed at Cherry Valley, Prince Edward 12 May only (fide RTS). Indi- vidual Dickcissels were at Wheatley PR 10 May and at Pelee 12 (AW, CHG et al.) & 14 May (JA et al.). The 75 Bobolinks at the Toronto Bird Observatory 10 May provided a noteworthy daily tally at the banding station (DD et al). A singing male Western Mead- owlark was found at Cabot Head, Bruce 26 May (SM). An apparent male Bullock’s Oriole x Baltimore Oriole hybrid was reported from Pearl, Thunder Bay on the last few days of May (ER). A pair of White -winged Crossbills lingered at Pelee 27 May, suggesting the pos- sibility of nesting in the area (KAC). With the recent increase in observations of European finches in the Great Lakes region, it is tempt- ing to speculate that they pertain to wild birds as opposed to escaped cagebirds. Re- gardless, the European Goldfinch in Thunder Bay was stunning, first seen on Sibley Pen. 24 May (AE, PH), then later appearing at the tip at Thunder Cape, where it was netted, band- ed, and photographed (JW). Two were in a flock of American Goldfinches at P.E. Pt. 19 May (fide RTS). Cited observers (subregional contributors in boldface): E. K. Abbott, A. Adamo (AAd), J. Agius, P. R. Alfrey, L. Allin, T. Allison, R. An- derson, A. Anthony, M. Apse, F Avis, C. Ayles, T. Ayles (TAy), M. J. C. Bain (MBa), G. Barrett, J. W. Barrett, E. Batalla (EBa), G. Bellerby, T. Bigg, M. Blagdurn, J. Blaney, C. Boettger, D. Bourdeaux (DBo), B. Bracken, D. Bree, E. Brown, S. Bryan, G. D. Bryant, C. Cartwright, R. J. Cermak, S. Charbonneau, B. N. Charlton, B. S. Cherriere, L. Cherriere, J. Clark, K. A. Clarke, K. Clute, G. Coady, M. Cranford, R. Curry, S. David, D. Derbyshire, A. Deschamps, B. DiLabio, L. M. Dingain, J. Dixon, R. Z. Dobos, A. & J. Eberspaecher, D. H. Elder, J. H. Ellis, A. Ertolahti, N. G. Es- cott, S. Fairchild, B. Falls, W. Fauconnier, J. N. Flynn, R. Fowler, R. Frost (RFr), M. Furber, M. Gahbauer (MGa), O. Garrido, R. Gaudreault, G. Gibson, B. Gilmour, J. Gi- raud, R J. Good, C. E. Goodwin, J. M. Gor- don, C. H. Grether, B. Groves, M. Guyitt, N. Guyitt, P. Harkonen, j. Haselmayer, D. Hasler, S. Hastings (SHt), J. Hatt (JHa), S. Hawkins, B. Henderson, K. Hennige, G. T. Hince, T. Hoar, E. Holden, M. Holden, S. Holden, B. Holden (BHo), M. L. Holder, B. Holding (BHg), K. Holding (KHg), R. R Hor- vath, L. Hubble, M. Jacklin, G. Jamieson, A. Jano, M. W. Jennings, B. Jones, L. Jones, B. Joyce (BJo), D. Kaczynski, L. Keallen, H. Kerr, C. Kimber, M. Kimber, B. Kingdon, R. Kingdon (RKi), A. Kirkconnell, J. Knapton, R. Knowles (RKn), R. Kovalcik (RKo), J. Lamey, W. G. Larnond, D. Langford, Y. Larche, E. R LeBlanc.J. Lees (JLe), C. Lewis, J. Lorbetskie (JLo), E. Machell, V. P Macken- zie, L. Marsh, A. Martin (AMa), G. Martin, V Martin, B. May, L. McAsh, V L. McKay, K. A. McLaughlin, C. McNall, D. McNorton (DMc), D. McRae, S. Menu, J. Miles, A. Miller (AMi), J. Miller (JMi), A. Mills, B. Moore (BMo), M. B. Mulrooney, D. Okines, D. E. Olech, H. T. O’Neill, J. Ortlieb, R. Or- tlieb, M. Peck, J. Peterson, S. V. Phippen, M. Pickup, S. T. Pike, A. C. Pinch, G. Platt, 1. C. Platt, J. Pomeroy, C. Prangere, B. Prentice, A. Raithby (ARa), B. Ratcliff (BRa), R A. Read, R. Read, S. Read, M. B. Reid, M. B. Reid, E. Rempel, W. Renaud, I. Richards, J. Rich- mond, A. Rider, M. Riggs, B. Ripley, A. Ross (ARo), M. W. R Runtz, R. Sachs (RSa), D. Sal- isbury (DSa), R. Scovell, K. Sealey, I. Shana- han, D. Shanahan (DSh), G. Shemilt (GSh), J. Skevington, G. Slessor (GS1), A. M. Smith, D. A. Smith, J. Smith, P. D. Smith, R. B. H. Smith, D. Smith (DSm), G. Snyder, D. Spit- tle, R. T. Sprague, M. Steffen, H. M. Street, R. Stronks (RSt), T. Thomas, R. Thornton, C. Townsend, D. Tozer, P. Tozer, R. G. Tozer, S. Turple, F J. Urie, E. van der Zyl, R. L. Wald- huber, D. Ware, B. Watson, R. D. Weir, M. Wilkes, D. Wilkes (DWi), K. Williams, J. Woodcock, P. A. Woodliffe, A. Wormington, L. Wrigglesworth, J. Yaraskavitch (SHa), P. Yoerg, D. Young, B. Yukich. O VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 363 Eastern Highlands & Upper Ohio River Valley Victor W. Fazio, III 18722 Newell Street, Floor 2 Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122 (dromaius@bright.net) Nick Pulcinella 613 Howard Road West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380 (nickpuldnella@comcast.net) In the east, a lack of storms and their at- tendant fallouts left birders listless (in more ways than one), while the west was hit by a barrage of fierce storms through May, affording beter-than-average fallouts of migrants. Banding stations pro- vide a similar but less anecdotal perspec- tive: while Powdermill Nature Reserve in sw. Pennsylvania had its fourth lowest total of birds banded in 42 years. Black Swamp Bird Observatory in northwestern Ohio had fifteen-year-high or near-high counts of 11 warbler species alone. Favorable winds on the heels of protracted inclement weather typically open the flood gates of migration, as was observed 26-28 March and 18-20 April, when several outstanding concentrations and early arrivals were de- tected. Although high water levels reduced shorebird habitat and early departure of ice on Lake Erie cut the gull season short, this was nevertheless one of the more exciting spring migrations in years, with several Re- gional and many state rarities. Abbreviations: B.S.B.O. (Black Swamp B.O.); Hoover (Hoover Res., Delaware/ Franklin , OH); B.C.S.P. (Buck Creek S. R, Clark , OH); B.I.W.A. (Big Island W.A., Mar- ion, OH); Killbuck (Killbuck Marsh W.A., Wayne/Holmes, OH); K.P.W.A. (Killdeer Plains W.A., Marion/Wyandot, OH); Magee (Magee Marsh W.A. and Crane Creek S.P., Ottawa/Lucas , OH); Metzger (Metzger Marsh W.A., Lucas, OH); Middle Creek (Middle Creek W.M.A., Lancaster/Lebanon, PA); O.N.W.R. (Ottawa N.W.R., Ottawa/Lu- cas, OH); Pl.S.P. (Presque Isle S.E, Erie PA); Shawnee (Shawnee S. F., Scioto/Adams, OH); S.G.L. (State Game Lands); Y.C.S.R (Yellow Creek S.P, Indiana, PA). LOONS THROUGH VULTURES Ohio’s 6 Red-throated Loons spanned 9-25 Apr, while singles lingered in Bucks, PA 29 May (AM) and L. Ontelaunee, Berks, PA 31 May (MSp). The largest grounding of Common Loons left 111 birds at L. Ontelaunee 3-4 Apr (RK). A concentration of 200 Horned Grebes at Hoover 19 Mar (RTh) was the Regions largest. In contrast to last spring’s record flight, Red-necked Grebes were in normal numbers 7 Mar-26 Apr, with a high count of 5 at Memorial L., Lebanon, PA 15 Mar (G. Randall) and 4 each in Ohio and West Virginia. A late bird appeared in Paulding, OH 5 May (B&MD). Ohio hosted 9 Eared Grebes, all singles from as many counties 6 Mar-9 Apr (m.ob.). Two were e. to L. Ontelaunee (RK) and Lancaster, PA (T. Raub), both 11 Apr. Single American White Pelicans were recorded in five w. Pennsylvania counties 25 Mar-27 May. Across 10 Ohio counties, 25-31 birds included high counts of 6-7 birds in Stark, OH 28 Mar-10 Apr (BJ, R. Macko, m.ob.) and 7 at Metzger 17 Apr (D. Friedman), with one or more remain- ing through 16 May (R&SH). Six birds at B.C.S.P 17 May (JK) were perhaps on their way to Moncove L., WV, where a flock of 6 appeared 18-19 May (J. Ander- son). The species is not annual in West Virginia ...yet! Upstaging the white peli- can flight, a Brown Pelican 3-9 May on an Ohio gravel pit in Greene was the most widely viewed in that state’s history (D. Shuler, TB, m.ob.). Great Cormorants were at Martin’s Creek Quarry, Northamp- ton, PA 9 Mar (M. Schall). Migrant American Bitterns were popular at Pl.S.P., where 49 were recorded 18 Apr-9 May (BCo, JM). A Least Bittern 31 May at Boaz Marsh, Wood, WV was a good find (J. Benedetti). An apparent Great Blue Heron x Great Egret was present at Canonsburg L., Washington, PA during Apr (ph. GM, ph. MF, m.ob.). A Great Egret at Hinckley, Medina 1 1 Mar beat the buzzards back to their famous roost for an early re- port for ne. Ohio (R. Hinkle). Inland Ohio Snowy Egrets were in Scioto 20 Apr (RR) and Darke 29 Apr (S. Miller), while on L. Erie one was e. to Pl.S.P. 1 May (JM). Lit- tle Blue Herons were notable 14 Apr in Cleveland (S. Zadar) and 25-26 May at Gilmore Ponds, Butler, OH (MB). Four could be found in Pennsylvania 8 May ( fide BE). A Tricolored Heron visited Pipe Creek W.A., Erie, OH (CC) 31 May. After arriving 10 Apr in Preston, WV (GF), inte- rior Cattle Egrets appeared at six Pennsyl- vania and four Ohio sites 10 Apr-28 May. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons wandered n. to Lake 20 May (RH) and Medina, OH 1 May (R&SH). Glossy Ibis were found 7 364 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER BnH ' May in Bucks, PA (J. Hart- ley) and 8-17 May in Chester, PA (LL et al.). A pair was noted 2 May at Middle Creek (BC, m.ob.). Single Ohio White-faced Ibis were found at B.I.W.A. 1 May (BSp, j. Grabmeier, PG) and in Ottawa 12-14 May (JS, ES, m.ob.). A Plegadis ibis was seen 1 May flying along the Ohio R. Allegheny, PA (C. Tague, S. Varley). A Black Vulture was in Cuya- hoga, OH 25 Mar (LRi); there are fewer than 10 records for the s. shore of L. Erie. The seasonal passage of 8000 Turkey , Vultures along the s. shore of L. Erie was about average. A species annua! and increasing in Pennsylvania, this American White Pelican at Black Swamp, Lawrence County 26 March 2004 was one of five found in the state this spring. Photograph by Bill Em. WATERFOWL A Black-bellied Whistling Duck present in Montgomery, OH 30 May (ph. Holly & jason Schlotman) fits the recent pattern of dispersal for this expanding species. A flock of 12 Greater White-fronted Geese was at Deer Creek W.A., Fayette/Pickaway OH 25-28 Mar (B. Bosstic, DS et al.). Otherwise, singles or pairs were noted in Pennsylvania from Bucks, Indiana, Centre, and Westmoreland. The ice thaw at L. On- telaunee, PA brought about a “grand wa- terfowl spectacle” 6-7 Mar. More than 80,000 Snow Geese were pres- ent, many identifiable as Greater Snow Geese neck-collared at By- lot I., n. of Baffin I., Nuvavut, Canada, with a single Lesser Snow Goose banded near Banks I., Northwest Territories (RK). Pennsylvania Game Commis- sion staff estimated 170,000 Snow Geese at Middle Creek 1-10 Mar. A late bird was still present 31 May at Octoraro Res., Chester, PA (LL). Eleven Ross’s Geese at Middle Creek 1 Mar-3 Apr (R. Miller, GM ph., DW) included 2 blue morphs. Another was detected 28 Mar-5 Apr at Mercer W.A., Mercer, OH. 0- Bowers, m.ob.). Mute Swans continue to spread unabat- ed into Ohio, having tested waters away from L. Erie since 1990. Pairs were noted at several new locations into late Mar, most notably on a nest in Allen 9 Apr (M. Moser), a dubious first for w.-cen. Ohio. Eleven birds at O.N.W.R. 2 May (E. Pierce) were equally disturbing. Tundra Swans numbered up to 1800 from Met- zger w. to Toledo 1 Mar (K. Meeks), with 600 into late Mar (BW). Interior sites recorded 496 at Y.C.S.R 9 Mar (MHi et al.) and 200 at Blue Marsh L, Berks, PA 2 Mar (J. Silagy). One appeared s. to Berkeley, WV (MO). Four reports of male Eurasian Wigeons included singles in Ohio 27-28 Mar at K.P.W.A. (DO, DS) and 11 Apr at Mallard Club Marsh W.A., Lucas (JP), with singles in Pennsylvania 8 Mar at Clay Hill Rd.. Franklin (R. Reeder, DW) and 1 Apr at Somerset L., Somerset (S. Bastian). The 1250 American Wigeons at Metzger 15 HK . A third state record, this female Tufted Duck delighted many Pennsylvania birders at State Game Lands 56 in Bucks County (here 29 March 2004). Photograph by Thomas Ford-Hutchinson. Mar (R&SH) was a good ground-based tally. A prolific seasonal passage by North- ern Pintails through Ohio was marked by counts of 450 birds at Grand River W.A., Trumbull 6 Mar (D. Hochadel), 610 at Funk Bottoms W.A., Wayne 22 Mar (BG), and 900 at B.I.W.A. 21-23 Mar (MR R. Troutman). A male Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal was present 2-19 Mar at Belleville, Mifflin, PA (j. Irvin Zook, ph. B. Fowles et al.). Redheads staged a remark- able migration through Ohio, with 1500 at Deer Creek Res., Pickaway, OH 1 Mar (N. Smith). The same day, an outstanding 3500 birds were estimated from Metzger (K. Meeks), with 2500 remaining 15 Mar (R&SH). By comparison, a paltry flock of 3000 Lesser Scaup on Maumee Bay 15 Mar (R&SH) was the best reported. Counts of 700 at Wellington Res., Lorain (R&SH) and 1000 at Hoover (RTh) in mid-Mar, and 1350 along the Susque- hanna R., Dauphin, PA 9 Apr (DH), were representa- tive of the inland flight. Mid-Mar Ring-necked Duck passage through Ohio peaked with 1050 in Portage (LR) and 1390 at Killbuck (BG), while Pennsylvania fared better, with 1500 19 Mar at Conneaut Marsh, Craw- ford (R.E Leberman). A female Tufted Duck present at S.G.L. 56, Bucks 22-28 Mar will be Pennsylvania’s 3rd record if accepted (AM, ph. T. Ford-Hutchinson, m.ob.). The maximum Bufflehead count was 638 at Y.C.S.P. 27 Mar (LC), while one on the Shenandoah R. 16 Apr was late for the e. Panhandle of West Virginia — (MO). High counts of Long-tailed Duck in Pennsylvania came 9 Apr, with 98 on the Susquehan- na R. . Dauphin (DH) and 62 at Y.C.S.P. (LC). Eight Ohio re- ports 20 Mar-9 Apr peaked with 45 at La Due Res., Portage QB), while up to 2 birds 13 & 27 Mar were on the Shenan- doah R., WV (C. Del-Colle, MO). A late-season bird washed up dead at Peach Bottom Vil- lage, Lancaster, PA 16 May (B. Schutsky). White-winged Scot- ers were reported in Ohio 27 Mar-4 Apr from Summit and Stark, with a pair in Lucas 27-28 Apr (DS). In Pennsylva- nia, one was present at RI.S.E (D. Snyder, Joyce Hoffman) and 6 along the Susque- hanna R, Dauphin 9 Apr. (DH). The only Black Scoter was a bird at Maumee Bay, Lucas, OH 11 Apr QP). Surf Scoters fa- vored inland Ohio, with 11 reports of 45 birds 14 Mar-8 Apr, while May provided peak Pennsylvania flocks of 6 at Y.C.S.P 4-18 May (MHi) and 7 at RI.S.P. through 23 May (BCo). A wintering bird in Wet- VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 3 365 EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY Whimbrels are rare migrants through Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with most records coming from the shores of Lake Erie or the lower Susquehanna River. Whimbrels seen in other locales are often associated with storms, as this bird was on 26 May 2004 in Northampton Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Photograph by Adrian Binns. zel, WV tarried until 5 Mar (W. Jarrell). Common Mergansers numbered 400 off Magee 2 Mar (Z. Baker). Several good flights of Red-breasted Merganser were tallied in Lake , OH (JP), with the peak of 2500 coming 28 Mar and 1200 remaining f May. Interior flocks of 500 set down on Hoover (RTh) and L. Arthur, Butler, PA (P. Hess et al.) in mid-Mar. Singles lin- gered until 29 May in Chester, PA (LL) and 30 May in Wyandot, OH (R&SH). The Ruddy Duck flight was weak in the west, with only 450 birds in Stark, OH 9 Apr (S. Jackson), but 500 along the Susquehanna R, Dauphin, PA 9 Apr (DH) was exceptional in the east. The species lingered through 27 May on the Monon- gahela R. at Granville, WV (JBo). RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES Single Swallow-tailed Kites graced the skies over the Rose Tree Park Hawkwatch, Delaware, PA 23 Apr (J. Lockyer) and New Paris, Bedford, PA 17 May (ph. B. Ze- matis). With a few birds annual in spring in Pennsylvania since 1999, Mississippi Kite sightings this year increased sharply, with 11 birds reported 17 Apr-18 May. With the exception of a bird in Union (MHi, RHi), all were in the east, including 2 at Hawk Mt. 17 Apr (D. Hughes & M. Wlasniewski). In Ohio, up to 2 birds were reported in Hamilton 17 & 31 May (P Wharton, RN). The hawkwatchers at B.S.B.O. counted a record 257 Bald Eagles for the season. Greater numbers inland included 15 at Pleasant Hill Res., Ashland, OH 6 Mar (J. Herman). A late Ohio Northern Goshawk in Cuyahoga 28 Apr (LRi) was superceded by a bird in Bucks, PA 8 May, where unprecedented on such a late date (G. Campbell). A season’s worth of Broad-winged Hawks, 1800+, passed over the B.S.B.O. hawkwatchers at Magee 18 Apr (J. Schultz et al.). Setting a record for ne. Ohio was a tally of 1644 in Lake the same day (JP). All told, more than 5100 birds were tallied skirting L. Erie through the spring. Likewise, the count of 1000+ Red-shouldered Hawks detected this season was exceptional. Rough-legged Hawks numbered an im- pressive 25 at The Wilds, Muskingum 21 Mar (JL), with a late bird in Defiance 25 Apr 0- Yochum). The 3 wintering Golden Eagles at The Wilds extended their stay into late Mar (JL, m.ob.). The 179 Amer- ican Kestrels passing hawkwatchers at Conneaut, Ashtabula, OH 25 Mar provid- ed a state record tally (BG et al.). The Prairie Falcon from the winter season was last reported from its Muskingum haunt 7 Mar (J- McCormac). Two King Rails, a species listed as Endangered in the state, were heard at Quakertown Swamp, Bucks, PA 24 Apr+. An Ohio re- port of one King Rail came from Wayne. Summer resident pairs of Sandhill Cranes returned to their Lorain, Wayne, and Geauga sites in Ohio in Mar. Four birds near Lodi, Medina, OH in late Apr (JB) were prospecting nest sites. Migrants through the Western Basin totaled 22, half the expected and little more than the 21 in w. Pennsylvania, Lawrence 6 Mar (MV). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH TERNS A flock of 400+ Black-bellied Plovers passed through Chester, PA 24 May (LL). Two Semipalmated Plovers at B.C.S.P. 8 Apr (JK) were early. Exceedingly rare away from L. Erie, a Piping Plover 25 Apr at Rocky Fork L., Highland, OH (ph. T. Shively) was astonishing. Black-necked Stilts caused a stir in the Region, with an unprecedented 5 reported. Ohio singles were at Hueston Woods S. R, Butler/Preble 8 May (A. Bess,J. Joskula) and Pipe Creek W.A., Erie 22 May (JS), with a pair at B.l.W.A. 20 May (]K, m.ob.). Another was present at Dunnings Creek Wetlands, Bedford, PA (TS. Dick). A flock of 12 American Avocets appeared in Lake, OH Most Willets in Pennsylvania are singles found along the shores of Lake Erie; these five (certainly western inornatus ) on the Ohio River at Dashield's Dam, Allegheny County on 5 May 2004 were unusual both for the location and number. Phototgraph by Geoff Malosh. 366 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Always a treat in the East, this female Wilson's Phalarope graced the Newton campus of La Salle University, Bucks County, Pennsylvania on 18 May 2004. Photograph by Alan Brady. 19 Apr (RH et al.). A lone bird was pres- ent at Metzger 8 May (j. Duerr). The 90 Greater Yellowlegs at B.I.W.A. 9 Apr (BW) and 165 at Funk Bottoms W.A., Wayne 12 Apr (JB) were high. A Willet flock in Ohio numbered 11 birds in Hocking 29 Apr, with singles in Paulding, Lucas, and Pre- ble/Butler. Pennsylvania high counts in- clude 5 along the Ohio R., Allegheny 5 May (MV et al.) and 5 at Crooked Creek S.P., Armstrong 6 May (J. & J. Valasek). Whimbrels put on a show in Pennsylva- nia: 51 were found along the Susquehan- na R. at Columbia, Lancaster, PA 24 May (j. Book), with an amazing 250+ there 26 May QH, NP, A. Guarente); on the same date, 6 were at Dunnings Creek Wetlands, Bedford (IT. Dick), and a single bird was in Bucks, PA (ph. A. Binns). A flock of 31 passed Lakeshore Metropark, Lake, OH 23 May (JP). Rare 'n spring, a Marbled Godwit was at Middle Creek 26 Apr (J- Binder). Early Least Sandpipers were detected 28 Mar in Scioto, OH and at B.C.S.P. (DO). Storm-driven Leasts at Longwood Gardens, Chester, PA 8 May (LL) num- bered 235. A Western Sandpiper accom- panied a Baird’s Sandpiper 31 May at Metzger (R&SH), the latter affording one of very few documented spring reports for Ohio. Observers in w.-cen. Ohio saw 1600 Pectoral Sandpipers at B.I.W.A. 9 Apr (BW) grow to 2100 by 30 Apr (VF). Two Upland Sandpipers in Mason, WV 27 Mar (WA et al.) were early. Notable shorebird counts inland include a flock of 400 Dunlin at B.I.W.A. 13 May (PG) and 155 Short-billed Dowitchers at Gilmore Ponds, Butler, OH (MB). The largest Dunlin flock for L. Erie was a modest 1000+ birds 15 Mar at Metzger (R&SH). A Curlew Sandpiper, Pennsylvania’s 2nd, was a one-day wonder at Martin’s Creek, Northampton, PA 13 May (ph., tRW, vt. JH). A flight of Stilt Sandpipers in Ohio 29 Apr-11 May produced birds at B.I.W.A. (m.ob.), at Hueston Woods S.R, Butler/Preble (D. Russell, A. Bess), and in Lucas (m.ob.). One in Mason, WV 13 Apr was early (WA et al.). American Woodcocks arrived late in sw. Ohio 29 Feb. This did not apparently delay breed- | ing, as a nest with chicks was discovered 6 Apr at Possum Creek Metropark in Dayton (T. Klak). Wilson’s Phalaropes at O.N.W.R. 27 Apr and Wyandot, OH 8 May were migrants, but 3 at B.I.W.A. in May were on recent breeding grounds. Single Wilsons Phalaropes were in Bucks, PA 17-18 May (G. Dewaghe & S. Schur) and 31 May (CR), respectively. Single Red-necked Phalaropes were at L. Onte- launee 16 May (RK, BCk, RC) and Elver- son S.T.P., Chester 22 May (BCk, RC, ph. NP et al.). A count along the Ohio in Allegheny 10 Apr produced an astonishing 1512 Bona- parte’s Gulls (DW et al.). A late bird lin- gered at Struble L., Chester, PA 29 May (LL), where a Franklin’s Gull had been 24 May (G. Saunders, LL, TNP, vt. RW). The lower Susquehanna R. and P.l.S.P. pro- duced 6 Little Gulls 29 Mar-2 May (BC, DH, JM, P Robinson). A California Gull at P.l.S.P 15 Mar (ph., tJM) would be Pennsylvania’s 2nd. Gull numbers peaked along the Central Basin 13 Mar, with some 15,000 Ring-billed Gulls and 3000+ Herring Gulls noted in passage. One Thayer’s Gull was reported as part of this movement. Four Iceland Gulls in the Central Basin 6 Mar-8 Apr are the norm, but inland reports from Geauga, OH (C. Holt), Lorain, OH (C. Pierce), and Northampton, PA 21 Mar-10 Apr (D. DeReamus) are still noteworthy. The 12 L. Erie reports of 15 Ohio Lesser Black- backed Gulls were expected, but interior birds are still exciting. Spanning 14 Mar-8 Apr, 3 were in Stark (T. Spon- seller), 2 in Knox 0- Larson), and one each in Ashland and Medina (R&SH). Re- markably, se. Pennsylvania continues to be the continental stronghold for the species, and periodic counts at Nock- This adult Curlew Sandpiper at Martin's Creek Power Plant, Northampton County, Pennsylvania 31 May 2004 furnished a sec- ond state record. Photograph from videotape by Jason Horn. VOLUME 5 8 ( 2 0 0 4 ) • NUMBER 367 EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY Of the dozen or so records of Audubon's Warbler for Pennsylvania, Presque Isle State Park, where this adult male was photographed 17 April 2004, has hosted four. Photograph by Ben Coulter. amixon S.P by Etter and at Green Pond, Northampton by DeReamus produced as- tounding results. Nockamixon counts peaked 17 Mar at 237, while 224 were at Green Pond 10 Apr. A county-wide cen- sus 20 Mar totaled 341 for Bucks , PA (BE, CR et al.). We know of no site closer than Iceland that holds numbers of this order. Several apparent Lesser Black-backed x Herring Gull hybrids were also present at Nockamixon S.P. A probable Glaucous Gull x Herring Gull hybrid was pho- tographed at Nockamixon S.P 22 Mar (BE). Only 4 Glaucous Gulls were found in the Central Basin 6 Mar-4 Apr. A Great Black-backed Gull was inland to Geauga, OH 22 Mar. A Black Tern at Magee 18 Apr tied the 2nd earliest record for Ohio (H. 11 iris). Maximum Black Tern counts of 5 in Ohio and 6 in Pennsylvania reflect re- cent declines. DOVES THROUGH WAXWINGS Mourning Dove is a minor diurnal mi- grant along the s. shore of L. Erie, so the 370+ recorded in passage 17-18 Apr from Lake (JP) was remarkable. A White- winged Dove was present 1 Apr at a feed- er in New Castle, Lawrence, PA (C. Gon- zalez et al.); this feeder also had one 15 Jun 2001. A Barn Owl found dead in Portage, OH 26 Apr had been banded as a juv. 400 km away in New York in 2001 ( fide LR). The wintering Snowy Owl in Franklin, PA remained through 29 Mar (JBo). A Northern Saw-whet Owl re- mained from the winter at K.PW.A. 27 Mar (DO). Two calling birds at Cranesville, Preston, WV 23 May were prospective breeders (GF). Chuck-wills- widows away from their Adams, OH stronghold were in Butler, OH 7-8 May (T. Klak), Vinton, OH 10 May (B. Crow), with a 14 May bird at Magee (RN, m.ob.). A Whip-poor-will in Paulding 21 Mar was record early for nw. Ohio (D&MD). An early Chimney Swift was in Pen y, OH 30 Mar (J. Faulkner). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers exhibited a strong and protracted migration starting 23 Mar along the L. Erie shore. A 17-18 Apr movement of Northern Flickers along L. Erie, Lake, OH (JP) totaled 585. An early Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 May at PI. S.P (JM) almost beat an early Eastern Wood-Pewee in Franklin, OH 26 Apr (RTh) back to the Region. Early Ohio Em- pidonax included an Acadian in Ross 25 Apr (M. Bowman), a Willow in Delaware 4 May (RTh), and a Yellow-bellied at Magee 6 May (K. Schieltz). Single Eastern Phoebes appeared 6 Mar in Montgomery, OH and the next day in Geauga (DJ). An Eastern Kingbird 11 Apr in Cabell, WV (G. Rankin) rounded out the early tyrant flycatcher flight. A Northern Shrike lin- gered through 25 Mar in Erie, PA (J. Hill). Loggerhead Shrike barely holds on in Adams, OH, where noted 9 & 31 May (L. Brumbaugh, BW). In West Virginia, the species was only reported from Berkley (MO) and Greenbriar (B. Williams). Resi- dent Bells Vireos returned to Ohio sites in Hamilton, Butler, and Clark. The 6 Apr ar- rival of a Warbling Vireo at Scioto Trail S.E, Ross, OH was rather early, as were “lots” of Blue-headed Vireos 27 Mar at Pipestem S.P, Summers, WV (D. Kodak) and one at Shawnee the next day (RR). Held up by the inclement weather of early Apr, 9600 Tree Swallows flowed across Magee 19 Apr (VF) for a state- record tally of migrants. Unseasonable was possibly L. Erie’s earliest Barn Swal- low 3 Mar at PI. S.P. (JM). The species has shown a tendency toward early arrivals in recent years; early birds this year also in- cluded singles 27 Mar in Athens and Adams along the Ohio R. Easterly Sedge Wrens included 3 in Wayne, OH 8 May (ES), a territorial bird 6 May+ in Morgan- town (GF), and migrants at Pl.S.P. 11 May (BCo) and Middle Creek 19 May (T. Am- ico). Ruby-crowned Kinglets swept through five L. Erie counties 27-29 Mar (VF, TB, m.ob.). Blue-gray Gnatcatchers returned to Scioto and Montgomery, OH on 28 Mar. The 600+ American Robins in passage along L. Erie 18 Apr is a large number for the late date (JP). Furnishing only about the 3rd record in the past 25 years for Ohio, a Bohemian Waxwing was discovered in Summit 6-15 Mar (JB, K. Metcalf, m.ob.), following a large late- winter flight into the Northeast. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES An early Nashville Warbler reached Magee 16 Apr, as did a Tennessee Warbler 19 Apr. A Magnolia Warbler was found at Hoover 15 Apr (L. Powlick). An Audubon’s Warbler was detected at Pl.S.P. 17-18 Apr (ph., tBCo). Three Black-throated Green Warblers at Shawnee were part of the 28 Mar flight into s. Ohio. A Blackburnian Warbler at Granville, Licking, OH 18 Apr was quite early (S. Woolard), as was one in Lake, OH 25 Apr (LR). Yellow-throated War- blers were noted 25 Mar at Pipestem S.P, Summers, WV (J. & J. Phillips), 28 Mar across s. Ohio, and 29 Mar in Washington, PA (S. Carbol). More than 1200 male Kirtland’s Warblers flew over Ohio get- ting to their breeding grounds this spring, but only singles were detected on the ground: in Knox 8 May (L. Hochstetler), Erie 9 May (B. Phillips), and Cuyahoga 16 May (R. Sweet, R. Nicholls). Ohio Pine Warblers appeared at feeders 1 Mar in Hocking 0- Fry) and 13 Mar in Geauga (A. Fondrk). A flock of 17-20 birds formed in Rocky River, Cuyahoga 23-24 Apr (T. Martincic, S. Wright, m.ob.). Yellow Palm Warblers ap- peared w. to Ohio in Lake (JP) 1 Apr and 368 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Ottawa 29 Apr (B.S.B.O.). Early Cerulean Warbler arrivals came 1 7 Apr at Shawnee (BSp) and 22 Apr at EI.S.E (JM). Four singing Black-and-white Warblers 23 Mar at Pipestem S.P, Summers, WV presaged an early flight into the Region. By 28 Mar, they were noted at Shawnee along the Ohio R., with one the same day near L. Erie in Seneca (TB). Well before the norm, the species was recorded wide- ly 3 Apr across s. Ohio (m.ob.). A Pro- thonotary Warbler 8 Apr in Clermont was early (D. Morse, Jr.); the species was more widely noted 17-18 Apr n. to Seneca, OH (TB) and reached RI.S.P. 22 Apr (BCo). Single Worm-eating Warblers n. to L. Erie in Lucas, Ottawa, and Seneca had their progress interrupted by mist-nets 17-18 Apr. A peak tally of 110 Ovenbirds in Shawnee 20 Apr was impressive (RR). Louisiana Waterthrushes appeared across s. Ohio and n. to Lake (JP) 26-27 Mar. A well-seen Connecticut Warbler 2 May at Indian Lake W.A., Brown, OH Q. Stenger et al.) was early. The first Summer Tanager to reach L. Erie was in Ottawa, OH 17 Apr (B.S.B.O.). Three more were mist-netted there 6-22 May (B.S.B.O.). Ohio Clay-colored Spar- rows were limited to Hamilton (E Frick), Lake (JP), Magee (R&SH, D. Jacobs, m.ob.), and Ottawa 29 Apr-9 May (B.S.B.O.). Four in w. Pennsylvania in- cluded different singles in Allegheny 1, 13, & 30 May (MF et al., GM, MV) and RI.S.P. 11-12 May (EK, T. & J. Cunning- ham). A Lark Sparrow was notable in Greene, OH 3 May (G. Miller). Cleveland hosted a Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow 22 May (CC) and a Henslow’s Sparrow 19 Apr (S. Zadar). Fox Sparrows were com- mon throughout Ohio, with up to 40 birds at Magee 5 Apr (m.ob.). Two Lin- coln’s Sparrows in Geauga 11 Apr were very early for ne. Ohio (H. Petruschke). The wintering Harris’s Sparrows lingered in Northampton, PA to 11 Apr (RW) and in Warren, PA until 4 May (S. Stoleson). Easternmost Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows were at RI.S.P. 30 Apr & 6 May (BC). A male Oregon Junco was present 16 Mar in Seneca, OH (VF). Lapland Longspurs staged in Wyandot, OH, with 1500 noted 2 Mar and 200 remaining 6 May (R. Counts). The only L. Erie flight was detected 7 Apr over Magee (VF), with 386 birds counted. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, occasionally bursting into song, adorned a L. Erie feeder 26 Mar in Avon Lake, Lorain, OH (L. Weber). In Ohio, Blue Grosbeaks appeared n. to Muskingum 19 Apr (A. Lavy) and re- turned to Holmes and Lucas 30 May. Males, pushing the envelope, ventured farther n., reaching P.I.S.P. 12 May (JM) and Millcreek Twp., Erie, PA 27 May (ph. JM, S. Scholz), where found dead. The songbird of the season was Pennsylvania’s 2nd Lazuli Bunting, a male that spent three days at a feeder in Oakland Mills, Ju- niata 27-29 Apr (ph., tA.Troyer, m.ob.). An Indigo Bunting 7 &11 Apr at Waynes- burg, PA came well before any other re- ports in the Region (E Schroyer). A male Painted Bunting, first observed 7 Feb at a feeder in the village of Saginaw, York, PA, was not brought to the attention of the birding community until 24 Mar. It stayed in the neighborhood until 22 Apr (ph., m.ob.). An ASY male Painted Bunting 9 May at a Medina feeder was only the 3rd for Ohio (ph. B. Einhart). A Dickcissel was found at Pl.S.R in late Apr ( fide A. DeSarro). Single male Yellow-headed Blackbirds were in Port Clinton, Ottawa, OH 30 Apr (ph. R. Arnold) and e. to Portage, OH 24 Apr (T. Johnson). Brewer’s Blackbirds were recorded twice in nw. Ohio: a single in Ottawa 28 Mar (BW) and 17 in Lucas 11 Apr (JP)- A European Goldfinch ap- peared at a feeder in White Sulphur Springs, Greenbriar , WV 10 Apr (J. Miller); its provenance is unknown. Com- mon Redpolls peaked at Hawk Mt. 1 Mar at 160 birds (D. Barber). From the winter, “low numbers” of Evening Grosbeaks persisted in the Canaan Valley, WV through mid- Apr (GF). A late-departing (JP)- Contributors: OHIO: Thomas Bartlett (TB), Jenny Brumfield (JB), Mike Busam (MB), Craig Caldwell (CC), Doug & Mic- ki Dunakin (D&MD), Victor Fazio (VF), Paul Gardner (PG), Bruce Glick (BG), Ray Hannikman (RH), Rob & Sandy Har- lan (R&SH), Diane Johnson (DJ), Ned Keller, John Kuenzli (JK), Jay Lehman (JL), Paula Lozano (PL), Doug Overacker (DO), Michael Packer (MP), Rick Nirshl (RN),John Pogacnik (JP), Larry Richard- son (LRi), Larry Rosche (LR), Robert Royse (RR), Dan Sanders (DS), Joe Se- dransk (JS), Elaine Snively (ES), Brad Sparks (BSp), Rob Thorn (RTh), Bill Whan (BW) PENNSYLVANIA: Bruce Carl (BC), Lee Carnahan (LC), Ben Coul- ter (BCo), Bob Cook (BCk), Ruth Cook (RC), Bill Etter (BE), Mike Fialkovich (MF), Paul Hess, Margaret Higbee (MHi), Roger Higbee (RHi), Deuanne Hoffman (DH), Jason Horn (JFIr), Rudy Keller (RK), Ed Kwater (EK), Larry Lewis (LL), Geoff Malosh (GM), Jerry McWilliams (JM), August Mirabella (AM), Nick Pul- cinella (NP), William Reid (WR), Cameron Rutt (CR), Michael Schall (MS), Matthew Spence (MSp), Mark Vass (MV), Dave Wilton (DW), Rick Wltraut (RW) WEST VIRGINIA: Wendell Argabrite (WA), J. Boback (JBo), Janice Emrick, Gary Felton (GF), Matt Orsie (MO). ® VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 369 Illinois Rockford* ■ Fermilabm Lowden- Jackson Park Miller SF Lake Calumet Goose Lake Prairie ■ * Midewin Natl. J Tallgrass Prairie Willow Slough WMA ■ Sand Ridge SF Cl in ton m Lake fores,m Preserve Illinois Beach SP Mo, INDIANA LAKEFRONT: A = Hammond Lakefront Sanctuary B = Miller Beach C = Dunes SP & Beverly Shores D = Mich. City Harbor ■ Lake Shelbyville * Pigeon Kingsbury WMA R.WUA m Grand Kankakee Marsh r , u Fox Is ■ ^ Jasper- Pulaski WMA ■ Park \ * Salamoi ie PNC Kankakee Sands Res Pine Creek WMA Eagle m Creek Lake Park 1 Waveland Geist I Res. I Summit Lak Brookville Res. Lake Lemon Carlyle Lake Rend L. ILLINOIS^ Union Co. WMA' Crab Orchard NWR INDIANA e Mermet Kenneth i. Brock 1265 Red Bud Drive Chesterton, Indiana 46304 (kj.brock@comcast.net) Overall, the spring of 2004 was quite warm, indeed 4.2° F above average in Chicago. As is typical in the Midwest, however, the weather was not uniform across the two states. Although March was generally warm, early April and parts of May were cool. April was also quite dry, but heavy rains and strong winds ush- ered out the end of May. Several correspon- dents believed that the heavy precipitation of late May boded well for nesting species. Walter Marcisz noted that Yellow-headed Blackbird’s preferred nesting habitats were replenished, while Lee Sterrenburg opined that the lush vegetative cover benefited grassland species as well. High moisture levels, along with a cicada emergence across much of the Region, may produce an inter- esting breeding season. Despite a plethora of early dates, the songbird flight was generally deemed late, with below-par numbers for most transient species (though resident passerines were plentiful). In northeastern Indiana, a semi- quantitative measure of the spring flight was provided by Jim Haw’s observations of Neotropical migrants at Fox Island Park: only 35% were above their 24-year means. After serving as the Indiana subregional editor for 15 years, Alan W. Bruner is step- ping down. His pithy analyses and insight- ful summaries will be sorely missed. Thanks for the many years of work, Alan. Abbreviations: Carl. L. (Carlyle L., s. Illi- nois); D.S.P. (Indiana Dunes S.P., Porter lakefront); L. Cal. (L. Calumet, s. Chicago); Chau. (Chatauqua N.W.R., Mason , IL); Jax. P. (Jackson Park on the Chicago lakefront); L. Gibs. (L. Gibson, sw. Indiana); Montrose (Montrose Harbor, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Cook ) T.N.C.K.S. (The Nature Conservancy Kankakee Sands wetland, Newton, IN). LOONS THROUGH IBIS The Indiana lakefront maintained a monop- oly on Red-throated Loons this spring: an unprecedented 51 were observed, with a maximum of 11 off D.S.P. 16 Apr (JJM). Single Pacific Loons were reported in Union, IL 18 Apr (KAM) and off Beverly Shores, IN 24 Apr (BJG, JJM). The season’s only Red-necked Grebes were at Elk Grove Village, IL 1 Apr (AA, R&KF) and Carson Slough, Kane, IL 18 Apr (EES). Other grebe observations included a typical Eared flight, with 6 in Illinois and one in Indiana and the Region’s first spring Western Grebe in two years in Boone, IL 8 May (AEB). One of the season’s surprises was an imm. Brown Peli- can, which was discovered at Eagle Creek Park, IN 16 May (LPv) but appeared irreg- ularly at that site through the period (PBG, ph., tCH, m.ob.). There seems no upper limit for Double-crested Cormorants. This spring’s peak count was a whopping 20,000 at Rend L„ IL 12 Apr (KAM). Most encouragingly, the American Bit- tern population appears on the increase, with robust totals of 44 in Illinois and 40 in Indiana. The most impressive single report consisted of an exceptional 15 American Bitterns at Oakwood Bottoms, Jackson, IL 24 Apr (TAM, SDB et al.), which is likely a state record. Least Bittern numbers also im- proved over last spring, with 1 1 reported in each state. The 170 Great Egrets observed in Cook, IL 8 May (GAW) constitutes an excellent tally for this n. locale. Single Tri- colored Herons were reported at the Chica- go Botanic Garden (John Koch, m.ob., fide EWW) and at Wolf L., IN (BJG, ph. JJM), both 23 May. On 8 May, 431 Black-crowned Night-Herons were counted at the estab- lished L. Cal. rookery (WJM). It was an ex- cellent spring for White-faced Ibis in Illi- nois, with 8 in Douglas, IL 6 May (EWW) and 3 at Heppepin-Hopper W.M.A., Put- nam, IL 8 May (TSS, MSh, DFS et al), with at least one remaining there through the period. WATERFOWL The expanding goose population leveled off this spring; maximum counts were only 800 Greater White-fronted Geese at Hen- nepin-Hopper L., Putnam , IL 12 Mar (DFS), 10,000 Snow Geese at two Illinois locations (KAM), and 3 Ross’s Geese in Boone, IN 21-24 Mar (RLH et al.). An impressive Tun- dra Swan report of 94 birds was logged at Chau. 26 Mar (RGB, SNB). Spring puddle duck numbers were generally modest. Noteworthy maxima included 3408 Gad- wall at Chau. 16 Apr (RGB, SNB), 1500 American Wigeon at Hennepin-Hopper L. 23 Mar (DFS), and 15,000 Northern Shov- elers at Carl. L. 6 Mar (DMK, TAM). The most interesting dabbler consisted of a well-documented male Mottled Duck stud- 370 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ILLINOIS & INDIA led on L. Springfield, Sangamon, IL 21-30 May (ph. tHDB, ph. TAM, KAM, m.ob.), a potential first for the Region. Except for a remarkable inland count of 183 Greater Scaup in Steuben, IN 15 Mar (JJM) and 10,000 Lesser Scaup along the Mississippi R. from Carroll to Rock Island, IL 17 Mar QCp), bay ducks were reported in typical numbers. Creme de la creme of the diving duck season was the female Tuft- ed Duck at the Buffalo Sewage Lagoons, Sangamon, IL 15-19 Mar (ph., tHDB, ph. TAM, SDB, KAM, m.ob.). This is the 5th Illinois Tufted Duck and the first in more than two decades; it is also the first inland record (fide HDB). Two Harlequin Ducks were reported: an ad. male at Jax. P. 3 & 13 Mar (PRC, SLC) and the past winter’s fe- male reported in Rock Island, IL through 12 Apr (SF). Among scoters, Surf was most prevalent, with 12 reported in Illinois and 22 on the Indiana lakefront. The other two scoters were decidedly scarce; the only White-wingeds consisted of up to 2 at Lock & Dam #14, Rock Island, IL 10-21 Mar (SF). A first- winter male Black Scoter at East Fork L., IL 7-29 Mar (LH) provided the season’s only report of the species. The Region’s peak Long-tailed Duck tally, 45 recorded off West Beach, IN 25 Mar (JJM), constituted the highest spring count for the Indiana lakefront in 40 years. In Illinois, nesting Hooded Mergansers, a rare breeding duck, were found in Jackson, IL on the ear- ly date of 18 Apr (4 young; KAM); a brood of II was recorded at Chau. 14 May (RGB, SNB); and 2 females plus 9 young were seen in Jer- sey, IL 14 May (UG). The peak Ruddy Duck tally was a hefty 2100 at Horseshoe l. , Madi- son, IL 29 Mar (KAM). (DTW), a rufous morph in Steuben, IN 15 Mar (JJM), a Krider’s in Pulaski, IL 20 Mar (KAM), and 3 dark morphs at the D.S.R hawkwatch in late Mar. The season total of 15 Merlins was a bit above normal for the Region. Greater Prairie-Chickens were reported only from Prairie Ridge State N. A. in Illi- nois, where the peak count was 18 males 10 Apr (MAH), but 9 males and 8 females were also observed there 4 Apr (MAH). The maximum Wild Turkey count, among nu- merous reports, consisted of 57 in Jo Daviess, IL 6 Mar (EWW). It was a good spring for Northern Bobwhite. In s. Illinois, for example, calling birds were heard fre- quently in McDonough and Fulton, where this species had almost disappeared (LLH). Noteworthy among the three Yellow Rail re- ports was one found dead at Chicago’s Mc- Cormick Place 17 Apr (*DEW). King Rail numbers remained encouraging, with 8 in Illinois and one in Indiana. The peak Sora count was 49 in Tippecanoe, IN 3 May (JBD). The Region’s only Purple Galiinuie report consisted of one that washed up on the jax. P. beach on the exceptionally early date of 5 Mar (*SLC). The flight of 5420 Sandhill Cranes over Palos, IL 22 Mar (WSS) was quite impressive. SH0REBIRDS Although the American Golden-Plover flight was strong in s. Illinois, where four- HAWKS THROUGH CRANES Numerous reports suggest that the Region’s Mississippi Kite population is flourishing. Ex- tralimital singletons appeared at Carl. L. 8 May (DMK, MSf) and in Greene, IN 28 May (TLWS, DSe). Northern Goshawks were excruciatingly scarce; the Region’s only report was at Carl. L. 28 Mar (DMK). Assorted peak daily counts at the D.S.P. hawkwatch included 6 Osprey 25 Apr (BJG), 52 Sharp-shinneds 28 Apr (JKC), 38 Broad-wingeds 18 Apr (WSS), and 144 Red-taileds 27 Mar (JKC). The Region’s maximum Rough-legged Hawk tally con- sisted of 14 in Greene, IN 14 Mar (LWS, DSe); 3 late migrants were also at D.S.P 6 May (JJM, KjB). Unusual Red-tailed Hawks included a Harlan’s in Winnebago, IL 4 Apr This stray Least Tern lingered at Lake Leman, Indiana 20-23 April 2004 to provide an early arrival date for the state. Photograph by Smart Hengeveld. digit counts were logged four times, this species was scarce in Indiana. Highlights of the shorebird flight were Illinois’s 6th and 7th Snowy Plovers, both of which were re- portedly photographed. The first Snowy was at Montrose 3 May (TSS, MSh, RDH, GAW, m.ob.), and another appeared at Bell- rose Refuge, Pulaski 7-9 May (SDB, AS). Piping Plovers staged an above-average flight, with at least 9 in Illinois and 4 in In- A casual species in Indiana, this Tricolored Heron was seen at Wolf Lake 23 May 2004, a first for the Indiana lakefront. Photograph by Jeffrey l McCoy. diana; the peak count consisted of an ex- ceptional 9 at Montrose 2 May (GAW) . The Region’s Black-necked Stilt population is thriving. More than 20 birds were noted in Illinois and at least 6, including a record- early bird at Grand Kankakee Marsh, Lake 10 Apr (SRB et ah), were in Indiana. Ten American Avocets in inland Winnebago, IL 7 May (DTW) made the Region’s highest count of the season. Noteworthy shorebird maxima included: a state record 1120 Lesser Yellowlegs at Grand Kankakee Marsh, IN 30 Apr (JJM), 3 Hudsonian Godwits at Montrose 21 May (GAW, KAM et al.), 4 Marbled Godwits at L. Monroe, IN 19 Apr (DD, SRE, MCI, ph. JL), 2500 Pectoral Sandpipers at Carl. L. 12 Apr (DMK), and 3 Red-necked Phalaropes at Grand Kankakee Marsh, IN 3 Jun (BJG). In addition, an extremely early Semipalmat- ed Sandpiper arrived at Carl. L. 18 Apr (TAM, DMK), with 6 more at L. Gibs, on the same day (G&LB). The latter consti- tutes an all-time early arrival date. Spring Baird’s Sandpipers are casual in Indiana; consequently, the reports of 2 in Orange 21 Apr (LPv et al.) and one at L. Lemon 20-21 Apr (JHv, SHv) are most noteworthy. GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS As noted in earlier reports, a single ad. Laughing Gull has frequented a Kentucky Fried Chicken parking lot on Chicago’s s. side for several years. This spring on 5-6 May an apparent ad. Laughing Gull x Ring- billed Gull hybrid was observed at this site (TWjM). Other noteworthy gull reports in- cluded a first-winter Little Gull in Richland, IL 2 Apr (LH) and a very tardy Thayer’s Gull in Wilmette, IL 15 May (SGM), which provided one of few May records of this species. Vanguard of a fine Caspian Tern VOLUME 58 (2004) * NUMBER 3 371 flight was a record-early bird at Wolf L., IL 27 Mar (CAM). A sizeable, but brief, Com- mon Tern flight was observed on the Indi- ana lakefront 8 May, when 558 were count- ed off Beverly Shores (JJM). The only extralimital Least Tern report consisted of a record-early bird at L. Lemon, IN 20-23 Apr (JHv, ph. SHv). It was an above-aver- age spring for Black Terns; the peak tally was 60 at Horseshoe L, Madison , IL 14 | May (FRH). The Eurasian Collared-Dove expansion continued unabated, with numerous re- ports, including nesting, in both Illinois and Indiana. A White-winged Dove in Whiting, IN 25 Apr (TKJB, ph. JKC, ph. JJM, BJG, EMH) provided Indiana’s 6th record in the past seven years. Bumper Yel- low-billed Cuckoo counts might have been related to the cicada emergence; these will be summarized in the Nesting Season re- port. Highest tallies of the “eared owls” in- cluded 7 Long-eareds at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, IL 23 Mar (RHi, GJ, SDB) and 27 Short-eareds in Greene, IN 14 Mar I (LWS, DSe). National Lakeshore ornitholo- gist Ralph Grundel saw a phenomenally early Common Nighthawk 25 Mar at the Indiana Dunes headquarters. A fine count of 49 Whip-poor-wills was logged in n. Fayette, IL 8 May (TAM), and a flight of 1770 Chimney Swifts was observed wing- ing past Chicago’s Grant Park 2 Jun (DFS). A longshore flight of 450 Northern Flickers at D.S.P. 28 Mar (BJG et al.) provided the season’s maximum tally. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWINGS An unusually early Eastern Wood-Pewee arrived in Adams, IL 17 Apr (AGD). Yellow-bellied Flycatchers appeared in excellent numbers, as evidenced by reports of 14 on the Lake, IN lakefront 20 May (JKC, DSt et al.) and 9 at the Ryerson W.M.A., Lake, IL 22 May (SDB, SLD). Other notewor- thy flycatcher reports included an early Acadian in Massac , IL 24 Apr (KAM, FKB), a very early Alder at Fox Island Park, IN 11 May (RPR), 23 calling Willows at Beverly Shores, IN 22 May (JKC, ISD, EMH et al.), and an overzeal- ous Eastern Kingbird in Clark, IN 11 Apr (JHv, SHv). Rare fly- catchers included the Say’s Phoebe that was reported at Carl. L. last fall and winter. This spring, it was seen at the same location 18 & 21 Mar (MSf, ph. TAM, DMK). Indiana’s 4th Say’s Phoebe was discovered at the Hammond Lakefront Sanctuary parking lot 30 Apr (ph. JJM, MT). Also quite notewor- thy were Indiana’s 2nd Vermilion Flycatch- This migrant Long-eared Owl, a rare sight, was at the Hammond Lakefront Sanctuary, Illinois 17 April 2004. Photograph by Kathy Feldman. er, an ad. male seen at Beverly Shores 30 Apr (fRandy Thompson, Karen Thomp- son) and that state’s first Scissor-tailed Fly- catcher in 10 years, which flew past the D.S.P lakewatch site 18 Apr (BJG). Scissor- taileds were also reported in Warren, IL 18 May (LLH) and atjax. P. 5 Jun (SLC). The latest Northern Shrike was reported at L. Cal. 19 Mar (WJM). A record spring count of 28 Bell’s Vireos near Harrisburg in Saline, IL 20 May was called “just the tip of the iceberg at this location” (SDB). The Re- gion’s easternmost Bell’s arrived in Henry, IN 11 May (SAP). Unusually early vireos included a Yellow- throated Vireo at Fort Massac S.E 28 Mar (KAM), a Blue-headed at Fort Massac S.P. 15 Apr (KAM), 2 Blue- headeds at Fox Island Park, IN 17 Apr (Haw et al.), and a Philadelphia at Mon- trose 30 Apr (GAW). In the L. Cal. area, W. J. Marcisz writes that, following the mortality associated with West Nile virus, the Blue Jay popula- tion is back to normal, a contention appar- ently supported by a fine longshore flight of 2850 at D.S.P 6 May (JJM, SD, EP et al). By contrast, two correspondents noted that American Crow numbers have not fully re- bounded (WJM, DFS). The Red-breasted Nuthatch flight was feeble; the peak count was of 5 at Miller Beach, IN 20 Mar (MT). Several correspondents noted that Winter Wrens were scarce this spring; the maxi- mum tally was only 4 Massac, IL 20 Mar (KAM). A tardy Winter Wren lingered at Franke Park, IN 10 May (Haw, JCr). It was a good spring for Sedge Wrens, with nu- merous reports and a maximum count of 14 at Goose Lake Prairie W.M.A., IL 19 May (JCp). Vanguard of a typical Marsh Wren flight arrived quite early in Jackson, IL 28 Mar (KAM). A Townsend’s Solitaire in Wayne, IN 11 Apr (ph., TWHB et al.) provided that state’s southernmost and latest record. The Catharus thrush situation appears to have improved. Veery reports, highlighted by a maximum count of 20 at Jax. P. 19 May (PRC, SLC), were up across the Region, the best Gray-cheeked flight since 1997 was reported on the Chica- go lakefront (DFS), Swainson’s Thrushes were reported in excel- lent numbers in s. Illinois (KAM), and an impressive 66 Hermits were logged at Mc- Cormick Place, Chicago 17 Apr (GAW). American Pipits were also plentiful this spring, with peak counts of 300 at Carl. L. 12 Apr (DMK), 100 at T.N.C.K.S. 16 Apr (MT), and 100 in Boone, IN 17 Apr (RLH). Excellent long- shore Cedar Waxwing flights were recorded, with an astro- nomical 13,800 at D.S.P. 22 May (BJG) and 2770 at Evanston 17 May (EWW); both tallies consti- tute record counts. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Overall, assessments of the warbler flight included slightly more positives than nega- tives. The consensus was that Cape May, Pine, and Blackpoll Warblers all staged un- usually strong flights. In contrast, Blue- winged, Bay-breasted, and Black-and-white This female Tufted Duck (at left) was found by the photographer on Lake Springfield, Illinois IS March 2004 and relocated on 17 March at the Buffalo Sewage Ponds, where it remained through 19 March. This bird provided the first Illinois record in twenty years and the first ever away from Lake Michigan. Photograph by H. David Bohlen. 372 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ILLINOIS ; numbers were down this spring. Noteworthy among numerous early arrivals were a male Cape May at jax. P 21 Apr (KDA), a Black-and-white at Salamonie Res., IN 27 Mar (DR, SSc), 2 Louisiana Waterthmshes in the Indiana Dunes 27 Mar (BJG), and a male Wilson’s Warbler at the Hammond Lakefront Sanc- tuary, IN 16 Apr (ph. JjM). Record warbler counts included 80 Magnolias on the North Shore Channel, Cook, IL 15 May (SGM), 16 Pines at D.S.R 17 Apr (JJM, SRB, JKC, RJP et al.), 14 Pines at the Morton Arboretum 26 Apr (EES), and 106 American Redstarts on the Lake, IN lake- front 20 May (JKC, KjB et al.) Summer Tanagers were plentiful and pressed northward in above- average numbers. An early Scar- let Tanager arrived at Jax. R 18 Apr (KC, PRC, KA). A male Spotted Towhee at Montrose 16 May (RDH,/ide WJM) provided the season’s only report. A hefty Clay-colored Sparrow flight occurred on the lakefront, with peak tallies of 7 in Cook, IL 16 May (WSS), 5 at Montrose 13 May (GAW), and 4 on the In- diana lakefront 6 May (JJM et al.). Lark Sparrows had early arrival dates in the north, with 2 at D.S.R 18 Apr (WSS), and singles appeared at Jax. E (COG) and West Beach, IN (ph. BHs) the following day. A tardy Grasshopper Sparrow migrant was at Montrose 20 May (GAW). The peak Henslow’s Sparrow tally of 49 was logged at two w.-cen. Indiana strip mines 12 May (LWS, MCI et al.). Noteworthy reports of migrant Am- modramus included 8 Le Conte’s at Clinton L., IL 10 Apr (DTW et al.) and 3 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed at Mon- trose 23 May (KAM, RDH). Harris’s Sparrows occurred only in Illinois, where 4 singles, including one in Win- nebago 8-9 May (DTW), were noted. By far the largest White-crowned Sparrow tally was logged in Chicago’s Grant Park, where 360 were counted 10 May (DFS). A Dark-eyedJunco tar- ried on the Indiana University Bloom- ington campus until 11 May (SHv), tying the late record for s. Indiana. The largest longspur numbers oc- curred in Indiana, where 600 Lap- lands were recorded in Newton 2 Apr (JJM) and 400 Smith’s were logged in Warren 10 Apr (EMH). Blue Grosbeaks arrived early this spring, as evidenced by 2 in Jackson, IL 18 Apr (KAM). Exceptional Indigo Bunting counts included 163 in Saline, IL 8 May (EWW) This Say’s Phoebe, one of two in the Illinois & Indiana region in spring 2004, was found 21 March at the south end of Lake Carlyle in Clinton County, Illinois — the exact location where one was seen last fall and winter. Photograph by Travis Mahan. plenished water levels, again cre- ating nesting habitat for Yellow- headed Blackbirds in the L. Cal. area (WJM). Despite a record- high Illinois count of 1500 Brew- er’s Blackbirds at Carl. L. 27 Mar (DMK), the s. Illinois flight was judged poor (KAM). An early Orchard Oriole at the Chicago Botanic Garden 22 Apr (DRD) heralded an above-average flight in the n. reaches of the Region. Once again, Purple Finches pro- vided the lion’s share of the sea- son’s winter finches; this spring’s peak count was of 39 in Monroe, IN 21 Mar (LWS). Otherwise, the winter finch flight consisted of two-dozen Common Redpolls, a maximum Pine Siskin tally of 70 at the Morton Arboretum, IL 11 Apr (UG), and zero crossbills. and a longshore flight of 160 at D.S.P. 9 May (JJM). For the 4th consecutive year. Painted Buntings returned to the East St. Louis, IL site. This year, a male was seen there 31 May (DMK). Dickcissels were un- usually plentiful this spring; the highest count of 99 was recorded in Vermillion and Clay, IN reclaimed strip mines 12 May (LWS, MCI et al.). The Eastern Meadowlark migration be- gan in Feb and extended into late May, as One of several detected as flyovers there this spring, this Lark Sparrow was at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's West Beach 19 April 2004. Photograph by Benjamin Hess. evidenced by the presence of single mi- grants at Montrose 21 May (GAW) and at D.S.P 17 May (KjB). A count of 15+ male Western Meadowlarks at Lost Mound N.W.R., IL 15 Apr (SDB) was quite impres- sive. Encouragingly, following last year’s devastating drought, heavy spring rains re- Contributors cited (subregional editors in boldface): Kim D. Ainis, Alan An- derson, Kash Ashiyae, Susan R. Bagby, Steven D. Bailey Frank K. Bennett, Richard G. Bjorklund, Sigurd N. Bjorklund, H. David Bohlen, Gary and Lisa Bowman (G & LB), Arlene E. Brei, Kenneth J. Brock, William H. Buskirk, Scott L. Carpenter, John K. Cassady, Karin Cassel, John S. Cas- trale, Jeff Chapman (JCp), Josh Christian (JCr), Mike Clark (MCI), Paul R. Clyne (Illinois), David Daniels, Donald R. Dann, Sheryl L. DeVore, Al G. Dierkes, Steve Doud, j. Barny Dunning, Scott R. Evans, Robert E. & Karen Fisher (R & KF), Steve Freed, Urs Geiser, Chet O. Gresham, Peter B. Grube, Brendan j. Grube, Leroy Harrison, Jim Haw (Haw), Cloyce Hedge, Roger L. Hedge, Jim Hengeveld (JHv), Susan Hengeveld (SHv), Benjamin Hess (BHs), R. Hickson (RHi), Mary Ann Hoeffliger, Frank R. Holmes, Larry L. Hood, Edward M. Hopkins, Robert D. Hughes, G. Johnson, Dan M. Kasse- baum, John Lawrence, Travis A. Ma- han, Walter J. Marcisz, Carolyn A. Marsh, Jeffrey J. McCoy, Keith A. Mc- Mullen, Steven G. Mlodinow, Randy J. Pals, Steve A. Pancol, Larry Peavler, Ed Powers, Roger E Rang, Doug Rood, Sandy Schacht (SSc), Thomas S. Schu- lenberg, Michi Schulenberg (MSh), Eric E. Seeker, Diana Seger (DSe), Mark Seiffert (MSf), Wesley S. Serafin, A. Spencer, Lee W. Sterrenburg, Dan Stoltz- fus (DSt), Douglas E Stotz, Michael Topp, Eric W. Walters, David E. Willard, Daniel T. Williams, Jr., Geoff A. Williamson. Many others contributed to the state lists, but could not be personally acknowledged; all have my thanks for their contributions. © VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 373 Beltrami Island S.F. i Agassiz N.W.R. Chippewa ^r5., MINNESOTA % Forest Bogt Tamarac Felton Prairies- m-^ j Fergus Falls * Rothsav W.M.A. ffcLacs L. Sherburne ry‘m Nicolet N.F. ■' Big Stone N. W.R.m „ C Crex Meadows W.M.A. Minnea^SUf WISCONSIN* £SL U-%- Buena Vista Gresn/ Grasslands Bav* Dog L. ■ y tVMewaferWM.Atf-W, „ L. Winnebago S Beaver Creek > La Crosse r r/a/tey S.P ■ f Honcon N. W.R.m Murphy- Devil’s Lake S.P.u “an Wyalusing S.P ^Madison®Mj|J* kg^ Preserve \_ Jim Granlund Kalamazoo Nature Center 6253 North Westnedge Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009 (granlund@chartermi.net) It was a season of western strays in the Region, so many that it was difficult to list them all. Of all the exceptional finds, there was one first state record, a Wilson’s Plover in Wisconsin, along with a number of second state records throughout the Region. Weather was unremarkable this season, slightly warmer and drier in the early part of the season and wetter and cooler in the lat- ter part of the season. One interesting trend in Michigan worth noting has been the increase in reports of exotic species, even at remote locations. For example, Whitefish Point Bird Obser- vatory reported a Eurasian Siskin and a Eurasian Linnet this season, both mixed in Hocks of normally occurring finches. There has been an increasing number of Eurasian Goldfinch reports; there was even a Eurasian Jay at a feeder in Allegan County. The source of these apparent escapees would be interesting to discover. Abbreviations: H.EB.C. (Hastings-Prescott Bird Count, Dakota, MN), W.PB.O. (White- fish Point B.O., Chippewa, MI). LOONS THROUGH IBISES As is typical, the majority of Red-throated Loons in the Region were reported at W.PB.O., where 515 were seen 23 Apr-31 May, with a peak of 70 on 6 May (staff). Min- nesota hosted a single Pacific Loon at Du- luth, St. Louis 25-28 May (MH et ah), while Michigan had two reports in Berrien, with an alternate-plumaged bird at Lakeside 25-27 Apr (p.a., JW, DX RBr, CG) and a basic- plumaged bird at Grand Mere 25 Apr (p.a., TBa). Well above average at W.EB.O. were 1388 Red-necked Grebes, with a peak of 162 on 20 Apr (staff). Michigan had four reports of Eared Grebe, the most unusual being one at Lake Linden Ponds, Houghton 29 May (JK); there were six reports from Wisconsin. Also in that state, single Western Grebes were reported in Pierce 17 May (p.a., MKo), in Taylor 19 Apr (p.a., PRi), and in Douglas 13 May (p.a., RJ). As usual, the only Clark’s Grebes in the Region came from w. Min- nesota, where singles were seen in three lo- cations beginning in late Apr (m.ob.). Forty-five American White Pelicans in Michigan this spring were more than usual, while in Minnesota, an impressive 8783 were reported during the H.EB.C., the peak being 3436 on 10 Apr (KB). An Anhinga in Ozaukee 14 May (p.a., KR) would be a rare Wisconsin record if accepted by the Wis- consin B.R.C. Snowy Egrets made their best spring showing ever in Minnesota, with some 35+ reports. Wisconsin also had a good num- ber; reports from five counties there in- cluded a very early record in Trempealeau 14 Apr (TH, DJ, JRu, LJ, FL). Michigan had three reports each of Snowy Egrets and Lit- tle Blue Heron, which was above average for that state. In Wisconsin, where Little Blue Herons are unusual in spring, there were reports of singles in Sandhill W.A. 24 Apr (p.a., DH), in Rock 28 Apr (p.a., AP), and in Douglas 13-15 May (p.a., RJ, SPu). Minnesota had a typical number of Little Blue Herons, including a new county record in Lake of the Woods 15 May (MK). In Michigan, Tricolored Herons were ob- served in Hampton Twp., Bay 5 May (p.a., JSe) and at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Kalamazoo 5-17 May (SW, m.ob.). Cattle Egret numbers were about average in the Region. Minnesota and Wisconsin each had 2 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons. A Glossy Ibis was reported at Horicon N.W.R., W1 29 May (p.a., JB); another Ple- gadis ibis seen in Marathon, WI 16 May (p.a., DB) was left unidentified. A Glossy was in Michigan at the Shiawassee N.W.R., Saginaw 26 May (p.a., DP). Minnesota had a remarkable number of White-faced Ibis, including an early report at L. Byllesby, Dakota 16 Apr (CBr et al., ph. JMa), in Ot- ter Tail 19-21 Apr (EE, JE, DTh, ST), in Douglas 25-28 Apr (ph. PP, BF), in Winona 30 Apr (ph. PP), in Sherburne 2 May (HD et al., ph. CM), in Carver 13-14 May (RD et al), and in Meeker 24-25 May (BK, DF). A Black Vulture in Lake 26 May (JL et al.) constituted only the 3rd Minnesota state record. WATERFOWL Five reports of Greater White-fronted Goose in Michigan was about average, al- though the peak of 16 in Bayport, Huron 24 Mar (TBe) was noteworthy. In Wisconsin, the high total for this species was 1450 in Dane and Columbia 20 Mar (DT). A total of 325+ Ross’s Geese was reported from 27 counties in Minnesota, with a peak of 84 near Salt L., Lac Qui Parle 28 Mar (BU). Wisconsin had reports of Ross’s from six counties, while Michigan managed indi- viduals in five counties. A Brant in Pay- nesville W.T.R, Steams 21-22 Mar (PC, m.ob.) was an exceptional find in Min- nesota, while 2 on 23 May and one on 24 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 374 May at W.P.B.O. (PC) were less unexpected. Drake Cinnamon Teals were found in Big Stone, Chippewa, and two locations in Lac Qui Parle in Minnesota; an apparent Cinna- mon Teal x Blue-winged Teal hybrid was in Olmsted. A Tufted Duck, or possibly a hy- brid, was observed in South Haven, Van Bu- ren 6 Mar (p.a., JG, RS); it would provide the 4th Michigan record if accepted. Wis- consin had three reports of Harlequin Duck plus a King Eider in Manitowoc 3 Apr (p.a., DT); a Barrow’s Goldeneye was present in Milwaukee 3 Mar. RAPTORS THROUGH TERNS A White-tailed Kite in Burnette 10 Apr (p.a., RPe) would constitute only the 4th Wiscon- sin record if accepted. A Mississippi Kite in Odessa Twp., Big Stone 11 May (p.a., BU) was a rare find in Minnesota, while one at W.P.B.O. 16 May (p.a., CB) was less unexpected. A record-high 822 Bald Eagles was tallied at the West Sky- line Hawk Count near Du- luth, MN 23 Mar (FN, DC). A Swainson’s Hawk in Bar- ron 6 Apr (p.a., SBe) was no- table in Wisconsin. In Michigan, 6 at W.P.B.O. was an above-average spring sea- son total, and one at Brock- way Mt., Keweenaw 12 May (LB, MMy, JP) was notable. Minnesota reported Ferrugi- nous Hawks in Big Stone 22 & 27 Apr (BU) and in Lac Qui Parle 27 Apr (BU). Also in that state, Prairie Falcons were reported in Chippewa 20 Mar (BU) and in Penning- ton 2 May (]], SS). Peak count for Yellow Rail in Minnesota was 24 on 4 May in Rice Lake N.W.R., Aitkin (WN). Wisconsin re- ported Yellow Rails from six counties, while Michigan had a report of 4 at Martin Bay, Delta 16 May (JY). Exceptional in Minneso- ta was a Black Rail in Big Stone N.W.R., Lac Qui Parle 22 May (p.a., BU). King Rails were reported from Wisconsin in Horicon N.W.R. 15 May (AH), in Winnebago 8 May (TZ), in Dodge 15 May (AH), and in Dou- glas 15 May (Rj, SPu), all pending review. Encouraging in Minnesota was an increased number of Common Moorhens, with 6 re- ported, while in Michigan a total of 63 at Shiawassee N.W.R. , Saginaw 25 May (DP) was exceptional. A Wilson’s Plover in Douglas 9 May (p.a. SSt, RJ) would constitute a first state record in Wisconsin. The Region has only two ac- cepted records, both from Michigan, the most recent from 1993. The 290 Semi- palmated Plovers recorded in Lac Qui Parle 6 May (BU) provided a new spring high to- tal for Minnesota. Piping Plovers appear to be stable in the Region, with 9 among five locations in Minnesota, three reports from Wisconsin, and reports from the traditional locations in Michigan. Black-necked Stilts were reported Regionwide. In Michigan, up to 2 were present after 18 Apr at Pointe Mouillee, Monroe (AB, m.ob.), while Wis- consin had reports in Trempealeau 15-17 Apr (p.a., JRu, LJ, FL), in Dane 13-20 May (p.a., MM, AS, EH, CH, DU et al), and 14 May in Columbia (p.a., TPr, SC, EH, SFi). Minnesota reported this species in Mounds View, Anoka/Ramsey 14 Apr (AHe), near Rice Lake S.P., Steele 16-17 May (JSt, m.ob.), at Belle Plaine W.T.P., Scott 16-27 May (AHe, m.ob.) and near L. Lillian, Kandiyohi 18 May (RF). Very rare in Michi- Eiceptiona! in Michigan was this adult White Wagtail near Houghton 27 April 2004. Michigan has a prior record of a White/Black-backed Wagtail from spring 1 985, but this is the first record verifiable as to species from the Western Great Lakes region. Away from the West Coast, White Wagtail is known only as a single- shot vagrant in spring to South Carolina {ocularis) and Quebec {alba), and in fall to North Carolina {alba) and Newfoundland (probably alba). This individual appears to be of the ocularis race, whose closest nesting grounds lie in western Alaska. Photograph by Adam M. Byrne. gan was a Whimbrel away from the Great Lakes in Clinton 22 May (BC). Also noteable were 18 Whimbrels at Salt L. 18 Apr (BU), both early and unusual in w. Minnesota. Minnesota had six reports of Red Knot this season, while Wisconsin had a high of 10 in Brown 24 May (DCh). Michigan also had a high of 10 at Tawas S.P., Iosco 23 May (MHu,JHu). Rare in the Region in spring, a Western Sandpiper was reported in Brown, WI 18 May (p.a., NW), and another was reported in Lac Qui Parle, MN 6 May (p.a., BU). Also rare in the e. portion of the Region in spring, Baird’s Sandpipers were reported in Dane 17 Apr (MM, JS) and in Burnett 20 May (DCh et al.) in Wisconsin, while in Michigan singles were at St. Joseph, Berrien 19 Apr (TBa), at Shiawassee N.W.R., Saginaw 20 Apr (DP), at Atlantic Mine S.R, Houghton 17 May (JMu, TA), and at W.RB.O. 24 May (PC). Minneso- ta had an excellent shorebird migration in Big Stone ; some notable peaks included 2029 Least Sandpiper 16 May (PS, JL), 2847 Pec- toral Sandpipers 9 May (PC, PS), and 1183 Dunlin 22 May (PS, JJ), the latter being a record-high spring count. Accidental in Minnesota was an ad. Curlew Sandpiper near Clinton, Big Stone 16-17 May (JL, PS). A Buff-breasted Sandpiper in Lac Qui Parle, MN 5 May (BU) made a rare spring appear- ance in the Region. A Ruff was found in Wis- consin in Brown 22-23 May (p.a., TB, IB et al.), while in Minnesota, individuals were re- ported in Lac Qui Parle 6-7 May (BU), in Big Stone 9 May (PC, PS), and in Dakota 17 May (JMa). Record-high spring totals for Min- nesota included 460 Short-billed Dowitchers 19 May and 342 Long-billed Dowitchers 12 May in Lac Qui Parle (BU). Two Parasitic Jaegers were seen in Douglas, Wl 19 May (AP, DT, RJ et al.). W.P.B.O had a single Parasitic Jaeger 16 May (KB) and 3 uniden- tified jaegers otherwise. Minnesota also had 2 jaegers unidentified to species in Duluth, St. Louis 22 May (m.ob.). A Long-tailed Jaeger was reported at Tawas S.E, Iosco MI 26 May (p.a., JWo, WW), as was a Laughing Gull 19 May (LG). Little Gull reports in the Re- gion included 2 in Milwau- kee 25 May (JI) and 2 at Tawas Point S.P. 30 May (KO). An Arctic Tern at the Three Oaks S.P., Berrien 14 May (p.a., PC,JW, KM, KT) would be only the 3rd spring record for Michigan. Minnesota reported an Arc- tic Tern at Breckenridge W.T.R, Wilkin 15 May (PS, JL), which pro- vided the first state record away from Du- luth, plus another at Duluth, St. Louis 23 May (MH), the 14th and 15th Minnesota records, respectively. DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS Eurasian Collared-Doves continue to spread in the Region. Wisconsin had its first confirmed breeding in Columbia (STi, NC), while Minnesota moved the species to its regular list. Michigan had its 2nd and 3rd records, with one at Bridgeman, Berrien 7 May (KM) and 2-3 in Traverse City, Grand Traverse (KT), where discovered last winter. Minnesota had its 4th and 5th records of White-winged Dove, with individuals in Ely, St. Louis 8-15 May (SF, m.ob.) and near Rochester, Olmsted 14 May (JSt), and one V 0 L U M UMBER 3 WESTERN GRLA J I \ kl v was seen in Wisconsin in Milwaukee 28 Apr and 11-15 May (p.a., JI, BB et al.). A North- ern Hawk Owl at W.P.B.O. 1 May was unex- pected in Michigan after the poor showing of the winter. Encouraging in Minnesota were Burrowing Owls in Perry Twp., Lac Qui Parle 21 Apr (BU) and a pair near Lewisville, Watonwan 22 May (DBe). Good numbers of Long-eared (95), Boreal (14), and Northern Saw-whet (87) Owls were banded at W.RB.O. (staff). Only the 21st and 22nd records of Chuck-wiH’s-widow in Wisconsin were 2 found in Vernon 28 May (DJ, AS, JPe et al.). Remarkably, Michigan had 2 Lewis’s Woodpeckers, one in Copper Harbor, Keweenaw 18 May (LB, TA) and perhaps the same bird at W.PB.O. 21-26 May (m.ob.); these furnish the 2nd and 3rd state records. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS In Wisconsin, Western Kingbirds were re- ported in Burnett 21 May (CH, DU, AP) and in Iowa 25 May (DT). There was a remark- able number of Say’s Phoebe reports in Minnesota, including singles in Lac Qui Parle 4 May (BU), in Clay 8 May (WM), and at Blue Mounds S.P, Rock 19 May (ND). Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were seen Regionwide, with individuals in Racine , WI 12 May (p.a., SK), at W.PB.O. 29 Apr and 30 May, and in at Camden S.P, Lyon, MN 12 May (SM). The total of 28 Loggerhead Shrikes reported this season was below the long-term average for Minnesota, while two reports came from Wisconsin, but none were found in Michigan. A Black-billed Magpie in Shawano 21 Mar (HE) was an ex- cellent find in Wisconsin. Minnesota hosted single Rock Wrens at Split Rock Creek S.P., Pipestone 2-3 May (JMu et al.; PS) and in Felton Prairie, Clay 8 May+ (m.ob.). A Bewick’s Wren was report- ed at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne MI 20 Apr (p.a., PCy). Two Mountain Bluebirds were reported in the Region, individuals in Win- nebago, WI 19 May (p.a., PB) and in Walter Twp., Lac Qui Parle, MN 5 Apr (BU). Wis- consin had solo Townsend's Solitaires in Portage 4-10 Apr (KJ, KH) and in Dane 6 Apr (SP). A Sage Thrasher in Schroeder, Cook 1 1—12 May (DS) afforded the 10th state record for Minnesota. Exceptional in Michigan was a White Wagtail near Houghton, Houghton 27 Apr (p.a., GS, AB). This represents the 2nd record of this com- plex in the Region: the first was of a single ad. White/Black-backed Wagtail at the Muskegon Wastewater System 14-24 Apr 1985 (ph. American Birds 39: 304). Blue-winged Warblers n. of normal this season included individuals in Lac Qui Par- le, MN 2 May (BU), in Morrison, MN 12 May (BF), and at W.PB.O. 21 May. Quite unex- pected was an Audubon’s Warbler in Dane, WI 28 Apr (AS). A good find in Wisconsin was a Kirtland’s Warbler in Barron 8 May (JH). Notable were Prairie Warblers at St. John’s University, Steams, MN 20 May (THo, BR, HD) and in Grant, WI 7 May (EH). Michigan and Wisconsin reported Worm- eating Warbler from four counties each. In Minnesota, where the species is casual, one at Big Stone N.W.R., Lac Qui Parle 18 May (BU) provided a first county record. Ken- tucky Warbler reports in Michigan included one in Wayne 1 May (DO), at least 3 in Berrien, and 2 in Hillsdale. Minnesota had Kentucky Warblers in Lac Qui Parle 19 May (BU) and in Blue Earth 25 May+ (m.ob., CBr). In Minnesota, Hooded Warblers strayed as far nw. as Otter Tail 15 May (m.ob.) and Kittson 28 May (PS). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Minnesota had a major influx of Summer Tanagers, with 11+ individuals. Michigan had reports of the species from four coun- ties and Wisconsin from five. A Western Tanager was photographed in Paradise, Chippewa, MI 5 May (CN), while males were seen in Ramsey, MN 18 May (TN) and in Polk, MN 19-20 May (JJ, PS). The Spot- ted Towhee in Livingston, MI continued through 1 Mar and reappeared 30 Apr-2 May QLo), while the Waukesha, WI bird re- mained through the period and was report- ed singing 2 Mar (DG). Minnesota reported 7 Spotted Towhees. Michigan had above-av- erage numbers of Lark Sparrows, with indi- viduals in Berrien 18 Apr (DV, JW), in Wayne 7 May (CP), in Baraga 8 May (ZG, LB), and at Shiawassee N.W.R., Saginaw 12 May. Good numbers of Harris’s Sparrows were reported in Michigan, including at least 9 from the Keweenaw Peninsula. A McCown’s Longspur at W.RB.O. 16 May (p.a., KB) would provide a 2nd state record. A good find in Minnesota was a Chestnut- collared Longspur near Duluth, St. Louis 7 May (JGr). A male Black-headed Grosbeak was seen in Lac Qui Parle, MN 29 May (BU). Blue Grosbeaks were reported in Racine, WI 12 May (p.a., SFi, DT) and in Allegan, MI 17 May (RBr). All three states hosted Lazuli Buntings: in Murray, MN 27 May (ND), Portage, WI 23 Apr (KD, MD), and Leelanau, MI 20-22 May (AB, m.ob.), the latter pro- viding a 2nd state record. In Minnesota, Painted Buntings were reported in St. Louis 13 May (JGe, AE, MH, PS), in Becker 13-17 May (MA, JJ, PS, DTh, ST), and in Clay 19-20 May (RP, RO, PS). Wisconsin hosted one in Door 12 May (ROs, CO), while Michigan had reports in Dickinson 12 May (SBr), Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw 16 May (LB, m.ob.), and in Hancock, Keweenaw 21 May (JK, DR). In Minnesota, Great-tailed Grack- les were documented in Lac Qui Parle and Rock. Generally, winter finches were report- ed in low numbers into the early part of the season, with exception of redpolls in both Wisconsin and Michigan, which were quite abundant, and Pine Gosbeaks in Michigan, where 728 were reported at W.P.B.O. includ- ing a late individual on 9 May. Observers (subregional editors in boldface): Melissa Anderson, Tom Auer, Tim Baerwald (TBa), Jeff Bahls, Karl Bardon, Ida Baumann, Ty Baumann, Tom Beachy (TBe), Dan Belter, David Benson (DBe), Laurie Binford, Brian Boldt, Ryan Brady, Shirley Bray (SBr), Calvin Brennan, Rick Brigham (RBr), Connie Brunell (CBr), Kay Burcar (KBu), Adam Byrne, Dave Carman, Daryl Christensen (DCh), Phil Chu, Bruce Cohen, Noel Cutright, Seth Cutright, Paul Cypher (PCy), Nelvina De Kam, Herb Dingmann, Karen Dostal, Mark Dostal, Robert Dunlap, Eddy Edwards, Judy Edwards, H. Erickson, Au- drey Evers, Sean Fitzgerald (SFi), Dan Flo- ren, Steve Foss, Jim Frank, Randy Freder- ickson, Ben Fritchman, Zach Gayk, Judy Gervasio (JGe), Leonard Graf, Jim Granlund, Janet Green (JGr), Corey Grego- ry, David Grosshuesch, Dennis Haessly, Kent Hall, Helen Hansen, Daniel Hanz, Chuck Heikkinen, Mike Hendrickson, Anthony Hertzel (AHe), Todd Highsmith, Aaron Holschbach, Josh Horky, Timothy Houghton (THo), Eric Howe, Joanne Hub- inger (JHu), Mark Hubinger (MHu), Dan Jackson, Karen Johnson, Larry Johnson, Robbye Johnson, Jeanie Joppru, joe Kaplan, Martin Kehoe, Brad Koenen, Mark Korduc- ki (MKo), Sue Kulinski, Sue Lendborg, Fred Lesher, James Lind, John Lowry QLo), William Marengo, James Mattsson (JMa), Bob Matyas, Mike McDowell, Craig Menze, Kip Miller, John Morrison, Sue Morten, Jake Musser (JMu), M. Myers (MMy), Warren Nelson, Chris Neri, Frank Nicoletti, Robert O’Connor, Carol Anne Osinski, Ray Osinski (ROs), Karl Overman, Andy Paulios, J. Pea- cock, Paul Pederson, Rich Peet (RPe), Rich Pemple, Tom Pfotenhauer, Sandy Pfoten- hauer, Dave Peters, Jesse Peterson (JPe), Curt Powell, Tom Prestby (TPr), Helen Pugh, Shuan Putz (SPu), Kate Redmond (KR), Jack Reinoehl (Michigan), Dana Richter, Paul Risch (PRi), Bob Rogers, Wayne Rohde (Wisconsin), Jean Ruhser (JRu), Jason Sailing (JS), Russ Schipper, Carl Schwartz, Grant Seohnel, Joe Seohnel (JSe), Dory Spence, Sparky Stensaas (SSt), Jeff Stephenson (JSt), Shelley Steva, Aaron Stutz, Peder Svingen (Minnesota), Daryl Tessen, Steve Thiessen (STi), Dan Thimgan (DTh), Sandy Thimgan, Kevin Thomas, Delia Un- son, Billy Unzen, Dave Vinnedge, Steve Walker, Nick Walton, Jon Weupper, Joan Wolfe (JWo), Will Wolfe, Thomas Wood, Joseph Youngman, Tom Ziebell. © 376 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS The north-south orientation of the Iowa & Missouri region stretches some 1280 km from the cypress swamps of the Missouri boot-heel to the treeless plains of northwestern Iowa. Weath- er patterns vary significantly across this large and diverse area, especially in spring. Mis- souri’s peak migration of early May was characterized by strong, consistent, souther- ly winds that seemed to stall just north of the border — many birds whisked straight over Missouri, not needing to stop, rest, and refuel. Those migrants that did stop seemed to linger a day or so, and then were off again. Iowa’s weather was more conducive for bird- ing, birders reporting good concentrations of northbound migrants (Connecticut War- blers in particular!) during periods of ad- verse weather. Dramatic temperature swings were recorded in each of the spring months: Iowa reported up to 76° F differences be- tween the high and low temperatures of this season’s months. The mild drought in our Region was officially “ended” with the ar- rival of spring rains, and many areas went from having too little to too much water in a matter of days. Shorebirds appeared in num- bers to take advantage of flooded fields in some areas. After a relative dearth of extralimital species in recent years, spring rewarded both Iowa and Missouri birders with a host of un- common species: Eurasian Wigeon, Harle- quin Duck, King Rail, Snowy Plover, Whim- brel, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting were found in Iowa, with Rock Wren, Sage Thrasher, and White-tailed Kite in Missouri. Additionally, spring 2004 reports of Iceland Gull, Laughing Gull, Sprague’s Pipit, Black Rail, and Black-headed Grosbeak are before the records committee in Iowa and will be reported here as addenda if approved. Abbreviations: B.C.A. (Bird Conservation Area); B.L.S.P. (Big Lake S.P., Holt, MO); Hawkeye (W.A., Johnson, IA); R.E.D.A. (Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area, St. Charles, MO); S.C.R. (Squaw Creek N.W.R., MO); T.G.P (Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO). LOONS THROUGH IBIS A Red-throated Loon, always a good find in Missouri, was at Fellow’s L., Springfield, Boone 4-6 Apr (JE, KM); Iowa also had a lone bird 2 May at Spirit L., Dickinson (LAS, Pete Ernzen). A late Common Loon 31 May at Binder L., Cole, MO (CM JM) provided the Region’s latest date. Iowa reported 5 Red- necked Grebes 3 Apr-22 May, but Missouri birders reported none. Iowa Lakes held 16 Western Grebes, while Missouri’s only report came from Creve Coeur L., St. Louis 30 Apr-3 May (JE, JM). Forty Iowa American Bittern reports came in from 17 counties. Iowa & Missouri Yellow R. Forest IOWA MISSOURI Four Rivers C41 Prairie SP Table Rock L. V. : Roaring River SPH: M A 'jjjyf'y Mincy CA Mark Twain NF (8 units shown in dashed lines) Less common in Missouri, reports came in from Creve Coeur L., from Springfield, from R.E.D.A., plus an 18 May bird at Schell-Os- age C.A., St. Clair (MA). An early Cattle Egret was at S.C.R. 3 Apr (LL). Iowa’s first bird came a day later, 4 Apr, at Rice L., Worth (PH). Ibis are not common anywhere in the Region; away from expected Missouri haunts were a Glossy Ibis found with 6 White-faceds at S.C.R. 14 May (KM) and a White-faced Ibis at Ten Mile Pond 24 Apr (JE). TR had the season high count of 32 White-faced around the S.C.R. loop 16 May. By contrast, Iowa reported only 4 White- faced for the season. WATERFOWL THROUGH GROUSE Eades reported a single Black-bellied Whistling-Duck 31 May at Binder L., Cole, while a Fulvous Whistling-Duck was report- ed from Ten Mile Pond C.A., New Madrid, MO 4 May (SP). S.C.R. kicked off the spring reporting season with a maximum count of 1815 Greater White-fronted Geese (GS). A late flock of 32 was at Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth, IA 12 May (RGo, MCK), and a lone bird was still at B.L.S.P 15 May (RM, MR, MG). A count of 161,000 Snow Geese came Roger D. McNeill 2520 Red Bridge Terrace Kansas City, Missouri 64131 (Roger.D.McNeill@mail.sprint.com) from S.C.R. 1 Mar (GS), and the last Iowa stragglers were 23 May at Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth (MCK) and two days later at the Hubbard S.T.P., Hardin (Mark Proescholdt). A suburban Kansas City Snow Goose was still present 31 May (RM), possi- bly an injured or lead-poisoned bird. A 5 Mar flock of 100 Ross’s Geese were at S.C.R. (TR). Unbanded Trumpeter Swans were not- ed at three Iowa locations 9 Mar-9 May (m.ob.). Over 1600 Gadwall were at Jester Park, Polk, IA 28 Mar (BE). Two Eurasian Wigeons were found by a Cedar Rapids Audubon group 27 Mar at Cone M, Louisa, IA. Both a male Cinnamon Teal and a likely hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Cinnamon Teal male were found at Eagle Bluffs 10 Mar (Bill Goodge). Iowa also had a hybrid pho- tographed 14 Apr in Boone (RIA, PHA). Two VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 377 IOWA & MISSOURI male Cinnamons were reported in Missouri, at S.C.R. 3 Apr (LL) and at Macon L., Macon 1 May (Kim Mar). A good count of 3900 Northern Pintails came from S.C.R. 5 Mar (TR). Iowa’s high was a day later, 4200 6 Mar at Jester Park, Polk (BE). A female Harlequin Duck found in Feb in Illinois was seen flying over the Iowa side of the Mississippi R., Scott and was present un- til at least 10 Mar (TTHK, TDAk, DRo). Iowa reported the only Long-tailed Duck, a drake at New L., Woodbury 12-14 Mar (Jerry Von Ehwegen, BFH). A female Common Mer- ganser along the Current R. below Round Spring Missouri, Shannon should have been far to the n. on 26 May (MR, BB, AN). A late raft of 20-25 Ruddy Ducks was discovered at B.L.S.P 15 May (MR, RM, MG). Singles and pairs of Gray Partridge were found in 14 Iowa counties in the n. two- thirds of the state, while Ruffed Grouse still hang on in scattered patches across Mis- souri, with three reports coming from Daniel Boone C.A., Warren (KM, MG, JU). Iowa re- ports 10-13 Greater Prairie-Chickens 28 Mar-10 Apr at the Kellerton B.C.A. lek, Ringgold (m.ob.), up from last year. The sta- tus of Greater Prairie-Chicken in Missouri remains grim; counts this season indicate that fewer booming males are left in the state. Birds still persist at Dunn Ranch, Taberville, St. Clair , at Hi Lonesome, Benton, and at Prairie S.P, Green Ridge, Lawrence. On the positive side, a slight gain occurred in the Stony Point Focus Area, Morgan; Iantha added a single booming bird; and a quadrupling of the Walker, Vernon popula- tion (5 birds to 20 birds) has occurred. Two displaying Sharp-tailed Grouse 12 Apr in Woodbury, 1A were very close to the Dept, of Natural Resources’ release site. RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES After a long hiatus. Ospreys are now return- ing to breed in the Region. Bill Goodge re- ported an occupied nest s. of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, MO 3 Apr, and an Iowa nesting was attempted again this year at Runnells W.A., Marion (JG, AB, AJ). On the early side was a 13 Mar arrival at Montrose, Lee, IA (RLC). A 28 May sighting along the Current R. below Round Spring, MO was apparently of a nonbreeder (MR, BB, AN). Still a hypo- thetical species in Missouri, a White-tailed Kite was reported 1 1 km e. of Columbia, Boone 7 May (BJ); if accepted by the Missouri records committee, this will be the 3rd sight record for the state. A Mississippi Kite was seen in the vicinity of last year’s West Des Moines nest site 17 May (AB). Over 100 Bald Eagles feasted on a fish-kill in mid-Mar along the East Fork of the Des Moines R. and at Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth (MCK). Swainson’s Hawks continue to show fidelity to the farms e. of Springfield, where Charley Burwick spied one 28 Mar. Two Rough- legged Hawks were reported at S.C.R. 2 Mar (TR); lingering later in Iowa, 7 birds were re- ported, with a late migrant 25 Apr at Hawk- eye (CJC, CE). Missouri found a single Gold- en Eagle this season, whereas Iowa birders reported 3. A female Peregrine Falcon was spotted below Round Spring on the Current R. 26 May (MR, BB, AN). Iowa had 2 Prairie Falcons, one 2 Mar in Hamilton (JJD) and an- other 6 Mar in Lyon (LAS); Missouri also had 2, both at Dunn Ranch 14 Mar (JH). A 22 Apr Yellow Rail at Sweet M, Bremer, IA was in normal habitat (Dan Mehner), but an in- jured migrant found 20 May on a driveway at Cherokee, Cherokee, IA was not (Dick Bier- man). Not recorded in Iowa since 1999, a King Rail was discovered 1 1 May at Hawkeye (BD, James Huntington). A little more com- mon in Missouri, a calling King Rail was heard at Prairie Slough C.A., Lincoln 30 Apr (JM, JE). A 4 Apr Sora at Saylorville W.A., Dallas, IA (JJD) was a touch early. Two Sand- hill Cranes were found throughout the sea- son at S.C.R. (m.ob.), with a 3rd added 19 Apr (TR). Lynn Miller spied a Sandhill Crane in far e. Jackson 8 Apr. Iowa’s largest gather- ing was of 14 on 1 Mar at Pool Slough, Alla- makee (Fred Lesher). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH DOVES Both Black-bellied Plover and American Golden-Plover were found in low numbers this season. A storm 26 Mar grounded over 90 of the former at St. Louis (DR), while Iowa highs were 1 18 on 14 May in Hamilton (AB) and 82 flying over Algona, Kossuth 17 May (MCK). Not annual in the Region, Snowy Plovers were found in both states this season. KM discovered Missouri’s first single at S.C.R. 28 Apr (many observers re- ported 2 Snowy, a Piping, and a Semipalmat- ed Plover in the same scope view 1 May at L. A species decidedly uncommon away from the Missouri boot-heel, Black-necked Stilt was much in the news this season. An unprecedented incursion occurred in cen. Iowa, where 11 birds were tallied. Missouri reported 7 from three spots. The first Iowa birds were 2 found by John Ruttenbeck 1 1 May at Diehl Wetlands, Warren, where one lingered through!7 May. On 12 May, 6 were found spread between different locations at Hawkeye (m.ob.). Up to 4 were at Hawkeye until 18 May (AB, AJ, CE). Also on 12 May, 2 stilts were noted at Sedan Bottoms, a first for Ap- panoose (RfC, Tom Johnson). Finally, one at Ada Hayden Park, Story 15-18 May was also a first county record (W0, HZ). In Missouri, several out-of-place birds were seen; one was at Schell— Osage C.A. 6 Apr (KM); 4 were at Prairie Slough C.A., Lincoln 29 Apr (Donald Hays); and 2 were seen 23 May at R.E.D.A. (BR). Contrary!), while on 10 May, a Snowy Plover was at Nodaway Valley C.A., Andrew (BJ). An Iowa Snowy was found 8 May at Hawkeye (JLF, THK, CE). Possibly injured, a Solitary Sandpiper lin- gered at S.C.R. through at least 29 May (KM). Willet reports were much more nu- merous this season than last, with Missouri reporting groups of 42, 12, and 16 individu- als. Iowa had counts of 39, 30, 34, 26, 51, 22, and 42. Two Whimbrels lingered a few hours 23 May at R.E.D.A. (m.ob.), but 16 there 25 May set a new state high count (CM). Four Iowa birds were found 17 May at Jester Park (m.ob.), while 2 were late in flooded fields in Hancock 28 May (Shane Patterson). S.C.R. held more than 200 Hud- sonian Godwits 6 May for the seasonal high (TR). Iowa’s earliest were 4 on 16 Apr at Say- lorville Res., Polk (DK); between one and 13 birds were noted from nine additional coun- ties, with the last 8 at Hawkeye 18 May (CE). Unexpected were 4 Red Knots that lingered 25-26 May at R.E.D.A. (DR). Close to a Missouri high count of Sanderlings, 105, was reported 23 May at R.E.D.A. Two record-early Iowa Semipalmated Sandpipers were noted 10 Apr at Port Neal Ponds, Woodbuty (BFH). A Western Sandpipers was at S.C.R. 8 May (DE), with 2 there 15 May (MR, RM, MG). A 9 May Western was at Desoto N.W.R., Harrison, I A (Mark Orsag). Approximately 5000 Least Sandpipers were at Hawkeye 8 May (BD), five times the pre- vious high spring count. Scattered concen- trations of Dunlin were reported this season, with highs of 108 on 17 May at Jester Park (AB), 200 18 May at Hawkeye (CE), and a Missouri high of 300 on 25 May at R.E.D.A. (DR). Surprisingly, no Buff-breasted Sand- pipers were reported this season. S.C.R. hosted a phalarope hat-trick 10 May, high- lighted by a basic-plumaged Red Phalarope (KG, MR, AP). An imm. Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Red Rock Res., Marion, IA 13 Mar (AB). A very early Caspian Tern was at R.E.D.A. 4 Apr (JM CM), as was a Common Tern there 17 Apr (BR). Large flocks of Common Terns were reported at three locations: 25 were found 14 May at Clear L., Cerro Gordo (PH), 23 were at Jester Park 22 May (AB), and Mis- souri had a high count of 40 at Smithville L. 6 May (K. Mayo). An early Iowa Black Tern 20 Apr was at Zirbel Slough, Cerro Gordo (CJF). This species often tends to concen- trate in late May. Flocks of 652, 300, and 600 were reported in Iowa; and flocks of 175, 50, and 100 were seen in Missouri. Least Tern is casual in St. Louis, so 2 along the Mississip- pi R. 23 May were of note (JE). In Missouri, the feeder of Jim Joy in S. Columbia, Boone attracted a White-winged Dove 21 Apr, and Wally George photographed one at his Cedar Hill, Jefferson feeder 19 May. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 378 OWLS THROUGH WAXWINGS An injured Iowa Snowy Owl was captured 5 Apr at Galbraith, Kossuth and sent to a reha- bilitator (Esther Tripp, MCK). This late bird was particularly surprising after a winter without an invasion. A Burrowing Owl was found 26 Mar at a roadside burrow in s. Kos- suth, IA and was last seen 31 Mar (Scott Moeller, MCK). The seasons only Long- eared Owl report was of 3 lingering birds 27 Mar at Bois d’Arc, Green, MO (David & Bar- bara Belvins). Scattered Short-eared Owl re- ports were received from both states, with only one Northern Saw- whet Owl report this season, 17-21 Mar on the Judy Drenth farm near Decorah, Winneshiek, IA ( fide DC). An early Iowa Common Nighthawk 22 Apr at Ames, Story (Doug Harr) was followed by another 23 Apr (JLF) in Johnson, both IA. The first reported Ruby-throated Hum- mingbird was found around Springfield, MO 23 Mar (Bonnie Noble). Often a challenge to find in St. Louis, a Loggerhead Shrike at Weldon Springs C.A., St. Charles was a sur- prise 3 Apr (JM, JU). One or 2 Loggerheads were found in 18 counties from the w. two- thirds of the state. In Missouri, Northern Shrikes rarely seem to stay put. An excep- tion was a wintering bird that remained un- til at least 24 Mar around the oxbows s. of St. Joseph (LL). Iowa reported 7 at various lo- cations until 31 Mar. A single Black-billed Magpie was reported 6 Mar from Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth, IA (BFH). A group of 10 Tree Swallows was already set- ting up shop at Binder L., Jefferson City, MO 10 Mar QL). Iowa had two record-early Tree Swallows 13 Mar at Princeton W.A., Scott (DRo) and its 2nd earliest report of Cliff Swallow 11 Apr at Saylorville Res., Polk (BE). Suggestive of breeding, a Brown Creeper was heard singing persistently from a stand of Shortleaf Pine 6.5 km below the Pulltite access, Current R., Shannon, MO 25-26 May (MR, BB). Nest-building was ob- served in early Apr in Johnson, IA by Jill Beckman, but this nest was abandoned. A Rock Wren present 23-26 Mar at the Apache Motel in Rich Hill, MO (LH) was both early and rare at this location. A single Townsend’s Solitaire was report- ed 2 Mar at Waterman Creek, O’Brien (LAS). By the first of May, Hermit Thrushes should be n. of Missouri; a 2 May bird was unex- pected at Busch C.A., St. Charles (BR). Iowa’s last reported Hermits were 3 May at Bacon Creek Park, Woodbuty (BFH) and 4-6 May at Call S.P, Kossuth (MCK). Iowa’s 2nd earliest Wood Thrush was a singing bird 21 Apr at Waterworks Park, Polk (JG). A Gray Catbird 18 Apr at Guttenburg, Clayton (DAk) was record early for Iowa. It has been nearly 40 years since a Sage Thrasher was found in Missouri, but on 2 May a bird was reported from Joplin, Newton. WARBLERS THROUGH SISKINS A line of predawn storms 10 May dropped a huge group of Tennessee Warblers over nw. Missouri, where MR & AP located a mini- mum of 205 that day. Missouri birders re- ported 3 Black-throated Blue Warblers this May, while Iowa birders found 2. Single Iowa Worm-eating Warblers 12 May at Call S.P, Kossuth (RGo, MCK) and 19 May at Nine Eagles S.P, Decatur (AB) were outside their normal range. A Yellow-throated War- bler 27 Mar at Rockwood Reservation, St. Louis was a early (CM). Fifty Blackpoll Warblers at T.G.P. 15 May were notable (JE). The season’s first Cerulean Warbler at Busiek S.F, Christian, MO 16 Apr was a lit- tle early (MA); at Weston Bend, MO, 4 were counted 16 May (TR). Connecticut War- blers were reported from just a few Mis- souri locations this spring; in Iowa, 20 re- ports of at least 24 birds came from locations across the e. half of the state, the first being 13 May at Hickory Hill Park, Johnson (THK, BD), where 4 were found 15 May (CE), and the last coming 26 May at Saylorville Res., Polk (Darwin Koenig). Half of the reports were from the period 22-24 May. An 18 May Kentucky Warbler at Gitchie Manitou State Preserve, Lyon (DEC) was well out of range. An early Iowa Canada Warbler was found 8 May at Nobles L, Allamakee (DC). A male Western Tanager visited an Iowa feeder 29 Apr-1 May at Oak L., Kossuth (Connie Mechler). An American Tree Sparrow lingered until 18 Apr at Gitchie Manitou State Preserve, Lyon (DEC); an early Chipping Sparrow was recorded 19 Mar in Jackson, IA. Clay-colored Sparrows were more widespread in cen. and e. Iowa this season, with groups of up to 7 birds recorded. Only a single Lark Sparrow was reported from sw. Missouri — 11 Apr at Fel- lows L. (Kay Johnson). Six birds around Bloomsdale, St. Genevieve were presumed to be a new breeding group 29 May (JE). Up to 12 Henslow’s Sparrow were found in eight Iowa counties; over 50 were counted at Castlewood S.P., St. Louis 10 Apr (JU). Five singing Henslow’s Sparrows were re- ported from Burr Oak Woods, Jackson 29 Apr; unfortunately, they did not linger to breed (CH). Three late Le Conte’s Sparrow were at Union Hills Waterfowl Production Area, Cerro Gordo, IA 25 May (Katy Patter- son). Iowa birders found 4 Nelson’s Sharp- tailed Sparrows 9-25 May. A record-late Iowa Fox Sparrow was at Gitchie Manitou N.A., Lyon 18 May. A 22 Mar Lincoln’s Sparrow at S.C.R. was very early (TR), while 2 e. of Columbia 7 May (BJ) were late. A lingering 31 May Harris’s Sparrow in Ann Johnsons yard in Warren, IA was remarkably late. Iowa had several groups of Smith’s Longspurs reported, all in the Cone M, Louisa area: 35 on 3 Apr (BSc), 100 on 4 Apr (CJC), and 200 on 4 Apr (CE). In Missouri, a flock was located at Bradford Farms 13 Mar (Susan Hazel- wood), down to 3 birds on 24 Mar (BJ), and a single Smith’s was at Dunn Ranch 10 Apr (SK). Missouri’s first Black-headed Grosbeak in a number of years was in se. Kansas City 5 May (RM); Iowa had two reports this sea- son. No Lazuli Buntings were seen in Mis- souri this year, but Iowa had singles 15-18 May at a feeder in Plymouth (BFH), 19-26 May at Spirit L., Dickinson (ETh), and an- other there 28-29 May (ETh). Painted Buntings returned to the Weldon Spring area of the K.T. Trail and Henning C.A., Taney, MO (rn.ob.). A late female Brewer’s Blackbird was discovered at the Columbia Bottoms C.A., St. Louis, MO 25 Apr (BR), and Iowa birders found 7, 2 of those being late birds 7 May at Cedar Hills Sand Prairie, Black Hawk, IA (Walt Stephenson). The wintering flock of Great-tailed Grackles in downtown Kansas City MO continues to grow: 4200 birds were tallied in 25 minutes with more coming 22 Mar (MG). A few lin- gered at the Bryan I. Stables, St. Louis, with 4-5 females reported 28 Mar (BR). After a dearth of Purple Finches in recent years, spring 2004 reports were up. The 52 count- ed 2 Mar at Springbrook S.P, Guthrie, IA (ETh) were as many as all other Iowa re- ports added together. A Common Redpoll lingered until 6 Mar at Mound City MO (TR), and Iowa reported a few holdovers from the winter flight. There was a report of 18 Eurasian Tree Sparrows 19 Mar in Muscatine, IA (RIA, PHA); Missouri birds remain relatively common along the Mis- sissippi R. from St. Louis northward. Contributors: IOWA: Danny Akers (DAk), Reid Allen (RIA), Pam Allen (PHA), Aaron Brees, Dennis Carter (DC), Chris Caster (CJC), Doug Chapman (DEC), Ray Cum- mins (RLC), Bob Dick, Jim Dinsmore (JJD), Chris Edwards, Berry Engebretsen, Carolyn Fischer (CJF), Jim Fuller (JLF), Jay Gilliam, Rita Goranson (RGo), Paul Hertzel, Bill Huser (BFH), Ann Johnson, Matt Kenne (MCK), Tom H. Kent, Wolf Oesterreich, Loren Padelford (LJP), Babs Padelford (BKP), Don Robinson (DRo), Lee Schoenewe (LAS), Ed Thelen (ETh), Hank Zaletel. MISSOURI: Matt Andrews, Brett Benz, Lisa Berger, Joe Eades, Dave Easterla, Matt Gearheart, Kirby Goslee, Craig Hensley, Lawrence Herbert, Jack Hilsabeck, Brad Jacobs, Steve Kinder, Larry Lade, Jean Leonatti, Jim Malone, Kristi Mayo, Roger McNeill, Shane Pruett, Alexis Powell, Dean Rising (DRi), Mark Robbins, David Rogles (DR), Tommie Rogers, Bill Rowe, George Scheil, Josh Uffman. @ 0LUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 379 Tennessee Kentucky A = Kentucky Dam B = Barkley Dam C - Kentucky Lake D = Barkley Lake E = Jonathan Creek Embayment F = Land Between the Lakes G = Blood River Embayment KENTUCKY Sauerheber Unit, Boone Cliffs State . Nature Preserve >■ SloughsWMA Falls of the Ohio Smithland Dam( , Ballard At C Henderson I L. Peewee Peabody WMA Markland (\ Minor Clark Fish % Louisville • Frankfort « \Hatchery/®uve Rim L. Daniff/'^Red River Gorge Bernheim Forest Boone ' i Geological Area Natl, f Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR Reelfoot / Lake Gj y^Cross Creeks NWR Parism L Mammoth Cave NP Barren Forest / ■ River L. .%/ * McElroy L./ Chaney L. p\f'e \ Meeman-Shelby 1 Forest SP Landing SP Tennessee NWI Big Sandy Unit Z\ ■ Shelby Bottoms Radnor Lake State Natural Area Tennessee NWR Duck River Unit ^ Biq South ^Cumberland Gap NHP Fork NRA S. Holston Lak e* Sharp's Ridgem Rankin Bottoms w ^ jHoan 1 Kingston Steam Plant /' >_ Mtn. SP I Shady Valley ■ Shelby Farms m Ensley Bottoms Pickwick Landing SP Soddy Mtn. \ 1 Brainerd Lmee Craven's House Great Smoky Mtns. NP TENNESSEE Chris Sloan 224 Hicks Road Nashville, Tennessee 37221 (chris.sloan@comcast.net) Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission 801 Schenkel Lane Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) The spring 2004 season was a relative- ly uneventful one. Precipitation was below normal, especially early in the period, resulting in a dearth of shorebird habitat in most areas. Relatively normal ear- ly spring temperatures yielded to well above-average readings during the latter three weeks of May. Avian highlights in- cluded up to three Yellow-billed Loons, a vagrant Gull-billed Tern, and continuing Little Gull, California Gulls, and Spotted Towhee. Many observers noted that this spring’s songbird migration was very poor; most likely, the relatively warm, stable weather throughout the Region during much of May resulted in most transients fly- ing right through. Abbreviations: Duck River (Duck River Unit of Tennessee N.W.R., TN), Ensley (Ensley Bottoms, including the EARTH Complex, in sw. Shelby , TN), Kentucky Dam (Kentucky Dam, Marshall/Livingston, KY), Pace Pt. (Pace Pt., Big Sandy Unit of Tennessee N.W.R., Henry , TN), Radnor (Radnor Lake State N.A., Nashville, TN), Rankin Bottom (Rankin Bottom, Cocke , TN), Sauerheber (Sauerheber Unit Sloughs W.M.A., Hender- son, KY), White L. (White Lake W.M.A., Dyer, TN). LOONS THROUGH IBISES The loon spectacle at Pace Pt. continued through early Mar, highlighted by a 2nd Yel- low-billed Loon discovered near the Region’s 3rd on 8 Mar (ph. JRW, m.ob.). Soon there- after, Kentucky’s first (and Region’s 5th) Yel- low-billed Loon was discovered and pho- tographed 56 km to the n. on Kentucky L., Marshall 13-30 Mar (ph. BP, AC et al.). An amazing 5 Red-throated and 2 Pacific Loons were at Pace Pt. 6 Mar (JRW), and single Red-throated and Pacific Loons were found nearby in Henry, TN 19 Mar (JRW, MG, MT). A basic-plumaged Red-throated Loon at Nickajack L., Marion, TN 27 Apr-1 May (KC, DJ, m.ob.) represented a first for se. Tennessee. In Kentucky, one to 2 Red-throat- eds were observed on Kentucky L., Marshall 13-24 Mar (BY, BP, AC, ME, DR), and a Pa- cific was observed on Kentucky L., Marshall 10 Mar (DR). Eighty-four Common Loons at Watuaga L., Carter 2 Apr (TM) was a note- worthy concentration for ne. Tennessee. Up to 3 Red-necked Grebes were present at S. Holston L., TN 7-27 Mar (LMcD, WC, m.ob.), but a total of 15 there 10 Mar (RK) furnished a new high count for the Region. Singles were also present at Pace Pt. 13 Mar (tJRW et al.) and on Kentucky L., Marshall, KY 10-15 Mar (vt. DR et al.). Up to 9 Eared Grebes, which now winter annually at S. Holston L., TN/VA, remained through 11 Apr (m.ob.). There are only a few dozen records of Western Grebe for the Region, most in fall and winter, so one reported at Duck River 14 Apr (CF) was a nice find. American White Pelicans are unusual in e. Tennessee, so 6 at Douglas L. 27 Mar-7 Apr (MSI, m.ob.) and 5 in Hamilton 15 May (DTr) were noteworthy; the easternmost re- port for Kentucky was of 9 in Warren 29 Apr (LD). An estimated 2000 pelicans at Ballard W.M.A., Ballard 10 Mar (SVi) shattered Ken- tucky’s previous high count. In w. Tennessee, it was a good spring for Anhingas, with a male at Eagle Lake W.M.A., Shelby 3 Apr & 22 May (JRW), a female at Mud L., Shelby 10 Apr (JRW), and 3 at Shelby Forest, Shelby 8 May (tWRP et al). An American Bittern in Muhlenberg, KY 27 Mar (HC, RD, ME) may have overwin- tered. Snowy Egrets are uncommon in ne. Tennessee, so three separate reports of sin- gle birds in Sullivan (DH, RC, BSv) were noteworthy. Single Tricolored Herons were reported 8-9 May in Lake, TN (JRW et al.) and 30 May at Murfreesboro, Rutherford , TN (DTh). A White-faced Ibis, the rarest of the three ibis species in the Region, was present in Dyer, TN 9-11 May (TKL, m.ob.). Single Plegadis ibis were reported in Gibson, TN 6 Apr (MG), at Lower Hatchie N.W.R., TN 16-19 Apr ( fide DBr), and crossing 1-40 at the White/Smith, TN line 17 May (AE, KDE). WATERFOWL THROUGH FALCONS A Snow Goose in Hamilton, TN 8 Apr-8 May QC et al.) was a rare spring sighting. A blue- morph Snow Goose in Rowan, KY lingered into late May (LH), suggesting that its pres- ence in late summer 2003 was the result of injury or unnatural origin rather than a record-early fall arrival. A Greater White- fronted Goose in Lake, TN 8 May (JRW) was exceptionally late; 2 orange-billed Greater NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 380 IE N N E S EE & KENTU C Mute-fronted Geese at Duck River 3 Apr (tCS, JSD) were possibly of the subspecies flavirostris. The flock of Tundra Swans that wintered at Sauerheber numbered 29 birds 1 Mar; all departed ca. 4 Mar (MMr). Two were observed in ne. Fayette, KY 7 Apr (SM). At least 3 male and one female Gadwall lingered at the 2003 nesting locale in Union, KY through at least 18 May (BP, MMn). A Blue-winged Teal nest with 12 eggs at Stan- difer Gap Marsh furnished the first breeding record for Hamilton, TN (CS, m.ob.). A number of ducks remained later than nor- mal; although it is difficult to ascertain in most cases, many of these were likely in- jured survivors of the previous hunting sea- son. A pair of Northern Shovelers at Ensley 8-31 May+ (CB et al.) showed no signs of breeding; one at White L. 31 May (JRW) was also late. Oth- er late ducks included an American Wigeon at White L. 28 May (WGC, KL); a male Northern Pintail in Dyer, TN 23-28 May (WGC et al.); a Green-winged Teal at White L. 31 May (JRW); a Redhead in Union, KY 18 May (BP, MMn); a female Greater Scaup in Dyer, TN 20-31 May (WGC et al.); 7 male Lesser Scaup at McKellar L., Shelby, TN 29 May (JRW); and a female Buf- flehead at Black Bayou W.M.A., Lake, TN 12 May (WGC, KL). A few sea ducks, quite rare in the Region in spring, were detected. There were three re- ports of Surf Scoters: 2 on Douglas L., TN 29 Mar (DH), 3 on Green River L., Taylor, KY 7 Mar (ph. RD, HC), and one at Hickman, Fulton, KY 17 Apr (ph. HC). Black Scoters were found twice: a female at Ensley that lingered through 3 Mar (ph. JRW) and 3 on Herring- ton L., Boyle/Garrard 6 May, the latter estab- lishing a new late spring departure date for Kentucky (KP). A female White-winged Scoter was found on Robco L., Shelby, TN 13 Mar (WRP, CB et al.), while a female Long-tailed Duck was reported at Rankin Bottom 20 Apr (MSI). A hen Hooded Mer- ganser with 10 ducklings in White 16-23 May (SJS, WW; DDo) made the 2nd consec- utive year in which this species bred far to the e. of its normal breeding range in the w. Tennessee bottomlands. Red-breasted Mer- gansers were present in above-average num- bers in ne. Tennessee late Mar-early Apr (fide WC). At least 6 Ruddy Ducks were still in Union, KY, where a pair nested in 2003, 30 May (BP, AC). A Mississippi Kite in Memphis, TN 25 Mar (LZ) was exceptionally early. A pair of Red-shouldered Hawks fledged 3 young at Kingsport, Sullivan, TN 21 May (RP, BG); this was only the 2nd nest ever found in the Upper Holston R. drainage and the first in 40 years ( fide WC). Two Golden Eagles in e. Smith, TN 12 Mar (SSH) were a noteworthy discovery. Single Merlins were reported four times during the period: at Bowling Green, KY 11 & 18 Mar (DR), at Mammoth Cave N.P., Edmonson, KY 26 Mar (MMn), and at the Soddy Mt. Hawkwatch 16 Apr (WGB, JW). For the 2nd consecutive year, there were at least two Peregrine Falcon nests in Great Smoky Mts. N.P. (fide CMu, SH). A pair also nested again on the railroad trestle below Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga, TN (fide KC). Five nests were again initiated this year on the Ohio R., KY from Jefferson to Greenup (SVo, TC). RAILS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS Two calling King Rails at Mossy Creek Wildlife Viewing Area, Jefferson 8 May (KDE) furnished only the 3rd record for ne. Tennessee (fide WC). Only Sauerheber host- ed this declining species in Kentucky during the period (DR, BP, JE). A tally of 8 Virginia Rails at Sauerheber 18 Apr (DR et al.) repre- sented a new high count for Kentucky. Com- mon Moorhens were observed at three Ken- tucky locales (CMo, LMcN, BP). An impressive concentration of 6000 shorebirds at Ensley 2 May (JRW) included the following season high counts: 48 Semi- palmated Plovers, 241 Solitary Sandpipers, 3540 Least Sandpipers, and 76 Long-billed Dowitchers. Other noteworthy season high counts included 90+ Semipalmated Plovers at McElroy L, Warren, KY 24 May (DR, NR), 3100 Lesser Yellowlegs at Lower Hatchie N.W.R. and Chickasaw N.W.R., TN 14 Apr (JRW), over 700 Semipalmated Sandpipers at Ensley 17 May (JR\V), 933 Pectoral Sand- pipers at Ensley 11 Apr (JRW), 700+ Pec- toral Sandpipers in w. Fulton, KY 17 Apr (HC), and 133 Dunlin at McElroy L., War- ren, KY 16 May (MSt). A Western Sandpiper at Ensley 10 Apr (JR\V) was unusually early. Three Baird’s Sandpipers at Shelby Farms, Shelby, TN 12 Mar (JRW) add to an increas- ing number of reports suggesting that a small late Feb/early Mar push is regular; this species, normally a rare to uncommon spring migrant in the Region, was reported in greater numbers than normal, with high counts of 4 at Obion W.M.A., Fulton, KY 17 Apr (HC), 4 at Ensley 24 Apr (JRW), 5 at Kingston Steam Plant, Roane, TN 18 Apr (SJS, WW), and 9 in Union, KY 21 Apr (ph. BP). A Long-billed Dowitcher in w. Hender- son 27 Mar (vt. BY) was relatively early for Kentucky. Unusually late transient shorebirds includ- ed the following: a Black-bel- lied Plover at White L. 31 May (KL, BL, JRW); an American Golden-Plover in Dyer, TN 23 May (KL, BL); an American Av- ocet at Ensley 29 May (JRW, TW); 3 Lesser Yellowlegs at En- sley 30 May (CB, VR, LZ); a Willet at Ensley 25-26 May (JRW, CB, VR); and 3 Pectoral Sandpipers at White L. 31 May (KL, BL). There were also sev- eral reports of the less common transient shorebirds. Two Pip- ing Plovers were observed in Union, KY 29 Apr (ph. BP, JE). There were five reports of Black-necked Stilts away from the Mississippi R., where the species is now locally fairly common in the Region: 2-3 at Sauerheber 15-20 Apr (DR, CC); one in Boone 2 May (DMt) that was a first for n.-cen. Kentucky; 2 at Rankin Bottom 8 May (CMu et al); 2 in Dekalb, TN 8 May (CW, JF); and 2 at Duck River 14 May (CF). Six Willets and 4 Marbled Godwits were a surprising sight at Cross Creeks N.W.R., Stewart, TN 24 Apr (JSD). A flock of 12 Wil- lets at Austin Springs, Washington, TN 26 Apr (RK, m.ob.) was unusual for e. Tennessee; one to 23 were seen on seven occasions 21 Apr-9 May in Kentucky. Whimbrels were ob- served on three occasions in Tennessee: one at White L. 20 May (MR, m.ob.); 3 in Dyer 22 May (TJRW); and 5 in Lake 25 May (WGC, KL, NM). Always a very rare find in the Re- gion, a Hudsonian Godwit was observed in Tipton, TN 13 May (DB, DP), and 2 were at White L. 28 May (WGC, KL). Single Ruddy Turnstones were reported from three loca- tions in Tennessee 20-30 May and at McElroy L., Wanen, KY on the relatively early date of 30 Apr (DR). From one to 4 Sanderlings were reported from three locations in Tennessee 16-23 May, but the species was not found in Kentucky. This Yellow-billed Loon, discovered 6 March 2004 (here) at Pace Point in the Big Sandy Unit of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Tennessee accompanied another of its species that had been present there since late February. Photograph by Jeff R. Wilson. 0LUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 381 . Baird's Sandpiper, normally rare east of the Mississippi River in spring, was unusually widespread east of its typical corridor in spring 2004. A record number was found in Kentucky and Tennessee this spring, primarily in mid-April, with multiples reported at no fewer than five locations. This individual was one of a record high count of nine present in Union County, Kentucky 21 April. Photograph by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. GULLS THROUGH OWLS The first-year Little Gull found on the n. end of Kentucky L., Livingston/Marshall, KY in Feb lingered through 17 Mar (BP, MMn). The ad. California Gull discovered at Pace Pt. 25 Feb was still present as of 9 Mar (MT); another ad., likely a different individual, was present at Kentucky Dam 17-29 Mar (MMn, ph. BP et al.). A first-year Thayers Gull lin- gered in the Kentucky Dam vicinity to 29 Mar (TD). One to 2 first-year Glaucous Gulls lingered on n. Kentucky L., KY through 29 Mar (TD). A Caspian Tern at Kentucky Dam 27 Mar (BY) established a new early arrival date for Kentucky. A well- described Gull-billed Tern in Dyer, TN 22 May (TMT) was a very unexpected first for Tennessee; Kentucky has but one record of the species. Five Common Terns at Rankin Bottom 29 May (MSI, LG) were late. Some- what amazingly, Black Tern went unrecorded in Kentucky during the season. A Common Ground-Dove in Memphis, TN 23-29 May (tKM) was a rare find for the Region. It was an above-average spring for Black-billed Cuckoos, with 5 reported from four locations across Tennessee and five lo- cales in Kentucky. Two or 3 Northern Saw- whet Owls were calling on territory on Roan Mt., Carter, TN 27 Mar (CS, DH). Two Se- lasphorus hummingbirds became the first ever known to overwinter successfully in Kentucky: a female Rufous in s. Warren that lingered through 7 Apr (ph. JE, DE) and a probable female Rufous at Lexington that lingered to 24 Mar (ph. RS). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH MiMIDS It was an average spring for Olive -sided Fly- catcher in Tennessee, with 5 reported from five locations 29 Apr-15 May, but only one was reported from Kentucky, in Pulaski 12 May (RD). A Least Flycatcher at Radnor 14 Apr (PC, MZ) was early. A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at Radnor 26 May (FF) was the only one reported for the season. Two Tyran- nus flycatchers, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Western Kingbird, continued their apparent range expansion in the Region. At least three pairs of Scissor-taileds — one in Murfrees- boro, Rutherford, TN 15 & 25 Apr (TW, JSD), one in S. Pittsburgh, Marion, TN (JI), and one in s. Livingston, KY (m. ob.) — ap- peared to be breeding. Single individuals at Ensley 16 May (CB, VR, LZ) and at Eagle Lake W.M.A., Shelby, TN 19 May (MR et al.) may have been transients. Four Western Kingbirds with some nesting behavior de- tected were at Ensley 24 May (JRW, MR et al.); a single bird was also found in Laud- erdale, TN 31 May (JRW). The imm. male Vermilion Flycatcher discovered at Hatchie N.W.R., TN 22 Feb was still present 13 Mar (KO.JI). Loggerhead Shrikes are rare in ne. Ten- nessee, so a breeding pair discovered in Washington (RK) was noteworthy. For the 2nd consecutive year, a Bell’s Vireo ap- peared to be on territory at Black Bayou W.M.A., Lake, TN 7-31 May+ (NM, m.ob.). A Blue-headed Vireo in McCreary 17 Mar (RD) represented a new early-arrival date for Kentucky. Warbling Vireos are very rare in se. Tennessee; one in Hamilton 26 Apr (KC, DJ) represented only the 3rd county record, with the 2nd only last year ( fide KC). A Red-eyed Vireo at Ft. Donelson Na- tional Battlefield, Stewart, TN 9 Apr (SJS, BS) was early. Two Fish Crows at Chickamauga L., Hamilton (KC et al.) provided further evi- dence that the species has begun to colonize the Tennessee R. in se. Tennessee; one far- ther upriver at the Kingston Steam Plant 8 Apr (SJS, WW) may be the first e. Tennessee record outside of Hamilton. A Common Raven nest discovered in Morgan, KY in mid-Apr ( fide CL) represents another ex- pansion in nesting range farther nw. from the Appalachian Mts. Single Barn Swallows from two different middle Tennessee loca- tions 13 Mar (GC et al, SJS, WW) were ear- ly. Cliff Swallows had re- turned to Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston, KY by the record-early date of 17 Mar (MMn, BP). A Bewick’s Wren in Ken- tucky reappeared at a 2002 nesting location in Scott but did not appear to find a mate (LB). Two Wood Thrushes, one at Shelby Forest, Shelby, TN 2 Apr (WRP) and one in Bledsoe, TN 9 Apr (DC), were early. Conversely, a Hermit Thrush at Old Hickory L., | Davidson, TN 8 May (SSH, JB) was relatively late. Two Gray Catbirds at the Shelby Farms, Shelby, TN 10 Mar (CB, VR, LZ) either had overwintered or were unusually early. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Warbler numbers were reported to be over- all significantly lower than average in most areas, likely at least in part due to weather patterns that allowed for unimpeded north- ward movement during most of May. A Northern Waterthrush at Nashville, TN 1 This adult California Gull (at right; with Herring Gull) at Kentucky Dam, Livingston and Marshall County 17 (here) through 29 March 2004 provided a fifth state record for Kentucky. Photograph by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 382 TENNESEE & KENTUCKY Apr (LK) was very early. A Black-throated Green in Wolfe 20 Mar (FR) tied the early arrival date for Kentucky. Unusually late were a Palm Warbler in Putnam, TN 17 May (WW) and a Yellow-ramped Warbler in Putnam, TN 25 May (SjS). It was a good spring for Connecticut Warbler, with at least 10 reported from six locations in Ten- nessee, including an exceptional count of 4 at Shelby Bottoms, Davidson, TN 17 May (PC et a!.); 5 were reported from as many locations in Kentucky. Two Brewster’s Warblers — one 2 May (TH) and one 8 May (DH, AT, m.ob.) — were reported in Carter, TN, where this hy- brid occurs regularly among the breeding Golden-winged Warblers. A new breeding area for Golden-winged (and Brewster’s) was discovered in Whitley, KY during early May (LP et al). Black-throated Blue War- blers are relatively rare outside of their breeding territories in the e. Tennessee mountains; the Nashville area had two re- ports— 22 Apr in Shelby Park (PC) and 26 May at Radnor (FF) — as did Chattanooga, 26 Apr (DJ) and 2 May (MW, KC, CS). The Radnor report established a new late date for the Nashville area. The wintering male Spotted Towhee in McCracken, KY lingered to 17 Apr (SR). Up to 15-20 Bachman’s Sparrows were found on territory at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, KY & Stewart/Montgomery, TN during the period (DMo); one was also reported in White, TN 1-15 May (SjS, DDo, m.ob.). Four Lark Sparrows in Weakley and 2 in Henry 31 May (DM, MT) suggest that this species has be- come a local breeder in w. Tennessee. The species continues to be locally distributed in Rutherford and Wilson in middle Ten- nessee, as evidenced by one in Rutherford 8 May OSD, TW, JM). A Henslow’s Sparrow at Standifer Gap Marsh, Hamilton, TN 24 Apr (KC) and one in Washington, TN (TDH, m.ob.) were rare transients. At least 6 singing in Coffee 26 May represent the only known Tennessee breeding population out- side of two military bases (DDa, TW). Eight Le Conte’s Sparrows at the Big Sandy Unit of Tennessee N.W.R., Henry, TN 19 Mar QRW, MT, MG) was a noteworthy concen- tration. Extraordinary was the report of 3 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows (a species that should theoretically appear as a spring transient in the Region in mid-May) at the Big Sandy Unit of Tennessee N.W.R., Henry, TN on the unprecedented early date of 19 Mar (tJRW, MT, MG). A Lincoln’s Sparrow at Mammoth Cave N.P., Edmonson, KY 26 Mar (MMn) either had overwintered or was an extremely early migrant. The wintering Harris’s Sparrow in Ballard, KY lingered through 5 May (RH). An Indigo Bunting in Millington, Shelby, TN 18 Mar (VH) either had overwintered or was very early. Ten Western Meadowlarks in Lake, TN 14 Mar (JEW) was a noteworthy concentration for the Region; a female and a singing male were in Fulton, KY 28 Mar QRW). There was a noticeable movement of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins through the Region in Mar and early Apr. Purple Finch- es were reported from five counties in Ten- nessee, with a high of 13 in Shelby 2 Apr (GP), while up to 25 were present in Grayson, KY into late Mar (JP); a few lin- gered at a feeding station in se. Jefferson, KY to the end of May (E&JH). Small numbers of Pine Siskins were reported from seven coun- ties in Tennessee and two in Kentucky, the latest of which was one heard over Whitley, KY 8 May (BPJDu). Cited contributors (subregional editors in boldface): David Brown, Jack Brown, Car- olyn Bullock, Laura Burford, Tina Carter, Phillip Casteel (middle Tennessee), Kevin Calhoon (se. Tennessee), Janice Chadwell, Hap Chambers, Wallace Coffey (e. Ten- nessee), Amy Covert, Charlie Crawford, W. Glen Criswell, Rack Cross, Don Davidson (DDa), Roseanna Denton, Jay Desgrosellier OSD), Douglas Downs (DDo), Lester Doyle, Jon Dunn QDu), Tom Durbin, Melissa Easley, Amber Edwards, K. Dean Edwards, Diane Elmore, Jackie Elmore, Frank Fekel, Clayton Ferrell, Judy Fuson, Leslie Gibbens, Dana Girard, Mark Greene, Bill Grigsby, William G. Haley, Lana Hays, Susan S. Hol- lyday, Renee Hooks, Susan Hoyle, Don Holt, Tom Howe, Eddie & Jennifer Huber, Jerry Ingles, Daniel Jacobson, Linda Kelly, Rick Knight (e. Tennessee), Betty Leggett, Ken Leggett, Charlie Logsdon, Jason Mann, Don Manning, Scott Marsh, Knox Martin, Larry McDaniel (LMcD), Lee McNeely (LMcN), Tom McNeil, Daniel McNulty (DMt), Mark Monroe (MMn), Nancy Moore, Mike Mor- ton (MMr), Daniel Moss (DMo), Carl Mow- ery (CMo), Charlie Muise (CMu), Ken Oeser, Mike O’Malley, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Laura Patton, Gaynell Perry, Rick Phillips, W. Robert Peeples (w. Tennessee), Joyce Porter, Kerry Prather, Dick Preston, Nicole Ranalli, Scott Record, Frank Renfrew, Virginia Reynolds, David Roemer, Michael Sledjeski (MSI), Stephen J. Stedman, Chris Sloan, Robert Staib, Barbara Stedman, Bryan Stevens, Matt Shekel (MSt), Dani Thompson (DTh), Mike Todd, David Traitor (DTr), David Trendy (DTy), Allen Trently, Sara Vier- num (SVi), Shawchyi Vorisek (SVo), Win- ston Walden, Melinda Welton, Jimmy Wilk- erson, Carol Williams, Jeff R. Wilson, Terry Witt, Barbara Woerner, Ben Yandell, Linda Zempel, Mary Zimmerman. We extend our thanks to the many other observers who contributed observations from across the Re- gion that are not specifically mentioned herein. © ’ | The Friends of North American Birds SUPPORT THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS, THE ABA'S JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD. To become a "Friend of NAB" simply donate $50 or more. The ABA hopes that donations will allow us to enhance the journal's production values by helping us to improve the quality of the paper, i to introduce more color, to add more pages, and to mail the journal in a protective wrapper. And, ail ; gifts are tax deductible. Each "Friend of NAB" will be recognized annually in a special box in the first issue of each new j volume of North American Birds j. I and in the ABA's Annual Report. j Send donations to: The Friends of NAB, ABA, P.O. Box 6S99, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80934-6599 or donate on-line at ; http://www.amerscanbirding.org/ publications/nabfriends.htm ■ VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 383 Central Southern GULF OF MEXICO ALABAMA/FLORIDA GULF COAST SITES: A = St. Vincent NWR E = Ft. Pickens B = Destin F = Gulf Shores C = Ft. Walton Beach G = Ft Morgan Spray Fields H = Dauphin 1. D = Gulf Breeze 1 = Bavou La Batre Phillip A. Wallace 4515 South Prieur Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70125-5044 (pwallace@newmanschool.org) The weather cooperated for the birders along the coast this spring, if not for the birds, with fronts on 7, 1 1, and 26 April and 2 May leading to significant fall- outs on at least parts of the Gulf coast. Inland at Starkville, by contrast, it was yet another unexceptional spring for passerine migra- tion. Some small consolation could be had, perhaps, in the number of early arrival dates to go with the early warm weather there. Ear- ly and late records for various areas of the Re- gion were too numerous to mention. Abbreviations: FW.B.S.F (Ft. Walton Beach Spray Fields, FL); L.S.U.M.N.S. (Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science). LOONS THROUGH RAILS An ad. Red-throated Loon in basic plumage at Dauphin I., AL 27 Mar (SA) was rare for the Region, as was a Pacific Loon in Tishomingo , MS 2 Mar (WP). A first-basic Red-necked Grebe in New Orleans 6 Mar (DPM, PAW) was the 4th for Louisiana, and one molting into alternate plumage in Prairie 13 Apr (KN, LN) was the 4th for Arkansas and the first in 34 years. A report of 70 Northern Gannets in Breton Sound, LA 29 Apr (SWC, DLD) was a large number for such a late date. Four tubenose species were among the highlights of three pelagic trips this season (Table 1). There were six Regional reports of Amer- ican Bittern, with a high of 15 from White L. Marsh, LA 9 Apr (GG et al.) and a late date of 8 May (2 birds) from Clobber Cr., AR (CM). Tricolored Herons were in- land in Arkansas, with 2 at Mill- wood L. 28 Mar (CM) and one at Wapanocca N.W.R. 15 May (KN, LN). Two White-faced Ibis at Nox- ubee N.W.R., MS 19-26 Apr (fide TS) provided only the 3rd area record, and 5 alternate-plumaged birds in Prairie , AR 7 May (KN) were unusual, as was the one in Mobile , AL 1 May (GEH). Roseate Spoonbills continue their range expansion, with an imm. bird e. at Waveland, MS 21 May (NB, JB) and one n. at Cache River N.W.R. , AR 25 May (fide SJD). Like the spoonbills, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are rapidly expanding in the Region. The most unusual of many reports this season were from Arkansas, with one at Bald Knob N.W.R. 25 & 26 Apr (KN, LN et al.) and 2 in Monroe 30 May (MMc). A Fulvous Whistling-Duck, on the review list in Mississippi, was seen near Waveland 5-13 Apr (NB). Columbus L., MS was the site for 300 migrating Canvasbacks, a large number for the area (RW, LW, TS). Surf Scoters were more numerous than usu- al this spring, with 5-7 in New Orleans 6-7 Mar (DPM, PAW) providing the largest number and one in Cameron 8 May (DPM, PAW) being the latest. Another one in Ok- tibbeha, MS 1 1-13 Apr (TS, MS) was rare for the area. The only other scoter was a Black 3-8 May in Cameron (JVR et al.). Two female Hooded Mergansers with downy young so- lidified recent reports of nesting near Kiln, MS 6 & 20 Mar (NB, JB). The only Common Merganser reported was an ad. female at L. Ferguson, AR 12 Apr (P&LF). Swallow-tailed Kites were well reported in Louisiana, with a new nesting location near Laplace 27 May (JC et al.). A single Sharp- shinned Hawk near Ladelle, AR 31 May (LA) was in an area where the species is not known to breed. There were several reports of Swainson’s Hawk from Louisiana, includ- ing three different reports from the se., where rare. Continuing reports from sw. Louisiana in May feed ongoing suspicion of breeding, but hard evidence of breeding has yet to be discovered for the state. Found in a flock of 25 Wild Turkeys 6 & 18 Mar near Mathiston, MS (TS, MS) were 2 leucistic birds, both mostly white with some grayish areas on the wings and tail. Single Yellow Rails were reported from Sunflower, MS 7 Apr (SS, DT) and Dauphin I. 27 Apr (RAD, LRD et al.). The only Black Rail report was from EW.B.S.F 5 May (AK), providing the first May record for the w. peninsula. SH0REBIRDS The threatened Snowy Plover was reported from Louisiana at Fourchon, with 2 birds 4 Apr (vt. PAW, BMM, RDP), and at Ruther- ford Beach, with 6 seen 24 Apr and one 9 Table 1 . Summary of spring 2004 pelagic trips off Venice, Louisiana (5 & 20 May) and Destin, Florida (23 May). 5 May 20 May 23 May Audubon's Shearwater 1 2 0 Wilson's Storm-Petrel 3 5 3 Leach's Storm-Petrel 2 0 0 Band-rumped Storm-Petrel 0 0 28 Masked Booby 0 0 1 Northern Gannet 6 1 0 Bridled Tern 2 9 4 Sooty Tern 0 0 2 384 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS May (PAW et al.). Also a species of concern, 2 Piping Plovers were at Fourchon 4 Apr, and different single birds were in Cameron 24 & 25 Apr (PAW et al.). An American Avocet at Oktibbeha County L., MS 6 May (TS et al.) provided the first spring record for the area. Rarely encoun- tered migrating across the Gulf, 10 Solitary Sandpipers 68 km s. of Southwest Pass 5 May (SWC, DLD et al.) made for an interesting “pelagic” species. Unusual inland sightings of Willet included 13 at Bald Knob N.W.R., AR 22 Apr (KN, LN), and 62 near Kaplan, LA 23 Apr (DLD, SWC) provided a large number. The largest number of Hudsonian Godwits was 30 in Vermilion and Cameron, LA 8 May (JPK, JK). The species is decid- edly rare in the e. part of the Region, so a bird at Dauphin 1. 15-17 Apr (JRW; ph. GDJ, DGJ) was noteworthy. An extremely early Semipalmated Sandpiper 14 Mar was well documented (vt. DPM, RDP, BMM). There were three reports of Baird’s Sand- piper from the se. part of the Region, where it is a rare spring migrant: up to 4 birds were spotted at EW.B.S.E 9-22 Apr (AK, BM, RAD et al.), Mobile hosted 2 birds 15 Apr (ph. GDJ), and 2 were at New Orleans 17 Apr (DPM). A Red-necked Phalarope, on the review list for Mississippi, was seen 16 May at the Tupelo W.T.P (WP), provid- ing the state’s first spring record away from the coast. High counts of shore- birds included 400 Black-bellied Plovers at Lacassine N.W.R., LA 20 Mar (JPK, WC), 26 American Oystercatchers in Breton Sound, LA 29 Apr (SWC, DLD), 50 Solitary Sandpipers in New Or- leans 27 Apr (DPM, PAW), 300 Whimbrels in Vermilion, LA 7 May (DPM, BMM, PAW), 534 Red Knots at Grand I. 1 May (RDP, PAW, DPM), 2000 Dunlin in Vermilion 8 May (JPK, JK), and 3000 Long-billed Dowitch- ers in Jefferson Davis, LA 20 Mar (JPK, WC). JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS The only Pomarine Jaeger report was from Holly Beach, LA 24 Apr (SWC, DLD). An ad. intermedi- ate-morph Parasitic Jaeger was seen from shore at Destin, FL 25 Apr (BM). A Franklin’s Gull at Oktibbeha County L., MS 16 Apr (TS) provided the first spring area record. The species’ spring route normally allows detection only in the extreme w. part of the Region. The first Cal- ifornia Gull for Arkansas, discovered in Jan, remained through 7 Mar at Dardanelle Lock (MLM, EH) is indicative of the ex- panding range of this species. An Inca Dove was found on a nest at Grand 1. 17 Apr (vt. PAW, RDP et al.), and 6 were seen there 1 May (RDP, DPM, PAW). Much rarer in Mississippi, 3 were seen at Areola 15 May (G&SK, DM). A probable pair of Black-billed Cuckoos was at Wapanocca N.W.R., AR 15 May (KN, LN). Showing how they coped before Europeans arrived, 2 Chimney Swifts were seen entering a natural cavity in a living Bald Cy- press at Noxubee N.W.R., MS 24 Apr (TS, MS). Vaux’s Swifts — first report- ed from Baton Rouge in the winter season, with as many as 24 seen at a time (m.ob.) — remained into the spring season, allowing close compar- ison with Chimney Swifts, as shown in photographs by Lane. The last report was of a single bird 12 Apr (ph. DFL). The species is very rare in the Region and even more rarely well documented. Vying for honors as the bird of the season was Louisiana’s 2nd Green Violet-ear founL 9 May and seen again briefly the follovving morning (CV, ph. DP, PC). Arkansas’s 3rd Calliope Hummingbird, which arrived in Nov 2003, departed 1 Apr (P&LF et al.). Overwintering hummingbirds remaining into the spring were too numerous to cite. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS Schiefer’s seven-county area around Starkville, MS had never had a spring Olive-sided Flycatcher, so records of single birds 4 & 8 May (TS, AS) were noteworthy. An Ash-throated Flycatcher at Rutherford Beach, LA 24 Apr was a rare spring migrant (vt. PAW, BMM, CCS, *L.S.U.M.N.S.). A Couch’s/Tropical Kingbird found 1 May in Cameron (BMM, GG) did not cooperate by calling. The complex is rare in the Region. A Western Kingbird near Ft. Jack- son, LA 19 May (ph. DLD, SWC, CCS, BMM) was late. Gray King- birds were well represented in Louisiana, with 2 as far w. as Cameron 9-15 May (vt. DPM, ph. BMM, vt. PAW, m.ob.), one in Fourchon 25 Apr (RDP), and a nesting pair in New Orleans for the 2nd consecutive year 16 May+ (EW, vt. PAW, DPM, m.ob.). A single bird seen 8 May (KW) at Mobile was closer to the expected range of the species, and one at Destin, FL 23 May (BM) was in range. A Bell’s Vireo at Birmingham 7 May (BG, HK) was unusual. A Blue-headed Vireo in Okaloosa, FL 8 May (LW) was the latest for Louisiana had more than its share of Gray Kingbirds this spring, including this bird, one of a pair from Cameron Parish seen 9 (here) through 15 May 2004. Discovered by David Muth, the birds were enjoyed by many observers over the next few days. Photograph from videotape by Phillip Wallace. & Dam. There were four Louisiana reports of Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 from sw. and 2 from se. areas. The species is much more common in the fall. Alabama had its share of good gulls, with an ad. Glaucous discov- ered 15 Apr near Ft. Morgan (LC) and an imm. Great Black-backed found a few miles away at Dauphin 1. 14 Apr (GDJ). Louisiana’s best gull was a first-alternate Sabine’s Gull found 20 May 19-21 km se. of South Pass in the Gulf of Mexico. It provided the first specimen for the state, the 3rd spring record, the first offshore, and the 8th-10th state record overall (*L.S.U.M.N.S„ SWC, DLD, CCS et al.). A This Inca Dove was one of three at Areola, Washington County, Mississippi and furnished about the third state record, indicative of the rather slow spread of this species away from core range. Photograph by Stephen J. Dinsmore. Kelp Gull x Herring Gull hybrid was in Bre- ton Sound, LA 29 Apr (SWC, DLD). A Least Tern at Walls, MS 13 May (G&SK) was con- sidered rare. DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS A White-winged Dove at Danville, AR 3 May VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 385 the area by six days. There were five reports of Black-whiskered Vireo from s. Louisiana, with 2 from Cameron 7 (DP) & 25 Apr (DLD, SWC) and 3 from the Grand I. area 9 Apr (PS), 1 May (vt. PAW, vt. DPM, RDP), and 3 May (RDP). One at Dauphin I. 19 Mar (RH) was very early. A Northern Rough-winged Swallow 7 Mar at Shannon, MS (WP) was early, as was a Bank Swallow 20 Mar in St. Mary, LA (BFo). The Craig Fish Hatchery, AR hosted 80 Banks 14 May (JN, MM, RG), an impressive number. Early Cliff Swallows were in New Orleans 14 Mar (EW, DPM), and 2 of this species 93 km s. of Southwest Pass 5 May (DLD et al.) were interesting trans-Gulf migrants. Cave Swallows were wide- spread in the extreme s. part of the Region from as far e. as EW.B.S.E 9 Apr (AK et al.) and Ft. Morgan 29 Mar (BKF). In Louisiana, they were seen at their regular location at Sabine Pass throughout the period (m.ob.) and also found among breeding Cliff Swallows 31 May (DPM), for the first document- ed Orleans record. The Cameron fallout of 2 May pro- duced 400 Gray Catbirds (BMM, CCS, PC). Outside of Louisiana, Gold- en-winged Warbler, a species of concern, was reported from Columbus, MS 29 Apr (TS, MS) and Wappanocca N.W.R., AR 15 May (KN, LN). A Tennessee Warbler was early in New Orleans 23 Mar (DPM). The fallout of 2 May also produced 20 Chest- nut-sided and 150 Magnolia Warblers, along with 80 Black-and-whites, 70 Ameri- can Redstarts, and 25 Northern Wa- terthrushes (BMM, CCS, PC). Pangburn, AR had 40 Chestnut-sided Warblers 14 May (KN). Cape May Warblers were wide- ly reported 24 Apr-4 May in Louisiana, which is w. of their normal migration route. The largest number was 5 in the Grand I. area 1 May (vt. PAW, RDP, DPM). Black- throated Blues were also w. of their normal path, with a male in Cameron 25 Apr (PAW) and a female at Grand I. 1 May (DPM). An alternate-plmnaged male Audubon’s War- bler was a good find at Dauphin 1. 15 Apr (LW). A Western Palm Warbler was late at Fourchon, LA 16 May (PAW, BMM, DPM, RDP). Grand I. hosted 2 early Bay-breasted Warblers 13 Apr (CCS, PAW). There were seven reports of the threatened Cerulean Warbler 9-28 Apr from Louisiana and Mis- sissippi. Schiefer reported 20 Swainson’s Warblers from the seven-county area in Mississippi 1 1 Apr+, and 7 were at Pond Creek N.W.R., AR 23 May (DA). A singing Ovenbird in Benton, MS 29 May (WRP) was suggestive of breeding. A Mourning War- bler at Heron Bay, MS 21 May (NB, LB) pro- vided only the 2nd spring record from coastal Mississippi. A count of 94 Hooded Warblers 12 Apr at Grand I. (BMM) was in- dicative of a strong flight grounded by a front. Myers, who has as much experience as anyone in the Region with trans-Gulf mi- gration, was at a loss to explain the 1420 CDT arrival of the flight, since headwinds providing a 3rd state record, and the other was in Alexander 4 May (JP), for the 4th Arkansas record. A single Bobolink at Ft. Pickens 28 Mar (PB, PBe) was either an ex- tremely early migrant or an equally amaz- ing wintering bird! Spectacular is the only way to describe 1000, mostly singing male. Bobolinks 3 May near Waveland, MS (NB). There was one report of Yellow-headed Blackbird from Louisiana and two from Arkansas. The species is uncommon in the Region in spring. The expand- ing Great-tailed Grackle popu- lation was represented by an ad. male in Midway, AR 2 May (KN, LN). Reports of Shiny Cowbirds, unfortunately, were more numerous than usual. The first was in Escambia, FL 19 Apr (BF), followed by up to 2 in Grand I. 1 May (vt. DPM, RDP, PAW). A different bird, a first-year male, was in Grand I. 16 May (vt. PAW, RDP, DPM), and on the same day as many as 4, including 2 which were iden- tified as female, were at Ft. Morgan (MJ). Finally, one was in Orleans 23 May+ (vt. PAW, DPM). This female Bronzed Cowbird, of the expected aeneus subspecies (in which the female is blackish), was paired at Ansley, Hancock, Mississippi with a male Bronzed for most of the spring (here 25 April 2004). Photograph by Stephen J. Dinsmore. should have put the flight much later. Wil- sons Warbler, rare in the Region during spring migration, was reported from Tensas N.W.R., LA 4 May (SS), Pangburn, AR 14 May (KN, LN), and Wappanocca N.W.R., AR 15 May (KN), with 2 at the last location. TANAGERS THROUGH COWBIRDS An ad. male Western Tanager, especially rare in the Region outside of Louisiana, was found 18 Apr at Ft. Pickens, FL (BS, BM et al.). Bachman’s Sparrow, a species of highest concern, was reported from Ouachita N.E, AR 1 Mar ON), Noxubee N.W.R. 26 Apr (TS, MS), and Ft. Chaffee, AR 8 May (SB), with 3 birds at the last location. Mt. Maga- zine S.P., AR welcomed the return of 6 singing Rufous-crowned Sparrows 29 Mar (DS). They had been absent from this tradi- tional location for several years until re- cently. A single Clay-colored Sparrow near Fayetteville 21 Apr (MM) was a scarce spring migrant. There were seven reports of Henslow’s Sparrow, a species of highest con- cern, from Arkansas and Louisiana 14 Mar-17 May. The fallout at Grand 1. 12 Apr included 61 Indigo Buntings (BMM), more evidence of a strong flight. Lazuli Bunting is rare anywhere in the Region, so 2 this season provided a special treat. The first showed up 22 Apr s. of Oxford, MS (TH), Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): Leif Ander- son, David Arbour, Scott Atkin- son, Peggy Baker, Pam Beasley (PBe), Jerry Bird, Lucy Boyajian, Ned Boyajian, Winston Caillouet, Steven W. Cardiff, Laura Catter- ton, Jennifer Coulson, Paul Conover, SteveJ. Dinsmore, Donna L. Dittmann, Lucy R. Duncan, Robert A. Duncan (w. Florida), Barry K. Fleming, Brian Faherty, Bill Fontenot (BFo), Perk & Leanah Floyd, Ben Garmon, Gay Gomez, Russell Graham, Geoff E. Hill, Robert Hoffman, Tom Hoar, Debra G. Jackson, Greg D, Jackson (Alabama), Michael Jordan, Helen Kittinger, Joanne Kleiman, Joe P Kleiman (Louisiana), Gene & Shannon Knight, Alan Knothe, Daniel F Lane, Don McKee, Marion McCollum (MMc), David P. Muth, B. Mac. Myers, Brian Monk, Charles Mills, Mike Mlodinow, Joe Neal, Kenny Nichols, LaDonna Nichols, He- len & Max Parker (Arkansas), Wayne Pat- terson, Dave Patton, W Robert Peoples, Ja- nine Perlman, Gary Pontiff, R. Dan Purrington, J. Van Remsen, Allen Stickley, Marion Schiefer, Terence Schiefer (Missis- sippi), Don Simmons, Scott Somershoe, Curt C. Sorrells, Phil Stouffer, Brian Specht, Dan Twedt, Chrys Vildibill, Ed Wallace, Phillip A. Wallace, Louise Watson (LoW), Ralph Wat- son, Laura West, Katherine White. I received more reports than I had room to include, and 1 would like to thank those observers I could not cite specifically. O 386 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS The new Northern Canada Region is awesome in size, over 3,700,000 km2 (2,330,343 mi2 — four times the size of Alaska), with tremendous ecological diversi- ty: lush lowland boreal forests, vast wetlands, mighty river systems, and desolate High Arc- tic barrens. This is landscape on the grandest | scale, with a population of fewer than 100,000 people. Through these reports, we will try to share what is known of the Region’s bird life in this most remote part of the conti- nent. The advance of spring and associated bird migration was variable across the Re- gion, although a number of record-early mi- grants were recorded. In the Yukon, spring came early and was generally warmer and dri- er than normal. Northwest Territories experi- enced seasonal norms in March and early April but cooler-than-average temperatures in the late April and much of May, with a late spring reported throughout that territory. Abbreviations: A.C.B.S. (Albert Creek Band- ing Station, se. Yukon), Whse. (Whitehorse, Yukon). LOONS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS Large numbers of waterbirds awaiting ice break-up, including approximately 300 Pa- cific Loons, were noted on open water leads of the Liard R. and Mackenzie R. at Ft. Simp- son in mid-May (DT). An impressive move- ment of grebes totaling 1507 Homed and 327 Red-necked was recorded at various lakes in the Whitehorse area 7 May (JJ). Nesting by American White Pelicans at j colonies near Ft. Smith was delayed by ice conditions on the Slave R. (MB). A migrant Double-crested Cormorant was noted at the Whse. sewage lagoons 6 May (HG); 2 show- ing wispy white head plumes were seen near ; their nesting site at Jackfish Bay, L. Laberge 10 May (CE). A small incursion of Great Blue Herons in the Whse. area included 3 at Jackfish Bay, L. Laberge 7 May (ph. BD, HG), 2 at M’Clintock Bay 7 May (JJ), and 6 at Kookatsoon L. 16 May (CD, BS). A flock of 79 Snow Geese, uncommon mi- grants in s. Yukon, was at Carcross 15-18 May (CE, RH, DK). The first Canada Geese at Ft. Simpson were 3 on 7 Apr (HP), with the peak numbers of Greater White-fronted, Snow, and Canada Geese noted about the 2nd weekend of May. Goose numbers peaked during the fol- lowing week in the vicinity of Norman Wells (RPo): on 15 May, one pilot reported thou- sands of swans, geese, and ducks along the Mackenzie R. in the stretch from Grand View to Little Chicago — more waterfowl than on any other reach of the river (GT). Swan mi- gration peaked at M’Clintock Bay, s. Yukon on 21 Apr with a total count of 1854 swans, in- cluding 734 Trumpeters and 1060 Tundras (JJ). A male Common (Eurasian Green- winged) Teal, rare in s. Yukon, was at M’Clin- tock Bay 5 May (CE, BD, HG). — — ' VOLUME 58 (2004) Bald Eagles were seen as far n. as Tulita 6 Apr (T. Conkell) and Inuvik on the Easter weekend ( fide A. Fehr). An imm. Peregrine Falcon was in hot pursuit of shorebirds at Judas Cr., Marsh L. 20 May (CE). Willow Ptarmigan numbers remained very low this winter and spring in the Deh Cho region (DT), although Sahtu populations seem to be starting to increase; Norman Wells’s win- ter flocks departed in early Apr (RPo). The Sandhill Crane migration along the Tintina Trench through the Yukon is one of North America’s great avian spectacles; observers at Faro noted the first flock on 23 Apr (KR), with many thousands of cranes passing overhead at least through 10 May (KR), in- cluding a total of 23,000 counted 8-9 May (JJ)- Aerial surveys for nesting Whooping Cranes in Wood Buffalo N.P. were hindered by unseasonably late snow patches on the breeding grounds this year, and nest initia- tion appeared to be delayed (MB). North winds and rain produced an im- pressive fallout of shorebirds at Ft. Simpson 26-29 May; highlights included an estimat- ed 250 American Golden-Plovers, high numbers of Hudsonian Godwits and Short- billed Dowitchers, and a single Red Knot, which is rare in the area (DT et al.). Two males and a female Wilson’s Phalarope, rare in the Northwest Territories, were e. of Checkpoint at km 381, Mackenzie Hwy. 16-17 May (TH, GK). In the Yukon, Pacific Golden-Plover is now being recorded annu- ally in low numbers; a breeding-plumaged Cameron D. Eckert 1402 Elm Street Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Y1 A 4B6 (cdeckert@yknet.yk.ca) male was at Horse Cr., L. Laberge 10 May (CE), and a female was there 18 May (CE). In s. Yukon, shorebird migration peaked during the 3rd week in May: a flock of 500 Pectoral Sandpipers was at Nares L., Car- cross 17 May (CE), and 450 Long-billed Dowitchers were noted at Lewes Marsh and M’Clintock Bay 20 May (CE). Rare shore- birds in the Whse. area included a Stilt Sand- piper at M’Clintock Bay 22 May (CE, HG, PS) and a White-rumped Sandpiper at Judas Cr. 29 May (HG). GULLS THROUGH FINCHES Rare gulls included 2 Franklin’s Gulls at Ft. Simpson 16 May (DT), an ad. Ring-billed Gull at Marsh L., s. Yukon 20-21 May (CE), an ad. Glaucous-winged Gull in Whse. 8-10 May (CE), and a first-year Glaucous-winged Gull at Judas Cr. 26 May (CE, Y.B.C.). Her- ring Gull migration peaked at M’Clintock Bay on 23-25 Apr, with daily counts of 800 (JJ); about 1000 were present at the Whse. landfill 3-8 May (CE). The Yukon’s only established Rock Pigeon population appears set to wink out; fewer NUMBER 3 387 than 4 now survive in downtown Whse. (LC, CE, HG). Reports of rare owls included a Northern Saw-whet Owl, the Yukon’s 3rd, along the Kusawa L. Rd., sw. Yukon 15 Apr (BD, HG), a Barred Owl at Ft. Simpson 21 Apr (DT), and a Long-eared Owl at Ft. Simp- ish in early Mar but subsequently disap- peared (AS); it returned on 30 Mar and was closely studied (ph. CE, HG), and careful measurements of its footprints exactly match measurements of Northwestern Crow tracks from nearby Skagway, Alaska, and were obviously smaller than American Crow tracks measured at Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park in nw. British Columbia (CE). Single distant crows were seen at M’Clintock Bay 7 May (JJ) and Carcross 17 May (CE, RH). A Steller’s Jay, rare in the Yukon, was at Car- cross 27 Apr (RH). Tree and Cliff Swallows were considered to be in lower numbers and later arriving than usual at Norman Wells (DW). Likewise in the Yukon, many ob- servers commented on a general lack of Tree Swallows. Inclement weather produced a fallout of up to 1500 Violet-green Swallows at McIntyre Cr., Whse. 8 May (CE). A rela- tively strong flight of migrant Mountain Bluebirds through Ft. Simpson area was re- ported during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of Apr (SC, KD, RPi, BB, CB, DT). Gray-cheeked Thrush is a stealth migrant in s. Yukon; 2 were singing at Porter Cr., Whse. 21-22 May (CE, PS), and an impressive 15 were banded at A.C.B.S. at Upper Liard in the last week of May (TMK). Two European Starlings were noted in Ft. Simpson 28 May (DT). Single Western Tan- agers were banded at A.C.B.S. 25 & 29 May (TMK). The season’s first American Red- start was noted at A.C.B.S. 29 May (TMK). A sudden chill and snow produced a dra- matic fallout of American Tree, Fox, and White-crowned Sparrows, as well as Dark- eyed Juncos at A.C.B.S. 4-8 May (TMK). Single Vesper Sparrows, uncommon in the Northwest Territories, were reported sw. of Checkpoint 18 May (TH, GK) and at Ft. Simpson 25-29 May (DT). A White-crowned Sparrow nest with 3 newly hatched young and one egg at Dawson 31 May (DC) was in- dicative of an early breeding season there. Two early Lapland Long- spurs were at Ft. Simpson 3 Apr (DT), and during the late-May fall- out in the area, longspurs were abundant for several days (m.ob.). Reports of migrant Smith’s Long- spurs included a female at Faro, cen. Yukon 20-21 Apr (KR), and singles, both males, at Ft. Simpson 26 & 28 May (DT). A Yellow-headed Blackbird was observed in Ft. Simpson 24-28 May, with a 2nd individual noted on 28 May (DT, HP). Unusually high numbers of migrant Gray- crowned Rosy-Finches, including both coastal and interior races, were seen across s. Yukon from 30 Mar into Apr; reports included 3 coastal birds on the Tagish Rd. 30 Mar (CE, HG), one coastal bird at Destruction Bay 3 Apr (MF), 3 (2 interior, one coastal) at Watson Lake 2-3 Apr (JS, TMK), 50 coastal birds at Morley Bay, Teslin L. 13 Apr (CA, DH), up to 3 at Whse. 13-15 Apr (B & BS), and up to 100 at M’Clintock Bay in mid-Apr (DP). A singing Purple Finch at Ft. Smith 11 Mar (MB) was the earliest on record for the Region. Although most winter redpoll flocks had departed by early Apr, for a few days in late May Common Redpolls were the most abundant bird seen in Ft. Simpson, with hundreds foraging on the ground during the rain (DT). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): Carolyn Allen, Ken Anderson, Marilyn Aston, Chuck & Byron Blyth, Mark Bradley, Damon Calderwood, Linda Cameron, Steve Catto, Turk Conkell, Ken Davidge, Carolyn Diamed, Boris Dobrowolsky, Cameron Eck- ert, Alan Fehr, Marsha Flumerfelt, Fred Frey- tag, Helmut Griinberg (Yukon), Rick Halla- day, Todd Heakes, Scott Herron, Dave Hett, Jukka Jantunen, Dan Kemble, Greg Kubica, Ted Murphy-Kelly Heather Passmore, Doug Phillips, Roger Pilling, Richard Popko, Kerry Rees, Bill Sinclair, Pam Sinclair, Jenny Skel- ton, Art Smith, Don Smith, Barb & Bob Stud- ds, Doug Tate (Northwest Territories), Guy Thibideau, Debbie van de Wetering, David Wilderspin, Yukon Bird Club (Y.B.C.). © Often overlooked on spring migration, in southern Yukon Territory as elsewhere, Gray-cheeked Thrush was detected on several occasions in spring 2004, here at Porter Creek, Whitehorse 21 May. Photograph by Cameron Eckert. son 31 May (DT). Crusty snow conditions may have been the cause of the many Boreal Owls seen out of the woods and near homes across s. Yukon through Mar (m.ob.). Boreal Owls heard on the Ft. Simpson owl survey route in late Apr declined from 8 in 2003 to none in 2004 (DT); the cause of their disap- pearance is not known. An unprecedented influx of Red-breasted Sapsuckers in sw. Yukon yielded singles in downtown Whse. 31 Mar (ph. HG, FF, CE), on the Takhini Hotsprings Rd. 1 Apr (MA), at Cowley Cr. on about 7 Apr (DS), at Mar- shall Cr. 9 Apr (KA), at Valleyview 10 Apr (DVW), and at Shallow Bay 17 Apr (SH). An Olive-sided Flycatcher at Tagish 2 May (HG, Y.B.C.) bettered the Yukon’s earliest date for the species by four days. A Say’s Phoebe at Enterprise on 22 May (DT, HP) was far e. of the mountains. A singing War- bling Vireo at Porter Cr., Whse. 15 May (CE, PS) set a record-early date for the Yukon. A Black-billed Magpie nest at Nor- man Wells 6 May (DW) provided the most northerly breeding record known for that species in the Northwest Territories. The Yukon’s first well-documented North- western Crow was first reported from Tag- H0RTH AMERICAN BIRDS 388 Weather-related events dominated the season, particularly in the eastern part of the Region. March was mild and dry in Alberta but sea- sonable elsewhere, although an unprece- dented amount of rain soaked southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan in late March. Several very early arrivals were noted. Con- ditions deteriorated gradually, and May was one of the wettest and coldest on record in Manitoba, with the north remaining firmly in the grip of winter through the period. Notwithstanding — or perhaps because of — these conditions, there were some outstand- ing rarities and great viewing opportunities. | GREBES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS A Clark’s Grebe at Medicine Hat, AB 1 May was a local first (BF, BV). An American Bit- tern near Chestermere, AB 3 Apr was early (DB). A Little Blue Heron near Brooks 22-25 May provided the 3rd record for Al- berta (PB, m.ob.). A Cattle Egret at Rein- land, MB 21 Apr was very early (fide AE); another was near St. Claude, MB 21 May (AC), and numbers at Whitewater L., MB built up to 30+ by late May (fide DF). In 1 Saskatchewan, singles were noted near Regi- na 8 May (KKo) and at Weyburn 29 May (MB). A Black-crowned Night-Heron at Winnipeg, MB from 25 Mar through at least 6 Apr was record early (RO, RK). Up to 3 White-faced Ibis were at Whitewater L. in late May (m.ob.), while one ad. at Oak Ham- mock Marsh W.M.A., MB 18-24 May was very cooperative (RI, JBr, m.ob.). A Turkey Vulture at Waterton N.R, AB 29 Mar was both early and locally rare (D&TD). White geese largely bypassed se. Manito- ba, but Snow Goose numbers were high in se. Alberta and s. Saskatchewan, as were Ross’s Geese in s. Alberta, with a peak of 28 at Frank L. 3 May (RWo, fide TK). Rare ducks included 2 Eurasian Wigeons in Saskatchewan: one near Gull L. 22 Apr (CBl, FR, LW, fide AH) and a male with an uniden- tified female wigeon in the Qu’Appelle Val- ley, SK 29 Apr (BL). A male Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal, probably a first for the Region, visited Frank L., AB 4 Apr (JB, BD, B&TG), a male Tufted Duck was reported without details near Flin Flon, MB 19 May (fide BS), and a Barrow’s Gold- eneye was seen at Harris Res., SK 24 May (AH). A concentration of 5000 Northern Shovelers at Reed L., SK 4 May was notable (TK), as was a count of 260 Red-breasted Mergansers at Fincastle L., AB 18 Apr (LB). Raptor migration was generally lacklus- ter, but 6 Golden Eagles at St. Adolphe, MB 12-31 Mar were above average (m.ob ), as were 8 Prairie Falcons in Saskatchewan 18 Mar-23 May (m.ob.). Likewise, shorebird numbers were low in s. Manitoba and s. Saskatchewan, with the exception of 193 Hudsonian Godwits at Thunder Creek Marsh 23 Apr (BL), 600+ Pectoral Sand- pipers in the Qu’Appelle Valley 8 May (BL), and 800+ Wilson’s Phalaropes at Nickle L. 10 May (CB, MB), all in Saskatchewan. Whimbrels peaked near Taber, AB 10 May at 500+ , an exceptional number for the Re- gion (LB). GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Rare gulls were prominent, highlighted by several outstanding records from Inglewood Rudolf F. Roes | 135 Rossmere Crescent Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K0G1 (rkoes@merlin.mb.ca) Peter Taylor P.O. Box 597 Pinawa, Manitoba R0E1L0 (taylorp@granite,mb.ca) Bird Sanctuary, Calgary, AB: a first-summer Iceland Gull 6-11 May (BSt, PR et ah), a first-summer Lesser Black-backed Gull 24 Apr-14 May (TK, RWo, ph.), and an ad. Slaty-backed Gull, Alberta’s 2nd, 13-18 Apr (BSt, AS, RB). Elsewhere, 2-3 Glaucous- winged Gulls were in s. Alberta, and a prob- able Glaucous-winged was near Regina 27 Apr (BL, JC); a suspected Glaucous-winged Gull x Western Gull hybrid was at the Shep- ard landfill, Calgary 26-27 Mar (TK, m.ob.); up to 2 probable Great Black-backed Gulls were at Winnipeg 18 (LC) & 19 Apr (RSt); and a Sabine’s Gull was seen at Cold Lake PE, AB 22 May (GN, PR, RT). Eurasian Collared-Dove reports came from Mortlach, SK, where 3+ were present 6-24 Apr and nesting was noted (MF, BL), Nanton, AB, where two pairs wintered and A massive snowstorm dumped up to a meter of snow across se. Saskatchewan and s. Manitoba 11-12 May. Jt Birds were seen taking refuge in barns and garages, under verandas, in nest boxes and at the bases of trees and houses — by the hundreds. Temperatures remained near freezing for the next several days, and as the snow slow- ly melted, the widespread mortality became evident. Dead birds were everywhere, including on roads and highways, where they had thronged on bare patches and had been too sluggish to avoid vehicles. Species as large as Mourning Doves, Northern Flickers, and American Robins were common victims, but particularly swallows, bluebirds, Yellow- rumped Warblers, and Savannah Sparrows seemed hardest hit. It stayed cold and wet for the remainder of May, and mortality continued. Flocks of Tennessee Warblers gathered like House Sparrows in Regina gutters. One feeder at Gull lake, MB attracted 32+ Cape May Warblers (EW), while numerous feeder operators reported 10 or more Baltimore Orioles. Many observers mentioned that the woods and fields were eerily quiet in late May and early Jun. Breeding Bird Surveys may reveal the extent of the damage. VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 389 This Northern Hawk Owl at a Winnipeg, Manitoba park 13 May 2004 was both late and out of range. Photograph by Christian Artuso. nesting commenced mid-May (fide MH), Calgary 23 May (GY, rn.ob.), and the Chestermere area 29 May (D&LF). As last year, a “Ringed Turtle-Dove” frequented a Brandon Hills, MB feeder 4-18 May (RW). A Northern Hawk Owl at Winnipeg 13 May was out of range (ph. CA), as was a Great Gray Owl at Oak Hammock Marsh W.M.A. Manitoba's sixth record of Brambling was provided by this female at Winnipeg 7-8 May 2004 (here 7 May). Like all Manitoba Bramblings before it, this one was at a feeder. Photograph by Christian Artuso. 1 Apr (TG, MK). Lone Red-bellied Wood- peckers were noted at Winnipeg 8 May (T&RU) and at Kleefeld, MB 20 May (T&EW). PASSERINES A Says Phoebe at Douglas Marsh, MB 28 Mar was exceptionally early (CBr), and an- other at Grant’s L., MB 10 May was well out of range (KG). A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen at Kinbrook Island PR, AB 30 May (YA), and another was near Chatfield, MB 18 May (JM,/ide DD). Vireos were still virtual- ly absent by the end of May. Saskatchewan’s first Plumbeous Vireo sang at Val Marie 21 May (PT, RBi), and another was reported in Regina (date unknown, DN, fide TH). No- table swallow concentrations, all over bodies of water, were 3000 mostly Cliff and Tree Swallows at Chestermere L., AB 22 May, 2500 mainly Tree Swal- lows at Glenmore Res., AB 22 May, a mixed flock of 3000+ at Pine Coulee, AB 23 May (all TK), and 1500+ mostly Tree, Bam, and Bank Swallows at Gull L., MB 20 May (RK). Southern Saskatchewan had 6 Townsend’s Solitaires 21 Mar-21 Apr. A Wood Thrush at Star- buck, MB 16 May was seen by many (CP, rn.ob., ph. CA); with fewer than five records for Alberta, one at Ral- ston 16 May was rarer still (TC, BF, BV). Large, early concentra- tions of American Robins included 200+ at Grosse Isle, MB 27 Mar (KG) and 500+ at Weyburn 3 Apr (MB, CB). At least 6 Northern Mockingbirds were noted in se. Manitoba 7-26 May (rn.ob.). A Golden-winged War- bler observed briefly near Ponoka, AB 15 May (R&AB) was acciden- tal, and another good find was a Black-throated Blue Warbler at Saskatoon, SK 30 May (MW, fide RJ). Western Tanagers made a good showing in Mani- toba, with one at Win- nipeg 12-17 May (D&rJD), a male at Ste. Agathe 21-25 May (KE) and a female there 28 May (ACs, L&AL), and another near Beausejour 27 May (RS). A Spotted Towhee took refuge from the elements at a Medora feed- er 11-12 May (KD), while a feeder at nearby Pierson had 4-5 birds dur- ing the same period (R&MW). A Sa- vannah Sparrow near Calgary 26 Mar was very early (TK), as was an Indigo Bunting at Grosse Isle 8 May (KG). A Northern Cardinal at Edmonton, AB 20 May was far nw. of the species’ usual range (WF). Saskatchewan had its 4th Painted Bunting, a male, at Regi- na 26-29 May (M&AF, ph. GK). A Brambling at a Winnipeg feeder 7-8 May was the 6th for Manitoba (RN, rn.ob., ph. CA). Common Red- polls remained late in the s., with large flocks noted, c.g., 1000+ at Wasagaming, MB 16 Apr (KK). Observers (provincial compilers in bold- face): C. Artuso, Y. Attia, M. Bailey, R. Bar- clay, R. & A. Barrett, L. Bennett, R. Bisson (RBi), C. Bjorklund, J. Black, C. Blenkin (CBl), C. Braden (CBr), D. Brown, J. Brown QBr), P. Bulman, L. Cocks, A. Cormier, A. Courcelles (ACs), T. Cowley, J. Cummings, D. Danyluk, K. DeSmet, D. &J. DeWit, D. & T. Dolman, B. Donnelly, K. Edwards, A. Ens, D. Fast, M. & A. Fines W. Finlay, M. Flack, D. & L. Flynn, B. Frew, K. Gardner, B. & T. Although Wood Thrushes appeared frequently in Manitoba from the late 1 970s through much of the 1 990s, usually in the south in springtime, they have been rarer in the Prairie Provinces during this century. This bird was at Starbuck on 1 6 May 2004. Photograph by Christian Artuso. Goulet, T. Gregg, M. Harrison, A. Hartley, T. Herriot, R. Iverson, R. Johanson, M. Kading, K. Kingdon, R. Koes, T. Korolyk, K. Kozij (KKo), G. Kratzig, L. & A. Layman, B. Luterbach,J. Mailman, D. Nadeau, R. Nero, G. Newton, R. Oberlin, C. Penner, R Rox- borough, E Roy, B. Schmidt, R. Sinnott, A. Slater, R. Staniforth (RSt), B. Storms (BSt), Phil Taylor, R. Thomas, T. & R. Underwood, B. Velner, E. Waller, R. & M. Wang, T. & E. Wiens, R. Will, M. Williams, L. Wooding, R. Worona (RWo), G. Yaki. © This male Painted Bunting at Regina on 29 May 2004 — with Mourning Dove, White- throated Sparrow, and House Sparrows — provided Saskatchewan with its fourth record. All sightings of this species in the province have been recent. Photograph by Greg Kratzig. 390 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Upper Souris NWR , Lake Alice NWR Ron Martin 16900 125th Street SE Sawyer, North Dakota 58781-9284 (jrmartin@ndak.net) March and April were dry, and tem- peratures were slightly above aver- age. The heavy winter snows in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota produced only minimal runoff. Much of western Montana, south- western North Dakota, and western South Dakota continue to suffer drought condi- tions. Species that usually begin arriving in March and the first half of April were gener- ally ahead of schedule and produced many new early records. The progress of migration and the breed- ing season slowed dramatically in May when cool, wet weather dominated the Region. A major snowstonn 11-12 May in the north- ern sections of the Region caused a massive die-off of passerines. Hungry and exhausted birds were everywhere, and mortality was high during this period. Leaves were still breaking out in some areas at the end of May, and vireo and warbler migration was still heavy in early June. Warblers made a strong showing west of their normal migration path, particularly Cape May, Bay-breasted, and Magnolia Warblers. LOONS THROUGH RAILS Accidental in spring in Montana, a Red- throated Loon was in Ft. Peck 27 Mar (p.a., CC). Providing the 2nd and 3rd spring sightings for South Dakota, Pacific Loons were at Pierre 22-26 Apr and 22-26 May (p.a., KM, RDO). Red-necked Grebes were notably early at Freezeout L., MT 2 Apr (MS) and in Ransom , ND 3 Apr (KRC, BS). Casual in w. North Dakota, a Green Heron was in Mandan 25 May (HCT). A White- faced Ibis in Cass, ND 3 Apr eclipsed the previous early date for the state by 11 days (DR, KRC). Now seen annually in North Dakota, 2 Trumpeter Swans were in Sioux 1 Apr (DNS). Eighteen Trumpeters at Benton Lake N.W.R., MT 14 Apr provided the 4th record for the refuge (SM). Furnishing the earliest spring report for North Dakota, 2 American Black Ducks were noted at Tewaukon N.W.R. 12 Mar (MO). The win- tering Harlequin Duck at Pierre, SD re- mained until 29 Mar. A pair of Harlequin Ducks at Ft. Peck, MT 15 May furnished the 3rd local record (LP). Casual in North Dako- ta in spring away from Garrison Dam, a Long-tailed Duck was at Minot 16-19 Apr (REM). A potential 4th record for South Dakota, a Mississippi Kite was in Union 22 May (p.a., JC). A new high count for North Dakota, 61 Bald Eagles were over Grand Forks 29 Mar (EEF). Accidental in w. South Dakota, a Red-shouldered Hawk was at Pierre 16 Apr (p.a., KM). Rough-legged Hawk peaks in- cluded 50 in the 112 km from Malta to Glas- gow, MT 27 Mar (DP) and 116 in Grand Forks , ND 21 Mar (EEF). Accidental in South Dakota, a King Rail was heard 14 May in Lincoln (p.a., JC). In addition to the two locations with wintering Virginia Rails last season in Lawrence, SD, multiple birds were noted at three addition- al marshes on the edge of the Black Hills. Birds were found in Lawrence, Fall River, and Butte, pointing to a probable wintering pop- ulation in those areas (DB, JB). About the 6th report for North Dakota, a Common Moorhen was photographed in Cass 14-18 May (p.a., RHO, ph. KRC). Casual in South Dakota, a Common Moorhen was in Brown 20 May (p.a., BF-W). PLOVERS THROUGH DOVES A Mountain Plover was early 4 Apr in Phillips, MT (Charles M. Russell N.W.R. This Pacific Loon at Pierre 26 May 2004 furnished the third spring report of the species for South Dakota and was one of two noted in the capital area this season. Photograph by Doug Backiund. VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 391 The sixth for North Dakota, this Common Moorhen turned up in Cass County 14-18 May 2004 (here 17 May). Photograph by Keith Corliss. staff). Black-necked Stilts nesting in Brown , SD 27 May provided the 3rd nesting record for the state (p.a., BF-W). Several shorebird species produced new earliest records in the Dakotas. A Lesser Yellowlegs was in Ward, ND 24 Mar (D.L.N.W.R. staff). In South Dakota, a Stilt Sandpiper was noted 2 Apr in Davison (DS). A Long-billed Dowitcher in Burleigh , ND 25 Mar was 18 days earlier than the previous early date (CDE, HCT, REM, ph.). Also early was a Long-billed Dowitcher in Miner , SD 27 Mar (JSP). Pro- ducing new high counts for North Dakota, 3000 Ruddy Turnstones and 1000 Sander- lings were estimated at Devils L. 18 May (WE). The 14th report for Montana, a Buff- breasted Sandpiper was near Malta 11 May (p.a., DB). A potential 4th record for South Dakota, a Laughing Gull was at Pierre 27-28 Mar (p.a., KM, RDO). A Mew Gull 17 Apr in Stutsman , ND would furnish the first spring record for the state (p.a., LD1). About the 10th report for South Dakota, a Lesser Black-backed Gull was in Pierre 9 Apr-13 May (p.a., RDO, KM). Providing the 4th through 7th spring reports for North Dakota, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls noted at Bismarck, Long Lake N.W.R., and Garri- son Dam spanned 25 Mar-22 May (p.a., CDE, HCT, DNS, REM). A White-winged Dove in Fargo 31 May-2 Jun would furnish the 3rd record for North Dakota (p.a., WP, RHO, CMN). Barn Owl re- ports continued to increase. Two were in Pierre, SD 5 May (RDO), and a single was near Great Falls, MT 10 Apr (CDM). In North Dakota, a single was photographed in Kidder 18 Apr (p.a., JK), and another was seen 11 Apr in Wells (p.a., MT). Active Northern Saw-whet Owl nests in the Cave Hills and Slim Buttes provided the first nesting evi- dence for this species in Harding , SD (KM). Only the fourth record for South Dakota, this Laughing Gull was photographed at Pierre 27 March 2004. Photograph by Doug Backlund. Rare in North Dakota east of the Badlands, this Violet-green Swallow was a first for Morton County 30 May 2004. Photograph by Ron Martin. WOODPECKERS THROUGH WARBLERS Accidental away from Westby, a Yellow-bel- lied Sapsucker was in Malta, MT 18 Apr (p.a., DP, TP). Phoebes made an early show- ing in North Dakota, with an Eastern Phoebe in snowy Grand Forks 25 Mar (DOL) and a Say’s Phoebe in McKenzie 2 Apr (]AH). Casual away from the Badlands, a Vi- olet-green Swallow in Mandan 30 May pro- vided a first county record for Morton, ND (p.a., REM). A Rock Wren 6 Apr in Stanley, SD eclipsed the previous early date for the state by 11 days (DB). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7 May at Lone- tree W.M.A., ND furnished the first record for Sheridan (p.a., WE, ph. SE). The latest ever for spring, a Varied Thrush was pho- tographed in Eddy, ND 24 May (WE). The 3rd report for South Dakota, a Brewster’s Warbler was in Aberdeen 11 May (p.a., DAT). West of their usual migration corri- dor, Golden-winged Warblers were in Bow- man, ND 19 May (SJD) and in Meade, SD 27 May. The South Dakota bird was in the same area where one held a territory last year (RP). Continuing the trend of the last two years, large numbers of Magnolia, Cape May, and Bay-breasted Warblers were not- ed. Thirty-eight Magnolias were counted in Fargo, ND 19 May (KRC). Cape May War- bler numbers in North Dakota were un- precedented. Reported nearly statewide, a peak of 21 was noted in McHenry 23 May (REM). A rare migrant in e. South Dakota, Cape Mays were tallied from five e. and cen. counties. Accidental in the west, a single was in Pennington 25 May (TJ). In Montana, an individual was in Ft. Peck 24 May (SJD). Yellow-rumped Warblers peaked at 1500 in Kidder, ND 13 May (DNS). The 9th report for North Dakota, a Townsend’s Warbler was in Fargo 17 May (p.a., CMN). Well e. of typical range in Montana, a Townsend’s was at Ft. Peck 10 May (p.a., CC). Casual in 392 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Another Neotropical migrant casual in North Dakota, this Hooded Warbler was in Fargo 1 June 2004. Photograph by Keith Corliss. This Golden-crowned Sparrow provided the sixth report for North Dakota at New Town 4-7 May 2004 (here 6 May). Photograph by Ron Martin. Contributors (state editors in boldface): MONTANA: D. Bruce Barber, Charles Carl- son, Charles M. Russell N.W.R. staff, John Gerke, Andrew Guttenberg, Paul Hendricks, C. & D. Marlen, Steve Martin, Linda Parpart, Dwain Prellwitz, Thora Prellwitz, Mike Schwitters. NORTH DAKOTA: Keith R. Corliss, Des Lac N.W.R. staff, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Steve Easley, Wayne Easley, Corey D. Ellingson, Terry Elsworth, Eve E. Free- berg, Dave A. Griffiths, John A. Heiser, Ber- nice Houser, Larry D. Igl, Jesse Kolar, David O. Lambeth, Ron E. Martin, Connie M. Norheim, Robert H. O’Connor, Mark Otnes, Wanda Peterson, Dean Reimer, Russ Rytter, Bryon Stotts, Dan N. Svingen, H. Clark Talk- ington, Misty Thorenson, Dennis P. Wiesen- born. SOUTH DAKOTA: Doug Backlund, Jo- celyn Baker, Jay Carlisle, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Bridgette Flanders-Wanner, Kent Jensen, Kenny Miller, Ricky D. Olson, Jeffrey S. Palmer, Randy Podoll, Robb E Schenk, Dave Swanson, Dan A. Tallman. ® Montana, Blackburnian Warblers were not- ed in Ft. Peck 24 May (p.a., CC) and at Medicine L. 28 May (p.a., AG). A Pine War- bler in Union, SD 25 May furnished the lat- est spring report for the state (DS). Report- ed for the 4th consecutive spring, a Yellow-throated Warbler in Sheridan, ND 14-15 May would provide the 6th record for the state (p.a., WE, ph. SE). The 8th re- port for Montana, a Black-throated Gray Warbler was at Bear Canyon in the Pryor Mts. 29 May (p.a., PH). Considerably w. of their usual migratory path, Bay-breasted Warblers peaked at 1 1 in Kenmare, ND 23 May (RR). In Montana, a single was at Ft. Peck 18 May (JG). Casual in South Dakota, Worm-eating Warblers were at Pierre 14 May (KM, RDO, DB) and Brook- ings 15 May (KS). Connecticut Warblers made a strong show- ing in the Dakotas, with 22 individuals re- ported. Casual in the Dakotas, a Hooded This Western Tanager in Grand Forks, North Dakota 27 May Warbler was in Clay, 2004 was SD 24-25 May (JC, DS). The most ever reported in a season in North Dakota, 4 Hooded Warblers spanned 11 May-1 Jun (p.a., DAG, MO, TE, DPW). TANAGERS THROUGH GOLDFINCHES Vagrant Western Tanager reports were higher than usual, with 3 in e. South Dako- ta spanning 14-31 May. Three singles were reported in North Dakota 19-27 May. Early Savannah Sparrows were noted 16 Mar in Minnehaha, SD (RFS) and 30 Mar in Fargo, ND (DPW). A Golden-crowned Sparrow a rarity there. Photograph by Dave Lambeth. photographed in New Town, ND 4-7 May would furnish the 6th record for the state (p.a., BH, ph. REM). The 2nd record for ne. South Dakota, up to 3 Great-tailed Grackles were in Brown 26 Apr-28 May (BF-W). A casual nester in North Dakota, a recently fledged White- winged Crossbill was at Minot 14 May (REM). A potential 7th record for Montana, a Lesser Goldfinch was at Ft. Peck 21 Apr (p.a., CC). A Lesser Goldfinch on a nest in Fall River, SD 23 May provided the long- awaited first nesting record for the state (p.a., KM, RDO). VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 393 Southern Great Plains Joseph A. Grzybowski 715 Elmwood Drive Norman, Oklahoma 73072 (jgrzybowski@ucok.edu) W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57 Tabor, Iowa 51673 (silcock@rosssilcock.com) Weatherwise, the spring in the Southern Great Plains was rather average, excepting that May was generally dry in Oklahoma, and parts of southwestern Nebraska continue to suffer serious drought conditions. In most respects, it was a relatively quiet spring for birding. The drought conditions in Nebraska, while limiting habitat for many waterbirds and some shorebirds, may actually benefit Snowy and Piping Plovers by lowering reservoir levels. Nonetheless, some southern marsh birds and shorebirds, such as Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and Black-necked Stilt, continue to increase in the Region, along with several species of dove and other mostly southern species, which have shown a northward trend in recent years. The Region continues to confront the problem of difficult-to-identify Plegadis ibis, some surely hybrid, one possibly back-crossed. Finally, data on Swainsons Warblers and on potentially breeding Northern Saw-whet Owls in the Region added interest, along with reports of sev- eral rarities. Abbreviations: Cheyenne Bottoms (Cheyenne Bottoms W.M.A., Barton , KS); Hackberry Flat (blackberry Flat W.M.A., Tillman , OK); bbarlan (Harlan Res., NE); Hefner (L. Hefner, Oklahoma , OK); Mc- Conaughy (L. McConaughy, Keith, NE); Rainwater Basin (playa wetlands s.-cen. Nebraska); Red Slough (Red Slough W.M.A., McCurtain , OK); Salt Plains (Salt Plains N.W.R., Alfalfa, OK); Tenkiller (L. Tenkiller, Sequoyah, OK). LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL The only Red- throated Loon report was of one in Scotts Bluff, NE 27-31 May (PEL, JO). Up to 4 Pacific Loons lingered at Tenkiller through 25 Apr (JWA), and one was found grounded in Oklahoma, OK 29 Apr (RL). An excellent tally of 204 Com- mon Loons was made at Tenkiller 9 Apr (JWA). One of 2 wintering Yellow-billed Loons at Tenkiller was still present 2 May (JWA). A Red-necked Grebe in alternate plumage at McConaughy 23 Apr (TJW) was a rare spring find. Rare in e. Okla- homa, a Western Grebe was on Tenkiller 2 May (JWA). Excellent numbers of Clarks Grebe were found in Nebraska, the 48 at McConaughy 14 May (SJD) providing most of the 62 tallied. Rarer eastward, sin- gle Clarks were in Kiowa, KS 13 Apr (JS), Pratt, KS 8 May (L&JQ), and Platte, NE 23 May (DP, JP). Two Neotropic Cormorants in Coffey, KS 4 May (TH) continued an eighteen-month occupancy there (LM); another was in Neosho, KS 4 May (TH), and up to 4 were at Red Slough 31 Mar-4 May (DA, BH). Part of the recent trend in earlier ar- rivals was a Great Egret at Red Slough 1 1 Mar (DA) and a Snowy Egret in Cherokee, OK 20 Mar (D&JV). Three Little Blue Herons were reported in Nebraska 12-31 May (JGJ, LE). Surprising for date and lo- cation was a Tricolored Heron at Hackber- ry Flat 9 Apr (L&MT, MH), with others in Haiyey, KS 8 May (GF, RW) and Shawnee, KS 21 May (DMu). A Green Heron in Dakota, NE 21 Mar (BFH) was also quite early, as was a Yellow-crowned Night- Heron in Tulsa, OK 19 Mar (JL, PS). Glossy Ibis reported from w. parts of the Region were singles at Hackberry Flat 9 & 13 Apr (BH, JSt, L&MT), Quivira 25 Apr+ (DW; joined by another 24 May: PEL, SM, JO, SS, MR), Cimarron, OK 18 May (PEL, SM), and Texas, OK 22 & 25 May (PEL, m.ob.). A possible Glossy Ibis pho- tographed in Fillmore, NE 21-22 May (JGJ, PDu) showed traces of hybrid deri- vation (JWA). This and a reported hybrid in Cimarron, OK 18 May (SM, PEL) high- light a possibly increasing phenomenon in NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 394 Plegadis on the Great Plains (cf. N.A.B. 57: 136-139). Rare eastward, 3 White-faced Ibis were in Sequoyah , OK 23 Apr (SB), and one was in Tulsa, OK 1 May (PM). Getting a jump on summer vagrancy northward was a Roseate Spoonbill at Hackberry Flat 15-30 May (L&MT, m.ob.). A Black Vulture was as far n. and w. as Sedgwick, KS 5 Apr (MHe). Quite a number were the up to 33 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks at Red Slough beginning 27 Apr (DA, BH, MW, RB), but 2 in Sedgwick, KS 15 May (D&FV, m.ob.) were farther n. than expected. Esti- mating the huge numbers of Snow Geese using cen. Nebraska wetlands is difficult: up to 2,000,000 were likely present 3-15 Mar (LR, RH), with 200,000-500,000 in the Rainwater Basin 14 Mar (JGJ). Such large num- bers of Snow Geese beto- ken good counts of Ross’s: 400 were in Lincoln, NE 5 Apr (TJW). Of the 29 Trumpeter Swans report- ed in Kansas, 24 were in Barton 9 Mar (T&BM), the latest 2 in Doniphan 29 Mar (DC) traced, by collar, to the Iowa pro- gram. The only Tundra Swans reported were 2 at Quivira 7 Mar (PJ, KG, GF). Late dabblers at Red Slough were the 2 Gad- wall 31 May (DA, BH) and the American Wigeon 25 May (DA). Reports of male Eurasian Wigeons came only from Nebraska, in Thayer 14 Mar (JGJ) and Fillmore 20 Mar (JS). Now quite sparingly reported are American Black Ducks: this season, a pair was in Russell, KS 17 Apr (MR). Lingering divers included a Can- vasback in Texas, OK 22 May (PEL, SM, JO), a Ring-necked Duck in Woods, OK the same day (SM, JO, PEL), and a female Common Goldeneye at McConaughy 16 May (SJD, TJW). A female Canvasback with 6 young was at the e. edge of the Ne- braska breeding range in Cherry 21 May (JED). Among the few Long-tailed Ducks reported were singles in Blaine, OK 8 Mar (DWe, TU), Harlan, NE 21 Mar (GH, WH, MS), and Fillmore, NE 4-5 Apr (JGJ, BP, LP). Scoter reports were very limited this season, all from Kansas, and included a Surf in Osage 26 Apr (TH) and single White-wingeds in Labette 13 Mar (TH) and Sedgwick 24-31 Mar (LRo, m.ob.). At best a rare breeder along the extreme e. edge of the Region, a Hooded Merganser on a nest at Red Slough 1 Mar (DA) also provided a very early nesting date. KITES THROUGH TERNS Northerly was a Mississippi Kite in John- son, KS 8 May (MG). Only 3 Northern Goshawks were noted: in Pawnee, KS 25 Mar (DS), Clay, NE 28 Mar (PDu), and Richardson, NE 4 Apr (WRS). Rare in the Region’s west was an SY Broad-winged Hawk at McConaughy 15 May (SJD, WRS, KN), while rare at the e. edge of Kansas was a Ferruginous Hawk in Bour- bon 18 Apr (PJ, GF). Peregrine Falcons were reported throughout, including an amazing 5 at McConaughy 13 May (SJD). Both of a pair of banded Peregrines nest- This Pacific Loon was part of a fallout of migrating waterbirds near Lake Hefner, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma on 30 April 2004. Photograph by Tom Sanders. ing in Topeka, KS had fledged in Oma- ha— the male in 1999 and the female in 2002 (DC). Refreshing were good counts of 100+ Greater Prairie-Chickens at six leks in McPherson, NE 16 Apr (TJW) and 100 at several leks in Johnson 2 Apr (TEL). A single Greater Prairie-Chicken in Mays, OK 19 Mar (JH, JM) recalled ear- lier times. The only Yellow Rail detected was found in Kay, OK 19 Apr (DH, TB), while 3 Black Rails in Comanche, KS 5 May (PJ, SS, KB) were the only ones of this species reported. A tardy Sandhill Crane was in Sumner, KS 12 May (MT, GY), and Whooping Crane reports came only from Oklahoma, with 2-3 in Alfalfa 28 Mar-7 Apr (AW) and a surprising 8 at Hackberry Flat 12 Apr (KM). Early were 2 Snowy Plovers at Quivira 13 Mar (MG, AG). Numbers are now in- creasing in Nebraska, possibly a positive consequence of increasingly exposed shorelines at some reservoirs; 7 were at McConaughy 27 May (PEL, JO), with three pairs and a lone male at Harlan 12 May (SJD), and 5 migrants were in the Rainwater Basin (JGJ, PDu, RG, EV). Pip- ing Plover numbers are also up, Mc- Conaughy hosting 103 by 14 May (SJD); 25 migrants were at Cheyenne Bottoms 25 Apr (DW, MG), while 11 were found at Rainwater Basin locations 1-3 May (JGJ). A good tally for recent years was the count of 25 Mountain Plovers in Cimarron, OK 28 Mar (BH, JM); providing one of few Kansas nesting records was an ad. with a young chick about 7 km from Colorado in Morton 17 May (SM, PEL). Black-necked Stilt numbers in Nebraska are increasing; seven pairs plus 3 males were in Sheridan 18 May (SJD), and a pair was nesting in Scotts Bluff 22 May (KD, AK, PEL, JO). And who would have predicted 70 breed- ing stilts at Hackberry Flat a decade ago — this a count there in late May (L&MT, m.ob.). Rarer eastward in Oklahoma, up to 2 were at Red Slough 12-24 May (DA, TS). Tardy was a Solitary Sandpiper in Lincoln 27 May (TJW). About 80 Whitnbrels were reported from the cen. and w. parts of the Region 24 Apr-16 May, most at Mc- Conaughy, where 63 were staging 16 May (SJD). Some 54 Long- billed Curlews graced Cheyenne Bottoms 6 May (HH), a late migration date for such numbers, and 48 were at Hackberry Flat 16 Mar (L&MT); early and late singles were at Hackberry 6 Mar and 29 May (L&MT), respectively. Eastward was a Long-billed Curlew in Hamilton, NE 16 Apr (KDn). A fine Sanderling count for the Region was of 142 at McConaughy 14 May (SJD). Huge numbers of White- rumped Sandpipers were at Cheyenne Bottoms; 40,000 were estimated 23-24 May (PEL, SM, SS, JO), along with an as- tounding 20,000+ Stilt Sandpipers (SS, PEL, SM, JO). The careful count of 2174 Buff-breasted Sandpipers 1-25 May in the Rainwater Basin (JJ) may have detected perhaps 10 per cent of the world popula- tion of the species. Hackberry Flat may be on the w. edge of the narrow migration corridor of Buff-breasted; one was there 12 May (L&MT). Four early Pectoral Sand- pipers arrived at Red Slough 3 Mar (DA, BH), up to 2 very early Stilt Sandpipers VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 395 were at Hackberry Flat 26 Mar-8 Apr (L&MT), and a Dunlin was at Hackberry Flat 6-25 Mar & 9 Apr (L&MT). The shorebird star of the spring was a Ruff at Cheyenne Bottoms 17-21 Apr (BGr, PJ, DW, L&rJQ), only the 6th Kansas record. Good numbers of Short-billed Dowitchers were reported 2-22 May with high counts of 40 in Douglas , NE 4 May (JT) and 28-55 at McConaughy 16-19 May (SJD, TJW). Rare westward was a Short-billed in Texas , OK 22 May (SM, PEL, JO), and rather late was another in Lancaster, NE 29-31 May (LE). Several American Wood- cocks in Antelope, NE 31 Mar (MB) were at the nw. edge of their Regional range. An excellent tally of Red-necked Phalaropes was of 460 in Sheridan, NE 18 May (SJD). Laughing Gulls, rare but regular in the Region, included singles in LeFlore, OK 13 Mar (JW, TM) and Tulsa, OK 16 May (BGd, m.ob.). Rare s. of Nebraska, Cali- fornia Gulls were at Cheyenne Bottoms 13 Mar (MR), Morton, KS 30 Apr (TH), Cimarron, OK 18 May (PEL, SM), and Texas, OK 22-25 May (PEL, rn.ob.). An ad. Herring Gull at McConaughy 13 May (SJD) provided a very late spring date. The only Thayer’s Gull reported was an imm. at Cheyenne Bottoms 13 Mar (MG, AG). Lesser Black-backed Gull, rare but regular in the Region, was detected at Cheyenne Bottoms 21 Mar-2 May (SS, DB, m.ob.) and in Knox, NE 13 Mar (MB). Among the few Glaucous Gulls this winter were lin- gerers in Sarpy, NE 20 Mar (EB) and LeFlore, OK 9 Mar-1 Apr (BH, JM, ES). A Great Black-backed Gull at McConaughy 15-16 May (SJD) provided about the 16th record for Nebraska. Two Caspian Terns in Dodge, NE 17 Apr (JK) were record early for the state, and the 116 in Wagoner, OK 25 Apr (J\VA) made an excellent count. Rare westward were Least Terns in Cimar- ron, OK 18 May (PEL, SM) and Texas, OK 25 May (BH, JSt, JM). Reports continue to accumulate for White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, and the now very-much-established Eurasian Collared-Dove, with only the Inca not yet reaching Nebraska routinely. CUCKOOS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Providing one of few nesting records of Long-eared Owl for Kansas was an obser- vation of 3 young in Morton 15 May (SS). Patient work located 5 calling Northern Saw-whet Owl, 3 in Antelope, NE 31 Mar-7 Apr and 2 in Knox, NE 7 Apr (MB, DHe), with a road-killed juv. 25 May 2002 (MB) strongly suggesting that breeding has indeed occurred here. Early were 4 White- throated Swifts in Scotts Bluff, NE 18 Apr (PD, DD) and a Ruby-throated Humming- bird in McCurtain, OK 26 Mar (BH). Quite unexpected were single Ruby-throateds in Cimarron, OK 18-19 May (PEL, SM) and Lincoln, NE 9-22 May (TJW). A Broad- tailed Hummingbird in Cimarron, OK 11-12 May (JD) furnished the first spring record for the state. A holdover from win- ter was a Rufous Hummingbird in Tulsa, OK through 25 Mar (P&JE). Lewis’s Woodpeckers show up in unexpected places; one was well out onto the plains in Greeley, KS 14 May (SP), and one of the wintering birds in Comanche, OK persisted through 25 Apr (KM, JW, MH). A westerly Eastern Wood-Pewee at Mc- Conaughy 15 May was seen well by sever- al observers (LE, WRS, SJD). The only Yel- low-bellied Flycatchers reported were singles in Richardson, NE 12 May (SJD) and Washington, NE 23 May (WRS). Two Dusky Flycatchers were recorded in Scotts Bluff, NE 17 May (SJD) and Kimball, NE 25-26 May (PEL, JO). Vermilion Fly- catchers maintained their presence in Cimarron, OK, arriving by 27-29 Mar (NS, BH, JSt, JM), with 6 there 18-26 May (PEL, m.ob.); another in Tulsa 30 Apr-14 May (CB, PF, m.ob.) was e. of typical ar- eas. An early Say’s Phoebe in Russell, KS 1-6 Mar survived on cooked hamburger (JPi). A few drifting Ash-throated Fly- catchers were in Blaine, OK 5 May (JAG), Ford, KS 15 May (DSe, GP), and Morton, KS 18 May (SM, PEL). Western Kingbirds appeared very early in Cowley, KS ( MT) and Sumner, KS (DL) 2 Apr, with one making it to Buffalo, NE 3 Apr (KD). VIRE0S THROUGH WARBLERS Early vireos in Tulsa , OK were single White-eyeds 27 (BC) & 29 (TM) Mar, a Bell’s 2 Apr (JC), and 2 Warblings 4 Apr (JL). Also indicating early arrival were the 1 1 Black-capped Vireos in Comanche, OK 17 Apr (JAG). Several Plumbeous Vireos were reported, 5 in w. Nebraska 15-27 May (B&DW SJD, AK, PEL, JO) and one in Morton, KS 18 May (PEL, SM). Among the meager numbers of Philadelphia Vireo were one in Tulsa 1 May (JL), with 4 in e. Nebraska 29 Apr-12 May (JJ, CNK, MB, SJD). A Western Scrub-Jay in Morton, KS 1 May (TH) was not unexpected there. A record-early Violet-green Swallow was in Scotts Bluff, NE 23 Apr ( fide AK), with one in Morton, KS 16 May (SP, TC, HA, CA) pushing the e. edge of the species’ migra- tory corridor. With normal arrivals a decade ago more typically 1 Apr, the 6 Cliff Swallows in Tulsa, OK (JL, PS) 9 Mar were clearly early. An ad. Cave Swallow grounded by cold weather at Mc- Conaughy 13 May (SJD) provided the 5th Nebraska record. Barn Swallows were present at Red Slough by 1 & 3 Mar (DA, BH) and in Tulsa 5 Mar (BC). Two White-breasted Nuthatches clean- ing out a nesting hole in Scotts Bluff, NE 28 Apr & 8 May (AK) were probably repre- sentatives of cookei, the e. subspecies cur- rently expanding westward along the This Glossy Ibis found at Hackberry Flats Wildlife Management Area, Tillman County, Oklahoma IB April 2004 was one of an increasing number of Glossies appearing in the Southern Great Plains region during early spring rather than summer. Photograph by Berlin Heck. 396 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS North Platte Valley. Far e. was a Rock Wren in McIntosh , OK 21 Mar (NV). Unusual in midwinter was a Sedge Wren in Tulsa , OK 10 Feb (BGy, LC), a belated report. Veeries were reported from e. Oklahoma 26 Apr-17 May (DA, JL, BG) and w. Nebraska 12-26 May (TJW, SJD, PEL, JO); multiple subspecies are transient in the Region. A Wood Thrush in Sarpy, NE 23 Apr (CNK) tied the early date for Nebraska, and one in Morton, KS 15 May (MP) was unusually far west. The Curve -billed Thrasher present in Sioux, NE since 20 Oct 2002 continued its unusual behavior patterns, this season feeding a brood of Common Grackle nestlings 27 May (PEL, JO). Also extralim- ital was a Curve-billed in Greeley, KS 13 May (SP). A record-late American Pipit was in Brown, NE 31 May (LR, RH). Westerly Blue-winged Warblers includ- ed a male at McConaughy (KP, SJD, m.ob.), and another at (almost treeless) Hackberry Flat (L&MT), both 15 May. Other Blue-wingeds were one in Douglas, KS 28 Apr (BA), with up to 2 at a regular breeding location in Delaware, OK 22 Apr-13 May (BH, BG, MD). Rare any- where in the Region, Golden-winged War- blers were reported in Douglas, KS 2 May (AP), Washington, OK 14 May (BG), Leav- enworth, KS 15 May (DW), and Lancaster, NE 18 May (TEL). Westerly Northern Parulas were at McConaughy 15 May (SJD, m.ob.) and Cimarron, OK 22 May (PEL, SM, JO), while the 8 in McCurtain, OK 18 Mar (JAG) were rather early. Also westerly were Chestnut-sided Warblers in Morrill, NE 7 May (SJD) and Kimball, NE 17 May (LE), while one was rather late 30 May in McCurtain, OK (MRe). Rare but more expected were Magnolia Warblers in Morton, KS 18 & 22 May (PEL, SM, JO). Rare in the Region, a remarkable 5 Cape May Warblers were reported: 4 were in the e. half of Kansas 14-19 May (DG, JMa, MR, GS, JSc) and the other far nw. in Sheridan, NE 18 May (SJD). As remark- able were 5 Black-throated Blue Warblers reported Region-wide 1-28 May (JH, LH, BA, JO, PEL, CNK). Other warblers w. of usual included a male Blackburnian Warbler in Sheridan, NE 18 May (SJD), a Palm Warbler at Mc- Conaughy 15 May (SJD), single Bay- breasted Warblers at McConaughy 16 May (JT), in Brown, NE 18 May (NP), and in Cuming, NE 10 May (DP, JP), single Black- poll Warblers in Morton, KS 18 May (PEL, SM) and in Cimarron, OK 19 May (SM, PEL), a Kentucky Warbler at Mc- Conaughy 15 May (SJD, m.ob.), and a male Mourning Warbler in Keith, NE 27 May (PEL, JO). Encouraging reports of the very spottily distributed Cerulean Warblers were the 6 reported in se. Ne- braska (WRS, m.ob.). Unexpected in sw. Oklahoma was a Prothonotary Warbler in Comanche 1 May (SMe, KM), while anoth- er in Tulsa, OK 3 Apr (TM) was early. A lit- tle out of range were Worm-eating War- blers in Douglas, KS 1 May (BA), and Pratt, KS 8 May (L&JQ). A rather amazing tally for a species rare in Oklahoma was the 47 Swainson’s Warblers banded at Lit- tle River N.W.R., McCurtain, OK 10 Apr-30 May (MRe), with 2 noted at Red Slough 27 Apr (DA, BH). Certainly a “zootie” was the only Connecticut War- bler reported, in Lancaster, NE 22 May (LE). Hooded Warblers were conspicuous this spring, with no fewer than 7 in Ne- braska, 2 of those in the Panhandle ( fide WRS), and 3 in Kansas (fide LM), includ- ing one in Morton 24 Apr (SP). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES A wintering Summer Tanager in McCur- tain, OK was still present 9 Mar-2 Apr (BH). Westerly was a Summer Tanager in Morton, KS 18 May (PEL, SM), as were others in Arthur, NE 16 May (NB) and Custer, NE 25 May ( fide LR, RH). Adding to the early arrivals was a Scarlet Tanager in Tulsa, OK 31 Mar (JF). Easterly was a Western Tanager in Ellsworth, KS 17 May (MR). A Rufous-crowned Sparrow in Mayes, OK 13 & 17 Mar (JM, JDe) was maintaining the e. finger of its range in Oklahoma. An observation of 2 ad. Ru- fous-crowned Sparrows feeding young in Comanche, KS 6 May was welcome (PJ, SS, KB). Persistence paid off in Knox, NE, where extensive effort located a single singing Baird’s Sparrow 18 May (MB). Two Fox Sparrows in Tulsa, OK 13 Apr (BGy) were tardy, as was a Dark-eyed Jun- co in Riley, KS 17 May (TC). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are becoming more conspicuous in the w. sections of the Region, with 7 found in the Nebraska Pan- handle, the earliest 21 Apr in Scotts Bluff (PD, DD), one in Morton, KS 18 May (PEL), and 3 in Cimarron, OK 19-22 May (PEL, SM, JO). Lazuli Buntings e. of typi- cal areas included singles in Osage, OK 26 Apr (BG) and Tulsa, OK 12 May (LI), the easternmost for the Region. Two Bobolinks in Tulsa, OK 24 Apr (JL) were rather early, but 2 in Lancaster, NE the same day (LE) tied the earliest Nebraska date. Five Purple Finches remained as far s. as McCurtain, OK 20 Mar (BH). Few Red Crossbills appeared; the only signifi- cant group was the 40 in Scotts Bluff, NE 17-29 May (LE, AK). Only 2 White- winged Crossbills were found, those in Madison, NE 12 Mar (MB). Few Common Redpolls remained into the spring period, although Nebraska singles were still in Scotts Bluff 4-19 Mar (PD, DD) and Madi- RN GREAT PL A' son 12 Mar (MB). Lesser Goldfinches, un- usual away from Oklahoma, included a fe- male in Finney, KS 25 Apr (T&SS), a green-backed bird in Finney, KS 22 May (MR), and a black-backed male in Scotts Bluff, NE 23-24 May (J Cl) ; a single was also in Kimball, NE 27 May (PEL, JO). Cited observers (area editors in boldface): NEBRASKA: Elliott Bedows, Norma Brockmoller, Mark Brogie, Donna Chance, Jamalee Clark (JC1), Kathy DeLara, Kenny Dinan (KDn), Stephen J. Dinsmore, Dean Drawbaugh, Phyllis Drawbaugh, James E. Ducey, Paul Dunbar (PDu), Larry Eine- mann, Ruth Green, Robin Harding, Dave Heidt (DHe), Glen Hoge, Wanda Hoge, Bill F Huser, Jan Johnson, Joel G. Jor- gensen, Alice Kenitz, Clem N. Klaphake, Josef Kren, Tom E. Labedz, Paul E. Lehman, Kay Niyo, Jerry Oldenettel, Babs Padelford, Loren Padelford, Don Paseka, Jan Paseka, Kevin Poague, Neva Pruess, Lanny Randolph, W. Ross Silcock, Jon Strong, Mark Suomala, Jerry Toll, Eric Volden, Bruce & Donna Walgren, T.J. Walker. KANSAS: Charles Anderson, Bob Antonio, Henry Armknecht, Ken Brunson, Dave Bryan, Ted Cable, Donna Chance, Greg Friesen, Matt Gearheart, Dan Gish, Alan Godwin, Bob Gress (BGr), Kevin Groeneweg, Helen Hands, Mike Heaney (MHe), Leon Hicks, Tyler Hicks, Pete Janzen, Dorothy Lambert, Paul E. Lehman, Jim Malcolm (JMa), Tom and Bil- lie McDavit, Steven Mlodinow, Lloyd Moore, Dan Mulhern (DMu), Jerry Old- enettel, Michael Patten, Sebastian Patti, Jim Piland (JPi), Galen Pittman, Alexis Powell, Lee & Jane Queal, Mike Rader, Lewis Rogers (LRo), Greg Schrott, John Schukman (JSc), David Seibel (DSe), Di- ane Seltman, Scott Seltman, Tom & Sara Shane (T&SS), Jon Strong, Max Thomp- son, Don & Fran Vannoy, Rod Wedel, Dave Williams, Gene Young. OKLA- HOMA: Dave Arbour, James W. Arter- burn, Robert Bastarache, Sandy Berger, Tricia Brown, Cyndie Browning, Bill Car- rell, L. Clark, Jane Crampton.Jim Denting (JDe), John Dole, Melinda Droege, Paul & Jean Eads, John Fisher, Phil Floyd, Bonnie Gall, Bob Gard (BGcl), Bob Germany (BGy), Joseph A. Grzybowski, Jim Har- man, Dena Hartzell, Berlin Heck, Michael Husak, Les Imboden, Rhondt Large, Paul E. Lehman, Jo Loyd, Tomye Manier, Jeri McMahon, Kurt Meisenzahl, Sharon Meisenzahl (SMe), Terry Mitchell, Steven Mlodinow, Pam Moser, Mia Revels (MRe), Pat Seibert, Nancy States, John Sterling (JSt), Elsie Stubbs, L & M Truex, T. Un- derhill, Don & Joyce Varner, Nancy Vick- ers, Dora Webb (DWe), Mel White, Ann Wilber, Jimmy Woodard. GLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 397 Texas Can« giver • Amarillo i Buffalo Lake N.W.R. iMuleshoe N.W.R. Mark W. Lockwood 402 East Harriet Avenue Alpine, Texas 79830 (mark.lockwood@tpwd.state.tx.us) Spring migration was described as “spectacular” in the Lower Rio Grande Valley by seasoned observer John Arvin, with numerous fallouts mak- ing for birding unlike he had seen in recent decades. Many observers in the eastern third of the state and in north-central Texas commented on the quality and quantity of migrants seen during the season, although the migration “calendar” seemed to be shifted back about 5-10 days for many in- land locations. For most of the western half of the state, the spring season was rather lackluster, with very little eastern compo- nent to the migration. However, in the Pan- handle, an exceptional selection of war- blers included 14 primarily eastern species. Much of this can be tied to weather pat- terns, of course, with heavy and frequent rains grounding migrants in the eastern half of the state, along the coast, and in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. As is often the case in spring, there were several exceptional rarities discov- ered, including an enticing pair on the Upper Coast at Texas City: a subadult Great White Heron and a Greater (Caribbean) Flamingo. These competed with the cavalcade of rare gulls that took up residence at the landfill at Corpus Christi and with the first U.S. record of Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, which in turn complemented a nice assortment of other Mexican strays. Perhaps the most intriguing find of the season was a snipe in Fort Worth that showed some charac- teristics of a Common Snipe, the Eurasian species recently split from Wilsons Snipe of North America. Abbreviations: T.B.R.C. (Texas B.R.C.); U.T.C. (Upper Texas Coast). The following are shortened names for the respective lo- cal, county, state, or national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.: Anahuac, Balcones Canyon- lands, Bentsen, Big Bend, Big Bend Ranch, Buffalo Lake, Caprock Canyons, San Bernard, Santa Ana, Sea Rim, and South Llano River. LOONS THROUGH FLAMINGO Three Red-throated Loons at Benbrook L., Tarrant 20 Mar (ph. MR) were a rare sight. Unprecedented for the Hill Country was the group of up to 5 basic-plumaged Pacif- ic Loons present at L. Buchanan, Llano 1 Mar-25 Apr (ph., tTFe); lingering singles were at L. Texoma, Grayson 11 Apr (RR) and Matagorda Bay, Calhoun 20 May (BFr). A count of 64 Common Loons at Lake O’ the Pines, Marion 16 Mar (TFe) was im- pressive, while another lingered until 15 May (GE) in Bell. A first for Brazos was a pair of Least Grebes discovered in late May (FS, AK; ph.). The Red-necked Grebe re- ported in the fall at Kurth L., Angelina re- mained until 4 Mar (fide DWo). Closer in- spection of L. Buchanan in recent winters has shown a healthy population of winter- ing Aechmophorus grebes; a high count of 23 was made 8 Mar (TFe). A Clarks Grebe was watched at length on a small pond in Amarillo, Randall 5 May (KS). A pelagic trip off South Padre I., Cameron 21 May netted one Audubon’s Shearwater, one Band-rumped Storm-Pe- trel, along with 2 unidentified storm-pe- trels and 4 Masked Boobies (BMc, JA et al.). Rarely reported from the Panhandle in recent years, 2 American Bitterns were heard “pumping” at the Gene Howe W.M.A., Hemphill 31 Mar (DCh, JEl). An imm. Great White Heron was at Texas City, Galveston 23 May+ (GP, t m.ob.), repre- senting only the 3rd individual of this sub- species to be documented in Texas, al- though there have been a number of reports dating back to the 1930s. West- ward-wandering Little Blue Herons includ- ed one at Rio Grande Village, Brewster 1 Apr (m.ob) and 2 subads. in Amarillo, Ran- dall 12 May (KS). Tricolored Herons of note included one wandering inland to Richland Creek W.M.A., Freestone on the early date of 4 Apr (PB), another in El Paso 8 May-i- (JKi), and a record-late bird at White Rock L., Dallas 16 May (KC, MM). Two Reddish Egrets were along Onion Cr. at McKinney Falls S.P., Travis 29 May (DaS, BMe). Casual in spring in ne. Texas, a White Ibis was noted in Dallas 31 Mar (MFo). Small numbers of Glossy Ibis at Anahuac, Chambers through the period suggested possible nesting (DSa). Glossy Ibis in more unexpected locations included singles at Laguna Atascosa, Cameron 3-9 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 398 ;f a The Corpus Christ landfill, Nueces continued to be home to a spectacular assortment of gulls. It is difficult to de- 3/itermine which of the many candidates would head the list of rarities present during the season! Certainly among the candidates was a second-winter Hack-tailed Gull seen only 6 Mar (tWS, tB&JR) and representing the 2nd record for the state. Among the other one-day 'wonders were 2 separate ad. Herring Gulls that showed the character- istics of the Asian subspecies vegae, one there 4 Mar (ph., tMR) and the other 10 Apr (ph., tWS). The apparent Yel- low-legged Gull present during the winter remained until IS Apr (tWS, MR, m.ob.); it was joined by another bird that showed structural and plumage characters of a Yelow-legged Gull of the mainland w. European taxon michahel!is4 Mar (tWS, tMR)! The Western Gull x Glaucous-winged Gull discovered there during the winter was last reported 9 Apr (WS). Continuing the excellent showing of Thayer's Gulls during the winter were 3 here, including a fourth-winter bird 4 Mar-9 Apr (tPH, tWS, m.ob.}, a second-winter 4-24 Mar (MR, tWS, m.ob.) and a first-winter 22 Apr (tMRet). A first-summer California Gull present 9 Apr was also exceptional here (B&JR, WS). | Apr (DR, ph.), near Los Fresnos, Cameron 4 May (AE, ph.), and at Toyah L., Reeves 9 | May (DSa). It seems Wood Storks arrive “early” each year, and this spring was no | exception: “a few” were at Bacliff, Galve- \ ston 4 Apr ( fide WB) and at Matagorda Bay, I Matagorda 12 May (BFr), 2 were at Brazo- | ria 20 May (JWi), 95 were along the Trini- I ty R., Liberty 25 May (DWo, JF), and 170 j were seen overhead at Richland Creek > W.M.A., Freestone the following day (CSh). Causing quite a stir was a subad. Greater (Caribbean) Flamingo at the Texas City 1 dike, Galveston 20-31 May (tMAu, DwP, m.ob.). This cooperative bird was viewed and photographed by hundreds, including local television and newspaper reporters, !and represents just the 5th record for the state. Care was taken to rule out the Eurasian taxon ( roseus ), which has been photographed free-flying in Texas as re- cently as Jan 1998 (an escapee) and which ( is now split by most authorities from j: American ruber. WATERFOWL THROUGH FALCONS : Lingering geese included a Greater White- fronted at Brazoria until 17 Apr (TC), a Snow at Presidio, Presidio 20 Apr (ML), and a Ross’s at Fort Worth, Tarrant 3 May | (DF). A male Eurasian Wigeon was at L. j Rita Blanca, Hartley 23 Apr (tRMa). Cin- j namon Teal were found on three occasions in n.-cen. Texas, where the species is a very rare migrant. A late-departing Can- vasback tarried on Meadow L., Williamson j 8-23 May (TFe). Two Surf Scoters and 3 j Long-tailed Ducks were at Red Bluff L., j Reeves/Loving 7 Mar (SD), the latter re- | maining through 19 Mar (HL). The Long- | tailed Duck in Amarillo, Potter , first re- ported in the fall, remained until 21 May (m.ob.). A very high count of 136 Com- j mon Goldeneyes was made at Red Bluff L. 7 Mar (SD), and a female of this species was at Imperial Res., Pecos on the late date of 6 May (EC). A count of 35 Hooded Mergansers at San Bernard, Brazoria was a good number for the coast (RWe). A high count of 98 Red-breasted Mergansers was made at L. Buchanan, Llano 13 Mar (TFe). A Swallow- tailed Kite at Buffalo Springs L., Lubbock 20 Apr QHe, jj0) provided a first spring record for nw. Texas. A Cooper’s Hawk in Palo Duro Canyon S.E, Randall 21 May (KS) was intriguingiy late. Of greater interest was a nesting attempt by Cooper’s Hawks at White Rock L., Dallas (KC, CR); although no fledglings were observed, this marked a county first. A Red-shouldered Hawk on a nest near Dickens, Dickens 8 May (B&rSRa) represents a very rare nest- ing record for the South Plains region. Sin- gle Broad-winged Hawks, always notewor- thy in the Trans-Pecos, were spotted in the Davis Mts., Jeff Davis 14 Apr (CEd, JGe) and near Esperanza, Hudspeth 24 May (BU), the latter a county first. Excitement was generated this season when a male Short-tailed Hawk present at Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Cameron 31 Mar-27 May (tCBe, RWh ph., m.ob.) was found to be paired with a female Swainson’s Hawk. The pair engaged in copulation and nest-building, but the nest tree blew down during a strong storm in late May. A dark-morph Short- tailed Hawk was at Bentsen, Hidalgo 6-9 Apr (TJA). A Zone-tailed Hawk in Walker 6 May (TDPa) was the 3rd reported from this East Texas county. Two Crested Caracaras in Hood 17 Apr (DDC) were the first in that county since 1976. RAILS THROUGH TERNS A Sora heard at Brazos Bend, Fort Bend 31 May (JSt) was the latest ever detected for the U.T.C. A Purple Gallinule at Richland Creek W.M.A. 20 Apr (HH, CSh) was the 2nd for Freestone, the first being at the same location in 1999. Six Whooping Cranes spent the night along the Brazos R., Parker 10 Apr (DHa). Providing a rare spring record, a Black-bellied Plover was at Nacog- doches 24 Apr (MHW). American Golden- Plovers were noted in Midland 24 Apr and 5 May (RMS) and Throckmorton, Stephens, and Baylor on 4 Apr (BGi, GC), the latter three all county firsts. Carpenter made an impressive count of 200+ Snowy Plovers at Imperial Res., Pecos in early May, including a number of chicks. A lingering Piping Plover was noted along Follet’s I., Brazoria 9 May (DVe). An impressive concentration of 400-500 Mountain Plovers was discov- ered at Dell City, Hudspeth 8 Mar (SD). An overdue first for Mason was provided by a Black-necked Stilt 24 Apr (Dfl BoF). A visit I to Imperial Res., Pecos j by Carpenter 2 May j produced a Marbled Godwit, a Sanderling, and a Semipalmated Sandpiper, a nice trio for the Trans-Pecos. A flock of 26 Willets was I noted at the Kerr | W.M.A. , Kerr 26 Apr (TG). Conditions must have been right for Hudsonian Godwits this season, as large numbers appeared along the coastal prairies, with 250+ in Waller 7 May (CHa et al.) and 100+ around j Corpus Christi, Nueces 8 May (AC, MC). No- j table inland sightings of this species included j one in Midland 15 May and 2 others nearby 25 May (BL). A concen- tration of 2000 Semipalmated Sandpipers 21-30 May at Bryan Beach, Brazoria (TC, CTL) was certainly newsworthy. Two Least Sandpipers at Bolivar Flats, Galveston 23 May (CTL) were late, and a Baird’s Sand- This subadult Great White Heron (the occidentalis subspecies of Great Blue Heron) was discovered at Texas City on 23 May 2004 (here 28 May) while the Greater Flamingo was present. Despite numerous reports of Great Whites over the years in Texas, this was just the third to be documented by photograph. Photograph by Janet Rathjen. VOLUME 5 8 (2004 piper at San Luis Pass, Galveston 7 Mar (JSt) was the 2nd earliest record for the U.T.C. Six Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Comfort, Kendall 1 May (ES) provided a rare Hill Country record. A snipe at Village Creek, Tarrant 26 Mar-7 Apr exhibited underwing covert markings believed to be consistent with, and possibly characteristic of. Com- mon Snipe ( Gallinago gallinago ) (pb . , TMR et al.); excellent in-flight photographs by Reid were posted on the Internet and be- came the starting point for discussions of snipe identification that are ongoing even months later. Twenty Wilson’s Phalaropes at Bryan Beach 30 May was a good number for that late date (CTL). A Red-necked Phalarope with Wilson’s at Comfort 1 May (ES) provided a nice spring record. A Black-headed Gull was at L. Wright Pat- man 14-17 Mar (tMD, CM et al.). California Gulls a bit out of range included singles at Lubbock 24 Mar-1 Apr (BBe, AF et al.) and at L. Buchanan, Llano 8-13 Mar (TFe). A first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull was also found in Lubbock 14 Mar (AF). This was a good spring for Glaucous Gulls, with single birds noted at six coastal locations scat- tered between Galveston and Boca Chica. Two Caspian Terns were seen at L. Worth, Tanant 13 May (MR), providing a rare spring record for ne. Texas. A very early migrant Forster’s Tern was at Bal- morhea L., Reeves 7 Mar (SD). A good count of 19 Bridled Terns was made on the 21 May pelagic trip out of South Padre I. (BMc, JA). PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Two Common Ground-Doves at Lubbock 31 May (AF) were the first reported on the South Plains since 1996. Also of interest was the discovery of this species in Throck- morton 4 Apr (GC, BGi) for the first time. Early caprimulgids on the U.T.C. included a Common Nighthawk at River Oaks, Har- ris 19 Mar (DSa) and a Chuck-will’s-widow on w. Galveston I. 5 Mar (JSt). Two vocal- izing Whip-poor-wills in Austin 9 Apr (SRu, BiB) represented a new country record. Two Chimney Swifts in Pearland, Brazoria 9 Mar (SP) were the earliest ever for the U.T.C. Silent Chaetura swifts, be- lieved to be Chimneys, were reported in El Paso 1 (JKi) & 21 May (BZ). A male Magnificent Hummingbird was photographed 4 Apr in El Paso (EJ), where the species is considered accidental. The wintering Black-chinned Hummingbird in Nacogdoches remained until 6 Mar (CEl). Spring migrant Rufous Hummingbirds were noted at Panther Junction, Brewster 1 1 Mar (MFl), El Paso 18 Mar (BZ), and in the Davis Mts. 21 Mar (M&ME). Equally noteworthy were lingering Rufous Hum- mingbirds in Colleyville 2 Mar (BTo) and Bedford 19 Mar, both Tarrant (RD). Adding to the already substantial number of records of Allen’s Hummingbirds from the U.T.C. was one banded in Angleton, Brazo- ria on 5 Mar (CBr,JWi). A Green Kingfish- er on the San Gabriel R., Williamson 18 Apr (TFe, BSt) was significantly e. of previous sightings in the county and out in the Blackland Prairies. Several Lewis’s Woodpeckers lingered from the past winter’s excellent showing in the state, including singles at Balmorhea, Reeves 14 Mar (ML), El Paso 12 Apr (JPa), and Balcones Canyonlands 20 Apr (CSe). Others were discovered at L. Buchanan, Burnet 27 Mar (LL) and in Mason 14-22 Apr (DF, BoF). Other M elanerpes of note included a Red-headed Woodpecker in Ma- son 20 Apr (DF) and 2 at South Llano R., Kimble 26-27 Apr, accompanied by an Acorn Woodpecker on the first date (RH). Early by three weeks was a Red-headed Woodpecker at Palo Duro, Armstrong 1 Apr (KS). Well w. of normal was a Red-bellied Woodpecker in Midland 1 1 Mar (AWi). Very late Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers includ- ed a female in Big Bend’s Boot Canyon 4 May (EC) and another in Williamson 15 May (BSt, TFe). Rounding a rather spectac- ular day of woodpecker sightings at South Llano River S.P. 26 Apr were 2 Downies (RH). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH JAYS A Greater Pewee was briefly observed (and heard) in the cen. Davis Mts. 21 May (tTG). A Western Wood-Pewee was seen and heard on w. Galveston 1. 7 Apr (tJSt), providing just the 6th record for the U.T.C. Empidonax flycatchers appeared to be in short supply in Panhandle and South Plains this season; Floyd reported only 4 Pacific- slope/Cordilleran, and Seyffert saw but 3, plus a Least! For the 6th consecutive year, Buff-breasted Flycatchers returned to the cen. Davis Mts., Jeff Davis 8 Apr+ (tML et al.). A first for Palo Duro Canyon S.P. was a singing Black Phoebe found 23 May (KS). Eastern Phoebes again nested in College Station (ER), and another pair was found consistently during late May in Kurten, Brazos (SW). A single Vermilion Flycatcher was at L. Mc- Clellan, Gray 29 Mar (EK, LJa) and a pair at Buffalo Lake, Randall 7 Apr (JuJ, GF). A pair of Dusky- capped Flycatchers re- turned to Boot Canyon, Brewster 4 May+ (tEC, m.ob.), marking the 4th consecutive year this species has occupied a ter- ritory at this location. Two early Great Crested Fly- catchers were noted in Houston, Harris 14 Mar (JFIi). Two Great Kiskadees present during the winter at the Katy Prairie, Hands continued through the period, and nest-building was observed 16 Mar (FC), but no indication of success was reported. Farther w., kiskadees made news in Big Bend, with singles at Santa Elena Canyon 28 Apr (T&JKa) and Hot Springs 28 May (RKa, JRe). A Tropical Kingbird documented on w. Galveston I. 25 Apr (tJSt) was just the 3rd for the U.T.C. A call- ing Couch’s Kingbird was documented in Brazos 5-20 Apr (KA), providing a county first. A Western Kingbird in Angelina 25 Apr Oh SSt) was the earliest spring record for this rare migrant to East Texas. An East- ern Kingbird on w. Galveston I. 10 Mar was the earliest ever for the U.T.C. by five days (JSt). A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near Painted Redstarts have a tendency to wander in the spring, and there have been several Texas records well away from the more expected locations in far western Texas. This bird at Corpus Christi on 12 April 2004 pro- vided a second record for Nueces County. Photograph by Martin Reid. 400 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Gilcrest, Galveston 10 Mar (SL) was early. A rarity west of the Pecos R., a White- eyed Vireo was at Smith Spring, Guadalupe Mountains N.P., Culberson 8 May (ML, EC). Beating the previous early arrival date by four days, a Black-capped Vireo was heard at Fort Hood, Bell 12 Mar ( fide RKo). A singing Yellow-throated Vireo was at Buf- falo Lake 15 May (PT et al.); one at Quin- tana, Brazoria 14 May was apparently a very late migrant (RWe, TC). A rarity for the Panhandle was a Philadelphia Vireo at Buffalo Lake 15 May (BPi et al.); 6 in one day in Arapaho Park, Dallas 1 1 May (BGi) was an unexpected number. For the 7th consecutive year, a Black-whiskered Vireo was reported from the U.T.C., this one was at Sabine Woods, Jefferson 28 Apr-4 May (tWRi et al). Perhaps also to be expected was a Yellow-Green Vireo near San Benito, Cameron 30 Apr-3 May (tBFr). A Blue Jay made a return visit to the El Paso Zoo 14 Apr OKI)- A pair of Tamauli- pas Crows tending a nest was discovered in Brownsville, Cameron 2 May+ (tJB, m.ob.). These birds successfully fledged one young and have been the only representatives of this species known to occur in the United States in 2004. Fish Crows wandered e. to Hagerman, Grayson 3 Apr (RR) and Old Sabine Bottom W.M.A., Smith 5 May (DPo), both county firsts. Two apparently territorial Horned Larks in extreme n. El Paso 4 May were presumed nesting (BZ); the species remains unconfirmed as a breeder in the county. SWALLOWS THROUGH WARBLERS A record-early Cliff Swallow appeared in Midland 8 Mar (RMS). Bushtits made news: the birds reported in Midland during the winter remained until 24 Apr (RMS), and 2 at Fort Hood, Bell 21 May (JRe) provided an overdue county first. Nuthatches made unexpected appearances on the coastal prairies, with a Red-breasted at Port O’- Connor, Calhoun 15 Mar (BFr) and 2 White -breasteds in extreme s. Liberty 21 May (BTi). A lingering Brown Creeper was in El Paso 4 Apr (JPa). Quite surprising was a Cactus Wren in Port O’Connor, Cal- houn 11 May (BFr), nearly 80 km from the nearest known population. Carolina Wrens were found in atypical Big Bend locations, with singles at Boot Canyon 27 Apr-8 May (MKo, EC et al.) and Sam Nail Ranch 30 Apr (MKo). A good find was a Sedge Wren in Lubbock 13 Mar (AF). Extremely late was a Golden-crowned Kinglet in Lubbock 8 May (PK). An Eastern Bluebird lingered in El Paso until 18 Mar (JPa), providing the latest local spring record. The bird of the season was the male Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush ( Catharus mexicanus ) discovered in Pharr, Hidalgo 27 May+ (tRB, A1W, m.ob.). The species is an abundant summer resident of s. Tamaulipas, Mexico, only about 240 km s. of Brownsville. If ac- cepted, this would constitute the first Texas and U.S. record. A total of 10 Gray-cheeked Thrushes was reported from n.-cen. Texas, well above the norm for this rare migrant. An early Wood Thrush was at Corpus Christi, Nueces 25 Mar (LJo). Gray Cat- birds were found building a nest at Spring, Harris 27 May (D&SM); more information wilt follow in the Nesting Season report. A lingering Brown Thrasher remained near Fort Davis, Jeff Davis 19 Mar-7Apr (T&CH). The Blue Mockingbird present irregularly since the fall in Pharr, Hidalgo was documented this season as well (A1W, tRTi, m.ob.). Single Blue-winged Warblers showed up in the w. portions of the state at Buffalo Lake 5 May (LN), providing on the 5th sighting for the Panhandle, and at Comfort, Kendall 15 May (ES). Noteworthy Golden- winged Warbler sightings included singles at Prairie Creek Park, Collin/Dallas 30 Apr-2 May (Jal ' et al), at Big Bend’s Sam Nail Ranch 5 May (MAu, H&Rj), at Buffa- lo Lake 16 May (RSc), and at Arbor Hills Preserve, Denton 17 May (PP). Westward- wandering Tennessee Warblers were found in Amarillo, Potter 21 Apr (KS) and El Paso 1 May (JPa)- A Virginias Warbler was at Buffalo Lake 26 Apr (KS). A Lucy’s Warbler made a rare appearance in El Paso 9 Apr (JPa). Northern Parulas were found w. of normal in the Guadalupe Mts., Culberson 6 May (BPe), Palo Duro Canyon S.P 14 May (KS), and Canyon, Randall 25 May (CF, LS). The population of Tropical Parulas along the Pecos R. and Devils R. continues to increase, with multiple territorial males reported from Independence Creek, Pecos (fide JKa) and at Devils River S.N.A. 16 Apr (KB, TG, ML). Two late-migrating Yellow Warblers were noted at Quintana, Brazoria 31 May (DVe). A male Yellow Warbler of the erithachorides (“Mangrove Warbler”) group was well documented at Boca Chica, Cameron 18 Apr+ (tJA, m.ob.). Eastern Warblers of note in nw. Texas included 2 Chestnut-sideds at Buffalo Lake 23 May (DSm), a Magnolia there 16 May (BPi, RSc), and a Black-throated Blue at Lubbock 23 May (AF). A very early Magnolia War- bler was found along the Trinity R., Tanant 17 Mar (DaP). A late Yellow-rumped War- bler was at Quintana 19 May (1H). A Black- throated Gray Warbler in San Antonio, Bexar 23 Apr (MCr, RA) was e. of usual range. A Golden-cheeked Warbler at Cedar Hill S.P, Dallas 26-27 Mar was n. of nor- mal ( fide CSa). A single Blackburnian War- bler was at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bailey 22 May (BBe), out of place and somewhat late, while a Yellow-throated Warbler at Web- berville, Travis 19 May (BSt) was very late for that area. Prairie Warblers made news in a variety of ways with w. migrants noted at Fort Hood, Coryell 22 Mar (DCi) and Austin, Travis 12 May (RM), an early mi- grant at Sabine Woods, Jefferson 15 Mar (AM), and an apparently a very late mi- grant at High 1. 29 May (KE). Palm War- blers of note included singles at Fort Hood, Bell 16 Apr (LC), a county first, Buffalo Lake 26 Apr (KS), Sea Rim S.P., Jefferson 3 May (AM), and Midland 15 May (JM). The spring of 2004 saw an amazing mi- gration of Blackpoll Warblers, with higher numbers than normal reported in much of the e. third of the state. Singles were also found in Brazos 27 Apr OHM)- for a 2nd county record, in Milam 12 May (CD), for a county first, and at Midland 17 May (JM). A very late Black-and-white Warbler was noted on w. Galveston 1. 31 May (DVe), while a Swainson’s at High I. 28 Mar (DVe, DQ) was the 3rd earliest ever for the U.T.C. Westward-wandering Worm-eating Warblers included singles at Buffalo Lake (BPi) and Comfort, both 15 May (ES), and another at Big Bend’s Lagu- na Meadows 26 May (RH). More e. war- blers found in nw. Texas were an Ovenbird at Buffalo Lake 25 May (KS) and a Louisiana Waterthrush in Lubbock 21 Apr (AF). A Kentucky Warbler banded in Houston, Harris 16 May was apparently a very late migrant (DVe). Mourning War- blers are very rare migrants in the w. half of the state; this season, singles were not- ed at in Lubbock 2 May (BRa) and at Buf- falo Lake 16 May (BPi). An Oporornis thought to be a Connecticut Warbler was carefully studied at South Padre L, Cameron 25 Apr (tJB ph., tDHo et al.). Another late migrant on the U.T.C. was a Common Yellowthroat in Houston 16 May (DVe). The Gray-crowned Yellowthroat discovered during the winter at Sabal Palm continued through the season. Hooded Warblers made a very good show- ing in the w. reaches of the state, with sin- gles in El Paso 23 Mar-2 Apr (JKi, ph.), Midland 31 Mar (BL), Amarillo, Randall 7 May (RSc), the Basin of Big Bend 31 May (JM), and McKittrick Canyon, Culberson 31 May (DO). A Red-faced Warbler was documented from Boot Springs, Brewster 27 Apr (tMKo). It was a good spring for Painted Redstarts in the Trans-Pecos, with singles in El Paso 30 Mar (JPa), near Pre- sidio in late Mar (EJ), and in McKittrick Canyon also in late Mar (JWo). This species also returned 6 Apr+ to the Chisos Mts., Brewster (m.ob ), where three pairs were present. More noteworthy was a Painted Redstart at Corpus Christi, Nueces 12 Apr (TSc, MR ph. m.ob.) for a 2nd county record. VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 3 401 TEXAS TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Hepatic Tanagers are rarely detected as mi- grants, so lone females in El Paso on 3 (BZ) & 27 May (JPa) were noteworthy. An early Summer Tanager was on Galveston 1. 22 Mar (SL), while a male Western Tanager in Washington 5 Mar (DVo) provided a rare spring record for the county. A bit e. of typ- ical range, a Spotted Towhee lingered in Washington 6-28 Mar (DVo). An Eastern Towhee was found in Lubbock 7 Mar (AF). A Canyon Towhee in Throckmorton 9 Apr (BGi et al.) was e. of expected range. Seven Grasshopper Sparrows in Rusk 10 May (JPi) made a good count for East Texas. An outstanding find was a Bairds Sparrow at Buffalo Lake 11 Apr (BPi). A lingering Le Conte’s Sparrow was in Comfort, Kendall 2 May (ES). A Song Sparrow 4 May (KA) was late for Brazos. The latest Harris’s Sparrow reported during the season was in Denton, Denton 26 Apr (PP). A White-crowned Sparrow at Arapaho Park, Dallas 25 May (BGi) provided the latest record for n.-cen. Texas. A Gray-headed Junco photographed in Austin, Travis 15 Mar (JI) provided a very rare cen. Texas record. Lingering Chestnut-collared Longspurs in cen. Texas included singles in w. Bexar 3-7 Apr (BD, m.ob.) and at the Devils Sinkhole, Edwards 13 Apr (ML). A well-described Snow Bunting was reported from Lipscomb 2 Apr (DCh); if accepted, it will be only the 6th record for the state and the 2nd for the Panhandle. A pair of Northern Cardinals turned up 30 May+ in El Paso (BZ), where the species is very rare and not known to nest. A west- ward-wandering Rose-breasted Grosbeak was in El Paso 28 May (JPa), while easter- ly Black-headed Grosbeaks were noted in Burnet 25 Apr (TFe) and San Antonio, Bexar 30 Apr (GLi). An amazing flock of 23 Lazuli Buntings was found near Sarita, Kenedy 26 Apr (BFr); this is unprecedented along the Texas coast, where they are nor- mally found singly amidst Indigo Bunting flocks. An early Indigo Bunting was in Houston, Hairis 18 Mar (OW). A Varied Bunting was at Boca Chica 2 May (BFr), but far more unexpected was another on w. Galveston I. 21 Apr (JSt, BSm, ph.). An ear- ly Painted Bunting was at Sabine Woods, Jefferson 4 Apr (AM). A male Yellow-headed Blackbird in Nacogdoches 26 Apr (RTr) was a nice find, as were 15 at Richland Creek W.M.A., Free- stone 29 Apr (HH, CSh) and one in Waller 2 May (FC). A rare find in the cen. Trans- Pecos, a Common Grackle was in Alpine, Brewster 25 Apr (ML). Details of a Shiny Cowbird reported at Comfort, Kendall 14 May (tES) will be reviewed by the T.B.R.C. A Bronzed Cowbird wandered to Brazos 6 Apr (ER). A nice find was a male Hooded Oriole in w. Hays 29 May (BRe). A very ear- ly migrant was the Baltimore Oriole in Smith 1 Apr (TP). A male Baltimore Oriole remained at Lubbock throughout the peri- od (AF, m.ob.). A male Scott’s Oriole wan- dered just off the Edwards Plateau to e. Guadalupe 20 May (SSc) for a county first. A few Purple Finches lingered in East Texas until 17 Mar (DWo, MHW), after a lackluster winter season for the species in Texas. A male Purple Finch at Sea Rim S.R, Jefferson 2 May (JHa, SM et al.) was bizarre. Red Crossbills have now been present in the cen. Davis Mts. for more than a year, but on 10 May, a pair was observed build- ing a nest (HL, CEd, PS), a significant event for both Texas and the Davis Mts. UNDOCUMENTED RARITIES The following Texas Bird Records Review Species were reported without documenta- tion: a Brown Booby off High 1. 2 Apr; up to 2 female Barrow’s Goldeneyes at Red Bluff Res., Reeves/Loving 14-16 Mar; a Short-tailed Hawk at Lost Maples, Bandera 3-26 Apr; single Thayer’s Gulls at San Luis Pass, Galveston 11 Mar and Sea Rim S.P., Jefferson 15 Mar; a Sulphur-bellied Fly- catcher at Santa Ana, Hidalgo 30 Apr; and a Yellow-faced Grassquit at Boca Chica, Cameron 21 Apr. Corrigendum: The Black Phoebe at New Braunfels, Comal 19 Jul 2003 should have been attributed to GSw ( N.A.B . 57: 516). Cited observers (subregional editors in boldface): Rachel Alvarado, Keith Arnold, John Arvin, Mike Austin (MAu), Betsy Baker (BBa), Peter Barnes, Robert Bates, Chris Benesh (CBe), Billie Bernard (BiB), Brandon Best (BBe), Charles Brower (CBr), Kelly Bryan, Jeff Bunton, Winnie Burkett, Eric Carpenter, David Chaffin (DCh), Lisa Chirrey, David Cimprich (DCi), Fred Collins, Tom Collins, Greg Cook, Arlie Cooksey, Mel Cooksey (MC) (South Texas: 16 Townhouse Lane, Cor- pus Christi, TX 78412. email: ssi@stx.rr.com), Mike Creese (MCr), D.D. Currie, Carol Dill, Mike Dillon, Stephen Dinsmore, Bob Doe, Rachel Dugas, Marc & Maryann Eastman, Gil Eckrich, Carol Edwards (CEd), Kreg Ellzey, Jan Elston (JEl), Charles Ely (CE1), Andrew Engilis, John Eriksson QHr) , Jesse Fagan, Tim Fennell (TFe), Dixie Feuerbacher, Mark Flippo (MFl), Anthony Floyd, Daniel Floyd, Matthieu Folope (MFo), Connie Fordham, Bobbye Frazier (BoF), Ginger Frazier, Brush Freeman (BFr), Bert Frenz (BeF) (East Texas: 221 Rainbow Dr., #12190, Livingston, TX 77399-2021. email: bert2@bafrenz.com), Tony Galluc- ci, John Gee (JGe), Brian Gibbons (BGi), Dottie Harman (DHa), Chris Harrison (CHi), Ian Hartzler, Hayden Haucke, John Haynes (JHa), Rhandy Helton, Jack Hen- shall (JHe), Jack Hill QaH), Jim Hinson (JHi), Tom & Carol Hobby, Petra Hockey, David Holmes (DHo), Jim Hughes (JHu), John Ingram, Lucyjalbert (LJa), Ed John- son, Jim Joiner (JJo), Judy Jones (JuJ), Harrison & Rose Ann Jordan, Larry Jor- dan (LJo), John Karges (JKa), Richard Kaskan (RKa), Tim & Jan Kaspa, Ann Kier, John Kiseda (JKi), Phillip Kite, Kelly Cotten (North-central Texas: 8626 Ango- ra Street, Dallas, TX 75218. email: Schmotten@aol.com), Mark Korducki (MKo), Rich Kostecke (RKo), Ed Kutac, Larry LaBrant, Howard Laidlaw, Cin-Ty Lee, Sue Levy, Greg Lisciandro (GLi), Mark Lockwood, Bill Lupardus, Art MacKinnon, Debbie & Scott MacSorley, John Maresh, Ron Martin (RMa), Steve Mayes, Brad McKinney (BMc), Bert Meisenbach (BMe), Joann Merritt, Mike Millican, Charles Mills, Rudy Montez, Lynn Nymeyer, Doug Overacker, Jim Pa- ton (JPa) (Trans-Pecos: 4325 Boy Scout Lane, El Paso, TX 79922. email: paton- jn@netzero.net), Guy Patterson, Dick Payne (DPa), Dwight Peake (DwP), Bran- don Percival (BPe), Barrett Pierce (BPi), Jason Pike (JPi), Perry Ping, Darrell Pogue (DPo), David Powell (DaP), Truman Pow- ell, Sumita Prasad, Don Quaintance, Bob & Silvia Rasa (B&SRa), Ross Rasmussen, Ellen Ratoosh, Martin Reid, Bill Reiner (BRe), James Restivo (JRe), Mike Retter (MRet), Barbara & John Ribble, Will Riss- er (WRi), David Roemer, Chris Runk, Sue Ruotsala (SRu), Connie Sandlin (CSa), Laura Sare, David Sarkozi, Susan Schae- zler (SSc), Tom Schall (TSc), Fred Schroeder, Rosemary Scott (RSc), Willie Sekula (Central Texas: 7063 Co. Rd. 228, Falls City, TX 78113-2627. email: wseku- la@the-cia.net). Chuck Sexton (CSe), Ken Seyffert (Northwest: 2206 S. Lipscomb, Amarillo, TX 79109), Cliff Shackleford (CSh), Brian Small (BSm), Dale Smith (DSm), Dan Smith (DaS), Jim Stevenson (JSt), Elton Stilwell, Byron Stone (BSt), Rose Marie Stortz, Sarah Stovall (SSt), Georgina Swartz (GSw), Pete Szilagyi, Bar- bara Tilton (BTi), Robert Tizard (RTi), Barbara Tompkins (BTo), Peggy Trosper, Robert Truss (RTr), Balazs Ungi, Don Vers- er (DVe), Darrell Vollert (DVo), Ron Weeks (RWe) (UTC: 110 Indian Warrior, Lake Jackson, TX 77566. email: empidon- ax@sbcglobal.net), Orion Weldon, Ran- dall Whitman (RWh), Dale Wiedenfeld (DWi), Shirley Wilkerson, Allen Williams (A1W), Jennifer Wilson (JWi), Allen Wim- ple (AWi), Jan Wobbenhorst (JWo), David Wolf (DWo), Mimi Hoppe Wolf, Barry Zimmer. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 402 i n general, the Region’s spring 2004 weather was relatively mild. Many loca- tions exceeded records for high temper- ature and low precipitation in March and April, with a noted lack of major storms. May was much more variable, with most ar- eas reporting average to cool temperatures and above-average rainfall. Although a few pioneering birds set new early arrival records in both states, most migrants showed up on schedule. Abbreviations: A.ER. (American Falls Res., Bingham and Power, ID); Camas (Camas N.W.R., Jefferson, ID); L.M. (Lee Metcalf N.W.R. near Stevensville, MT). LOONS THROUGH TERNS Common Loons staged in unusual numbers, with high counts of 84 at Twin Lakes Res., Franklin, ID 17 Apr (CT) and 95 at Ennis L., Madison, MT 23 Apr (JP). Though still un- der review, a Manx Shearwater at Ninepipe N.WR, Lake, MT 30 May (t, ph. DH, BM et al.) was an astounding event that will likely represent the first record for the Region and interior West. The species has not been not- ed in the continent’s interior closer than Michigan (19 Aug 2000), and that Michigan record was the only previous report from the continent’s true interior! As was the case in Michigan, the bird’s appearance cannot be easily tied to any discrete weather event. Out-of-range Great Egrets showed up near Challis, ID 7 May (D&EF) and Mis- soula, MT 31 May (LW). A wayward Snowy Egret in Eureka, MT (AD) represented a lo- cal first record. Excellent numbers of White- faced Ibis were reported out of range, with one near Challis, ID 25 Apr (D&EF), 6 in Gallatin, MT 3 May (DF), 5 in Broadwater, MT 7 May (JP), and 11 near Missoula, MT 7-19 May (TT). A rare Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal was an interesting find in Kootenai, ID 1 Apr (LH) and was perhaps the same bird that overwintered in nearby Bonner. The season’s Eurasian Wigeon count was only 12, even fewer than last year’s lack- luster total. A male Tufted Duck near Catal- do, Kootenai, ID 9-27 Mar (LH) represented Idaho’s 3rd record and was likely the same bird seen at this location last year. Scoters are unexpected in spring, so reports of a Surf in Bonner, ID 12 May (BB) and 5 White- wingeds at Flathead L., MT 15 Apr (BR) were especially noteworthy. Although Broad-winged Hawks are in- creasingly reported in autumn, the group of 5 in Boise, ID 19 Apr (MC) represented the Re- gion’s largest single count ever. Both record early and out of range was the Swainson’s Hawk near Polebridge, MT 11 Apr (DO). A total of 3 Gyrfalcons was reported, more than usual in spring. Especially uncommon in spring was an American Golden-Plover near Kalispell, MT 9 May (GV). Single rare Snowy Plovers were great finds in Canyon, ID 30 Apr (BC) and at A.ER. 7 May (CT). Black-necked Stilts continue to expand their breeding range: an incubating pair at L.M. 30 May (WT) represented a first local nesting. Sight- ings of up to 4 Upland Sandpipers in Valley 11-14 May (BC) provided hopeful news of Idaho’s scarcest breeding bird. The only Short-billed Dowitcher reported was in Fre- mont, ID 12 May (CW). Wayward single Franklin’s Gulls visited areas near Challis, ID 20 May (D&EF) and Cataldo, ID 31 May (LH). The season’s rare-but-expected gull tal- ly included 2 Thayer’s, a Glaucous-winged, and 2 Glaucous Gulls, a typical springtime total. Three Arctic Terns at A.ER. 13 May (CT) was an excellent showing, perhaps the Region’s highest single count ever. PIGEONS THROUGH GOLDFINCHES Reports of 5 Band-tailed Pigeons in Idaho 6-30 May surpassed even last year’s unusu- ally high total. Might we anticipate a Gem State nesting record soon? Eurasian Col- lared-Doves continued their slow but steady David Trochlell 1931 Tallwood Lane Boise, Idaho 83706 (dtrochlell@velocifus.net) expansion into the Region, with 10 reported at new locations in Idaho and 4 in w. Mon- tana. The Northern Hawk Owl present at Elkhorn, Blaine, ID (KC, PWP) since Dec was last reported 5 Mar. An ad. male Broad- billed Hummingbird banded in Caldwell, ID 15-20 May (CH, ph. SP) represented an exciting first record for the Region. An Anna’s Hummingbird in Moscow, ID 4 Apr (B&RH) was the only report of this rare but increasingly reported visitor. A Blue-headed Vireo was discovered at Camas 26 May (MCr); fewer than 10 previ- ous Gem State records exist. Single rare Pur- ple Martins visited Elmore, ID 24 Apr (HK) and Somers, MT 19 May (DC). Up to 4 Be- wick’s Wrens were in Canyon, ID 3-7 Mar (CSy), where they are now almost expected in spring. Five Northern Mockingbirds were reported in s. Idaho, an above-average tally. Both states posted out-of-range Sage Thrash- V0LUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 m IDAHO & WESTERN MONTANA This Manx Shearwater at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, Lake County, Montana 30 May 2004 was truly a "one-day won- der," found by Denver Holt and Brennan Mulrooney while leading a birding tour of the state. This bird furnished not only a first state record but only the second record for a land-locked U.S. state. Photographs by Brennan Mulrooney. 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 Families 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 ordger $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. VIRIO (Visual Resources for Ornithology) The Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 299-1069 www.acnatsci.org/VIREO ers, with singles near Polebridge, MT 25 Apr (SG) and in Bonner , ID 9 May (BB). A Brown Thrasher at Camas 28 May (MCr) was typi- cal. The Siberian Accentor present in Park, MT was last reported 18 Mar. The lineup of rare-but-expected warblers included a Tennessee Warbler at Camas 23 May (MCr), a Northern Parula at Camas 26 May (CW), a Chestnut-sided Warbler near Helena, MT 31 May (DSu), up to 3 Black- and-white Warblers at Camas 9-29 May (MCr, HK) and one at L.M. 20-21 May (JM), and an Ovenbird in Jefferson , ID 30 May (CW). Arriving a month early was a North- ern Waterthrush near Bigfork, MT 13 Apr (RM). The total of 11 Rose-breasted Gros- beaks reported was high. An Eastern Towhee discovered at Camas 19 May (CW) furnished Idaho’s 2nd record. A total of 5 Golden-crowned Sparrows came from Ida- ho, an excellent spring total. Up to 2 Rusty Blackbirds visited Kootenai , ID 25-29 Mar (MM); they are especially rare in spring. The only reports of Idaho Great-tailed Grackles were singles in Ada and Elmore. A Hoary Redpoll present in Blaine , ID since Jan was last observed 9 Mar. Lesser Goldfinches con- tinued to explore new territory in Idaho, with up to 20 in Nez Perce 1-27 Apr (JC) and one in Cassia 19 Apr (CC). Contributors: (subregional editors in bold- face): IDAHO: Bob Bond, Kathleen Cameron, Jerry Cebula, Marty Collar (MCr), Cam Collins, Brian Cooper, Kas Dumroese, Dave & Elise Faike, Lisa Hardy, Bettie & Ray Hoff, Cheryl Huisinga, Harry Krueger, Matthew Moskwik, Stacy Peterson, Hadley Roberts, Shirley Sturts, Colleen Sweeney, Chuck Trost, Cliff Weisse, Poo Wright-Pul- liam. MONTANA: Dan Casey, Annie Dueck- ler, Dennis Flath, Steve Gniadek, Denver Holt, Robin Magaddino, Jeff Marks, Brennan Mulrooney, Dan Owens, John Parker, Bob Rost, Don Skaar, Dan Sullivan (DSu), Terry Toppins, Glen Violette, Larry Weeks. O This female Cape May Warbler below Fort Peck dam, Valley County, Montana, about the tenth for the state, was part of the large grounding of passerine migrants in the northern Great Plains on 24 May 2004 that included impressive numbers of Tennessee and Blackpoll Warblers. Photograph by Stephen J. Dinsmore. 404 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS It was a fine spring to bird Colorado and Wyoming, with several notable rarities, high counts, a first breeding record for Wyoming, and a species that had not been recorded as a breeder in Colorado for nearly a century. Temperatures were above average in March and May and near average in April. NOAA reported that Wyoming recorded its 13th driest spring in the last 110 years, while Colorado had its 27th driest. Drought remains extreme to moderate for most of the Region. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Jack Merchant. Jack was one of Col- orado’s most accomplished birders, who spent much of his time carefully watching bird be- havior near Eagle, Colorado. His observations were a mainstay of the Mountain West region for decades. All of us who were lucky enough to know this quiet, unassuming man will miss him greatly. Abbreviations: Barr (Barr Lake S.P, Adams); Bonny (Bonny Res. S.R, Yuma); Chico (Chico Basin Ranch, El Paso/Pueblo); C.V.C.G. (Crow Valley Campground, Weld); E.K.W. (Edness Kimball Wilkins S.R, Natrona , WY); John Mar- tin (John Martin Res., Bent); Jumbo (Jumbo Res., Logan & Sedgwick ); Seedskadee (Seed- skadee N.W.R., Sweetwater, WY); W.H.R. (Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Laramie, WY); Yel- lowstone (Yellowstone N.P., Park & Teton, WY). Due to reporting biases, all locations can be assumed to be in Colorado except that each Wyoming location is noted as such the first time it appears in the text. LOONS THROUGH DUCKS Red-throated Loon was not recorded as a spring migrant in the Region until 1993, but the species is now nearly annual in spring. This season, birds were at Standley L., Jefferson 4-27 Apr (LS) and L. Henry, Crowley 3 May (SO). An alternate-plumaged Pacific Loon at Standley L. 5 May (LS) was the only report of this scarce spring migrant. A count of 209 Homed Grebes at Luna Res., Adams 9 Apr (TL) furnished one of the highest spring counts for the Region. Single American Bitterns appeared unex- pectedly at Black Sand Geyser Basin, Yellow- stone 26 Apr (K. Loveless) and at Chico 22 May (TL). Relatively few American Bitterns are detected in the first half of Apr, so one at Lower Latham, Weld (BG) 6 Apr was note- worthy. A Great Egret in Canon City (D. Pan- tie) 4 Apr was ahead of the main influx of mi- grants (7 at widely scattered Colorado locations 16-20 Apr). Rare anywhere in Wyoming, a Great Egret was at Seedskadee 2 May (C. Damberg). An ad. Little Blue Heron was along the Platte R. in Adams 11-12 May (GW, m.ob.). Very unexpected was a Reddish Egret at L. Beckwith 29 Apr (DS), which en- m Yellowstone N.R • Cody \ m Sheridan )& f sj C H| Sundance • Jackson ( 44 \ -So WYOMING j Casper ! — s s • Cochiti . „Conchd\ L. ig/Sandia l^s Vegas , ■*/... mm Tucumcari. U!e L- $ ‘Albuquerque N. |/ ^ns Moriarty Santa Rosa L. La Joya< Socorro* Fort Sumner Melrose Portales •Reserve Bosque del ’Apache N.W.R. • Mtns Glenwoo Cliffy •Ruidoso San Mateo p/|fns /Elephant Butte L. Consequences Roswel1 o-i -s JCahal!o L- •Cloudcroft . •~[vers Percha San Andres Hobbs iedrock Llty S.P. N.W.R. _ „ . . Carlsbad /Brantley L. •Lordsburg #Demjng q>;|_as Cruces Holloman L. .Columbus Caverns N Sartor 0. Williams III Southwest Natural History Institute 1819 Meadowview Drive NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104-251 1 (sunbittern@earthlink.net) Unusual weather patterns in March and April brought scattered, some- times heavy precipitation to New Mexico, but pervasive drought conditions re- turned in May. Meanwhile, like Rick’s Cafe in the film Casablanca, everybody comes to the “Melrose Trap,” and this season that included two first state records, numerous other rari- ties, and many happy birders. Statewide, three species — Barred Owl, Black-capped Vireo, and Golden-crowned Warbler— were added to the list in spring 2004. Abbreviations: B.L. N.W.R. (Bitter Lake N.W.R.); Bosque (Bosque del Apache N.W.R.); E.B.L. (Elephant Butte Lake); K.K. (Katfish Kove, private ponds and trees adjacent to Mimbres R., nw. Luna); Maxwell (Maxwell N.W.R. and vicinity); N.R.T. (n. Roosevelt mi- grant 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 Showing admirable staying power, 2 Red- throated Loons from the winter season re- mained at Ute L. into Mar (JEP, JO) and were last seen 22 Mar (DC); a Pacific remained there until 30 Mar (DC). A sad sight was a Common Loon with a fishing swivel hanging from its bill at E.B.L. 7 Mar (MS, JZ); notably late Commons were singles at Sunland Park 12 May (JNP), Clayton L. 19 May (PL, SM), and Ute L. 24 May (DC). American White Pel- icans were relatively widespread, with 1000 at E.B.L. 8 Apr (WW) the high count; 4 found dead at L. Avalon 28 Mar had been shot (SW). Neotropic Cormorants continued to decline in the R.G.V., where no nesting was reported; unexpected was one in the Pecos Valley at L. Avalon 8 Mar (ph. SD). A Double-crested Cor- morant wandered w. to Lordsburg 26 Mar (JEP, JO). New Great Blue Heron breeding lo- cales included four nests at Morgan L. 30 Apr (AN) and three nests at Quemado L. 23 Apr (DS); 20 nests were active at Watrous in Apr (DS). Great Egrets continued to increase in numbers and localities, including singles n. to El Vado L. 8 May (DS) and w. to Tyrone 23 May (EL) and 2 in the Sacramento Mts. at Capitan 17 Apr (JO); high count was 30 at Bosque 24 Apr (SW). Black-crowned Night- 410 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Herons invaded Clovis, where 40-100 were reported 14-20 May (BN, WW, PL) and seven nests were found 26 May (S. Hendershot). Single ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were at Albuquerque 29 May (NC, SC) and at Tatum 20 May (PL, ph. JO, vt. SM). Single ad. Glossy Ibis were documented at Bosque 15 Apr (ph. JO) and Lite L. 23 May (ph. DC); other reports never got beyond the Internet ether. Two White-faced Ibis that wintered at Belen were still there 5 & 13 Mar (JO, JEP). Notably late was a dock of 5 Snow and 2 Ross’s Geese at Columbus 27 May (WH). Last of the winter’s Tundra Swans were one at E.B.L. 12-13 Mar (JEP, ph. JO) and 5 at Maxwell 19 Mar (DC). The popular Eurasian Wigeon that wintered at Albuquerque’s Mari- posa Park was last seen 11 Mar (W. Kuehn). Single Surf Scoters paused briefly at E.B.L. 10 Mar (SD) and Springer L. 28 Apr (ph. DC); a Long-tailed Duck was at Ute L. 12 Mar QEP). A female Barrow’s Goldeneye was e. to Stub- blefield L. 13 Mar (DC), where one had been reported in Jan. Migrant Ospreys were found statewide, in- cluding such fishless places as El Morro 10 Apr (CJG), near Pie Town 18 Apr (SOW), and the Peloncillo Mts. 6 Apr (CL); 16 pairs were nesting in n. New Mexico by mid-May (DS), up from zero prior to 1990. Mississippi Kites continued to colonize villages, woodlots, and golf courses in the east, including 4 at Nara Visa 21 May (JO) and one at Kenna 10 May (BN, DE); at least 5 were in the Conchas Dam area 8 May (CR), while in the middle R.G.V., one to 2 were near Bernalillo 21 May (RD), Corrales 23 May (WH), and Peralta 28 May (E. Nunez). A Gray Hawk at Rodeo 25 Apr (RW, RAR) provided a local first; one to 2 were in Guadalupe Canyon 24 Apr+ (RB, NP, RV), where possibly now regular. Common Black-Hawks continued to appear e. and n. of historic range, including a pair at Santa Rosa 7 May (JK), one on the upper Pecos R. near Sena 21 Apr (JD), and a nest on the Canadian R. near Sabinoso 13 Apr (JA); noteworthy for the R.G.V were 2 at Escondida 29 Mar (NC), while one to 2 were at K.K. 17 & 20 Apr (LM), where the Mimbres R. goes under- ground. Continuing a middle R.G.V. trend, a Harris’s Hawk was n. to Luis Lopez 14-24 Mar (ph. JO). Swainson’s Hawks arrived on sched- ule, with nearly simultaneous reports from numerous locales from Lordsburg to Clayton 26-31 Mar; impressive were about 80 in a Bosque field 10 Apr (JEP, JWS). One to 2 na- tive Aplomado Falcons persisted in sw. New Mexico; a report of an apparent Aplomado in unlikely habitat — Guadalupe Mts., Eddy — 7 May (KC) is difficult to evaluate. QUAIL THROUGH OWLS A vocal Northern Bobwhite at Santa Fe 23 Mar (ph. S. McDowell) likely was an escapee. A Common Moorhen was n. to Isleta 7 & 18 NEW M E X I C O May (BN, DE, JO). Two Black-bellied Plovers at Maxwell 3 May (DC) furnished the only re- port. An American Golden-Plover was at Zuni 26 Mar (CJG). Snowy Plovers away from traditional areas included 2 at Ute L. 17 May (DC), 4 at Hudson L., Quay 24 May (DC), and 2 at Tucumcari L. 25 May (WW). Surveys for other species found 29 Mountain Plovers at 14 sites in w. Union 27 Mar-7 Apr (S. Fellows, CR, WH); at least one chick was at Vermejo Park, Colfax 26 May (ph. DC), and 2 chicks were at Santo Domingo 18 May (JNS). Black- necked Stilts following the “build it and we will come” credo produced six nests on the Sunland Park racetrack infield 12 May (JNP), two nests at the Lordsburg sewage ponds 21 May (AC, NM-C), and one nest at the Colum- bus sewage ponds 29 May (SOW). Peripheral Solitary Sandpipers included singles at K.K. 23 Apr (JO) and Tyrone 3 May (EL); the high count was 4 at Santa Fe 26 Apr (JNS). Unusu- al were 3 Willets at Mountainair 29 Apr (JO); high count was 84 at Bosque 23 Apr QEP). An Upland Sandpiper near Causey 5 May (TM) provided a rare spring report. A good Whim- brel season found 3 each at Morgan L. 30 Apr (ph. JR) and Springer L. 30 May (CR), 2 at Maxwell 24 Apr (DC), and one at Bosque 17 Apr QEP, ph. JO). Single Hudsonian Godwits were at Bosque 9 May QEP, ph. JO) and B.L.N.W.R. 12 May QEP). An impres- sive 81 Marbled God- wits were grounded by a storm at Maxwell 24 Apr (DC). A bright Ruddy Turnstone at Maxwell 10 May (ph. DC) provided the state’s 8th spring record. Well described were 2 Semipalmated Sand- pipers w. to Belen 4 May (RB, NP). Eight White-rumped Sandpipers were at B.L.N.W.R. 15 May QEP). Late migrant Dunlin were sin- gles at Morgan L. 30 Apr (ph. JR) and Hollo- man L. 19 Apr (MS, ph. JZ); the high count was 6 at B.L.N.W.R. 9 Apr (WH, GW). Single Red Phalaropes were at Stinking L. (DS) and Bosque (BN, DE) 8 May. Rare gulls included a first-year Laughing Gull at Clovis 28 May QEP) and an ad. Mew Gull at Stubblefield L. 14-19 May (ph. DC). Franklin’s Gulls w. of usual included 35 at Buckhorn 21 Apr (EL), 22 at Tyrone 25 Apr (EL), and 3 near Road Forks 17 Apr (EL). A high 18 California Gulls were at Stinking L. 8 May (DS). A scarce migrant in New Mexico, single Caspian Terns were at Cochiti L. 18 Apr (MMR) and Clovis 20 May (PL, ph. JO, vt. SM). Unusually high counts for Forster’s Terns occurred on 28 Apr, with 51 at Springer L. (DC) and 79 at Cochiti L. (M. Watson); late were one at Stubblefield L. (DC) and 2 at B.L.N.W.R. (SOW) 31 May. Wandering Least Terns were one at Bosque 15 Apr QO) and 2 there 17 Apr QEP), plus singles at Kenna 17 Apr QO) and Clovis 28 May QEP); up to 5 were at Brantley L. 21 May QEP), where the species summered in 2003. A Band-tailed Pigeon was a surprise at Ra- dium Springs 1 May (MS, ph. JZ). Eurasian Collared-Doves have completed their con- quest of New Mexico, with reports this season from San Juan e. to Union and s. to Hidalgo and Lea; they are now conspicuous in most every city, town, and village as well as ranch- es, farms, and other isolated sites (e.g., Nutt). One to 2 White-winged Doves were n. to Farmington and Blanco (AN), as well as to Maxwell 20-28 Apr (ph. DC). Inca Doves are now established from Albuquerque south- ward; n. was a pair at Cerrillos 1 Apr (LS). En- couraging were reports of one Common Ground-Dove near Rincon 9 May (MS, ph. JZ) and 3 at a Rodeo farm 25 Apr (RW, RAR). A Ruddy Ground-Dove made a brief Deming appearance 14 Apr (LM). Peripheral Yellow- billed Cuckoos were singles at Galisteo 29 May QB), Clayton L. 31 May (CR), and N.R.T. 16 & 23 May QEP). A season of surprises pro- duced a Groove-billed Ani in Milnesand 30 Apr (K. Bailey, R. Thompson, P. Whiting), New Mexico’s first since 1994. The state-first Eastern Screech-Owl, pres- ent at Portales since Nov, continued to attract birders through the spring, including 30 May (BN, DE). Up to 3 Elf Owls were in Dark Canyon, Eddy 31 May, where some 30 nest- boxes were installed to assist that pioneering population (R. Dickerman). Nicely docu- mented, and long overdue, was a state-first Barred Owl at Galisteo 29 May (ph. JB); the New Mexico's first confirmed Black-capped Vireo was found by Joe Sandberg at the "Melrose Trap" in northern Roosevelt County, where it was present 1 (here) through 2 May 2004. Photograph byE. Louis Cuellar. VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 411 NEW MEXICO apparently lone individual remained into Jun. Noteworthy was a pair of Long-eared Owls in Skull Canyon, Peloncillo Mts. 30 Mar (E. Rominger). NIGHTJARS THROUGH VIREOS Considerably n. of known range, up to 4 Less- er Nighthawks were in the Conchas Dam area, where seen and heard trilling 8 & 25 May I(CR, WW). Peripheral Whip-poor-wills were a vocal 2 in Cienega Canyon, Sandia Mts. 17 May (JEP) and one or more in the Manzano Mts. 19 May (JA). Broad-billed Humming- birds n. of Guadalupe Canyon were a male in P.O. Canyon 20 Mar-31 May (CL) and 4 in Skeleton Canyon 8 May (fide AC). Lucifer Hummingbirds returned to PO. Canyon 28 Mar, and up to 7 were there by 30 Apr (CL). Historically, neither Calliope nor Rufous Hummingbirds were expected in spring in New Mexico, but recently this has been changing: this season found a Calliope at Denting 11 Apr (LM) and a Rufous there 19 Apr (LM), while Rufous passed through PO. Canyon 27 Mar-21 Apr, including 5 there 19 Apr (CL). Belted Kingfishers suggestive of local breed- ing were one at Corrales 23 May (WH) and 2 at Albuquerque 30 May (JEP). Far s. was a Lewis’s Woodpecker in Clanton Canyon 14 Apr (SOW); the one that wintered at Deming was last seen 30 Apr (LM). Red-headed Wood- peckers where seldom reported were 2 each below Conchas Dam 8 May (CR), near Santa Rosa 19 May (WW), and Seneca 31 May (CR). Far e. and a first for Lea was an Acorn Wood- pecker at Tatum 20 May (PL, ph. JO, vt. SM); other Acorns of note were one at Santa Fe 27 May (MMR) and several sw. of Dulce at Cedar Springs Campground 20 May (J. Beason). Late so far s. was a Red-naped Sapsucker at Tyrone 23 May (EL). Pairs of Arizona Woodpeckers were in four canyons in the seldom-visited n. Peloncillo Mts. this season, including a nest in Brushy Canyon 13 May (CL). A Greater Pewee made a rare — and brief — stop in the Peloncillo Mts. 10 May (CL); no- tably early was an undetailed one in the Pinos Altos Mts. 8 Apr (CJG). Rare in spring, a Least Flycatcher was at Boones Draw 15 May (CB). Noteworthy was a Gray Flycatcher pair nest- building in the Guadalupe Mts. near Queen 7-8 May (KC); the species continues to ex- pand s. and e. of historic range. Black Phoebes, only recently established n. to San Juan and Colfax , returned to Farmington 10 Mar (AN), Springer 19 Mar (DC), and near Cimarron by 17 Apr (DC). Eastern Phoebes were unusually conspicuous in w. Union, where there were 8 singing males and two pairs in the Folsom area 7 Apr (WH). Vermil- ion Flycatchers maintained their beachhead in the ne., with 8 in the Conchas Dam area 8 May (CR, WW); elsewhere in the e., singles were at Sumner Dam 20 May (MMR), Tolar 31 May (BN, DE), and Milnesand 18 Apr (CR). A Great Kiskadee made a one-day visit to R.S. 16 May (SW, CB, J. Black); there are now about five satisfactory New Mexico reports. Rare s. to Roosevelt in spring, 3 Eastern King- birds were at Boone’s Draw 29 May (JEP), and another was at N.R.T. 20 & 23 May (SM, JEP). An ad. Northern Shrike lingered at Maxwell 19 Mar (DC). A White-eyed Vireo strayed to B.L.N.W.R. 16 Apr (JEP). and an- other was at N.R.T. 30 Apr-3 May (m.ob.), where it was quickly overshadowed by the state’s first confirmed Black-capped Vireo 1-2 May (J. Sandberg, ph. LC, vt. JO, m.ob., many ph.). A singing Yellow-throated Vireo was near R.G.N.C. 24-30 May (RG, JEP, sketch MR). At least one Red-eyed Vireo was at N.R.T. on various dates 14-25 May (m.ob.). JAYS THROUGH WARBLERS Two Blue Jays along Gallinas Cr. at Las Vegas 20 May (WW) suggested that the species may have spread to that city. Two migrant Purple Martins were at Isleta 8 Apr (JO); maintaining their presence in the Sangre de Cristo Mts. were 9 w. of Raton 7 May (DC). Far e. was a Violet-green Swallow at N.R.T. 9 May (CR). Bushtits were nest-building in an exotic pine on Albuquerque’s formerly treeless west side 30 Mar (WH). Carolina Wrens seem to be persisting in the middle R.G.V., with one singing near Los Lunas 15-30 Apr (DH). A vocal House Wren at Percha 20 Mar (JEP) likely wintered locally. Always noteworthy, single Winter Wrens were at Belen 2 Mar (WW) and R.S. 30 Mar (SW). A Marsh Wren was singing below Conchas Dam 25 May (WW). Two Black-tailed Gnatcatchers were n. to the E.B.L. area 10 Apr (JEP), where recent- ly dependable; in the sw., one was in the Lit- tle Hatchet Mts. 7 May (LM), and a pair was at Hatchet Gap 28 May (SOW). Although not reflected in current literature. Eastern Blue- birds have quietly colonized the R.G.V, with recent breeding reports from Santa Fc to Dona Ana ; this season, one was inspecting cavities at Corrales 7 Mar (WH), and a pair was there 23 May (CR), a pair was tending fledglings at R.G.N.C. 13-16 May (JNS, CMB, RD), and an adaptable pair near Radium Springs nested in an agave stalk, feeding nestlings there 1-2 May (MS, ph. JZ). With only about three sat- isfactory records (one confirmed), Gray- cheeked Thrush is our rarest thrush; this sea- son, one was well described at Amistad 19 May (PL, SM), and another was at N.R.T. 17 May (M. Patten) & 23 May (CB). Unexpected and a Torrance first was a male Varied Thrush at Torreon 11 Apr (V. Murphy). A Gray Cat- bird at P.O. Canyon 7 May (CL) provided a lo- cal first. A Brown Thrasher was w. to Cerrillos 29 Mar-25 Apr (A. Fenner, LS). Crissal Thrashers beyond expected range were one n. to Tesuque 23 Mar (S. Tanner) and a pair e. to B.L.N.W.R. 16 Apr (JEP). Among the numer- ous late lingering Cedar Waxwings were 40 at Socorro 25 May (JEP), 18 at Bernardo 28 May (RD), and 30 at Albuquerque 30 May (JEP). One to 2 Phainopeplas were ne. to B.L.N.W.R. 7-28 May (JO, GW, JEP). An exciting warbler season produced an unprecedented 6 Golden-winged Warblers, with singles at Galisteo 22 May (JB), R.G.N.C. 12 May (sketch MR, CMB), Socorro 8 May (JWS, BN, DE, DH), N.R.T. 13 May (JEP), Clovis 19 May (WW), and R.S. 13 May (BN, DE), plus a Blue-winged Warbler at Tijeras 1-2 May (CMB, JEP, ph. JO). Single Ten- nessees were at Galisteo 20 May (JB) and N.R.T. 16 May (JEP, vt. JO). Noteworthy was a Lucy’s Warbler at Columbus 18 Mar (B&DM); another was in the Little Hatchet Mts. 28 May (SOW). Northern Parulas in- cluded singles near Madrid 8 May (BF), San Marcial 20 May (RD), N.R.T. 25 May (JB), and R.S. 16 May (CB). Chestnut-sided Warblers made a strong showing, with singles at R.G.N.C. (K. Schneider), Socorro (BN, DE, JEP, JO), Vaughn (ph. JO), N.R.T. (JO, PL, SM), Boone’s Draw (JO, PL, vt. SM), and R.S. (JEP) 7-21 May. A Magnolia Warbler was at N.R.T. 25 May (JB) , where there was a Black- throated Green 23 May (CB). Single Black- throated Blues were at Mesilla 5 Apr (B&DM) and N.R.T. 19 May (PL); early was a Black- throated Gray above Kingston 27 Mar (JEP). Scarce in spring, single Hermit Warblers were in the Burro Mts. 27 Apr (JD) and Skeleton Canyon 8 May (fide AC). Single Palm War- blers were at Eldorado 28 Apr (G. Johnson), B.L.N.W.R. 23 Apr (GW), R.S. 16 Apr (JEP), and at Hudson L. between Logan and Tucum- cari 22 Apr (DC), the latter of the hypochrysea race. A male Blackpoll Warbler was a surprise at R.S. 9 May (KC). From the R.G.V eastward there were single Black-and-white Warblers at six sites 23 Apr- 19 May and single American Redstarts at nine sites 1-25 May (m.ob.). Sin- gle Prothonotary Warblers were at Galisteo 22 May (JB) and Percha 26 May (GE). A good Ovenbird season found singles at Corrales, Galisteo, Madrid, Fort Sumner, Bosque Re- dondo, and N.R.T. 8-25 May (m.ob.). North- ern Waterthrushes in obscure locales included singles at Yeso 16 May (JO) and Tyrone 1 May (EL). One or more Hooded Warblers were at N.R.T. 20-30 May (m.ob., ph. JO) and Hills- boro 30 Apr (BF). The warbler of the season was a well-documented Golden-crowned Warbler at N.R.T. 8-10 .lay (JEP, B. Parmeter, ph. JO, m.ob., many ph.), a New Mexico first and the first U.S. record away from s. Texas. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Summer Tanagers were n. to Pump Canyon near Navajo Dam 25 May (T. Reeves), Galis- teo 20 May (JB), and Nara Visa 21 May (PL, SM, JO). Very rare in New Mexico, a Scarlet Tanager was near Seneca 21 May (JO, PL, SM). The only Field Sparrows were one to 3 412 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS at Oasis S.P. 30 Apr-1 May (JO, JEP). Far ne. was a Black-chinned Sparrow at Amis tad 21 May (PL, vt. JO, vt. SM); another was near Madrid 8 May (BF), where unexpected. Mi- grant Grasshopper Sparrows were unusually conspicuous and vocal in the Broadview area, n. Curry, where over 100 were noted 12-14 Apr (TM). Single reddish Fox Sparrows were at K.K. 28 Mar (ph. JO) and R.S. 8 Mar (SD). A Harris’s Sparrow that reportedly wintered at Gila was last seen 18 Apr (A. Gant). A Golden-crowned Sparrow was at Alameda 25 Apr (LC). Three Yellow-eyed juncos had re- turned to the Burro Mts. by 15-16 Apr (SOW), with two territories there 27-28 Apr (JD); encouraging were a pair plus 2 singing males in the Animas Mts. 21 May (AC, NM- C). Eight Northern Cardinals were n. to the Conchas Dam area 8 May (WW, GR), and one was near Santa Rosa 19 May (WW). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks blanketed the east- ern two-thirds of the state, with reports from at least 20 sites from the R.G.V eastward 6-31 May (xn.ob.); notably early was a male at Luis Lopez 5 Apr (JO), while farther w. were one at Kirtland 19-20 May (C. Shryock) and up to 6 in EO. Canyon 7-30 May (CL). A Varied Bunting had returned to Guadalupe Canyon by 8 May (AM); in Eddy, a pair was in Slaughter Canyon 8 May (KC), and one was singing in Walnut Canyon above White’s City 22 May (JEP). Astonishingly early was a male Painted Bunting at Bloomfield 1 Apr (JR); other Painteds n. of usual were a male at Santa Fe 24 May (JNS) and 3 along the Cana- dian R. below Conchas Dam 8 & 25 May (CR, WW); in Dona Ana, where now regular during the breeding season, a pair was near Rincon 17 & 24 May (MS, JZ). Early was a Dickcissel at Bosque 30 Apr 0- Hirth); other spring reports were 2 at Las Vegas N.W.R. 30 May (CR), and singles at Fort Sumner (SOW) and N.R.T. (JEP) 31 May. Eastern Meadowlarks continued to spread north- ward, including one to 2 singing at Philmonf, Colfax 6-28 May (v.r. DC). Continuing their westward expansion, single Common Crack- les were at Animas 8 May (AM) and Cotton City 31 May ( fide AC). Bronzed Cowbirds continued to creep northward, including a male at Albuquerque 25 May (A. Armstrong) and a pair at Ned Houk Park near Clovis 19 May (WW). North of usual was an Orchard Oriole pair nest-building at Ute L. 24 May (ph. DC). An apparent Baltimore Oriole, de- scribed as a possible first-spring female, was at Maxwell 25 May (ph. DC). Typically our earliest oriole, single Scott’s were in P.O. Canyon 20 Mar (CL) and Clanton Canyon 27 Mar (JEP); n. were a pair near Eldorado 4 May (MMR) and a male at Madrid 18 May (JO). Very few Cassin’s Finches were report- ed, and the species seemed absent from most areas. Red Crossbills were similarly scarce, with 12 in the Magdalena Mts. 8 May (BN, DE) the high count, while the few Evening Grosbeak reports were confined to the Sangre de Cristo Mts. Initialed observers: Julian Avery, Jonathan Batkin, Ryan Beaulieu, Charles Black, Ce- lestyn M. Brozek, David Cleary, Kelly Gotten, Nancy Cox, Steve Cox, Alan Craig, Louis Cuellar, John BeLong, Steve Dinsmore, Robert Doster, Doug Emkalns, Gordon Ew- ing, Bernard Foy, Rebecca Gracey, C. j. Grimes, David Hawksworth, William Howe, Jim Krakowski, Paul Lehman, Eugene Lewis, Carroll Littlefield, Larry Malone, Tish Mc- Daniel, Barbara & Daniel McKnight, Steven Mlodinow, Narca Moore-Craig, Arnold Moor- house, Alan Nelson, Bruce Neville, Jerry Old- enettel, John E. Parmeter, James N. Paton, Nick Pederson, Mike Ramos, John Rees, Mary M. Ristow, Rose Ann Rowlett, Christopher Rustay, Lawry Sager, Hart Schwarz, Marcy Scott, John W. Shipman, Dale Stahlecker, James N. Stuart, Raymond VanBuskirk, Gor- don Warrick, Richard Webster, Steve West, William West, S. O. Williams, James Zabriskie. © AviSys Version 5 As Simple As You Wish - As Powerful As You Need See our web site for great new features! Palm Support! Clements5 2003 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 fuii-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 N A 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: al! 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 NA 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 dick 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. NO DANGEROUS COPY PROTECTION OR REGISTRATION SCHEMES! Free! NASA 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 ~ 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, Placitas, NM 87043 Fast as a Falcon ~ Powerful as an Eagle ~ Friendly as a Chickadee VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 3 413 Mark M. Stevenson (NON-PASSERINES) 4201 East Monte Vista Drive #J207 Tucson, Arizona 85712-5554 Numbers of migrants of most fam- ilies were noted to be low statewide. Although rainfall was better than in recent springs, prolonged drought continued to affect all areas. At San Carlos Lake, improved coverage yield- ed several interesting records. (drbrdr@att.net) Gary H. Rosenberg (PASSERINES) P. 0. Box 91856 Tucson, Arizona 85752-1856 (ghrosenberg@comcast.net) Abbreviations: A.B.C. (Arizona Bird Com- mittee), A.V.S.T.P. (Avra Valley S.T.P.), B.T.A. (Boyce Thompson Arboretum), H.R.P. (Hassayampa River Preserve), L. C.R.V. (lower Colorado River valley), M. TL. (Many Farms L.), N.I.R. (Navajo Indian Reservation), RL.S.R (Patagonia L. State Park), S.C.L. (San Carlos L.), S.P.R. (San Pedro R.), Sweetwater (Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson), U.L.M. (Upper L. Mary), Whitewater (Whitewater Draw W.A.) LOONS THROUGH CRANES Both of the Tucson Least Grebes contin- ued through the season (m.ob.). The indi- vidual at Sweetwater was observed build- ing a nest in May (DS et al.). At S.C.L., 700 Aechmophorus grebes on 8 May (KK) reflected the reservoir’s importance as a stopover site. Reports of Clarks Grebes away from large lakes were few, with sin- gles at Chandler 3 Apr (PD), Willcox 7 Apr (SH), and Roper L. 19 Apr (M. Hodg- son). A Magnificent Frigatebird soaring with Turkey Vultures over Mammoth 11 May (ph. J. Levy) was earlier than previ- ous records of this casual visitor from the Sea of Cortez. An American Bittern along the Santa Cruz R. at Rio Rico 18 May (JO was a late migrant. An ad. Little Blue Heron was in Tucson 24 Apr (RT, ph. MMS); most Ari- zona records are from May and Jun. Chiefly a summer and fall vagrant, a Tri- colored Heron in Chandler 11-12 Mar (D. Clark, R. Ditch) was a surprise. Cattle Egrets were again observed constructing nests at Paloma 3 May (ph. MMS, KK). The Palo Verde White Ibis was last report- ed 13 Mar (RW). A wintering imm. Snow Goose that tar- ried in Tucson until 25 May (m.ob.) was very late. Wood Ducks occasionally linger in se. Arizona; this year, a female was at A.VS.T.R 8 May+ (JH, m.ob.). The Tucson Eurasian Wigeon was present through 22 Apr (MMS). Another (or the same?) male appeared at A.V.S.T.P 24-30 Apr (MPo, ph. MMS). Totally unexpected was an ap- parent male Mexican Duck, currently cat- egorized as the diazi subspecies of Mal- lard, at Kachina Wetlands 23 Mar-25 May (t, ph. JP et al.). Virtually all prior Arizona records of this taxon have been from the se. corner of the state. A male Greater Scaup was a good find 21 Mar-9 Apr at Benson S.T.P. (GB et al.). Casual in the up- per S.PR. valley, up to 4 Hooded Mer- gansers were present on a Hereford pond this spring (MM), with the last lingering to 27 Apr. Seventeen Red-breasted Mer- gansers at Willow L., Prescott 5 Apr (CST) was a large flock away from the L.C.R.V Ospreys arrived early, with individuals at PL.S.R 16 Mar (JM), Kaibab L. 19 Mar (E. Morral), and U.L.M. 21 Mar (JR)- The only White-tailed Kite report was from Ar- lington 14 Mar (PD). Mississippi Kites re- turned by 15 Apr to the colony recently founded at St. David (H. Lauchstedt). A Harris’s Hawk near Tuzigoot 23 Mar (D. van Gaussig) was one of few reports ever from the middle Verde Valley. At least one Red-shouldered Hawk continued at H.R.P through the period (O. Harbour). Casual as spring migrants, single Broad-winged Hawks were reported from Montezuma Well 18 Apr (R. Radd) and Marana 24 Apr (tK. Kroesen et al.). Short-tailed Hawks returned to Barfoot Park, Chiricahua Mts. by 9 May+ (DS, m.ob.), with up to 2 re- NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ported. A Sandhill Crane with a bad leg was very late at Willcox on 10 May (DP). PLOVERS THROUGH TERNS Many shorebird species arrived early, though overall migrant numbers were considered low statewide. It was an above- average spring for Pluvialis. Black-bellied Plover reports were: up to 2 at Willcox on the very early date of 14-20 Mar (KK, SH), one early at Whitewater 21 Mar (GB), 2 at Willcox 18 Apr (JM), and one at S.C.L. 25 Apr (MMS et ah). An Ameri- can Golden-Plover at Willcox 24-26 Mar (RWe et ah, ph. JW) was likely the earliest ever in the state. Single golden-plovers at S.C.L. 25 Apr (MMS et al.) and Greer 2 May (DR) were not identified to species. The wintering Snowy Plovers at S.C.L. were missed after 17 Mar (KK). Casual on the N.I.R., 2 Snowy Plovers were at Kayenta S.T.R 16 May (CL). A group of 26 Semipalmated Plovers at U.L.M. 30 Apr was a very large flock for Arizona (JP). Willet flocks are regular in spring, but 98 at Whitewater 24 Apr (KK) and 100 at S.C.L. 25 Apr (MMS) were notably large groups. A Whimbrel at Apache Station W.A. 11 Apr-3 May (IKK) was the only one reported statewide. Flocks of Marbled Godwits seen 30 Apr included 13 at Mor- mon L., 23 at Sedona S.T.R, and 23 at U.L.M. OR T. Fry), more than expected lo- cally. The only Sanderlings reported were singles at Whitewater 3-7 Apr (SH) and Gila Bend 15 Apr (BG). Casual in spring, Semipalmated Sandpipers were at A.YS.T.R 24-26 Apr (ph. MMS, m.ob.) and 30 Apr-3 May (ph. DS, m.ob.); 2 oth- ers were reported without details. Appar- ently early northbound migrants, Western Sandpipers were reported from El Mirage 3 Mar (E. Latturner) and Whitewater 21 Mar (GB, PS). Conversely, a Least Sand- piper at M.FL. 23 May (CL) was the latest- ever spring migrant on the N.I.R. Early migrant Baird’s Sandpipers (rare in spring) were one at Whitewater 22-27 Mar (D. West, MM) and 2 there 31 Mar (KK). A Wilson’s Phalarope at Tuba City S.T.R 11 Mar (CL) was the earliest N.I.R. record by at least a month. An ad. Laughing Gull at S.C.L. 30 Apr (TKK) was casual and a local first. Franklin’s Gulls were reported in above- average numbers from Coconino, Marico- pa, and S.C.L. (m.ob.). A wandering Heer- mann’s Gull at Arivaca L. 15 Apr 0- Levy) was a nice find. A first-summer Herring Gull at Whitewater 25 Mar (TRW) was only the 2nd for se. in spring. A second- summer bird reported at Mormon L. 30 Apr (TjP) was one of few ever near Flagstaff. Caspian Terns put in a good showing away from the L.C.R.V, with up to 9 at S.C.L. simultaneously 18 Apr-8 May (RW, KK, JE), one at Prescott 18 Apr (CST), one at Cholla L. 29 Apr (J V) . 3 at Ashurst L. 16 May (T. Linda), 2 in Mesa 16 May Q. McKay), and 2 at M.FL. 23 May (CL). After last year’s bumper crop. Least Tern numbers returned to recent norms. Singles were at S.C.L. 25 Apr (KK), Tucson 29 Apr (E Churchill), and at Willcox 9-10 0- Hand, DP) & 28 May (B. Carlson). DOVES THROUGH SAPSUCKERS Continuing recent trends, a few White- winged Doves were found n.: singles were in Flagstaff 2 Mar ( fide R. Ditch), along the Blue R. 10 May (DR, GC), in Sedona 11 May (T. Fry), and in Canyon de Chelly 12 May (CL), while several were in Eagar 12 May+ (GC, DR). A few Ruddy Ground- Doves were reported sporadically from Red Rock through the period (m.ob.). A male in Prescott 22 Mar-5 Apr (CST) was a winter holdover. A male in w. Phoenix 25 May+ (RMJ) was intriguing; the first state nesting record was from Maricopa. Several weeks early, a Common Poorwill was calling in the Tucson Mts. 13 Mar (J. Hays). Buff-collared Nightjars returned to the Oro Blanco Mine site near California Gulch 15 Apr+, with up to three pairs re- ported (KK, M. Brown, m.ob.) Hummingbird numbers were down an estimated 90 percent at feeding stations in se. this spring (TB, MJB, DJ et al.). Poor breeding in successive drought years is the suspected cause. White-eared Humming- birds were seen on the e. side of the Huachuca Mts. A male was at Beatty’s in- termittently 25 Apr+ (ph. K. Nickel). Nearer 1500 m elevation in Miller Canyon, a male was seen 25 Apr (B. Feltner) and 22 May 0- Hand). Returning hybrid hum- mingbirds apparently involving Berylline parentage were singles in Miller Canyon 22 Mar+ (TB) and Ramsey Canyon 15 May+ (MP). Lucifer Hummingbirds re- turned to eastside Huachuca Mts. and the Mule Mts. again by 25 Mar (MJB, S. Williamson, B. Behrstock, B. Feltner, JW). In Portal, only one Lucifer was reported, a male on 5 May (DJ). A female was in French Joe Canyon 18 May (MP), where they are occasional. Accidental in spring, an ad. male Allen’s Hummingbird was banded in Arivaca 23 Mar (TG. West). A pair of Elegant Trogons was found near the Wildcat Mine in seldom-birded Temporal Gulch, Santa Rita Mts. 9-23 May (M. Brown, T. Arny). One in California Gulch 13 May+ (SH, m.ob.) was in poor habitat. At B.T.A., a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was reported 11-14 Mar (TS. Ganley). A R 1 Z O N A. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRASHERS Northern Beardless-Tyrannulets continue their expansion northward and westward, with singles once again at the B.T.A. 1 Apr -8 May (CST) and H.R.P. 2 May+ (PD), plus 3 along Pinto Cr. nw. of Globe 28 May-16 Jun (S. Sferra). Single Greater Pe- wees at Parks 2 May (CL) and at Branni- gan Park 18 May (CL), both above the Mogollon Rim w. of Flagstaff, were well n. of usual breeding areas in the state. Mi- grants of this species are seldom seen in lowland areas; one at P.L.S.P. 2 Apr (MMS) was thus of interest. A Buff-breasted Fly- catcher was in Sawmill Canyon, Huachu- ca Mts. on the early date of 20 Mar (S. & M. Turner). Small local breeding popula- tions of this species now appear to be well established in the Herb Martyr area of Cave Creek Canyon (fide DJ), as well as in Temporal Gulch in the Santa Rita Mts. (M. Brown et ah). An Eastern Phoebe along the S.P.R. near Hwy 90 on 19 Mar (E Sock- ness) likely wintered locally. Well n. of normal breeding areas in the state, a well-described, calling Dusky- capped Flycatcher was in Overgaard 2 May (TK. Penland); there are only a few previous sightings for this species above the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. A Brown- crested Flycatcher reported from Green Valley 8 Apr (BM) was one of the earliest reports ever in se. Arizona. Tropical King- birds were again at two locations on the upper S.ER., with one at Kingfisher Pond 20 May (DS) and one near Hereford 21 May+ (MM). Elsewhere, the species con- tinues to be found at new localities in ne. Tucson, with one again at Castle Rock Es- tates on the very early date of 29 Apr (B. Nicholas, MMS, MPo) and a pair at Tuc- son Country Club 13-27 May (MMS, PS). The Thick-billed Kingbird found in Yuma during the winter remained until at least 23 Mar Q. Coker; ph. HD). The Rose- throated Becard found along the Santa Cruz R. at Tumacacori during the winter was last reported 30 Mar (m.ob.). Else- where, single male becards were found at Guadalupe Canyon 12 May (S. Tingley), at the usual Patagonia Roadside Rest breeding site 14-22 May (K. Zimmer et al.), and at the unusual location of lower Madera Canyon 22 May (R. Wilt) . Casual in the state, a White-eyed Vireo was reported from Wenima W.A. near Springerville 8 May (GC, DR), and a singing male was along the upper S.P.R. 20-22 May (v.r. DS et al.). Intriguing was the report of a Gray Vireo from Canyon del Muerto near Chinle 16 May (CL), as this species is not known to breed any- where in Apache. A Warbling Vireo near Hereford 7 Mar (MM) was very early. A VOLUME 58 (2 004) • NUMBER 3 415 ARIZONA Red-eyed Vireo, casual in the state, was well described from Dudleyville 29 May (tD.Jeness). Perhaps a continuation of last winter’s minor corvid movement around the state, Steller’s Jays were reported this spring from odd localities, including at least 10 at H.R.E 21 Mar (PD), 10-15 at Portal 15 Apr (DJ), and singles at Patagonia 1 Mar-2 Apr (SH, m.ob.), nw. Tucson 2 Mar (R. Bailowicz), and below Madera Canyon 28 Mar (C. Cathers). Western Scrub-Jays were also found at scattered localities away from breeding areas this spring, in- cluding truly wandering birds at White Tank Regional Park, Maricopa 5 Mar (HD) and at Tacna 13 Mar (HD). American Crows continue to be found at scattered sites on the N.I.R., with 2 at Cow Springs L. 2 Apr (CL) and 2 at the mouth of Canyon de Chelly 12-25 May (CL). One in Chino Valley 4 Apr (CST) was also out of range. Of note were 20+ Tree Swallows on 22 Apr at A.VS.T.P. (DS), a late date for a large concentration. The Winter Wren (giving a typical “western-type” call) found at Sabino Canyon during the winter and the individual that wintered along Sonoita Cr. above RL.S.R (heard giving an “eastern-type” call) were both last report- ed 10 Mar (WR; m.ob.); the status and distribution in Arizona of the two distinct types of Winter Wrens remains poorly known. Reports of Black-capped Gnatcatcher from expected areas in se. Arizona contin- ued to increase this spring. The male that was found along Proctor Rd. below Madera Canyon during the winter was again reported 7 (JB) & 23 Mar (K. McBride). The pair found in Montosa Canyon last fall was present until at least 30 Mar (MMS et ah). A single female was reported 6-16 May from Brown Canyon (S. Johnsen), where this species was found breeding in 1996. The pair found at Rock Corral Spring, Tumacacori Mts. dur- ing the winter was reported again 15 May (M. Kehl). At P.L.S.R, where Black- cappeds have bred for at least two years, the pair successfully raised 2 young by 1 7 May (DS et al.) and was seen nest-build- ing again 21 May (SH). Another pair was reported to have nested successfully with- in the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve in May (R. Romea, C. Sprecher, M. Brown). Despite the recent plethora of sightings, we still urge caution in identifi- cation of this species and request that de- tails of all sightings be forwarded to the A.B.C. The Rufous-backed Robin found at RL.S.R during the fall was last reported 3 Apr (m.ob.), while another was reported from the Tres Rios N.A. near Phoenix 6 Mar (TE. Lattumer). A Gray Catbird was at Cameron 28 May (CL); there are fewer than 20 previous N.I.R. records. The Brown Thrasher that wintered at the B.T.A. was last reported 18 Apr (L. Bick- ford), while another was banded at Ariva- ca 1 Apr (M. Hunnicutt). WARBLERS THROUGH GOLDFINCHES Five Northern Parulas were found in se. Arizona between 27 Apr and 15 May — about average for spring season. Two dif- ferent Chestnut-sided Warblers, casual during spring, were found in the Chiric- ahua Mts., one singing male in Portal 28 May (G. Smith) and one subad. male in E. Whitetail Canyon 31 May (RT). A singing male Black-throated Blue Warbler at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix 12-25 Apr (S. Barnes et al.; v.r. PD, ph. JWo) provided the first spring Maricopa record. Rarely seen in the lowlands dur- ing migration, a Graces Warbler was along the Agua Fria R. near Badger Springs Wash 8 May (CST). A Palm War- bler along the Blue R., Greenlee 10 May (DR) provided the only report this spring. A male Bay-breasted Warbler was report- ed from H.R.P. 30 May (O. Harbour); there were only four prior Maricopa records. A Prothonotary Warbler along the upper S.P.R. near Hereford 1 1-15 May (C. Thomas et al.) was the only one this spring. An unseen Kentucky Warbler was reported singing from the Patagonia Roadside Rest 24 May (J. Malosh, B. Carl- son et al.). Two different female Hooded Warblers were located, one banded in Florida Canyon 9 May (L. Halsey), anoth- er in a Tolleson yard 21 May (ph. BG). A male Red-faced Warbler at Rustler Park 16 Mar (D. Baumann) was nearly a month earlier than normal arrival in Arizona. The now-resident pair of Rufous-capped Warblers in French Joe Canyon was re- ported throughout the period. Another Rufous-capped was located in South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon 27 Apr (DJ et al.; ph. RWe, R. Shantz), and yet another was reported from Sycamore Canyon, Santa Cruz 12 & 22 May (M. Anderson, G. Worthington et al.); away from French Joe Canyon, this species remains a casual vagrant that requires full documentation to the A.B.C. A male Flame-colored Tanager discov- ered in Madera Canyon 1 Apr (B. Gibbons et al., m.ob.; ph. MMS, GHR, CDB) was joined by a female by 6 Apr; the pair was found nesting by 1 Jun. This may be only the 2nd “pure” pair ever found nesting in Arizona. At least 2 hybrid Flame-colored x Western Tanagers were present this spring in Miller Canyon (S. Williamson). The Clay-colored Sparrow found at Sam Lena Park, Tucson during fall was present until 27 Apr (MMS). A Grasshopper Spar- row at the Kachina Wetlands 23 Mar (JP) was away from known breeding areas in the state. At least 16 White-throated Spar- rows were found around the state this spring, a higher number than usual. The find of the season was a male Yellow Gros- beak present at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson 17-21 May (tL. Harris et al.; ph. JWo, MMS, GHR) pro- viding only a 15th Arizona record, and only the 2nd since 1994. It was another excellent spring for Rose-breasted Gros- beak in Arizona, with no fewer than 15 separate reports, virtually all males. A male Varied Bunting along the upper S.P.R. near Fairbank 7-21 Mar (J. Stewart; ph. JWo) either wintered locally or was an escapee; there is only one previous accept- ed winter record for the state. The species normally does not arrive as a migrant/ breeder until late May. The only Painted Bunting of the spring was a male along the Agua Fria R. near Badger Springs Wash 8 May (CST). A Dickcissel, casual in spring, was at Lee’s Ferry 8 May (J. Spence). A male Orchard Oriole in Tucson 4-27 Mar 0- Ogden; tMMS, ph. GB) likely win- tered locally. A female was present at Par- adise 27 Apr-3 May (J. Lewis, JBo et al.; ph. R. Shantz). Hooded Orioles were found away from usual breeding areas at Blue R. 16 May (DR) and Rimmyjim Tank n. of Flagstaff 24 May (JP). Male Baltimore Orioles were at Hunt 8 May (ph., tj. Videle) and at Carr Canyon 17 May (ph. SH). Two Lawrence’s Goldfinches along Sycamore Cr. near Sunflower 18 Apr (K. & C. Radamaker) may have been nesting locally; this species nested in small num- bers along the Verde R. ne. of Phoenix during the late 1970s. Contributors: Mary Jo Ballator, Tom Beat- ty, Chris D. Benesh, Gavin Bieber, Jerry Bock (JBo), John Coons, Gary Crandall, Troy Corman, Henry Detwiler, Pierre De- viche, Jeff Estis, Bill Grossi, Stuart Healy, John Higgins, Dave Jasper, Roy M. Jones, Keith Kamper (Tucson RBA), Chuck LaRue, Michael Marsden, Bill Massey, Ja- nine McCabe, Dave Pearson, Molly Pol- lock (MPo), John Prather, Mark Pretti, Gary H. Rosenberg, Donna Roten, Will Russell, Peter Salomon, Dave Stejskal, Mark M. Stevenson, Rick Taylor, Carl S. Tomoff (Prescott), Jimmy Videle, Janet Witzeman (Maricopa), Joe Woodley (JWo), Richard Webster (RWe), Rick Wright. © 416 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Thede Tobish 2510 Foraker Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99517 (tgt@alaska.net) On the heels of a winter with heavy snow-pack, spring 2004 was en- livened by a slew of early arrivals, though most were of “token” individuals. While weather conditions and air tempera- tures, even into May, were not obviously fa- vorable for a strong passage of migrants, the season could easily be characterized as “ear- ly,” or at least average, for the northern half of the Region but “record early” overall in the south and west. Ketchikan was exempla- ry, with record-early arrivals for 15 species, many by more than week. Bering Sea and Aleutian site coverage was generally late to commence and, save for the Pribilofs, very average. Continued pioneering efforts at new sites — coupled with agency field work, reporting from Bering Sea outposts, resi- dents’ accounts from a dozen or more com- munities between Ketchikan and Nome, and various other reports from irregularly visited sites (e.g., Hyder) — meant that this season received unusually good coverage. Fortu- nately, the effort and level of rarity docu- mentation continues to be excellent, al- though it remains difficult to track second-hand reports from Gambell. As in past spring columns, I generally report the spring migration period as extending into early June. While there is never a definitive break between spring and summer, most records of clearly northbound migrants ta- per off sharply after about 8 June. Abbreviations: S.E. (Southeast Alaska); S.W. (Southwest Alaska); U.C.I. (Upper Cook In- let). Referenced details, specimens, photo- graphs, and videotape are on file at the Uni- versity of Alaska Museum. LOONS THROUGH RAILS Northbound Arctic Loons included only a few past Gambell 25 May— 6 Jun, with the maximum being only 3 from 25 May (ELI). Inshore waters of Carrol! Inlet near Ketchikan supported a local record tally of 1100 Western Grebes, probably staging in the area 4 Mar (SCH, AWP). These numbers approach historical average winter peaks when observers lived in the Wrangell-Pe- tersburg area in the heart of the species’ Alaska wintering range. Oddly, the seasons only Pied-billed Grebes were extralimitais, away from S.E., noted from the Cordova road system 7 & 10 May (AL). The recent trend of increasing Laysan Al- batross numbers in the Bering Sea/N. Pacific interface continued, with several reports of groups of 20+, including a flock of 25+ be- tween Attu and Shemya Is. 25 May (PP). The Ketchikan waterfront produced a tardy Brandt’s Cormorant 2 May (tSCH), the latest of several recent reports involving small numbers of wintering birds. Getting late at the w. edge of the species’ winter range were 5 Great Blue Herons w. of Kodiak at Old Harbor 12 Mar (SB); there are no summer records from Kodiak. Waterfowl were generally on time across the Region and included an above-average selection of the regular rarities but few no- table concentrations of Alaska breeders. Highlights included single mid-May Bean Geese described at Adak 10-19 May (HLT) and Attu 14-16 May (UAM), a healthy peak pre -breeding count of 400+ Cackling Geese from Attu’s Alexai Pt. 7 May (UAM), a hand- some pair of Falcated Ducks at Shemya 25 May-1 Jun (PP, ph. MTS), an average peak of 17 Tufted Ducks from Adak 16 & 20 May (HLT), and a selection of Smews in various plumages at Shemya, with up to 6 together 19 May-7 Jun (UAM, MTS), plus one at Attu 27-30 May (LS, JL, PP). Nearctic waterfowl of note included local record-high 5150 Greater White-fronted Geese 28 Apr flying along the n. edge of Annette I. in s. S.E. (AWP, SCH, TG, CF). A similar record tally of 1070 Snow Geese came from near Ketchikan 17 Apr (AWP), and an ad. Ross’s Goose was described from Juneau 10-14 May (PS), one of few S.E. records. There was a broad showing of Cinnamon Teal, with a pair 5-22 May and 2 drakes 18 May in Juneau (MB, RJG, BA, PS), plus sin- gle males at Kodiak 20 May (SS, CR, ML), a 4th local record, and Hyder 7 Jun (SCH), a local first. Seven Eurasian Wigeons made the local high count at Kodiak 5 Apr (RAM). Single drake Tufted Ducks, probably arrivals from Nearctic wintering sites, were in Cor- dova 27-29 Apr (AL), Kodiak 1 May (RAM), and Anchorage, where casual, 22-29 May (PS, DS, ph. TT et al.). An unlikely drake King Eider was with scoters in Juneau 8 May (PS). A female Barrow’s Goldeneye at Adak 14 May (HLT) provided another Aleutian re- port, while a drake Hooded Merganser, casu- al in S.W., was at King Salmon 8 Apr (SS et al). A waif female Ruddy Duck in Juneau 5 May (SZ, PS) supplied one of few spring re- ports from S.E. An Osprey over Nome’s Safety Lagoon was certainly a rare overshoot to the Bering Sea coast 1 Jun (VENT); it is local and rare away from the forested se. sections of the Se- ward Pen. Swainson’s Hawk was reported for the first time in spring in years, with a single over the Chugach-Talkeetna Mts. hawk- watch at mile-marker 1 19 of the Glenn Hwy. 25 Apr (RD). Most of the older records from the Region come from the e. Interior in spring. Always notable in S.E. outside of the fall season were single American Kestrels in the Ketchikan area 5 & 13-15 Apr (TG, AWP). Another ad. Eurasian Hobby visited Shemya, alighting briefly on runway lights 30 May (ph. MTS); the species remains ca- sual in the Region, with most records com- ing from the w. Aleutians between the end of VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 417 Marbled Godwits (of subspecies beringiae ) staged a spectacular, synchronized early arrival and movement across the breadth of their known spring range this season. At Ketchikan, an early group of 16 was seen 17 Apr (AWP, SCH), with a maximum of 23 on Annette 1. 28 Apr (AWP, SCH); in Kodiak, the peak count of 1 00 came 27 Apr (JM, DS). Other notable Marbled Godwit reports included a single in Gustavus 22-23 May (ND, PV) and 18 in the Sit- ka area 28 Apr (MLW, MET). A lone bird present at the Chena ponds in the Fairbanks area 27 May-5 Jun+ (ph. NH et al.), however, was thought not to be of subspecies beringiae. There is no prior inland Alaska record of Marbled God- wit, and this individual may have been from the n. Great Plains population rather than from the coastal Alaska breed- ing population, though this assessment is tentative. May and early Jul. Bering Sea Gyrfalcon re- ports outside the late autumn/early winter period are few, so 2 birds around Adak 17-18 May (HLT) and one at St. Paul I. 30-31 May (St. Paul) were significant, the latter a first spring Pribilof record. Determining spring arrival dates for Soras has always been problematic, and most records from S.E. have been of mid-summer birds in potential breeding habi- tat. One in Gustavus, where casu- al, 14-15 May (ND) and 2 in the Juneau area 26 Apr (PS, MB, SZ, JS, RJG) were more suggestive of an arrival window. PLOVERS THROUGH TERNS As is typical in spring, shorebird highlights were plentiful and var- ied. Record early in Ketchikan by nine days, and one of the Regions earliest overall, was a Black-bel- lied Plover in Ketchikan 10 Apr (AWP). A survey of shorebirds in coastal tundra along the n. side of the Alaska Pen. produced surpris- ing counts of apparently territori- al Black-bellieds 10-14 May+ (Feds). If successful as nesters, these birds would extend the species’ breeding limits some 300 km farther s. from known sites near Chagvan Bay. These same survey areas produced even high- er numbers of similarly territorial Pacific Golden-Plovers, also 10-14 May+ (Feds): if successful as breeders, these birds would extend the known w. coast range some 500 km s. from Nelson and Nunivak Is. At least 3 Common Ringed Plovers visited Gambell 27 May-6 Jun+ (VENT, HLT), the Regions only site of regular occurrence. A Common Greenshank was at Shemya 25-30 May (PP, MWS), and 2 were in St. Paul marshes 18-21 May (St. Paul). Tringa were generally ahead of schedule along the coast and in the Aleutians, with a single Greater Yellowlegs record early in Ketchikan 21 Mar (TH, PH) and a Lesser Yellowlegs at St. Paul 1. 25-28 May (St. Paul), a site from which there are only a few spring reports. Wood Sandpipers, one of the Region’s com- monest visitors from Eurasia, were thinly distributed across the Bering Sea, with peaks of 10 at the Pribilofs 18-19 May (St. Paul) and 12 at Attu 24 May (LS, JL), where dis- play behavior was also reported. Common Sandpipers were equally widely dispersed but only as scattered singles within a narrow window on Bering Sea/Alcutian outposts as early as 24 May at Gambell (HLT) through 31 May at Attu (LS, JL). The season's lone Far Eastern Curlew was a single that hung around Attu’s e. beaches 2 Jun (PP, ph. LS, JL). A flyby flock of 7 Black-tailed Godwits was also a singular event tins season, at Attu 19 May (LS, JL). Coastal Hudsonian Godwits were at Gus- tavus, with up to 7 present 9-10 May (ND, PV), plus a single earlier offshore at Sitka, where accidental, 28-29 Apr (MLW, MET). The species is annual or well represented in records from S.E. Several territorial Least Sandpipers were reported from the greater Nome area, where irregular, including singles at mile-marker 65 on the Kougarok Rd. 30 May and at Pil- grim Hot Springs 2 Jun (both VENT). Extra- ordinary in spring for S.E. was another White-rumped Sandpiper in Juneau 5-9 May (tMB, RJG). Unusual in spring and rather late for U.C.L was a Rock Sandpiper at Anchorage 3 Jun (VENT), reportedly not a bird of the nominate race, which winters locally. A Curlew Sandpiper at Shemya 19 May (DWS) provided one of few spring re- ports from the Aleutians. Few Ruffs were re- ported, with a single on the mainland at Solomon e. of Nome 30-31 May (DW, BW, VENT) the most interesting. A Wilson’s Phalarope arrived early at Juneau (where nearly annual in late May) 22 May (MB, LB); in Fairbanks, 3 congregated at the float- ponds 1-4 Jun+ ( fide DDG). Gull reports were average to poor. A sin- gle first-summer Slaty-backed Gull at Kodi- ak 8 Mar (ph. RAM) was at a location where annual Oct-Mar; the winter season’s Slaty- backed from Petersburg was last noted 9 Mar (RL). An ad. Sabine’s Gull at Anchorage 1 Jun+ (FGI) was noteworthy inshore in U.C.L, as was an ad. Ross’s Gull at Safety Sound near Nome 27 May (DW, BW). There are few arrival dates on record for Alaska’s local Caspian Tern breeding population, so a single at Ketchikan and 4 near Cordova, both on 2 May (SCH, AL), provided poten- tial arrival dates. Longipennis Common Terns arrived at Gambell 29 May (2; HLT), where not annual, and at St. Paul I. 31 May (one bird; St. Paul). DOVES THROUGH PIPITS More common in fall, the season's only Mourning Dove was one around “down- town" Hyder 5 Jun (SCH, GHR, TT). The only Common Cuckoo of the season was at Shemya 31 May (*MTS). Five Barred Owls 418 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS most entirely restricted to the late May-early Jim period. A skittish Dark-sided Flycatcher (formerly Siberian Flycatcher) was at St. Paul 1. 4 Jun (FGI, ph. MC, VENT, ph. MJI). Most of the very few records of this species away from the w. Aleutians come from the Pribilofs in jun. On the same storm front, Gray- streaked Flycatchers (formerly Gray-spotted) made a decent push into the Region, with up to 5 around Shemya I. 2-7 Jun (MWS) and at least one at Attu 2 Jun (PP, LS, JL). Siberian Rubythroats arrived roughly on time, with a single at Attu 29 May and an- other there 30-31 May (LS, JL, PP), one on St. Paul I. 30-31 May (St. Paul, FG1), and a peak of 9 on Shemya 1 Jun (MTS). Rare and local in S.E. in early spring, Mountain Blue- birds were prominent at Pt. Bridget n. of Juneau, with a single flock of 26 on 16-17 Apr (MS, PS) and of 9 to the s. at Eagle Beach 15 Apr (BA, PS). Singles or small groups are more typical in spring, and the species is missed in S.E. some years. An SY Gray-cheeked Thrush was rare in S.E. in the Hyder thickets 4 Jun (SCH, GHR, TT), about a 3rd local record there. Swainson’s Thrush was widespread early in the Region, initiated by a local record-early bird in Ketchikan 14 May (AWP). Most Swainson’s arrive in numbers in the coastal zone late in the 3rd week of May. Eye-browed Thrush was reported only from Shemya, beginning with one there 30 May, a peak of 7 together This Dusky Flycatcher (right) along the Salmon River at Hyder, Alaska 30 May 3004 provided one of only a few documented records for the state. Compared to the Hammond's Flycatcher photographed at Hyder on the same date (left), the Dusky has a shorter primary projection, a longer-tailed appearance, and a longer, flatter bill. Photographs by Gary H. Rosenberg. at the islands e. end 2 Jun (MTS), and 2 there as late as 4 jun (PP). Often earlier than Eye-browed, and a species not annual in the Region, was a single Dusky Thrush at She- mya 25 May (PP). in the greater Ketchikan area (including birds from the outer coast, at Annette I., and the adjacent mainland) was a strong show- ing 27 Apr-28 May (AWP, SCH, LBo). A perched Great Gray Owl made a spectacle along the Klondike Hwy. just inside Alaska Customs near Skagway 28 May (MB); this Eurasian Hobby remains a casual visitor to Alaska, with most records from the western Aleutians in late spring and early summer. This individual was present around the Shemya Island runways 30 May 2004. Photograph byM. I Schwitters. location is in the subalpine fir forests of S.E., from which there are few records of the species. Black Swifts arrived in S.E. breeding areas 3 Jun (SCH, GHR, TT), when 43+ were noted in loose flocks just up the Salmon R. near Hyder. Most of the Region’s one-day high counts have come from here in early Jun. Rufous Hummingbirds arrived in synchrony across their coastal rainforest haunts early or on time, about 30 Mar, with a single 14 May overshoot w. to Kodiak (EW), from which there are few spring reports. Flycatchers were well re- ported this season. Two Yellow-bellied Flycatchers along the Alaska Hwy. edge in the foothills near the Alaska-Canada Border 7 Jun (GHR, TT) provided pos- sibly the first example of an actual ar- rival in the Region; these birds were clearly in westward transit. Yellow-bel- lied is a casual summer visitor some- times found on song territories in the e. Interior, typically in mid- to late Jun. Its detection has accelerated since early 1990s, when breeding bird surveys were initiated along the Interior road sys- tems. A migrant Dusky. Flycatcher up the Salmon R. above Hyder 31 May (ph. GHR, tTT) furnished the Region’s 2nd record in spring and about the 5th over- all; it was detected by its soft whit calls and compared directly with adjacent territorial Hammond’s Flycatchers. This species breeds locally in adjacent subalpine sections of British Columbia and into the s. Yukon. Two Western Kingbirds were early at Hyder, one on 4 Jun and 2 there 7 Jun (SCH, ph. GHR, TT); these fall within the range of S.E. mainland records, though most records are from the latter half of Jun. Hyder contin- ues to be the best place in the Region to find kingbirds. Two singing Cassin’s Vireos were in the Hyder thickets 31 May, and one established a territory, remaining there through 7 Jun (ph. GHR, SCH, TT). This species has ap- peared almost annual- ly in S.E., after a hia- tus of five years or so following the first Alaska record (Hyder, 1986). Good details were submitted for an apparent migrant Cassin’s Vireo from Juneau 3 May (tLV), an unprecedentedly early date for the Re- gion. Several swallow species moved into the Bering Sea, includ- ing single Tree and Cliff Swallows at Gambell 26 & 27 May, re- spectively (VENT), while a single and then 2 Bank Swallows appeared around St. Paul 28 & 30 May (St. Paul) and 5 Jun (VENT). A Common House-Martin was at Gambell 6 Jun (WBT, ph. BD), about the Region’s 7th in spring; there was also a 2 Jun report from Gambell with no details. A single female-type Red-breasted Fly- catcher was at Shemya 7 Jun (MTS); this species is not annual in the Region and is al- VOLUME 5 8 (2004) NUMBER 3 419 A pair of House Finches that turned up at a Ketchikan, Alaska feeder 24 May 2004 (here) marked the third consecutive spring/summer that this casual visitant has occurred in that area. Alaska has only one other spring record. Photograph by Steve Heinl. This female Brewer's Blackbird was notably early 25 April 2004 in Ketchikan and may have wintered somewhere in southern Southeast Alaska. There are only a few spring records for the state. Photograph by Steve Heinl. PIPITS THROUGH FINCHES Single Olive-backed Pipits at Shemya 4 Jun (MTS) and St. Paul 4-5 Jun (FG1, St. Paul, VENT), were of interest, as the season did not otherwise see large numbers of Asian pipits into the Region. The seasons only overshooting Tennessee Warbler appeared in Hyder 1 Jun (ph. GHR, TT); records here are few, even though the species is a migrant and breeder on the e. side of the adjacent Coast Range. Of the several early-season arrivals for Yellow Warbler, one in Ketchikan 4 May (CM, fide SCH) was remarkable and record early there by eight days. Casual in the Bering Sea, and mainly in fall, a Townsends Warbler certainly missed its mark and drift- ed n. and w. to Gambell 28 May (HLT, VENT). Another waif Black-and-white War- bler surfaced in S.E., a singing bird seen briefly in Ketchikan 30 May (tSCH), only the Region's 3rd ever. The recent previous record came from the 1990s, another singing bird at Hyder in early Jun. Also record early locally (by 12 days), and nearly so for the Region, was a MacGillivrays Warbler from Ketchikan 15 May (AWP, SCH). Maybank struck gold during a cruise through S.E. when he discovered Alaska’s first Dickcissel, a singing male in disturbed thickets n. of Juneau 22 May (ph., tBM, ph. DM), refound by locals 23 May. The closest known records were of singing males from Vancouver I., BC in the 1990s (2 birds). Ca- sual in spring — and for the first time in S.E. recorded as a migrant rather than a lingering visitor from winter — were 2 White-throated Sparrows in the Hyder thickets 1 & 4 Jun (GHR, TT), also a first for Hyder. Also casu- al in spring, another Black-headed Gros- beak, a singing male, was noted in Hyder 7 jun (SCH), similar to the other handful of local reports. A female Brewer’s Blackbird appeared in Ketchikan 24-27 Apr (KR, AWP, ph., tSCH), a 4th local record and the 2nd there in spring. Found more often in fall, single Brown-headed Cowbirds made news near Juneau 14 May (ph. EM) and in Ketchikan 17 May (JFK)- A pair of House Finches arrived at a Ketchikan feeder 24 May (CM), but only the female was noted 30-31 May. This marks the 3rd consecutive spring/summer that this casual visitant has occurred in the Ketchikan area and the 4th overall in the Region. From the Aleutian/Bering Sea reports, Brambling seemed late and unusually uncommon, while single Hawfinches were reported from Gambell, where casual, 23-25 May (HLT, VENT) and Attu 29 May (LS, JL). Contributors and observers: B. Alger, J. B. Allen, R. Armstrong, G. Baluss, A. M. Ben- son, S. Berns, A. Berry, G. Bieber, L. Bleck- er, L. Bower, M. Brooks, G. V. Byrd, D. Coates, L. Cole, M. Crewe, P Davis, J. Dear- born, L. DeCicco, D. F Delap, B. Dinneford, B. Dittrick, R. Dodelson, N. Drumheller, T. Evans, Feds (R.E. Gill, L. Tibbitts, M. De- menteyev, R. Kaler), Field Guides, Inc. (FGI; D. Stejskal, C. Benesh, M. E. Crewe et ah), R. M. Fowler, R. Fritz, C. Fultz, D. D. Gibson, R. J. Gordon, T. L. Goucher, H. Griese, N, Haydukovich, K. Hart, S. C. Heinl, High Lonesome Tours (HLT; P. Davis, D. MacKay et al.), Holm, P. Hunt, B. Hunter, T. Hurley, M. L. King, R. Knight, J. F Koerner, A. Lang, J. Levison, M. Litzow, T. & R. Lohse, M. & R. A. Macintosh, C. Mackey, D. MacPhail, J. Mason, B. May- bank, M. McCafferty, R. Meyers, E. Mills, L. J. Oakley, A. Palmer, W. Pawuk, A. W. Pis- ton, R Pourchot, B. Quaccia, C. Ranney, K. Ripley, G. H. Rosenberg, D. Rudis, K. Rus- sell, L. Sanders, J. Sauer, S. Savage, R. L. Scher, M. A. Schultz, W. Schuster, M. Schwan, M. T. Schwitters, N. Senner, D., P, & S. Senner, D. Shaw, D. W. Sonneborn, St. Paul Tour (St. Paul; G. Bieber, R. Knight et al.), S. Studebaker, R Suchanek, A. Swing- ley, M. E. Tedin, T. Tobish, University of Alaska Museum (UAM; D.W. Sonneborn et al.), R. Uhl, L. Vallie, G. Van Vliet, P. Vanselow, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT; K. J. Zimmer, M. J. lliff et al.), M. L. Ward, Wilderness Bird Tours (WBT; B. Dit- trick et al.), B. &r D. Williams, E. White, M. A. Wood, K. Zervos, S. Zimmerman. O 420 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Spring 2004 weather was dry and warm — in fact, it was often unsea- sonably hot, especially during April. The most significant weather impacting migrants occurred farther east during May, when a string of spring snowstorms swept across the Canadian Prairies. Many May arrival migrants that approach British Co- lumbia from the southeast were delayed in reaching the province as a result. Please note that this Region is now comprised of British Columbia only; reports from Yukon Territory are treated in the new Northern Canada regional report. SHEARWATERS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS A Flesh-footed Shearwater, very rarely en- countered in spring, was seen off the en- trance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca 29 May (BT). The male King Eider frequenting the waters of Mud Bay to Qualicum Beach, on the e. side of Vancouver 1., remained through 20 Mar (GLM et al.). Spring sightings of Ross’s Geese have been in- creasing, but this spring, there were flocks of unprecedented size: 24 near Parson, E. Kootenays (LH) and 33 (with a single Snow Goose) in Jaffray, E. Kootenays 6 May (GR). Turkey Vultures continue their impressive invasion of the province, with a pair seen in Tofino 6 May (J\V, KM). This species was once accidental at this loca- tion and was certainly never seen so early in the spring. For the 2nd spring in a row, an ad. White-tailed Kite visited the lower mainland, this time in Delta 14 May (ph. JE); it is not known whether this is a re- turning bird. An impressive total of 7000 American Coots was on L. Windermere in the E. Kootenays 18 Apr (LH). An American Golden-Plover furnished the first spring record for the Okanagan in Vernon 23 May (RF). A Greater Yellowlegs was on the ear- ly side, arriving in Salmon Arm 24 Mar (THil), with the first migrant Greater Yel- lowlegs on the coast arriving in Tofino 20 Mar (AD). Black-necked Stilts returned to T’Kumloops marshes after a one-year hia- tus 6 Apr (CR, ph. RR). A potentially terri- torial male was in the same location where a first provincial nesting took place in 2002. Other Black-necked Stilts included a single at Elizabeth L., E. Kootenays 15 Apr (DN), 10 there 28 Apr (DN), and a pair at Serpentine Fen 10 Apr (TH et al.). The pair of wintering American Avocets along the Serpentine R. remained through 16 Apr (JA et al). The peak of the Whimbrel migration occurred early this year, with 235 at Grice Bay, Tofino 2 May (AD). Al- most annual in spring on the s. coast, an ad. Hudsonian Godwit was at Reifel Mi- gratory Bird Sanctuary, Ladner 18-26 May QI et al.), with another near Tsawwassen 29 May (RTo et al.). There were unprece- British Columbia dented numbers of Pectoral Sandpipers in Ucluelet, where more common in the fall, with 23 on 12 May (BS1) and 18 on 15 May QuB) the high counts. A Reeve in Somenos Marsh, Duncan 25 May (DM) furnished one of few Vancouver I. records. Tofino ex- perienced record-high numbers of Short- billed Dowitchers, such as 8000 present 28 Apr (AD). Annually in late Apr, there are thousands of dowitchers on the Tofino mudflats, but the numbers have never been known to surpass 5000. JAEGERS THROUGH KINGBIRDS A pair of Parasitic Jaegers, very rarely en- countered in spring in the Okanagan, was seen flying over Vernon 23 May (CS). An ad. South Polar Skua at the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca 29 May (BT) fur- nished the first spring record for the province. A basic ad. Bonaparte’s Gull was very early in Salmon Arm 24 Mar (THil). Among the massive gull flocks in the Co- mox-Courtenay area, a first-alternate Slaty-backed Gull was located 20 Mar Oh RTo, GLM). Franklin’s Gulls are very rare spring migrants in the interior. A pair fur- nished the first spring record for the Nico- la Valley on Stump L. 29 May (WW). Ca- sual in spring, an ad. Franklin’s Gull was at Blackie’s Spit, White Rock 1 May (IP et al); another ad. was in Delta 22 May (RTo). Two Sabine’s Gulls wandered into the Bur- rard Inlet and were seen by a commuter on Vancouver Harbour’s Sea Bus 31 May (TPi). A surprising count of ad. Ancient Mur- relets (21) came from the entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca during a survey from the NOAA vessel R/V MacArthur 22-31 May (BT). While a few individuals have been seen in small numbers in early sum- mer off Tofino, this record adds to the growing evidence that points to an undis- covered colony s. of Queen Charlotte Is. — especially when one considers that at least 4 chicks were observed even farther s. along the Washington coast during this same survey (BT). Following a winter invasion of Great Gray Owls along the lower mainland, 2 re- mained into Mar, one at the U.B.C. Cam- pus to 9 Mar (PC et al.), and one at Colony Farm, Port Coquitlum to 1 1 Mar (DS et al.). Rare along the coast, a Lewis’s Wood- pecker was in Pitt Meadows 24 May (PC). A pair of Williamson’s Sapsuckers, first discovered 31 May (KG), successfully nested in the Kimberley Nature Park; there are few documented nestings away from the Okanagan. A Hammond’s Flycatcher furnished an early record for the Comox Donald G. Cecile 7995 Wilson— Jackson Road Vernon, British Columbia VI B 3N5 (dcecile@telus.net) Valley 9 Apr (JF) and one of the earliest on record for the province. Rare on the s. coast, a Dusky Flycatcher was at Queen Elizabeth Park 2 May (MTo et al.). A pair of Gray Flycatchers was record early in Summerland 18 Apr (LR). Western King- birds are occasional strays to Vancouver L; one was found on Mt. Tolmie, Victoria 27 May (RG). SWALLOWS THROUGH FINCHES An early Cliff Swallow was at Serpentine Fen, Surrey 24-31 Mar (CG et al.). Single Rock Wrens have been making coastal ap- pearances in the past few years, and this year, one was banded at Sechelt Airport 23 May (ph. JJ), for one of few Sunshine Coast records, and another was in Parksville 29 May (CSt, GLM), the latter was feeding on rooftops and gravel driveways. Coastal sightings of Mountain Bluebird are rare. Single ad. females were in Tsawwassen 24 Mar-16 Apr (RS et al.) and at Reifel Migra- tory Bird Sanctuary, Ladner 11 Apr (JI). Gray Catbirds had an early start, as indicat- ed by the 27 individuals scattered around the s. Okanagan 24 May (DGC). A North- ern Mockingbird, rare in the s. interior, was near Oliver 12 Apr (ED), not far from last spring’s sighting. This individual was dis- covered after it had mocked the observer’s attempts to call in a Virginia Rail. VOLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 421 A Loggerhead Shrike, very rare in the s. interior, was at Separation L. near Prince- ton 20-29 Mar (JK, MS). Richmond’s win- tering Blue Jay, present since Nov, re- mained to 12 Mar (TP et ah). The Western Scrub-Jay, present in Ladner since Oct, re- mained to 31 Mar (DK et al.). An Eastern Yellow Wagtail ( Motacilla tschutschensis, now split from the Yellow Wagtail of w. and cen. Eurasia) was reportedly seen with pipits at the Long Beach Airport 23 Apr (AP); if substantiated, this would be the first spring record and the 6th for the province. With the recent A.O.U. split within the Yellow Wagtail complex (and potentially more to come), observers are encouraged to write exhaustive documen- tation on all wagtails in the Region. A singing male Northern Parula, the province’s 5th, was along the Grant Nar- rows Dyke in Pitt Meadows 24 May (+RTo, Cl, Bl), the 3rd record in as many years. An SY Northern Waterthrush was banded at the Alasken Wildlife Refuge, Ladner 27 Mar (LM); unless this bird was overwin- tering, as an individual did nearby in win- ter 2002-2003, it was over two weeks ear- ly as a spring migrant. A male Yellow-breasted Chat was along the Grant Narrows Dyke Trail in Pitt Meadows 29 May (KR), one of few lower mainland sites where this species has bred in the past. A Cassin’s Vireo was record early in Salmon Arm 2 Apr (THil). An American Tree Spar- row was very late at Colony Farm 24 Apr (AR et al.). The wintering Chipping Spar- row in Cloverdale remained through 2 Mar (IR et al.). A Black-throated Sparrow was briefly seen in Kelowna 21 May only (GW), for a potential 4th Okanagan record. Contributors (subregional editors in boldface): John Anderson, Jur Becker, Jack Bowling (P.G.; weather summary), Peter Candido, Chris Charlesworth (Kelowna), Gary S. Davidson (Koote- nays), Adrian Dorst (Tofino-Ucluelet), Eva Durance, Jenny Erickson, Jamie Fen- neman, Roger Foxall, Carlo Giovanella, Kent Goodwin, Larry Halverson, Ted Hillary, Ted Hindmarch, John Ireland, Barb Isaac, Corina Isaac, Diane Kehoe, Joan Kelly, Karl Martin, Libor Michalak, Guy L. Monty (cen. Vancouver L), Dean Nicholson, Aurora Paterson, Mark Phin- ney (Peace R.), Tim Pirk, Tom Plath, Ilya Povalyaev, Phil Ranson (Cariboo), Keith Riding, Clara Ritcey, Ralph Ritcey, lan Robertson, Greg Ross, Al Rusell, Madelon Schouten, Dave Schultz, Chris Siddle, Bri- an Slater, Chris Stevens, Richard Swanston, Mike Toochin, Rick Toochin (Vancouver), Bill Tweit, Wayne Weber, Gwynneth Wilson, Jackie Windh. © Washington Canp San Juan /s./J^c*Bellin9harn S' CwwCj SamlswFlats { ;. ■ • ‘.Everett ^ Olymp^mr^^~Pt- No Point * NP ' jjrW^Soati\e Wenatchee C ft? & I , , J Tacoma 4c Olympia «■? Vantage Priest Rapids •Yakima Richland. ,-sj. Oppp n\ Sh°reSb4r^ ”^*Sympia ^ Westpor(W™^r fSan Joaquin ‘ Valley Refuges Fresno* Kings / Canyon, NP f’ Sequoia NP Tulare Lake Basin this location; RjR). New heronries continue to be established in surprisingly urban areas in Santa Clara. The number of Snowy Egret nests at the Palo Alto Baylands increased greatly from last year to 18+, with some fledging 3 or 4 nestlings (WGB). A similar number of Black-crowned Night-Heron nests was also found (WGB), and, for the first time, Great Egrets nested as well, with two nests noted 7 May (James Turley). Breeding was also detected for the first time at L. Cunningham in San Jose, where a small island held four Great Egret nests, one Snowy Egret nest, and 16 Black-crowned Night-Heron nests (Summer Brasuel et al). Extensive breeding by these same species again took place at Almaden L. in San Jose (colony first established in 1997). Why these well-traveled urban locations are now being used for breeding is unclear, but per- haps birds displaced from the abandoned Alviso heronry, last active in 1999, are in- volved. A Snowy Egret at the Hayfork W.T.P 14 Apr (JHG) was only the 3rd for Trinity and the first in spring; one at Indian Creek Res. 18 May (David Rice) was only the 2nd for Alpine. Cattle Egrets failed to return to their nesting location at the Hayward R.S., Alameda (RJR), but fledglings were seen again in Santa Rosa, Sonoma (Laurence Tay- lor). Otherwise, only five reports of up to 15 birds each were received, the latest being of 12 near Willows, Glenn 20 Apr (Bill Oliver). Small numbers of White-faced Ibis made Scott B. Terrill (Loons to Frigatebirds, Larids to Alcids) H.T. Harvey & Associates 3150 Almaden Expressway, Suite 145 San Jose, California 95118 (sterrill@harveyecology.com) Luke W. Cole (Thrashers to Finches) 561 Hill Street San Francisco, California 94114 (luke@igc.org) Steven A. Glover (Doves to Wrentit) 6426 Connestoga Lane Dublin, California 94568 (Sgloverccc@aol.com) Michael M. Rogers (Herons to Shorebirds) 499 Novato Avenue Sunnyvale, California 94086 (m.m.rogers@comcast.net) * — - VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 427 coastal appearances in six counties 1-31 May; singles at Watsonville Slough, Santa Cruz 20 Mar (Caroline Rodgers) and Zmu- dowski S.B., Monterey 20 Mar-17 Apr (MtB, DVP, RyT et al.) were unseasonal. Another at Kutras L., Shasta 19 Apr (Rob & Cathy Santry, m.ob.) was likewise unexpected. Introduced Canada Geese continue to ex- pand, with goslings reported in new breed- ing areas in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz 6-12 May. A Brant at Clear L. 18 May (tJRW) was the first documented occurrence for Lake. A high-elevation flock of 22 Tundra Swans at Kirkwood Meadows 20 Mar (JSL) was only the 3rd record for Alpine and the first for spring. The last Eurasian Wigeon lingered to 8 May at Humboldt Bay N.W.R., Humboldt (JTz et al.). Blue-winged Teal were widely re- ported, but most significant was a pair with 2 young in the Napa Flood Plain 29 May (tMBe), the first confirmed breeding for Napa. Three male Blue-winged Teal x Cinna- mon Teal hybrids in Marin and Alameda 1 1 Mar-24 Apr (ph. RS et al.) were more than expected. A female Garganey 4-6 May at Humboldt N.W.R. was Humboldt’s 2nd (TBS, tTMcK, RbF); a pair briefly described from Shollenberger Park 29 Apr would be Sono- ma's first if accepted by the C.B.R.C. (tjohn Kehoe). We are awaiting details on a male Baikal Teal reported at Lower Klamath N.W.R. , Siskiyou 20 Mar. If accepted by the C.B.R.C., this would be the 4th for the Re- gion and the 6th for the state (Jim Livau- dais). At least 5 male Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal were found 4 Mar-17 Apr, and a female thought to be a Common at Humboldt Bay N.W.R. 5-8 May (SWH, JTz, DFx, SMcA et al.) would extend the late date for Humboldt by two days if correctly identified. Male Tufted Ducks were found 19-21 Mar at the Napa W.T.P, Napa (Jaye Cook, RLCL, MBe), 22 Mar-11 Apr at Hayward R.S., Alameda (RJR), and 8 May at Humboldt Bay N.W.R., Humboldt (JTz); single females, thought to be different birds, were at the Napa W.T.P, Napa through 21 Mar and on 3 Apr (both MBe). For the 3rd year in a row, a pair of Harlequin Ducks was found along the Merced R. below Yosemite Valley, Mariposa (3 Apr; Jeremy Bird). A Surf Scoter at the n. end of Crowley L. 12 Apr was the first spring record for Mono (TEW, Liga Auzins). Six Long-tailed Ducks were found 3 Mar-29 Apr; an imm. at Elkhorn Slough, Monterey 17 May (YG) may have been summering. A Hooded Merganser x goldeneye, a seldom- reported hybrid, was at L. Merritt, Alameda 15-16 Mar (Bob Battagin, Deborah Fitz- patrick, RS). Common Mergansers were found breeding in new areas in Santa Cruz 4-30 May (BMMo, DLSu) and in Yosemite Valley, Mariposa 30 Apr (DLSu). Unusual in- land, a Red-breasted Merganser was at Ku- tras L., Shasta 19 Apr (B&CY, m.ob.). RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES The first Bald Eagle nest found in San Benito held 2 nestlings 10 May (DLSh). A Common Black-Hawk eating fish at L. Lincoln in Stockton, San Joaquin 24 Feb-12 Mar (ph., tVi Strain) affords the first record for the Re- gion and only the 3rd for the state. Regret- tably, the identification was not confirmed until photographs were examined — after the This Yellow-billed Loon visited Elkhorn Slough, Monterey County, California between 15 (here 17) April and 17 May 2004. The bird frequented a narrow portion of the slough, offering unusually close views. Photograph by Stan Wulkowicz. bird had left. An imm. Red-shouldered Hawk 28-30 May at Modoc N.W.R. was the first spring record for Modoc (PJM, FrT). Swainsons Hawks were well reported this spring, with notable birds at Clear Lake S.R 18 Apr ( Lake’s 5th and first in spring; JSL), Diamond Valley 2 May ( Alpine’s 3rd; Liz West, Jim Rowoth, Frances Oliver), and a late bird at Half Moon Bay, San Mateo 24 May (RSTh). A remarkable 9 birds moving northward over Santa Clara 17 Apr-29 May made the highest spring count there since the 1920s. Coastal Rough-legged Hawks were reported near San Gregorio, San Mateo 6-21 Mar (RSTh, PJM) and w. of Valley Ford, Sonoma 13 Mar (LLu, CLu). A pair of Peregrine Falcons successfully hatched 2 chicks in downtown S.E, San Francisco in Apr (Chris Gould), apparently for the first time in at least 70 years. A Prairie Falcon nest with young w. of Winters 23-24 May constituted only the 2nd known Solano breeding record (RLCL, BiG, MBe et al). A Ruffed Grouse above French Gulch 9 Apr was only the 2nd or 3rd for Shasta (Rob & Cathy Santry). Wild Turkeys have been increasing rapidly in the Region in recent years and were reported from new areas in several counties, including from Oakland and Berkeley in urban Alameda ! A Yellow Rail at the city of Mt. Shasta, Siskiyou 23 May (RE) marked the 3rd year that birds have returned to this location. A Sandhill Crane at San Felipe L. 6 Mar-12 Apr (Dan Cooper, R. J. Adams, MPx, m.ob.) was only the 2nd for San Benito; on 27 Mar it made a foray into nearby Santa Clara (JSL). SH0REBIRDS Black-bellied Plovers in odd places included 2 n. of Clear L. 12 Apr (first spring record for Lake; JLx) and 6 at Glenburn, Shasta 25 Apr (Red & Nancy Modeen). Ten Pacific Golden-Plovers 30 Mar-19 May included late migrants 19 May at Waddell Cr. Beach, Santa Cruz (DLSu) and Pigeon Pt., San Ma- teo (RSTh). Twenty Lesser Yellowlegs 13 Mar-1 May included Lake’s 2nd spring record at Clearlake W.T.P. 24 Apr (JRW, DvW). Nineteen Solitary Sandpipers 9 Apr-17 May included a notable 4+ at the Redding W.T.R, Shasta 19-29 Apr (Rob & Cathy Santry, B&CY, m.ob.). Unusual inland shorebirds at Shasta’s Kutras L. 19 Apr in- cluded 43 Willets (record high count for Shasta ), 2 Marbled Godwits, and the coun- ty’s 2nd Red Knot (all Rob & Cathy Santry, B&CY, m.ob.); the same or another knot was found the next day at the Redding W.T.R (BED, Rob Santry). A Willet at Clear Lake S.R 19 Apr was Lake’s first in spring (JRW). No Wandering Tattlers wintered in Monterey or Santa Cruz , and the few migrants report- ed from these counties were limited to the narrow window 19 Apr- 15 May. Three Mar- 428 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Santa Cruz County's fourth Rock Sandpiper spent 17 January-18 April 2004 along a nine-kilometer stretch of coastline near Santa Cruz, California. This photograph was taken 22 March, when the bird was beginning to acquire alternate plumage. Photograph by Anne Spence. bled Godwits se. of Marysville 30 Apr con- stituted the 3rd record for Yuba (Clyde Mor- ris). A high count of 134 Surfbirds along West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 10 Apr (KAr) contrasted with only one Ruddy Turnstone at the same location 18-29 Mar (RyT, MtB, DVP, SGe), the only report from Santa Cruz all season! An inland bird in Kings 1 May (RH ,JSy, GjH, ph. LWC) and up to 3 in Alvi- so, Santa Clara 2-4 May (Linda Sullivan, WGB, m.ob.) were the only other Ruddy Turnstones reported. All 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers were inland: 16 Apr at the Sacra- mento River N.W.R. (4th Butte record and first in spring; tJHS), 22 Apr at the Redding W.T.R ( Shasta's 3rd; B&rCY), and 1 May near Kettleman City, Kings (JSy, LWC, GjH, RH). The only Bairds Sandpiper was Shasta's 2nd or 3rd at the Redding W.T.R 9-22 Apr (Bill Oliver, B&rCY, m.ob.); a Pectoral Sandpiper at the same location 15 Apr (Brooke Mc- Donald) was one of only 2 reported, the oth- er being at the Humboldt Bay N.W.R., Hum- boldt 5 May (BS). Santa Cruz’s wintering Rock Sandpiper continued until 18 Apr at West Cliff Drive, by which time it was in full alternate plumage (SGe, ph. ASp, m.ob.). Others were at Half Moon Bay, San Mateo 4-7 Mar (GDg, JM), MacKerricher S.P., Men- docino 6 Mar (DT), and at Humboldt Bay, Humboldt 24 Apr (Scott Carey). All 5 Stilt Sandpipers were inland: up to 2 near Strat- ford, Kings 29 Apr-2 May (JSy, JLx, tGWPo, RHw, Jack Duffey) and 3 at the Fresno W.T.R, Fresno 8 May (tPenny Stewart). The 2 imm. male Ruffs continued at New Chica- go Marsh in Alviso, Santa Clara through 4 Apr (ph. Peggy Don, Kris Olson, m.ob.); an- other male there 17 Apr may have been a dif- ferent individual (Donna Heim). Other Ruffs were at the Eel R. delta, Humboldt 13 Mar (KGR, MWa) and near Stratford, Kings 1 May (ph. LWC, RH, JSy, GjH). A Short-billed Dowitcher at the Hollister W.T.P. 8 May (DVP, MtB) provided San Benito's first spring record. GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS Rare anywhere in California away from the Salton Sea, a Laughing Gull at Marina 30 Apr (ph. DR) was the 12th for Monterey. A total of 14 Franklin’s Gulls 24 Apr-19 May was about average for recent years. A Black- headed Gull in San Jose 2 Apr (tRWR, FV, tMMR) was the 2nd in Santa Clara and the 15th for the Region. A Heermann’s Gull at Crowley L. 4 May (KNN) was the 4th for Mono. This species is quite scarce away from the immediate coast, although inland records have been increasing in recent years. The nesting colony at Roberts L., Monterey hosted 24 ads. and at least nine nests in late May (DR). A briefly described Lesser Black- backed Gull was reported from the Ameri- can R. Parkway, Sacramento 13-24 Mar (Dave Johnson, BMo). Acceptance of this record awaits C.B.R.C. review. Lingering Glaucous Gulls were in Humboldt at Areata 10 Mar (EE) and Centerville Beach 5 Apr (2; SMcA). Others were at the Salinas R. mouth, Monterey 4 Apr (RyT, MtB, ph. DVP) and Venice S.B., San Mateo 4-10 Apr (RSTh et al). Only 9 Black-legged Kittiwakes were re- ported, with the latest 16 May. Record-early Elegant Terns were in S.F Bay, with 2 at Coy- ote Pt., San Mateo 15-26 Apr (RSTh) and 2-5 on the Berkeley Pier, Alameda 26-29 Apr (Eric Lichtwardt). Elsewhere, early sin- gle birds were at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz 29 Apr (SGe) and the Pajaro R. mouth, Mon- terey 1 May (Caroline Rodgers et al). This species occurs as a post-breeding visitor pri- marily in summer and fall. Fifty-two Marbled Murrelets just off Moss Beach, San Mateo 3 Mar (RSTh) comprised a record count of this Endangered species for this location. These birds derive from the isolated, southernmost breeding population that currently numbers about 600 birds. DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS The long-awaited (but not necessarily eager- ly anticipated) range expansion of Eurasian Collared-Doves throughout the Region may have begun this spring. After many seasons of localized reports from Santa Cruz and es- pecially Monterey , reports of first county records were noted from such disparate lo- cations as San Mateo , Contra Costa , Hum- boldt, and Mono. Single White-winged Doves reached the coast at Neary Lagoon, Santa Cruz 14 May (Stan Wulkowicz) and Pt. Reyes, Marin 28 May (ph. EWP, KKr). Un- usual for suburban Santa Cruz was a calling Western Screech-Owl 5 Mar in Santa Cruz (SGe). A Common Poorwill at Wrights Val- ley 29 May was only the 2nd for lightly bird- ed Trinity since 1996 (Clyde Morris, Joelle Buffa). A vagrant Chimney Swift at Wilder Ranch S.P. 24 May was just the 3rd ever found in Santa Cruz (tRgW). Last falls Broad-billed Hummingbird returned to a Sonoma, Sonoma feeder 26 May+, furnishing the first May and Jun records for California (ph. Karen Palmer, RLeb, m.ob.). Another in a long line of stunning Humboldt rarities was a female Magnificent Hummingbird at a Eu- reka feeder 8 Apr-17 May (ph. Don Watten- barger, Linda Carro, m.ob.). This remarkable find was the first for the Region and just the 2nd for California. A female Calliope Hum- mingbird near Loma Prieta, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz 23 Mar was notably early (tRyT, MtB). A Williamson’s Sapsucker nest 30 May at a burn area s. of Mono L., Mono may repre- sent the first breeding confirmation for the Mono Basin (Dennis & Patricia Braddy). The lone Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, thought to be a migrant, was an imm. at Coyote Pt., Sail Mateo 26 Mar (RSTh). A singing East- ern Wood-Pewee at Pt. Reyes, Marin 25 May would furnish just the 7th record for the Re- gion if accepted by the C.B.R.C. (RS, DDeS, Roger Harshaw et al.). Rarer still, particular- ly in recent years, a Yellow-bellied Fly- catcher was on FI. 25 May (P.R.B.O.). If ac- cepted by the C.B.R.C. it would be the 6th record for the Region, all from FI.! After breaking records in spring 2003, migrant Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers were VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 429 - These two male Ruffs wintered through 4 April 2004 (here 19 March) at New Chicago Marsh in Alviso, Santa Clara County, California. Observers were able to differentiate the individuals by tertial pattern — one barred, the other not. Photograph by Peggy Don. noted in far smaller numbers than are now considered typical, especially in the Diablo Range, whence the bulk of our reports nor- mally emanate. Seven reports of migrant Gray Flycatchers included one at Dorring- ton 28 May (first for Calaveras ; Randy Lit- tle), 3 at Davis, Yolo 24 Apr-16 May (MP), and one near Plaskett Meadow 31 May (Glenn’s 2nd; JLx); the latter record contin- ued a recent pattern of very late spring records from high elevations of the n. Coast Range. Recording true first arrival dates is often difficult, but occasionally one gets lucky, as was the case with the arrival of Pa- cific-slope Flycatchers to Santa Clara this spring. They were first detected there on a Thursday, 18 Mar — by no fewer than five in- dependent observers. An Ash-throated Fly- catcher near Hopland 5 Mar and a Western Kingbird there 22 Mar each provided record-early dates for Mendocino (both CEV). Several slightly extralimital Cassin’s Kingbirds were recorded in Santa Cruz , San- ta Clara , and San Mateo. A well-described probable Cassin’s Kingbird x Western Kingbird hybrid was near Tracy, San Joaquin 25-28 Mar (TWRH, Jennifer Rycenga). SHRIKES THROUGH THRASHERS Noteworthy shrike records included a rare Tahoe Basin record of a Loggerhead Shrike 1 May at North L. Tahoe, Placer (Martin My- ers) and a late Northern near Ferndale, Humboldt 31 Mar (KGR, MWa, BS). A singing White-eyed Vireo near Dublin 20-23 May was Alameda’s first (Steve Huckabone, m.ob.); despite a flurry of records in 2000 and 2001, this “southeastern” vireo remains quite rare in the Region. Single Yellow- throated Vireos were detected at Big Sur R. mouth 20-24 May (banded; B.S.O.L., m.ob.) and Pt. Reyes, Marin 27 May (tKKr, EWP). Also a “southeastern” vireo, records of this species have likewise accumulated rapidly in recent years; seven of Monterey’s eight records have come since 1999. A Red-eyed Vireo put in a brief appearance at Rodeo La- goon, Marin 29 May (William Legge). A Steller’s Jay on the C.V. floor at Lodi, San Joaquin 21 May (Bonnie Meyer) was both out of place and quite late; most C.V records have been in fall and winter. The full impact of the Region’s recent Common Raven population explosion may not yet be fully realized, but the sight of one stealing eggs from Black-necked Stilt nests on eight occasions in a 20-minute span at the Palo Alto Baylands, Santa Clara 9 May must have been chilling (Karen DeMello, Jan Hinter- meister). A Bank Swallow at Clear Lake S.R 18 Apr was just the 2nd to be found in Lake (JSL). An estimated 1000 Cliff Swallows in a single flock at Mt. Diablo S.P, Contra Costa 26 Apr (RS) was an impressive tally. Out-of- place Rock Wrens included Santa Cruz’ s first-ever spring migrant near Aptos 1 1 May (DLSu) and another at Ano Nuevo S.R., Sun Mateo 22 May, the first ever for that well- covered location (GJS). A Gray Catbird was at P.R.N.S., Marin 18 May (RS, KH). Extralimital Sage Thrashers included Mendocino’s first spring record, at MacKerricher S.P. 25 Apr (LLu, CLu); one at Areata Bottoms, Humboldt 3-4 May (Melody Hamilton, m.ob.); and one at New Chicago Marsh, Santa Clara 10 May (Dave Weber, ph. MMR, m.ob.). The Brown Thrasher wintering at Woodbridge R.P., San Joaquin was last seen 19 Apr (fide Andy Pfeffer); one at Little R. 26-29 May was the first documented in Mendocino (RLeV, ph. RJK, m.ob.). WARBLERS A remarkable 28 species of warblers were re- ported in the Region this season. Some of these were wintering oddities: a Black- throated Blue Warbler in Martinez first de- tected in Jan and then not seen again until 12-14 Mar was the first to winter in Contra Costa (Anne & Nikhi Kumaranayagam). A female Black-throated Green Warbler win- tering at Laguna Grande, Monterey was last seen 12 Mar (Alex Cruz). There was also a spate of outstanding spring vagrants. A Yellow-throated Warbler of the expected albilora subspecies was at Drakes Beach, P.R.N.S., Marin 22 May (TMWE, ASH, RS, tLLu). A Grace’s Warbler at Chimney Peak Campground, Tulare, first discovered in early May but not confirmed until 30 May, lingered into Jun (Chuck Pappe, RAB, ph. TEa, vt. LTer, tLlu, tSBT). This is only the 4th record for the Region and the 2nd during the breeding season. The Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey played host to a variety of excellent finds; a female Kentucky Warbler 14-19 May (banded; B.S.O.L., ph. Sarah Stock, RbF); a well-described singing male Cerulean Warbler 24 May (tRbF); and a male Prothonotary Warbler banded 29 May (B.S.O.L., RbF). Among more usual “vagrant” warblers were single Tennessee Warblers at EL 25-26 May (PR.B.O.) and a singing male 31 May at Natural Bridges S.B., Santa Cruz’ s first spring record (Jason Hoeksema, SGe). Fifteen Northern Parulas were along the coast 7-31 May, and one was at Oasis, Mono 29 May (SBT, m.ob.); more unexpected were singing males at C.R.P. 9 May (CCo) and at the S.R.C.S.D. Bufferlands, Sacramento 23-24 May (CCo, Kirnya Lambert, Shawn Petrash). A singing Magnolia Warbler was at Capitola, Santa Cruz 26 May (DLSu). Migrant Black- throated Greens included a startling inland record at Oasis, Mono 24 May (TJames Holmes, Jr., James Holmes, Sr.) and one at the more expected location of Pt. Reyes, Marin 27-28 May (KKr). Four Ovenbirds were along the coast from Santa Cruz to Marin 13-28 May, and one was at Mill Cr., Mono 24 May (River Gates). Wintering Northern Waterthrushes at the Charleston Road marsh, Santa Clara and Rodeo Lagoon, Marin were last seen 10 Mar (WGB) and 17 Apr (William Legge), respectively. Migrant Northern Wa- terthrushes graced Monterey at the Carmel R. mouth 3-4 May (Mike Tyner) and the Big Sur R. mouth 13 May (banded; B.S.O.L.); a 430 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 3rd was at El. 26 May (PR.B.O.). Hooded Warblers put on their strongest showing in years, with singing males 7 May at Neary Lagoon, Santa Cruz (SGe, RyT, MtB, DVP, SBT); 25 May at Lincoln Park, S.E (HuC); 28 May at the Big Sur R. mouth (banded; B.S.O.L.); and 31 May at P.R.N.S., Marin (RS, Heather Cameron, Roger Harshaw, KKr, EWP). There were also 2 in Mono: singing males at Oasis 24 May (tjames Holmes, Jr., James Holmes, Sr.) and Rush Cr. 25 May (Chris Tonra). Breeding Yellow Warblers surveyed by PR.B.O. in the Mono Basin, Mono completed clutches seven days earlier than recorded in the previous' four years. A pair of Hermit Warblers building a nest at Robert Louis Stevenson S.P. 14 May constituted only the 2nd known Napa breeding (DEQ, Bob Lewis). TANA6ERS THROUGH SPARROWS The only Summer Tanager reported was a first-spring female 21 Mar at Middle L., S.E (RS). An American Tree Sparrow was at EL 25 May (PR.B.O. ). A Clay-colored Sparrow at Wilder Ranch S.P., Santa Cruz 25 Mar (SGe) was presumably wintering, whereas a singing bird 13 May at Mad R. Slough W.A., Humboldt (JTz) and one 25-28 May at El. (PR.B.O.) were migrants. Brewer’s Sparrows far from home included singles 24 Apr at American R. Parkway, Sacramento (Dave Johnson); 1 May near Stratford, Kings (JLx); 26-27 May at EL (PR.B.O.); and 28 May at Mt. Davidson, S.E (tPSar). The sole Lark Bunting was an alternate-plumaged male at P.R.N.S., Marin 24 May (ph. LaVerne Williams, William Zuk). Grasshopper Sparrows were widespread, arriving and breeding quite early. The value of well-kept county records was demon- strated when subregional editors were able to report that one singing at Moore Cr. Pre- serve 3 Mar (SGe) was the record early ar- rival for Santa Cmz by 11 days (18 days ahead of the average first arrival, fide DLSu) and one near Hopland 24 Mar was the ear- liest arrival on record for Mendocino (CEV). PR.B.O. surveys in Mono Basin, Mono found Song Sparrow clutch completion dates three weeks earlier than in the previ- ous four years, as well as similar early nest- ing by Spotted Towhees. The Harris’s Spar- row wintering in St. Helena, Napa was last seen 3 Apr (Bob Frescura), while a migrant was at Lamphere Dunes, Humboldt 1-5 May (PAH, RbF). The season’s only longspurs were both in Santa Clara: a male Lapland 17-23 Apr at the summit of Sierra Road e. of San Jose (MMR, m.ob.) and a male Chestnut-collared 22 Apr at Alviso (MMR, MJM); the latter bird may have wintered. The Snow Bunting wintering at the Clifton Court Forebay, Con- This female Magnificent Hummingbird at Eureka, Hum- boldt County (here 12 April 2004) furnished the Middle Pacific Coast's first (and California's second) record — and was the tenth species of hummingbird to be found in this northern county. Photograph by Kerry Boss. tra Costa was seen through 18 Mar (Robert P. Dunn, m.ob.). GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES Rose-breasted Grosbeaks staged another im- pressive spring, with 16 reported along the coast, 14 of which were noted 22-30 May. One at Swall Meadows, Mono 24 May (Steve Peterson) was the only one inland. An ad. male Indigo Bunting 29 May on Lone Tree Road furnished only the 3rd record for San Benito (Lois & Wally Goldfrank). Significant flocks of Tricolored Black- birds were found widely this season from Fresno to Shasta, all with evidence of nest- ing, including “hundreds” at Soda L., Santa Cruz 6 May (David Johnston), a site first used for nesting in 2003. Trikes also estab- lished three new breeding colonies in Potter Valley, Mendocino, with a total of 350-450 pairs (GEC, Jim Armstrong, Kate Marien- child et a!.). This is a significant develop- ment for this species of concern, as before this year, there v/as just one known nesting location in the county. Great-tailed Grack- les were also reported in larger-than-usual numbers, in 16 counties from Monterey to Siskiyou. Significant records include the first nesting in Solano (at Vallejo 15 May; Jim Walsh, John Robinson, Jim Knight) and a 2nd record for Sutter (near Elverta 25 Apr; WPW). San Francisco continued to be “Oriole Central,” with the 3 Orchards wintering at Middle L. seen through 13 Apr (tBFi, tMWE, m.ob.), another Orchard in the M 1 D DLE PA Cl FI C C O A S T Western Addition 1 Apr (HuC), and a Balti- more at Glen Park Canyon .8 May (tMWE). A first-summer male Orchard was also at Coyote Pt., San Mateo 27 May (RSTh). Four other Baltimores included a female winter- ing in Eureka, Humboldt through 2 Mar (BS); a singing male at Paradise, Mono 22 May (Debbie House); and 2 at the Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey, an imm. male 23 May (ph. RbF) and an ad. male 31 May (BGE). Unusual was a male Lawrence’s Goldfinch at Lee Vining, Mono 11-12 May, the first spring record for the Mono Basin (Linda Dore, River Gates). Cited observers (county coordinators in boldface): Kumaran Aral, Robert A. Barnes, Big Sur Ornithology Lab, Murray Berner, William G. Bousman ( Santa Clara), Matt Brady, Adam Brown, George E. Chaniot, Luke W. Cole (Kings), Chris Conard ( Sacramento and Yolo), Hugh Cotter, Gary Deghi, Dave DeSante, Bruce E. Deuel (n. C.V counties), Mark W. Eaton ( San Francis- co), Ray Ekstrom (Siskiyou), Elias Elias, Bruce G. Elliot, Jules G. Evens, Brian Fitch, David Fix (Humboldt), Rob Fowler, James H. Gain (Stanislaus), Steve Gerow, Yohn Gideon, Steve A. Glover (Contra Costa), Bill Grummer, Steve C. Hampton, Keith Hansen, Rob Hansen, Stanley W. Harris, Gjon Hazard, Pablo A. Herrera, Rob Hewitt, Waldo R. Holt, Alan S. Hopkins, John E. Hunter (Trinity), Robert]. Keiffer (Mendo- cino), Kim Kreitinger, Rick Lebaudour, Robin L. C. Leong (Napa and Solano), Ron Le Valley, Cindy Lieurance, Leslie Lieurance, Jim Lomax, John S. Luther, MichaelJ. Mam- moser, Timothy D. Manolis, Sean McAllis- ter,]. Mac McCormick (Plumas and Sierra), Tristan McKee, Peter j. Metropulos (San Mateo), Barbara Mohr, Joseph Morlan, Bryan M. Mori, Kristie N. Nelson (Mono), Ed Pandolfino (Placer), Mark Paxton (MPx), Michael Perrone (MP), Gary W. Pot- ter, Jude C. Power (Humboldt), Eric W. Pre- ston, Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory, David E. Quady, Robert W. Reiling, Robert J. Rich- mond (Alameda), Don Roberson (Mon- terey), Michael M. Rogers, Kerry G. Ross, Ruth A. Rudesill (Sonoma), Paul Saraceni, Barry Sauppe, Jeff Seay, Debra L. Shearwater, Shearwater Journeys, Jim H. Snowden, Anne Spence, Rich Stallcup, Gary J. Stra- chan, John C. Sterling (Modoc, Alpine, and Calaveras), David L. Suddjian (Santa Cruz), Ryan Terrill, Scott B. Terrill, Ronald S. Thom, Jim Tietz, Dorothy Tobkin, Francis Toldi, Frank Vanslager, Chuck E. Vaughn, Kent Van Vuren (Merced and San Benito), David Vander Pluym (Mariposa), Matt Wachs, Bruce Webb, jerry R. White (Lake), William E Widdowson, Roger Wolfe, Dave Woodward, Thomas E. Wurster, Bob & Carol Yutzy (Shasta). ® — — VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 3 431 Pt. Lomal £ Tijuana R. Valleys Guy McCaskie 954 Grove Avenue Imperial Beach, California 91932 (guymcc@pacbeil.net) Kimball L Garrett Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90007 (kgarrett@nhm.org) Ithough drought conditions follow- ing another relatively dry winter con- tinued through the period, the con- centrating effects of well-watered desert oases was not as pronounced as during the very dry spring of 2002. There were major movements of migrant passerines on the coast 23-27 April and through the Imperial Valley 6 May. Away from eastern Kern Coun- ty (most notably Butterbredt Springs), the number and variety of vagrants was less than expected. However, the numbers of Yellow- throated Vireos, Northern Parulas, and Ken- tucky and Hooded Warblers were higher than normal, suggesting a minor repeat of the unprecedented influx of southeastern warblers and vireos experienced in the Re- gion in 1992 (see Patten and Marantz. 1996. Au/? 113: 911-923). The daily monitoring of raptors migrating through the Borrego Val- ley in eastern San Diego County document- ed far more Swainson’s Hawks moving northward through southern California than suspected for recent decades. A better-than- average variety of shorebirds was reported, and Franklin’s Gulls were more numerous and widespread than normal. Abbreviations: B.S. (Butterbredt Spring at the s. end of the Sierra Nevada above Cantil, e. Kern); C.L. (China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, extreme ne. Kem); E.A.HB. (Edwards on Edwards Air Force Base, se. Kem); EC.R. (Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Park, Inyo); G.H.E (Galileo Hill Park in extreme e. Kem); N.E.S.S. (n. end of the Salton Sea, Riverside); P.P. (Piute Ponds on Edwards Air Force Base, ne. Los Angeles); S.C.R.E. (Santa Clara R. Estuary near Ventura, Ventura); S.E.S.S. (s. end of the Salton Sea, Imperial); S.EK.R.P. (S. Fork Kern R. Preserve near Weldon, Kern); VA.EB. (Vandenberg Air Force Base in nw. Santa Barbara); V.C.G.P. (Ventura County Game Preserve near Pt. Mugu Naval Air Sta- tion, Ventura). Museum collections abbrevi- ated in the text are: LACM (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County) and SDNHM (San Diego Natural History Muse- um). Because virtually all rarities in s. Cali- fornia are seen by many observers, only the observer(s) initially finding and identifying the bird are noted. Documentation for species on the California Bird Records Com- mittee (C.B.R.C.) review list is forwarded to the Secretary and archived at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology in Camar- illo. LOONS THROUGH DUCKS A Pacific Loon inland on L. Isabella 24 Apr (BW) was likely the same bird present in midwinter, but one near Trona, San Bernardino 17 Apr (SH) was a spring va- grant. A Yellow-billed Loon was seen flying northward past Pt. Piedras Blancas, San Luis Obispo 12 May (RAR). A Red-necked Grebe at La Jolla, San Diego 4 Mar-28 Apr (MS, SES) was unusually far s. and late for any- where in the Region; one on Cachuma L, Santa Barbara 9 Apr-1 May (B&EU) and another at Tinemaha Res. near Big Pine, Inyo 31 May (T&JH) were inland, where most unusual. A Laysan Albatross seen from Boulders Beach on San Clemente 1. 17 Mar (SWS, JHP) was closer to land than usual, and this species was found to outnumber Black-foot- ed 20 to 17 w. of the Channel Is. 29 Apr-1 May (TMcG). Small numbers of Northern Fulmars, stragglers from last fall, remained in the San Pedro Channel through the peri- od (KGL, BLS), with stragglers elsewhere (e.g. Newport Beach, Orange 17 May [Mjl] and Ocean Beach, San Diego 10 May [SWS]). A Flesh-footed Shearwater, rare in s. Califor- nia waters, was 14.5 km off La Jolla 21 Apr (WW), and another was 27 km sw. of Santa Rosa I. 23 Apr (WW). A Manx Shearwater 25.5 km off Oceanside 28 Apr (TMcG) was the first in San Diego. Since virtually all Black-vented Shearwaters have normally moved to breeding locations s. of this Region by the end of Mar, with only the occasional straggler present through Jun, 12 flying northward past Pt. Vicente, Los Angeles 23 May and 58 there 30 May (KGL) suggest possible nesting failures. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 432 Seven Red-billed Tropicbirds were seen far off Los Angeles and Ventura 24 Apr (WW), and 6 more were there 30 Apr and 1 May (TMcG). An Anhinga at Ramer/Finney Lakes, Imperial 19 Mar-6 May (BM, GMcC) was the same, bird present this time last year. Two imm. Mag- nificent Frigatebirds over Pt. Lorna, San Diego 19 Apr (DA) were most unusual consider- ing the time of the year. A White-faced Ibis at San Clemente I. 4 Apr (JMMcM) provided only the 2nd record for the island. Likely Glossy Ibis x White-faced Ibis hybrids were photographed near Surf, Santa Barbara 1 May (MJI) and at P.P. 12-23 May (MSanM, KLG). Nine Fulvous Whistling- Ducks were reported in the Imperial Valley, including 7 near El Centro, Imperial 19 Apr (SNGH), but there was no indication of breeding. Brant were noted passing through the Salton Sink 25 Mar-late Apr, with high counts of 25 near Seeley, Imperial 21 Apr (Joe Branna,/ide BM) and 130 at the White- water R. mouth, Riverside 30 Apr (CMcG); however, up to 6 near Trona 30 Apr-7 May (SH) were truly lost. A Wood Duck, rare at the Salton Sink, was near Brawley, Imperial 18 Apr (TRC). Surf Scoters, migrating northward after wintering in the Gulf of California, were re- ported in the Salton Sink mid- Mar+, with an impressive 78 at two locations (Fig Lagoon; Sheldon Res.) in the Imperial Valley 23 Mar (CAM). A White-winged Scoter at S.E.S.S. 9 May+ (GMcC), an- other at N.E.S.S. 20 May+ (GMcC), a Black Scoter near Seeley 23 Mar (CAM), and up to 2 at N.E.S.S. 1 May+ (GMcC) were undoubtedly as- sociated with the movement of Surf Scoters. Totally unexpect- ed was a Hooded Merganser successfully fledging young from a Wood Duck nest box at the Prado Basin, Riverside in Apr (GO). spring. A total of 4974 Swainson’s Hawks was counted migrating northward through the Borrego Valley in e. Sun Diego 21 Feb-8 Apr, including an impressive 1081 on 26 Mar (HC, PJ). The presence of at least one Zone- This Brant near Imperial, Imperial County, California 25 March 2004 was one of those that moved north through the Salton Sink in March and April of this year. Photograph by Kenneth l Kurland. tailed Hawk around the Providence Mts. in e. San Bernardino 3 Apr-15 May (TME, AEK) suggests nesting in that area, but one at Twentynine Palms, Sun Bernardino 2 May (ES) and another at Morongo Valley, San Bernardino 22 May (BD) were evidently late vagrants. A Crested Caracara flying north- ward over Cottonwood Marsh at Owens L., 9 This Curlew Sandpiper at Red Hill on the south shore of the Salton Sea, Imperial County, California 9 April 2004 established the earliest date for a spring migrant in California. Photograph by Kenneth l. Kurland. HAWKS THROUGH PHALAR0PES A Harris’s Hawk photographed near Seeley, Imperial 27 Mar (BLS) was one of a very few reported at the Salton Sink in recent years. A Broad-winged Hawk at Lompoc, Santa Bar- bara 3 May (PK) and another in Whitewater Canyon, Riverside 22 May (RLMcK) were 2 of a very few ever to be found in California in May (REM) was the first to be seen in Inyo. Single American Golden-Plovers at wide- ly separated locations in the Imperial Valley 8 OLD), 19 (SNGH), & 27 Apr (GMcC) were noteworthy, as the species is rarely de- tected in spring, particularly inland. Three wintering Pacific Golden-Plovers remained near Port Hueneme, Ventura through 22 Mar (DD), 4 were at Seal Beach, Orange through 25 Apr (PC), and single birds were near Im- perial Beach, San Diego through 3 Apr (REP) and on San Clemente 1. to 4 Mar (ELK); one in alternate plumage near Seeley 21 Apr QL) was believed to be a spring mi- grant. An American Oyster- catcher, a casual straggler to the coast of California, was well studied with 3 Black Oys- tercatchers in La Jolla 16 Mar (SES). An American Oyster- catcher x Black Oystercatcher hybrid was in Laguna Beach, Orange 14-23 Mar (MD, ALa), 2-3 were on San Nicolas I. 25 May (WW), and at least 2 more were present on Santa Cruz I. in Mar-Apr (DMC). About 35 Solitary Sand- pipers was more than expected 1 Apr-15 May; most were in the e. half of the Region. A Wandering Tattler, rare inland, was at S.E.S.S. 30 Apr-9 May (KZK, PS). The only Black Turnstones reported inland were singles at Salton City, Imperial 22 Apr (TE) and at S.E.S.S. 6-11 Jun (GMcC), the latter exceptionally late. Single Surfbirds, rare inland, were at S.E.S.S. 10 (GCH) & 2 1—23 Apr (GMcC, KuL). About 500 Red Knots at N.E.S.S. 30 Apr (CMcG) made an impressive flock, particularly for an inland location. Single Semipalmated Sandpipers were found at P.P. 1 May (MSanM) and near Lancaster, Los Angeles 12 May (CAM). A Baird’s Sandpiper, rare in spring, was at E.A.FB. 12 May (MSanM). Pectoral Sand- pipers, equally rare in spring, were at C.L. 12 Apr (BS), San Jacinto W.L.A., Riverside 16 Apr (CMcG), and near Braw- ley, Imperial 3 Apr (JL). A first- year Curlew Sandpiper at S.E.S.S. 9 Apr QLD, GMcC) was the 8th to be found in Cal- ifornia in spring. A Stilt Sand- piper at Bolsa Chica, Orange 15 Apr (PEL) and 2 at PP 17 Apr-8 May (KLG, JoF) were the only ones found away from S.E.S.S. A Ruff around V.C.G.P., Ventura 16-22 Mar (TMcG) had probably win- tered locally. Exceptionally early north- bound movement of Red-necked Phalaropes was indicated by up to 10 alternate- plumaged birds at Bolsa Chica 1-2 Apr (LRH), about 30 around Newport Beach 2 Apr (MJI), along with single birds at Malibu, Los Angeles and Goleta, Santa Barbara the same day (KLG, WTF), 2 at Playa del Rey, VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 433 Los Angeles 2 Apr, and 1 5 at nearby Ballona Cr. the next day (KGL). SKUAS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS Three South Polar Skuas around the n. Channel Is. 22 May (TMcG) was an expect- ed number for this time of the year. A Laughing Gull on s. San Diego Bay 19 Mar (MBS) was on the coast, where rare; one at S.E.S.S. 23 Mar (CAM) was un- seasonably early. At least 135 Franklin’s Gulls were reported 3 Apr+, with most in the e. half of the Region; high counts were of 20 at C.L. 2 May (TEW), 16 at EC.R. 30 May (C&RH), and 15 at N.E.S.S. 25 May (CMcG), suggesting that more than the expected num- bers passed through the Region this spring. Most unusual was a single Heermann’s Gull pho- tographed at Owens L. 24 May (SS); up to 5 at C.L. 5 Apr-3 May were also noteworthy (SS, TEW). A Sabine’s Gull at E.A.EB. 29-30 May (JS) was the only one found inland this spring. Two Elegant Terns pho- tographed at S.E.S.S. 6 May (MJ1, BLS) were inland, where casual. Four Least Terns were seen at S.E.S.S. after 23 May (GMcC). Two Black Terns at S.E.S.S. 9 Apr (GMcC) were early spring migrants. At least 8 Ancient Murrelets off Palos Verdes, Los Angeles 14 Mar (KLG) made a high count for this time of the year. Single Band-tailed Pigeons in Ridgecrest, Kern 20 Apr. (N&EG), B.S. 23-24 May (TEW), and on San Clemente I. 25 Apr and 29 May (CRK, BLS) were far from areas of normal oc- currence. Eurasian Collared- Doves at EC.R. 28 Mar (SS) and 29-31 May (DVP, DR), Warm Springs in the Saline Valley, Inyo 12 Apr (REM), Baker, San Bernardino 29 May (MSanM), and Twentynine Palms 4 May (ES) document the continued spread of this species into the e. part of this Region. A White- winged Dove in El Centro 21 Mar (KZK) established the earliest date for a spring migrant in the Salton Sink. An Inca Dove in Ju- lian, San Diego 20-31 Mar (PP) was in the mountains w. of the species’ known range. Up to 2 Ruddy Ground-Doves were in Blythe 27 Mar-25 Apr (RH), and at least 12 remained through the period near Calipatria, where the species is now resident and breeding (GMcC). A Common Nighthawk in Bishop, Inyo 19 May (JZ) was the earliest this year, and a Chimney Swift over Long Beach 29 May (KGL) was likewise the first. At least 20 Calliope Hummingbirds reported from along the coast 3- 30 Apr was an above-average tally of migrants. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS The earliest Willow Flycatcher reported was at Eagle Mt. Pumping Station, Riverside 5 May (JCS). Exceptional numbers of Ham- mond’s, Gray, and Dusky Flycatchers were reported during a wave in late Apr. Ham- mond’s is considered a common spring mi- grant through the Region, but a peak count of 19 on San Clemente I. on 25 Apr (BLS et al.) was exceptional for the Channel Islands. In contrast, Dusky is thought to be a very rare spring migrant on the coast, so a total of 27 birds on San Clemente !. 23-27 Apr and a peak count of 12 on 25 Apr (BLS) was as- tounding. Clearly not all Empidonax were identified to species, and it should be noted that 154 Hammond’s/Dusky Flycatchers were also found during the spring on San Clemente I. Several observers commented on the greater-than-expected movement of Duskies through the Mojave Desert. Gray Flycatchers, too, were in higher-than-aver- age numbers, with 10 in coastal Los Angeles 4 Apr-5 May, up to 8 in coastal Orange 14 Apr-2 May (DRW), and 9 on San Clemente I. 23-27 Apr (BLS). The winter- ing Dusky-capped Flycatcher in Fountain Valley, Orange was last seen 25 Apr (PC). Up to two pairs of Brown-crested Fly- catchers in Borrego Springs 17 May+ were in San Diego's only known nesting locale, and a bird in Darwin Canyon, Inyo 23 May (JZ) was quite far north. The wintering Tropical Kingbird in Ormond Beach, Ventura remained to 24 Apr (DP, OA); the only Eastern Kingbird reported was at EC.R. 9-11 Jun (KNN). A Scissor- tailed Flycatcher was on Pt. Loma, San Diego 29 Apr-1 May (EA). An above-average 3 Yellow- throated Vireos were recorded: at Ft. Piute, San Bernardino 16 May (AH et al.), at B.S 29-31 May (JM), and in Harbor Regional Park near San Pedro, Los Angeles 31 May (MJB). A well-studied Blue-headed Vireo at B.S. 20 Apr (PEL) seemed exceptionally ear- ly; the status of this species in the Region is still unclear, pending review of numerous “pre-split” records. Plumbeous Vireos are “chronically over-reported” as spring migrants (undoubtedly being confused with dull, worn Cassin’s), but a well-studied bird near El Centro 16 Apr (KZK) was perhaps the first valid spring record for the Salton Sink, and 4 at e. Kern oases 25 Apr- 16 May made the highest spring total for that area; one at F.C.R. 8 May (V&GW) was the earliest arrival ever in Inyo. Red-eyed Vireos were at B.S. 6 (TEW) & 24 May (CAM). Fewer than 10 Purple Martins were reported away from the Regions few known or sus- pected nesting areas; 4 in Atas- cadero 25 Mar (LA) were the earliest report- ed. Several pairs of Tree Swallows successfully nesting in boxes at Playa del Rey in May (RB, JW) established a long- awaited recolonization of the Los Angeles coast. A hundred Bank Swallows near Bish- This Heermann's Gull at China Lake, Kern County, California 13 April 2004 was one of up to six found in the northeastern part of this Southern Pacific Coastal region this spring. Photograph by Susan Steele. This adult Sabine's Gull at Edwards on the Edwards Air Force Base, Kern County, California 29 May 2004 was inland, where casual in spring. Photograph by Kelli Levinson. op 8 May (J&DP) were at one of the Region’s last persisting colonies. PARIDS THROUGH WARBLERS A family group of Chestnut-backed Chick- adees at El Capitan S. B., 8 km w. of Goleta, Santa Barbara 15 May (GT) established the southernmost nesting for the Region. Two juniper Titmice at Aspendell, Inyo 13 Mar (C&rRH) were a bit w. of their normal range. A Pygmy Nuthatch at G.H.P. 24-25 Apr (KeL) was the first to be found in spring in e. Kem. Recent sur- veys had yielded no remaining Cactus Wrens in the Baldwin j Hills of the Los Angeles Basin, so the appearance of one at a residential feeder there 9 Mar (A&EB) was quite a surprise. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Pt. Piedra Blancas 26 May (RAR) established the latest spring record for San Luis Obispo. Western Bluebirds continued their expansion into coastal Los Angeles, with nesting docu- mented in Inglewood (RB) and Palos Verdes (SB) in May. Townsend’s Solitaires at Pt. Loma 9 Apr (MBi) and San Clemente I. 30 May (BLS) were at unusual coastal locations. A Hermit Thrush e. of San Juan Capistrano, Orange 10 Jun (DRW) appeared sick, perhaps explain- ing the unusually late date. An exceptional- ly early Swainson’s Thrush near El Centro 27 Mar (KZK) beat the previous early spring record for the Salton Sink by some 10 days. Encouragingly, 24 Le Conte’s Thrashers (some in family groups) were surveyed in the s. Carrizo Plain, San Luis Obispo 7-29 May (AFS, TME). The Curve-billed Thrasher at Black Meadow Landing, San Bernardino remained through 18 Mar (BAB). The only Tennessee Warblers re- ported were an early bird at Hunt- ington Beach, Orange 1 May (CAM) and one in Wilmington, Los Angeles 15 May (ALe). A singing Lucy’s Warbler at Wister, S.E.S.S. 22 Mar (CAM) was one of few recently found in the Imperial Valley. Early Northern Parulas at V.A.EB. 9 Apr (MBa) and near Santee, San Diego 16-18 Apr (PEL) foreshadowed the appearance of 1 7 additional birds in coastal counties through the re- mainder of the period, with some re- maining into summer; 8 additional birds were in e. Kem 29 Apr-6 Jun. A Yellow War- bler near Seeley 27 Mar (GMcC) was the ear- liest migrant ever found in spring in the Salton Sink. Single Chestnut-sided Warblers were at B.S. 24-27 (MR) & 31 May (JB), and Magnolia Warblers turned up in Banning, Riverside 22 May (RLMcK) and California City, Kem 30 May (BED). A Black-throated Blue Warbler, casual in the Region in spring, was at B.S. 3-6 Jun (K&rBK). Five Black- throated Gray Warblers at various sites in Inyo 5 Apr (j&DP, C&RH) established the earliest records for the county. A Black- throated Green Warbler at EC.R. 9 Jun (KNN) was the only one reported. A Townsend’s Warbler near El Centro 1-3 Apr (KZK) was the earliest migrant to be found in the Salton Sink, and a singing male in La Canada Flintridge, Los Angeles 30 May (KLG) was quite late. Amazing concentra- tions of 269 Townsends Warblers on San Clemente I. 25 Apr and 64 Hermit Warblers there 26 Apr (BLS) were part of a major pas- sage of w. migrants on the island during that period (a passage that also brought 323 War- bling Vireos and 172 Western Tanagers 26 Apr). A Blackburnian Warbler was at B.S. 23 m May (NF). Yellow-throated Warblers, both apparently of the expected albilora sub- species, were in Long Beach, Los Angeles 25 Apr (KGL) and at EC.R. 29-31 May (DV). The wintering Pine Warbler in Newport Beach, Orange was last seen 17 Apr (PC). An additional wintering Palm Warbler was in Encino 2 Mar-1 Apr (RMcM), and 6 were in coastal Los Angeles and Santa Barbara 5-25 Apr; additional migrants in the n. interior were n. of Bishop 30 Apr (j&DP) and at G.H.P. 9 May 0°F)- A male Blackpoll Warbler at B.S. 31 May (KeL) was the only one reported. Seven Black-and-white War- blers not known to be winter- ing were along the coast 27 Mar-30 May, and another 12 were on the deserts 1-28 May. Wintering American Redstarts lingered as late as 27 Apr at S.E.S.S. (GMcC) and 4 May at Coronado, San Diego (MS); only 9 migrants were reported on the deserts. Seven Oven- birds were noted on the deserts 5 May-13 Jun (with one found dead on the last date in Lan- caster; JaF, *LACM); another was at Bolsa Chica 31 May (BED). Migrant Northern Wa- terthrushes were at Santa Clarita, Los Ange- les 29-30 Apr (DRW) and Playa del Rey 19 May (RB), and a below-average 4 additional birds were on the deserts 22 Apr-23 May. A good showing of Kentucky Warblers, all in Kem (hence the nickname “Kerntucky War- bler sometimes given this species in the Re- gion), included birds at Ridgecrest 15-17 May (SS, BS), Jawbone Canyon 16 May (KeL), B.S. 19-23 May (KA), and California City 28 May (AH). A MacGillivray’s Warbler in Brea 23 Mar (DRW) was the ear- liest spring record for Orange by three days. Hooded Warblers staged a small invasion, with single males near Imperial Beach 26 Apr (MW), Irvine 23 May (BED), and Hunting- ton Beach 30 May (JEP) and 1-19 Jun (LRH), an early bird in Zzyzx, San Bernardino 16 Apr (EC), females w. of Big Pine 8 May and at EC.R. 29 May (DV), and 10 in e. Kem 20 Apr-24 May, including 6 at B.S. 21 May (RT). An early Yellow-breasted Chat in Irvine 1 Apr (BAA) beat the previous early record for Orange by three days. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES A Summer Tanager at B.S. 13 Mar (JCW) was found on an astonishing date, consid- ering that wintering at this harsh, high- desert locale seems highly unlikely, but Two Elegant Terns photographed at the south end of the Salton Sea, Imperial County 6 May 2004 established one of a very few documented records of the species for the California interior. Photograph by Brian L. Sullivan. This female Summer Tanager at Butterbredt Spring, Kern County 13 March 2004 had probably spent the winter somewhere nearby, as spring migrants of this species do not normally reach California before the end of April. Photograph by Pierre Howard. VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 435 spring arrivals do not normally occur until the end of Apr. Migrant Clay-colored Spar- rows were at S.E.S.S. 8 Apr (JL), San Juan Capistrano 4 May (DRW), Lake View Ter- race, Los Angeles 9 May (CAM), and n. of Bishop 3 May (J&DP)- Unusual coastal- slope Black-throated Spar- rows were on San Clemente I. 6 Mar (1R), near Riverside 17 Mar (HBK), at San Onofre S.B., San Diego 22 Mar (LA), and n. of Laguna Beach, Or- ange 28 Mar (BR). A Savannah Sparrow at G.H.P. 6 Jun (TEW) was a very late mi- grant. A Harris’s Sparrow was at Morongo Valley 1 May (JT). Late wintering White-throat- ed Sparrows remained through 21 Apr at Pt. Loma (JWo), 23 Apr in Arcadia, Los Angeles (MSanM) and in Niporno, San Luis Obispo (TME), and 26 Apr in Goleta (B&EU); the latest migrant was at B.S. 22 May (TEW). Twelve Rose-breasted Gros- beaks were found in coastal counties 12-30 May, with an earlier bird at Pt. Loma 19 Apr (DA); another 8 were on the deserts 11-30 May. The expected scatter- ing of Indigo Buntings included a male found dead at Pt. Loma (PU, *SDNHM). A male Blue Grosbeak at Arroyo Grande 1 1 Apr (DML) established a new early date for San Luis Obispo. Yellow-headed Blackbirds are erratic and uncommon spring transients along the coast, so a concentration of over 200 at Playa del Rey 24 Apr (DS, DSC) was noteworthy. Bronzed Cow- birds arrived by 27 Mar at S.E.S.S. (MBr, RT); a male on the Palos Verdes Peninsula 6-11 May (MMcJ) was only the 2nd to be found on the Los An- geles mainland. Common Grackles, rare but increasing in the Region, were in Ridgecrest 19-20 Mar (LS), at Wister, S.E.S.S. 27 Mar for an overdue Imperial and Salton Sink first (MMR), and in Desert Center, Riverside 1 Apr (CMcG). A Bal- timore Oriole in Goleta 25 Mar-9 Apr (PaC) was probably wintering locally; migrants were in Desert Center 4 May (JCS) and Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles 1 1 May (KGL). A Scott’s Oriole at B.S. 13 Mar (KeL) was Kent's earliest but in line with expected arrivals in adjacent counties to the south. Red Crossbills nest- ed once again in exotic pines in Barstow, with a juv. present 15 May (HBK). EXOTICS Striking “one-time” escapees included a Turquoise-browed Motmot in Carlsbad, San Diego 22 May (JFG) and a Blue Tit in Long Beach 10 Apr (KGL). Northern Car- dinals were reported widely in coastal This Black-throated Sparrow at San Onofre State Beach, San Diego County, California 22 March 2004 was on the immediate coast, where unexpected. Photograph by Linda Allen , counties from Ventura to San Diego , with continued breeding noted near Imperial Beach (MW). Corrigendum: In the fall 2003 report ( N.A.B . 58: 147) the late Virginia’s Warbler on 1 1 Oct was at Westchester rather than Establishing only the second record for mainland Los Angeles County, this male Bronzed Cowbird spent several days (here on 6 May 2004) at a Palos Verdes Peninsula feeder. Photograph by Madeleine Mdones. nearby Playa del Rey, and the correct ob- server was Russell Stone. Cited observers (county coordinators in boldface): Don Adams, Linda Adams, Bruce A. Aird, Etan Altman, Keith Axel- son, Morgan Ball (MBa), Richard Barth, Mark Billings (MBi), Jeremy Bird, Sam Bloom, Bill A. Bouton, Matt Brady, Ann and Eric Brooks (A & EB), Martin J. By- hower, Ed Clark, Therese R. Clawson, Hal Cohen, David M. Compton ( Santa Bar- bara), Peyton Cook, Daniel S. Cooper, Paul Coppock (PaC), Brian E. Daniels, Maya Decker, Bill Deppe, Don Desjardin, Jon L. Dunn, Todd Easterla, Tom M. Edell (San Luis Obispo ), Michael Evans (San Diego), Jon Eeenstra (JoF), Jared Feiner (JaF), Nick Freeman, Wes T. Fritz, Kimball L. Garrett ( Los Ange- les), Noel and Ellene Gravelle (N&rEG), John F. Green ( Riverside ), Steve Hampton, Loren R. Hays, Gjon C. Haz- ard, Tom & Jo Heindel (Inyo), Roger Higson, Chris and Rosie Howard (C&RH), Andrew Howe, Vernon Howe, Steve N. G. Howell, Marshall J. lliff, Paul Jorgensen, Paul Keller, Eric L. Kershner, Howard B. King, C. Robb Kohley, Alexander E. Koonce (San Bernardino), Kenneth Z. Kurland, Ken and Brenda Kyle, Kevin G. Larson, David M. Lawrence, Andy Lazere (ALa), Andrew Lee (ALe), Paul E. Lehman, Kurt Leuschner (KuL), Kelli Levinson (KeL), Jim Lomax, Curtis A. Marantz, Robert E. Mauer, Jr., Guy McCaskie (Imperial), Chet McGaugh, Tod McGrath, Madeleine Mcjones, Robert L. McKernan, Bob Miller, Jimmy M. McMorran, Robert McMor- ran, Joe Morlan, Kristie N. Nel- son, Gordon Outhier, Robert E. Patton, Jim and Debby Parker (J&DP), James E. Pike, Jonathan H. Plissner, Philip Pryde, Barbara Reever, Don Roberson, Isabelle Robichaud, Mikael Rosen, Richard A. Rowlett, Matt Sadowski, Mike San Miguel, Alan E Schmierer, Jeff Seay, Peter Siminski, Susan E. Smith, Bob Steele, Susan Steele, Don Sterba, John C. Sterling, Mary B. Stowe, Emilie Strauss, Sam W. Stuart, Brian L. Sullivan, Lee Sutton, Ryan Ter- rill, Guy Tingos, Jennifer Tobin, Bill and Elaine Uomini (B & EU), David Vander Pluyrn, Jan Wasserman, Walter Wehtje (Ventura), Bruce Webb, Matt Williams, Douglas R. Willick (Orange), John C. Wilson (Kent), Vicki and Gerry Wolfe, Joe Worley (JWo), Thomas E. Wurster, Jerry Zatorski. An ad- ditional 35+ observers who could not be individually acknowledged submitted re- ports this season. ® 436 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Observer coverage was light in all but the northern portions of Baja Cali- fornia (see the S.A. below concern- ing the need for observations elsewhere). Highlights of the season included first Re- gional nesting records for Wood Duck and Eurasian CoJlared-Dove (and continued nesting of Anna’s Hummingbirds in Baja California Su'r), and rarities such as Harle- quin Duck and White/Black-backed Wagtail. Abbreviations: C.EG.P (Cerro Prieto geot- hermal ponds), M.F.O. ( Monographs in Field Ornithology). LOONS THROUGH SKIMMERS Many migrating Pacific Loons were seen passing Punta Descanso, B.C. in Apr, but no other species were noted in significant num- bers. The maximum loon count was 2675 in two hours on 6 Apr (RAE, MJI), an average of 22.3 birds per minute. An aggregation of 10,000+ Black and Least Storm-Petrels just e. of Isla San Jose 3 Apr included a probable Wedge-rumped; 4 Wedge-rumpeds were be- tween Isla San lldefonso and Isla Tortuga 8 jun (all MG). Five Neotropic Cormorants at El Centenario 5 Mar (ph. MJI) was a high count for the La Paz area. American Bit- terns— rare throughout the Region and not known to breed there — were at La Mision 6 Apr (MJI) and El Rosario 15 Apr (EP et al.). Three ad. Least Bitterns — also rare but pre- sumed to breed — were found together on the Maneadero Plain 8 May (LAC, SNGH), and 3 more were along the Rio Colorado 20 May (MJI, RAE). Breeding ardeids (nest numbers) at C.EG.E 16 May included Great Blue Heron (31), Great Egret (85), and Snowy Egret (90+; KLG, KCM). Up to 7 Reddish Egrets and four nests were at Islas Todos Santos 27 Mar-11 Jun (FG, EP). A subad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at La- gunita El Cipres 7 May followed by an ad. there the next day (LAC, SNGH) furnished the 4th and 5th records for the northwest. The -pair of Wood Ducks that wintered at the Mexicali Zoo was found 20 May with 6 half-grown young (RAE, ph. MJI), providing the Region’s first nesting record. Twenty pairs of Blue-winged Teal at Lagunas de Chametla were more than expected in B.C.S. on the late date of 23 Apr (LSa). Presumably the same female Harlequin Duck as in Mar 2003 was at La Joya 6 Mar-11 Jun (RAE et al.). The season’s only Black Scoter was an ad. male at La Joya 23 Mar (RAE). Up to 3 Red-breasted Mergansers were at C.P.G.P: 26 Mar-20 May (MJI et al.). Two Harris’s Hawks were at Leyes de Reforma, where a few may be resident, 16 Apr (SNGH). S. of San Felipe, 7-8 Wilson’s Plovers at Punta Estrella were presumed nesting (SNGH). A Baird’s Sandpiper at C.P.G.P. 26 Mar (RAH, ph. MJI) was the Region’s first in spring since C.C. Lamb collected one of “a Baja California Peninsula Ensenada , . Tijuan_ / Mexicali Islas , — i Todos ''A ^ erro Prieto Santos ' Antioud Montserrat • „ . . .-f -Guadeloupe D Dominica ■ Providence I. • St. Andrew t. Curagao Aruba I * ■» tsonane r 1 1 I F S ^mrlinique nn t tilts jj 'St. Lucia c. Barbados * Tobago ’N\jrinidad March and April at Bermuda re- mained cool, but a huge high- pressure area that sat over Bermu- da for much of May prevented the influx of most spring migrants, just as the southwest- erly and southerly winds on the western edge of the high allowed migrants to overfly much of the American East. As observed from Bermuda, the spring passages of pelag- ic species, shorebirds, and landbird has shown consistent downward trends in num- bers and diversity, even when weather con- ditions are favourable for bringing migrants to the archipelago. Among the highlights for Bermuda this spring were a California Gull (first island record), a Little Egret (Bermu- das third), displaying Red-tailed Hawks, and a Northern Gannet. Five new species were recorded for the Ba- hamas. Unfortunately only two of the birds (Pacific Golden-Plover and Fork-tailed Fly- catcher) were photographed. All reports will be submitted to the Bahamas Avian Records Committee. In support of the Bahamas Im- portant Bird Areas Program, Lynn Gape and Lisa Sorenson visited Great Inagua in April to train local birders in surveying and monitor- ing techniques. They increased the skills and enthusiasm of the residents and laid out three transects for regular monitoring. They also had some noteworthy bird sightings. Abbreviations: B.A.R.C. (Bahamas A.R.C.); H.W.RN.R (Harrold & Wilson Ponds N.P., New Providence, Bahamas). PETRELS THROUGH ALCIDS A Black-capped Petrel was seen with a flock of Audubon’s Shearwaters e. of Man-o’-War Cut, Abaco, Bahamas 14 May (BW). Three Cory’s Shearwaters were observed 10 km e. of Elbow Cay, Great Abaco, Bahamas 24 May (EB), while 2 were in Exuma Sound, Ba- hamas 29 May (NM). Numbers of Manx Shearwaters were passing Elbow Beach, Bermuda 16 Mar (AD), but the subsequent shearwater passage was very sparse, owing to unfavorable winds. At least 4 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels were flying in Exuma Sound near Ocean Rock at the n. end of the Exu- mas, Bahamas 24 Apr, with a single there 29 May (NM); 4 were 8 km e. of Elbow Cay, Abaco 24 May (EB). Some 15+ Red-billed Tropicbirds were seen prospecting nest sites along the ne. coast of Barbuda 29 Feb-1 Mar (ABr). A Red-footed Booby was seen feeding with a Lee and Mackin have published a paper documenting the decline of the White-tailed Tropicbird colony on Warderick Wells, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park from 30-50 pairs \ in 1991 to just five pairs this spring (Lee, D. S., and W. Mackin. 2004. Demise of a White-tailed Tropicbird colony in the Exumas Land and Sea Park. Bahamas Journal of Science 1 1.2: 2-12). The paper is critical of the Bahamas National Trust for failing to protect these birds despite numerous entreaties from biologists. The park headquarters and the home of the warden are located near the nesting areas, and the warden has given his dogs run of the island. These dogs are believed to have killed or driven off the nesting birds. The warden has not honored repeated requests from researchers and conservationists to control the dogs; appeals to the Trust headquarters in Nassau have been equally ineffective (WM). Ba- hamian reports of the species away from Exumas included three reports from the n. end of the species' range in the Abacos: one prospecting a nest-site at Great Guana Cay 14 Mar (NS, KS), 12 near Hole-in-the-Wall 4 Apr (ABA), and one chased by a Pomarine Jaeger off Hopetown 16 May (BW). The species is regular enough in the Bahamas as not to be report- ed specifically by local observers or visitors, but in view of local extirpations, we welcome all reports of this and other breeding seabird species. A decline in nesting White-tailed Tropicbirds has also been noticed on Bermuda, where many traditional nest sites have been lost to erosion (mostly due to hurricane damage) and devel- opment. In addition, there has been a sudden dearth of records from the Gulf Stream off North Carolina, which had no confirmed reports of the species in 2003 or 2004 (in contrast to the years 1994-2002) but over 20 sightings of Red-billed Tropicbirds from the pelagic trips from the state's Outer Banks. VOLUME 58 (2004 NUMBER 3 449 large flock of Sooty Terns 8-13 km ese. of Hopetown, Abaco 14 May (BW). Four Northern Gannets were seen s. of Grand Ba- hama 1 Apr (ABA), an ad. was off Hole-in- the-Wall, Abaco 4 Apr (ABA), and a third- year bird was in Exuma Sound 29 May (NM). An iinrn. remained around Bermuda until 18 May (AD). American White Peli- cans are very rare in the Bahamas, but re- ports from bone-fishermen of one in the Marls, Abaco 20-22 Mar (SRu, NR, TWr) appear to be reliable. Three Brown Pelicans Centre 3 Apr (EG). Over 8000 Greater (Caribbean) Flamingos were feeding at the w. end of L. Rosa, Great Inagua 17 Apr (LG, LS, S.N.B.C.); an imm. appeared at Barbados 22 May (EM). A Canada Goose was on Great Exuma, where very rare, 21 Apr-13 May (BM). The Gadwall at Lyford Cay, New Providence was last seen 29 Mar (AB, JD); one at Somerset Long Bay N.R., Bermuda was last seen 7 Apr (DBW). A flock of 18 American Wigeons flew onto Grand Bahama from the s. 1 Apr A species rarely seen during spring migration in the French West Indies, this Blackpoll Warbler was photographed 9 May 2004 at the Petit-Terre Nature Preserve, Guadaloupe. It remained through 14 May. Photograph by Anthony Levesque. were unusual at Highborne Cay, Exutnas 6 May (m. ob., fide CW). An American Bittern was at Paget Marsh, Bermuda 11 Mar (DBW). A flock of 42 Great Blue Herons was seen heading northward out over the open ocean from West End, Grand Bahama 31 Mar (ABA). Smaller flocks of Great Egrets and Green Herons were seen migrating over water s. of Grand Bahama 1 Apr (ABA). Bermuda’s 3rd Little Egret re- mained throughout the season (AD); anoth- er was found at Gaschet Res., Guadeloupe 14 Mar (AL). White Ibis are uncommon in the s. Bahamas, but one was seen on Great Inagua 1 Apr (HN). Two Roseate Spoonbills were reported from Mores I., w. of Abaco 21 Mar (OM) — well away from the nearest breeding grounds. An estimated 100 were found along South Dike Rd., Great Inagua 21 Apr (LG, LS, S.N.B.C.). Single Black Vul- tures were seen twice over Grand Bahama: at West End 30 Mar (ABA) and at Rand Nature (ABA). A Mallard that spent the winter on the Treasure Cay Golf Course, Abaco depart- ed in mid-Apr, which suggests that it was a genuine vagrant (EB). A Northern Shoveler was at Grog Pond, Great Exuma 18 Apr (BM). A female Northern Pintail was still at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 8 May (AD). The Buf- flehead over-wintering at St. Martin was not observed after 11 Mar (ABr). Six Ospreys — 2 of these of the resident race, the remaining 4 being mainland mi- grants— were seen flying over H.W.P.N.P. 18 Mar (BHa, EB), an unusually high local count. There were seven reports of Swallow- tailed Kite from the Bahamas this spring: one foraging over a wildfire on Abaco 5 Mar (RP); one near Little Harbour, Abaco 3 Apr (ABA); one at West End, Grand Bahama 7 Apr (EG); one at Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera 10 Apr (DC); and at least 3 at Ship Channel Cay, Exumas in mid-Apr (AW, SP). A Sharp- shinned Hawk was a surprise over the Hamilton Harbour Is., Bermuda 9 May (PW). A pair of Red-tailed Hawks has been seen dis- playing regularly over Morgans Pt., Bermuda since mid-Mar (AD et al.). A Purple Gallinule was at Paget Marsh, Bermuda 19 Mar (DBW). Purple Gallinules in the Ba- hamas were reported from H.W.P.N.P. 18 Mar (BHa), Cable Beach 28 May (CW), both on New Providence, and on Great Abaco at Leisure Lee, 4 Apr (ph. JHB), Marsh Harbour 6 Apr (ABA), Hopetown 10 May (RP), and Treasure Cay 20 May (EB). Four Soras were at Pellctan Pond, Guade- loupe 2 Mar (AL). The Bahamas’ first Pacific Golden-Plover visited Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera 6 Mar-1 Apr (SD, m. ob., ph.). Ex- perts have studied the photographs and con- firm the identification. The only previous West Indies records come from Barbados. A Snowy Plover with 4 chicks at Diamond Crystal Salt Ponds, Long I., Bahamas 21 Apr was a very good find (O.G.). An Ameri- can Avocet was at Grog Pond, Great Exuma 21 Apr (BM). A migrant Killdeer was at Outerlea Farm, Bermuda 8 May GO, DBW). Two Black- necked Stilts arrived at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 7 May-31 May+ (EA), lat- er increasing to a maxi- mum of 9. A well-de- scribed American Avocet reported from North Pond 11 May (GB) provided the first spring record for Bermuda. A possible Spotted Redshank was report- ed at Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas 10 Apr (SD, IM); unfortunately the observers were unable to secure a photograph. A de- tailed report by experienced birders was re- ceived of a Common Sandpiper in St. George’s Harbour, Grenada 21 Apr (RK, EM, TM, m.ob.); again, no photographs were tak- en. An Upland Sandpiper at East End Dairy, Bermuda 25 Apr (DBW) was unusual. A Whimbrel on Rose I., New Providence 11 Apr (NM) provided one of the few spring records from the Bahamas. On 17 Apr, an EPIC biologist at Gallis Bay, St. Martin found a single Eurasian Whimbrel. A Marbled Godwit was reported at Spirit-tree Pond, Lit- tle Exuma 15 Apr (PD RS); this potential Ba- hamian first left before it could be pho- tographed. Two Semipalmated Sandpipers at Tarpum 450 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS WEST INDIES & B E R MCDA Bay, Eleuthera 10 Mar (SD, JW, DC) were early for the spring migration. An estimated 1000 Least Sandpipers were seen 21 Apr along South Dike Rd., Great Inagua (LG, LS, S.N.B.C.). A visiting birder reported a Baird’s Sandpiper at Pelican Bay, Abaco 26 Feb (MS); the report was well documented and will be evaluated by B.A.R.C. Fifteen Sander- lings and 50 Short-billed Dowitchers were good numbers on Harbour I., Eleuthera 5 Mar (NM). A male Ruff was present 16-22 May at the oil fields swamp, Barbados (MF). On 5 Apr, significant shorebird counts on the sand flats at Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas were 63 Dunlin, 40 Sanderlings, 5 Semi- palmated Sandpipers, and 8 Piping Plovers (EB, ABA). Three Wilson’s Phalaropes in a blue hole near Conch Shell Pt., Great Inagua 20 Apr (LG, LS, S.N.B.C.) made an excep- tional find. In Bermuda, the paucity of shearwaters this spring was mirrored by jaegers (a few Pomarine and Long-tailed were noted from Elbow Beach 27 Apr [AD]); the reverse was true in the Bahamas, where Florida fisher- men/birders reported both shearwaters and jaegers in some numbers. A dark-morph Parasitic Jaeger flew from the sea into a grove of Casuarina trees near the mouth of Gold Rock Cr. . Grand Bahama 1 Apr (ABA.), and a light-morph harassed a flock of small terns e. of Elbow Cay, Abaco 24 May (EB). Four Black-headed Gulls were at Great Salt Pond, St. Martin 10 Mar, with a single remaining at Cul-de-sac Pond, St. Martin 10 Apr (ABr). A Bonaparte’s Gull was in Castle Harbour, Bermuda 12 Apr (DBW). A late ad. Ring-billed Gull was at Flatts, Bermuda 31 May (DBW). The gull of the season was Bermuda’s first California Gull, an ad., at Dockyard 1-8 May (PW). A first- winter Ice- land Gull was in Hamilton Harbour, Bermu- da 3-8 Mar (AD, PW, DBW). Four Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera 17 Mar (BHa, EB, TW). Neil Sealey reports seeing Lesser Black-backed Gulls regularly around the Nassau water- front throughout the winter, e.g., 2 at Nas- sau Sailing Club and several at Potter’s Cay 3 Mar, plus 3 imms. at Arawak Cay 7 Mar. From Anguilla, a pair of Caspian Terns was observed among 20 Royal and a dozen Least Terns at Dog I. 7 May (ABr). A Forster’s Tern was noted during a two-day birding trip to Barbuda 29 Feb-I Mar (ABr). The 4th re- port of Arctic Tern from the Bahamas was of a well-described bird off Hopetown, Abaco 14 May (BW). A dead Atlantic Puffin was discovered on the beach at Tobacco Bay 14 Mar (PW), the 5th for Bermuda but 3rd in recent times. CUCKOOS THROUGH ORIOLES A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 17 Apr (DBW). A Short-eared Owl was still at Bermuda Airport 18 Apr (DW). Barn Owls returned to the e. tower at the entrance to Coral Harbour, New Providence after a three-year absence (CW). There were 6 Burrowing Owls along the road to Union Cr., Great Inagua 20 Apr (LG, LS, S.N.B.C.). A very early, silent nighthawk at Great Guana Cay, Exuma 27 Mar (PM) was probably a Common based on the date. On 22 Apr, 6 Black Swifts re- turned near the e. coast of Barbados (EM, MF). A probable female Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Black-chinned could not be ruled out) was feeding on Agave blossoms at Bahamia South, Grand Bahama 31 Mar (ABA). The San Salvador race of West Indi- an Woodpecker is very rare; a welcome re- port was submitted of a male on Jake Jones Rd. 11 & 13 Mar (PMt). A wintering East- ern Phoebe was still at Spittal Pond, Bermu- da 21 Mar (DBW). A Great Crested Fly- catcher at Old Bahama Bay Club, Grand Bahama 31 Mar was the only one reported in the Bahamas (]D). Two Western King- birds at Abaco Beach Resort 4 Apr (ABA) may have spent the winter there undetect- ed. An Eastern Kingbird was seen at Par- son’s Road Pond, Bermuda 23 Apr (G&SH). The first Gray Kingbirds were reported from Eleuthera 5 Apr (DC) and New Prov- idence 9 Apr (CW). The Bahamas’ first Fork-tailed Flycatcher was an imm. found at the Government Agricultural Farm, New Providence 3 May (ph. PD, TW) — the time of peak occurrence in the s. United States (Lockwood, M. 1999. Birding 31: 126-139). Single Yellow-throated Vireos were seen in Bermuda at Botanical Gardens 13-21 Apr (AD) and A.B. Smith Reserve 14 Apr (SR). The first Black- whiskered Vireos were re- ported from Eleuthera 5 Apr (DC) and New Providence 9 Apr (CW), on the same dates as Gray Kingbirds. A single Cliff Swallow was observed among a small group of Barn Swallows at Mullet Bay G.C., St. Martin 11 Apr (ABr). American Pipits (14) remained at Bermuda Airport through 6 Mar (AD). Six Cedar Waxwings were at the Abaco Beach Resort 5 Apr (ABA). A Kirtland’s Warbler on Jake Jones Rd., San Salvador, Bahamas 12 Mar was the first one reported from that island since 1966 (vt., PMt). Two unusual Prairie Warblers were reported from the Bahamas: one with a red face at North Westridge, New Provi- dence II Mar (CW, AH, GS), and another with “strong orange coloring on its face and throat” near Dead Man’s Cay, Long Island 21 Mar (TH, EB). The most likely explanation for this unusual appearance is pollen from flowers on which the warblers had been feeding, as partial erythrism is unreported in the species. A Palm Warbler at Marsh Lane 7 May (AD) constituted a welcome exception to the silent spring on Bermuda. A Swain- sons Warbler at Morgan’s Pt., Bermuda 4 Mar (AD, PS) had almost certainly overwin- tered, but Bahamian singles at Rock Sound, Eleuthera 17 Mar (b. K.W.T.R.P., JW) and at Shannon G.C., Grand Bahama 30 Mar (ABA) could have been northbound migrants. A Wilson’s Warbler was in the Smiths Hills, Bermuda 4 Mar (DW), and one was near Garden of the Groves, Grand Bahama 30 Mar (ABA). A Summer Tanager was recorded 10 Apr at Pilchard Bay, Bermuda (DBW), and a male was at Graeme Hall swamp, Barbados 28 Apr (MF, EM). In Bermuda, single male Scarlet Tanagers were seen at Tamarind Vale 28 Apr (BH) and in Warwick 6 May (WF). Along with 12 Savannah Sparrows at Kind- ley Field, Bermuda 19-31 Mar, a Vesper Sparrow was photographed singing (AD). The last date of Bermuda’s 6 wintering Swamp Sparrows was one recorded at Spit- tal Pond 28 Mar (AD). The first of a small influx of Rose-breast- ed Grosbeaks was noted at Compston’s Pond, Bermuda 25 Apr (AD); a single mi- grant attended a feeder in Nassau 17 Apr (PM). A Blue Grosbeak was at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 17 Apr (DBW), and a Bobolink sang there 8 & 28 May (SR, EA). On Barba- dos, a female Bobolink, providing the first spring record there in 11 years, was noted at Graeme Hall swamp 28 Apr (MF, EM). An SY male Baltimore Oriole seen 9 May at Pe- tite-Terre Nature Reserve, Guadeloupe (AL) furnished a first record for that island. Observers: American Birding Association donor tour (ABA), Eric Amos, Aileen Bain- ton, Geoff Bell, John Harold Bethell (JHB), Elwood Bracey, Adam Brown (ABr), David Currie, Paul Dean, Andrew Dobson, Stephanie Dolrenry, Jon Dunn, Environmen- tal Protection for Islands of the Caribbean (EPIC), Martin Frost, Wendy Frith, Lynn Gape, Erika Gates, Bruce Hallett (BHa), Anne Hanley, Gene and Susan Harvey, Tony Hepburn, Bertie Horsfield, Richard Knapton, Kirtland’s Warbler Training and Research Project (K.W.T.R.P.), O’Donel McIntosh, Neil McKinney, Anthony Levesque, Will Mackin, Eddie Massiah, Tony Menart, Peter Merritt (PMt), Ingeria Miller, Basil Minns, Predensa Moore, Henry Nixon, John O’Hal- loran, Ornithology Group of the Bahamas National Trust (O.G.), Ron Pagliaro, Stephan Paton, Neal Rice, Macgregor Robertson, Steve Rodwell, Steve Russell (SRu), Sammy Nixon Birding Club (S.N.B.C.), Neil Sealey, Kathleen Sealey, George Skinner, Penny Soares, Lisa Soren- son, Ron Spencer, Magnus Stangenberg, Bob Wallace, David Wallace (DW), Alan Wardle, Carolyn Wardle, Paul Watson, Tom Wheeler (TWr), Tony White, David Wingate (DBW), Joe Wunderle. © VOLUME 58 (2004) • DUMBER 3 451 180° Midway Atoll Atoll PearfSnd Hermes Atoll AlakaiSwam^ilaueaPoin,NWn 168°W 27° N Ni'ihau \A > 4 . Kaua 1 1. 0‘ahu I ^James Campbell N.W.R. Lisianskt I. ■La''sanl' Marco Reef 0 Gardner Pinnacles NORTHWEST HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Honolulu Molokai I. French Frigate ftecker , Nihoa I. Shoals ° x- x Kaua i I. ^naha pon(j Lana 1 I U Haleakala Kaho‘olawe fr V ^alia Pond N.W.R. / * Q A 156° W Johnston Atoll / 0‘ahu I. ^ Maui I. j t MAIN ISLANDS \ Hawaii I. Aimakapa Pon> Kailua-Kona' Mauna Loa awail I. Robert L. Pyle 1314 Kalakaua Avenue #1010 Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 (rlpyle@hawaii.rr.com) Peter Donaldson 2375 Ahakapu Street Pearl City, Hawaii 96782 (pdonaldson@hawaii.rr.com) This spring was the wettest since 1997 for the main islands, and the rainy weather continued through mid-May, well after the ho'oilo, or rainy season, usually ends. Un- like in the previous year, several unusual seabird species turned up on seawatches and pelagic trips this spring. Abbreviations: H. (Hawai'i I.); Hakalau (Hakalau N.W.R. , Hawaii I.); Hanalei (Hanalei N.W.R. , Kauai I.); Honouliuli (Honouliuli Unit of Pearl Harbor N.W.R., 0‘ahu I.); K. (Kauai I.); Kanaha (Kanaha Pond, Maui I.); Kealia (Kealia Pond N.W.R., Maui I.); Kii (Ki'i Unit of James Campbell N.W.R., 0‘ahu 1.); Kokee (Koke'e S.P., Kauai I.); K.R (Kilauea Pt. N.W.R., Kauai 1.); M. (Maui 1.); Midway (Midway Atoll N.W.R.), O. (O'ahu 1.); Pouhala (Pouhala Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, O'ahu I.); Waiawa (Waiawa Unit of Pearl Harbor N.W.R., O'ahu I.); Waikamoi (Waikamoi Preserve, Maui I.). ALBATROSSES THROUGH EGRETS Two Black-footed Albatrosses, uncommon near the main islands, were observed off the nw. coast of Kaua'i 9 Mar (DK, AJ), and one was seen w. of Kauai 16 Mar (DK). The refuge staff at Midway has been using decoys and audio-lures on East- ern I. in an attempt to attract more Short-tailed Albatross (Endangered) to the refuge. Only one Short-tailed, a banded ad., was seen on Midway late Oct-early Apr; it was observed dancing and preening one of the decoys. The banded female Short-tailed Albatross that wintered on Sand I., Midway for many years did not appear this year (JK). A dying, light-morph Northern Fulmar was picked up near K.P. and turned in to the refuge staff 3 Mar (BZ). Northern Fulmars are rarely re- ported in the Region, and most reports have been of dead or dying birds. A Mottled Petrel was seen from Nawiliwili, K. 15 Apr, and 2 were seen on a pelagic trip e. of Nawiliwili 16 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL). Mottled Petrels are infre- quently reported in the Region. One to 3 Hawai- ian Petrels (Endangered) were spotted on multi- ple boat trips out of Kaua'i on 16 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL) and from Apr onward (DK); 10 were seen from Nawiliwili, K. 15 Apr and 20 from Waimea, K. 28 Apr (DK). Twenty Sooty Shear- waters were seen from Punalu'u, H. in early Mar (AJ), and 4 were spotted on a boat trip w. of Kauai 30 Apr (DK). A pair of Newells Shearwa- ters (Threatened) occupied an artificial nest bur- row at K.R 20 Apr (BZ). Fifteen Newell’s Shear- waters were seen flying past Nawiliwili, K. 15 Apr, and 10 were seen flying past the same spot 16 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL). Newell’s Shearwaters were also spotted on boat trips around Kauai, one 16 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL), 5 on 30 Apr (DK), and 6 on 14 May (DK). A Newell’s was heard calling near Kailua, H. 23 Apr (RD). IBIS THROUGH RAILS Up to 11 imm. Plegadis ibis remained around Hanalei Mar+ (ph., BZ, AJ). It had been difficult to determine the species of the birds, but begin- ning in Mar, the birds started showing reddish eyes, indicating White-faced Ibis (BZ). Two Brant remained at Kealia Mar-15 Apr (MN, JR), and another 2 were observed at Flanalei Mar-22 Apr (BZ). Wintering waterfowl made a quick exit this year, with none reported after mid-Apr. Several Gambel’s Quail were spotted along the Saddle Rcl. in cen. Hawaii, 1. in mid-Mar (H.ET., RP, DL). Migrant raptors have been unusually scarce in the Region for the past two years, but we did get reports of single Peregrine Falcons on Maui, one at Makawao 23 Mar (LT) and one chasing Hawaiian Stilts at Kealia 18 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL). A probable California Quail x Gambel’s Quail hybrid was observed 22 Mar (tDL). Gambel’s were also seen on the former target island of Kaho'olawe 29-30 Mar and 10-11 May (F&KS). This species is one of the least common of the introduced gamebirds in the islands and is seldom reported. A single Hawaiian Moorhen (Endangered) spotted at Waiawa 9 Mar (PD) was the first ob- served there since 2000. Recent heavy rains helped refill the ponds after years of very low water levels. Moorhen nesting was reported to be going well at Hamakua Marsh, O., with six nests in late Apr QP). Hawaiian Coots (Endan- gered) were also busy nesting, with 18 nests at Honouliuli 25 Mar (PD) and 2 at Hamakua Marsh 20 Apr QP). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH PUFFINS After an unusually early start to the nesting sea- son, a few broods of Hawaiian Stilts (Endan- gered) had already fledged at Waiawa by late Mar. (PD). Heavy rains disrupted nesting dur- ing the normal spring season. Some nests were lost, and some stilts that had been paired and defending territories in Mar abandoned their breeding behavior until late May (MS). A few uncommon wintering shorebirds remained into early spring. A Killdeer was observed at Waimea, K. 27 Mar (DK), and a Ruff was at Wa- > 452 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS e BILL MAYNARD iawa 24 Mar (PD). Numbers of wintering shorebirds began dropping rapidly by mid-Apr. A flock of 20 Pacific Golden-Plovers was seen heading n. from Honouliuli, apparently on mi- gration, 24 Apr (PD). Only one report of Pomarine Jaeger was sub- mitted this spring, of 6 birds seen from the Hon- olulu, O. waterfront 10 Mar (PD). Although they may not be reported frequently, Pomarine Jaegers seem to be regular in the Region from fall through spring. Long-tailed Jaegers are a dif- ferent story: there are fewer than 10 reports in the Region. A single ad. Long-tailed Jaeger was observed from Nawiliwili, K. 15 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL). Two imm. Glaucous-winged Gulls were observed at Midway 1 Mar (JK), and one was at Kii 10 Mar (PD). The last report of a Glaucous-winged was of one imm. at Laie, O. 14 Mar (EV, KSw). We continue to receive reports of imm. Laughing Gulls Mar+ (m.ob.). Most Franklin’s Gulls reported in the Region are ad. birds in breeding plumage that apparently move through the Region in spring and early summer. We received a number of reports of single Franklin’s Gulls early Apr+ (m.ob.), plus one re- port of 2 at Kealia 6 May (MN, JR). An unusual variety of uncommon terns was reported this spring. Two Caspian Terns were seen at Kii 11 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL), a single Common Tern was spotted on a boat trip w. of Kauai 30 Apr, and a single Least or Little Tern was observed in Waipahu, O. 24 Mar (PD), 20 Apr (JP), and in mid-May (MM). During a peri- od of strong sw. winds, rather unusual for mid- May, 2-3 Blue-gray Noddies were observed from a boat s. of Kauai (DK). Blue-gray Nod- dies nest on some of the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands but are rarely reported near the main islands. A freshly dead Tufted Puffin was found on Midway 2 Mar (JK). All alcids are very rare in the Region, with most records of moribund or dead birds. DOVES THROUGH PASSERINES Single Mourning Doves, the rarest of the doves in the Region, were spotted on Hawaii I. in ear- ly Mar (AJ), 8 May (H.ET.), and 29 May (RD). Mourning Doves were seen frequently in cen. Maui Mar+ (F&KS, LT). Native Short-eared Owls were reported to be unusually scarce on Hawaii I. this spring (GD, RD). Only one Puaiohi (Endangered) was report- ed, an unhanded bird in Kokee 14 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL). Japanese Bush- Warblers, very loud in- troduced birds, were reported in good numbers and typically vocal on Kaua ’i in early Mar (Aj) and along Waihe'e Ridge Trail, M. 29 May (LT). By contrast, they were unusually sparse or qui- et in the Ko’olau Mountains on O'ahu this spring (PD). The number of reports we receive of the rare native honeycreepers do not neces- sarily reflect their relative abundance. The rarest species receive special attention from birders and researchers. For example, we re- ceived a number of reports of the rare and en- dangered Palila (H.F.T., AJ), ‘Akiapola’au (m.ob.), Hawaii Creeper (H.F.T., AJ), and ‘Akepa (H.ET., AJ) in their usual haunts on Hawaii I. On the other hand, we got only one report of the locally abundant Maui ‘Alauahio (H.ET., AJ). A pair of ‘Akikiki was observed en- gaging in courtship feeding in Kokee 14 Apr (AB, NB, PH, AL). ‘Akohekohe (Endangered) were found in Waikamoi 13 Mar (RP) and 19 Apr, when 2 juvs. and one ad. were observed (AB, NB, PH, AL). We received no reports of Maui Parrotbills (Endangered) this season. Red-cheeked Cordonbleus were observed on three trips to Pu’uanahulu, H. in mid-Mar (H.ET., AJ, RP). Black-rumped Waxbills were found in Pu’uanahulu, H. on two trips in mid-Mar (RP, DL), and 11 were counted there 29 May (RD). These two species are the rarest of the small, introduced finches in the Region. Contributors: Ashley Barnwell, Neil Bostock, Reg David, Susan David, Garry Dean, Jim Den- ny, Arleone Dibben-Young, Peter Donaldson, Hawaii Forest & Trail, Peter Hayman, Candy & Bruce Hughes, Alvaro Jaramillo, John Klavitter, David Kuhn, Alan Lewis, Dan Lindsay, Richard May, Matt Medeiros, Mike Nishimoto, Mike Ord, John Polhemus, Jaime Rader, Mike Silber- nagle. Bill Sparklin, Forest & Kim Starr, Keith Swindle, Lance Tanino, Eric VanderWerf, Matt Victoria, Brenda Zaun. © 0 Institute for Field Ornithology Start Planning for 2005! Pacific Northwest Seabirds February 2005 Location: Costal Washington state Instructor: Dennis Paulson Tropical Bird Ecology March 2005 Location: Canopy Tower, Panama Instructor: John Arvin Raptors of the Lower Rio Grande April 2005 Location: McAllen, Texas instructor: William Clark Waterfowl Ecology April 2005 Location: Choteau, Montana Instructor: Terry McEneaney More workshops listed on our website. L .- A \ \. , \ * « > « Field Study and Ciassroom Education • EMAIL: ifo@aba.org • WEBSITE: www.americanbirding.org/IFO • PHONE: 800-850-2473 Ext. 235 Field Sketching and Bird Illustration May 2005 Location: Franklin, North Carolina Instructor: John Sill Owls of Montana May 2005 Location: Charlo, Montana Instructor: Terry McEneaney and Denver Holt a s s o c i a x i VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 453 Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus): a first for Mexico Daniel Galindo Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas Av. Institute Politecnico National s/n La Paz, Baja California Sur 23096 Mexico (email: dgalindo@uabcs.mx) Steven G. Mlodinow 4819 Gardner Avenue Everett, Washington 98203 (email: SGMIod@aol.com) Roberto Carmona Luis Sauma Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur Departamento de Biologia Marina, A. P. 19— B La Paz, Baja California Sur 23080 Mexico (email: beauty@uabcs.mx) Abstract This paper documents the first Mexican record of Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) at Ensenada de La Paz, Baja California Sur and summarizes other New World records of the species. Field Encounter As part of a research program studying shorebirds at Ensenada de La Paz, Car- mona, Galindo, and Sauma surveyed a stretch of Ensenada de La Paz biweekly from August 2001 to March 2003. The study area was an approximately 4-km length of tidal mudflat at Chametla-El Centenario, which is at the southern end of Ensenada de La Paz, which in turn is at the southern end of La Paz Bay. Due to the shallow slope, extensive muddy tidal flats are revealed at low tide (Fernandez et al. 1998). This region, at the far southeastern corner of the Baja California Peninsula, is characterized by its aridity, with an annual precipitation averaging 200 mm (Garcia 1964). On 11 April 2002, Galindo located a Terek Sandpiper ( Xenus cinereus ; Figure 1) at Chametla-El Centenario. This bird was seen again during late May 2002. Presum- ably the same bird was relocated there on 21 August 2002 and was seen eleven more times before it was last recorded 10 Febru- ary 2003. The Terek Sandpiper fed mostly in the intertidal zone, usually in mixed flocks of Semipalmated Plovers ( Charadrius semipalmatus ) and Western Sandpipers ( Calidris maun). On four occa- sions, it was observed roosting at the supralittoral zone, among a flock of Semi- palmated Plovers. Throughout its stay, it appeared to be in good health, feeding and flying without apparent problems. The following is a description of the En- senada de La Paz Terek Sandpiper based on field notes and videotape by SGM from 29 January 2003 (archived at the San Diego Natural History Museum): A medium-sized wader with very active feeding habits. Overall, its size was dis- tinctly larger than that of nearby Semi- palmated Plovers, but it seemed smaller than Lesser Yellowlegs [ Tringa flavipes], which were not available for direct com- parison. The back, nape, and crown were uniformly gray with a slight brownish cast. The folded wings were similar in color, but the lower edge, from lesser coverts to primaries, was darker, forming a dark line along the entire low- er wing edge. This dark line curved up- ward and backward a short distance along the upper edge of the lesser coverts, in a manner reminiscent of ju- venile Sanderling [ Calidris alba]. The gray of the nape extended downward onto the side of the neck. The auriculars were gray. A narrow, dark eyeline ex- tended behind the eye about the same distance as the loral length (i.e., the dis- tance between the eye and the bill base). Above the eye was a white supercilium that extended back as far as the eyeline. This white supercilium met, or nearly met, above the bill. Often, there seemed to be a short, narrow dark upper border to the supercilium. While perched, the tail appeared gray with a white outer edge. The wingtips extended backward to just reach the tip of the tail. The un- derparts were white and unmarked. The legs were extremely bright yellowish-or- ange. The length of the legs relative to the bird was shorter than that seen in most Tringa and approximated the pro- portions of a Spotted Sandpiper [ Actitis macularius] . The bill was long and curved upward. Its length was 1.5 to 1.75 times that of the head. The bill was largely blackish, excepting a small area of bright orange at the base. Brief flight views revealed a thick white trailing edge to the secondaries that extended as a narrower whitish area onto the inner- most several primaries. The rump and uppertail coverts were gray. The rectrices were gray with whitish barring on the outer portion of the outer web of each rectrix (which provided a whitish outer border to the tail as a whole). The Terek Sandpiper fed by dashing forward quick- ly and then picking food off the surface (or near the surface) of the mud (or wet indentations/shallow puddles). Occa- sionally, the bird appeared to probe. In- deed, the Terek was easy to spot at a dis- tance with the naked eye because of this very active feeding style. j Discussion The Ensenada de La Paz Terek Sandpiper provided Mexico’s first record and was at a latitude consistent with the northern edge of this species’ wintering range in Asia (Hayman et al. 1986). Other Western Hemisphere records also fit the latitudinal pattern of this species’ Old World distribu- tion: northerly records have mostly been during migration, whereas Southern Hemi- sphere and tropical records seem to pertain largely to wintering birds. Terek Sandpiper breeds in northern Rus- sia from the Scandinavian border east to the Kolyma River (north of the Kamchatka Peninsula) and winters from southern Africa eastward along the shores of the In- dian Ocean to northern Australia (A.O.U. 1998). New World records have come mainly from Alaska, where the A.O.U. (1998) considered this species a regular migrant through the western Aleutians and a casual vagrant to St. Lawrence Island, the NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 454 Figure 1 , Terek Sandpiper {lews damns, ) at Ensenada de la Pai, Baja California Sir 29 January 2902, This isidividual is the first ts be recorded in Mexico and only the ninth in the Americas away from Alaska. Photograph from digits! videotape bySteven 6. Mkdmw. Seward Peninsula, and Anchorage. The species is also seen almost annually in the Pribilof Islands (D. Lovitch, in litt.) A re- view of recent records published in North American Birds and its predecessors (from summer 1992 through spring 2002) yield- ed the following Alaska records: nine records from 29 May through 12 June, two records from 8-27 July, and two records from 25 August-8 September. Only three of the above records were from the Aleu- tians. Six were from Cambell on St. Lawrence Island, two were from St. Paul Is- land, one was from the Seward Peninsula, and one was from Anchor- age. Notably, the An- chorage record, 8-15 July 1998, was that area’s seventh (Tobish 1998); Kessel (1989) listed only one other record for the Seward Peninsula. Away from Alaska, there are only nine Western Hemisphere records prior to that from Mexico (Figure 2). Along the Pacific Coast, singles have been recorded at Sooke, Vancouver Island, British Columbia 21 July-6 August 1987 (Goodwill and Good- will 1988) and Mon- terey County, Califor- nia 28 August-23 September 1988 (Wil- son and Harriman 1989). From interior North America, there is a single record from Churchill, Manitoba 13 July 1972 (A.O.U. 1998; Birding 5: 11-12); the im- mediate coastline of eastern North America also has but one record, at Plum Island, Massachusetts 23 June 1990 (Stemple et al. 1991). In the Caribbean and mainland South America, reports of single Tereks come from Trinidad and Tobago 29 June 1999 (Taylor 2001), from Barbados 1 May 2000 (ph. E. Massiah), from Porto Seguro, Figure* 2. Lscatieus of Tsrek Sandpiper retards from Americas: (1 ) Aleutian Islands, (2) St. Paul Island, (3) St. Lawrence Island, (4) Seward Peninsula, (5) Anchorage, (6) British Columbia, (7} Manitoba, (8) Massachusetts, {9) California, (16) La Paz, (11) Barbados, (12) Trinidad and Tobago, (13) Brazil, and (14) Argentina. Bahia, Brazil 16 March 1997 (Mazar Bar- nett 1997), and in Argentina from Punta Rasa, Buenos Aires province December 1987-January 1988 and from Saladillo, Buenos Aires province in December 1990 (Mazar Barnett and Pearman 2001). Acknowledgments For assistance in the field, we owe many thanks to the entire staff of the Programa de Aves Acuaticas de la Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sun For help in researching prior New World records, many thanks to Juan Mazar Barnett, Rudolf Koes, and Eddie Massiah. Richard Erickson and Paul Lehman are greatly thanked for their many helpful comments on earlier versions of this manuscript. Literature cited American Ornithologists’ Union [A.O.U.]. 1998. Check-list of North American birds. Seventh edition. American Or- nithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Fernandez, G., R. Carmona, and H. de la Cueva. 1998. Abundance and seasonal variation of Western sandpipers (Calidris mauri ) in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist 43: 57-61. Garcia, E. 1964. Modifications al sistema de clasificacion climdtica de Koeppen (para adaptarla a las condiciones de la Republica Mexicana). Institute de Ge- ografia, UN AM, Mexico. Goodwill, M. E., and j. E. V. Goodwill. 1988. Terek Sandpiper in British Colum- bia, Canada. American Birds 42: 177. Hayman, R, J. Marchant, and T. Prater. 1986. Shorebirds: an identification guide to the waders of the world. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Kessel, B. 1989. Birds of the Seward Penin- sula, Alaska. University of Alaska Press, Fairbanks, Alaska. Mazar Barnett, J. 1997. First report of Xenus cinereus (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae) for Brazil. Ararajuba 5: 236-237. Mazar Barnett, j., and M. Pearman. 2001. Annotated checklist of the birds of Ar- gentina. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. Stemple, D., J. Moore, I. Giriunas, and M. Paine. 1991. Terek Sandpiper in Massa- chusetts: first record for eastern North America. American Birds 45: 397-398. Taylor, M. 2001. The first Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus in Trinidad and Tobago. Cotinga 16: 66. Tobish, T.G., Jr. 1998. The nesting season: Alaska region. Field Notes 52: 490-494. Wilson, E. M., and B. R. Harriman. 1989. First record of the Terek Sandpiper in California. Western Birds 20: 63-69. © GLUME 58 (2004) NUMBER 3 455 Above: This Slaty-backed Gull, the second for Texas, was at Balmorhea Lake, Reeves County 1-10 (here 7) December 2003. The dull bill perhaps suggests a bird in its fourth winter, but otherwise the bird appears to be in definitive basic plumage. The slate-gray tone of the upperparts, coarse but sparse gray-brown streaking on the nape, faint gray mask around the very pale eye, and large amount of white on the tertial "clump" all help to identify this bird, even though the distinctive primary pattern cannot be seen in this image. A Slaty-backed at Corpus Christi on 21 December 2003 was possibly the same individual. Photograph by Mark Lockwood. Above Right, Left, and Right: Black-tailed Gull has been recorded once before in Texas, in 1999 at Brownsville, but this bird was unusual in being the first individual detected in the Lower 48 states in second-basic plum- age. Even before the darker upperparts and bill pattern of definitive plumages are evi- dent, the shape of the body and bill (along with the black tail band) set the species apart from North American gulls. Photographs by Willie Sekula. Above and Right: Herring Gulls resembling the one above, pho- tographed 4 March 2004 at Corpus Christi's Elliott Landfill, have recently been found in a few locations in the lower 48 states and several times in Texas. The shade of the upperparts, rather darker than smithsonianus Herring Gull, and the distribution of black and white in the primaries suggest the possibility of the eastern Asian taxon vegae, usually treated as a race of Herring Gull but lately sometimes split as Vega Gull, Larus vegae. This combination of features, how- ever, might be seen in other Herring Gull taxa; diagnostic field marks for vegae, if they exist, have yet to be fully determined. Photographs by Martin Reid. no to on: 456 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS This first-winter Yellow-legged Gull ( Laws cachinnans michahellis/atlantis ; top two images), judged by European gull experts to be a dose match for the subspecies atlantis, was located 24 January 2004 (left) at Corpus Christi's Elliott Landfill and remained through at least 3 April (right). In shape, the species is intermediate between Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls, with upperparts showing plumage palest in the mantle and scapulars, darker in the lesser and median coverts, with darker primaries and tertials a bit darker than the coverts. The bird's head was generally paler than first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls photographed at Corpus Christi (see more images at ), more like a first-winter Great Black-backed Gull, with the paleness of the breast and belly also recalling Great Black-backed. Photographs by Willie Sekula. A different Yellow-legged Gull, judged (again by European authorities) to be more likely michahellis, also visited Corpus Christi's Elliot landfill on 4 March 2004 (above and right). This taxon is paler-backed than atlantis and generally less similar to Lesser Black-backed in plumage and structure. Photographs by Willie Sekula. In flight, the remiges of the apparent michahellis (lower left and center images) appear blackish brown above, with the "window" (paler webs of inner primaries and outer secondaries) is much less pronounced than seen in smithsonianus Herring Gulls, in contrast to a first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull at Elliot 9 March 2004 (bottom-right image), the greater secondary coverts are not uniformly dark but patterned brown and white (some Lesser Black-backeds can approach this pattern). The mostly white tail with sharply contrasting black tailband contains limited dark markings in the outer webs to outermost rectrices. The tailband is a useful mark — typically wider than seen in Caspian Gull ( Larus cachinnans cachinnans/ponticus) but less extensive than in Scandinavian Herring Gull (Laws argentatus argentatus). Compare the variable but darker tail of first-winter Lesser Black-backed (at right); the tail of smithsonianus Herring Gull is more uniformly dark. Photographs by Martin Reid (right and middle) and Willie Sekula (left). VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 457 Thayer's Gulls, usually first- winter birds, are rare win- ter and spring visitors to coastal Texas. This bird at the Elliott Landfill, Corpus Christi 4 March 2004 was in its second winter, a plumage never previously documented in the State. The patterns of wing and tail are too dark for a Kum- lien's Iceland Gull, but this plumage is highly variable, with some birds as pale- winged as Iceland, others as dark as Herring Gull. Photograph by Martin Reid. This typical adult Thayer's Gull at Corpus Christi 28 February 2004 (left, with adult smithsonianus Herring Gull) was one of few adults ever satisfactorily documented in Texas. Photograph by Willie Sekula. California Gulls of both subspecies, californicus and albertaensis, have been documented in Texas. This bird photographed at Corpus Christi 7 February 2004 shows the rather dark man- tle typical of the nominate race — yet another western gull taxon documented in the state in winter 2003-2004. Another westerner rare in Texas, Mew Gull, has become an annual to the Fort Worth area; two were noted there in winter 2003-2004. Photograph by Willie Sekula. Franklin's Gull is hardly rare in Texas, but a newly arrived Franklin's Gull at Corpus Christi, breast blushed with rose, on 9 April 2004 is a sure sign of spring's arrival. Photograph by Willie Sekula. At Elliott Landfill, Corpus Christi 14 February (here) to 8 March 2004, this large gull shows characters consistent with a hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull x Western Gull hybrid, often called "Olympic Gull" or "Puget Sound Gull": the short wings, large, heavy-tipped bill and large head, darkish mantle, and overall size are right for occidental'^ Western Gull, but the vermiculated breast and slightly paler-than-expected mantle suggest admixture of Glau- cous-winged genes. Occasionally documented in the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain states, this bird represents the "easternmost" record for this hybrid thus far. Another was documented in winter 2003-2004 in Colorado. Photograph by Willie Sekula. This Glaucous-winged Gull at Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas 6 (here) to 8 January 2004 provided the first record for the state. Glaucous-winged Gulls are notorious for hybridizing with other large gull species, but this flight portrait shows the detail of the primaries clearly: neither too much nor too little dark pigmentation for Glaucous-winged. The rich brown vermiculated hood is also typical of winter birds. Aside from records of the species in Morocco and the Canary Islands (perhaps the same individual), this bird represents the most extralimital record of the species confirmed to date. Photograph by Martin Reid. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 458 © ABA-Endorsed Tours ^'aTs1 ic?,nA®lr?in^ Enjoy Very Special B i r d i n g Short Trips for Target Species Dovekie, Aldds, and Boreal species; This trip focuses on finding Dovekies in harbors or other sheltered site where they can be well seen. Some winters, we have had many other Atlantic aldds; we may find boreal passerines, too, if snow conditions permit observation in the forests. From Halifax, Nova Scotia. Blake Maybank leads. 13-17 January 2005. Yellow Rail, Whooping Crane, and Ferruginous Pygmy- Owl; The trip works the Texas coastal plain from Houston. We wade the brackish marshes for the rail, take a boat ride for the cranes, and visit a ranch where the owls reside. P.D. Hulce is the leader. 12-16 January 2005. Buff-bellied Hummingbird, White-collared Seedeater, and IRGV Specialties: we cover the lower Rio Grande Val- ley from the Gulf to San Ygnacio in the Chihuahuan Desert country of Texas. The trip usually gets all of the Valley special- ties and a vagrant species or two from Mexico, as well. From McAllen, Texas, led by P.D. Hulce. 17-23 January 2005. Colorado Chickens: White-tailed Ptarmigan, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Sage Grouse, Gunnison Sage Grouse, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Greater Prairie-Chicken. Most are seen on leks at good range. Three rosy-fmches at feeders. Blue Grouse is usually seen, as well. From Denver, with Nick Komar lead- ing. 8-14 April and 16-22 April 2005. Black-capped Vireo, Golden-cheeked Warbler: Travel into the Texas Hill Country for the two target birds at the time of year when they are vocalizing and the fields are ablaze with wildflowers. We usually get some "Valley" species such as Cave Swallow. From San Antonio. P.D. Hulce leads. 17-20 April 2005. Colima Warbler, Gray Vireo, Montezuma Quail, Com- mon Black-Hawk; travel through Big Bend National Park and on to the Davis Mountains for the target species plus Lucifer Hummingbird and Varied Bunting. From Midland- Odessa, Texas, led by P.D. Hulce. 20-25 April 2005. Black Rail, Swainson's Warbler, Bachman's Sparrow, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and other southern special- ties: New Bern, North Carolina, led by John Fussell. 28 April-1 May and 5-8 May 2005. Bidknell's Thrush, Boreal Chickadee, and both Sharp- tailed Sparrows; We quickly see the sparrows in seaside marshes and proceed to the Mt. Washington area in New Hampshire. In addition to Bickneii's Thrush, we usually find some boreal species at the southern limit of their range, including Black-backed Woodpecker. From Portland, Maine. Bill Drummond leads. June 11-14, 2005. Contact: Bob Odear at OBServ Tours, Inc., 3901 Trimble Road, Nashville, TN 37215; (615) 292-2739; observ@be!l- south.net; wtvrv.observtours.com. North Dakota Prairie Birds: Le Conte's, Baird's, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows; Sprague's Pipit, six species of grebes, and woodland songbirds such as Mourning Warbler and gros- beaks; Ferruginous and Swainson's Hawks, and much more. Schedule your personalized tour now. Contact: Buffalo Commons Birding Safaris, 2704 10th Avenue NW, Mandan, ND 58554; (701) 228-5271 or (701) 663-4980; tgibson@ndak.net; barnhart@btinet.net. Eastern Oregon Malheur Weekends. Spring trip features Trumpeter Swan, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Gray Fly- catcher, Rock and Canyon Wrens, Sage Sparrow, Bobolink. 28 April-1 May 1 or 19-22 May 2005. Fall trip includes visit to Steens Mountain for Black Rosy-Finch, Chukar, Greater Sage- Grouse, Red-naped Sapsucker, plus many migrant raptors and songbirds at Malheur NWR. September 15-18 or October 13-16 2005. Canada, North America, ABA Area South Florida and the Dry Tortugas We visit at the height of spring migration for Florida special- ties, exotics, seabird colonies and possible Caribbean strays, including a three-day trip to the Dry Tortugas. Led by Adrian Binns. 17-26 April 2005. Contact: Jaeger Tours, (215) 364- 4407; binns@jaegertours.net; www.jaegertours.net. Cambell, Nome, and Pribilofs Bird spring migration at the Pribilofs (St. Paul Island), Gam- bell, and Nome with a small group of hearty birders. Peak time for vagrants and Alaskan specialties. Stay in Siberian Yupik Eskimo home in Cambell; search for Bristle-thighed Curlew outside Nome; seabird colonies and fur seals rookeries on St. Paul. Small group, reasonable price. Pribilofs, 23-25 May 2005; Cambell and Nome, 27 May-4 June 2005. Con- tact: Wilderness Birding Adventures, 5515 Wild Mountain Road, Eagle River, AK 99577; (907) 694-7442; wildbird@alaska.net. Alberta's Boreal Forest Grand tour of Alberta's magnificent northern forests. As many as 20 warbler species, with males singing on territory in finest breeding colors, including Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Mourning, and Connecticut. Eighteen sparrow species possi- ble, such as Baird's, Le Conte's, and Nelson's Sharp-tailed. Sprague's Pipit, Three-toed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sap- sucker, and Boreal Chickadee are also likely. Rockies extension may include White-tailed Ptarmigan, Black Swift, Gray- crowned Rosy-Finch, Harlequin Duck, and "Timberline" Brewer's Sparrow. 24 May-2 June 2005; Northern Rockies extension, 3-5 June 2005. Contact: Steve Shunk, Paradise Birding, 541-408-1753; steve@paradisebirding.com; www.paradisebirding.com. Adak, Alaska This tour offers a great chance to see spring migrants at this western Aleutian island, with Whiskered Auklet, Laysan Alba- tross, and Asian strays possible. Maximum 14 participants, with longtime Alaska resident Dan Wetzel and another leader. 22-29 May, 2005. Contact: Dan L. Wetzel, NatureAlaska Tours, (907) 488-3746; dwetzel@alaska.net. Caribbean Jamaica Endemics: The interior of Jamaica is ruggedly beau- tiful, and the birds are fabulous. There are 28 endemics from Mandeville to Cockpit Country to Hardwar Gap to Eccles- down. All are usually seen on this trip, along with 60 other species. The trip is led by Ann Sutton and/or Brandon Hay. 14-20 February 2005. Puerto Rico Endemics: Puerto Rico has widely varying ecologi- cal zones, from xeric thorn forest to salt marshes to moist forests to high mountains. Of course that results in a wide variety of birds. There are 1 7 Puerto Rico endemics, and we usually see nearly 100 species. Led by Jose Colon. 30 March-3 April 2005. Dominican Republic Endemics: Our oldest West Indies tour takes you to the southwest portion of the country, where dry thorn forest covers the lowlands and moist forest clothes the great Baharuco Mountain range. There is even a huge salt lake below sea level. As always, diversity of habitat leads to diver- sity of bird species. There are 25 Dominican endemics, and we usually find a total of approximately 100 species. Led by Kate Wallace. 7-13 April 2005. Contact: OBServ Tours, Inc., 3901 Trimble Road, Nashville, TN 37215; (615) 292-2739; observ@bellsouth.net; www.observtours.com. Cuban Endemics Our fourth winter with the ABA in Cuba will feature two bird- ing programs: A 12-day itinerary led by Brett Walker and Arturo Kirkconnell covering Cuba's western highlands, northern archi- pelago, eastern reserves, and Zapata Peninsula, and a 10-day itinerary led by Dr. William Suarez and Nancy Norman to the western mountains and parks and the Zapata Peninsula. Legal travel programs approved by the U.S. Treasury Department. 17 February-1 March 2005 and 3-12 March 2005. Contact: Cary Markowski; (860) 350-6752; Cubirds@aol.com; CBSP, P.O. Box 355, New Milford, CT 06776. Trinidad and Tobago Join Richard ffrench, author of the Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, to explore the rich avifauna of this beautiful island nation. From the new Cuffie River Lodge in the forests ofTobago and the famed Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad's Northern Range, we will enjoy the best tropical birding in the West Indies. 9-19 January 2005. Contact: Caligo Ventures, (800) 426-7781; abatrip@caligo.com. Mexico Oaxaca Join Michael Malone birding in Mexico's Oaxaca stale. Visit the Valley of Oaxaca, Monte Alban, and the Pacific coast at Puerto Escondido seeking Mexican endemics. 29 January-6 February 2005. Contact: Siemer & Hand Travel, 750 Battery St. Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94111; (800) 451-4321; (415) 788-4000; fax (415) 788-4133; travel@siemerhand.com. Centra! and South America Galapagos Islands Join this short cruise among the Enchanted Isles aboard the Santa Cruz, built for exploration of these islands. Many of the islands remain the same as when Darwin himself saw them. Come see Darwin's finches and other island endemics. June 2005; dates to be announced. Contact: Clipper Cruise Line, (800)814-9393 x6813 or (800) 456-0020; csperry@intrav.com or groupres@intrav.com. lurope North Wales and Norfolk Highlands, islands, and wetlands: the contrast of the moun- tains, oak woods, and moorlands of North Wales and the coastal plain of North Norfolk may offer the most diverse range of habitats currently available on a United Kingdom tour. All of the highlights from of spring in these remarkable regions can be found, with the potential for turning up some some unexpected rarities, as well. Breeding species include Black Grouse, Hawfinch, Ring Ouzel, Red Kite, Red-billed Chough, Stone Curlew, Golden Oriole, Bearded Tit, Pied Avo- cet, Wood Lark, European Nightjar, and Corn Bunting. With ample time to enjoy the beauty of these unspoiled regions, this tour offers a first class introduction to birding in the UK. Led by Neil Donaghy and Steve Cale. 7-20 May 2005. Con- tact: Neil Donaghy, Celtic Bird Tours, 84 Coity Road, Brid- gend CF31 1LT, Wales, UK; telephone (+44) 01656 645709; cell (+44) 07971 983227; Birds@celtictours.org.uk; www.celticbirdtours.com. Pacific Ocean Easter Island, Polynesia Cruise aboard the beautiful, 106-guest Orion from Valparaiso, Chile. Island stops include islands of the San Fernandez Archi- pelago, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the Pitcairn Archipelago, and the Tuamotus part of French Polynesia, before ending at Papeete, Tahiti. Pelagic birding and island specialties. With Robert Kiste and Robert Woollacott. 19 February-15 March 2005. Contact: Travel Dynamics International, 132 East 70th St. New York, NY 10021; (800) 257-5767; www.travel- dynamicsintemational.com; sales@traveldynamicsinterna- tional.com. Asia China This expedition explores China's geographical diversity, loin us as we visit many of the best birding locales in China. Led by some of China's foremost ornithologists. April/May 2005. Contact: Siemer & Hand Travel, 750 Battery St. Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94111 (800) 451-4321; (415) 788-4000; fax (415) 788-4133; travel@siemerhand.com. Africa Morocco Morocco boasts the richest bird life in North Africa, and along with its endemic, rare, and specialty birds, its Moorish and Berber culture and stunning scenery make this trip truly mem- orable. Led by Adrian Binns. 3-19 March 2005. Contact: Jaeger Tours, (215) 364-4407; binns@jaegertours.net; www. jaegerlou rs. net. For Tour Codes go to www.americanbirding.org Pictorial Highlights In recent Florida regional reports, phrases such as "Elegant-type tern" have surfaced, and such conservative phrases are warranted, especially in light of the hybridization of an Elegant Tern with a Sandwich Tern in Florida in 2002. This orange-billed tern was studied at Dry Tortugas N.P. 30 April (here)-4 May 2003. It resembles Elegant but lacks the rosy underparts typical of early-spring Elegant and has long legs, a short crest, and a husky, truncated appearance, unlike Elegant. The bird is finishing a complete wing molt (wrong for Elegant in April), leading some to suspect a hybrid tern. Photograph by Larry Manfredi. Smooth-billed Ani, a declining species in Florida, is not often documented as a nester in recent years. This family group (adult with two of five young) was located in Fort Lauderdale Airport Greenbelt Park, Fort Lauderdale 1 May 2004 (here 4 May) by visit- ing birder Devich Farbotnick. jViva Crotophaga ! Photograph by Larry R. Lynch. This female Chuck-will's-widow at lie Sainte-Marguerite (Boucherville) 10 May 2004 provided the second Quebec record; the other record is also from the Montreal area. Photograph by Pierre Bannon. At Lake Placid, Essex County, New York, a feeding station that held up to 400 Common Redpolls per day in Feb- ruary/March 2004 attracted up to 1 0 Hoary Redpolls as well. A very colorful male Common Redpoll was pho- tographed there 18 March (bottom right); above it and to its left are adult Hoary Redpolls: a male 11 March and probably a female 19 March, respectively. But what about the pale bird (upper left) of 10 March? The plumage is rather close to that of Hoary, but the large bill indicates a Common. Photographs by Larry Master. This photograph of an adult male Magnificent Hummingbird at Radford, Virginia 22-25 (here 23) October 2003 surfaced just recently — a first for the state and northernmost record for an East Coast state. Photograph by John Pierce. An expected but nev- ertheless exhilarat- ing North American first was this Black- bellied Storm-Petrel located in deep, cool water off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina 31 May 2004, Photograph by Tom Lambertson. 460 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Hybridization is compara- tively rare in waterbirds that nest colonially. This bird in high breeding plumage at Canonsburg Lake, Washington County, Pennsylvania 24 April 2004 has features of both Great Egret and Great Blue Heron. This distinctive bird was reported to have sum- mered in the same area for at least three years. Photograph by Geoff Maiosh. This male Mottled Duck, a first for the Illinois & Indiana region, was present on Lake Springfield, Illinois 21 (here) through 30 May 2004. Photograph by Travis Mahan. A first Kentucky record, this Yellow-billed Loon was present on Kentucky Lake, Marshall County 13-30 (here 14) March 2004. This bird was the third Yellow-billed for the year in the Tennessee & Kentucky region — which had only two prior sight records of the species, both from Tennessee. Photograph by Roseanna Denton. This Hudsonian Godwit, a species rarely observed in the eastern Central Southern region in spring, was found by Jeff Wilson 15 (here 16) April 2004 at Dauphin Island, Alabama. Digital photograph by Greg D. Jackson. Providing a second Pennsylvania record, this adult male Lazuli Bunting was enjoyed by many during its stay at a feeder in Oakland Mills, Juniata County (here 28 April 2004). Photograph by Geoff Maiosh. Louisiana's second Green Violet-ear was present 9-10 May 2004 near Lafayette, the site of the first state record in summer 1999. Chrys Vildibill, who discovered "a big blue hummingbird" at her feeder, called Dave Patton and Paul Conover to help confirm the record. Digital photograph by Dave Patton. VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 461 Idaho's first Broad-billed Hummingbird, an adult male, showed up in Caldwell on IS (here 17) May 2004, where it remained for six days. The species is turning up out of range with increasing frequency, mostly in the West but also in the Gulf Coast states. Photograph by Stacy Peterson. This Northwestern Crow at Tagish, Yukon Territory provided a first record for the territory 30 March 2004. Photograph by Cameron Eckert. Possibly the same individual recorded for the fourth consecutive; spring in North Dakota (and only the sixth for the state), this Yellow-throated Warbler was in Sheridan County 14 May 2004. Photograph by Steve Easley. This male Yellow Warbler of the eritha- chorides group (usually called "Mangrove War- bler") maintained a ter- ritory near the mouth of the Rio Grande at Boca Chica beach, Texas 18 April 2004 (here) and later. This bird provided the fourth record of this complex for the state and the United States — and the second from this small stand of Black Mangroves. Photograph by John Amin. Over five hundred people, birders and curious area residents alike, visited the Texas City Dike to view the subadult Greater (Caribbean) Flamingo present from 20 through (here) 31 May 2004. The bird attracted much media attention, making local television newscasts and the front pages of the Houston and Galveston newpapers. Photograph by Daniel Tunstall (< www.dmtphoto.com>). Casual in central North Dakota, this Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was a first for Sheridan County 7 May 2004. Photograph by Steve Easley. 462 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS A species rarely seen on migration, this Flammulated Owl was discovered in a grove of Russian Olives at Chico Basin Ranch, Colorado on 8 May 2004. The only previous Colorado plains record comes from Longmont on 16 April 1959. Photograph by BUI Schmoker. This male Flame-colored Tanager, first found 1 April 2004 (here 1 1 May), was part of a pair that successfully nested in Madera Canyon; most known pairings of this species in Arizona have involved Western Tanagers or hybrids between the two species. Photograph GaryH. Rosenberg. This male Yellow Grosbeak at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 17-21 May provided only a 15th Arizona record. Photograph by Gary H. Rosenberg. This Rufous-capped Warbler was a one-day wonder at South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona 2 April 2004. Photograph by Robert Shantz. This Dickcissel, found by regional editor Blake Maybank behind the Juneau International Air- port, Alaska 21 (here 23) May 2004, represented the first record for Alaska — and also likely the northernmost record of the species anywhere. Photograph byD. MacPhail. This Red-throated Pipit in breeding plumage appeared with a duller-plumaged individual at Terry Wahl's farm at Cape Blanco, Curry County, Oregon 28 April 2004 and stayed until the 30th (here). These birds, along with another on Bainbridge Island, Washington in May, provided the first records of apparently northbound Red-throated Pipits in spring south of Alaska — and only the second record of the species for each state. Photograph by Don Munson. This Golden-crowned Warbler, discovered by John Parmeter at the "Melrose Trap" in northern Roosevelt County 8 (here) through 1 0 May 2004, provided a first for New Mexico and for any site in the United States away from southern Texas. Photograph by Jerry R. Oldenettel. VOLUME 58 (2004) • NUMBER 3 463 This Tropical Kingbird at Wister, near Niland, Imperial County, California (here 22 March 2004) was one of two that overwintered in the Southern Pacific Coast region this season. Photograph by Sob Miller. Panama's first Swainson's Warbler was mist-netted along Old Gamboa Road in the Canal area on 13 March 2004. This species normally winters no farther south in Central America than Belize and northern Guatemala. Photograph byMeena Haribal. This Blue-gray Tanager was mist-netted at the Jardin Botanico in Oaxaca City 30 May 2004. The nearest population of this species is at San Jose del Chilar, 60 kilometers to the north- west of Oaxaca City. The provenance of this individual is debatable, given the heavy traffic in caged birds, but the city's lush gardens have been known to attract vagrant species more typical of the wet Atlantic slope. Photograph by Manuel Grosselet. As the critical differences between American and Pacific Golden-Plovers are sorted out, records of the latter are increasing out of range. A first for the Bahamas, this Pacific Golden-Plover was present at Tarpum Bay at Eleuthera Island 6 March-1 April 2004 (here 20 March). Note the long legs and minor projection of primary tips (two) past the tertials. Photograph byAileen Sainton. A truly remarkable find, northern California's first Common Black-Hawk spent 24 February (here) until 12 March 2004 eating fish at Lake Lincoln in Stockton, San Joaquin County. This artificial lake in a housing subdivision was being drawn down, which attracted many piscivorous birds. The hawk was seen eating fish on the observer's boat dock, where it was photographed with a point-and-shoot camera. Photograph by Vi Strain. This adult male Bay-breasted Warbler, an uncommon spring transient over most of Mexico, was photographed at Paso Salinas, near Salinas, Veracruz 10 May 2004. Photograph by Amy McAndrews. 464 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS v 4? : ' :5 ,j»* JEW®** ■ The 2005 ABA Regional Conference will be based in Midland Michigan, 16-21 May— the best time for spring migration in the Saginaw Bay area. Rutland's Warblers will have arrived and will be singing on territories. Tawas Point State Park, "Michigan's Cape Cod" with only 200 acres has a bird list of 290 species and seeing 25 species of warbler on a fallout day is not uncommon. If you want to see migrants and you are tired of the crowds at Pt. Pelee; the ABA Saginaw Bay Conference may be the ticket. In addition, we will visit Nayan- quing Point State Wildlife Area (Yellow-headed Blackbird), Pincomming County Park (waders), Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (both bitterns and Prothonotary Warbler), Harwich Pines State Park (old growth eastern white pine and eastern hemlock with Black-billed Cuckoo), Houghton Lakes Wildlife Area (Yellow Rail), and local parks in Midland Michigan (Cerulean Warbler). Mark your calendars for May in Michigan with the ABA. American Birding ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 6599 • Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599 | (800) 850-2473 ext. 237 • www.americanbirding.orgh! Lighthouse photograph by Bill Maynard SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES I I I 3 9088 01920 2308 The Princeton Guides CORNELL LAB o/ ORNITHOLOGY Handbook of Bird Biology .Published m association with Princeton University Press This is the completely revised edition of Australia's best field guide. It includes new and revised color plates, all new distribution maps, with all subspecies shown. 132 color plates. 760 maps. 1,000 line illustrations. Cloth $39.50 The Carolina Parakeet The Carolina Parakeet was the only parrot native to the U.S. However, by the mid-twentieth century it had completely disappeared. Here an award-winning researcher fells the story of what happened. Cloth $29.95 Due October » These books are the best and most com- • plete guides to North American hawks, • eagles, and other raptors ever published. • Raptors of Eastern North America • 559 color illustrations. 37 maps. • Cloth $45.00 • Raptors of Western North America 9 622 color illustrations. 56 maps. ® Cloth $49.50 Welcome to "Bird University." This gloriously illustrated volume, from the world-renowned Cornell Lab, is a college-level course in a book. The Handbook is accompanied by a state-of-the-art CD of bird vocalizations. Distributed hr Come!! Laboratory of Ornithology 1,328 pages. 1,000 illustrations. Cloth $99.50 Due Birds of the Middle East is the first comprehensive field guide dealing exclusively with the birds of this region. More than 700 species are described in detail. 480 pages. 112 color illustrations. 700 maps. Paper $35.00 Due November is the most comprehensive treat- ment ever published on the gulls of North America, Europe, and Asia. The text is complemented by superb color paintings and more than 800 color photographs. 544 pages. 938 color plates Cloth $55.00 Due November Birds of the M iddle Eaot mays Mailing Otai R.F. Porter, S. Christensen, and P. Schiermacker-Hansen Illustrated by A. Birch, J. Gale, M. Langmuir, B, Small : All books available from ABA Sales • (800) 634-7736 • Email: abasales@abasales.com • www.americanbirding.org Princeton University Press 800-777-4726 • www.birds.tonceton.edu