QL 671 .A916 BIRD 1 v mamat t #*w '■•: ■" mm fltisassi American Birding A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION VOLUME 60: NO. 1, 2006 AUGUST THROUGH NOVEMBER 2005 a issg ► Stephen Ingraham, \ Carl Zeiss Birding and Observation Product Specialist In 20 years of testing the best in birding optics I have never seen binoculars that have the fine color definition of the FLs. Because Fluoride glass provides exceptional correction for false color fringes in the image, and our thin lens, multiple-element, Advanced Optical System provides the highest resolution, your first look at a Bluejay or Bluebird through a VICTORY is going to come as a revelation. Where other glasses blend the hues to a general impression of blue, the FLs show every subtle shade. 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A Zeiss VICTORY 8x42 T*FL USQAi//;^^ DEC 08 2015 £/brar\£L 1 Contents Fall Migration: August Through November 2005 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS • AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION • VOLUME 60 • NUMBER 1 • 2 0 0 6 Offshore Pacific Highlights in Summer-Fall 2005: Just Another Year Peter Pyle The Changing Seasons: Weatherbirds Stephen J. Dinsmore and Andrew Farnsworth 27 In Memoriam: Richard Tompkins Paul Bill Pranty Editor’s Notebook First Record of Ringed Storm-Petrel ( Oceanodroma hombyi ) for North America Peter Pyle, Gary Friedrichsen, Thomas Staudt, Cornelia Oedekoven, and Lisa T. Ballance A Second North American Record for Lesser Frigatebird ( Fregata arid ) Calvin Brennan and Jeff Schultz First Record of Parkinson’s Petrel ( Procellaria parkinsoni ) for the Continental United States Rich Stallcup and Eric W. Preston The Regional Reports 53 Florida Bill Pranty 6 Ontario Margaret J. C. Bain Eastern Highlands & Upper Ohio River Valley Victor W. Fazio, III, and Rick Wiltraut Illinois & Indiana James Hengeveld, Keith A. McMullen, and Geoffrey A. Williamson Western Great Lakes Peder H. Svingen 79 Iowa & Missouri Bill Eddelman Tennessee & Kentucky Chris Sloan and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 3; Central Southern Robert A. Duncan and Lucy R. Duncan Northern Canada Cameron D. Eckert Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koes and Peter Taylor j } 2 New Mexico Sartor 0. Williams, III ] ] 5 Arizona Mark M. Stevenson and Gary H. Rosenberg j "1 9 Alaska Thede Tobish British Columbia Donald G. Cecile Oregon & Washington Steven Mlodinow, David Irons, and Bill Tweit Northern California Michael M. Rogers, Steven A. Glover, Luke W. Cole, and Scott B. Terrill Southern California Guy McCaskie and Kimball L. Garrett Baja California Peninsula Robert A. Hamilton, Richard A. Erickson, Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos, and Roberto Carmona Mexico Hector Gomez de Silva 152 Central America H. Lee Jones and Oliver Komar Atlantic Provinces & St. Pierre et Miquelon Bruce Mactavish 35 Quebec Pierre Bannon, Olivier Barden, Normand David, Samuel Denault, and Yves Aubry New England Walter G. Ellison and Nancy L. Martin Hudson-Delaware Brian L. Sullivan, Robert 0. Paxton, Joseph C. Burgiel, and Richard R. Veit Middle Atlantic Todd M. Day Southern Atlantic Ricky Davis Northern Great Plains Ron Martin Southern Great Plains Joseph A. Grzybowski and W. Ross Silcock 99 Texas Mark W. Lockwood, Eric Carpenter, and Willie Sekula Idaho & Western Montana David Trochleli Colorado & Wyoming Christopher L. Wood, Tony Leukering, and Bill Schmoker 1 09 Great Basin Rick Fridell ON THE COVER: This juvenile Short-tailed Albatross photographed off Point Pinos, Monterey County, California 12 August 2005 was seen in July near Middle Farallon Island, San Francisco County. Sadly, it was found dead at Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, and is now a specimen at the Los Angeles County Museum. The world population of this endangered species is about 1840. Photograph by Don Doolittle. ] 56 West Indies & Bermuda Robert L. Norton, Anthony White, and Andrew Dobson 159 Hawaiian Islands Robert L. Pyle and Peter Donaldson Photo Salon: Cape Florida Pictorial Highlights American Binding® 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 PRESIDENTS CEO vacant MEMBERSHIP Rich Downing CONVENTIONS AND CONFERENCES Tamie Bulow and Darlene Smyth CONSERVATION Betty Petersen EDUCATION Lori Fujimoto TREASURER & 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 tcm) 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 is published by the American Birding Association. The mission of the journal is to provide a complete overview of the changing panorama of our continent’s birdlife, including outstanding records, range extensions and contractions, population dynamics, and changes in migration patterns or seasonal occurrence. We wel- come 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 correspon- dence on photographic material, contact the Photo Editor at the email address below. PUBLISHER DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS American Birding Association Bryan Patrick PUBLICATIONS CHAIR John C. Kricher EDITOR Edward S. Brinkley (ensifera@aol.com) COPYEDITOR Virginia Maynard ASSOCIATE EDITORS Louis R. Bevier P. A. Buckley Stephen J. Dinsmore Alvaro Jaramillo Paul E. Lehman Bill Pranty Alan Wormington PHOTO EDITOR Matthew E Sharp (sharp@acnatsci.org) REGIONAL EDITORS Bruce H. Anderson, Maris Apse, Yves Aubry, Margaret J. C. Bain, Pierre Bannon, Olivier Barden, Joseph C. Burgiel, Adam M. Byrne, Roberto Carmona, Eric Carpenter, Robert I. Cecil, Donald G. Cecile, Luke W. Cole, C. Dwight Cooley, Brian Dalzell, Normand David, Ricky Davis, Todd M. Day, Samuel Denault, James J. Dinsmore, Andrew Dobson, Peter Donaldson, Robert A. Duncan, Lucy R. Duncan, Cameron D. Eckert, Bill Eddleman, David H. Elder, Walter G. Ellison, Richard A. Erickson, Victor W. Fazio 111, Rick Fridell, Kimball L. Garrett, Steven A. Glover, Hector Gomez de Silva, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Robert A. Hamilton, James Hengeveld, Pam Hunt, Marshall J. lliff, David Irons, H. Lee Jones, Rudolf E Koes, Tony Leukering, Mark Lockwood, Bruce Mactavish, Nancy L. Martin, Ron E. Martin, Blake Maybank, Guy McCaskie, Keith A. McMullen, Steven G. Mlodinow, Robert L. Norton, Eduardo Palacios, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Robert O. Paxton, Simon Perkins, Wayne R. Petersen, Randy Pinkston, David J. Powell, Bill Pranty, Robert D. Purrington, Robert L. Pyle, Michael M. Rogers, Gary H. Rosenberg, Bill Schmoker, Willie Sekula, W. Ross Silcock, Chris Sloan, Mark M. Stevenson, Brian L. Sullivan, Peder Svingen, Peter Taylor, Scott B. Terrill. Thede Tobish, Bill Tweit, Richard R. Veit, Phillip A. Wallace, Ron Weeks, Anthony W. White, Sartor O. Williams 111, Geoffrey A. Williamson, Rick Wiltraut, Christopher L. Wood SUBSCRIPTIONS GRAPHIC DESIGN ADVERTISING Brenda Gibb Ed Rother Ken Barron Jim Harris 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, 4945 N. 30th Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3151; (800) 850-2473. Subscription prices: $30/year (US) and US$35/year (Canada). Copyright © 2006 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. 2 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS RAPTORS OF THE WORLD A FIELD GUIDE James Perguson-Lees , David Christie IllusinUtJ fry Kim Fiiiniliii, tX ix ni Mead. Philip Burton and Ainu Harris This new field guide covers all of the world's kites, vultures, harriers, hawks, buzzards, eagles, and falcons. Based on essential sections of the widely acclaimed handbook Raptors of the World by the same authors, but with updated text, maps, and plates, it shows every species in a selection of different plum- ages, with concise facing texts and distribution >e and portable reference to one of the world’s largest, most popular, and most challenging avian groups. Princeton Field Guides 320 pages. 1 1 8 color plates. 320 maps. 6x9. Paper $29.95 0-69M 2684-4 Not for sale in the Commonwealth (except Canada) and the European Union This is a quick-reference field guide to the sandpipers, plovers, stints, and other shorebirds found on these con tinents. The superbly detailed color plates show the birds at rest and in flight, and in every plumage variant likely to be encountered. Species are treated plumage by plum- age alongside images of similar species are otherwise ikely to be confused with. Thi provides fast, easy, tion of this challenging group of birds. 240 pages. 77 color plates. 45 maps. 6x9. Paper $35.00 0-69 M 2672-0 Cloth $75.00 0-691-12671-2 Not for sale in the Commonwealth (except Canada) and the European Union PRINCETON University Press 800-777-4726 Read excerpts online at birds.princeton.edu 800-222-0118 • www.leica-camera.com/sportoptics Fear not excellence. The NEW ULTRAVID excels in myriad ways. It's preemptively lightweight, pleasingly small and wildly rugged. All thanks to a 1 00% magnesium hous- ing, and a Titanium center axis shaft. The thumb rest is an ergonomic mas- terpiece. As is the multifunction center drive; oversized and postured for intuitive manipulation. Inside, our High Lux System" prism coating collaborates with a new optical design, taking brightness, contrast and color to unprece- dented levels. ULTRAVID. Bravely besting the field. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 3 Offshore Pacific Highlights in I Summer-Fall 2005: Just Another Year PETER PYLE • INSTITUTE FOR BIRD POPULATIONS • P.O.BOX 1346 • POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA 94956 • (EMAIL: ppyle@birdpop.org) Increasing Our Knowledge of Ocean Events, One Year at a Time By early fall, the word had spread: 2005 was an unusual year for seabirds off the Pacific coast of North America. But was it that unusual? Many years ago, David Ainley concluded that there was no such thing as a “normal” year in the California Current, and it would follow that there may not be “un- usual” years either. Rather, seabird dynamics in the Pacific Ocean are best explained in terms of overlap- ping climatological and oceanic cy- cles, which influence complex ma- rine ecosystems and result in chaotic and somewhat unpredictable patchi- ness in prey resources. Distribution of these resources has everything to do with interannual variation in seabird productivity and dispersal, and our understanding of it all is as yet too meager to characterize any one season with such generalized terms as “normal” or “unusual.” To be sure, productivity of breed- ing seabirds, such as those in colonies on the Farallon Islands off San Francisco, was below average in 2005, and for some species — notably Pelagic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax pelagicus ) and Cassin’s Auklet (Pty- choramphus aleuticus ) — it bordered on complete failure. Spring north- westerlies and accompanying up- welling were late, resulting in warmer, less-productive waters and reduced prey (especially krill) when adults needed to feed chicks in May and June. By late summer, dead Com- mon Murres (Uria aalge ) and cor- morants were washing up on Pacific Coast beaches in substantial numbers ( North American Birds 59: 645, 651), leading to much speculation on the declining state of our oceans. “Un- usually warm conditions off the West Coast this year are hammering wildlife, and scientists don’t know why — or what it bodes for the fu- ture,” began a story in the 23 July 2005 San Jose Mercuiy News. This and similar articles predicted long-term de- clines and gave the impression that global cli- mate change had begun in earnest in 2005. What these reports failed to note, however, was that seabird productivity had been average to well above average in the period 1999-2004. For a burgeoned population of younger seabirds, this was a first real test of their forag- ing abilities, and it is neither surprising nor unhealthy (at the population level) that a die- off should have ensued. Furthermore, offshore N 48° N 46° N 44° N 42° N 40° N 38° N 36° N 34° N 32° N 30° WI340 W1 30° W126° WI22° W|18° Figure 1. Planned (dashed line) and completed (colored solid lines) transects surveyed during the Collaborative Survey of Cetacean Abundance and the Pelagic Ecosystem (CSCAPE) Cruise, undertaken by the Southwest Fisheries Sci- ence Center and the National Marine Sanctuary Program aboard NOAA research vessels in June-December 2005. Fine-scale transects were surveyed in the Olympic Coast, Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries, each of which conduct year-round surveys as well. Stars in- dicate locations of high productivity, from north to south: off Cape Blanco, over Perpetua/Heceta Bank, the outer reaches of the Mendocino Escarpment, and Cordell Bank (see also Figure 2). These cruises occur once every three to five years. For more information on CSCAPE, including weekly summaries of biolog- ical and oceanographic observations as well as photographic highlights, see . monitoring programs (see below) found ex- ceptional fish prey and marine mammal and seabird abundance off California in July-Au- gust, indicating that the poor productivity was more a question of bad timing than of whole- sale disaster. Seabird population sizes and productivity provide excellent barometers of the state of our marine ecosystems, helping us keep a fin- ger on negative anthropogenic effects such as climate change, oil contamination, and over- fishing. But we must be patient to understand such large-scale process- es. For these reasons, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- tration (NOAA) is increasing sup- port for a wide variety of long-term ocean-monitoring programs for seabirds, marine mammals, and oth- er organisms off the Pacific Coast. These include several programs con- ducted within National Marine Sanc- tuaries (NMS): Winds-to-Whales op- erated in Monterey Bay NMS by the Center for Integrated Marine Tech- nology and the University of Califor- nia at Santa Cruz; OCPS (see the Fig- ure captions for full program titles) in the Olympic Coast NMS; CBOMP in the Cordell Bank NMS;' and SEAS in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. Research programs conducted at broader spatial scales include sur- veys during annual rockfish ( Se - bastes spp.) cruises off central Cali- fornia and intermittent surveys of Heceta Bank, Oregon, by H. T. Har- vey & Associates; quarterly CalCOFI cruises off southern (and now cen- tral) California by the Scripps Insti- tution of Oceanography and PRBO Conservation Science; and periodic (once every 3-5 years) assessments of marine mammal stocks and seabird distribution along the U.S. Pacific coast by the Southwest Fish- eries Science Center (SWFSC) of NOAA. 1 was fortunate to take part in this last project in 2005, the CSCAPE cruise, which covered Pa- cific waters out to 552 km (300 nau- tical miles [nmi]) off Washington, Oregon, and California (Figure 1). This research program takes an ecosystem approach, attempting not only to monitor vertebrate populations but also to correlate their temporal and spatial dy- namics with those of prey communities and the physical and biological oceanography of 4 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 the region. It has been tempting to equate warmer ocean tempera- tures with increases in the ap- pearance of unusual seabirds. Certainly, 2005 was a banner year for observations of pelagic rarities: as many as three new seabird species for North America and California, up to four new state records for Ore- gon, as well as good numbers and diversity of the elusive and enigmatic Pterodroma petrels were detected. But I would question any suggestion that 2005 was an unusually good year for vagrants, or that the new records necessarily related to this season’s oceanic anom- alies, which actually were clos- er to “average” for most of the fall. Rather, 1 believe that in- creasing reports of vagrant seabirds has more to do with increased coverage, enhanced knowledge of seabird identifi- cation criteria, and recent ad- vances in digital imagery, which can provide substantial assistance with species confir- mation. Although several un- usual species were observed during the CSCAPE cruise in 2005, these records were made during 145+ full days of sampling, which included near-constant scan- ning of the horizon with 25-power, mounted binoculars; on the vast majority of these days, nothing unusual was noted. In addition to ex- panded coverage by trained observers aboard scientific cruises, there has also been an in- crease in the frequency of pelagic trips for birders, as well as an increase in the expertise of those who operate and lead them. Upwelling Centers, Subsurface Features, Counterclockwise Eddies, and Biological Hotspots I have long been lured by pelagic waters off northern California and Oregon, where the California Current and upwelling centers are clearly defined, and where such features as over these features, internal tides and waves create oceanic flux, invecting cold, nutrient- rich water to the surface and cre- ating biological “hotspots” (see Figure 2). Thanks to the CSCAPE cruise, a 25-year dream of mine was realized this fall, to obtain a glimpse of a hotspot over the outer reaches of the Mendocino Ridge. On 8 August 2005, the NOAA ship David Stan Jordan covered about 212 km (115 rani) in a north-northeasterly direction, from positions about 394 km (214 nmi) southwest of Point Gorda, California, to 313 km (170 nmi) west of Cape Mendo- cino, directly above the Mendo- cino Ridge. For 12 hours, we stared at seemingly lifeless seas, with few fluctuations in the 18.3° C temperature, as is typical of offshore waters, recording roughly two birds per hour, pri- marily Leach’s Storm-Petrels ( Oceanodroma leucorhoa ) and Cook’s Petrels ( Pterodroma cookii). But in the last hour of the day the surface temperature dropped to 16.2° C, and the horizon was suddenly dotted with albatrosses, petrels, phalaropes, and jaegers, all milling over scattered blows of Sperm Whales ( Physeter macrocephalus) . We camped on the ridge for the night and the next morning were treated to more of the same: Sperm Whales and birds lined the ridge from the western to the eastern hori- zon. As we continued on our course, the ac- tivity quickly vanished, and we were back into 18° C waters with empty horizons. But Figure 2. Satellite imagery showing levels of chlorophyll-a, on 21 June 2001 , indicating con- centrations of phytoplankton and productive waters. Note the upwelling plumes off Cape Blanco, Cape Mendocino, Point Arena, and Point Reyes, and the counter-clockwise eddies ex- tending westward from each plume. These whorls of productivity appear to be created via the bisection of the California Current by subsurface features (e.g., Heceta Bank, Gorda Escarp- ment, and Cordell Bank), attracting pelagic species such as gadfly petrels to their westward reaches. For good discussions of this and related topics, see and . Image courtesy of Raphael Kudela, University of California Santa Cruz. Original data from the SeaWiFS Project (NASA) and © Orbimage, Inc. Perpetua, Heceta, and Cordell Banks further swizzle the waters, giving us spectacular ocean productivity that attracts marine mam- mals and seabirds from both near and far. The closest point of U.S. land to the southern and tropical Pacific Ocean is not in southern California, as one might expect, but Cape Mendocino in Humboldt County, which pro- trudes over 166 km (90 nmi) farther west than San Francisco and 607 km (330 nmi) farther west than San Diego. About 25 years ago, 1 was examining a marine chart and no- ticed the Gorda Escarpment and Mendocino Ridge, a fault zone of upthrusted crust, up to 3000 m in height, that extends about 368 km (200 nmi) west of Cape Mendo- cino to a protuberance called the Steel Vender’s Seamount. As the south- bound California Current passes Figure 3. Common Murre adult with recently fledged chick, 3.7 km (2 nmi) north of Point Reyes, Cali- fornia, in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 19 July 2005. Unlike many specialist seabirds that breed off the West Coast, Common Murres have a Plan B: when the rockfish do not spawn early enough to provide food for chicks (as happened in 2005), they head for the coast to dine on Northern Anchovies (. Engraulis mordax ), which migrate northward in larger numbers during warmer-water years. Fathers and offspring leap off of breeding cliffs when the chicks are just 21-25 days old and swim up to 55 km (30 nmi) or more to molt and find food. Photograph by Peter Pyle © Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California (hereafter PRD, SWFSC;see ). OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 in the brief three hours of daylight above the ridge, we had recorded five Cooks Petrels, three Murphy’s Petrels ( Pterodroma ultima), two Galapagos/Hawaiian Petrels (P phaeopy- gia/sandwichensis), and one probable Solan- ders Petrel ( P. solandri). An unusual concentration of rarities? Al- most certainly not. Further study of Mendoci- no Ridge waters needed? Most definitely. Once enough data have been collected by pro- grams such as CSCAPE, we will be able to look at the causal factors for such seabird and marine mammal hotspots (see Figure 2), and be in a better position, for instance, to recom- mend their inclusion within marine protected areas. Acknowledgments 1 thank Lisa Ballance and Karin Forney of SWFSC and Jan Roletto of Gulf of the Faral- lones NMS for invitations to participate in the 2005 CSCAPE Cruise; Rich Pagen, Thomas Staudt, Gary Friedrichsen, Sophie Webb, the marine mammal observers, and the officers and crews of the NOAA ships David Starr Jor- dan and McArthur for being great shipmates; Terry Wahl, Mike Force, Rich Rowlett, Guy McCaskie, Scott Terrill, Debi Shearwater, Greg Gillson, and Steve Mlodinow for infor- mation; David Ainley, Lisa Ballance, Steve N. G. Howell, and Karin Forney for reviews of the manuscript; all of the photographers for use of their images; Karin Forney for help with the graphics for Figure 1; and Raphael Kudela for help with and permission to use the image in Figure 2.. Figure 4. Cook's Petrels, 425 km (231 nmi; upper left) and 412 km (224 nmi; upper right) west-southwest of Cape Mendocino, 28 August 2005; over Bodega Canyon, 37 km (20 nmi) west of Bodega Bay, California, 16 September 2005 (lower left); and 147 km (80 nmi) west of Cape Sebastian, Oregon, 20 October 2005 (lower right). Over 239 Cook's Petrels were ob- served in and just outside of California and Oregon waters during August-November 2005 (with a peak of 55 on 19 October, 166 km [90 nmi] off Punta Gorda, CA), leading some ob- servers to speculate that this was a "big year" for this species. However, 94% of these were observed during the CSCAPE cruise in relatively unstudied offshore waters, and up to 300 were observed from NOAA ships off southern California during a much shorter time period, 2-16 July 1992 (American Birds 46: 1117), indicating that similar numbers to those ob- served in 2005 may occur annually but remain undetected. The left-hand bird in the upper-left image appears smaller, longer-tailed, and darker-backed, characters suggesting the very similar Pycroft's Petrel ( Pterodroma pycrofti), which migrates to the central Pacific and could occur off California. But further enlargement of the image suggests that these may just be effects of lighting and angle on an otherwise typical Cook's Petrel. The lower-right image represents the first confirmed record from Oregon waters (H. Nehls, pers. comm.). Photographs by Conelia Oedekoven © PBD, SWFSC (upper left and right), © Don Doolittle (lower left), and Peter Pyle © PRD, SWFSC (lower right). 6 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 Figure S. Xantus's Murrelet ( Synthliboramphus h. hypoleucus), 326 km (177 nmi) west-southwest of Cape Mendocino, California, 1 September 2005. Synthliboramphus murrelets were observed on the CSCAPE cruise north to Washington waters, where 6 individuals observed 283-298 km (154-162 nmi) off Cape Disappointment, 16 August 2005, appeared to be Craveri's Murrelets (5. craveri). At- tempts to obtain photographs failed, however, and thus these po- tential first records for Washington were not conclusively identified. Another pair of murrelets observed 166 km (90 nmi) off Coos Bay, Oregon, 7 July 2005 had completely white faces and were tenta- tively identified as one-year-old Kittlitz's Murrelets ( Brachyramphus brevirostris). It is possible that these inconspicuous murrelet species are more regular than we think in these offshore waters, where lit- tle previous bird surveying has been conducted in appropriate sea- sons. Photograph by Cornelia Oedekoven © PRD, SWFSC. Figure 6. Gary Friedrichsen with 25 x 150 mounted binoculars used by marine mammal and seabird survey- ors aboard NOAA vessels. Aptly referred to as "big eyes," these binoculars seem to result in 2-3 times the power and illumination of a single 25x telescope, allowing the identification of mammals up to 9 km (5 nmi) away and birds up to 3.7 km (2 nmi) away. Photograph by Peter Pyle © PRD SWFSC. Figure 7. Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes), Astoria Canyon, Oregon, 18 August 2005 (left) and light-morph Northern Fulmar ( Fulmarus glacialis), Perpetua Bank, Oregon, 19 November 2005 (right), observed during offshore pelagic trips operated by Greg Gillson and the Bird Guide Inc. (). Oregon's pelagic waters can support some of the most spectacular concentrations of seabirds in the world. On 22 October 2005, the C5CAPE cruise transited along the Oregon coastal slope and recorded an estimated 3000 Black-footed Albatrosses and 45,000 Northern Fulmars (not to mention a Parkinson's Petrel) during a 10-hour period. Photographs by ©Troy Guy. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 7 OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 Figure 8. Galapagos/Hawaiian Petrel, 30.4 km (16.5 nmi) west of Point Reyes Lighthouse (over the southeastern cor- ner of Cordell Bank), California, 9 Au- gust 2005. This individual, one of an unprecedented 10 found in and just outside of North American waters in 2005, was recorded as part of the Cordell Bank Ocean Monitoring Pro- gram (CBOMP). At-sea distributional patterns documented from NOAA sur- veys in the eastern Pacific Ocean sug- gest that the birds observed off California may be Hawaiian Petrels, but the field identification of these species has not been worked out. When com- paring the original specimens of these species, the nineteenth-century or- nithologist Osbert Salvin stated that the two were "as alike as any [...] speci- mens of the same species of petrel that I ever examined" (S. B. Wilson and A. H. Evans. 1899. Aves Hawaiiensis. R. H. Porter, London). Thus, it will likely take DNA analysis to confirm which species occurs off North America. Photograph by© Steve N.G.Howett. Figure 9. Juvenile Long-tailed Jaegers ( Stercorarius longicaudus) 388 km (21 1 nmi) west-southwest of the Farallon Islands, California, 3 September 2005 (upper left) and 325.7 km (1 77 nmi) west-southwest of Cape Blanco, Oregon, 23 August 2005 (upper right); and Arctic Terns 149 km (81 nmi) west of Cape Mearns, Oregon, 16 August 2005 (lower left) and 445 km (242 nmi) west of Cape Mendo- cino, California, 18 September 2005 (lower right). Long-tailed is unique among jaegers in being monomorphic as adults (light morph only) but polymorphic as juveniles (light morph right, dark morph left). Observations during the CSCAPE cruise indicated that these two species (along with adult Red Phalaropes [Phalaropus fulicarius ]) may have migrated farther offshore than usual during 2005. For example, 45 adult Long-tailed Jaegers were observed flying south near the President Jackson Seamount, 340 km (1 85 nmi) off Cape Blanco, Oregon, 1 3 August 2005; 500 juvenile and subadult Long-tailed Jaegers were observed 92-21 2 km (50-1 1 5 nmi) off northern California and southern Oregon, 19-21 October 2005; and 150 Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) were recorded 110-147 km (60-80 nmi) off Cape Lookout, Oregon, 16 August 2005. During 29 Shearwater Journeys trips closer to the Central California coast in July-October 2005, by contrast, fewer Long-tailed Jaegers than usual were observed and no Arctic Terns were recorded for the first time in Debi Shearwater's 30-year history of leading trips in this region. Oceanographic and biological data from the CSCAPE cruise and other sur- veys will hopefully help us explain such inter-annual variation in migratory routes. Photographs by Scott Mills (upper left), Annie Dou- glas (upper right), Peter Pyle (lower left), and Cornelia Oedekoven (lower right), all © PRD, SWFSC. 8 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 Figure 10. Short-tailed Albatross ( Phoebastria albatrus), 16.6 km (9 nmi) west of Middle Farallon Island, California, 26 July 2005 (top), in Monterey Bay, California, 12 August 2005 (center), and of specimen found dead near Morro Bay, California, 24 Au- gust 2005 and deposited into the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (LACM 114937; bottom). Feather-by-feather analysis indicates that this was the same individual, recorded from both a N0AA research vessel (top) and from one of many of Shearwater Journeys' birding trips (center) organized each year by Debi Shearwater (), that then perished as it proceeded to the south (bottom). Other individuals were recorded near Santa Cruz Island, California, 6 July 2005, from a research vessel just outside of Heceta Bank, Oregon, 1 2 July 2005, and found dead near Bandon, Oregon, 3 September 2005. Study of molt and plumage indicates that the depicted bird was a one-year-old undergoing the second prebasic molt; some individuals of this age do not attain any white feathering (except for a small crescent under the eye) during this molt and thus appear like juveniles during their second year of life. As the population of this species increases, we may expect more records off the Pacific coast of North American. Photographs by © Ben Saenz (top), © Don Doolittle (center), and © Kimball Garrett (bottom). Figure 11. Northern Right Whale Dolphin [Lissodelphis borealis), 83 km (45 nmi) south- west of Cape Johnson, Washington, 6 June 2005 (top) and Killer Whale ( Orcinus orca ) flip- ping a Northern Elephant Seal (Miroungaangustirostris), 9.2 km (5 nmi) southwest of Southeast Farallon Island, California, 7 August 2005 (bottom). The dolphin was observed as part of the Olympic Coast Pelagic Survey (OCPS) conducted each year in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The impetus for the CSCAPE cruise is to assess marine mammal stocks in West Coast waters, but the ultimate goal is to correlate all physical and biological oceanic activity using an ecosystem approach. Thus, all associations of seabirds and marine mammals are recorded. Mixed schools of Northern Right Whale Dolphins and Pacific White-sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) are often accompanied by Pink-footed Shearwaters ( Puffinus creatopus) and other seabirds, while attacks on seals by Killer Whales and White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharius ) create slicks that can attract legions of gulls and tubenoses. Photographs by Jim Cotton © PRD, SWPSC (top) and © Beth Branthaver (bottom). VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 9 OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 Figure 12. Probable Solander's Petrel, 313 km (170 nmi) off Cape Men- docino, California, 8 August 2005, one of four gadfly petrel species recorded in the vicinity of the Mendocino Ridge during three hours of observation 8-9 August 2005. The large-winged posture, long- and high-arcing flight, strong hooded effect from both above and below, extent of white above the bill, and pale bases of the primary coverts ar- gue against it being a Murphy's Petrel (Figure 12); however, some fea- tures of this individual do not conform to characteristics of Solander's Petrels observed near the breeding grounds. Thus, it may represent a first-year individual, which (if typical of other procellariids) remains away from the breeding grounds for its first 1 -3 years of life and thus has little-known molts and plumages. This would represent the first documented record for North America, if confirmed, although several other sight observations from Alaska, Washington, and Oregon waters have been recorded from NOAA research vessels by Terry Wahl, Richard Rowlett, and Michael Force. Photographs by Peter Pyle © PRD, SWFSC. Figure 13. Murphy's Petrels, 178.5 km (97 nmi) west-northwest of Cape Mendocino, California, 9 July 2005 (left) and 296 km (161 nmi) west of Cape Foulweather, Oregon, 31 October 2005 (right). This species was known to be regular (if not common) in North American waters in April-June but not during the fall. During the CSCAPE cruise, they were observed in offshore waters through 1 1 August off north- ern California, 31 October-2 November, when 13 were observed off Oregon, and 21 November 2005, when a single individual was observed 355 km (193 nmi) off Point Sur, California. They are fresh in spring, having a grayish sheen to the plumage and a well-defined white throat. By fall, they appeared brownish and show more extensive pale around the bill. Specimen examination confirms that the feath- ers around the bill and throat are white with dark tips, such that the amount of visible white in this area increases as the feathers wear, similar to what happens in other dark gadfly petrel species and in first- year Black-footed Albatross ( North American Birds 56: 131-138). Compared to Solander's Petrel (Figure 11), Murphy's has a smaller bill, proportionally larger head, shorter wings, and typically flies with shorter, shallower arcs. Photographs by Peter Pyle (left) and Rich Pagen (right) © PRD SWFSC. Figure 14. Brown-headed Cowbird ( Molothrus ater), 436 km (237 nmi) southwest of Cape Disappointment, Washington, 14 August 2005 (left) and Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis), 200.6 km (109 nmi) west-northwest of Cape Arago, Oregon, 21 October 2005 (right). NOAA ships often provide the only place to land for (sometimes surprisingly) off-course mi- grant landbirds. The egret was the only one of its species recorded in the Oregon & Washington region in fall 2005. Photographs by Peter Pyle © PRD, SWFSC. 10 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 Figure 15. Sooty Shearwaters ( Pufhnus griseus), 46 km (25 nmi) west-southwest of Point Sur, California, in the Mon- terey Bay NMS, 13 July 2005. Large numbers of this species travel from breeding grounds off Chile and New Zealand to the Pacific North American coast to molt. Flocks of up to 500,000 birds were recorded in Monterey Bay during July-Au- gust 2005. Photograph by Annie Douglas © PRD, SWFSC. Figure 16. Stejneger's Petrels (Pterodromalongirostris), east of 0'ahu, Hawaii, 20 September 2005 (top) and 167.4 km (91 nmi) off Fort Bragg, California, 18 October 2005 (bottom). Up to 20 individuals were observed in Hawaiian waters on 20 September, representing only about the tenth state record and indicating how little is known of the distribution of pelagic seabirds in these waters. South- west Fisheries Science Center is also assessing marine mammal stocks and seabird distribution in Hawaiian wa- ters during HICEAS cruises, conducted every five years, the first of which was undertaken in July-November 2002. The California bird, representing the seventh accepted state record and first since 1992, traveled alongside the research vessel for 5-6 km and was recorded in both Men- docino and Humboldt county waters according to closest point of land. Photographs by Hadoram Shirihai, © forth- coming Albatrosses, Petrels, and Shearwaters of the World, A &C Black, London, and Princeton University Press (left), and Peter Pyle © PRD, SWFSC (right). Figure 17. By-the-wind-sailors ( Velella velella) 202 km (110 nmi) west of Cape Blanco, Oregon, 21 October 2005 (top) and the ctenophore Berne abyssicola, 177 km (96 nmi) off Cape Blanco, Oregon, 20 October 2005 (left). Over the period 6-8 August 2005, from 322-414 (175-225 nmi) off the northern California coast, By-the-wind-sailors dotted the ocean, evenly spaced, from horizon to horizon for three straight days of transecting. We estimated 1.5 individuals per sg m and 2-3 billion per day, within our 16 x 120 km sur- vey strip. Bird densities in this area were very low, perhaps because these chon- drophores feed on pelagic organisms, including young fish, caught by stinging cells on their tentacles, leaving nothing for the birds to eat. By October, they had clumped up into huge rafts, as shown in the image above. Beroe abyssicola, a predator of other ma- rine invertebrates, has backward-projecting "teeth" on the inside of its mouth to help it hold on to prey. This individual was captured in one of the nightly net tows that occur as part of CSCAPE, to correlate invertebrate species and densities with bird and mammal distribution. Photographs by Peter Pyle (top) and Candice Hall (left) © PRD, SWFSC. VOLUME 60 (2006) . NUMBER 1 11 OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 Figure 18. Mottled Petrel (. Pterodroma inexpectata), 300 km (163 nmi) west of Yaquina Head, Oregon, 1 November 2005. During the CSCAPE cruise, 31 Mottled Petrels were recorded off Oregon and Cali- fornia 31 October-1 December 2005, with peak numbers ob- served off northern Oregon during the first week of No- vember. This species may be moving southward from Alaskan waters at this time. Photographs by Laura Morse © PRD, SWFSC. Figure 20. Parkinson's Petrel ( Procellaria parkinsoni ), 32.4 km (17.6 nmi) northwest of the Point Reyes Lighthouse, California, 1 October 2005. This first confirmed record for North America north of Mexico was spotted and identified by Rich Stallcup during one of his regu- larly scheduled summer and fall trips to the Cordell Bank from Bodega Bay (see article, this issue). This was quickly followed by a second sight record during the CSCAPE cruise on 22 Oc- tober 2005, 64.4 km (35 nmi) off the Takenitch Creek Estuary, Oregon, and 1 1 km (6 nmi) south of the Heceta Bank. In 1974, Joe Jehl postulated that observers in the Pacific may have overlooked Parkinson's Petrels due to their similarity to Flesh-footed Shearwaters {Auk 91 : 687-689). Indeed, the depicted individual was thought to be a Flesh-footed Shearwater until it took wing, revealing its diagnostic long-winged profile and black legs and feet. In ad- dition to having a much more graceful and buoyant flight than Flesh-footed Shearwater, Parkinson's Petrel has a thicker and greener bill. The Oregon bird was also observing chasing and kleptoparasitizing gulls, fulmars, and shearwaters, in the manner of a jaeger or skua, but unlike Flesh-footed Shearwater. Photograph by © Martin Myers. Figure 19. Ashy Storm-Petrel [Oceanodroma homochroa), SBC (now AT&T) Park, San Francisco, California, 15 September 2005. This endemic to the California Current is very skittish at the approach of boats and is thus difficult to photograph at sea, perhaps one reason that it has remained unconfirmed from Oregon waters, despite being common at times off Humboldt County (e.g., 600 on 9 September 2001). During CSCAPE, nine Ashy Storm-Petrels were observed off Del Norte County, California, as close as 14.7 km (8 nmi) from Oregon waters, 20 October 2005, and one was observed (but not pho- tographed) 1 1 5 nmi west of Cape Lookout, Oregon, on 1 6 August 2005. The individual in this image was attracted to the bright lights of the baseball stadium on a night when the San Francisco Giants were playing the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, including ex-Giant Jeff Kent (in background). Photographs by © Ron LeValley. Figure 21 . South Polar Skuas ( Stercorarius maccormicki), 88 km (48 nmi) west of Cape Alava, Washington, in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 1 1 June 2005. Both the CSCAPE surveys and single-day pelagic trips recorded skuas in high numbers off the Pacific Coast in summer and fall 2005, including juveniles observed as late as 30 No- vember off southern California. Photographs by Cornelia Oedekoven © PRD, SWFSC. 12 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OFFSHORE PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS IN SUMMER-FALL 2005 Figure 22. Red-tailed Tropicbirds ( Phaethon rubricauda), 443 km (241 nmi) west-south- west of Cape Mendocino, California, 29 August 2005 (top); 480 km (261 nmi) west-north- west of Cape Blanco, Oregon, 26 August 2005 (center); and 454.5 km (247 nmi) west-southwest of the Farallon Islands, California, 3 September 2005 (bottom). At least 42 Red-tailed Tropicbirds were recorded on the CSCAPE cruise in 2005, all but 7 of which were within 184 km (1 00 nmi) outside of North American waters (as defined by the 368-km [200-nmi] Exclusive Economic Zone). Tropicbirds observed 344 km (187 nmi) off Cape Blanco on 16 September 2005 and 201 km (109 nmi) west-northwest of Cape Arago on 21 October 2001 were almost certainly Red-taileds but were too distant to confirm as Ore- gon's first records. Red-tailed Tropicbird is regular in outer North American waters in at least July-January but is considered a rarity — based on the distribution of observers rather than that of tropicbirds. Photographs by Susan Chivers (top), Laura Morse (center), and Annie Douglas (bottom) © PRD, SWFSC. Figure 23.Juan Fernandez Petrel (Pterodroma externa) at 18.1° N, 164.5°W, 2 September 2005 (top) and Black-winged Petrel [P. nigripennis ) at 16.0° N, 164.7° W, 20 October 2005 (bottom), both in the central tropical Pacific. Sight records from experienced observers exist in North American waters for both Juan Fernan- dez Petrel (off Oregon by David Ainley) and Black-winged Petrel (off Alaska by Terry Wahl and Richard Rowlett). These and other tropical and southern Pacific species should be looked for in the future. Photographs by © Sophie Webb. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 13 _ ; . _ [ } [j j sJ i J ij. iJ [ : V r> J '. ■ STEPHEN J. DINSMORE • DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT • 339 SCIENCE II . IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY . AMES, IOWA 50011 • EMAIL: cootjr@iastate.edu | ANDREW FARNSWORTH • DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY • CORNELL LABORATORY OF ORNITHOLOGY • 159 SAPSUCKER WOODS ROAD • ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 • EMAIL: af27@cornell.edu The fall migration marks a transition between the breeding and non-breed- ing seasons. While some species, such as Mourning Dove, are still reproductively ac- tive well into autumn, most species that breed north of Mexico and the Caribbean have com- pleted their primary breeding period, and those that migrate are making their way to wintering areas. The sojourn to nonbreeding sites includes some epic migrations, some of which are still being discovered — for exam- ple, the 11,000-km presumably non-stop flight of baueri Bar-tailed Godwits from coastal Alaska to New Zealand (Gill et al. 2005). Most species have much shorter flights, usually broken into segments, and other species reside in the same area year- round or make only facultative movements. As in spring, migrating birds balance the costs and risks of migration with the benefits of residing in warmer climes during the non- breeding season. Chief among those risks is bad weather. Driven by the forces of evolu- tion, inherent memory, and cues from their surroundings, birds’ decisions about migra- tion affect their survival, and, for most species, these decisions appear to function relatively well, at least at the species level. But what happens when the forces of nature in- tervene and move birds off their migratory paths, that is, when severe weather events dis- place them on a large scale? We know little about such events, and most of our knowl- edge is anecdotal — and gathered by the likes Figure 1 . Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) image of North America at 0000 UTC, 4 October 2005. A low-pressure system approaches the Pacific coast of North America, visible as a large cloud mass in the upper left. Such storm systems are sometimes associated with the appearance of Nearc- tic migrants in western Alaska. Note also a large storm system in the upper right of the image over north- eastern Canada. This type of image shows heat-based radiation from the infrared spectrum, with cooler surfaces brighter and warmer surfaces darker. Because the atmosphere cools with an increase in altitude, clouds appear as bright areas and land surfaces as dark areas. It follows, generally, that low clouds will be grayer and higher clouds will be whiter. Tall thunderstorm clouds appear as bright white areas, and fog is difficult to distinguish from land areas. of us: birders. Here we exam- ine the fall 2005 migration season in light of some of the major weather patterns, particu- larly the mid-sea- son frontal activity in the East and the record-breaking 2005 tropical cy- clone season. In reading the sea- son’s regional re- ports, one cannot fail to notice how many of the sightings di- gested in them are linked to specific weather patterns. The more noteworthy reports are highlighted in Special Attention (S.A.) boxes. While the news from pelagic Pacific Ocean waters was electrifying, and is covered exten- sively in this issue’s articles, the S.A. boxes were most often used in regions in the eastern half of the continent, where storm fronts and tropical cyclones dominated the news head- lines— for humans, birds, and our shared habitats — literally every day of this season and well into December, even overshadowing warnings of a coming “bird flu” pandemic. The devastating effects of the weather events of this season will persist and reverberate for decades, in memory as well as the landscape: especially, but by no means solely, in the Gulf Coast region of the United States and Mexico. Fallouts: October 2005 As many have commented, on these pages and elsewhere, there are elements of bird mi- gration such as its seasonal and daily tim- ing— and to some extent its magnitude and species compositions — that we understand fairly well. Indeed, a marvelous aspect of mi- gration is that it is often somewhat pre- dictable, in the temperate zones at least. Yet, regardless of the year, there is usually a sur- prising event or two to illuminate the unpre- dictable quality of the phenomena we call bird migration — a moment when seasonal timing, atmospheric conditions, and geo- graphic features combine to produce an unan- ticipated spectacle of migration: a fallout. Oc- It was another autumn season filled with remarkable records of seabirds in unlikely places. Red- billed Tropicbird went unreported in the Atlantic after July, despite a wandering bird north to New Brunswick in summer, but many dozens were reported off California by birders and re- searchers alike. This adult was photographed nicely off La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico 24 Novem- ber 2005. Photograph by Stephen J. Dinsmore. 14 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CHANGING SEASONS Figure 2. GOES image of North America at 0000 UTC, 9 October 2005. Another storm system is approaching the Pacific coast of North America. Extensive cloud cover associated with the now-stalled low-pressure center off New England is apparent over the northeastern United States. The frontal boundary associated with this low pressure is nicely demarcated off the Atlantic coast of North America. Note, also, the area over the central Unit- ed States that is free of clouds, a pattern characteristic of an area of high pressure. tober 2005 produced a series of such events. When viewed in broad spatial-temporal terms, Octobers fallouts were spectacu- lar not just on one or two nights but over weeks, and not just at isolated locations but across en- tire regions. Though many mi- gration-related events can be connected or related to one an- other on some level, the events, of October 2005 manifest con- nections with startling clarity. Global weather systems spawn, shift, merge, and dissi- pate constantly and in complex manners, making it difficult to decide where we should begin the narrative about October 2005. A reasonable point to begin could be in late September and early October over the northern North Pacific Ocean, as the first of several large low-pressure systems ap- proached western North America (Figure 1). This general meteorological pattern is well known to readers of this journal, and meteo- rologists predict the movements of such storm systems well. However, these particu- lar systems were all rather large and well or- ganized. Storms (and generally unsettled weather) moved across Alaska and through western Canada in late September and early October, and by 8 October, the first of these low-pressure centers had passed through the Great Lakes region. This frontal boundary occluded around 9 October just off the East Coast, generating overcast conditions, a low cloud ceiling, rain, fog, and light or norther- ly winds across a large portion of the north- eastern United States and southeastern Cana- da (Figure 2). On its approach to land from the Pacific, the first of these low-pressure centers was al- Surface Weather Mao al ?.t» A.M. E.S.T. Figure 3. A synoptic weather map for 0700 EST 8 October 2005, showing the positions of high- and low-pressure gradients (in mb) as well as the location and type of frontal boundaries. A cold front, depicted as a line connecting the blue triangles, is approaching the Atlantic coast of the United States. The green patterns associ- ated with the frontal boundary represent areas of precipitation. To the west of the front, note high pressure over Hudson Bay and resultant, light northerly winds across the Great Lakes. most certainly connected to some of the so- called “reversed migration” of typically conti- nental Nearctic/Neotropical migrants ob- served in Alaska late in September and early in October, including several notable warblers and even Black-headed and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (one of the former at Gambell!). While the winds ahead of the passage of these storm systems probably facilitated the arrival of birds such as these, they also probably dis- place Siberian migrants northward and east- ward: Pechora Pipit, late wagtails. Eyebrowed Thrushes, Gray-streaked Flycatchers, exami- nandus Arctic Warblers (one Arctic was recorded 27 September on Southeast Farallon Island, California, the same day the Pechora Pipit arrived on St. Lawrence Island). (As Sul- livan [2004] suggests, the Nearctic/Neotropi- cal migrants in Alaska may be best considered misoriented migrants — rather than “dis- placed” in the sense that they were moved off their intended migratory pathways by weath- er events, as may be true of the Siberian birds.) However, not until 7-8 October, once the low-pressure center associated with these storms had moved southeastward across Canada and into the Great Lakes and upper Ohio River Valley did the real fireworks begin (Figures 3, 4). (Note that after the passage of this and an associated weather system through the Northwest Territories, observers witnessed large numbers of migrating passer- ines circling around a gas flare in the during the night of 7-8 October — fireworks in their own right.) On the evening of 7 October (Figure 4), a large nocturnal migration was underway, and on the next morning, exceptionally large numbers of Hermit Thrushes, Winter Wrens, and White-crowned Sparrows were reported along lakefront migrant traps in Illinois and Indiana. Concurrently, the first wave of an ul- timately enormous flight of Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees along the shores of the Great Lakes was de- tected. Great numbers of both kinglets and of Yellow-rumped Warblers were tallied at typical migration hotspots such as Point Pelee, Ontario: 14,000 kinglets on 8 October is a mind-boggling count. By the morning of 9 Octo- ber, the frontal boundary had pushed eastward off the Eastern Seaboard, where it stalled and occluded. During the week that followed, low pressure intensi- fied off southern New England, keeping skies cloudy and ceil- ings low, as well as producing scattered rain and light northerly winds across the northeastern United States (Figure 5). Simultaneously, a large ridge of high pressure in the central southern United States prevented any sub- stantial atmospheric energy from changing this pattern — -but also created favorable mi- gration conditions across much of the Ohio Valley. A series of major nocturnal move- ments then occurred, especially apparent in southern New England, with sparrows recorded by the hundreds from Vermont to coastal Connecticut (Figures 6-11). However, the movements were clearly more wide- spread. During the week that this low-pressure Figure 4. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery produced by Unisys Weather and archived at the Clemson University Radar Ornithol- ogy Laboratory, night of 7 October 2005. The blocky and irregu- lar patterns of greens and yellows visible on the right side of the image correspond to extensive areas of precipitation (some of it heavy) across the coastal regions, typical of the passage of a cold front (the same front shown in the previous figure). More uni- form and circular color patterns visible on the left side of the im- age represent radars detecting bird migration. The scale in the upper left depicts relative reflectance characteristic of scattering of the radar's energy pulse. Gauthreaux and Belser (1998, 1999) calibrated this scale in a density of birds per cubic kilometer, and the green colors are densities ranging from approximately 220 birds per cubic kilometer (lightest green) to nearly 1800 birds per cubic kilometer (darkest green). Note that some of the targets in the non-precipitation patterns are also likely to be insects and other aerial plankton, best distinguished by examining wind speeds aloft (for example, collected from weather balloons) and radial velocity radar imagery (not shown). VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 15 CHANGING SEASONS Table 1 . Estimates of birds encountered during an unprecedented fallout on the night of 1 1 -1 2 October 2005 at Ithaca, New York, SPECIES' NUMBERS American Bittern 1 Great Blue Heron >8 heard overhead Green Heron >10 heard overhead Red-tailed Hawk 1 perched Killdeer 4 (at least) heard overhead Semipalmated Plover 1 (at least) heard overhead Greater Yellowlegs 1 heard overhead Solitary Sandpiper 1 heard overhead Pectoral Sandpiper 1 heard overhead Wilson's Snipe 1 overhead Mourning Dove >2 overhead unidentified cuckoo 1 observed hying away Belted Kingfisher 1 heard Eastern Phoebe >1 Gray-cheeked Thrush many heard overhead Swainson's Thrush many heard overhead Hermit Thrush 1 on ground, many heard overhead Wood Thrush 2 heard on ground, many heard overhead Gray Catbird >4 on ground, also heard calling overhead American Pipit >2 heard overhead Tennessee Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 1 Northern Parula >4 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler >4 Black-throated Blue Warbler >15 Yellow-rumped Warbler >400 Black-throated Green Warbler >8 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Western Palm Warbler >20 Yellow Palm Warbler >2 Bay-breasted Warbler 2 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 American Redstart 2 Ovenbird 1; plus 1 specimen Common Yellowthroat >45 Hooded Warbler 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 Chipping Sparrow 1-2 on the ground, a few heard overhead Savannah Sparrow >200 on turf, dozens more in trees, >1000 calls Song Sparrow 2 White-throated Sparrow >3 White-crowned Sparrow 1 adult, 3 juveniles Blue Grosbeak 2-3 heard calling from bushes Indigo Bunting 1-2 perched, more heard overhead Dickcissel >4 heard calling overhead Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 perched in tree, more heard Bobolink >6 heard overhead a Other species observed near the stadium during the day of 12 October included a probable Eastern Wood-Pewee, a Blue-headed Vireo, a Red-eyed Vireo, a Mourning Warbler, and a Lincoln's Sparrow. area remained off the coast of southern New England, the night of 11-12 Oc- tober held just the right combination of low cloud ceiling, light rain, norther- ly winds, and seasonal timing to create classic conditions for a large flight of nocturnal migrants. Observers in and around Ithaca, New York, were in the right place at the right time to witness a nocturnal fallout that included not just large numbers of birds but also a great diversity of migrants: at least 48 species were observed over the course of several hours of watching and listen- ing (Figures 12a, b; Table 1). The Cornell University football stadium had its lights on well into the night, and the combination of the stalled cold front and subsequent low ceiling and light drizzle caused thousands of birds to be at- tracted to the lights (and probably boosted calling rates of these migrants, with several observers reporting call counts of more than 20 calls of multiple species in ten-second periods). The stadium provided the means to estimate numbers of migrants, even to identify some of them as they foraged in trees or on the ground! Although the true numbers were probably uncountable, thou- sands of birds clearly converged at this location. Ten kilometers south of Itha- ca, in Danby, New York, W. R. Evans documented a heavy flight of Savannah Sparrows, Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, and Black-throated Blue, Prairie, Palm, and Hooded Warblers by flight calls that night. In addition, Evans observed migration directly in the lights illuminating the low cloud ceil- ing, revealing the presence of large numbers of Gray Catbirds and Red-eyed Vireos. In lighted areas, birds were apparently moving in all directions at many levels from the ground up to approximately 100 m, and solid illumination seemed to be attracting large numbers of birds; whether some of these behav- iors occurred in non-illuminated areas is unknown. The departure of the stalled low-pressure center to the north and a simulta- neous frontal passage on 14-15 October stimulated an even more massive movement of short-distance migrants (Figures 13-14). The morning flights visible in Manhattan just after the passage of this front were tremendous, with two days of thousands of Yellow-rumped Warblers among countless other as- sorted passerines streaming onto Manhattan Island across the East River from Long Island. The sparrow flight along the Atlantic coast of New England, New York, and New Jersey generated by this frontal passage was gigantic — perhaps the largest on record, involving hundreds of thousands of birds! Birds accumulated at many locations over the following week at many coastal locations, especially in southern New Jersey, where each backyard held dozens to hundreds of sparrows. While sparrows were clearly the dominant group in the flight, there were also exceptional numbers of other species, in- cluding Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, and Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. The kinglet flight through the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada must have been mon- umental this season. Some forested city blocks in Manhattan with any patch- es of vegetation contained hundreds of both kinglets and sparrows, and the counts of Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush far exceeded the highest on record. In some areas, the densities of these species rivaled those seen on the Texas coast during classic spring fallouts there. The extents of these mid-October flights were not limited to the Northeast: the kinglet explosion was felt as far south as Virginia, where Ruby-crowneds numbers were “the best in ages,” and even eastern Texas, where Golden-crowneds invaded during the second half of October. The causes for these incredible fallouts and accumulations of avian biomass are in part meteorological, in part geographical. Nights with favorable wind conditions (northerly or light winds) at this time of the year always produce good movements of migrants. Every year in the Northeast, at some point be- tween the beginning of October and the beginning of November, at least one large-scale nocturnal movement of passerines occurs. However, nights with fa- vorable winds also typically have clear skies, not low ceilings and precipita- tion. It is these conditions of poor visibility that beget the confusion of mi- grants and ultimately their “fallout,” usually a localized affair. The uncommon confluence of weather conditions of October 2005 was also uncommonly ex- 16 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CHANGING SEASONS tensive, spanning hundreds of kilometers. The largest fallouts observed were coastal in distri- bution, as expected: topo- graphic features such as coast- lines and ridges are especially good at concentrating noctur- nal migrants (W. R. Evans has been studying this from an acoustic perspective; numer- ous researchers and birders have studied this with radar technology). Given the archi- tecture of migration resulting from poor visibility and the concentrating effects of ridges, lakes (such as Cayuga Lake), and ocean coasts, the addition of artificial illumination in sev- eral areas broke the bank, so to speak. Nocturnal migrants are drawn to such light sources, es- pecially under conditions of poor visibility. These birds also vocalize more frequently under these conditions, presumably to improve their understanding of where other individuals are — both to avoid collisions and to maintain orientation. It is clear from the radar imagery that large flights of birds were taking place, and visual and acoustic data from this evening indicate that in many areas these movements were occur- ring at low altitudes (at least for some of this period). Birds were hedging their bets as far as how far to travel and when and where to land under equiv- ocal conditions: favorable winds but unfavorable sky conditions, coupled with the effects of geography and artifi- cial illumination. The 2005 hurricane season: more broken records Despite their exceptional sta- tus (by virtue of their magni- tudes), the fallouts of October 2005 illustrate the effects of weather on bird migration in ways that conform relatively clearly to patterns we under- stand and can even predict at times. But other weather pat- terns are less predictable and Surface Weather Map at 7 M) A.M. E.S.T. Surface Weather Map at 7:00 A.M. E.S.T. Figure 5 A-H. A mosaic of synoptic maps showing the 0700 Eastern Standard time positions of progression and occlusion of frontal boundaries on dates in 2005: A) 9 October, B) 10 October, C) 11 October, D) 12 October, E) 13 October, F) 14 October, G) 15 October, and H) 16 October. The first six (A-F) maps show a frontal boundary that has stalled off the Atlantic coast. To the west of the front, winds are generally northerly and easterly, with scattered precipitation visible on each day. By 15-16 October (maps G, H), low pressure off the coast of New England has intensified and started to move northward and eastward out of the region. Simultaneously, a stronger cold front approaches from the west, creating conditions favorable for a large-scale movement of birds. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 17 CHANGING SEASONS Figure 6. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D na- tional mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 8 Oc- tober 2005 produced by Unisys Weather (Unisys) and archived at the Clemson University Radar Ornithology Laboratory (CUROL). Scattered precipitation is visible in the southwestern and central portions of the region, and more intense and extensive storms are producing precipitation over much of New England. Especially heavy bird migration is apparent north of Lake Ontario to the west of the intense precipitation and also south of the Great Lakes. Figure 7. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 9 October 2005, produced by Unisys and archived at CUROL. While the most intense and extensive precipitation events have moved northward and eastward out of the region, scattered showers are visible in the eastern Great Lakes, the southern Appalachi- ans, and just offshore. While reflectivity values are not quite as high as those of the previous night, migration is still widespread. often more destructive. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active season in recorded history (Table 2). There were 27 named storms (plus one subtropical storm and four numbered tropical depressions), the highest number ever, easily surpassing the 1933 record of 21 named storms; 15 of these storms became hurricanes, which is three more than in the record season of 1969. And of those 15, seven became major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher (tying the record first set in 1950), and an unprecedented four be- came Category 5 hurricanes, more than the two each in 1960 and 1961. In addition to these all-time seasonal records, many month- ly records were tied or shattered. Over half of these 20 storms made landfall or affected inhabited landmasses (Table 2). Birders whose misfortune it was to live near the landfall sites — even those who lived through and remembered the horrible Hurri- cane Camille of 1969 (central pressure 909 Figure 8. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 10 October 2005, produced by Unisys and archived at CUROL. A pattern similar to that of the previous evening is apparent from many of the coastal and Appalachian radars. However, over the upper Midwest, to the west of the Great Lakes, bird migration is underway in force: some of the dark green reflectivity patterns represent nearly 1800 birds per cubic kilometer in western Illi- nois and Indiana. Figure 9. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 1 1 October 2005, produced by Unisys and archived at CUROL. Migra- tion in the Midwest is nothing like the previous night. Scattered storms are still visible across the region, although more intense storms are dumping heavier rains across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New York. To the north of these storms, heavy migration is underway in northern New York and Maine. mb at landfall) — were dumbfounded and dev- astated by these storms. Some lost their homes; some lost their entire communities. And we all, all North American birders, lost some of the loveliest and most productive birding sites in the Gulf coastal areas. And there were perhaps greater losses to mourn. Two hurricanes, Stan and Wilma , which hit the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsu- la and Cozumel Island, may have struck the death knell for Cozumel Thrasher, of which no sightings have been reported after Wilma (as of April 2006). Meteorologically, the fall season’s storms were very much a continuation of the sum- mers seven storms (a record number for June- July); Tropical Storm Harvey inaugurated the fall hurricane season inauspiciously, as Arlene had ushered in the summer season seven weeks earlier. The mix of bird species dis- placed by the summer and fall storms was fairly similar, at least for seabirds. In July Figure 10. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-880 national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 12 October 2005, produced by Unisys and archived at CUROL. While scattered showers across the upper Midwest and more in- tense and well-organized precipitation over New York and southern New England are keeping birds grounded, migration amounts are high south of the Great Lakes and in the southern mid-Atlantic states. Widespread greens in the reflectivity pat- terns indicate densities of 600-1800 birds per cubic kilometer. Figure 1 1 . Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 13 October 2005 produced by Unisys and archived at CUROL. With the exception of extensive shower activity in New England and north- ern New York, large numbers of birds are migrating across most of the remainder of the region. This is especially true for portions of the upper Midwest and southern mid-Atlantic regions. 2005, Hurricane Dennis and other storms dis- placed large numbers of terns, notably Sooty (144+) and Bridled (127+), along with nine Brown Noddies, a few storm-petrels, and an astonishing Audubon’s Shearwater in Ten- nessee. Fall-season storms displaced mostly the same pelagic species, but the fall storms also entrain large numbers of Nearctic and Neotropical migrants, especially shorebirds, passerines, swifts, swallows, and cuckoos. While seabirds have presumably some adap- tative advantage in coping with tropical cy- clones, having evolved in the environment in which such storms are produced, landbird migrants appear to be extraordinarily vulner- able to the storms: during and just after sev- eral October storms, millions of warblers and hundreds of tanagers, vireos, cuckoos, and swifts were observed in situations of extreme stress, starvation, or displacement this year, in settings that ranged from San Andres Island off Nicaragua to the Azorean Archipelago off 18 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CHANGING SEASONS Table 2. Atlantic tropical cyclones and depressions, summer-winter 2005-2006. NAME MAX. STRENGTH AFFECTED AREA(S) DATES Arlene Tropical Storm Florida, Alabama 8-13 Jun Bret Tropical Storm Mexico 28-30 Jun Cindy Hurricane (Category 1)a Louisiana, Mississippi 3-7 Jul Dennis Hurricane (Category 4)b Jamaica; Cuba; Florida, Alabama 5-13 Jul Emily Hurricane (Category 5) Grenada; Mexico 11-21 Jul Franklin Tropical Storm none 21 -29 Jul Gert Tropical Storm Mexico 23-25 Jul Harvey Tropical Storm none 2-8 Aug Irene Hurricane (Category 2) none 4-18 Aug T.D. #10 Tropical Depression none 13-14 Aug Jose Tropical Storm Mexico 22-23 Aug Katrina Hurricane (Category 5) Florida; Louisiana, Mississippi0 23-31 Aug Lee Tropical Storm none 28 Aug-2 Sep Maria Hurricane (Category 3) none 1-10 Sep Nate Hurricane (Category 1) none 5-10 Sep Ophelia Hurricane (Category 1) North Carolina 6-18 Sep Philippe Hurricane (Category 1) none 17-24 Sep Rita Hurricane (Category 5) Louisiana; Texas 18-26 Sep T.D. #19 Tropical Depression none 30 Sep-2 Oct Stan Hurricane (Category 1) Mexico 1-5 Oct Tammy Tropical Storm Florida, Georgia 5-6 Oct T.D. #22 Tropical Depression none 8-9 Oct Vince Hurricane (Category!) Portugal [first ever] 9-11 Oct Wilma Hurricane (Category 5) Mexico; Belize; Cuba; Florida 01 15-25 Oct Alpha Tropical Storm Haiti; s. Bahamas 22-24 Oct Beta Hurricane (Category 3) San Andres; Nicaragua 27-31 Oct T.D. #27 Tropical Depression none 14-16 Nov Gamma Tropical Storm none 18-21 Nov Delta Tropical Storm none 23-28 Nov Epsilon Hurricane (Category 1) none 29 Nov-8 Dec Zeta Tropical Storm none 30 Dec-8 Jan a Hurricane Cindy was first listed as a tropical storm; its status was upgraded to hurricane after a more careful study of wind data. ^ Hurricane Dennis damaged the Gulf of Mexico coastline extensively; most notable among the birds displaced by the storm was an Audubon's Shearwater in Tennessee (see the summer Changing Seasons essay). c Hurricane Katrina destroyed or damaged a great diversity of habitats important to birdlife in these states; see the S.A. in the Central Southern regional report. d Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Mexico and in Florida, but the birds it displaced or grounded were noted from as far away as Bermuda, New England, Atlantic Canada, western Europe, and the Azores. N.B.: In addition to the above-listed storms, an unnamed subtropical storm was active 4-5 Oct in the Azores, bringing the season total to 28 storms. Africa. We tend to think of hurricane damage at the level of ecosystem — or in extreme cas- es (Grenada Dove, Cozumel Thrasher), po- tential extinction — but the loss of many mil- lions of Neotropical migrants to hurricanes, even in a single season, could affect some of our widespread, “common” birds at the pop- ulation level. For uncommon species such as Bay-breasted Warbler (see the Central Ameri- can regional report), we could well see the negative effects of these storms in the 2006 migration and breeding seasons. Hurricane Katrina Certainly one of the major events of the au- tumn 2005 season — indeed of United States history as a whole — was the destruction brought by Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall first near Hol- lywood, Florida on 25 August, then again on the Louisiana-Missis- sippi state line on 29 August (Figure 15). Katrina was a moder- ate (Category 1) hurri- cane when ft struck Florida, and no bird sightings are men- tioned in the Florida regional column (which, as of the cur- rent issue, includes the entire state of Florida) as connected to that landfall. The storm then entered the un- usually warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and rapidly intensified to a Category 5 Hurricane (central pressure 902 mb) by 27 August, dropping to a Category 4 storm (920 mb) just prior to landfall in Louisiana and Missis- sippi. In addition to its strength, Katrina was notable because of its size. When it made landfall in Louisiana/Mississippi, the storms outer bands were simultaneously affecting southeastern Texas, the Florida Panhandle, and western Tennessee; the diameter of the storm at this point exceeded 1000 km. East of the storms eye, a powerful storm surge in excess of 8 m inundated coastal areas for several kilometers inland and led to levee failures along Lake Pontchartrain and widespread flooding that inundated more than eighty percent of New Orleans with up to 5 m of water. For a period of 24 hours, essentially all of the marsh habi- tats in this part of the world were completely underwater. After the storm passed inland in a north-northeasterly direction, it was clear that the coastline from eastern Louisiana east through Mississippi and Alabama had been heavily modified; islands had either disap- KBGM •• Btngfiemlon. NT 23.59:54 UTC Tu* 1 1 October 2005 Figures 12 A-B. Binghamton WSR-88D display for 2359 UTC on 1 1 October 2005, produced by the University Corporation for At- mospheric Research and archived by W. R. Evans. 12A) The base reflectivity image shows blocky patterns characteristic of precip- itation in the bottom (more southerly) portions of the image. More uniform patterns represent primarily birds, although scat- tered precipitation is visible interspersed within this more uni- form pattern. Migration amounts correspond to widespread densities of approximately 110 birds per cubic kilometer (the darkest blue color) with isolated areas of 220-600 birds per cubic kilometer (two shades of green). 1 2B) The velocity image for the same radar scan shows precipitation and range folding (i.e., the radar cannot accurately determine target velocities) in purple. Bird targets (the primary but not sole constituent of non-precip- itation targets; insects are also aloft) are moving to the south- southwest at 1 5-20 knots close to the radar and to the southwest at 15-20 knots farther from the radar; closer targets are at lower altitudes because the radar antenna is elevated at a 0.5° angle and the microwave pulse from the radar increases in altitude above the ground with increasing distance from the radar. peared (e.g., the Chandeleur Islands off Louisiana) or were remade (East Ship Island off Mississippi was split into several smaller islands), some coastal beaches and marshes had vanished, and protective dunes, cheniers, hammocks, and maritime forests were lev- eled, including cherished sanctuaries and mi- grant “fallout” locations visited by birders for decades. The storm caused more than 1200 human deaths (new bodies are still being found as of April 2006), caused an estimated VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 19 CHANGING SEASONS Table 3. Notable reports of seabirds associated with Hurricane Katrina, August-September 2005.a SPECIES STATE OR PROVINCE; NUMBER Sooty Shearwater Florida (3 onshore) Greater Shearwater Near Murfreesboro, TN (1, 31 Aug; later died) Wilson's Storm-Petrel Florida (1 onshore) Band-rumped Storm-Petrel Pickwick Dam, TN (2, 30-31 Aug), Falls of the Ohio, KY (1, 31 Aug), and Franklin County, KY (2, 31 Aug; 1 later retrieved as a specimen) White-tailed Tropicbird Florida (2 onshore) Magnificent Frigatebird Florida (many), Georgia (2 inland), Alabama (2 inland), Tennessee (1), Arkansas (1), Ohio (1 imm., 5 Sep), Iowa (adult female, 4-5 Sep) Frigatebird sp. Indiana (1 imm., 1 Sep), Iowa (1, 18 Sep) Long-billed Curlew Presque Isle State Park, PA (1 on 31 Aug) South Polar Skua Pickwick Dam, TN (1, 30-31 Aug) Long-tailed Jaeger Pickwick Dam, TN (1 juv., 30 Aug) Laughing Gull Ohio (9+) Sabine's Gull Pennsylvania (1) Gull-billed Tern Mississippi (1 inland), Alabama (1 inland) Royal Tern Georgia (1 inland), Tennessee (2) Sandwich Tern Georgia (1 inland), Alabama (1 inland) Least Tern Georgia (1 inland), Bridled Tern Lake Seminole, GA (1 ), Hamilton County, TN (2, 30 Aug) Sooty Tern Florida (peak coastal count 100+), Georgia (8 inland), Alabama (25 at six sites, all 30 Aug), Mississippi (2), Louisiana (1 inland), Tennessee (1 0+), Ontario (1 ) Black Tern Lake Seminole, GA (150) Brown Noddy Gulf Breeze, FL (1) Black Skimmer Tennessee (2), Arkansas (1) a0ther reports certainly or possibly related to Katrina include many Laughing Gulls, Forster's, Common, and Black Terns inland, plus small numbers of Red Phalarope, Long-tailed Jaeger, Black-necked Stilt, and American Avocet; a Lesser Frigatebird 18 September at the Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Ml; an unidentified frigatebird 19-21 September at Big Lake, St. Louis County, MN; a Clapper Rail 23 September at Chattanooga, Hamilton County, TN; a Gull-billed Tern 17-20 September at Pt. Mouillee, Wayne/Monroe Counties, Ml; and a Black Skimmer 17 September in Shelby County, TN/Crittenden County, AR. $100 billion in property losses, and will sure- ly affect birds and their habitats along the central Gulf Coast for decades to come. Despite the impossibility of any form of hireling in the worst-affected areas of the Gulf Coast, observers farther inland, mostly along the storms track (Figure 15), found an assort- ment of grounded seabirds and coastal birds (Table 3), the likes of which had never been observed after a Gulf hurricane — no doubt the result of Katrina’s size, strength, and track across the Gulf of Mexico, as well as to the greater understanding of hurricanes’ displace- ment of birds than existed in 1969, when Camille hit. Tubenoses, far less prominent in hurricane displacement events in the Gulf than in the Atlantic, figured relatively prominently af- ter Katrina. Three Sooty Shearwaters and a Wil- son’s Storm-Petrel (plus 2 White-tailed Tropicbirds) made an appearance along the Florida coast just prior to and during landfall; a Greater Shear- water was moved to Ten- nessee; and five Band- rumped Storm-Petrels were noted between Ken- tucky and Tennessee. Frigatebirds were blown well inland in small numbers, north to Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and ap- parently Minnesota. Hur- ricane Gilbert of 1988 ap- parently displaced far more frigatebirds than Katrina, but the geo- graphic span of Katrina’s refugees was remarkable nonetheless. One won- ders if the Lesser Frigate- bird photographed in Michigan in mid-Septem- ber was also related to this storm. Other pelagic birds found well away from coastal areas after the hurricane included a South Polar Skua (Figure 16) and a Long-tailed Jaeger at Pickwick Lake, Tennessee; there are per- haps three other inland reports of the skua in North America. The ex- tratropical remnants of Katrina also apparently grounded shorebirds in the Carolinas and Georgia, in the Champlain Valley of Vermont (765 shorebirds of 16 species, including 140 American Golden-Plovers), and in the Eastern Highlands and Upper Ohio Valley region, where Pennsylvania’s first Long-billed Curlew was the pearl among 21 shorebird species 31 August. Laughing Gull numbers were greatest nearer the Gulf Coast, where counts reached double digits in interior Mississippi and Alaba- ma, but dozens appeared at inland sites throughout the East and as far north as the Great Lakes; while this pattern is not always linked to tropical cyclones, it was a good bet it was this year: 54 autumn Laughing Gulls in In- diana is not the norm. For some species — such as Swallow-tailed Kite (one recorded at Sugar Bay, Pennsylvania 3 1 August; two at Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Facility, Indiana the next day) — we will probably never know to what degree hurricanes influence extralimital appearances, as kites have begun wandering widely in late summer and early autumn in re- cent years. (The same is true of Roseate Spoon- bills, 128 of which were tallied on 25 Septem- ber in Desha County, Arkansas, after Hurricane Rita had passed.) But the remnants of passing hurricanes do seem to stir the migrational pot, and even if seabird strays are not discovered on one’s local patch, interesting birds often seem to appear after these storms. And it often pays to walk beaches, if the local authorities permit it; a weakened Brown Booby was found at Port Aransas, Texas, 29 September. Figure 13. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 14 October 2005, produced by Unisys and archived at CUROL With the exception of extensive shower activity in New England, large numbers of birds are migrating across most of the remain- der of the region. This is especially true for the upper Midwest and southern mid-Atlantic areas as well as the Appalachians and western New York. Figure 14. Upper Midwest and Northeast portions of a WSR-88D national mosaic of base reflectivity imagery for the evening of 1 5 October 2005, produced by Unisys and archived at CUROL. With only scattered showers remaining across Lake Ontario and north- ern New England, large numbers of birds are migrating along the Atlantic coast. Additionally, areas south of the Great Lakes show heavy migration, as do many sites across the remainder of the re- gion. Note that some of the irregular patterns visible in the bot- tom-right portion of the image over coastal Virginia and North Carolina represent anomalous reflectivities indicative of atmos- pheric effects rather than actual atmospheric targets. 20 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CHANGING SEASONS Hurricane Katrina 21:00 Tub August 23, 200S to 15:00 Tue August 30, 2005 UTC Figure 15. Track and windspeed of Hurricane Katrina, 23-30 August 2005. Graphic courtesy of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Hurricane Ophelia Hurricane Ophelia, a Category 1 storm, tech- nically never made landfall (its eye remained just offshore), but the storm was came very close to shore and caused extensive flooding and other damage along the North Carolina coastal plain. In Florida, some 5407 terns of five species were moved inshore to Huguenot Park and Nassau Sound 7 September, includ- ing 7 Sooty Terns. The slow-moving storm then strafed the Outer Banks of North Caroli- na over 14-16 September. Reports from 15-16 September included 4+ Bridled Terns, a Sabine’s Gull, 3 Black-capped Petrels, over 200 Cory’s, one Greater, one Manx, and 5 Audubon’s Shearwaters, and 6 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels. As in Hurricane Bonnie of 1998 (Brinkley 1999), the larger tubenoses “trapped” in the sounds, within sight of the ocean, did not cross beneath the bridges to re- turn to pelagic waters but spent days milling around in these inshore waters, west of the bridges. Well north of the Outer Banks, a Long-billed Curlew at the French island of Miquelon 18 September was presumed to have been transported by Ophelia: there are several such records of the species in the lit- erature, including the Hurricane Katrina bird noted above and another in Belize after Wilma , but this was the first record in modern times for Atlantic Canada. Hurricane Rita Following Katrina , a second powerful hurri- cane impacted the central Gulf Coast on 24 September. Hurricane Rita made landfall that day along the Texas-Louisiana border as a strong Category 3 storm, having diminished in strength from a Category 5 storm just two days earli- er. This compact storm, like Katrina, weakened considerably just prior to landfall, although it still produced widespread dam- age and coastal flooding in western Louisiana and sur- rounding areas. Rita may have displaced just as many seabirds inland as Katrina , but only a few were report- ed, most in northern Louisiana and Arkansas, where terns, Laughing Gulls, and ardeids were the fare. Because of the remote- ness of this section of the Gulf Coast (and the gen- uine fear that Rita would be as damaging as Katrina, or worse), there were essentially no reports from the coast during or just after the passage of Rita, with the exception of 26 Cory’s and two Audubon’s Shearwaters and a Brown Noddy well to the east of the landfall point at Boynton Beach In- let, Florida 20 September. Small num- bers of Magnificent Frigatebirds were found well inland, most in Louisiana but also up to four in Arkansas. Other reports included a Long-tailed Jaeger at Wheeler Dam in Alabama 26 Septem- ber, good numbers of Laughing Gulls inland (double-digit counts in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama; could some of Colorado’s seven have been Rita birds?), a Sabine’s Gull found dead at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama 29 September, Gull- billed and Royal Terns in Louisiana, and a few more Royal Terns in Arkansas and interior Texas. See the Central Southern regional report’s S.A. box for more de- tails on its hurricanes and their after- math. Hurricane Wilma After all of this perturbation, it seemed that the tropical cyclone season might finally wind down in October. Alas, this was not to be. Hurricane Wilma (Fig- ures 17, 18) made headlines around the world, and storm-weary Gulf coast resi- dents— even those evacuated and dis- persed across the continent — watched its progress with dread and disbelief: Wilma had the lowest central pressure ever recorded for an Atlantic hurricane (882 mb), surpassing the record set by Gilbert in 1988 (888 mb); it was the third Category 5 hurricane (and twelfth hurricane overall) of the 2005 season; and it produced as much as 120 cm of rain on the Yucatan Peninsula and destroyed 850,000 hectares of precious tropical hardwood forest there. In the state of Yucatan, the storm was credited with mainland rarities as diverse as White-crowned Pigeon, Greater White-front- ed Goose, Smooth-billed Ani, and Masked Booby, some of these representing first state records. After hammering the western Caribbean and Yucatan Peninsula 21-23 October, Wilma sped across Florida on 24 October, badly damaging the Everglades National Park and other important bird habitats, then traveling very rapidly to within 200 km of Sable Island, Nova Scotia on 25 October, and moving east- ward across the Atlantic toward Scotland by 27 October. Reminiscent of the now-famous “Perfect Storm” of October 1991, Wilma merged with the remnants of Tropical Storm Alpha and with another low-pressure system Figure 16. One of Hurricane Katrina's more astonishing waifs was this South Polar Skua at Pickwick Lake, Hardin County, Tennessee on 30 August 2005, a first record for the state and one of few inland reports of the species in North America. Figure 15 shows clearly how this individual ar- rived in Tennessee. Photographs by Joe Guinn. VOLUME 60 (2006) . NUMBER 1 21 | CHANGING SEASONS Figure 17. Operational Significant Event Imagery (OSEI) tropical cyclone imagery produced by Unisys for NOAA from polar and geostationary satellites showing the progression of Hurricane Wilma from the Gulf of Mexico to the northern Atlantic Ocean in October 2005. A) 0000 UTC 24 October, B) 0000 UTC 25 Octo- ber, C) 1 200 UTC 25 October, and D) 1 200 Z 27 October. Wilma moves from a position (A) in the central Gulf of Mexico, (B) across Florida, (C) toward Nova Scotia, and (D) into the northern North Atlantic Ocean over the course of just three days. as it moved northeastward away from the North American landmass. With at least some of the many thousands of bird associated with the October fallouts moving south along or just off the Atlantic coast and the countless migrants still crossing the Gulf of Mexico and the northern Caribbean, it seems clear that the hurricane entrained and carried some of these migrants northward to Bermuda, the north- eastern Canadian provinces, even to mainland Europe and islands off Africa. The storm moved with exceptional speed (90 km/hr), car- rying with it thousands of migrants, the first of which appeared dur- ing and just after the storm’s passage. Birds typically associated with hurricane displacement, notably frigatebirds, ardeids, and larids, were conspicuous constituents of Wilma's cargo. Frigatebirds were abundant (70+ birds) as never before on Bermuda — David Wingate observed 41 in a single kettle one evening over Wreck Hill — and sev- en were tallied between Nova Scotia and the French island of St. Pierre. After the storms passage, up to five were noted in coastal New Jersey and Delaware, two or three were in Virginia, 11+ were in coastal North Carolina, and singles were in Georgia and South Car- olina. All of these birds were reported after 2 November, suggesting they were returning southward after being displaced by Wilma. (The problem of associating records of frigatebirds with tropical cyclone activity has been mentioned often in Changing Seasons essays; this season, single wanderers 1-2 August along Lake Huron, Ontario, and 7 August on Long Island, New York, made the point nicely: no storms could be connected to their appearances. The same is true for boobies; a Brown at Cape May 16 September and an unidentified booby at Nantucket Shoals 27 August were almost certainly not storm-driven.) From Barbados to Newfoundland to Wales, larids displaced by Wilma were widely observed — in great diversity, as we expect with strong hurricanes, but also in great numbers. Canadian birders, es- pecially in Nova Scotia, found storm birds in nearly every sheltered harbor, especially in the east. Consider the final tally in the Atlantic Provinces region: 340 Laughing and 18 Franklin’s Gulls, 4 Gull- billed, 87+ Caspian, 27 Royal, 33 Sandwich (plus one Cayenne), 1635+ Common, 56 Forster’s, one Least, and hve Black Terns, and 18 Black Skimmers. A Caspian and a Forster’s Tern in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec 30 October were thought to be Wilma birds, likewise a Sandwich Tern at North Truro, Massachusetts that day. A similar mix of terns (but also including Roseate, Bridled, and Sooty) was detected in Bermuda, along with 30 Laughing and hve Franklin's Gulls; two Franklin’s Gulls were on Barbados 9 November (a first record there), seven in New England, and four in Newjersey just af- ter Wilma; and both gull species reached Britain: 60+ Laughing and 6+ Franklin’s. Quite belatedly, Iceland at last got a bird from Wilma — a Laughing Gull that turned up 8 April 2006 was reckoned to be a bird making its way back to the New World from the Old; the species had actually been anticipated there this spring! Because Wilma had passed well to the south of Iceland, producing cold northerly and northeasterly winds there, no storm-associated birds were found in October. Among the shorebirds thought to be Wilma- transported to Canada were Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Stilt Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and Wil- son’s Phalarope; 24 Blue-winged Teal in Atlantic Canada were also attributed to Wilma. But it was the landbird bounty that made Wilma such an extraor- dinary storm in the annals of hurricane history: in addition to minor numbers of many other species, hundreds of Yellow-billed Cuckoos and thousands of Chimney Swifts were recorded along the storm's track, along with noteworthy counts of swallows (six species). These birds presumably became entrained in the hurricane either in the 22 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CHANGING SEASONS western Caribbean or Yucatan regions, or more likely while the storm was moving east- ward in the Gulf of Mexico. It is interesting to note the dearth of cuckoo reports in Florida following Wilma, especially in light of the re- ports of “thousands” of Chimney Swifts with- in the storm’s eye as it passed over Jupiter In- let Colony, Martin County, Florida 24 October. It is fair to say that Hurricane Wilma displaced not only a diverse array of migrants but also staggering numbers of individuals, the likes of which Atlantic Canada had not seen in decades, possibly ever: minimally 3000 Chimney Swifts (most of which died) and minimally 350 Yellow-billed Cuckoos. On Bermuda, at least 100 cuckoos (up to 70 at one site, the Arboretum) and over 100 Chimney Swifts were detected, with one Chimney Swift on Barbados being locally rare. The conventional wisdom in the Southeast has often been that hurricanes that do not cross land do not reveal the birds they en- train. Hurricane Ophelia gave that old chest- nut a tap; Wilma cracked it for good. At An- drew’s Point, Rockport, Massachusetts, a veteran seawatcher’s wait paid off: Wilma brought a Black-capped Petrel into spotting scope range. Indeed, all the larids, frigate- birds, and landbirds observed in eastern Canada had come off the ocean, presumably escaping the dissipating eye off the north- ern/western side of the storm. And so we are reminded again that our understanding of hurricane displacement of birds is still very much in its infancy! The displacement events associated with Wilma were widespread, so much so that one has to wonder to what extent they may have been intertwined with the large-scale fallouts of the weeks preceding them. Some birds, such as the three Winter Wrens in Bermuda or the Bicknell’s Thrush in the Bahamas, were possibly related both to the fallouts in the middle of the month and to the subsequent hurricane. It is certainly clear that late-season vagrants noted in the East (and the Bahamas and Bermuda) had the mark of Wilma: Chim- ney Swifts lingered in many areas of eastern United States well into November, and Yel- low-billed Cuckoos appeared at numerous lo- cations late in the season, although presum- ably many more went undetected. Swallow numbers were high well into the late fall at many coastal sites, including some rarities, such as the November Cliff Swallows in the Bahamas. Migrants usually rare in Bermuda and the northern Caribbean appeared at a number of locales in both areas, sometimes on very late dates. We must mention here the unprecedented diversity and numbers of Nearctic and Neotropical migrants that appeared in the western Palearctic after Wilma: Magnificent Frigatebirds in Spain, Portugal, France, and England, Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, Sora, Yellow-billed Cuck- oo, Chimney Swift (over 80 between Ireland, England, Spain, France, and the Azores), Gray-cheeked Thrush, Tree Swallow, Red- eyed Vireo, Black-throated Blue, Yellow- rumped, Blackpoll, and Hooded Warblers, Ovenbird, Indigo Bunting, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The timing and composition of these records suggests a likely association with the migration events of October in the northeastern United States, and some were likely “overmigrants” caught offshore after the major low-pressure system had moved out over the Atlantic — and were then in some cases further entrained by Wilma. Hurricane Beta On San Andres Island, east of Nicaragua, 70 observers were in attendance at a banding course sponsored by Fundacion ProAves dur- ing the time that Hurricanes Wilma and Beta passed through the western Caribbean. They arrived around 19 October, just after Hurri- cane Wilma, and were on the ground during the direct hit of Hurricane Beta 26 October. Please read the S.A. on these storms in the Central America regional report, which de- tails a fallout of more than five million Neotropical migrants on 19 October, largely tanagers, thrushes, catbirds and warblers: Bay-breasted, Chestnut-sided, and Tennessee Warblers, and Ovenbirds. Between the storms, waves of Indigo Buntings, Yellow- billed Cuckoos, and other warblers (includ- ing Golden-winged) arrived, mostly in weak- ened states. Hurricane Otis The Pacific coast of Mexico was also struck by a significant hurricane this season: Otis. This compact storm formed 29 September off the western coast of Mexico and drifted slowly north-northwestward, passing just to the west of Baja California 3-4 October and then dissi- pating. A Juan Fernandez Petrel 4 October hying along the coast at La Ribera, Baja Cali- fornia was a first for that region and was the storm’s lone highlight. Noted in brief Autumn is often a productive season for va- grants, but autumn 2005 produced an unusu- ally large number of “firsts,” including poten- tially two new species for North America: Parkinson’s Petrels off California and Oregon and a Solander’s Petrel off California. On the level of state, province, or territory, potential Figure 18. Satellite image of Hurricane Wilma taken at 1 1 :45 a.m. EST on 25 October 2005. The storm is here rapidly passing to the east of Bermuda at 53 mph, moving toward a position southeast of Nova Scotia. Observers in both locations recorded hundreds of Yellow- billed Cuckoos and Chimney Swifts, record-high counts of Magnificent Frigatebird, and high diversity and numbers of larids of 18 species. Image courtesy of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 23 CHANGING SEASONS firsts included a Cooks Petrel in Oregon, a Reddish Egret in Nevada, a Little Egret in North Carolina, a White Ibis in Utah, a Wood Stork in Manitoba, a Gray Hawk in Kansas, a Long-billed Curlew in Pennsylvania, a Royal Tern and an Acorn Woodpecker in Iowa, a Vaux’s Swift in Texas, single Green Violet-ears in Iowa, New Jersey, and Ohio, an Anna’s Hummingbird in Ohio, a Costas Humming- bird in South Dakota, several Cave Swallows in Indiana and Missouri, a Sedge Wren in British Columbia, a Northern Mockingbird in the Yukon Territory, a Spragues Pipit in Oregon, a Connecticut Warbler and a Lawrences Warbler in Idaho, a Scarlet Tanager in Washington, and a Black-throated Sparrow in Tennessee. An im- pressive roster, to be sure, but take a look at the species added in Michigan this season: Lesser Lrigatebird, Anhinga, Short-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Gull-billed Tern, and White-eared Hummingbird! The regional reports contained few hints of major irruptions of winter species. South of their expected ranges, there was a paucity of reports of winter owls, Bohemian Waxwings, and most winter fringillids. There were hints of a good Snowy Owl flight, with one as far south as Arkansas. Red-breasted Nuthatch and Purple Finch, which sometimes show a two-year pattern of irruption, made a modest showing, neither boom nor bust. There was, however, a huge chickadee flight in Ontario and Quebec in autumn, peaking in October; Margaret Bain writes that it may have been the largest flight ever recorded in Ontario. Most chickadees were noted flying westward along the eastern Great Lakes, e.g., 2000 per hour on 7 October at Cobourg, Ontario, and these waves were apparently mostly com- prised of juveniles (less than 1% of the 943 banded at Tadoussac were adults). To the east, a movement of 1000 Black-cappeds through a backyard in Shediac, New Brunswick 3 Octo- ber must have been a sight! A total of 1072 migrating Boreal Chickadees 14 September- 12 October through Saint-Fulgence, Quebec was impressive; this move- ment apparently did not translate into extensive southward irruptions in the winter season. Northward movements by southerly species were again abun- dant this season, continuing the spring and summer pattern — and ar- guably a longer-term trend. The provinces of central Canada experi- enced a strong influx of herons in August-September that included 1000+ Cattle Egrets, a smattering of Snowy Egrets and Little Blue Herons, 2 Glossy Ibis, and Manito- ba’s first Wood Stork. The Southwest recorded high numbers of Ruddy Ground-Doves (73 or more in Ari- zona alone!), an Eared Quetzal and 4 Aztec Thrushes in Arizona, and a Painted Redstart in Colorado. More than a dozen of the latter species, plus four Graces Warblers and a He- patic Tanager, reached southern Cal- ifornia. In what has now become an expected phenomenon, there was also a flush of eastern birds in the Southwest in late August and early September: New Mexico had Red- bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Wood- Pewee, 4 Scarlet Tanagers, and a Carolina Wren (another was in Ari- zona), and both states saw a moder- ate flight of eastern warblers at this time. The flight of eastern birds to the Pacific coast was mostly average, with a few species above and a few below long-term averages. Since the 1990s, Cave Swallows have been to the autumn what doves are to the spring migration, at least in the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic Coast. A sprinkling of early fall reports included three Cave Swallows in Kansas over 2-4 Figure 19. On the morning after the passage of Hurricane Wilma, 27 October 2005, the Fennells of Red Islands, in Lake Bras d'Or, Richmond County, Nova Scotia saw this mass of exhausted Chimney Swifts clinging to a tree next to their house. Groups such as this were found all over Nova Scotia, and dozens of Chimney Swifts were displaced as far as Europe and Africa. Photograph by Janice Fennell. 24 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CHANGING SEASONS September and one in Missouri on 7 Septem- ber, probably post-breeding dispersers from Texas, as well as one in Georgia on 20 Au- gust. But, as now expected, the real move- ment began in late October and early No- vember, partly a product of the southwesterly winds ahead of the October and November low-pressure systems (see Sullivan 2004), es- pecially a low-pressure system that passed through the Midwest on 12 November 2005. The numbers, like the price of coastal real es- tate, were again shockingly higher this sea- son than last: 165+ were estimated in New England after 8 November (most seen 11 No- vember); 1000+ were counted in the Hud- son-Delaware region after 3 November, in- cluding 579 on 6 November at Hamlin Beach, New York; 19+ were along the Southern At- lantic region’s coasts after 29 October (the same count came from Pennsylvania after 30 October and Wisconsin 12-20 November); 180+ were in Ontario after 29 October (most seen in November); 60+ was the count in Ohio after 5 November; 11+ visited Indiana on 12 November; and one was photographed in Michigan on 14 November. That’s nearly 1500 Cave Swallows far out of range; and that count is surely the tip of the iceberg. Other swallow species were also noted in the mix, also part of a continuing, recent trend, but in almost all cases they were outnum- bered by Caves. In this active tropical storm season, we should not discount the possibility that some of the extralimital Cave Swallows were en- trained and displaced by hurricanes (as hap- pened, for instance, with Hurricane Ivan in 2004). Hurricane Wilma passed through sev- eral productive areas for Cave Swallows in its track from the western Caribbean to Europe, and five were reported in Nova Scotia 26-27 October (others there and in New Brunswick 10-12 November were almost certainly a product of the low-pressure system consid- ered above). It is likely that — as for other species of birds (e.g., Chimney Swifts, Mag- nificent Frigatebirds) displaced by Wilma — some of the Cave Swallows seen on the East Coast on November dates were Wilma birds moving southward. In most reports of Cave Swallows, pelodoma was the subspecies men- tioned (14 birds seen 28 October in Florida; one specimen in Virginia, one in Ohio); but one at Bayswater Beach Provincial Park, Nova Scotia 27 October was identified as a Caribbean bird. We should be attentive to this possibility in future flights. Some of the season’s patterns were more widespread. Sabine’s Gull, for instance, is a more-or-less routine rarity throughout interi- or North America, generally decreasing in The Friends of North American Birds SUPPORT THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS, THE ABA’S JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD Since its inception, the fund has allowed for many improvements to the journal's look and feel. The journal is now mailed in a protective wrapper to insure its delivery in one piece. The content has benefited from an increase in page count which has allowed for additional articles with even more detailed analysis. The amount of color pages has increased which has allowed for expanded Pictorial Highlights and an occasional Photo Salon. All of this has been made possible with your generous contributions. There are more plans in the works for future issues but the fund does need your continued support. To become a “Friend of NAB”, simply donate $50 or more. Each "Friend of NAB" will be recognized annually in the first issue of each volume of North American Birds. Send donations to: The Friends of NAB, ABA, P.O. Box 6599 Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599 V01UME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 25 CHANGING SEASONS abundance from west to east, and this fall saw a better-than-average flight. What was unusu- al about this flight was the numbers: most re- ports are typically one or a few birds, but this fall saw impressive flock s at multiple inland sites. The 60+ at Park Point in Duluth on 16 September was a record count for Minnesota and coincided with a flock of 28 that flew past Miller Beach, Indiana that same day and a peak of 22 the next day Hying past Van Wag- ner’s Beach, Ontario. These are, needless to say, the most ever reported in the Great Lakes region. Inland alcid reports are rare, and there are typically one to three reported annually east of the Rocky Mountains. This year was a little better, with a Black Guillemot 26-29 Novem- ber at Regina Beach, Saskatchewan (second provincial record), a Long-billed Murrelet 8 August at Jasper National Park, Alberta (also a second), a probable Long-billed 12 Novem- ber at Carlyle Lake, Illinois, and single An- cient Murrelets on 14 October at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, Michigan and 13 No- vember in Fort Collins, Colorado (the latter found alive on a city street). The fall also saw a mini-invasion of Northern Gannets into the interior, including three in Pennsylvania and one in Michigan. Other low-density vagrants included single Burrowing Owls in Arkansas (10-14 Octo- ber), Illinois (after mid-October), and North Carolina (25 October); mid-autumn is a typi- cal time for vagrant Burrowing Owls — but has this species ever been hurricane-displaced? Sharp eyes With every reading of this journals regional reports, we are impressed and encouraged by the increasing discernment of this conti- nent’s birders. Subtleties that might have es- caped our notice just a few years ago are now recorded in field notebooks and by dig- ital camera — and this journal is reaping, and showcasing, the rewards. Juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, many of which have probably been overlooked in North America, were discerned in Colorado and Montana; a Tem- minck’s Stint failed to slip by the sharp eyes of a Washington birder, and a Florida birder found the state’s first Lesser Sand-Plover. Our collective eyes found Gray Flycatcher in Ohio; Hammond’s Flycatcher in Maryland; and three or four Yellow-bellied Flycatchers between Colorado and California. Among the more obscure hybrids reported were an apparent Pectoral Sandpiper x Bairds Sand- piper at the famous Hillman Marsh, Ontario, and a Bay-breasted Warbler x Yellow- rumped Warbler at that premier hotspot in Florida, Lake Apopka. And in West Virginia, banders at Dolly Sods captured and docu- mented a Black-throated Blue Warbler that appears to be a bilateral gynandromorph. Kudos to the keen observers who discovered these birds! We are also attending carefully to marked birds; banding and color-marking efforts by scientists are bearing fruit, thanks in part to diligent reporting of marked birds by birders, and thanks to the ease of soliciting and re- porting sightings of marked birds via the In- ternet. When a banded juvenile Greater Flamingo appeared in coastal Texas in mid- October, the observers did not assume the bird came from a nearby zoo but instead read the bird’s color-band combination and deter- mined that it had been banded in August 2005 at a colony at the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in Mexico (another flamingo in Flori- da in 2004 had come from this colony). The bird remained well into spring 2006, ob- served by hundreds from the Whooping Crane cruises from Rockport. Similarly, a ju- venile Black Skimmer found dead on 18 Oc- tober in New Mexico had been banded two months earlier at the Salton Sea; another skimmer banded there on the same August day was seen alive in Maricopa County, Ari- zona, in mid-September. Against the odds, even endangered species are being detected across the continent: a Wi/ma-blown Piping Plover showed up at El Palmar Reserve near Celestun, Yucatan, Mexico 30 October; the marked bird had been banded in Big Quill Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada onl3 July. What a small world we occupy with these hardy travelers. The intricacies of weather and its influence on bird migration and dispersal can now be studied in great detail by virtually anyone in the world who has access to a good computer connected to the Internet. Most of the mete- orological products featured in this essay can be found on-line and can help guide us in our birding, whether for choosing our field days carefully or for studying more formally the ef- fects of regional weather patterns on our local birding environments. Even with all this tech- nology at our disposal for understanding our environment, we marvel at the birds we mon- itor, particularly in desperate times such as these. Nevertheless, despite their sometimes frail appearances, many birds do have re- markable adaptations to protect them from all but the worst weather conditions. Can we re- ally visualize, with Walt Whitman, the course of a frigatebird — moving with a powerful hur- ricane for days at a time, making landfall in Nova Scotia, then still having the energy to re- turn homeward? The weather events of 2005 that permitted us to witness so many remark- able bird movements compel us to marvel that, among the thousands that perished, so many birds somehow survived the season’s storms. In reading carefully through all the re- gional reports, we were delighted to find bits of good news to balance or offset the bad: Rusty Blackbird numbers seemed well up this year in many places, after decades of apparent decline (watch for birds color-banded in the Yukon); and the avalanche of kinglets, spar- rows, chickadees, creepers, and warblers not- ed above surely betokens a fine breeding sea- son in the boreal woods. Acknowledgments We thank Dr. Sidney A. Gauthreaux and Dr. Carroll Belser for providing radar imagery from the archives at Clemson University Radar Ornithology Laboratory and William R. Evans for providing acoustic and visual ac- counts as well as radar images from his own archive. We extend very special thanks to Daniel Lebbin for providing detailed informa- tion on the fallout of 11 October in Ithaca; and we would like to acknowledge here, too, the contributions of Michael Harvey, Tim Lenz, Michael Andersen, Jesse Ellis, Glenn Seeholzer, Lena Samsonenko, Cohn Thoreen, Elbe Wallace, Ryan Douglas, Jake Barnett, Bri- an L. Sullivan, Curtis Marantz, Mark Logan, and Scott Haber. Thanks to our correspon- dents farther afield — Yann Kolbeinsson in Iceland and Mashuq Ahmad in England — for their assistance in sorting out the Palearctic records associated with Hurricane Wilma. Literature cited Brinkley, E. S. 1999. The Changing Seasons: low pressure. North American Birds 53: 12-19. Gauthreaux, S. A., Jr., and C. G. Belser. 1998. Displays of bird movements on the WSR- 88D: patterns and quantification. Weather and Forecasting 13: 453-464. Gauthreaux, S. A., Jr., and C. G. Belser. 1999. Reply to Black and Donaldson (1999), “Comments on ‘Displays of Bird Move- ments on WSR-88D: patterns and quantifi- cation’.” Weather and Forecasting 14: 1041- 1042. Gill, R. E., Jr., T. Piersma, G. Hufford, R. Servranckx, and A. Riegen. 2005. Crossing the ultimate ecological barrier: evidence for an 11,000-km-long nonstop flight from Alaska to New Zealand and eastern Australia by Bar-tailed Godwits. Condor 107:1-20. Sullivan, B. L. 2004. The Changing Seasons: The Big Picture. North American Birds 58: 14-29. 26 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS In Memoriam Richard Tompkins Paul 26 April 1946-11 November 2005 Bird conservation in the Tampa Bay region of Florida lost a powerful ally with the death of Richard T. Paul of Tampa on 11 November 2005. He was 59. From 1972 until his retirement in 2003, Rich was an ornithologist for Audubon. Although he studied Greater Flamingos and White-crowned Pigeons in the West Indies, Golden Eagles in Wyoming, and Reddish Egrets in Florida, where most of Rich’s life and work was spent. Beginning in 1980 and beyond his “retirement,” Rich guarded wading bird rookeries along the central and southern Gulf coast of Florida, within Audubon’s Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries. These sanctuaries, consist- ing of both public and privately owned islands, were carefully monitored and regularly patrolled by Rich and others to control raccoon depredation and hu- man- and dog-disturbance during the critical nesting season. Rich expanded the scope of the sanctuaries from nine islands in 1980 to 50 by 2003, support- ing nearly 50,000 pairs of 25 species of colonial breeders. Paramount among these were the two islands, known as Alafia Bank, owned by Mosaic Fertilizer at the mouth of the Alafia River south of Tampa. The islands and a new environmental education center built nearby have been named for Rich, in honor of his decades of dedication to the birds and their habitat here. Rich reveled in sharing both John James Audubon’s birthday and Roger Tory Peterson’s initials. He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, the home of W.E.D. Scott, who first surveyed the great colonial bird rookeries along Florida’s Gulf coast in the 1880s and documented their decimation by plume hunters over the next several decades. Rich delighted in entertaining friends with bad puns or jokes such as: “What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t come back? A stick.” Rich was the summer seasonal editor of the Florida region for American Birds, Field Notes, and North Ameri- can Birds from 1983 through 2000, in the final years co-authored with Ann Schnapf, whom he married. He co-au- thored with Peter Lowther the Reddish Egret account for the Birds of North America series, and he helped to docu- ment the first nesting record of Elegant Tern away from the Pacific coast, on one of his sanctuary islands in Tampa Bay in May-June 2002. Among numer- ous awards presented to Rich during his long career, he was posthumously presented with Audubon’s Guy Bradley Award for Lifetime Achievement at a memorial service in November 2005. Rich is survived by his wife Ann, son David, daughter Laura, parents George and Doris, one brother, one sister, and two stepsons. He will also be terribly missed by a great many friends and admirers. Bill Pranty 8515 Village Mill Row Bayonet Point, Florida 34667 (billpranty@hotmail.com) VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 27 © ABA-Endorsed Tours Amor ican Bird in g° Enjoy Very Special B i r d i n g 2006 CANADA, NORTH AMERICA, ABA AREA Northern Alberta Rocky Mountains and Boreal Forest: Up to 20 singing warbler species, including Palm, Mourning, Connecticut, and Canada; as many as 18 singing sparrows, including Baird's, LeConte's, Nelson's Sharp-tailed, and Swamp. Nesting Red-necked Grebe, White-winged Scoter, Boreal Chickadee, and Three-toed Woodpecker. Jasper hosts Black Swift, WT Ptarmigan, Timberline Sparrow, and GC Rosy-Finch, plus bear, bighorn, moose and mtn. goat. All tours max at 6-7 people. 7-16 )uly 2006. Contact: Stephen Shunk, Paradise Bird Tours for Bird Lovers, http://www.paradisebirding.com, (541) 549-8826 (home), 541- 408-1753 (cell), 541-549-8937 (fax). Eastern Oregon Malheur Weekends Spring at Malheur Refuge features Clark’s Grebe, Ross's Goose, Franklin's Gull, Sandhill Crane, Prairie Falcon, Gray Flycatcher, Canyon Wren, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Lazuli Bunting Green-tailed Towhee, Sage Thrasher, Bobolink, Yellow-headed Blackbird. Fall trips include autumn colors of Steens Mountain for Black Rosy-Finch, Townsend's Solitaire, and abundant migrating raptors, plus Trumpeter Swan, Varied Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ferruginous Hawk, and migrant songbirds at Mal- heur Refuge. All tours max at 6-7 people. FALL— 14-17 September 2006. Contact: Stephen Shunk, Paradise Bird Tours for Bird Lovers, http://wtvtv.paradisebirding.com, (541) 549-8826 (home), (541) 408-1753 (cell), (541) 549-8937 (fax). Southeast Arizona Fiesta Delight in the specialties known to visit or reside in SE Arizona. Begin and end in Tucson, with stops at die famous havens: Madera Canyon, Patagonia, the Huachucas, Cave Creek Canyon and the Chiricahuas. Owling included. Should approach 200 species. P.D. I hike, leader. 14-24 July 2006. Contact: OBServ Tours, Bob Odear, (615) 356- 4982; observtours@bellsouth.net; tvww.observtours.com. MEXICO Mazatlan and the Durango Road After initial explorations near Mazatlan for coastal species we will begin the climb from the seaside to the high, arid plain east of the Sierra Madre Occidental. As we climb through the mountains there is a marked change in flora, and hence, in the birds. The prize endemic of the trip is Tufted lay among the 35+ endemics. Led By PD llttlce, our most experi- enced leader 20-27 June 2006. Contact: Bob Odear at OBServ Tours, Inc., 3901 Trimble Road, Nashville, TN 37215; (615) 292- 2739; observtours@bellsouth.net; www.observtours.com. Barranca del Cobre, Mexico Experience Mexico's spectacular Copper Canyon by van and train from tropical Sinaloa through the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental to high Chihuahuan Desert. We should encounter about 200 species, including Blue-footed Booby, Short-tailed Hawk, Mexican Parrotlet, Berylline Hummingbird, Black-throated Magpie-lay and Slate-throated Redstart and seek out the Eared Quetzal. Led by David MacKay and Rick Taylor. 12-19 August 2006. Contact: Borderland Tours, (800) 525-7753; rtaylor@borderland-tours.com; www.borderland-tours.com. CARIBBEAN Zapata Peninsula, Northern Archipelago & Eastern Endemic Birding Regions of Cuba This trip covers locations in western, central and eastern endemic habi- tats and visits both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, offering the best opportunities for the greatest number of endemics and other species. 11-20 January 2007 Contact Gary Markowski, Cuba Bird Study Program, cubirds@aol.com, (860) 350-6752; CBSP, PO Box 355, New Milford, CT 06776. CENTRAL a SOOTH AMERICA Guatemala Arrangements are being made for this fine birding destination with our friends at Siemer & Hand Travel. Includes trips to the world's second largest neo-tropical rainforest, and the Los Tarrales Nature Reserve. Also bird a shade coffee plantation, and Tikal National Park. Look for the Re- splendent Quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala, at the Biotope Quet- zal Reserve. 8-19 October 2006. Contact: Siemer & Hand Travel, wtvw.siemerhand.com, travel@siemerhand.com, (800) 451-4321. Expedition to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Torres del Paine Your adventure begins in enchanting Buenos Aires, then fly to Ushuaia to embark on the Mare Australis. Explore the islands of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, legendary Cape Horn, the Strait of Magellan and breathtaking Beagle Channel, with Zodiac landings for close-up views. At Torres del Paine, stay at the Explora Hotel Salto Chico, with three days of exploring. Enjoy penguins, albatross, and coastal species. 29 Oc- tober-9 November 2006. Contact: Clipper Cruise Lines, www.clippercruise.com, groupres@intrav.com, (800) 456-0020. Expedition to the Chilean Fjords loin David Ascanio, outstanding bird guide, for 15 days along the Chilean coastline aboard the Clipper Adventurer. Meet in Santiago before flying to Punta Arenas to embark the ship. Sail the Strait of Magellan, looking for Black-browed Albatross, Antarctic Giant Petrel, and Magellanic Div- ing-Petrel. Enjoy Zodiac landings along the way to Puerto Natales, the Kirke Narrows, and the islands of Chile Patagonia. Disembark in Ushuaia. 8-22 November 2006. www.clippercmise.com, groupres@intrav. com, Contact: Clipper Cruise Lines, (800) 456-0200. Expedition to the Chilean Fjords, 2007 After two nights in Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia to board the Clipper Adventurer destined for Punta Arenas. Zodiac landings for better birding opportunities, with albatross, petrels and penguins on the agenda. 22 February-8 March 2007. Contact Clipper Cruise l ine, www.clip- percruise.com, groupres@intrav.com, (800)456-0020. Peru With the success of the 2006 trip to Pern, we have decided to offer it again. Visit Cusco, stay at comfortable Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, then the fabulous birding and lodge at Manu Wildlife Center. A train ride to Machu Picchu should afford good birding as well as the the opportunity for endemics there. 16-29 June 2007. Contact Siemer & Hand Travel, www.siemerhand.com, travel@siemerhand.com, (800)451-4321. EUROPE Expedition from the Arctic Circle to the Norwegian Fjords Begin your journey in Oslo, taking in the charm of the historic Viking past. A flight to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard Archipelago crosses the Arctic Circle the first time. Transfer to the Clipper Adventurer to cruise along the coast of the archipelago, enjoying the pelagic and coastal birds with Scottish naturalist Chris Hill. Zodiac landings will afford looks at loons, fulmars, eiders, and jaegers. 17-30 August 2006. Contact: Clipper Cruise Lines, www.clippercruise.com, groupres@intrav.com, (800) 456-0200. Spain This customized trip is designed to see the maximum numbers of birds in the height of southward migration from Europe to Africa. There is no better place to see the spectacle of hundreds of migrating birds and raptors! Visit rocky habitats and marshlands for endemics as well. Fall 2007. Contact Siemer & Hand Travel, wtvw.siemerhand.com, travel@siemerhand.com, (800)451-4321. AFRICA South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger South Africa is a mega-diversity country with 58 endemic and near-en- demic birds, more than any other African country. Sensational birds such as the African Penguin, Blue Crane, Cape Rockjumper, a suite of small endemic bustards, the African Black Oystercatcher, Knysna Turaco and at least 30 species of endemic larks and chats. Species include a host of storks and vultures, spectacular raptors and a host of bee-eaters, hornbills, kingfishers, barbets, sunbirds, iridescent starlings, waxbills, and bush-shrikes. We will search for elephants, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinos, and other mega-fauna. We can expect to see at least 400 birds species. 14-28 October 2006. Contact: Tropical Birding, Africa and Asia Division, 17 Toucan Tropics, Bloubergrise, 7441, South Africa. Tel/fax: +27-21-556-4124 / 557 6575. Fax: + 27 21 557 6575. Mobile: + 27-82-400-3400, tropicalbirding@telkomsa.net. Uganda: The Pearl of Africa This tiny country supports more than 1000 bird species. Shoebills at Murchison Falls, or endemics at Bwindi National Park are incredibly rewarding. Mountain Gorillas! We should see over 500 bird species while enjoying the remarkable scenery and wildlife. Uganda has an ex- cellent infrastructure. Great diversity of habitats. Uganda now rivals Kenya as the most visited country in Africa. Ecotourism has been posi- tively encouraged for the last decade. 22 July-6 August 2006. Con- tact: Tropical Birding, Africa and Asia Division, 17 Toucan Tropics, Bloubergrise, 7441, South Africa. Tel/fax: +27-21-556- 4124 / 557 6575. Fax: + 27 21 557 6575. Mobile: + 27-82-400- 3400. tropicalbirding@telkomsa.net. Birding in Kenya Our safari birding guide once again this year is Brian Finch, considered by many to be one of the best field ornithologists in East Africa. De- part Nairobi in a chartered plane to a window seat in a comfortable LandCruiser to take in the Kenyan landscape and fabulous birds. Visit the Samburu Game Reserve, the varied habitats of Mt. Kenya, and the thrill of Lake Baringo. We finish our loop at the Massai Mara National Reserve before heading back to Nairobi. Hornbills, rollers, sunbirds, and barbets will be daily fare. Expect spectacles! 2-14 August 2006. Contact Siemer & Hand Travel, www.siemerhand.com, travel@siemerhand.com, (800) 451-4321. South Africa Get to know the real South Africa with the small group specialists. Set departures and exclusively tailored birding and wildlife safaris. Guided and self-drive options. SA endemics along trails less traveled, personal- ized field attention and handpicked accommodations with great hospi- tality and traditional country fare. Relaxed birders to intensive listers. Cape Town to Kruger Park (Feb 2007). Garden Route to Addo Elephant Park (Mar 2007). Limpopo Bushveld to the rugged Drakensberg Escarp- ment (Apr 2007). Owner-run “birder friendly" self-catering accommo- dation facility directly above the African Penguin coastal reserve. Great pelagic trips for seabirds -scheduled and chartered trips. Birding experi- ences to take away and never forget. Contact Avian Leisure, wtvtv.avianleisure.com, enquiries@avianleisure.com, tel/fax +27- 21-786-1414, cell +27-83-272-2455. ASIA Turkey Our friends at Siemer & Hand Travel are putting together a wonderful trip for us during the height of migration. This custom-designed itiner- ary takes in western Turkey, including Kusadasi, Bursa, the marshlands of Lake Marmara, the Mediterranean Sea, and the rugged slopes of the Uludag Mountains. Early May 2007. Contact Siemer & Hand Travel, wtvw.siemerhand.com, travel@siemerhand.com, (800)451-4321. India Waiting for die perfect opportunity to visit places like the birder's para- dise of Sultanpur iheel, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Khana Na- tional Park and the Pench Tiger Reserve? Travel with experienced guide and avid birder Peter Kennerley - see roughly 150 bird species in just one morning! India is home to 14% of the world's birds, about 1200 species. Opuonal post trip to Kaziranga. 1-14 November 2006. Con- tact: Siemer & Hand Travel, wwtvsiemerhand.com, travel@siemerhand.com, (800)451-4321. PACIFIC OCEAN Eastern Australia Australia, the island continent, has an incredible number (338) of en- demic bird species and endemic bird families. Our tour starts in Tasma- nia with beautiful forest birding and a pelagic trip. We then visit the mainland with arid bushland, wet sderophyll hill forest, coastal heath- lands and beaches, before ending with tropical and highland rain- forests, and the savanna grasslands of northern Australia. 28 August-14 September 2006. Contact: Chris Doughty's Peregrine Bird Tours, 2 Drysdale Place, Mooroolbark 3138 Victoria, Aus- tralia Tel 613 9726 8471; fax 613 9727 1545; info@peregrinebird- tours.com; www.sub.net.au/~vwspbt01/. Nature Cruising Through the Philippine Islands Enjoy the comforts of the Clipper Odyssey while exploring the magic of the Philippines. Shore excursions and sightseeing included in 18 days of travel. 3-20 April 2007. Optional post trip to Hong Kong. Contact Clipper Cruise Line, wtvtvclippercruise.com, groupres@intrav.com, (800)456-0200. Wild Hawaii loin Rob Pacheco on a new itinerary for the islands. We will visit the vast variety of habitats and elevations to see the greatest number of bird species, both endemic and introduced. This trip sells out every year, so make plans early to join us! 13-23 March 2007. Contact Siemer & Hand Travel, tvtvtv.siemerhand.com, travel@siemer- hand.com, (800)451-4321. For more tours go to www.americanbirding.org/tours m AmericanBirding ASSOC IATION Item # 13691, Panama $9.50 ABA SALES 800-634-7736 • www.americanbirding.org OTHER FLAVORS OF SONGBIRD COFFEE AVAILABLE AT ABA SALES: One of the rarest, most beautiful, and most mysterious birds in the world, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has reappeared in the deep swamp forests of Arkansas. Feared extinct for decades, the species may also persist elsewhere within its former range, as significant remnants of the great southern forests are being protected and nurtured back to their former glory. The magnificent Ivory-billed Woodpecker speaks to us about our past, and about hopes for our future. This was a bird of the ancient forests. When we clear-cut the old growth southern forests, humans virtually eliminated the special haunts of this magnificent species. By securing and restoring large expanses of forest across the southern U.S. and allowing these places to grow old in their natural condition, we can hope that one day Ivory-billed Woodpeckers will again grace the treetops of our great southern forests. Your purchase of this coffee directly aids the Big Woods Conservation Partnership in the securing and restoration of the Ivory-bill habitat. Money raised from sales of the Ivory-bill blend is shared by the ABA and the BWCP. This shade grown, organic and fair trade coffee from Nicaragua, grown as the understory of the forest, also maintains winter feed- ing habitat for our neotropical migrants and provides the farmers of the cooperative with a living wage from growing coffee in a healthy and sustain- able environment. Ivory-billed Woodpecker $9.50 Available in a light or dark roast and decaf Item # 13686, Item # 13687, Hazelnut $9.50 Guatemalan $9.50 Item # 13688, Costa Rican $9.50 Item French Roast $9.50 Editors' Notebook How else can we put it? Thank you, immensely, to for the generous dona- tions to The Friends of North Ameri- can Birds Fund, which enjoyed another record-breaking year in 2005. The fund, which may soon top $40,000 since its incep- tion in 2002, has literally given the journal a new life, providing the financial stability to showcase twice as many articles and photo- graphs (up to 250 images per issue) as before, new features such as the Photo Salon, ex- panded Changing Seasons essays, and a stur- dy wrapper for safe mailing. We finished the year in black ink, our favorite color, and even have some to spare for 2006. For this issue, we are delighted to present in detail some of the more amazing discoveries from Pacific offshore waters, including potentially three new species for North America: Ringed Storm-Petrel, Parkinsons Petrel, and Solan- der’s Petrel. We could not resist inclusion of a final seabird. Lesser Frigatebird, just North America’s second, which paid a visit to Michi- gan (and who knows where else?) after Hur- ricane Katrina. This journal’s value in documenting — and disseminating news about — changes in bird migration, vagrancy, breeding distribution, and storm-related mortality, among other as- pects of their natural history — has never been more compelling and clear than it is in this era of global warming, of ferocious tropical cy- clones, and dramatic fluctuations in ocean currents and communities. Although the por- trait we have painted of 2005’s fascinating fall season is incomplete, as every deadline-driven history must be, we hope that it allows the continents birders to see that all their hard work in documenting local birds has a home, a context, a value for fellow and future birders and ornithologists. Without the common ground that this journal provides, all those records of the Chimney Swifts scattered by Hurricane Wilma, from Barbados to France, would remain unconnected, buried in note- books or cyber-archives. Because we do live in such changeable times, technologically and climatologically, we are able as never before to record what we observe and to pass our un- derstanding to posterity. The support of our subscribers and our supporters makes that mission possible — and we thank, too, all of you who have encouraged friends and col- leagues to subscribe: nothing is so uplifting as the chance to deepen the collaborative work The "Friends of North American Birds" 2005 $2500 - $5000 Steven G. Mlodinow $500 -$1000 George Bing Robert 0. Paxton Anthony W. White $200 - $499 Robert Righter Andrew P. Ednie William Stott $100- $150 Deborah Allen Joseph Burgiel William Blakeslee Victor Fazio Charlotte Friend Randy Pinkston Robert L. Pyle Paul Schwalbe Carol Selvey Jean Warneke $50 - $99 Blair Nikula James Meritt Robert Duncan Benjamin Parmeter Virginia Maynard Robert Cecil Paul J. Baicich Paul Voigt $25 - $49 Daphne Gemmill Cecil Kersting Robert Hilton Andrew Smith Langdon Stevenson of this journal through a new subscription. Changing of the Guard For the past six years, I have resisted the temptation to misprint our Photo Editor’s name as Matte Sharp. After yeoman’s work, truly, in bringing the photographs we receive into a format compatible with the printing process and paper we use, assembling and editing captions, and corresponding with hundreds of photographs, Matt Sharp has decided to pass the baton and to devote more time to teaching his two-year-old son, Miller, the finer points of birding and other great ac- tivities. Matt has weathered, with aplomb, what was perhaps the most trying and awk- ward period of this journal’s photographic history: not the addition of color to the most- ly black-and-white format (which occurred in 1976) but the uneven, six-year transition from dealing primarily with print and slide material, as we did until fairly recently, to dealing almost exclusively with digital im- agery— now over 99% of our submissions — a medium that has increased photographic submissions by about 500% in four years. Few, other than people who work in publish- ing, will appreciate all the changes of the re- cent years: scanners and other hardware have evolved rapidly (and some have now become almost obsolete!); software packages, both for handling images and for publishing, are outdated almost as soon as one starts to gain proficiency with them; and then there are the digital images themselves, which have been a blessing, in most respects, but a challenge in many others: we receive a fair number of dig- ital images second-hand, without real cer- tainty about their photographer, location, date, or degree of manipulation. And so with the deluge of very nice digital material now streaming in by email, the Photo Editor’s task has often been to track down the sources of mystery material, a time-consuming affair to say the least. Matt has always taken the bull by the horns, scoffed at the setbacks, and kept abreast of the latest technological ad- vances, often in consultation with Bryan Patrick, Ed Rother, and Jim Harris, who are responsible for the layout of the journal. From all of us who work on the journal: it has been a great experience working with good-natured Matt, and we wish him the very best in all future endeavors! Taking over the Photo Editor’s desk is a fa- miliar friend of the journal, Brian Sullivan, who has been a steadfast contributor of records for 15 years. Brians past work has in- cluded hard-core full-season raptor censuses, from the Great Lakes to Cape May to the Chesapeake Bay; bird surveys of many sorts, 30 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK East and West; and lately extensive photogra- phy, editing, and writing on bird-related top- ics. His current employment takes advantage of his energy and versatility: he is the western Project Leader of the audacious eBird initia- tive (), familiar to readers of the journal, and is also Photo Editor for the equally remarkable Birds of North America On-line. Needless to say, we’re excited to have Brian on board as co-worker. Please send him photographic material through your regional editor(s) or to him directly at heraldpetrel@gmail.com (or to: Brian L. Sul- livan, 612 Larkin Street, Monterey, California 93940). It is long overdue that our Associate Edi- tors group had a Canadian birder in its ranks, and we are pleased to announce here that Alan Wormington, who works both as a bio- logical consultant and birding tour guide, will join the team. He currently lives in Point Pelee serves on the Ontario Bird Records Committee and is a past member of the ABA Checklist Committee. Alan is known to many as a subregional editor, since 1978, for this journal and as a frequent contributor of records and photographs to its pages. He is an avid birder across the continent but is partic- ularly fond of Ontario and Texas. His recent stints have included the Zeiss Search for Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Louisiana in 2002 and three seasons offshore in the Gulf of Mexico in the Migration-over-the-Gulf Pro- ject sponsored by Louisiana State University. Welcome, Alan, and we hope to print fewer Canadian corrigenda in the future! Correction Corners An error in the caption for the cover photo- graph for the Nesting Season issue (Vol. 59, No. 4) was corrected by many botanically aware Kansans. Though the American Three- toed Woodpecker in Morton County, Kansas was found very near one of the few large mesquites in the state, it foraged not in mesquite but Plains Cottonwood (Populus deltoides monilifera ), the tree on which it was photographed, and Siberian Elm ( Ulmus putnila ). The previous issue, Vol. 59, No. 3, has a lamentable error on page 461: rather than Randy Pinkston, Eric Carpenter should have been listed as co-author to the Texas/Spring Migration column. Our sincere apologies to Eric for the inadvertent switch! In matters more minor, but no less incor- rect, two reports of Band-rumped Storm-Pe- trels require correction, one 17 September 2004 (Barbour County, Alabama; N.A.B. 59: 91; a typographic error for Wilson’s Storm-Pe- trel), the other 19 September 2003 (in Belle- fonte, Pennsylvania; N.A.B. 58: 51; undocu- mented). In the same order, the Audubon’s Shearwater driven by Hurricane Dennis to Kentucky Lake, Kentucky 12 July 2005 (N.A.B. 59: 555) should have been listed as the first confirmed inland for the United States, not for the continent: Alan Worming- ton notes that a specimen (CMN 62529) is extant from Almonte, Ontario, a bird found 8 September 1975 following the decay of Hurri- cane Caroline to the south, over eastern Ken- tucky. The specimen was first identified as the nominate subspecies but later re-identified as the less-expected southern Caribbean sub- species loyemilleri. In addition, there are a few unconfirmed reports of the species (or of small black-and-white shearwaters) inland elsewhere. A photograph of a Stygian Owl (N.A.B. 59: 661) was identified correctly but was an im- age of a fledgling, not an adult. Several sen- tences (N.A.B. 59: 558 and 588) implied that Ross’s Goose was not known to nest in On- tario until 2005; what should have been indi- cated is that atlassers found and documented the first actual nests of Ross’s Goose in the province. And finally, there are three correc- tions to be made for tyrannids: a bird pho- tographed in Suffolk, Virginia 7 June 2005 was a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, not a Swallow- tailed Kite, as published (N.A.B. 59: 579); a Least Flycatcher nest said to be the first for Kentucky was in fact the second documented in the state (N.A.B. 59: 607); and a Gray Fly- catcher reported to be the first for Alberta (N.A.B. 59: 614), was in fact the second, the first having been found in Calgary 1-20 July 1999. Thanks to Paul Hess, Sam Sinderson, Brainard Palmer-Ball, and Andrew Slater for sending these corrections. — Edward S, Brinkley Friends of NAB, American Birding Association, 4945 N. 30th Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80919, www.americanbirding.org/pubs/nab/friends.html 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 miiiimeter(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 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 31 Atlantic Provinces & St. Pierre et Miquelon Killinek I. a Tomgat Mtns. N. P •Hebron SEA LABRADOR Cape Harrison m Nain / topedale ^ Cartwright I G E Schefferville (PQ) Smallwood Mtns. Res. « •N.P. Red _ Goose Bay Bay ir/*hill C^llc * ■ Gannet Island ^ Ecological Reserve Mealy * Mtns Strait of Belle Isle Labrador City \ Wabush QUEBEC „ L’Anse-aux-Meadows • •St. Anthony Gander NEWFOUNDLAND i \f~7 V-l Gros * ■ MTp nZ fUt. John's St. ® Corner NP Avalon Lawrence Brook V/\ peninsula Gulf of Port-aux- V: a int-Pierre \ 1 Cape ^ Charlotte- Cabot Strait et Miquelon pfpe , v town q _ n , ... .7 j .. n St. Marys m : j East ■ Cape Breton Highlands N.P > Bathurst ; 1 Pl * Sydney / • Cape Breton I. MS°amt'0n*B c *Ca"S° UdereiNova ( Fredericton* John ^ C 'V NOVA SCOTIA ScoSaS/teo: ^ • Halifax-Dartmouth MAINE . „ vE •Lunenberg flW*YamU Sea*.’ CaPeSl A Pictou B Amherst C Truro D Wolfville E Digby Bruce Mactavish To quote the chief editor of Nova Scotia Birds , Lance Laviolette: "it was the sea- son of a million rarities.” The remnants of Hurricane Wilma made sure of that, with a displacement of birds unparalleled by any other Atlantic Canada hurricane in recorded history. But even without Wilma’s wondrous wrath it was banner year for rarities. WATERFOWL THROUGH VULTURES Reports of Greater White-fronted Geese in- cluded one at the sewage pond at Windsor, NS 7 Oct-9 Nov (m.ob.) and an orange-billed ad., presumably fiavirostris, photographed at St. Shotts, NF 29 Sep-2 Oct (TP et al.). A Barna- cle Goose, considered wild by some, was seen in a held with migrant Canada Geese at Lower Cloverdale, near Moncton for several days be- ginning on 4 Nov (ST et al.). Presumably, this is the same Barnacle Goose that has been seen intermittently in the same held in late fall in recent years. There was a small local influx of Tundra Swans to w. Nova Scotia, with 4 at West Pubnico 21 Nov (MN), 4 at Amiraults Hill 22 Nov QN), 2 at Port Clyde 23 Nov (SAH), and 4 at Melbourne Sanctuary (RSD). An ad. Pacihc Loon at Caissie Cape, NB 24 Q | Redheads staged an unprecedented influx into *Jlrthe Region, beginning in late Sep. Most birds then remained to late fall, which probably indicated that many of the Redheads found later had in fact arrived in late Sep/early Oct. In New Brunswick, there were at least 50 individuals, with single flocks of up to 10 ( fide BD). There was a flock of 12 at Souris, PEI 19 Nov (David Seeler) and at least 63 in Nova Scotia. Newfoundland, for which there were only four previous records, had a dozen in St. John's alone. Nov was the 5th for the province; this species is very rare in the Region (ST). The Stephenville Crossing, NF Western Reef- Heron discovered in Jun was last seen 6 Sep, and the Little Egret there was last seen 20 Sep (Terry Downey). A Black Vulture was at Canso 12-15 Sep (Tom Crane). Impressive tallies of Turkey Vultures from Brier I., NS in- cluded 50 on 24 Oct and 40 on 18 Nov (EM). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS A juv. European Golden-Plover at St. Shotts, NF 6 Nov was well observed and documented with photographs, a first autumn record for the province (KK, DB, JWe). Two pairs of American Oystercatchers at Cape Sable I., NS managed to rear broods of 3 and one young (MN et al.). A Long-billed Curlew was shot at Miquelon, SPM 18 Sep following the passage of Hurricane Ophelia , a Category 1 storm with winds of up to 80 mph that tracked rather di- rectly from se. North Carolina to Miquelon. The head and wings are preserved. It was the first for the French islands and the only mod- ern-day record for the Region (fide RE). A Eurasian Whimbrel was identified at Cape Bonavista, NF 26 Aug (Jon Joy). The only Up- land Sandpiper sightings were one at Sable I., NS 25 Sep (ZL) and one at Cape Spear, NF 28 Sep (TP). The only Marbled Godwit, at Og- den’s Pond, Antigonish, NS 14 Nov+, was per- haps a Wilma waif (RLF et al.). The only Ruff was at Cape Freels, NF 24 Sep (Kevin Butler). Three of the 4 Western Sand- pipers in Nova Scotia were ob- served in Nov and were suspected to be victims of the Wilma displacement. New- foundland’s first well-docu- mented Western Sandpiper was at Spaniard’s Bay 7 Sep (BMt, KK). Both Curlew Sandpipers were ads. in Newfoundland: at St.John’s 12-16 Aug (AH et al.) and at St. Shotts 2 Oct (DB et al.). Concentrations of phala- ropes in the Bay of Fundy were good this year, with a report of 50,000 Red Phalaropes off Brier 1., NS 8 Sep (EM). There were 50,000 Bona- parte’s Gulls feeding in the tidal rips at Campobello L, NB 22 Sep (Norm Famous). Record-high numbers of Black- headed Gulls went through St. John’s, with peak days in Nov hitting 200 (PL, BMt). There were up to 3 nominate Mew Gulls in St. John’s in Nov, including an individual that arrived on 25 Sep (BMt). An ad. Yellow-legged Gull 12 Nov was early for St.John’s, NF (BMt, TP). A Sabine’s Gull photographed off St. Pierre, SPM 8 Sep was amazingly a first record for the French islands (fide RE). Newfoundland’s first Sooty Tern was an ad. freshly killed and mostly eaten by a Peregrine Falcon near Cape Race on 18 Oct (Julie Cappleman). No tropi- cal storm could be called to account for its presence there, but a strong southerly wind 17 Oct may have been responsible for its occur- rence. A Forster’s Tern was rare at Grand Manan I., NB 17 Sep (fide BD). DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Why is it some feeders routinely get White- winged Doves? The birds probably aren’t the same individuals coming back every year. Doreen Rossiter’s feeder at Alma, NB had yet another on 5 Sep. Not to be outdone, Tom Ka- vanaugh’s feeder at Canso, NS, no stranger to White-winged Doves, had 3 in the time pe- riod 19 Oct-30 Nov. Yet another White- winged Dove was at a feeder at Portuguese Cove, NS 2-30 Nov (HT). Even before the ef- fects of Wilma , it was already deemed a big year for Yellow-billed Cuckoo across the Re- gion, with too many reports to keep track of. A Barn Owl found in a moribund condition at Buctouche, NB 25 Nov was the 7th for the province (fide BD). A young male Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird was at a feeder at Shippagan, MB 5 Oct-11 Nov (Valmond DeGrace et al.). Back to a more normal rou- tine, there were 2 Red-headed and 9 Red-bel- lied Woodpeckers reported in the Region, mainly Nova Scotia. It was a phenomenal fall for Say’s Phoebe, with singles at Miscou I., NB 16 Sep (Robert Doiron); Three Fathom Harbour, NS 10 Sep (SM); Cape Sable I., NS 23-30 Sep (MN et al); Cole Harbour, NS 24 Oct (Gail MacFar- lane); and St. Pierre, SPM 12-14 Nov (RE et al). New Brunswick’s 7th Ash-throated Fly- catcher was well observed by a group at Cape 32 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET MIQUELON Hurricane Wilma resulted in the most significant avian displacement of any hurricane in the history of birding in Atlantic Canada. Atlantic Canadian hurricanes, or the rem- nants of hurricanes, have produced stronger winds, more property damage, and more Laugh- ing Gulls and Black Skimmers, but none have brought the sheer volume of birds and diverse species list approaching the magnitude of Wiima. Hurricanes typically affect a small area where the eye comes ashore. Wiima affected the entire south-facing coast of the Region from the westernmost to the easternmost areas. Wilma spent a week in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico before picking up speed and crossing the s. end of the Florida Peninsula during the early hours of 24 Oct. In the next 24 hours, it traveled northeastward at a remarkable speed (up to 90 km/h) to lie 200 km sw. of Sable L, NS on 25 Oct. Here Wilma merged with a low-pressure area over Nova Scotia. The center of the new low became an oblong, dumbbell-shaped system aligned east-west over Nova Scotia. On 26 Oct, the system was centered on the Grand Banks, se. of Newfoundland, before it headed across the Atlantic, bringing American vagrants by the score to the Western Palearctic. IW/roo-transported birds were first noted on 26 Oct in Nova Scotia and 27 Oct in St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland. The initial signs of a major avian event were the large num- bers of Chimney Swifts, swallows, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. A summary of sightings follows. Magnificent Frigatebird. Seven individuals. Three at Pubnico Harbour, Yarmouth, NS 26 Oct (RSD); one at Seal Harbour, Guysborough 26 Oct (D. Randall); one dead at Sable I., NS 29 Oct (ZL); one at Centreville, Cape Breton 1. 10 Nov (AM, CM); and one at St. Pierre et Miquelon IB- 25 Nov (RE et al.). It is possible the Cape Breton I. bird and St. Pierre bird were the same indi- vidual. Some of the frigatebirds observed were confirmed by photographs as Magnificent; others were presumed to be this species. Ardeids and ibis. There was a smattering of s. herons across the Region immediately after the passage of Wilma, including at least 15 Great Egrets and 21 Snowy Egrets in Nova Scotia. There were also a few Little Blue Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and Glossy Ibis. One ibis seen in Halifax may have been White-faced ibis or a White-faced Ibis x Glossy Ibis hybrid. Blue-winged Teal. Minimum totals of 7 in Nova Scotia, 7 in St. Pierre et Miquelon, and 10 in Newfoundland in late Oct/early Nov were likely Wilma- borne. Black-necked Stilt. Six individuals. Nova Scotia's 10th through 14th records were singles at Seal 1. 28 Oct (FL, IM, MB); Antigonish 3-27 Nov (B. Stevens et al.); Lower Rose Bay, Lunenburg 3-6 Nov (JH et al.); Port Joli, Queens 6 Nov (L. Dean et al.); and Pondville Beach, Richmond 19-20 (V. Keerd et al.). One at Ramea, NL 27 Oct furnished a 2nd provincial record (Richard Northcott, fide BMt). Other shorebirds. American Avocet: 10 Nova Scotia, some staying through Nov (typically one or 2 per fall in Region), Stilt Sandpiper: 37 in Nova Scotia, many staying into Nov, with record-late dates of 26 & 27 Nov at separate locations (normally rare after mid-Oct in the Re- gion). Long-billed Dowitcher: unprecedented numbers; minimum of 140 at 19 locations in Nova Scotia 26 Oct-end of Nov, some into Dec; 21 at Covehead, PEi 13 Nov (Dan Kennedy); and Newfoundland's long overdue first was at St. John's 6-7 Nov (m.ob.), Wilson's Phalarope: one 28-29 Oct at Cape Race, NF, extremely late (KK et al.). Laughing Gull. Approximate totals were 5 in New Brunswick, 300+ in Nova Scotia, 9 in St. Pierre et Miquelon, and 25 in Newfoundland. A marked arrival on 26 Oct in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and 27 Oct in St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland. Many birds lingered through Nov, nearly all departed by early Dec. Franklins' Gull. A remarkable 18 total: 3 in New Brunswick, 12 in Nova Scotia, one in St. Pierre et Miquelon, and 2 in Newfoundland (typically not an annual fall vagrant in the Re- gion). Gull-billed Tern. Four individuals. Three singles in Nova Scotia were at Long Beach, Cape Bre- ton 1. 27 Oct (CM, AM); Morien Bar, Cape Breton 1. 28 Oct (CM, AM); and Cow Bay 31 Oct (Leigh Ogden). One at St. Vincents beach, NF 1-7 Nov furnished a 2nd provincial record (PL et al.). Caspian Tern. Totals of "several" in New Brunswick, 73 in Nova Scotia, 10 in St. Pierre et Miquelon, and one in Newfoundland. Almost none after first week of Nov. Royal Tern. Twenty-seven individuals, the most ever recorded after a hurricane in the Region. Twenty-four in Nova Scotia, nearly all 26-31 Oct. Three at St. Pierre et Miquelon 27 Oct were the first for the French islands (RE et al.). Sandwich Tern. About 33 individuals, all in Nova Scotia, all but one 26 0ct-1 Nov. Fifteen, including 10 dead, were on Sable I. (ZL). There were only three previous records of Sandwich Tern in Nova Scotia! A yellow-billed Sandwich Tern closely observed in a parking lot at Clarke's Harbour was apparently a Cayenne Tern (subspecies eurygnatha) from the s. Caribbean. Common Tern. An incredible 1600+ were tallied in Nova Scotia 26 Oct— 30 Nov ( fide EM). Newfoundland had about 30, and there were a few in New Brunswick and St. Pierre et Miquelon. Common Terns normally leave the Region by mid-Oct. Forster's Tern. Astounding total of 56 individuals, 52 in Nova Scotia and 4 in St. Pierre et Miquelon (first for French islands). Most were observed 26-31 Oct, with some lingering until the end of Nov. Typically one or 2 per autumn in the Region. Least Tern. One at Canso, NS 27 Oct was a late date for this Regional rarity (TK). Black Tern. Five in Nova Scotia between 29 Oct-5 Nov (fide EM) furnished late dates for this scarce Regional species. Black Skimmer. Eighteen individuals at 17 locations, all in Nova Scotia. Eleven occurred 26-31 Oct. The latest, 19 Nov at Wallace, was the only bird on Northhumberland Strait shore- line (fide EM). Yellow-billed Cuckoo. A minimum of 3SO in Nova Scotia, including counts of 50 at Bon Portage 1. 26 Qct and of 45 at Cape Sable 1. 27 Oct. Many were found dead or weak during the first week after the passage of Wilma. The last was 17 Nov. Actual numbers must have been staggering. Interestingly, this flight was hardly noticed outside Nova Scotia (but counts on Bermuda were very similar). Chimney Swift. Perhaps the most significant single species event of Hurricane Wilma was the displacement of thousands of Chimney Swifts. One can only imagine the real numbers in- volved. Many were found dead, and it is probable the majority died. Who knows how many died at sea? Record numbers were carried on to Bermuda and to Europe. It will be interesting to see if a drop in the breeding population of e. North America is detected in summer 2006. The largest numbers were observed in the first week after Wilma. But small flocks survived into late Nov and even early Dec. Maximum counts follow. New Brunswick: 500+ on Grand Manan I. beginning 26 Oct. Last date 21 Nov. A report of "five buckets full" shoveled out of one chimney (BD et al.). Nova Scotia: hundreds roosting on house and nearby tree on Red I., Cape Breton L. night of 26/27 Oct; 300 roosting in chimney at Baddeck, Cape Breton 1. 28 Oct; 400 (300 asphyxiated), Blanche, Sheibourne 28 Oct; 400 at a church in Dartmouth 30 Oct-2 Nov; 100+ at a courthouse in Liverpool 30 Oct-2 Nov ( fide IM). St. Pierre et Miquelon: 350 ob- served 27 Oct, 108 corpses picked up 29 Oct, last observation 10 Nov (fide RE). Newfoundland: 250+, including 150 at Cape Race 27 Oct and 35 entering a chimney at Ship Cove, Placentia 29 Oct, 17 dead in the morning (fide BM). Cave Swallow. Three at Broad Cove, Lunenburg, NS (SC); one at Cow Bay 26 Oct (DC et al.); and one at Bayswater Beach, Lunenburg, NS 27 Oct (BMy). These were certainly related to Wilma. Singles photographed at Canso, NS 10 Nov (TK) and at Murray Corner, NB 1 1-12 Nov (ST et al.) were probably related to a different weather pattern. Other swallows. Significant numbers of Tree and Barn Swallows were carried to Atlantic Canada by Wilma. There were numerous sightings in Nova Scotia, with maximum concentra- tions for each of 50. Most occurred 26-31 Oct, but both species were widespread in low num- bers to the end of Nov. Pale by comparison, yet still unprecedented for the season in Newfoundland, were lOTree, 16 Barn, and one Bank Swallow at Cape Race 28 Oct (KK et al.). Nova Scotia had totals of 19 Northern Rough-winged, 15 Bank, and 88 Cliff Swallows 26-31 Oct { fide HT). There were 2 Purple Martins at Second Pen., Lunenburg, NS 26 Oct (fide HT). VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 33 ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET MIQUELON A Laughing Gull (center) and two Franklin's Gulls were at Hartlen Point, Nova Scotia 6 November 200S, part of the remarkable displacement of thousands of birds by Hurricane Wilma. Photograph by Blake Maybank. Jourimain 20 Nov (Tony Erskine et al.). West- ern Kingbird totals were 5 in New Brunswick and 7 in Nova Scotia. A Scissor-tailed Fly- catcher was photographed at Brier I., NS 7 Aug (Linda Thurber). It was an average year for the s. vireos, with single White-eyed Vireos in both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Yellow-throated Vireos were one in New Brunswick, 2 in Nova Scotia, and 2 in Newfoundland. For the 2nd consecutive autumn, above-normal numbers of Townsend’s Solitaires were found during autumn migration, with singles at Restigouche, NB 17 Nov (Roger Guitard); Seal I., NS 28 Oct (MB, FL, 1M); and Canso, NS 26 Nov (TK). A male Varied Thrush on Sable 1., 21 Oct was a nice find during migra- tion (fide ZL). A significant wave of reverse migrants in Nova Scotia on 18 Oct featured Gray Catbirds: 25 at Crystal Beach, NS 18 Oct (MN) and 30 at Sandy Cove, NS (FL). There was an unprecedented number of cat- birds lingering through Nov and eventually into winter in Nova Scotia. Black-capped Chickadees are often observed in migration in New Brunswick. One thousand moving through a backyard in one morning (3 Oct) at Shediac constituted a huge movement (ST). An ad. and 2 young Carolina Wrens at Lrederiction, NB 7 Aug represented a rare breeding record but was not unexpected for the local area (Peter Pierce). Northern Wheatear reports came from Black Brook, NB 3 Sep (Roy & Charlotte Lapointe) and Cape Race, NF 28 Oct (KK et al). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES An astounding 5 Townsend’s Warblers were seen, including New Brunswick’s first at Fundy N.P. 4-11 Nov (jWi et al.) and another at a Quispamsis feeder 29 Nov-9 Dec (Paul Murray et al). Newfoundland had its 10th through 12th records, all in St. John’s in widely separated areas: 30 Oct-19 Nov (TB et al), 5 Nov-5 Dec (DB et al), and 4 Dec (BMt). Southern warblers are sought-after prizes of autumn birding in the Region; a summary follows. Blue-winged Warbler, all in Sep: 4 in New Brunswick; one in Nova Scotia, one in St. Pierre et Miquelon, and 2 in Newfoundland. Golden- winged Warbler: one on Grand Manan L, NB 3 Sep (jWi et al.) and one at Schooner Pond, Cape Breton l, NS 1 Oct (AM, CM). Yel- low-throated Warbler: 2 in New Brunswick, 2 in Nova Scotia, one in St. Pierre et Miquelon, and 3 in Newfoundland. Prairie Warblers were particularly numerous, with totals too confusing for compilers to track. Cerulean Following Hurricane Wilma, three Gull-billed Terns were found in Nova Scotia and one in Newfoundland. This bird was at Port Morien on the Morien Bar, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia 27 October 2005. Photograph by Allan and Cathy Murrant. Warbler: one at Whites Lake, NS 28 Sep (BMy). It was a banner year for Prothonotary Warbler, with 7 in Nova Scotia and 3 in New- foundland. Worm-eating Warbler: 3 in Nova Scotia, all in Sep. Kentucky Warbler: one at Saint John, NB 23 Aug (RB) and 2 in New- foundland, where oddly more regular. Hooded Warbler: 5 in Nova Scotia and 2 in Newfoundland. There were many Yellow- breasted Chats. A male Western Tanager was well seen and pho- tographed at Westfield, NB 9 Nov (Carol & Bill Sut- ton). A female or first-fall male Western Tanager was on Sable L, NS 25 Sep (ZL). It was a good fall for Sum- mer Tanagers, with one at a feeder in Saint John, NB 9 Nov (Barb Rossly), 4 in Nova Scotia 19-26 Oct, one at St. Pierre, SPM 28 Oct (fide RE), and 2 in Newfoundland in late Oct. Nova Scotia had an above-average 20 each of Clay-colored and Field Sparrows. A Field Sparrow at Cape Race 10 Oct was a provincial rarity (DB). It was an above-average fall for Lark Sparrow, with about 15 reported in the Region. A Le Conte’s Sparrow was reported without details on Cape Sable L, NS 18-19 Sep. An imm. Golden-crowned Sparrow was photographed at Herring Cove, Fundy N.P. 12 Oct for the 3rd provincial record (ST et al). A Seaside Sparrow was well seen across the road from the above-mentioned Golden-crowned Sparrow at Herring Cove, NB 12 Oct (ST et al). Fifteen Blue Grosbeaks in Nova Scotia was not considered a major fallout. It was an above-average autumn for Dickcissel. Rem- nants of a tropical depression 18 Sep brought exceptional numbers of Baltimore Orioles to the s. coast of Nova Scotia, with flocks of up to 50 reported. Among them was an Orchard Oriole at Cape Sable I., NS 18 Sep (EM). A very late Orchard Oriole was the same loca- tion on 10 Nov (MN). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): Mike Bentley, Todd Boland, Roger Bur- rows, Dave Brown, Shirley Cohrs, Dave Currie, Brian Dalzell, Raymond d’En- tremont, Roger Etcheberry, Trina Fitzgerald, Sylvia Fullerton, Roger Guitard, James Hir- tle, Tom Kavanaugh, Ken Knowles, Randy Lauff, Fulton Lavender, Lance Laviolette, Paul Linegar, Zoe Lucas, Brace Mactavish (BMt), Blake Maybank (BMy), Ken McKenna, Ian McLaren, Susann Meyers, Eric Mills, Cathy Murrant, Alan Murrant, Murray Newell, Tom Plath, Dave Shepherd, Stuart Tingley, Hans Toom, John Wells QWe), Jim Wilson (JWi). @ Bruce Mactavish, 37 Waterford Bridge Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland ATE 1C5 (bruce.mactavish1@nf.sympatico.ca) Black Skimmers were transported to Nova Scotia by Hurricane Wilma in numbers not seen since Hurricane Gladys of October 1 958. This one obliged observers for several days at the docks of Shearwater military base, Dartmouth (here 1 November 2005). Photograph by Cindy Creighton. 34 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Quebec Ungava Peninsula Pierre Bannon • Olivier Barden • Normand David • Samuel Denault « Yves Aubry Almost all of Quebec experienced above-normal temperatures, the de- parture from the average being most notable in the cooler Ungava Peninsula. As a whole, precipitation was 20 per cent above normal, but some parts of southern Quebec had 40-50 percent more precipitation. The heaviest rainfalls occurred 31 August (rem- nants of Hurricane Katrina ) and 26 Septem- ber, reaching close to 100 mm on both occasions. Hurricane Wilma had little effect in Quebec, although a Caspian Tern and a Forster’s Tern in the Gaspe Peninsula 30 Oc- tober were probably related to this storm. Many of the Regional rarities this season were from western North America. WATERFOWL THROUGH HAWKS Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague hosted a Barnacle Goose 22-29 Oct (E Gariepy et al), possibly the same bird later killed by a hunter in On- tario near the Quebec border, a bird that was banded in Scotland (fide S. Percival; cf. On- tario Region report). The Trumpeter Swan present since last spring at Rouyn-Noranda continued until at least 24 Oct (C. Ro- bichaud). Single Tundra Swans stopped at Mandeville 8 Nov (M. Harnois) and Montreal 12-20 Nov (LS, MB et al). Now a much sought-after species in the Region, up to 6 Canvasbacks at Pointe-Claire in late Nov were a welcome sight (m.ob.). Difficult to explain was an unprecedented influx of Redheads, es- pecially in the Abitibi, Lac Saint-Jean, Lower St. Lawrence, and Gaspesie regions. A peak of 180 at Metabetchouan 27-28 Sep (GS, DG) was especially noteworthy. A male Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye hybrid at Laval 11 Nov+ (GLa) was presumably the same bird seen annually since 1999. Six Willow Ptarmigans on the Groulx Mts., e. of Res. Manicouagan 21 Sep, plus 12 more there on 22 Sep (RG et al), improved our knowledge about the s. limit of their summer range at high altitude. Gray Partridges nested e. of their usual range, as evidenced by 3 ads. and 15 juvs. at Riviere-Ouelle 14 Aug (CA, CG). An impressive flight of Red-throated Loons along the Saguenay R. in late Nov included 483 at Saint-Fulgence 22 Nov and 520 there 24 Nov (CC). A Pacific Loon was meticu- lously described at Saint-Fulgence 23 & 25 Nov, a new Regional record-late date for the species (CC). Northern Fulmars were repre- sented by one at Saint-Gedeon 11 Nov, plus a dead bird there 12 Nov (SBo). These sightings may indicate an overland migration from Hudson Bay. Manx Shearwaters were well in evidence, with at least 12 birds distributed be- tween the St. Lawrence estuary, Gaspesie, and Magdalen Is. Out-of-range Northern Gannets included singles at Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka 28 Oct (S. Bougie) and Laval 29 Nov (GLa). About 80 pairs of Double-crested Cormorants were found breeding on two hydro-towers, a very unusual nesting platform for this species, at Saint-Timothee 6 Aug (PB, G. Zenaitis). A Great Cormorant at Sainte- Helene I., Montreal 21 Nov was noteworthy (S. Mathieu). Late Great Egrets included one at La Romaine 20 Oct-20 Nov (R. Marcoux et al.) and one at lie Perrot 6 Nov (R. Gregson). In the Magdalen Is., a late Snowy Egret visited Havre- Aubert 25-28 Oct (G. Chiasson et al), followed by an ad. Cattle Egret at Bassin 13-14 Nov (DGG et al). The Tadoussac bird observatory recorded its second-lowest raptor totals in 13 years of observations. All raptors were below average except Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon, both showing strong positive trends. Single imm. Cooper’s Hawks at Tadoussac 9 (SBe, D. Roy) & 16 Sep (SBe, G. Rondeau) represented the first and 2nd records for the North Shore. A dark-morph Broad-winged Hawk at Tadous- sac 5 Sep was quite a surprise (SBe). Also un- usual, a dark-morph Swainson’s Hawk was seen migrating at Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue 23 Oct (B. Barnhurst, M. McIntosh). For the 3rd consecutive year, a Western Red-tailed Hawk (subspecies calurus ) was recorded at Gatineau 25 Oct+ (A. Cloutier). AV0CET THROUGH ALCIDS An American Avocet at Sainte-Croix-de-Lot- biniere 30 Nov-1 Dec provided a new Re- gional record-late date for the species (R. Noel, m.ob.). Rare in fall, Willets were repre- sented by 2 ads. at Sainte-Luce 18 Aug (M. Gauthier) and 2 more at Maria 1 Sep (C. Lamarre). Single Marbled Godwits turned up at Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly 5 Sep (G. Mar- tineau), Pointe-Calumet 9-28 Sep (LS, m.ob.), and Rimouski 9-10 Sep (GP). A juv. Western Sandpiper was well described at Kamouraska 3 Sep (JPO, M. Lafleur). A total of 24 Buff-breasted Sandpipers between 17 Aug and 14 Sep continued the recent trend of excellent fall numbers. Sightings of Ruff in- cluded a female at Montmagny 17-23 Aug (G. Lord, m.ob.) and a juv. at Penouille 28 Aug (DJ, D. Rochat). Numbers of Long-billed Dowitchers were lower this fall, but one at Metabetchouan 18 Sep was notable (SBo). Single Parasitic Jaegers reached Sainte- Catherine 21 Sep (R. Belhumeur) and Beauharnois 28 Sep (A. Leduc) in extreme s. Quebec. At least 4 different Long-tailed Jaegers of different ages were photographed at lie Nue de Mingan 4 Aug (GP, M. Therriault), while one provided a rare sighting for Riviere- Ouelle 4 Sep (CA, CG). Laughing Gulls in- cluded a first-winter bird at Sainte-Catherine 20 Sep (MB et al.) and a late individual at Sheldrake 26 Nov (CB, YR). At least 7 Franklin’s Gulls reported province-wide in- cluded one at East Sullivan 24 Sep (R. Gau- thier), a first record for Abitibi. Little Gulls are regular in s. Quebec in fall, but single juvs. at Saint-Methode 17 Sep (D. Lavoie) and Ta- doussac 28 Sep OS. Guenette) were worthy of mention. Black-headed Gulls totaled 6 this season, including 2 juvs. in Forillon Park 25 Oct (DJ et al.) and one at Chandler 6 Nov (M. Lar- rivee). Mew Gulls were represented by an ad. of undetermined race at Victoriaville 17-20 Oct 0- Ducharme et al), a juv. brachy- rhynchus at Tadoussac 21 Oct (SD, SBe), and finally 2 ad. cams at La Pocatiere 30 Oct (CA, CG). A juv. Slaty-backed Gull at Levis 12-20 Nov was thoroughly documented (GLe, m.ob., ph.). Sabine’s Gulls totaled 13 (10 juvs., 3 ads.) between 30 Aug and 13 Oct, compared to only one last year. A Caspian Tern lingered at L. Kenogami 3 Sep-3 Oct (DG), while one found injured at Pabos 30 Oct provided a new record-late date for the Region (D. Mercier, PP). Not often re- ported inland in the fall, 2 Arctic Terns were found at Matagami 2 Sep (MA. Montpetit) and 9 at Saint- Vallier 17 Sep (OB). Two juv. Forster’s Terns turned up at Sainte-Catherine 17-18 Sep (PB, m.ob.), while one at Cap-des- Rosiers 30-31 Oct provided a first record for Gaspesie (DJ). Dovekie numbers slowly built up in the St. Lawrence estuary beginning in mid-Oct, but counts were generally in the range of a few individuals to a few dozen birds. A Ra- VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 35 QUEBEC zorbill at Montreal 9 Nov was unusual there (SG). Counts of Atlantic Puffin were on the rise in the estu- ary, with up to 7 at lie aux Basques in early Oct (DJ. Leandri-Breton et al.) and 7 more seen from the Matane ferry 30 Oct (OB, IL). An ad. Thick-billed Murre was also spotted from the Matane ferry 30 Oct (OB, IL). DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES A White-winged Dove was detected on Anticosti I. 9 Aug (J. Gauthier, D. La- rouche); possibly the same bird appeared at Moisie 12- 14 Aug (JFL, B. Duchesne). A total of 17 Yel- low-billed Cuckoos was reported throughout the Region in Sep-Oct, which is distinctly more than in most years. Rare and unpre- dictable at all times in the Region, a Barn Owl was found roosting daily in a barn at Saint- Armand mid-Aug-late Sep (M. Bellefroid et al., ph.). A Northern Hawk Owl was quite out of place at Bonaventure I. 5 Aug (I. Katuna, H. Bokor, fide D. Belanger). At least 8 Great Gray Owls were reported outside the Abitibi region; most were likely individuals that summered far from their breeding range. A female Anna’s Hummingbird at Mont- magny 12-23 Nov, positively identified 17 Nov (]PO, M. Lafleur, G. Germain), was a de- lightful first for the Region as well as the northeasternmost record away from its typi- cal range (Y. & L. Bernier, m.ob., ph.). An ad. Red-headed Woodpecker was sighted at Lac- Brome 23-26 Aug (C. Laramee), while an imm. was found at Saint-Philibert, Beauce 11-13 Nov (M. Nadeau, fide A. Beauchamp). With only three reports, Red-bellied Wood- pecker numbers were back to normal after the overwhelming 2004 fall season. The Gaspe Pen. hosted 2 Fork-tailed Fly- catchers, the first at Cap Chat 2 Oct (R Grif- fard, D. Vezina, JP. Caron), the other a long-staying individual at Saint-Jules-de-Cas- capedia 15 Oct-6 Nov (B. Harrison et al., m.ob., ph ). Single imm. White-eyed Vireos were found at Longueuil 5 Oct (D. Millar) and Montreal 15-16 Oct (E. Samson, SG, ph ). A flock of 55,000 Tree Swallows roosting in a cornfield s. of Montreal 14 Sep was a high count for the Region, especially in recent years (MGah, D. Bird). Notably late swallows included a Tree Swallow 30 Nov at Fatima, Magdalen Is. (DGG) and 10+ Barn Swallows scattered along the Gaspe Pen. 2-15 Nov. The s. and e. parts of the Region received a major influx of migrant Black-capped Chick- adees, starting in early Sep and tapering off in the 2nd half of Oct. Some 943 individuals were banded at Tadoussac, more than three times the usual tally. This movement was mostly of hatch-year birds — over 99.5% of the Tadoussac chickadees were aged as such. A massive single-day count of 560 Black- cappeds was made at Cap-des-Rosiers 21 Oct (R. Guitard, J. Jantunen). Boreal Chickadees were also on the move, as evidenced by 1072 migrating through Saint-Fulgence between 14 Sep and 12 Oct (CC); a small push south- ward on the order of 12+ birds was felt in the vicinity of Montreal. A Marsh Wren at Sept- Iles 8 Oct was far out of range (JFL). Blue- gray Gnatcatchers made a good show, with 6 in the Region this fall, 5 of which were found out of range in the e. part of the province be- tween 5 Sep and 22 Oct. The discovery of 3 Northern Wheatears is a better harvest than most years, the first being at Beauport 1 1 Sep (JE Rousseau), the next at Levis 8-11 Oct (GLe, m.ob., ph.), and a late individual at Pointe-au-Pere 13 Nov (A. Bouliane, C. Gagne). A small incursion of single Townsends Soli- taires was noted: at Mon- treal 30 Oct (RG, C. Larocque), at Boischatel 31 Oct (JMG, JPO), at Cap Tourmente 5 Nov (C. Simard et al.), and at Saint- Fulgence 21 Nov (C. Sam- son). WARBLERS THROUGH CROSSBILLS The increasingly regular Blue-winged Warbler was represented by a female banded at the McGill Bird Observatory, Sainte-Anne- de-Bellevue 27 Aug (MGah) and a male at Sept-iles 29 Sep 0FL» ph.). Noteworthy late warblers include a Northern Parula at Laval 15 Nov (GLa), a Magnolia Warbler at Quebec 9-12 Nov (tying a record late date; M. Ray- mond, m.ob.), a Black-throated Blue Warbler at Riviere-Saint-Jean 19 Nov (YR, CB), and another at Sept-iles 20-27 Nov+ (H. Hamel, G. Hamelin). A male Audubon’s Warbler at Sainte-Helene L, Montreal 27 Nov+ was un- usual there (D. Demers, m.ob.). Another westerner, an ad. male Black-throated Gray Warbler, was well described from Degelis 21 Nov (M. Beaulieu); it provided the Region with its 3rd documented record and first for the Lower St. Lawrence. A Yellow-throated Warbler of the subspecies albilora frequented feeders at Saint-Frangois-Xavier-de-Brompton 15 Oct-13 Nov (D. &J. Labbe, m.ob., ph.). Pine Warblers were reported from various lo- calities across e. Quebec, including 8 in the Gaspe Pen. 21 Oct-27 Nov (fide PP). A Prairie Warbler paused by Sandy Hook, Magdalen Is. 30 Aug (DGG), while an imm. male was at Cap Tourmente 23 Sep (JPO). Always difficult f" A Single male Spotted Towhees were seen at Piedmont 8-9 Oct (J. Guimond) and Les Escoumins 16 Nov-9 Dec (JG. ..)r% Beaulieu, m.ob., ph.). On the subject of recent records of this species, Michel Gosselin, Canadian Museum of Nature, provides the following cautionary note. "There seems to be confusion about the significance of occasional white primary bases in Spotted Towhees. A majority of specimens of the migratory arcticus ssp. from Alberta and Saskatchewan at the Cana- dian Museum of Nature (35 out of 42) have white primary bases, but these white bases are hidden under the primary coverts in about a third of the birds and are therefore invisible. It may be tempting to regard all indication of white primary bases as a sign of extensive introgression from Eastern Towhees, but in the absence of other signs of introgression in the heavily spot- ted arcticus Spotted Towhees (one of the most divergent from Eastern Towhees in this respect), this may not necessarily be the only possible explanation for this character. There is a much variation among the various Spotted Towhee subspecies in the extent and type of white markings in the upperparts, the westernmost subspecies being generally darker above. White primary edgings, on the other hand, occur in both towhee species, but their distribution pattern along the feathers differs on average (they are more distal on Spotted Towhees)." 36 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS to intercept in migration in the Region, single Connecticut Warblers were seen at Sainte- Anne-de-Bellevue 4 Sep (PB) and Cap Tour- mente 9 Sep (JPO, JMG). Single Yellow- breasted Chats were found at Carignan 1 Oct (P. Beaule, P Laporte) and Pabos 24 Oct (PP, G. Roy). A total of 6 Scarlet Tanagers in Oct in Gaspes ie was remarkable ( fide PP), as was a late individual at Tadoussac 30 Oct-3 Nov (SD et a!.). A Field Sparrow at Longue-Rive 8 Oct was noteworthy (P. Otis). The fall’s 3 Lark Spar- rows were all recorded on the North Shore, the first being a juv. at Moisie 16 Sep (JFL et al.), the next at Longue-Rive 18 Sep (R. Gilbert), and the last an imm. at Tadoussac 18 Oct (SBe et al.). An imm. Blue Grosbeak was banded at Tadoussac 23 Sep (CB et al.) and still present 27 Sep (SD). A few wayward In- digo Buntings were found w. to Cap Tour- mente starting in late Sep, with a notably late individual at Magpie 17-24 Nov (YR et al.). A male Painted Bunting was present at Saint- Felix-de-Dalquier, Abitibi 11-13 Aug (P Ouel- let, C. O’Brien, fide S. Gagnon, ph.), providing Walter G. Ellison • Nancy L. Martin Autumn 2005 was warmer than aver- age, especially so in September, and wetter than normal. Only October was wet in Boston, but precipitation was over 14 cm above the norm for the month. Over 10 cm of October’s 24 cm of rain fell from 8-15 Oc- tober, with another heavy input on 25 October as Hurricane Wilma passed by offshore. The infamous Hurricane Katrina was a less organ- our 10th Regional record. Ten Dickcissels were reported across the Region, including 7 on the Gaspe Pen. and one at Moisie 11-12 Oct (V. Vogel). A wayward male Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Valleyfield 2 Oct (Y. Gauthier, S. Moran, SG) and still present 16 Oct (A. Quenneville). A young male Brewer’s Black- bird was well described from Cap Tourmente 12-13 Nov (P. Lane, A. Couture); documenta- tion of this icterid in the Region is quite scarce, both historically and in recent years. Baltimore Orioles were particularly numerous on the Gaspe Pen., mainly in Oct-Nov, with approximately 20 birds reported ( fide PP); the North Shore also had its share of orioles, with up to 6 in the Tadoussac area in early Oct ( fide SD). A fall total of 110 Red Crossbills was un- precedented for the Tadoussac bird observa- tory (SD et al.). Addendum: A wing-tagged Trumpeter Swan was photographed at L. Ostaboningue, Temis- camingue, in Jul (M. Rannou, fide J. Frechette). ized low-pressure area by the time it arrived in the northwest of our Region, but it caused a notable, albeit brief, shorebird fallout in the Champlain Valley. The wet period in mid-Oc- tober caused some waterbird fallout, includ- ing a spectacular 28,000 sea ducks and other seabirds at Andrew’s Point on Cape Ann, Massachusetts; the northwesterly winds in its aftermath pushed great hawk flights and large numbers of passerines through the Region. November was characterized by seemingly constant southwesterly winds (16 of the 30 days at Boston). A parade of late reversed mi- grants and spectacular vagrants rode the winds into coastal New England, including yet another big flight of Cave Swallows. Other November vagrants included a record 10 Franklin’s Gulls, Scissor-tailed and Ash- throated Flycatchers in Massachusetts, the Bay State’s second Sage Thrasher, Black- throated Gray Warbler in Maine, Townsends Warbler in New Hampshire, and Mac- Gillivray’s Warbler and Painted Bunting in Massachusetts. Other vagrants of the season included Black-capped Petrel, Purple Gallinule, Bell’s Vireo, and Townsend’s Soli- taire in Massachusetts, Mississippi Kite in Connecticut, Black-tailed Gull in Vermont, New Hampshire’s first MacGillivray’s Warbler, Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): C. Auchu, P Bannon (Montreal), S. Bel- leau, M. Bertrand, S. Boivin, C. Buidin, C. Cormier, R. Fortin (Lower-St. Lawrence), M. Gahbauer, DG. Gaudet (Magdalen Is.), D. Gervais, C. Girard, JM. Giroux, R. Guillet, S. Guimond, B. Hamel (Brome-Missisquoi), L. Imbeau (Abitibi), D. Jalbert, G. Lachaine, J. Lachance (Quebec City), JF Laporte, 1. Le- chasseur, G. Lemelin, JR Ouellet, R Poulin (Gaspesie), G. Proulx, Y. Rochepault (North Shore), C. Roy (Bois-Francs), R. Saint-Lau- rent (Lower-St. Lawrence), G. Savard (Sague- nay-Lac-Saint-Jean), L. Simard, D. Toussaint (Outaouais). © Pierre Bannon, 1517 Leprohon, Montreal, Quebec H4E 1P1 (pbannon@videotron.ca); Olivier Barden, 1652 rue de Bruyeres, Sainte-Foy, Quebec G1W 3H1, (whitephasegyrfal- con@hotmail.com); Normand David, 347 Donegani, Pointe- Claire, Quebec H9R 5M4, (ndavid@netrover.com); 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 G1V 4H5, (yves.aubry@ec.gc.ca) New England ; Lark Bunting in Maine, and an offshore Band- rumped Storm-Petrel. Abbreviations: A.P. (Andrew’s Pt., Rockport, Essex, MA); Charlotte (L. Champlain shore, Charlotte, Chittenden, VT); D.C.W.M.A. (Dead Creek W.M.A., Addison and Panton, Addison , VT); Gay Head (on Martha’s Vineyard, Dukes, MA); G.M.N.W.R. (Great Meadows N.W.R., Concord, Middlesex, MA); Hammonasset (Hammonasset Beach S.P., Madison, New Haven, CT); Lighthouse Pt. (Lighthouse Pt., New Haven, New Haven, CT), M.N.W.R. (Mis- sisquoi N.W.R., Swanton, Franklin, VT); Mon- hegan (Monhegan L, Lincoln, ME); S. Monomoy (South Monomoy L, Chatham, Barnstable, MA); Plum 1. (Plum I., New- bury/Rowley, Essex, MA); Race Pt. (Province- town, Barnstable, MA); S. Beach (South Beach I., Chatham, Barnstable, MA). WATERFOWL Geese continue to increase and to attract the odd rarity to their growing flocks. Greater White-fronted Goose was reported in double digits again; 1997 was the first double-digit year in New England, but such numbers have become routine of late. The first clear migrant was seen at Turner’s Falls, Franklin, MA 16 VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 37 NEW ENGLAND Oct (H. Albin); 2 others were seen in Concord and Acton, Middlesex, MA 20 Oct-mid-Nov (SP, C. Floyd et al.). Three each were found in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and one put in a rare New Hampshire appearance at Odiorne Pt., Rye, Rockingham 25 Nov (S&JM). Ver- monters continue to find Ross’s Geese in their tens of thousands of Snow Geese; a new Re- gional high count of 6 (3 ads. and 3 juvs.) came from D.C.W.M.A. 22 Oct (TGM, J. Os- borne). Ad. Ross’s Goose x Snow Goose hybrids were also found at D. C.W.M.A. 14 Oct and 4 Nov (TGM et al.). Richardson’s Cackling Goose was reported with less trepi- dation and controversy than in 2004, with 2 in Vermont, at least 4 in Mass- achusetts, including an apparent summering bird at G.M.N.W.R. 6 Aug-9 Oct (D. Scott, m.ob., ph.), and 2 at Coventry, Kent, R1 27 Nov (D. Finizia, p.a.). Two Barnacle Geese were reported, at Richmond, Chittenden, VT 16 Oct (BM, L. Haugh), and an unhanded bird in a Canada Goose flock that also in- cluded a Greater White-fronted Goose and 7 Greater White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose hybrids (ph. JPS) 25 Nov-Dec in Newtown, Fair- field, CT (L. Fischer, N. Curie et al., ph. JPS). There were three reports of Tundra Swan: an early arrival was at S. Quabbin, Hampshire, MA 18 Oct (LT); an ad. beautified Pilgrim L., Truro, Barnstable, MA 19 Nov-Dec (Gd’E, rn.ob.); and a family of 6 were on Shelburne Pond, Chittenden, VT 21-22 Nov (BM, T. Wright). Nine Eurasian Wigeons included 4 in Massachusetts, 4 in Rhode Island, including the earliest 24 Sep in E. Providence (fide RF), and one, a rare Ver- mont autumn appearance, at D.C.W.M.A. 24 Oct (B. Powers, M. Pfeiffer). Selected impres- sive waterfowl counts included 600 American Wigeons at M.N.W.R. 3 Oct (RAZ); 80 Blue- winged Teal on S. Monomoy 4 Sep (BN); 616 Northern Pintails migrating down L. Cham- plain at Charlotte 23 Sep (TGM, RBL); 1200 Green-winged Teal at G.M.N.W.R. 13 Oct (m.ob ); and 2000 Ring-necked Ducks at M.N.W.R. 3 Oct (RAZ). Among our scarce but regular sea ducks, there were reports of 14 King Eiders from three coastal states and 13 Barrow’s Gold- eneyes in Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. Of note was a male Barrow’s Goldeneye x Common Goldeneye hybrid at S. Freeport, Cumberland, ME 20 Nov-Dec (ph. B. Hartwell, DL). Ruddy Duck numbers were spotty, but very good counts included a Gran- ite State record 463 in Newmarket, Rocking- ham 1 Nov (SM) and 625 at Trustom Pond N.W.R., Washington, RI 29 Oct (ST). Ruddy Ducks nested on S. Monomoy (BN) and at L. Josephine, ME (BS). LOONS THROUGH VULTURES Good seawatch counts of loons included 820 Red-throated Loons 15 Nov and 595 Common Loons 12 Oct at A.P. (RH). An excellent lake- watch count of 589 Commons was made at Charlotte 23 Nov (TGM, PCR), a late date for so many, at least when compared to data from L. Ontario. The 8+ Pacific Loons reported was the best total yet in fall migration in New Eng- land; 6 of these were seen 1 1-13 Oct, with 4 at A.P. 11-12 Oct (RH), and single birds at Corporation Beach, Dennis, Barnstable, MA 12 Oct and First Encounter, Eastham, Barn- stable, MA 13 Oct (BN); one at Hampton, Rockingham 31 Oct (T. Vazzanno, R. Ridgely) was the first for the Granite State in over a quarter century; the last was seen at Race Pt. 6 Nov (ML, SC). Red-necked Grebes inundated the coast 27 Nov, with an impressive high count of 124 in Winthrop, Suffolk, MA (RS, KH). The old and reliable Eared Grebe of Niles Beach, Gloucester, Essex, MA re- turned for its 11th consecutive win- ter 11 Oct 0B, m.ob.). An elegant Western Grebe swam in the Plum I. surf 25-26 Nov (KH, J. Miller et al.). A Black-capped Petrel was seen during a seawatch at A.P as Hurri- cane Wilma passed far offshore 25 Oct (RH), one of few seen from shore in the Region and clearly a bird displaced by the storm. Most shearwaters were reported in average numbers; however, Manx Shearwa- ters were more numerous than usual, with high counts of 60+ ca. 6.5 km off Plum I. 4 Sep (SM et al.) and 50 off Stratton I., Saco, York, ME 10 Sep (L. Brinker). The usual sprin- kling of Audubon’s Shearwaters in- cluded a possible Maine sighting off Monhegan I. 21 Sep (B. Ewald et al.); this species still has hypothetical sta- tus in the Pine Tree State. Other re- ports were of one 32 km s. of Block 1. 24 Aug (ST et al.) and 3 at Hydrographer and Veatch Canyons 27 Aug (RH et al.). A major flight of Leach’s Storm-Petrels occurred along the Gulf of Maine coast 12 Oct, with a phenomenal 285 seen from A.P (RH). Many observers noted predation on storm-petrels by Peregrine Falcons sallying from shore and carrying their meals back to shore to feed (RH, JB, TW). One wonders if storm-driven seabirds are a wind- fall for falcons or if small pelagic seabirds are part of their regular diet as they migrate over the sea. It can help to have a keen photogra- pher on pelagic trips. Glenn Tepke noticed a storm-petrel that did not seem quite right for a Wilson’s on the Hydrographer and Veatch Canyons trip 27 Aug and snapped several shots of it. His analysis of the images later re- vealed it was a Band rumped Storm-Petrel, a species probably annual on New England’s Continental Shelf edge but rarely documented (GT, RH et al.). The only inland Northern Gannet was a juv., the expected age class, at Charlotte 11 Oct (RBL); the best coastal flights were associated with the offshore pas- sage of Wilma 25 Oct, with 1450 at Cape Eliz- abeth, Cumberland, ME (DL), 6600 at A.P (RH), and 7800 at Sandy Neck, Barnstable, C A In autumn in New England, we usually hope the Red Sox are on the move, but this year, it was Redheads that were J mobile throughout the Region. New Hampshire had its first fall records in a decade, with over 9 on Great Bay, Rock- ingham in Nov (m.ob.); 16 were found at two places along L. Champlain in Oct-Nov (TGM, AMS, RBL); over 45 were reported from Maine, with a maximum of 20 on Cobbosseecontee L., Monmouth, Kennebec (J. Markowsky); the high count in Massa- chusetts was 15 on Cherry Hill Res., W. Newbury, Essex (m.ob.); and 5 were seen on the ocean off Plum i. 12 Nov (TW). Inland Redheads were twice reported from the Connecticut R. Valley and from two interior lakes in Connecticut. Even more remarkable was a highly probable record of nesting Redheads at L. Josephine, Easton, Aroostook, ME in mid- Aug, when a hen was seen with 3 juvs., not definitely hers, after a pair had summered there (BS). This young male Calliope Hummingbird on Monhegan Island 30 September 2005 was Maine's first and New England's second; note the whitish crescent at the base of the bill, a diagnostic field mark of this species. Photograph by Marshall J. Iliff. 38 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND MA (RS). A tantalizing unidentified booby was seen over Nantucket Shoals, MA 27 Aug (RH et al.). American White Pelicans included 3 reported at Wellfleet Bay W.S., Barnstable, MA 29 Oct (J. Lawler), and single birds, that may have been the same individual, at Lords Cove, Essex, Middlesex, CT 13-15 Nov (H, Golet) and seen flying past Lighthouse Pt. 15 Nov (C. Zimmerman). Inland imm. Great Cormorants this fall were seen on Cherry Pond, Jefferson, Coos, NH 16 Oct (D. Gov- atski) and on Quabbin Res., where 2 were photographed at Quabbin Park, Hampshire 24 Oct and another was seen from the Gate 31 trail in Franklin 12 Nov (both JPS). The only Least Bitterns reported were seen at Plum I., with one staying quite late through 4 Oct (m.ob.). Little Blue Herons matched their 2004 maximum of 30 at Scarborough Marsh, Cumberland, ME 20 Aug (DL). Tricol- ored Herons remain scarce, but one strayed far ne. to Southwest Harbor, Hancock, ME 2 Aug (M. Haertel). Cattle Egrets once seemed poised to conquer the Region and to stalk all of our dairy pastures, but now they are un- common in spring and summer and rare in autumn; one at Bar Harbor Airport, Hancock 2 Sep was the first in five falls in Maine (fide Maine Audubon); among others were 6 re- versed-migrant juvs. in Massachusetts and Connecticut in Nov, an annual phenomenon. Black Vultures must be nesting in sw. Massa- chusetts: up to 8 in a day were seen at the Blueberry Hill Hawkwatch, Granville, Hamp- den (J. Weeks), and 5 were seen in Great Bar- rington, Berkshire 19 Nov (ML, SC). In Connecticut, where Black Vultures are well es- tablished, the high count was a remarkable 40 at Bridgewater, Litchfield 27 Nov (GH). RAPTORS THROUGH CRANE One of very few ever reported in autumn in New England, an ad. Mississippi Kite was ob- served at Great Pond, Simsbury, Hartford, CT 19 Aug (S. Olmstead). Accipiters were held up by a persistent low-pressure area during the 2nd week of Oct and poured forth on nw. winds 15-20 Oct, with 806 Sharp-shinned Hawks 20 Oct and 150 Cooper’s Hawks 17 Oct at Lighthouse Pt. Among these were equally notable numbers of small falcons, with 389 American Kestrels and 221 Merlins 16 Oct (R. Bell). Also during this period came a superb count of 27 Peregrine Falcons from Chatham, Barnstable, MA 17 Oct (D. Man- chester). The Broad-winged Hawk peak was spread out, with the best coming early in the last week of Sep, including a flood of 9122 at Barre Falls, Worcester, MA 23 Sep (B. Kamp). A juv. light-morph Swainson’s Hawk at Light- house Pt. 17 Oct (GH, T. Carrolan) was the only one found this autumn. A well-photographed juv. Purple Gallinule at Ashley Res., Holyoke, Hampden, MA 3 Nov tarried only one day (ph. A. & L. Richardson, ph. RB). Most of the 29 Common Moorhens were reported from their Regional stronghold in the Champlain Valley, with a maximum of 13 at D.C.W.M.A. 31 Aug (TGM, RBL). Sand- hill Cranes continued in historically high numbers, with 15 reported from four states, including a pair with a juv. at Belgrade, Ken- nebec, ME in mid-Aug (M. Libby) and 4 in Litchfield, CT 9-10 Nov (R. Belding, J. Mar- shall). SH0REBIRDS With some exceptions noted below, the shore- bird migration was average on the coast and unimpressive inland, with the exception of a fallout in the Champlain Valley caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Katrina 31 Aug, when 16 species and 765 individuals were tal- lied by Murin and Lavallee. The highlight of the fallout was American Golden-Plover, with 140 seen heading southward in two flocks over D.C.W.M.A. (TGM et al.); the species re- mained numerous in nw. Vermont for the re- mainder of the ensuing week. A very late golden-plover was seen at Third Beach, Mid- dletown, Newport, RI 26-28 Nov (R. Larsen). Capping a remarkable year for Wilson’s Plover in New England was one that stayed until 3 Sep at S. Beach (m.ob.). At least 10 American Avocets were reported, the best sea- sonal total since 1994; at least 4-5 avocets were reported in Connecticut 8 Aug-8 Oct, with 2 at Milford Pt., New Haven 9-29 Sep (E Gallo et al.). Maine had a remarkable Nov in- flux of avocets, with 6 at Scarborough 6 Nov (fide DL, JD); apparently the same birds were relocated at Webhannet Marsh, Wells, York 24 Nov-Dec (AA, DL et al.). A very late Lesser Yellowlegs was also found at Webhannet Marsh 24 Nov (AA et al.). Just 15 Upland Sandpipers were reported, one very late 14 Oct on Tuckernuck I., Nan- tucket, MA (RV). Hudsonian Godwits were well reported: the coastal maximum was 85 at S. Beach 14 Aug (m.ob.); 2 were seen at D. C.W.M.A. during the 31 Aug Katrina fallout (RBL, TGM et al.); an impressive 9 were seen 9 Oct in Connecticut at Stratford, Fairfield (7; E. Raynor), Milford Pt. (m.ob.), and inland at Rocky Hill, Hartford (J. & M. Berriger); and one was at D.C.W.M.A. 28-29 Oct (M. Pate- naude, R. Budliger, R. Payne). Over 30 Mar- bled Godwits were reported, with an excellent high count of 18 at S. Beach 24 Sep, by far the best site for observing the species in New Eng- land (BN); 4 others were seen in coastal New Hampshire through 1 Sep, and up to 5 were noted in Rhode Island. The 46 Baird’s Sand- pipers reported were the fewest since 2001; high counts were only 4 at Northampton, Hampshire, MA 24 Aug (CG) and 5 at D.C.W.M.A. 27 Aug (TGM, AMS); very late individuals were recorded at Wells, York, ME 6 Nov (L. Seitz, M. & P. Doucette) and Plum I. 8 Nov (RH). An obliging Curlew Sandpiper resided at S. Beach 17 Aug-16 Sep (R. MacLean, m.ob.). The 64 Buff-breasted Sand- pipers were the most reported in New England in 11 years; 2 were seen in Addison, Addison, VT 1 Sep (BMP), and the best counts were 7 on S. Monomoy 28 Aug (BN et al.), 8 at Hat- field, Hampshire, MA 29-30 Aug (JPS), and 7 Cave Swallows poured into New England in November 2005, in numbers perhaps exceeding those of the grand 2003 flight. This portrait was taken 19 November 2005 at the Region's hottest venue for the species — Lighthouse Point, New Haven, Connecticut. Photograph by John 5. Schwarz. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 39 NEW ENGLAND at N. Kingstown, Washington, R1 30 Aug (R A. Buckley). Long-billed Dowitchers, although numerous at Plum I., are scarce n. of Massa- chusetts, so 77+ in Maine, mostly after Wilma, was an unheard-of influx; maximum counts were 18 in Scarborough 7 Nov (DL) and 19 in Addison, Washington 21 Nov (M. Lovit). Only 5 Wilsons Phalaropes were reported, with one in sw. Maine and 4 on Cape Cod. Al- though their numbers are still a shadow of those in the past, Red-necked Phalaropes are slowly increasing in their erstwhile Gulf of Maine staging areas; evidence of this increase was a count of 2500+ off Mt. Desert Rock 6 Sep (LB et al). A report from Canadian Wildlife Service biologists indicates that their copepod food, which crashed in the early 1990s, is recovering as well (fide NF). SKUAS THROUGH ALCIDS Skuas in Maine included one identified as a Great 24 km se. of Mt. Desert Rock 21 Aug (ZK, fide BT) and singles iden- tified as South Polars on Grand Manan Banks 31 Aug (fide BT) and off Mt. Desert Rock 21 Oct (ZK). Over 10 Massachusetts skuas in Sep-Oct were unidentified. L. Champlain jaegers numbered 9 from 1 Sep-29 Oct, with 3 identified as Pomarine and 2 as Para- sitic. A Pomarine surprised observers at the Quaker Ridge Hawkwatch in Greenwich, Faiifield, CT 18 Sep (BO). Long- taileds included a nice total of 4 at Hydrogra- pher and Veatch Canyons 27 Aug (RH et al., ph. GT), one on Block I. Sound, RI 24 Aug (m.ob.), and a second-summer bird at First Encounter Beach, MA 13 Oct (BN et al.). Eight hundred Laughing Gulls in Holmes Bay, Washington, ME 22 Sep was an excellent count for way Down East (NF); 474 at Province- town, Barnstable, MA was a high number as late as 6 Nov (ML, SC); and many straggled through in early Dec on the Outer Cape. One strayed inland to Northampton, MA 13 Oct (A. McGee). An amazing 10 Franklin’s Gulls were found this autumn; most of these were found in Nov, after Wilma, but earlier birds were found at S. Beach 6 Aug (VL et al.), Acoaxet, Bristol, MA 20 Aug (ML et al.), and Holmes Bay, ME 22 Sep (NF). The late-season birds, all singles, were at A.R 29 Oct and in Ip- swich, MA 1 Nov (both RH), at Rochester, Strafford, NH 8-14 Nov (New Hampshire’s 4th; ph. SM, m.ob.), inland on the Connecti- cut R. at Turner’s Falls, MA 8-13 Nov (ph. JPS et al.), at Truro, MA 19 Nov (Gd’E), and in Wellfleet Harbor, MA 26-27 Nov (ph. BN, m.ob.). Eighteen Little Gulls and 14 Black- headed Gulls were low or average totals for re- cent years. Impressive counts of common gull species were 10,000 Bonaparte’s at Quoddy, Washington , ME 13-14 Aug (B. Duchesne) and 30,000 Ring-billeds at Charlotte, VT 23 Nov (TGM, PCR). By far the rarest gull of the season was the ad. Black-tailed Gull at the Charlotte Town Beach, VT 18 Oct-10 Nov (j. Hart, m.ob, ph. H. Forcier). This was the first Vermont and first inland record for New England. Early, or summering, white-winged gulls included Ice- lands at Mt. Desert 1., ME 27 Aug (WT) and Monhegan 20 Sep (B. Ewald et al.), plus a Glaucous in Hampton and Seabrook, Rocking- ham, NH 16 Aug+ (E. Masterson et al.). Seven Sabine’s Gulls included juvs. 16 & 23 Sep and 9 Oct on L. Champlain (TGM, DJH); ads. in Massachusetts on Stellwagen Bank 20 Aug (E Atwood) and A.E 12 Oct (RH); and one at Pine Pt., Scarborough, ME 8 Oct (G. Carson). Several Black-legged Kittiwakes were found inland 9-15 Oct in Vermont and w. Massachu- setts, including 4-7 at Northampton, MA 11-15 Oct (ph. JPS, m.ob.); a dead juv. was picked up in Charlotte 19 Oct (BMP, TGM). Also displaced were kittiwakes in Long Island Sound at Hammonasset 10 Oct (one; N. Morand) and off Stamford, Faiifield 21 Oct (3; A. Collins). Over 50 Caspian Terns were reported, in- cluding up to 7 on n. L. Champlain in Aug (C. Runge et al.) and a coastal maximum of 13 at Oak Bluffs, Dukes, MA 17 Sep (AK). Seven very late Caspians were seen after Wilma in Nov, with the last 11 Nov at Lynn, Essex, MA (N. Bonomo, R. Merrill). Only 4 Royal Terns were reported for the season, with a late one through 4 Nov on Plum I. (TW et al.). Sand- wich Terns included an expected bird 13 Aug on Martha’s Vineyard (J. Alderfer) and a very late report from N. Truro, MA 30 Oct (D. Spang). Common Terns also lingered late, with a L. Champlain record-late first- year bird at Charlotte 28 Oct-2 Nov (RBL), 15 in Wellfleet Harbor 21 Nov, with 2-3 staying into Dec (G. LeBaron, m.ob.), and yet another young bird on the Connecticut R. at Northampton, MA on 29 Nov (RB, ph. JPS). Late Black Skimmers were found at Babbidge I., Penobscot Bay, Knox, ME 27 Oct (fide B. Meyer, JD) and Plum I. 2 Nov (TW et al.); 9 lingered through 8 Nov at Sandy Pt., W. Haven, New Haven, CT (G. Nichol). There were no truly large flights of alcids in Nov, although five species 15 Nov at A.R, including 13 Common Murres, was impressive (RH). Only 3 Dovekies were reported: in late Nov at Pemaquid, Lincoln, ME (fide JD), at Truro, MA 26 Nov (ML, SC), and at Rockport, Essex, MA 29 Nov (JB). A Thick-billed Murre was found stranded on a road shoulder in Stamford, CT 30 Nov (BO), a rare find in Connecticut and so far to the w. in Long Island Sound. DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS A White-winged Dove was at Lighthouse Pt. 4 Nov (B. Banks et al.). A “good fall” for Yellow- billed Cuckoo was capped by four Nov re- ports: a road-killed bird in Rye, Rockingham, NH 1 Nov (SM); 2 in Massachusetts; and the latest in E. Haven, New Haven, CT 12 Nov (ph. J. Hough). Only 3 Snowy Owls reached New England before the end of the season. The first autumn Northern Hawk Owl since 2000 was found far to the n. along the St. John R. in St. David, Aroostook, ME 24 Nov (J. Dube, fide BS). Massachusetts hosted all 5 Long-eared Owls for the season, but Short- eared Owl reports came from Massachusetts (4), Rhode Island (3), and Vermont, where a group of 6 entertained at Addison, Addison 17 Nov (fide R. Pilcher). The Common Nighthawk migration was concentrated over five days, 25-29 Aug, with several tallies of several hundred migrants from se. Vermont and sw. New Hampshire during those days. The most dramatic count was 1058 over Hancock, Hillsborough, NH 27 Aug (D. & L. Stokes), the best Granite State total in at least 25 years. The Nov reverse-mi- grant phenomenon this season included Now an uncommon sight in southern New England, Evening Grosbeaks in their early 1980s heyday nested in northeastern Connecticut, but breeders were not detected across the state line in Rhode Island. This juvenile male in Exeter (6 September 2005) was part of a family group consisting of two adults and four ju- veniles; the adults had been present since 25 June. This constitutes the first record of breeding for Rhode Island. Photograph by Rachel Farrell. 40 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND nighthawk sightings at Ipswich, Essex, MA 1 Nov (RH) and Pine Pt., Scarborough, ME 6 Nov (R. Harrison). An unusual record of a mi- grating Chuck-will’s-widow was of one seen and heard circling overhead during a heavy nocturnal flight over Waterford, New London, CT 1 Sep (D. Provencher). Hurricane Wilma pushed large numbers of Chimney Swifts back into the Region in late Oct, with “hundreds” at S. Lubec, Washington, ME 20 Oct (fide E Hart- man) and 282 at Hanover, Plymouth, MA 24 Oct (W. Petersen), a traditional late-season lo- cation. Six lingered into Nov, the latest at Hyannis, Barnstable, MA 11 Nov (P. Guidetti). Maine’s first and the Region’s 2nd Calliope Hummingbird was photographed on Mon- hegan 6 Oct (TM. J. Iliff) but apparently did not linger. The Selaspkorus invasion contin- ued in 2005, with 12 individuals matching the 2002 record. Five of these were identified as Rufous Hummingbirds: an ad. male at Salem, Rockingham, NH 23-24 Aug (M. Coskren, ph. SM); banded birds at S. Hadley, Hampshire, MA 29-30 Oct (A. Hill), Simsbury, Hartford, CT 13 Nov, and Madison, New Haven, CT from Nov-Dec (both ph. M. Szantyr); and an ad. female photographed in W. Warwick, Kent, RI 20-30 Nov (C. Simas, ph. G. Dennis). The remaining seven unidentified Selasphorus showed a similar seasonal and geographic dis- tribution. Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpecker totals were down considerably from last au- tumn, but a few of the 200 Red-bellieds that reached Maine in 2004 remained to nest. A be- lated report of a pair with 2 young at Winter- port, Waldo in Jul is the state’s northernmost breeding record (fide DL). A rarely reported American Three-toed Woodpecker was found at New Sweden, Aroostook, ME 20 Nov (fide BS). Notable fallouts of Northern Flickers were noted twice in the Region: 100+ in Yarmouth, Cumberland, ME 24 Sep (DL) and about 150 in W. Brookfield, Orange, VT 1 2 Oct (R. Renfrew). A flicker with salmon-colored underwings seen in Orono, Penobscot, ME 6 Oct was thought a Red-shafted, but such birds appear frequently enough in the East without showing other Red-shafted plumage charac- teristics that another explanation for the color seems necessary. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WRENS The season’s only Ash-throated Flycatcher ac- commodated many by appearing at Plum I. and staying 6-12 Nov (ph. P Brown, m.ob.). An above-average 12 Western Kingbirds reached the Region mid-Sep-Nov. One of the later birds was well inland at S. Amherst, Hampshire, MA 18-20 Nov (L. Gierasch, L. Pylant et al.). A notable count for the date was 24 Eastern Kingbirds at N. Truro, MA 24 Sep (BN), while the latest for the season was one at Wells, ME the week ending 15 Nov (N. McReel, fide K. Gammons). An imm. male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher photographed at Scarborough, ME 31 Oct (D. Abbott, DF) was not relocated, but one at Swampscott, Essex, MA delighted birders 21 Nov-Dec (L. Pivacek, ph. R. Kipp, ph. A. Rube, m.ob.). At least 67 Northern Shrikes were reported by New Eng- land birders starting 21 Oct, nearly doubling last autumn’s tally. Massachusetts’s first Bell’s Vireo was well documented after being caught by banders at Manomet, Plymouth 24-26 Oct (ph. R. Kluin). The usual few Nov vireos ap- peared: the latest Blue-headed was at Well- fleet, MA 27 Nov (J. Young), a late Philadelphia was at Scituate, Plymouth, MA 5 Nov (Gd’E), and the latest of 8 Nov Red-eyeds were at Hammonasset 26 Nov (G. Williams) and Rockport (RH) and Nahant, Essex, MA (D. Wilkinson) 27 & 28 Nov, respectively. The largest counts of Tree Swallows were concen- trated in a three-day period: 500,000 were at S. Monomoy 22 Sep (E. Banks) and 350,000 roosted along the Connecticut R. in Essex, Middlesex, CT 25 Sep (E Mantlik). A few Tree Swallows reappeared in n. New England with the Nov Cave Swallow influx; two counts of 100+ came from Westerly, Washington, RI 2 Nov (CR) and Block I. 12 Nov (m.ob.). A gathering of 1250 Bank Swallows passed through Grand Isle, VT 15 Aug (DJH). Had it not been for the Cave Swallows, the seasons Nov influx of Barn Swallows may not have garnered as much notice. After a month’s ab- sence, Barn Swallows reappeared along the coast. The timing, distribution, and numbers reported showed a remarkable coincidence with those of Cave Swallows. The maximum count was 41 at Block I. 12 Nov; 10 other Rhode Island reports ended 19 Nov, seven re- ports came from Maine as late as 20 Nov, and the latest in the Bay State was 23 Nov. The last of 6-8 found in New Hampshire was last sighted at Rye 1 Dec (fide SM). A few Boreal Chickadees appeared s. of their breeding range in Maine and New Hampshire (to Pack Monadnock, Hillsbor- ough, about 18 km n. of Massachusetts), and elevated numbers were noted in the White Mts. The Red-breasted Nuthatch flight was considered modest, with representative high counts of 60+ at Yarmouth, ME 10 Sep (DL et al.) and 40 atBurrillville, Providence, RI 11 Sep and Block I. 23 Sep (fide RF). Carolina Wrens have continued to adapt to winter, consolidat- ing their hold in n. New England, with nu- merous reports from w. Vermont and s. Maine; six new Berkshire towns were checked off as Bob Stymeist continues his quest to record the species in every Massachusetts township. An impressive total of 16 Sedge Wrens was re- ported. Farthest afield was one at Grand Lake Stream Pt., Washington, ME 4 Aug (fide WT); one or 2 remained at the presumed breeding site at Newport, RI through 22 Aug (RF, RE), and 5 were found on Nantucket 24 Nov (K. Blackshaw et al.). KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS Golden-crowned Kinglets departed the north in modest numbers again, with maxima of 50+ at Gay Head 18 Oct (AK et al.) and 65 at Quabbin Park, MA 22 Oct (ML et al.). Four late reverse-migrant Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were detected, with 2 in Maine 5-6 Nov and 2 in Massachusetts 11-12 Nov. The single Northern Wheatear of the season was at Gay Head long enough to be photographed 3 Sep (S. Anderson et al.). Two Townsend’s Solitaires found the headland habitat at Pilgrim Heights, Truro, MA to their liking, staying 5-29 Nov (BN, m.ob.). After many years of almost non- existent reports of Swainson’s Thrush, it was good to see a fallout report of 12 from S. Burlington, Chittenden, VT 16 Sep (AMS) and a nocturnal count of 420+ from Concord, MA 9 Oct (S. Perkins et al.). Birders in Maine and Massachusetts noted elevated numbers of Gray Catbirds along the coast through late Nov; careful searching produced high counts of 44 at Bourne and Fairhaven, Barnstable/ Bristol, MA 19-20 Nov (RS et al.) and 46 on The appearance of Cave Swallows in New England in late autumn has now become an expected phenomenon. The ex- 3 n act number involved in this season's flight is difficult to determine, but 46 reports totaled about 165+ individuals, plus about 9 conservatively identified as Petrochelidon sp. The first influx came 8 Nov, with reports from Napatree Pt., Washington, RI (2; CR), Plum I. (4; RH), and Maine's first record at Pine Pt., Scarborough (2; R. Harrison). A few birds appeared at two other Mass- achusetts locations and another in Maine over the next two days, then the major influx began 11 Nov, with 12 at Moonstone Beach, S. Kingstown, Washington, RI (m.ob.), about 20 at Hammonasset (N. Proctor), 44 at Lighthouse Pt. (B. Banks), and lesser numbers along the coast from Westport, Fairfield, CT to Salisbury, Essex, MA. They continued to disperse along the coast the next day, with reports from 15 locations n. to Ogunquit, York, ME (one; DF) and Rye, NH (one; tSM, tRS et al.). Cave Swallows were found at six additional Maine locations 15-18 Nov, with as many as 5-10 at Kittery, York (ph. PV, K. Dube) and the farthest ne. a bird at Pemaquid Pt. (PV, J. Klavins). The last few lingered in Rhode Island and Massachusetts through 21 Nov. VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 41 NEW ENGLAND Cape Ann 27 Nov (RH). A Sage Thrasher found and videotaped at Plum 1. 6 Nov (T. Spahr et al.) was a 2nd for the island and the state. The first Bohemian Waxwings appeared at Machias, Washington , ME 2 Nov (NF) and N. Truro, MA 6 Nov (BN et al.); sizeable flocks did not show up until the end of the month, with 60 at Jericho Center, Chittenden , VT (M. Kim) and 106 at Wilton, Franklin , ME (J. Dwight). Nearly 30 Blue-winged Warbler reports in the Region contrasted with only six total Golden-winged. Hybrids were repre- sented by Brewster’s in Vermont and Maine and a Lawrence’s in Massachu- setts. Notable for their early arrival were Orange-crowned Warblers at T25 MD BPP (11 km sw. of Wesley), Washington , ME 10 Sep (fide WT), Hanover, Grafton , NH 15 Sep (tV. Lu- nardini), and S. Burlington, VT 16 Sep (S. Morrical). The remaining 52 for the season were mostly in Oct, as expected. The latest of 5 Nov Nashville Warblers were at Glouces- ter, Essex, MA 19 Nov (RH) and Stratford, Fairfield, CT 27 Nov (C. Barnard). Even later was a young male Cape May Warbler that ap- peared at a Rutland, Rutland, VT feeder, staying into Jan at least (ph. E Bates). New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts hosted Nov Black-throated Blue Warblers: a female was at a Deerfield, Rocking- ham, NH feeder 26 Nov+ (ph. JR. Moore), and one was found at Gloucester, MA 27 Nov (RH). Good numbers of Yellow-rumped War- blers noted in migrant fallouts in Vermont 8-9 & 12-13 Oct were eclipsed by a count of 943 around S. Quabbin, MA 18 Oct (LT). An Audubon’s Warbler found at Rye, NH 30 Nov lingered into Dec (ph. SM). An obliging Black- throated Gray Warbler was found at Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, ME 29 Oct, stayed un- til 3 Nov, and provided the state’s 3rd record (ph. C. Governali, m.ob.). Another individual made a brief appearance at Chilmark, D ukes, MA 1 Oct (AK, T. Rivers). New Hampshire’s 4th Townsend’s Warbler was at Rye 20-21 Nov (ph. SM et al.). The first of 5 Yellow- throated Warblers for the season arrived on Block 1. 19 Oct, while the others, 2 in Maine and one each in Massachusetts and Connecti- cut, waited until Nov to appear. Observers tal- lied respectable high counts of 200+ Blackpoll Warblers at Gay Head 10 Sep (M. Pelikan et al.) and 66+ American Redstarts in Yarmouth, ME 25 Aug (fide DL). At least 4 Prothonotary Warblers reached New England in Sep-Oct, one or 2 in Maine, 2 in Massachusetts and one on Block 1., while 6 Wornr-eating Warblers in Sep were divided evenly between Maine and Massachusetts. The later of 2 late-Nov Oven- birds was at Rockport, MA 27 Nov (E. Nielsen). An above-average 35 Connecticut Warblers was tallied between Massachusetts (23), Maine (6), Rhode Island (4), and New Hampshire (2). A report of a MacGillivray’s Warbler seen 1 Oct near the shore of L. Win- nipesaukee in Guilford, Belknap (tD. & J. Coskren, p.a.) would be the Granite State’s first; another for the Bay State’s record book was one found 1 Nov at Ipswich, MA (RH). Maine added 3 Hooded Warblers to Massachu- setts’s tally of 10 and included a tardy female at York 6 Nov (D. Mairs). A rare double-digit high count of 10 Wilson's Warblers came from Marblehead Neck, Essex, MA 10 Sep (P. & E Vale); singles were found at the end of the sea- son at Little Compton, Newport, RI 26-30 Nov (G. Dennis) and in Biddeford, York, ME 30 Nov (E. Hynes). As with other coastal thicket- dwellers, numbers of Yellow-breasted Chats were elevated, with 16+ in Maine, 25 in Mass- achusetts, and 5 in Rhode Island. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Maine hosted the only Summer Tanager of the season, found at Portland 1 Oct (fide DL), as well as 3 of the 4 Western Tanagers. One was reported from Wells 26 Oct (fide Maine Audubon), a female appeared at Georgetown, Sagadahoc in early Nov (J. Frank), and the last lingered at Winterport 27 Nov-16 Dec (ph. J. Wyatt, m.ob.); to the s., one was seen at Gay Head 19 Oct (VL). A male towhee studied at a Fayston, Washington, VT feeder 13 Nov (A. Day) with noticeable “spots of white on scapulars and back” as well as white-based primaries, may have been a Spotted Towhee or a hybrid. Eastern Towhees were found in good numbers along the coast in Nov, with 10 tal- lied in Bourne and Fairhaven 19-20 Nov (RS). A total of 47+ Clay-colored Sparrows was the best Regional tally since 2001; about half were in Massachusetts, 9+ in Maine, 6 in Connecti- cut, 4-5 in New Hampshire, and 3 in Rhode Island. After the paucity of Vesper Sparrow re- ports in recent autumns, a fallout count of 8 in Milford, CT 21 Oct (S. Spector) was notewor- thy. It was also a good season for Lark Spar- row, with 19+ total between Maine (6+), Massachusetts (8), and Connecticut (5); far- thest inland was one at Northampton, MA 17 Aug QPS). A plausibly described fe- male-type Lark Bunting was reported from Scarborough, ME 18-19 Sep (TK. D’ Andrea). Other rare sparrows for the season included Henslow’s in Northfield, Franklin, MA 29 Sep (M. Taylor) and Greenwich, Fairfield, CT 8 Nov (ph. P. Davenport) and one or more inland Nelson’s Sharp-taileds at Northampton, MA 29 Sep-3 Oct OPS et al.). Among the regular migrants, high counts from Massachusetts included 30 Fox Sparrows at Lexington, Mid- dlesex 6 Nov (MR et al.), 15 Lincoln’s Sparrows at Wachusett Meadows, Princeton, Worcester 23 Sep (B. De- Graaf et al.) and 16 at Northampton 3 Oct OPS), and 80 Swamp Sparrows at Great Meadows N.W.R. 16 Oct (SP et al.). Remarkable numbers of Dark-eyed Juncos were tallied at Gay Head 19 Oct (2500+; VL et al.) and in Coos, NH 27-28 Oct (1000; R. Quinn, T. Richards); see the S.A. Box on page 43. A Lapland Longspur at Tuck- ernuck L, MA 5 Sep (RV) was remarkably early. Northern Cardinal is rarely mentioned in this report, but a count of 145 from Cape Ann 27 Nov (RH) was quite high. The first Blue Grosbeak of the season was well inland at Northampton, MA 9 Aug (P. Yeskie); another was found across the Connecticut R. at Hadley 2 Oct (CG); coastal reports came from Maine (4), Massachusetts (5), and Rhode Island and Connecticut (one each) Sep-14 Nov. Two late Indigo Buntings were located in coastal Maine, at Cape Elizabeth 1-6 Nov (fide DL) and Camden, Knox 4 Nov (fide WT). A male Painted Bunting at a feeder at Coontoocook, Merrimack 25 Sep (tC. Denton, D. Bonner) was an autumn first for New Hampshire; a fe- male-type stayed at an Eastham, MA feeder only long enough to be photographed 18 Nov (L. Budnick). Dickcissels made another strong showing in the Region, with 76 total reported; 25 at 21 localities in Maine was the best au- tumn showing there since at least 1996 (JD). One joined sparrows at a feeder at S. Newfane, Found on 29 October 2005 by Charlie Governali, Maine's third Black-throated Gray Warbler graced Pond Cove, Cape Elizabeth through 3 (here 2) November. It fed with a Blackpoll Warbler and several Yellow-rumped Warblers in seaweed wrack. Photograph by Bryan M. Pfeiffer. 42 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND f* A Observers in the w. and s. parts of the Region witnessed a series of major sparrow fallouts in Oct, mostly following J t\ days of heavy rain mid-month. In Vermont, remarkable numbers, especially of White-throated Sparrows and Dark- eyed Juncos, were noted 12-13 Oct at W. Brookfield, S. Burlington and Shelburne, and Middlebury, Addison, and 15-16 Oct at S. Burlington, Montpelier, Washington, and Brattleboro, Windham. In Connecticut, the action began 16 Oct, with 1 1 species at Milford during a Connecticut Ornithological Association sparrow workshop, including an estimated 800 Savannah and 200 Song Sparrows (FM et al.). This was followed on 20 Oct by another fallout at Milford of kinglets, warblers, and sparrows, in- cluding 1000+ mixed Song and Savannah Sparrows (S. Spector) and another mixed fallout at Westport featuring 400 Song and 40 Field Sparrows (FM). Hundreds of sparrows were noted the same day on the UConn Campus at Storrs, Tolland (C. El- phick) and the next day at Bluff Pt., New London (J. Restivo), Greenwich (M. Sampson), and Stamford (P. Dugan). Windham , VT 29-30 Sep (C. Petrak), and Massachusetts high counts were 4 at Northampton 4 Sep (JPS) and 5 at Ipswich 4 Oct (RH). Bobolinks passed through the Connecticut R. Valley in good numbers, with maxima of 800 at Amherst 23 Aug (S. Surner) and 550 at Northampton 28 Aug (T. Gagnon); a tardy in- dividual was found at E. Haven, CT 6 Nov (J. Hough). Twenty-six Eastern Meadowlarks at Tiverton, Newport, RI 18 Nov (RE) was a good tally for the date. A male Yellow-headed Black- bird at a feeder at Claremont, Sullivan, NH 1 Aug (tj. & R. DeVoyd) was well outside the pattern of the other 3 for the season, which were all found 22-26 Oct in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. A flock of 200 Rusty Blackbirds at Litchfield, CT 20 Oct (D. Rosgen) was notable for its size, especially in recent years. A Brewers Blackbird was iden- tified at Amherst, MA 6 Oct (H. Allen). At least 11 Baltimore Orioles were encountered by birders in Nov, part of the influx of reverse migrants; 9 were in Massachusetts, and singles were found at Seabrook, NH 12 Nov (S&rJM, R&MS) and Yarmouth, ME 26 Nov (DL). Pine Grosbeak, both crossbills, and Com- mon Redpoll reports were few this season and mostly in the far north. Purple Finches moved through the Region mostly in Oct, highlighted by a count of 800+ at Lighthouse Pt. 17 Oct (GH). The Pine Siskin flight was more modest but widespread. Evening Grosbeaks made somewhat of a comeback in autumn 2005, be- coming widespread in moderate numbers in Oct-Nov; maximum flock sizes were about 50 in Maine and 27 in Worcester, MA. Evidence of a local nesting population was the repeated appearance of 2 ads. and 4 juvs. at an Exeter, Washington, RI feeder through 1 Nov (C. Cooper, ph. RF). EXOTICS Although very few observers bother to report the various “Easter” ducks (feral Mallards), Muscovy Ducks, domestic Greylag Geese, Swan Geese, and Helmeted Guineafowl that live here and there in the Region, there are al- ways a few reports that warrant discussion in these pages. There are even a few exotics that have fairly well-established feral populations; for instance, Monk Parakeets continue to hang on in urban sites from Rhode Island and Connecticut, although they have declined in the former (fide RF). It also came to light this fall that there is a Common Peafowl popula- tion of long standing at Sudbury and Sher- born, Middlesex, MA (R. Crissman, S. Walker). More unique occurrences involved a Common Shelduck at Scarborough Marsh, ME 5 Aug (PV), a potentially wild bird (the w. Iceland population is growing); single Euro- pean Goldfinches at Hopkinton, Hillsborough, NH 30 Jul-8 Aug (D. Cooper) and at N. Truro, MA 24 Nov ( fide S. Ellis); and a Hi- malayan Monal (one of the world’s most at- tractive pheasants) fished out of the Black- stone R. at Millbury, MA 21 Nov (Tufts Uni- versity Wild Animal Clinic, fide ML). You never know what will come floating down the river or hop onto the feeder. Subregional editors (boldface), contributors (italics), and observers: Andy Aldrich, Audubon Society of New Hampshire, Jim Beny, Robert Bieda, Bird Observer, Sheila Carroll, Glen d’Entremont, Jody Despres, R. Emerson, Norm Famous, Rachel Farrell, Davis Finch, Chris Gentes, Greg Hanisek, Karsten Hartel, Rick Heil, David j. Hoag, Allan Keith, Z. Klyver, Vernon Laux, Richard B. Lavallee, Derek Lovitch, Mark Lynch, Bruce MacPherson, Frank Mantlik, Steve Mirick, Jane Mirick, Ted Muiin, Julie Nicholson, Blair Nikula, Simon Perkins, Chris Raithel, Peter C. Riley, Marj Rines, Bill Sheehan, James P Smith, Dori Sosensky, Robert Stymeist, Alan Strong, Mark & Rebecca Suomala, Glen Tepke, L. Therrien, William Townsend, Scott Tsgarakis, Richard Veit, Vermont Bird Alert, Peter Vick- ery, Barbara Volkle, Judy Walker, Tom Wet- more, Robert Zelley. © Walter G. Ellison, Nancy L. Martin, 23460 Clarissa Road, Chestertown, Maryland 21620, (rossgull@baybroadband.net) Looking for a Birding Adventure ? Go offshore with S6clt}ifiClil1|f For more information contact Brian Patteson Seabirding P.0. Box 772 Hatteras NC 27943 (252) 986-1363 http://www.seabirding.com Pelagic trips since 1986 Departures from Virginia Beach, V A 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 rare Pterodromas and tropicbirds Late summer trips for White-faced Storm-Petrel VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 43 I 1 Hudson-Delaware Brian L. Sullivan • Robert O. Paxton Joseph C. Burgiel • Richard R. Veit The weather in the Region was charac- terized by a hot, dry early autumn de- void of strong cold fronts, which perhaps allowed many passerines to linger later than usual. This dry spell was followed by the wettest October on record, with Octo- ber and November producing several strong cold fronts that ushered in Arctic air through- out the Region. Drier-than-average conditions across the Region meant poor shorebirding in most areas. Hurricane Wilma passed east of the Region 24-25 October, transporting large numbers of Chimney Swifts, Barn Swallows, Laughing Gulls, and various larids northeast- ward; many of these probably turned up in the Region as they struggled to return south- ward. Other highlights this season were a massive sparrow flight on the coast in Octo- ber; a bumper crop of Black Terns and Buff- breasted Sandpipers; multiple Magnificent Frigatebirds; Cave Swallows galore; the Re- gion's and Atlantic coast’s first Green Violet- ear; Gray Kingbirds from the Genesee Region of New York and coastal New Jersey; a Bell’s Vireo at Cape May; and a Black-throated Gray Warbler in New York City. Abbreviations: Avalon (Seawatch, Cape May, NJ); Bombay Hook (Bombay Hook N.W.R., Kent, DE); Brigantine (Brigantine Unit, Forsythe N.W.R., Atlantic, NJ); Cape May (all locations s. of the Canal, Cape May, NJ); Hamlin Beach (Hamlin Beach S.R, Monroe, NY Lakewatch); Jones Beach (Jones Beach S.R, Long L); Montezuma (Montezuma N.W.R., Cayuga, NY); Prime Hook (Prime Hook N.W.R., Sussex, DE). WATERFOWL THROUGH IBIS Waterfowl numbers were low due to the warm season, which allowed many species to stay well north of the Region. Three reports total- ing at least 7 Greater White-fronted Geese came from the Region from 29 Sep-13 Nov, and over 25 Cackling Geese were reported 1 Oct-28 Nov; noteworthy was one at Northum- berland, Saratoga, NY 27 Oct (ph. BP), the first in the Hudson-Mohawk region. A Barnacle Goose was photographed at Allendale Celery Farm, NJ 13 Nov (RF, et al.); note that a Bar- nacle banded in Scotland was shot in Ontario in Oct 2005. Ross’s Geese continue to be widely reported, with six records totaling at least 7 individuals across the Region. An ap- parent Snow Goose x Ross’s Goose hybrid was seen at Bombay Hook 15 Oct (AL). In w. New York, the high count of 1293 Brant at the Ham- lin Beach lakewatch occurred 8 Oct (DT, MD). A Black Brant returned to S. Amboy, Middlesex, NJ 28 Nov+ (SB). Record-early Tundra Swans arrived 26 Sep at Hamlin Beach (4) and Hogan Pt., NY (10+; WS et al.) and 24 Sep at Bivalve, Cumberland, NJ (JD, CS). An early White- winged Scoter at Cape Henlopen, DE 13 Aug (FR) had possibly summered. A King Eider at Cape May 13 Aug (TR et al.) remained through 19 Sep; 2 continued at Fire Island Inlet, Long I., NY (m.ob.); and singles passed Avalon 14 & 26 Nov (C.M.B.O.). Forty-three Common Ei- ders flew by Avalon 28 Nov (CC, C.M.B.O.); out-of-range Common Eiders were at Ironde- quoit Bay, NY 13-30 Nov (ph. GC) and at Long Pond, Greece, Monroe, NY 12 Nov (DT). A high count of 40 Blue-winged Teal passing the Hamlin Beach Lakewatch 28 Aug (WS et al.) was noteworthy. Red-throated Loons were negatively af- fected by a strong cold front 24-25 Nov, which caused many to wreck on roads and farm ponds in cen. and upstate New York (BP et al.). A peak total of 7350 birds was recorded passing Avalon 26 Nov (CC, C.M.B.O.). Com- mon Loon migration was steady; 1626 were counted passing Hamlin Beach 26 Oct (WS et al.). A Pacific Loon passed Avalon 16 Nov (CC, C.M.B.O.). Western Grebes were at Cumberland Head, NY 2 (BKr, CM) & 28 Nov (J&RH), a great record for L. Champlain; one returned to S. Amboy, Middlesex, NJ 23 Nov+ (TFr). Continuing from late summer, up to 3 Eared Grebes graced Batavia W.T.R, Genesee, NY through 11 Nov (WW et al.); another was at Wreck Pond, Monmouth, NJ 30 Oct (ph. Thelma Loveland). This is at least the 6th con- secutive late-summer/fall that Eared Grebes have been found at Batavia. A pelagic trip to Hudson Canyon 11 Sep yielded 20 Cory’s Shearwaters, 25 Audubon’s Shearwaters, and 200+ Wilsons Storm-Petrels (FL et al.). An unusual number of shearwa- ters was seen inshore at Cape May Pt., prima- rily in Aug: a Greater 4-8 Aug (PEL, SK); at least 2-3 Cory’s off Cape May Pt. 6-21 Aug (BF et al.); and an Audubon’s/Manx 4 Aug (SK) . A Leach’s Storm-Petrel, 33 Cory’s Shear- waters, and 3 Audubon’s Shearwaters were at Wilmington Canyon, DE 26 Aug (FR, PG). Fifteen Cory’s were off Democrat Pt., NY 3 Aug (PL). Juv. Northern Gannets were inland at Derby Hill, NY 7, 10, & 14 Nov, all days with strong westerly or northwesterly winds (BP); in w. New York, an imm. flew past Hamlin Beach 17 Oct (DT, MD), another lingered there 2-29 Nov (WS et al.), and a juv. was at Golden Hill S.R, Niagara, NY 5 Nov (WD et al.). An imm. Great Cormorant continued at Braddock Bay at least through 4 Aug (DT), while an ad. was at Cumberland Bay, L. Champlain, NY 5 Sep (HK), where rare. An Anhinga was at Southampton Township, Burlington, NJ 5 Sep (tBC, tjan Confer). Sin- gle American White Pelicans were at Logan Tract/Ted Harvey C.A., DE 25 Aug-18 Sep (m.ob.); at Montezuma through the period (m.ob.); at Brigantine 1 Aug-28 Oct (contin- uing from spring); at Tuckahoe, NJ 18 Aug (SL) and possibly the same individual at Great Egg Harbor R., Atlantic, NJ 17 Nov (CS, JD); 3 were at Bombay Hook, DE 10-27 Nov (RB); and 5 were over Jamaica Bay, Queens, New York City 27 Oct 0- DiCostanzo, J. Kim- ball, C. McAlexander). A Brown Booby was seen off Cape May Pt. 16 Sep (MGa et al.). There were up to 8 Magnificent Frigatebirds reported in the Region this fall, none with clear connection to tropical systems. Reports included one at Montauk, NY 7 Aug (M&rMWo); one at Barnegat Light, NJ 21 Sep (BK); a female at Barnegat 6 Nov (SLe, NC, ph.); a female at Cape May 7 Nov (BB, KB); 2 at Lewes, DE 7 Nov (WAF); and a male and female at Raritan Bay, NJ 9 Nov (ph. Tom Boyle; PB). Some of these sightings clearly in- volve the same individual, particularly the ad. female seen on 6 Nov at Barnegat Light head- ing southward, at Cape May on 7 Nov seen heading for Lewes, and then seen (as one of 2 birds) at Lewes just a few hours after the bird was lost from sight from Cape May. Some of these may also be individuals seen farther s., in Virginia and the Carolinas. A remarkable 400 Cattle Egrets were at Featherbed Lane, Salem, NJ 13 Aug (TM); this species is declining in s. New Jersey. One Cat- tle Egret was out of range at Wilson, Niagara, NY 18-19 Nov (B&LB). An ad. White Ibis at Braddock Bay 6 Aug (DT) provided only the 2nd record for the Genesee region; one was at Reed’s Beach, Cape May, NJ 18 Sep (TR); and an ad. flew over Cape May 28 Sep (CJV). RAPTORS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS Most locations reported average or above-aver- 44 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS HUDSON-DELAWARE age hawk migration despite the poor weather during the peak migration period. Coopers Hawks continue to increase across the Region, with a record season total of 5829 at Cape May (C.M.B.O.). On 20-21 Oct, 1153 Coopers were counted at Cape May, including a record 601 on 21 Oct, whereas only 1089 Sharp- shinned Hawks were counted over the two-day period — a remarkable change from the typical proportion of those species here. Swainson’s Hawks were observed at Cape May 22 & 24 Sep and 23 & 26 Oct. Single Western Red- tailed Hawks (subspecies calurus ) were re- ported in New York at Ithaca, Tompkins 20 Oct, a rufous morph at Mt. Pleasant (CLW, BLS, ph.), and in Henrietta 11 Nov (DT). Rough- legged Hawks appeared early in a few loca- tions, but overall the flight of this species was unremarkable. Again, Golden Eagles were the highlight at Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch, near Davenport, Delaware, NY, as a new high count for the East was reached 11 Nov when 71 passed the lookout (SH, RM). This outstanding count in turn contributed to the season’s total of 252 Golden Eagles, also a record for any e. site. A strong count of 7 at Cape May Pt. 2 Nov was noteworthy (C.M.B.O.); an ad. at Prime Hook, DE 23 Oct (FR, ES) was unusual on the coast, where ju vs. are the norm. A strong flight at Cape May 15 Oct produced a remarkable 342 Merlins (C.M.B.O.); a near-record season total of 200 Merlins was counted at Raccoon Ridge, Warren, NJ (Brian Hardiman et ah). Peregrine Falcons came in at 1164 for the sea- son at Cape May, with counts of 223 and 241 on 4 & 5 Oct, respectively (C.M.B.O.). A Yellow Rail was found at Bay Head, Ocean, NJ 19 Oct (BR), while a Black Rail was flushed at Cape May Meadows, NJ 14 Nov (RW). Sandhill Crane continues to expand into New York, and the species was widely re- ported this fall. Noteworthy reports included one at Braddock Bay 1 Aug (DT); 3 at Salem, NJ 13 Oct (C.M.B.O.); one at Cape May Pt. 18 Oct-30 Nov (MO’B et al.); and 2-3 at Cape May, NJ 2 Nov (C.M.B.O.), one of which was a continuing individual. A female Whooping Crane from the reintroduced migratory e. flock, last seen 12 Aug in Lowville, Lewis, NY, was relocated along the Black R. in Castor- land, Lewis, NY 27 Oct (M&CR). The crane was seen only briefly, could not be relocated the following day, and was next seen 9 Dec near Beaufort, NC, where it was captured and returned to Florida. Shorebirds encountered dry conditions in Aug-Sep, and few high counts were regis- tered. Wandering American Avocets made a good showing: one at Iroquois N.W.R., Gene- see, NY 9 Sep (PH); one at Island Beach S.R, NJ 27 Sep (SW); one at Hereford Inlet, NJ 1-3 Oct (BCa et al.); 2 at Tuckerton, NJ 15 Oct (SK); and one at DeLea Sod Farm, Salem, NJ 29 Aug (FL). The Johnson Sod Farms in s. New Jersey continued to be good for “grasspipers,” with maximum counts of 80 American Golden-Plovers 10 Sep (PG et al), 9 Upland Sandpipers 19 & 25 Aug (JD, CS), and 61 Buff-breasted Sandpipers 10 Sep (PG). Buff-breasteds had a great showing overall, with 19 reports of at least 39 individuals away from Johnson Sod Farm. Upland Sandpiper reports by contrast were very few elsewhere, just five reports of 14 individuals 6-22 Aug. A Whimbrel at Fort Drum, NY 1 Sep QB) and 18 at Montezuma 23 Aug (BLS) were good finds. Hudsonian Godwits were widely reported: 30 at Cape May 16 Aug (GM) and one there 10 Oct (LZ et al.); 10 at Brigantine 11 Oct (JDa); 4 at Prime Hook, DE 16 Oct (FR); 2 at Gordon Pond, DE 2 Oct (FR); and singles at Bombay Hook 21 Aug-Nov, at Bi- valve, NJ 24 Aug (SGI), and at Iroquois N.W.R., Genesee, NY 8 Oct OP)- Marbled Godwits were at Stone Harbor Pt., NJ throughout the period, with a high of 48 on 17 Nov (SK); in Delaware, a single bird was at Bombay Hook 21 Aug-Nov (m.ob.), with a high of 3 on 30 Oct (FR), and another was at Cape Henlopen, DE 9 Oct (FR). Red Knots were reported at Montezuma 13-19 Aug (one bird; GC et al.) and at Wildwood Crest, NJ NOV+ (500+; MO’B et al.). A Curlew Sand- piper was found at Stone Harbor, NJ 4 Sep (MS et al.); another was at Bombay Hook, DE 18 Sep (rn.ob.). Ruff reports came from Cape May Pt. 22 Sep (LB, MBe) and Chazy River, Clinton, NY 3 Aug (juv.; BKr). Red Phalaropes were noted at Wilsons Bay, NY 2 Nov (one bird; DB et al.), at Island Beach S.P., NJ 12 Nov (4; DF), and at Ausable Pt. W.M.A., Clin- ton, NY 21 Sep (one; BKr, CM). LARIDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Parasitic Jaegers were widely reported both on the coast and from L. Ontario. Juv. Long- tailed Jaegers were seen well offshore at Wilmington Canyon 26 Aug (one; FR) and at Hudson Canyon 11 Sep (2; FL); near shore, singles were at Cape May Pt. 14 Sep (CJV), Cape Henlopen, DE 5 Oct (FR, BGP), and at Hamlin Beach 9 Oct (DT). An ad. without tail streamers was reported at Cape Henlopen 2 Nov (SHD), a late date but not without some published precedent. A possible ad. Long- tailed was reported well up the Delaware Bay at the Logan Tract/Ted Harvey C.A., DE 20 Aug (PSa, KC). A juv. Pomarine Jaeger on Cayuga L. at Aurora, NY 30 Oct (Curtis Marantz et al.) was a first for the Cayuga Lake Basin; the date is typical for juvs. in the Great Lakes. Both imm. and ad. Franklin’s Gulls were at Cape May 8-14 Nov (RC et al.); 2 flew past Avalon 8 Nov (CC, C.M.B.O.); and a juv. was along the Niagara R. at Buffalo, NY j\ Return of the American Kestrel? Last year at this time, the general consensus was that American Kestrels were de- • I dining rapidly in the Region. Numbers of kestrels were so low at coastal hawkwatches that red flags were raised by conservationists. In 2005, the species appeared to make modest gains for the first time in several years. Cape May recorded 61 63, its first total over 5000 since 1 999. The 1418 counted 1 5 Oct made the best single-day count in years. Although the sea- son total at Cape May was good, it was well below historical totals. It is unknown exactly why this rebound has taken place. Given the relatively poor weather conditions experienced during this species' peak migration period (15 Sep-15 Oct), the in- crease in numbers appeared to have little relation to weather conditions. This Common Eider at Irondequoit Bay, Monroe County 1 3-30 (here 20) November 2005 was one of two found in upstate New York in fall 2005. Photograph by Willie D'Anna. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 45 HUDSON-DELAWARE Fall 2005 had an above-average number of Buff-breasted Sandpiper reports in the Hudson-Delaware region. Among at least 21 reports totaling 100 birds was this duo at Stone Harbor Point, Cape May, New Jersey 2 September 2005. Photograph by Howard B. Eskin. 6-20 Nov (MM et al.). Out-of-range Laughing Gulls were at Hamlin Beach 4 Sep (WS); Cox- sackie, NY 25 Sep (RG); and at Stewart Park, Ithaca, Tompkins, NY 26 Sep-16 Oct (up to 5; JM et al.). Little Gulls were widely reported 12 Sep-23 Nov, with one at Swartswood L., Wcuren, NJ 28 Nov (AS) a particularly good find; another at Cape May 12-29 Sep (rn.ob.) was unusual. Juv. Black-headed Gulls were at Hamlin Beach 28 Oct and 8 & 18 Nov (WS, RS); single Black-headeds were at Irondequoit Bay 12 Nov (DT), Fair Haven, NY 6 Nov (DW), Bivalve, NJ 23 Aug (CS, JD), and on the Niagara R., NY 19 Nov (WD). Bonaparte’s Gulls were observed in above-average num- bers at Buffalo on the Niagara R. during the last half of Nov, with 7000 counted 19 Nov (WD). A California Gull on the Niagara R. 1 1-13 Nov made the 14th consecutive year for the species there (WD et al.). At Merrill Creek Res., Wcuren , NJ, an incredible 75 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were counted 4 Nov (RK, AP); this species was noted to outnumber Herring Gulls there on most days this fall. Two juv. Sabine’s Gulls flew past Hamlin Beach 16 Oct (DT), and one was at Warren Green Acres, Somerset, NJ 11 Sep (MH). A juv. Black-legged Kittiwake was at Hamlin Beach 4 Sep (WS), followed by 3 there 16-31 Oct (RS et al.) and one 8 Nov (WS et al.); other single kittiwakes were at Champlain, NY 9-10 Oct (DH), Split Rock Pt., L. Cham- plain, Essex, NY 11 Oct (RL et al.), Golden Hill S.P, Niagara, NY 5 Nov (ad.; WD, MM), and along the Niagara R., NY 21 Nov (WD et al.). A Bridled Tern was par at Wilmington Canyon 26 Aug (FR, PG). Some 2300 Black Skimmers were estimated at Stone Harbor Pt., NJ 29 Aug (CJV). It was the best year in decades for Black Terns along the coast. The high count was 45 on the beach at Wildwood Crest, NJ, 21 Aug (MO B), the highest count since the 1950s in South Jersey. Few Snowy Owls were reported across the Region; one at Porter, Niagara, NY 29-30 Nov was sick and died in captivity (WD, BPo); one was at Jones Beach S.P 19 Nov (BKu); 2 were at Summerville, NY 25-27 Nov (T. MacDon- ald); and one was at Braddock Bay 25 Nov (DT). A total of 48 Northern Saw-whet Owls was banded at Cape May Pt., NJ 11 Nov (KDu, PM) — an exciting night in an other- wise lackluster season for this species in the Region. Common Nighthawk numbers con- tinue to drop, with relatively few reports from across the Region. A White-winged Dove was at Cape May 6 Nov (RC et al.). A few Eurasian Collared-Doves, still a rarity in the Region, were reported at Port Monmouth, NJ 23 Sep-12 Oct (ph. AA). Chimney Swift numbers were low across the Region, but an unusual number lingered into Nov at Cape May, likely the result of hur- ricane-displaced birds returning southward from Canada’s Atlantic Provinces after Wilma. An imm. female Black-chinned Hum- mingbird at Barnegat Light, NJ 20-27 Nov (Mike Spingola, FL, AT et al.) provided a 3rd C I , This season's weather produced several migratory avalanches of note, in addition to the now-expected surfeit of Cave Jfl Swallows. On the night of 13 Oct, observers on the campus of Cornell University noted an avian phenomenon the likes of which had never been recorded in the Finger lakes region. The campus football stadium had its lights on well into the night, and the com- bination of the stalled cold front and subsequent low ceiling and light drizzle caused thousands of birds to be attracted to the lights. The football field was "littered" with Savannah Sparrows, while the lights around the stadium were abuzz with noctur- nal migrants. The trees surrounding the stadium were full of warblers, and due to the intensity of the light, many were forag- ing on insects as though it were broad daylight. Wave after wave of migrants flowed through the stadium lights; however, it was difficult to determine whether birds were circling or whether they were simply streaming past. Many thousands of mi- grants were present in the stadium area that night, but little mortality was recorded. Surprisingly almost absent from the flight were Catharus thrushes, whose flight notes were only occasionally audible above the din of Yellow-rumped Warbler and Sa- vannah Sparrow calls. The most interesting birds recorded in the event were up to 2 Blue Grosbeaks and 2-4 Dickcissels. Also recorded were 50 Gray-cheeked Thrushes, 15 Black-throated Blue Warblers, 250 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 6 Black-throated Green Warblers, 20 Palm Warblers, 50 Common Yellowthroats, 500 Savannah Sparrows, 20 Indigo Buntings, and 5 Bobolinks. At the Empire State Building in New York City, observers conducted nocturnal counts of migrants over the course of the fall. The large flights experienced at Cornell translated south and east a few days later as the front moved farther east, large flights were noted the nights of 15, 18 and 19 Oct (RD). The event of the autumn, however, had to be the fallout of sparrows recorded along the Atlantic coast in late Oct when this weather system finally cleared. It was perhaps the largest fallout of short-distance migrants on record. The fallout stretched roughly from coastal Connecticut through Delaware, with the highest concentrations reported at Cape May, where 50,000 sparrows were estimated 21 Oct. Estimates of numbers at Cape May Point were roughly 4000 Chipping Sparrows, 700 Savannah Sparrows, 10,000 Song Sparrows, 6000 Swamp Sparrows, 15,000 White-throated Sparrows, and 3000 Dark-eyed Juncos. The magnitude of the fallout cannot be overstated: nearly every yard and garden in coastal New Jersey was covered with sparrows. While sparrows were king, there were very large, sometimes exceptional numbers also of Northern Flickers, Eastern Phoebes, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers. New York City and the whole of coastal New Jersey were full of both kinglets during the last 1 0 days of Oct, the numbers of which were impos- sible to fathom, but said by many observers to be the largest flight of these two species on record. The fallout in general was caused by a stalled cold front that lingered in the Region for about a week beginning on 10 Oct, bringing low fog and rain across the Region. This weather was responsible for incredible nocturnal flights at many locations; southbound migrants were presumably grounded in the n. part of the Region, and then moved southward en masse when the conditions turned favor- able around 18 Oct. The relationship of migratory birds and weather continues to astonish us, and this season's remarkable fallout was one for the record books! 46 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS HUDSON-DELAWARE This immature female Black-chinned Hummingbird visited Barnegat Light, New Jersey 20-27 (here 25) November 2005, the third for the state. Photograph by Scott Elowitz. state record. The first Green Violet-ear for New Jersey (and the Atlantic Coast) was found at Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth , NJ 23-24 Aug (TS, MF, SB et al.). Rufous or Ru- fous/Allen’s Hummingbirds have become al- most too numerous to list: an ad. male Rufous at Cape May 22 Aug (MO’B, VE); one at Frankfurt, Sussex, DE 6 Nov (FR); a Ru- Cave Swallows continue to outdo themselves. Across the Region, reports were widespread in early Nov, almost too numerous to account for. A partial list (totaling 435 birds, at minimum) includes: 4 at Derby Hill, NY 6 Nov (BP) and 3 more there later in the day (DW, GeS), the first sightings of live birds for the Oneida Lake Basin; 3 at Fair Haven, NY 16-17 Nov (ph. GD; m.ob.); 42 at Golden Hill S.P. 5 Nov (WD et al.); 56 at Wilson, Niagara, NY 6 Nov (WD, BPo); 81 at Carlton, Yates, Orleans, NY 6 Nov (WW, JP); 20 at Fort Niagara S.P., Niagara, NY 6 Nov (PY); 20 at Four Mile Creek S.P., Niagara, NY 6 Nov (PY); many at Cape May 26 Oct— 20 Nov, with a high of 200+ at Cape May Pt. 12 Nov (VE et al.); one along the Maurice R., NJ 26 Oct (CS, JD); 3 at Brigantine 12 Nov (JCo); and 2 at Sandy Hook, NJ 3-4 Nov (SB et al.). Eclipsing any of these figures was the major passage of Cave Swallows at Hamlin Beach and the surrounding area 3-6 Nov, with several birds lingering in the area for 10 days. Strong southwesterly winds associated with an ap- proaching low-pressure system were clearly linked to the high counts along the Ontario lakeshore here. The first 4 were observed at 0830 on 3 Nov by John Bounds, Judy Gurley, and Dave Tetlow. There was a lull; then in the late morning and early afternoon, another 24 were tallied. These birds passed by under mostly sunny skies and flew westward into a stiff southwesterly breeze. On 4 Nov, many observers were on hand, hoping for a continuation of the flight. Skies were overcast with a lake , breeze (northerly winds), and no Cave Swallows were observed. In the early afternoon, however, the wind shifted back to the southwest, and Tetlow arrived at 1430 to see flocks of 5 and 7 birds. He was joined by Mike Davids, and between 1530 and 1645 the two observed another 100 birds. On 5 Nov, another 42 birds were counted, but on 6 Nov the del- uge hit, and just prior to the front's passage a remarkable flight occurred. By 1000, Tetlow and crew had tallied over 300 Cave Swallows; by 1 1 30 the count stood at 518. As the front passed, the flight all but shut off, but before day's end an incredible 579 Cave Swallows had been counted! The four-day total was 761 . Over the next 10 days, small numbers of Cave Swallows were found in the area, and several specimens were salvaged. The subsequent cold snap and strong northwesterly winds presumably pushed most Cave Swallows eastward, and reports from coastal localities in subsequent days support this assumption. fous (banded) at Fonda, Montgomery, NY, 19-23 Nov (RPY); a Rufous/Allen’s at C.M.B.O., Goshen, NJ 29 Sep-1 Oct (PS, JW); one in Verga, Gloucester, NJ 9 Oct+ (SK, m.ob.); one in Paulsboro, Gloucester, NJ mid- Oct+ (Vince Manzoni); one in New Lisbon, Burlington, NJ 24 Oct+ (m.ob.); one at Cape May 11 Nov (Garr Kerr); and a male Rufous at Glenwood, Erie, NY 9 Oct (D&DS, DSu), the latter a 3rd for the Niagara Frontier re- gion. Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to spread and increase in the n. reaches of the Region; one at Willsboro Bay, Essex, NY 27 Aug (Matt Medler) was rare there. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES Late flycatchers were the norm this season: an Olive-sided Flycatcher at Central Park 6 Oct (Jack Meyer, Julie Wein, Trish Ternahan) and one at Cape May Pt. 18 Oct (CJV et al.); an Eastern Wood-Pewee at Central Park 5 Nov (Phil Jeffrey); and single Yellow-bellied Fly- catchers at Cape May 19 Oct (CJV, PEL) and Bay Head, Ocean, NJ 25-31 Oct (Bill Resotko et al). Single Ash-throated Flycatchers were in Cape May 13 (NH et al.) & 29 Nov (GM), at Assunpink, NJ 12-16 Nov (SGa et al.), and at Verona, Essex, NJ 19 Nov (KD). Western King- birds were rather widespread, with eight re- ports of singles 19 Sep-20 Nov. A late Eastern Kingbird was at Cape May 17 Oct (CJV). A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was at Sandy Hook, NJ 4 Nov (PB et al.). A cooperative Gray King- bird appeared at Salmon Creek, Monroe, NY 1-4 Oct (DT et al.), providing only the 2nd record for the Genesee Region; another was at Parkertown, Ocean, NJ 19 Oct (TG). Purple Martins staging at the Maurice R., NJ put on an impressive show 23-25 Aug, with an estimated 19,000 roosting there (Pete Dunne et al.); one at Golden Hill S.P, NY 5 Nov was well studied (WD et al.) and pro- vided the latest record for New York. Throughout the n. part of the Region, North- ern Shrikes were found in average numbers. A White-eyed Vireo at Clay Marsh, Onandaga, NY 2 Oct (DN) was n. of its normal range, and one at Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo, NY 27 Sep (RA et al.) was the 2nd consecutive fall record for this location. Red-eyed Vireos were confirmed breeding in Central Park, when an ad. was seen feeding young 7 Aug (RD et al.). A Bell’s Vireo was at Cape May, NJ 9 Sep (CCh et al.). Red-breasted Nuthatches staged a modest invasion into the Region. Bohemian Waxwing reports were few: 16 were at Wilson, Niagara, NY 30 Oct (BEw), and 3 were at Golden Hill S.P, NY 5 Nov (MM, BPo). Worm-eating Warblers were out of range at Bethany, Genesee, NY 6 Oct (DB) and at Long L., Hamilton, NY 13 Sep (PGa). A Yellow-throated Warbler was at Jamesville, Onondaga, NY 3-4 & 14 Nov (DW, BB). Con- necticut Warblers were widely reported, with seven reports coming from Delaware alone. A Black-throated Gray Warbler at Forest Park, Queens, NY 13-21 Nov (SA, m.ob.) was the bird of the season for the city. Five Lark Sparrows were in the Cape May area 13 Oct-1 Nov (MO’B et al.). A Clay-col- ored Sparrow was found at Wilson, Niagara, NY 25 Sep (WD et al.), providing only the 2nd fall record in the Niagara Frontier region. A Le Conte’s Sparrow was at Allendale Celery VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 47 HUDSON-DELAWARE Farm 30 Oct (RF, PLo et al.). A Henslow’s Sparrow at Sandy Hook 30 Oct (Tom Boyle et al.) was found in nearly the same place as during fall 2004. A male Oregon Junco was at Reed’s Beach Rd., NJ 21 Oct (DR). An imm. Painted Bunting was found at Cape May, NJ 4-8 Sep (HT et al.). It was a good fall for Rusty Blackbirds across the Region, with a high 1200 at Salmon Creek, Monroe, NY 18 Oct (DT) and 800 at Richland, Oswego, NY 22 Oct (BP). A male Yellow- headed Blackbird landed on a sailboat 56 km off Cape May, NJ 23 Aug (LM); other singles were seen at Cape May 22 Aug (RC) and 12 (RH) & 24 Nov (PEL et al.) and at Brigantine 24 Aug (RC). A late Orchard Oriole was at Cape May 24 Sep (MO’B et al.). Pine Siskins were wide- spread and on the move early through Oct and Nov, with early arrivals at Bombay Hook. DE 29 Aug (BGP) and Hamlin Beach 18 Aug (6 birds; WS). Winter finch numbers were otherwise low, with only a modest push of Pur- ple Finches across the Region, and very few reports of Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, and White-winged Crossbill from w. New York outside of the highlands. Evening Grosbeaks were reportedly intermittently across the n. half of the Region but remained mostly at higher el- evations. Contributors (subregional compilers in bold- face): A. Allen, Deborah Allen (Central Park, NY), Robert Andrle (Buffalo, NY), Seth Ausubel, Pete Bacinski, Scott Barnes (n. coast of New Jersey: scott.barnes@njaudubon.org; Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, R O. Box 533, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732), Maurice Barnhill, Bob and Lorraine Baxter, Mark Beal (MBe), Kate Beale, Doug Beattie, Chris Bennett (Sus- sex, DE), Lance Bennet, Brenda Best (BBe), Michael Bochnik (Hudson-Delaware region, NY: 86 Empire Street, Yonkers, NY 10704), Bob Boehm, Jeff Bolsinger (St. Lawrence re- gion, NY), Ray Brown, Ed Binder, Flank Burk, Tom Burke (New York R.B.A.), Bob Carlough (BCa), Gary Chapin, Chris Charlesworth (CCh), Judith Cinquina, Cape May Bird Ob- servatory (C.M.B.O.), Bob Confer, Nancy Cooke, Jack Connor (JCo), Joe Di Costanzo (JDC), Cameron Cox, Kevin Crilley, Richard Crossley, Willie D’Anna, Mike Danzenbaker (MDa), John Danzenbaker (JDa), Greg Dash- nau, Mike Davids, Robert DeCandido, Keith Dedrick, Peter Dorosh, Jim Dowdell, Doyle Dowdell, Paul J. Driver (Lower Delaware Val- ley, NJ: 915 Melrose Ave., Elkins Park, PA 19027), Katy Duffy (KDu), Pete Dunne, Samuel H. Dyke, Andrew Ednie (Delaware; 59 Lawson Ave., Claymont, DE 19703), Vince Elia, Bill Elrick, Brett Ewald (BEw), Mike Fa- hay, Robert Fanning, William A. Fintel, Tom Fiore, Bob Fogg, Kurt Fox, Tom Frantz (TFr), Don Frciday, John Fritz, Spencer Galen (SGa), Peter Galvani (PGa), Charlie Gant, Mark Garland (MGa), Anthony Gonzon, Jef- fery A. Gordon, Judy Gordon, Kevin Griffith (Genesee Region, NY: 61 Grandview Lane, Rochester, NY 14612), John Gluth, Steve Glynn (SGI), T. Graf, Jason Guerard, Paul Guris, Mary Gustafson, Rich Guthrie, Nikolas Haass, Steve Hall, R. Hannum, Lee Harper (St. Lawrence, NY: 58 Old River Road, Massena, NY 13662), Clive Harris, Judy & Roger Heinz, Paul Hess, Bob Hickman, Mike Hiotis, David Hoag, Marshall J. lliff. Rich Kane, Sandra Keller, Jim Kimball, Howard Klein, Bill Krueger (BKr), Bob Kurtz (BKu), Meta Little, Laurie Larson (New Jersey), Richard Lavallee, Paul E. Lehman ( Cape May), Steve Leibhaber (SLe), Andrew Leidig, Tim Lenz (TLe), Steve Leonard, Fred Lesser, Tony R. Leukering, Ken Liehr, Patricia Lind- say, Philip Lombardi (PLo), Thelma Love- land, Tom Magadan, Larry Manfredi, Andrew Mason (Susquehanna region, NY: 1039 Peck St, Jefferson, NY 12093), Patrick Matheny, Kevin McGann, Kevin J. McGowan, Jay Mc- Gowan, Hugh McGuinness (E. Long I., NY: RO. Box 3005, Southhampton, NY 11969), Bob McGuire, George Meyers, Ron Milliken, Charles Mitchell, S. S. Mitra (Long I., NY: Bi- ology Department, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314), Lauren Morgens, Mike Morgante (Niagara Frontier region, NY: 59 Briar Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127), David Nutter, Michael O'Brien, Bill Ostrander (Finger Lakes re- gion, NY: 80 Westmont Ave., Elmira, NY 14905), Art Panzer, Jim Pawlicki, Bruce G. Peter- john, John M. C. Peterson (Adirondack-Champlain region, NY: 477 County Rte 8, Elizabeth- town, NY 12932), Jack Passie (JPa), Gerard Phillips, Betsy Pot- ter (BPo), Bill Purcell (Oneida Lake Basin, NY: 281 Baum Road, Hastings, NY 13076), Barbara Putnam, Rick Radis (n.-cen. NJ: 69 Ogden Ave., Rockaway, NJ 07866), Molly Crawford-Reidy and Chris Reidy, Tom Reed, Frank Rohrbacher, Dale Rosselet, Peter Sanger (PSa), Matt Savoca, Sy Schiff, Tom Shaheen, D. & D. Sherman, Ed Sigda, Andrew Sigerson, Frank Sencher, Jr. (nw. New Jersey: 43 Church Rd, Mil- ford, NJ 08848), Dominic Sherony, Gerry Smith (GeS), Robert Spahn (Genesee Or- nithological Society, Rochester), David Suggs (DSu), Brian L. Sullivan, Clay Sutton, Pat Sut- ton (Cape May Bird Observatory [C.M.B.O.]), Eve Sweatman, William Symonds, Dave Tet- low, Mike Tetlow, John and Patricia Thaxton, Harvey Tomlinson, Alex Tongas, Jan Trzeciak, Chris J. Vogel, J. Wasse, William Watson, Steve Weis, Dave Wheeler, Christopher L. Wood, Marguerite & Miles Wolffsohn, Andy Wraithmell, Rick Wright, Will Yandik (Hud- son-Mohawk region, NY: 269 Schneider Rd, Hudson, NY 12534), Peter Yoerg, Robert P. Yunick, Louise Zemaitis. © Brian L. Sullivan, Cornell laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, (bls42@cor- nell.edu); Joseph C. Burgiel, 331 Alpine Court, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874, (burgiel@alum.mit.edu); Robert 0. Pax- ton, 460 Riverside Drive, Apt. 72, New York, New York 10027, (rop1@columbia.edu); Richard R. Veit, Department of Biol- ogy, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314, (veitrr2003@yahoo.com) Upstate New York rarely records Gray Kingbird, and the Genesee region of the state had just one record prior to the discovery of this bird 1 -4 (here 2) October 2005. Photograph by Willie D'Anna. 48 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Middle Atlantic Todd M. Day Fall was divided by an extremely dry September — one of the driest on record — and an October that was among the wettest on record. The transit of tropical storms was likely responsible for only a frigatebird or two in Virginia, and Wilma’s offshore passage might have contributed to a delayed or reversed migration for many other species, especially swifts and swallows. Sever- al veteran observers commented that migra- tion seemed two or three weeks late, especial- ly waterfowl. Decent flights of songbirds were noted 4-5, 18, and 28 September, the latter with a good push of thrushes. However, the week of 13-18 October was described as an avalanche of birds, with thousands of diurnal migrants noted, mostly Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers moving northward along the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The enormous Connecticut-to-Delaware sparrow fallout of the following week was noticeable only in moderately elevated numbers of Song and Swamp Sparrows (several hundred of each in two locations) in southernmost Northampton County, Virginia. The season had no shortage of high-profile rarities, with two Regional firsts and several other exceedingly rare birds. Maryland and Virginia shared the first Neotropic Cormorant in the Middle Atlantic, and the Old Dominion claimed the Region’s first MacGillivray’s War- bler. Flycatchers put on a good show, with a Hammond’s Flycatcher and a Gray Kingbird in Maryland and an Ash-throated Flycatcher in Virginia. Maryland had a Black-throated Gray Warbler. Abbreviations: Bay (Chesapeake Bay); Craney (Craney I., Portsmouth, VA); D.C. (District of Columbia); E.S.VN.W.R. (Eastern Shore of Virginia N.W.R.); Hart (Hart-Miller I., Baltimore, MD); Kipt. (Kiptopeke S.P., Northampton, VA); O.C. (Ocean City). WATERFOWL THROUGH HERONS Four reports of Greater White-fronted Goose (all apparently of subspecies flavirostris) were a hint of the many to follow in win- ter: singles were at Sandy Point S.P 2 Nov (Bill Schreitz), near Berlin, Worcester, MD 13 Nov (MLH), and along John Hanson Rd., Kent, MD 13 Nov (Dave Powell, BH); and 2 were at the Rte. 309 pond, Queen Anne's (DP). An injured Barnacle Goose at Walnut Hills Camp- ground, Augusta, VA was last report- ed 8 Aug (AL, PL, m.ob.); another with a stronger case for natural ori- gin was seen 15-16 Oct (and again in Jan) at Great Oak Pond, Kent (WGE et al.). As has been typical, the bulk of the Cackling Geese reports were in Maryland, with observers finding birds at nine locations there, and just one in Virginia; most notable among these was 7 birds at Great Oak Pond with 150 Canada and 150 Snow Geese 15 Oct (WGE, NLM). A neck-collared Trumpeter Swan from the Ohio reintroduction program was at Airlie 28 Nov-15 Dec (W. J. L. Sladen, John Whissel), the 2nd such occurrence in Fauquier, VA, the previous being 27 Dec 2000 at L. Brittle (SAH). The Tundra Swan that summered in D.C. on the Potomac R. near Chain Bridge was last reported 3 Sep (]H). A hen Eurasian Wigeon was found at Great Oak Pond 30 Sep (tWGE); a drake returned to Ridgeway Park, Hampton, VA 4 Oct+ (Ben Copeland); another drake was at the River- side Farm, Northampton, VA 12 Nov+ (RR et al). A Canvasback at Hart 13 Aug likely sum- mered (EJS, MH, HH). Two Surf Scoters were at Piney Run Park, Caroline, MD 9 Nov (RFR). A White-winged Scoter on the Po- tomac R. at Violettes Lock was sporadically reported 27 Oct-20 Nov (DCz, m.ob.); an- other was found at Rocky Gap S.P., Garrett, MD 23 Nov (JH). Four Common Eiders were first reported at O. C. Inlet 11 Nov (MH, JBC); one was on the Choptank R. at Todd Pt., Dorchester 20 Nov (Carol McCollough). A Red-breasted Merganser was on the New R. at Radford, VA 20 Nov (Joshua Palmer). Ruddy Ducks were reported through Aug at Hart and Poplar I., Talbot, MD (EJS; JRfide LR); 2500 at Pohick and Accotink Bays, Fairfax was a good count 27 Nov (Stephen Williams). Two Red-throated Loons were reported without details from L. Moornaw, Bath, VA 6 Nov (AL et al); another was at Kerr Res., Mecklenburg, VA (acc., TAD). Sixty-five Com- mon Loons were found well inland with 8 Red-breasted Mergansers on Mil! Creek L., Amherst, VA (Mark Johnson). Impressive numbers of Pied-billed Grebes were found throughout summer and fall at Hart, a set of artificial dredge-spoil storage islands. Scarpu- la was consistently able to find double- and sometimes triple-digit numbers of grebes dur- ing his weekly counts at the site. The peak was 126 on 24 Sep; other good tallies were 101 on 1 Oct, 86 on 17 Sep, and 85 on 3 Sep. Two Red-necked Grebes were at Leonards- town, Saint Mary’s 27 Nov & 4 Dec (Sigrid Stiles). An Eared Grebe was found at Craney 11 Sep and again 25 Oct-4 Nov, on the latter date with a 2nd (DLH, Elisa Enders, H. Fen- ton Day). Virginia’s most reliable spot for this species remains S. Holston L., Washington, where 3 were noted 28 Sep, and the high count being 8 on 23 Oct (Rick Knight; Don Holt et al., fide Wallace Coffey). One was at Piney Run Park 9 Nov+, the 2nd record for Caroline, MD (RFR, m.ob.). A 27 Aug pelagic trip out of Lewes, Delaware into Worcester wa- ters produced 10 Cory’s Shearwaters, 7 Audubon’s Shearwaters, and 552 Wil- son’s Storm-Petrels; a fishing trip from the same location a day earlier discovered a Leach’s Storm-Petrel in Worcester (PG et al.). With eight reports of American White Pelicans in the Re- gion, it is difficult to deter- mine whether any of the reports correspond- ed to the same individual birds. The first of these was one bird at Hog I., Surry, VA 18-21 Aug (AD, Joey Olszewski, m.ob.); one was on the Susquehanna River, Flarford, MD (DW, fide Les Eastman). One at Staunton River S.P, Halifax, VA 18 Sep was the only inland report (Jeff Blalock); as many as 7 were seen at South Pt., Worcester (Ed Horner, fide NS; ph. MB, m.ob.); another Worcester report was 13 Nov on a pond near Berlin (MLH). Two were on Metompkin Bay, Accomack 20-21 Oct (Susan Brown); one was seen over Dam Neck Rd., Virginia Beach 31 Oct (Karen Beatty, fide Mary Reid Barrow); and one at Fisherman I., Northampton 12 Nov (JK). Brinker et al. band- ed a total of 1331 Brown Pelicans in Maryland and Virgnia through fall 2005, down consid- erably from 2004’s record of 2421 (fide HTA). The season’s biggest surprise was the Re- Probably a waif wandering after displacement by Hurricane Wilma, this Magnificent Frigatebird near Townsend, Northampton County, Virginia on 9 November 2005 furnished only the ninth record for the state, though there are at least nine reports of unidentified frigatebirds in the state, including another by the photographer 16 November 2005 nearby. Photograph by Sam Stuart. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 49 MIDDLE ATLANTIC Maryland's (and the East Coast's) first Neotropic Cormorant (here 28 October 2005) was first found 12 August 2005 on the Potomac River at Seneca, Montgomery County, where it associated with Double-crested Cormorants. It was not con- firmed until late October and was last observed 1 1 Novem- ber. Several observers reported that it crossed into Virginia airspace on occasion. Photographs by George M. Jett. gion’s first Neotropic Cormorant (and first for the Eastern Seaboard), which was nearly missed. Czaplak noted a distant small cor- morant with Double-crested Cormorants on the Potomac R. at Seneca, Montgomery 12 Aug; however, it was over two months before he was able to confirm the birds identity. It was seen regularly at the location 24 Oct-1 1 Nov (vt. DCz, m.ob.). The Potomac serves as the boundary between Virginia and Maryland, and though the entire river is in Maryland, several observers noted seeing the bird over land on the Virginia side (p.a., MH, LS). No- tably the bird was reported from ponds at the Lowes 1. Golf Club several times, and a dis- tant photograph suggests a smaller cormorant among two larger birds (p.a., ph. Byron Lash). Another of the season’s better finds was a Magnificent Lrigatebird that flew over the Kipt. hawkwatch platform with 5 Turkey Vul- tures 9 Nov, an ad. female (acc., ph. SWS, ph. ZS); another frigatebird, this one not seen as well and not identified to species, was noted by Stuart at the same location 16 Nov. Both of these birds were thought to be entrained by Hurricane Wilma and were heading south- ward many days after the storms offshore pas- sage. Similar records came from areas all along the East Coast and on Bermuda. An American Bittern was unexpected along Harrison Rd., Fauquier 24 Aug, well before the species begins fall migration; it is not cur- rently known as a breeder on the Piedmont (TMD). Up to 4 Snowy Egrets were seen 24 Aug-26 Sep at Marumsco Cr., Prince William (Kevin Parker). Some 42 White Ibis were found at Assat. 19 Sep, a state high count (C&DB); 123 at E.S.VN.W.R., Northampton 8 Oct (HTA et al.) was a normal count just 1 10 km away. An ad. White Ibis was at the Green Springs Trail 21 Aug, the 2nd for James City , VA (BW); 2 imms. were seen 8-30 Sep along the Nansemond R. at Suffolk, VA, roosting with Double-crested Cormorants on power transmission towers (CLW). A Glossy Ibis was at Rural Retreat L., Wythe, VA 16 Oct (Don Mackler et al.). RAPTORS THROUGH TERNS A Mississippi Kite at Hart was Baltimore’s first and also record late 15 Oct (EJS et al.). Two successful Fairfax, VA breeding locations for Mississippi Kites, at Annandale and the Waynewood area, had birds reported as late as 28 Aug (ph. Bob Augustine). Another Missis- sippi Kite was at Haysi, Dickenson, VA 31 Sep (TRM). A Bald Eagle was recovered near the Flowerdew Hundred Plantation, Prince George, VA with a band on its leg that was placed there 20 years prior in nearby Henrico (BDW, fide AD). An outstanding count of 68 Red-shouldered Hawks was noted 24 Oct at Turkey Point hawkwatch, Cecil, MD (fide Pat Valdata). The hawkwatch at Kipt. had single Swainsons Hawks 18 Sep (SWS) and 19 Oct (SWS, RLAn). Another was reported 25 Sep at Pt. Lookout, Saint Marys, MD (tJLS, HH, JB). A bird showing characters consistent with Kriders Red-tailed Hawk, the pale morph of borealis found on the prairies (and formerly considered a subspecies), was seen at Harvey’s Knob, Bedford and Botetourt, VA 12 Nov (TF). Golden Eagles in Sep are exceptional in the Region; however, an imm. 3 Sep at Kipt. was astonishingly early, the earliest on Virginia’s Coastal Plain (RLAn, SWS); an ad. was at Kipt. 28 Sep, an age exceedingly rare on the immediate coast (SWS, HTA). Four Black Rails were found in a wet meadow adjacent to the Cowpasture R., Al- leghany 23-24 Aug in habitat described by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist as suitable breeding habitat (fide Carol Hardy-Croy). This is the first report of the species in the Mountains and Valley of Virginia since 1946 (five between 1936-1946) and certainly bears future monitoring. King Rails were reported through at least 12 Nov at Occoquan Bay N.W.R. (RR; PS); another was most unusual at the hawkwatch at Kipt., where it was walk- ing on the railing of the platform 10 Oct (SWS et al.). Two ad. and 4 imm. Common Moorhens were at Tanyard, Caroline, MD 13 Aug (JH); moorhens were also at a farm on Church Neck, as many as 4 reported 8 Oct-6 Nov (fide VK; TF, ICT, TMD et al.), as well as up to 2 at Maddox Pond, both Northampton 15 Nov+ (ESB, SWS, m.ob.); one at Accotink Bay, Fairfax with ca. 2000 American Coots was a good find (Stephen Williams). Ameri- can Coots were confirmed breeding at Hart, rare for Maryland. Two ads. with 4 young were there 6 Aug (DB); as many as 17 ads. with 9 young were seen through 3 Sep (EJS et al.). Two Sandhill Cranes were seen at Kipt. 2 Nov (Robert Klages, SWS); 4 were there 25 Nov (SWS); another was seen at Harvey’s Knob hawkwatch 30 Nov (Bill James, Bill Grant, John & Sharon Williams). The agricultural fields at Remington, Fauquier and Culpeper, VA continue to host interesting inland shorebirds, especially at sod farms. American Golden-Plovers were present 27 Aug-3 Sep, with 18 there 3 Sep (TMD; John Fox; KG, JK); Upland Sand- pipers have historically bred in the area, and they were reported 1 Aug-3 Sep, with as many as 11 being seen (TMD, ICT, LC, m.ob.); and Buff-breasted Sandpipers were seen 17-26 Aug, the high count being 3 on 17 Aug (TMD, BA, m.ob.). One to 3 Ameri- can Golden-Plovers were also seen at two sod farms in Montgomery, MD 28 Aug-28 Sep (Clive Harris, Gary Smyle, m.ob.); one was present at Leonard’s Pond, Rockingham, VA 9-14 Oct (John Todd IV, John Irvine, m.ob.). Black-necked Stilts were only reported in Vir- ginia from expected locations: 7-21 Aug at Craney, with a high count of 15 there (DLH, Ml, BL), and 21-26 Aug at Chine., with no more than 4 reported (VK et al.; JK). Mary- land had one at Poplar I. 22 Aug (JR, fide LR) and one at the marsh at North Beach, Calvert 1 Sep (JLS). American Avocets were at Craney 7 Aug-1 Nov, with 22 there 1 1 Sep and 5 present 1 Nov (DLH, MI, AD, m.ob.), a far cry from past counts; up to 3 were at Chine. 20 Aug-26 Aug (VK et al.; JK). Avo- cets were at Hart 6 Aug-15 Oct, with notable counts ranging from 38 on 6 Aug to 92 on 24 Sep, the latter a new state high count; one was present 15 Oct (EJS, m.ob.); 3 were at the Rte. 50 borrow pit w. of Salisbury, Wicomico 8 Aug (C&DB); 2 were found at the Berlin S.T.R, Worcester 4 Sep (F&NS); 24 were at Poplar I. 19 Sep (JR, fide LR); and one was at Great Oak Pond 24-25 Sep, Kent's sec- ond (WGE, NLM). A Greater Yellowlegs was at a pond near Riner, only the 3rd Nov record for Montgomery, VA (CK). Two Upland Sand- pipers were at Mason Dixon Farm, Frederick, MD through 2 Aug (RFR, PO); one was along John Brown Rd., Queen Anne’s (MH, JLS, HH); another was in Howard, MD 16 Aug (Bonnie Ott); one was seen at Wye 1. Natural Resources Management Area, Queen Anne’s 21 Aug (BH, HH, JB); 24 and 35 were at Patux- ent R. Naval Air Station, Saint Mary’s 26 & 29 50 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS MIDDLE ATLANTIC Aug (KR); 3 were at Petersburg Turf Farm, Dorchester 27 Aug (SA, EA); and the peak count at Salisbury Airport, Wicomico, was 9 on 27-28 Aug (SHD). The returning Long-billed Curlew was at Chimney Pole and Gull Marshes, Northamp- ton 28 Aug (Barry Truitt) and 7 Nov (Fletch- er Smith et ah); Ake found one at Fisherman I. 10 Oct. Chine, hosted one to 2 Fiudsonian Godwits 26 Aug-25 Sep (JR, m.ob); one was at Poplar I. 19 Sep (JR,/ide LR). Red Knot re- ports remain ominously scarce. Twenty-one were at Back Bay N.W.R., Virginia Beach 19 Aug; one was at Swan Harbor, Harford 21-27 Aug (DW fide MH, RFR); 2 were at Poplar 1. 3 Sep (RFR, JR); 2 were at Craney 4 Sep (TMD, DLH, 1CT et ah); about 20 were at Chine. 22 Oct (Rob & Chrystal Young); and 12 were at Assat. 12 Nov (fide MLH). There were two reports from the Mountains and Val- leys of Sanderling: 13 Aug at North Branch, Allegany, MD (JBC, Ray Kiddy), and 24 Aug at Greenfield Pond, Botetourt's first (Mike Purdy). A juv. Western Sandpiper was unusu- al at Kenilworth Park, D.C. 20 Aug (PP). A White-rumped Sandpiper was at Smith’s Pond, Augusta 20 Aug; one was present 4-1 1 Oct at Leonard’s Pond (both AL, PL). The only reports of Baird’s Sandpipers away from the Coastal Plain (where reported from eighth- locations) were 16-27 Aug at Leonard’s Pond (AL, PL, JI, ph. Greg Moyers) and at North Branch, Allegany 28 Aug (JBC). A 5 Nov Pec- toral Sandpiper at Deep Creek L., Garrett, MD was late (MB et ah). West Ocean City Pond, Worcester boasted a Curlew Sandpiper 9-13 Oct (MLH, MH, HH, JBr, m.ob.). A Stilt Sand- piper was well inland at Leonard’s Pond 22 Aug (CM), as was another at North Branch 28 Aug (JBC). From the Piedmont, one was in unusual habitat on rocks below the dam at Kerr Res., (acc., ph., TAD), and 10 were at Brown’s Bridge, Howard 31 Aug (JH), and one was there 17 Sep (ph. Tom Field). One was late at the Berlin S.T.P 13 Nov (MLH). Seven- teen locations hosted Buff-breasted Sand- pipers between 15 Aug-1 Oct, several unex- pectedly, and an impressive 33 were at Hart 27 Aug (EJS et ah), a new state high count. Notable among these were the Patton turf farm and Hughes Rd. polo grounds in Mont- gomery, MD, with up to 2 birds 27 Aug-2 Sep; one was at the Farrar turf farm, Mecklenburg 28 Aug (ph., tAD); 2 were at Western Re- gional Park, Howard 31 Aug (HH); and 2 at a turf farm on Rte. 231 n. of Benedict were a Charles, MD first (KR, fide GMJ). Ruffs are quite rare in the Region, especially in Virginia, Frequenting a backyard feeding station with a state-second Allen's Hummingbird, this White-winged Dove was discovered on Virginia's "rarities round-up" 6 November 2005; it remained through at least 28 November. Photograph by Edward S. Brinkley. so three reports were well above average: at Chine. 4 Aug (ph. Stephen Davies) and either it or another there 27 Aug (p.a., JK); at Poplar 1. 3 Sep (RFR, JR); and a female on Rte. 50 e. of Linkwood, Dorchester 15-16 Oct (GMJ, Gwen Brewer). Wilson’s Phalaropes were at expected locations in Maryland and Virginia 1 1 Aug-24 Sep; however, 2 at Craney 1 Nov were quite late (AD). One ad. and 9 juv. Red- necked Phalaropes at Poplar I. 3 Sep deserve r A Three of the Region's Northern Saw-whet Owi banding projects provided summaries of the season's efforts, one each J ft from Virginia's three main physiographic provinces: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains and Valleys. The stations operated near the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula in Virginia captured 75 new owls, with two re-captures from other sites, marking the third lowest total in twelve years of banding. Some 2700 owls have been banded at that site during its tenure, with over 100 foreign re-captures and returns recorded (Barton J. Paxton, AW). The Mountains and Valleys project, near Bergton, Rockingham, in its fifth year of operation, fared better, though largely due to increased net hours. In 2005, 151 owls were caught at that site, with 7 foreign re-captures. Forty birds were banded at the site and re-captured later at the site, most showing an increase in weight. Over half (52%) of the birds banded here were after-second-year birds (Clair Mellinger). Perhaps most interesting was the lack of birds caught in the Region's sole Piedmont project in its fourth year. In 38 nights of trapping, only 7 Saw-whets were caught. The previous three seasons (2004, 2003, and 2002) had 39, 38, and 52 birds in 21, 26, and 26 nights of trapping, suggesting that the species didn't move into Virginia's Piedmont quite as much as in years past, though with quite a small sample size (Gene Sattler). mention among the more expected numbers and locations for the species this fall (RFR, JR). A Red Phalarope was at Craney 30 Oct (DLH), a 3rd record there. Surprisingly few noteworthy gulls were re- ported during the season. A Franklin’s Gull was on the Nansemond R., at Suffolk 28 Sep (ph. CLW), not far from Craney, where sever- al have been reported in the past; another was at Schoolhouse Pond, Prince George’s, MD 4 Nov (Fred Schaffer). A California Gull was at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax 13 Nov, a location where the species has been reported regularly over the past few years (tLC). A Sabine’s Gull was seen 26 Sep off of Violettes Lock on the Po- tomac R. Montgomery’s first, and seen flying into Loudoun, Vir- ginia’s first Piedmont record not associated with a tropical storm (tDCz). The tern colony on Wreck I., Northampton was visit- ed by banders 8 Aug, when 969 Royal Terns and 101 Sandwich Terns were banded QSW, fide HTA). In Weske’s 30 years of study on the Eastern Shore, an estimated 400 pairs of Sandwich Terns on Wreck exceed his high- est totals there. Two Royal Terns were seen at Ferry Neck, Talbot 26 Nov (HTA). Sandwich Terns were reported from Assat. and Skimmer I. 27 Aug-9 Oct, with a high count of 16 there 15 Sep (MLH, SHD); the 2 seen 9 Oct were record late for Maryland (MH et al). From Seneca on the Potomac R., 34 Black Terns were noted 31 Aug (DCz); the species is much diminished in the Region in recent decades. DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS A White-winged Dove was a surprise at a Cape Charles, Northampton yard sporadically 6-28 Nov (ESB, Steve Hairfreld, BL, CT, SAH, JRu, m.ob.); appropriately enough, it was first noted by participants on the 3rd annual “Rar- ities Round-up.” Twenty-seven Eurasian Col- lared-Doves together on a wire were seen in the Sandbridge area, Virginia Beach 27 Nov-29 Dec (DC1); the area s. of Capeville along Rte. 600, Northampton had reports throughout fall, with at least 7 seen at once 6 Nov (Alan Schreck, Linda Fields, TMD, 1CT). The species has yet to make a serious attempt at colonizing Maryland; however, one was re- ported 1 Aug at Mason-Dixon Farm (p.a., tGS). A Black-billed Cuckoo was at the E.S.V.N.W.R. 5 Nov (DC1, RLAk); 2 Yellow- billed Cuckoos were at Banshee Reeks, Loudoun the same day (JC et al.). VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 51 MIDDLE ATLANTIC Tekin counted 821 Common Nighthawks and noted “thousands” of Chimney Swifts at Rockfish Gap, Augusta 1 Sep. Reports of Chimney Swifts into early Nov were legion, perhaps influenced by the impacts of Wilma over the se. coast in Oct, though no reports were beyond 10 Nov. Virginia’s 2nd Allen’s Hummingbird, a first-year male, arrived at Brinkley’s Cape Charles feeder 25 Oct, stayed to be banded 11 Dec (b. , ph. Mary Gustafson, Bruce Peterjohn), and was last seen 30 Dec; over 300 ob- servers were welcomed over the bird’s nine-week stay, almost all of whom saw the Allen’s. Other Se- lasphorus hummingbirds included a Rufous 4 Oct+ w. of Independence, Grayson, VA which was eventually banded (Scott Jackson-Ricketts); another Grayson bird was one near Galax 4 Oct-21 Nov (GE). A Ruby-throated Hummingbird was at a Sil- ver Spring, Montgomery yard 28 Nov (PO). A Hairy Woodpecker was seen on Tangier I. 9 Oct, Accomack; this species is notoriously rare on remote islands in the Bay (HTA, George & Aurora Roberts). The season’s w. waif was a Hammond’s Fly- catcher along the N. Central Railroad Trail, Baltimore 23 Nov-2 Dec (Hank Kaestner, JLS, ph. MLH, RFR, ph. MB). The only previous record of the species for the Region was a mist-netted and collected bird 9 Oct 1963 at Ocean City, Worcester (*USNM 479689). Ex- cellent photographs and videotape show a narrow bill, a gray head contrasting with an olive-green back, relatively long primary ex- tension, a notched tail, and the bird’s propen- sity for flicking its tail and wings. A coopera- tive Ash-throated Flycatcher was at the hawkwatch platform at Kipt. 19-26 Nov, of- ten perching close and affording great looks and photographic opportunity (ph. by SWS, ZS, ESB, RLAn, m ob.). A Gray Kingbird along George’s I. Landing Rd., Worcester 19-23 Oct was Maryland's 6th (C&DB, ph. MLH, ph. GMJ, in.ob.). Eight Olive-sided Flycatchers were spread over seven locations in the Region 26 Aug-19 Sep. An Acadian Flycatcher was seen about 80 km e. of Northampton on a research vessel 3 Sep (TB). Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were reported from 13 locations 13 Aug-30 Sep; 9 were banded at Kipt. 23 Aug-30 Sep (JRu). The Region’s only Western Kingbirds were found in coastal Virginia: 2 were at Back Bay N.W.R. 21 Sep (ph. AD); one was at Kipt. 12-16 Oct (SWS, RLAn); one was along Rte. 600 near Plantation Rd. 5-6 Nov (Josh Nemeth, m.ob.); and the last was at E.S.V.N.W.R. 19 Nov (JRu). SHRIKES THROUGH ORIOLES A Loggerhead Shrike was along Grassdale Rd., Fauquier 14-29 Aug (TMD, Kate War- man-Day); one was reported 6 Sep-30 Oct at Sky Meadows S.P., Fauquier, an area in which the species is still believed to breed (JC, TMD, BA, m.ob.). A Warbling Vireo was at Ocean City 9 Oct (RFR, Charlie Vaughn), record late for Maryland. Cave Swallows again were found along the Virginia coast in mid-Nov. The first 2 were spotted 10 Nov at Kipt. (BTa, acc. ph. SWS), and small numbers were seen consistently there through 20 Nov (SWS et ah). Three were at Riverside Farm, Northampton 12 Nov (p.a. KG et ah); one was on the C.B.B.T. 17 Nov (p.a. BTe); and a small roost was found in the trestles of the C.B.B.T. at Wise Pt., Northampton 22 Nov (ph. SWS), where a specimen was recovered *USNM 602053, subspecies pelodoma ). Maryland had two undocumented reports: one near Leonardtown, Saint Mary’s 27 Oct (Patty Craig), and 2 at Ferry Neck, Talbot 19 Nov (HTA); another undocumented report was from Stuarts Draft S.T.P, Augusta 23 Oct (AL). Other late swallow reports from the coast may have been influenced by Wilma. Northern Rough-winged Swallows were reported through 10 Nov at Kipt. (SWS), and one was at North Beach, Calvert 7 Nov (JLS)- Two Bank Swallows were seen at Kipt. 9 Nov (SWS). Barn Swallows were seen through 12 Nov, the last Virginia report being at Riverside Farm 12 Nov (KG et al.); one was seen 15 Nov at Oxford, Talbot (JBr). A modest and somewhat concentrated in- vasion of Black-capped Chickadees occurred this fall, with most reports hailing from the upper Bay, specifically Cecil though many other counties had scattered reports. The first indication of a flight was a bird banded at Chino Farms, Queen Anne’s 18 Oct (Jim Gru- ber, fide MH); however, at least 15 were found at Turkey Pt., Cecil 30 Oct (SM). Other re- ports were mostly in Cecil, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Baltimore, and Hatford. A more thorough ac- counting will appear in the winter season re- port. Red-breasted Nuthatches also staged a moderate invasion this year, with many re- ports throughout the period. Most impressive were 52 at Loch Raven, Baltimore 19 Nov (Tyler McLean). Five Brown-headed Nuthatches, 2 ads. and 3 juvs., were found 8 Aug at Eastern Neck N.W.R, the first breeding in Kent. It is hard to tell whether these birds have spilled over from Queen Anne’s or are an A little before 0800 AM on 17 Oct, a recently mist-netted hatching-year male Black-throated Blue Warbler was I adorned with a band on its leg by Bander-in-Residence, Jethro Runco. Typically the occurrence would go unnoticed (and the band not painted gold); however, this marked the 300,000th bird banded at the Kiptopeke banding station since its inception in 1963. Founding banders Fred Scott, Walter and Doris Smith, Mike and Dorothy Mitchell, and Charlie Hacker opened the field station under the project "Operation Recovery," a network of fall banding stations. For over 40 years, this op- eration has collected valuable data of migrating birds along the Atlantic Coast as well as providing thousands of people the opportunity to view birds in the hand. To date, 306,054 individual birds have been banded representing 159 species. Captured have been 148 birds banded at other banding stations, and 534 birds that were re-captured at Kipt. having returned to the station in different years. The birds banded at the station are almost entirely Nearctic and Neotropical migrants, with resident birds accounting for very few captures. The 2005 ratio was 62.8% Nearctic, 35.5% Neotropical, and 1.7% resident. Over the decades, scores of banders, researchers, volunteers, and organizations have assisted in keeping the station open. Their hard work has resulted in the impressive milestone mentioned above, and Kiptopeke has banded more birds than any other fall banding station in North America. The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory currently operates the site, under the guidance of Station Master Bryan D. Watts of the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA , and with the aid of several banders and many volunteers. Just the sixth record for Maryland, this Gray Kingbird was in Worcester County 19-23 (here 23) October 2005. Photograph by Sean McCandless. 52 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS MIDDLE ATLANTIC overlooked population hidden within the refuges restricted areas. The Sedge Wren in Allegany in summer was last reported 18 Aug (TB, Jane Kostenko); another in that county was found at the N. Branch spray fields 5 Nov (MB, JLS, MH). In Virginia, 5 were near Middlebrook, where they bred in 2004 (BTe, AL, PL); 4 were singing around Smith’s Pond, both Au- gusta 16-20 Aug (AL, PL); one was at the Rappahannock River N.W.R., Essex, VA 10 Aug (Sandy Spencer); one was at Bandy Field, Richmond 17 Oct (AB); and one was at North Fork Wetlands, Prince William, in an area in which breeding was suspected but un- confirmed in summer (CT, KG, JK). The songbird banding station at Kipt. caught 3 Bicknell’s Thrushes, one 28 Sep and 2 on 17 Oct (]Ru). Two or 3 were heard flying over Cape Charles 9-11 Oct, along with three-day estimated counts of 300 Gray-cheeked and 230 Swainsons Thrushes (ESB). An Ameri- can Pipit was an exceptionally early fall mi- grant 21 Sep near Raphine, Augusta (Jo King, fide YL). The first decent front to push migrants to the immediate coast was 18 Sep, when hun- dreds of American Redstarts were among 21 warbler species noted at Sunset Beach, along with many Red-eyed Vireos (ESB, BLS). Stuart noted hundreds of Northern Parulas from the hawkwatch platform at Kipt. 10 Oct, several days before thousands of warblers and mi- grants were reported in s. Northampton. Be- tween 15-17 Oct, the dam of migrants seem- ingly broke and Hooded Sunset Beach with thousands of birds, dominated by Yellow- rumped and Palm Warblers noted in reverse- migration. Among them were scores of Com- mon Yellowthroats, Northern Parulas, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, and Black-and-white Warblers, as well as hundreds of Northern Flickers and dozens of Eastern Phoebes. A Black-throated Gray War- bler was found at Little Bennet Park, Mont- gomery 15 Oct (p.a., tGemma Radko, Anna Urciolo, fide LS); only two other Maryland records exist. Virginia and the Region’s first MacGillivray’s Warbler was at Kipt. 8 Nov (b. JRu, ph. SWS, ESB et al.), a long-overdue record based on many reports from surround- ing regions. A Nashville Warbler was at Oak- ington Farm, Harford 25 Nov and was seen tail-pumping consistently, a behavior more commonly associated with the ridgwayi sub- species of the West (MB). A Northern Parula was at Violettes Lock 11 Nov (DB). A Chest- nut-sided Warbler was at the Breaks commu- nity, VA 22 Oct (David Raines, fide RM), and a Cape May Warbler was on Compton Mt. 27 Oct, both Buchanan, VA (RM). A Black- throated Blue Warbler was at the National Ar- boretum, D.C. 6 Nov (John Beetham). A Blackpoll Warbler was banded at Kipt. 9 Nov (JRu). A Prothonotary Warbler banded at Kipt. 9 Oct was emaciated at 11.4 grams, which certainly accounted for the bird’s tardi- ness. Above average were reports from over a dozen locations of single Connecticut War- bler 10 Sep-13 Oct. A Wilson’s Warbler visit- ed a Norfolk yard 21-27 Nov (DC1). A Yel- low-breasted Chat was at Bandy Field, Richmond 23 Nov (AB). A Clay-colored Sparrow was seen on a re- search vessel about 80 km e. of Northampton 3-4 Sep (TB); one was at Back Bay N.W.R. 21 Sep (AD); an imm. was at Fort McHenry, Bal- timore 27 Sep (Jim Peters, fide Keith Eric Cost- ley); an ad. was along Bethel Rd., Wicomico 23 Oct (MH et al.); one was at Quillen’s Pond, Augusta 25 Oct (AL); and one was at the E.S.VN.W.R. 11 Nov (KG, RR). A Lark Spar- row was near Washington’s Birthplace, West- moreland, VA 24 Sep (tFA), and another was along Wilsonia Neck Drive, Northampton 9 Oct QK)- A Grasshopper Sparrow was at the Pickering Cr. Audubon Center, Talbot 10 Nov (LR). An atypically cooperative Le Conte’s Sparrow was at Occoquan Bay N.W.R. 30 Oct-9 Nov (LC, ph. PS, m.ob.); another was near Williamsburg, James City 27 Nov (BW). Two Blue Grosbeaks along the Castleman R. were locally rare 22 Aug (EK); Garrett has just a few prior records and no confirmed breeding. The infiux of Dickcissels into the Region during summer was still evident in fall, with about 20 reports, the latest being 2 at Kipt. 2 Nov (SWS). A Yellow-headed Black- bird was at Hart 17 Sep (EJS, ph. Ben Wein- stein); one was near Accotink Cr., Fairfax 1 Oct (Robert Hindle, Stephen Eccles); one was near Willis Wharf, Northampton 1 Oct (AW); and one was at Kipt. 26 Nov (RLAn, fide SWS). A Brewer’s Blackbird was along In- diantown Rd., Dorchester 13 Nov (MH); 2 were in an Abingdon, Washington, VA yard 19 Nov (Ed Morgan); and one was near Galax 21 Nov (GE). An estimated 1600 Rusty Black- birds were at Leedstown, Westmoreland 6 Nov (FA); this species is in steep decline, and Hocks of that size have become quite rare in the Region. Fifteen Eastern Meadowlarks were a nice find at Kenilworth Park, in urban D.C. (PP, Rob Hilton). Several Baltimore Ori- oles lingered through Nov, the last report was in a Norfolk yard 27 Nov (DC1). Contributors (subregional/county compilers in boldface): Bob Abrams, Robert L. Ake, Henry T. Armistead, Robert L. An- derson, Elaine Arnold, Stan Arnold, Fred Atwood (e. Virginia), Tyler Bell, Michael R. Boatwright (cen. Virginia), Arun Bose, Jim Brighton, David Brinker, Edward S. Brinkley, Carol & Don Broderick (C&DB), Don Burggraf, Larry Cartwright, Joe Coleman, David Clark (DCl), Dave Czaplak (DCz), Todd M. Day, Adam D’Onofrio (se. Virginia), Samuel H. Dyke, Glen Eller, Walter G. Ellison, Tad Finnell, Kurt Gaskill (n. Vir- ginia), Paul Guris, Matt Hafner, Su- san A. Heath, Hans Holbrook, Mark L. Hoffman, John Hubbell, Bill Hu- bick, David L. Hughes, Mike Iwanik, George M. Jett, Jay Keller, Clyde Kessler, Valerie Kitchens, Mary Alice Koeneke, Glenn Koppel, Elise Kreiss, Allen Larner, Pat Lam- er, YuLee Larner ( Augusta , VA), Beverley Leeuwenburg, Nancy L. Martin, Roger & Lin- da Mayhorn (sw. Virginia), Sean McCandless, Helen Patton ( Montgomery , MD), Bruce Pe- terjohn, Paul Pisano, Elizabeth Pitney (Tri- County Bird Club, MD), Kyle Rambo, Jan Reese, Rich Rieger, Robert E Ringler, Les Roslund, Jethro Runco (JRu), Fran & Norm Saunders (N&FS), Eugene J. Scarpula, Lydia Schindler, Fletcher Smith, Gary Smyle, Jo Solem (JSo) ( Howard , MD),John Spahr (JSp) (w. Virginia), James L. Stasz, C. Michael Stin- son (s.-cen. Virginia), Brian L. Sullivan, Bren- da Tekin, lan C. Topolsky, Craig Turner, Bryan D. Watts, Dave Webb, Bill Williams (coastal Virginia), C. Leslie Willis, Ariel White. Many others who could not be personally acknowl- edged also contributed to this report; all have my thanks for the effort and interest. ® Todd M. Day, 5118 Beaver Dam Rd., Jeffersonton, Virginia 22724, (blkvulture@aol.com) One of two reported in Virginia in fall 2005, this Le Conte's Sparrow frequented Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge 30 October (here) through 9 November 2005. Photograph by Paala Sullivan. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 53 Southern Atlantic Alligator ft NWR Ricky Davis This fall’s weather was one of extremes, with most central areas experiencing drought conditions and most coastal and western areas having higher levels of pre- cipitation. Temperatures for the most part continued the recent trend of being quite warm early and remaining very mild into the latter half of the season. Once again, hurri- canes affected the region, with Katrina in late August and Ophelia in mid-September being the most notable for obvious transport of birds. One other storm, Hurricane Wilma in late October, was most likely responsible for the avian highlight of the season, an unprece- dented invasion of Magnificent Frigatebirds. Abbreviations: E.L.H. (E.L. Huie Land Appli- cation Facility, Clayton , GA); H.B.S.P. (Hunt- ington Beach S.P., Georgetown , SC); Hoop. (Hooper Lane, Henderson, NC); Kennesaw Mt. (Kennesaw Mt. National Battlefield Park, Cobb, GA); Pea I. (Pea Island N.W.R., Dare, NC); S.S.S. (Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper, SC). WATERFOWL THROUGH WADERS Whistling-ducks continued to be present in s.-coastal South Carolina, with the S.S.S. har- boring both species. Black-bellieds were pres- ent all fall, peaking at 47 on 19 Nov, while one Fulvous was noted 14 Aug (SC). Noteworthy Greater White-fronted Geese were found at Pea 1.16 Oct (SM et al.), at the Merry Ponds, Augusta, GA 19 Nov (LS), and at Table Rock S.P, SC 25-29 Nov (RC, CE, SS). Snow Geese were late in returning to the Region but did so in normal numbers. Most unusual were 5 Brant inland at L. Crabtree, Wake, NC on the early date of 11-13 Oct (DS et al.), providing about the 4th inland report for the state. Only one Eurasian Wigeon was noted, that being at the usual North Pond, Pea 1. area 23 Oct (RD). On the heels of this past spring’s birds, another Mottled Duck was found in North Carolina, this one at Ft. Fisher 15 Oct (GM). This is the 3rd report for the state and lends credence to the idea that more individuals of the increasing South Carolina population will be found to the n. in the future. Summering Ring-necked Ducks remained into the fall, with one at the E.L.H. until Sep (CL et al.) and 2 in sw. Burke, GA 21 Aug (JFl, EH). Single imm. Common Eiders were at the H.B.S.P jetty 19 Nov (JP et al.) and on Cum- berland I., GA 25 Nov (TE, BD). With water- fowl arriving somewhat late this fall, only a handful of noteworthy inland sightings were received. These included a male Surf Scoter on L. Junaluska, Haywood, NC 22 Nov (CW, WF, BO), a White-winged Scoter at West Point L. Dam, GA 22 Nov (WC), and a male Common Merganser near Rhems, Williams- burg, SC 25 Nov (DF). Always noteworthy in- land, Red-throated Loons were near Roper, Washington, NC 23 Nov (DR) and at L. Wal- ter E George, GA 25 Nov (EB et al.). Only one Pacific Loon was reported, that being at Kill Devil Hills, NC 23 Nov (KC). Eared Grebes were reported from the usual places, but numbers seemed to be down. The peak count was only 8 at Rum Creek, GA 17 Sep (TJ). Pelagic trips off Hatteras 1., NC were high- lighted by a Fea’s Petrel 21 Aug, a Manx Shearwater 27 Aug, a White-faced Storm-Pe- trel 14 Aug, 2 White-tailed Tropicbirds 27 Aug, and a Masked Booby 13 Aug (BPI). South Carolina sightings off Charleston in- cluded 23 Black-capped Petrels 13 Aug and a Band-rumped Storm-Petrel 20 Aug (ND et al.). Hurricane Ophelia moved slowly up the North Carolina coast 14-16 Sep and de- posited large numbers of seabirds into the sounds. During the storm’s passage many birds, mostly shearwaters, were noted on the beaches of the cen. and n. coast. On 16 Sep at Hatteras, Patteson noted 30 Cory’s Shearwa- ters and a Band-rumped Storm-Petrel. The next day, stationed at the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet, Davis noted the following in Pamlico Sound: 3 Black-capped Petrels, 140 Cory’s Shearwaters, a Greater Shearwater, 5 Audubon’s Shearwaters, a Manx Shearwater, and 6 Wilsons Storm-Petrels. The Cory’s milling around inside the inlet would not cross the bridge to access the ocean. Their numbers increased to a peak of 190 on 21 Sep (PS), with one still present 2 Oct (RD). American White Pelicans continued their presence in the Region, with the best counts being 115 at the S.S.S. 22 Oct (SC) and 90 at Andrews I., Glynn, GA 8 Oct (BZ). Notewor- thy inland reports involved 76 at West Point L„ GA 17 Nov (MB) and 5 at L. Walter E George, GA 25 Nov (EB et al.). The northern- most group once again was at Pea I., peaking at 36 on 12 Nov (RD et al.). Also of note in- land was the imm. Brown Pelican at L. Walter F George, GA 25 Nov (EB et al.). A Great White Heron was a good find near 0 A Hurricane Katrina was certainly responsible for bringing single Magnificent Frigatebirds to Georgia, with a juv. at L. Wal- 1 flter F. George 30 Aug and a female at L. Seminole 31 Aug (MB et al.). But it was the Nov flight of the species that made real news in the Region, probably all birds that were returning southward after being transported to the Atlantic Provinces of Canada by Hurricane Wilma. This storm crossed Florida 24 Oct, quickly moved up the Atlantic Seaboard, and then affected e. Canada 25-26 Oct. By early Nov, frigatebirds were being seen in all three states, especially in North Carolina. One was noted at C. Hatteras, NC 3 Nov (P&NM et al.); on 5 Nov at least 6 birds (5 ad. males, one female) were noted from C. Hatteras to Pea I. along the Outer Banks (ML, ED et al., JPi, WCo, LG, RD, TP, JL et al., JF, H&Eli, m.ob.). Elsewhere on 5 Nov, singles were observed at 0c- racoke Inlet, NC (KW) and at C. Lookout, NC (fide TP). On 6 Nov, one was seen at Nags Head, NC. Several more singles were pres- ent along the Outer Banks during the following weeks: at Nags Head 1 3 Nov (AK, H W et al.) and at Pea 1. 1 6 Nov (RP). Two were observed heading northward at N. Topsail Beach, NC 28 Nov (CS), with probably one of these being seen later that day up the coast at nearby Emerald Isle ( fide JF). In South Carolina, one was seen heading southward at Litchfield Beach 14 Nov (BM). One at Little St. Simons L, GA 2 Nov (fideTM) was probably also storm-related. The eye of Hurricane Ophelia stayed just a few kilometers off the North Carolina coast as it moved slowly northeastward 14-16 September 2005. Most storms that do not traverse the mainland produce relatively few records of pelagic seabirds from shore, but most of Ophelia's inner bands swept over the barrier islands and large sounds of North Carolina, moving at least six tubenoses species inshore and into the sounds. Up to 190 Cory's Shearwaters were recorded in Pamlico Sound near Oregon Inlet, including this group 17 September. Photograph by Brian L Sullivan. 54 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN ATLANTIC Rome, GA 6 Aug (fide TM), providing a rare report of this taxon in the Region. Much rarer was the Little Egret reported from Pea 1. 29 Aug (NS). The bird was compared to nearby Snowy Egrets and sported two long, thin plumes from the nape. If accepted, it would be the first for the state and Region. Reddish Egret numbers seemed about normal, with birds being found in all three states. The best count reported was up to 7 at Cape Remain N.W.R., SC during Aug and Sep (ND et al.). Roseate Spoonbills also continued their pres- ence in the Region, peaking at 33 at Andrews 1., Glynn , GA 8 Oct (BZ) and at 21 at the S.S.S. 4 Sep (SC). Elsewhere up to 6 were at Cape Romain N.W.R., SC through Sep (ND et al.), one was near Charleston, SC 14 Sep (PN et al.), and one was unusual inland near Albany, GA 17-18 Aug (AA). RAPTORS THROUGH TERNS Wandering Swallow-tailed Kites away from their usual area in Georgia included singles near Sandersville, Washington 5 Aug (PS, BB), in n. Greene 27 Aug (fide PS), and in Fayette 31 Aug (fide TM). Only one Northern Goshawk was reported, that being an imm. at Beaufort, NC 18 Oct (RB). The Broad-winged Hawk migration apparently was about aver- age, as few reports were received detailing the magnitude of the event. An ad. light-morph Swainson’s Hawk was reported near Cum- ming, Forsyth , GA 5 Oct (JC, fide JS). If ac- cepted, this would be only the 2nd for that state, the first being at Eufaula N.W.R. 9 Oct 1977. Only one Rough-legged Hawk was found this fall, a dark-morph bird flying northward at Pea 1. 24 Nov (KC). Golden Ea- gle reports came from both Carolinas, in the mts. (3) and along the coast (4). Falcons mi- grated through in good numbers this fall, as evidenced by 21 American Kestrels at North River Farms, Carteret, NC, 10 Merlins at C. Lookout, NC 18 Sep (JF et al.), and 39 Pere- grine Falcons at Sapelo I., GA 7 Oct (MD et al.). Rail highlights included a Black Rail seen at Bodie I. Lighthouse Pond, NC 5 Nov (BBo), a Virginia in the mts. in Transylvania, NC 15 Sep (fide NSi), and a Clapper photographed at a mall in Rome, GA 19 Oct (MD)! The latter bird, apparently present for several days in some shrubbery, provided about the 3rd “well-inland” record for the state. Purple Gallinule has been extremely hard to find at the n. edge of its range in North Carolina for many years now. Thus of note was an ad. with 2 young photographed at Osprey L., Sunset Beach, NC in late Aug (JO). Another very rare bird in the Region, Limpkin, was reported twice this fall. One was present along Cane Cr., a tributary of the Catawba R., in Lan- caster, SC 7 Aug-early Oct (BSt et al), pro- viding the first Piedmont record for the Carolinas. Another one was found at Chicka- sawhatchee W.M.A., w. of Albany, GA, 30 Aug (/ideJWi). Sandhill Cranes started migrating through Georgia in the usual numbers, but 10 over Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC 23 Nov (LW) was a good count for an area somewhat e. of the normal migration route. Inland shorebirding was quite productive this fall, mainly due to lowered lake levels and groundings by Hurricane Katrina in the w. White-faced Storm-Petrel, one of the more sought-after species on East Coast pelagic trips, was found off Hatteras Island, North Carolina 14 August 2005, the only report in the western North Atlantic for the season. Photograph by David Nelson. portions of the Region. Katrina was most likely responsible for 1 1 Black-bellied Plovers at Hoop. 30 Aug (Wfi BO), but the 17 Amer- ican Golden-Plovers at two sites in Sumter, SC the first two weeks of Sep (LM) may or may not have been tied to that storm. Katrina-re- lated Black-necked Stilts included singles at Legacy Sod, Bartow, GA 30 Aug (CLo, DV), at Columbus, GA 30-31 Aug (JCo), and at Oxbow Meadows, GA 5 Sep (WC). Very late stilts were one at L. Mattamuskeet, NC 19-20 Nov (Wake Audubon, JL, JK) and 3 remain- ing at the S.S.S. until at least 26 Nov (SC). Rare inland American Avocet reports were 7 at L. Walter E George, GA 30 Aug (MB) and one at L. James, McDowell, NC 7 Aug (JM et al.). The Upland Sandpiper migration through the Region seemed about average, with the best counts being 28 at Marshallville, Macon, GA 13 Aug (WC) and 21 at North River Farms, Carteret, NC 7 Aug (JF et al.). The best Long-billed Curlew report was the peak count of 7 at Cape Romain N.W.R. , SC during the fall (ND). Godwit reports of note included up to 2 Hudsonians at Pea I. 25 Aug-5 Sep (SM, LG, RD, JL et al.) and a rare inland Marbled at Falls L., NC 13 Aug (RD). Also rare inland were Red Knots at Falls L., NC 25-28 Aug (DL, MS, RD) and North River Farms, NC 16-23 Oct (JF et al.). The best in- land counts at Falls L., NC for some other sandpipers were: 30 Sanderlings 27 Sep (DL), 228 Pectoral Sandpipers 4 Sep (SSh), 31 Stilt Sandpipers 18 Sep (MS), and 57 Short-billed Dowitchers 20-27 Aug (SSh et al.). The num- ber of Baird’s Sandpiper reports was about av- erage; 3 at Falls L., NC 27 Aug (SSh et al.) was the top count. Once again, Buff-breasted Sandpipers were reported frequently from all three states. The best counts received were of 18 at two sites in Sumter, SC during the first two weeks of Sep (LM), 18 at Falls L., NC 4 Sep (SSh et al.), and 16 at a Floyd, GA turf farm 30 Aug (MD). Single Wilson’s Phalaropes were reported at Hoop. 30 Aug (J&GSm), at Falls L., NC 28 Aug (RD) and 18 Sep (MS), and at Pea I. 3 & 21 Sep (RD, JL, PS); a peak of 9 was at the S.S.S. 4 Sep (SC). Single onshore Red-necked Phalaropes were found at the S.S.S. 27 Aug, 10 Sep, and 14 Oct (SC); another was at Pea I. 4 Sep (RD, JL). Noteworthy Parasitic Jaeger sightings in- cluded one off Charleston, SC 13 Aug, one over the White Oak R., Carteret, NC 15 Sep (JCm), and 2 at Jekyll I., GA 26 Nov (JS et al.). One of the rarest birds of the season was the ad. Long-tailed Jaeger present at the L. Hartwell, GA/SC Dam 4-12 Sep (EH, JFl et al.). This bird ranged over waters in both states, providing rare documentation for both. Only one South Polar Skua was noted, off Hatteras L, NC 27 Aug (BP1). Hurricane Katrina brought large numbers of Laughing Gulls to w. Georgia, with the best count being 82 at L. Seminole 1 Sep (MB et al.). Single first-winter Franklin’s Gulls were at Tybee I., GA 20-26 Nov (MB, EB, SW et al.) and the Georgetown, SC W.T.P. 22 Nov (MW). Another good gull at Tybee L, GA was the ad. Black-headed Gull present on the early dates of 13-28 Aug (WCa et al.) and found again 16 Oct (SB), constituting only about the 3rd firm report for that state. An- other Black-headed was a good find at Ocean Isle Beach, NC 24 Nov (TP). Lesser Black- backed Gulls continue to increase and to ar- rive earlier than ever. This fall, impressive early counts included 11 at Tybee !., GA 6 Aug (SB) and 18 at C. Hatteras point, NC 14 Aug (P&NM). Another Hurricane Ophelia sighting from the Oregon Inlet, NC area was a juv. Sabine’s Gull 17 Sep (RD), for a rare on- shore report of this gull. VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 55 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC A first-winter Franklin's Gull at the Georgetown Wastewater Treatment Plant 22 November 2005 provided one of few documented records for South Carolina. Photograph by Melissa Whitmire. Hurricane Katrina deposited many terns onto w. Georgia reservoirs, among them a Royal at West Point L. Dam 29 Aug (EB, MB) and 3 Sandwich, 14 Common, 30 Forsters, a Least, and a Bridled at L. Seminole 31 Aug (MB et al.). The best inland Caspian Tern count was 28 at Falls L., NC 28 Aug (RD). Offshore Bridled Tern reports included 26 off Charleston, SC 20 Aug (ND et al.) and 12 off Currituck Beach, NC 2 Sep (TB). Hurricane Ophelia brought 3 into Pamlico Sound at Hat- teras, NC 16 Sep (BPI) and 3 to Oregon Inlet, NC 17 Sep (RD). The best offshore Sooty Tern counts were 13 in South Carolina waters and 2 in Georgia waters on a trip out of Charleston, SC 17 Sep (ND et al.). Hurricane Katrina brought 4 Sooties to West Point L. Dam, GA 29 Aug (EB, MB), 2 to L. Walter F George, GA 30 Aug (MB), one to L. Seminole, GA 31 Aug (MB et al.), and one to L. Hartwell, GA 4 Sep (EH). Black Tern numbers seemed up this fall, with the best count being 150 at L. Seminole, GA 31 Aug (MB et al.) af- ter Katrina. An imm. Brown Noddy was seen off Charleston 13 Aug, and 4 (3 innns., 1 ad.) were seen out of Charleston in both South Carolina and Georgia waters 17 Sep (ND et al.). DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES Eurasian Collared-Doves continue to increase at many locations in the Region, as do White- winged Doves. A White-winged was unusual away from the coast in a Raleigh, NC yard 29 Sep (JSm). Of interest was an apparent “trop- ical” dove seen briefly in flight at Jekyll I., GA 6-7 Oct (JB et al.). Description of tail pattern and shape, white trailing edge to wings, and reddish back point to a possible Zenaida Dove. Unfortunately, the bird could not be re- located for conclusive identification. Black- billed Cuckoo reports were about average, with the latest one noted at Pea 1. 15 Oct (RD). A Yellow-billed was also quite late inland at Duke Forest, Orange , NC 9 Nov (WCo). An- other Burrowing Owl was in North Carolina, this one found dead in Charlotte 25 Oct ( fide JWa). In the “very late” category was the Whip- poor-will heard at Glen Cannon, Transylvania , NC 27 Oct (NSi), over a month late for that mountain locality. W. hummingbirds did not seem as plentiful this fall; one Black-chinned in Bibb, GA 8 Nov (J&MA) and Georgias 4th Broad-tailed at Big Canoe in the Atlanta area 19 Nov+ (RT) were the highlights. Flycatchers were reported frequently this fall. Olive-sided Flycatchers were found in all three states; most were in w. portions of the Region. Rare coastal reports involved one at Patriots Pt., Mt. Pleasant, SC 4 Sep (ND) and one at Ft. Pulaski, Savannah, GA 18 Sep (SW et al.). The wood-pewee found at Bodie 1., NC 5 Nov (BBo) was not identified to species; Western has been banded a few km n. of North Carolina in se. Virginia and should be considered in the case of late wood-pewees. Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were reported widely throughout all three states. The best total was 2 at Patriot’s Pt., Mt. Pleasant, SC 4 Sep (ND et al.), and the latest were at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC (WF et al.) and near Columbus, GA (WC), both 2 Oct. Other Empidonax flycatchers of note involved 2 call- ing Alders at Mt. Pleasant, SC 29 Sep (ND), multiple identified-by-call Willows spread around the Carolinas, and a handful of Leasts from all three states. A female Vermilion Fly- catcher was at the Bradley Unit, Eufaula N.W.R., GA 20 Nov+ (DV KB, BL et al). It seems this species now occurs annually in that state. North Carolinas 3rd Tropical King- bird was discovered near L. Phelps, Washing- ton 19 Nov+ (RD, DR). This individual was photographed, and the call was heard in order to rule out Couchs. Western Kingbird reports were down somewhat this fall; one was ex- tremely early at Jekyll 1., GA 18 Aug (LT), and other singles were at Folly Beach, SC ( fide DF) and North River Farms, NC 23 Oct (JF et al), and at Alligator River N.W.R., NC 20 Nov+ (CSm et al.). Gray Kingbirds made news in the Savannah, GA area, where a pair nested and young were being fed during the 2nd week of Aug (GK), the first nesting evi- dence for that area in over 60 years. Only 2 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were mentioned this fall, singles w. of Florence, SC 22 Aug (JD et al.) and in s. Tyrrell, NC 26 Sep (fide TP). Four reports of Warbling Vireo was about average; the most interesting was one near the coast at Punchbowl Landing, Hotry, SC 16 Sep (JP). Philadelphia Vireo maxed out at 3 at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC 29 Sep (WF) and 3 near Columbus, GA 2 Oct (WC). The latest was noted at Kennesaw Mt. 14 Oct (DZ). Common Ravens continued their pres- ence in cen. and e. North Carolina, with at least six reports from the Raleigh-Durham- Chapel Hill area; one was still being seen in the Greenville area through Oct (VP). Note- worthy late swallow reports involved a North- ern Rough-winged and 2 Bams at Ocean Isle Beach, NC 24 Nov (TP) and a Cliff at Daniel I., SC 30 Oct (ND). Cave Swallows once again invaded the Region this fall. One was extremely early and rare away from the coast s. of Forsyth, GA 20 Aug (MB), and another was very unusual away from the coast at San- tee N.W.R., SC 29 Oct (TK). Along the coast during Nov, at least 7 were on the North Car- olina Outer Banks during the first week (ED, JF, RD, JL), 3 were at Kill Devil Hills, NC 25 Nov (KC), 2 were at Ocean Isle Beach, NC 24 Nov (TP), one was at St. Marys, GA 23 Nov (TE), 3 were at Tybee I., GA 24 Nov (BZ), and 2 were at H.B.S.P 30 Nov (JP et al.). The Red-breasted Nuthatch flight never re- ally materialized, although 2 were rather early at Durham, NC 7 Sep (RP). Inland Sedge Wrens were reported more than usual; 10 in n. Greene, GA 13 & 20 Nov (PS) was the highest count. One was absurdly early near the French Broad R., Henderson, NC 13 Aug (MWe, WF). Several Ruby-crowned Kinglets also showed up on the early side, with singles at Riverbend Park, Catawba, NC 3 Sep (DM) and at Carvers Gap, Roan Mt., NC 9 Sep (RK). The thrush migration was again termed poor. The best count was of 27 Gray-cheekeds at Kennesaw Mt. 14 Oct (DZ et al.). Note- worthy late thrushes included a Swainsons at Darien, GA 2 Nov (DC) and a Wood in Or- ange, NC 16 Nov (GT). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Noteworthy coastal warblers included 3 Blue-wingeds at Patriots Pt., Mt. Pleasant, SC 4 Sep (ND et al), 2 Golden-wingeds at Car- olina Beach S.P, NC 27 Sep (BSm), and 2 Tennessees at the S.S.S. 22 Oct (SC). Nashville Warblers were once again reported frequently from the w. portions of the Region; 3 were at Kennesaw Mt. 23 Oct (GB et al.). Some late warblers of note included a Yellow in Halifax, NC 26-28 Nov (FE et al.), a Mag- nolia in Meriwether, GA 20 Nov (JFl, EH), a 56 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN ATLANTIC Black-throated Blue in Orange, NC 9-16 Nov (GT), a Cerulean in Coffee, GA 9 Oct (GB), a Prothonotary at Buxton, NC 15 Oct (GA), a Worm-eating near Roper, Washington, NC 30 Oct (DR), a Northern Waterthrush at L. Mat- tamuskeet, NC 20 Nov (JL, JK), and a Hooded at Congaree N.R, Richland, SC 28 Oct (RC). Some excellent migratory numbers were reported, such as 168 Yellows at the S.S.S. 20 Aug (SC) and 500+ Palms at North River Farms, Carteret, NC 23 Oct (JF et ah). Kennesaw Mt. got its first fall but 3rd overall Audubon’s Warbler 16 Oct (GB); in recent years, this subspecies has almost become an- nual in the Region. Georgia had several rare warblers this fall with a female Black- throated Gray Warbler at the State Botanical Gardens, Athens 13 Nov (JH) and a MacGillivray’s Warbler at Kennesaw Mt. 4 Sep (GB et al.), both 3rd state records! Some locally unusual warbler reports involved a Blackpoll at Carvers Gap, Roan Mt., NC 22 Sep (RK), a Swainsons at L. Crabtree, Wake, NC 1 1 Sep (PM), a Kentucky at Mt. Mitchell S.P., NC 11 Sep (Jl-0, and a Canada at the S.S.S. 10 Sep (SC). Surprisingly, there were no Connecticut Warblers reported this fall, although a few Mourning Warblers were mentioned: at Kennesaw Mt. 4 &r 13 Sep (GB et ah), at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC 9 Oct (WF), and at Myrtle Beach S.P, SC 17 Oct 0B BM), the latter providing a very rare coastal sighting. Wilson’s Warblers were re- ported in average numbers from across the Region. The latest ones noted were at North River Farms, Carteret, NC 13 Nov (JF et al.) and at Reed Creek Park, Martinez, GA 25 Nov (GZ). Clay-colored Sparrows were reported somewhat less this fall than in the past. The best counts were 3 at North River Farms, NC 23 Oct QF et al.) and several at Ft. Fisher, NC 15-17 Oct (GM). Very early was one at North River Farms 4 Sep QF et al.) and near Darien, GA 22 Sep (DC). Vesper Sparrows have been undergoing a steady drop in numbers for some time now. Thus of note was the encour- aging total of 44+ on Daniel I., SC 13 Nov (ND). Lark Sparrow reports were about aver- age, and the best count was an impressive 7 at the n. end of Pea 1. 4 Sep OF, RD). Savannah Sparrows were reported rather spottily this fall. Some areas did not have them at all, while others had more than normal, such as the 1400+ on Daniel 1., SC 30 Oct (ND). Henslow’s and Le Conte’s Sparrow reports were also down somewhat this fall. The best Henslow’s total was 9 at Paulk’s Pasture, GA 25 Nov (B&DZ, DV, EH), while the best Le Conte’s count was 2 at the Bradley Unit, Eu- faula N.W.R., GA 29 Oct (BZ et al.). Other Le Conte’s of note included singles at Cochran Shoals, GA 31 Oct (BG), at New Bern, NC 31 Oct (AG), and at the S.S.S. 26 Nov (SC). Lin- coln’s Sparrows were reported from all three states again, with the best totals being 3 at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC 30 Oct (RS, WF, JLi), 2 near Asheville, NC 1 Oct (MWe), and 2 at Cochran Shoals, GA 19 Nov OS, DV). Lapland Longspurs were found twice this fall: one s. of Wilmington, NC 29 Oct (SCo) and 2 near L. Phelps, Washington, NC 19 Nov (RD). This adult Black-headed Gull was present atTybee Island, Georgia during the last half of (here 1 9) August 2005 and again in mid-October; it provided only about the third doc- umented record for that state. Photograph by Dan Vickers. Indigo Buntings often linger late into the season but are rare away from the coast, where one was at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, GA 4 Nov (TR) and at Etowah, Henderson, NC 13 Nov (WF, RS). Also much rarer away from the coast are Painted Buntings. This fall, one was an excel- lent find at Cowan’s Ford Refuge, Mecklen- burg, NC 12 Sep (TP). One was very late on the coast at Cumberland I., GA 13-16 Nov (fide TM). The usual handful of Dickcissel re- ports were received this fall. The only multi- ple counts involved 2 at Pea I. 23 Oct (RD) and 2 at North River Farms, NC 16 Oct QF el al.). Of note at the latter location, a juv. was found 27 Aug, most likely a locally raised bird, as there was a large summering group there. Another was very unusual and late in the mts. at Jackson Park, NC 1-5 Nov (RS, JLi, WF). This season’s Yellow-headed Black- bird reports involved an ad. male at a feeder on Wilmington I., Savannah, GA 16 Oct ( fide BZ), 2 at Augusta, GA 29 Oct (LS et al.), and a male at L. Mattamuskeet, NC 30 Oct (RD). Finches never really materialized in the Re- gion this fall; only a few Purple Finches and Pine Siskins were noted, mostly flyovers dur- ing late Oct and Nov. The only Red Crossbill report was of 5-7 at Bass L. near Blowing Rock, NC 29 Nov (DM). Addenda: Several hawk specimens have been reported from South Carolina. The Banding Laboratory has confirmed that an imm. Accip- iter picked up on Kiawah I. 28 Dec 2004 was a Northern Goshawk (NSh), providing a first documented record for that state. A Buteo picked up at Georgetown 24 Jan 2005 was confirmed as a Broad-winged Hawk banded in Ohio the previous season (AM) — one of the very few well-documented winter records in the state and Region. Corrigendum: The Yellow-billed Loon re- ported from a boat off H.B.S.P 30 Dec 2004 ( N.A.B . 59: 250) was not accepted and should be deleted from the record. Contributors: Jerry & Marie Amerson (J&MA), George L. Armistead, Alan Ashley, Steve Barlow, Giff Beaton, Tyler Bell, Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm, Bill Blakeslee, Ken Blankenship, Brian Bockhahn (BBo), Jeff Bou- ton, Rich Boyd, Steve Calver, Keith Camburn, Jamie Cameron (JCm), Robin Carter, Walt Chambers, Doris Cohrs, John Cole QCo), Will Cook (WCo), Sam Cooper (SCo), Ricky Davis, Eric Dean, Nathan Dias, Marion Dobbs, Jack Dozier, Bruce Dralie, Caroline Eastman, Tom Egan, Frank Enders, Jim Flynn (JFl), Dennis Forsythe, Wayne Forsythe, John Fussell, Al Gamache, Lex Glover, Bill Groce, Jim Hanna, Earl Horn, Terry Johnson, Tim Kalbach, Gene Keferl, Alan Kneidel, Rick Knight, Joan Kutulas, Carol Lambert, Dave Lenat, Jeff Lewis, John Lindfors (JLi), Henry & Elizabeth Link (H&ELi), Bill Lotz, Chris Loudermilk (CLo), Marcia Lyons, A. Mann, Dwayne Martin, Greg Massey, Bob Maxwell, Jonathan Mays, Lloyd Moon, Pat & Neal Moore (P&NM), Terry Moore, Skip Morgan, Patrick Murphy, Perry Nugent, Jo Okeefe, Bob Olthoff, Veronica Pantelidis, Brian Patteson, Inc. (BPI), Rick Payne, Jack Peachey, Ruth Pf- effer, Taylor Piephoff, Jeff Pippen (JPi), Tim Rose, Don Rote, Jim Seaman (JSm), Ron Selvey, Jeff Sewell, Norm Shea (NSh), Doug Shadwick, Connie Shertz, Steve Shultz (SSh), Norma Siebenheller (NSi), Mike Skakuj, Cur- tis Smalling (CSm), Jon and Glenda Smith (J&GSm), Bruce Smithson (BSm), Lois Stacey, Scott Stegenga, Bill Stoker (BSt), Paul Sykes, Lydia Thompson, Ginger Travis, Rusty Trump, Dan Vickers, Steve Wagner, Wake Audubon, Judy Walker (JWa), Connie Ward, Lou Weber, Marilyn Westphal (MWe), Melissa Whitmire, Haven Wiley, Ken Wilkens, Jim Wilson (JWi), Bob & Deb Zaremba (B&DZ), Gene Zielinski. © Ricky Davis, 608 Smallwood Drive, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804, (RJDNC@aol.com) VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 57 Florida Dry Torlugas NP ■ i> * • Key West Bill Pranty For the second fall season in a row, Florida was ravaged by hurricanes, al- though not nearly as badly as last year — and not nearly as badly as areas on the Gulf Coast farther west. Hurricanes Katrina (25-26, 29 August), Ophelia (7 September), Rita (20 September), and Wilma (24 October) all affected the state and its avifauna. Worst was Katrina, which heavily damaged the w. Pan- handle coast; Wilma also caused great damage in the Keys and s. peninsula. Much of Flamingo, Everglades N.R was flattened by Wilma. The Duncans report that the effects of multiple recent hurricanes is converting oak hammocks to oak scrub habitat along the w. Panhandle coast. Rarities were numerous this season, but few of these can be attributed to storm activity. Many rarities were found around the banding station at Bill Baggs Cape Florida S.P. off Mi- ami. Two birds — one native (Lesser Sand- Plover) and one exotic (Harris’s Hawk) — were newly verified in the state this season. One of Florida’s most ardent bird conservationists, Rich Paul, died 1 November 2005 at the age of 59. Rich and his many contributions to the cause of Florida bird conservation will be greatly missed. This column is dedicated to his memory. Definitions: report (any observation); record (only reports verifiable from photograph, videotape, or specimen evidence). WATERFOWL THROUGH VULTURES Breeding Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were found at Viera Wetlands, Brevard (DF, AV), Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, Lake (PMa), and Lorida, Highlands (P&LG et ah), with 2 others at Withlacoochee River Park, Pasco 20 Aug (RoS), 300 at Ft. Drum, Okee- chobee 4 Nov (P&LG), and 204 at Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area, Orange 25 Nov (HR). Snow Geese were fairly widespread, with the earliest re- port at Bald Pt., Franklin 24 Oct (JMu). An apparently pure Ross’s Goose was at Lake Apopka, Lake 18 Nov (DG, GB et ah), while an apparent Ross’s Goose x Snow Goose hybrid was at St. Marks N.W.R., Wakulla 19 Nov+ (TC et ah). Rare in the cen. pen., single American Black Ducks were at Lake Apopka 30 Oct (HR) and Merritt Island N.W.R., Brevard 13-15 Nov (TD, AV et ah). Mot- tled Ducks are rare but increasing in the w. Panhandle; this season, singles were at Pensacola, Escambia 18 Aug (B&LD), Ft. Wal- ton Beach, Okaloosa 1 Sep (BD), and n. Escam- bia 6 Nov (LC). Two Blue-winged Teal x Cinnamon Teal hybrids were at Alachua, Alachua 10-20 Sep (ph. BW et ah). Cinnamon Teal drakes graced Gainesville, Alachua 14 Sep (AV, TD), Emeralda Marsh 15 Oct (DF, MG et ah), Merritt I. 24 Nov (2; AV et ah), and St. Marks 25 Nov (AV et ah). Two Northern Shov- elers at Merritt 1.31 Aug (TD) were early. High counts of ducks included 5000 Northern Pin- tails at Merritt 1. 15 Nov (DF, MG) and 2300 Green-winged Teal and 1375 Hooded Mer- gansers at Polk phosphate mines 12 Nov (PF, EL). Casual inland, 3 Greater Scaup were sur- prises at Lake Apopka 9 Nov+ (HR). Rare s. to Miami-Dade were a White-winged Scoter 18 Nov and a Black Scoter 25 Nov (RT); other Blacks were in mid-Pinellas 28 Nov+ (3; JuF) and Bald Pt. 29 Nov (40; JMu). A Pacific Loon molting out of alternate plumage at Gulf Breeze, Santa Rosa 31 Aug (B&LD) provided a rare summering report. Katrina drove 3 Sooty Shearwaters to Bill Baggs Cape Florida S.P., Miami-Dade 26 Aug (RD), one Wilson’s Storm-Petrel to Gulf Breeze 29 Aug (B&LD et ah), and White-tailed Trop- iebirds to Indialantic Beach, Brevard 26 Aug ( fide TW, *) and Pensacola Beach 30 Aug (fide BD, *; local first), while Rita drove 26 Cory’s and 2 Audubon’s Shearwaters to Boynton Beach Inlet, Palm Beach 20 Sep (MBe). A Manx Shearwater was found at New Smyrna Beach, Volusia 7 Sep (fide TW). Hurricane-driven Magnificent Frigatebirds included 7 at St. Marks 27 Aug (TC), 9 at Alligator Pt., Franklin 29-30 Aug (JMu et ah), and one inland at Se- bring, Highlands 21 Sep (CW et ah); 2 at Ponce Inlet, Volusia 29 Nov (MBr) were late. An American Bittern at Emeralda Marsh 11 Aug (PMa) was early or summered, while 22 at Lake Apopka 23 Oct and 9 Nov (HR) repre- sented high counts. A Great White Heron was n. to Cape Canaveral, Brevard 17 Sep (EK), and single White-faced Ibis, increasing in Florida, enlivened Escambia 30 Aug (LC) and St. Marks 20 Nov (TC). Roseate Spoonbills were wide- spread, with notable reports of 17 at Cedar Key, Levy 21 Aug (RR, SCo et ah), one at Ft. Walton Beach, Okaloosa 9-16 Sep (DW et ah), and 97 at Fernandina Beach, Nassau 9 Sep (PL). A huge migratory movement of 1076 Turkey Vultures was noted over Lake Apopka 30 Oct (HR). RAPTORS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS The high count of Swallow-tailed Kites at Lake Apopka was 341 on 3 Aug (HR). Fifteen Mis- sissippi Kite nestlings that were blown out of nests during Hurricane Dennis in Jul were re- leased at Tallahassee 17 Aug (fide GM). A Har- ris’s Hawk of unknown provenance (but presumably an escapee) was photographed at St. Petersburg, Pinellas 13 Nov (DMa). A kettle of 75 Broad-winged Hawks over Dunedin, Pinellas 15 Oct (SP) was a surprise. There were 18 reports of 20 Short-tailed Hawks statewide (8 dark, 5 light, and 7 undescribed), with birds n. to O’Leno S.P., Columbia 17 Sep (CP), Mi- canopy, Alachua 25 Oct (DSt), and Alachua, Alachua 27 Nov (MW). A Zone-tailed Hawk over Curry Hammock S.P, Monroe 26 Oct (TMH) may have been the same individual photographed elsewhere in the Keys in Dec 2000. A Golden Eagle enlivened St. Marks 4 Nov (TC). Falcon migration included 14 Mer- lins and 7 Peregrine Falcons in three hours at Bald Pt. 1 Oct (A&JW), and 10 other Pere- grines at St. George L. Franklin 5 Oct (JCa). Notable raptor reports from Lake Apopka in- cluded one Mississippi Kite 28 Aug, 109 Bald Eagles 13 Nov, single Northern Harriers and Sharp-shinned Hawks 10 Aug, 84 Red-shoul- dered Hawks 15 Nov (HR), and a Swainsons Hawk 15 Nov+ (HR). Large numbers of rallids were 295 King Rails 15 Aug and 238 Soras 18 Oct at Lake Apopka (HR) and 875 Common Moorhens at Emeralda Marsh 15 Oct (Df; MG et al.). American Coots bred at New Port Richey, Pasco, with 10 birds 2 Aug (RaS). Limpkin concentrations on 20 Nov were 16 near the Sarasota Celery Fields, Sara- sota (JeD et al.) and 25 near Devil’s Garden, Hendry (VM). A hock of 227 Greater Sandhill Cranes was over Lake Apopka 30 Nov (HR), while singles were at St. Marks 16 (TC) & 27 Oct (JCa) and Gulf Breeze 23 Oct (LD). There were 10 reports of American Golden-Plovers statewide 13 Sep-13 Nov, all of singles. Fur- nishing the first report for Florida was the Lesser Sand-Plover at St. Marks 17-21 Sep (TC, B&LD et al., ph.). High counts of Wilsons Plovers were 1 14 at Huguenot Park, Duval 26 58 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS FLORIDA; Aug (RC) and 375 at Dunedin Causeway 11 Nov (MG), while there were 300 Semipalmated Plovers at New Port Richey 31 Aug (KT) and 225 at Huguenot Park 8 Sep (RC). Good counts of Piping Plovers were 17 at Nassau Sound, Du- val 16 Oct (PL) and 21 at Disappearing I., Vo- lusia 30 Nov (MBr). An American Oystercatcher at Pensacola Beach 23 Sep (AS) was casual in the w. Panhandle. Freeland and Gardler estimated 1100 Black-necked Stilts at the Everglades Agricultural Area, Palm Beach 21 Aug. American Avocets inland were singles to the Everglades Agricultural Area 27 Aug (BH) and Moon Lake Park, Pasco 22 Nov (KT), plus 342 at Polk mines 12 Nov (PF, EL). Upland Sandpipers made a good showing in the se. pen., with 15 at the Everglades Agricultural Area 14 Aug (MBe), 31 there 27 Aug (MBe), and 38 in Miami-Dade 24 Aug (LM). Single Long-billed Curlews were seen at Marco I., Collier 31 Aug (TB), Caxambas Pass, Collier 2 Sep (DSu), Destin 6 Sep (DM), and Huguenot Park 6-11 Sep (EK et ah). Very rare in Florida, single Hudsonian Godwits bright- ened Cutler Ridge, Miami-Dade 8 Aug (RT) and Marco I. 15 Sep (SCa). High counts of Red Knots were 600 at Ft. George Inlet, Duval 20 Aug (PL), 116 at Little Estero Lagoon, Lee 20 Aug (CE), and 400 at St. Marks 20 Sep (AV, DRi). A Sanderling at Alachua 5 Sep (PBu, BW) was most unusual inland. White-rumped Sandpipers were reported in good numbers, with 3 at Ormond Beach, Volusia 8 Sep (MBr), 8 at Alachua 10-18 Sep (JH, AV et al.), 4 at Ponce Inlet 13 Sep (MBr), 9 at St. Marks 20 Sep (AV, DRi), and one at Ft. De Soto 13 Oct (AV, DRi). Very rare in Florida, there were three reports of Baird’s Sandpiper this season, with singles at Destin, Okaloosa 6 Sep (DM) and Lake Apopka 8 Oct (HR), and 2 at Alachua 12-18 Sep (BW et ah, ph.). A nice count of 480 Stilt Sandpipers came from the Everglades Agricultural Area 21 Aug (DF, MG et al.). Buff- breasted Sandpipers were surprisingly well represented, with 14 reports of 51 individuals from the e. Panhandle to the s. pen.; largest counts were 17 at the Everglades Agricultural Area 18 Sep (BH, MBe) and 10 at St. Marks 20 Sep (AV, DRi). Ruffs at the Everglades Agricul- tural Area 21 Aug and 18 Sep (BH, MBe et al.) and Merritt I. 27 Aug (AV, DRi) were more than usual. One hundred Long-billed Dow- itchers provided a first for Kissimmee Prairie Preserve S.P., Okeechobee 19 Nov (GQ). Early returning Wilson’s Snipe were found at Emer- alda Marsh 13 Sep (PMa) and Lake Apopka 22 Sep (7; HR). Reports of multiple Wilson’s Phalaropes were 30 at the Everglades Agricul- tural Area 27 Aug (BH) and 4 at Cutler Ridge 16 Sep (RT). There were single Red-necked Phalaropes in n. Escambia 30 Aug (LC) and at Ponce Inlet 13 Sep (MBr), with 14 others off Miami 16 Sep (RT et al.). JAEGERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Bankert counted 100 Pomarine and 40 Para- sitic Jaegers at Coconut Pt., Brevard 27 Nov, while Hope had 105 Pomarines at Delray Beach, Palm Beach 13 Nov. A type reported an- nually in Florida in recent years, an aberrant Laughing Gull with an orange bill and legs was photographed at Bunche Beach, Lee 30 Sep (KB). Franklin’s Gulls were quite widespread and numerous, with 1 1 reports from Walton to Miami-Dade. All counts were singles except for up to 18 at Cutler Ridge 22 Oct-3 Nov (MBe et al.) and up to 12 at Lake Apopka 11-15 Nov (HR). A genuine rarity anywhere in the state, a juv. Black-headed Gull was photographed at Cutler Ridge 19-23 Oct (RT, MBe et al.). Lesser Black-backed Gull numbers continue to in- crease, with one at St. George 1. 1 Aug (TL), 106 at Huguenot Park 23 Oct (BR), 83 nearby in Nassau Sound 6 Nov (PL), 35 at Port Canaveral, Brevard 13 Nov (AV, DRi), and one ad. inland to Lake Apopka 30 Nov (HR). Eight Gull-billed Terns at New Port Richey 31 Aug (KT) furnished a high count. The Polk mines hosted 230 Caspian Terns 12 Nov (PF). Kwater noted large numbers of terns at Huguenot Park/Nassau Sound following Ophe- lia 7 Sep: 3000 Royal, 400 Sandwich, 1500 Common, 500 Black, and 7 Sooty. Other con- centrations of terns were 100 Sandwich at St. Marks 27 Aug (TC) and 400 at Ft. De Soto Park 5 Nov (PS); 260 Leasts at Crandon Beach 15 Aug (RD); and 100 Blacks at St. Vincent N.W.R., Franklin 16 Aug (TL) and 223 at New Port Richey 31 Aug (KT). With all the tropical storm activity, it is not surprising that Bridled and (especially) Sooty Terns were seen widely along both coasts. Largest numbers of Sooties were 100+ off Crandon Beach 26 Aug (RD), 10 at Gulf Breeze 29 Aug (B&LD et al), 10 at Ponce Inlet 8 Sep (MBr), 10 off Cocoa Beach, Brevard 8 Sep (DF), and 85 at Boynton Beach Inlet 20 Sep (MBe); another Sooty at Sawgrass Mills, Broward 24 Oct (MBe) was inland. A storm-driven Brown Noddy graced Gulf Breeze 29 Aug (B&LD et al), and another was at Boynton Beach Inlet 20 Sep (MBe). Triple-digit counts of Black Skimmers were 656 at Polk mines 29 Aug (PF), 450 at Fred Howard Park, Pinellas 11 Nov (MG), and 375 at Dunedin Causeway 11 Nov (MG). White-winged Doves continue to explode in numbers throughout Florida, with 50 at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve S.P. 2 Oct (PMi), 26 at Bald Pt. 24 Oct (JaD), 300+ at Mims, Brevard 15 Nov (MG), and 2 at Marco I. 22 Nov (SCa). Not reported previously, a Key West Quail- Dove was photographed at John Pennekamp Coral Reef S.P, Monroe Apr-Nov (JiD). Ex- panding their range into Pasco , Black-hooded Parakeets were seen at New Port Richey (2) and Bayonet Pt. (4) 11 Aug (KT), with 60 Monk Parakeets nearby at Hudson Beach 19 Nov (KT). Scarce migrants. Black-billed Cuck- oos were detected at St. George I. 30 Sep (JCa) and Lake Apopka 21 Oct (HR), while Yellow- billed Cuckoos tarried at Tallahassee 14 Nov (RL) and Hatbill Park, Brevard 17-19 Nov (AB et al.). Single Groove-billed Anis were one-day wonders at Lake Apopka 12 Oct (HR) and Bald Pt. 22 Oct (JMu), while another lingered at Ft. Walton Beach 27 Oct-11 Nov (BD et al.). The far-isolated colony of Burrowing Owls at Eglin A.EB., Okaloosa numbered 11 individuals 5 Nov (LF). Increasingly seen in Florida, 3 Lesser Nighthawks were discovered at Bald Pt. 8 Nov, with one lingering until 10 Nov (JaD) and another reported at Apalachicola, Franklin 23 Nov (KM); 6 at Frog Pond W.M.A., Miami- Dade 13 Nov (JBo) were less surprising. A widespread movement of Common Night- hawks was noted in early Sep, with 100 at Alli- gator Pt. (JaD), 430 in w. Pasco (KT), and 250 at Temple Terrace, Hillsborough (BAh), all 1 Sep, and 250 at Tampa, Hillsborough 3 Sep (DSu). An amazing total of 83 Chuck-will’s- widows was reported along Key Largo, Monroe 11 Sep (BM). Thousands of Chimney Swifts were seen in the eye of Wilma over Jupiter In- let Colony, Martin 24 Oct (J&EH). Notable hummingbird observations were Buff-bellieds 27 Sep+ and Rufous 14 Aug at Gainesville (HB), 15 Ruby-throateds at Mead Garden, Or- ange 2 Oct (BAn), and one Black-chinned at Al- ligator Pt. 10 Oct (JMu). Duos of Selasphorus were found at Merritt I. 19 Aug (BPa) and Castellow Hammock Park, Miami-Dade 11 Sep-15 Oct (RT et al.), with singles at Alligator Pt. 10 Oct (JMu) ancj in peon 19 Oct (JA). Backes’s suburban Valrico, Hillsborough yard is well landscaped and this season attracted 7 Ruby-throateds, a Black-chinned, and a Rufous in the first week of Nov, in addition to Ru- fous/Allen’s 23-27 Sep. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWINGS Reported regularly in Florida solely in the Dun- cans’ Gulf Breeze neighborhood, Olive-sided Flycatchers were found there 2, 10, 15, 23, & 29 Sep. Eastern Wood-Pewees tarried at Mead Garden 2 Nov (BAn) and Lake Apopka 9 Nov (HR). Uncharacteristically, non-Acadian em- pids were reported widely this season (al- though mostly without details), with Yellow-bellied Flycatchers at Tallahassee 2 (RL) 6 3 Sep (FR), at Spanish River Park, Palm Beach 29 Sep (2; BH), at Paynes Prairie Pre- serve S.P., Alachua 8 Oct (JBr), at Lake City, Co- lumbia 8 Oct (JKr), at Lake Apopka 8 Oct (HR), VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 59 FLORIDA and at St. Marks 22 Oct (TC). Alder Flycatch- ers were heard calling at Ft. George I. 15 Sep (RC), Cape Florida 25-29 Sep (RD, MD, LG), Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area, Miami-Dade 30 Sep-1 Oct (LM, v.r.), and Key West, Monroe 28 Oct (AH), while a calling Willow Flycatcher was reported at Lake Apopka 21 Aug (HR). Two Least Flycatchers at Lake Apopka 31 Aug (HR) were early. Single Vermilion Flycatchers turned up at Lake Apopka 2 Oct & 25 Nov (HR), Bald Pt. 15 Oct (JMu), St. Marks 6 Nov (TC), and Ft. Walton Beach 15 Nov (PBa), with 2 at Alligator Lake Park, Columbia 30 Nov (DRo). Single Ash- throated Flycatchers were identified at Lake Apopka 12 Oct (HR), Tavernier, Monroe 25 Oct (BM), Ft. Walton Beach 2 Nov (BD), and Mer- ritt 1. 25 Nov (AB). A wintering Brown-crested Flycatcher arrived at Lake Apopka by 20 Nov (HR). A Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher banded at Cape Florida 8 Oct (ph. RD et al.) was one of the outstanding rarities from there this season. A Tropical/Couch’s Kingbird was a one-day wonder at Ft. De Soto 18 Aug (ph. LA). Eight Western Kingbirds at Bald Pt. 24 Oct (JMu) was the largest count reported. A very late East- ern Kingbird was spied at St. Marks 24 Nov (TC), while Gray Kingbirds were inland to South Bay, Palm Beach 21 Aug (DF, MG), Lake Apopka 25 Aug (HR), and the Seminole Indian Reservation, Hendry 20 Nov (VM). There were 15 reports of 23 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers statewide beginning 18 Oct. North Americas fourth verified Thick-billed Vireo — with three of these records since Oct 2004 — was banded at Cape Florida 7 Nov (ph. RD et al.). Scarce winter residents in the ex- treme s., Bell’s Vireos were detected at Hugh Taylor Birch S.P, Broward 1-15 Oct (MBe et al.), Key West 27-28 Oct (AH), and Southern Glades 25 Oct-11 Nov (LM, JBo). A Warbling Vireo enlivened Spanish River Park 10 Oct (BH). There were 14 reports of Philadelphia Vireo 26 Sep-23 Oct, all singles except for 2 at San Felasco Hammock Preserve S.P, Alachua 10 Oct (RR). Some 3000 Northern Rough- winged Swallows were at Matanzas Inlet, St. Johns 30 Oct (RoS), while large numbers of Bank Swallows included 250 at the Everglades Agricultural Area 14 Aug (BH) and 264 at Lake Apopka 7 Sep (HR). Rare in the state, high counts of Cliff Swallow were 4 at Weekiwachee Preserve, Hernando 19 Sep (A&BH) and 18 at Bald Pt. 1 Oct (A&JW). Fourteen pelodoma Cave Swallows were found at Lake Apopka 28 Oct, with one there through 4 Nov (HR) and 2 others at Lighthouse Point Park 22 Nov (MBr). Barn Swallows noted in the quadruple-digits were 2400 at the Everglades Agricultural Area 21 Aug (DE MG et al.), 1000 at Bald Pt. 6 Sep (JaD), and 2400 at Lake Apopka 7 Sep (HR). Lingering Barns included one at Tallahassee (AW) and 3 at Lake Apopka (HR), both 30 Nov. A Carolina Chickadee strayed to Greynolds Park, Miami-Dade 17 Sep+ (JKi, AH), while a less-rare Tufted Titmouse was nearby at A.D. Barnes Park through 1 Oct (JBo et al). Unex- pected was the White-breasted Nuthatch at San Felasco Hammock 1 Oct (BC). Lake Apopka supported 354 House Wrens 21 Oct and 211 Marsh Wrens 9 Nov (HR). A Winter Wren at O’Leno S.P was at its s. limit 27-30 Nov (PBu). Three Wood Thrush reports fell within the narrow window of 15-17 Oct, but another at Gulf Breeze 22-26 Nov (SD) was very late or perhaps wintering. An American Robin was early to Gainesville 9 Sep (MM). Evidently a colonizer from farther s., a Com- mon Myna was seen at Bradenton Beach, Man- atee 6 Aug+ (JeF). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Statewide, there were 10 reports of 11 Blue- winged Warblers 30 Aug-5 Oct, and 17 reports of 20 Golden-winged Warblers, with multiple counts of 3 at Salt Springs S.P, Pasco 8 Oct (KT) and 2 at Hugh Taylor Birch S.P. 15 Oct (MBe). A Lawrence’s-type Warbler graced Paynes Prairie Preserve S.P 29 Sep-1 Oct (CB, JS et al.), and a Brewsters Warbler was nearby at Gainesville 16 Oct (LH). Early was the Orange-crowned War- bler at Gainesville 17 Sep (MM et al.), while one at Castellow Hammock 25 Nov was identified as celata (BAh, DP), perhaps the first report in Florida of this subspecies. Nashville Warblers were numerous, with 14 reports 24 Sep-24 Nov from St. Marks to Key Largo; duos were at Hugh Taylor Birch S.P 1 Oct (JPe et al.) and Key Largo 1-5 Nov (BM et al). Common inland during early fall, there were 84 Yellow Warblers at Lake Apopka 3 Aug (HR) and 56 at Emeralda Marsh 18 Aug (PMa). Five hundred Black-throated Blue Warblers at Coconut Pt. 14 Oct (AB) must have been an amazing sight. An ad. male Audubon’s Warbler at Ft. De Soto 28 Sep (ph. LA et al.) provided only the 5th Florida record. Four reports of Black-throated Gray Warbler in a season is phenomenal, with singles at Eglin A.EB., Okaloosa 8 Sep (JKo), Gainesville 9 Oct (RR), New Port Richey 31 Oct+ (JMc, KT, ph. et al.), and Ft. Walton Beach 7-1 1 Nov (BD, DW et al.). Eight Black-throated Green Warblers at Dunedin Hammock 23 Oct (MG) was a nice count of this scarce migrant. Casual in Florida, Townsend’s Warblers were surprises at Ft. De Soto 3-4 Sep (ph. LA et al.) and Cape Florida 4 Nov (b. RD et al.). A warbler at Lake Apopka 16 Oct (AV, BPr et al.) was identified as a Bay-breasted Warbler x Yellow-rumped Warbler hybrid, a very rare combination. Rarely detected along the Gulf Coast in fall, a Blackpoll Warbler was notable at Ft. De Soto 6 Oct (LA), while a good count of 114 was made at Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Lauderdale 8-9 Oct (MBe). Six reports of Cerulean Warblers 13 Aug-7 Oct were re- ceived, all from the peninsula. All four species of Oporomis were reported, including one Connecticut Warbler banded at Cape Florida 21 Sep (RD et al.), single Mourning Warblers banded there 21 Sep & 8 Oct (RD et al.), and other Mournings at Spanish River Park 28 Sep (BH), Evergreen Cemetery 29 Sep (MSt), and Jacksonville 4 Nov (JCo, PP). Big news at Cape Florida was the MacGillivray’s Warbler ob- served but not banded 22 Sep (tRD). There were 10 reports of Wilsons Warblers statewide 3 Sep-11 Nov, all singles except for up to 2 at Paynes Prairie Preserve S.P. 1-7 Oct (JBr, MM, AKr). Six single Canada Warblers 5 Sep-3 Oct seemed more than usual. Eight reports of 14 Yellow-breasted Chats were received, with multiples being 3 at Lake Apopka 21 Aug (HR) and 5 at Frog Pond 13 Nov (MBe et al.). Lin- gering warblers were a Magnolia at Ft. George I. 26 Nov (RC), a Cape May at Newnans L., Alachua 12 Nov (TS, RR), Black-throated Blues at Gulf Breeze 12 Nov (BD) and Cedar Key 18 Nov (DH), a Blackburnian at Frog Pond 19 Nov (RT), a Prothonotary at Gulf Breeze 10 Nov (BD), a Louisiana Waterthrush at Gainesville 16 Oct (RR), and a Hooded at Flat- woods Park, Hillsborough 5 Nov (BAh). High counts of Seiutvs warblers at Lake Apopka were 50 Ovenbirds 22 Sep, 120 Northern Wa- terthrushes 22 Sep, and 23 Louisiana Wa- terthrushes 21 Aug (HR). Five reports of Western Tanager were re- ceived, all singles: Coconut Pt. 2 Sep (AB), Matheson Hammock Park, Miami-Dade 10 Sep (JBo et al.), Ft. George 1. 17 Sep (RC), Sarasota 7 Oct (JeD, JPa), and Mead Garden 24 Oct (ph. AV). Clay-colored Sparrows were surprisingly widespread, with 13 reports of 18 individuals beginning 21 Sep, with duos at Ft. Walton Beach 19 Oct (BD), Paynes Prairie Preserve S.P. 30 Oct (MM), and Lake Apopka 7 Nov+ (HR), with 3 at Frog Pond 29 Oct-19 Nov (JBo). Lark Sparrows numbered 15 individuals in 10 reports beginning 21 Aug; multiple counts were 2 at Bald Pt. 9-12 Sep (JaD) and 5 at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve S.P 24 Sep (GQ). Three Henslow’s and 2 Le Conte’s Sparrows were at Hague, Alachua by 1 1 Nov (CB, RR et al.). Extralimital Seaside Sparrows were at Ponce Inlet 1 1 Sep (MBr) and Cape Florida 12 Sep (MD et al.). Lincoln’s Sparrows were sur- prisingly numerous, with nine reports of 16 in- dividuals beginning 15 Oct, the most being 4 at Frog Pond 13 Nov (MBe, JBo et al.). Robin- son counted 478 Swamp Sparrows at Lake Apopka 30 Nov. A White-throated Sparrow was far s. to Cape Florida 11 Nov (RD), while 60 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS FLORIDA the only Dark-eyed Junco reported was at St. Vincent N.W.R. 11 Nov (TL). A nearly wholly yellow (xanthistic) male Northern Cardinal was photographed at Coral Springs, Broward 31 Oct (SR). Late was a Rose- breasted Grosbeak at Honeymoon Island S.P. 24 Nov (KN). Late or wintering Blue Grosbeaks were at Bald Pt. 26 Nov (JaD et al.) and Cedar Key 26 Nov (DH). High counts of Indigo Buntings were 115 at Emeralda Marsh 18 Oct (PMa) and 300 at Hague 22 Oct (MM, AKe). A Bobolink at the Sarasota Celery Fields 13 Nov (JeD) was late. Rare but regular, Yellow-headed Blackbirds enlivened Ft. Walton Beach 13 Sep (DW) and Hague 11-12 Nov (MM et al). Sin- gle male Shiny Cowbirds were at Cedar Key 21 Aug (RR et al.) and Lake Apopka 12 Sep-28 Oct (HR), while Bronzed Cowbirds were 2 at Cedar Key 21 Aug (SCo et al.) and 4 at Eagle Lakes Park 13 Nov (fide CE). A singing male House Finch at Cape Coral, Lee 4 Nov (]G) fur- nished a new location. UNESTABLISHED EXOTICS A Zebra Finch was at Lake Apopka 7 Sep (HR), and a European Goldfinch, not yet verified in Florida, was at Milton, Santa Rosa in Aug (MSc). An alternate-plumaged male Pin-tailed Whydah was at Sanibel Lighthouse 11 Sep (VM), and 2 others enlivened Lake Apopka 22 Sep (HR). Finally, a juv. munia of some species was at Frog Pond 28 Aug (JBo). Cited contributors (members of the Florida Ornithological Society Field Observations Committee in boldface): Brian Ahem (BAh), John Armstrong, Bruce Anderson (BAn), Lyn Atherton, Steve Backes, Peggy Baker (PBa), Andy Bankert, Gian Basili, Ted Below, Hilda Bellot, Mark Berney (MBe), Kris Bowman, John Boyd (JBo), Michael Brothers (MBr), Judy Bryan (JBr), Chris Burney, Pat Burns (PBu), Steve Carbol (SCa), Laura Catterton, Jim Ca- vanagh (JCa), Bruce Christensen, Roger Clark, Julie Cocke (JCo), Steve Collins (SCo), Tom Curtis, Michelle Davis, Robin Diaz, Jack Dozier (JaD), Jeanne Dubi (JeD), Bob & Lucy Duncan (B&LD), Scot Duncan, Tom Dunkerton, Jim Duquesnel (JiD), Charlie Ewell, Paul Fellers, Lenny Fenimore (LF), Jeff Fisher (JeF), Judy Fisher (JuF), David Freeland, Liz Golden, David Goodwin, Paul & Laurie Gray (P&LG), Jon Greenlaw, Jack & Liz Hailman (J&LH), Al & Bev Hansen (A&BH), Alex Harper, Mark Hedden, Dale Henderson, Linda Hensley, John Hintermister, Brian Hope, Paul Hueber, Adam Kent (AKe), Jim King (JIG), Jim Kowalski (JKo), Andy Kratter (AKr), Jerry Krummrich (JKr), Ed Kwater, Elizabeth Lane, Patrick Leary, Rob Lengacher, Thom Lewis, Mike Manetz, Larry Manfredi, Peter May (PMa), Paul Miller (PMi), Sean McCool, Vince McGrath, Keith McMullen, Gail Menk, Brennan Mulrooney, John Murphy (JMu), David Muth, Kris Nelson, Gallus Quigley, Jeff Palmer (JPa), Craig Par- enteau, Bob Paxson (BPa), Steve Peacock, Judd Pesold (JPe), David Powell, Peggy Powell, Bill Pranty (BPr), Steve Radzi, Dexter Richardson (DRi), Bob Richter, Dottie Robbins (DRo), Harry Robinson, Rex Rowan, Fran Rutkovsky, Mike Schiller (MSc), Alan Sheppard, Ray Smart (RaS), Ron Smith (RoS), Tim Spahr, Justyn Stahl, David Steadman (DSt), Monte Stickel (MSt), Doug Suitor (DSu), Paul Sykes, Roberto Torres, Ken Tracey, Alex Vinokur, Bob Wallace, Martha Walsh-McGehee, Don Ware, Tom Web- ber, Carl Weekley, Andy & Julie Wraithmell (A&JW). © Bill Pranty, 8515 Village Mill Row, Bayonet Point, Florida 34667, (billpranty@hotmail.com) Ontario Margaret J. C. Bain The fall was pleasantly mild over most of the province. August was rather hot and humid in the south, with little ev- idence of any start to migration. The immense strength with which Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast at the end of August had dissi- pated by the time the storm reached Ontario, and there were unexpectedly few hurricane- blown strays. September remained warm and pleasant, and clear nights allowed vigorous southbound migration. A brief but intense cold front at the end of the first week of Oc- tober brought a massive grounding of passer- ines in many areas and stimulated raptor movement. Milder temperatures returned and persisted through the first three weeks of No- vember. The waters of the Great Lakes re- mained unusually warm through the fall, delaying the departure of many southbound waterfowl; the arrival of more northern species was likewise late. Bitterly cold winds and snow in the last week of November abruptly announced the arrival of winter even in the south of the province. One of the most interesting features of the season was the huge chickadee flight, first no- ticeable in August but gathering momentum to peak in the second half of October. Thou- sands of birds streamed westward along the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Bruce Peninsula — perhaps the largest flight ever recorded. Most of these birds were Black- capped, accompanied by only a few Boreal Chickadees. On treeless Gull Island in Lake Ontario, Merlins were catching and eating chickadees on the wing, like dragonflies, and an observer found himself, his notebook, and his scope covered in frightened birds seeking shelter from the predators! The chickadee flight may have been the re- sult of an exceptionally good breeding season, mirrored by some other species, including Rusty Blackbirds, which appeared in gratify- ingly high numbers after what has appeared to be a serious population decline in the past few decades; flocks of hundreds were seen at Point Pelee in November on an almost daily basis. The now-expected November Cave Swallow passage was the largest ever recorded in the province but still did not match the many hundreds seen just south of the border. Hawk migration was sluggish early in the season because of continuing warm weather, but good flights later yielded some high num- bers of Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles, and American Kestrels. Two juvenile Swainsons Hawks lingered for several days in the Onion Fields at Point Pelee in September. A male Anhinga, Ontario’s third, was an exciting find for hawkwatchers at Holiday Beach in late September. There was an intriguing report ol a frigatebird over Lake Huron off the Bruce VOLUME 60 (2006) . NUMBER 1 61 ONTARIO There was a small influx of Cattle Egrets into both southern and northwestern Ontario in late fall 2005. This bird near Claremont 3-9 (here 7) November 2005 foraged predictably in cattle pastures. Photograph by Gabriel Lau Kin Jock. Peninsula in early August. Thunder Cape continued to attract wandering flycatchers, with both a Western Kingbird and a Scissor- tailed Flycatcher in October. Abbreviations: C.FI.R.S. (Cabot Head Research Station, Bruce); H.B.M.O. (Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Essex); C.W.S. (Canadian Wildlife Ser- vice); K.FN. (Kingston Field Natural- ists); L.P.B.O. (Long Point Bird Observatory,. Norfolk); L.P.W.W.R.F. (Long Point Wetland & Waterfowl Re- search Fund); O.B.R.C. (Ontario Bird Records Committee); PE. Pt. (Prince Edward Point, Prince Edward); S.L. Sewage Lagoons; T.C.B.O. (Thunder Cape B.O., Thunder Bay); V.W.B. (Van Wagners Beach, Hamilton). Place names in italics refer to counties, dis- tricts, and regional municipalities. GEESE THROUGH PARTRIDGE A Greater White-fronted Goose frequented the Ottawa area 19 Oct-11 Nov (GP, m.ob.), one was at Long Pt. 21 Nov (L.RB.O.), and an- other n. of Navan, Ottawa 28 Nov (SA). A Bar- nacle Goose was shot by a hunter at Hawkesbury on the Ottawa R., near the bor- der with Quebec during Nov and found to have been banded as a juv. in western Scotland 9 Nov 2004 (fide PB), will be the first record for Ontario pending review by the O.B.R.C.; there are very few North American records of this species for which provenance is known. An ad. Ross’s Goose was at Merlin, Chatham- Kent 11-20 Nov (1W, DS), and probably the same bird visited Sturgeon Creek, Essex 28 Nov (AJH, RAH et al.). A Cackling Goose was at the Tip of Long Pt. 5 Sep (L.RB.O.), and several were in the Ottawa area 16 Oct-30 Nov, with up to 7 on the Ottawa R. 29 Oct (rn.ob.); Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston had 2 on 4 Nov (JHE, VPM). Pt. Pelee had 9 Cack- ling Geese 31 Oct-26 Nov (AW et al.), with another single bird at Stur- geon Creek 1 Nov (AW) and 4 there 15-26 Nov (AW). Ottawa had a record 83 Redhead 15-16 Oct (m.ob.), and Algonquin P.E, Nipissing had its first ever for fall, a female at Two Rivers Airfield Marsh 5 Nov (RGT). Small numbers of Harlequin Ducks were widely re- ported, from Toronto, Port Hope, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thun- der Bay (m.ob.) Two very early Surf Scoters flew past the Tip at Pt. Pelee 7 Sep (AW, JMT, SM); 500 Surf Scot- ers off Stoney Creek, Hamilton 4 Nov (BL, DRG) provided a record count for the area. Barrows Goldeneyes returned to Ottawa 20 Oct, with an ad. male at Remic Rapids (m.ob.) and up to 2 ad. males on the Rideau R. (RG, m.ob.) remaining through the period; 2 males were off Stoney Creek 12-30 Nov (RZD, NS et al.). An ad. male Barrow’s Goldeneye x Common Goldeneye hybrid, probably the same bird as seen in Ottawa most of last winter, was at Remic Rapids 29 Oct-6 Nov (BDL, m.ob.), then on the Rideau R. 27-30 Nov (RAB, CL). Gray Partridges have declined dramatically in the Ottawa area in recent years, but an ad. female with 15 young was at the St. Albert S. L., Prescott-Russell 1 Aug (RAB, CL et al.), and 11 birds were n. of Navan 26-27 Nov (TFMB, TAH). LOONS THROUGH FRIGATERIRD The high count for Red-throated Loons was 36 off Stoney Creek 13 Nov (RZD, CEE). An ad. Pacific Loon was at T.C.B.O. 22-23 Aug (ph. JW); singles were off Pinery PR, Lambton 31 Oct (AHR) and RE. Pt. 6 Nov (K.EN.). Botulism took its toll on Common Loons at Long Pt., with over 400 carcasses collected for analysis from area beaches by L.P.W.W.R.E and the C.W.S. An unprecedented 14 Eared Grebes in basic plumage flew e. past the Tip of Pt. Pelee 9 Sep (AW, MJT, JH). Single Eared Grebes were at Exeter S.L., Huron 6-21 Aug (RDT, m.ob.) and Amhertsview S.L., Lennox & Addington 2-12 Oct (BER, m.ob.). Single juv. Northern Gannets were off V.W.B. 22 Oct (EWH et al.), Stoney Creek 7 Nov (BRH, KAM, RLW), and Fifty Pt., Hamil- ton/Niagara 11 Nov (DRD), with 2 off Stoney Creek 8 Nov (DRG et al.). A juv. Northern Gannet off Pt. Pelee 11 Nov (AW et al.) was only the 2nd for the area; another flew past Port Weller, Niagara 6 Nov (JEB), and one frequented the Peel lakeshore 27-30 Nov (ALA, DEP, JC). Double-crested Cormorant numbers remained high on the Great Lakes, with 6700 still at Pt. Pelee 1 Nov (AW). A male Anhinga, the 3rd for Ontario, pending review by the O.B.R.C., flew in from L. Erie past hawkwatchers on the H.B.M.O. tower 23 Sep (CR, RCP, FJU et al.), having been first seen 18 Sep at L. Erie Metropark, MI. After the Bruce Pen. suffered over 30 hours of contin- uous thunder, lightning, and heavy rain, a female Magnificent Frigatebird was seen 1-2 Aug from at least three different locations along the L. Huron shoreline between Sauble Beach and Port Elgin (PM, DE et al.); if accepted by the O.B.R.C., it too will be the 3rd for Ontario. HERONS THROUGH CRANE Pt. Pelee had an ad. Snowy Egret 22 Aug (DKS), and 3 were in the Long Pt. marshes on a L.RW.W.R.E aerial survey 1 1 Oct. Cattle Egrets staged a small influx in widely separated parts of the province. In the s., 5 were at Cranberry Marsh, Whitby, Durham 8 Oct (JW, m.ob.), 2 were seen on the L.P.W.W.R.E aerial survey 11 Oct, one was in These Cackling Geese were among seven on the Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, Ontario 29 October 2005. Ottawa had several reports of these small geese from mid- October to the end of the period, more than any other loca- tion in the south of the province. Photograph by Tony Beck. A Glossy Ibis had to take evasive action when harassed by this young Peregrine Falcon at Duffin's Creek, Ajax, Ontario 7 November 2005. Photograph by Gabriel Lau Kin Jock. 62 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ONTARIO cattle pastures near Claremont, Durham 3-9 Nov (FBEP, m.ob.), and another was in the Pt. Pelee area 10-16 Nov (RLW, KAM, GMN, m.ob.), with further one-day observations of at least 6 singles from widely scattered loca- tions. In the nw., there were reports of Cattle Egrets from Ft. Frances, Thunder Bay, Do- rion, and Grand Marais, MN ( fide NGE); a flock of 7 was near Ft. Frances, Rainy River 29-31 Oct (JY m.ob.), and one was sw. of Thunder Bay 1-5 Nov (BMo, m.ob.). A Green Heron near Ice L. 10 Nov (J&NS) was record late for Manitoulin. Dundas Marsh, Hamilton held a Glossy Ibis 20 Sep (DM); one at Duf- fin’s Creek, Durham 5-7 Nov (JG, HK, m.ob.) was harassed by a juv. Peregrine Falcon 7 Nov (ph. GLKJ). Pt. Pelee’s first-ever fall Black Vulture flew w. at Seacliff 9 Oct (AW) during a record- high, seven-hour count of 7110 Turkey Vul- tures (AW). On the same date, H.B.M.O. recorded an impressive 20,032 Turkey Vul- tures (BHB), contributing to a season total of 41,543 and making Turkey Vulture easily the most numerous of the 15 “raptor” species tallied! A late Osprey was over Burlington, Halton 26 Nov (RZD et al.). The Hawk Cliff hawk- watch at Port Stanley, Elgin tallied a record 351 Bald Eagles for the season (DJB), with 24 Sep giving a record one-day count of 46 (DKS, SRR); the 73 Bald Eagles at the Atikokan landfill, Rainy River 4 Nov (JJ) provided a new high count for the now-annual fall build-up. Two intermediate-morph juv. Swainson's Hawks frequented the Onion Fields at Pt. This first-winter Franklin's Gull lingered with a large flock of Bonaparte's Gulls on the Niagara River at Fort Erie, Ontario 10-27 (here 12) November 2005. Photograph by Matthew Francey. Pelee 17-21 Sep (PDP et al.), with one remaining through 23 Sep; a dark- morph juv. Swainson’s Hawk was at Kingsville, Essex 9 Oct (DJW). Sharp-shinned Hawks were in reassuringly high numbers, as reflected in the season total of 9528 at H.B.M.O., the 2nd highest tally of all the raptor species there. Hawk Cliff had a one- day record count of 895 American Kestrels 15 Sep (DJB). Away from their regular staging areas. Sandhill Cranes were widely reported, with local high counts of 47 near Ottawa 15 Oct-4 Nov (LS, This first-winter Laughing Gull was found at Sturgeon Creek in the Point Pelee Birding Area 14 October 2005. Photograph by Alan Wormington. TFMB) and 35 over Dundas Valley, Hamilton 10 Nov (RS). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH TERNS A late American Golden-Plover was at La Salle Park, Halton 25 Nov (TT). A banded juv. Piping Plover was at Rock Pt. PP, Haldimand 17-21 Aug (ph. VMS, LMS, m.ob.), and an unbanded juv. was at the Tip of Long Pt. 23 Sep (FRS, BMG). An American Avocet visited Tiny Marsh, Simcoe 28 Aug (RF); 8 American Avocets fed in Big Creek Marsh, Holiday Beach 4 Sep (WW), while Blenheim, Chatham-Kent had one at the S.L. 3 Sep (BW), one at the landfill 12-17 Sep (KJB), and 2 at the S.L. 15-27 Oct (BAM et al.). A flock of 53 molting ad. Hudsonian Godwits at Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa 31 Aug, was grounded by heavy rains and wind associated with the tail end of hurricane Katrina (BDL). There was a juv. Marbled Godwit at Hillman Marsh, Essex 13 Aug (DJW et al.) and an ad. at Dundas Marsh 17 Sep (BRH, EWH). An extremely early juv. Red Knot was at Hillman Marsh 11-14 Aug (DJW, AW et al.). Western Sandpipers were Two intermediate-morph juvenile Swainson's Hawks were observed by many birders in the onion fields north of Point Pelee National Park, Ontario 1 7-21 (here 18) Sep- tember 2005. Photograph by Alan Wormington. fairly widely reported, with the first an ad. at Hillman Marsh 31 Jul-13 Aug (DJW et al.); 2 early juvs. were at Hillman Marsh 15 Aug (DJW, AW et al.), up to 2 juvs. staged at Presqu’ile PR 3-11 Sep (BC, GP, m.ob.), and at least 5 other birds were seen in the s., the last at Stur- geon Creek 13-14 Oct (AW et al.). Katrina groundings at Presqu’ile PE 31 Aug included 187 White-rumped Sandpipers and 150 Pectoral Sand- pipers (DPS), both record counts for the area. An apparent ad. Pectoral Sandpiper x Baird’s Sandpiper, a previously undescribed hybrid, was studied at Hillman Marsh 5-6 Aug (AW, ACP et al.); it will be the subject of a paper in Ontario Birds. Amherst 1. had a juv. Ruff 3 Sep (JFIE, BER), and another was at Rattray Marsh, Peel 23 Sep (WR). Red-necked Phalaropes included 2 very early juvs. at Hillman Marsh 7-27 Aug (AW, DJW, ACP et al); 2 at the Emo S.L., Rainy River 15 Aug were rare for the District (DHE). Single Pomarine Jaegers flew past the Tip of Pt. Pelee 20 Oct and 9 & 26 Nov; V.W.B. had 6 from 22 Oct-15 Nov (RZD, CEE et al.), with 6 more off Stoney Creek 8-12 Nov (RZD, CEE et al). Pt. Edward, Lambton had 6 Pomarine Jaegers 22 Oct-22 Nov (AHR, BAM, AMB et al.). At the mouth of the Nia- gara R., a Pomarine was chasing a Parasitic Jaeger 14 Nov (JEB, DRS). An emaciated juv. Pomarine Jaeger on L. Simcoe at Barrie 3 Nov (JI, RJP) was taken into care 10 Nov but died of disseminated aspergillosis. V.W.B. had a to- tal of 59 Parasitic Jaegers 26 Aug-22 Oct (m.ob.), the Tip at Long Pt. saw 6 in the hur- ricane aftermath 31 Aug (L.RB.O.), a dark juv. was rare for the Ottawa R. 17-19 Sep (BDL, RAB, m.ob.), Pt. Edward had 2 on 16 Oct (AHR) and 8 on 25 Oct (BAM, AMB et al.), and Pt. Pelee a dark juv. 26 Nov (AW, AJH, VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 63 ONTARIO RPH, RAH). A juv. Long-tailed Jaeger flew past the Tobermory-Manitoulin I. ferry 19 Aug (BH), V.W.B. recorded 10 from 25 Aug-22 Oct, 3 of them during the 31 Aug storms (CJE) when L.FB.O. also saw 8 in one morning (MDB, SAM); Pt. Pelee had 3 over the period 6 Sep-22 Oct (AW et ah); and Pt. Edward recorded one juv. 25 Oct (BAM, AMB et al). A juv. Laughing Gull was at Presqu’ile P.R 2 Sep (BC, GP); Pt. Pelee had a juv. 13 Sep (BDL et al.) and a first-winter 6 & 14-23 Oct (AW, KAM et al.); a basic ad. was at the Tip of Long Pt. 2 Oct (L.PB.O.); a first-winter bird was at Pt. Edward 21 Oct (AMB, MA); and another was at Frenchman’s Bay, Durham 30 Nov (GLKJ). A first-year Franklins Gull was along the Ottawa R. 10-14 & 30 Sep (TAH, m.ob.); Hamilton had an ad. at Binbrook 22 Sep (BRH) and 2 at the Dundas Marsh 9-10 Oct (BSC); the Barrie waterfront held a first- winter bird 3-8 Nov (Jl, RJP, m.ob.), and Ft. Erie, Niagara had one 10-27 Nov (WCD, BP, m.ob.), with 2 present 14-19 Nov (JEB, DRS et al.). Little Gull passage was light, though there was a high count of 21 at the Long Pt. Tip 7 Oct (L.PB.O.). A basic ad. Black-headed Gull flew past Long Pt.’s Tip 20 Sep (L.PB.O.), one was in Hay Bay, Prince Edward 6 Nov (K.EN.), and another was at Ft. Erie 19 Nov (fide WCD). There were unusually few Bonaparte’s Gulls on the Niagara R. in Nov, perhaps because of the continuing mild weather, though numbers rose briefly mid- month (m.ob.). An ad. California Gull was off the Tip of Long Pt. 1 Oct (L.PB.O.); Pt. Pelee had an ad. 11 Nov (KAM, RLW, GMN) and a second-winter bird 22 Nov (AW). One at the Adam Beck Generating Station on the Niagara R. 11 Nov (WCD, BP) was perhaps the same bird that has been faithful to this spot for the past 14 winters. Pt. Pelee had an exceptional total of at least 63 individual Lesser Black-backed Gulls, with a record- high count of 14, including 5 juvs., 11 Nov (AW et al). A juv. Sabine’s Gull flew past Port Bruce, El- gin 31 Aug (DAM). V.W.B experienced an un- precedented flight of Sabine’s Gulls, all juvs, including 13 on 4 Sep (DRD, RZD et al.), 22 on 17 Sep (BRH et al.), and 13 on 23 Sep (RZD et al.). Pt. Pelee recorded 7 juvs. 5-11 Sep (AW, STP, DJW et al.) and Pt. Edward one 17 Nov (BAM). Juv. Black-legged Kittiwakes were in ones and twos in the s., the first at V.W.B. 14 Aug (RZD); single ads. were off Long Pt. 17 & 28 Sep (SAM), and one flew e. past Cobourg, Northumberland 20 Sep (CEG). Still rare in Ottawa, 3 Caspian Terns were at Shirley’s Bay 21 Sep (TAH, SG). Peak migra- tion for Common Terns at Long Pt. occurred 25 Sep-5 Oct, with a one-day high of 28,145 birds 26 Sep (L.PB.O.). The storm-blown Sooty Tern off Long Pt. PR 31 Aug was the first for L.PB.O. (MDB, SAM). OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS An ad. male Barn Owl was found alive but in- jured in a logging truck driven from Terrace Bay to Thunder Bay 30 Nov (fide NGE); it had to be put down because of its injuries but pro- vided the first record for Thunder Bay and only the 2nd for n. Ontario. Single Northern Hawk Owls were s. of Whitney, Nipissing 28 Oct (ph. DB), near Brockville, Leeds & Grenville 17 Nov (MJ), and e. of Ottawa 26 Hunting in snowy fields near Orleans, east of Ottawa, Ontario on 26 November 2005, this Northern Hawk Owl remained in the area into the winter season. Photograph by Tony Beck. Nov (TFMB). Simcoe provided seven reports of single Great Gray Owls 22 Oct-30 Nov near Orillia and Midland, where large num- bers of these owls had wintered and lingered into spring (BB); a Great Gray Owl was near Round Lake Centre, Renfrew 13 Nov (ED). Rare breeders in the Ottawa area, 2 ad. and 3 juv. Red-headed Woodpeckers remained at Constance Bay 30 Nov (BDL, m.ob.). Single Red-bellied Woodpeckers were n. to Thunder Cape 10 Oct (T.C.B.O.) and Eldorado Beach, Thunder Bay 27 Oct (BMo). Single Western Kingbirds were in the Onion Fields, Pt. Pelee 12-14 Oct (AW et al.) and at T.C.B.O. 13-15 Oct. An ad. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was near Ottawa International Airport 7 Aug (JD), there was a first-year male at Long Pt. 14 Sep (MDB, DRM), and an ad. was banded at T.C.B.O. 23-27 Oct (JMW). The first Cave Swallows of the Ontario ir- ruption were seen at the Cranberry Marsh hawkwatch, with 2 birds carefully studied 29 Oct (Jl et al.) and one 30 Oct (m.ob.); later, 20 birds in five small groups flew westward 7 Nov (DJL et al.) and one 12 Nov (TH). In Hamilton, Cave Swallows appeared 4 Nov with 2 birds at Fifty Pt. (BRH, EWH); the Stoney Creek lakeshore saw 11 on 4 Nov (BRH), 10 on 6 Nov (WFS et al.), 15 on 7 Nov (BRH), one 12 Nov (CTB), and 2 on 16 Nov (BSC). L.PB.O. recorded 55 Cave Swallows: 2 at Old Cut 6 Nov (MDB, DRB), 5 there 9 Nov (CF, MDB), one 10 Nov (CF et al.), and 2 on 13 Nov (DRB); on 8 Nov, 18 were near Clear Creek (MDB), 7 at Hahn Marsh (RR, DL), and 12 at the Bird Studies Canada HQ lookout (RR, DL); 2 were in Long Pt. P.P. 9 Nov (CF, SAM), 6 at the Coves 1 1 Nov (DO, MW), and 2 at Old Cut 13 Nov (DRB). At Pt. Pelee, 32 birds were recorded: one flew s. off the Tip 7 Nov (AW, AJH), with 2 there 7-8 Nov (AW, AJH et al.) and one 9 Nov (AW); Hillman Marsh had one 10 Nov (DJW), there were 3 at the Tip (AW, HTO) and one at E. Beach (AW, RLW, GMN, KAM) 11 Nov; 20 birds were at the Tip 12 Nov, with 14 remaining through 13 Nov and 6 through 14 Nov (AW et al.); and 3 were s. of Wheatley Harbour 13 Nov (DJW). Erieau, Chatham-Kent had 4 Cave Swallows 6 Nov (KJB) and at least 10 on 13 Nov (JTB, KJB); a single was s. of Kettle Pt. 6 Nov (AHR). Farthest e. was one at West L., Prince Edward 9 Nov (ph. VJ). The strangest record came from Algonquin RR 7 Nov: an ad. male Cave Swallow found roosting on the pave- ment of Highway 60 (ph. RDS, RGT) later died in captivity— a first for the park and the northernmost record for Ontario and appar- ently anywhere. About 180 Cave Swallows were reported in all, mostly from well-birded areas, so the total numbers involved may have been much greater. CHICKADEES THROUGH WARBLERS In s. Ontario, large fall flights of chickadees occur every several years, mainly in Oct, but 2005 yielded unprecedented numbers, with hundreds, even thousands, flying w. along L. Ontario, L. Erie, and L. Huron. Most of these were hatch-year birds. An observer overlook- ing Cobourg harbor 7 Oct estimated 2000/hour for a possible day total of 10,000 (CEG)! C.H.R.S. tallied over 2000 chick- adees 17 Oct (SM). Among all these birds were only a very few Boreal Chickadees: one at the Tip of Pt. Pelee 7 Nov was the first there since 1987 (AW). The 8 Oct cold front grounded 6000 Golden-crowned and 8000 Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Pt. Pelee (AW). Single Townsend’s Solitaires were at C.H.R.S. 25 Oct (SM), Pinery RR, Lambton 30 Oct (IP), Pt. Pelee 3 Nov (AW), and PE. Pt. 6 Nov (PJG, VPM). Thunder Bay Marina hosted a late Veery 17-23 Nov (BMo, m.ob.) and a male Varied Thrush 19-30 Nov (BMo); an- 64 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ONTARIO other male Varied Thrush visited feeders on the outskirts of Thunder Bay 29-30 Nov (DR); in late Nov, there were single Varied Thrushes at feeders in Batchawana Bay, Al- goma (GH) and New Liskeard, Timiskaming (fide BDM). Early American Pipits included 4 at Cobourg harbor 30 Aug (MJCB) and one at Port Bruce 31 Aug (DAM); 880 flew off the Tip at Pt. Pelee 9 Nov (AW et al). Sev- eral thousand Bohemian Waxwings cov- ered trees and sidewalks in New Liskeard and Haileybury, Timiskaming 8 Nov (AK, AM). The warm fall encouraged several warbler species to linger, including sin- gle Northern Parulas at Thunder Bay Marina 1-6 Nov (MC, m.ob.) and Presqu’ile PP. 12-14 Nov (R1S). A very late Cape May Warbler hung in at Thun- der Bay Marina 24-30 Nov (BMt) despite a bitterly cold n. wind. Yellow-rumped Warbler migration was very vigorous, with high counts of 7000 at Pt. Pelee 8 Oct (AW) and 2000 at PE. Pt. 16 Oct (K.EN.). Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa had an ad. Yellow-throated Warbler 25 Sep (BMr, m. ob.). Over 1100 Blackpoll Warblers were at the Long Pt. Tip 20 Sep (L.P.B.O.). A singing Worm-eating War- bler was unexpected in Oshawa, Durham 5 Oct (DAL). A hatch-year Kentucky Warbler was banded at Breakwater, Long Pt. 23 Aug (L.RB.O.), and one was at Cranberry Marsh 29 Aug (fide DJL). It was an exceptional year for Connecticut Warblers at Long Pt., with 24 individuals 28 Aug-6 Oct (L.P.B.O.). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES T.C.B.O. had a male Western Tanager 24 Aug (JMW). A first-year Spotted Towhee 30 Oct was Algonquin PR’s first record (ph. TS); an ad. male visited Atikokan feeders 10-15 Nov (B&JZ). An ad. Lark Sparrow was on L.S.S. 29 Oct (NCM). There was a Le Conte’s Sparrow at the Tip of Long Pt. 20 Sep (L.RB.O.) and 2 at the Tip of Pt. Pelee 7 Oct (AW); Two Rivers Airfield, Algonquin RR had 2 on 7 Oct (JL) and one 10 Oct (JJD, AL, AR). Fox Sparrows migrated in large numbers, with a high count of 50 at Amherstview S.L. 24 Oct (BER). An imm. Harris’s Sparrow was s. to the Tip of Pt. Pelee 11 Nov (RAH). Dark-eyed Juncos moved unusually early, with the first sighting Aug 6 at Presqu’ile PR (FMH). A male Black-headed Grosbeak visited feeders on Howe I., Frontenae Islands 23-24 Aug (ph. SD, m.ob.). Rossport, Thunder Bay had a male Painted Bunting in mid-Oct (fide NGE). In Toronto, single Dickcissels were at the Island Airport 27 Sep (NCM) and High Park 8 Oct (GC); one was calling in flight at Presqu’ile PR 5 Oct (RDM). A Western Mead- owlark was at the mouth of the Current R., Thunder Bay 18-20 Nov (BMo). There was a minor invasion of male Yellow-headed Black- birds in Thunder Bay 25 Sep-5 Oct, with at least 3 at Thunder Cape, one of which was banded (JMW), ancj one on Thunder Bay city lakeshore (BMo). Rusty Blackbirds moved in good numbers, with a high count of 700 at the Tip of Pt. Pelee 24 Nov (AW, AJH, RAH); an estimated 14,000 Common Grackles flew southward off the Tip 2 Nov (AW, HTO). In Rainy River, there were good counts of Pine Grosbeaks and Evening Grosbeaks late Oct+ and of Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins in late Nov (DHE), but elsewhere finches were generally scarce. Algonquin P.P saw few finches (RGT), though small flocks of Red Crossbills 29-3 1 Oct included small- billed forms feeding on Tamarack and resi- dent medium-billed forms feeding on White Pine (MWPR). Subregional editors (boldface) and cited ob- servers: Alfred L. Adamo, Robert F. Andrle, Steve Ansell, Maris Apse, Margaret J. C. Bain, Pierre Bannon, Tony E M. Beck, Chris Bell, John E. Black, Bob Bowles, Mike D. Boyd, Robert A. Bracken, David Bree, David J. Brown, Doug & Evelyn Brown, Doug R. Brown, Jim T. Burk, Keith J. Burk, Christo- pher T. Burris, Adam M. Byrne, Ches Caister, Brenda Carter, Barry S. Cherriere, Glenn Coady, Jim Coey, Mark Conboy, James A. Cram, Willie C. D’Anna, Alexander A. Dar- ling, Sharon David, Bruce Di Labio, Rob Z. Dobos, E. Dombroskie, J. J. Dombroskie, David R. Don, James Dore, Cheryl E. Edge- combe, David Ellingwood, Joel H. Ellis, David H. Elder, Christopher J. Escott, Nicholas G. Escott, Ron Fleming, Christian Friis, Denys R. Gardiner, Benoit M. Gendreau, Peter J. Good, Su- san Goods, Clive E. Goodwin, Robert Gorman, Jim Griffith, Adam J. Hall, Ros- alie A. Hall, Bob Hall-Brooks, Thomas A. Hanrahan, Jeremy Hatt, Fred M. Helleiner, Brian Henshaw, Garry Hill, Theo Hofmann, Brandon R. Holden, Eric W. Holden, Randy P. Horvath, Robert A. Horvath, Jean Iron, Brian Jackson, Mike Jaques, Viviane Jennings, Gabriel Lau Kin Jock, Jim Johnson, Joseph W. Johnson, Harry Kerr, Adam Knight, Alison Lake, Bill Lamond, Jerry Lazarczyk, Dale A. Leadbeater, Denis Lepage, Christina Lewis, Douglas J. Lockrey, Stuart A. Mackenzie, V Paul Mackenzie, Blake A. Mann, Doug Man- nen, Dave A. Martin, Pat Martin, Kevin A. McLaughlin, R. Doug McRae, Stephane Menu, John B. Miles, An- thony Miller, Brian Moore (BMo), Brian Mortimer (BMt), Bruce D. Murphy, Nor- man C. Murr, George M. Naylor, David Okines, Henrietta T. O’Neill, Ontbirds, Listserve of the Ontario Field Ornithol- ogists, E Betty E. Pegg, Donald E. Perks, Robert C. Pettit, Gerard Phillips, Stephen T. Pike, Adam C. Pinch, Ron J. Pittaway, Ian Platt, Betsy Potter, Paul D. Pratt, Rayfield R. Pye, Claude Radley, Wayne Renaud, Alfred H. Rider, Ron Ridout, Maureen Riggs, Bruce E. Ripley, Allison Rose, Su Ross-Redmond, Dennis Roy, Michael W. P Runtz, Robert M. Sachs, Dan R. Salisbury, Freddy R. Santana, Lucy M. Saruyama, D. Keith Sealy, Don P Shanahan, R. Ian Shanahan, Langis Sirois, Dorothy Smith, John & Nicole Smith, Nancy Smith, Roy B. H. Smith, Theodore Smith, William E Smith, Robert Stamp, R. Dan Strickland, J. Michael Tate, Tom Thomas, Rick D. Thornton, Douglas C. Tozer, Ronald G. Tozer, Fred J. Urie, John Vandenbroeck, Cheryl Vosburgh, Robert L. Waldhuber, Jerry Walsh, Dean J. Ware, Will Weber, Ron D. Weir, Martin Weirnhaart, Brian Wilkie, John C. Wilson, Linda Wladarski, John M. Wood- cock, Irene Woods, Alan Wormington, Betty & Jerry Zajac. © Margaret J. C. Bain, 219 Albert Street, Cobourg, Ontario K9A 2R6, (mjcbain@sympatico.ca) Western Kingbird, almost annual in southern Ontario in autumn, was found just once in fall 2005, in the onion fields north of Point Pelee National Park 12-14 (here 13) October 2005. Photograph byRosaleeA. Hall. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 65 Eastern Highlands & Upper Ohio River Valley Victor W. Fazio III • RickWiltraut Dry conditions and above-normal tem- peratures held sway throughout the season. Several reservoirs were at their lowest levels of the past eight years. As a consequence, shorebird gatherings were not confined to the shoreline of Lake Erie, as they typically are. However, the greatest shorebird spectacle was reserved for the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Katrina through east- ern Ohio and across the Eastern Basin of Lake Erie. This storm brought 21 species of shore- birds to Presque Isle State Park, PA 31 August, including the state’s first Long-billed Curlew, while nearby Conneaut Harbor, Ohio racked up record numbers of White-rumped Sand- pipers. In a season peppered with rarities, the record fallout of Cave Swallows, in two or more successive waves, still stands apart. Out of the spotlight, but no less significant, was the attention to hummingbirds that brought to light not only a record number of Selaspho- rus but two first state records. Abbreviations: B.C.S.P. (Buck Creek S.P., Clark , OH); B.E.S.R (Bald Eagle S.P., Centre, PA); Blue Marsh (Blue Marsh L., Berks, PA); B.O.K. (Bake Oven Knob hawkwatch, Lehigh, PA); B.S.B.O. (Black Swamp Bird Observa- tory); C.C.S.P. (Caesar Creek S.P., GreenefWanen, OH); Conneaut (Conneaut Harbor, Ashtabula, OH); G.L. (Grand L. St. Mary’s, Auglaize/Mercer, OH); G.L.R. (Green Lane Res., Montgomery, PA); H.B.S.P (Head- lands Beach S.R, Lake, OH); Hoover (Hoover Res., Franklin/Delaware, OH); H.M.S. (Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Berks, PA); H.W.S.P. (Hueston Woods S.P., Preble/Butler, OH); Im- perial (Imperial Grasslands, Allegheny, PA); L. Arthur (L. Arthur, Butler, PA); L.N. (L. Nock- amixon, Bucks, PA); L.B.L. (Little Blue L., Beaver, PA); L.E.I. (Lake Erie Is., Lucas/Ot- tawa, OH); M.C.W.A. (Mosquito Creek W.A., Trumbull, OH); O.S.U. (Ohio State University, Franklin, OH); PI. S.P. (Presque Isle S.R, Erie, PA); O.N.W.R. (Ottawa N.W.R., Lucas/Ot- tawa, OH); RN.R. (Powdermill Nature Re- serve, Westmoreland, PA); PL. (Pymatuning L., Crawford, PA & Trumbull, OH); S.R.C.F (Susquehanna R. at Conejohela Flats, Lan- caster, PA); W.G. (Waggoner’s Gap hawk- watch, Cumberland/Perry, PA); Y.C.S.P (Yellow Creek S.P, Indiana, PA). WATERFOWL THROUGH VULTURES A strong flight of Greater White-fronted Geese through Ohio was led by 42 to 20 in Logan, OH 12-26 Nov (TS, m.ob.). Five in Canfield, Mahoning 4 Nov (B. Jones) may have been the same 5 the next day at nearby M.C.W.A. (S. Butcher). Three were noted in Northampton, PA 26 Nov (D. Welch). The w. Snow Goose flight was poor; 20 in Seneca, OH 9 Nov and 18 in Logan, OH 16 Nov (TS, S. Landes) were the highest counts received. Ad- ditionally, 2-4 birds from eight Ohio counties 5-26 Nov included 2 in Gallia 25 Nov (D. Patick), 4 at The Wilds, Muskingum 15 Nov (AP), and 3 at Deer Creek S.R, Pickaway (RR). The white goose flock in Logan, OH also included 3 Ross’s Geese 12 Nov, with one remaining through 25 Nov (TS, BW, m.ob.), as well as an apparent Ross’s Goose x Snow Goose hybrid for the same period. Another Ross’s Goose spent 9-22 Nov at H.W.S.P (D. Russell, J. Lehman, m.ob.). Cackling Goose is now reported regularly in Pennsylvania; how- ever, this casual fall visitor to Ohio still draws a crowd where noted; this season’s reports were in Summit 31 Oct (R. Harlan), in Lucas 8 Nov (MA), and at Geneva S.R, Lake 20 Nov (JP). Small numbers of Brant were topped by 75 at S.R.C.F 9 Oct (BS); trickling into Ohio the same day, 9 were noted in Lake (JP). On 16-17 Nov, the Tundra Swan flight was evident as 2000+ birds passed over Cleveland and its suburbs, led by 1500 over Mentor, Lake, OH (A. Fjelstad). This flight continued into Pennsylvania, with 1043 at PL. 17 Nov (SK) . A Eurasian Wigeon was at L. Arthur, PA 29 Oct-4 Nov (B. Smith, m.ob.). A rare inland report of Harlequin Duck came from sw. Ohio in Hamilton 27-28 Nov (RF). Of the 70+ Black Scoters on L. Erie, 40 were at Eastlake, Lake, OH 26 Nov (fide LR) in the Central Basin, while 9 birds reached the Western Basin 5 Nov (BW et al.) . Pennsylvania counts included a high 15 at L.N. 29 Oct (BE). The 11 Surf Scoters at B.E.S.R 22 Oct (fide MM) almost matched the seasonal total of 15 for the Central Basin of L. Erie. Inland, up to 3 were at C.C.S.P 8 Nov (E Frick) outnum- bered by 6 White-winged Scoters at nearby B.C.S.P. 26 Nov (DO). A fallout of Buffleheads in Pennsylvania 14 Nov included 220 at G.L.R. (KC, GF), 152 at P.V.P. (BE, DF), 200 at Colyer L., Centre (J. Michaels), and 272 at L. Perez, Huntingdon (D. Wentzel). The flight of 300 in Lake, OH 19 Nov (JP) highlighted a weak Common Loon passage. The four L. Erie reports of Red-throated Loons were less than stellar, with a single in- land report to East Fork L., Clermont, OH 27 Nov (B. Stanley, C. Saunders). An above-aver- age fall flight of Red-necked Grebes had 8 re- ported at PI. S.P. 16 Oct-28 Nov (JM), 4 in Bucks, PA 23 Oct-30 Nov (AM, BE), and 5 noted widely across Ohio 30 Oct-26 Nov, from East Fork S.R, Clermont 0- Stenger), B.C.S.P. (DO), M.C.W.A. (2; BSm & KS), and Pleasant Hill L., Ashland (G. Cowell, Jr.). One to 2 Eared Grebes were at PI. S.P 18-26 Nov (JM), and 2 Ohio birds appeared at Hoover 5 Nov (RA) and Maumee Bay S.R, Lucas 21 Sep (ph. B. Snyder). Northern Gannets in- vaded the Region. An imm. picked up at Ashland, Schuykill, PA 19 Oct later died (fide AH), another was seen at Millcreek Twp., Erie 26 Nov (BC), and an imm. appeared at H.B.S.P 26 Nov (RHn, JT), remaining to winter. A female Anhinga reported from a hawkwatch in Buckingham Twp. 19 Sep (K. & L. Moulton et al.) was a first for Bucks and adds to a growing list of reports from the e. Highlands. An early Great Cor- morant was in Bucks, PA 28 Aug (D. Allison). Double-crested Cormorants lingered within the Western Basin of L. Erie, where 7200 at Kelleys I., Erie 18 Nov (TB) was an unusually high number so close to the winter season. An unverified Brown Pelican was reported flying up the Ohio R. at Huntington, Cabell, WV 6 Sep 0- Browning). American White Pelican had reports from six Ohio counties. Away from the Western Basin, where 4-5 birds were present from the summer through 16 Oct (R Chad, S. McNamee, SY, CC, MB, m.ob.), indi- viduals appeared inland to Hoover 22 Aug-3 Sep (RR, P. Gardner, m.ob.) and Marion 6 Nov (fide R Soehnlen). On the heels of the rem- This Magnificent Frigatebird, surely displaced by Hurricane Katrina, provided Ohio with its fifth record 5 September 2005 in Lake County. Photograph by John Pogacnik. 66 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY nants of Hurricane Katrina, an imm. Magnifi- cent Frigatebird passed over a Lake, OH ob- server 5 Sep (ph. JP). Late-summer staging of Great Egrets at Medusa Marsh, Erie, OH numbered 200-275 there 3-11 Aug (CC, SY), while 339 gathered at O.N.W.R. 2 Oct (EP et al). The mild season saw 86 remain here until 6 Nov (EP et al.). The 40 Great Egrets at S. Eaton, Luzerne, PA 20-21 Aug was impressive for ne. Pennsylva- nia (WR), while interior Ohio numbers also continue to increase, with 27 at Hoover 2 Sep (CB) and 15 at Chillicothe, Ross 9 Oct (DHe). The Snowy Egret flock at Medusa Marsh built up to 13 birds 25 Aug (B. Bowman). Away from L. Erie, one was in Ross 1 Sep (DHe). A summer resident in the Western Basin, Little Blue Heron was noted through 20 Aug (L. Richardson et al.). Inland records of note came from Defiance, OH 25 Aug (JY), Pauld- ing, OH 29 Jul (DMD), Ross, OH 2-8 Aug (J. MacMahon, DHe), Wayne, OH 17 Aug (S. Snyder), Luzerne, PA 31 Aug (WR), Northampton, PA 13 Aug (R. & P Oren), and Summers, WV 24 Aug (J- Phillips). Late Cattle Egrets are a curiosity in the Region. This fall, 2 were in Crawford, PA 11 Nov (S. Winter- berger), one mid-Nov in Erie, PA (JideJM), 6 in Summit, OH 1 Nov (G. Bennett), and 2 at G. L. 12 Nov (D. Dister). A juv. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Blue Marsh was the first report in Berks, PA since 1967 (S. &J. Schmoyer). Wayward Ple- gadis ibis included 2 in Napolean, Henry, OH 2-5 Oct (JY, MA) and a flyby in Wood, OH 14 Aug (D. Horn). Birds identified as Glossy Ibis on L. Erie were an ad. at Magee Marsh W.A., Ottawa, OH 4-8 Oct (DO, m.ob.), one at PI.S.P 17 Sep (BC, D. Wilton), and 2 inland at M.C.W.A. 3-4 Oct (C. Babyak, J. Lucas). A White Ibis was reported at Middle Creek W.M.A., Lancaster /Lebanon, PA 26 Sep (M. Deegan). A total of 1814 Turkey Vultures was recorded during the season at W.G. (DG). At- tentive observers in Toledo, OH recorded more than 2000 birds over the city 9 Oct (T. Kemp), surpassing the state record set only the previous year. RAPTORS THROUGH CRANE A Swallow-tailed Kite was at Sugar Bay, Mc- Kean, PA 31 Aug (JF). The increase in Coopers Hawks was seen in healthy seasonal totals of 1054 at W.G. (DG) and 1122 at H. M.S. (LGo). The 492 at B.O.K. was a sea- sonal high for that location (KW). A seasonal total of 288 Bald Eagles at Rose Tree Hawk- watch near Media, Delaware, PA was an ex- cellent count away from the Kittatinny Ridge (m.ob.). The flight of Broad-winged Hawks in Pennsylvania was disappointing. The 5273 at H.M.S. during the season was 26% below the 10-year average (LGo). The flyway through w. Ohio is often overlooked, so the 400 over Montgomeiy, OH 20 Sep (J, Beale) was a wel- come tally. A Swainsons Hawk was reported from Stone Mt. hawkwatch, Huntingdon/Mif- flin 23 Oct (GG, D. Bryant). The seasonal to- tal for Golden Eagles at W.G. was 238 (DG). Golden Eagle numbers were above average in Ohio, with 7 reported 24 Oct-16 Nov (R. Nirschl, BCr, AP, MA). The 468 American Kestrels at H.M.S. was 15% below the 10-year average (LGo), and only 397 were recorded at W.G. (DG). A robust flight of Merlins along the Kittatinny Ridge, PA 15 Oct included 38 At the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this American White Pelican turned up briefly on 5 November 2005. Photograph by Ronald Majors. at B.O.K. (D. Kunkle) and 49 at H.M.S. (LGo, D. Barber); both are record single-day counts for those locations. Record seasonal totals of 198 at H.M.S. (LGo) and 150 at B.O.K. (KW) further reflect the increase of this species over the years. An imm. Peregrine Falcon was an early arrival at The Wilds, Muskingum, OH 20 Jul (AP). Seasonal counts of 66 Peregrines at W.G. (DG) and 54 at H.M.S. (LGo) were en- couraging. A Yellow Rail was detected near Sugar Creek, Tuscarawas, OH 5 Oct (ES). Few his- torical counts of American Coot approach that of the 4000+ birds at B.C.S.P. 9 Nov (DO). Sin- gle Sandhill Cranes were seen in Berks at H.M.S. 15 & 20 Oct (LGo) and Blue Marsh 2 Oct QS). The 6 Nov start to fall migration through w. Ohio saw 580 reported by seasons end, with the high count of 100 over Hamilton 24 Nov (K. Westendorf). The summer resi- dent pair at Spring Valley W.A., Warren, OH remained through 10 Nov (N. Cade, m.ob.). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH TERNS Three Piping Plovers in Ohio put in rare ap- pearances within the Region. One arrived at O.N.W.R. 22 Jul (B.S.B.O.), followed by one 15 Aug at H.B.S.P. (RHn), while another took shelter from Katrina at Alum Creek Res., Delaware 31 Aug (JMc et al.). The Semi- palmated Plover migration peaked 10 Sep with 166 at O.N.W.R. (B.S.B.O.), while a re- spectable inland tally of 40 was had at Hoover 21 Aug (JMc). At least 25 American Avocets were widely noted across Ohio, and 6 were seen in Pennsylvania. The main flight through 5 Oct saw 6 resting at Hoover 14-16 Aug (RA et al.) and 5 at Conneaut 16-17 Aug (RR). Two stragglers were found at M.C.W.A. 20 Nov (BSm, KS), while one lingered 9-18 Nov at Hueston Woods S.P., Preble, OH (J. Habig). The 66 Greater Yellowlegs 6 Nov at O.N.W.R. (EP et al.) was an extraordinary number for Nov. All but one of the Region’s 27 Willets were reported from the L. Erie shoreline, led by 13 at Conneaut 27 Aug (W. & D. Shaffer) and 7 at PI.S.P. 10 Aug (BC). An Upland Sandpiper at Tyler S.P., Bucks, PA 8 Aug was rare for that location (B. Keim), while 9 in Paulding, OH 2 Aug (DMD) was an encouraging number. A total of 5 Whimbrels was tallied at PI.S.P. 13-31 Aug (JM), and one was at S.R.C.E 31 Aug (BS et al.). Seven in Ohio 2 Aug-30 Sep (ph. D. Bollin, m.ob.) in- cluded one inland to Hoover 2-9 Aug (RT). The most exciting shorebird discovery of the season was a Long-billed Curlew observed at PI.S.P 31 Aug as the remnants of Katrina passed offshore (ph. JM). Pending accept- ance, it would represent a first Pennsylvania record. A strong flight of Hudsonian Godwits into the Region had 50 flying over Y.C.S.P 27 Aug (T. Simmons, fide MH) and 33 to Con- neaut 14 Aug (L. Hays). For cen. Ohio, 9 at Hoover 18 Aug (DS) was an especially note- worthy count. Late godwits continue to linger, with O.N.W.R. hosting a Hudsonian 13 Nov and 2 Marbleds 5 Nov (B.S.B.O.); 7 Hud- sonians were at PL. 2-5 Oct (RFL), while one remained at S.R.C.E 8 Oct (T. Garner). Peak Marbled Godwit tallies were 7 at O.N.W.R. 3 Sep (B.S.B.O.) and 5 at Hoover 21-26 Aug (CB, R. McNulty). One Marbled Godwit was at S.R.C.E 13 Aug (BS), while four Sep birds appeared in Erie, OH (VF et al.). The 16 Ruddy Turnstones at PI.S.P (JM) was the largest Regional flock reported. The storm- driven 165+ Sanderlings at PI.S.P. 31 Aug made an excellent count (JM). A total of 11 Red Knots was recorded there 10-31 Aug (BC, JM), matching the seasonal tally for all of Ohio 13 Aug-5 Sep (m.ob.). A late bird ap- peared at H.B.S.P 10 Nov (A. Sewell). Away from L. Erie, the peep migration was modest, as Hoover hosted 120 Least and 100 Semi- palmated Sandpipers 21 Aug (JMc). Of Semi- palmated Sandpipers, 1000 at O.N.W.R. 12 Sep (B.S.B.O.) were typical, whereas the VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 67 EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY This Red Phalarope at Imperial Grasslands, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania 4-8 (here 6) September 2005 was a genuine rarity for the Appalachian portion of the state. Photograph by Geoff Malosh. count of 1270 birds at Conneaut 31 Aug (VF, JP) was a consequence of Katrina, as was the state record 355 White-rumped Sandpipers (VF, JP) at the same location. This confluence of shorebird migration and tropical storm also brought down a seasons worth of Bairds Sandpipers, 69, to the sand flats of Conneaut’s harbor 31 Aug (VF, JP). Otherwise, a subpar three-dozen individuals were noted widely across the state. Up to 6 Bairds Sandpipers were seen at Y.C.S.P during the fall (MH et al.), and 7 were at the S.R.C.F 28 Aug (DH). Four Western Sandpipers at Y.C.S.P 10 Sep (MH) and 5 in Somerset , PA 27 Aug (J&LP) were considered rare for sw. Pennsylvania, as were 4 in Cabell, WV 8 Sep (WA). A weak Ohio passage saw only 16 birds reported. Another good year for Buff-breasted Sand- piper brought at least 31 birds to seven Ohio counties 16 Aug-18 Sep (CB, BZ, rn.ob.), in- cluding 11 at Hoover 2 Sep (CB). Nine Penn- sylvania counties were visited by 16 birds 12-31 Aug, with up to 6 at S.R.C.F 28 Aug (DH). The species is not annual in West Vir- ginia, so one in Cabell 9 Sep was an exciting find (WA). The Western Basin supported 700 Pectoral Sandpipers 12 Aug at O.N.W.R. (B.S.B.O.). Good inland concentrations in- cluded 200 at Hoover 21 Aug (RT), 150 at Berlin Res., Stark, OH 25 Aug (B. Morrison), and 120 at Pickerington Ponds, Franklin, OH 18 Aug (RT). The maximum of 3040 Dunlins at O.N.W.R. 6 Nov (EP et al.) was normal. Five Purple Sandpipers appeared along L. Erie from Pl.S.P (JM) to Huron, Erie, OH (DS), all 26-30 Nov. The Short-billed Dow- itcher flight peaked 16 Jul with 1035 at O.N.W.R. (B.S.B.O.). The 15 Long-billed Dowitchers at Hoover 23 Aug (CB) was a good inland tally, coincident with the high count of 200 at O.N.W.R. 21 Aug (B.S.B.O.). One in Preston, WV 25-28 Sep (G. Felton, MO) was a first for the mt. region of that state. A Ruff seen at S.R.C.F 31 Aug was an exciting find (BS, TA, C. Chalfant, D. Hoff- man). Two reported from O.N.W.R. 2 Oct are pending re- view (TR. Johnson). Up to 6 Wilson’s Phalaropes appeared at Medusa Marsh, Erie, OH 23 Aug (SY, rn.ob.), with 7 at O.N.W.R. 15 Sep (B.S.B.O.). Pennsylvania singles were at Little Blue L. 17 Aug (MV) and Y.C.S.P. 27 Aug-6 Sep (L. Car- nahan et ah). The 20 Red- necked Phalaropes outnumbered Wilson’s in Ohio, possibly owing to Katrina, as a host of birds put down 31 Aug, including 4 at Conneaut (VF, JP), 3 at Kokosing L., Knox (J. Larson), and one at Charles Mills L., Ashland (JMc), as well as singles in Erie, PA (JM, JD), at L.B.L. 1 Sep (MV), and at Y.C.S.P 31 Aug-2 Sep (MH et al.). Other Red-necked Phalaropes were at L.B.L. 9 Sep (GM) and Bucks, PA 24 Aug (A. Brady) and 24-26 Sep (AM). A Red Phalarope 4-8 Sep at Imperial was rare for sw. Pennsyl- vania (R. Gallardy, MV, ph. GM). Several through Ohio included singles at East Fork S.P, Clermont 8 Oct (D. Morse, Jr.) and on the O.S.U. campus, Franklin 20 Oct (RR). Unidentified jaegers were noted along L. Erie at Pl.S.P. 8 Nov, with 4 there 22 Nov (JM, BC) and one w. to Cuyahoga 25 Oct (PL). Ka- trina birds were inland to East Fork S.P, Cler- mont, OH (B. Hull, RF) and at B.E.S.P. (JH), both 31 Aug. Four Pomarine Jaegers were along L. Erie 15-27 Nov. A rare Western Basin report of Parasitic Jaeger came late from East Harbor S.P, Ottawa, OH 27 Nov (JP)- Another was reported from Lake, OH 30 Oct (JP). An ad. Long-tailed Jaeger was reported at L. Somerset, Somerset, PA 27 Aug (ph. J&LP). Pending acceptance, this would be furnish a 3rd state record. There was speculation as to whether the same ad. Long-tailed Jaeger was seen in Jefferson, WV 24-26 Aug (ph. MO). In the wake of Katrina, much of the Region en- joyed sporadic occurrences of Laughing Gulls through the remainder of the season. Where one or 2 would be the norm for Ohio at this season, as many as 9 were present, including 2 at Alum Creek Res., Delaware 31 Aug (JMc), 2 at C.C.S.P. 4 Sep-7 Oct (LG, rn.ob.), one at Findlay Res., Hancock (RC), and one in Williams 13 Oct (JY). Birds at Beaver Run Res. and P.N.R. 9 Sep (ML,/ide RCL) were the first reports ever for Westmoreland, PA; 2 at B.E.S.P 31 Aug (JH), one at P.L. 5 Sep (SK), and one at Pl.S.P 30 Aug (C. Wood) were also out of place. One on the Ohio R. 16-20 Sep was a first for Allegheny and Beaver (MV). Up to 2250 were still present at Tullytown Landfill, Bucks, PA 19 Nov (MS). A Franklin’s Gull was e. to Bucks, PA 12 Nov (ph. A. Brady). The Conneaut/RI.S.P. shoreline of L. Erie hosted 2-3 Little Gulls 14 Aug-21 Sep (JM, RR, rn.ob.). The typical late-season flight 23 Oct-13 Nov (JP, JM) saw 3-5 birds along this same shoreline w. to H.B.S.P (RHn, rn.ob.). One (possibly 2) ad. California Gulls were found in Millcreek Twp., Erie and Pl.S.P 12-26 Nov (BC). Lesser Black-backed Gulls were slow getting to Ohio, with 3 appearing in the Western Basin 30 Sep in Ottawa (LR). One on the Ohio R. in Beaver, PA 19-20 Nov was locally rare (MV). A total of 1375 Great Black- backed Gulls were at Tullytown Landfill, Bucks, PA 19 Nov (MS). Just ahead of the Dec deep-freeze, a Glaucous Gull appeared in Lake, OH 26 Nov (JP). A Sabine’s Gull was part of the Katrina showcase at Con- neaut 31 Aug (JP). A Black- legged Kittiwake was reported from H.B.S.P. 26 Nov (B. Sparks). The 650 Forster’s Terns at S.R.C.F 7 Oct (TA) were notable, while the 400 at Maumee Bay S.P, Lucas, OH 6 Sep were accompanied by 1500 Common Terns (K. Kaufman). Substantial numbers of both species lingered, as 1660 Com- mon and 830 Forster’s staged at O.N.W.R. 2 Oct (EP et al.). The count of 840 Common Terns at Conneaut 31 Aug (VF, JP) was storm-enhanced, as was that of 120 Black Terns across Ohio and 70+ in Pennsylvania that day. A Least Tern at Blue Marsh 29 Sep was a rare find for Berks, PA (JS). DOVES THROUGH FINCHES Eurasian Collared-Doves at their usual spots in Pennsylvania included 12 at Shady Grove, In Jefferson County, West Virginia, this adult Long-tailed Jaeger represented a first fully documented state record 24-26 (here 26) August 2005. Photograph by Matt Orsie. 68 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY Franklin, PA 7 Sep (DGe) and 2 in Coatesville, Chester during Aug (m.ob.). An- other was at Susquehannock S.E, Lancaster 8 Sep (TA). A White-winged Dove at O.N.W.R. 17-18 Sep (G. Miller et al.) furnished the 3rd Ohio report with convincing details in six years. Both cuckoo species enjoyed height- ened migrations late in the season. Up to 10 Black-billed Cuckoos were in the Oak Open- ings, Lucas, OH 8 Oct (G. Cottier). A Yellow- billed Cuckoo remained in Lorain, OH 4 Nov 0- Kolo-Rose). A total of 81 Northern Saw- whet Owls was netted at a banding station at Skytop, Monroe, PA during the fall (D. & J. Speicher), while 17 were netted the last week of Oct in Ross, OH (K. Sieg). In sharp contrast to the w. plains, highland counts of Common Nighthawks remain strong: 1425 migrating down the Al- legheny R. at Etna, Allegheny 25-26 Aug (D. Yagusic), 1392 over Philadelphia 29 Aug (fide AH), and 1062 over Putnam, WV 31 Aug (K. Kazmierski). One foraging near the dome of the State Capitol in Charleston 2 Nov (D. Burrell) tied the late date for West Virginia. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds had the birding community abuzz over their prolific attendance of feeders through the fall migration. A more objective assessment was provided by counters at hawkwatches, such as the flight of 80 at B.O.K. 31 Aug (KW) and 353 tallied at H.M.S., where the seasonal average is 168 (LGo). A remarkable 319 were banded at P.N.R. during the fall (RM). In Ohio, the 74 at O.N.W.R. 7 Aug (EP et al.) was a 25-yr high for the monthly census. A Green Vio- let-ear in Holmes, OH 15-16 Aug (ph. G. Hostetler, A. Miller, m.ob.) represents Ohio’s first. The passage of Selasphorus hummingbirds (Table 1), the vast majority of which are presumably Rufous Hummingbirds, continues to reach record levels, as more and more birders leave feeders up into the winter period. Doing so also may reward one with some- thing unique, such as Ohio’s first Anna’s Hummingbird, which ar- rived 12 Nov for a protracted stay into the winter season (D. & W. Schmitz, ph. C. Wood, m.ob.). A well-described Gray Flycatcher seen by veteran birders at H.B.S.P. 18 Sep (RHn, LR) would be Ohio’s 2nd, pending acceptance. Acadian Flycatchers were noted late across the Region, but none lingered longer than 13 Oct in Lake, OH (JP). Western Kingbirds were noted in Pennsylvania: P.N.R. 2 Nov (ML), in Northampton 4+ Nov (ph. A. Koch), and in Berks, PA 22 Aug (JS)- A late-Aug Scissor- tailed Flycatcher was present in Franklin, PA (DGe). A seasonal total of 103 Blue-headed Vireos at H.M.S. included a peak of 21 on 19 Oct (LGo). Late migrant vireos included a Red-eyed in Cuyahoga, OH 10 Nov (KM), a Warbling in Lucas, OH 8 Nov (BZ), and a White-eyed in Cuyahoga, OH 11 Nov (SI et al.). The seasonal tally of 205 Common Ravens at H.M.S. (LGo) is more evidence of the increase of the species in the Northeast. A pair of Black-billed Magpies in ne. Ohio were a birding attraction 28 Aug-14 Oct near Dam- ascus, Mahoning (B. & D. Lane, m.ob.). Al- though no evidence of past captivity could be seen in plumage or behavior, and the range of dates is consistent with natural vagrancy, the apparent lack of any other birds moving east- ward from the normal range suggests that these may not have been wild vagrants. The largest influx of Cave Swallows ever in the Region, 30 Oct-26 Nov, was largely restricted to the L. Erie shoreline. Adding to Pennsylvania records were a first for Lancaster at S.R.C.E 30 Oct (BS), 5 at Kinzua Dam, Warren, PA 4 Nov (JF), 2 at Millcreek Twp., Erie 8 Nov (BC), 6 at Erie, Erie 9 Nov (JM), and 5 at Roderick Wildlife Preserve, Erie 13 Nov (GM). Ohio’s first Cave Swal- low delighted a local bird club out- ing to Perry Park, Lake 5 Nov (JP). An estimated 50 birds appeared along the adjacent L. Erie shoreline the next day (LR, m.ob.). A lone bird there 12 Nov (D. Cole) may have been a straggler from the first wave, but 2-4 at a variety of shore- line locales 13-16 Nov suggest a 2nd wave of a dozen or more pass- ing through the area. These pro- duced records at Rocky River Park and Willoughby in Cuyahoga (PL, JT) and at Conneaut (VF). The lat- ter flight on the 16th was accompa- nied by a Tree Swallow and late Bank Swallow. A Cave Swallow found dead on a Lakewood, Cuya- hoga porch 20 Nov was retrieved for Ohio’s first specimen (D. Feterle, fide], McCarty). A Northern Rough- winged Swallow in the panhandle of West Virginia 19 Nov (MO) was late. The Rl.S.P. Purple Martin roost held 75,000 birds 11 Aug (D. Plant), dwarfing all other concentrations. The 3000 Barn Swallows there the same day was also a tremendous concentration for the Region. A Tufted Titmouse was on Kellys I., Erie, OH 30 Oct (TB) — only the 4th time in 20 years that this species has leapt the 8 km across from the mainland. A major flight of Black- capped Chickadees into Pennsylva- nia began late Sep and was noted through the end of the period. In Montgomery, PA, they outnumbered Table 1. Rufous Hummingbirds and Selasphorus hummingbirds recorded in Pennsylvania and Ohio, autumn 2005. Confirmed Rufous Hummingbirds Union, OH 19 Aug-29 Sep (ad. male; b.) [B. & L. Bornino] Berks, PA 5 Sep-25 Nov (ad. female; b.) [R. Kauffman] Lawrence, OH 5 Sep [D.Tumblin] Lebanon, PA 15 Sep-15 Dec (ad. female; b.) [L. Zehring] Franklin, PA 25-27 Sep (ph. ad. male) [unknown] Armstrong, PA 28 Sep-3 Oct (ph. ad. male) [S. Pulliam] Medina, OH early Oct-5 Dec (imm. male; b.) [D.&M. Wagner] Muskingum, OH 9-18 Oct (ad. male) [M. & W. Wise] Medina, OH 9 Oct-7 Nov (ad. female; b.) [M. Hendrick] Beaver, PA 15 Oct-7 Dec (ad. female; b.) [R. & E. Hoge] Chester, PA 12 Oct-12 Dec (ad. male; b.) [fide S. Weidensaul] Dauphin, PA 19 Oct-14 Dec (1 st yr female; b.) [T. Johnson] Chester, PA 29 Oct-4 Dec (1st yr male; b.) [NP] Carroll, OH 29 0ct-26 Nov (ad. female; b.) [F. Downs] Fairfield, OH 2-13 Nov (ad. female; b.) [J. Watts] Fayette, PA 3-18 Nov (1st yr male;b.) [J. Adams, C. Sherwood] Logan, OH 6-19 Nov (ad. male) [S. Erwin] Chester, PA 8 Nov+ (ad. female; b.) [Trego residence] Bucks, PA 20 Nov-7 Dec (ph. imm. female) [E. Hiller, N. Lawrence] Montgomery, PA 21-23 Nov (imm. female; b.) [fide NP] Confirmed Selasphorus Humminabirds Lake, OH 7 Aug [JP] Lawrence, OH late Aug-8 Jan [J. & C. Brown] Lycoming, PA 4 Sep [D. Ferry] Northampton, PA 4 Sep [A. Koch] Berks, PA 5 Sep [R. Kauffman] Delaware, OH late Sep-11 Nov [B. Harter] Westmoreland, PA 18 Oct [B.Zottala, A. Fabian] Northampton, PA (2) 28 0ct+ (ph.) [unknown] Montgomery, PA 5-29 Nov (ph.) [P.Driver] Bucks, PA 6 Nov [R. French] Monroe, PA 6 Nov [RW] Chester, PA 7Nov+ [Trego residence] Brown, OH 20 Nov [D. Hanley] Indiana, PA 7 Dec [M. Cunkleman] Another 12 probable Selasphorus were also reported elsewhere in the Region. These summaries are provided by Allen Chartier (OH) and Robert Protz (PA). The banding ef- forts of Allen Chartier in Ohio and Nick Pulcinella, Scott Weidensaul, and the P.N.R. staff in Pennsylvania have been invaluable in discerning the otherwise cryptic nature of this developing phenomenon. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 69 EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY Dolores Feterle was sweeping her front porch in Cleveland, Ohio 20 November 2005 when she noticed a bird lying among the leaves. After consulting a field guide, she determined it was a Cave Swallow and notified local newspaper columnist Jim Mc- Carty. The specimen is now in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Photograph by Larry Rosche. the resident Carolina Chickadees in Nov (KC). Only one report from Holmes , OH (ES) mentioned this movement w. of Pennsylvania. More conspicuous was the flight of Red- breasted Nuthatches into Pennsylvania, with reports from just about every conifer stand (e.g., 40+ at Pine Grove Furnace S.P, 20 Nov [R. Koury]). Moving southward lay late Aug, always an indication of an irruption in the making, some 237 were recorded at H.M.S. during the season (LGo). In Ohio, the irrup- tion dispersed through the Allegheny foothills from 3 Sep+, with no great concen- trations, barely registering in the sw. This phenology suggests the irruptions of at least the nuthatches originated in the Northeast rather than the Upper Great Lakes. Sedge Wrens were noted in Bucks, PA 24-27 Sep (AM, DF, JH), at P.VP 26 Sep-3 Oct (AM, B. Schaffer), in Northampton 5 Sep (RW), and at Y.C.S.P 26-27 Aug (MH et al.). Three were in Lake, OH 24 Aug (JP)’ where breeding took place. The 1 1 at O.N.W.R. 7 Aug was a 25-yr high (EP et al.), possibly reflecting local efforts to expand grasslands. A male Varied Thrush hit a window in Delaware, PA 19 Nov, the state’s first specimen (M. Stephens, R. Clark). For all the late-season warmth, there were few conspicuously late warblers reported, unlike in 2004. A Yellow Warbler was at PI. S.P. 16 Oct (JD), and a Cape May Warbler was at Castalia, Erie, OH 19 Nov (BZ). A good showing of the latter had 10-15+ in a Norway Spruce plantation in Lehigh, gorging on berries of the non-native Japanese Angelica tree (A. elata ) in late Sep-17 Oct (S. Boyce, RW). A Black-throated Gray Warbler at Firestone Metropark, Sum- mit, OH 22 Oct (E. Pierce, J. Reyda) was the parulid of the season. The 698 Black-throated Green Warblers counted at H.M.S. during the season was well above average (LGo); one lin- gered at PV.P. 19 Nov (C. Crunkleton), as did a Palm Warbler in Columbus 15 Nov (RT). Tardier still, a Blackpoll Warbler at H.B.S.P. 26 Nov (JT, RHn) was record late for Ohio. A strong, widespread flight of Connecticut War- blers saw 20 Pennsylvania reports 3 Sep-9 Oct (m.ob.); the banding season at RN.R. net- ted 21 birds. Three late Ovenbirds were seen at three locations in Philadelphia 26 Nov (fide AH). An American Redstart was found at O.N.W.R. 6 Nov (EP at al.). Clay-colored Sparrows were reported in McKean, PA 31 Oct-1 Nov (JF), on Kelleys I., Erie, OH 17 Sep (TB), and in Cuyahoga, OH 2 Oct (KM). Lark Sparrows wandered to P.I.S.R 26 Sep (JM), Bucks, PA 25 Oct (B. Webster), Montgomery, PA 18 Sep-1 1 Oct (S. Grunwald, KC, GF), and Calamus Swamp, Pickaway, OH 15 Nov (BCr). The 200 Savannah Sparrows around Findlay Res., Hancock, OH 10 Sep (RC) was a good count so early in the migra- tion. Closer attention to favored habitat has revealed higher numbers of Nelsons Sharp- tailed Sparrows in the Unglaciated Plateau, where a peak of 9 was counted in Tuscarawas, OH 5 Oct (ES). An ad. Harris’s Sparrow was at McAlisterville, Juniata 28 Nov+ (A. Troyer). A Bobolink was late at PI. S.P 27 Nov (BC, J. Flynn). Late Yellow-headed Blackbirds ap- peared in Orrville, OH 23 Nov (S. Hackett) and at Maumee Bay S.P, Lucas, OH 27 Nov QP)- A Snow Bunting at H.B.S.P 19 Oct and 40 there 3 Nov (SI) foretold a strong fall flight into Ohio. Some 200 Lapland Longspurs were already in Wyandot, OH by 5 Nov (RC). Pur- Providing a first specimen for the state was this male Varied Thrush at Glen Mills, Delaware County, Pennsylvania 19 November 2005. Photograph by Rich Clark. pie Finches came southward in one of the best showings of recent years. A total of 335 was tallied at RV.R 18 Oct (AM, JM), 430 were recorded at H.M.S. during the season (LGo), and 457 were banded at RN.R. i(RM). An One of three migrant Sedge Wrens reported in Pennsylvania in autumn 2005, this bird was in Bucks County 24-27 (here 26) September. Photograph by Devich Farbotnik. 70 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY Two Black-billed Magpies spent 28 August through 14 (here 2) October 2005 in Damascus, Mahoning County, Ohio; it is uncertain whether these birds had been in captivity prior to their appearance there. Photograph by Delores Cole. Evening Grosbeak appeared in Mont- gomery, PA 18 Nov (RK). The peak Red Crossbill count of 12 came at H.M.S. 20 Nov (LGo). Two early White-winged Crossbills were at H.M.S. 25 Aug (LGo). Initialed observers (subregional editors in bold): OHIO: Matt Anderson (MA), Rick Asamoto (RA), Tom Bartlett (TB), Charlie Bombaci (CB), Mike Busam (MB), Craig Caldwell (CC), Rick Counts (RC), Ben Crow (BCr), Doug & Micki Dunakin (D&MD), Victor Fazio III (VF), Robert Foppe (RF), Larry Gara (LG), Ray Hannikinan (RHn), Dave Hess (DHe), Sally Isaaco (SI), Ned Keller (NK), Greg Links, Paula Lozano (PL), Jim McCormac (JMc), Kevin Met- calf (KM), Doug Overacker (DO), A1 Parker (AP), Ed Pierce (EP), John Pogacnik (JP), Larry Rosche (LR), Robert Royse (RR), Dan Sanders (DS), Kathy Saunders (KS), Ed Schlabach (ES), Troy Shiveley (TS), Becky Smith (BSm), Jerry Talkington (]T), Robert Thorn (RT), Bill Whan (BW), John Yochum (JY), Sheryl Young (SY), Brian Zweibel (BZ). PENNSYLVANIA: Tom Amico (TA), Ben Coulter (BC), Kevin Crilley (KC), John DePaul (JD), Bill Etter (BE), Devich Far- botnik (DF), John Fedak (JF), George A. Franchois (GF), Dan Heathcote (DH), Dave Gearhart (DGe), Laurie Goodrich (LGo) [H.M.S. staff], Dave Grove (DG), Greg Grove (GG), Paul Hess, Margaret Higbee (MH), Ja- son Horn (JH), Armas Hill [Philadelphia Birdline] (AH), Rudy Keller (RK), Scott Kinzey (SK), Mike Lanzone (ML), Robert C. Leberman (RCL), Ronald F Leberman (RFL), Geoff Malosh, Mark McConaughy [Cen. Pennsylvania Birdline] (MM), Jerry McWilliams (JM), August Mirabella (AM), Robert Mulvihill [RN.R. staff] (RM), Jeff and Lauretta Payne (J&rLP), Nick Pulcinella (NP), William Reid (WR), Bob Schutsky (BS), Joan Silagy (JS), Matt Spence (MS), Mark Vass (MV), Rick Wiltraut (RW), Kyle Wright (KW). WEST VIRGINIA: Wendell Argabrite (WA), Jeanette Esker, Matt Orsie (MO). © Victor W. Fazio, III, 18722 Newell Street, Floor 2, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122, (bcvireo@sbcglobal.net); Rick Wiltraut, P.0. Box 294, Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania 18353, (whiskeyjack@netzero.net) Illinois & Indiana INDIANA LAKEFRONT: James Hengeveld • Keith A. McMullen Geoffrey A. Williamson For the most part, the autumn was dry in the Region, resulting in a lack of habitat at many popular shorebird and wading bird locales. Maximum counts of most shorebird species were lower than usual, as many birds probably passed through the Region in search of more favorable habitat. Warm temperatures continued into Novem- ber, and perhaps as a result of the warm weather, many insectivorous species lingered, with plentiful prey available. Many migrants showed up early, and many remained later than usual. With respect to rarities and daily high counts, the 2005 fall migration was one of the most exciting on record in Indiana, with a rarity list including a frigatebird, White Ibis, Swallow-tailed Kite, Long-tailed Jaeger, Arctic Tern, and Say’s Phoebe, as well as state firsts for Gray Kingbird and Cave Swallow. Abbreviations: Bee. M. (Beehunter Marsh, Greene, IN); Bev. Sh. (Beverly Shores, Porter, IN); Carl. L. (Carlyle L., Clinton, Fayette, and Bond , IL); Chau. (Chautauqua N.W.R., IL); Dunes S.P. (Dunes State Park, Porter, IN); Ea- gle Cr. (Eagle Creek Park, Marion, IN); FP. (Forest Preserve); FW.A. (Fish and Wildlife Area); Hennepin (Hennepin-Hopper Lake Restoration Area, Putnam, IL); Mich. City (Michigan City Harbor, La Porte, IN); Miller (Miller Beach, Lake, IN); Montrose (Montrose Pt., Lincoln Park, Chicago). WATERFOWL The count of 500 Greater White-fronted Geese at Chau. 20 Nov (KR) was Illinois’s 2nd highest fall total, and 750 Cackling Geese 27 Nov in Winnebago, IL (DTW) was a high fall total. A record Illinois fall count of 20 Ross’s Geese was made at Carl. L. 11 Nov (DMK). Tundra Swans made a nice showing, evi- denced by 80 tallied 17 Nov at Illinois Beach S.P. (RE) and 75 recorded 12 Nov at Spring L., Carroll, IL (KAM). Numbers of migrant and wintering Trumpeter Swans in w. Indiana have been building over the past few years, as evidenced by 52 recorded at Universal Mines, Vermillion 22 Nov (MRB); 26 Trumpeters throughout Illinois also reflected an increase. Wood Ducks continue to thrive; an impres- sive tally of 1260 came from Hennepin 25 Aug (DFS). Scaup were plentiful: 10,000 Lesser at Carl. L. 13 Nov (DMK) and 3500 Greater at Illinois Beach S.P 6 Nov (KAM) were maxima. A high count of 500 Canvas- backs was made 12 Nov at Spring L., Cairoll, IL (KAM), and 500 Redheads were tallied 13 Nov at Carl. L. (DMK). Four Harlequin Ducks at Jeorse Park, Lake (DG, JJM) and one at Whiting Park, Lake 25 Nov (DG, JJM) fol- lowing the Thanksgiving Day front consti- tuted the highest ever one-day couni (5) for VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 71 ILLINOIS & INDIANA This immature White Ibis at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge 12 November 2005 was the latest ever reported in Indiana. Photograph by Dan Kaiser. this species in Indiana. The scoter migration through Illinois was above average, with dou- ble-digit counts for Surfs from three locations and a total of 60 individuals. Three Surf Scot- ers seen at Miller 23 Sep (DG, PBG et al.) fur- nished Indiana’s 2nd earliest fall record ever. A peak count of 5 White-wingeds 25 Nov at Illinois Beach S.P. (AFS, DTW) was a high- light among the 20 reported for Illinois. Two Black Scoters 12 Nov at Carl. T. (DMK, KAM) were the farthest inland reported of the 18 seen in Illinois. Inland Indiana reports in- cluded only 2 White-winged and a single Black Scoter. Buffleheads peaked 14 Nov, with high counts of 83 at Chau, and 65 at Clinton L. (KAM). The lone lakefront Long-tailed Duck recorded was a female at Dunes S.P. 13 Nov (BJG et al.). Inland records of an early ad. male on L. Lemon 24 Oct (J&SH) and 2 fe- males on L. Monroe 24 Nov (DRW) were the only others for the Region. LOONS THROUGH VULTURES Three Pacific Loons reported from the Region included singles at Chau. 20 Oct and in Peo- ria. IL (KR) 31 Oct, as well as a tardy individ- ual at Bev. Sh. 26 Nov (JCo, AC). A high count of 1 1 Red-throated Loons was logged at Bev. Sh. 20 Nov (JJM), while among the 6 re- ported from Illinois, a single bird at Carl. L. 18 Nov (JE, KAM) provided the only down- state report. The two highest ever single-day counts of Common Loons in Indiana were made 19 Nov from Dunes S.P to Bev. Sh., where 1315 were counted (JJM et al.), and at Bev. Sh. 20 Nov, when 2270 were tallied (JJM, BJG). An impressive 165 Pied-billed Grebes at Hennepin 25 Aug (DFS) and 150 Horned Grebes at Carl. L. 11 Nov (DMK) were max- ima for those species. Red-necked and Eared Grebes were rather scarce, with one report of each from each state. A single Western Grebe was discovered 19 Nov at Bev. Sh. (BJG, JJM). Some 10,000 American White Pelicans were estimated 23 Oct at Carl. L. (DMK), and a state-record 100 were at L. Gibson 2 Oct (G&LB). An American Bittern ob- served 8 Nov at Greene Valley EP, DuPage, IL (JS) was tardy. Nice counts of 500 Great Blue Herons 5 Sep (DMK) and 709 Great Egrets 1 1 Sep (KAM) were made at Carl. L. Fifty-five Little Blue Herons and 32 Snowy Egrets were tallied 3 Aug at Horseshoe L., Madison. IL (KAM), and a tardy Cattle Egret was noted 14 Nov at Winthrop Harbor, IL (AS, DJ). An imm. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was at Bee M. 2 Sep-1 Oct (LWS), the latter date furnish- ing the 2nd latest ever for Indiana. A White Ibis, first detected 29 Jul at Homer L., Champaign, IL, stayed until 11 Aug (CLW et al.), and an imm. found at Mus- catatuck N.W.R. 12 Nov (JB, ph. DK) pro- vided Indiana’s latest fall record. Two White-faced Ibis were present 1 Oct at Carl. L. (KAM), and another was reported from Macon, IL 6-9 Oct (TAM, MFD). Two uniden- tified Plcgadis ibis were seen: one at Jasper- Pulaski EW.A. 16 Oct (JJM) and another at Summit L. 16 & 23 Oct (SAP). An imm. frigatebird (white on the head, neck, and chest), undoubtedly driven northward by Hurricane Katrina , was seen flying over Eagle Cr. 1 Sep (TLAB, TRFB). It was not relocated. A rare subspecies so far east, this adult dark-morph Harlan's Hawk was found and photographed 13 November 2005 in Jackson County, Indiana. Photograph by Dan Kaiser. The count of 250 Turkey Vultures 8 Aug in Springfield (KAM) tied the 2nd highest on record for fall in Illinois, and a tally of 275 at L. Monroe 14 Nov (DRW) was Indiana’s 6th highest ever for the season. A peak Black Vul- ture tally of 52 was made at Brookville Res. 23 Oct (WHB). KITES THROUGH CRANE An amazing 2 Swallow-tailed Kites were seen circling together over Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Facility, Elkhart 1 Sep (DS), Indi- ana’s first multiple-bird sighting of this species since 1882. Four Mississippi Kites, in- cluding 2 juvs., were seen at Scales Lake Park, Warrick, IN 6 Aug (DL), and 4 others, includ- ing one juv., were found at Lincoln S.P, Spencer, IN 18 Aug (DA). An early imm. Northern Goshawk was seen 8 Oct at Paul Douglas EP, Cook, IL (GAW). Swainson’s Hawks away from breeding territories in- cluded an ad. 22 Sep at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area, IL (BS) and an imm. 17 Oct at Carl. L. (KAM). Indiana's 12th Harlans Hawk, an ad. dark morph, was documented in Jack- son, IN 13 Nov (ph. DK). Thirteen Golden Eagles were reported this fall from the Region, including an early imm. seen at L. Lemon 9 Oct (WLM et al.). The Merlin flight was early and strong, with a 9 Aug sighting in St. Clair, IL (KAM) the earliest of six Aug reports, a peak of 154 at Illinois Beach S.P. 15 Oct (VB), and a fine season total of 26 for Indiana. A Yellow Rail 29 Sep at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area (BS) was cause for excitement; the species is rarely detected on migration anywhere in the Midwest. Two Virginia Rails lingered through 14 Nov at Chau. (KAM). An impressive 4 King Rails, including 2 juvs., at Bee. M. 9 Sep (LWS, J&SH) indicated suc- cessful nesting for the species at this site. The last Common Moorhens in the Region were 3 seen 15 Oct at Lock and Dam 13, Whiteside, IL (EWW). Impressive sights included 23,000 American Coots 3 Nov at Hennepin (DFS) and a Nov count of 16,420 Sandhill Cranes migrating over Lake Villa, IL (RB). SH0REBIRDS A Black-bellied Plover at Eagle Cr. 13 Nov (LP) was the 8th latest inland record for Indi- ana. A Semipalmated Plover at West Beach, Porter , IN 1 Nov (KJB) was the 4th Nov record for the lakefront. Four different Piping Plovers were recorded at Miller; 3 were re- ported from Illinois. Two Black-necked Stilts were still at Cane Ridge Wetlands, Gibson, IN 21 Aug (G&LB) following successful breed- ing. American Avocets were reported in above-average numbers this fall, with 24 from Indiana and 9 from Illinois; the high count consisted of 7 at Eagle Cr. 20 Sep (TH, fide RLH). A tardy Solitary Sandpiper was at Sala- tnonie Res., IN 15 Oct (SAS). Two large flights of Willets occurred 13 Aug at Miller, where 57 were counted (MT et al.), and 20 Aug at Michigan City, where 66 were tallied (BJG, PBG). Two Willets lingered at Hennepin through 14 Oct (EWW). 72 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ILLINOIS & INDIANA The 3 Upland Sandpipers at Hawthorn Mines 18 Aug (LWS, PR) were the first in Sul- livan, IN since 1952, while 12 tallied 30 Jul in Decatur, 1L were noteworthy (TAM). A total of 8 lakefront Whimbrels represented an av- erage fall flight, but a single bird in Sullivan, IN (RLH et al.) was the first ever seen there, providing Indiana’s 12th inland record. A Marbled Godwit at Miller 14 Sep (PBG et al.) was tardy, and one at L. Shel- byville 23 Sep (TAM) was even later. Three found 22 Aug at Carl. L. (KAM) lingered for two weeks before departing. The only report of Hudsonian Godwits consisted of 3 seen 4 Aug at Chau. (KR). A Red Knot 26 Jul in Macon, IL was very early (TAM, MFD). On 27 Aug, the 9 White- rumped Sandpipers at Hawthorn Mines (LWS, TT) represented the largest Aug count ever in Indiana. A count of 75 Stilt Sandpipers 14 Aug at Chau, was indicative of a strong flight (TAM). At Miller, an impressive 1383 Dunlins were logged 16 Oct (BJG). Phalaropes fared well in the Region, with a maximum of 3 Wilson’s 6 Aug at Rend L. (KAM) and 5 tardy Red-neckeds 16 Oct at Carl. L. (DMK). A juv. Red Phalarope was dis- covered at Mulvey Pond, Tippecanoe, IN on the early date of 19 Aug (EMH). Five Red Phalaropes were reported from Illinois, a 5 Nov bird at Carl. L. (JE) being the latest. JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS A record-early ad. Long-tailed Jaeger was seen at Miller 14 Aug (BJG); 3 others were seen there this season. The Region’s only Poinarine Jaeger was found 23-31 Oct at Clinton L. (EWW, TAM, m.ob.). A Franklin’s Gull at Brookville Res. 13 Aug (WHB) was very early. There was an unprecedented influx of 54 Laughing Gulls into Indiana, perhaps related to the passage of Hurricane Katrina, with a high count of 8 (DG) at Eagle Cr. 11 Sep. Lit- tle Gulls also appeared in higher-than-average numbers, as 9 were reported, all on the Indi- ana lakefront. Of the Region’s 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, the most noteworthy was an ad. at Sala- monie Res. 19 Nov (JAH, SS) that provided the 2nd record for ne. Indiana. A first-year Great Black-backed Gull at Waukegan, IL 6 Aug (AFS) and an ad. 25 Aug at Montrose 25 Aug (GAW) were both early. A juv. Black- legged Kittiwake was a first for Brookville Res. 5 Nov (WHB). Three kittiwakes were tal- lied at the Indiana lakefront, while an inland bird noted 2-8 Oct in LaSalle, IL (J&CM, m.ob.) provided the only Illinois record. An impressive and unprecedented 28 Sabine’s Gulls flew past Miller in a single flock 16 Sep (DG) — one of the highest single-day counts ever for the entire Midwest (but see the On- tario and Western Great Lakes reports). The 3 One of nine reported on the Indiana lakefront in autumn 2005, this Little Gull was at Miller Beach in Lake County 1 1 August. Photograph by John K. Cassady. reported from Illinois were all from Carl. L. (DMK, KAM et al.). A fine total of 524 Caspian Terns was re- ported on the Indiana lakefront, with the highest one-day tally consisting of 172 birds at George L. and Miller 6 Aug (KJB et al.). In- diana’s 3rd and 4th records of Arctic Tern, both ads., were discovered on consecutive days at Miller. The first bird was seen 1 1 Aug (KJB, ph. JKC et al.), and a bird seen and pho- tographed 12 Aug (MT) was subsequently identified conclusively 13 Aug (JJM, SRB, et al.). A Forster’s Tern at Montrose 14 Nov (MF) was quite late. The largest lakefront count of Black Terns was 363 at Miller 4 Aug (BJG), and the peak inland tally was 300 at Carl. L. 27 Aug (DMK, TAM). A murrelet, thought to be a Long-billed, was seen 12 Nov at Carl. L. (DMK). Efforts to relocate the bird were foiled by strong winds and heavy waves. DOVES THROUGH NIGHTHAWKS Eurasian Collared-Doves continue to push northward in the Region. A new colony con- sisting of 7 birds was found in Pulaski, IN 5 Nov (JCh, MH), and another individual was at a feeder in Porter, IN 16 Nov+ (KJB). Two more were seen 12 Nov in Carroll in nw. Illi- nois (KAM). A White-winged Dove was seen 28 Aug-4 Sep in Edwards, IL (tBS). The first two nests of Monk Parakeets in Indiana, along with a dozen birds, were found in High- land, Lake 24 Aug (ph. MT). The remains of a Barn Owl were found at L. Lemon 1 Sep (B&RK, J&SH), and one was seen 8 Sep in Jasper, IL (ph. BS). The only Snowy Owl reported in the Region was one at Winthrop Harbor, IL 25 Nov (RE, AFS, DTW). A single Long-eared Owl was found at West Beach, Porter, IN 9 Nov (CS). An im- pressive 5 Short-eared Owls were seen over L. Michigan from Miller 15 Oct (JKC et al.). A lakefront Northern Saw-whet Owl at the tra- ditional Tremont, Porter, IN site was found 20 Nov (RJP), representing the first Nov record there. A prominent highlight of the season was the appearance of a Burrowing Owl at Pyramid S.R, Perry, IL (ph. RS, CT, MK, m.ob.) 15 Oct-30 Nov+. A record-late Ruby-throated Humming- bird, an ad. male, remained at a Newburgh, IN feeder through 21 Nov (fide DG). Five Ru- fous Hummingbirds were reported in Illinois, and 6 were reported in Indiana (AC, CH fide DG), where an unidentified Selasphorus was also noted. Common Nighthawk numbers re- ported from the Region have diminished in recent years, but this season’s high counts of 94 and 127 were especially low, representing the lowest and 2nd lowest fall maxima for Illi- nois and Indiana, respectively. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH PIPITS Five Olive-sided Flycatchers were reported in Illinois, the latest a bird in Kankakee 12 Oct (JBH). Indiana’s 5 th Say’s Phoebe was found at Hawthorn Mines, Sullivan 27 Aug (ph. LWS, TT) and was seen briefly 28 Aug (DG) at the same location. A first-state- record Gray Kingbird was found in s. La- Two Arctic Terns were noted at Miller Beach, Lake County, Indiana just two days apart, 1 1 (below) and 1 3 (above) Au- gust 2005. The species is a very rare migrant in the central Midwest. Photographs by John K. Cassady. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 73 ILLINOIS & INDIANA Porte, IN 5 Nov (BJG, MT). This first-year bird lingered at the location through 8 Nov and was seen by many. The autumn flight of 15 Northern Shrikes was above average for the Region. A White- eyed Vireo found 1 Nov (JAH, SS) was the lat- est ever for ne. Indiana. Four Bell’s Vireos were logged in Greene, IN 2 Sep (LWS, JCo), and one at Willow Slough EW.A. 16 Sep (AWB) was tardy. On 8 Oct, a total of 10 Blue- Indiana's fifth Say's Phoebe was this young bird found in an area of reclaimed strip mine in Sullivan County 25 August 2005 (here); it was seen briefly the next day. Photograph by Lee Sterrenburg. headed Vireos was tallied at Bev. Sh. (BJG), matching a previous high for Indiana set in 1922. A Yellow-throated Vireo 20 Oct at the Marian College Ecolab, Marion (GLC et al.) was the latest ever for Indiana. A Warbling Vireo seen 2 Oct at Carl. L. was rather late (DMK). A peak Red-eyed Vireo count of 28 was made 5 Sep at Carl. L. (KAM), and one that struck a window (it survived) 3 Nov at a Chesterton residence (KJB) provided the 2nd latest Indiana lakefront record. Five Philadel- phia Vireos provided a nice one-day total 4 Sep at Blackwell FR, DuPage, IL (EES). A previously unknown autumn staging area for Purple Martins was discovered at LaSalle EW.A., Lake, IN, where the maximum tally of 1810 was made 2 Aug (JBH). In addition, a male and female were found lingering at mar- tin houses in Lagrange until 12 Nov (DY), es- tablishing Indiana’s latest record. The peak tally of 16,000 Tree Swallows came 22 Sep at Carl. L. (KAM), and totals of 1265 Banks at Hennepin 28 Jul (DFS), 600 Cliffs 3 Sep in McDonough , IL (KAM), and 600 Barns 14 Aug at Carl. L. (DMK) were all noteworthy. There was a remarkable flight of Cave Swallows throughout the e. United States, and Indiana shared in the excitement when the state’s first were recorded in Nov. On 12 Nov, Brendan J. Grube saw 12 swallows flying past his vantage point at Dunes S.P., and he positively identi- fied 5 of them as Cave Swallows. Later that same day, 4 were seen by Michael Topp at Miller and another 2 by Don Gorney at Miller. Indiana’s highest ever count of Red- breasted Nuthatches, 76, was made at Tippecanoe River S.P. 30 Oct (JCh). The 42 Winter Wrens tallied at three Indiana lake- front locations 7 Oct (DG) represented the highest ever Indiana fall count, while 59 tal- lied at Chicago’s Jackson Park 9 Oct (PRC) was even more impressive. An excellent count of 75 Sedge Wrens came from Carl. L. 5 Aug, and 2 lingering Marsh Wrens were noted there 5 Nov (DMK). On 8 Oct at various lake- front sites, Indiana recorded its highest-ever tallies of 203 Golden-crowned Kinglets (EMH, RJP et al.) and 182 Ruby-crowned Kinglets (JKC, KJB et al.). West Beach, Porter, IN once again pro- duced one and also a 2nd Townsend’s Soli- taire, representing the first time that more than one has been seen in Indiana. On 22 Oct, an ad. was found (BJG, PBG), and 2 birds were seen perched together on 27 Oct (PBG, NG). Illinois hosted one as well: 29 Oct-1 Nov at Lake Forest, Lake (tCG et al.). Indiana lakefront sites yielded a fall-record 70 Hermit Thrushes 7 Oct (DG), and a notable 85 Swainson’s Thrushes were tallied 14 Sep in Lake, IL (EWW). A tardy Swainson’s was re- ported 2 Nov from Chicago (KW). A juv. Her- mit Thrush 9 Oct in Chicago (ph. GAW) was unusual, as this plumage is rarely seen in the Region. An amazing 9915 American Robins were counted at a roost at Palos, Cook, IL 2 Nov (WSS). Peak American Pipit counts were 75 at Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Facil- ity, Elkhart, IN 31 Oct (DS) and 75 at Carl. L. 20 Nov (DMK). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Noteworthy were 2 Lawrence’s Warblers seen 4 & 5 Sep in ne. Indiana (JAH). A Tennessee Warbler at Indianapolis 7 Aug (LC) was early, and the 134 Tennessees reported from the In- diana lakefront provided the highest ever fall total. A nice total of 12 Orange-crowned War- blers was seen 8 Oct at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve, Cook, IL (GAW). The total of 96 Cape May Warblers recorded along the Indi- ana lakefront this fall was double the average number. Selected high counts for migrant warblers included 31 Magnolias 2 Sep in Chicago’s Grant Park (DFS); 30 Black- throated Greens 1 Oct at L. Monroe (JD, CB); 225 Yellow-rumpeds 9 Oct at Salt Creek EE, Cook, IL (DFS); 207 Palms 6 Oct in Chicago (DFS); and 25 Bay-breasteds 1 Oct at L. Mon- roe (JD, CB). A late Cerulean Warbler was seen at Chain O’ Lakes S.P in ne. Indiana 10 Sep (SAS). The Indiana total of 15 Mourning Warblers was average, but the flight in Illinois was weak, with 3 in Chicago 2 Sep (DFS) pro- viding both the high count and the latest ob- servation. Fourteen Connecticut Warblers were reported in Illinois, the latest 26 Sep at Montrose (GAW). A first-year female Hooded Warbler at the Hammond Lakefront Sanctu- ary 27 Aug (JKC, SRB, KJB) furnished only the 3rd fall lakefront record in Indiana. A tardy Yellow-breasted Chat was noted 19 Oct at Montrose (JL). An ad. male Summer Tanager at Bev. Sh. 17 Sep (KJB, EMH et al.) was noteworthy for the lakefront. Single tardy Scarlet Tanagers were noted 15 Nov in Massac, IL (FB) and 23 Nov at Rockford, IL (fide DTW). Three Spotted Towhees were detected in Illinois; one found 15 Nov at Hampshire Forest Preserve, Kane, IL remained until 30 Nov (SC, DTW, m.ob.). A nice total of 39 Sa- vannah Sparrows was logged at Bee. M. 24 Sep (LWS, DG). A Grasshop- per Sparrow lingered until 8 Oct at Paul Douglas EE, Cook, IL (GAW). Seven Le Conte’s Sparrows were re- ported from Indiana sites, and the 3 recorded at Carl. L. (KAM, DMK) 11 Nov represented the largest group of the 9 reported in Illinois. An impressive total of 9 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows was found at Indiana’s Lebanon Business Fark 30 Sep (RLH, DG). Two Harris’s Spar- rows seen 4 Oct at Montrose (RH) highlighted the 7 reported from Illi- nois, while a single juv. discovered at Bev. Sh. 8 Oct (BJG) represented the only In- diana report. Amazing were the 196 White- crowned Sparrows 9 Oct (GAW) and the 341 Dark-eyed Juncos 27 Oct (FRC) tallied at downtown Chicago sites. A Lapland Longspur was very early 8 Sep at Miller (MT); the 700 seen 20 Nov at Carl. L. (DMK) was the largest number reported. A peak count of Two Townsend's Solitaires graced West Beach on the Indiana lakefront for more than a month this fall; this bird was photographed 6 November 2005 at West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Photograph by Susan Hengeveld. 74 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ILLINOIS & iNDIANA 220 Snow Buntings came from Dunes S.P. 19 Nov OJM, KJB et al.). Six Blue Grosbeaks at Carl. L. 24 Sep was a significant count there (KAM, LH, BS), while a very tardy individual was detected 22 Nov in Massac, IL (FB). A high count of 95 Bobolinks came from Bee. M. 24 Sep (LWS, DG), and one at Lebanon Business Park, IN 13 Oct (RLH) was the latest reported. A single Yellow-headed Blackbird was noted 17 Nov at Bee. M. (DRW). Indiana’s 4th-ever Aug lakefront Rusty Black- bird was found at Cowles Bog, Porter 30 Aug (KJB). The species was well reported this year, with a peak count of 1200 at Fawn R. Fish Hatchery, Steuben, IN 10 Nov (JAH, SS) pro- viding Indiana’s 2nd largest fall tally. A female Baltimore Oriole showed up in a Bloomington- area yard 6 Nov (PJP), and in the same yard, an imm. male was present 10-29 Nov. The fall flight of Purple Finches was aver- age, while numbers of Pine Siskins were dis- appointing. A nice count of 28 Purple Finches came from Siloam Springs S.P, IL 4 Nov (EWW), and the peak Pine Siskin tally of 20 birds was made at Bev. Sh. 29 Oct OJM) - Eight Red Crossbills and 2 Evening Grosbeaks were reported throughout Illinois. Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): David Ayer, Susan R. Bagby, Lou Anne Barriger, Carolyn Begley, Jane Bell, Frank Ben- nett, Vic Berardi, Richard Biss, Gary & Lisa Bowman, Kenneth J. Brock (Indiana), Michael R. Brown, Alan W. Bruner, Robert E Buskirk, William H. Buskirk, Lee Casebere, John K. Cassady, Jon Chapman (JCh), Gor- don L. Chastain, Michael Clarke, Paul R. Clyne, Scott Cohrs, Angie Cole, James Cole 0Co), Jiri Dadok, Myrna E Deaton, Joe Eades, Robert Ericson, Michael Fermanek, Caleb Gordon, Don Gorney, Brendan J. Grube, Nila Grube, Peter B. Grube, Leroy Harrison, James A. Haw, Roger L. Hedge, Jim & Susan Hengeveld, Jed B. Hertz, Michael Hooker, Ed- ward M. Hopkins, Robert Hughes, Tom Hul- vershorn, Cathie Hutcheson, Dave Johnson, Dan Kaiser, Dan M. Kassebaum, Beverly & Robert Kissel, Michael Kutska, Dan Leach, John Leonard, Travis A. Mahan, Jeffrey J. Mc- Coy, John & Cynthia McKee, Keith A. Mc- Mullen, William L. Murphy, Randy J. Pals, Steve A. Pancol, Larry Peavler, RJ. Pulliam, Kevin Richmond, Paula Ronkin, Sandy Schacht, Eric E. Seeker, Wesley S. Serafin, Bob Shelby, Craig Shillinglaw, Andy Sigler, Jeff Smith, Randy Smith, Lee W. Sterrenburg, Stockbridge Audubon Society, Alan F Stokie, Dan Stoltzfus, Douglas F. Stotz (Illinois), Craig Taylor, Terry Taylor, Michael Topp, Eric W. Walters, Donald R. Whitehead, Dan T. Williams, Jr., Geoffrey A. Williamson, Christopher L. Wood, Ken Wysocki, David Yoder. Many others submitted observations but could not be personally acknowledged; all have our thanks for their contributions. ® James Hengeveld, 6354 Southshore Drive, Unionville, Indi- ana 47468, (jhengeve@indiana.edu); Keith A. McMullen, 1405 DeSoto, O'Fallon, Illinois 62269, (warbler7@ sbcglobal.net); Geoffrey A. Williamson, 4046 North Clark Street, Unit K, Chicago, Illinois 60613, (geoffrey. williamson@comcast.net) Western Great Lakes Michigan had a bittersweet season, with no fewer than six potential first state records — three of these new to the Region. But here was also great sadness, as our friend and colleague Jim Granlund died suddenly and unexpectedly on 20 September 2005. In addition to his role as husband, father, and respected teacher, Jim was involved in virtually every aspect of or- nithology in Michigan. His dedication and his contributions will be greatly missed. Abbreviations: Hawk Ridge (Hawk Ridge B.O., Duluth, MN); Shiawassee (Shiawassee N.W.R., Saginaw, Ml); S.M.R.R. (Southeast Michigan Raptor Research, including L.E.M.P [Lake Erie Metropark] and Pte. Mouillee Headquarters, Wayne, MI); W.PB.O. (White- fish Pt. B.O., Chippewa, MI). WATERFOWL THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS Minnesota’s 8th Black-bellied Whistling- Duck was shot from a flock of Mallards in Stevens 17 Oct (fide SV). Ross’s Geese ap- peared in nine Minnesota and seven Wiscon- sin counties; in Michigan, where the species is still considered casual, one was at Saginaw 21 Nov (DP). Michigan also had a King/Com- mon Eider in Marquette 5 Oct (SH). All three states reported Harlequin Duck, including 5 in Benzie, MI 14-15 Nov (m.ob.). Early for Minnesota was an ad. male Surf Scoter in Sf. Louis 18 Sep (PHS et al); a total of 322 at W.PB.O. was well below average. Seasonal to- tals of 3206 White-winged Scoters and 132 Black Scoters were near average at W.PB.O. Also early in Minnesota were Black Scoters in Beltrami (BU) and Cook 12 Sep (DBM). W.PB.O. had its 2nd best total of 20,144 Long-tailed Ducks 19 Sep-15 Nov, with peaks of 5369 and 5231 on 1 & 5 Nov, respectively. Fifteen Long-taileds in Beltrami 16 Nov (BU) was an unusual number inland for Min- nesota. Record-high seasonal (4183) and daily (2129 on 12 Nov) totals of Bufflehead were tallied at W.PB.O. Drake Barrow’s Gold- eneyes graced Leelanau, Ml 28 Oct+ (MB, ph. AMB), Houston, MN 20 Nov (DBz et al), and Ozaukee, WI 25 Nov (TCW). Near average was a total of 486 Red- throated Loons (peak 85 on 22 Sep) at W.PB.O. Wisconsin had up to 5 Red-throat- eds in Douglas (m.ob.) and one in Manitowoc 13 Oct (SF). W.PB.O. documented 3 Pacific Loons; Minnesota’s 7 included one in Meeker 22 Oct (DF). Pacific Loons on L. Superior in Douglas, Wl probably overlapped those in Minnesota, but one also transited Ozaukee 3 C A Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico are rarely associated with vagrants in our Region; most storms dissipate before reaching the Western Great Lakes or track too far to the east to produce J il storm-displaced seabirds here. Thus, needless to say, Lesser Frigatebird was not on anyone's list of expected vagrants! Experts are reviewing photographs and written documentation of this potential first Michigan record at L.E.M.P. 18 Sep (ITS); details are published in this issue of North American Birds. In n. Minnesota, a female frigatebird at Big Lake, 5f. Louis 19-21 Sep (JIL et al.) was most likely a Magnificent, but details were not sufficient to eliminate other species. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 75 WESTERN GREAT LAKES This Anhinga overflew Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Michigan 18 September 2005; the state has no previous reports of the species. Photograph by Chuck Owens. Nov (JF). Common Loon numbers peaked at 1133 on Mille Lacs L., MN 26 Oct (PHS). A total of 13,539 Red-necked Grebes at W.P.B.O. included 3211 on 14 Sep. Three reports of Western Grebe in Wisconsin included 7 birds in Door 7 Oct (TRS); unidentified was an Aechmophorus in Baraga , Ml 2-8 Nov. A Northern Gannet flew by L.E.M.P. 8 Nov (p.a., WGP). Providing Michigan’s first record was the Anhinga at L.E.M.P 18 Sep (p.a., RB, EE, CO). HERONS THROUGH CRANE Snowy Egrets were in three Michigan and three Wisconsin locations, but Minnesota’s only Snowy was in Wilkin 28 Aug (BU). Four- teen Little Blue Herons at Bong Recreation Area, Kenosha through 20 Aug was record high for Wisconsin. Michigan reported about a dozen Cattle Egrets, including one at Pte. Mouillee 12 Nov (AMB). In Minnesota, single Cattle Egrets wandered to several locations along L. Superior’s North Shore in late Oct and early Nov. Two juv. Yellow-crowned Night Herons lingered in Lac Qui Parle , MN until 13 Aug (m.ob.), and one was still there on the 22nd. Unusual for Michigan was a Glossy Ibis in Macomb 15-16 Oct (p.a., CPu, LS, ATC, KO). Minnesota hosted juv. Plegadi s ibis in Dakota 23-28 Sep (CMB et al.) and Big Stone 9-15 Oct (PHS, PCC). Quite unusual for W.PB.O. was a juv. Swainson’s Hawk 12 Sep (KJB). Minnesota had Ferruginous Hawks in Yellow Medicine 17 Sep (KRE et al.) and Mahnomen 8 Oct (BU). Number 2 on the "not on anyone's radar" list, and also furnishing a first record for Michigan and the Great Lakes Basin, was an ad. light-morph Short-tailed Hawk at W.P.B.O. 19-20 Nov (p.a., SAJ, KJB, AMB, KMe, ph.). Imagine the other places that this bird must have vis- ited en route to the Wolverine State; the nearest record of the species to Michigan is apparently in coastal Alabama! Record high for Hawk Ridge was 38 Golden Eagles 17 Nov (RBr, FJN et al.). Unseasonal was an ad. Golden Ea- gle in Dodge , WI throughout Aug (m.ob.). A gray-morph Gyrfalcon flew past DeBoer in Racine 20 Nov (JD). Far from its usual haunts was the Prairie Falcon at S.M.R.R. 14 Oct (p.a., JSc). King Rail was found at Horicon in mid-Aug (RH, ASc). Minnesota cel- ebrated an ad. Common Moorhen with 6 chicks in Steams (PCC) and one with 4 young in Stevens (RBW). Three Whooping Cranes hatched at Necedah N.W.R. in 2004 vacationed in Morrison, MN for 10 weeks ( fide RPR) before heading to wintering grounds. SH0REBIRDS A total of 105 Black-bellied Plovers was tal- lied at Horicon 3 Sep (DT). Michigan re- ported single Piping Plovers in six locations; Wisconsin had singles in Manitowoc 6 Aug (JH) and Outagamie 22 Aug (DT). A total of 16 American Avocets at five Michigan lo- cations included 8 at Pte. Mouillee 11-19 Sep (AMB). Eight avocets visited four Wisconsin sites between 4 Aug and 13 Sep; Minnesota reported one or 2 in each of four counties. Record late for Michigan was the Willet in Monroe 25-30 Nov+ (PCC, TW). Peak counts of yel- lowlegs at Horicon (RH) were 1850 Lessers 20 Aug and 220 Greaters 14 Aug. Single Whimbrels at Horicon 14 Aug (RH) and Milwaukee, WI 28 Aug (JI) equaled Minnesota’s total in Crow Wing 13 Sep (JSB) and St. Louis 18 Sep (PHS). Michigan reported 5 Whimbrels for the season at W.P.B.O., plus singles in Monroe 10-11 Sep (AMB, RK, TW) and Delta 17 Sep (SH). Normally a very rare fall migrant, an amazing 66 Hudsonian Godwits passed W.PB.O. 29 Aug (KJB). Outstanding in Crex Meadows, WI was a flock of 42 Marbled God- wits 8 Aug (AP). Michigan reported 2 Mar- bled Godwits at W.PB.O. 22 Aug and 2 in Monroe 31 Aug (AMB, TW). Record-late for Michigan was the Red Knot at Pte. Mouillee 12 Nov (AMB); 8 more were divided among four Michigan loca- tions. In Minnesota, Red Knots in Lac Qui Parle 4 Aug (BU) and Carver 19 Aug (CMM) were followed by singles at Duluth 26 Aug (ph. RBr) and 3-11 Sep (PHS, DWK, SBM). Juv. Western Sandpipers were carefully docu- mented at Pte. Mouillee 27 Aug (AMB) and Macomb, Ml 10-11 Sep (JPe, ph. AR, ph. SAJ). In Wisconsin, Western Sandpipers were reported in Outagamie 6 Aug (DT) and Milwaukee 28-29 Aug (RH). Baird’s Sand- pipers peaked at 164 in Lac Qui Parle, MN 28 Aug (PHS); numbers were also up in Wis- consin, including 58 at Horicon 20 Aug (RH) and 55 there 10 Sep (JF). Michigan’s counts of Baird’s peaked at 53 in Houghton 16 Aug (LCB). Wisconsin reported good numbers of Buff-breasted Sandpipers, with a statewide total of 170+ birds in 16 counties; 109 birds in 19 Minnesota counties, however, was low for the 3rd consecutive fall. Michigan had up to 3 Buff-breasteds in only three locations. A Red Phalarope surprised participants on a L. Superior “pelagic trip” out of Duluth, MN 1 Oct (ph. JG, ph. SBM). Two different Red Phalaropes visited Milwaukee, WI 19-25 Oct and 19-24 Nov (m.ob.). Michigan chimed in with one Red Phalarope in Ottawa 20 Nov (CF, ph. EE, ph. CP). JAEGERS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS In Michigan, a juv. Pomarine Jaeger in St. Clair 25 Oct was followed by 3 more 22 Nov (AMB); another Pomarine visited Milwaukee, WI 23 Sep (JI). Five Parasitic Jaegers were documented this season at W.PB.O. (KJB), and 5 were in St. Clair, Ml 25 Oct (AMB et al.). Wisconsin had 2 Parasitics in Douglas 22-24 Sep and one in Milwaukee 23 Sep (JI); the former were among at least 4 Parasitics and 4 unidentified jaegers at Duluth, MN this fall. A juv. Parasitic was hit by a car in Chis- ago, MN 7 Sep ( fide TV). An ad. Long-tailed Jaeger transited Benien, MI 28 Aug (AMB). Another ad. Long-tailed was at Wisconsin Pt. , Douglas, WI 18-25 Sep (p.a., SC, m.ob.). First-winter Laughing Gulls in St. Clair 7 Oct (AMB) and Monroe 10 Oct (KO) were the first found in Michigan all year. Franklin’s Gull was found in three Michigan and five Michigan's first record of Gull-billed Tern came from Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, Wayne County (and adjacent Monroe County) 18 September 2005. Photograph by Jeff Schultz. 76 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS WESTERN GREAT LAKES] This apparent Tropical Kingbird was present on 29 October (here?) through 2 November 2005 at Au Train, Alger County, Michigan; the state has one prior report of a Tropical/Couch's Kingbird. Photograph by Steve Baker. Wisconsin counties. Michigan tallied 8 Little Gulls in six locations, and Wisconsin had a total of 5 in three locales; Minnesota’s only report was of an ad. at Duluth 2-4 Sep (PHS). A Black-headed Gull was reported in Dou- glas, W1 24 Sep QF)- The ad. Black-headed Gull along the Minnesota-Iowa border was last seen in Jackson 17 Oct (DWK). Another Mew Gull showed up in Milwaukee, WI 6-26 Nov (m.ob.). A second-winter California Gull was documented on both sides of the Superior Entry in Minnesota and Wisconsin 5-12 Nov (TA, ph. MLH, TP, PHS). An amaz- ing 60-70 Sabines Gulls at Park Pt., Duluth, MN 16 Sep (TA et al.) established a record- high count for the Great Lakes Basin. One or 2 Sabines on either side of the Superior Entry were bracketed by one at Duluth, MN 4 Sep (PHS) and one or 2 on the L. Superior boat trip 1 Oct (TA, MLH et al.); Minnesota also had singles in Cook, Dakota, and Lac Qui Parle. A total of 4 juv. Sabine’s passed W.P.B.O. in Sep (KJB). An early Black-legged Kittiwake was in Milwaukee, WI 22 Sep Ok DG). Michigan had a good flight of kitti- wakes, with 3 at W.P.B.O. and 3 in St. Clair this season. Another first record for Michigan and the Region was furnished by the Gull-billed Tern at Pt. Mouillee 17-20 Sep 0J, LSc, ph. JSc et al.). It foraged over the county line and into Monroe during its four-day stay. A flock of 159 Caspian Terns was noteworthy in Oconto, WI 14 Aug OSm); record-late was one in Bay, MI 6 Nov QS). An ad. Arctic Tern on the Min- nesota side of the Superior Entry 18 Sep (MLH) may have been the same individual seen there and at Park Pt., St. Louis, MN 24-25 Sep (TA, MLH, KRE, PHS). An Ancient Murrelet surprised Bardon at W.RB.O. 14 Oct (p.a., KJB). In Michigan, where each individual is still noteworthy, 2 Eurasian Collared-Doves lingered in Berrien through 29 Aug (KM, JTW, m.ob.), and one visited Alger 28 Aug-6 Sep (EW, ph. SCH, ph. SH). Providing Min- nesota’s 3rd record was a Common Ground-Dove in Two Harbors, Lake 16 Oct OWL). An incursion of Snowy Owls included almost two dozen in Wisconsin and three dozen in Minnesota by the end of Nov. Six Northern Hawk Owls were more than usual for Michigan. Following record-high numbers last winter, totals of 21 Northern Hawk and 18 Great Gray Owls in Minnesota were not surprising, but 31 Great Grays lingering on the Bayfield Peninsula in Wisconsin through 3 Aug was unusual; there was no evidence of breeding. Wisconsin hosted Rufous Hummingbirds in Milwaukee 16 Sep-7 Oct and Dane 30 Oct-19 Nov (m.ob.). An imm. Rufous was well documented in Livingston, MI during its extended stay through 24 Nov (SCI, ph. ATC, m.ob.). Access was restricted to a Green Vio- let-ear at a feeder in Douglas, WI 3 Aug-early Sep (DT, RJ, TL); another or possibly the same violet-ear briefly visited a feeder in Sauk 4 Sep (BO). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES An Eastern Phoebe lingered in Columbia, WI 25 Nov (PGS). Minnesota’s latest Say’s Phoebe was at Rice Lake N.W.R. 25 Oct (MMc). Nicely photographed in Michigan were an Ash-throated Flycatcher at Naubin- way, Mackinac 22 Oct (JK) and the state’s 2nd Tropical/Couch’s Kingbird at AuTrain, Alger 29 Oct-2 Nov (p.a., NC, SCH, SH, RB, AMB). Western Kingbirds strayed as far e. as Kent 7 Sep (SF) and Keweataw 16 Oct (ZG, LCB, LM) in Michigan; one was very late in Cook, MN 30 Oct (KRE et al.). The Region’s only Scissor-tailed Flycatcher graced Dodge, WI 20 Aug (SL). Late vireos included a Warbling in Dane, WI 5 Nov (ES) and a Philadelphia in Cook, MN 6 Nov (KRE, CMB et al.). A total of 1800 Bank Swallows swarmed over smartweed at Horicon 13 Aug (RH). As also noted in the e. Great Lakes, Cave Swallows appeared along L. Michigan as a strong low- pressure system tracked into the Great Lakes 12 Nov. In Wisconsin, which had no previous records, Idzikowski noticed a potential Cave Swallow on 12 Nov. On 13-14 Nov, a flock of at least 18 foraged near the South Metro W.T.P. in Milwaukee, with one lingering through 20 Nov. A specimen was found on a beach in Sheboygan and now resides at the Richter Museum, University of Wisconsin- Green Bay (*). Among several reports of Cave Swallow in Michigan, the most thor- oughly documented was one in Wayne 14 Nov (ph. AD). The Rock Wren discovered in May in Clay, MN stayed through 23 Aug; another strayed to Taconite Harbor, Cook 17-21 Oct (SLE DBF, JWL). Carolina Wren continued its recent upsurge, with 20 reports in Wis- consin as far n. as Portage 30 Nov (KH) and 10 in Minnesota as far n. as Clay 11 Oct (RHO), Beltrami 12 Aug-6 Oct (PR, JMJ, m.ob.), and Duluth, where a juv. was banded at Hawk Ridge 15 Aug (DAG). Mountain Bluebird was found in four Minnesota loca- tions, including first county records in Wadena 2 Oct (PHS) and Ramsey 26 Oct (AXH). Townsend’s Solitaire was found in eight Minnesota counties, and 2 arrived at Photographed 22 October 2005 at Naubinway, Mackinac County, this Ash-throated Flycatcher made the fourth record for Michigan. Photograph by Joe Kaplan. r Si Understandably first reported as a possible Broad-billed Hummingbird, Michigan's first White-eared Humming- bird was a stunning discovery in Hamburg Township, Livingston 18-20 Aug (MP, JP, m.ob.). Rarely found in the U.S. outside se. Arizona, this represents only the 2nd occurrence of this species e. of the Mississippi River. This bird's appearance coincided with very large counts of the species in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (where one reached Lubbock), and Colorado had its first records as well. Nonetheless, like the Short-tailed Hawk and Lesser Frigatebird, the hummingbird was a most un- expected vagrant to Michigan. VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 77 WESTERN GREAT LAKES their usual Wisconsin wintering location in Sauk 25 Oct (m.ob.); Michigan reported one in Keewecnaw 16 Oct (LCB, ZG) and singles at W.PB.O. 20 & 30 Oct. Varied Thrush ap- peared in four Minnesota and two Wisconsin locations; Michigan had one in Crawford 8-10 Nov (CK). Lingering warblers have become routine in the Region; most noteworthy were a Yellow Warbler in Milwaukee , W1 20 Nov (MM) and in Brown , WI 30 Nov (JHe). Unusual was the Prairie Warbler at W.PB.O. 12 Sep. Also in Michigan, single Yellow-breasted Chats were found in Midland, Allegan, and Macomb. In Minnesota, Summer Tanagers in Rice 26 Sep (TFB) and Cook 30 Oct (DBM, KRE, JWL) and Spot- ted Towhees in Cass 17 Sep (BU) and Rock 1 Oct (KRE) were all noteworthy. A Chip- ping Sparrow lingered at a feeder in Ashland, Wl until 17 Nov (EB). Michigan wel- comed a Lark Bunting in Houghton 2-6 Oct (p.a., JAY et ah). A banner year for Henslow’s Sparrow in Min- nesota (total of 33 counties!) included singles in Lincoln 4 Aug (BU), Cottonwood 10-13 Aug (RMD et ah), and Bel- trami 14 Aug (BU). Accidental in Michigan, a Nelsons Sharp- tailed Sparrow was discovered along the L. Saint Clair shoreline in Wayne 14 Sep (MB1, WJR). Wisconsin reported at least 17 Nelsons Sharp-taileds in six counties; Minnesota also had a good migration through 1 1 counties. In The only Cave Swallow documented with photographs in Michigan this fall was this bird in Wayne County 14 November 2005. Photograph by Andy Dettling. A Eurasian Tree Sparrow showed up 2 (here 25) November 2005 at Casspolis, Cass County — a first state record for Michigan. Photograph by Caleb Putnam. a Magnolia Warbler in Manitowoc 5 Nov (RD). Minnesota’s 6th Black-throated Gray Warbler was at Virginia, St. Louis 14 Oct (acc., SLF) but not later. Also late were a Black-throated Green Warbler in Hennepin, MN 5 Nov (FH) and Blackburnians in Lake, MN 22 Oct (KRE) and Outagamie, Wl 30 Oct (RM). A Pine Warbler was still coming to suet Michigan, a Smiths Longspur in Houghton 1-2 Sep delighted observers by briefly flying into Baraga (LCB, SS, SH, ph. JK). Potentially a 3rd fall record for Wisconsin was a trio of Smith’s Longspurs in Florence 27 Sep (p.a., KK). Minnesota had single Smith’s in St. Louis 30 Sep (PHS) and 20 Oct (TA), plus average numbers in five w. counties. Far from its usual w. Minnesota haunts was a Chestnut-collared Longspur at Stoney Pt., St. Louis 16 Oct (JCG). Apart from three winter records, the Indigo Bunting in Waukesha 30 Nov (MG, DG) was Wisconsin’s latest. Noteworthy for a declining species was a flock of 5000 Rusty Blackbirds in Sauk, WI 21 Oct (AP). Michi- gan’s first Eurasian Tree Sparrow was video- taped in Jefferson Twp., Cass 2 Nov+ (p.a., DLJ, MJ, m.ob.). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Tom Auer, Karl J. Bardon, Dedrick Benz, Laurence C. Binford, Martin Blagdurn (MBl), Jo & Steve Blanich, Tom E Boevers, Ryan Brady (RBr), Rick Brigham, Erik Bruhnke, Conny M. Brunell, Deb Buria- Falkowski, Marlin Bussey, Adam M. Byrne, Allen T. Chartier, Philip C. Chu, Nancy Ci- hak, Sharon Clark (SCI), Seth Cutright, Jerry DeBoer, Andy Dettling, Robert Domagalski, Robert M. Dunlap, Kim R. Eckert, Erik En- body, Steven L. Falkowski, Sean Fitzgerald, Dan Floren, Jim Frank, Chip Franke, Zach Gayk, Jay Gilliam, Janet C. Green, Maureen Gross, David A. Grosshuesch, Dennis Gustafson, Skye Haas, Kent Hall, Michael L. Hendrickson, Anthony X. Hertzel, Jeanne Heuer (JHe), Scott C. Hickman, Randy Hoff- man (Wisconsin), Jim Holschbach, Fran Howard, John Idzikowski, Jonathan Jacoby, Scott A. Jennex, David L. Johnson, Minu Johnson, Robbye Johnson, Jeanie M. Joppru, Joe Kaplan, Kay Kavanagh, Douglas W. Kieser, Craig Kramer, Roger Kuhlman, Tim Leahy, Janet I. Lerch, James W. Lind, Steve Lubahn, Dennis & Barbara Martin, Michelle McDowell (MMc), Mike McDowell, Ken Met- tie, Jr. (KMe), Scott B. Meyer, Chet & Miriam Meyers, Kip Miller, Ross Mueller, Lynn Mur- phy, Frank J. Nicoletti, Robert H. O’Connor, Barb Ott, Karl Overman, Chuck Owens, Jim Pappas, Melissa Pappas, Andy Paulios, Walter G. Pawloski, Joanna Pease (JPe), Dave Peters, Tom Prestby, Caleb Putnam, Pat Rice, William J. Rapai, Robert P. Russell, Jr., Alan Ryff, Steve Santner, Al Schirmacher (ASc), Leroy Schlabach (LSc), Jeff Schultz (JSc), Thomas R. Schultz, Paul & Glenda Schwalbe, Tim Smart, Jerry Smith QSm), Joe Soehnel, Edgar Spalding, Peder H. Svingen (Minnesota), Leslie Sutton, Daryl Tessen, Bill Unzen, Sara Vacek, Tami Vogel, Tex Wells, Robert B. Williams, Evelyn Wood, Thomas C. Wood, Jonathan T. Wuepper (Michigan), Joseph A. Youngman. I offer sincere thanks to the hun- dreds of contributors who could not be cited here individually. © Peder H. Svingen, 2602 East 4th Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55812, (psvingen@d.umn.edu) 78 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Iowa & Missouri Bill Eddleman In general, it was a mild season in both states. Iowa saw near-normal tempera- ture and precipitation in August, except for severe drought in the southeast, while Missouri was mostly dry and warmer than normal. Welcome rains in southeastern Iowa provided some relief from the drought in late August. In September, warm temperatures prevailed throughout. Precipitation averaged near normal in Iowa and mostly below nor- mal in Missouri, but rainfall distribution was not even. In Iowa, the southwest was dry, while the north and northeast were wet, flooding shorebird habitat in that part of the state and in both states along the Mississippi River. Rainfall was patchy in Missouri, with some areas receiving near-normal rainfall but most being dry through fall. The Region’s first freeze occurred 29 September in western Iowa and northwestern Missouri, but temperatures moderated thereafter, becoming seasonably cold only at the end of November. The mild conditions, wet in northern Iowa and dry in most of the rest of the Region, resulted in de- layed waterfowl migration, very few shorebird concentrations, and few notable movements of migrants. Remnants of two major hurri- canes passed through the Region, Hurricane Katrina in late August and Hurricane Rita 25 September, but few notable sightings were tied to these storms. Food production was very good this season, especially the hard mast crop. Three first state record birds were in Iowa: Royal Tern, Green Violet-ear, and Acorn Woodpecker. Missouri highlights in- cluded Yellow-billed Loon, Black Rail, and Common Chaffinch; the latter would be a first state record if accepted. Abbreviations: C.A. (Conservation Area); Grammar (Grammar Grove, Marshall, 1A); Hitchcock (Hitchcock W.M.A. hawkwatch, Pottawattamie , 1A); M.S.L. (Maryville Sewage Lagoons, Nodaway, MO); M.W.C. (Missouri Western College campus, St. Joseph, Buchanan, MO); R.E.D.A. (Riverlands Envi- ronmental Demonstration Area, St. Charles, MO); Saylorville (Saylorville Res., Polk, IA); S.C.R. (Squaw Creek N.W.R., Holt, MO); S.R. (Smithville Res., Clay & Clinton, MO), T.G.R (Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO); T.R.W. (Thompson River Wetlands, Livingston, MO). WATERFOWL THROUGH FALCONS At least one Black-bellied Whistling-Duck found in Cass, IA in Jul stayed until 11 Sep (tJD). Mild, semi-wet weather in Iowa and mild, dry weather in Missouri resulted in a slow, widely scattered waterfowl migration. Most geese stayed n. until the end of the pe- riod. Timing of migration for Cackling Goose is still far from clear, with most birders unfor- tunately reporting any small white-cheeked geese as Cackling. The earliest reliable reports of Cackling were from Polk, IA (SD) and Cerro Gordo, IA (RG), both 9 Oct. The largest concentrations were 700+ in a mixed flock 8 Nov in Cerro Gordo, IA (PH) and 103 at M.S.L. 6 Nov (DE). Others were 24 at S.C.R. 18 Nov (TR) and 50 at Green Hills Golf Course L., Chillicothe, Livingston, MO 30 Nov (SK). A pair of Trumpeter Swans (acc.) at Swan Lake N.W.R., Chariton, MO fledged 3 young in early Oct, making these the first pro- duced in Missouri in modern times (tSK). A particularly large movement of waterfowl 11-12 Nov included 150,000 Canvasbacks, 10,000 Ring-necked Ducks, and 5000 Ruddy Ducks along the Mississippi R. in Allamakee, IA (DA, CE) and 10,000+ Lesser Scaup on reservoirs in s.-cen. Iowa (RC, JG, AB, SD). Numbers of sea ducks were better than aver- age, with birders finding 18 Surf Scoters (16 in Iowa, 2 in Missouri), 12 Black Scoters (8 in Iowa, 4 in Missouri), 9 White-winged Scoters (4 in Iowa, 5 in Missouri), and 12 Long-tailed Ducks (11 in Iowa, one in Missouri), primarily at large reservoirs and along the Mississippi R. in Nov (DP, ET, JG, R&PA, LS, SF, JR, SD, MJ, L&BP, SP, KP, LL, JE, KM, DW, EW, CM). Pacific Loon reports included 2 in Linn, IA 30 Oct (BSc), one at Saylorville 15-21 Nov (AB, m.ob.), 2 in Marion, IA 18 Nov (JR), and one at Little Creve Coeur L., St. Louis, MO 17-29 Nov (CM, m.ob.). A highlight in Mis- souri was a juv. Yellow-billed Loon at T.H.R., Macon, MO 24-26 Nov (ph., tJU, m.ob.). Horned Grebes were widespread this fall, the earliest report being 3 at S.R. 14 Sep (KM). There were also more Eared Grebes in Mis- souri, including singles at R.M.B.S. 17 Nov (JE) and Creve Coeur L., St. Louis 29-30 Nov (JE, JU). Western Grebes were in abundance in Iowa, with 10 reports of from one to 4 birds. Casual in e. Missouri, this species had a banner day 23 Oct, with singles at R.M.B.S. (J&CM, tJE) and T.H.R., Randolph, MO (tJE). A single Clark’s Grebe was at Spirit L. in Dickinson, IA 28 Nov (LS, ET). An imm. Brown Pelican first found in Jul in Dickinson, IA (ET) reappeared 1 Aug at Saylorville and stayed through the fall (SD, JD). Following Hurricane Katrina, Iowa’s 3rd Magnificent Frigatebird was an ad. female photographed at L. McBride, Johnson, IA 4-5 Sep (CE, KL, JSc DA, AB); a report of a juv. is still in records committee review. A late Least Bittern was at R.M.B.S. 29 Nov (DR). Great Egrets lingering past mid-Nov were 2 at S.C.R. 21 Nov (TR) and 2-7 at Win- field Dam, Lincoln, MO and Winfield Slough, Lincoln, MO 24-30 Nov (CM, JE). A juv. Tri- colored Heron occurred at Bean L., Platte, MO 6-14 Aug (DW, LL, KM). Two late Cattle Egrets were on Hwy. C near St. Peters, 5t. Charles, MO 7 Nov (CM). An ad. Green Heron lingered on the Current R. above Van Buren, Carter, MO 8 Oct (MR). Reports of imm. White Ibis included 2 at Sikeston, Scott, MO 3 Aug (WG) and 2 at Sandy Slough, Win- field Dam, Lincoln, MO 15 Aug (tSS). A sin- gle Glossy Ibis was at Bean L., Platte Co. 14 Aug (ph., tKM, DW), and a late Plegadis ibis was at R.M.B.S. 13 Nov (Sue & Tom Fuller). A Black Vulture in Iowa passed Hitchcock 20 Aug (MO); another was taken to a rehabili- tator in Buchanan, IA 21 Nov. Record numbers of Turkey Vultures were at Grammer (MP) and Hitchcock (MO). A pair of Mississippi Kites fledged one young in Des Moines, Polk, IA in early Sep (JG, m.ob.). Five Sep migrants were followed by a nearly record-late bird at Hitch- cock 5 Oct (MO). Record numbers of Broad- winged Hawks were in w. Iowa. At the Loess Hills hawkwatch in far w. Iowa, an amazing 1878 Swainson’s Hawks were counted 5 Oct (MO), nearly half the season’s record total 3648 birds. Record-early calurus Red-tailed Hawks were seen 29 Sep: a dark morph at Bob Brown C.A., Holt, MO and a light morph at S.C.R. (MR). Two early Krider’s Red-taileds were at Poosey C.A., Livingston, MO 18 Oct (SK) and at M.S.L. 22 Oct (DE). A Harlan’s Hawk was noted at S.C.R. 29 Sep (MR); and an ad. was at Cuivre 1. C.A., s. Lincoln, MO 5 Nov (BR). Single Ferruginous Hawks at Hitchcock 17 Oct and 23 Nov (MO) made this the 7th consecutive year for this species in Iowa. Twelve reports of 23 Merlins in Missouri in- cluded the earliest at a Missouri Department of Transportation mitigation site, Ray, MO 26 Sep (SK). Nine total Prairie Falcons in Iowa in- cluded 7 at Hitchcock starting 24 Oct and one VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 79 IOWA & MISSOURI each in Johnson, 1A 26 Oct (JF) and Polk , IA 29 Nov (JG). Record counts of Peregrine Falcons came from Iowa hawkwatches, 14 at Grammer (MP) and 44 at Hitchcock (MO). RAILS THROUGH TERNS A single Black Rail was calling at Swan Lake N.W.R., Chariton , MO on 9 Oct (tTerry & Dena McNeely). A pair of King Rails in War- ren, IA was seen with young into mid-Aug (ph., tJG). Frequent and heavy rains in n. Iowa obliterated inland habitat for shorebirds and flooded riverine habitat, while most of Missouri was too dry for ideal shorebird habi- tat except where water management was pos- sible (BG, DR, SK). A single Snowy Plover was at Rathbun L., Appanoose, IA 22 Aug (SP). Already in the state in Jul, American Av- ocets were at 10 sites in s. Iowa and had an extended migration, ending with a record-late bird in Jasper, IA 19 Nov (BV). In keeping with recent trends, Greater Yellowlegs lin- gered late, the last being 4 at S.C.R. 25 Nov (TR). A Solitary Sandpiper in Wancn, IA 15 Oct constituted the 2nd latest record (JS). A rare Hudsonian Godwit was at Runnells W.A., Polk, IA 9-16 Oct (SD, JG). The single Mar- bled Godwit at Caruthersville Catfish Ponds, Pemiscot, MO 26 Sep was record late (JE). There were at least 3 juv. Red Knots in Iowa: one at Jester Park, Polk, IA 14 Aug (CE, nr.ob.) and 2 at Red Rock Res., Marion, IA 28 Aug-4 Sep (AB, nr.ob.). Late Sanderlings in- cluded the 2nd latest for the state in Polk, IA 13 Nov (SD) and 3 itnrns. at Truman L., s. of Clinton, Henry, MO 7 Oct (MR). Only one of two reports of White-rumped Sandpipers in Iowa had good details: 2 juvs. in Buena Vista 26 Aug (LS). The earliest Long-billed Dow- itchers, and highest number, were 118 at S.C.R. 10 Oct (TR); the latest were 7 at Mon- trose L., Henry, MO 13 Nov (JE). Red-necked Phalaropes were at 1 1 scattered locations and totaled at least 40 individuals (m.ob.). A 3rd latest for Iowa was at L. Manawa, Pottawat- tamie, IA 8 Oct OB, JG). A Pomarine Jaeger was at Red Rock Res., Marion , IA 26-31 Oct (MP, ph. by JG, RA). Three single Laughing Gulls in Missouri in- cluded a juv. at T.H.R. 18 Sep (tJE). Two late Franklin’s Gulls were at Creve Coeur L., St. Louis, MO 19-20 Nov (JU, BR). An ad. Little Gull was in Dickinson, IA 3 Sep and stayed a week (LS). Two were at T.H.R.: a first-winter bird 23 Oct-6 Nov (JU, tJE, EW) and a sec- ond-winter bird (with no details) 30 Oct-12 Nov (JE, EW). The annual occurrence of a Black-headed Gull at Spirit L., Dickinson, IA was enjoyed by many through 13 Nov. Sabines Gull reports included 4 birds at L. Manawa, Pottawattamie, IA 5 Oct (LSrBP, AB, R&PA) and one at T.H.R. , Randolph, MO 10- 14 Sep (EW, JE). A Black-legged Kittiwake was along the Mississippi R., Allamakee, IA 1 1 Nov (tCE). A first state record Royal Tern was at Rathbun L., Appanoose, I A 20 Aug-mid-Sep (SD, ph. JG). Late Missouri terns included Caspian Tern at R.M.B.S. 3-5 Nov (CM, JE), a first-year Common Tern at R.M.B.S. 24-25 Oct (JU, JE; *), and 6 Black Terns at Caruthersville Catfish Ponds, Pemis- cot 26 Sep (JE). DOVES THROUGH WRENS Eurasian Collared-Doves were found in Jasper, Jones, Ringgold, and Woodbury, IA (SD, BSc, JD, BH, respectively); they now have been found in 52 counties in Iowa. Numbers in Missouri exploded this year, topped by 150+ at St. Joseph stockyards, Buchanan, MO 1 Oct (JH). A White-winged Dove was in a Warren, IA backyard (ph. JG), and 2 ads. and 3 hums, were at East Prairie, Mississippi, MO 21-31 Aug (JE). A Greater Roadrunner nest fledged one young s. of Neosho, Newton, MO 14 Sep (Jeff Cantrell). Eight Whip-poor-wills were calling along the Glade Top Trail, Ozark, MO 20 Aug (JE). A first state record Green Violet- ear appeared at Lyle and Marlene Neher’s Grundy, IA feeder 27 Sep-4 Oct (m.ob.). A juv. female Ruby-throated Hummingbird persisted at Story, IA 16 Nov (SD), more than a month later than the next latest. Single Rufous Hum- mingbirds were s. of Lebanon, Laclede, MO 7 Sep (LP), and an inun. female was at Farm- ington, St. Francois, MO 30 Nov (b.,Jide Bob Lewis). An excellent mast crop coincided with Red-headed Woodpeckers being “quite com- mon” in the Van Buren/Big Spring area. Carter, MO 8 Oct (MR). Another incredible first state record for Iowa was an Acorn Woodpecker at Brookside Park, Story 1 Sep (ph. by KZ). Sin- gle Pileated Woodpeckers were at Fishing R., Kearney, Clay, MO 1 Nov (KM) and L. Con- trary, Buchanan, MO 11 Nov (LL). A record 1 1 Alder Flycatchers were at Bob Brown C.A., Holt, MO 11 Aug (MR), and one was at Katy Trail Access, Weldon Spring, St. Charles, MO 6 Sep (DR). Willow Flycatchers reported at Aldrich, Polk, MO included one on 18 Aug and 2 on 27 Aug (DB, Barb Blevins). Iowa’s 4th record of Vermilion Flycatcher came from Whiterock C.A., Guthrie: it stayed until 10 Sep (JD). A record-late Eastern King- bird was at Lambert Airport, St. Louis, MO 26 Oct (MT). Single Northern Shrikes were near Muskrat L., Buchanan, MO 6 Nov (Laura Gilchrist); Bilby Ranch C.A., Nodaway, MO 12 Nov (JE); and Hwy. D, just w. of Skidmore, Nodaway, MO 12-27 Nov (JE, KM). A late Blue-headed Vireo was at T.G.P. 16-17 Oct (BR, JE). Two late Philadelphia Vireos were at Big Spring, Carter, MO 9 Oct (MR). A report of Common Raven was referred to the Iowa records committee. An ad. Cave Swallow was at Weston Bend S.R, Platte, MO 7 Sep (tMark Land); this would be a new addition to Mis- souri’s hypothetical list. This was an irruption year for Red-breasted Nuthatch, with numer- ous reports received in both states. A Brown Creeper at B. K. Leach C. A. -Norton Woods, Lincoln, MO 28 Aug was record early (JU, JE). Increasing reports of Carolina Wrens from n. Iowa included Kossuth (MK), Cerro Gordo (RG), and Allamakee (FL). A record-early Winter Wren was at Burr Oak Woods, Jackson, MO 7 Sep (tjim Zellmer). KINGLETS THROUGH FINCHES Thirty-two Ruby-crowned Kinglets were banded at M.W.C. 23 Sep-29 Oct (JH). A late Wood Thrush was at T.G.P 16-17 Oct (BR, JE). A Varied Thrush briefly appeared at T.G.P 15 Oct (tSherry McCowan). Observers in both states found excellent variety but only moderate numbers of migrating war- blers this season (PH, JE, BG, DR). Thirty- two species were reported from Iowa, and mild weather resulted in many lingering late; 14 species in Oct and four in Nov (PH). Two Orange-crowned Warblers at T.H.R. 30 Oct were relatively late (JE), and 46 were banded at M.W.C. 25 Sep-24 Oct (JH). A total of 117 Nashville Warblers was banded at M.W.C. 1 Sep-24 Oct (JH). Among the record-late war- blers in Iowa was a Yellow Warbler in Polk 6 Oct (JD, SD). Two Cape May Warblers were at Confluence S.P., St. Charles, MO 18 Sep (DR). Eight reports of Black-throated Blue Warbler included 5 in five different counties in Iowa (MK, RD, CE, MB, JS, SD, DA); one at Columbia Bottom C.A., St. Louis, MO 18 Sep (JE); 2 at R.M.B.S. 18 Sep (DR); and one at Columbia Bottom C.A., St. Louis, MO 8 Oct (JE). A Yellow- throated Warbler at a Madison, IA feeder through the end of fall was record late (E&EA, ph. RA). A Prairie Warbler, rarely reported in Iowa, was at Han- cock 14 Aug (JD, SD). A Blackpoll Warbler was at T.G.P 2 Oct (TJE); the species is rarely detected on fall migration here. A Northern Waterthrush on Current R. above Van Buren, Carter, MO 8 Oct was late (MR), and a record-late Mourning Warbler was in Allama- kee, IA 11 Oct (CS). A single Western Tanager was in Pottawat- tamie, IA 17 Aug (tMO). A Nelson’s Sharp- tailed Sparrow in Worth, IA 30 Oct (PH) was record late. A Blue Grosbeak at Bois d'Arc C.A., Greene , MO 10 Oct was very late (DB). A Painted Bunting remained at Katy Trail Ac- cess, Weldon Spring, St. Charles, MO 13 Aug 80 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS IOWA & MISSOURI (MT), and an imra. male appeared at R.M.B.S. 18 Oct (tjudy Bergmann). A record 50 Dick- cissels was at Grand Pass C.A., Saline, MO 6 Sep (SK). Over 100 Bobolinks were at T.R.W. 24 Aug (SK), and one tied the 3rd latest record at R.M.B.S. 8 Oct (BR). A total of 200 Brewer’s Blackbirds was in the St. Louis area 3 Nov (BR). If accepted, a single ad. Common Chaffinch at a feeder at Cedar Hill, Jefferson, MO 18-28 Nov would furnish a first state record (WG, m.ob.). A Pine Siskin at Iowa State University, Ames, Story, IA 24 Aug (SD) might have been a summering bird. Erratum and corrigendum: Delete the Roseate Spoonbill at Ten Mile Pond C.A., Mississippi, MO 26 Aug-21 Sep 2004 (no documentation submitted). The report of 58 Black Vultures in Genevieve (Rocky Ridge) in winter 2004-2005 was in error; it should read 3 Black Vultures. Addenda: The following sightings from TR were inadvertently omitted from the fall 2004 report, and she should be credited as the dis- coverer of the Sabine’s Gull at S.R. 16 Sep. Two imm. Ruddy Ducks were at S.C.R. 2 Aug. Six King Rails were at S.C.R. 23 Aug. Greater Yellowlegs lingered late at S.C.R.: 11 on 17 Nov and 9 on 25 Nov. Philadelphia Vireos were first seen at S.C.R. 29 Aug and last 6 Oct. A high count of 90 Yellow-rumped Warblers was tallied at Big L. S.R, Holt, MO 12 Oct. A very early White-crowned Sparrow was at S.C.R. 27 Sep. Contributors: IOWA: Danny Akers, Reid Allen, Reid & Pam Allen (R&PA), Eugene & Eloise Armstrong (E&EA), John Bisell, Aaron Brees, Mark Brown, Ray Cummins, Robert Dick, James Dinsmore, Stephen Dinsmore, Chris Edwards, Steve Freed, Jim Fuller, jay Gilliam, Rita Goranson, Paul Hertzel, Bill Huser, Mike Johnston, Matt Kenne, Fred Lesher, Ken Lowder, Mark Or- sag, Loren & Babs Padelford (L&BP), Katy Patterson, Shane Patterson, Diana Pesek, Mark Proescholdt, John Rutenbeck, Jim Scheib (JSc), Bill Scheible (BSc), Lee Schoe- newe, Jim Sinclair (JS), Ed Thelen, Bob Van Ersvelde, Keenan Zeltinger. MISSOURI: David Blevins, Joseph Eades, David East- erla, Wally George, Bill Goodge, Jack Hilsabeck, Steve Kinder, Larry Lade, Char- lene Malone, Jim & Charlene Malone (J&CM), Kristi Mayo, Mark Robbins, Dave Rogles, Tommie Rogers, Bill Rowe, Scott Schuette, Mike Thelen, Josh R Uffman, Doug Willis. ® Bill Eddleman, 1831 Ricardo Drive, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701, (eddlemanw@sbcglobal.net) 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, Sloughs WMA \> A Minor Clark Fish M Hatchery/Cave Run L Smithland DamC\ Ballard WMA * AB. Boone Clifts State Nature Preserve ' Markland Daniel/Bffod River Gorgtk Bernheim Forest Boone) / Geological Area \ L Peewee Natl y rea^WMA ' *’'5 mMcElroy U aBlackMh y'mBig South ^Cumberland Gan NHP ForkNRA S. Holsrrm Lok* Creeks NWR ' Shelby Bottoms Radnor Lake State i Natural Area Pickwick Landing SP eWR x ' HirkaiarkltZ""’ “‘“W1 HickaiackLakejt - Shady Valley TENNESSEE Chris Sloan • Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. The fall 2005 season was overall warmer and drier than normal. Au- gust was hot, with the temperature reaching 90° F or higher on 20 days at Louisville and 22 days at Nashville. The most remarkable weather event of the season was the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Ka- trina, which moved through the Region 30 August with copious precipitation (11 cm at Bowling Green, Kentucky, and about 6.6 cm at both Nashville and Louisville) and moder- ate, gusty winds. In fact, the rains provided by the storm’s passage provided many areas with the only substantial precipitation over the en- tire period! September and October remained warmer than normal with little precipitation (e.g., Nashville received only 0.5 cm of rain during October). November remained slightly warmer than normal, but precipita- tion began to return to normal. Rarity highlights included the plethora of coastal and pelagic species found during the passage of the remnants of Katrina (see S.A.), several rare waders (Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, and Roseate Spoonbill) in the western part of the Region, a few rare shorebirds (in- cluding Marbled Godwit and Red Phalarope), two Pomarine Jaegers, first Regional records of Black- throated Sparrow and Townsend’s Solitaire, second Regional records for Clapper Rail and Broad-tailed Hummingbird, and a re- turning Spotted Towhee. In contrast to the previous year, natural food crops, including evergreen cones, berries, acorns, and hickory nuts, all appeared to be produced in abun- dance, boding well for wintering species. Abbreviations: Ensley (Ensley Bottoms, in- cluding the EARTH Complex, in sw. Shelby, TN); Pickwick (Pickwick Lake and Dam, Hardin, TN: Sauerheber (Sauerheber Unit Sloughs W.M.A., Henderson, KY). GEESE THROUGH GREBES The injured and summering Greater White- fronted Goose at Ballard W.M.A., Ballard, KY was seen several times in Aug and Sep. The first of Sauerheber’s wintering flock of Tundra Swans (8) returned 18 Nov (MMr). Duck mi- gration occurred with relatively few high- lights, lacking sizeable fallouts or extreme dates. Dabblers appeared to arrive on time but in relatively small numbers, perhaps due in part to the overall lack of water as a result of the dry late summer and fall. Mottled Ducks are being discovered with increasing fre- quency, at least in part as a result of height- ened observer awareness; a male and female were in Hemy, TN 24-30 Sep (ph. MT, DMa et al). There were fewer reports of scoters this fall, with only one report from Kentucky: 2 Surfs in Kenton 2 Nov (FR). Two Surfs and a Black were relatively early at Mud L, Shelby, TN 15 Oct (JRW). Elsewhere in Tennessee, single Surfs were in Henry 6 Nov (MT) and Lake 25 Nov (MT, JRW, DMa); and a Black was at Center Hill L. 28 Oct, with 3 there 18 Nov (SJS). A Black Scoter at Boone L., Sulli- van 22 Nov (RK) was the only ad. male scoter reported this season. A Yellow-billed Loon, Tennessee’s 5th and the Region’s 6th, was in Henry 26 Nov (ph. JRW). At least 2 different Red-throated Loons were reported regularly in Henry, TN 13-26 Nov (JRW, MT); a Pacific Loon was there 6 Nov (MT) and another 19 & 26 Nov (MT, ph. JRW et al.). The only rare loon in Kentucky was a juv. Red-throated on the Ohio R. at Louisville 2-6 Nov (JBe, PB, E&rJH). Single Red-necked Grebes, rare in the Region, were at Britton Ford, Big Sandy Unit, Tennessee N.W.R., Benton, TN 12 Nov (ph. JRW) and Lake, TN 21-25 Nov (MT, JRW, DMa, NaM). Eared Grebes returned to S. Holston L., Sulli- VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 81 TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY The remnants of Hurricane Katrina brought an unprecedented number and diversity of pelagic and coastal birds to the Region 29 Aug-2 Sep. Certainly the assortment of species observed in the vicinity of Pickwick Dam 30 Aug was among the most astonishing collections of avian rarities ever observed in the Region. The following waifs were documented there during and immediately after the storm's passage: Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (at least 2 on 30 Aug with one remaining 31 Aug [JRW, ph. MT, ph. JG, tJD et al.]); Magnificent Frigatebird (a female 30 Aug [ph. JRW, ph. MT, ph. JG, tJD et al.]); South Polar Skua (un- aged bird 30-31 Aug [ph. MT, tJD, tJRW, ph. JG et al.]); Royal Tern (ad. 2 Sep [tDS]); Sooty Tern (2 ads. 29 Aug; at least 3 ads. 30 Aug [ph. JRW et al.]); and Black Skimmer (ad. 30 Aug ...v This Band-rumped Storm Petrel was one of two found at Pickwick Lake, Hardin County, Tennessee in the wake of Hur- ricane Katrina 30 August 2005. Photograph by Joe Guinn. This Greater Shearwater, representing one of very few inland records, was found with a broken leg in a church parking lot in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 31 August 2005. It sur- vived for a while in captivity but died shortly after surgery to repair the broken leg. Photograph by Denise Weyer. [ph. JRW, ph. MT et al.]).] Katrina- borne pelagic and coastal rarities reported elsewhere in the Region comprised 6 Sooty Terns including a juv. (ph. KC, RW, JH, DJ, JE et al.), 2 Bridled Terns (DJ, tKC et al.) and a Black Skimmer (ph. KC et al.) on the Ten- nessee R., Hamilton, TN 30 Aug; 3 storm-petrels in Ken- tucky— a Band-rumped at the Falls of the Ohio 31 Aug (vt. tBY, MWr, BP) and 2 barely able to fly at a fish hatchery in Franklin 31 Aug (ML), with parts of one retrieved the following day and confirmed to be Band-rumped (tBP); a Greater Shearwater found injured in Murfreesboro, Rutherford, TN 31 Aug (ph. DW; it subsequently died); a Sooty Tern at Old Hickory L, Davidson, TN 31 Aug (tCS); and an ad. Royal Tern feeding a juv. at Oacus Bar, Mississippi R., Shelby, TN 1 Sep (ph. JRW). This Black Skimmer was found on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee 2 September 2005, three days after Hurricane Katrina passed through the Region. Photograph by Kevin Calhoon. The passage of the remnants of Katrina also resulted in the observation of many other birds that were either of coastal origin or grounded southbound migrants. These in- cluded a Least Tern at Pickwick Dam 29 Aug (JRW); 2 Black- necked Stilts, 4 American Avocets, a juv. Long-tailed Jaeger (tJD, BP, MG), at least 50 Laughing Gulls, and dozens of Forster's, Common, Caspian, and Black Terns in the vicinity of Pickwick Dam 30 Aug (m.ob.); 3 Least Terns at Chickamauga L„ Hamilton, TN 30 Aug (KC, JH, DJ et al.); a molting juv. Red Phalarope on the Ohio R. at the mouth of the Licking R., Campbell I Kenton, KY 31 Aug (DB, ph. FR, ph. JD); and a num- ber of widely scattered reports of Laughing Gulls, including a state-record flock of 10 at Freeman L., Hardin, KY 31 Aug (RH). In all, if all records are accepted, Tennessee would tally two new species for its state list as a result of this storm. Among the assemblage of pelagic and coastal species de- tected on Pickwick Lake, Hardin County, Tennessee in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, this Sooty Tern was pho- tographed 30 August 2005. Photograph by Jeff R. Wilson. van , TN for the 12th consecutive year 23 Sep and peaked at 14 on 26 Oct (RK, WC, m.ob.). PELICANS THROUGH FALCONS American White Pelicans passed through the w. part of the Region in spectacular numbers, with a high count of 4892 seen from Mud I., Shelby, TN 7 Oct (JRW). The imm. Brown Pelican first discovered on Chickamauga L., TN 11 Jul lingered through 10 Oct (fide KC). Great Egrets lingered widely across Ken- tucky for a few weeks later than normal, with 7 still at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson 18 Nov (BE), one in Woodford 19 Nov (IH), and one in Anderson 21 Nov (BW, MB). One to 2 Tricol- ored Herons were in w. Fulton, KY 4-21 Aug (ph. DR, ph. RD, ph. JRW). Eight Cattle Egrets in Russell, KY 15 Nov (LC) were late. White Ibis were fairly widely reported: an imm. in w. Fulton, KY 4 Aug (ph. DR); an imm. at Ballard W.M.A., Ballard , KY 9-13 Aug (ph. NR et al); one to 5 at Rankin Bottoms, Cocke, TN 9-27 Aug (MS et al); an imm. at Arrow L., Maur y, TN 19 Aug (TE); one at Cove Lake S.R, Campbell, TN 19 Aug (NeM); and one in Hamilton, TN 24-26 Oct (HH). The only Plegadis ibis was a single flyby along the Mississippi R. in Shelby, TN 26 Sep (JRW). Two of the 5 Roseate Spoonbills in Obion, TN lingered through 2 Aug (CD, NaM); a juv. was in w. Fulton, KY 5 Aug (tDR). A Swallow-tailed Kite was reported in Rhea, TN 17 Aug (EM fide DT). Three imm. Golden Eagles were reported, with one each from Mud I., Shelby, TN 22 Oct (JRW), Duck River Unit, Tennessee N.W.R., Humphreys, TN 11 Nov (MT, DMa), and Trigg, KY 12 Nov (BLi). There were fewer reports this fall than last of transient Peregrine Falcons and Mer- lins across the Region. RAILS THROUGH SKIMMER Tennessee’s and the Regions 2nd Clapper Rail — possibly related to Katrina — was found with a broken wing and leg in Chattanooga 23 Sep and later euthanized (ph. LAP, DV). Vir- ginia Rails were present throughout the period at Standifer Gap Marsh, Hamilton, TN, with an exceptionally high count of 16 on 4 Nov (DP). An injured juv. Purple Gallinule was certainly out of place in a small cattail marsh in a hilly, relatively forested area near Sugarloaf Mt., Rowan, KY 18-25 Sep (ph. TB et al.). Only 2 Piping Plovers were reported, both 82 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY Mottled Ducks have been detected with increasing frequency in the Tennessee & Kentucky Region, so two in Henry County, Tennessee (one here with a female Mallard at right; 25 September 2005) were not as surprising as they would have been just a few years ago. Photograph by Mike Todd. along the Mississippi R.: one in Carlisle, KY 17 Aug (ph. SR) and the other in Lauderdale, TN 20 Aug (JRW). A Black-necked Stilt at Gallatin Steam Plant, Sumner, TN 8 Oct (CS, JL) represents one of a growing number of records in the Region away from the Missis- sippi R. American Avocets were detected in above-average numbers, with flocks of 2-15 reported from four Tennessee and two Ken- tucky counties 13 Aug-16 Sep; 6 at Duck River Unit, Tennessee N.W.R., Benton, TN 3 Nov (HH) were late. Upland Sandpipers, on the other hand, were barely detected, with one in w. Fulton, KY 5 Aug (DR) and 2 at En- sley 6 Aug (JRW). The only Marbled Godwit was at Jonathan Creek embayment of Ken- tucky L„ Marshall, KY 25-26 Sep (ph. HC, ME). Following the flurry of Willet reports in mid-Jul, there was only one additional Ken- tucky record of 4 at Smithland Dam, Liv- ingston 4 Aug (DR). Eleven Willets — including 8 at Eliwassee Wildlife Refuge, Rhea 20 Aug (JBa) — were reported from four loca- tions in e. Tennessee, where this species is fairly rare. An exceptional count of 11 Red Knots was tallied at Dacus Bar, Mississippi R., Shelby, TN 13 Aug (JRW). White-rumped Sandpipers are rare fall transients in the Region, so reports of singles at Ensley 3 Sep (JRW) and L. Barkley, Trigg, KY 16 Sep (DR) were noteworthy. It was an average year for Baird’s and Buff-breasted Sandpipers, with small numbers reported throughout Aug and Sep, mostly from the w. part of the Region. A Long-billed Dowitcher in Pulaski, KY 30 Nov (ph. RD) established a new late date for Kentucky; 12 in Humphreys, TN 11 Nov (MT, DMa) were also unusually late. Only 4 Wilson’s Phalaropes were re- ported in Tennessee, all from Shelby 5-20 Aug (JRW); one to 2 were reported at three Ken- tucky locales 13 Aug-15 Sep (m.ob.). A Red- necked Phalarope was in Henry, TN 4 Oct (KO, ph. MT, DMa). Two Pomarine Jaegers put in appearances during the season: a subad. over Ensley 23 Oct (TJRW) and an in- termediate-morph juv. at Free- man L., Hardin, KY 3-7 Nov (RH, ph. DR et al.). There were certainly more Laughing Gulls in the Region this fall than have ever been recorded before. Most were drawn northward with the remnants of Hurricane Katrina, likely mixing with small num- bers that would normally have been present on larger lakes and rivers. High counts of 12 total at three locales in w. Kentucky 27 Sep (DR) and 12 at Chicka- mauga L., Hamilton, TN 1 Oct (KDE) sug- gested that some birds lingered in the Region well beyond the time of the storm’s pas- sage. Overall, one to 12 birds were re- ported on numerous occasions from eight widely scattered locations in Ten- nessee 31 Aug-8 Oct, and one to 10 birds were reported from 13 Kentucky locales 24 Aug-25 Oct. Unlike the pre- vious two years, no large movement of Franklin’s Gulls was detected; small numbers were reported regularly 30 Aug-21 Nov, mostly from the w. part of the Region, with the highest concentra- tions in early Nov, peaking with 26 in Henry, TN 6 Nov (MT). Two Little Gulls, an ad. (tJRW, m.ob.) and a first- year bird (ph. JRW, m.ob.) at Reelfoot L., Lake, TN 19 Nov+, added to the handful of records for the Region. A Bonaparte’s Gull at Rankin Bottoms, Cocke, TN 1 Oct (RK et al.) was unusually early. One to 2 ad. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present on n. Kentucky L. and n. L. Barkley 21 Sep (DR)-13 Oct (BP et al.), with perhaps one of the same ads. on L. Barkley near Canton, Trigg 24 Nov (KB). In Tennessee, an ad. was present in Hemy 16 Sep-30 Nov+ This juvenile intermediate-morph Pomarine Jaeger was present at Freeman Lake, Hardin County, Kentucky 3-7 (here 6) November 2005. Photograph by David Roemer. (MT). Great Black-backed Gulls are very rare in the Region, so a first-year bird in Heniy/Benton 13 Nov (JRW) was noteworthy. A Black Skimmer, possibly a holdover from Katrina, was at Dacus Bar, Mississippi R., Shelby, TN 17 Sep (ph. JRW, K&LN). DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES An Inca Dove reported in Hamilton, TN 28 Aug (tDMa, fide MT) would represent the state’s 2nd if accepted. Only 3 Black-billed Cuckoos were reported: one each from Rad- nor 5 Sep (JS), Craven’s House, Hamilton, TN 6 Sep (KC), and Jefferson, KY 9 Sep (BW). The earliest Short-eared Owl was at Sauerhe- ber 22 Oct (DR et al.); one was at Dyer/Obion, TN 19 Nov (JRW). Netting efforts in Jefferson, KY yielded 5 Northern Saw-whet Owls 10-17 Nov (MMn, BP et al.). In Tennessee, 3 hums, banded on Big Bald Mt., Unicoi, TN in Sep (MH, KG) furnished the first evidence of breeding there. An imm. male Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Tennessee’s and the Region’s 2nd, visited a feeder in Signal Mt., Hamilton, TN 24 Nov+ (DW, ph. CS, m.ob.). Single Olive-sided Flycatchers were re- ported from four Kentucky and five Ten- nessee locations 7 Aug-25 Sep. Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were detected in above-average numbers in Tennessee, with five reports from four counties; in Kentucky, single Yellow-bel- lieds were reported three times in Jefferson 3-17 Sep (m.ob.). Single Least Flycatchers in Hamilton, TN 25 Aug (DA) and 1 Sep (KC) were rare for se. Tennessee. A Say’s Phoebe was at Reelfoot L., TN 29 Nov (MG). Scissor- tailed Flycatchers were not reported, apart from birds lingering near breeding locations in Livingston, KY until 16 Sep (DR) and Rutherford, TN through 13 Oct (LMc). A very tardy Northern Rough-winged Swallow was observed in w. Fulton, KY 28 Nov (vt. BY, MWr). A modest flight of Red- breasted Nuthatches began to arrive in early Sep, with the earliest being one in Jefferson 4 Sep (BP); the species was relatively wide- spread in Kentucky by mid-Oct but was still This Clapper Rail, representing the second record for Tennessee, was found with a broken leg in Chattanooga 23 September 2005. It was later euthanized. Photograph byLouanne Parington. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 83 GET DOWN AND DIRTY FOR AMERICA. And when you get you hands dirty in programs like National Public Lands Day, you help spruce up your beautiful lands. Last year, on this day, nearly 80,000 volunteers built trails, bridges, planted native trees and removed trash. To find out how you can help, go to www.npld.com or call 800-VOL-TEER (800-865-8337). HELPING HANDS FOR AMERICA’S LANDS day © 2004 Muench Photography. Inc. TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY largely absent from Tennessee. Marsh and Sedge Wrens were reported in good numbers across the Region. A Townsend’s Solitaire at Seven Islands Refuge, Knox, TN 20 Nov (ph. DMo, LMo) represents a long-expected Re- gional first. A Hermit Thrush in Bedford, TN 23 Sep (MT) was unusually early. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Unusually early migrant warblers included Orange-crowned in Jefferson, KY 1 1 Sep (JBe); Nashville at Louisville 23 Aug (JBe, PB et al.); Chestnut-sided in Pulaski, KY 22 Aug (RD); Magnolias at multiple sites in Jefferson, KY 23 Aug (JBe, pb et al.); Blackburnian at Louisville 21 Aug (BY, MWr); and Canada in Pulaski, KY 22 Aug (RD). Unusually late war- blers included a Golden-winged in Pulaski, KY 15 Oct (RD, GC); Tennessees in Hamilton, TN 1 Nov (DA), at Shelby Bottoms, Davidson, TN 2 Nov (PC, FF), and in Jefferson, KY 6 Nov (BY, MWr); Nashville in Knox, TN 17 Nov (DMo); Black-throated Blue in Pulaski, KY 18 Oct (RD); and Prairie in Lincoln, KY 12 Nov (ph. RD et al.). Golden-winged Warblers were reported in above-average numbers in Hamilton, TN (m.ob.). There were three reports of Blackpoll Warblers from relatively far w. in the Region: singles in Henry, TN 4 Oct (MT); Franklin, KY 15 Oct (b.; ph. AS); and Pulaski, KY 18 Oct (tRD); the last represented a new late depar- ture date for Kentucky. Also noteworthy as rel- atively far w. for autumn was a Cape May in Benton, TN 16 Sep (MT). A female Black- throated Blue Warbler in Shelby Forest S.P., Shelby, TN 20 Oct (VR) was a rare find away from the e. mts. The only Connecticut Warbler was found at Mammoth Cave N.P., Edmonson, KY 16 Oct (JBe, PB et al.). Mourning Warblers were detected in typically low numbers. A male Spotted Towhee was observed 27 Oct and 30 Nov (SR) at the same w. Mc- Cracken, KY location where it has been pres- ent the past two winters. Two Clay-colored Sparrows were reported in ne. Jefferson, KY 15 Oct (tMWm). The Region’s first Black- throated Sparrow was discovered in Lincoln, TN 29 Nov+ (MWi, ph. JRW, m.ob.). Linger- ing or transient Henslow’s Sparrows were at Sauerheber 22 Oct (DR et al.), Standifer Gap Marsh, Hamilton, TN 26 Oct (JE), and in Pu- laski 30 Oct (ph. RD). Le Conte’s Sparrows are rare in e. Tennessee, so one in Greene 9 Nov (DH) was noteworthy. It was a good fall for Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows in Ken- tucky, with one to 6 observed in Henderson, Jefferson, Nelson, and Ohio 3-22 Oct; in Ten- nessee, the only report was of one at Hatchie N.W.R., Haywood, TN 12 Nov (JRW). Unusu- ally early or possibly summering White- throated Sparrows appeared in Jefferson, KY 6 & 12 Aug (BW). A Bobolink lingered in Jefferson, KY 30 Oct (BP), a new late departure date for the state. A Brewer’s Blackbird at Sauerheber 22 Oct (DR, BP) was rather early; 2 in sw. Oldham 6 Nov (MWm) were unusual for n.-cen. Kentucky. A small flight of Purple Finches moved into Kentucky starting in late Oct but was barely noticed in Tennessee. Only 5 Pine Siskins were reported from four widely scattered lo- cations across the Region. Addendum: A Clay-colored Sparrow near Hardin, Marshall, KY 5 Nov 2004 (tMI). Corrigendum: From N.A.B. 59: 444, the re- port of 8 American White Pelicans at S. Hol- ston L., Sullivan, TN was erroneous. One was at Fort Loudoun L., Loudoun, TN 21-27 Mar 2005 (MD). Cited contributors (subregional editors in boldface): David Aborn, Jeff Basham (JBa), Mary Bill Bauer, Tom Biebighauser, Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell, David Brinkman, Karon Broad- bent, Kevin Calhoon (se. Tennessee), Granville Carey, Phillip Casteel (middle Ten- nessee), Hap Chambers, Wallace Coffey, Lloyd Curry, Marcia Davis, Roseanna Denton, Christine Donald, Jon Dunn, Jim Eager, Melissa Easley, K. Dean Edwards, Tommy Ed- wards, Bett Etenohan, Frank Fekel, Mark Greene, Joe Guinn, Kathy Gunther, Richard Healy, John Henderson, Hill Henry, Don Holt, Mark Hopey, Ian Horn, Eddie & Jennifer Hu- ber, Marshall lliff, Daniel Jacobson, Rick Knight (e. Tennessee), Mike Larimore, Bill Lisowsky, Judy Luna, Don Manning, Ed Manous, Laura McCall (LMc), Dan Mooney, Laurie Mooney (LMo), Nancy Moore (NaM), Nell Moore (NeM), Mark Monroe (MMn), Mike Morton (MMr), Kenny & LaDonna Nichols, Ken Oeser, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Lou Anne Parington, David Patterson, Nicole Ranalli, Scott Record, Frank Renfrew, Virginia Reynolds, David Roemer, Jan Shaw, Damien Simbeck, Michael Sledjeski, Chris Sloan, Adam Smith, Stephen J. Stedman, Mike Todd, David Trently, David Vogt, Rick Waldrop, Mary Walter (MWr), Major Waltman (MWm), Morris Williams (MWi), Dan Williams, Jeff R. Wilson, Barbara Woerner, Ben Yandell. We heartily thank the numerous uncited individuals who contributed informa- tion that was used in this report. © Chris Sloan, 224 Hicks Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37221, (chris.sloamacomcast.net); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ken- tucky State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) 84 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Central Southern Robert A. Duncan • Lucy R. Duncan August saw fewer than normal mi- grants along the coast, and feeder watchers complained about the paucity of resident birds in yards and at feeders. Vegetation was barely recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ivan that went ashore near Gulf Shores, Al- abama as a Category 3 last year on 15 Sep- tember. Then came Katrina. The storm came ashore near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on 29 August as a Category 4 hurricane, causing devastating damage to Louisiana, Missis- sippi, and southern Alabama. Severe dam- age to migrant traps (hummocks and coastal forests), marshes, and riparian habi- tat was widespread. The storm tracked northward through Mississippi, spreading havoc well into the interior, at least as far as Hattiesburg. Interior pine forests were flat- tened, with countless snapped or uprooted trees. The impact on the coastal birding community was harsh. Most coastal birders were displaced from their damaged or de- stroyed homes, barred from birding haunts by debris-strewn, impassable roads, and prevented from birding by the demands of recovery. September birding was poor, with no fronts reaching the coast. And then came Rita. This storm went ashore near the Louisiana-Texas line 24 September as a Category 3 hurricane, inun- dating coastal Louisiana and parts of east- ern Texas with storm surge and high winds. The impact of these storms is covered in the S.A. section in this report. The first cold front of the season entered the Region 6-7 October, producing modest fallouts at Ft. Morgan and Dauphin Island but fewer birds than expected in proportion to its strength. The remainder of October and November were uneventful. Overall, migration along the coast was poor to mediocre at best. Migrants were faced with trees stripped of leaves and browned-out vegetation. One can only speculate whether upon reaching the southern part of the Re- gion, birds either kept going across the Gulf or returned to the interior well north of the devastated areas. Winter visitors were re- ported in very low numbers along the coast through the end of the period, especially Yellow-rumped Warblers and White- throated Sparrows. Abbreviations: Bald Knob (Bald Knob N.W.R., White , AR); Noxubee (Noxubee N.W.R., e.-cen. MS); St. Catherine (St. Catherine Creek N.W.R., Adams , MS); Wheeler (Wheeler N.W.R., Limestone , AL). State names are included only with the ini- tial use of a place name. WATERFOWL THROUGH STORK One to 2 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, uncommon in Arkansas, were in Hempstead 20 Aug (KN, LN), Washington 24-28 Sep (MM1, JN), and Desha 27 Aug-25 Sep (DiB). Continuing the species’ range ex- pansion, 8 were located in Ascension, LA 23 Aug (JH) and 85 in Cameron 29 Nov (JPK, JK), the latter in company with 120 Ful- vous Whistling-Ducks. Two Fulvous Whistling-Ducks were noted 12 Aug in Lonoke, AR, where very rare (LY, EL). The only Greater White-fronted Geese reported in the Region were up to 24 in Limestone, AL 22 Oct-25 Nov (NC, SWM). Reports of waterfowl were way down, probably due to the inaccessibility of sites due to hurricane disturbance or displacement of observers, especially in Louisiana and Mississippi, but the unusually warm weather to the north of the Region probably also delayed arrivals in the south. Formerly very rare in the Re- gion, Ross’s Goose is now considered un- common and regular. One was in Madison, MS 25 Nov (GK, SK) and another at Nox- ubee 30 Nov (TS). A Tundra Swan was a rare find in Cleburne, AR 25 Nov (KN, LN). Very late were 14-17 Mottled Ducks in De- sha 13-20 Nov (DiB). The Kleimans com- mented that there were more ducks than usual at Lacassine Pool, Cameron, LA, where they counted 13,500 Green-winged Teal, possibly due to damaged coastal marshes. Maximum ever for Alabama’s in- land coastal plain were 50 or more Greater Scaup in Henry 25 Nov (EB, MB, PSa). A Long-tailed Duck in Oktibbeha, MS 16 Nov was both rare and early (TS). A Hooded Merganser at Noxubee 9-12 Aug estab- lished a first Aug record for the area (DR). An ad. female Common Merganser, a species accidental in Mississippi, was found in Chickasaw 24-25 Nov (p.a., WP). Rarely reported in the Region and in ap- parent decline, 21 Northern Bobwhites, both ads. and chicks, were found in Benton, AR 13 Sep (MMl, JN). A Red-throated Loon 25 Nov in Henry provided Alabama’s 3rd for the inland coastal plain (EB, MB, PSa). Ten Red-necked Grebes on the Red R. in Caddo and Bossier, LA on 26 Sep after Rita were a remarkable find in interior Louisiana (p.a., HH, PH). Another at Wheeler 19 Nov was Alabama’s 19th (HD, MJH, KW, BM et al.). Rare but regular in the Region, Eared Grebes were found in Mississippi (6), Louisiana (4), and Arkansas (one) 18 Sep- 19 Nov. Surprisingly, only two storm-petrels were reported in spite of the two fierce storms. A Wilson’s Storm-Petrel 30 Aug on the Ten- nessee R. in Lauderdale (GDJ) was the 2nd inland and first Tennessee Valley record for Alabama. A Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (p.a., GDJ, DGJ) 30 Aug at the same loca- tion was Alabama’s first inland record — and very nearly became a pursuing Bald Eagle’s snack. However, there were no tropicbirds or boobies reported in the Region, in spite of much searching on inland lakes and reservoirs following the hurricanes. Ameri- can White Pelicans were reported in Arkansas (140), Louisiana (1032), Missis- sippi (5), and Alabama (193) 22 Sep-11 Nov. Brown Pelicans found well inland in ones and twos were likely hurricane re- lated: singles in Alabama and Arkansas, 2 in Mississippi, and in Louisiana — The Peli- can State — 8. Accidental in Mississippi, 4 Neotropic Cormorants were found 21 Aug at St. Catherine (p.a., TS, m.ob.). The 50 Anhingas at St. Catherine 21 Aug were a large number for Mississippi (TS, m.ob.). There were numerous Magnificent Frigatebird sightings following Katrina and Rita at inland locations. Alabama had its 5th and 6th inland records, single birds at Colbert (SWM) and Henry 30 Aug (MB). Arkansas had singles at Desha 4 Sep (JB) and 25 Sep (DiB, BMc), Hempstead 24 Sep (LN, CM), Clark 25 Sep (DH, GG, EG), and Ouachita 25 Sep (HJ). Following Katrina, sightings of small numbers occurred 29 Aug-1 Sep in East Baton Rouge, Lafourche, and Cameron. Rita brought other sightings throughout Louisiana. One was sighted as far n. as Shreveport on 25 Sep (JT, JeT), and 82 were over the LSU campus 23 Sep pre- ceding landfall (JBo, DB). Only one American Bittern was reported, a single bird in White, AR 14 Oct (KN, V01UME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 85 CENTRAL SOUTHERN Little more than six weeks after Hurricane Dennis (Category 3) struck the western Panhan- dle of Florida and Alabama, Katrina formed from a tropical wave, becoming a depression 280 km southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas on 23 August. The following day, it became a tropical storm, moved northwestward through the Bahamas, turned westward toward South Florida, and began strengthening. Katrina made first landfall in the Miami area as a Category 1 hurricane on 25 August, moving southwestward across southern Florida, dumping over a foot of rain, toppling trees and power lines, and damaging homes and businesses. Upon entering the Gulf of Mexico, Ka- trina began to strengthen, reaching Category 5 on 28 August, 400 km south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Winds reached 1 75 mph (280 km/hr), and that day the central pres- sure fell to 902 mb (at the time, the fourth lowest on record in the Atlantic). Katrina turned to the northwest and then northward, making its second landfall in Plaquemines Parish as a Category 4 storm just south of Buras on 29 August. Continuing northward, Katrina rolled over the Mississippi Sound and made a last landfall near the Louisiana-Mississippi border as a Category 3 on the morn- ing of 30 August. It weakened as it moved inland to the north-northeast but was still a hurricane 150 km inland near Laurel, Mississippi. Katrina was the worst natural disaster of its kind in the history of the United States, producing catastrophic damages to thousands of structures and to the environment. The costs to human life — over 1200 killed, hundreds of thousands evacuated, many permanently from the region — and to property (well over $100 billion) may pale against the long-term environmental damage to the region, which will take many years to assess, particularly the impact of toxins that were re- leased when levees in New Orleans and other structures were breached or damaged (preliminary tests by EPA indicate surprisingly low levels of most pollutants in sediment and floodwaters). Here we note only the most overt damage that has been noted by the area's birders and conservation- ists; future columns will include updates as they are available. The Internet has extensive material on the subject from government agencies as well as NGOs such as The Nature Conservancy, and a compilation of resources is available at . Coastal Mississippi and Louisiana experienced the worst of Katrina's ferocity. On Mississippi's coast, there is little marshland to protect inland areas. Its barrier islands are 25 km offshore, so sig- nificant wave heights were easily propagated in Mississippi Sound. The towering storm surge, esti- mated at over 10 m and probably higher than during Camille of 1969, thoroughly inundated the barrier islands and the coast. Onshore, the artificial beaches along Mississippi Sound remained in- tact in some places, but widespread destruction of the coastline extended through areas up to 100 km east of the storm center, through Hancock County and Harrison County in Mississippi along the coast and inland to Interstate 10 (), but the same happened after Camille, and the tern colonies moved north to the main chain, on what is locally known as Monkey Island. Within about four years after Camille, the shoals had built up into islands again, and the colonies returned to Curlew and Gosier Islands. These islands became major nesting sites for Brown Pelicans. There will be little vegetation on the surviving islands for some time, which will have some impact. Encour- agingly, if predators had reached the Chandeleurs, they are probably gone now. Grand Isle, Louisiana, came through the storms in relatively good shape. The oaks are shred- ded but still show signs of life. The winds were offshore for Katrina and onshore for Rita, but ero- sion was moderate, although on Fourchon Beach, to the west, the beach ridge suffered some ma- jor erosion. However, habitat for species such as Wilson's Plover, for example, should be good in the breeding season of 2006. Towns and cities in Louisiana such as Venice, Empire, Port Sulfur, and Cameron are disaster areas, some now uninhabitable. But at least some of the Live Oaks sur- vived (in contrast to the Water Oaks and the magnolias), according to Victoria Bayless, who visit- ed Peveto Woods (Hollyman Sanctuary) in Cameron Parish soon after the storm. In Cameron, the jetty area— a magnet for birds and birders alike with the newly built metal fishing pier and ob- servation tower — is simply gone. The coastal marshes near what was the east jetty appeared to have no Clapper Rails when Purrington visited. Because the state's marshes were wholly under- water for long periods during these hurricanes, this species probably fared very poorly. Holley Beach, notes Purrington, "looks like images of Hiroshima after WWII. The entire community of Johnson's Bayou is gone." The coastal marsh in southeastern Louisiana— where the marsh habitat is already dwindling, cut up by oil-field canals with attendant saltwater intrusion, abetted by the disastrous Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet— will probably be assessed as the worst damaged of the Gulf habitats. Most of the freshwater marshes from around Pecan Island westward to the Johnson's Bayou area were in- filtrated with salt water, which killed most of the marsh grasses and rendered the entire area anaerobic and emitting a strong sulfurous smell. Michael Musumeche writes from his visit there that "we did not see a Blue Jay, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal, Brown Thrasher, Log- gerhead Shrike, House Sparrow, or Common Moorhen." As the Christmas Bird Counts revealed, Venice and Cameron have almost no resident land- birds now. At Venice, there were almost no sparrows, notably Swamps, which are usually abun- dant in winter. Purrington found essentially no seeds to sustain them. Likewise, there were very few raptors, presumably because of a lack of prey. Remarkably, herons and egrets seem to have fared better than other groups; their numbers seem closer to normal, exceptions being Reddish Egrets and Roseate Spoonbills at Port Fouchon. As of late January 2006, there are also rather few Black-crowned Night Herons. Vultures, by contrast, have been conspicuous and abundant after the storms. 86 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS DiB). A count of 60 Great Egrets was con- sidered high for the Ozarks in Benton 3 Oct ON, JW). Also considered a good number, 150 graced Wheeler 19 Oct (NC). Highest ever for n. Alabama, 510 were in Shelby 31 Aug following Katrina (GDJ). Arkansas sported 129 very late White Ibis in Desha 20 Nov (DiB). Probably a result of dispersal by Rita, 128 Roseate Spoonbills were in De- sha 25 Sep, the highest number ever for Arkansas (DiB, JB). Rare in Alabama, 5 were in Colbert 5-8 Aug (DJS, SWM) and another in Hale 13-24 Aug (AR). Uncom- mon in Mississippi, 5 were in Bolivar 6 Aug (WP), up to 2 were at Noxubee 9 Aug-15 Oct (TS, m.ob.), 12 were at Anna’s Bottom in Adams 19 Aug (TS, MS, m.ob.), and 39 were at St. Catherine 20 Aug (TS, MS, m.ob.). Wood Storks were reported be- tween 16 Jun and 23 Oct, including some large counts prior to Katrina. Totals by state were Arkansas 368, Louisiana 178, Missis- sippi 339, and Alabama 2. HAWKS THROUGH RAILS An early fall migrant, Swallow-tailed Kites moved through the Region 10 Aug-2 Sep, with 12 tallied in Louisiana and 30 in Mis- sissippi. Unusual in ne. Louisiana and un- common in the remainder of the state, single White-tailed Kites were in Caldwell and Catahoula 26 Sep (JQ, CQ). Another graced LaSalle 12 Nov (LyW, BW), and yet another was in Vermilion 1 Nov (BV). Perhaps be- coming too common for noting, there were only 13 reports of Bald Eagles. Louisiana had 9, Mississippi 3, and Arkansas one bird at a nest. The Birmingham Audubon Society tallied an impressive 1280 Broad- winged Hawks 1 Oct. A Swainson’s Hawk 10 Nov in Baldwin was a rare find (BS, ECS). Very rare in Alabama, a Golden Eagle was found in- jured 18 Nov in Dallas (ph. TRP); another was in Newton, AR 7 Oct (JSt). Accidental in Louisiana, 3 Crested Caracaras were found in Cameron 4 Sep (p.a., DB,JB, PB, EJa). Per- haps indicating a successful comeback, few reported Peregrine Falcons; just six reports were received, all from Arkansas. A Black Rail was a rare find in Baldwin 5 Nov (DPI). Rare in Arkansas, a King Rail was in Hemp- stead 20 Aug (KN, LN), and 5 were at Desha 17 Sep (DiB, SD). On 20 Aug, 150 Common Moorhens were tallied in Hempstead (KN, LN). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH TERNS A rare fall migrant in the Region, single American Golden-Plovers were at Bald Knob 13 Aug (LY, KD) and 27 Aug (DS). Another was in Lee, MS 4 Sep (WP), and a late bird was in Caddo 26 Nov 0k CL). Only 2 Piping Plovers were reported, one in White 14 Aug (KN, LN) and another in Ok- tibbeha 30 Aug (TS, MS). A good number for Mississippi, 300 Black-necked Stilts were counted in Adams 20 Aug (TS, MS, m.ob.). Nine in Desha 20 Nov were late (DiB). Rare away from the coast, inland American Avocets made appearances in Al- abama (21), Mississippi (4), and Arkansas (45). Uncommon in Arkansas, 18 Upland Sandpipers were tallied 3-21 Aug in four counties. Rare in Arkansas, a Marbled God- wit was in Prairie 21 Aug (KN, LN). An- other was seen 30 Aug in Lowndes, MS, where also rare (TS, MS). A Red Knot 13 Aug in Desha was a very rare find (KN, LN). A Sanderling 13 Nov in Desha was very late (DiB). Very rare in fall was a White-rumped Sandpiper in Prairie 29-30 Oct (KN, LN, et. al.). Rare but regular in Alabama, 6 Baird’s Sandpipers were in Colbert 5 Aug- 15 Sep (DJS). Six were in Prairie 21 Aug (KN, LN), where uncommon. A Dun- lin was very early at Bald Knob 27 Aug (DS). Encouraging numbers of Buff- breasted Sandpipers were reported 7 Aug-17 Sep: Mississippi (13), Alabama (32), and Arkansas (52). An estimated 2000 Long-billed Dowitchers in sw. Louisiana rice fields 29 Nov must have been impressive (JPK, JK). A Wilson’s Snipe 11 Aug in White, AR was very early (KN). Six Katrina- related Red-necked Phalaropes were sighted 30 Aug in Lowndes (KV), up to 3 on 30-31 Aug in Oktibbeha (TS, MS), and 2 in Lauderdale 30 Aug (TMH, JTG). One was in White, AR 6 Aug (KN, LN et al.). Alabama’s 4th Long-tailed Jaeger was re- ported 26 Sep at Wheeler following Rita's landfall (p.a., GDJ, DGJ). Laughing Gulls were widely displaced into the interior of the Region following both Katrina and Rita. Totals attributed to Katrina were Arkansas (10), Alabama (173), Mississippi (30), and Louisiana (one). Those attributed to Rita were Arkansas (41), Alabama (157, maxi- mum ever for the Tennessee Valley), Mis- sissippi (22), and Louisiana (60). Franklin’s Gulls appeared in good numbers, with 41 in Grenada, MS 16 Oct-5 Nov (GK, SK), 40+ on 18 Oct in Rapides, LA OH), and one in Marshall, AL 7 Nov (LBR). Early were 250 Ring-billed Gulls and a Lesser-Black- backed Gull at Wheeler 26 Sep (GDJ, DGJ). A Great Black-backed Gull was observed in Cameron, where rare, 10 Sep (p.a., RCD, DD). The first record since 1984, a Sabine’s Gull, Alabama’s 5th and first inland, was found dead at Wheeler 29 Sep following Rita (*Wheeler N.W.R., p.a., ph. CDC). CENTRAL SOUTHERN Very rare in Arkansas, another was in Pope 13 Nov (KN, LN). There was widespread displacement of terns by Katrina and Rita into the interior of the Region as indicated by the accounts that follow. Very rare inland, Gull-billed Terns were in Lowndes (TS) and Colbert (DJS) 30 Aug. Also displaced 30 Aug were 44 Caspian Terns in Oktibbeha and Lowndes (TS, MS) and 29 in Yalobusha (GK, SK). Accidental in Arkansas and storm-related was a Royal Tern in Ouachita 25 Sep (p.a., ph. HJ, JRW). Sandwich Terns were found 30 Aug in East Baton Rouge (DL) and St. Tammany (JB, DB, PB). Another was in East Baton Rouge 25 Sep (PB, DL, JSa), no doubt Rita-related. Al- abama’s 2nd inland occurrence was one in Barbour 30 Aug (LW). Twenty Common Terns were at Wheeler 26 Sep, maximum ever for the Tennessee Valley of Alabama (GDJ). Over 100 Forster’s Terns 26 Sep were considered a good number for Wheeler and Wilson Dams (GDJ, DGJ). Least Terns were reported inland throughout the Region, with 100 Katrina- associated birds 3 Sep in Desha (DiB, SD). Five more appeared inland in Colbert 30 Aug (DJS), one each in Noxubee and Lown- des (TS), and 3 in East Baton Rouge (PB et al.). Not storm-related were 40 in Lonoke (KN, LN) 7 Aug, where they are local and rare. Sooty Terns are of regular occurrence to the e. of tropical storms’ point of landfall and inland usually e. of the decaying center of circulation. A total of 25 was noted in six interior Alabama counties on 30 Aug. Also on 30 Aug, singles were seen in Oktibbeha (TS) and Lowdnes (TS, MS, DP). Another was in East Baton Rouge 28 Aug (VR). Black Terns made appearances in East Baton Rouge 29 Aug, with 64 tallied (PB, m.ob.). Fifty were in Henry 30 Aug (MB). Few Black Skimmers were reported, but in Arkansas, where accidental, singles were in Monroe 12 Sep (p.a., RM, JWi) and in Crit- tenden 17 Sep (p.a., JRW, KN, LN). DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS Inca Doves were reported from nw. to se. Louisiana, with 20 at Bossier 20 Nov (JI) and one each in Lafourche 17-19 Oct (SM, BMa) and Iberville 23 Oct (VR). Reported infrequently and in apparent decline in the Region, single Common Ground-Doves were found in East Baton Rouge 18 Sep (DL et al.), 9 Oct (JB et al.), and in LaSalle 10 Oct (BHW). Unusual in the mt. region was one in Shelby 31 Aug (GDJ). A Yellow- billed Cuckoo 18 Nov in Oktibbeha was lat- est ever for the area by 20 days (TB). Arkansas had a good owl season. A Snowy VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 87 CENTRAL SOUTHERN Owl found in a weakened condition in Cle- burne 24 Nov was taken to a rehabilitation center on 27 Nov for later release. This was the 5th Arkansas record and first since 1955 (p.a., ph. LL, GL, TP, SP, MP). A very rare find was a Burrowing Owl in Pulaski , AR 10-14 Oct OS, m.ob.). Three Short- eared Owls were found in Pope 26 Nov (KN, LN) and 2 on 30 Nov in Poinsett , AR (DiB). An injured Northern Saw-whet Owl in Pope was brought to a rehabilitation cen- ter 4 Nov (LS). About 100 migrating Com- mon Nighthawks in Pulaski 16 Aug must have been impressive (HP, MP). The Knights’ residence in Lafayette , MS hosted more than 150 Ruby-throated Humming- birds 14-19 Sep (GK, SK). Accidental in Mississippi, an Anna’s Hummingbird at the Loftin residence in Oktibbeha 19-25 Nov was banded by Bob Sargent. An Allen’s Hummingbird 21 Aug at the Larnont resi- dence in Cullman , AL was an early recap- ture of a bird banded 1 1 Dec 2004 by Bob and Martha Sargent. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES Olive-sided Flycatchers, rare but regular in the Region, appeared between 7 Aug-27 Sep in Alabama (3), Mississippi (1), Louisiana (2), and Arkansas (2). A very late nesting Eastern Phoebe was in Washington 10 Oct (KS). Occasional in inland Alabama, single Vermilion Flycatchers were in Coffee 14 Nov (TSt, BSt) and Limestone 19 Nov (HD, MJH et al.). Rare to uncommon in Louisiana, singles were in Caldwell 26 Sep 0Q), Rapides 26 Sep OH), ked River 2 Oct 0T), and Cameron 30 Oct 0B, m.ob.). Rare but regular in the Region, an Ash-throated Flycatcher was at Ft. Morgan, Baldwin 19 Oct (RRS, m.ob.). Encouraging were sightings of 5 Bell’s Vireos in three states (all p.a.): Cameron 31 Aug (RCD), Iberia 13 Oct (ph. MM), Ver- milion 15 Oct (vt., DaP, PC), Lafayette 19 Sep (GK, SK), and Ft. Morgan 16 Oct (b., ph. RRS, MBS). Few migrating Blue Jays and low numbers of American Crows were noted in Sebastian , AR (BB, TB). Blue jays were also in very low numbers along the Alabama and nw. Florida coasts (RAD, LRD). A Fish Crow 12 Aug in Lauderdale was indicative of increasing frequency in the Tennessee Valley (DJS). An estimated 20,000 Purple Martins at a roost in Sebast- ian 19 Aug must have been impressive (BB, TB), but 200,000 estimated at Wheeler 4 Aug was mind-boggling and the maximum ever for Alabama (WJR, KH). A Northern Rough-winged Swallow in Prairie 16 Nov was very late (KN, LN). Accidental in Louisiana, a Rock Wren in DeSoto 18 Oct was a great find (p.a., ph. HH, PH, PD, Jl). Only one Bewick’s Wren was reported, an individual in Washington 27 Sep (MMl). Very early were Ruby-crowned Kinglets in Cameron 5 Sep (RCD, PC) and Sebastian 16 Sep (BB). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was very late 24 Nov in Carroll , AR (MMl, JN). A singing Hermit Thrush in Jefferson , AL 26 Sep was early (RRS). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Few reports of early arriving and late de- parting warblers (only six and nine, respec- tively) were received. This was due, no doubt, in part to the inaccessibility of storm-ravaged migrant traps and birding haunts, as well as the necessary absence of birders who became evacuees. The only Golden-winged Warbler reports came from Mississippi, where 6 were observed 10 Sep-4 Oct (TS et al.). Eight Nashville War- blers 15-20 Oct at Ft. Morgan made a good number (RRS, MBS). Six in Washington 15 Sep (MMl) and another 18 Sep (JN, MMl) in Benton were early. A count of 45-50 Black-throated Green Warblers in Craig- head, AR 12 Oct was high. Eight Black- burnian Warblers were tallied in Arkansas 8 Sep-12 Oct (MMl, DiB). Only one of the declining Cerulean Warbler was reported, an individual 27 Aug in Benton (MMl, JN). Rare in the Region, 5 Mourning Warblers were reported 1 Sep-8 Oct. The Sargents banded 63 Common Yellowthroats at Ft. Morgan 26 Nov (RRS, MBS). Wilson’s War- blers appeared in Alabama (2), Arkansas (10), and Mississippi (one). A very late Summer Tanager was in Washington 16 Nov (MP, BC, SC). A Spotted Towhee was a rare find 27 Nov in Craighead (NL, CLa). One to 2 Clay-colored Sparrows were in Washington 14-29 Sep (MMl, JN), with another in Benton 15 Oct (KN, LN) and yet another in Madison 20 Oct ON). An increasing local breeder in Alabama, a count of 21 Lark Sparrows in Colbert 12-13 Aug was an excellent number (DJS, SWM). Very rare in fall, 11, including 2 juvs., were in Washington 28 Aug-14 Sep (JN, MMl). A Savannah Sparrow 3 Sep in Montgomery , AL was very early (CTS, PS). A count of 38 Le Conte’s Sparrows 26 Nov in Caddo was high and indicated considerable observer effort 0k CL). A White-throated Sparrow in Sebastian 10 Sep was quite early (BB, TB). Seven Harris’s Sparrows were seen 7 Nov in Benton , where uncommon ON). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak 18 Sep in Ben- ton was early ON, MMl). Occasional in Al- abama, a Black-headed Grosbeak was found at Dauphin I. 29 Oct (HEH, CH). Over 327 Indigo Buntings were counted during a day-long Big Sit competition in East Baton Rouge 9 Oct 0B, DB, PB, JSa). Over 5 Painted Buntings, including several juvs., were seen 6-28 Aug in Prairie ON). An all-time high fall count of about 100 Dickcissels occurred on 18 Sep in East Ba- ton Rouge (DL, CB). A Bobolink was very late 6 Nov in Craighead (DiB). Red Cross- bills continued to be found at their breed- ing site in Talladega N.F, AL, where 2 were seen 24 Nov (ECS). Cited observers (subregional editors in boldface): Jeff Baxter, Dick Baxter (DiB), Bill Beall, Toka Beall, Phred Benharn, Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm, Trish Berk, Devin Bosler, Justin Bosler, Curt Burney, Bob Caulk, Sara Caulk, Paul Conover, Dwight C. Cooley, Neill Cowles, Ken Dayer, Harry Dean, Sarah DeViney, Paul Dickson, Danny Dobbs, Robert C. Dobbs, Lucy R. Duncan, Robert A. Duncan, Jeff T. Garner, Evelyn Good, Glenn Good, Tom M. Haggerty, D. Harrington, Milton J. Harris, Hubert Her- vey, Patricia Hervey, Chaz Hesselein, Howard E. Horne, Keith Hudson, Jay Huner, Jim Ingold, Debi G. Jackson, Greg D. Jackson (Alabama), Erik Johnson, Hilda Jones, Joanne &Joe P Kleiman (Louisiana), Gene Knight, Shannon Knight, Geneva Lackey, Louis Lackey, Dan Lane, Ed Laster, Norman Lavers, Cheryl Lavers (CLa), Char- lie Lyon, Sam Maniscalco, Beth Maniscalco (BMa), Bill McAlister, Bill McCollum, Steve W. McConnell, Charles Mills, Mike Mlodi- now (MMl), Ryan Mollnow, Michael Musumeche, Joe Neal, Kenny Nichols, LaDonna Nichols, Max & Helen Parker (Arkansas), Dianne Patterson, Wayne Pat- terson, Dave Patton (DaP), Sissy Pike, Tim Pike, David Plumb (DPI), Tommy R. Pratt, Courtney Quinn, John Quinn, Van Remsen, Linda B. Reynolds, Dave Richardson, Au- gusta Robinson, William J. Rogers, Paul Sanders (PSa), Martha B. Sargent, Robert R. Sargent, Jacob Saucier, Dan Scheiman, Mar- ion Schiefer, Terence Schiefer (Mississippi), Jerry Schultz, Damian J. Simbeck, Lynne Slater, Kimberly Smith, C. T. Snow, Phil Snow, Eric C. Soehren, Bob Stallsmith (BSt), Teri Stallsmith (TSt), Jack Stewart (JSt), Bill Summerour, Jean Trahan (JeT), Jeff Trahan, Kyle VanWhy, Bill Vermillian, Ken Ward, Lorna West, Beth H. Willis, Lyndel Willis (LyW), Jeff R. Wilson, Jonathan Windley (JWi), Joe Woolbright, Lyndal York. O Robert A. Duncan, Lucy R. Duncan, 614 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561, (town_point@bellsouth.net) 88 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Northern Canada Beaufort Sea Cameron D. Eckert Boreal and Arctic birds of many species are in decline throughout the Region, and researchers are searching for ways to monitor populations in the North. The Yukon is fortunate to have a relatively long-running banding station at Albert Creek on the Liard River: this is the heartland for boreal songbirds in the Territory, and Albert Creek offers an ideal opportunity to understand migration for a wide variety of species. In Whitehorse, biologists have begun to monitor the annual fall staging of Rusty Blackbirds, with small numbers being color-banded. Additionally, species such as Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, and Rusty Blackbird are now being recorded on long-term waterfowl surveys. Shorebird breed- ing surveys are being expanded across the bo- real, taiga, and Arctic in Northwest Territories and the Yukon. In Nunavut, ongoing popula- tion studies have focused on seabirds, includ- ing recent surveys of Ivory Gull breeding colonies on Ellesmere Island. Our special essay here reports on continuing increases in Trum- peter Swan populations. It is our greatest hope that we can one day make such positive reports for the many other boreal and Arctic species that are currently in decline. Weather throughout the Region was fairly typical, with freeze-up on smaller lakes by mid-October and on larger lakes and rivers by the end of November. In Northwest Territo- ries, temperatures during the fall period were close to seasonal norms, but precipitation was above average, especially in September, keep- ing water levels high in the region’s rivers. Abbreviations: Albert Cr. (Albert Creek banding station, se. Yukon), N.N.P.R. (Na- hanni National Park Reserve). WATERFOWL THROUGH SHOREBIRDS Upwards of 1000 Canada Geese were staging at Shallow Bay, s. Yukon in early Sep (MB, PB); among them was a leucis- tic Canada Goose, sporting a white head, pinkish bill, orange legs, but normal body — reminiscent of a w'-w-j “Blue Goose.” The American White Pelican colony at Slave R., NWT, which had a high number of nests (568) this spring, experienced low chick survival, with only 153 live chicks recorded during Aug surveys (JM, JVP, DJ). The total numbers of ducks banded at Willow L., near Tulita, NWT was down this sum- mer, but the high proportion of hatch-year birds suggests good local production (RP). Southward migration of ducks along the Mackenzie R. at Ft. Simpson, NWT was in full swing on the morning of 21 Sep, with several Hocks totaling over 350 birds in 30 minutes of observation (DT). An estimated 4000 ducks, including upwards of 2800 American Wigeons, were recorded at the Whitehorse, Yukon sewage lagoons 11 Aug (HG); Gadwall numbers peaked there 9 Sep at an estimated 200 (HG). Both Spruce Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse appeared to have low productivity in the Norman Wells/Tulita, NWT area this year (RP). Willow Ptarmigan were relatively com- mon around Norman Wells, NWT by the 2nd week of Nov (RP) but were still not reported at Ft. Simpson, NWT by the end of the month. The only Yellow-billed Loon report of the sea- son was one at the s. end of L. Laberge, s. Yukon 2 Oct (BD, HG).The Yukon’s first fall record for Eared Grebe was a hatch-year bird in Whitehorse 26 Oct (HG, ph. CE). A spontaneous hawkwatch at Ft. Simpson, NWT on the afternoon of 15 Oct recorded 2 eagles, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, and 15 Rough- legged Hawks in 1.5 hours (DT, LM, SCam, SOK); thick, low overcast and rain caused the raptors to travel at relatively low levels as they headed southward along the Mackenzie R. Two observations of Broad-winged Hawk near Ft. Simpson, NWT were reported from the summer but without specific dates: one along the Enbridge pipeline just n. of the Macken- zie R. crossing (PE) and another from the Mackenzie Hwy. several km n. of town (MC). The annual fall build-up of American Coots at the Whitehorse, Yukon sewage lagoons peaked at 261 on 9 Sep (HG). Whooping Cranes had a successful breeding year in Wood Buffalo N.P, NWT; 58 recorded nests resulted in 62 chicks surviving until the Aug census (SM). A juv. Baird’s Sandpiper, clearly not up to the trek south, lingered at the Whitehorse, Yukon sewage lagoons until freeze-up 17-26 Oct (BD, CE, HG) to provide a record-late date. A count of 124 Red-necked Phalaropes was made at the Whitehorse, Yukon sewage lagoons 28 Aug (HG). GULLS THROUGH FINCHES An ad. California Gull, rare but regular in fall, was at Whitehorse, Yukon 3 Aug (ph. CE). An estimated 800 Glaucous Gulls hang- ing around Frobisher Bay, Nunavut in late Nov was an unusually large and late gather- ing (MM). Two Caspian Terns flying north- ward past Ft. Simpson, NWT 20 Aug was unusual (SCat, DT). High numbers of Red- backed Voles in the Sahtu region, NWT were likely responsible for an increased number of owl sightings, including a Great Horned Owl 12 Nov at Prohibition Cr. (RP), 2 Snowy Owls 2 Nov at a burn near Little Bear R. (RP), and a Northern Hawk Owl at the Vermillion Cr. burn (RP). Despite the Yukon's position in the far north, very few Snowy Owls are seen anywhere in the Territory apart from Herschel L, so singles seen at Whitehorse 3 Nov (RR) and at Shallow Bay near White- horse 30 Nov (MB, PB) were noteworthy. An influx of Northern Hawk Owls was observed in s. Yukon in Oct-Nov, with at least 3 at Whitehorse (CE; HG; WN; PS); reports from Haines Jet. included 2 on 27 Oct (JB) and 5 between Kluane L. and Haines Junction 29 Oct (LF). A check of the Long-eared Owl Jim Hawkings of the Canadian Wildlife Service (Whitehorse) conducts the Yukon Trumpeter Swan survey as part of the 3 Ft larger North American Trumpeter Swan survey, which is conducted every five years. This year was the 5th time the survey has been run, marking the 20th year of the program. The survey counts swans on a sample of 1 :50,000 topographic maps throughout the cen. and s. Yukon and nw. British Columbia and produces an estimate of the total population. This year, 68 maps were surveyed over 1 1 days in mid-Aug. The estimated population in the Territory is now 2693 swans, 1015 in the Pacific Coast Population, which winters on the Pacific Coast from southeastern Alaska to Oregon, and 1677 in the Rocky Mountain Population, which winters in the Tri-state (Idaho, Wyoming, Montana) area of the United States. These figures rep- resent continued increases from the 2000 survey, as Trumpeters further expand their range in Yukon. Whitehorse appears to be more or less on the line dividing the two populations. Concentrations of nesting swans can now be found in many parts of the Territory, for example, Scottie Cr., Pickhandle Lakes, Nordenskiold R., lower Nisutlin R., and Tuchitua R. In Northwest Territories, the survey showed numbers in that part of the range (Rocky Mountain Population) to be stable or somewhat up, at about 400+ birds; however, relatively low production of cygnets was noted this year (PL, DM, SH). VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 89 NORTHERN CANADA nest site at Sulphur L., sw. Yukon 21 Sep turned up 2 owls still in the area (AB, ph. CE); unfortunately, a pile of feathers found there 22 Sep indicated that one of them had been nailed by a Northern Goshawk (AB). Observers at Shallow Bay, s. Yukon recorded 6 Short-eared Owls through the fall, with a high one -day count of 3 (MB, PB); singles were seen at the s. end of L. Laberge 2 & 16 Nov (BD, HG). Late-departing Common Night- hawks in the Ft. Simpson, NWT vicinity included singles at Four- Mile 1 Sep (DT, SCat) and in town 12 Sep (DT). At the very limit of the species’ range, a high count of 4 Pileated Woodpeckers was made at Albert Cr. 22 Aug; 2 were banded there 7 Sep (TMK). Two Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were netted at Albert Cr. this season, one on 7 Aug and a hatch-year bird 15 Aug (TMK). Although Eastern Kingbird is seldom seen in summer in Ft. Simpson, NWT, there is an annual southbound passage in late summer; this year, a peak of 25 birds was seen 18 Aug (DT). A lone Say’s Phoebe was noted 18-19 Aug in Ft. Simpson, NWT (DT). The Northwest Territories’ northernmost Black-billed Magpie survived another summer in Norman Wells, returning to local bird feeders again this fall (RP). Two leucistic Common Ravens in Tulita, NWT were described as having “scarves” of white feathers on their necks and chests (JS). Three Barn Swal- lows at Ft. Simpson, NWT 21 Sep represented late departures (DT). Banders at Albert Cr. this season enjoyed the windfall generated by the “chickadee effect” — whereby a few highly vocal Black-capped Chickadees would lead an incredi- ble entourage of vireos, kinglets, and warblers through the woods and occasionally into the nets (TMK). A tardy Swainson’s Thrush was noted at Whitehorse, Yukon 21 Oct (HG). The Yukon’s first Northern Mockingbird was seen briefly bounding through a yard at Whitehorse 13 Nov (AP, GP) but then eluded observers (and a photo- graph) until it was seen again in winter. A flock of 7 European Starlings frequented the compost pile at the Whitehorse, Yukon dump through Sep (CE; HG; PS); at least 10 were noted among blackbird flocks in Ft. Simpson, NWT 21 Sep (DT). Once again, the banding station at Albert Cr. provided a unique win- dow on songbird migration in se. Yukon; banding totals for the fall season’s warbler mi- gration (24 Jul-23 Sep) included 30 Ten- nessee Warblers, 122 Orange-crowned, 149 Yellow, 19 Magnolia, 2 Cape May, 185 Yellow- rumped, 3 Townsend’s (16 Aug), 30 Black- poll, a hatch-year Black-and-white (4 Aug), 54 American Redstarts, 157 Northern Wa- terthrushes, 199 Common Yellowthroats, and 105 Wilson’s (TMK). Albert Creek’s fall sea- son banding totals for 2005 compared to 2004 (corrected for total net-hours) were dramati- cally lower for Orange-crowned and Wilson’s Warblers, lower for Alder Flycatcher and Yel- low Warbler, and slightly up for Yellow- rumped Warbler (TMK). Migrant American Tree Sparrows and Dark- eyed Juncos were abundant along the Mackenzie R. trail at Ft. Simpson, NWT 21 Sep, with a combined total of over 100 birds seen in a 10-minute walk (DT). A remarkable but troubling sight on 8-9 Oct, following a fall snowstorm, was thousands of passerines (jun- cos, sparrows, and redpolls) circling the Esso flare-stack in Norman Wells, NWT at night (DW). Song Sparrow is rare in the Yukon, with very few fall sightings; 3 seen this year all ap- peared to be quite dark, possibly the coastal subspecies; they included one banded at Al- bert Cr. 16 Aug (ph. TMK), one at a Porter Creek, Whitehorse feeder 3-6 Sep (ph. CE, PS), and another at Whitehorse 1 Nov through the sea- son (ph. HG, ph. CE). Two Le Conte’s Sparrows were observed counter-singing at Ft. Simpson, NWT in early summer (MC, PE). Rare for Whitehorse, Yukon was a White-throated Sparrow 13 Oct (HG). In Northwest Territories, late Dark-eyed Juncos included 4 at a Norman Wells feeder 20 Nov (RP) and one at Ft. Simpson 21 Nov (DT). The annual fall staging of Rusty Blackbirds at the White- horse, Yukon landfill offers an op- portunity to monitor this declining boreal species: This year, a flock of up to 200-300 was recorded there in late Aug-early Sep, with small numbers captured and color-banded (PS, CE, WN). If observers in other regions see color-banded Rusty Blackbirds, we would appreciate hear- ing about it. On 31 Aug, a female Brewer’s Blackbird, rare in the Yukon, was spotted among the Rusties at the Whitehorse landfill (ph. PS). An es- timated 150 blackbirds, primarily Rusty Blackbirds, were noted at Ft. Simpson, NWT 21 Sep (DT). The Yukon’s 4th Common Grackle spent much of Sep and early Oct at Teslin (BC, ph. DC). Contributors (subregional editor in boldface): Julie Bauer, Mary Beattie, Pete Beattie, Adi Boon, Scott Cameron (SCam), Steve Catto (SCat), Bonar Cooley, Dorothy Cooley, Mark Conboy, Boris Dobrowolsky, Cameron Eck- ert, Philina English, Lloyd Freese, Helmut Grunberg, Sharon Hayes, Deb Johnson, Paul Latour, Stuart MacMillan, Mark Mallory, John McKinnon, Lisa Moore, Donna Mulders, Ted Murphy-Kelly, Wendy Nixon, Suzanne Ogilvie-King, Adam Perrier, Gerry Perrier, Richard Popko, Robyn Rufi- ange, Pam Sinclair, Jody Snortland, Douglas Tate (Northwest Territories), Jacques Van Pelt, Dave Wilderspin. O Cameron D. Eckert, 1402 Elm Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1 A 4B6, (cdeckert@northwestel.net) California Gulls are known to wander northward along the coast of southeastern Alaska each fall, and one or two are seen every fall at Whitehorse, Yukon as well. This adult was photographed there 3 August 2005. Photograph by Cameron D. Eckert. This male Common Grackle, the Yukon's fourth, spent much of September and early (here 8) October 2005 in a Teslin yard. Photograph by Dorothy Cooley. 90 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koes • Peter Taylor After an extremely wet summer, partic- ularly in the southeast, dry and warm conditions prevailed over much of the Region until mid-November. The excep- tion was central Manitoba, which experi- enced a return to heavy rains and attendant flooding in mid-September. Although the mountains of Alberta remained mild until the very end of November, the rest of the Region entered winter at mid-month, with very cold temperatures, and up to a meter of snow in southwestern Manitoba. Poor berry and cone crops, likely due to the wet growing season, resulted in a near-absence of winter finches. Large waders were prominent, especially in Manitoba, while best shorebird numbers came from Alberta. A Wood Stork, two alcids, an accommodating Anna’s Hummingbird, and numerous lingering warblers provided some of the other highlights. Abbreviations: Last Mountain (Last Moun- tain L. and Wildlife Refuge, SK); Whitewater (Whitewater Lake W.M.A., Manitoba). GEESE THROUGH CORMORANT Brant are very rarely observed by birders in s. Manitoba; most reports come from hunters. This fall, 3 were reported shot near Whitewa- ter around 11 Nov; they were associating with Cackling Geese in a stubble field (fide CC, JC). A Cackling Goose at Winnipeg, MB 24 Nov remained into Dec, providing the first winter report for the province (PF et ah). Aer- ial surveys in Manitoba revealed 30 Trum- peter Swans, including 10 cygnets, at Riding Mountain N.F, and about 70 birds at Duck Mountain RP. and other cen. and w. regions 1 Sep (TS), whereas surveys in the southeast 30 Aug did not reveal any birds (RBz, GBa). More difficult to detect in fall than spring, a male Eurasian Wigeon was at High River, AB 10 Oct (RB), and a male Cinnamon Teal was at Swan Lake, MB 18 Sep (IM). Much rarer was Alberta’s 3rd Common Eider at Pine Coulee Res., AB 20 Nov (D&TD). Also of note were 22 Surf Scoters at Tressle Bay, SK 29 Sep (BL) and 5 Black Scoters at Last Mountain 27 Oct (BL). Bufflehead peaked at 2500 at Pine Coulee Res. 4 Nov (TK). Single male Barrow’s Goldeneyes were noted at Last Mountain 18-31 Oct, at Buffalo Pound, SK 30 Oct, and at Pasqua L., SK 21 Nov (all BL). Willow Ptarmigan were abundant in the Churchill, MB area mid- to late Oct, possibly related to rabies-decimated fox populations (RKn), whereas the extremely wet summer probably accounted for low Sharp-tailed Grouse numbers in sw. Manitoba (CC). Lone Red-throated Loons at Natalie L. 1 Nov (GB, JW) and Lac du Bonnet 30 Nov-1 Dec (ph. PT) were rarities for s. Manitoba, the latter providing the province’s latest date ever. Also notable were a Pacific Loon at Last Mountain 29 Sep (BL) and 6 Pacific and 91 Common Loons migrating at Glenmore Res., AB 20 Oct QR. RW). A Double-crested Cor- morant was a rarity at Churchill 28 Oct and a late one at that (ME et al.). HAWKS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Taking advantage of the same approaching cold front as the loons, 108 Rough-legged Hawks migrated past Glenmore Res. 20 Oct (JR, RW). The fall Golden Eagle count at Mt. Lorette, AB was 3949, slightly above the 1993-2004 average, and included a good number of juvs. (PS et al.). A large slough near Grosse Isle, MB attracted 15+ Soras 3 Aug (KG), and 7000 American Coots massed at Clear L., AB 2 Oct (TK). A Sandhill Crane at Delta, MB 11 Nov was late (LdM et al.), and 3 Whooping Cranes at the outskirts of Saska- toon, SK drew attention 11 Nov (M&SL). Shorebird highlights included up to 4 Black-necked Stilts at Bradwell Res., SK (BW, m.ob.) 15 Aug, 9 late American Avocets at Oak Hammock Marsh, MB 23 Oct (CA, LV), 350 Marbled Godwits at Clear L. 13 Aug (TK), 12+ Red Knots near N. Shoal L., MB 27 Oct (KG), and 1000 Semipalmated Sand- pipers at Strathmore, AB 12 Aug (TK). A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, briefly present at Oak Hammock Marsh 30 Aug, provided only the 2nd report for Manitoba (RS, MH), whereas in Alberta one at Strathmore 9 Aug (AB, RL) and 3 at Langdon Res. 30 Sep-1 Oct QR, MWe, RW) were more expected. Note- worthy high counts were provided by 40 Pur- ple Sandpipers at Halfway Pt., near Churchill, 22 Oct (RKn), 800 Stilt Sandpipers at Irri- The Everglades came northward this year: egret numbers in Manitoba were unprecedented! Great Egrets are known to have only one long-standing colony in the province, at Dog L., but repeated sightings of up to 10 near Woodlands (R&IP, JT et al.) suggested breeding this year at the rain-swollen Shoal Lakes. At least 9 frequented Whitewater, up to 18 were seen near Brandon, and there were numerous records of 1 -5 birds from the Souris R. in the sw. to Lac du Bonnet in the e., mostly in Aug and Sep, with a straggler at Winnipeg 1 3 Oct (L&RJ). Four Saskatchewan reports included 3 at Wadena 28 Aug (KK), while the last of 4 young fledged from a St. Albert, AB nest 17 Sep (fide SG). Snowy Egret, historically an occasional visitor to the Region, was represented by at least 8 birds in Manitoba, including 4 at Whitewater 1 1 Sep (LV, CA), plus one at Laura, SK 1 3 Oct (GW) and a possible individual at Last Mountain L. 5 Sep (SW). Cattle Egret numbers kept growing from several recent high years, with unprecedented counts of 315 in the Maple Lake and Oak Lake area, MB 26 Aug (RK, PT), where nesting was finally confirmed (RBz et al.), and 292 at Whitewater 7 Sep (R&TW), where breeding is strongly suspected. Smaller numbers occurred e. to Oak Hammock Marsh, and it is realistic to think there were 1000+ Cattle Egrets in Manitoba this season. Far- ther w., several nests were found this summer at Stalwart Marsh, SK (DS). The normally common Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and American Bittern were also especially conspic- uous where receding summer floodwater provided excellent fishing and frogging in farmland and along drainage ditches. Few other s. herons were reported, but up to 2 ad. and 2 imm. Little Blue Herons frequented a pasture near Oak L. mid- Aug-3 Sep (DH, m.ob.), and a Green Heron visited Winnipeg 1 3 Aug (GG, JG, m.ob., ph. MWa). Plegadis ibises also made news at Whitewater, as they have for several years now and where they bred this summer. A peak of 17+ White-faced Ibis was re- ported there 14 Sep (RP, m.ob.), with stragglers into Nov ( fide JC), while up to 2 Glossy Ibis were closely studied by many ob- servers 3-14 Sep (GG, RP et al.). Thirty-five White-faced Ibis constituted an excellent count at Frank L., AB 5 Sep (RC). Best of all was a juv. Wood Stork at St. Ambroise 5 Aug (NR, ph.), a first not only for Manitoba but for the whole of the Region. These 48 Cattle Egrets were photographed 19 September 2005 near Boissevain, Manitoba. Unlike in many parts of the Ameri- can East, where Cattle Egret numbers are declining, counts of the species have increased notably in recent years in Manitoba. Photograph by Blake Maybank. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 91 PRAIRIE PROVINCES This juvenile Wood Stork was photographed at St. Am- brose, Manitoba on 5 August 2005. A first for the Prairie Provinces region, it was unfortunately not reported until several months later. Photograph by Norbert Riezing. cana, AB 12 Aug (TK), 15,000 dowitchers at Reed L. SK 17 Sep (TK), 5000 Long-billed Dowitchers at Langdon Res. 30 Sep (RW), and 100+ Wilsons Snipe at a weedy, partially flooded field near Boissevain, MB 14 Sep (CC). Only 3 Parasitic Jaegers were reported in Alberta 17-25 Sep (TH, 1H, TK), and none were reported elsewhere inland. Although gull migration was generally described as poor in the south, there were several notable reports: Last Mountain attracted 25,000 Franklin’s Gulls 9 Aug (GK); a Little Gull vis- ited Tyrrell L., AB 9 Oct (D&TD); eight re- ports of Mew Gulls at Calgary 3 Sep-16 Nov involved 11 birds (RWo, MM, m.ob.); a sec- ond-year Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Girnli, MB 16 Sep (TK); and a Glaucous- winged Gull was seen at Lac La Biche, AB 13 Oct (RKl). Two Sabines Gulls graced Red- berry L., SK (SS, BW), while five reports came in from Calgary 4 Sep-26 Oct (m.ob.), and a One of two extremely rare alcids in the Prairie Provinces re- gion in autumn 2005, this Black Guillemot at Regina Beach 26-29 (here 26) November 2005 provided the second record of the species for Saskatchewan. Photograph by Jared Clarke. juv. Black-legged Kittiwake strayed to Cold L., AB 1 Nov (RKl). Extremely rare were Saskatchewan’s 2nd Black Guillemot, a juv. at Regina Beach 26-29 Nov (GW, m.ob., ph.), and Alberta’s 2nd Long-billed Murrelet near Jasper N.P. 8 Aug (fide MB). Snowy Owl numbers were good across s. Manitoba and Saskatchewan and included a high percentage of juvs. (m.ob.). Northern Hawk Owls started to appear mid-Nov in s. Manitoba, as did a few Great Gray Owls (m.ob.). A cooperative imm. Anna’s Humming- bird remained at High River, AB 27 Oct- 18 Nov (SSI, m.ob., ph. TK et al.), and another was apparently photographed near Red Deer, AB 3 Oct (fide MM). A Yellow-bellied Sap- sucker at Shepard, AB 21 Oct was late (TK). PASSERINES Reports of a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 21 Aug (PB) and a Western Scrub-Jay 1 Oct (RR), both at Calgary, were not confirmed. Mani- toba’s 5th report of Violet-green Swallow came from Pinawa 14 Aug (ph. PT). Boreal Chickadees staged a minor movement out of the boreal forest: one was banded at Delta in late Sep (HdH), one was at Winnipeg 3 Nov (DD, 1W), probably the same bird was nearby 10 Nov (RP), and four Saskatchewan reports 1 Oct-26 Nov came from Regina Beach, the Indian Head area, and Melville (m.ob.). A Carolina Wren at Delta, first seen about 24 Aug and banded 27 Aug, remained into Dec, but it proved elusive and was seen only by a lucky few (HdH, m.ob.). An above-average 4 Townsend’s Solitaires were noted in Manitoba 2 Oct-20 Nov (m.ob.). A Gray Catbird was photographed in the snow s. of Churchill 8 Nov (DR); similarly late was another at Mt. Lorette 12 Nov (CH, KB). An American Pipit was tardy at Oak L. 1 1 Nov (CC, MR, MY). An Orange-crowned Warbler at a Lorette suet feeder from 11 Nov into winter was record-late for Manitoba (MW, ph.). Three Chestnut-sided Warbler reports from Calgary were more than normal (D&LF, m.ob.). More late warblers were a Cape May at Winnipeg 14-15 Nov (EL, ph.) and at least 20 individ- ual Cape Mays in Alberta between late Oct and early Dec; none appeared to survive be- yond mid-Dec. Also late at Winnipeg were a Black-throated Blue Warbler 18 Nov (JC, ^Manitoba Museum) and an American Red- start 21 Oct (CA). A probable Black-throated Blue Warbler was at Winnipeg 13 Sep (TK). Rarest was a Yellow-throated Warbler at Saskatoon 19-22 Aug, only the 3rd or 4th for Saskatchewan (BW, m.ob.). An imm. Golden- crowned Sparrow visited Calgary 1-2 Oct (GY, m.ob.). Brown-headed Cowbird and House Sparrow in late Jul-early Aug were both firsts for Seal River in n. Manitoba (DFa). Observers (provincial compilers in boldface): C. Artuso, G. Ball (GBa), R. Barclay, K. Barker, R. Bazin (RBz), A. Borgardt, M. Bradley, G. Budyk, P. Bush, J. Christie, R. Clarke, C. Cuthbert, D. Danyluk, L. de March, H. den Haan, D. & T. Dolman, M. Elliott, D. Fast (DFa), P Fast, D. & L. Flynn, K. Gardner, S. Gosche, G. Grieef, J. Grieef, I. Halladay, C. Hansen, M. Harrison, D. Hatch, T. Hincl- march, F. & R. Jansson, R. Klauke (RKl), R. Knapton (RKn), R. Koes, T. Korolyk, K. Kozij, G. Kratzig, E. Lavender, R. Lein, M. & S. Lewis, B. Luterbach, I. McLaren, M. Mulligan, R. Parsons, R. & I. Porteous, D. Raitt, M. Reid, J. Riddell, N. Riezing, R. Rouchle, T. Sal- lows^. Sawatzky, S. Shadick, R Sherrington, S. Slade (SSI), R. Storms, P. Taylor, J. Townsend, L. Veelma, M. Waldron (MWa), G. Wapple, I. Ward, J. Weier, S. Weir, R. & T. Will, M. Wershler (MWe), R. Wershler, B. Wilson, M. Wojnowski, R. Worona (RWo), G. Yaki, M. Yorke. © Rudolf F. Koes, 135 Rossmere Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K 0G1, (rkoes@mts.net); Peter Taylor, P.O.Box 597, Pinawa, Manitoba ROE 1 LO, (taylorp@granite.mb.ca) With only a handful of previous records of the species in Alberta, this immature Anna's Hummingbird, present at High River from late October through 18 (here 11) November 2005, was visited and documented by many birders. Photograph by Terry Korolyk. 92 NORTH AMERICAN BIROS Northern Great Plains Ron Martin The season was marginally drier and warmer than average. A record snow- storm hit the northwestern half of North Dakota and much of northern Montana on 5 October. Thirty-eight cm of snow was common in many areas, but melting occurred quickly. Overall, migration was uninspiring, as migrant numbers were unimpressive, espe- cially warblers. Exceptions were the scoter migration, lingering shorebirds, migrating hummingbirds, and late warblers. There was a good early movement of Rough-legged Hawks. As has been the pattern in recent years, gulls made a strong showing, with 13 species recorded in the Region. WATERFOWL THROUGH HERONS Late duck nesting was widespread in North Dakota, with new broods seen into early Sep. A Harlequin Duck 14 Oct in Brown , SD would, if accepted, provide the 3rd record for the state (p.a., MAO). In North Dakota, a Harlequin Duck photographed in Grand Forks 4 Oct furnished about the 17th report for the state (p.a., EEF). An unusually strong scoter migration was noted in North Dakota. An early Surf Scoter was in Kidder 17 Sep (HCT), and a new high count was tallied 7 Oct in Grand Forks , when 21 were noted (EEF). Eight North Dakota White-winged Scoter reports spanned 6 Oct-14 Nov. Two re- ports were received from South Dakota, with a peak of 5 in Stanley 22 Oct (DB). The spec- tacular Black Scoter migration in North Dakota spanned 23 Oct-27 Nov, with eight reports. Tying the high count for the state, 5 were at Upper Souris N.W.R. 6 Nov (REM). A single at L. Audubon 27 Nov provided the 2nd latest record for the state (REM). A new high count for North Dakota, 2825 Buffle- heads were on Devils L. 12 Nov (REM). Fur- nishing the 17th report for North Dakota, a male Barrows Goldeneye was in Sheridan 18 Nov (p.a., CDE). Only three Red-breasted Merganser reports were received, all from Nov. The number of gallinaceous birds re- mained strong, with the exception of Gray Partridge, which continues to struggle in many areas. The 9th report for North Dakota, a Pacific Loon was at Upper Souris N.W.R. 6 Nov (p.a., REM, SDL, JPL, CDE). In the best movement of the species re- ported in recent years, 29 American Bitterns were at McKenzie Slough, Burleigh , ND 29 Sep (HCT). Rare but regular in Montana, a Great Egret was at Medicine Lake N.W.R. 14 Sep (SC). A new high count for North Dakota, 40 Snowy Egrets were in Kidder 25 Sep (HCT). Two Little Blue Herons were in Ramsey, ND 25 Sep (REM). HAWKS THROUGH TERNS A Ferruginous Hawk was late 15 Nov in Sioux, ND (DNS). A Semipalmated Plover was late 29 Oct at Kelly’s Slough N.W.R., ND (EEF), as was a Solitary Sandpiper 15 Oct in Grand Forks, ND (GL). The latest ever for North Dakota and the first for Nov, a Marbled A very rare migrant in North Dakota, this Western Sandpiper in Dickinson 26 August was one of three reported in the southwestern corner of the state in autumn 2005. Photograph by Jack Lefor. Godwit was at Devils L. 7 Nov (EEF). A very rare migrant in North Dakota, 3 Western Sandpipers were photographed 26 Aug-4 Sep in the sw. corner of the state (p.a., JPL). The 2nd latest reported for North Dakota, and a rare fall migrant, 2 juv. White-rumped Sand- pipers were at McKenzie Slough 30 Oct (DNS). Casual in w. South Dakota, a Ruddy Turnstone was in Meade 18 Aug (JLB). A rare migrant in Montana, 2 Ruddy Turnstones were at Medicine Lake N.W.R. 11 Aug (SC). Providing the latest record for North Dakota, 2 Stilt Sandpipers were at McKenzie Slough 1 Nov (HCT). A notable peak of 70 Buff- breasted Sandpipers was near the Fargo La- goons, ND 7 Aug (KRC, DWR), and a late individual was in McHenry, ND 23 Oct (REM). The 16th and 17th reports for North Dakota, Red Phalaropes were noted 10 Oct in Grand Forks (p.a, EEF) and 20 Oct in Richland (p.a., MO). The 6th report for South Dakota, a Laughing Gull was in Stanley 15 Aug (p.a., RDO). The 8th re- port for South Dakota, 2 Little Gulls were in Lyman 17-25 Sep (p.a., RDO). In North Dakota, Little Gulls were at Devils Lake 25 Sep (p.a., REM) and 24 Oct (p.a., EEF). Two Mew Gulls were reported from South Dakota, and a new high count of 3 was noted at Garrison Dam, ND 29 Oct (p.a., DNS, PRS). An individual showing the characteristics of a Glaucous Gull x Herring Gull hybrid or backcross was at Garrison Dam, ND 19-28 Nov (REM, DNS, PHS). No fewer than 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported for North Dakota 22 Aug-27 Nov. A Lesser Black-backed was also in Kingsbury, SD 1 Oct (p.a., DS). A Glaucous Gull 10-15 Nov at Minot, ND provided a first record for Ward (REM). Seven Sabine’s Gulls were re- ported from the Dakotas, including the latest ever North Dakota record 6 Nov at Upper Souris N.W.R. (REM). Casual away from the Missouri R., a Black-legged Kittiwake 23 Nov provided a first record for Richland, ND (p.a., MO). Accidental in Montana, an Arctic Tern was at Ft. Peck 5-7 Oct (p.a., CC). DOVES THROUGH PIPITS The 6th report for South Dakota, a White- winged Dove was in Huron 1 1 Jul-8 Aug (p.a., RSM). A pair of Eurasian Collared- Doves initiated their 3rd nesting of the year 15 Aug in Grand Forks, ND (DOL). All were on the same nest. A Selasphorus hummingbird photograph that appeared unexpectedly in the Bismarck Tribune 22 Sep provided the 4th Furnishing about the seventeenth report for North Dakota, this Harlequin Duck was in Grand Forks 4 October 2005. Photograph by Bob Freeberg. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 93 NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS Up to eight Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported in North Dakota in autumn 2005, including this leucistic bird at the Bismarck Landfill 29 October. Photograph by Dave Lambeth. report for North Dakota. The bird was identi- fied in the caption as a Ruby-throated Hum- mingbird (p.a., DNS). Phenomenal numbers of migrant hummers were reported from the Black Hills of South Dakota. In mid-Aug, hummingbirds were present at no fewer than 14 yards in Sturgis (RP). Most were Sclaspho- rus hummingbirds. The 10th and 11th reports for Sough Dakota, Calliope Hummingbirds were in Lawrence 6-7 Aug (p.a., DGP) and in Pennington 14 Aug (p.a., RDO). A first for South Dakota, a Costas Hummingbird was photographed near Nemo in Lawrence, SD 9-17 Sep (p.a., DGP, TJ, JSP). Numerous Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were also re- ported in the Black Hills. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was late near Westby, MT 23 Oct (TT). In South Dakota, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in Butte 9-12 Nov was well w. of normal range (JLB, VDF). A Common Raven on a sandbar in the Missouri R. s. of Bismarck, ND 4 Aug was unusual in time and place (HCT). Forty Northern Rough-winged Swallows at the Minot La- goons, ND 8 Aug furnished a new high count for the state (REM). A Barn Swallow 12 Nov in Steele, ND provided the latest record for the state (DLK). Carolina Wrens fledged young in Aug in Vermillion, SD, the first nesting record for the state (p.a., MW). Another Car- olina Wren was regular 11 Oct-30 Nov in Ab- erdeen, SD (DAT). A potential 2nd record for South Dakota, a Bewicks Wren was reported in Lawrence 29 Aug (p.a., DGP). All three states reported Varied Thrushes but only one individual per state. A Northern Mockingbird 9 Sep in Morton, ND was the 10th reported this year in the state (DLR). The first Nov record for the state, a Spragues Pipit was in Sioux, ND 15 Nov (DNS). WARBLERS THROUGH SISKINS The latest record for North Dakota, an Or- ange-crowned Warbler was in Grand Forks 1 9 Nov (DOL). Two other record-late warblers in North Dakota were a Bay-breasted 23 Oct in McHenry (REM) and a Connecticut in Fargo 24 Oct (KRC). Late warblers also made a strong showing in Montana. A Yellow Warbler was in Ft. Peck 10 Nov (CC). A rare migrant in e. Montana, Cape May Warbler was re- ported in Glasgow 29 Aug (DE, CC) and in Ft. Peck 11 Nov (JO- A Townsend’s Warbler in Ft. Peck 8 Oct was well e. of normal range (CC). The 8th record for Montana, a Pine Warbler was in Westby 22 Sep (TT, TN). Another rare migrant in Montana, single Bay- breasted Warblers were in Ft. Peck 13 Sep and 14 Oct (CC). A Canada Warbler was far w. in Great Falls, MT 4 Sep (AN). A Blackpoll Warbler banded in Pierre, SD 24 May was recaptured in West Virginia in mid-Sep (fide DB). A Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow 15 Oct in n. Valley, MT was late and w. of the species’ usual range (JC). The 13th record for Mon- tana, a Golden-crowned Sparrow was in Great Falls 21 Sep (GS). Dark-eyed Jun- cos peaked at 820 in Grand Forks, ND 13 Oct (EEF). A Dickcissel feeding young in Burleigh, ND 14 Aug provided a rare nesting record for the county (HCT, CDE). The 5th report for North Dakota and the first since 2000, a Great-tailed Grackle was at Long Lake N.W.R. 7 Sep (p.a., HCT). Only 2 Common Redpoll reports were received, and Pine Siskin num- bers were low. Contributors (state editors in boldface): MONTANA: Charles Carlson, John Carlson, Sean Cross, Donna Enebo, Alan Nelson, Ted Nordhagen, Gorham Swanberg, Terry Toppins. NORTH DAKOTA: Keith R. Corliss, Corey D. Ellingson, Eve E. Freeberg, Don L. Kubishta, Dave O. Lam- beth, Greg Lambeth, Jack P Lefor, Sherry D. Leslie, Ron E. Martin, Mark Otnes, Dean W. Riemer, Dan L. Rogers, Paulette R. Scherr, Dan N. Svingen, Peder H. Svingen, H. Clark Talkington. SOUTH DAKOTA: Doug Backlund, Joce- lyn L. Baker, Vic and Donna Fondy, Todd Jensen, Richard and Sarah Mittelstedt, Ricky D. Olson, Mark A. Otnes, Jeffrey S. Palmer, Randy Podoll, D. George Prisbe, Dave Swan- son, Dan A. Tallman, Mark Wetmore. © Ron Martin, 16900 125th Street SE, Sawyer, North Dakota 58781-9284, (jrmartin@ndak.net) 'is. ' "'".'a y ; - 1 ■ " * ■ ...^ : s Constituing the first nesting record of the species for South Dakota, Carolina Wrens in Vermillion fledged young in late (here 27 August) August 2005. Photograph by Mark Wetmore. 94 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Southern Great Plains W. Ross Silcock • Joseph A. Grzybowski The repeated words depicting this sea- son were “tardy” and “late,” followed by “northerly,” as more and more ob- servations seemed to extend what we expect as departure times and northerly limits for species across many taxa. Despite extensive rains in some areas, water levels were lower this season in ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, particularly in Oklahoma, and waterbird numbers were correspondingly low. Abbreviations: McConaughy (L. Mc- Conaughy, Keith , NE); Quivira (Quivira N.W.R., Stafford, KS); 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). WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANE The only report of Black-bellied Whistling- Duck was from Red Slough 28 Aug (DA), a regular location. Summer vagrant Greater White-fronted Geese were all in Nebraska, 4 birds through 17 Sep (fide WRS). Given the warm autumn, dabbling and diving ducks provided few headlines. The only Eurasian Wigeon reported was an ad. male at Quivira 29 Oct (TH), one of few Kansas records. Two Mottled Ducks at Quivira 5 Sep (DS, SP, GP, MM) support the continued isolated pattern of occurrence in cen. Kansas over the years. A Ring-necked Duck at Red Slough 25-26 Aug (DA) was unexpected; such records are rare even in Nebraska, where 2 of 3 birds summer- ing in Hamilton were still present 25 Aug (RE). Normally, few Greater Scaup are reported in the Region, making the 109 in Tulsa, OK 25 Nov (JWA) an impressive count. There were four reports of Surf Scoter 21 Oct-19 Nov, from all three states (ML, JWA, KD, WF), as well as single White-winged Scoters in Kansas 21 Oct (ML) and Nebraska 11 Nov (MB); a Black Scoter was in Tulsa, OK 25 Nov (JWA). Only 2 Long-tailed Ducks were reported, one at Salt Plains 27-28 Oct (RSh, AW) and the other in Burt, NE 28 Nov (EBe). At the ne. corner of the species’ breeding range was a fe- male Lesser Prairie-Chicken with 4 chicks in Rush, KS 25 Aug (SS, DSe, SSe). Pacific Loons, still rare in the Region, were found at L. Tenkiller, Cherokee, OK 21 Oct (JWA), Osage, KS 12 Nov (MM, GP), and Ok- lahoma, OK 16 Nov (JAG). Also rare in the Region, increasingly so to the s., Red-necked Grebes were found in Riley, KS 14 Oct (LJ) and Hatyey, KS 20 Nov (GF). Far fewer West- ern Grebes than usual were at McConaughy, only 2500 on 23 Oct (TL); recent fall peaks have been 30,000+ in late Sep. The only re- port of Clark’s Grebe was of 6 at McConaughy 23 Oct (TL). Neotropic Cormorants continue to be seen some distance n. for the Region in Coffey, KS: 3 were there 6 Nov (DG). Anhin- gas made a great showing at Red Slough, with 50 there 9 Aug (DA, BH); a single lingered as late as 22 Oct (JC, BH et al.) . In recent years, more Great Egrets are lin- gering in fall, with records this season for Washington, NE 19 Nov (CNK) and Okla- homa, OK 30 Nov (PV). Also late were Snowy Egrets in Harlan, NE 17 Oct (PD) and at Red Slough 8 Nov (DA et al.), and a Little Blue Heron in Cleveland, OK 13 Nov (JAG). Still a bird of note, 2-4 Tricolored Herons were at Red Slough 2-16 Aug (DA). Tardy were a Cat- tle Egret at Red Slough 8 Nov (DA, BH) and a Green Heron there 7 Nov (DA). The 4-5 Least Bitterns in Knox, NE 4-13 Aug (MB, DSt) were indicative of breeding; another in Omaha, NE 12 Oct (RE) was late. Yellow- crowned Night-Herons showed well in the Rainwater Basin, with 13 in all, including a record count of 9 near Hastings 19 Aug (PD). White Ibis appeared n. to Quivira, with an imm. 14 Aug (AM), and w. to Canadian, OK, with 2 on 3 Sep (RA); up to 4 were at Red Slough exceptionally late on 21 Nov (DA et al). Still a rare find, single Glossy Ibis were at Hackberry Flat, Tillman, OK 25 Oct (VF) and as far n. as Adams, NE 19 Aug (PD), the latter only the 8th for Nebraska. Rather late White- faced Ibis were the presumed 8 (carefully re- ported as Plegadis species) in Hamilton, NE 14 Oct (RE) and 2 at Hackberry Flat, Tillman, OK 25 Oct (VF). Rare e. as far as Osage, OK were 4-10 White-faced Ibis 18-21 Aug (PR). A “zootie” for Kansas was a Roseate Spoonbill in Riley 17 Aug (DB, DR); the last at Red Slough, where summer wanderers appear, was 18 Oct (BH, DA). Wood Storks usually occur only at or near Red Slough in the Re- gion; an excellent count even there was of 250 seen 13 Sep (DA, BH). A Black Vulture wandered as far as Jefferson, KS 18 Oct (BW). Very rare anywhere in the Region, Swal- low-tailed Kites were reported in Sumner, KS 27 Aug (GD) and in Pushmataha, OK (undated; JK). A Mississippi Kite in Johnson, extreme ne. Kansas 15 Aug (BL) fits the recent pattern of fall movement for se. Nebraska (fide MO). Another in Oklahoma, OK 26 Oct (TS) was tardy. An early or sum- mering Sharp-shinned Hawk was at Red Slough 11 Aug (DA). Three Northern Goshawks were reported, 2 quite early in Nebraska 7-8 Oct (B&LP, EB) and one in Pawnee, KS 9 Nov (SS). Perhaps the bird of the season was the Gray Hawk pho- tographed in a Wichita, KS yard 20-30 Oct (MBr), the first Kansas record with tangible evidence. A Broad-winged Hawk in Ellis, KS 20 Oct (MR, JR) was westerly. Merlins first appear in the Region in Aug; early reports were from Oklahoma 15 Aug (PV), Lincoln, NE 19 Aug (TJW), and Sedgwick, KS 30 Aug (PJ). About 14 Peregrine Falcons were re- ported 3 Aug (in Morton, KS; MR, TC) through 30 Nov (in Tulsa), the latter possibly a “city bird” (JWA, JL, m.ob.). A Prairie Fal- con reached e. Nebraska rather early, 19 Sep in Knox (MB), while another was easterly in Washington, NE 29 Nov (D&rJP). Regional sightings of Yellow Rail are scarce, but Red Slough is becoming a regular fall stopover site; up to 3 were found there 3 Oct- 15 Nov (DA, JC, BH et al.). Black Rails are This male Merlin of the nominate subspecies was early on 1 5 August 2005 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Photograph by Pat Volte. V0CUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 95 SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS found regularly at Quivira, but seemingly rather late were the 3 calling there 8 Nov (DG). Another scarce rail in the Region now found more regularly at Red Slough is King Rail; up to 5 were there 28 Aug-21 Nov (DA, BH et al). Also of note, 5-6 Virginia Rails were found in Ellis, OK 24 Oct (ES). Not of- ten observed, young Virginia Rails were with ads. in Knox, NE 20 Aug (MB). A Sora at Red Slough 8 Nov (DA) was late. Purple Gallinules occur rarely at Red Slough Jun-Jul, but one was in Oklahoma, OK on the very late date of 17 Oct (fide JWA, JL). Another rallid most often seen at Red Slough is Common Moorhen; tardy were the up to 3 there 4 Oct- 1 Nov (DA, BH). A total of 22 Whooping Cranes was reported in all three states 23 Oct-10 Nov (CHa, HH, AW). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS An exceptionally high count of about 300 Black-bellied Plovers was made at Salt Plains 30 Sep (JWA); even counts as high as 40 are unusual in the Region. The ad. and 2 juv. Snowy Plovers at McConaughy 17 Sep documented a late-hatched brood (SJD, WRS, KN). Migrant Piping Plovers included one in Ri- ley, KS 18 Aug (LJ) and a lingering single in Pierce, NE 1 Oct (WF). The last Black-necked Stilts to de- part the Rainwater Basin were 10 juvs. in Seward and York, NE 6 Aug (JGJ). American Avocets continue to press the season; as many as 176 were still in Riley, KS 3 Nov (DB), with one in Tulsa, OK 20 Nov (BC, TM). A Solitary Sandpiper in Tulsa, OK 18 Oct (JL et al.) was also tardy. A Long-billed Curlew in Geary, KS 20 Aug (C&JO) was easterly, as were 2 Marbled Godwits in Riley, KS 21 Aug (C&JO). Two Marbled Godwits at Salt Plains 30 Sep (JWA) were late. Scarce in fall, a Ruddy Turnstone was in Lancaster, NE 26 Aug (LE), 2 imms. were in Douglas, KS 14 Aug (MM), and 5 were at Quivira the same day (AM). Two juv. Red Knots were found at Mc- Conaughy 17 Sep (SJD, KN, WRS), rarest of the Calidris this season. Three Semipalmated Sandpipers in Canadian, OK were rather late 28 Oct (JWA). The only report of Western Sandpiper came from McConaughy: 2 juvs. 17 Sep and 7 the next day (SJD, WRS, KN). Buff-breasted Sandpipers migrate over a wider front in fall than in spring; 71 were reported in Nebraska through 17 Sep (fide WRS) and 45 in Kansas 6-14 Aug (fide LM). No fewer than 278 Buff-breasteds were at two locations in Tulsa 14 Aug (JL, JM, BH), with 24 in Wag- oner, OK 4 Sep (JM)- A Regional rarity, an ad. male Ruff made a rather late appearance at Quivira 5-13 Nov (BKP, SP, m.ob.). Two re- ports of Short-billed Dowitcher coincided with expected fall dates for juvs.: 2 in Dou- glas, NE 29 Aug (CNK) and one in Chase, KS 5 Sep (WRS). Two American Woodcocks in Knox, NE 6 Sep (TJW) were westerly. Two Wilsons Phalaropes in Alfalfa, OK 30 Sep (JWA) and one in Woods, OK the same day (JWA) were rather late, but one at Quivira 13 Nov (SP, CH) was exceptionally so. Rare in the s. part of the Region, a Red-necked Phalarope was in Texas, OK 26 Aug (J\VA). Much less expected were 4 Red Phalaropes this season, including an ad. and a juv. at Mc- Conaughy 17 Sep (SJD, WRS, KN) and sin- gles in Morton, KS 2 Sep (DS, GP, MM, SP) and at Quivira 3 Sep (D&FV). A rented ski-boat allowed close observa- tion and photographs of a dark juv. Pomarine Jaeger at McConaughy 17-18 Sep (SJD, KN, WRS). Much rarer in the Region was a subad. Long-tailed Jaeger in Riley, KS 28 Aug (TC). Reported most falls now, 5 Laughing Gulls were found 22 Aug-21 Oct, 3 of these in Kansas (fide LM), the others in Oklahoma (fide JWA, JL). Much less often reported, a ba- sic ad. Little Gull was at McConaughy 17 Sep (SJD, KN, WRS). A good count of California Gulls was 82 at McConaughy 17 Sep (SJD). The only Thayer’s (one) and Glaucous (2) Gulls reported were in Douglas, KS 21 Nov (GP). Observed most falls now, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found 17 Sep-29 Nov, at least one in each state (m.ob.). Still quite rare, a worn ad. Great Black-backed Gull was at McConaughy 17 Sep (SJD, WRS, KN). At least 13 Sabine’s Gulls were reported from Nebraska and Kansas 15 Aug-24 Sep (fide WRS, fide LM); surprisingly, none were reported in Oklahoma. The dozen Caspian Terns in Mayes, OK 6 Nov (JWA) were late, and even later were an- other dozen in Wagoner, OK 22 Nov (JWA). About 38 Common Terns were reported 17 Sep-8 Oct, including an excellent count of 27 in Wagoner, OK 25 Sep (JWA). Three Black Terns in McCurtain, OK 11 Oct (BH) were also tardy. DOVES THROUGH PIPITS Suffice it to say that Eurasian Collared-Doves are established in the Region. However, White-winged Doves are still noteworthy in Kansas and Nebraska, where no fewer than 1 1 were reported, including 5 in Clark, KS (SP, GP, MM, DS). A White-winged in Muskogee, OK 11 Nov Ql) was e. of the areas in which the species has established itself in the state. More slowly establishing itself in Kansas, Inca Dove was widely reported there, with 5 birds noted from Crawford in the se. to Grant in the w., and one as far n. as Douglas 15 Oct (CC). Extremely late was a Yellow- billed Cuckoo in Sedgwick, KS 12 Nov (TH). Greater Roadrunners continue to make news in cen. Kansas, where singles were noted as far n. as Barton 1 Aug (GC) and Rush 20 Aug (SS; now for 3rd year), as well as in Edwards 26 Oct (DK). Short-eared Owls were at Red Slough 16 Nov (DA), where rare. Common Poorwill has a penchant for hanging around until it gets cold; singles were in Tulsa, OK 20- 21 Oct (J\VA, m.ob.) and in Rush, KS as late as 12 Nov (TH). A White- throated Swift in Riley, KS 1-4 Oct (MMa, TC, DB) was an unexpected rarity in e. Kansas; another very easterly bird picked up alive in Lin- coln, NE 11 Oct died 13 Oct (BT et al.); it furnished the 2nd report for e. Nebraska. Kansas boasted no fewer than 3 Black- chinned Hummingbirds (where rare): singles in Pawnee 2-10 Aug (DK), Morton 3 Aug (MR, TC), and Sedgwick 13-28 Aug (PG). Much rarer were 2 Anna’s Hummingbirds, one in Hays, KS 28 Oct-22 Nov (MS, GFa, TMa, m.ob.) and another in Sedgwick, KS 10 Sep (PG). Continuing the hummer drum-roll for Kansas was a subad. male Costa’s Hum- mingbird in Riley 27 Sep-7 Nov (TC, m.ob.). Some 7 Calliope Hummingbirds were in Ne- braska and Kansas through 7 Sep (fide LM, fide WRS), and 11 Broad-tailed Humming- birds were reported from Nebraska and Kansas through 7 Sep, with about 21 Rufous Typical of the few that visit the Southern Plains region in autumn, this Red Phalarope is in transition between juvenal and first-basic plumages; this photograph was taken 2 September 2005 in Elkhart, Morton County, Kansas. Photograph byDaveSeibel. 96 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS Hummingbirds reported from all three states (fide WRS, fide LM). Adding to the limited database on the species were single Red- naped Sapsuckers in Kimball, NE 18 Sep (ad. male; WRS, SJD, KN) and Sio ax, NE 16 Oct (HKH). A Ladder-backed Woodpecker on the edge of its range was in Clark, KS 2 Sep (GP, MM, DS, SP). Tardy, or not often detected in Sep, an Aca- dian Flycatcher was seen 14 Sep in Tulsa, OK (BC). Summering Willow Flycatchers at Red Slough were noted through 9 Aug (DA); an- other was rather late in Otoe, NE 22 Sep (L&CF). The only Hammond’s Flycatcher re- ported was in Greeley, KS 4 Sep (PJ, TH, K&LG), and the only Dusky was in Kimball, NE 18 Sep (SJD, WRS, KN); these species have been rare-but-regular migrants at the w. edge of the Region. A breeder in the extreme nw. corner of the Region, Cordilleran Fly- catcher, is a rarely noted migrant; one was in Scotts Bluff, NE 3 Sep (AK). Back for a 2nd season was a Black Phoebe 6-30 Nov in Mc- Curtain, OK (BH, DA). Unusual so far e. were single Say’s Phoebes in Harlan, NE 10 Sep and Furnas, NE 10 & 18 Sep (G&WH, KD, LR, RH). Four Vermilion Flycatchers in Cimarron, OK were still at this outpost location 29 Aug- 4 Sep (BH, m.ob.). Rare but regular in Morton, KS, single Ash-throated Flycatchers were seen at two locations there 2-3 Aug (TC, MR). A Great Crested Flycatcher in Otoe, NE 8 Oct (L&CF) was late, as was a Western Kingbird in Lancaster, NE 8 Oct (EB). Single Scissor- tailed Flycatchers were as far n. as Knox, NE 13 Sep (EBr, MB) and Cheny, NE 20 Sep (CR); summer-season birds have been in- creasing in Nebraska. Arriving Northern Shrikes were on sched- ule 17 Oct in Nebraska (TJW) and 24 Oct in Kansas (SS) but considered early 26 Oct in Alfalfa, OK (NS, RSh, m.ob.). Cassin’s Vireo is another rare but regular migrant at the w. edge of the Region; 3 were at two locations 27 Aug in Cimarron, OK (where still a state rarity; JAG, JWA), and singles were in Keith, NE 17 Sep (SJD, WRS, KN) and in Kimball, NE 18 Sep (SJD, WRS, KN). Five Philadel- phia Vireos were reported for Nebraska 21 Aug-23 Sep (fide WRS). Single Purple Mar- tins at different locations in Tulsa, OK 27 Sep (BG et al.) and 15 Oct (BC) were late, as were 2 Tree Swallows at Red Slough 8 Nov (DA, BH, BS). Cave Swallow is being reported in Kansas by observers searching flocks of Cliffs: 2 were documented in Ford 2 Sep (MM, GP, DS, SP), and another was in Hamil- ton 4 Sep (PJ, TH, K&LG). Two Mountain Chickadees were well seen in Sheridan, NE 14 Oct (SJ). The first Red-breasted Nuthatches were on time in Douglas, NE 8 Aug (JHa) but rather early as far s. as Cleve- land, OK 12 Aug (DKa). Furnishing one of few e. Nebraska records of Rock Wren was one in Lancaster 6 Sep (KP); another in Hayes, NE 26 Oct (TJW) was late. Reports at the expanding nw. margin of the Regional range of Carolina Wren came from Webster, Nuckolls, and Colfax, NE (fide WRS); 3 were in Hitchcock 26 Nov (LR, RH). Nebraska Blue-gray Gnatcatchers along the fringes of their ranges were in Dixon 20 Aug (JJ) and Dodge 2 Sep (D&JP); one was late in Muskogee, OK 22 Nov (JWA). Single Townsends Solitaires appeared e. of usual in Washington, OK 5 Nov OH) and at two loca- tions in Johnson, KS 10 Nov (AM, M&EC). A Swainson’s Thrush in Sioux, NE 20 Oct U . - ■#* -vj.s • ; . ’,.T This Ruff photographed 6 November 2005 at Quivira Na- tional Wildlife Refuge, Stafford County, Kansas remained there for over a week. Photograph by Dave Seibel. (HKH) and a Gray Catbird in Sioux, NE 2 Nov (HKH) were rather late. A Varied Thrush in Sioux, NE 2 Oct-2 Nov (KD, HKH) provided the 7th record for Nebraska since 1991. A rare migrant in w. Kansas, Sage Thrashers were found in Grant 21 Aug (KH) and 14 Sep (KH). The long-staying (since Oct 2002) Curve-billed Thrasher was in Sioux, NE through the period (fide AK), and another was in Grant, KS 13 Sep (SG), where rare. Two American Pipits in Dixon, NE 4 Sep (JJ) were early. Good numbers of Spragues Pipits were reported in Pawnee, KS 27 Sep (SS) and 17 Oct (SS). A Phainopepla documented in Morton, KS 22 Sep by a lone observer (SP) was a first state record. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Late warblers included a Blue-winged in Tulsa, OK 14 Sep (BC), a Tennessee at Red Slough 25 Oct (DA), a Northern Parula in Tulsa, OK 10 Oct (MP), and a Chestnut-sided in Leavenworth, KS 3 Oct (JS). An amazing count was the 200+ Orange-crowned War- blers in Butler, KS 7 Oct (TH). Westerly were a Chestnut-sided in Morton, KS 3 Aug (MR, TC), also very early for fall, and a Magnolia in Grant, NE 10 Sep (MB). The only Black- throated Blue Warbler reported was in Butler, KS 28 Sep-7 Oct (TH). The very few Regional records of Black-throated Gray Warbler in- creased by two: singles in Morton, KS 3 Aug (MR, TC), also a very early date, and Grant, KS 4 Oct (DW). The only Townsend’s War- blers reported were singles in Sioux, NE 5 Sep (HKH) and Kimball, NE 18 Sep (SJD, WRS, KN). Very early was a Blackburnian Warbler in Otoe, NE 7 Aug (L&CF). A rarity any time in Nebraska and Kansas, single Pine Warblers were in Custer, NE 6 Sep (TJW) and Riley, KS 18 Aug (LJ), with 3 in Payne, OK 24 Nov (TO), w. of the usual range. A casual fall mi- grant, a Blackpoll Warbler was in Custer, NE 6 Sep (TJW). Rare in cen. Oklahoma were single Ovenbirds in Oklahoma 11-12 Sep (TU) and Pontotoc 9 Oct OF DWo, WC). An- other Ovenbird was rather late in Douglas, NE 23 Oct (DSt). Clearly a fall “zootie” was the Connecticut Warbler in Sedgwick, KS 1 Sep (TH). Hooded Warbler is an inveterate wan- derer in much of the Region; one was as far nw. as Sioux, NE 5 Sep (HKH); another was a bit late at Red Slough 30 Sep (BH). Also quite early was a Canada Warbler in Sarpy, NE 14 Aug (EB). Different Summer Tanagers were late in Tulsa, OK 13 & 23 Oct (JWA). Locally rare, a Rufous-crowned Sparrow was in Morton, KS 11 Nov (SP, CH). A Chip- ping Sparrow lingered at a feeder in Otoe, NE until 20 Nov (L&CF), and a Grasshopper Sparrow was rather late in Thayer, NE 30 Oct (MB). Henslow’s Sparrow is at the nw. edge ol its range in se. Nebraska; singles were in Lan- caster 2 Oct (EB) and, rather late, 21 Oct (LE). A regular migrant but found only in low numbers, single Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Spar- rows were in Lancaster, NE 8 Oct (EB) and at Red Slough 23 Oct (DA et al.). An intriguing Fox Sparrow picked up dead in Dodge, NE 7 Nov was very dark, with plumage suggestive of the subspecies schistacea (D&JP), usually called Slate-colored Fox Sparrow. Although the type specimen of schistacea was collected in Nebraska, there have been no subsequent records in the state. Arriving early were a Fox Sparrow 10 Oct (MP) and a White-throated 19 Sep (LU), both in Tulsa, as well as a Lin- coln’s Sparrow in Cimarron, OK 30 Aug-1 Sep VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 97 SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS Probably a more regular migrant through the Southern Great Plains than the few well-documented records indicate, this Hammond's Flycatcher was nicely photographed 4 September 2005 in Tribune, Greeley County, Kansas. Photograph by Matt Gearheart. in iiiiieiiiii The ABA's online birder resource to travel companies and destinations, as well as birding products and equipment. For rates and information, go to the ABA website at www.americanbirding.org/ netconnections AmericanBirding* A s 5 O C I A T < O N niiiHirliiillliigifi (BH). Only 2 Snow Buntings were reported, singles in Lancaster , NE 28 Oct (LE), rather early, and in York, NE 25 Nov (TEL). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak in McCurtain, OK 1 1 Oct (BH) was tardy, as was a Blue Gros- beak at Red Slough 7 Nov (DA). Unusual for Kansas were the 5 northerly Painted Buntings in Douglas 6 Aug (DG). Surprisingly, Dickcis- sels were still feeding young at two locations in Nebraska 14 & 19 Aug (LR, RH), and one was late in Adams, NE 15 Oct (PD). A Bobolink in Tulsa, OK 25 Aug (LMc) was a rare fall migrant. Unlike last year, few Purple Finches were reported this season, the first in Nebraska 21 Oct (B&LP, JJ), with one westerly in Scotts Bluff, NE 15 Nov (AK). Pine Siskins appeared early, with 3 in Cimarron, OK 5 Aug (LMa) and another in Grady, OK 20 Aug (M&JF). Filling out the late breeders was an American Goldfinch feeding a juv. on 9 Oct in Sarpy, NE (AR), late even for this species. Cited observers (area editors in boldface): NEBRASKA: Elliott Bedows, Eric Bents (EBe), Ellen Brogie (EBr), Mark Brogie, Kathy De- Lara, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Paul Dunbar, Rick Eades, Larry Einemann, Larry & Carol Falk, William Flack, Joan Hackett (JHa), Carolyn Hall (CHa), Robin Harding, Glen & Wanda Hoge, Helen K. Hughson, Jan Johnson, Stephen Jones, Joel G. Jorgensen, Alice Kenitz, Clem N. Klaphake, Tony Leukering, Thomas E. Labedz, Kay Niyo, Mark Orsag, Babs & Loren Padelford, Don & Jan Paseka, Kevin Poague, Lanny Randolph, Allen Reyer, Christopher Rustay, W. Ross Silcock, David Stage (DSt), Barb Tebbels, T. J. Walker. KANSAS: Mark Bryant (MBr), Doris Burnett, Ted Cable, Cal Cink, Greg Copeland, Mark & Elaine Corder (M&EC), Gary Davis, Greg Farley (GFa), Gregg Friesen, Dan Gish, Paul Griffin, Kevin & Laura Groeneweg, Sam Guy, Helen Hands, Kellye Hart, Tyler Hicks, Chris Hobbs, Pete Janzen, Lowell Johnson, Don Kazmaier, Mark Land, Brenda Lea, Terry Man- nell (TMa), Mark Mayfield (MMa), Mick McHugh, Aaron Mitchell, Lloyd Moore, Chuck & Jay Otte, Sebastian Patti, Brandon K. Percival, Galen Pittman, Jennifer Rader, Mike Rader, Dave Rintoul, John Schukman, David Seibel, Scott Seltman, Diane Seltman (DSe), Steven Seltman (SSe), Marilyn Sims, Don & Fran Vannoy, Bunnie Watkins, Dave Williams. OKLAHOMA: Randy Anderson, David Arbour, James W. Arterburn; Bill Car- rell, Wiliam Carter, Jeff Cox, Vic Fazio, M. & J. Foster, Bob Germany, Joseph A. Grzy- bowski, Joe Hawkins, Berlin Heck, Jay Isbell, Deborah Kaspari (DKa), Jeff Kopachena, Jo Loyd, Larry Mays (LMa), Jeri McMahon, Lynn McRill (LMc), Terry Mitchell, Tim O’- Connell, Mark Peterson, Joe Powlowsky, Paul Ribitzki, Terri Savage, Bill Shepherd, Ron Shepperd (RSh), Norman Smith, Ed Stegall, Terri Underhill, Laura Upshaw, Pat Velte, Anne Wilbur, Doug Wood (DWo). © W. Ross Siltock, P.0. Box 57, Tabor, Iowa 51653, (silcock@ rosssilcock.com); Joseph A. Grzybowski, 715 Elmwood Drive, Norman, Oklahoma 72072, (jgrzybowski@ucok.edu) 98 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Mark W. Lockwood • Eric Carpenter Willie Sekula For much of Texas, the autumn season started off very hot and dry. The excep- tion was in the western Trans-Pecos, where El Paso in particular received abundant rainfall. Conditions of the desert grasslands throughout the Region are generally better than they were five years ago. The remainder of the state was generally described as dry to extremely dry. Brownsville had recorded a scant 299.7 mm of rainfall for the entire year at the end of November. At Houston’s Inter- continental Airport, only 217.4 mm of precip- itation was measured for the fall, which is half of normal. Many freshwater areas along the coastal prairies dried up for the first time in re- cent memory. Obviously, the major weather event of the period was Hurricane Rita , which came ashore along the Texas-Louisiana border as a Category 3 storm on 23 September. Al- though Rita weakened before landfall, it was still packing winds of 120 mph, which rav- aged a swath of Texas from Sabine Pass up through Jasper. Overall, Upper Texas Coast damage was less than expected and much bet- ter than wooded areas farther inland, such as Village Creek State Park, where up to 90% of the canopy was destroyed. The birding season was unremarkable in most aspects. There were many species that arrived on the early side, and in general weather conditions were favorable for mi- grants, making for an uninspiring season ac- cording to most observers. Irruptive winter species such as American Robin and Cedar Waxwing were virtually absent, in contrast to last year’s huge numbers. The exceptions to that rule were Golden-crowned Kinglet and Brown Creeper. These species seemed to ar- rive in good numbers in October and remain through the season, at least in the eastern half of the state. As with all seasons, there were rarities that made news, among them a Greater Flamingo along the Central Coast that had been banded in the large colony at Ria Lagartos, Mexico, and the state’s second Streak-backed Oriole, which made a brief visit to El Paso. WATERFOWL THROUGH GREBES Single drake Eurasian Wigeons were docu- mented at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso 10-11 Nov (TJSp) and at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bailey 22-25 Nov (tTS, SJ, tLBa). An early Canvasback was noted at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bailey 5 Sep (AHe, AvH), as were 3 Ring- necked Ducks at Cactus Playa, Moore 17 Sep (BP). Hornsby Bend, Travis hosted a White- winged Scoter 14-18 Nov (SBr, m.ob.) and a Black Scoter 15-21 Nov (PS, DP, m.ob.). A Long- tailed Duck at Port Aransas, Nueces 17 Nov (BSh) and one taken by a hunter 20 Nov at McFaddin N.W.R., Jefferson (fide JWh) were the only reports for the season. A Masked Duck put in an appearance at Sabal Palm, Cameron 29 Nov (TDB), while another one was at San Bernard, Brazoria 13 & 21 Nov (DN, tJWi). A covey of 12 Gambel’s Quail found in Fresno Canyon, Big Bend Ranch S.P, se. Presidio 22 Nov (BBr) was well e. of the known range. Montezuma Quail continue to be detected in the Chisos Mts., Brewster , with one male along the South Rim 21 Aug (DL). Single Pacific Loons were found at Lake J.B. Thomas, Scurry 25 Nov (AHe) and at L. Tawakoni 13 & 27 Nov (BG, RR, MW). Least Grebes continue to expand northward and eastward, with 17 individuals present at five U.T.C locations and at least 6 present at Hornsby Bend, Travis throughout the season (m.ob.). A Clark’s Grebe was noted at Green- belt L., Donley 26 Nov (BP); the status of the species in the Panhandle is still uncertain. SHEARWATERS THROUGH FALCONS A deepwater fishing trip 237 km off of Pt. Aransas 1-2 Oct netted over 200 Audubon’s Shearwaters (JMc). The 17 Sep pelagic trip out of South Padre I. produced a Red-billed r A A banded imm. Greater Flamingo was discovered in Shoalwater Bay, Calhoun 14 Oct (tCB) and was immediately sus- *J it pected of being an escapee from captivity, as some birds noted in Gulf Coast areas have proven to be in the past (in- cluding presumably at least one individual of the Old World subspecies roseus). However, the bird wandered southward to Goose Island S.P., Aransas, where its band was read and researched, revealing that the bird had been banded in Aug 2006 at the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan, Mexico. It remained in Aransas Bay, Aransas for the remainder of the period (tm.ob) Tropicbird (tBMc, EC, m.ob.). A Brown Booby was present 13-28 Nov just off the s. tip of South Padre I., Cameron (tGB, ScC, m.ob.), while a weakened Brown Booby was picked up along the beach near Pt. Aransas, Nueces 29 Sep (tTA). Well inland was a Brown Pelican at Brady L., McCulloch 9 Nov (BoF, DF); another was at Hagerman N.W.R., Grayson 20-21 Aug (m.ob.). Six Double- crested Cormorants arrived early in Lubbock, Lubbock 6 Aug (AnH). An Anhinga was re- ported 30 Nov along the Lower Canyons sec- tion of Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River This immature Greater Flamingo was the seventh to be doc- umented in Texas. It had been banded at the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan, Mexico. This is the second Yu- catan-banded flamingo to be discovered in the United States, the first being in Florida. This bird wandered to sev- eral locations along the central Texas coast from 14 October 2005 onward (here 1 3 November at Goose Island State Park). Photograph by Steve Sykes. N.P, Terrell (BMo, MP). Documented records of this species in w. Texas are few, though there are previous sightings in winter/early spring from this same area. Exceptionally late were 2 Magnificent Frigatebirds off South Padre L, Cameron 15 Nov and one at that lo- cation 24 Nov (ScC), possibly wanderers dis- placed by tropical-storm activity. Unusual for the Panhandle, an American Bittern was de- tected near Pampa, Gray 24 Aug (JE, KG). A Little Blue Heron at White River L., Crosby 3 Sep (AHe) provided a rare record for the High Plains. A white-morph Reddish Egret was at Mitchell L., Bexar 28 Aug (MR). A single White Ibis was near Canutillo, El Paso 29 Aug, while 2 were present at the same loca- tion 2 Sep (DAI). A Glossy Ibis at Kirby L., Taylor 14 & 19 Oct was the only one reported inland (LBl). White River L., Crosby hosted a VOLUME 60 (2006) . NUMBER 1 99 TEXAS This immature Sooty Tern lingered around the South Padre Island jetties, Texas 1 3-14 (here 13) November 2005, pro- viding a late date for the state. Photograph by Scarlet Colley. Roseate Spoonbill 24 Sep (BBe). An Osprey in Moore 6 Aug (BP) was very early. A pre-migratory assemblage of 1 7 Swal- low-tailed Kites in Liberty 2 Aug was note- worthy (SD). White-tailed Kites were reported at five locations in the High Plains and w. Central Texas, where the species is ir- regular but increasing in the past few years. White-tailed Kites continued near Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso, with an ad. and 2 imms. present sporadically 7-19 Aug (JSp). A pair of these birds attempted to nest in w. Jeff Davis but was not successful ( fide AM). An in- credible count of 56 White-tailed Kites was made in e. Brazoria 29 Sep (JSt). A Coopers Hawk at Buffalo Lake, Randall 9 Aug (KS) represented the earliest fall report for the Pan- handle. There were three sightings of Broad- winged Hawks 17 Sep-9 Oct in the Trans-Pecos, where the species is a very rare migrant. The species also made a good show- ing in the Panhandle and High Plains area, with five scattered reports 27 Aug-3 Nov. The Hazel Bazemore Hawkwatch, Nueces had a Short-tailed Hawk 2 Sep (tJSi); undocu- mented sightings of this or another came from the area on 13 Sep and 18 Oct as well. The Smith Point Hawkwatch, Chambers recorded new high counts for Mississippi Kites (7978), Harris’s Hawks (7), and White-tailed Hawks (25). Unusual for the L.R.G.V, a Golden Eagle was near Penitas, Hidalgo 24 Nov (DD); an- other was found 10 Nov near Brazoria N.W.R., Brazoria (JSt). The Peregrine Fund continues its efforts to reestablish a popula- tion of Aplomado Falcons in the grasslands of n. Presidio and w. Jeff Davis. This fall, a wan- dering banded individual was noted at the far w. side of the state, well away from release sites at Balmorhea L., Reeves 23 Sep (ML). CRANES THROUGH TERNS A Whooping Crane strayed away from its usual Aransas haunts, visiting Corpus Christi, Nueces 4-6 Nov (PBe, PY) and farther s. in Willacy 18 Nov+ (SBe, tn.ob.). American Golden-Plover sightings included one in Ran- dall 6-16 Aug (RM, KS), up to 5 at Cactus Playa, Moore 9-22 Oct (BP), singles at Anahuac, Chambers 1 1 Aug and 1 1 Sep (CTL), and one 13 Oct at the Texas City Dike, Galve- ston (JSt). Three Snowy Plovers stayed the sea- son at L. Tawakoni, Rains 31 Aug+ (m.ob.). A group of 14 Mountain Plovers was discovered 19 Oct in Moore (BP), where the species is sel- dom detected; it was hard to come by in its usual haunts around Granger, with the first bird detected 30 Oct in Bell (RPi) and 42 pres- ent in Williamson 23 Nov (TFe). Rare in the fall, a Hudsonian Godwit was at Bolivar Flats, Galveston 7 Aug (ph. CTL). Inland Marbled Godwits included one at Cactus Playa, Moore 6 Aug (BP), 4 in Castro 26 Aug (BJ), and one at Hagerman N.W.R., Grayson 20-21 Aug (m.ob.). A Red Knot found 30 Aug at Hager- man N.W.R., Grayson lingered into early Nov (m.ob.). Cactus Playa hosted Sanderlings 6 Aug-9 Oct, with an unusually high count of 16 birds 17 Sep (BP). White-rumped Sand- piper records in fall are extremely rare, so a bird present at L. Tawakoni, Rains 10-18 Oct was noteworthy (m.ob.). Starting in mid-Nov, American Woodcocks were unusually con- spicuous, with reports of birds in residential yards pouring in from cen. Texas and along the length of the coast. Red-necked Phalaropes made a fine showing, with small numbers scattered throughout the state. High counts included 29 at Marfa, Presidio 14 Sep (ML) and the same number at Cactus Playa, Moore 9 Oct (BP). A Red Phalarope was well documented at Mitchell L., Bexar 10-12 Oct (BD, ph. MR, tWS). Continuing a trend from previous fall sea- sons, a Long-tailed Jaeger was seen off South Padre I., Cameron on a pelagic trip 5 Nov (+m.ob.). Among the few reported incursions of larids into East Texas as a result of Hurri- cane Rita were 2 Laughing Gulls at L. Wright Patman, Cass 25 Sep (MW) and 25 at L. Sam Rayburn, San Augustine on the same date, one of which stayed until 6 Oct (DW). An esti- mated 5000 Franklins Gulls were at San Luis Pass, Galveston 11 Nov (JSt) . An ad. Little Gull graced L. Ray Hubbard, Dallas 11 Nov (ph. BG). Two rather early Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen at Kirby L., Taylor 16 Sep (LB1). A Mew Gull was at White Rock L., Dallas 25 Nov (RR). A juv. California Gull was at L. Tawakoni, Rains 20 Oct, with a third-winter bird there 3 Nov (MW). A first-winter gull photographed by Reid 26 Oct at Galveston was thought to be a candidate for Yellow- legged Gull, though others have suggested a hybrid. A first-winter Thayer’s Gull was at East Beach, Galveston 26 Oct (MR). Sabine’s Gulls were somewhat scarce this fall, with single birds at L. Tawakoni, Van Zandt 20-22 Sep (MW, m.ob.), South Padre I., Cameron 11-12 Nov (PL et al.), Balmorhea L., Reeves 23 Sep (LBa), and McNary Res., Hudspeth 16 Oct (JPa). Eighteen Caspian and 2 Royal Terns were seen at L. Sam Rayburn, San Au- gustine 25 Sep (DW) after Hurricane Rita. Pelagic trips off South Padre I. 17 Sep and 5 Nov yielded 5 & 16 Bridled Terns, respec- tively (BMc). Up to 2 imm. Sooty Terns in the surf off South Padre L, Cameron 13-14 Nov (CC, PL et al.) were late. PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Common Ground-Dove at L. Tawakoni, Van Zandt 20 Sep (MW) and 29 Oct (GC) rep- resents a first county record. Amazing was a flock of 50 Yellow-headed Parrots seen in Mission, Hidalgo 5 Nov (DD). A juv. Black- billed Cuckoo in El Paso 5 Oct (ph. BZ) con- stituted the first fully documented record for the Trans-Pecos. An exceptionally late Yellow- billed Cuckoo was heard in Chappell Hill, Washington 29 Nov (DVo). A Burrowing Owl was found at the entrance to McFaddin N.W.R., Jefferson 16 Nov+ (JWh). An early Short-eared Owl was seen at Surfside, Brazo- ria 21 Oct (RW). A Common Poorwill brought to a Lubbock wildlife rescue center 6 Nov was a late record for the South Plains. An apparent Vaux’s Swift was discovered in a flock of swallows at San Antonios Mitchell L. 11-13 Oct (ph., tMR). If accepted, it would represented a long-awaited first for the state of this species, which is known from Louisiana and Florida. A Chaetura in El Paso 28 Sep was not identified to species but was thought to be a Chimney (BZ). At least 3 Broad-billed Hummingbirds graced Zimmer’s yard in El Paso this fall, while single birds were near Barksdale, Edwards 10 Sep (ph. TT), Utopia, Uvalde 4 Sep (MH), and at Mid- land 4-9 & 19 Oct (D&JM). Up to 3 White- eared Hummingbirds lingered in the Davis Mountains Resort, Jeff Davis until 12 Oct (JSm). A Blue-throated Hummingbird was a one-day wonder at a College Station feeder 27 Sep (ph. LBi). Perhaps owing to the drought, large numbers of Ruby-throated Humming- birds were noted along the Upper Texas Coast and South Texas this fall, while single birds in Amarillo, Potter 2 Aug and 27 Sep (LS), along with one in Canyon, Randall 17 Sep (PT), rep- 100 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TEXAS ! resent rare fall records for the Panhandle. The beginning of an eastward movement of Annas Hummingbirds was noted this fall, with the most significant record from Rusk 24 Oct-4 Nov (PHa). A female Costa’s Hummingbird was at Panther Junction, Big Bend N.P. 1-2 Oct (tMFl). Up to 5 Calliope Hummingbirds were tallied near Utopia, Uvalde 7 Aug-4 Oct (MH), while a female visited a feeder near Poth, Wilson 20 Nov (WS). An ad. male Broad-tailed Hummingbird was in San Benito, Cameron 24 Nov (TF). An ad. male Allen’s Hummingbird appeared in Alpine, Brewster 27 Aug+ (ML), while the ad. male present in the Davis Mountains Resort during the sum- mer remained until 13 Nov (M&ME). Else- where in the state, an ad. male showed up in a Houston yard 30 Aug (SWi); a male was at another Houston location 8 Nov (JideJHi). All three Texas kingfisher species were seen at the same spot along the San Gabriel R. in Georgetown, Williamson 6 Nov (TFe). A fe- male Ringed at Gibbons Creek Res., Grimes 19 & 25 Nov (DVo, JHo, MS) was evidence of continuing range expansion in the state. A Lewis’s Woodpecker was present at Frijole Ranch, Guadalupe Mountains N.P. 25 Nov+ (JWo). Six Red- headed Woodpeckers in Potter 24 Sep (BP) were noteworthy so far west. Just as they did two winters ago, up to 5 Acorn Woodpeckers set up shop in a residential area on El Paso’s w. side 7 Nov+ (JPo). A male Williamson’s Sapsucker along the Pinnacles Trail, Big Bend N.P 11 Oct (AW) represented a rare park record. Single Red-naped Sapsuckers near Spring Branch, Comal 16 Oct (LL) and Common Fords Ranch, Travis 29-30 Oct (EF, RKa, StW) were noteworthy Central Texas records. A Ladder- backed Woodpecker lingered from summer at Quintana, Bra- zoria until 21 Aug (MLi). A Downy Wood- pecker at Paradise Pond, Port Aransas, Nueces 20 Nov+ (JMc) provided a rare barrier island record. An imm. Northern Flicker brought to Wild Bird Rescue, Wichita 8 Aug was sugges- tive of local breeding. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS A Least Flycatcher at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bai- ley 15 Oct (BBe) was late for the South Plains. Out-of-range Black Phoebes included singles near Lubbock, Lubbock 27 Aug (RLe) and Katy, Harris 12 Sep+ (ASh). A Great Crested Flycatcher at Paint Gap, Big Bend N.P 18 Sep was a good find for the Trans-Pecos (EH). A Brown-crested Flycatcher on w. Galveston L, Galveston 19 Oct QSt) was the earliest ever of the three fall records for the Upper Texas Coast. A great find for the Concho Valley was a Great Kiskadee near Eden, Concho 14 Sep (ED). A Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher on w. Galveston L, Galveston 22 Sep (ph. tJSt) rep- resents the 4th record for the Upper Texas Coast. A Tropical Kingbird found 20 Nov in ne. Kenedy was considered rare for the loca- tion (BFr). Riding the heels of this spring’s first nest for the Upper Texas Coast, two breeding pairs of Couchs Kingbirds, one with 2 grown juvs., were found 20 Aug at Smith Point, Chambers (JA). A Western Kingbird at L. Tawakoni, Hunt 29 Oct was very late (GC, BG). A Fork-tailed Flycatcher had an amaz- ingly long stay at Austin’s Hornsby Bend 23 Sep-30 Oct (IH, HR), providing an opportu- nity for hundreds of birders to see this U.S. rarity. A brilliant juv. Rose-throated Becard was found at the Rio Hondo Cemetery, Cameron 7 Oct (ph., tMC). Unprecedented was the sighting of 3 Bells Vireos at Quintana, Brazoria 5 Sep (RW, GLa et ah). A Yellow- throated Vireo at Arapaho Park, Dallas 8-9 Oct (RR) tied the record late date for this rare n.-cen. Texas fall migrant. A Plumbeous Vireo was present 5 Nov+ at Rosehill Cemetery, Corpus Christi, Nueces (WS). In virtually the same spot it was seen last year, a Cassin’s Vireo was on Arbuckle Rd. in Bastrop 24 Nov (BFr). A Blue-headed Vireo at Clapp Park, Lubbock 27 Aug was early (AHe). A Philadel- phia Vireo at White River L., Crosby 1 Oct was rare for the subregion (AHe, AvH). Two Yel- low-green Vireos were reported as late as 19 Sep, lingering birds from the nesting season at Sabal Palm Grove, Cameron (JiP). A Steller’s Jay in Lubbock, Lubbock 1 Oct (AHe) was at an interesting location for this montane species. A Fish Crow was seen and recorded 20 Oct at Humble, Harris (MR), well w. of the species’ known range in se. Texas. A Common Raven at Buffalo Springs L., Lub- bock 13 Oct (CS) was the first report for the county since 1977. There were 2 lingering Purple Martins at Richland Creek W.M.A., Freestone 13 Nov (PBa, MDi). Cave Swallows continue to move to the nw., with one in Lub- bock, Lubbock 4 Sep (AHe) and 2 at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bailey 8 Oct (AHe), both new county records. A late Barn Swallow was noted at L. Ray Hubbard, Dallas 23 Nov (PBa, BG). CHICKADEES THROUGH WARBLERS A Carolina Chickadee in Whiteflat, Motley 26 Nov (AHe) was w. of the normal range, as was a Bushtit in Brownfield, Terry 11 Aug (CD). A Brown Creeper at Weslaco, Hidalgo 5 Nov (DJ) provided a very rare fall record for the L.R.G.V. Rock Wrens moved eastward with singles at Cameron Park, McLennan 11-16 Sep (EH, KHa), Koehne Park, McLennan 2-29 Nov (JMu, EH), L. Tawakoni, Rains 10-29 Nov (BG, MW, DAr), and Lamar 25 Nov (MW). Very early arriving were a Winter Wren in San Antonio, Bexar 7 Oct (GLi) and a Marsh Wren in Lubbock 27 Aug (AHe). Golden- crowned Kinglets invaded Texas, with numerous reports begin- ning 22 Oct and above-average numbers remaining throughout the e. half of the state. A Western Bluebird in Yellowhouse Canyon, Lubbock 1 Nov (CS) was a nice find for the South Plains. Veery and Gray-cheeked Thrush are very rare fall mi- grants in Texas. A Veery was at Quintana, Brazoria 24 Oct QSt) and a Gray-cheeked Thrush there 2 Nov (TC et al.); a Gray- cheeked in Kendall 9 Oct (PM) was also of interest. An amaz- ingly early Swainson’s Thrush was at Cibolo, Guadalupe 31 Aug (ph. SS), while another at Canyon, Randall 25 Nov (CF, LS) represented a new late record for the Pan- handle. An exceptionally early Hermit Thrush was at Quintana, Brazoria 28 Aug (ph. GLa). Fall Wood Thrushes of note in- cluded one at Lubbock 24 Sep (AHe, AvH), 2 in Lufkin, Angelina 11 Oct (JaW) , and one near Volente, Travis 22 Oct (ASn). A Clay-col- ored Robin at Corpus Christi, Nueces 4 Sep (SCo, MR, WS) was the 5th for the county. Two Varied Thrushes were documented in the state, both on the upper coast: a female at Sea Rim S.P, Jefferson 22 Oct (tLBa) and a male found dead on w. Galveston 1. 29 Oct Black-billed Cuckoo is a rare visitor to the western half of Texas. This immature was found in El Paso 5 October 2005, providing the first fully documented record of the species for the Trans-Pecos. Photograph by Barry Zimmer. V01UME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 101 TEXAS (JSt, *Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection). A very early Gray Catbird was at Cibolo, Guadalupe 4 Aug (SS). A Sage Thrasher at the Texas City Preserve, Galveston 29 Oct (PK) was one of only a few Upper Texas Coast records in the past 20 years. A Sage Thrasher at Lewisville L., Denton 6 Nov (RC) was a nice find for n.-cen. Texas. Two Spragues Pipits at Miller’s Creek Res., Throckmorton 8 Oct (GC, BG, TR) were the first for the county. Excep- tionally early were 4 Cedar Waxwings, includ- ing a streaky juv., at Graham, Young 2 Oct (GC, BG). A Phainopepla at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bailey 19 Sep (KaB, HW) was n. of the typical migration route. A Blue-winged Warbler at Ara- paho Park, Dallas 5 Sep (m.ob.) provided a rare fall record for n.- cen. Texas. An early Orange- crowned Warbler was in Lubbock 13 Aug (AHe, AvH). Lucy’s War- blers continue to be found in El Paso with increasing frequency. This season, one was at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park on 7 & 13 Aug (JSp), and 4 were in w. El Paso 3 Sep-9 Oct (JPa). Far more surpris- ing was one in Aguja Canyon, Jeff Davis 18 Aug (ph. HB). A Tropical Parula was near Indianola, Calhoun 23 Aug (BFr). A very late migrant Yellow Warbler was at Amarillo, Potter 1 Oct (DM). A very late Chestnut-sided Warbler was at Dallas, Dallas 26 Nov (m.ob., ph. BG). A male Black- throated Blue Warbler at Davis Mountains S.P., Jeff Davis 23 Sep (AHa, ph. JR), was an excellent find. Black-throated Gray Warblers of note included a very early migrant at Lub- bock 12 Aug (CD), 2 at Spring Branch, Comal 6 Oct (BD), and a late bird at El Paso 7 Nov+ (BZ); a male at Dallas, Dallas 24-25 Nov (MFr, ph. BG, m.ob.) furnished one of the very few records for the subregion. Eastward- wandering Townsend’s Warblers appeared at Choke Canyon, McMullen 10 Oct (JHa) and Sabine Woods, Jefferson 17-18 Sep (JWh). A brightly plumaged Townsend’s Warbler x Her- mit Warbler hybrid in w. El Paso 3 Sep (JPa) was a first for the El Paso area and one of few ever reported for the state. A Pine Warbler in Amarillo, Potter 28 Sep-10 Oct (BP, KS) and one in Wolflin, Randall 9 Oct (BP) were good finds in the Panhandle. A Blackpoll Warbler at Arapaho Park, Dallas 30 Sep (BG) provided a 3rd fall record for the area. Very rare in fall, a female Cerulean Warbler was in Lamar 26 Aug (MW). A Worm-eating Warbler was banded at the Heard Museum, Collin 8 Sep ( fide MDu). Ovenbirds made news as one ar- rived very early at Canyon, Randall 24 Aug (RM), while one at Pecan Grove W.M.A., Williamson 10 Nov (JL, KH) was late. A high count of 12+ Northern Waterthrushes came from upper L. Sam Rayburn, Angelina/Nacog- doches 16 Sep (DW). A very late migrant MacGillivray’s Warbler was at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bailey 6 Nov (AHe, AvH). A male Hooded Warbler at Big Bend’s Rio Grande Vil- lage 12 Nov (MFl) and another at Galveston 26 Nov (TE) were late. Single Red-faced War- blers were documented at Big Bend’s Boot Canyon 6-9 Aug (tML, PS, LBa) and 28 Aug (tGL et al.) and more unexpectedly at Rio Grande Village 13-14 Aug (tJiH, m.ob.). A Painted Redstart dropped into an El Paso yard 12 Sep (HJ). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES Late migrant tanagers included a Summer in Robertson 24 Oct (DC), a Scarlet at Sabine Woods, Jefferson 20 Nov (JWh), and a West- ern at El Paso 13 Nov (JPa). A Western Tan- ager in Washington 16 Oct (DVo) was a good find for the Central Brazos Valley. Green- tailed Towhees e. of their normal range in- cluded singles in e. Travis 24 Sep (RKa) and near Indianola, Calhoun 1 Nov (ph. DN). An Eastern Towhee at Old Sabine Bottom W.M.A., Smith 26 Aug (BN) may have been a summering bird. A Clay-colored Sparrow at Quintana, Brazoria 20 Sep (GLa) was early. A Sage Sparrow at Muleshoe N.W.R., Bailey 5 Nov (AHe) provided a rare record from the South Plains. Four Lark Buntings at Granger L., Williamson (JL, KH) and another in ne. Travis 10 Nov (RKa) were far east. A Baird’s Sparrow was along the Rio Grande at Big Bend Ranch S.P, Presidio 22 Sep (TML); more expected were 3 in the mixed grasslands sw. of Marfa, Presidio 26 Nov (RP). A Henslow’s Sparrow was photographed at Keller, Tarrant 16 Oct (DSm), providing an unexpected county first. A very early Song Sparrow was at Ransom Canyon L., Lubbock 3 Sep (AHe). A Harris’s Sparrow at South Padre I., Cameron 12 Nov (BMc, m.ob.) was a notable sighting for the L.R.G.V. A spate of early White- crowned Sparrows arrived in the state in early Oct, notably singles in Nacogdoches 8 Oct (DW) and near Poth, Wilson 9 Oct (WS). Also early were Dark-eyed Juncos in Houston, Harris 24 Oct (KK) and at Quintana, Brazoria 28 Oct (RW). A Lapland Longspur at Bolivar Flats, Galveston 24-25 Nov (ph. TE et al.) was well s. and e. of its normal haunts. Also of note was a flock of 10 Chestnut-collared Longspurs at Port O’Connor, Calhoun 22 Oct, with 4 others there 3 Nov (BFr). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak in El Paso 3 Oct (BZ) was a rare Trans- Pecos migrant. Black-headed Gros- beaks at Austin 1 Sep (IS) and Corpus Christi, Nueces 10 Oct (WS, MR) provided rare fall records e. of the expected migration path. A very early Blue Grosbeak was at Sea Cen- ter Texas, Brazoria 4 Aug (TC), while another on w. Galveston 1. 24 Nov (JSt) was late. Lingering Dick- cissels included singles on the Katy Prairie, Waller (AW, SG) and Pelican I., Galveston (JSt), both 19 Nov. Common Grackles are rare in the Trans-Pecos; this season, 2 were at Panther Junction, Big Bend N.P. 6 Nov (MFl), and one was at El Paso 20 Nov (JPa). Two male Bronzed Cowbirds were at White River L., Crosby 3 Sep (AHe), providing a late record for the South Plains. A female Streak-backed Ori- ole made a brief stop at El Paso 16 Sep (TBZ), providing a 2nd record for the state. Among the other early arriving birds on the upper coast this season, a Bullock’s Oriole was on w. Galveston I. 3 Sep (JSt). An Audubon’s Oriole was reported from Utopia, Uvalde 23 Nov (MH), providing a rare Hill Country record. A female Baltimore Oriole at El Paso 22 Oct (JPa) provided a rare local record. A flock of 8 Pine Siskins at Dickens Springs, Dickens 3 Sep (AHe) was early for the South Plains. A male Lesser Goldfinch near Tyler, Smith 30 Nov (IH, DSi, GR) provided a very rare Pineywoods record. Finishing the cavalcade of early records were American Goldfinches at Lubbock 20 Aug (AHe) and Smith Point Hawkwatch, Chambers 21 Oct (WB), which was surprisingly the 2nd earliest fall record for the Upper Texas Coast. Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Dan Allen (DAI), Tony Amos, David Ar- Although Black-throated Blue Warblers are known to wander westward across Texas in the fall, there are few records as nicely documented as this adult male at Davis Mountains State Park 23 September 2005. Photograph by John Rosford. 102 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TEXAS bour (DAr), John Arvin, Helen Baines, Lynn Barber (LBa), Peter Barnes (PBa), Patty Beasley (PBe), David Benn, Steve Bentsen (SBe), Brandon Best (BBe), Laura Biddle (LBi), Gavin Bieber, Lorie Black (LB1), Colin Bludau, Sally Breed (SBr), Kathy Brodhead (KaB), Bill Broyles (BBr), Winnie Burkett, Eric Carpenter, Ron Chenault, Sheridan Cof- fey (SCo), Scarlet Colley (ScC), Tom Collins, Greg Cook, Mel Cooksey (South Texas: 16 Townhouse Lane, Corpus Christi, TX 78412; email: ssi@stx.rr.com), Debra Corpora, Cameron Cox, Elisa Dale, David Dauphin, Sue Davison, Mike Dillon (MDi), Bob Doe, Michele Dudas (MDu), Curtis Dykstra, Marc & Maryann Eastman, Jan Elston, Ted Eu- banks, Ed Fair, Tim Fennell (TFe), Mark Flippo (MFl), Connie Fordham, Michael Francis (MFr), Bobbye Frazier (BoF), Brush Freeman (BFr), Bert Frenz (BeF) (East Texas: 221 Rainbow Dr., #12190, Livingston, TX 77399-2021; email: bert2@bafrenz.com), Dixie Fueurbacher, Terry Fuller, Brian Gib- bons, Kathryn Green, Steve Gross, Jim Hailey (JHa), Irene Hamel, Peggy Harding (PHa), Audrey Harvey (AHa), Eric Haskell, Kiyomi Haskell (KHa), Mitch Heindel, Anthony Hewetson (AHe) (Northwest Texas: 4407 36th St., Lubbock TX 79414; email: ter- rverts@yahoo.com), Aveline Hewetson (AvH), Derek Hill (North-central Texas: 1508 Linden Drive, Denton, TX 76201; email: kinglet32@yahoo.com), Jim Hines (JiH), Jim Hinson (JHi), Kelly Holligan (KHo), Jan Hor- baczewski, Ingrid Huskey, Hugh Jameson, Si- mone jenion, Bill Johnson, Dan Jones, Richard Kaskan (RKa), Paula Kennedy, Keith Kingdon, Greg Lasley (GL), Greg Lavaty (GLa), Dan Leavitt, Cin-Ty Lee, Rob Lee (RLe), Paul Lehman, Jason Leifester, Michael Lindsey (MLi), Leslie Linehan, Greg Liscian- dro (GLi), Mark Lockwood (ML), Paul Ma- son, Ray Matlack, Don McCall, Jon McIntyre (JMc), Brad McKinney (BMc), Don & Joann Merritt, Angel Montoya, Betty Moore (BMo), John Muldrow (BMu), Dan Naber, Brooke Nicotra, Dennis Palafox, Marco Paredes, Jim Paton (JPa) (Trans-Pecos: 4325 Boy Scout Lane, El Paso, TX 79922; email: patonjn@net- zero.net), Jimmy Paz (JiP), Barrett Pierce, Randy Pinkston (RPi), Jane Poss (JPo), Ross Rassmussen, Martin Reid, Thomas Riecke, Gloria Rognlie, John Rosford, Homer Rush- ing, Isaac Sanchez, Laura Sare, Susan Schae- zler, Willie Sekula (Central Texas: 7063 Co. Rd. 228, Falls City, TX 78113-2627; email: wsekula@evl.net), Ken Seyffert, Marsha Seyf- fert, Bruce Sherman (BSh), A1 Shultz, (ASh), David Sierra (DSi), Joel Simon QSi), David Smith (DSm), Jeff Smith (JSm), Aletha Snow- den (ASn), Tom SoRelle, John Sproul (JSp), Jim Stevenson (JSt), Cliff Stogner, Paul Sunby, Tom Taylor, Peggy Trosper, Darrell Vollert (DVo), Adrian Webb, Ron Weeks (Upper Texas Coast: 110 Indian Warrior, Lake Jack- son, TX 77566; email: empidonax@sbc- global.net), Matt White, John Whittle (JWh), Stephen Williams (SWi), Jennifer Wilson (JWi), Stu Wilson (StW), Jack Windsor (JaW), Jan Wobbenhorst (JWo), David Wolf, Adam Wood, Hope Woodward, Phyllis Yochem, Barry Zimmer. © Mark W. Lockwood, 402 East Harriet Avenue, Alpine, Texas 79830, (mark.lockwood@tpwd.state.tx.us); Eric Carpenter, 10610 Morado Circle #2325, Austin, Texas 78759, (ecarpe@gmail.com); Willie Sekula, 7063 County Road 228, Fails City, Texas 78113, (wsekula@ev1 .net) Idaho & Western Montana David Trochlell For most of the Region, the autumn of 2005 began with unusually warm and dry weather in August but shifted to nearly normal temperatures and increasing precipitation in the ensuing months. A major exception occurred in a large portion of south-central Montana, where an unusually wet season prevailed. But the Region’s rein- vigorated precipitation status was not the only good news for the period. In portions of northern Idaho and west-central Montana, it was also a banner year for shorebird numbers and variety. Perhaps best of all was the relative bounty of rare birds discovered, as evidenced by 15 that warranted boldface type. Abbreviations: A.ER. (American Falls Res., Bingham and Power, ID); Camas (Camas N.W.R., Jefferson, ID); I. PR. (Island Park Res., Fremont, ID); L.M. (Lee Metcalf N.W.R. near Stevensville, MT); L.P. (Idaho Bird Observa- tory’s banding station at Lucky Peak near Boise). GEESE THROUGH GULLS A Greater White-fronted Goose, rare in w. Montana, stopped at Warm Springs 30 Aug (NK, GS). Cackling Geese (of subspecies min- ima) were noted in both states, with one in Boise, ID 5-30 Nov+ (JC) and 6 in Poison, MT 11 Nov (BR). The only Eurasian Wigeon re- ports were in Lewiston, ID 9 Oct-10 Nov (TG) and Flathead, MT 16 Oct (BR). The season’s tally of 19 Surf Scoters and 2 White-winged Scoters was the lowest in five years. With only nine previous Black Scoter records in Montana, one at Ennis L., Madison 28 Oct (tJP) and 2 at L.M. 3 Nov (fide WT) were surprising. Long- tailed Ducks were scarcer than usual, with only 2 recorded in Idaho. Both states discovered rare Red-throated Loons. One provided Montana’s 14th record at Ennis L., Madison 11-13 Nov (tEH, JP), and another stopped at I. PR. 20 Nov (CW). Only 6 Pacific Loons were discovered, about half the usual fall total. A peak count of over 200 Common Loons was made at Mon- tana’s Ennis L. 1 Nov (JP). One of the headline With its mild climate, lush meadows, and extensive wet- lands, Montana's Bitterroot Valley attracts a good array of water birds each autumn. This immature Little Blue Heron was spotted near Hamilton 30 October 2005 (here); it was last seen 5 November and marks Montana's 6th record. Photograph by Wayne Tree. birds of the season was an imm. Little Blue Heron near Hamilton 30 Oct-5 Nov (ph. WT), Montana’s 6th record. The near-record tally of 27 Broad-winged Hawks at L.P 8 Sep-6 Oct (JC) was notable, but far less expected was one in Bozeman, MT 20 Sep (DC, m.ob.). Three VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 103 IDAHO & WESTERN MONTANA Literally a case of "what the cat dragged in," this American Woodcock was retrieved by a house cat 29 (here 30) Novem- ber 2005 at Dillon, Montana. The bird was subsequently re- habilitated and released three days later. It represented the state's fifth record of the species. Photograph by Jack Kirkley. Gyrfalcons in Montana 24 Oct-30 Nov repre- sented an above-average fall total. Six American Golden-Plover reports were about average. Rare Hudsonian Godwits made an unusually good showing, with singles near Missoula, MT 17 Aug (TT), at A.ER. 31 Aug (f BC), and at Warm Springs, MT 11-16 Sep (NK, GS). A Ruddy Turnstone was found at A.ER. 10 Sep (CT), where most reports orig- inate. Red Knots made a re- markable showing in w. Montana, with one at Warm Springs 5 & 11 Sep (NK, GS) and 2 in Lake 6 Sep (BR). An outstanding find was Idaho’s 2nd Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at I P. R. 2-5 Oct (ph. , tCW). A Curlew Sandpiper near Mis- soula 8-12 Oct (DB, LW, ph. RW) was Montanas 2nd. Stilt Sandpipers, usu- ally uncommon, showed up in near-record numbers, with 30 in Idaho and 110 in Mon- tana. Two Buff-breasted Sandpipers that staged in Lake , MT 21 Aug (TT) represented w. Montanas 9th record. Well above the norm was the Regionwide total of 5 Short-billed Dowitchers 21 Aug-8 Sep. An American Woodcock in Dillon, MT 29 Nov-1 Dec (JHi, ph. JK) provided Montana’s 5th record. It was the best season ever for Long-tailed Jaegers. An unprecedented flock of 13 (5 ads., 8 imms.) came through Sandpoint, ID 8 Aug (tEC), and singles were near Deer Lodge, MT 23 Aug (NK, GS) and at L.P 10 Sep (ph., tEHl). An imm. Little Gull at I.P.R. 1-10 Sep (ph., tCW) was Idaho’s 7th. Only 2 Mew Gulls and 4 Thayers Gulls were noted, representing the poorest showing of rare Pacific Coast larids in years. Sabine’s Gulls exceeded last year’s excellent count, with a total of 23 reported. PIGEONS THROUGH FINCHES A Band-tailed Pigeon was especially unusual at L.P. 23 Oct (JO; these casual visitors are Among numerous notable species discovered by the photographer at Idaho's Island Park Reservoir in au- tumn 2005 was this juvenile Sharp- tailed Sandpiper 2 (here 5) October, a second for the state. Photograph by Cliff Weisse. seldom found outside of spring. Four Snowy Owls reported in Flathead , MT 20-30 Nov (JH, m.ob.) appeared to be the vanguard for a winter irruption. A Black Swift colony discov- ered in Bonner 10 Aug (BM, JS) was only the 2nd known nesting location in Idaho. Three Anna’s Hummingbirds discovered at feeders in s. Idaho 1 9 Sep-1 Dec (fide SP) represented a very good season total. Single Blue-headed Vireos documented at L.P. 13 Sep and Camas 23 Sep (tJC) may provide Idaho’s 5 th and 6th records. The fall season tally of at least 180 Blue Jays represented an unusually strong flight, but was only 40 percent of last year’s record irruption. A Bewick’s Wren seen in Bozeman 1-2 Nov (tEH, RI) brought in Mon- tana’s 5th record. Idaho Northern Mocking- birds were noted near Soda Springs 21 Oct (ZW) and in Blaine 19 Sep-30 Nov+ (KC, PWP). A rare Brown Thrasher at Camas since 27 Jul was last reported 28 Aug (JC). Arguably the most unexpected bird of the season was the Regions first Lawrences War- •’ bier in Boise, ID 21-24 Oct (ph. MC, tCF); this backcross has been recorded very few times in the West. Idaho had a fairly average fall season for e. vagrant warblers, with five species reported. This in- cluded a Tennessee Warbler captured at Camas 6 Oct (JC) that remained for three days. Also netted was a Chestnut- sided Warbler at L.P 3-7 Sep (JC), and 2 others were at Ca- mas 4 & 10 Sep (JC, CF). Magnolia Warblers were found at Camas 25 Aug (SB) and I.P.R. 10 Sep (CW). Single Blackpoll Warblers came through Camas 28 Aug and 15 Sep (JC, DC1, CF), and another was in Kootenai 5 Sep (MH). Three Black- and-white Warblers were also at Camas 13 Aug-22 Sep (JC), and one visited Blackfoot (BC). Idaho’s 5th Blackburnian Warbler was captured at L.P 7 Sep (ph., tJC). Single imm. Connecticut War- blers captured at Camas 30 Aug and 14 Sep (tJC, ph. CF) provided Idaho’s first and 2nd records. A Swamp Sparrow discovered at L.M. 25 Oct-2 Nov (DB) was Montana’s 13th. It was a lackluster season for rare Zonotrichia spar- rows, with only 7 White-throated Sparrows, 3 Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a Harris’s Sparrow reported. On the other hand, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks showed well in Idaho, with 4 reported 28 Aug-4 Sep. A singing Indigo Bunting discovered in Boundary 3 Aug (tKB) represented only the 2nd record for n. Idaho. Three rare Rusty No doubt Montana's most studied shorebird of the season was the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper discovered near Missoula 8 (here 9) October 2005 by Dave Beaudette and Larry Weeks. Fortunately, it lingered for four more days, furnishing Montana's second record of the species. Photograph by Robin Wolcott. Blackbirds were reported in w. Montana 6-12 Nov, which was more than typical. Common Grackle numbers were unusually numerous: at least 50 came through Rexburg, ID 18 Sep (DCl), one was in Elmore , ID 30 Oct (JC, CF), and over 100 stopped in Red Lodge, MT 13 Sep (BJ). The only Great-tailed Grackles noted were 2 in Owyhee , ID 30 Oct (JC, CF). Although Purple Finches are not annual in Idaho, 2 were at I.P.R. 22 Sep (CW) and one visited L.P 23 Oct (JC). Contributors: (subregional editors in bold- face): IDAHO: Kris Buchler, Steve Butter- worth, Kathleen Cameron, Jay Carlisle, Brian As a rule, inland Long-tailed Jaeger reports involve single juveniles seen over large bodies of water. Autumn 2005 broke that rule, with remarkable reports including a southbound flock of 13 adults and juveniles at Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, and a juvenile chasing grasshoppers on a paved road near Deer Lodge, Montana. On 10 September, Eric Hallingstad and fellow Idaho Bird Observatory banders were huddled in a raptor-trapping blind atop Lucky Peak (elevation 1771 m) near Boise, when they spotted a falcon-like bird make a pass at their trussed live decoy birds. Eventually succumbing to the temptation of a House Sparrow bait, the strange non-raptor was netted, photographed, and eventually identified as a juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger. Photograph by Evonne Shroeder. 104 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Carrigan, Earl Chapin, Darren Clark (DC1), Mark Collie, Kas Dumroese, Craig Fosdick, Terry Gray, Mike Haldeman, Eric Hallingstad (EHl), Barb McCall, Stacy Peterson, Hadley Roberts, Jennifer Soules, Shirley Sturts, Tony Leukering • Bill Schmoker Christopher L. Wood While the weather for the period was unremarkably mild, birders in the Region had a remarkable fall season. Two arduous hiking trips located Ruffed Grouse, a breeding bird not recorded in Colorado for 14 years, and hopefully a good prelude to the upcoming Breeding Bird Atlas work in the state. Juxtaposed against the two essentially Mexican vagrants from the summer season (White-eared Hummingbird and Tropical Parula) was the Regions second Arctic Loon, a photographed bird in alternate plumage. Charadriiform news included a sec- ond state record Curlew Sandpiper, unprece- dented numbers of Red Phalaropes, all three jaeger species, an invasion of Laughing Gulls, and a grounded Ancient Murrelet. As with many other bird groups, warblers ran hot and cold, with relatively low numbers and diversi- ty. However, an outrageous 1 1 Pine Warblers and the first Painted Redstart in nearly 20 years made up for some of the deficiencies. Abbreviations: Barr (Barr L., Adams); Bonny (Bonny Res., Yuma)', Chatfield (Chatfield S.P., Jefferson/Douglas)', Cherry Creek (Cherry Creek Res., Arapahoe)' Chico (Chico Basin Ranch, Pueblo/El Paso); Crow Valley (Crow IDAHO & WESTERN MONTANA Chuck Trost, Zeke Watkins, Cliff Weisse, Poo Wright-Pulliam. MONTANA: Dave Beaudette, Dan Casey, Ed Harper, James Hicks (JHi), John Hughes, Radd Icenoggle, Barb Jaquith, Jack Kirkley. Nate Kohler, John Parker, Bob Rost, Don Skaar, Gary Swant, Terry Toppins, Wayne Tree, Larry Weeks, Robin Wolcott. @ David Trochlell, 2409 East N Avenue, La Grande, Oregon 97850, (dtrochlell@earthlink.net) Colorado & Wyoming Valley Campground, Pawnee National Grass- lands, Weld); E.K.W. (Edness Kimball Wilkins S.P., Natrona, WY); Fossil Creek (Fossil Creek Res., Larimer); Goldeneye (Goldeneye Res., Natrona, WY); Hereford Ranch (Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Laramie, WY); John Martin (John Martin Res., Bent); Jumbo Gumbo Res., Logan/Sedgwick); Neenoshe (Neenoshe Res., Kiowa); Prewitt (Prewitt Res., Wash- ington). “West Slope” denotes loca- tions west of the Rockies. Due to re- porting 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. Generally, only the observers initially finding and identifying each bird are noted. WATERFOWL The highlight of the goose migration was a juv. Atlantic Brant at Fossil Creek 20 Nov (ph. CW, NK). As there are fewer than five previous Colorado records of this taxon, it was unfortunate that the bird was a one- day wonder. A Black Brant visited College L. in Ft. Collins, Larimer 16 Nov (INK, tAS et al.) along with 2 Trumpeter Swans and 3 Tundra Swans (TAS). In Wyoming, 2 Nov seemed to be a big swan mi- gration day, with at least 142 Tundras found at two sites in Fremont (T. Axthelm). In Col- orado, where both swans are much rarer, both were recorded in higher-than-usual numbers. Some imm. swans are understandably causing confusion for the Region’s birders; the identi- ty of an imm. with the apparently returning group of Trumpeters in the Loveland area, Larimer after 14 Nov (CW, m.ob.) is still not agreed upon, despite a number of reasonable photographs (ph. NK). One imm. Tundra was consorting with 2 ad. and one imm. Trum- peters at L. Hasty, Bent 30 Nov-25 Jan (DN, m.ob.). Overall, duck migration through e. Col- orado seemed quite sparse, perhaps due to the mild fall. In fact, Blue-winged Teal lingered longer than usual, with a few low double-dig- it counts on the e. plains in mid-Oct (TL). Scoter reports from atypical sites included first county records of Surf near Buena Vista, Chaffee 12-21 Oct (ph. R. Hancock) and at DeWeese Res., Custer 24 Oct (RM); a single Surf at Vallecito Res., La Plata 15 Nov (P Der- ven, S. Allerton); 2 White-wingeds at L. Avery, Rio Blanco 19 Nov (D. Hilkey, FL); and one Black on a pond well nw. of Craig, Moffat 14 Nov (ph. DD). Oddly, one of the miserable fall total of 3 Long-tailed Ducks visited Jerry Creek Res., Mesa 21-25 Nov (LA, R. Levad) on the West Slope, where fairly rare. LOONS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS The three reports of Red-throated Loon (sin- gle juvs. from Pueblo , Larimer , and Las Ani- mas [the latter a first for that county]) were greatly overshadowed by an ad. loon appear- ing to be an alternate-plumaged Arctic Loon. The bird was found at Chatfield early in the morning of 28 Sep (AS) and stayed long enough for a few other lucky souls to get there (ph. GW). By late morning, the bird could not be found. Though some with expe- rience with the species question the identifi- cation, the birds habit of holding its head above the horizontal, the nape being concol- orous with the crown, the distinct white flank Arriving in Colorado in handsome alternate plumage, the state's second Arctic Loon loitered for a few hours at Chatfield Reservoir, Douglas and Jefferson Counties, on 28 September 2005. Photographs by Glenn Walbek. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 105 COLORADO & WYOMING In a spectacular fall season in Colorado, Ruffed Grouse nearly stole the show. Spencer carefully researched landowners on, I and the best ways to access, Hoy Mt., Moffat on the Utah border, the site of the only previous occurrence of the species in the state. Two expeditions there, one each in late Sep and late Oct, were successful at seeing (and hearing) Ruffed Grouse, with at least 3 birds detected (AS, m.ob.). patch, and the lack of a vent strap — all fea- tures shown well by the distant photo- graphs— seem to prove the case. Pending ac- ceptance, the occurrence would provide the 2nd Colorado and 3rd interior North Ameri- can records. Pacific Loons discovered at atyp- ical sites included singles at Trinidad Res. 3 John Martin Reservoir in Bent County holds a monopoly on Colorado's Black Vultures: all three of the state's sight- ings are from the area (here 22 August 2005). Photograph by Jeff Yost. Nov (T. Crisler) and North L. 19 Nov (AS), both Las Animas, and first county records at Navajo Res., Archuleta 10 Nov (one bird; JBy) and Miramonte Res., San Miguel 11-15 Nov (2; G. Steele et al.). A juv. Yellow-billed Loon played will-o’-the-wisp at Standley L., Jeffer- son 4-6 Nov (ph. LS) and Chatheld 6-20 Nov (A. Burns, m.ob.). An ad. Neotropic Cormorant at John Mar- tin 30 Oct-1 Nov (tAS, tGW et al.) was a sur- prise, as fall records in the Region are few. A Green Heron w. of Paonia, Delta 28 Sep (JI3n) was not only out of place but also fairly late for the West Slope. Single juv. Yellow- crowned Night-Herons visited Canon City, Fremont 17-18 Aug (SM) and Carp L., El Paso 24-27 Aug 0- Jones). Though a juv. Northern Goshawk 16 Oct at Jumbo (AS) presaged a large winter showing on the e. plains, the rap- tor highlight of the fall was an ad. Red-shoul- dered Hawk at Bonny on the unseasonable date of 4 Sep (tLS). Ten reports of f3 Broad- winged Hawks, a bit better than usual, in- cluded a nicely photographed ad. dark morph at Sugar City, Crowley 23 Sep (VT). Among five or more reports of American Golden-Plover, a single bird at a playa about 14 km n. of Flagler Res. 12 Oct (TL) provided a first Kit Carson record. Pale plovers found at odd sites included a juv. Snowy Plover, rare in ne. Colorado, at Bonny 6 Aug (CC, TL, LS), one ad. and 2 juv. Piping Plovers at Goldeneye 5-12 Aug (CM), and, most interesting, a col- or-banded Piping Plover at Prewitt 17 Sep (J. Roller). The 8 American Avocets at John Mar- tin 12 Nov (DN) were quite late, as were a Willet at the same location 29 Oct-1 Nov (DN) and a Wilsons Phalarope at Neenoshe 30 Oct (BKP, MP). Very rare in the Region in fall, Whimbrels were located twice this season, with a single bird at Goldeneye 12 Aug and up to 2 at Prewitt 3-7 Sep (ph. BS, ph. TL). A Long-billed Curlew at Franktown, Douglas 2 Nov (HK) was the later of 2 late birds. A Ruddy Turnstone (age unreported) at Cheney Res., Mesa 13-21 Aug (LA, m.ob.) pro- vided the 8th West Slope Colorado record and the most interesting of five fall reports. Three single Red Knots in Col- orado occurred in the tight window of 17-25 Sep. Thanks to work be- ing done on the dam at Elkhead Res., Luke experienced a relative bonanza of shorebirds on the mudflats creat- ed by lowered water levels: A Sanderling 10- 1 1 Sep and up to 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers 5-23 Aug provided rare records for both Mof- fat and Routt. Also in Moffat , 5 Pectoral Sand- pipers at Craig 9-20 Oct (DD) created some nw. Colorado excitement. A juv. Curlew Sandpiper, well photographed at Prewitt 18-22 Sep (ph. JK, m.ob.), provided the shorebird highlight of the fall and only the 2nd Colorado record (the first in this plumage, which is generally rare in North Record-setting both for its early date and its persistence, this juvenile Pomarine Jaeger and another that later joined it were the bane of gulls at Cherry Creek Reservoir, Arapa- hoe County, Colorado 1 4 (here 28) September through 1 9 November 2005. Photograph by Tony Leukering. America). Tying the high count for Colorado’s West Slope, 6 Stilt Sandpipers graced Craig 25 Aug (FL). A single Buff-breasted Sandpiper visited the BP Pond, Natrona, WY 27 Aug (CM), another single was at L. Meredith, Crowley 31 Aug (B. Righter), and up to 6 juvs. were counted at Prewitt 3-15 Sep (JK, ph. TL, ph. BS). We received an incredible 10 reports of Red Phalarope from Colorado, an unprece- dented number for a year, much less a single season. The first was a basic-plumaged ad. at Barr 27 Aug (TL), the highest was a molting juv. just below L. Estes, Larimer 9 Sep (J. Wright, K. Zipster), and single birds were at Elkhead Res. 9-10 Sep (FL) and Fruitgrowers Res., Delta 14 Oct (N. Pieplow, AS, AB), pro- viding only the 4th and 5th West Slope Col- orado records (all p.a.). JAEGERS THROUGH CUCKOOS Atypically, all three jaegers were found in Col- orado this fall. The first, not surprisingly, was a Long-tailed, a dark juv. photographed well at Prewitt, Washington and Logan 5-21 Sep (JR, m.ob.). This bird was apparently joined by an- other undocumented juv. Long-tailed (a lighter bird) 19-21 Sep (MP, m.ob.). A 3rd Long-tailed Jaeger was recorded at L. Beck- with, Pueblo 13 Sep (tDS). A dark juv. jaeger found at Cherry Creek 14 Sep turned out to be a record-early Pomarine Jaeger (ph. GW, ph. TL, m.ob.) and was joined by another, slightly paler, juv. Pomarine on the likewise-early date of 25 Sep (GW, m.ob.). At least one stayed through 19 Nov, becoming the longest-staying jaeger in Colorado ever. To round out the jaeger show, an ad. Parasitic Jaeger bullied gulls at Prewitt 24 Sep (BS), as did a subad. jaeger of undetermined identity 2 Oct (CW). An unprecedented seven Laughing Gull re- ports were received from Colorado this fall, all, as expected, on the e. plains: first-cycle birds at Fossil Creek 21 Aug (tCW, S. Miller), Chatheld 9 Oct (JK, ph. GW), Bonny 15 Oct The culmination of a great fall season at Prewitt Reservoir, Washington County, was this juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, Colorado's second. Photograph by Joey Kellner. 106 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS COLORADO & WYOMING Colorado birders enjoyed this juvenile dark-morph Long-tailed Jaeger at Prewitt Reservoir, Washington and Logan Counties 5-21 (here 17) Sep- tember 2005. Photograph by Bill Schmoker. (ph. TL), and Jumbo 29 Oct (AB, CW); and second-cycle birds at L. Meredith 13-14 Aug (LS, TL), Prewitt 5-9 Sep (TL, ph. LS), and Jumbo 7 Oct (S. Larson). Perhaps there is some duplication involved in these reports, but the back-and-forth nature of the first-cy- cle birds suggest that there were at least 2 of those; the C.B.R.C. will have to sort the records out, assuming that all occurrences are documented. Single first-cycle Little Gulls were found at Pueblo Res. 13 Sep (TBKP) and Standley L. 4 Oct (tLS). Of six Mew Gull re- ports, the most interesting was of a second- cycle bird at Brush Hollow Res. 16 Nov (SM) that would provide for a first Fremont record (p.a.). Several Herring Gulls at Jackson Res., Morgan 21 Aug (JK) were over a month early. A Thayer’s Gull (age unreported) was n. of Casper, Natrona 13 Nov (CM); Wyoming still has very few good reports of the species. Though lackluster in number of reports (only 15 of 17 individuals), the Lesser Black-backed Gull season started early with a third-cycle in- dividual at Prewitt 3 Sep-19 Oct (NK, CW). Of the 30 reports of 54 Sabine’s Gulls this fall (a few more than the recent average), an above-average four reports were from Wyoming: a juv. at E.K.W. 13 Sep (BR, m.ob.), 2 (ages unreported) at Goldeneye 13-25 Sep (BR, CM), and up to 2 (ages unreported) at Evansville 25-26 Sep (G&JL), all in Natrona, and a juv. at the renowned Hereford Ranch 8 Oct (DF). Other Sabine’s Gulls of note were in the mts., where rare: 2 juvs. at DeWeese Res., Custer 22 Sep (RM), a juv. at Elevenmile Res., Park 20-29 Oct (AS, ph. TL), the latest of the season, and a juv. at Great Western Res. 16 Sep (LS), a first for Broomfield. Odd reports of Caspian Tern included 3 from the West Slope (9 Aug-3 Sep) and a Fre- mont first at Brush Hollow Res. 22 Sep (MP). An Ancient Murrelet picked up alive on a street in Ft. Collins 13 Nov (S. Silva) but later dying in rehabilitation (ph. NK) would pro- vide the 6th for Colorado. Outside of typical locations, single Inca Doves were found near Flagler Res. 6 Sep (MP, LE), Ft. Collins 7-9 Oct (ph. T. France, tNK), and on the Stulp farm in Prowers 14 Oct (JS). OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS An Eastern Screech-Owl at Neenoshe 24 Sep (BKP, LE, CW) provided a first record for Kiowa and helped to further delineate the species’ poorly known range in se. Colorado. After the banner summer on the plains, Long-eared Owls seemed to disappear, with typical late-fall sites holding few birds. A bit early for a migrant, a Northern Saw-whet Owl was on the plains at Crow Valley 16 Sep (ph. K. Keirn). A Common Poorwill e. of Sugar City 30 Oct (MP, BKP) was quite late. An amazing 400 Black Swifts were at Conflu- ence Park, Delta 9 Oct (A. Robinsong). These were, almost certainly, migrants from farther n. and w., as most Col- orado breeders have departed by Oct, and the number would ac- count for >75% of the Colorado population. Single Ruby-throated Hummingbirds visited Colorado Springs 2 Aug (MP) and the Stulp farm 3-10 Oct (ph. JS). As more birders become acquainted with the characters separating this species from Black-chinned Hummingbird, this for- merly casual hummer has been found to be of nearly annual occurrence in Colorado. If cor- rectly identified, a well-described imm. male Black-chinned Hummingbird near Sundance, Crook, WY 11 Sep (J&JA) 24 km from the South Dakota border would provide a first Very rare in Colorado away from the small breeding pop- ulation in the southeastern part of the state, this Inca Dove visited a Fort Collins, Larimer County residence 7-9 (here 8) October 2005. Photograph by Tom France. county record and suggests that birders in South Dakota (which has no record of the species) should keep a sharp eye out. A fe- male or imm. male Calliope Hummingbird at Holyoke, Phillips 6 Aug (TL, CC, LS) added to the small number of records of the species in far ne. Colorado, whereas a female Broad- tailed Hummingbird was far to the se. at the Stulp farm 27 Jul-2 Aug (ph. JS). A report of an Eastern Wood-Pewee seen and heard singing at Barr 2-4 Sep (RS, ph., tGW) would provide an Adams first and only the 2nd in the state in the current century (p.a.). An unidentified Empidonax flycatcher was incredibly late 26 Nov at Boulder (S. Sev- ers). Two Yellow-bellied Flycatchers provided some of the passerine highlights of the fall in Colorado and only the 2nd and 3rd state records (p.a.). The first was an ad. found amongst a large fallout of Empidonax at Box Springs Pond, Crowley 13 Aug (TL, ph. LS), which also included an Alder Flycatcher (LS, TL). Leukering captured the 2nd, another ad., 12 Sep at Barr while running the fall banding station there. An unprecedented 6 Gray Fly- catchers in ne. Colorado included singles on three dates between 24 Aug and 28 Sep, in- clusive, at Crow Valley (all DAL, one ph.), one in Broomfield 3 Sep (D. Ely, E. Zorawow- icz), one banded at Barr 6 Sep (SN), and one in Ft. Collins 30 Sep (DAL). The most interesting of the many Eastern Phoebe reports were of single birds at E.K.W. 11 Sep (SP) and at Crow Valley 13 Sep (ph. DAL), both farther w. than expected. Vermil- ion Flycatchers raised heartbeat rates at Cher- ry Creek 16 Sep (ad. female; MP) and at Canon City 6-7 Oct (imm. male; RM). A Great Crested Flycatcher well w. of typical range obliged Percival by showing up in his yard in Pueblo West, Pueblo 7 Sep. The 2+ Western Kingbirds at Jackson, Teton, WY 4 Aug (B. Raynes) were locally rare, and the 2 at Lamar 8 Oct (BKP) were quite late. The East- This Ancient Murrelet landed on a Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado road on 15 Novem- ber 2005. Although found alive, it died in rehabilitation. Photograph by Nick Komar. VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 107 COLORADO & WYOMING A species rarely reported from Wyoming, this immature Northern Parula put in an appearance at a Cheyenne, Laramie County residence 18 October 2005. Photograph by Raymond Silvey. ern Kingbird s. of Lcadville, Lake 3 Sep (RL) was at 2850 m, an elevation at which even Western Kingbirds are rare. Clear Springs Ranch S.W.A., El Paso hosted the only White-eyed Vireo of the fall, a late bird on 22 Oct (DE), and the only out-of- range Bell's Vireo 27 Aug (b., KL ct al., ph. D. Barnes), the latter report being one of very few in the state from fall away from far e. Col- orado. As usual, Cassins Vireo greatly out- numbered Plumbeous Vireo on Colorado’s e. plains this fall, by 15:6. Quite oddly, Blue- headed Vireo almost did, too, with 4 in Col- orado: 2 in Pueblo (12 Sep, BKP; 5 Oct, DS), one in Douglas (24 Sep, ph. GW), and one in Logan (16 Oct, H. Armknecht). A report of a Blue-headed from E.K.W. 25 Aug was very early; we are hopeful that a bright Cassins Vireo was ruled out. Three single Philadel- phia Vireos graced e. Colorado, with birds at Big Johnson 3 Sep (MP), Bonny 4 Sep (tLS), and Lakewood, Jefferson 6 Oct (P Plage). A Blue Jay in Craig, Moffat 20 Oct (DD) was well w. of normal. A yellow-billed Black-billed Magpie was found at L. Catamount, Routt 15 Oct (DF et al.); no doubt, it caused some heart palpitations! Fairly late were 200+ Bank Swallows at Prewitt 4 Sep (TL); usually the large flocks have departed by early Aug. NUTHATCHES THROUGH FINCHES A White-breasted Nuthatch of the nominate subspecies was well w. at Prewitt 3 Sep (NK, CW, N. A. Komar), and a Rock Wren in e. Crook, WY 29 Nov (J&JA) was quite late. Six reports of 9 Carolina Wrens and eight reports of 10 Winter Wrens were well more than typ- ical, with the highlights being a Carolina in Lakewood 16 Aug (N. Lewis) and a Winter at E.K.W. 13 Oct (A. Hines). A Sedge Wren did not skulk enough at Ramah Res., El Paso 8 Oct; it was caught by a Sharp-shinned Hawk (p.a., B. Maynard, KL); another was found at Kinney L., Lincoln 16 Oct (p.a., MP). Eastern Bluebirds have recently become much more common on the foothill edge in e. Colorado, and the trend continued in fall 2005, with re- ports from four foothill-edge counties. A Swainson’s Thrush was late at Flagler Res. 16 Oct (MP). Hereford Ranch sported a Wood Thrush 6-8 Oct (MP), and another was spot- ted at Fountain Creek Regional Park, El Paso 22 Oct (TF). Three of the fall’s 4 Varied Thrushes were typical one-day wonders, and a different set of 3 were in residential yards: Cheyenne, Laramie, WY 23 Oct (ph. C. Seni- awski), Big Thompson Canyon, Larimer 6 Nov (ph. L. Larson), and Lafayette, Boulder 6-18 Nov (J. Timchak); the other was at Lamar 27 Oct (tD. Russell). A few observers made efforts to look for Sprague’s Pipits this fall; fewer were rewarded. Single birds were flushed near Bonny 2 Oct (GW et al.) and 16 Oct (MP, TL) and in e. Sedgwick and w. Sedg- wick, both 8 Oct (SL). Hopefully, all will be duly documented. A female Golden-winged Warbler was banded at Barr 14-17 Oct (SN, ph. G. Brown). The most interesting of only three Northern Parula reports was of a very late bird at Paonia 26 Nov (G. Hanscom) that would provide a first Delta record (p.a.). An ad. Cape May Warbler at Pueblo Res. 16 Sep (BKP) was quite a nice find. Four Blackburn- ian Warblers (in four e. Colorado counties) spanned the narrow window of 3-20 Sep. Highlights among the 1 1 Pine Warblers were a bird still halfway in juv. plumage at Bonny 6 Aug (ph. tTL, LS, CC), one at E.K.W. 21 Aug (CM), a singing (!) ad. male at Hereford Ranch 4-5 Sep (TF), 2 together near Flagler Res. 6 Sep (MP), and the male returning to last year’s wintering site in Lakewood after 25 Nov (M. Chavez, D. O’Brien). The only Prairie Warbler was very late at Ft. Lyon, Bent 29 Nov (DN). A Palm Warbler at DeWeese Res. 15 Oct (BKP, VT) accounted for the only interesting report of that species, and the only Bay-breasted Warbler was at Valeo Ponds S.W.A. 7 Oct (BKP). Oddly, two of the three Prothonotary Warbler reports hailed from sites w. of the plains, 11 Oct near El Jebel, Eagle (p.a., J. Biebl) and 15 Oct from Florence, Fremont (BKP, VT). The warbler of the fall was, without question, the Painted Redstart that visited the Fisher yard near New Castle, Garfield 16-18 Nov (tF Fisher, ph. GW), providing only the 5th Colorado record, the first since 1987. Three Summer Tanagers and 2 Scarlet Tan- agers visited e. Colorado, with the latter birds at Canon City 7 Sep (RM) and at Chico, Pueblo 17 Sep (MP). An imm. male Western Tanager was very late near New Castle 19 Nov (G. Rutherford et al.). A Field Sparrow apparently of e. origin 13 Nov was one of many oddities gracing the Thompson yard in Lamar (ph. DAL) this fall. The species breeds in e. Colorado, but those birds are referable to the grayer western-type birds, sometimes rec- ognized as subspecies arenacea\ it seems that late-fall and winter records of the species in Colorado have been primarily of e. birds, sometimes designated a nominate subspecies. A Sage Sparrow in the Boulder foothills 6 Oct (M. Boswell, A. Bell) was quite odd, as the vast majority of e. Colorado records represent spring sightings. Lark Buntings found sw. of Gunnison in Saguache 15 Aug (C.L. Wood, BS) and at Craig 8 Sep (FL) provided very rare fall records for the respective w. Colorado counties. As usual, almost no Slate-colored Fox Spar- rows (the breeding type in the Region) were found as migrants; only 2 were reported away from breeding localities, as is typical: they seem to simply vanish in fall. However, the bird at No Name, Garfield returned for its 3rd winter 5 Nov (T. McConnell). Additionally, 2 Red Fox Sparrows were found, one at Neenoshe 30 Oct (MP, BKP), the other being banded at Barr 27 Oct (SN, ph. A. Morrison). Though Red Fox Sparrow is a Colorado re- view subspecies and Slate-colored Fox Spar- rows breed within 80 km of the location, this individual is the 3rd banded there in the 20 autumns of banding at the site — with Slate- 108 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS COLORADO & WYOMING colored having never even been seen at Barr in the fall. The number of Swamp Sparrows was well down after the past several years of high numbers. Individual Zonotrichia spar- rows out of place were a White-throated at Navajo Res. 9-10 Nov (AS), a Harris’s at Pao- nia 7 Nov (JBn), and Golden-crowneds at Fruitgrowers Res. arriving 2 Oct for the 3rd winter (D. Galinat), 8 Oct in Sedgwick (SL), and 7 Nov near Guernsey, Platte, WY (K. Kranik). Smith’s Longspurs were reported twice this fall, though we have seen no details of the 2nd bird: one among other longspurs near Torrington, Goshen, WY 7 Oct (DF) and one in Sedgwick 8 Oct (SL). The species is very rare as far w. as our Region (with only one accepted for Wyoming and none, yet, for Colorado; two reports are circulating), and details should be submitted to the respective records committees. Two Northern Cardinals were located away from their usual haunts near the Kansas and Nebraska borders, a male at Louviers, Douglas 21 jul-2 Aug (the Halverstadts) and a female at Rockvale, Fremont 7-9 Aug (fide R. Watts). Bobolinks are another species not often found in fall in the Region, so single birds at Wet- more, Custer 27 Aug (RM) and at Barr 4 Sep (GW, ph. TL) were of interest. A male Balti- more Oriole was nw. of Windsor, Weld 18 Aug (M. Maeda), well w. of typical range in e. Col- orado. Two different Purple Finches graced the Thompson yard in Lamar (the Purple Finch capital of Colorado) 5-7 Nov and 11-13 Nov (]. Thompson, ph. DAL); another was reported from a Franktown yard 27-28 Nov (H&rUK). As in recent years, we received exceedingly few reports of Evening Grosbeak, a species that seems to be becoming quite scarce. One was barely on the plains at Ft. Collins 3 Oct, and a flock of 25 was in Estes Park 26 Nov (both DAL). Corrigenda: The site of the Cassin’s Sparrow e. of Torrington, WY 22 May 2005 is in Goshen, not Platte. Raynes’ rosy-finches in Jackson, WY occurred on 24 Mar 2005, not in May. Addendum: The Varied Thrush found in Lyons, Boulder in early Dec 2004 was found dead there on 25 Dec (M. Griest; * Denver Museum of Nature and Science). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Jean & Jennifer Adams, Larry Arnold, Jason Beason (JBn), Jim Beatty (JBy; sw. Col- orado), Andy Boyce, Cameron Cox, Coen Dexter (w.-cen. Colorado), Dean DiTomasso, Lisa Edwards, David Elwonger, Doug Faulkn- er (Wyoming), Ted Floyd, Joey Kellner, Hugh & Urling Kingery, Nick Komar, Steve Larson, Gloria & Jim Lawrence (statewide RBA, Wyoming), David A. Leatherman, Tony Leuk- ering, Kara Lewantowicz, Forrest Luke (nw. Colorado), Terry McEneaney (Yellowstone), Chris Michelson (Casper, WY), Rich Miller, SeEtta Moss, Duane Nelson, Starr Nicely, Su- san Patla (Jackson, WY), Brandon K. Percival (se. Colorado), Mark Peterson (cen. Col- orado), Bert Raynes (Jackson, WY), Betty Rickman, Bill Schmoker, Larry Semo (ne. Colorado), Randy Siebert, David Silverman, Andrew Spencer, Jane Stulp, Van Truan, Glenn Walbek (n.-cen. Colorado), Cole Wild. We also greatly appreciate reports from many other individuals who could not be acknowl- edged here. ® Tony Leukering, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, Colorado 80603, (tony.leuker- ing@rmbo.org); Bill Schmoker, 3381 Larkspur Dr., Long- mont, CO 80503, (bill@schmoker.org); Christopher L. Wood, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 1 59 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, (clw37@cornell.edu) Great Basin Rick FridelE The Great Basin experienced dry condi- tions and above-normal temperatures throughout most of the fall season. Summer-like temperatures lingered into early fall, and conditions stayed unseasonably warm through November. Several contribu- tors reported an extended migration of west- ern species, likely a direct consequence of these warm temperatures. It was an excep- tional season for vagrant shorebirds in the Great Basin. Five Mountain Plovers were pho- tographed in western Nevada, and several rare shorebirds were observed along the Ante- lope Island State Park Causeway, including well-documented Wandering Tattler, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, and Red Phalarope. Another fall migration high- light was Utah’s first documented Ruby- throated Hummingbird, visiting a feeder in southwestern Utah. Abbreviations: Antelope Island (Antelope Is- land S.R and Causeway, Davis, UT); Bear Riv- er (Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box El- der, UT); Corn Cr. (Corn Creek Unit, Desert N.W.R., Clark, NV); H.B.V.P. (Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Clark, NV); Lake Mead (Lake Mead N.R.A., Clark, NV); Lytle (Lytle Ranch Preserve, Washington, UT); Miller’s R.A. (Miller’s Rest Area, Esmeralda, NV); Pahrana- gat (Pahranagat N.W.R., Lincoln, NV); Red Hills (Red Hills G.C., St. George, Washington, UT); Zion (Zion N.P., Washington, UT). WATERFOWL THROUGH CONDOR Significant waterfowl sightings were in short supply this season in the Great Basin. Typical- ly there is a fair passage of scoters through the Region; however, no White-winged Scoters were reported, and Surf Scoters were reported from only three locations. The first was an early male photographed at the H.B.V.P. 28-29 Sep (JHe). Female Surf Scoters were reported from two Utah locations, Hyrum S.P, Cache (30-31 Oct; KA, JBi) and Antelope Island (2- 4 Nov; MMu, BH). Three well-documented female Black Scoters lingered at Antelope Is- land 11-22 Nov (ph. JBi, ph. TA). Pacific Loons were observed 16 Oct at East Canyon S.P., Morgan, UT (AaS, ArS, CS) and 31 Oct at Hyrum S.R, Cache, UT (BH). One of the highlights of the fall was the documentation of successful nesting by Least Bitterns in Clark, NV A pair of Least Bitterns and up to 3 offspring were enjoyed through- out the reporting period by a steady stream of observers at the H.B.VR (JBr, JHe et al.). An- other pair of Least Bitterns successfully fledged at least one young at the Clark Coun- ty Wetlands Park, Las Vegas (24 Aug; LC, JBr). A very late Turkey Vulture was a surprise on 27 Nov at Carson City, Carson City, NV VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 109 GREAT BASIN Five Mountain Plovers visiting Dyer, Esmeralda County, Nevada 8-12 (here 8) October 2005 were a rare treat for Nevada birders. Photograph by Greg Scyphers. (MMe, GS). Fortunately, sightings of Califor- nia Condors have become regular at the Kolob Meadows/Lava Point area of Zion over the last few years. Sightings continued to in- crease this fall, with a high count of 12 con- dors observed 27 Aug (RF et al.). Based on re- ports of wing tag numbers, it appears the condors present at Zion include at least 20 in- dividuals (DB, J&KB et al.). HAWKS THROUGH GULLS Although Common Black-Hawks are fre- quently observed in sw. Utah, they are seldom reported from s. Nevada, so one observed in Las Vegas, Clark 7 Sep (RSc, JC1) was note- worthy. Red-shouldered Hawks were reported from 3 Aug-28 Sep at four Nevada locations (in Clark , Esmeralda , Lincoln , and Pershing); however, none were reported in Utah. Broad- winged Hawks, relatively rare migrants through the Region, were observed at three Utah locations: Beaver Dam Mts., Washington (24 Sep; LT), Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake (25 Sep; J&rKB), and Lee Kay Ponds, Salt Lake (1 Nov; TA). It was an exceptional season for vagrant shorebird sightings in the Great Basin: water levels in the Great Salt L. were optimal, as were foraging conditions along the Antelope Island S.R Causeway, Davis, UT. Several Amer- ican Golden-Plovers were reported at Ante- lope Island 1 1 Aug-1 1 Oct (TA et al.); one was at the far more unusual location of Hickman Flats, San Juan , UT 6 Oct (LG). Mountain Plovers are extremely rare anywhere in the Region, so 5 photographed 8 Oct at the Ar- lemonte Ranch, Esmeralda , NV (MMe, GS) were very noteworthy; they lingered through at least 12 Oct and were enjoyed by several Nevada birders. Utah's 4th documented Wan- dering Tattler was found at Antelope Island 11 Sep (ph. , tPF, ph. JBi et al.) and remained through 18 Sep (ph., TMMo). Two Whimbrels were also photographed 6-17 Aug at Antelope Island (SCo, JBi). Whimbrel also made a rare s. Nevada appearance 9 Sep at the H.B.V.R (LC et al.). Another surprise shorebird was a first- year Hudsonian Godwit photographed 5 Sep at Fish Springs N.W.R., Juab , UT (KC, ph., tRF). Ruddy Turnstones were photographed at Antelope Island on two occasions: 5-15 Aug (DWi, ph. JBi, BH et al.) and 12-13 Sep (KP, ph. PH). Eight Red Knots were also found at Antelope Island 4 Aug (TA et al.), and anoth- er was reported there 13 Sep (PF, KL). An un- usually high count of 35 Baird’s Sandpipers came from Pyramid L., Washoe , NV (MMe). Utah’s 4th accepted Curlew Sandpiper was observed sporadically 14 Aug-12 Sep at Ante- lope Island (tJ&KB, CTa et al.). Stilt Sand- pipers were found at Antelope Island, as well as at the more unusual locations of H.B.V.P. (18 Sep; JBr) and Fish Spring N.W.R., Juab, UT (18 Sep; CN, ph. TA). Short-billed Dowitchers were observed 4 Aug at Bear River (ph. TA) and 18 Sep at Fish Springs N.W.R., Juab, UT (CN, ph. TA). Rounding out the shorebird sightings were reports of a Red Phalarope at Antelope Island 4 Aug (p.a., tTA) and 2 pho- tographed there 10 Oct (tCD). A juv. jaeger, found 10 Sep at Willard Bay S.P., Box Elder, UT (C&SS), elicited spirited debate over its identification. The majority opinion gradually shifted from the original identification of Parasitic to Long-tailed, based on several detailed observations and photographs (ph. JBi, ph. TA). However, as a cautionary reminder on separating these very similar species: the bird was found dead on 13 Sep, measured, photographed, and positively identified as a Parasitic Jaeger (tTA). Two ad- ditional jaegers, both unidentified, were re- ported 9 Sep from Pyramid L., Washoe, NV This Wandering Tattler was one of several exceptional shorebirds documented along the Antelope Island State Park Causeway, Davis County, Utah in autumn 2005. Utah's fourth, the tattler was found by Pomera Fronceon 11 September and lingered a week (here 18 September). Photograph by Milton Moody. 110 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS GREAT BASIN This juvenile jaeger discovered 1 0 September 2005 at Willard Bay State Park, Box Elder County, Utah was found dead 13 September and subsequently identified as a Parasitic. Photograph by Tim Avery. (FP, GP, DM). A Mew Gull graced the Lem- mon Valley Ponds, Washoe , NV 29 Oct-5 Nov (MMe, DM et al.). Six Thayer’s Gulls were ob- served 22 Nov at the Bountiful Landfill, Davis, UT (TA), and another was reported 25 Nov at the Lee Kay Ponds, Salt Lake, UT (TA). It was an above-average year for migrant Sabine’s Gulls in the Region, with six reports totaling 8 individuals. Seven Sabine’s Gulls were observed in Utah (Davis, Toole, and Wasatch ) 14 Aug-4 Oct (PF, CG, SC, KP), and the only Nevada report was at Red Hawk G.C., Sparks, Washoe 8-9 Oct (TD, FP). A Glaucous-winged Gull was found 29 Oct at Pyramid L., Washoe, NV (DWo, JT). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS White-winged Doves occasionally wander n. of their expected range; however, this fall there were at least 4 documented at n. lo- cales. Northerly White-winged Doves were found 4 Sep at the Circle L Ranch, Dyer, Es- meralda (GS) and 13 Sep at Lovelock, Persh- ing, NV (D&RP). Wayward White-winged Doves were also found in Utah, at Bluff, San Juan 7 Oct (LG) and Murray, Salt Lake 16 Oct (ph. TS). Two Vaux’s Swifts observed 29 Aug near Lava Point, Zion (J&KJ3) were the only reports this season. Utah’s first documented and much anticipated Ruby-throated Hum- mingbird was discovered 29 Aug visiting a feeder at Central, Washington (tLT et al). Fortunately, the young male hummingbird lingered through 2 Sep and allowed close study and numerous photographs (ph. RF et al.). Anna’s Hummingbirds, now regular in s. Nevada and sw. Utah, were observed at sever- al unexpected locations, including at Carmel Junction, Kane, UT (an imm. male 10 Sep; ph. GR et al.) and in Reno, Washoe, NV: ad. males 15 Sep (FP, GP) and 7 Oct (JL). A pair of Acorn Woodpeckers was an unexpected surprise 7 Aug-25 Sep near Kolob Res., Washington, UT (KC, ph. RF, BH et al.). Red- breasted Sapsuckers were reported from the unusual locations of H.B.V.P. 22 Sep (ph. CP, JBr) and St. George, Washington, UT 8 Nov (p.a., TPR). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS Least Flycatchers were photographed at two Nevada locations: 10 Sep at the Circle L Ranch, Dyer, Esmeralda (MMe, GS) and 11 Sep at Pahranagat (KC, RF). An Eastern Phoebe was an unexpected find 6 Oct at Floyd Lamb S.R, Clark, NV (RSc, JC). Eastern Kingbirds turned up at several unexpected lo- cations, including Porter Springs, Pershing, NV (23 Aug; RSt et al.), Bishop Springs, Mil- lard, UT (5 Sep; KC, RF), Pyramid L., Washoe, NV (9 Sep; MMe), and Pahranagat (11 Sep; KC, RF). Red-eyed Vireos were observed 20 Aug at Porter Springs, Pershing, NV (D&RS) and 25 Aug at Floyd Lamb S.P, Clark, NV (RSc). An out-of-range Blue Jay made a brief appearance at an Ogden, Weber, UT residence 29-31 Oct (JR)- Unexpected Varied Thrushes turned up on 9 Oct at both Dugway, Toole, UT (ph. CZ) and H.B.V.P (ph. CP, JBr). Gray Cat- birds made rare Nevada appearances at Las Vegas, Clark (24 Sep; JCo) and at the Circle L Ranch, Dyer, Esmeralda (2 Oct; GS). A rela- tively late Gray Catbird was briefly sighted at Red Hills 11 Nov (LT). Brown Thrashers were found 8 Oct at the Circle L Ranch, Dyer, Es- meralda, NV (GS, MMe) and 20-21 Nov at Bluff, San Juan, UT (ph. JHo). As usual, vagrant e. warblers were found throughout the Great Basin during the fall reporting period. A well-described Tennessee Warbler was observed 25-28 Aug at Willard Bay S.P, Box Elder, UT (tKP et al). Another was found 4 Sep at Sagehen Rd., Dyer, Es- meralda, NV (GS). The only Northern Paru- la reported was at the Dyer Pond, Esmeralda, NV 10 Sep (MMe, GS). There were several Chestnut-sided Warblers reported: the first was observed 11 Sep at Gunlock, Washing- ton, UT (LT), followed by a female 1-2 Oct at Circle L Ranch, Dyer, Esmeralda, NV (GS) and females at Red Hills 13 Oct (tPC) and 11 Nov (LT). A first-year female Magnolia Warbler was observed 30 Sep at Pahranagat One of three Blackpoll Warblers found in Nevada in autumn 200S, this bird was on the Arlemont Ranch, Dyer County 18 September. Photograph by Greg Scyphers. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 111 GREAT BASIN N.W.R., Lincoln, NV (Rfi LT). Hermit War- blers are rare but regular migrants through s. Nevada, but until recently they were be- lieved to be very rare in Utah. In recent years, Hermit Warblers have been observed annually in sw. Utah mountains, and 4 were observed this fall 14-27 Aug in Washington (KC, LT, RF). A female Hermit Warbler was also observed at the H.B.V.R 22 Sep (JBr). A female Blackpoll Warbler was a pleasant surprise 18 Sep at the Arlemonte Ranch, Dyer, Esmeralda , NV (GS, DG, RSt et al.). Surprisingly, the only Black-and-white War- bler in the Region was found 9 Sep at Pyra- mid L., Washoe , NV (MMe). Five American Redstarts were observed in Esmeralda , NV between 3 Aug and 2 Oct (LW, GS, FP et ah). Surprisingly, Prothonotary Warblers were found at two Esmeralda , NV locations (Sage- hen Rd. and Circle L Ranch) on 17 Sep (GS, D&RS, RSt et ah). Another turned up at the Circle L Ranch, Dyer, Esmeralda , NV 1-14 Oct (GS, JD, DH et al.). The only Ovenbird this season was at Corn Cr. 2 Oct (BG). Northern Waterthrushes were observed 17 Aug-30 Sep at six Nevada locations ( Esmer- alda, Lincoln , Nye, and Washoe) and two Utah locations (Davis and Millard ). After several years of sightings, but unconfirmed nesting, Painted Redstarts were observed feeding young in Zion Canyon, Zion 4 Aug-10 Sep (MD, GR et al.). SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Clay-colored Sparrows were observed at two Nevada locations: Corn Cr. (17 Sep; CTi et al.) and Arlemonte Ranch, Dyer, Esmeralda (18 Sep; ph. GS). A female Lark Bunting made a rare fall appearance in the Region 4 Sep at Miller’s R.A. (FP). Swamp Sparrows went un- reported in Utah but were found 4 Sep at H.B.V.P (JHe) and 17 Sep at Corn Cr. (CTi et al.). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were surpris- ingly absent in the Great Basin, with only a single report: 11 Sep at Gunlock S.P, Wash- ington, UT (LT). A somewhat late and ex- tralimital female Bobolink was sighted 8 Nov at H.B.V.P (fide JBr). A first-fall male Balti- more Oriole turned up 3 Sep at Lida, Esmer- alda, NV (GS). Contributors and cited observers: Keith Archibald, Tim Avery, Joel & Kathy Beyer, Jack Binch (JBi) , Denise Blyn, Je Anne Branca (JBr), Steve Carr (SCa), Lorrine Cassidy, Joan Clarke (JC1), Jack Cochrin (JCo), Steve Cole- man (SCo), Kristen Cornelia, Peyton Cook, Jim & Marian Cressman, Carol Davis, Massi- miliano Dettori, Tom Dozet, Jon Dunn, Rick Fridell, Pomera France, Dennis Ghiglieri, Lu Giddings, Bob Gotschall, Carol Gwynn, Jim Healy (JHe), Paul Higgins, Jim Hooks (JFIo), Debbie House, Bob Huntington, Kent Lewis, Jacque Lowery, Sueann Marshall, Martin Mey- ers (MMe), Don Molde, Milton Moody (MMo), Marjean Muhlestein (MMu), Colby Neuman, Deedee O’Brien, Carol Perry, Fred Petersen, Gail Petersen, Debbie and Randy Pontius, Kristin Purdy, Jack Rensel, Patricia Richards, Gary Rosenberg, Terry Sadler, Rita Schlageter (RSc), Greg Scyphers, Dennis & Rebecca Serdehely, Aaron Smith (AaS), Arnold Smith (ArS), Celeste Smith, Cindy & Steve Sommerfeld, Rose Strickland (RSt), Clay Taylor (CTa), Jane Thompson, Carolyn Titus (CTi), Larry Tripp, Dennis Williams (DWi), Larry Williams, Diane Wong (DWo), Candy Zaffis. (3 Rick Fridell, 3505 West 290 North, Hurricane, Utah 84737, (rfridell@redrock.net) New Mexico v,». to * 7 sTj... Heron,L. «,,, S ~ •Raton ' ~ : _,„r, , Mot f S .Maxwell N.WtiT' El Vdao L S jz o PL* 4 Jtiriez } C_ Mbit 0 , CochHi U ™ 6 .Las Vega's-.. ^ J^buquerque l&^TueumZ- VkL nj Moriarty ' Sumner L Melrose LaJoyaJ S § Fort Sumner' Socorroi, Bosquedel $.» /‘Apache N.W.R. Msiso ) / Elcpluwl Buite L. Morgan Farmington Lake Gallup Zuni Grants .Reserve .Ruidoso ■ Bitter Lake M.gill*. , Mtei ’ Glenwoon Clifff? £ JCabaUd Jr. ‘Silver J peftstia San Andres \ Hobbs Redrock Clty S.P. 5 N.Wfl Carlsbad (Bnetir/U * ^•Lordsburg .Deming%as Cru“ Ca W^Carlsbad .Columbus r Guadalape® » Mtnt •Rattl&nake Spgs Sartor O. Williams III Early fall 2005 brought welcome pre- cipitation to many parts of the state, contributing to a spectacular water- bird and shorebird migration through the eastern plains. By mid-season, however, the long-term drying trend had resumed, and the season ended both very dry and very cold. Abbreviations: B.L. N.W.R. (Bitter Lake N.W.R. ); Bosque (Bosque del Apache N.W.R.); E.B.L. (Elephant Butte L.); L.V.N.W.R. (Las Vegas N.W.R.); Maxwell (Maxwell N.W.R. and vicinity); MSB (Mu- seum of Southwestern Biology); N.R.T. (n. Roosevelt migrant trap near Melrose); RO. Canyon (Post Office Canyon, Peloncillo Mts.); R.G.N.C. (Rio Grande Nature Center, Albuquerque); R.G.V (Rio Grande Valley); R.S. (Rattlesnake Springs area, Eddy). WATERFOWL THROUGH FALCONS Making a brief appearance was a Black-bel- lied Whistling-Duck at Deming 15 Aug (LM, ph. JO); another possibly of this species was glimpsed at Bosque 5 Aug (JO). Noteworthy for the locale and early date were 5 Greater White-fronted Geese at Deming 10 Sep (LM); high counts elsewhere were up to 10 at Maxwell 22-25 Oct (DC, J&MH, JP, JO) and 3 at B.L.N.W.R. 20 Nov (SW). Earliest Tundra Swans were one at Waverly L., Union 6 Nov (JO) and 3 at Vermejo Ranch near Cimarron 17 Nov (ph. DC). A male Eurasian Wigeon at Maxwell 29 Oct (DC) provided a Colfax first; another male was at R.G.N.C 11 Nov (CGL), where regular in recent years. An apparent Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid was at Socorro 30 Oct+ (m.ob., ph. S. Wil- son). Nine Greater Scaup at L.V.N.W.R. 13 Nov (CR) was a large number for so early in the season. A Long-tailed Duck was at Stub- blefield L. 18-24 Nov (ph. DC), where there was a male Barrow’s Goldeneye 16 Nov (DC) and a female Barrow’s 18 Nov (ph. DC). A Lesser Prairie-Chicken strayed w. to B.L.N.W.R. 18 Oct (ph. J. Howland), where last reported several decades ago. A Red-throated Loon made a brief visit to Springer L. 22 Oct (J&MH). Single Pacific Loons reached Springer L. 22-24 Oct (DC), Miami L. 7 Nov (ph. JO), and Conchas L. 22 Nov (WW). Eared Grebes were successful at Stubblefield L., where six pairs were carrying chicks 8 Aug and some 75 chicks were present 23 Aug (ph. DC). Late for the n. were 1130 Aechmophonis grebes at Morgan L. 23 Nov (AN). An imm. Brown Pelican flying through Tijeras Canyon 10 Aug (D. Clayton) was seen later that day on a pond at nearby Sandia Park (D. Weaver, E Lusso); another imm. was at Sumner L. 2 Oct (NP, JB). Far n. and a Union first was a Neotropic Cormorant at Clayton L. 112 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW MEXICO 15-26 Sep (ph. JO, CR). A Little Blue Heron was n. to Conchas L. 19 Sep (ph. JO); one at Bosque 3 Sep (DH) furnished the only addi- tional report. Single imm. Reddish Egrets were at Brantley L. 29 Sep-2 Oct (ph. JO, JP, CR) and E.B.L. 14-16 Oct (PM, JP, CR, NP, CGL, ph. JO). A strong showing by Yellow-crowned Night-Heron found single imms. at Maxwell 19 Oct (P. Hoban) and Milnesand 8 Aug (ph. T. McDaniel), the latter a Roosevelt first; else- where, an ad. was at Tatum 27 Aug (JB), where there was an imm. 12 Sep-1 Oct (ph. JO, m. ob.), and an ad. was at Bosque 9-18 Oct (ph. D. Krueper, ph. CGL, ph. JO, m.ob.). Continuing from Jul, an ad. White Ibis lin- gered at Bosque 1-17 Aug (ph. CGL, ph. JO). The Stubblefield L. White-faced Ibis colony continued productive into Aug, including five nests with nestlings 8 Aug and other young seen 13 Aug (ph. DC). The Roseate Spoonbill present at B.L.N.W.R. in Jul persisted until 6 Sep (m.ob., ph. JO, ph. CGL). White-tailed Kites continued in evidence in the Animas Valley, with 2-3 at two sites 6 (WW) & 12 Aug (JO), 2 at another site far- ther n. 4 Aug 0- Stuart), and one at another site even farther n. 14 Oct (WH, SOW); else- where, one was at Bosque 4 Oct (ph. JO) and one was near Hachita 9 Nov (SOW). Interest- ingly early was a Bald Eagle at L. Roberts 28 Sep (fide DB). Two ad. Gray Hawks were feed- ing 2 juvs. in upper Guadalupe Canyon 9 Aug (JB); undetailed was one in the middle Ani- mas Valley 15 Sep (DB). Far e. was a Common Black-Hawk in the Penasco Valley e. of Elk, Chaves 13 Sep (JO); late for the n. was an ad. at Santa Rosa 1 Oct OP), while stragglers were at Belen 5 Oct (N. Baczek) and near Radium Springs 9 Oct (MS, ph. JZ). A family of 4 Har- ris’s Hawks was s. of Alamogordo 16 Nov (CGL); Harris’s were noted at three Luna lo- cales during the period (LM, WW, JO). A dark-morph juv. Broad-winged Hawk enter- tained many at N.R.T. 2-11 Oct (NP, m.ob., ph. JO); at the Manzano Mts. hawkwatch site, 13 Broad-wingeds were tallied 13 Sep-14 Oct (HWI). Noteworthy for San Miguel was a Zone-tailed Hawk along the Gallinas R. se. of Las Vegas 8 Aug (WW). Perhaps continuing from Jul was an unseasonal Ferruginous Hawk in the Animas Valley 8 Aug (JB). Mer- lins were widespread and relatively numer- ous, and 48 passed the Manzano Mts. lookout 13 Sep-28 Oct (HWI); notably “dark” Mer- lins were near Portales 24 Sep (JB) and at R.S. 2 Oct (SW). A good season for Aplomado Fal- cons dispersing from Chihuahua, Mexico brought an ad. to s. Otero Mesa 11-15 Aug (RM et al., ph.), an imm. n. to Socorro sw. of Bingham 27 Aug (D. & L. Burkett), an ad. to n. Otero Mesa 3 Oct (RM), and one to Brant- ley L. 31 Oct (SW); at least one territorial ad. was in Luna all season. CRANE THROUGH SKIMMER Early were 5 Sandhill Cranes at Maxwell 27 Sep (DC); numbers peaked with 65,000 at Grulla N.W.R. 9 Nov (J. Smith) and about 20,000 at B.L.N.W.R. 23 Nov (GW et al.). A re- minder that “white” cranes always deserve critical study was evidenced by a full albino Sandhill Crane at Caballo L. 3 Nov (ph. JO). An impressive 30 Black-bellied Plovers were at Grulla N.W.R. 8-11 Oct (JO, CR, WW, JP); high count elsewhere was 10 at Stubblefield L. 15 Oct (ph. DC). Some 16 Snowy Plovers were at Grulla N.W.R. 9 Oct (CR); late was one at Lordsburg playa 23-25 Nov (JO, JP). Quite late was a Black-necked Stilt at B.L.N.W.R. 30 Nov (GW), as were single American Avocets at Stubblefield 10 Nov (DC), L.VN.W.R. 13 Nov (CR), and B.L.N.W.R. 15 Nov (GW), a Willet at Deming 18 Oct (LM), and 2 Marbled God- wits at Clovis 14 Oct (JP). A remarkable con- centration of Long-billed Curlews at Grulla N.W.R. 8-14 Oct was estimated to contain up to 2000 birds (JO, WW, JP). An apparent Red Knot was s. of Farmington 25 Aug (J. Rees). Last of a good Sanderling season were 4-5 at Grulla N.W.R. 8-9 Oct (JO, CR), 2 at Hollo- man L. 12 Oct (CGL), and one at B.L.N.W.R. 19 Oct (GW). West was a Pectoral Sandpiper at Lordsburg 1 1 Aug (LM); noteworthy were 3 at Holloman L. 21 Sep (MS, ph. JZ) and one at Sunland Park 1 Oct (J- Paton). The earliest Dunlin reached E.B.L. 4 Oct (ph. JO), while noteworthy for Roosevelt was one at Grulla N.W.R. 28 Oct OR JO); high count was 5 at B.L.N.W.R. 15 Nov (GW). A Ruff at Stubble- field L. 5 Oct (ph. DC) provided New Mexico’s 2nd photo-documented record. An American Woodcock at N.R.T. 22-23 Oct (R. Van- Buskirk, m.ob.) provided the state’s 11th over- all record. Red-necked Phalaropes were unusually numerous from the R.G.V eastward, with reports from 12 counties 3 Sep-22 Oct; high counts were 60 at Stubblefield L. 17 (CR, BN) & 23 Sep (DC), 48 at Maxwell 27 Sep (DC), and 30 at Holloman L. 16 & 19 Sep (CGL); late were 2 each at B.L.N.W.R. 12 Oct (GW) and E.B.L. 18 Oct (JO) and one at Maxwell 22 Oct (DC, JP, JO). A Red Phalarope made an appearance at Maxwell 21-22 Oct (MB, NP, m.ob., ph. JO, ph. DC). A light-morph juv. Long-tailed Jaeger at Stubblefield L. 14-19 Sep (m.ob., ph. DC, ph. JO) furnished New Mexico’s 11th record. Records continued to accumulate for Laugh- ing Gull, with one at Vermejo Ranch near Cimarron 6 & 1 1 Aug (ph. DC) and up to 3 at E.B.L. — a first-winter bird at Monticello Pt. 6 Aug (ph. JO), a basic ad. at Monticello Pt. 15 Aug (ph. JO), 19 Aug QP), and 7 Sep (vt. JO), and another basic ad. at Three Sisters Point also on 7 Sep (vt. JO). The gull of the season was a first-winter Little Gull at Con- chas L. 18-20 Sep (MB, NP, ph. JO, JP, JB), providing New Mexico’s 2nd verified record. California Gulls away from n. lakes were sin- gles at E.B.L. 8-19 Aug (JO, JP) and Grulla N.W.R. 9 & 11 Oct (CR, WW). Single Thayer’s Gulls were at Bluewater L. 12 Nov (ph. JO) and E.B.L. 23 Nov (ph. JO). Yet an- other good season for Sabine’s Gulls produced multiple reports from 10 sites in six e. coun- ties 7 Sep-9 Oct, including a remarkable flock of 11 imms. at Stubblefield L. 20 Sep (DC), where there were 2 ads. 16-17 Sep (JP, NP, BN, CR); one at Grulla N.W.R. 8-9 Oct (JO, CR) provided a local first. An ad. Caspian Tern was at Conchas L. 18 Sep (MB, NP). Common Terns made a better- than-usual showing from the R.G.V eastward 7-28 Sep, including high counts of 5 at Springer L. 26 Sep (ph. DC), 8 at Sumner L. 17 Sep QP, JO), and 10 at Conchas L. 18 Sep (JO). Migrant Black Terns were in evidence statewide, including notable concentrations of 110 near Cimarron 5 Aug (DC) and 45 at Maxwell (WH), plus 50 at Clovis (WW) 21 Aug; some 40 were over the prairie near the Mesa Rest Stop 8 Sep (B. Lang), including 10 devouring fairy shrimp at a tank. An imm. Black Skimmer was found dead w. of Road Forks at Steins Pass 18 Oct (D. Farbotnik; *MSB); it had been banded at Salton Sea 19 Aug (K. Molina) and was one of 2 young skimmers banded there that day known to have wandered inland, the other to Maricopa , Arizona. DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Eurasian Collared-Doves continued to in- crease statewide; an active nest at Deming was on a bare metal catwalk 22 Aug (ph. LM). Three White-winged Doves were at Los Alamos 27 Nov (BN, CR); up to 3 lingered in Post Office Canyon through 28 Nov (CDL). Single Inca Doves were ne. to Clovis 21 Aug (WW) and Melrose 1 Oct (CR). A good show- ing by Common Ground-Dove found singles at Rodeo 8 Oct (RW), Deming 12 Sep (LM), and Radium Springs 7-9 Oct (MS, ph. JZ), and 2 in the Animas Valley 6 Aug (WW). A similar showing by Ruddy Ground-Dove pro- duced one at Deming 10 Nov (LM), 2 at Vir- den 25 Nov (ph. JO), and 3 at Rodeo 8 Oct (RW). Unusually late was a vocal Yellow- billed Cuckoo at Percha 16 Oct (CGL). Two Barn Owl pairs at B.L.N.W.R. were found with 2nd broods of nestlings 1 & 3 Aug (GW). Far out on the prairie, migrant Flammulated Owls were conspicuous at N.R.T. on various dates 2-22 Oct (m.ob.), including 2 on 8 Oct VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 113 NEW MEXICO (JO, CR) and 3 on 9 Oct (JO, CGL); very late was one found freshly dead at B.L.N.W.R. 20 Nov (SW, GW; *MSB). Late were 2 vocal Elf Owls in Clanton Canyon f 5 Oct (WH, SOW). Single Short-eared Owls were at Sargent W.M.A. near Chama 13 Sep (M. Frentzel), Springer L. 8 Oct (ph. EW, ph. DC), and Brantley L. 5 Nov (SW). An apparent Whip- poor-will at Amistad 2 Oct (JO) would be a Union first if accurate. Late were 3 Chimney Swifts at Clovis 2 Oct (JB). Leading off the hummingbird news were sin- gle male Broad-billeds n. to Farmington 2 Oct (P Kaufman) and Sandia Park 18-20 Aug (H. & N. Frost, ph. H. Schwarz) and e. to Carlsbad 17-30 Nov (SW). An imm. White-eared Hum- mingbird was at Gila Hot Springs 2-8 Aug (DZ, ph. JD-M). Far n. was a Violet-crowned Hummingbird at White Rock, Los Alamos 6 Aug 0- & L. Builta); also providing a local first were 2-3 Violet-crowneds in R O. Canyon on various dates 23 Sep-6 Oct (CDL). A Blue- throated Hummingbird near Bandera Ice Cave 5 & 8 Sep (CR, MB, NP) furnished a first for the Zuni Mts. area; a Magnificent was n. to An- gel Fire in early Aug (FO). In R O. Canyon, young Lucifer Hummingbirds were at feeders by 15 Aug, and a high 12 ad. males were tallied 17 Aug, while last was a male there 18 Oct (CDL). An ad. male Ruby-throated Humming- bird was at Carlsbad 25 Aug (ph. TH); an imm. Ruby-throated was atjal 2 Aug (ph. JO). Far n. was an ad. male Anna’s Hummingbird at Santa Fe 28 Aug-5 Oct (L. Herrmann, m.ob.); in P. O. Canyon, Annas increased steadily to a peak 26 on 7 Oct, then decreased steadily to one last seen 9 Nov (CDL). Lingering were 2 Calliopes in Embudito Canyon, Sandia Mts. 16 Oct (RD). Two Allen’s Hummingbirds were banded at L. Roberts 5 & 12 Aug (JD-M); far e. was an ap- parent ad. male Allen’s at Carlsbad 14 Aug (SW). An ad. Red-headed Woodpecker was w. to Percha 14 Sep (JO, ph. CGL). Acorn Wood- peckers n. of expected were one at Cedar Springs Campground, Rio Arriba 1 Oct (fide AN) and 3 near San Ignacio, San Miguel 19 Sep (WW). A Gila Woodpecker was in Skele- ton Canyon 4 Aug (SOW, JO), where irregu- lar; e. was one on Deer Cr. near Antelope Wells 1 Sep (SOW). A Red-bellied Wood- pecker was heard and seen by observers fa- miliar with the species near Escondida 26 Aug (DH et al.). A vocal Eastern Wood-Pe- wee heard and seen by many at N.R.T. 4-10 Sep (BN, CR, m.ob., ph. JO) provided a rare fall record. A Least Flycatcher was w. to Cer- rillos 8 Sep (LS). Late were 2 Hammond’s Fly- catchers in Clanton Canyon 15 Oct (ph. WH, SOW) and a Gray at Pep 1 Oct (CR); a likely Dusky lingered at Percha 30 Oct & 20 Nov (CGL). Very late for the n. was a Black Phoebe at Farmington 17 Nov (AN), as was a Say’s in Colfax 29 Nov (DC). Continuing a trend, a Vermilion Flycatcher was ne. to Seneca 15 Sep (JO). East of known range was a vocal Dusky-capped Flycatcher at Las Cruces 7 Sep (T. McKimmie); very late was an Ash-throated at N.R.T. 2-4 Oct (NP, JB, JO). Single Great Crested Flycatchers were at N.R.T. 2-5 Sep (m.ob., ph. JO) and again 16-17 Sep (DC, JB, ph. JO). The Great Kiskadee present at Eunice in Jul was last seen 21 Aug (P. McCasland). A silent kingbird of the Couch’s/Tropical group was at Tatum 23-29 Sep (R. Cates, JP, NP, ph. JO); its vocal response to taped Couch’s vocalizations 2 Oct (PM) suggested that species. Late Cassin’s Kingbirds were singles in the Animas Valley 18 Oct (LM), Cliff 22 Oct (DB), and Tyrone 22 Oct (EL); latest Western was one near Artesia 2 Nov (TH). West was an Eastern Kingbird near Rodeo 12 Aug (ph. JO). A re- markable 137 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in a roost near Maljamar 4 Sep (BN, CR) was topped by 144 there 1 Oct (CR). VIRE0S THROUGH PHAIN0PEPLA A White-eyed Vireo was at N.R.T. 23 Oct (MB, NR JO). Five Bell’s Vireos — 4 of them singing — were n. in the R.G.V to La Joya 24 Aug (DH); 25 Bell's at R.S. 17 Aug (SW) was a high count for such a late date. A Gray Vireo in the Chalk Hills e. of Engle 4 Aug (CGL) provided a new locality; a Gray banded at R. G.N.C. 3 Sep (S&NC et al.) furnished a scarce migrant record. Late vireos included single Plumbeous in Clanton Canyon (WH, SOW) and Radium Springs (MS, JZ) 15 Oct and 2 at Mesilla Park 6 Nov (CGL) and single Cassin’s in P. O. Canyon 15 Oct (CDL), Mesilla Park 22 Oct (CGL), and Percha 23 Nov (CGL). Rare e. of the plains, a Blue- headed Vireo was banded at R.G.N.C. 18 Sep (S&NC et al.); at N.R.T., one to 3 Blue-head- eds were reported 6 Oct-11 Nov (m.ob., ph. JO). A highly probable Philadelphia Vireo was at N.R.T. 30 Sep (JP, JO). South of ex- pected were 2 Pinyon Jays at Spring Canyon S. R, Florida Mts. 19 Sep (LM). Scarce in the e. plains, a Violet-green Swallow was at Clovis 8 Oct (CR). Up to 38 Cave Swallows lingered at Carlsbad Caverns N.R 13-14 Nov (SW), the latest date yet recorded there; in the R.G.V, 2 Caves were n. to Percha 5 Sep (WW). Over 2000 Barn Swallows were concentrated at E.B.L. 13 & 15 Oct (SOW, WH, CR). The frosty morning of 28 Nov found some 92 Bushtits huddled together in the Peloncillo Mts. (CDL). Red-breasted Nuthatch staged a mini-inva- sion in the e. plains, with reports from Clay- ton, Nara Visa, Yeso, Fort Sumner, Texico, Mil- nesand, and Tatum 1 Sep-1 Oct, and s. through the R.G.V. to Socorro , Radium Springs, and Mesilla 3-22 Oct (m.ob.). Two Cactus Wrens were w. of Bingham 11 Nov OP). A singing Carolina Wren was in the San- dia Mts. near Doc Long Campground 5-12 Sep (DH, JP, ph. JO, WW). Scarce in Taos, a Bewick’s Wren was at Pilar 23 Oct (CR). An excellent season for Winter Wren produced singles in Cimarron Canyon 25 Nov (ph. DC), near Cerrillos 5 Oct 0B), Sulphur Canyon, Sandia Mts. 13 & 16 Oct (CB, JP), Boone’s Draw 25-29 Oct 0O), and R.S. 30 Oct (DH), plus at least 2 at N.R.T. 22-29 Oct (m.ob., vt. JO). New and northerly records for Black- tailed Gnatcatcher were 2-3 in Lincoln in Os- cura Mts. foothills w. of Carrizozo 27 Aug and 7 Oct (CGL) and, in ne. Sierra , singles in the n. San Andres Mts. near Mockingbird Mt. 25 Oct, e. of Fairview Mt. 21 Oct, and e. of Sheep Mt. 21 Oct (CGL); noteworthy at 1645 m was a pair in P. O. Canyon 23 Sep-15 Nov (CDL). Late was a Swainson’s Thrush at Milnesand 29 Oct (JO). A well-studied Wood Thrush visited N.R.T. 22-23 Oct (m.ob.), where there was also a male Varied Thrush 3-8 Oct (ph. JO, ph. DC, m.ob.), the latter a Roosevelt first. Lin- gering Gray Catbirds included singles in the Sandia Mts. 6 Nov (CB), at B.L.N.W.R. 9 Nov (GW), and near Cerrillos 30 Nov (fide LS). Very late for the n. was a Northern Mocking- bird at Sugarite S.P. 12 Nov (ph. DC). One to 3 Brown Thrashers were at six e. locales 25 Sep-14 Oct; w. were singles at Ranchos de Taos 15 Oct (FO) and Silver City 19-21 Nov (D&MZ). Further evidence of Curve-billed Thrasher colonization of Colfax was one near Cimarron 30 Aug (ph. DC). A Crissal Thrasher was at B.L.N.W.R. 5 Aug (JP), where scarce. Grassland searches for Sprague’s Pipits were successful in several areas, and included 2-3 at Grulla N.W.R. 9 & 14 Oct (CR, JP), 4 at Sevilleta N.W.R. 8 Oct (DH), up to 6 on the n. Jornada Plain w. of Bingham 11 & 13 Nov QP JO, MB, NP), and 6 in the s. Animas Val- ley 26 Nov QP, JO). Noteworthy were 17 Cedar Waxwings at San Juan Pueblo 17 Aug (MM), where the species first nested in 1995. North were single Phainopeplas at Cerrillos 13 Aug (LS) and B.L.N.W.R. 11-12 Nov (GW). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES An Olive Warbler was traveling in a mixed- species flock at P. O. Canyon 31 Oct (CDL). A productive warbler season yielded reports of 32 species, including a Tennessee Warbler at Percha 16 Oct (CGL, ph. JO), single Northern Parulas at Percha 7 Sep QO, MS, JZ) and Hol- loman L. 21 Sep (MS, ph. JZ), and a very late 114 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW MEXICO Yellow at Bosque 12 Nov (ph. WH). A Chest- nut-sided Warbler was at N.R.T. 25 Sep (JO), an undetailed Magnolia was reported at Tatum 1 Oct (CR), and a male Black-throated Blue was at Madrid 15 Nov (LS). A good Black-throated Green Warbler season found singles at Ute L. 7 Oct (DC) and Six-Mile Dam 23 Oct (SW), plus one at N.R.T. 7-13 Oct QP, ph. JO, CB, NP) and up to 2 there 22 Oct (BN, CR, JP). One to 4 Hermit Warblers were at Signal Peak 9-19 Aug (CB, JO, JP); at P. O. Canyon, 5 were tallied 12-21 Aug, with the last there 24 Sep (CDL). A Yellow- throated Warbler was w. to Trout Cr. n. of Luna 2 Sep (LM). Single Palm Warblers were at N.R.T. 17 Sep (JB) and 8 Oct QP, JO, CR). Blackpoll Warbler made a strong showing, with singles near Bernalillo 22 Sep (ph. HW), at N.R.T. 20 Sep QO), and near Radium Springs 16 Sep (MS, JZ). A Prothonotary Warbler in Cimarron Canyon 10-13 Aug (ph. EW, ph. DC) furnished a Colfax first. A late Ovenbird was at N.R.T. 22 Oct QP, JO, BN, CR). Very rare, single Louisiana Wa- terthrushes were described from Socorro 10 Sep (JO) and Milnesand 12 Sep (JO). Linger- ing Common Yellowthroats were singles n. to R.G.N.C. 9 Nov (DH), Bosque 20 Nov (CR), and Buckhorn 19 Nov (LM). A Painted Red- start strayed to Percha 14 Sep (CGL). The last Hepatic Tanagers were one at Per- cha 13 Oct (WH, SOW), 3 in Clanton Canyon 14-15 Oct (WH, SOW), and one near P. O. Canyon 17 Oct (CDL). Also late was a Sum- mer Tanager at N.R.T. 22-23 Oct QP)- An im- pressive Scarlet Tanager “flight” found an ad. male at R.G.N.C. 17 Sep (L. Gorbet et al.), an- other ad. male at Conchas Dam 20 Sep OB), and at least one basic-plumaged male at N.R.T. 17 Sep 0- Shipman), 29 Sep (DC), and 20-23 Oct (ph. DC, ph. JO, m.ob.). West of usual was a Field Sparrow at Santa Fe 24 Sep (D. La- coss); farther e., singles were at Grulla N.W.R. 9 Oct (CR) and N.R.T. 13 & 22-23 Oct (NP, MB, BN, JB). A Baird’s Sparrow was at Grulla N.W.R. 9 Oct (CR); up to 4 were in the s. An- imas Valley 26 Nov OR JO). A Le Conte’s Sparrow was at Clabber Hill Ranch below Conchas Dam 22 Nov (WW). Attention to Fox Sparrows identified reddish ones at Ute L. 30 Nov (ph. DC), Radium Springs 21-24 Nov (MS, ph. JZ), and P O. Canyon 7 Nov (CDL), a slate-colored one near P. O. Canyon 16-30 Nov (CDL), and an undetermined one near Cliff 11 Nov (R. Shook, fide DB). Noteworthy for e. San Miguel was a Harris’s Sparrow s. of Mosquero 17 Nov (MM); another banded at R.G.N.C. 23 Oct (S&NC et al.) was still pres- ent 28 Oct (BN). One to 2 Lapland Longspurs were among other longspurs w. of Bingham 7-8 Nov (ph. JO). Earliest Chestnut-sided Longspurs reached Stubblefield L. 20 Sep (DC); earliest McCown’s were near Melrose 22 Oct (CR). A male Northern Cardinal in Albu- querque’s South Valley 13 Sep (DH) had been present since May; another male pushing the n. range limits was near San Jon 11 Sep (JO). A female Pyrrhuloxia was n. to N.R.T. 7-29 Oct OR JO, CR); another was near Clovis 2 Oct QO). A Varied Bunting pair with 2 fledg- lings was in San Andres Canyon 15 Aug (RM); a male singing in RO. Canyon 9 Aug (NP) fol- lowed the first there by only one year. Migrant Painted Buntings in sw. New Mexico included 4 at Cloverdale 3 & 5 Aug (ph. D. Richter) and 3 at Rodeo 18 Aug (RW). Small numbers of Dickcissels were in evidence in the e. in De Baca, Roosevelt, Curry, Chaves, Eddy, and Lea and in the R.G.V. in Socorro and Doha Ana 16 Aug-24 Sep; high count was 10 at R.S. 5 Sep (SW). A Rusty Blackbird reached B.L.N.W.R. 30 Nov (GW). Settling in for the winter were 6 Bronzed Cowbirds at cattle pens in Las Cruces 23 Nov (CGL). An Orchard Oriole strayed n. and w. to Madrid 23 Aug (LS). Well documented was a young male Baltimore Oriole at N.R.T. 4-6 Sep (BN, CR, JP, vt. JO, WW). A Scott’s Oriole lingered in P.O. Canyon until 26 Oct (CDL). Rosy-finches re- turned to Sandia Crest by 22 Nov, where 65 Blacks, 5 Gray-crowneds, and one Brown- capped were banded 27 Nov (S&NC et al.). Lesser Goldfinches were feeding fledglings along Galisteo Cr. 27 Sep QB) and 6 Oct (LS). American Goldfinches nested in the Cimar- ron area for the 4th consecutive year, with ads. and fledglings at four locales 18 Aug-13 Sep (DC). An ad. male European Goldfinch at Albuquerque 30 Sep (ph. HW) almost cer- tainly was an escapee. Initialed observers: Jonathan Batkin, Matt Baumann, David Beatty, Celestyn Brozek, David Cleary, Steve & Nancy Cox, Joan Day- Martin, Robert Doster, HawkWatch Interna- tional (HWI), David Hawksworth, Tom Hines, John & Marty Hirth, William Howe, Eugene Lewis, C. D. Littlefield, Carl. G. Lundblad, Martin MacRoberts, Larry Malone, Paul McConnell, Ray Meyer, Alan Nelson, Bruce Neville, Jerry Oldenettel, Frank Oat- man, John Parmeter, Nick Pederson, Christo- pher Rustay, Lawry Sager, Marcy Scott, Hira Walker, Gordon Warrick, Richard Webster, Steve West, William West, Elton Williams, S. O. Williams, James Zabriskie, Dale & Marian Zimmerman. O Sartor 0. Williams III, Southwest Natural History Institute, 1819 Meadowview Drive NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104-2511, (sunbittern@earthlink.net) NmtMi ASfttBun A Birder’s Guide to Florida by Bill Pranty, published 2005; 672 pages; paper(lay-flat) Item #175 ABA Member Price: $20.76 (List $25.95) North American birders savor Florida as the place to see species not found elsewhere in the US or Canada, such as Snail Kite, Short-tailed Hawk, Black-hooded Parakeet, Mangrove Cuckoo, Black- whiskered Vireo, or Florida Scrub-Jay. These are but a few of the Florida spe- cialties that make a trip to the Sunshine State such an exciting adventure for birders. More than 330 birding sites are described, and more than 400 species accounts are now included. A Birder s Guide to Michigan by Allen Chartier and Jerry Ziarno, published 2004; 672 pages; paper(lay-flat) Item #288 ABA Member Price: $23.1 6 (List $28.95) Southeastern Arizona by Richard Cachor Taylor, revised 2005; 384 pages; paper (lay-flat) Item #102 ABA Member Price: $19.96 (List $24.95) Call to Ortler AmericanBirding* 800/634-7736 VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 115 Arizona Mark M. Stevenson • Gary H. Rosenberg The summer monsoon petered out after a fairly wet August, placing this fall among the warmest and driest on record in most parts of the state. Late depar- tures appear now to be a recurrent theme in this season. Abbreviations: A B C. (Arizona Bird Commit- tee), A.VS.T.R (Avra Valley S.T.P.), B.T.A. (Boyce Thompson Arboretum), G.W.R. (Gilbert Water Ranch), L.C.R.V (lower Col- orado R. valley), P.R.D. (Painted Rock Dam), PA.P (Pinal Airpark Pecan grove), S.C.L. (San Carlos L.), S.PR. (San Pedro R.), Sweetwater (Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson), Whitewater (Whitewater Draw W.A.). WATERFOWL THROUGH SPOONBILL Accidental in recent decades, a Fulvous Whistling-Duck discovered at Scottsdale 10 Nov (M. Eckman et al; ph. G. Wall) was a harbinger of things to come in winter. Histor- ically very scarce in Arizona, a Cackling Goose reported from G.W.R. 28 Nov (tB. Per- cival) will be reviewed by the A.B.C. Small white-cheeked geese are receiving greater at- tention following the splitting of Canada Goose. Nicely documented was a Brant on the Colorado R. near Blythe 27 Nov (vt. R. Hig- son); there are few recent Arizona records. A drake Wood Duck on the lower S.PR. 23 Sep+ (P.D. Hulce) was two weeks early for a south- bound migrant. Still rare in Arizona, a drake Eurasian Wigeon returned to Scottsdale for a 3rd year 26 Oct+ (J. Pavlock, ph. R. Fray), and another was found at Ashurst L. 11 Nov (JP, ph. JC). Attentive observers noted up to 3 apparent Mexican Ducks at G.W.R. 28 Nov+ (ph. MM et al.). This subspecies is not ex- pected outside se. Arizona, and there are few Maricopa records. Observer disinterest (and intergrades with Mallards) limit our knowl- edge of its status. Twenty or more Blue- winged Teal were on L. Mary 4-11 Nov (CL, JC et al.), a late date for such a concentration there; the status of the species in n. Arizona in late fall remains unclear. Ashurst L. also hosted Surf Scoters, with one there 24 Oct-5 Nov (tJP) and 2 present 11-20 Nov (tJP et al.). Another was on nearby L. Mary 11-15 Nov (CN), and one was on L. Havasu 15 Nov (PL). Creating more of a stir, a trio of Black Scoters was on Ashurst L. 2 Nov (tJP, ph. CN); there are only seven prior Arizona records. A single Barrow’s Goldeneye had ar- rived at Parker Dam by 14 Nov (PL). A Pacific Loon was on L. Havasu 24 Nov (MMS, MP), where they are rare but regular in fall. Common Loon is a regular migrant, but 10 in the Flagstaff area 1 1 Nov (JP), including 8 on L. Mary, was a large single-day count away from the L.C.R.V. One reported from Long L. 18 Sep (E. Morral) was two weeks early. Otherwise casual in the state, both Tuc- son Least Grebes were seen again, at Sweetwa- ter 13 Oct+ (MMS) and Sam Lena Park 26 Nov+ (K. Kroesen). The only Horned Grebe reported was at Willcox 25 Oct (RW). At Ly- man L., 5 juv. Western Grebes accompanying ads. 16 Aug (SH) indicated a new nesting locality. Wander- ing Brown Pelicans were seen into Nov. Concentrations of 15 at PR.D. 17 Aug (PD) and up to 8 at Bill Williams N.W.R. 14 Sep+ (K. Blair et al.) were re- markable. Far east, 3 were on S.C.L. 13 Nov (DJ, KK). An imm. Little Blue Heron at Whitewater 22 Nov (tREW) was two months later than most records. The only Tricol- ored Heron of the season was at Tucson 18-19 Sep (D. West, ph. MMS). A late report was re- ceived of one at Willcox 16 May (ph. T. Whetten). Reddish Egrets continued their recent trend of multiple fall reports: one was near Rio Rico 4-6 Aug (C. Smith, S. Carnahan), while another was e. to Willcox 13 Aug (G. Harritt, ph. KR). An exciting find at P.R.D. was an imm. Yellow-crowned Night- Heron 13 Aug-5 Sep (ph. B. Grossi), the first documented in the state in 20 years. At Palo Verde, the White Ibis turned up again 12 Nov+ (BG, ph. PD). A first for se. and only a 3rd for the state, an alternate-plumaged Glossy Ibis was at A.VS.T.P. 26 Aug (MP, ph., tMMS; ph. CB, DS). A basic-plumaged individual in the same Plegadis flock was likely also a Glossy (ph. tMMS, tMP; PS); both will be reviewed by the A.B.C. For the 2nd year in a row, it was a good season for Roseate Spoonbills. Reports included 2 that touched down in a San Manuel yard 30 Aug (ph. J. Wahimier, J. Dicus) and singles near Catalina 3 Sep (J. Spoonamore, ph. B. Hall), at Patagonia L. 11-12 Sep (P Walsh, ph. R. Tess), at Rio Rico 14 Sep (D. Touret), at Marana 11 Oct (B. Herrmann), and at Gila Bend 20 Oct (ph. J. Zierenberg). KITE THROUGH FLICKERS White-tailed Kites were more widely reported than in recent years. Singles were seen at sev- eral locations near Sierra Vista 11 Oct-6 Nov (m.ob.), 2 were in the Santa Cruz Flats 27 Oct+ (D. Smyth et al.), one was at PA.P. 13 Nov (RW), '2 were near Sonoita 18 Nov+ (PL et al.), and up to 3 were in the San Rafael Val- ley 26 Nov+ (RH, RW). Three Gray Hawks in se. into late Oct followed the recent trend of later departures (D. Dunford, C. Braun, MMa). Short-tailed Hawk remains very rare and localized in Arizona. In the Chiricahua Mts., a juv. was seen on 11 Aug (CB), and a dark morph was reported without details 30 Aug (RT). In the Huachuca Mts., one was re- ported again over Carr Canyon 4 Aug (MP, SF). A Zone-tailed Hawk was at G.W.R. 8 Nov+ (MM), and 2 were re- ported over Papago Park, Phoenix 12 Nov (T. Gaskill). They are casual in late fall and winter in Maricopa. A Harlan’s Hawk was at the Santa Cruz Flats 17 Nov+ (JM). Well away from their core range, individ- ual Crested Caracaras were seen along the upper S.PR. 15 Nov (SH) and over Yuma 26 Nov (HD, S. Detwiler). There appears to be an increase in wandering caracaras. An ad. Common Moorhen with 4 young at Page S.T.P 1-19 Sep (J. Spence) marks only the 2nd nesting of this species n. of the Mogollon Rim. Rare fall migrants, single Black-bellied Plovers were noted at Sunrise L. 15 Aug (SH), Dateland 13 Sep (ph. HD), St. Johns S.T.P 18 Sep (J. Videle), and Wenima W.A. 24 Sep (GC, DR). Six Mountain Plovers in the Santa Cruz Flats 17 Sep (MP, SF) were about a month early. Up to 35 were seen there in Nov (TM, m.ob.), while 13 were at Yuma 26 Nov (HD). Flocks totaling 1500+ Long- billed Curlews s. of Yuma 1 1 Nov (HD et al.) far exceeded previous counts anywhere in the state. Among rare-but-regular shorebirds re- This Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Painted Rock Dam 13 August (here 14 August) through 5 September 2005 provided only a fourth record of the species for Arizona. Photograph by Roy Jones. 116 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ARIZONA ported were totals of 3 Sanderlings, 7 Semi- palmated Sandpipers, 10 Dunlins, and 13 Short-billed Dowitchers. Late shorebirds in- cluded: a Semipalmated Plover at Ashurst L. 2-11 Nov (CN, JC), a flock of 17 American Avocets 13 Nov at S.C.L. (DJ, KK), a Lesser Yellowlegs at G.WR. 9-19 Nov (MMS, m.ob.), a Willet at St.Johns S.T.R 25 Oct (J. Videle), and 2 Marbled God- wits at L. Pleasant 27 Nov (KR, CR). Late Wilson’s Phalaropes comprised one at Tuba City S.T.P. 27 Oct (CL), one at Tempe 24 Nov (T. Gaskill), and a total of at least 7 at the Phoenix Rio Salado proj- ect 27 Nov (T. Gaskill). Casual fall migrants, a jaeger identi- fied as a Parasitic was at Roosevelt L. 21 Aug (tKR). A Heermann’s Gull was at Arizona City 28 Oct (tDJ). Sabine’s Gull numbers were lower than in recent falls, with only 7 reported. A flock of 35 Caspian Terns on L. Mary 18 Sep (J. Hildebrand) was a large number away from the L.C.R.V. Casual in fall, a Least Tern was reported at Willcox 25 Aug (G. Har- ritt, fide KK). A banded juv. Black Skimmer at Gillespie Dam 16-19 Sep (D. Paulson, ph. 0. Niehuis, PD) was hatched at the Salton Sea (K. Molina). The species is casual in Arizona from spring through fall. The prevalence of Ruddy Ground-Doves in the state has been growing, but numbers this fall were simply astounding: as many as 75 were reported statewide. Notable concentra- tions included: 6 at Patagonia 9-19 Oct (R. Baxter), 13 at El Mirage 10 Oct (TC, ph. MW), 7 at Whitewater 13 Oct (ph. SH), 13 at Red Rock 13 Nov (M. Kehl), 15 at Tacna-Wel- ton 16 Nov (PL), and 21 at El Mirage 27 Nov+ (BG). Outliers included 3 near Wikieup 11 Sep (K. Penland) and one at Prescott 21 Nov (B. Pranter et al.). It was also a good fall for Groove-billed Ani, which is nearly annual in the state, with documented singles at G.W.R. 7 Nov+ (O. Harbour, ph. PD et al.) and Whitewater 22-26 Nov (W. Wail raver., ph. RSh); 3 others were reported without details. A Spotted Owl in the Dragoon Mts. 19 Oct (ph., fide R. Fray) was away from known nesting areas. Late caprimulgids were another sign of warm temperatures: 6 Lesser Nighthawks were reported in se. Ari- zona late Oct-early Nov (m.ob.), a Common Poorwill was found freshly dead at Catalina S.R 19 Nov (RW), a calling Buff-collared Nightjar was at Brown Canyon, Baboquivari Mts. 19 Sep (L. Liese et al.), and a Whip- poor-will was calling in the Chiric- ahua Mts. 7 Nov (M. Brooks). Formerly casual along the upper S.P.R., Broad-billed Hummingbirds have become regular fall visitors in small numbers at Mars- den’s Hereford feeders. Coincident with va- One of likely two different Glossy Ibis at Avra Valley Sewage Treatment Plant in Tucson 26 August 2005, this photograph documents just the third Arizona record of the species. Photograph by Dave Stejskal. grancy of the species to other states, a White-eared Hummingbird found along the S. Fork of the Little Colorado R. 16-17 Sep (vt. C. Babbitt; B. Johnson) was still a surpris- ing first for n. Arizona. The female Berylline Hummingbird at Ramsey Canyon remained until 1 Oct (ph. J. Woodley) after being banded on 7 Sep (fide TC). Away from typical areas, Violet-crowned Hummingbirds re- ported from Frenchjoe Canyon 21 Aug (RH), Green Valley 31 Aug (A. Tozier), se. Tucson 1 Sep (D. West), and Green Valley 24 Oct (B. Massey) and 11 Nov (S. Johnsen) were likely post-breeding wanderers. An Anna’s Hum- mingbird at an Overgaard feeder on 4 Oct (K. Penland) was only the 2nd for Navajo\ they are not expected n. of the Mogollon Rim. A Broad-tailed Hummingbird high in the Catalina Mts. 20 Nov (B. Bickel) was very late. Only 2 Allen’s Hummingbirds were re- This banded immature Black Skimmer at Gillespie Dam along the Gila River, Arizona 16-19 (here 19) September 2005 was discovered to have been hatched (and banded) at the Salton Sea, California on 1 9 August 2005. Photograph by Oliver Niehuis. ported: a male seen at Miller Canyon 24 Aug (W. Wallraven) and an ad. female banded at Madera Canyon 22 Aug (G. West). An Ele- gant Trogon returned to Patagonia L. to win- ter by 18 Nov+ (JM et al.), while singles lingered into late Nov at Madera Canyon (MP et al.) and Huachuca Canyon (A. Miller). Exciting (and exasperating) was an Eared Quetzal found at S. Fork Cave Cr., Chiricahua Mts. 11 Oct (vt. M. Decker, v.r. REW) and thereafter report- edly heard through 23 Oct; there have been few Arizona reports in this century of this casual visitor from Mexico. Still scarce in the state, single Green King- fishers were at Patagonia L. 25 Sep-i- (M. Barnhill, ph. G. Massey) and along the upper S.RR. near Kingfisher Pond 28 Sep+ (EW). What may have been a dif- ferent bird was reported farther s. along the S.P.R. 8 Nov (MMa). An early arrival was made by a Williamson’s Sapsucker in the Chiricahua Mts. 13 Sep (C. Lund- blad). Annual in small numbers, single Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were reported above Patagonia L. 18 Nov (tRH) and near Topock 25 Nov (MP, MMS). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRASHERS Greater Pewees were reported away from nor- mal breeding areas in the Sonoita grasslands (Audubon Research Ranch) 1 Aug 0- Ruth), along the S.P.R. near Hereford 5 Sep (MMa), and near Tubac 5 Oct (B. McKnight); migrants of this species are seldom reported away from breeding habitats. One at Randolph Golf Course, Tucson 1 1 Nov (JH) may have tried to winter. Similarly, Buff-breasted Flycatcher is al- most never reported away from known breed- ing areas, so one in lower Pinery Canyon 29 Aug (SH) may suggest that a pair bred locally in that canyon; one at Catalina S.R 27 Oct (RH et al.) was clearly a wandering migrant, virtu- ally unprecedented in Arizona. It was an excel- lent fall for Eastern Phoebe in the state, normally a very rare but regular fall and winter visitor, with at least seven reports received, mostly from the southeast. Of great interest was the report of a possible Great Crested Flycatcher along Morgan City Wash near L. Pleasant 25 Sep (TC, J. Jones); this report will be evaluated by the A.B.C., as there are only three previ- ously accepted reports from Arizona. Tropical Kingbirds lingered well into Sep at a number of "regular" haunts (Rio Rico, Kino Springs, Ft. Lowell Park), last reported 28 Sep at Rio Rico (C. Cathers). Amazingly, a Thick- billed Kingbird returned for the 4th VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 117 ARIZONA One of several reported from Arizona in autumn 2005, this Groove-billed Ani was at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area 22- 26 (here 23) November. Photograph by Robert Shantz. consecutive winter at Yuma 26 Nov+ (HD). Al- ways considered casual in the state, Scissor- tailed Flycatchers were reported from along Stateline Rd. near Portal 9 Aug (S. Kirn et al.) and 23 Sep-3 Oct (S. Kennedy, DJa et al.). The famous pair of Rose-throated Becards at Patag- onia was feeding 3 fledglings by 22 Aug, last reported 7 Sep (MBr et al.). This continues to be the only known active nesting location for this species in Arizona. A very late Bell’s Vireo was at the G.W.R. 21 Nov (RH et al.); there are only a few docu- mented winter reports for Arizona. A very late Warbling Vireo was at the B.T.A. 19 Nov (TC, KR). Numbers of lingering Tree Swallows were reported in Nov around the se., with a high count of 30 at Whitewater 26 Nov (EW et al.). Very late were 2 Violet-green Swallows at Whitewater 12 Nov (JHi et al.), a Northern Rough-winged Swallow at Sweetwater 30 Oct (JM), and 2 Barn Swallows at Whitewater 5 Nov (EW). Arizona’s 3rd ever Carolina Wren was an outstanding find at the Southwest Research Station in Cave Creek Canyon, Chiricahua Mts. 3 Sep+ (tT. Wurster; B. Stocku; v.r. REW, RAR; tMMS); the two previous records for the state included a long-surviving individual near Dudleyville 18 Jun 1999-fall 2000, and one frequenting a Tolleson feeder 7 Sep-11 Oct 2003. No fewer than 14 Winter Wrens were reported 2 Oct-Nov, which is a bit more than typical for a fall; one along Cave Cr. Canyon 20 Nov (REW) was heard giving a typical “eastern” call note. Birds of both “east- ern” and “western” subspecies groups are known to winter in Arizona, based on differ- ent call-types, but their relative abundance and distribution are still poorly understood here. Reports of migrant Golden-crowned Kinglets, an irregular visitor to the lowlands during fall and winter, included one along Morgan City Wash 10 Nov (TC), one in Yuma 16 Nov (HD), and 2 at Topock Marsh 25 Nov (MMS, MP). Black-capped Gnatcatchers con- tinued to persist and perhaps spread in s. Ari- zona. Continuing birds included at least one pair at Patagonia L. (MB, SH), a pair in Mon- tosa Canyon, Santa Rita Mts. (M. Kehl), a pair near the Patagonia Roadside Rest (M. Kehl), one near Tumacacori (S. Johnsen), and up to 5 in Leslie Canyon (fide NMC). An Eastern Bluebird at San Bernardino N.W.R. 15 Nov (REW) was well away from known breeding areas in se. Arizona. Rufous- backed Robins are seldom reported away from the se. corner of the state, so singles in Morgan City Wash 1 Oct (j. Jones, TC) and Scottsdale 4-9 Oct (JBa) were unexpected; another was at a more typical locality in Ash Canyon, Huachuca Mts. 19-23 Oct (MJB). The only report of Varied Thrush this fall was one at the Desert Museum, Tucson 5 Nov (M.J. Hage et al). More exciting were up to 3 Aztec Thrushes in Carr Canyon near Com- fort Spring 3-12 Aug (tJLD et al.) and one well described from Madera Canyon 6 Aug (TB. Fitch); these are only the 2nd credible re- This Streak-backed Oriole at the Gilbert Water Ranch 8 No- vember 2005 (here) was the second individual found in Ari- zona this year; it remained at least through month's end. Photograph by Mark Brown. ports of this species in se. Arizona since the mega-invasion of 1996, when 15-20 were re- ported from the Huachuca Mts. A Gray Cat- bird was reported from Catalina S.P 17 Oct (PK), and another was in Portal 2 Nov (REW); this species is a rare transient any- where in the state away from breeding areas in the White Mts. Also rare around the state, Brown Thrashers were found in Pasture Canyon 22 Sep (CL), at the B.T.A. 22 Oct+ (ph. MW, PD), in Sabino Canyon 9 Nov (WR), and in an Ash Canyon yard 22 Nov+ (K. LeMay, ph. RB). Although Curve-billed Thrashers are known to wander, they are sel- dom reported in Arizona away from breeding grounds; this fall, one was reported near Becker L. 13 Aug (SH), providing only a 2nd report of this desert species from ne. Arizona above the Mogollon Rim. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES A Tennessee Warbler, still considered casual in the fall, was at Sweetwater 12 Oct-9 Nov (tRT, +PK et al). A Crescent-chested Warbler was reported from Miller Canyon 12-14 Aug (tM. & L. Conrad, tC. Shields et al.); if accepted by the A.B.C., this would represent only a 6th Ari- zona record. Nine Northern Parulas were found statewide 3 Sep-25 Nov, slightly more than usual for a fall season. Chestnut-sided Warblers, casual in the fall but usually more regular in lowland riparian areas later in the season and into winter, were near Pinal Peak 5 Sep (D. Pearson) and along Morgan City Wash 1 Oct (TC), with another there 2 Oct (KR). Black-throated Blue Warbler sightings were up this fall, with at least 5 reported 2 Oct-17 Nov, all males. A Pine Warbler reported from Flagstaff 3 Nov (tJP), if accepted by the A.B.C., would represent a first n. Arizona record. Outstanding was a Prairie Warbler at G.W.R. 17-28 Nov (tMM; ph. PD, O. Niehuis); there are only about 10 previous records from the state. No fewer than 8 Black- and-white Warblers, 16 American Redstarts, 4 Prothonotary Warblers, 4 Worm-eating War- blers, 4 Ovenbirds, 7 Northern Waterthrushes, 4 Louisiana Waterthrushes, and 3 Hooded Warblers were found during the fall; all these species are rare regular migrants, and no longer considered review species by the A.B.C., but all these numbers are high for a single fall. A Canada Warbler at the Desert Botanical Gar- den, Phoenix 23-26 Sep (C. Brenner; tD. Her- ron et al.), if accepted, would represent only about a 10th Arizona record. A Rufous-capped Warbler was reported from Sycamore Canyon, Santa Cruz 27 Nov+ (M. Griffiths), perhaps representing one of a pair that has persisted in this canyon for a few years. Strangely out of place was a female Hepatic Tanager at a lowland feeder in Tolleson 3 Sep (BG), well away from known breeding areas in the state. A late Summer Tanager was along the S.P.R. near Hereford 31 Oct (MMa). An appar- ent Green-tailed Towhee x Spotted Towhee hybrid was photographed in Ash Canyon 26-27 Nov (ph. JBu), a combination that is seldom reported. Individual Clay-colored Sparrows were at Duncan 4-12 Sep (ph. RSh), at San Bernardino N.W.R. 7 Oct (REW), with 2 there 15 Oct (REW), and at Whitewater 15 Oct (RW). A Brewer’s Sparrow at Page 22 Nov (CL) 118 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ARIZONA was considered late, as this species does not winter regularly in that part of the state. Only 2 Golden-crowned Sparrows were found, one at Hidden Valley near Maricopa 1 Nov (N. Lange) and one near Patagonia 26 Nov (JM). The last Varied Bunting of the season was a late one reported from Kino Springs 7 Oct (PS). Quite amazing for s. Arizona were rela- tively large numbers of Painted Buntings, with nearly 40 reported during Aug, mostly from the extreme se. portion of the state; the largest concentrations reported included 12 together at the Slaughter Ranch e. of Douglas 5 Aug (G. Smith) and 7 at Portal 17-22 Aug (RAR, REW). Several Dickcissels were near Duncan 9 Sep (ph. RSh); there are few, if any, records for Greenlee. Bobolink reports included singles at Willcox 12 Sep (KK), in Sierra Vista 13 Sep (SH), and at Sweetwater 22 Sep (M. Ander- son). Orchard Orioles returned for the 3rd year in Tucson 5 Nov+ (J. Ogden) and for the 4th year in Ahwatuckee 15 Nov+ (G. & S. Barnes). Outstanding was a Streak-backed Oriole at G.W.R. 8 Nov+ (ph. Mark Brown; TC; ph PD, KR, MW). A male Baltimore Ori- ole was in Portal 26 Sep (B. Stocku et al.); one seen at Ganado 21 May (vt., tCBa) was inad- vertently left out of the spring report. Pine Siskins were definitely on the move, with sev- eral seen at odd locations in the lowlands dur- ing the fall. Lawrence’s Goldfinches were virtually unreported this fall. Contributors: Charlie Babbitt (CBa), Mary Jo Ballator, Jack Bartley, Robert Behrstock, Chris Benesh, Gavin Bieber, Matt Brown, Jim Burns, John Coons, Troy Corman, Gary Crandall, Pierre Deviche, Henry Detwiler, Jon L. Dunn, Shawneen Finnegan, Bill Grossi, Jay Hand, Stuart Healy, John Higgins (JHi), Rich Hoyer, Dave Jasper, Dougjeness, Keith Kamper (Tuc- son RBA), Philip Kline, Chuck LaRue, Paul Lehman, Michael Marsden (MMa), Narca Moore-Craig, Tracy McCarthey, Jake Mohlman, Michael Moore, Christian Nunes, Molly Pollock, John Prather, Cindy Radamaker, Kurt Radamaker, Donna Roten, Rose Ann Rowlett, Will Russell, Peter Sa- lomon, Robert Shantz, Dave Stejskal, Mark M. Stevenson, Rick Taylor, Magill Weber, Richard E. Webster (REW), Erika Wilson, Janet Witzeman (Maricopa), Rick Wright. © Mark M. Stevenson, 4201 East Monte Vista Drive #J207, Tuc- son, Arizona 85712-5554, (drbrdr@att.net), Gary H. Rosen- berg, P.0. Box 91856, Tucson, Arizona 85752-1856, (ghrosenberg@comcast.net) Alaska BEAUFORT SEA CHUKCHI SEA Prudhoe Bay BERING SEA Attu I. /Shemya I. ** * Ru Buldirl. Amchitka I. ^dak I. ThedeTobish Dutch Harbor 0 The combination of extensive coverage at many of the Region’s known hotspots and prolonged mild weather conditions defined one of Alaska’s most excit- ing fall migrations ever. The migration was at its most protracted in a season that is often cut short by high-pressure systems that drop snow and freeze fresh water quickly. High- lights from Asia were limited mostly to passerines and a strong early movement of waterfowl; Asian shorebirds and passerines were noteworthy across the breadth of the coastal perimeter. As was noted last year, nearly all of the semi-hardy forms were slow to leave; warbler highlights actually out- shined emberizids this season. Most observers provided good documenta- tion of rarities. The season’s significant weather event came in the last five or so days of September: strong southeasterly winds gen- erated between a huge low-pres- sure system and a continental high-pressure ridge in the eastern Gulf of Alaska. This huge system certainly moved migrants towards the Bering Sea and slowed southbound move- ments for over a week in the Southeast. Birders managed a short trip to isolated Middleton Island after an eight- year fall hiatus, adding another four species to that hotspot’s to- tal list, which now stands at about 228 species. And at Gam- bell, where this fall’s highlights were mostly Nearctic, Lehman’s comprehensive coverage still provides a thrilling pace. GEESE THROUGH FALCONS Emperor Geese were on the move early into North Gulf coast winter sites, including one way e. at Juneau 20 Sep (ph. MSch); there are few records from this area. Emperors otherwise arrived early at their North Gulf winter stronghold around Kodiak 18 Sep, and num- bers built to a local record 457 by 21 Nov (JPM, RAM). Asian waterfowl made an early push in decent numbers across the w. Aleu- tians. Schwitters provided a clear picture of Eurasian Wigeon migration in the Aleutians from Shemya I., where a single arrived 16 Sep and was followed by peaks of 17 birds 21 Sep and up to 28 through 15 Oct (CS, MS). Blue- winged Teal at the outer fringes of its range included a female with a small brood on Kenny L. 3 Aug (AL), where they have been suspected of breeding before, and another eclipse-plumaged male offshore in the North Gulf at Middleton I. 22 Sep (UAM). Northern Pintails peaked at an above-average 135 at IBS! Wffl One of at least four Baikal Teal noted in the Aleutians at Shemya 13-28 September 2005, this bird was photographed 27 September. Photograph by Michael T. Schwitters. Shemya 18 Sep (CS, MS). A few dozen for the season is more typical in the w. Aleutians. Ca- sual in fall, eclipse-plumaged Baikal Teal VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 119 ALASKA Representing a first fail record for St. Lawrence Island and for the northern Bering Sea, two Lesser Scaup were ob- served on Troutman Lake at Gambell, Alaska 4 September 2005. Photograph by Aaron Lang. were again documented at Shemya this sea- son, with at least 4 observed 13-28 Sep (CS, ph. MS). A Tufted Duck dropped in 31 Aug at Shemya (CS, ph. MS), where there are few Aug reports; this was near record early for the w. Aleutians. Record-high Greater Scaup numbers assembled early at Kodiak winter sites, with up to 3000 noted in Womens Bay 21 Nov (RAM). Two Lesser Scaup on Trout- man L. at Gambell 4 Sep (ph. Wilderness, vt. WINGS) were a first in fall for the n. Bering Sea and for St. Lawrence 1. Casual in South- east and mostly from winter, a female King Ei- der showed up at Juneau's Pt. Bridget hotspot 19 Nov (PS). The single drake and 3 female Ruddy Ducks found all summer at Kenny L. were seen with 13 juvs. 3 Aug (AL), furnish- ing a first local breeding record for this pro- ductive s. Interior hotspot. Unprecedented offshore and certainly storm-related was an imm. Rock Ptarmigan rocketing along the w. shore of Middleton I. in strong southeasterly winds 28 Sep (*UAM). Pending a formal subspecific identification, the bird appears closest to subspecies nelsoni , which breeds on the nearest Mainland and is- land alpine areas in the North Gulf. The southbound loon migration was weak and late, save for a season high 228 Yellow-billeds moving by Gambell, including an amazing count of 92 birds there in two hours on 26 Sep (PEL). Most of these were moving in an east- northeasterly direction, which is typical for the w. side of St. Lawrence I. in autumn. Two Pied-billed Grebes around Juneau 5-21 Oct (RJG, PS) were the season’s only reports. Stag- ing locales and migratory phenology of Red- necked Grebe are poorly understood in fall, but a single at Kodiak 16 Aug (RAM) seemed early there. At Middleton I., building Red- necked numbers appeared to be staging in the local food-rich upwelling off the n. shore, with over 200 birds in loose feeding flocks observed 21-26 Sep (UAM). Two Red-neckeds off the Point at Gambell 10 & 26-29 Sep (PEL) was considered an average number in fall. Another Pink-footed Shearwater was again found off Kodiak waters near Ugak Pass 20 Sep (JBA), where singles of this very rare vis- itor are often located. Following the summer season’s documentation and subsequent addi- tion to the Alaska List, another Manx Shear- water was observed inshore in the same area off the w. side of Middleton I. 26 Sep (UAM). Most records of this species had been concen- trated Jun-early Aug in the e.-cen. North Gulf. A late-season warm-water surge must have been responsible for an unprecedented movement of Buller’s Shearwaters into the North Gulf. Shipboard observers made at least passing comments on the species’ abun- dance beginning in Aug, but Sep counts from Two immature Eurasian Hobbies were documented on She- mya Island, Alaska between mid-September and early (here 1) October 2005. Photograph by Michael T. Schwitters. Middleton I. included a high of 300+ on 24 Sep, and hundreds were visible mostly off the island’s w. side 21-28 Sep (UAM). The Re- gion’s previous maximum was at most a few hundred, with singles more typical, and most are gone from the Region by early Sep. Typi- cally casual in the Bering Sea n. of St. Matthew L, another Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel appeared off Gambell 17 Sep (PEL), a 4th contemporary St. Lawrence I. record. On the early side for winter area arrivals, an imm. Brandt’s Cormorant was on a breakwater in the s. Tongass Narrows near Ketchikan 15 Nov+ (RAM, AWP et al.). Small numbers of this casual and very local coastal Southeast islet breeder have been located wintering s. of Ketchikan into Nichols Passage. An American Bittern on the sedge flats on Farm I. at the mouth of the Stikine R. 8 Oct (RL, fide SCH) provided one of the Region’s latest of very few fall records. The status of this species has not changed since a few call- ing birds were located on the Stikine R. in the mid-1970s; it is a casual migrant and summer bird mostly from the Southeast Mainland river systems. It was a banner falcon season at Shemya, where an imm. Eurasian Kestrel made a brief showing along the runways 16 Sep (CS, ph. MS). It was followed by an imm. Eurasian Elobby 18 Sep, which was joined by another imm. 25 Sep, and both patrolled the island for the next three weeks (CS, ph. MS). Both species remain casual in spring and fall, although the latter has been more regular, mainly in spring at Shemya the past few years. Shemya was the site of North America’s first Eurasian Kestrel in Sep 1978, and since then records are evenly split between May and Sep/Oct, mostly in the w. Aleutians and the s. Bering Sea. A very pale migrant Peregrine Fal- con photographed at Shemya 7 Sep (CS, ph. MS) may have been tundrius , which has been identified a few times in the Aleutians but not yet substantiated. RAILS THROUGH ALCIDS A Virginia Rail glimpsed at an extreme high tide in Juneau 5 Oct (IMSch) is the Region’s first fall report; the state’s first record is a win- ter specimen. This report follows a spring and summer occurrence from n. Southeast and a few summer reports near Juneau. American Coots made an average showing, with 3 at Sitka’s Swan L. 10-30 Nov providing the high count (MLW, MET). An ad. American Coot at- tending 2 juvs. in the rushes of Yarger L. in the e. Interior 5 Aug (TT, LJO) was at the site where breeding was first documented in Alaska in 1980-1981. Breeding evidence has been reported occasionally in the e. Interior in the ensuing years. Overall, the Nearctic shore- bird passage was exciting, with plenty of ex- tralimitals, nice concentrations, and late Casual in the Aleutians and rather early were two juvenile Eurasian Dotterels at Shemya Island 24 August 2005 (here). Photograph by Michael T. Schwitters. 120 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ALASKA This Terek Sandpiper on Shemya Island 17-19 (here 18) August 2005 was preceded by a Broad-billed Sandpiper 15 August there; both species are casual in Alaska's Aleutian islands in fall. Photograph by Michael T. Schwitters. departures along the Pacific coast. Conditions must have been prime for a shorebird concen- tration at Kodiak’s Narrow Cape in mid-Aug, when an exceptional mixed-species flock of 3000-4000+ birds included 14 species, with an amazing 4 Black Turnstones, 575 Western Sandpipers, and 2950 Semipalmated Sand- pipers 16 Aug (RAM). These species are typi- cally considerably less common or even missed in some years from Kodiak. The no- table Asian highlights included: 2 very early juv. Eurasian Dotterels, casual in the Aleu- tians, at Shemya I. 24 Aug (CS, ph. MS); a Wood Sandpiper at Shemya 16 Aug (CS, MS); and a Common Sandpiper 6 Sep, a Terek Sandpiper 17-19 Aug, and a Broad-billed Sandpiper 15 Aug at Shemya (CS, ph. MS). The latter two species are casual fall migrants in the Region, mostly in the w. Aleutians late Aug-early Sep. A Lesser Sand-Plover at Gam- bell 18-26 Sep (vt. PEL) was one of the latest on record from the n. Bering Sea. Elsewhere, late records included: a Black-bellied Plover in Gustavus through 28 Nov (ND, PV); single Semipalmated Plovers at Gustavus 18 Oct (ND) and Kodiak 22 Oct (RAM); and a Least Sandpiper at Kodiak 23 Oct (RAM). Other significant shorebird finds were of ex- tralimital birds. There was another w. Aleutian Semipalmated Plover at Shemya (where casual) 14-17 Sep (CS, MS). A White-rumped Sand- piper near Gustavus was quite late for the Re- gion 15 Oct (ND, PV) and furnished one of few North Gulf records. Well n. of its normal range in the Pribilofs, a Rock Sandpiper of the nomi- nate race at Gambcll 25-26 Sep (vt., tPEL) was likely a n. Bering Sea and St. Lawrence I. first. Southeast observers produced a good North Gulf distribution of Stilt Sandpipers, where they are annual in very small numbers, with 5+ around Juneau 17 Aug (PS, GW), a single off- shore at Sitka, where we have few reports, 30 Sep (MLW, MET), and a first local Ketchikan record near Traitor’s Cove 22 Aug (AWP, ph. SCH). Perhaps 3 Buff- breasted Sandpipers at Gustavus 24 Aug-7 Sep (BP, ND, PV) provided the seasons only North Gulf reports. Wil- son’s Snipe was documented from the n. Bering Sea, where there are surpris- ingly few certain fall reports, with one at Gambell 1-4 Sep (WINGS, Wilder- ness Birding Adventures). Gull reports and distribution were excellent, with highlights focused in Southeast, including: a Franklin’s Gull at Ketchikan 27 Aug-1 Sep (AWP, ph. SCH), still the optimal site for this rare fall migrant; good num- bers of Bonaparte’s Gulls heading southward well into mid-Nov (e.g., 300+ in the Ketchikan waterfront 14 Nov [RAM, RLS, TT] and 200 in Auke Bay near Juneau 24 Nov [GW]); a high count of 17 Ring-billed Gulls in the Ketchikan area 27 Aug and 1 Sep (AWP, SCH), with one lingering quite late 11 Nov (AWP, SCH) and 2 ads. in the Gustavus area 15 Sep (BP); at least 4 California Gulls at the n. edge of the species’ regular fall range near Gustavus 7 Aug-4 Sep (BP, JS); and 3 Slaty-backed Gulls at the s. edge of its fall range in Ketchikan 14 Sep-23 Nov (ph. BW, JFK, AWP, SCH). Away from Southeast, larid highlights were scattered, with up to 6 Black-headed Gulls 14 Sep-14 Oct and 2 kamtschatschensis Mew Gulls 14-18 Sep around Shemya beaches (CS, ph. MS), an ad. Ring-billed Gull n. to Anchorage 11 Oct (BT), where casual, and a subad. Cali- fornia Gull offshore on Middleton I., a local first there, 23 Sep (SCH, ph. GHR, RAM, TT). One of two Nashville Warblers found in Ketchikan, Alaska in autumn 2005, this bird was photographed 11 November; an- other had been found 1 9 October. Photograph by Steve Heinl. Another rare Bering Sea Thayer’s Gull was documented from Gambell 17-26 Sep (vt. PEL), only the 2nd from St. Lawrence 1, while a very late Mew Gull stayed in Nome through 29 Sep (PEL). Fourteen Slaty-backed Gulls in various plumaged provided the season’s sin- gle-day peak from Nome 30 Aug (WINGS). Aside from a single in Juneau 5 Aug (PS), the season’s only other Caspian Terns in- cluded staging birds in the Gustavus area 1 Aug-2 Sep, where the high count reached 20+ on 5 Aug (ND, PV). Begging juvs. were noted in these small groups on 12, 21, & 22 Aug (ND). The Gambell seawatch was alcid-rich this season, with up to 6 extralimital Kittlitz’s Murrelets off the Point 17-18 Sep (PEL), where there are usually only singles in fall, and an incredible 27 Ancient Murrelets there 28 Sep (PEL). A record 39 Ancients passed by Gambell 6-29 Sep (PEL). DOVES THROUGH PIPITS Beyond the normal few scattered Mourning Doves, one reported at Kodiak 30 Sep (JM), a 3rd local record there, and up to 6 around Ketchikan 6 Sep-23 Oct (AWP, ph. SCH, DM, MM) were the season’s highlights. There was a weak late-season Snowy Owl push from the North Gulf and Southeast coasts, with 5 lo- cated around Gustavus 14 Nov+ (ND, BP et al.) and a single in downtown Ketchikan 12-19 Nov (SCH et al.). Northern Pygmy- Owls were widely dispersed to the coast in numbers, with at least 2 documented from Gustavus, where it is casual, 21 Oct-28 Nov (ND, PV), one at Haines 11 Nov (AWP), at least 3 at Juneau 13 Aug-19 Nov (GW, PS, MS), a single offshore at Sitka 1 Nov (MLW, MET), and easily 10 counted in the Ketchikan area 15 Oct+ (SCH, AWP). Short- eared Owls often linger into Nov in mild falls: this year’s examples were 10+ in the Juneau Gray-streaked Flycatchers were located on Shemya 11 September 2005 (here) and later on 5 and 10 October, the latter dates quite late. Photographs by Michael T. Schwitters. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 121 ALASKA In Ketchikan, Alaska three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found between 3 and 19 (here 4) October 2005; the species is casual in the state. Photograph by Steve Heinl. area in mid-Nov and singles at Ketchikan 6 & 12 Nov (AWP, SCH, RLS). Favorable conditions concentrated out- bound Vaux’s Swifts over Juneau’s Menden- hall Wetlands 19-27 Aug, with a peak 200+ birds staging 23-27 Aug (GW, PS, MSch), certainly the Regions new maximum count. A very late single Vaux’s at Ketchikan 4 Oct (AWP, SCH) furnished one of the Region’s lat- est and was record late for the locale by a week. The Region’s 7th Costa’s Hummingbird managed to find greenhouse flowers in Kenai 9 Oct (SP, T&MA, CS, ph. PR), the only re- markable hummer report of the season; four of the Region’s reports of the species have been of birds that lingered into Oct. It was a quiet fall for extralimital woodpeckers, with the exception of 2 Red-breasted Sapsuckers w. to Kodiak 17 Oct-26 Nov (ph. RAM, JPM). On the heels of the Bering Sea’s first Say’s Phoebe from Gambell this summer, another ventured offshore to St. Paul I. 19 Aug (ph. BKp RK, SW), and one was detected 14 Aug in alpine tundra above Juneau (GB), where there are few records. Records of fall-migrant Say’s Phoebes are sporadic, especially away from the e. Interior, although singles are oc- casionally recorded on the North Gulf coast. With only a handful of mainly winter reports in the cen. and e. Aleutians, an imm. North- ern Shrike at Shernya, which clearly arrived with migrants from Asia 10 Oct (CS, ph. MS), was quite exciting. This bird was presumably of subspecies sibiricus, which is probably in- separable from Alaskan invictus in the field. Another Warbling Vireo was videotaped 26 Sep at Gambell (vt. PEL), where there are now four fall reports. A single Sky Lark at Gambell 16-24 Sep (vt. PEL) provided that locales 3rd in fall; none were detected in the w. Aleutians, where they are more regular. Ca- sual in the Region after mid-Jul, a single Northern Rough-winged Swallow was found in a mixed swallow flock in Gustavus 15 Aug (ND); there are only a few records nw. of this end of Southeast. Three Ruby-crowned Kinglets out in the Bering Sea at Gambell 9-28 Sep (vt. PEL) con- stituted the only extralimital report. Lehman recorded another Dusky Warbler at Gambell 18 Sep (TPEL), the 8th in fall from St. Lawrence I. since 1997. Nearctic-breeding Arctic Warblers staged a strong movement across the Bering Strait, highlighted by a fall record-high 31 on 30 Aug and a very late sin- gle there 16 Sep (PEL). To the south, Arctic Warblers of the ne. Asian subspecies exami- nandus arrived at Shernya 16 Sep, with 9 more singles through 18 Oct (CS, ph. MS). Three different ad. Gray-streaked Flycatchers were located on Shernya 1 1 Sep and 5 & 10 Oct (CS, ph. MS); the Oct birds are the Regions latest of very few in fall. An imm. male Siber- ian Rubythroat at Shernya 18 Oct (CS, ph. MS) was the only report and was quite late. As many as 13 Northern Wheatears tallied in a narrow period at Shernya 6-12 Sep (CS, ph. MS) was easily the highest fall number for the This immature male Black-headed Grosbeak at Gambell, St. Lawrence Island 26 September 2005 furnished a first record of the species for northern/western Alaska. Photograph by Paul E. Lehman. w. Aleutians, where singles are more typical. Thirty at Gambell 30 Aug-8 Sep (PEL) was an average count of Alaska birds headed south- westward across the Bering Strait. A stejncgeri- type Stonechat was documented at Gambell 6 Sep (ph. AL, ph. CK, vt., tPEL), the first sub- stantiated there in fall, and about the Region’s 4th for autumn. Very late Hermit Thrushes, now expected in mild falls, included one in Kodiak 7 Nov (RAM) and a dozen in the Ketchikan area 12 Nov (SCH, AWP et al.), where even in a good season singles are mostly encountered after the first days of Nov. At least 3 Eyebrowed Thrushes skulked around Shemya’s thickets 10-18 Oct (CS, ph. MS), an exceptional and late report of a species that is more regular in spring. A Siber- ian Accentor at Gambell 11 Sep (tPEL) was the season’s only one and just the 9th for St. Lawrence in fall. An Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Gambell 26 Sep (PEL) was the latest there by a week. 1mm. White Wagtails showed well across the Region, with a family group of 5 at Gambell 1-19 Sep and 2 still there 22 Sep (PEL) for a new local late date; at least 5 at Shernya 12-13 Oct (CS, ph. MS), one of the Region’s latest ever; and an amazing bird that arrived at the Ketchikan waterfront 13 Nov, where it persisted into early Dec (ph. SCH, ph. AWP). We have only two other Southeast records. While the Gambell birds were identi- fied as ocularis , the Shernya photographs ap- peared to be of imm. lugens (Black-backed); the Ketchikan bird was not identified to sub- species. Previously considered casual in fall, another Pechora Pipit was flushed from the Gambell middens 26-27 Sep (tPEL), the 8th there in just the past three years. WAXWINGS THROUGH FR1NGILLIDS Cedar Waxwings are rare and regular in fall, moving northward and westward away from local breeding sites on the Southeast Main- land. This year’s push included at least 3 at Kodiak 3 Oct-21 Nov (WED, ph. RAM, JPM), where they are nearly annual later in the sea- son. Fifteen in Juneau through 10 Sep (GW, PP) and 5 in Ketchikan 6 Oct, with one lin- gering until 15 Oct (SCH), were highlights otherwise. The Ketchikan birds were consid- ered unusual, as there were only two previous Oct records in s. Southeast. One of the great- est late-season warbler showings ever for Alaska produced six species and good num- bers well into Nov. Extremely late birds in- cluded: a Tennessee Warbler at a Ketchikan suet feeder 12-23 Nov (JFK et al., ph. SCH), the Region’s latest ever; an Orange-crowned Warbler at a Fairbanks feeder 22 Oct (fide KR) and 3 singles in Ketchikan 12-15 Nov (SCH, AWP, RAM, RLS, TT); numerous Nov Yellow- rumpeds, with singles in Wasilla 20 Nov (RW), at Kodiak 21 Nov (RAM), 2 in Juneau 19 Nov, one far n. in Talkeetna 23 Nov+ (DP), and at least 10 around Ketchikan, with latest 2 there 20 Nov; late Townsend’s in Ketchikan 9-12 & 14 Oct Nov (JFK, SCH. AWP, TT); a rare post-Sep Common Yellowthroat in Juneau 1 Oct (GW); and a Wilson’s Warbler in Ketchikan 10 Nov (SCH, AWP). Other war- bler highlights otherwise included Bering Sea finds at Gambell (PEL): 4 celata Orange- crowneds 12-28 Sep; an amazing 5 Yellow Warblers 12-25 Sep; a 3rd fall Townsend’s 12 Sep; St. Lawrence’s first Palm Warbler 29 Sep (vt. PEL), one of very few reported for the 122 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ALASKA Bering Sea; a 2nd Bering Sea and Gambell American Redstart 17 Sep; and a Wilson’s Warbler 28 Sep. On the heels of last fall’s first documentation for Alaska, Ketchikan ob- servers located 2 Nashville Warblers, 19 Oct and 11 Nov (AWP, ph. SCH, JFK). Three West- ern Tanagers in Ketchikan 9 Sep (AWP, SCH) were rare offshore and rather late. With such a mild season, one expects more highlights among the sparrows than this sea- son delivered. This fall’s notables were few, mostly extralimitals, with very few late records. Two American Tree Sparrows at Gambell 16 & 17-18 Sep (PEL) were average for the past few years, while 2 juv. Chipping Sparrows there 12-14 & 17 Sep (vt. PEL) brought the St. Lawrence fall total to 10 sight- ings since the late 1990s. A single Chipping in Anchorage 3 Sep (TT) was casual. The sea- son’s Fox Sparrow totals offshore at Gambell were impressive with 9 Sooty and 2 Red 6-25 Sep (PEL). The former continue to be found regularly, the latter only occasionally in fall in the Bering Sea. A Lincoln’s Sparrow ventured to Gambell 23 Sep (PEL), a St. Lawrence 4th for fall. This year’s Swamp Sparrows include singles at a Juneau feeder 8-30 Nov (ph. PS), a 4th local record, and at Ketchikan’s Moun- tain Pt. vagrant trap 27 Oct+ (AWP, ph. SCH). Still a rare fall migrant in Southeast, White- throated Sparrows this year included 4 in Ketchikan 9 Oct-9 Nov (JFK, SCH) but only one other, at Juneau 3-30 Nov (GW). And only a single Harris’s Sparrow was located, offshore at Sitka 29-30 Oct (MLW, MET). Thirteen White-crowned (9-22 Sep) and 16 Golden-crowned Sparrows (31 Aug-28 Sep) were above the recent average totals for the n. Bering Sea and St. Lawrence (vt. PEL, AL). Recent data suggest that both are regular in small numbers in fall there. Four scattered Rustic Buntings made a late arrival at Shemya 13-18 Oct (CS, MS); the species is not annual in fall and typically arrives earlier in Sep. Pheucticu s grosbeaks in Ketchikan in- cluded 3 different Rose-breasted Grosbeaks 3-14, 6-19, & 15-19 Oct and a Black-headed 5-13 Oct (AWP, ph. SCH); Ketchikan had only single prior records of both. Rose- breasted ranges into the se. Yukon and n.-cen. British Columbia, so it has been surprising that this species remains casual in the Region, where most records have come from South- east. An imm. male Black-headed Grosbeak at Gambell was found in the middens 26 Sep (vt. PEL), a first for n. and w. Alaska. A West- ern Meadowlark appeared briefly nearly at the feet of Mountain Pt. birders near Ketchikan 15 Nov (AWP, SCH, RAM, RLS, TT) before rocketing off; there are now five Ketchikan-area records from fall and winter. Very late and casual in fall, a male Yellow- headed Blackbird appeared offshore at Sitka 29-30 Oct (ph. KZ et ah). Ketchikan had an icterid-rich season, with a Brewer’s Blackbird 15 Oct+ (AWP, ph. SCH), a Common Grackle 20 Nov+ (JFK, AWP, ph. SCH), and single, different Brown-headed Cowbirds 17 Aug, 28 Aug, and 17-18 Oct (AWP, ph. SCH). The Brewer’s was Ketchikan’s 6th ever, the grackle a local 2nd and Alaska’s 9th, and the Oct cow- bird nearly record late. Two juv. cowbirds were on Admiralty I. 9 Aug (GB, ED, MB), one was in Juneau 16 Aug (ph. PS), and an- other Bering Sea waif was at Gambell, the 5th there in fall, 31 Aug (PEL). At least 5 Bram- blings were documented from Gambell 16-29 Sep (vt. PEL), where they are usually less common in fall. Another Brambling was in the thickets at Middleton I. 26 Sep (SCH, TT), where there are a few previous fall reports, and good numbers moved through the w. Aleutians at Shemya 17 Sep-19 Oct (CS, ph. MS), including a peak count of 18 on 24 Sep. Elsewhere, single Bramblings appeared in Ko- diak 20-21 & 26 Nov (ph., fide RAM). Contributors and observers: B. Alger, j. B. Allen, T. & M. Allison, M. Anderson, R. Arm- strong, G. Baluss, N. Bargmann, K. Bell, B. Benter, S. Berns, A. Berry, M. Brooks, G. V. Byrd, L. Craig, J. Dearborn, D. F Delap, A. De- Martini, B. Dittrick, W. E. Donaldson, E. Drew, N. Drumheller, L. Edfelt, P. Eldridge, D. Erick- son, C. Fultz, D. D. Gibson, R. J. Gordon, T. L. Goucher, B. Guzetti, N. Haydukovich, K. Hart, S. C. Heinl, P. Hunt, B. Hunter, H. Irrigoo, R. Knight, J. E Koerner, C. Koonooka, A. Lang, P E. Lehman, J. Levison, M. Litzow, R. Lowell, L, M. & R. A. Macintosh, D. MacPhail, J. Mason, J. P Metzler, D. & M. Miller, N. Mollett, A. Murray, K. Nelson, R. Neterer, L. J. Oakley, B. Paige, C. Palmer, W. Pawuk, B. K. Percival, S. Peterson, A. W. Piston, P. Pourchot, P. Robin- son, G. H. Rosenberg, D. Rudis, K. Russell, C. Sanguinetti, J. Sauer, S. Savage, R. L. Scher, M. A. Schultz, W. Schuster, M. Schwan, C. & M. Schwitters, D., P. & S. Senner, D. Shaw, D. W. Sonneborn, S. Studebaker, P. Suchanek, A. Swingley, M. E. Tedin, T. Tobish, B. Tweit, R. Uhl, University of Alaska Museum (UAM; G. Rosenberg, S. C. Heinl, R. A. Macintosh, T. To- bish), L. Vallie, G. Van Vliet, R Vanselow, M. L. Ward, Wilderness Birding Adventures (B. Dit- trick, A. Lang et al.), R. Winckler, WINGS, Inc. (R E. Lehman et al.), E. White, B. Wittington, M. A. Wood, S. Wright, K. Zervos, S. Zimmer- man. Referenced documentation is on file at the University of Alaska Museum. @ Thede Tobish, 2510 Foraker Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99517, (tgt@alaska.net) AHA iLriil tt&'J AHA yj£Uf kali'll \ ^^°P^iCaidCnrknn_ ooo oooo ®**”®oo/oo "v/SA i&k American Birding s s o c . i APPLY TODAY FOR THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION VISA® PLATINUM CARD * No Annual Fee * Low Introductory Rate * No balance transfer fee for six months It's the only card that ensures a percentage of every purchase you make will go toward the American Birding Association, to help support a variety of activities and programs designed to inspire all people to enjoy and protect wild birds. Choose from two distinct designs: Red-billed Tropicbird or Rufous Hummingbird. To apply call 1-800-853-5576 ext. 83% or apply online today www.americanbirding.org The creditor and issuer of the American Birding Association VISA Platinum Card is U.S. Bank National Association ND. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 123 British Columbia Donald G. Cecils August was mostly hot and dry over the southern half of the province, while more showery weather dominated in the north. September precipitation was more hit-or-miss in many areas, with coastal sec- tions in particular feeling the change at the equinox to a more stormy pattern, which con- tinued through October. Meanwhile, after the first light snowfall the first week of October across the interior, northeastern British Co- lumbia enjoyed a dry and warm October, so much so that the local elk populations were coaxed into a second rutting season there. The weather became much more active in Novem- ber, with an Arctic air mass sweeping in from Nunavut across the interior and coastward. Coastal sections closed the season under their first snowfall as the Arctic and Pa- cific streams collided. Stunning rarities included a Pine Warbler, a Sedge Wren, a Northern Wheat- ear, and a Bairds Sparrow. ularity of this occurrence. Some 141 Pacific Loons, which may have been forced down by strong headwinds, came to rest on Boundary L. 25 Sep (JJ); such numbers have never been reported elsewhere in the Region’s in- terior. Careful examination of a large staging flock of Western Grebes pro- duced a Clark’s Grebe at Union Bay, Courtney 23-30 Oct (ph., tJF, tGLM et al.) . This represents the first Clark’s Grebe for the Comox check- list area and the first confirmed sight- ing for Vancouver 1. in over 10 years. Always an exciting find, a Laysan Albatross was observed from a cruise ship in Queen Charlotte Sound 10 Sep (RF). Two imm. American White Pelicans were discovered at Es- quimalt Lagoon near Victoria 22-23 Aug (ph., tMOS, m.ob.). This species has remained unrecorded in Victoria for at least a decade. Brown Pelicans were prevalent along the coast during sum- mer, so it was not surprising that a few were found into the fall, with single imms. at Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary 3 Sep (tjl) and at Iona 29-30 Oct (ph. WA et al). Single Great Egrets were in Ucluelet 1 Sep (BS1; and later relocated along the Lower Kennedy R. 13 Sep by GB et al.), at Grand Forks 12 Oct (ph. BB), and at Wardner 18 Sep (DN). Although a sin- gle Cattle Egret arrived very early at Fauquier 19 Sep (GSD), this did not translate into a good showing this fall. An ad. gray-morph Gyrfalcon returned to Kelowna for its 6th consecutive year 12 Nov+ (CC et al.). Sand- hill Cranes exhibited a more protracted mi- sa; WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANE A subad. male King Eider drew much attention when it showed up 30 Oct-3 Dec in Vancouver (BiB et al.), where there are a dozen previous records. Finding all four regularly occurring species of loons at a single loca- tion is quite noteworthy along the coast but unheard of in the interior, yet amazingly this hap- pened on Charlie L. 25 Sep (MP). Migrating Pacific Loons have been noted along the Pine Pass corridor in early Oct in the past, but little is known about the reg- There were several indications that Arctic breeders had a productive summer. Across the province, shorebirds in particular were found in larger-than-usual numbers, al- though weather may have also influenced this perception. Strong winds through the Yukon off the Beaufort Sea 9 Aug may have shifted the migratory movements of otherwise southeast- bound shorebirds to a more westerly track. This "eastern invasion" involved mainly Baird's, Semipalmated, and Stilt Sandpipers and produced new provincial record totals (Table 1). Table 1 . New local high counts for various shorebird species (* = new provincial high count). Species Date Number Location Observer Black-bellied Plover 11 Sep 36 Salmon Arm DGC American Golden-Plover 12 Sep 9 Salmon Arm cs Semipalmated Plover 12 Aug 41 Salmon Arm DGC Semipalmated Sandpiper 13 Aug 1200 Salmon Arm DGC Semipalmated Sandpiper 13 Aug 1500* Boundary Bay RTo Baird's Sandpiper 13 Aug 400 Boundary Bay RTo Pectoral Sandpiper 11 Sep 600 Salmon Arm DGC Stilt Sandpiper 19 Aug 157* Salmon Arm DGC long-billed Dowitcher 11 Sep 840 Salmon Arm DGC Of at least 6 Bar-tailed Godwits found in British Columbia in autumn 2005, this juvenile was the latest, observed 4-13 (here 10) November. Photograph by Rick Toochin. gration this fall, with sizeable flocks still be- ing reported into early Nov, e.g., 200 in the Highland Valley near Kamloops 3 Nov ( fide RH), 30 near Penticton 6 Nov (BH), and 25 in Savona 13 Nov (fide RH). Typically, their mi- gration peaks in early Oct and tapers off by mid-Oct. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS A juv. Pacific Golden-Plover at Lakeview Marsh, near Dawson Creek 8 Sep (MP, JJ) was a rare find e. of the Rockies. A Semipalmated Plover was extremely late in Victoria 23 Nov (CSa). Rarely encountered on the outer coast, especially during fall, a Long-billed Curlew was at Dare Beach, West Coast Trail 14 Aug (ph. JE). This fall saw a record number of Bar-tailed Godwits in the Region. At least 5 juvs. were involved, 4 of which were found in Boundary Bay, in singles or in twos, 23 Aug-28 Oct (RTo et al.); one was seen in flight over Parksville 3 Nov (tGLM); and the last was at Blackie Spit, White Rock 4-13 Nov (m.ob.). A splen- did male Ruff was with a large flock of Western Sandpipers along the Iona s. jetty 2 Sep (MMN). Buff-breasted Sand- pipers were again reported in larger numbers than usual, al- though not as many as in the fall of 2004. Singles were found at Rocky Point B.O. 19 Aug, for a first local record (CSa); in the Highland Valley, Kamloops 12 Sep (RH), a 4th local record; at Sandy L, e. coast of Vancouver I. 124 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS BRITISH COLUMBIA 15 Sep (GLM, AM); and along the Williston L. causeway, Mackenzie 28 Aug (JJ). In recent years, Salmon Arm has proven to be one of the most reliable locations for Buff-breasted in the province; at least 10 different juvs. were found there 22 Aug-8 Oct (TH, DGC et al). A molting ad. Red Knot in Salmon Arm 4 Sep (ph. DGC) furnished a first local record and the 6th interior record. Sharp-tailed Sand- pipers away from the coast included 2 juvs. in Salmon Arm 11-17 Sep (ph. DGC et al.) and another juv. at Becher Dam 18 Sep (PR), a first Cariboo record. The Region’s 8th and 9th Little Stint records both came from Boundary Bay, with a basic ad. 5 Aug (ph. RTo) and a juv. 14, 20, 21, & 30 Sep-7 Oct (ph. RTo et al). To top off the “eastern invasion,” an ad. White-rumped Sandpiper furnished a 9th Vancouver record at Iona Island Sewage Ponds 22-26 Aug (JK et al.). A molting juv. Little Gull provided a 3rd Comox-area record when seen from a boat off Sandy I. 15 Sep (ph. GLM, AM). A graellsii Lesser Black-backed Gull was discovered in Vernon 25 Nov+ (DGC), the 5th sight record of the species. As with most years, a small number of Sabine’s Gulls passed through the interior: an ad. in Burton 3 Sep (GSD); an ad. and a juv. on Williston L. 4 Sep (JJ); 3 juvs. at Burton 14 Sep (GSD): a single juv. at Burton 16 Sep (GSD); a juv. at Nicola L. 16 Sep (RTo); and a very cooperative juv. in Salmon Arm 17 Sep (ph. DGC, PB, RTO). Rarely encountered in the interior, a juv. dark-morph Long-tailed Jaeger furnished a 2nd West Kootenay record 30 Oct at Nakusp (GSD). A Com- mon Tern in first-basic plumage was very late in Comox 20-23 Oct QF, ph. GLM et al.), and an imm. Arctic Tern was discovered along the Penticton waterfront along with 15 Common Terns 18 Sep (RTo), the 3rd Okanagan record. A basic-plumaged ad. Arctic Tern was at Blackie Spit, White Rock 15 Sep (DTy) — yet trips out of Tofino failed to find Arctic Terns this sea- son (fide AD). A murrelet swim- ming in the waters of the Fraser R. at Hell’s Gate 15 Aug (vt. ELG) was later identified as an Ancient Murrelet upon examination of photographs (DGC). Another displaced Ancient Murrelet was seen flying down Williston L. 28 Aug (JJ). DOVES THROUGH GRACKLE A White-winged Dove at Dare Beach near Carmanah Pt. 17 Aug (ph. JE, tNH) fur- nished a 9th Regional record. Another female Barn Owl with brood patch was captured at 150 Mile House 1-3 Aug (fide PR), extending the species’ known breeding area in the province. A Flammulated Owl was picked up starving in Sardis 28 Nov (fide GG), well away from its s. interior range. Snowy Owls made their best appearance on Vancouver I. since 1996-1997, with over 20 re- ports through 30 Nov (fide GLM). An unbanded imm. Burrowing Owl was picked up from the Zeller’s Store in Campbell River and taken to Mountainaire Avian Rescue (MB). A Common Poorwill with a broken collarbone was record late in Prince- ton 16 Oct (MS) and also sent to a re- habilitator. A Lewis’s Woodpecker was discov- ered at Rocky Point B.O., s. Vancou- ver I. 6 Sep; the species bred here historically. A Red-naped Sapsucker away from its interior haunts ven- tured to Reifel Refuge 18-24 Sep (m.ob.); although this species is rare but regular along the s. coast in spring, it is much less frequently seen in the fall. A record-late individual was found dead in Summerland 17 Nov (JGi). The pair of White-headed Woodpeckers that was fre- quenting Anarchist Mt., Osoyoos, may have bred successfully last summer, as one local re- ported seeing up to 5 flying together 13 Sep (SL). A Least Flycatcher, rare on Vancouver L, was observed at Rocky Pt. 20 Sep (GLM). A record-late date for Hammond’s Flycatcher Few Sabine's Gulls were recorded in interior British Columbia in autumn 2G05, with one exception being this juvenile in Salmon Arm 17 September. Photograph by Donald G. Cecile. was established at Rocky Pt. 15 Oct (GD). Dusky Flycatchers rarely stray to Vancouver L, but 2 were at Rocky Pt. 17-18 Sep (GD, DA). Rare along the coast and more often found in spring than fall, an imm. Say’s Phoebe was at Piper’s Lagoon, Nanaimo 18 Oct (ph. RP, AP) and later relocated 29 Oct at Neck Pt. (NR). Annual in small numbers along the coast, an Ash-throated Flycatcher was at Rocky Point B.O. 5-6 Sep (CS, DA, Juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers were found in unprecedented numbers in interior British Columbia in both autumn 2004 and autumn 2005. Salmon Arm, where this bird lingered through 8 October 2005 (here), has proven to be a regular stopover location for the species. Photograph by Donald G. Cecile. GD). A Tropical Kingbird was an overdue first for Rocky Pt. 8 Oct (DA, GD). A Western Kingbird, rare on Vancouver I., was at the Cape Scott lighthouse 29 Sep (JB). A Clark’s Nutcracker furnished a 2nd local record at Rocky Point B.O. 10 Aug (fide DA); this species rarely wanders to Vancouver I. Also rare on Vancouver I., an early Bank Swal- low was at Kye Bay, Comox, providing just a 3rd local record 1 1 Aug QF); another fur- nished a long overdue first record for Nanaimo 5 Sep (GLM), within their typical early-fall window. Cliff Swallows were excep- tionally late in the interior, with 7 seen enter- ing nests to spend the night 10 Nov at Little Bear Ranch, East Ootsa (NN, GN). Oddly, this species seems to disappear in early fall (Aug-Sep) and then occasionally suddenly to reappear in Oct-Nov. A Rock Wren made a rare appearance along the Iona s. jetty 21 Oct-19 Nov (PC el al.). Another Regional first, and disappointingly another one-day wonder, a Sedge Wren was discovered at Ce- cil Green Park, Vancouver 29 Oct (tph., PC et al.). On the other hand, a very cooperative Northern Wheatear in the Columbia Beach area, e. Vancouver I. 7-20 Oct (ph. RH, GLM et al.) furnished a 2nd Regional record and the first since 1970! At least 400 birders from British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, and Oregon came to see this bird. Casual in the Region, an imm. Brown Thrasher was at Mc- Queen’s Slough in Dawson Creek 8 Sep (JJ). Tennessee Warblers are rare s. of Prince George. Banders at Vaseux captured one 11 Aug (SL, ph. BL), and others were at Reifel 15 Aug (tRL) and Vancouver 9 Sep (tPC). Nashville Warblers are rare on Vancouver L, yet VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 125 BRITISH COLUMBIA This Northern Wheatear in Parksville attracted much atten- tion during its two-week stay (here 8 October 2005). The only previous Regional record was also from Vancouver Is- land— in 1970. Photograph by Mike Yip. one was discovered at Rocky Point B.O. 22 Sep (JG, GD, GLM). Townsend’s Warblers are lin- gering later and in greater numbers in recent years; this trend was particularly noticeable this year, with the species remaining rather widespread on Vancouver 1. into late Nov (GLM). A Blackburnian Warbler furnished the 2nd Vancouver I. record in Courtenay 8 Sep (tJF) and just the 10th Regional record. By far the rarest of the warblers found this fall was a male Pine Warbler at a Lilloet feeder 29 Nov (vt. 1R, VR), a 2nd provincial record. Also rare on Vancouver 1., a male American Redstart was banded at Rocky Point B.O. 28 Aug (ph. DA, GD), only the 2nd local record. Clay-colored Sparrows were much more prevalent than usual along the coast this fall, with singles at the lighthouse at Cape Scott 29 Sep (JB), Rocky Pt. 25 Sep (GLM), Iona 5-6 Sep (TMT) and 11 Oct (ph. PC), and Blackie Spit, White Rock 7 Nov (tDTy). A few Lark Sparrows wandered to the coast, with singles at Columbia Beach, Parksville 28 Aug (JF) and at Sayward estuary 25 Sep (CVN). An- other great find was a Baird’s Sparrow at Holden Creek, Nanaimo R. estuary 9 Sep (tGLM). There is one previously confirmed record for the province; however, a specimen of questionable provenance from 1889 is still extant. An ad. male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was very late in Tofino 14 Nov (RC, SB). Common Grackles at a feeder in Arras fur- nished a new provincial high total, with 93 present 15 Aug (MP). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): David Allinson (Victoria), Walter Am- rnann , Maj Birch, Jack Bowling (weather summary), Bill Bodean, Barbara Botham, George Bradd, James Bradley, Sandy Brad- shaw, Peter Candido, Richard J. Cannings (South Okanagan), Chris Charlesworth (Kelowna), Comox Valley Naturalists, Ralph Crombie, Gabe David, Gary S. Davidson (Kootenays), Adrian Dorst (Tofino-Ucluelet), Jerry Etzkorn, Jamie Fenneman, Roger Fox- all, Gordie Gadsden, Jeremy Gatten, Jim Ginns, Bob Handheld, Ted Hillary, Ralph Hocken, Rick Howie, Jukka Jantunen, Jon King, Barry Lancaster, Seabrook Leckie, Ed LeGrand, Sherry Linn, Rob Lyske, Martin Mc- Nicholl, Art Morgan, Guy L. Monty (c. Van- couver I.), Gwyn Nicholas, Nathan Nicholas, Dean Nicholson, Marie O’Shanghnessy, Mark Phinney (Peace River), Allen Porter, Ruth Porter, Phil Ranson (Cariboo), Neil Robins, Ian Routley, Vivian Routley, Chris Saunders, Madelon Schouten, Chris Siddle, Brian Slater, Rick Toochin (Vancouver), Mike Yip. © Donald 6. Cedle, 7995 Wilson-Jackson Road, Vernon, British Columbia VI B 3N5, (dcecile@telus.net) Oregon & Washington Steven Mlodinow • David Irons Bill Tweit I 7 et” described the fall. August, C, f % 1 normally a very dry month, f f saw well-above-normal rain- fall, and this persisted into November, which was a bit drier. Most of the Region experi- enced near-normal temperatures throughout the season. Though the season provided an abundance and broad spectrum of unusual records, seabirds and shorebirds captured the headlines. The most unusual seabirds were mostly seen by CSCAPE researchers aboard NOAA vessels well offshore, who tallied three first Oregon records (if one extends the 200- nnti [368-km] offshore boundary a tad), two of which were Regional firsts. Shorebirds, on the other hand, were accessible to all. Com- mon and uncommon species alike occurred in unprecedented numbers, and a number of rar- ities were detected, including a first for the Lower 48 states. Abbreviations: ER R. (Fern Ridge Res., Lane, OR); Malheur (Malheur N.W.R., Harney, OR); N.S.C.B. (N. Spit Coos Bay, Coos, OR); O.S. (Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor, WA); RS.B. (Port Susan Bay, Snohomish, WA); P.T. (Puget Trough); W.V. (Willamette Valley); W.W.R.D. (Walla Walla R. delta, Walla Walla, WA). “Eastside” and “westside” indicate east and west of the Cascade crest, respectively. WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES An ad. and an imm. Blue Goose enlivened RS.B. 15 Oct (ph. SM, BT), and another vis- ited Fir I., Skagit 3-5 Nov (R. Lawson); Washington has only 23 records, many of which are from the last five years in Sno- homish and Skagit, perhaps representing re- turning birds and their progeny. The only errant Ross’s Geese were near Bend 24 Nov (CM, MM) and N.S.C.B. 29 Nov (TR). The sole Emperor Goose flew over Mattawa, Grant 5 Nov, furnishing e. Washington’s first record (TD. Bader); except in the Klamath Basin of Oregon and California, this species is exceedingly rare e. of the Cascades/Sierras. Black Brant at Sprague L, Adams 4 Nov (fide BF) and Lyle, Klickitat 25 Sep (tSJ) added to five previous e. Washington records. Rare away from salt water on the westside, a Black Brant was in w. Eugene 30 Oct+ (SMg) , and a surprising 9 were at Scoggins Valley Park, Washington 6 Nov 0- Hayes). Rare in the Re- gion, an apparent Greater White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose hybrid inhabited Royal L., Grant 25 Oct (RH). Two Dusky Canada Geese (B. c. occidentals), rare in the P.T., stopped at Auburn, King 2 Nov (CW). A Lesser Canada Goose (B. c. parvipes) and a Cackling Goose at Lind Coulee, Grant 27 Aug were about two months early and may have 126 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OREGON & WASHINGTON summered locally (SM, ST). Two minima Cackling Geese at Moses L., Grant 7 Nov pro- vided further evidence that this taxon is regu- lar in e. Washington (DSc). Early were 3 Trumpeter Swans at Fir I., Skagit 11 Sep (JW, KW), a Tundra Swan at Sheep L., Whitman 20 Aug (JA), and 3 Tundras at Lyman, Skagit 5 Sep (G. Bletsch); both species typically do not arrive until late Oct or Nov. The Falcated Duck returned to Coburg, Lane 18 Nov for the 3rd straight year (P. Patri- celli). Only 2 eastside Eurasian Wigeons were detected: Moses L., Grant 19-27 Nov (DSc) and Hatfield L., Deschutes 22 Oct (H. Hor- vath); the eastside had been averaging 5 per fall of late. On the westside, a Eurasian Wigeon at Dungeness Bay, Clallam 1 Sep was record early (BN). An unprecedented 11,000 Green-winged Teal congregated at P.S.B. 23 Nov (TA). No Common (Eurasian Green- winged) Teal were detected, and the only Common Teal x Green-winged Teal inter- grade was at Nisqually 22 Nov (CW). Only recently established as a local breeder, at least five broods of Ring-necked Duck inhabited N.S.C.B. 2 Aug (TR). Single Harlequin Ducks visited Lyons Ferry, Franklin 5 Sep (M. Willi- son) and Rook’s Park, Walla Walla 14 Sep (G. Shoemake); Harlequins are exceptionally rare on the lowland eastside. Coastal scoter flights were sub-par, with peak counts at Boiler Bay of 13,000 Surfs 18 Oct and a measly 800 White-wingeds 6 Nov (PP). Eastside Surf Scoter numbers were unremarkable, with 37 detected 23 Sep-7 Nov, but eastside White- winged Scoter numbers were dreadful: 2 near Usk, Pend Oreille 27 Nov (GS) and one at Hood R. 26 Oct (SJ). A Black Scoter, very rare away from salt water, enlivened Gold Ray Dam on the Rogue R. 25 Nov (]. Harleman). A Long- tailed Duck at Miller L., Klamath 17 Oct was the only one detected on the eastside (MM); the eastside averages about 7 per fall. Three Spruce Grouse near the aptly named Grouse Creek Campground, Chelan 28 Aug were at the exceptionally low elevation of 800 m (IP Flores). Wild Turkeys are increasing in our Region, the latest evidence of which was 8 dispersing birds that provided Franklin’s first record at Lyons Ferry 3 Sep (SM, BF, RH). Coastal flights of Red-throated and Pacific Loons were poor, with peak counts at Boiler Bay of 2000 Red-throateds 6 Nov and 18,000 Pacifies 27 Oct (PP). A Pacific Loon at Rich- land, Benton 31 Aug was about six weeks early for the eastside (NL, K. Criddle). A very early Yellow-billed Loon at Yaquina Bay, Lin- coln 4 Aug+ (C. Karlen) and one at Oak Bay, Jefferson 24 Oct (M. Dufort) represented the worst fall showing since 1999. The Vancouver L. Clark’s Grebe flock had dwindled from 28 Research vessels off the southern Oregon coast turned up a host of rarities, including at least 1 1 Murphy's Petrels be- tween 11 October and 2 November 2005. This bird was 296 km west of Cape Foulweather, Oregon on 31 October. The majority of records of this species from the northeastern North Pacific are from April through June, making these sightings all the more surprising. Photograph by Rich Pagen. this summer to 18 on 22 Aug (ST) and 2 on 15 Sep (K. Knittle). At ER.R., 15 Clark’s were present 3 Aug (L. McQueen). Away from summering areas, 23 westside Clark’s Grebes was an exceptional count and included 2 early migrants at Seaside, Clatsop 21 Aug and 4 there 6 Sep (S. Warner). Two very different pictures of seabird dis- tribution were generated this fall. As usual, there were five Oregon and nine Washington over-the-shelf pelagic trips, all but one of which were on or before 1 Oct (GG, BT). Far- ther offshore, CSCAPE cruises covered waters out to 300 nmi off both Washington and Oregon during mid-Aug, briefly in mid- Sep, and for several days in late Oct and early Nov (PPy, TS). Public pelagic trips generally en- countered normal to below-nor- mal numbers, with very few rarities noted. In contrast, the mid-Oct CSCAPE cruise found a very high density of seabirds along the Oregon coastal shelf break 22 Oct (PPy), including some impressive rarities. Public pelagic trips reported only 2 Laysan Albatross: off Charleston 10 Sep and off Westport 11 Sep. Black-footed Albatross averaged 30 per trip, with a peak of 110 off Newport in Aug, less than half of av- erage. An imm. Short-tailed Albatross, Ore- gon’s 7th, was found dead near Bandon, Coos 3 Sep (ph. K. Iding); Oregon has fewer than 10 modern-day records, most Sep-Dec. A Northern Fulmar off Port Angeles 1 Aug was two months early for Washington’s interior marine waters, where it is rare at any time (M. Shepard). On the public pelagic excursions, fulmar numbers were below average, with about 100 per trip. On the other hand, the CSCAPE trip encountered an estimated 3000 Black-footed Albatross and 45,000 Northern Fulmars near Heceta Bank 22 Oct. On 2 Nov, 77 Laysan and 38 Black-footeds were counted well off the Oregon coast (TS). The late Oct/early Nov CSCAPE cruises also uncov- ered a remarkable diversity of Pterodroma 267-313 km offshore from Tillamook Head to s. of Cape Meares. The Mottled Petrel total topped 20, adding to just 13 prior Oregon records (ph. RP, ph. L. Morse, TS). Three Cook’s Petrels 20-22 Oct were Oregon’s first (ph. PPy, RP); the only prior Regional record is of a beached bird in Washington 15 Dec 1995. Thirteen Murphy’s Petrels were found 31 Oct-2 Nov (ph. RP, TS), adding to just three previous Oregon records (all dead and dying birds on beaches); these were particu- larly surprising, as most ne. Pacific records are from spring. Among the tubenose hordes near Heceta Bank, the Regions first and North America’s 2nd Parkinson’s Petrel was well ob- served and photographed 22 Oct (PPy, RP, JCa). Public pelagics tallied only 7 Flesh- footed Shearwaters; the Region averages about 20 per fall. Buller’s Shearwater numbers were also low, averaging 30 per trip, while Sooty Shearwater numbers were extremely variable, from a goodly peak of 67,000 off Westport 20 Aug to a pitiful 150 or fewer per trip off Oregon. From shore, however, a stun- I- W \v QW V--V 'Vs' Am ' m jgljM This Brown Booby, photographed near Salmon Bank, San Juan County 25 Au- gust 2005 furnished Washington's fifth record of the species and was the last of this summer's "invasion" that brought at least three into Oregon/Washing- ton waters. Photograph by]. Grettenberger. ning 300,000 were off Clatsop Beach 17 Sep (MP). A surprising 400 Short-tailed Shearwa- ters passed Boiler Bay 4 Nov (PP). A Short- tailed, rare in the PT., was at Freeland, Island 15 Nov (P. Koyama). A Wilson’s Storm-Petrel off Westport 7 Aug was Washingtons 4th. (TSM, tD. Froehlich); previous Regional records are mostly mid-Jul-mid-Sep. Fork- tailed Storm-Petrel numbers were variable, with a fine count of 842 off Newport 13 Aug but otherwise numbering 45 or fewer, about VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 127 OREGON & WASHINGTON Among birders in Oregon and Washington, there is increasing interest not only in separating Cackling Goose from Canada Goose but in identifying individual geese to subspecies. These Cackling Geese are pale enough to be of the nominate sub- species, but the number of such pale Cacklings that have been found during the past year in the Pacific Northwest suggests that this identification is probably incorrect and that most of these birds are probably instead pale taverneri. Left image: this early Cackling Goose at Lind Coulee, Washington 27 August 2005 was with a Canada Goose of subspecies moffitti. Photograph by Steven Mlodinow. Right image: this pale-breasted Cackling Goose was with more typical taverneri in Yakima County, Wash- ington 20 November 2005. Photograph by Denny Granstrand. half of average. A Fork-tailed, very rare in the FT., was at Jeff Head, Kitsap 25 Sep (BSW). Manx Shearwaters maintained their Regional presence, with 2 reported at Tierra del Mar, Tillamook 5 Sep (WG). CSCAPE observers recorded a Red-tailed Tropicbird 420 km w.-nw. of Cape Blanco, Curry 26 Aug and noted “probable” Red- taileds 344 km off Cape Blanco 16 Sep and 481 km w.-nw. of Cape Arago 21 Oct. The Re- gion has only one previous tropicbird record, a Red-billed on 18 Jun 1941! Leftover from this summers warm-water extravaganza, a Brown Booby frequented the waters between Lopez 1. and Salmon Bank, San Juan 21-25 Aug (tA. Nousek, ph. J. Grettenberger); this furnished the Region's 3rd record for 2005 and 7th overall. Numbers of American White Pelicans away from traditional haunts contin- ued trending upwards. Up to 100 were at ER.R. during Aug (DF), and 200 at Wickiup Res., Deschutes 7 Aug were also exceptional 0- Johnson), while 2 at Roseburg 7 Oct were quite rare for Douglas (A. Parker). A Brown Pelican, about the 3rd ever for the eastside, visited Wickiup Res. and other nearby Cas- cade lakes 10 Aug-late Sep (G. Clowers, J. Meredith). On the coast, the Brown Pelican maximum was a goodly 2430 in Grays Harbor 6 Aug (PtS, RS, SM), but there was only one sighting in the PT., of 2 rather late birds in Seattle 17 Nov (T. Billo). The continuing range expansion of Great Egret was best evidenced by 235 in n. Port- land 7 Oct (A. Frank). A Snowy Egret near Coburg, Lane 25 Nov was quite rare for the W.V. (MM). Amazingly, the Region had but one Cattle Egret, and it was 200 km off Cape Arago 21 Oct (PPy). A Black-crowned Night- Heron, very rare on Washington’s outer coast, was at O.S. 13 Aug (PtS, RS), while 2 visited Westport 17 Sep (PtS, RS, DSc). Fairly typical for fall, eastside Green Herons were at Bingen, Klickitat 3 Aug (SJ) and Malheur 18 Sep (DR). Organized raptor survey routes in the W.V. produced Northern Harrier counts two to three times recent norms. The only Red- shouldered Hawks in Washington were at Ridgefield, with one there 31 Oct-8 Nov and another 17 Nov (JE). Five in e. Oregon was typical of recent years. Very rare away from Cascade hawkwatching sites, an unprece- dented 3 Broad-winged Hawks were found in lowland Washington: Keystone, Island 17 Aug (tj. Flynn); Lyons Ferry, Franklin 10 Sep (TSM, tDSc, BSc, BF); and near Cusick, Pend Oreille 18 Sep (ph. T. Munson, M. Houston). This Temminck'5 Stint visited Ocean Shores, Washington 9- 13 (here 10) November 2005; this flight shot shows the ex- tensively white outer rectrices typical of the species. Photograph by Ruth Sullivan. In Oregon, 2 were found: at Baskett Slough, Polk 1 Sep (HN) and Steens Mt., Harney 17 Sep (DR). A fairly typical 6 Broad- wingeds passed the Chelan Ridge Hawkwatch 7-15 Sep (K. Woodruff)). An astonishing 6 Swain- sons Hawks were found in w. Oregon 5-26 Sep ( fide HN); not long ago, this species was considered extremely rare on the westside. Harlans Hawks at Sentinel Bluffs, Grant 4 Sep (BF, SM) and Washtucna, Adams 10 Sep (DSc) bested the previous fall early date of 27 Sep. A Ferruginous Hawk, very rare on the westside, enlivened Mehama, Marion 17 Sep 0- Lund- sten). Prairie Merlins (E c. richardsoni) , rare in the Region, were noted in Duvall, King 1 Oct (ph. KA) and Skagit W.M.A. 15 Oct (SM, BT). Five Gyrfalcons included an early bird at O.S. 2 Oct (L. Moss). It was another sub-par fall for w. Washington Prairie Falcons, with the sole sighting involving an early individual at Kent, King 26 Aug (K. Armbruster). In the W.V., however, this species was unusually conspicuous, with at least 7 birds, including early individuals near Brownsville, Linn 22 Aug 0- Fenske) and at FR.R. 28 Aug (Dl). A Sandhill Crane at Sequirn, Clallam 4 Aug had either summered locally, an exceptionally rare event on the Olympic Pen., or was about a month early (M. Hobbs). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH OWLS Very rare on the eastside, ad. Black-bellied Plovers were near Wallula, Walla Walla 6 Aug (M&MLD) and at Reardan, Lincoln 10 Aug (M. Frobe); juvs. at Moses L., Grant 7 Nov (DSc) and Soap L., Grant through 10 Nov (TA) bested the eastside record-late date of 5 Nov set just last year. A group of 130 at FR.R. 1 Nov approximated the W.V record (DI) . Pa- cific Golden-Plovers showed well, with 75 de- tected through 12 Nov, including top counts of 12 at O.S. 17 Aug and 2 Sep (JP, KB, PtS, RS). Also following recent trends, American Golden-Plover numbers were low on the westside, with 27 found 27 Aug-22 Oct, but relatively high on the eastside, with 5 noted 10 Sep-16 Oct; the maximum was 5 on Fir I., Skagit 18 Sep (ST). Prudent observers left 61 other golden-plovers unidentified. An excep- tional 58 Snowy Plovers at the Siltcoos R. out- let 23 Nov set a Lane record (C. Burns). Three Black Oystercatchers near Rockport, Skagit 17 Sep were “up the creek” (about 65 km so), an utterly unprecedented event in this Region (TF Krause). A Black-necked Stilt near Low- den, Walla Walla 21 Oct was record late for Washington (G. Shoemake). Three American Avocets, rare on the westside, graced Nisqually 10 Aug (JP, KB), while 2 visited N.S.C.B. (R. Narnitz, TR), and one was at Bandon, Coos 21 Aug-11 Sep (DL, KC). 128 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OREGON & WASHINGTON Solitary Sandpipers seemed omnipresent throughout Aug, and this fall’s 144 far sur- passed 2001s record of 80; 107 were on the eastside, with a maximum of 14 at Potholes Res./Moses L., Grant 14-15 Aug (DSc, BSc). Willets, not annual in the P.T. or W.V, ap- peared at four FT. sites 4 Aug-11 Nov and at ER.R. 14 Aug (DI, SMg). Nearly as rare in the PI., a Wandering Tattler visited Everett 20 Aug (S. Dang). Three interior westside Long- billed Curlews during early and mid-Aug was about average. Hudsonian Godwits appeared in the Region for the 4th consecutive fall, with singles at Westport 14 Sep-1 1 Oct (ph. L. Schwitters) and O.S. 18-25 Sep (fMB, ph. MW). Likely a record, about 9 Bar-tailed God- wits enlivened the Region this fall. Most were along Washington’s outer coast, but very rare PT. records were provided by 2 on Fir I., Sk- agit 12 Sep-9 Oct (W. Weber, tH. Armstrong) and one in Tulalip Bay, Snohomish 18 Oct (tM. Reid). One of Tokeland’s Bar-taileds re- mained through at least 25 Nov, the 2nd latest ever (M. Bartels), while one at Brookings 16 Oct was Oregon’s 19th and Currys first (ph. J. Arneson, D. Munson). A Marbled Godwit, rare on the eastside, was at Iowa Beef, Walla Walla 2 Sep (SM, BF, RH, BLB). Red Knots seem to have abandoned the Oregon coast; the only sightings were 2 at Bandon 21 Aug (DL, KC) and 12 at Port Orford, Curry 15 Sep (L. Miller). A startling 60 Sanderlings were encountered on the eastside, including rare ads. at Potholes Res. 2 Aug (DSc) and Soap L. 16 Aug (TA), and a record-late individual at W.W.R.D. 20 Oct (M&MLD). Unprecedented numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers poured across Washington through 7 Sep, with a final tally of approxi- mately 283, 45 of which were on the westside. The peak occurred 16 Aug, when 60 visited Potholes Res. and 118 were at Soap L. (TA). A more typical 13 were reported from Oregon. Western Sandpipers also showed well, with an e. Washington record 3500+ at Potholes Res. 27-29 Aug (DSc, SM). The Red-necked Stint lingered until 2 Aug at Dungeness Bay (R. Lawson). Besting that was the Lower 48 states’ first Temminck’s Stint at O.S. 9-13 Nov (PtS, ph. RS). Least Sandpiper numbers were also up, with a Washington-record 6090 on the Long Beach Pen., Pacific 18 Oct and a surprising 3730 still there 17 Nov (J. Buchanan). An Oregon-record 225 Baird’s Sandpipers enlivened Thief Valley Res., Union 16 Aug (TB). Another shorebird appearing in record numbers was Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, with 33 tallied 6 Sep-27 Oct, including now- annual eastside birds at Lind Coulee, Grant 6 Sep (AR) and Sprague L. 14 Oct (T. Little). The maximum was 9 at P.S.B. 15 Sep (SM); oddly, this species was formerly more com- mon in Oregon, but only 3 of this fall’s total were from that state. Adding further spice to the dramatic shore- bird season were Washington’s 8th and 9th Curlew Sandpipers at Ocosta, Grays Harbor 11-13 Sep (tB. Shelmerdine, C. Sidles, ph. B. Schmoker) and P.S.B. 26 Sep (TDD, TS. Pink); almost as rare in Oregon, this species turned up at Nehalem, Tillamook 18 Oct (ph. A. Frank, WG), and a very late bird visited Flo- rence, Lane 24 Nov (tMaitreya). A Washing- ton tally of approximately 336 Stilt Sandpipers shattered counts from previous falls. The eastside maximum was a Regional- record 82 at Potholes Res. 3-4 Sep (DG, DSc), and the westside maximum was a westside- record 24 at PS.B. 11-14 Aug (SM, DD); also noteworthy were 51 gathered at Philleo L., Spokane 18 Aug (JA) and exceptionally late records of one at Soap L. 16 Oct (DSc, D. Paulson) and 4 at W.W.R.D. 20 Oct (M&MLD). Interestingly, only 13 were found in Oregon. E. Washington’s 4th Buff-breasted Sandpiper graced Reardan 28 Aug (JA, ph. T. Munson); Buff-breasteds were present in near-normal numbers on the westside, with 8 noted 31 Aug-25 Sep. Ruffs were present in above-average numbers, with 6 detected, in- cluding a very late bird at O.S. 7-14 Nov (PtS, ph. RS). A goodly 17 Short-billed Dowitchers visited the eastside 13 Aug-5 Sep. Single Red Phalaropes at Philleo L. 17-18 Aug (MW, GS), Sheep L., Whitman 17 Aug (GS), and Soap L. 10-12 Oct (MB) were the first for the eastside since 2000. Offshore counts of Red and Red-necked Phalaropes were unremark- able. A tally of 26,000 Wilson’s Phalaropes at L. Abert, Lake 5 Aug reaffirmed the impor- tance of se. Oregon’s alkaline lakes as staging grounds for this species (T. Seager). Three Wilson’s at Marysville, Snohomish 21 Oct were five weeks late and the latest ever in w. Wash- ington (DD). The South Polar Skua total of 48 was below average. Pomarine Jaeger numbers were also poor, about 5 per trip. Public pelagic trips tal- lied a dismal 30 Long-tailed Jaegers, mostly off Oregon. The CSCAPE cruise, however, found high numbers of Long-taileds: 45 ads. near the President Jackson Seamount, 340 km off Cape Blanco, Cuny 13 Aug and an as- tounding 500 juv. and subad. birds 92-212 km off n. California and s. Oregon on the late dates of 19-21 Oct! Unprecedented were 3 Long-taileds in Bellingham Channel, What- com 11 Sep (ph. BT); this species is not an- nual in the RT. On the eastside, jaegers appeared in better-than-average numbers. Parasitics were at Wickiup Res., Deschutes 25 Sep (S. Dougill) and along the Columbia R. at White Bluffs 11 Sep (S. Downes). Far more interesting, however, was a Parasitic joining southbound raptors at Chelan Ridge Hawk- watch 11 Sep (M. Spencer). Among the 4 unidentified eastside jaegers was a very late individual at Sprague L. 4-7 Nov (tBF, ph. MW). Franklin’s Gulls showed poorly away from their e. Oregon haunts, with only 8 in e. Washington, 2 in w. Washington, and 2 in w. Oregon. Little Gulls re- mained conspicuous by their absence after their heydeys of the 1980s and 1990s. Utterly unprece- dented for the eastside were 4200 Bonaparte’s Gulls at Klamath Falls 22 Oct (KS). A Mew Gull at Soap L., Grant 16 Aug was record early for e. Washington (BT). A Washington-record 12,000 Ring- billed Gulls congregated near Iowa Beef, Walla Walla 17 Oct (M&MLD). Thayer’s Gulls at Lyle, Klickitat 4-11 Oct (SJ) and Bank’s L., Grant 16 Oct (DSc) were probably the earliest ever for e. Washington. Last fall’s Lesser Black-backed Gull, Washington’s 4th, returned to the Coulee Lakes, Grant 1-16 Oct (DSc). Offshore, Sabine’s Gulls were among those species that showed poorly, with an av- erage of 1 1 per trip. On the eastside, however, a goodly 15 Sabine’s Gulls were detected 2 Sep-9 Oct; 5 more visited the W.V, 15 Sep- early Oct, but only 3 were in the PT. Four Glaucous Gulls, a bit low for recent years, were noted 10 Nov+. A well-described ivory Gull at Dungeness Bay, Clallam 23 Oct will be Washington’s 2nd if accepted by the W.B.R.C. (tG. Kridler); most Lower 48 records have This juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Bottle Beach near Westport, Washington on 1 0 September 2005. Photograph by Bill Schmoker. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 129 OREGON & WASHINGTON Eastern Washington's fifth Buff-breasted Sandpiper visited Reardan, Lincoln County 28 August 2005. Remarkably, three of the prior records of the species were from this location. Photograph by Tom Munson. been late Nov-mid-Mar. Eastside Common Tern numbers were down this year, with 119 reported 19 Aug-6 Oct. Arctic Tern numbers were above normal in early to mid-Aug, with about 30 per trip off Westport and 150 recorded by CSCAPE 110-147 km off Cape Lookout 16 Aug. Only single Forsters Terns were found on the West- side, near Union, Mason 18 Aug (R. Rogers) and Fernhill Wetlands, Washington 27 Aug (DR). A Long-billed Murrelet at Port Angeles 15 Nov would be about the 8th for Washing- ton if accepted by the W.B.R.C. (tB. Bell). Now essentially annual, 2 scrippsi Xantus’s Murrelets were off Westport 14 Aug (BLB). CSCAPE observers reported Synthliboram- phus murrelets n. to Washington waters, in- cluding 6 possible Craveri’s Murrelets 283-298 km off Cape Disappointment, Pacific 16 Aug; this species is unrecorded in the Re- gion. Ancient Murrelet numbers were excep- tionally low this fall. Local Cassin’s Auklet numbers were very poor, averaging only 7 per pelagic trip until n. populations appeared in Oct. Tufted Puffin numbers remained abysmal, with only 13 reported all season. Band-tailed Pigeons are not known to breed on the eastside, but they have occurred with some regularity of late near Trout L., Klickitat. This fall, Band-taileds were found there on four occasions Aug-Sep, including 20 on 22 Aug (KG); much rare farther e., one visited Kennewick, Benton 20-24 Oct (S. Doss). A 2nd Eurasian Collared-Dove joined the bird at Washtucna, Adams 20 Aug (BF), and that number grew to 3 on 8 Sep (AR), with at least one remaining through 22 Nov (RH). Addi- tionally, one was near Loomis, Okanogan 12 Sep (ph. D. Swedberg), and 6 inhabited Dav- enport, Lincoln (C. Janett, JA); Washington had only four records before this year. In Ore- gon, the Eurasian Collared-Dove invasion temporarily stalled, with one lingering through early Sep at Cape Blanco, Curry (TJW) and another at Baker City, Baker 21 Nov (D. Shorey) the only ones detected. Thirty Snowy Owls, 14 Nov+, represented the best fall since 1996; interestingly, only 3 were on the eastside. The most southerly were singles near Bandon, Coos 19 Nov (S. Brown) and N.S.C.B. 29 Nov (TR). A Northern Hawk Owl, now al- most annual in Washington, was near Hart’s Pass, Okanogan 6 Sep (tj. Hoek- stra); most records have been mid- Oct-early Mar. Rare but annual on the westside, a Burrowing Owl was at Cape Blanco 25 Sep-4 Oct (TJW), and another returned for at least the 5th consecutive year to Halsey, Linn 20 Oct (R. Campbell). Perhaps due to dimin- ished observer effort, only one Boreal Owl was reported this fall, at Darland Mt., Yakima 15 Oct (DG). GOATSUCKERS THROUGH FINCHES This was the fall for migrant Common Poor- wills. Singles visited Kennewick, Benton 5 Sep (DR) and 3 Oct (R. Coler, S. & S. Klipper), but far more unexpected was one in nw. Ore- gon at Salem 13 Oct (D. Craig). A Washing- ton-record 4000 Vaux’s Swifts roosted in Monroe, Snohomish 12 Sep (P Koyama). In Oregon, roosts in Portland and Eugene con- tained 10,000-12,000 Vaux’s each, 1-18 Sep (DDW, A. Frank). A Black-chinned Hum- mingbird at Winston, Douglas 16 Sep pro- vided an extremely rare fall westside record (K. Knowles). Anna’s Hummingbird has slowly been filling in the gaps in its w. Wash- ington range and has been appearing ever more often as a vagrant in e. Washington. This fall, an astounding 12 were found in e. Washington away from Klickitat, mostly 2 Oct+, with 8 in Yakima (DG), one in Kittitas (D. Harvill), one in Adams (BF), and one in Benton (NL, BW). It seems that colonization of Yakima is imminent. In Oregon, an Anna’s at Ontario, Malheur in Oct was nearly 150 km e. of any prior state record (fide S. Peterson). Six Costa’s Hummingbirds this fall was likely an Oregon record; 3 were in Deschutes and 3 were on the westside. If accepted by the W.B.R.C., a Broad-tailed Hummingbird at Washtucna, Adams 20 Aug would furnish Washington’s 5th record (tBF). Equally rare were w. Oregon Broad-taileds at Waldport, Lincoln 9 Aug (ph. K. & J. Gotti) and Port- land 15 Aug 0- Withgott). Three Lewis’s Woodpeckers in w. Washington, 23 Sep-11 Oct, was the highest fall tally there since 1998. Acorn Woodpeckers at Vancouver, Clark 13-15 Sep (ph. R. Richardson) and Ridgefield 16 Sep (A. Stutte) furnished w. Washington’s 2nd and 3rd records and first since 1978. Nearly as unusual were e. Oregon Acorn Woodpeckers away from Klamath at Tumalo, Deschutes 2 Sep (D. McCartney) and Camp Sherman, Jefferson 14 Sep (S. Shunk). A phenomenal 75 Hairy Woodpeckers were found in a burn near Winthrop, Okanogan 1 1 Sep (S. Schlick, M. Fleming). A record 9 Least Flycatchers were detected in Washington this fall; this bounty included a lingering summering bird at Davenport, Lin- coln through 4 Aug (G. Bletsch) and excep- tionally rare westside migrants at S. Prairie, Pierce 28 Aug (CW) and Tacoma 19 Sep (tPtS, RS). A Dusky Flycatcher near Florence 24 Aug was very rare for the outer coast (B. & Z. Stotz). A Pacific-slope/Cordilleran Fly- catcher at Washtucna, Adams 3 Oct was the latest ever for e. Washington (BF). Far more interesting was an apparent Cordilleran Fly- catcher, the first on the westside away from the Siskiyou Mts., near Cape Blanco, Curry 10 Nov (vt. TJW); the tentative identification is based on spectral analysis of call notes from the videotape (A. McCallum). Washington’s 6th Eastern Phoebe was found at Washtucna 3 Sep (RH, tBLB, tSM); most prior records were May-Jun. Black Phoebe continued its range expansion. Washington’s 9th was at N. Cove, Pacific 10 Sep (TD Faulkner, tL. Semo). In Oregon, it is now essentially expected n. to Portland and the Columbia R. mouth. On the eastside, it is occurring with increasing regu- larity in the Klamath Basin: 2 were at Merrill 14 Sep, and another was in Klamath Falls 6 Nov (KS). Four Say’s Phoebes in w. Washing- ton this fall, 21 Aug+, added to 14 prior fall records, 8 of which have been since 2002. Oregon’s 4, however, was sub-par for that state, the 2nd consecutive such year. Ten Tropical Kingbirds, 8 Oct+, were near aver- age. Four coastal Oregon Western Kingbirds 4-11 Sep were about a month late for the westside. An Eastern Kingbird, very rare dur- ing fall on the westside and rare anytime in the W.V, visited Sherwood 12 Sep, yielding Washington s first record (DR). Loggerhead Shrikes visited Cape Blanco, Curry 5 Sep (TJW) and Brownsville, Linn 20 Oct (R. Campbell), an average fall for the westside. A Cassin’s Vireo at Morse Cr. Bluffs, Clallam 6 Nov was about six weeks late (J. Mullaly). Blue-headed Vireos invaded, visit- ing Lyons Ferry, Franklin 4 Sep (tCW, JRTS), Washtucna 8 Sep (JAR), and Wilson W.M.A., Benton 11-24 Aug (TT. Snetsinger, J. Geier); Washington has two accepted records and Oregon about nine, with three total from the westside. Most preceding records have been 8 Sep-5 Oct. Another Hutton’s Vireo was recorded in w. Klickitat, this one near Husum 28 Nov (KG); though there are very few records of Hutton’s from e. Washington, the recent spate from w. Klickitat suggests that there may be a small resident population there. Washington’s 4th Philadelphia Vireo 130 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OREGON & WASHINGTON j adorned Washtucna 20 Aug (tBF). Blue Jays repeated last fall’s invasion, albeit on a much smaller scale. Nineteen were found in Wash- ington and 3 in Oregon, mostly during Oct on the westside. The Region averages about 5 per year, with eastside records typically predomi- nating. Western Scrub-Jays resumed their range expansion. On the westside, a number were found in Clallam , Kitsap , Snohomish, and Skagit, just it of that species’ current westside range. On the eastside, one at Moses L. was well away from any prior records (V Dawson), while 2 at W. Richland, Benton 25 Sep were a bit less unexpected (C. Soderquist, K. Edwards), and 3 at Ft. Simcoe 11 Oct were in Yakima, where becoming annual (P. Free- born). A Black-billed Magpie, extremely rare in w. Washington, was at Woodland, Cowlitz 25 Nov (W. Hoffman). In w. Oregon, where slightly less rare, a magpie lingered in Port- land into Oct 0- Gilligan), and 2 inhabited Salem late Aug into Oct 0- Thomas). A tally of 130 Horned Larks at Olympia 8 Oct tied the recent w. Washington record (J. Buchanan). Purple Martins continue to show signs of a Region-wide increase, with an Ore- gon record 200+ at Florence through much of Aug (B. & Z. Stotz). A swarm of 4000 Bank Swallows between Basin City and Connell 6 Sep was a Washington record (AR). Enor- mous numbers of Barn Swallows again staged near Dayton, Yamhill, with 100,000+ on 13 Sep (F Schrock). Extremely rare in the lower Columbia Basin, a Black-capped Chickadee inhabited Washtucna, Adams 7 Sep (S. Downes). After last year’s huge invasion, Mountain Chickadees seemed content to stay put, with one in Snohomish 17 Nov providing the only lowland report (R. Sandelin). Rare w. of the Cascade crest, a Rock Wren inhabited Cispus Pass, Lewis 11 Aug (KG). Most un- usual were one juv. and 2 ad. Winter Wrens at Ephrata, Grant 17 Aug (TA); despite being far away from their usual eastside montane breeding areas, they likely bred locally. Blue- gray Gnatcatchers are showing signs of range expansion. A rare W.V. record was provided by one at Wilson W.M.A., Benton 10 Aug (M. Dossett), and Washington’s 8th graced Ocosta, Grays Harbor 20 Nov, fitting this species’ pattern of late fall/winter vagrancy (TP. Flores, G. Oliver); on the eastside, records well n. of this species’ Lake and Kla- math breeding grounds accrued from Prineville, Crook 8-10 Aug (MM) and near Powell Butte, Crook 16 Aug (CG); Crook has had six or seven records since its first merely two years ago. A Mountain Bluebird, very rare during fall w. of the Cascades, was along the Elk R., Curry 19 Oct (L. Miller). Gray Cat- birds, very rare anywhere on the westside, were near Florence 4 Sep (AC) and at N.S.C.B. 15 Sep (TR), providing the 2nd and 3rd outer-coast records. On the eastside, a cat- bird at Bend 26 Nov was about two months late (S. Smith). Oregon’s sole Northern Mock- ingbird visited Cape Blanco, Curry 15 Sep (L. Miller); in Washington, 3 were found on the eastside and one on the west, representing an average fall. A gathering of 60,000 European Starlings at Iowa Beef, Walla Walla 13 Oct was the largest ever reported for Washington (M&MLD). The Region’s first Sprague’s Pipit appeared near Cape Blanco, Cuiry 1 Oct (vt. TJW); there are no California records of Sprague’s Pipit n. of the Farallon Is. Oregon’s 3rd Blue-winged Warbler bright- ened Malheur 20 Sep (DF, CW). Single Ten- nessee Warblers at Sprague L, Lincoln 7 Sep (TTA) and Othello, Adams 18 Sep (BF) added to 17 previous Washington records, most of which were late Aug-early Sep. In Oregon, where annual, Tennessees visited Prineville, Crook 28 Aug (CG) and Malheur 20 Sep (AC). Apparent nominate Orange-crowned Warblers visited Potholes S.R, Grant 8 Sep (tDSc) and Wenatchee 9 Sep (tSM); though these dates seem early, one of Washington’s few specimen records is from 3 Sep (Birds of Washington State, Jewett et al. 1953). A Nashville Warbler, not annual as a fall migrant in w. Washington, visited Seattle 30 Sep (KA). More than a month tardy was a Nashville lingering in Eu- gene through 13 Nov (D. Clark) and one at N.S.C.B. 16-18 Nov (TR). Oregon’s and the Region’s 7 th fall Virginia’s Warbler visited Fields 20 Sep (TR). Nearly annual during recent autumns, a Chest- nut-sided Warbler was detected at Astoria 17 Sep (MP). Washing- ton’s 12th Magnolia Warbler graced Ocosta, Grays Harbor 1 Sep (tTA); most have been early Sep-early Oct. Washington’s 10th Black-throated Blue Warbler inhabited Wapato, Yakima 16-21 Oct (AS, ph. DG), while one at Malheur 28 Sep was in se. Oregon, where annual (DF). Four Black-throated Gray Warblers e. of Washing- ton’s Cascades, 8 Sep-1 Oct, was about twice the norm. Black-throated Grays on the west- side at Newcastle, King 14 Nov (H. Jennings) and Millacoma Marsh, Coos 22 Nov (TR) were five-six weeks late. Though nearly an- nual in w. Oregon, a Prairie Warbler at Mal- heur 19 Sep (ph. CW) was only e. Oregon’s 3rd. Very rare on the eastside, a Palm Warbler was found at Hatfield L., Deschutes 17 Sep (K. Tran). Four more Palms were found in the This Acorn Woodpecker at a Vancouver feeder 13-15 (here 13) September 2005 furnished western Washing ton's first record of the species since September 1978. Photograph by Rebecca Richardson. W.V. and P.T., where rare, 24 Sep-7 Nov. Blackpoll Warblers at Kahlotus, Franklin 2 Sep (tSM, tBLB, BF, RH), Kennewick, Benton 8 Sep (TNL, DR), and Vantage, Kittitas 29 Sep (tTA) added to 17 previous Washington records, most of which have been late Aug-early Sep; the 29 Sep bird was Washing- ton’s latest ever. Surprisingly, only one was found in Oregon, at Malheur 17 Sep (TR). A Black-and-white Warbler, barely annual in Washington, visited Vancouver 17 Sep (tS. Hagen); Oregon had 4, 7 Sep-14 Oct, a bit above average. An American Redstart at Auburn, King 27 Nov+ was a rare w. Wash- ington migrant and record late for Washing- ton by more than a month (CW, RTS); another at Seaside, Clatsop 15 Aug was in w. Oregon, where not annual (MP). Washing- ton’s 2nd Prothonotary Warbler was discov- ered at Burbank, Walla Walla 20-21 Oct (M&MLD, ph. DG); the first record was in Sep 1970 in nearby Richland. An Ovenbird at Puget I., Wahkiakum 28 Nov+ was Washing- ton’s 20th but only 4th for fall (ph. KB). Northern Waterthrushes often elude detec- tion during fall migration, but this season 4 were found, including very rare westside birds at Skagit W.M.A. 23 Sep-20 Oct (H. Armstrong) and Tenino, Thurston 8 Oct (P Hicks). A MacGillivray’s Warbler at Brookings 7 Nov (S. Chambers) and a Wilson’s Warbler in Port- land 24 Nov (K. Ranta) were about a month tardy. The Yellow- breasted Chat at Kent, King lin- gered through 21 Aug (CW), while on the eastside very late mi- grants were at Othello (BF) and Rock L., Whitman (T. & D. We- ber), both 17 Sep. Washington’s first Scarlet Tanager visited Washtucna 2 Oct (tM&MLD). Extremely rare in Washington away from its Blue Mts. breeding grounds, a Green-tailed Towhee was seen at Washtucna 20 Aug (tBF). Rare in w. Oregon, an unprecedented 4 American Tree Sparrows were detected during Oct, including record- early birds at Clatsop Spit 6 Oct (AC) and Gearhart, Clatsop 9 Oct (D. Bailey). It was a banner fall for Clay-colored Sparrows, with a total of 15 detected, including a Washington- record 8; the maximum was 4 at Lyons Ferry, Franklin 4 Sep (CW, RTS). The 7 eastside birds were all early Sep, and most westside birds were early Oct+. Two Brewer’s Sparrows visited w. Oregon. One at FR.R, 1-2 Sep was in the W.V, where regular (DI); another was on the outer coast, where not annual, at Lin- coln City 25 Sep (PP). Fall migrant Vesper V01UME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 131 CATS INDOORS! The Campaign foe Safer Birds & Cats WHAT DO INDOOR CATS MISS? ★ Killing Birds ★ Getting Lost ★ Getting Stolen ★ Getting HitByACar ★ Fatal Feline Diseases ★ Dog Attacks ★ Abcesses ★ Worms ★ Fleas ★ Ticks Protect cats, birds, and other wildlife by keeping cats indoors! For more information, contact: AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY Cats Indoors! TheCampaign forSafcrBirdsand Cats 1834 Jefferson Place, NW Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 202-452-1535; Fax:202-452-1534; E-mail: abc@abcbirds. or g; Web: www.abcbirds.org _ American Bird / Conservancy OREGON & WASHINGTON Sparrows had become less than annual in w. Washington, but this year there were 10, 26 Aug-5 Oct, plus a bird above treeline at Ptarmigan Ridge 9 Sep (j. Duemmel). Four w. Oregon Lark Sparrows, 31 Aug-3 Nov, were supranormal. Adding to approximately 23 prior Oregon records were single Lark Buntings at Baskett Slough, Polk 13 Aug (ph. B. Young) and Fort Rock, Lake 14 Aug (R. Cheek); antecedent records are largely from mid-May-late Sep. A Red Fox Sparrow at Spokane 5 Oct was about the 19th for Wash- ington (tMW). An apparent altivagans Fox Sparrow was near Monroe, Snohomish 20 Nov (ph. SM, DD); this enigmatic race of Fox Sparrow is thought to winter s. of our Region. A Sooty Fox Sparrow visited Malheur 19 Sep (CW); though not mentioned as occurring in e. Oregon in Birds of Oregon (Marshall et al. 1998), Gabrielson and Jewett (1940) list two records from Apr, and two additional speci- mens reside at University of Puget Sound, both collected during Apr in Deschutes (SM). Swamp Sparrows showed well again, with 11 in Washington 28 Sep+, including one on the eastside. The fall’s Harris’s Sparrow tally was a miserable 3 but included an early bird at Olympia 27 Sep-19 Oct (KB). A remarkable 3 Golden-crowned Sparrow x White-crowned Sparrow hybrids were detected, with singles near Conway, Skagit 15 Oct (BT, SM), Seattle 15 Nov (ph. KA), and near Monroe, Sno- homish 20 Nov (ph. SM, DD). A Slate-colored Junco at Lyons Ferry 10 Sep was record early for Washington (BF, DSc, RH, SM). Three La- pland Longspurs at Midway Beach, Pacific 26 Aug were among the earliest ever for the Re- gion (M. Ahlness). Prior to 2000, Oregon had only about nine records of Chestnut-collared Longspur. Subsequently, more than 20 have been reported. This year “only” 2 were found, at Clatsop Spit 3-5 Oct (S. Warner, MP). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Washtucna 3 Sep was only Washington’s 6th for fall (BSW, tSM, tBLB). Two in Oregon were about average, with one at Seaside, Clatsop 25 Aug (MP) and a late bird at Newport 3 Nov (R. Filby). A Black-headed Grosbeak at Baker City, Baker 27 Nov was two months tardy (H. Haid). Ore- gon’s 4th Blue Grosbeak graced Brookings, Curry 20-26 Sep (B. Stewart, ph. D. Munson). A Bobolink at Kent, King 23 Oct was about the 24th for w. Washington, and excepting a winter record, the latest ever (CW); another at N.S.C.B. 23-25 Sep was on the Oregon coast, where nearly annual (R. Narnitz, TR). Still very local in Washington, a Tricolored Blackbird returned to Othello by 1 Sep (SM), and 2 were there 22 Oct (RH). In w. Wash- ington, Tricoloreds again inhabited Shillapoo Bottoms, Clark , with one there 29 Oct (CW, RTS, SM) and 2 there 26 Nov (SM, D. Paul- son). Tricoloreds are also somewhat local in Oregon, and one at ER R. 13 Aug was just Lane's 4th (Paul Sullivan). Representing an average fall, 3 Rusty Blackbirds were in Wash- ington 7 Oct-13 Nov. A Hooded Oriole at North Bend, Coos 27 Oct was the first during fall since 1994 (B. Griffin). A Bullock’s Oriole, rare for the outer coast and about two months late, was at Astoria 27 Nov (M. Yowell, MP). A flock of 250 Black Rosy-Finches on Steens Mt. 27 Sep likely set an Oregon record (TR). A Cassins Finch, rare on the westside, graced Goat Ridge, Lewis 10 Aug (KG), and 2 were along the Cispus R., Lewis 12 Aug (KG). Lesser Goldfinches continued to show signs of range expansion in Washington, with one at Walla Walla 9-16 Nov providing a first county record (M&rMLD). Addenda: Two Least Terns at O.S. 22 May 2005 furnished Washington’s 3rd record (ph., tM. Hopey). A worn male Northern Cardinal near Gig Harbor, Pierce 23 Jul+ casts serious doubts as to the provenance of the female found nearby this spring (B. Morse, KB). Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): Kevin Aanerud, Jim Acton, Tom Aversa (WA), Keith Brady, Trent Bray, Marv Breece, Wilson Cady, Jim Carreta, Kathy Castelein, Alan Contreras, Mike & MerryLynn Denny (M&MLD), Don DeWitt (DDW), Den- nis Duffy, Joe Engler (Clark), Dan Farrar, Bob Flores, Chuck Gates (Crook), Roy Gerig (Polk) Greg Gillson, Kevin Gleuckert, Wink Gross, Denny Granstrand (Yakima), Randy Hill, Stuart Johnston (Klickitat), Bruce LaBar (BLB), Bill LaFramboise (lower Columbia Basin), Nancy LaFramboise, David Lauten, Sylvia Maulding (SMg), Tom Mickel (Lane), Craig Miller, Marilyn Miller (MM), Harry Nehls (OR), Bob Norton (Olympic Pen.), Rich Pagen, Michael Patterson (Clatsop), Ja- son Paulios, Phi! Pickering, Peter Pyle (PPy), Alan Richards, Doug Robberson, Dennis Rockwell, Tim Rodenkirk (Coos, Curry), Bar- bara Schonewald (BSc), Doug Schonewald (DSc), Ryan T. Shaw (RTS), Gina Sheridan, Kevin Spencer, Tom Staudt, Andy Step- niewski, Patrick Sullivan (PtS), Ruth Sullivan, Sam Terry, Dennis Vroman ( Josephine ), Brad Waggoner (BSW), Terry J. Wahl (TJW), Jan Wiggers, Keith Wiggers, Bob Woodley, Michael Woodruff, Charlie Wright. O Steven Mlodinow, 4819 Gardner Avenue, Everett, Washing- ton 98203, (SGMIod@aol.com); David Irons, 2690 Adams Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405, (llsdirons@msn.com); Bill Tweit, P.0. Box 1271, Olympia, Washington 98507, (Sebn- abgill@aol.com) 132 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS New titles from the £ American Blrding Association! ASSOCIATION ^ by Mel Cooksey and Ron Weeks Revised 2006 342 pages; paper (lay-flat) Item #413 ABA Member Price: $1 9.96 (List $24.95) A Birder’s Guide to the Texas Coast Completely revised in 2006 by Mel Cooksey and Ron Weeks, A Birder’s Guide to the Texas Coast covers habitat diversity of the Texas coast ranges from the Pineywoods to the Gulf prairies, from the coastal wetlands to the subtropics. This revi- sion includes species accounts for 170 Texas special- ties, 48 maps for 200 birding sites, and seasonal and distributional abundance bar-graphs for 388 regularly occurring species. To order your advance copy, call 800/634-7736 • www. abasaies.com siii®* * <■ v 1 VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 133 Northern California Steven A. Glover • Luke W. Cole Scott B. Terrill • Michael M. Rogers What seemed to many to be an aver- age fall migrant season was occa- sionally punctuated by outstand- ing rarities that included two potential North American firsts amongst the seabirds, as well as a Stejnegers Petrel, three “bold-faced” rap- tors, Arctic Warbler, Wood Thrush, Red-faced Warbler, and Field Sparrow. An unusual year for vagrant eastern warblers, it was the first fall in memory in which neither Palm nor Blackpoll Warblers were most common, their supremacy being usurped by Chestnut-sided Warbler. Abbreviations: B.S.O.L. (Big Sur Ornithology Lab); C.B.R.C. (California B.R.C.); C.V. (Cen- tral Valley); C.R.P (Cosumnes R. Preserve, Sacramento ); C.C.FS. (Coyote Cr. Field Sta- tion, Santa Clara); El. (Southeast Farallon I., San Francisco ); G.G.R.O. (Golden Gate Raptor Observatory); P.R.B.O. (Pt. Reyes B.O.); S.E (San Francisco, not State Forest); S.FB.B.O. (San Francisco Bay B.O.); U.C. (University of California). Reports of exceptional vagrants submitted without documentation are not published. Documentation of C.B.R.C. review species will be forwarded to Guy McCaskie, Secretary, P.O. Box 275, Imperial Beach, Cali- fornia 91933. Birds banded on FI. should be credited to Pt. Reyes B.O. and those banded at Big Sur R. mouth to the Big Sur Ornithology Lab of the Ventana Wilderness Society. GEESE THROUGH QUAIL Two Emperor Geese were reported in late Sep without documentation. Coastal blue-morph Snow Geese included a bird in Petaluma, Sonoma 25 Sep-2 Oct (Sara Blauman, KWi) and 2 juvs. in a mixed white goose flock over Baldwin Cr. Beach, Santa Cmz 17 Nov (ph. KAr). Brant in unexpected locations included Napa's 3rd, a juv. at Kennedy Park 25 Nov+ (LKe, tMBe, m.ob.), and a bird inland at the Modesto S.T.P, Stanislaus 1 2 Oct (JSL). A call- ing Trumpeter Swan among a dock of 10 Tun- dra Swans flew over downtown Sacramento, Sacramento 13 Nov (Jim Holmes). Single Common (Eurasian Green-winged) Teal were reported from Areata Marsh, Hum- boldt 24-26 Nov (SWH) and Redwood Shores, San Mateo 24 Nov (RSTh). Both loca- tions also hosted Common Teal x Green- winged Teal intergrades, one 24-26 Nov at Areata Marsh (SWH) and 2 at Redwood Shores 18 Nov (RSTh). Only one Tufted Duck was reported, a female at Redwood Shores, San Mateo 24 Nov+ (RSTh). Harlequin Ducks continue to crop up in unexpected locations, most notably San Joaquin's 2nd, a young male at the Stockton S.T.P 20 Nov+ (BWb, ph. m.ob.). Reports from around S.E Bay included a remarkable 4 birds off Coyote Pt. , San Ma- teo 30 Sep that did not include the resident pair (RSTh). A Surf Scoter at Indian Creek Res., Alpine 24 Oct (JSL) and a female Black Scoter at Bridgeport Res., Mono 26 Nov (RS, LLu, CLu) both represented 2nd county records. A surprising inland Long-tailed Duck, a young male, was at Lower Klamath N.W.R., Siskiyou 17 Nov (ph. Steele Roberts- Ross); the summering male at Candlestick S.P., S.E was last noted 13 Aug (KMcK). A male Barrows Goldeneye below L. McSwain 19 Nov+ was Mariposa's 3rd report (DR), but all 3 may pertain to the same returning indi- vidual. A pair of California Quail with small young at Natural Bridges S.B., Santa Cmz 13 Sep (SGe) provided a very late breeding con- firmation. LOONS THROUGH PELICANS A Pacific Loon at Indian Creek Res. 17 Nov (EP) was the 2nd for Alpine. Generally scarce inland. Red-necked Grebe now appears to be annual in Shasta , where up to 2 were present at Fall River L. 16 Sep-27 Oct (B&CY, Ken Able et al.); one was at Lake Forest, Placer 29 Sep (WRi). “Al,” the famous Laysan Alba- tross, returned to Pt. Arena Cove, Mendocino for the 12th consecutive winter (fide RJK); as usual, small numbers of this species were also present offshore throughout the period. A juv. Short-tailed Albatross photographed off Pt. Pinos, Monterey 12 Aug (ph. Don Doolittle, ShJ) was determined to be the same bird re- ported in Jul near Middle Farallon I. and later found dead s. of the Region in Aug (PP, pers. comm ). A probable Solander’s Petrel was 313 km off Cape Mendocino, Mendocino 8 Aug (ph. PP). If accepted by the appropriate review committees, this would represent the first documented record for North America. Murphys Petrels are known to be regular mi- grants in Apr-Jun, but this species was found in small numbers during research cruises off California and Oregon this summer and fall as well, including 3 some 313 km w. of Cape Mendocino, Mendocino 8-9 Aug (PP), and one 355 km off Pt. Sur, Monterey 21 Nov (Thomas Staudt). Galapagos/Hawaiian Pe- trels, now annual May-Sep, were near Cordell Bank, Marin 9 Aug (ph. SNGH) and 21 Aug (tSBT, TRyT, RS et al.); 2 were 313 km w. of Cape Mendocino, Mendocino 8-9 Aug (PP); and one was 16.5 km w. of Pt. Pinos, Monterey 17 Sep (TEa, tDR et al.). Cooks Petrels are now known to be regular in deep water from spring through fall, and research cruises found them in good numbers this fall far off- shore (PP); however, one just 37 km w. of Bodega Bay, Sonoma 16 Sep (ShJ; ph. Don Doolittle) was very close to shore. A Stej- neger’s Petrel 167.5 km off Ft. Bragg 18 Oct (ph. PP) was recorded in both Mendocino and Humboldt and represents only the 5th for the state and the 3rd for the Region. An extremely well-documented Parkinson’s Petrel 32.4 km nw. of Pt. Reyes, Marin 1 Oct (ph. RS, ph. EWP, vt. LLu. et al.) would represent a first North American record if accepted by the ap- propriate review committees. A Streaked Shearwater 11 Sep 22 km wsw. of Ano Nuevo Pt. (tSBT, tDVP, tRyT et al.) was a first for San Mateo. Manx Shearwaters were in Mon- terey Bay, Monterey 14 Aug (TEa, ph. DR, ph. DSg, ph. BMth et al.) and 23 Sep (SNGH, ph. TMcG et al.) and off Santa Cruz 9 Oct (ShJ, +MtB et al.). Wilson’s Storm-Petrels were relatively scarce this season, with one or 2 in the storm- petrel flocks in Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz 12-24 Sep (ShJ) being the only ones reported. As is usual in recent years, Least Storm-Pe- trels were present in Monterey Bay in small numbers in Sep (ShJ, DR, m.ob.). Several Red-tailed Tropicbirds were recorded from 184-460 km off the coast during research cruises, indicating that this species is likely regular in deep water in the Region (PP). Quite rare in the C.V, a Brown Pelican was at L. Success, Tulare Sep 4-25 (Justin Ward, ph. SDS). HERONS THROUGH RAPTORS Least Bitterns were reported from Clear L., Lake 7-17 Aug (2 ads.; Greg Giusti, RJK, BJMcI), at the junction of Powerline and Riego Roads, Sutter 17 Aug (MJW), and at C.R.P. 18 Sep+ (up to 2; JTr, CCo, EP, m.ob.). Great Egret nesting continued late into the fall at a recently discovered urban heronry in Mountain View, Santa Clara, with begging 134 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA young still in one nest 14 Oct (MMR). We re- ceived reports of Cattle Egrets from seven counties, the highest count being of 380 birds at Merced N.W.R. 3 Oct (PJM). More surpris- ing were up to 3 at Crissy Field in S.E 21-25 Oct (m.ob.). Green Herons along the Carson R. in Diamond Valley furnished the first two records for Alpine: an imm. 9 Sep (TEa) and an ad. 7 Oct (JSL, JLx, FrO, SAG). A subad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron enjoyed by many at Inverness 11 Oct+ (RS, ph. AWgh, m. ob.) was the 2nd for Marin and the 4th for the Region, as last season’s Santa Cruz report was not accepted by the C.B.R.C. Over 1200 White-faced Ibis near McArthur 25 Aug, with 1000+ still present 5 Sep, was the highest count ever for Shasta (B&CY). Other notable counts included 3000+ at Merced N.W.R. , Merced 2 Oct (PJM) and 1500 at the Sacra- mento N.W.R., Glenn 25 Nov (MJM). A juv. at L. Merced 24 Sep (JM, Robbie Fischer, AdW) was one of few S.E records. Coastal migrating Northern Goshawks in- cluded one passing into S.E from the Marin Headlands, Marin 27 Oct (G.G.R.O.), an ad. preying on pigeons at Salinas, Mon- terey 31 Oct-1 Nov (JSo et al), and an imm. at Rancho Del Oso, Santa Cruz 10 Nov (DLSu). The Sonoma Common Black-Hawk was last noted at Laguna de Santa Rosa 14 Oct (Stan Moore). A late Swainson’s Hawk at Moro Cojo 20 Nov (RE ph. JSo, ph. DR) was only the 2nd Nov record for Monterey. An ad. Zone- tailed Hawk over a Prunedale yard 18 Nov was only the Region’s 5th (tKW). Early Rough-legged Hawks near McArthur, Shasta 16 Sep (B&CY) and Bear R. Ridge, Humboldt 28 Sep (SMcA) did not foreshadow a big year for the species. A Crested Caracara found 3 km s. of Stinson Beach, Marin 2 Aug was pre- sumably the same ad. found the next day at Rodeo Lagoon (G.G.R.O.) and perhaps also the same ad. located along Swanton Road, Santa Cruz 14 Aug (Rob Moeller, ph. m.ob.). The Santa Cruz bird remained through the period, ranging over 17 km of coastal area and may be the same one that spent 16-27 Sep 2002 in the same area. An imm. Merlin at Bear R. Ridge, Humboldt 9 Aug (SMcA) was only three days later than last year’s record early arrival; another at Manresa S. B. 27 Aug was the 2nd earliest ever in Santa Cruz (Michael Pollack). SH0REBIRDS American Golden-Plovers were at Carmel River S.B., Monterey 10-12 Sep (juv.; RJA, ph. BH1, ph. DR), 25 km s. of Corcoran, Kings 5 Oct (juv.; ph. MSanM), at Cock Robin I., Humboldt 15-16 Oct (SMcA, ph. RbF, ScC), and at the Eel R. mouth, Humboldt 2 Nov (SMcA). Seventeen Solitary Sandpipers were reported from nine counties 6 Aug-21 Sep, including one of few records for Sutter , at Bo- belaine Audubon Sanctuary 20 Aug (Clyde Morris, Joelle Buffa), and up to 5 at the June Lake S.T.P, Mono 13-28 Aug (ES, Bob Batta- gin, RS). Inland Marbled Godwit reports in- cluded Madera’s first at the Chowchilla S.T.P. 26 Aug (GaW). Also a county first was a Black Turnstone at the Modesto S.T.P, Stanislaus 15 Sep (ph. JHG, JCS). Two juv. Red Knots at Lake Forest 19-23 Sep (ph. WRi et al.) con- stituted only the 2nd record for Placer. Four Semipalmated Sandpipers at L. Almanor 17 Aug (CPD) marked apparently only the 2nd Plumas record. Two juv. Baird’s Sandpipers 8 km w. of Loma Rica 18 Aug (FrO, JRow) were thought to be the first for Yuba, whereas a juv. at the Chowchilla S.T.P 24 Aug (JND) was Madera’s 3rd. One at Point St. George, Del Norte 1 Nov (KMS, fide DFx) was record late for nw. California by two days. High inland This Yellow Wagtail — of undetermined species but probably Eastern Yellow Wagtail — visited Virgin Creek Beach, MacKerricher State Park, California 16-17 (here 17) September 2005. Photograph by Ron LeValley. Baird’s counts included 10 at L. Almanor, Plumas 17 Aug (CPD) and 36 near Kettleman City 18 Aug, the latter more than double the previous single-day high count for Kings (JSy). Pectoral Sandpipers were noted as scarce from Humboldt to Monterey, but 7 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers 1 Oct-12 Nov was an above-average total. Sharp-taileds included a juv. at King Salmon, Humboldt 1 Oct (ph. SMcA), up to 2 juvs. 19 km s. of Corcoran, Kings 9-10 Oct (first county record; JLx, JSL, tSDS, LyH, BBr), up to 2 juvs. at the Yolo W.A., Yolo 31 Oct-12 Nov (DCo, Dan Kopp, TEa, ph. m.ob.), a juv. at the Salinas W.T.P, Monterey 3-6 Nov (ph. RyT, ph. BMth, ph. DR, m.ob.), and a bird at Areata Bottoms, Humboldt in mid-Nov (BS). Santa Cruz’s Rock Sandpiper returned for a 3rd consecutive win- ter, ranging along 9 km of Santa Cntz coast- line 25 Oct+ (David Weber, m.ob.). Early Dunlins included a basic ad. at the Woodland W.T.P., Yolo 3 Aug (Richard Hall, JMHu) and one reported as a juv. at Watsonville Slough, Santa Cruz 10 Aug (JPo); even more unusual was an ad. in alternate plumage on the late date of 12 Nov at Redwood Shores, San Mateo (Craig Cummings, ph. Bill Maney). At least 14 Stilt Sandpipers from eight counties in- cluded Mendocino’s 2nd at MacKerricher S.P 19-21 Aug (DT, RLeV, CEV, GEC) and one n. of Alpaugh 7 Sep in under-birded Tulare (KKr). Four Buff-breasted Sandpipers were reported: a juv. on the s. spit of Humboldt Bay, Humboldt 25 Aug (Stephanie Morrissette, ph. KGR), one at Areata Bottoms, Humboldt 2-3 Sep (KI, RbF, ScC), a juv. in Alviso, Santa Clara 5-8 Sep (MMR, ph. TGr, m.ob.), and one at EI. 9-11 Sep (P.R.B.O.). Eleven Ruffs in eight counties included Sutter’s 3rd at Sutter N.W.R. 15 Aug (SAG) and Placer’s 2nd w. of Lincoln 29 Oct (TEa et al.). SKUA THROUGH ALCIDS South Polar Skuas were relatively com- mon, with a maximum of 21 off Monterey (Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo) 1 1 Sep (ShJ). Scarce inland, a Parasitic Jaeger was at Lake Forest, Placer Sep 4-6 (WRi et al.). The Laughing Gull first found at Elkhorn Slough, Monterey in Apr was still present 8 Oct (m.ob.). A very early Mew Gull was off Noyo Harbor, Mmdocino 26 Aug (ShJ). The only Franklin’s Gull re- ported was a juv. at Sunnyvale, Santa Clara 19 Aug-2 Sep (ph. MMR, m.ob.). Although scarce inland, Thayer’s Gulls appear to be becoming annual in Mono, where one was present at Crowley L. 23 Nov (DHo). Another inland Thayer’s Gull was reported from Kings 21 Oct (MSanM). Notable inland Western Gulls included an ad. at San Luis Res., Merced 2-3 Oct (PJM, MMR, MJM, RGJ, FrT); one (pos- sibly returning) at Dieselhorst Bridge, Shasta 15 Nov (BED); an ad. at Corcoran Res., Kings 10-13 Sep (Kim Kuska, LyH); and 2 imms. at Clearlake, Lake 25 Nov (Floyd Hayes). A Glaucous-winged Gull at Crowley L. 20-22 Oct OLD, DHo) was only the 2nd for Mono. The only Glaucous Gull reported was a juv. in Areata, Humboldt 9 Nov (SWH). Inland Sabine’s Gulls included one at Lake Forest, Placer 11 Sep (WRi); 2 at the Hanford W.T.P., Kings 24 Sep (Mark Stacey, ph. Gary Lindquist, Kim Kuska); one at the Kent Av- enue ponds. Kings 26 Sep QSy); 2 at the Stoil ponds, Tulare 21 Sep (ph. SDS); 4 at San Luis VOLUME 60 (2006) ■ NUMBER 1 135 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Res. and O'Neill Forebay, Merced 2-3 Oct (PJM); and one at the Modesto S.T.R, Stanis- laus 11 Oct (JF1G). As is typical, the vast ma- jority were juvs. Rare in the San Joaquin Valley, Common Terns were in Kings at the Hanford W.T.R 24 Sep (Mark Stacey, Kim Kuska, ph. Gary Lindquist) and Corcoran Res. 25-28 Sep (JLx, FrO, SDS, JSL). A Least Tern was at the Han- ford W.T.P., Kings 27 Aug (Kim Kuska, ph. Gary Lindquist). A Long-billed Murrelet was reported with minimal details off Humboldt 26 Aug by observers very familiar with Marbled Murrelets ( fide DFx). Most of the Region’s records occur in late summer and early fall. DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Numerous reports of Eurasian Collared- Doves included three county firsts: one 1 1 Sep in n. Davis, Yolo (SCH); 3 on 28 Oct at the Madera Country Club, Madera (LyH, BBr, JND); and 6 on 12 Nov at Woodward Res., Stanislaus (JHG). Seven White-winged Doves, all coastal, were detected 25 Aug-27 Nov. A cooperative Yellow-billed Cuckoo near Owl Canyon at Bodega Bay 17-18 Sep furnished just the 3rd modern record for Sonoma (CLu, LLu, DN, ph. AWgh, m.ob.). Alpine's first Short-eared Owl, a calling bird near Markleeville on 23 Oct, was followed closely by another e. of Woodfords 24 Oct (both TEa). A whopping 27 Short-eareds at the Bull Pt. Trail, Pt. Reyes N.S. 9 Nov was the largest number in Marin in 30 years ( fide RS). The seasons only Chimney Swift was detected 27 Oct over the San Jose-Santa Clara W.T.R, pro- viding Santa Claras 4th record (SCR). A fe- male Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3-5 Sep on FI. (RR.B.O.) was the 5th for the island and just the 7th for the Region. Lowland Williamson’s Sapsuckers were at Jacks Peak, Monterey 22 Sep (Earl Horn) and Oakland, Alameda 26-27 Oct (Sylvia Sykora, m.ob.). Five coastal or near-coastal Yellow- bellied Sapsuckers were noted 6 Oct-21 Nov. A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at EL 27-28 Sep (b.; RR.B.O.) was the 8th for the island, which continued its near-monopoly on Regional records of the species. A typical smattering of coastal Least Flycatchers was detected, with 4 from 29 Aug-10 Sep. An additional 8 birds, an impressive tally, were recorded at FI. 27 Aug-29 Sep (PR.B.O.). Eastern Phoebes in- cluded a first for Alpine in Diamond Valley 7 Oct (SAG, JSL, JLx, FrO), one at U.C. Davis, Yolo 1 Oct (Betty Berteaux), and one at the Los Gatos Cr. percolation ponds, Santa Clara 18 Nov (tPeggy Don, JPa). Two male Vermil- ion Flycatchers, now ads., returned to Moon- glow Dairy, Monterey 4 & 8 Oct+ (Alex Darocy, RF, TAm, ph. DR, m.ob.). Humboldt's 3rd Dusky-capped Flycatcher was present 23 Nov+ at Areata (KMS, ph. KGR, m.ob.). A lackluster showing for Tropical Kingbirds to- taled just 22 individuals, all coastal, 18 Sep-27 Nov. Migrant Cassin’s Kingbirds, both in San Mateo , were at Ano Nuevo Pt. 6 Aug (RWR) and Redwood Shores 20 Sep (RSTh). A tardy Western Kingbird was w. of Snelling, Merced 4 Nov (TJTz, Rebecca Green). Single Eastern Kingbirds were observed at Golden Gate Park, S.F. 27 Aug (ASH) and the Orick landfill, Humboldt 30 Aug (BS). VIREOS THROUGH PIPITS A Bell’s Vireo in Golden Gate Park, S.F. 30 Oct-28 Nov thrilled many and provided one of the few coastal records for the Region (ES, ASH, EWP, HuC, vt. LLu, m.ob.). This bird was thought to be of the nominate subspecies, accidental in the Region; another Bell’s was at L. Success, Tulare 15 Sep (SDS). Plumbeous Vireos reached the coast 5 Oct-4 Nov at C.C.ES. (SBT, ph. WGB, m.ob.) and 12 Nov at Areata, Humboldt (Jherime Kellerman, Amy Stercho, ph. RbF). Single Blue-headed Vireos were on EI. 20-21 Sep and 22 Nov, the latter providing the latest record for the island (PR.B.O.). Another vireo photographed at Capetown, Humboldt 10 Sep was likely a Blue- headed (ph. SMcA). Four additional reports lacked details. A well-photographed Philadel- phia Vireo along Stevens Cr. 24 Sep consti- tuted a first for Santa Clara (ph. TGr). Four other coastal reports 29 Aug-22 Sep were un- documented. Eight Red-eyed Vireos were re- ported 25 Aug-19 Oct, the most noteworthy being one inland at C.R.P. 25 Aug (JTr). Seven Western Scrub-Jays near Echo L., El Dorado 29 Sep provided a rare record for the L. Tahoe region (Bill Hart). A Mountain Chickadee at Davis 23 Nov+ was a nice find for the C.V. and just the 2nd for Yolo (MP, m.ob.). An Arctic Warbler 27 Sep on EL was an island first and just the 3rd for the Region (b.; ph. RR.B.O.). Remarkably, this is the 3rd species of “Old World” warbler recorded on that ocean out- post. Townsends Solitaires reached the coast 13 Sep (Kathy Robertson) and 1 Oct (PSar, ASH) at the Presidio, S.F, and 21 Sep at Half Moon Bay, San Mateo (ADeM). A Swainson’s Thrush banded at C.C.ES. 9 Nov was notably late (Rita Colwell). The Region’s 6th Wood Thrush and first since 1996 graced the S.F. Presidio 20 Sep (Michelle Brodie, vt. LLu, m.ob.). Gray Catbirds included singles 21 Aug at Blue Lake, Humboldt (ScC, KGR, RbF); 5 Oct at Pacific Grove, Monterey (tDR); and 26 Oct at C.C.ES., Santa Clara’s 3rd (b.; S.FB.B.O.). A Sage Thrasher at South Lake Tahoe Keys 15 Aug (EP, FrO) was El Dorado’s first. Brown Thrashers were at Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz 23 Oct (Allan McLean) and Carmel Highlands, Monterey 26 Oct-1 Nov (ph. CHz, ph. DR, ph. BHl, m.ob.). A Yellow Wagtail (species unde- termined) graced Virgin Cr. Beach, MacKer- richer S.R 16-17 Sep (DT, tCEV, ph. RLeV, tRJK, vt. LLu, tCLu, ph. MMtt); hatch-year birds such as this one cannot currently be identified to species, but we assume this bird to have been the newly split Eastern Yellow Wagtail. If accepted by the C.B.R.C. this will be Mendocino’s 400th species. This is the last coastal county in California to reach the 400- species milestone. The only Red-throated Pipit reported was at EI. 15 Oct (RR.B.O. ). American Pipits reached the coast on the very early dates of 6 Sep in Monterey and Humboldt and 7 Sep in Marin. WARBLERS Eastern warblers showed up in average num- bers and diversity — 425 individuals of 24 species — -but that summation misses the ma- jor story of the fall, namely the notable in- creases of some species and decreases of others. Surprisingly, our most common e. war- bler was Chestnut-sided Warbler, with the 80 reported being almost 75% above our 10-year average of 46 (although still well shy of our 1999 record of 103). Thirty-four Tennessees was a third more than normal. The 25 Black- burnian Warblers were more than double the norm; the only one inland was at C.R.R 25 Sep (CCo). Two of our other common e. species were more than 25% above average; 34 Black- and-white Warblers were along the coast, and 2 were in Sacramento: 11 Sep at Elk Grove (Cathy Corcoran) and 9 Nov at American R. Parkway (DJo). Fifty American Redstarts in- cluded just 3 away from the immediate coast: 24 Sep at Mountain View, Santa Clara (DLSu), 2 Oct at Tilden Park, Contra Costa (Bob Bran- driff), and 8 Oct at Kings Row, Kings (JRow). This is the first time in more than a decade that the most numerous e. warbler was neither Palm nor Blackpoll. Only 42 Palms were re- ported, less than 40% of our 10-year average. Normally this species is our most common e. warbler, with as many as 883 reported in the fall of 1993. Blackpoll numbers were down about 30%, with just 50 reported. Whether these low numbers were caused by conditions on the breeding grounds or weather is un- known; perhaps trends from other areas will be instructive. Four Virginias Warblers included one in- land at C.R.P. 14 Aug (AEn). Seven Northern Parulas included 2 in the C.V.; 25 Aug at C.R.R (JIT) and 18-22 Sep at Babel Slough Road, Yolo (Marianne Kirkland, AEn). One along the Guadalupe R. n. of Almaden L. 7 136 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Oct was just the 5th for Santa Clara (AV). Shasta's 2nd Magnolia Warbler was at Summit L. 16 Aug (tGSL); 13 others were along the coast. The sole Cape May Warbler reported was at Pt. Reyes, Marin 22 Sep (RS). Five Black-throated Blue Warblers included 2 at EL, 26 Sep and 28 Oct-2 Nov (ER.B.O.), and singles 12 Oct at Moonglow Dairy, Monterey (ph. Brewster Young), 27 Oct at Sunnyvale Baylands Park ( Santa Clara’s 4th; PKe, RKe, ph. WGB, m.ob.), and 19-20 Nov at Pescadero, San Mateo (RSTh, SBT). An imm. Black-throated Green Warbler was banded 24 Sep at Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey (B.S.O.L.). Three Hooded, 8 Lucy’s, and 15 Prairie War- blers were along the coast. A Bay-breasted was at El. 20-21 Sep (P.R.B.O. ); 2 were in Hum- boldt, at the Orick landfill 21 Sep (KI) and Ar- eata Bottoms 28 Sep (Jared Wolfe). Prothonotary Warblers were at C.R.P 4-5 Aug (significantly early; JTr, Julian Wood, m.ob.), Pacific Grove, Monterey 15-16 Sep (TBMth, TAm), and Bear Valley, Marin 9-10 Oct (ph. RS). Six Ovenbirds were along the coast; one inland at Babel Slough Road 22 Sep (AEn) provided a first for Yolo; one 5 Nov+ along Putah Cr., Yolo and Solano was the 2nd (Jim Dunn). Twenty Northern Waterthrushes were along the coast, with 3 more in Santa Clara, and one at Twin Lakes, Mono 22 Aug (Larry Schmahl). As usual, EL was the center of Oporomi s activity, with 3 Connecticut and 4 Mourning Warblers (all b.; ER.B.O.). Other Connecticuts were at Eine Gulch Cr., Marin 7 Sep (b.; ER.B.O.) and Stow L., S.F. 9 Oct (tASH, DvA, PSar, tAdW). Four Canadas in- cluded singles 4 Sep at Golden Gate Park, S.F. (ASH, m.ob.), 24 Sep at Pt. Reyes, Marin (ER.B.O.), 1-9 Oct at Carmel R. mouth, Mon- terey (David MacIntyre, TAm, m.ob.), and Santa Clara’s first, along Coyote Cr. 6-7 Oct (SCR, tMMR, SBT, JCS, m.ob.). Nashvilles had an off year, with the 2 in Santa Cruz be- ing the poorest fall showing there since the mid-1970s (fide DLSu). Townsend’s Warblers returned to coastal counties early, 10 Aug in Santa Cruz and Monterey and 12 Aug in Santa Clara. A Red-faced Warbler 11 Sep at Del Valle R.E, Alameda (tSteve Huckabone) fur- nished a 2nd Regional record. TANAGERS THROUGH 10NGSPURS Summer Tanagers were at Orick, Humboldt 29 Aug and 17 Sep (KI), Trout Gulch Road, Santa Cruz 30 Aug (RyT), and in Yosemite Valley 12-13 Sep (DLSu), Mariposa’s first. Wandering Green-tailed Towhees in the C.V. were at Grasslands R.E, Yolo 21-23 Sep (SCH, Richard Hall, m.ob.), near Stratford 8-10 Oct (Kings' s first; JRow, JLx), and at Putah Creek S.W.A., Solano 9 Nov (Brent Campos). A Ru- fous-crowned Sparrow was in Cole Valley, S.F. 16 Oct (tPSar). Two American Tree Sparrows graced the Bay Area: 9 Oct at Coyote Pt., San Mateo (RSTh) and 17 Oct at FI. (ER.B.O.). Among the 73 Clay-colored Sparrows re- ported was one at Yosemite N.R, Mariposa 14 Sep (DLSu). Ten Brewer’s were along the coast; 2 in the C.V included one at Michigan Bar Bridge, Sacramento 18 Sep (DCo, CCo, ClH, EP) and one near Stratford, Kings 1 1 Oct (JSy). A Field Sparrow 14 Nov in a Berkeley backyard (THG) would be Alameda’s first and the Region’s 3rd if accepted by the C.B.R.C. Black-throated Sparrows were at C.R.E 4 Aug (Julian Wood, JTr) and FI. 15-17 Aug and 31 Aug-10 Sep (ER.B.O.). Lark Buntings were at South Lake Tahoe Keys, El Dorado 20 Aug (ph. CCo, Jeff Robinson, m.ob.) and C.R.P. 13 Sep (JTr); 5 more were along the coast. Thorn’s persistence in scouting bayside marshes paid off with San Mateo’s 5th record of Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow 30 Nov at San Mateo. Twenty-eight Swamp Sparrows in- cluded Yosemite N.P.’s first, 1 Nov at Sentinel Meadow, Mariposa (JTz). The first of 83 White-throated Sparrows reported arrived at FI. 27 Sep (ER.B.O.). Harris’s Sparrows were at Brisbane, San Mateo 22 Oct (RSTh), EI. 11-17 Nov (P.R.B.O.), Areata, Humboldt 17 Nov (JTz), and at Royal Oaks, Monterey 17 Nov (Laura Rodriguez). A McCown’s Longspur in Hammil Valley 17 Oct QLD, Andy Zdon) was Mono’s 2nd, af- ter a record in 1983. Flocks of Laplands were in Humboldt, and singles were at MacKer- richer S.R, Mendocino 16 Oct (CEV, JRW, MMtt, DWN et al.) , Shasta Valley, Siskiyou 8 Nov (RE), and Chico State College Farm, Butte 13 Nov (JHS). A Chestnut-collared Longspur 11-15 Oct near Nice was Lake’s first (DvW, tJRW, m.ob.). One was at Chimney Rock, Marin 30 Oct (BFi, Karen Apana); in Humboldt, one was with the Lapland flock at Cannibal I. Road 1-4 Nov (MWa; KMS), and 5 were along Bear R. Ridge 12 Nov (SMcA). GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES Thirty-six Rose-breasted Grosbeaks included Yolo’s 3rd and 4th, 11 Sep at Babel Slough Road (LJE, CCo, ASE, m.ob.) and 12 Sep in n. Davis (Marcel Holyoak), and Madera’s first, at Oakhurst 23-27 Oct (Helen Button). Half of the 12 Blue Grosbeaks reported were in Santa Cruz, far more than any other fall season there. A Painted Bunting was at the Carmel R. mouth, Monterey 24 Sep (BBr). A spate of Dickcissels was noted in S.F: 12 Sep at Lin- coln Park (HuC, BFi), 14-23 Sep in the Pre- sidio (AdW, ph. EWP, m.ob.), and 16 Sep at EI. (ER.B.O.). Santa Clara’s 3rd was along Stevens Cr. n. of Hwy 101 14 Oct (tMMR). Bobolinks were scattered along the coast from Monterey to Humboldt-, one 23 Aug at Terrace Ft. (SGe) was the earliest ever for Santa Cruz by two days, and just the 2nd Aug record for the county (fide DLSu). A Rusty Blackbird was at Menlo Fark, San Mateo 24 Nov+ (Rich Ferrick, m.ob.). Five Orchard and 5 Baltimore Orioles were along the coast, including 3 of each in oriole hotspot S.F. Evening Grosbeaks were widely reported: in Humboldt, one was in Eureka 25 Sep (DFx, JCF), 5 were in McKin- leyville 30 Sep (KGR, Mark Morrissette), and 4 were in Areata 4 Oct (KMS); 2 were also on the C.V floor, 11 Oct at Slide Hill Fark, Yolo (MP) and 22 Oct at C.R.P. (JTr). Corrigenda: The Bohemian Waxwing re- ported at Susanville, Lassen 26 Dec 2004 was in fact seen 26 Nov 2004 (DVP). The Townsend’s Solitaires reported in the spring issue as breeding in near-coastal Humboldt County should have been characterized as suspected breeders (fide JEH, DFx). Cited observers (county coordinators in boldface): R. j. Adams, Tim Amaral, David Armstrong, Kumaran Aral, Murray Berner, William G. Bousman (Santa Clara), Matthew Brady, Beverly Brock, Adam Brown (EI.), Scott Carey, George E. Chaniot, Luke W. Cole (Kings), Daryl Coldren, Chris Conard (Sacra- mento and Yolo), Hugh Cotter, Jeff N. Davis (Madera), Al DeMartini, Brace E. Deuel (n. C.V. counties), Cohn P. Dillingham, Jon L. Dunn, Todd Easterla, Mark W. Eaton (San Francisco), Leo J. Edson, Ray Ekstrom (Siskiyou), Andy Engilis, A. Sidney England, Brian Fitch (BFi), David Fix (Humboldt), Rick Fournier (RF), Rob Fowler (RbF), James H. Gain (Stanislaus), Steve Gerow, Steve A. Glover (Contra Costa), Helen Green, Tom Grey, Steve C. Hampton, Stanley W. Harris, Chris Hartzell, Cliff Hawley, Lynn Hemink, Bill Hill, Alan S. Hopkins, Debbie House, Steven N. G. Howell, Joan M. Humphrey, John E. Hunter (Trinity), Ken Irwin, Richard G. Jeffers, David Johnson, Robert J. Keiffer (Mendocino), Roland Kenner, Pat Kenney, Larry Kent, Kim Kreitinger, Robin L. C. Leong (Napa and Solano), Gary S. Lester, Ron LeValley, Cindy Lieurance, Leslie Lieurance, Jim Lomax, John S. Luther, Michael J. Mam- moser, Blake Matheson, Matthew A. Matthiessen, Sean McAllister, J. Mac Mc- Cormick (Plumas and Sierra), Todd McGrath, Bryan J. McIntosh, Kevin McKereghan, Peter J. Metropulos (San Mateo), Joseph Morlan, Dan Nelson (DN), David W. Nelson (DWN), Kristie N. Nelson (Mono), Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino (EP) (Placer), Janna Pauser, VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 137 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Michael Perrone, Jeff Poklen, Jude C. Power (Humboldt), Eric W. Preston (EWP), Peter Pyle, Harold M. Reeve, Robert W. Reiling, Will Richardson, Robert J. Richmond (Alameda), Don Roberson (Monterey), Michael M. Rogers, Kerry G. Ross, Stephen C. Rottenborn, James Rowoth, Ruth A. Rudesill (Sonoma), Mike San Miguel, Paul Saraceni, Barry Sauppe, Jeff Seay, Shearwater Journeys, Daniel Singer, Keith M. Slauson, Jim H. Snow- den, John Sorensen, Rich Stallcup, John C. Sterling (Modoc, Alpine, and Calaveras), Tim Steurer (Amador and El Dorado), Emilie Strauss, David L. Suddjian (Santa Cruz), Steven D. Summers (Tulare), Ryan Terrill, Scott B. Terrill, Ronald S. Thorn, Jim Tietz, Dorothy Tobkin, Francis Toldi, John Trochet, Steve Umland (Tuolumne), Chuck E. Vaughn, Kent Van Vuren (Merced and San Benito ), David Vander Pluym (Mariposa), Ann Verdi, Matt Wachs, Bruce Webb, Jerry R. White (Lake), Margaret J. Widdowson, Alan Wight, Ken Wilson, Adam Winer, Gary Woods, Dave Woodward, Bob & Carol Yutzy (Shasta). Many more observers are not specifically cited; all are appreciated. ^ Steven A. Glover (Doves to Wrentit), 6526 Conestoga Lane, Dublin, California 94568, (countylines@sbcglobal.net); Luke W. Cole (Thrashers to Finches), 561 Hill Street, San Francisco, California 94114, (luke@igc.org); Scott B. Terrill (Loons to Frigatebirds, Larids to Aldds), H.T. Harvey & Associates, 3150 Almaden Expressway, Suite 145, San Jose, California 95118, (sterrill@harveyecology.com); Michael M. Rogers (Water- fowl to Quail, Herons to Shorebirds), 499 Novato Avenue, Sun- nyvale, California 94086, (m.m.rogers@comcast.net) | Southern California Guy McCaskie * Kimball L. Garrett The fall was highlighted by records of Mississippi Kite, Sulphur-bellied Fly- catcher, and Wood Thrush. Among seabirds, recoveries on the coast of a dead Short-tailed Albatross and a moribund Red- tailed Tropicbird were of note. Most observers felt that both the magnitude of migration of western species and the presence of vagrants were quite reduced on the northern deserts compared to most recent falls, but the coastal areas were quite productive. There was little evidence of movement by irruptive montane and northern species. By the end of the pe- riod, a “La Nina” condition was developing in the eastern Pacific Ocean, portending winter storm tracks well north of the Region and a dry winter. 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. Ken t); E.A.EB. (Edwards A.F.B., se. Kern): EC.R. (Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley N.P., Inyo): G.H.P. (Galileo Hill Park in extreme e. Kern): N.E.S.S. (n. end of the Salton Sea, Riverside): P.R (Piute Ponds on Edwards Air Force Base, ne. Los Angeles); S.C.R.E. (Santa Clara River Estuary near Ventura, Ventura): S.E.S.S. (s. end of the Salton Sea, Imperial): S.EK.R.R (South Fork Kern River Preserve, near Wel- don, Kern): VA.EB. (Vandenberg A.FB., 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 Mu- seum). Because virtually all rarities in s. Cali- fornia are seen by many observers, only the observer(s) initially finding and identifying the bird are included. Documentation for species on the California Bird Records 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. WATERFOWL THROUGH STORK The Tundra Swan present at California City, Kem was still present at the end of the period (K&BK); one at C.L. 15 Nov (SS) was the only migrant/winter visitor reported. A male Harlequin Duck near Cayucos, San Luis Obispo 12 Nov (MLS) was the only one re- ported. A Surf Scoter at EC.R. 19-20 Nov (V & GW) was inland, where considered rare. Numbers of White -winged Scoters reaching s. California remain very low, with 2 in San Luis Obispo and one in Los Angeles after 23 Oct be- ing the only ones reported. Up to 2 Black Scoters at Dockweiler Beach, Los Angeles 21 Nov+ (RB) and a Long-tailed Duck at the same location 25-28 Nov (RB) were the only ones reported. A Pacific Loon at S.E.S.S. 23 Oct (GMcC) was inland, where rare. A dead Short-tailed Albatross was recovered at Morro Bay 24 Aug (THE; *LACM). A Mottled Petrel 243 km sw. of San Miguel 1. 1 Dec (TS) was one of 1 1 seen far off California during a CSCAPE marine mammal, seabird, and oceanographic study 5 Nov-1 Dec. A Cook’s Petrel 32 km sw. of San Miguel I. 7 Sep (TMcG), 5 + on the s. side of the San Juan Seamount 7-8 Sep (WW), one at the Cortez Bank 166 km w. of San Diego 10 Sep (TMcG), and another 48 km wsw. of San Miguel I. 12 Nov (SBT) were closer to shore than expected. Single Flesh-footed Shearwa- ters, scarce off s. California, were seen off Santa Barbara 24 Sep (TMcG) and 16 Oct QF). Least Storm-Petrels were virtually non- existent in s. California waters this season. A Red-billed Tropicbird was seen from San This Cook's Petrel at the Cortez Bank 1 44 km west of San Diego was closer to shore than expected on 10 September 2005. Photograph by David VI. Nelson. Clemente I. 6 Aug (JMcM), 5+ were at the San Juan Seamount 7 Sep (WW), 3 were ca. 48 km w. of San Diego the same day (DPo), and 5 more were around San Nicolas I. 10 Sep (TMcG); this species is probably regular in these areas at this time of the year, but records 138 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA More than a dozen Red-billed Tropicbirds delighted birders off southern Cali- fornia in autumn 2005, this bird being one of at least fire around San Nicolas Island on 10 September. Photograph by David W. Nelson. closer to the coast are few and far between, so one picked up alive at San Diego 10 Aug (MW; *SDNHM) came as a surprise. A Red- tailed Tropicbird 291 km sw. of San Nicolas I. 28 Sep (TS) and another 342 km wsw. of San Miguel I. 9 Nov (TS) were in areas of regular occurrence; however, a sick bird captured at San Pedro, Los Angeles 19 Sep (fide SAK; *LACM) is only the 2nd to be found ashore in California. The Brown Booby at Pt. Piedras Blancas, San Luis Obispo was seen off and on through 21 Aug (DML). Single Little Blue Herons on Upper New- port Bay, Orange 30 Oct-8 Nov (TC), Goleta, Santa Barbara 13 Jul-3 Aug (DMC) and on Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo 26 Aug (TME), along with one inland at E.A.EB. 17 Sep (JCW), were the only ones reported away from coastal San Diego. Up to 4 Reddish Egrets in coastal Orange and a similar number along the coast of San Diego suggest this species is expanding its range northward to include coastal s. California; in addition, sin- gle birds were farther n. at Point Mugu, Ven- tura 31 Jul-11 Sep (DPe), and inland at S.E.S.S. 14 Aug (KLG), N.E.S.S. 25 Sep (JFG), and near Blythe, Riverside 23 Sep (RH). The 2 subad. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons found at Imperial Beach, San Diego in Jun were still present at the end of the period (GMcC), but more remarkable was a juv., still retaining down, picked up at El Cajon, San Diego 23 Aug ( fide MF; *SDNHM); there are no records for nesting in the state. A hatch-year Roseate Spoonbill at Imperial Beach 14 Oct (AM) pro- vided the 2nd record for San Diego , and an- other was at N.E.S.S. 14 Nov (WW). Numbers of Wood Storks at S.E.S.S. built up to 34 on 11 Aug (AEK), but all were gone af- ter 27 Aug (GMcC); one at N.E.S.S. 11 Aug (CMcG) was unexpected. HAWKS THROUGH TERNS A subad. Mississippi Kite, a casual straggler to California, flew southward over the Palos Verdes Pen., Los Angeles 18 Sep (KGL). A Broad-winged Hawk near Orcutt, Santa Bar- bara 3 Oct (NAL) was the only one reported, highlighting this species’ decline in the Re- gion. The passage of Swainson’s Hawks through the Borrego Valley in e. San Diego is monitored daily, with 379 counted between 1 Oct and 7 Nov, including an impres- sive 279 on 24 Oct (HC, PJ); other large flocks included 13 near the coast at Yorba Linda, Orange 6 Oct (DRW), 58 over Redlands, San Bernardino 9 Oct (RMcK), and 75 roosting near El Centro, Imperial 29-30 Oct (KZK). A Zone-tailed Hawk at Goleta 13 Oct+ (HPR), one between Ventura and Santa Paula, Ventura 26-30 Oct (KK), up to 2 around Es- condido, San Diego 1 Nov+ (MC), single birds near Fallbrook 21 Nov (JI_) and Ramona 6-17 Nov (EA), and in the e. part of the Region at This young Roseate Spoonbill at Imperial Beach on 14 Octo- ber 2005 established the second record for San Diego County and one of a very few for the coast of southern Cali- fornia. Photograph by Anthony Merceica. Blythe 16 Oct+ (RH) and near El Centro 24 Sep+ (KZK) were all probably wintering lo- cally, but an imm. near El Centro 15-16 Oct (KZK) appeared to be a migrant. A Rough- legged Hawk near Bishop, Inyo 13 Nov 0&DP) was the only one seen in the Owens Valley, suggesting that few ventured farther s. into the Region. A Crested Caracara near El Centro 9 Nov (KZK) provided the 2nd record for the Imperial Valley. The only American Golden-Plovers re- ported were single juvs. on the coast at Guadalupe, Santa Barbara 2-3 Oct (SNGH) and inland at E.A.EB. 19 Oct (MSanM). Seven Pacific Golden-Plovers on the coast of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Orange, and San Diego between 25 Aug and 23 Oct were be- lieved to be migrants, but up to 5 around Guadalupe, Santa Barbara 24 Sep-i- (WTF), one at the Santa Ynez R. estuary, Santa Bar- bara 27 Nov (WTF), up to 3 at Seal Beach, Orange 9 Oct+ (TAB), one at Bolsa Chica, Or- ange 12 Aug+ (BED), up to 4 near Imperial Beach, San Diego 9 Sep+ (RTP), and one on San Clemente I. 8 Oct (JMcM) were at known or suspected wintering localities. A Mountain Plover at E.A.EB. 2-3 Sep (TMcG) and an- other at C.L. 11 Oct (SS) were early migrants in areas where considered rare, and single birds at Goleta 25 Oct-6 Nov (SGa) and near Santa Maria, Santa Barbara 30 Nov (JMG) were on the coast, where now very rare. Sin- gle American Oystercatchers were well seen on Santa Barbara I. 24 Sep (NAL) and Anacapa I. 16 Oct OF). A Solitary Sandpiper at Baker, San Bernardino 22 Oct (SJM) was late. A Ruddy Turnstone at Blythe 17 Sep (RH) was the only one reported inland away from the Salton Sea. A Black Turnstone inland at S.E.S.S. 3 Aug+ (MSanM, GMcC) appeared to be attempting to winter locally, and an- other was with it 7 Aug (HBK). Two Sander- lings, scarce inland away from the Salton Sea, were at E.A.EB. 2 Sep (MSanM). Semi- palmated Sandpipers appeared scarcer than normal, with only 7 juvs. found in the e. part of the Region 5-28 Aug, and only 26 more along the coast 1 Aug-11 Sep, but among them the first on San Clemente I. 11 Aug (JMcM). Based on the numbers reported, Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpipers also appeared to be less numerous than expected, but a late Baird’s was at Baker 22 Oct (SJM). A juv. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, rare in s. California, was at S.C.R.E. 6-9 Oct (DDesJ). An ad. Curlew Sandpiper, a casual straggler to Cali- fornia, was on the Los Angeles R. at Long Beach, Los Angeles 13-14 Aug (RB). Five Stilt Sandpipers on the coast of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange 24 Aug-2 Sep, along with single birds inland at C.L. 20-30 Aug (AH), E.A.EB. 13 Oct (SGr), and Blythe 10 Sep (RH), were all away from the Salton Sea, thus This juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpiper remained at the Santa Clara River estuary, Ventura County, California 6-9 (here 7) October 2005. Photograph by VJes Fritz. VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 139 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA This young Broad-billed Hummingbird, one of two found in the northeastern part of the Southern California region, was photographed on the second day of its stay in Inyokern, Kern County, 26-31 October 2005. Photograph by Bob Steele. unusual. Single Ruffs were along the coast at Guadalupe 25 Sep-9 Oct (PAGa), Carpinte- ria, Santa Barbara 11-16 Oct (DH), the V.C.G.P 22 Sep OLD), and Huntington Beach, Orange 18 Sep (BED); inland, a juv. was on Owens L., Inyo 5 Sep (SS), the one found at S.E.S.S. 31 Jul remained through the period (GMcC), and another was near Imperial, Im- perial 5 Aug (GMcC). A Wilsons Phalarope near Keeler, Inyo 6 Nov OLD) was exception- ally late for this area. Single Red Phalaropes near Mojave, Kern 26 Aug (AEK) and at C.L. 1 1 Sep (TEW) were inland. At least 25 South Polar Skuas found off Santa Barbara and Ventura between 6 Sep and 17 Nov were more than normally reported. A Pomarine Jaeger on L. Casitas, Ventura 7 Sep (DAG) and a juv. Long-tailed Jaeger at S.E.S.S. This Brown Thrasher remained on Point Loma, San Diego County, California 29 October through 10 (here 5) November 2005. Photograph by Matthew I Heindel. 19-20 Sep (KLG, GMcC) were the only jaegers reported inland. A Laughing Gull at Cayucos 21 Oct (DML) was on the coast, where rare. Single Franklin’s Gulls at Ana- heim, Orange 2-23 Oct (DRW) and at nearby Placentia 25 Nov (JEP) were the only ones found along the coast, and the species was scarcer than normal at the Salton Sea, with only a dozen reported 3 Aug-6 Nov. A Little Gull at L. Perris, Riverside 12 Nov+ (HBK) was believed to be the same ad. present here last winter. A Heermann’s Gull at S.E.S.S. 13 Aug (GMcC) was inland. A Mew Gull at N.E.S.S. 14 Nov (WW) was far inland, where rare. A worn Glaucous Gull on s. San Diego Bay 2 Sep (GMcC) had un- doubtedly summered locally. A Sabines Gull on Tinemaha Res., Inyo 18 Sep (JLD), 4 in e. Kern 18 Aug-27 Sep (SS, MTH, This cooperative Wood Thrush in Santa Maria 10-12 (here 12) November 2005 was the first to be found in well-worked Santa Barbara County. Photograph by David Furseth. SGr), single birds at Blythe 27 Aug (RH) and near N.E.S.S. 15 Aug (MJ1), 2 at N.E.S.S. 28 Sep QLD), and another near Seeley, Imperial 25 Sep QLD) were inland, where scarce. Common Tern is now quite rare through- out the interior, including the Salton Sea, and along the s. California coast (only one in San Luis Obispo and 5 in Orange reported this fall); counts of 3000+ on the coast of San Diego in Aug (MS, GMcC, DPa), 4000+ at Coronado, San Diego 19 Sep (MS), and 250 still present there 9 Nov (MS) were re- markable. DOVES THROUGH VIRE0S At least 45 White-winged Doves were seen along the coast between 6 Aug and the end of the period, with a dozen of these on San Clemente L, and with one at Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo 25-31 Nov (DBo) being the northernmost. A Ruddy Ground- Dove near El Centro 20 Nov+ (KZK) was the only one away from the resident population near Calipatria, Imperial. A Northern Pygmy- Owl in Indian Wells Canyon 27 Nov (BoS) was only the 2nd ever in e. Kern. A calling Common Nighthawk over Inyokern, Kern 8 Aug (VL) was an early migrant in an area where few are found. Single Broad-billed Hummingbirds, casual stragglers to Califor- nia, were at Inyokern 26-31 Oct (SS) and Big Pine, Inyo 29 Oct-16 Nov (T&JH). Single Black-chinned Hummingbirds at Arcadia, Los Angeles 2 Oct (MSanM), Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo 4 Oct (CL), and Fountain Valley, Orange 8 Oct (JEP) were all unusually late; all are normally gone from California by late Sep. Ten Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were found at scattered localities throughout the Region, with most in Nov, but a very early juv. was at Crystal Springs, San Bernardino 30 Sep (JEP). An unidentified wood-pewee at Dana Pt., Orange 26-28 Oct (PTC) was likely a West- ern, but the late date introduces uncertainty. An apparent Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was banded at Starr Ranch Sanctuary, Orange 18 Oct (BeS); as not all characters support this identification, the record awaits judgment from the C.B.R.C. Five Least Flycatchers ap- peared in the latter half of Sep, with 3 along the coast at Marina del Rey, Los Angeles 14 Sep (DBe), Huntington Beach, Orange 22 Sep (JEP), and Oso Flaco L., San Luis Obispo 30 Sep (KNN), and 2 in Inyo at China Ranch 14 Sep (JEP) and Deep Springs 18 Sep QLD). An Eastern Phoebe at La Jolla, San Diego 29 Oct (DBa) was followed by 3 more on the coastal slope (some remaining to winter); others were at EC.R. 5 Nov (TEW) and w. of Bakers- field, Kern 14 Nov+ (BM). Vermilion Fly- catchers on Santa Cruz L, Santa Barbara 1-2 Oct (MSk) and at 2025 m at Baldwin L., San Bernardino (HBK) were at unusual localities. A Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Summerland, Santa Barbara 3 Oct (GR) was only the 16th to be found in California, all records coming This Red-eyed Vireo in Brawley, Imperial County, California, present 26- 27 (here 26) September 2005, was only the second to be found in the Salton Sink. Photograph by Nigel Milbourn. 140 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS This immature female Blackburnian Warbler near El Centro, Imperial County, California 10-18 (here 14) October 2005 was just the second to be found in the Salton Sink. Photograph by Kenneth 2. Kurland. from along the coast. Some 24 Tropical King- birds appeared on the coastal slope 17 Sep+, with most along the immediate coast; some remained to winter. On the deserts, one at Fig Lagoon near Seeley, Imperial 9 Oct+ (GMcC) appeared to be wintering. Wintering Thick- billed Kingbirds were at Wilmington, Los An- geles 10 Nov+ (KGL), at L. Hodges, San Diego 28 Nqv+ (SES), and a returning bird at Santa Paula, Ventura 3 Dec+ (JMG). A Cassin’s King- bird, casual in the Salton Sink, was at Wister, near Niland 26 Nov (GH). Western Kingbirds are rare in the Region after Sep; exceptionally late birds were at Cuyama, Santa Barbara 5 Nov (WTF), El Monte, Los Angeles 6 Nov (LWA), Kern N.W.R. 6 Nov (KL), and Blythe, Riverside 12 Nov (RH). The only Eastern Kingbirds reported were at the Santa Ynez R. mouth, Santa Barbara 4 Sep (SB), San Clemente 1. 17 Sep (JMcM), and San Diego 6 Oct (TP). A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Irwin- dale, Los Angeles 19 Nov+ (AL) returned for its 3rd winter; migrants were at Onyx, Kern 12 Sep (T&JH) and at Blythe 25 Sep (RH). A White-eyed Vireo at Montana de Oro S.R, San Luis Obispo 24 Sep (MDS) was only the 5th to be found in the Region in fall. Bell’s Vireos remained later than normal at some breeding areas, with 6 territorial birds still present at Hansen Dam, Los Angeles 17 Sep (KLG); a few dispersing birds and migrants were noted 7 Aug-21 Oct on the coastal slope, with a returning winterer at Long Beach 11 Oct+ (RB). One at Picacho S.R. A., Imperial 24 Nov (JL) was exceptionally late. Plumbeous Vireos were exceptionally wide- spread, with 32 on the coastal slope 16 Sep+; reports in Los Angeles outnumbered Cassin’s Vireo reports (10:1). Late birds on the desert were at El Centro 14 Oct+ (KZK), at Morongo SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Valley, San Bernardino 8 Nov QFG), and at Pi- cacho S.R. A. 24 Nov (JL). A Warbling Vireo at Bakersfield 20 Nov (JCW) was the latest ever for Kern. A good showing of 6 Philadelphia Vireos included birds at Lompoc, Santa Bar- bara 23 Sep (]A), Carpinteria 25 Sep (WTF) and 14 Oct (OJ), Pt. Mugu, Ventura 1 Oct (WW), and Huntington Beach 21-23 Oct (JEP) and 5-7 Nov (BED). Three Red-eyed Vireos were in coastal Santa Barbara 21-27 Sep (NAL, PAGa); one at Brawley 26-27 Sep (GMcC) was only the 3rd ever for the Salton Sink. A Yellow-green Vireo was at El Capitan State Beach, Santa Barbara 4 Oct (GCH). CORVIDS THROUGH WARBLERS A Western Scrub-Jay 16 km se. of Holtville, Imperial 27 Aug+ (DRW) was only the 2nd coastal A. c. obscura to be found in the Impe- rial Valley; others there have been referable to the interior Woodhouse’s group. Purple Mar- tins are now very scarce transients through the Region, so migrants at Huntington Beach 15 Sep OLD), Pt. Hueneme, Ventura 16 Sep (DPe), and Hansen Dam 17 Sep (2 birds; KLG) were of interest; another at C.L. 1 Oct (BoS) was the latest for Kern. An out-of-range coastal aculeata White-breasted Nuthatch was sw. of Bishop 7 Aug (T&JH). A Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Carpinteria 27 Aug (RT) was quite early. Casual in Califor- nia, a well-photographed Wood Thrush at Santa Maria 10-12 Nov QMG) was the first for Santa Barbara and only the 13th for the Region. Exceptionally late Swainson’s Thrushes were at Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo 10 Nov (BKS) and Sylmar, Los An- geles 23 Nov (RB). Five Gray Catbirds were found: on the n. deserts at EC.R. 30 Sep (V&GW), China Ranch 16 Oct (SJM), and G.H.P 7-15 Oct (TE, KL), and coastally at Pt. Loma 26 Oct-1 Nov (VM) and Montana de Oro 1-5 Nov (SCS). The fall movement of Sage Thrashers was noted from mid-Aug through late Nov, with an exceptional count of 15 birds on San Clemente I. 13 Oct (JMcM). Brown Thrashers, declining as a va- grant to the Region, were on Pt.Loma 29 Oct- 10 Nov (PAGi) and at Bishop 3 Nov (KFI). Migrant Bendire’s Thrashers were at Desert Center, Riverside 20 Aug (CMcG) and coastally at Pt. Loma 15-17 Sep (EA). An early Sprague’s Pipit was well described from Santa Barbara I., Santa Barbara 23 Sep (NAL); one near Calipatria 13 Nov+ (GMcC) was in an area where recorded regularly in winter. The only Red-throated Pipits were an imm. in the Tijuana River Valley 30 Sep (TAB) and an ad. there 9-10 Oct (MJB), plus one on San Clemente I. 12 Oct (JMcM). Several early Cedar Waxwings were noted in late Aug, with at least 2 at Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo 12 Aug (JND) possibly having summered locally. Thirty Tennessee Warblers were found in coastal areas 2 Sep-17 Nov, but the only one noted on the deserts was at G.H.P 19 Sep (MJSM). A rather typical count of 18 Vir- ginia’s Warblers on the coastal slope 25 Aug- 12 Oct was augmented by a wintering bird at Long Beach 24 Nov+ (KGL) and desert sight- ings at G.H.P 7 Sep (MSanM) and El Centro 1 Oct (KZK). An exceptional 19 Lucy’s War- blers were found along the coast 26 Aug-6 Nov; another was at Barstow, San Bernardino 18 Sep (HBK). Northern Parulas are usually scarcer in fall than spring; 8 were noted 20 Aug-22 Oct, with another apparently wintering at Morro Bay 17 Nov+ (LA). Eighteen Chestnut-sided Warblers were on the coastal slope 23 Aug-17 Nov, with another wintering at Hunt- ington Beach 6 Nov+ (JEP); the only desert sighting was of one near Bishop 11 Sep (J&DP). Six Magnolia Warblers were along the coast 29 Sep-15 Nov; another was at G.H.P 15 Oct (AEK). Closely matching this pattern were 5 Black-throated Blue Warblers on the coast 23 Sep-2 Nov and one at Mojave 7 Oct (TEa). Cape May Warblers are now only found about once a year in the Region; the fall’s only sighting was of one at El Centro 11 Sep (KZK). An Audubon’s Warbler at Oceano 26 Aug (BKS) was the earliest ever in fall in San Luis Obispo ; Myrtle Warblers generally ar- rive later, and one at Finney L. near Calipatria 27 Sep QLD) was the earliest ever found in the Salton Sink. Black-throated Green War- blers were on Pt. Loma 1 Oct (SES), Desert Center 16 Oct (CMcG), the Palos Verdes Many birders visited this remarkably cooperative young male Prothono- tary Warbler present in a yard on Point Loma, San Diego County, Califor- nia 5-13 (here 10} November 2005. Photograph by Thomas A. Blackman. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 141 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Painted Redstarts were noted in unprecedented numbers along the coast of southern California this fall, with this one photographed on Point Loma, San Diego County 26 October 2005. Photograph by Thomas A. Blackman. Pen., Los Angeles 23 Oct (KGL), and at River- side 5 Nov+ (KS). A Black-throated Gray Warbler 12 Aug and a Townsend’s Warbler 21 Aug, both at El Centro (KZK), were early for the se. deserts. Eleven Blackburnian Warblers were found on the coastal slope 17 Sep- 10 Nov, and one at El Centro 10-18 Oct (KZK) was only the 2nd ever found in the Salton Sink. The fall’s only Yellow-throated Warbler was at Fallbrook, San Diego 20 Sep (MFr). An amazing 4 Grace’s Warblers on Pt. Loma, all remaining to winter, included a returning ad. male 18 Sep+ (GMcC), a returning female 20 Sep+ (EA), a hatch-year female 22 Sep+ (TH), and a different male 1 1 Nov+ (MTH); another Grace’s was at Torrey Pines, San Diego 29 Sep (GBG), and one was at Buckhorn in the San Gabriel Mts., Los Angeles 25 Nov (RC). The only Prairie Warblers were singles on San Clemente 1. 19 Aug (JMcM), Pt. Loma 24 Sep (PAGi), and near Pt. Hueneme 11 Oct (MSanM). Palm Warblers made a modest showing, with 23 along the coast 21 Sep-6 Nov and additional birds in the interior near Lakeview, Riverside 20 Nov (DG) and near Bishop on the amazingly late date of 26 Nov (J&DP). The only Bay-breasted Warbler found was at Pisrno Beach, San Luis Obispo 22 Sep (JMC). Thirty-two Blackpoll Warblers along the coast 14 Sep-21 Oct and 3 on the n. deserts 16 Sep-13 Oct were expected, but one at California City 18 Aug (K&BK) was quite early and one at Goleta 22-23 Nov (WTF) was very late. Thirty-two Black-and-white Warblers were found on the coastal slope 10 Sep+, with sev- eral remaining to winter; 5 were on the deserts 7 Sep-10 Oct. Only 28 American Red- starts were reported 10 Aug+, in addition to the small wintering population at S.E.S.S. Five Prothonotary Warblers were found 16 Sep-13 Nov, but the only Worm-eating War- bler was at Carpinteria 25 Aug (RAH). The only Ovenbird reports were from Malibu 3 Sep (KLG) and San Clemente 1. 5 Oct (JMcM). Nineteen North- ern Waterthrushes were along the coast 16 Aug-2 Oct, with an- other 3 on the deserts 19 Sep-10 Oct. A Mourning Warbler was at Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles 24-25 Oct (DBe, KGL). Hooded Warblers were at Huntington Beach 22-24 Sep (LW) and Santa Monica, Los Angeles 24 Nov+ (LP). The only 2 Canada Warblers were at Goleta 18 Sep (DMC) and near Imperial Beach 30 Sep-1 Oct (TAB). A Red- faced Warbler at El Segundo 22 Aug (J&KD) was the first to be found in fall in Los Angeles , and one at Costa Mesa 14-15 Sep (RAH) was the first ever to be found in heavily birded Orange. An unprecedented incursion of Painted Redstarts began with single migrants at Blythe 7 Sep (RH), Torrance 13 Sep (TD), Camarillo, Ventura 17 Sep (CD), and near Imperial Beach 30 Sep (TAB); later migrants were found at San Diego 4-8 Oct (EA) and 23-26 Oct (NF), at Torrey Pines 25 Oct (CLN), and at Los An- geles 27 Nov OF)- Additional birds at San Diego 7 Oct+ (TRS) and in Los Angeles at San Dimas 22 Oct+ (AL), Los Angeles 27 Oct+ (RB), and Glendora 30 Nov+ remained to winter (with additional birds found in Dec). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES A female Hepatic Tanager photographed and well docu- mented at Zzyzx, San Bernardino 7 Oct (SJM) pro- vided one of the few Regional records of a lowland migrant. Scarlet Tanagers, very rare but annual in the Region, were found on San Clemente I. 9 Nov (SL, CML), at Wilming- ton 12-13 Nov, and on the Pa- los Verdes Pen. 13 Nov (KGL). An unidentified imm. Sporophila seedeater was near Big Pine 9-13 Nov (C&RH); although almost certainly an escapee, its presence in a locality far from the Mexican border and from urban areas is in- triguing. Thirty-two Clay-colored Sparrows were on the coastal slope 1 1 Sep+, with 4 more on the deserts 18 Sep- 14 Oct. An American Tree Sparrow was at FC.R. 19 Nov (C&RH). A few Black-throated Sparrows wandered to coastal areas, as exemplified by 4 on San Clemente I. 2-16 Aug (JMcM). Small numbers of rostratus Savannah Sparrows in coastal estuaries 13 Sep+ were expected, but one at Blythe 13 Nov (RH) was in an area where few have been recorded since the early 1900s. A Le Conte’s Sparrow, casual in California, was at China Ranch near Tecopa, Inyo 1 1 Oct (JEP). A Nel- son’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow at the Santa Maria R. mouth 30 Sep (WTF) was away from areas of regular occurrence. The earliest Swamp Sparrow reported was at Playa del Rey 3 Oct (DBe). A White-throated Sparrow high in the s. Sierra Nevada between Italy Pass and Hon- eymoon 1.., Inyo 1 Sep was far earlier than previous fall records in the Region; one at Crystal Spring, San Bernardino 30 Sep (JEP) was somewhat early. The White-crowned Sparrow x Golden-crowned Sparrow hybrid at Arroyo Grande 8 Nov+ (BKS) was a return- ing wintering bird. The only Harris’s Sparrow report was from EC.R. 26 Oct OFF)- Small numbers of Chestnut-collared and Lapland Longspurs moved through the Region, with the earliest sightings of each being 6 Oct on San Clemente 1. (JMcM). Seventeen Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found on the coastal slope 28 Aug-18 Nov, with 3 more on the deserts 11-27 Sep. Late Indigo Buntings included birds at China Ranch 4 Nov (TEW), Huntington Beach until 12 Nov (BED), and Morro Bay 29 Nov+ (DBo); a very late Lazuli Bunting was at Hunt- ington Beach 6 Nov (JEP). Female-plumaged Painted Buntings were at G.H.P. 20 Aug (AH), on Pt. Loma 12 Oct (PAGi), and near Palo Verde, Riverside 26 Nov (GCH). The only Dickcissels reported were at G.H.P. 1 Oct (JCW), San Clemente I. 18 Oct (JMcM), and EC.R. 26 Oct (JEP). Fewer Bobolinks pass through the Region now than 20 years ago, but a generally good showing 4 Sep-23 Oct this fall included a high count of 14 birds on San Clemente 1. 17 This female Hepatic Tanager, photographed 7 October 2005 at the oasis of Zzyzx on the eastern Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, is one of few of this species to be recorded as a lowland migrant in California. Photograph by Stephen 1. Myers. 142 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Sep (JMcM). A Common Grackle, still only casual in the Region, was at San Luis Obispo 27 Nov+ (JSR). Six Orchard Orioles were found 10 Sep-14 Nov, all on the coastal slope; one on San Clemente I. 18 Aug (JMcM) was early, and at a time when juv. Hooded Orioles pose signifi- cant identification problems. A Baltimore Oriole was at Deep Springs 18 Sep (TEW), and 4 more were in coastal Santa Barbara and San Diego after 21 Oct. Pine Siskins were very scarce in the low- lands this fall, in contrast to the major flight a year ago; the only report from Orange, for example, was one at Mis- sion Viejo 7 Oct (BED). Cited observers (county coor- dinators in boldface): Larry W. Allen, Eitan Altman, Lisa An- dreano, John Ayres, Richard Barth, Dan Bau- man (DBa), David Bell (DBe), Thomas A. Benson, Mark J. Billings, Steve Bjork, Dick Boyd (DBo), Jamie M. Chavez, Mary Claypool, Hal Cohen, Peyton T. Cook, Travis Cooper, David M. Compton ( Santa Barbara ), Ron Cyger, Brian E. Daniels, Jeff N. Davis, Chris Dellith, Don Desjardin, Jennice and Karl Do- broszczyk, Tracy Drake, Jon L. Dunn, Todd Easterla, Tom M. Edell ( San Luis Obispo ), Tor- rey J. Edell, Meryl Faulkner, Jon Feenstra, Nova Fraser, Marj Freda (MFr), Wes T. Fritz, Peter A. Gaede (PAGa), Kimball L. Garrett (Los Angeles), Steve Gaulin (SGa), Peter A. Gins- burg (PAGi), Dave Goodward, Gary B. Grantham, Stan Gray (SGr), James M. Greaves, John F. Green ( Riverside ), Robert A. Hamilton, Gjon C. Hazard, Matthew T. Heindel, Tom & Jo Heindel (Inyo), Roger Hig- son, Gerco Hoogeweg, Chris and Rosie Howard, Andrew Howe, Steve N. G. Howell, Dave Hubbard, Terry Hune- field, Marshall J. Iliff, Karen F Ingram, Oscar Johnson, Paul Jorgensen, Susan A. Kaveggia, Howard B. King, Alexander E. Koonce ( San Bernardino), Howard B. King, Karl Krause, Kenneth Z. Kur- land, Ken and Brenda Kyle (K & BK), Kevin G. Larson, Dave M. Lawrence, Andrew Lee, Vic Leipzig, Nick A. Lethaby, Cecilia M. Leumas, Kelli Levinson, Cheryl Lish, John Luther, Jen- nifer Lyle, Suellen Lynn, Guy McCaskie (Im- perial), Chet McGaugh, Todd McGrath, Robert McKernan, Jimmy McMorran (San Clemente Island) Anthony Mercieca, Bill Moffat, Vic Mu- rayama, Stephen J. Myers, Kristie N. Nelson, Christina L. Nowacki, Dennis Parker (DPa), Jim and Debby Parker (J & DP), Robert T. Pat- ten, David Pereksta (DPe), James E. Pike, Lu- cien Plauzoles, Tim Plunkett, David Povey (DPo), Hugh P Ranson, Gage Ricard, Jim S. Royer, Matt Sadowski, Mike San Miguel, Michael J. San Miguel, Brad K. Schram, Steve C. Shubert, Mike Skram (MSk), Susan E. Smith, Maggie L. Smith, Trent R. Stanley, Thomas Staudt, Bob Steele (BoS), Susan Steele, Becky Stewart (BeS), Kirk Stitt, Ryan Terrill, Scott B. Terrill, Walter Wehtje (Ventura), Dou- glas R. Willick (Orange), Mary Williams, John C. Wilson (Kern), Vicki and Gerry Wolfe, Lloyd Wright, Thomas E. Wurster. An addi- tional 50+ observers who could not be individ- ually acknowledged submitted reports this season; all have our thanks. © Guy McCaskie, 954 Grove Avenue, Imperial Beach, California 91932, (guymcc@pacbell.net); Kimball L. Garrett, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boule- vard, Los Angeles, California 90007, (kgarrett@nhm.org) This basic-plumaged Bobolink (5 Sep- tember 2005) was one of at least 20 to reach San Clemente Island this fall. Numbers of Bobolink reaching Califor- nia have declined greatly since the 1970s, but the species is still reported regularly in September and October. Photograph by Jimmy McMorran. Baja California Peninsula j Ensenada Richard A. Erickson Robert A. Hamilton Roberto Carmona Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos Coverage was lighter than in recent years, at least in Baja California. As a result, there was only one Regional first (a hurricane-driven Juan Fernandez Pe- trel), plus two state firsts, Mourning Warbler in the north and Townsend’s Solitaire in the south. Other highlights included Fulvous Whistling-Duck, lingering Cory’s Shearwater (see summer report), Manx Shearwater, Mis- sissippi Kites, Ruff, a wayward Belding’s Yel- lowthroat, and a suggestion of first nesting of Great-tailed Grackles in Baja California Sur. At the start of our sixth year of reporting from Mexico’s far west, we thank Eduardo Palacios for five years of service and wish him well in his work on behalf of the Region’s birdlife. We welcome Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos of Ensenada as his replacement and look for- ward to his contributions. WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS The now-regular Black-bellied Whistling- Duck (one at Lagunas de Chametla 4 Oct; SGM, CW, RS) was overshadowed this season by a Fulvous Whistling-Duck at Estero San Jose del Cabo 1 Oct (ph. SGM, CW, RS) and perhaps the same bird at Lagunas de Chametla 1-2 Dec (LS, ph. RC, VA). Al- though undoubtedly regular formerly in the Colorado Desert, there are only four known reports from Baja California, none more re- cent than 1958 (S. R. Wilbur, 1987, Birds of Baja California, University of California Press), and just two Baja California Sur spec- imens from Todos Santos in 1928 (Mono- graphs in Field Ornithology 3: 119). Mallards are generally uncommon in ne. Baja Califor- nia but are common in the northwest s. to El Rosario, e.g., 80 were there 20 Oct (MS, LN), and 400 were at Tijuana’s Parque de la Amis- tad 2 Aug (MJB). None have been reported s. of there since 2000 (N.A.B. 55: 106). In con- trast, Blue-winged Teal become more com- mon to the s., but 225 at Estero San Jose del VOLUME 60 (2006) . NUMBER 1 143 BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA r ft Hurricanes are regular phenomena in the s. portion of our Region, and in the years to come we expect an increasingly 3 n sophisticated response to the attendant birding opportunities. Hurricane Otis reached southernmost Regional waters 1 0ct and was expected to cross the peninsula in the following days. Efforts to meet the hurricane near its predicted mid-peninsula landfall failed when the storm drifted westward and dissipated in the Pacific. But lucky observers on the East Cape managed to connect with what was presumably a storm-driven Juan Fer- nandez Petrel (Pterodroma externa) flying southward past La Ribera 4 Oct (tSGM, +RS, tCW). This cen. Pacific wanderer had been recorded off s. Mexico but never before in our waters ( Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 189). Shortly thereafter, at nearby Buena Vista, the same observers saw what may have been another Pterodroma petrel, but it was too distant to iden- tify. Also possibly related to the hurricane were the Common and Least Terns, at La Paz 4-5 Oct, mentioned below. Cabo 1 Oct (SGM, CW, RS) appears to be a record Regional count. There are few inland records of loons ex- cept at Cerro Prieto geothermal ponds, so a Common Loon at Presa Rodriguez 11 Nov (MJB et al.) was noteworthy. Cook’s Petrels are apparently regular in the Region’s deep Pa- cific waters, but we receive few reports. This season, they were closer to shore, with one ca. 138 km s. of San Diego 2 Sep (tHBK) and 13 seen on a trip from San Diego to 48 km s. of Ensenada 8 Sep (ELK, JM). The tubenose highlight in Baja California was a Manx Shearwater ca. 138 km s. of San Diego 2 Sep (THBK); another sight record from Feb 2003 is the only previous Mexican report (Western Birds 35: 211-214). Maximum counts of cer- tain other waterbirds included 486 Pink- footed Shearwaters off Ensenada 12 Sep (Mjl); 350 Sooty Shearwaters ca. 160 km s. of San Diego 2 Sep (HBK); 325 Black-vented Shearwaters, 1750 Least Storm-Petrels, 6200 Blue-footed Boobies, and 200 Brown Boobies in the Gulf of California off Bahia de Los An- geles 27 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM); and 330 Amer- ican White Pelicans at Mexicali 22 Sep (MJI). Waders at unexpected places included imm. Little Blue Herons at San Ignacio 28 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM) and El Rosario 9 Oct (RAE, RAH, SNGH); 4 Cattle Egrets at sea ca. 200 km nw. of Cabo San Lucas 31 Oct (RK); 2 imm. White Ibis at San Ignacio 28 Sep (BLS, JMM); and mid-peninsula White-faced Ibis at Catavina 8 This Fulvous Whistling-Duck was at Estero San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur on 1 October 2005 — the first to be found in the Region in nearly 50 years. Photograph by Steven G. Mlodinow. Oct (RAE, RAH, SNGH), Estero San Rafael 31 Aug (2; RC, JAC), Guerrero Negro/saltworks (up to 20, 3-20 Oct; AG-A et al.), and Ejido Lagunero 28 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM). We receive few reports of White-tailed Kites in the Cape District; individuals were at Mirallores 2 Oct and Rancho Guamuchilar 3 Oct (TCW, ph. TSGM, RS). More impressive were up to 8 Mis- sissippi Kites at Miraflores 1-9 Oct (TSGM, vt. CW, RS). One photographed at Todos San- tos 10 Jan 1988 established the only other Re- gional record (Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 121). Catavina/Santa Ines provided refuge for rare migrant raptors: 2 Red-shouldered Hawks 8 Oct (SNGH, RAE, RAH) and Broad- winged Hawks 27 Sep (3 ads.; BLS, JMM, MJI), 5 Oct (ad.; SNGH), and 8 Oct (imm.; SNGH). Two Swainson’s Hawks at Ejido La- gunero 28 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM) and Zone- tailed Hawks at Arroyo Santo Dominguito 5 Oct (SNGH, RAH) and Caduano 1 Oct (SGM, CW, RS) were the only ones reported. Excep- tionally early was a Merlin at Mexicali 29 Aug (MJB, MS). SH0REBIRDS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Rare plovers were represented by a juv. Pacific Golden-Plover at Estero Punta Banda 8 Oct and 25 Mountains at Mesa San Jacinto 9 Oct (SG, LLN). Counts of 65 and 62 American Oystercatchers at Laguna Guerrero Negro 4 Oct (RAE) and Chametla 5 Oct (SGM, CW, RS), respectively, were higher than any others we have received. In contrast to last year, when Baja California outscored Baja Califor- nia Sur (8:1), 12 Solitary Sandpipers were in the Cape District 30 Sep-7 Oct (SGM, CW, RS) and one was in Baja California, at Estero Punta Banda 5 Sep (MJI). A juv. Ruddy Turn- stone at Cerro Prieto geothermal ponds 22 Sep (ph. MJI) established the first fall record at that interior site. Rare Calidris were gener- ally poorly represented, with a juv. Semi- palmated at Lagunas de Chametla 5 Oct (TSGM, TCW, RS); Baird’s at the Colonia Zaragosa sewage ponds (8 juvs. 29 Aug, one 22 Sep; MJI et al), Estero Punta Banda (juv. 5 Sep; PAG), and Predio El Refugio, s. of Todos Santos (ad. and juv. 6 Oct; SGM, CW, RS); and juv. Pectorals on the Maneadero Plain (24-26 Sep; ph. MJB et al.) and Guerrero Negro (up to 3, 3-11 Oct; RAE et al.). The exception was Pectoral Sandpipers in the Cape District, where 27 were found 30 Sep-7 Oct (ph. SGM, CW, RS). An ad. Dunlin at Estero Punta Banda 3 Sep (MJI, PAG, RAH) was record early for the Region. The shorebird highlight was a juv. male Ruff at Guerrero Negro 3 Oct-11 Nov (TRAE, AG-A et al.), the state’s 2nd and Region’s 4th (or 5th, Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 124). Sixty Wilson’s Phalaropes at El Centenario Tank 6 Aug (RC, AG-A) apparently represents a high count for the Cape District. Among the birds seen on an especially pro- ductive trip 27 Sep to Canal de Ballenas, off Bahia de Los Angeles, were a South Polar Skua and a juv. Long-tailed Jaeger (MJI, ph. BLS, JMM). Additional Long-tailed Jaegers were off Ensenada 12 Sep (MJI) and w. of Is. Los Coro- nados 5 Oct (PPy). An ad. Yellow-footed Gull at the Guerrero Negro saltworks 4 Oct (RAE, AG-A) may have been one of 2 there in May. Western Gulls on the Gulf of California were at Lagunas de Chametla 6 Aug (VA, AG-A) and Bahia de Los Angeles 27 Sep (MJI, ph. BLS, JMM). Iliff generated all the Sabine’s Gull highlights: only one of 205 off Ensenada 12 Sep was imm., but both birds in the ne. 22 Sep were imms., at Mexicali (ph., T) and Cerro Prieto geothermal ponds (ph.). A Gull-billed Tern was misplaced at Estero Punta Banda 8 Oct (SG, LLN). An estimated 10,000+ Elegant Terns passed Rosarito 9-10 Sep (RM). Thir- teen Common Terns were at Cerro Prieto ge- othermal ponds 22 Sep (ph. MJI); at Estero Punta Banda, 750 were seen 3 Sep (MJI, PAG, RAH) and 200 on 8 Oct (SG, LLN); and in Baja California Sur, one was at Guerrero Negro 28 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM) and 3 at La Paz 4 Oct (SGM, CW, RS). Two imm. Arctic Terns w. of if A The largest saltworks in the world are located s. of Guerrero Negro on the e. fringes of Laguna Ojo de Liebre (the Scam- 3#1 mon's Lagoon famous for its calving Gray Whales). The vast array of evaporation ponds serves as habitat for great numbers of waterbirds. Monthly surveys of the ponds are now being conducted by a team lead by Roberto Carmona. Some of this year's survey results include 300 American White Pelicans and 800 Double-crested Cormorants 4 Oct (AG-A, RAE); 2907 Red Knots 20 Qct (RC, VA); 30,000 Red-necked Phalaropes 28 Jul (AC, NA), with 12,000 still present 4 Oct (AG-A, RAE); and 1216 Black Terns 27 Aug (NA, AG-A), with 650 still present 4 Oct (RAE, AG-A). We look forward to future revelations. 144 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA This juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger posed on calm seas off Bahia de Los Ange- les, Baja California 27 September 2005. Photograph by Brian L. Sullivan. Oct (RAE), Dusky Flycatcher at El Rosario 29 Sep (BLS, MJI, JMM), and Eastern Phoebe at Bahia de Los Angeles 4 Nov (MF, GF). Six Trop- ical Kingbirds were found in Baja California Sur 6 Aug-7 Oct and 5 or 6 in Baja California 26 Sep-19 Oct. In Baja California Sur, 6 West- ern Kingbirds were in the Cape District 1-7 Oct (SGM, CW, RS), one was at Ejido Lagunero 28 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM), and 2 were at Bahia Asuncion 6 Oct (SNGH). Is. Los Coronados 5 Oct (PPy) were the only ones reported. Late Least Terns were at the Guerrero Negro saltworks 4 Oct (3; RAE, AG- A) and La Paz 5 Oct (24; SGM, CW, RS). Atyp- ically high numbers of Black Terns were reported, with as many as 100 in the Mexi- cali/Cerro Prieto geothermal ponds area 29 Aug-22 Sep (MJI et al.), 2 off Rosarito 10 Sep (RM), 2 at Estero Punta Banda 3 Sep (RAH, PAG, MJI), 180 off Bahia de Los Angeles 27 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM), and 35 at El Centenario 29 Sep (NA, VA); also see S.A. Ruddy Ground-Doves n. of the Cape Dis- trict were at Guerrero Negro (female 3 Oct; ph. RAE), Bahia Asuncion (male and female 6 Oct; RAE, RAH, SNGH), and Bahia de Los Angeles (male 30 Oct-7 Dec; MF, GF). Only 2 Vaux’s Swifts were reported, at Catavina 27 & 29 Sep (MJI, BLS, JMM). Last winter’s male Ruby-throated Hummingbird may have re- turned to San Jose del Cabo, as an ad. was at the same location 30 Sep (tSGM). Southerly Black-chinned Hummingbirds were at Cata- vina 27 Sep (ph. BLS, JMM, MJI), San Jose del Cabo 30 Sep (SGM, CW, RS), and Guerrero Negro 5 Oct (RAE). We receive few Willow Flycatcher reports from Baja California Sur, so Baja California Sur's fourth Yellow-throated Warbler was found at Miraflores 1 October 2005. Photograph by Charlie Wright. birds at Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio 28 Sep (BLS, MJI, JMM) were noteworthy. More unusual migrant flycatchers were a Least Fly- catcher at Santa Teresita 28 Sep (MJI, ph. BLS, JMM), Hammond’s Flycatcher at El Rosario 9 VIRE0S THROUGH BLACKBIRDS Bell’s Vireos at Rancho San Miguel 6 Oct (SNGH, RAE, RAH) and at Bahia Tortugas 7 Oct (RAE, RAH) probably were still moving through the Vizcaino Peninsula rather than wintering. Single Red-eyed Vireos were at El Rosario 9 Oct (SNGH, RAH, RAE) and 25 Oct (TMS, LN), and a Yellow-green was at Santa Teresita 7 Oct (RAH, RAE, SNGH). Baja Cali- fornia Sur’s first Townsend’s Solitaire was near Gavilan 7 Oct (SNGH, ph. RAE, ph. RAH), and other lowland birds were at El Rosario 29 Sep (MJI), Santa Ines 10 Oct (SG, LLN), and Rancho El Descanso 21 Oct (ph. MS, LN). Single Red-throated Pipits were found just s. of the state line at Guerrero Ne- gro 5 Oct (RAE) and just n. of it at Villa Jesus Maria 11 Oct (SG). The pageant of warblers was even richer than usual this season. Among them was the 5th Cape May for Baja California Sur, an imm. female at Bahia Asuncion 6 Oct (RAE, ph. RAH, SNGH); the 4th Yellow-throated for Baja California Sur (all D. d. albilora ) at Mi- raflores 1 Oct (ph. CW, tSGM, RS); the 5th Bay-breasted for Baja California and the peninsula, an imm. female at El Rosario 5 Oct (ph. tRAH, RAE, SNGH); the 3rd Townsend’s Warbler x Hermit War- bler hybrid for Baja California and the peninsula at El Rosario 9 Oct (SNGH, RAE); 3 Prothonotary Warblers in Baja California, including the first for the ne., at the Mexicali Zoo 22 Sep (tMJI); 2 Mourning Warblers, in- cluding the first acceptable one for Baja California, an imm. at El Sauzal 24 Sep (tRAE, ph. MJB), and the 3rd for Baja California Sur at Bahia Asun- cion 6 Oct (SNGH, RAH, RAE); a va- grant imm. male Belding’s Yellowthroat — the first of its kind to be found far away from any marshy habitat — at Bahia Tortugas 6-7 Oct (ph. tRAH, RAE, SNGH); the 7th Canada Warbler for Baja Cal- ifornia at Catavina 5-8 Oct (SNGH, ph. RAH, RAE); and the 4th and 5th Painted Redstarts for Baja California at the lower Rio Santo Tomas 24 Sep (ph. MJB, RAE) and La Bu- fadora 27 Oct (LN, tMS). Among the more regular vagrant warblers, the following made particularly good showings (numbers given for Baja California, then Baja California Sur): Tennessee (7, 6), Lucy’s (6, 3), Blackburnian (2, 2), Blackpol! (7, 4), and Ovenbird (2, 3). In line with analysts’ expectations were Northern Parula (1, 1) and Black- throated Green (1, 1); disappointing were Virginia’s (0, 1), Chestnut-sided (1, 1), Magnolia (1, 0), Black-throated Blue (1, 0), Northern Wa- terthrush (few migrants), and there was nary a Palm nor a Prairie. A female Hepatic Tanager at Real del Mar 23 Oct (tMJB, RAE) was the 3rd fall vagrant to be found in Baja California. Only 3 Summer Tan- agers were found, all in Baja California Sur. An ad. White-crowned Sparrow on the Maneadero Townsend's Solitaires were unusually numerous in the low- lands of the Baja California Peninsula this fall, including Baja California Sur's first, near Gavilan on 7 October 2005 (here). Photograph by Robert A. Hamilton. Plain 4 Sep (MJB) and a Lapland Longspur at Cantamar 26 Sep (tMJI, BLS, JMM) were early; there were no other longspur reports. Mision de San Borja lies nestled in a picturesque agri- cultural valley in s. central Baja California, where on 8 Oct the following birds of interest were found (RAE, RAH, SNGH): 11 Black- chinned Sparrows, a Grasshopper Sparrow, and at least one Northern Cardinal. Observations of cardinals here and at Estero San Rafael begin- ning in Feb 2005 (RC et al.) established a new n. limit for the Cape District population. Rose- breasted Grosbeaks were unusually plentiful this season, with 4 in Baja California Sur and 6 in Baja California, plus 2 female apparent Rose- breasted Grosbeak x Black-headed Grosbeak hybrids, at Santa Ines/Catavina 5 Oct (SNGH, RAH) and the mouth of the Rio Santo Tomas 10 Oct (SNGH, RAE, RAH). The first nine days of Oct brought records of 6 Indigo Buntings from the peninsula, evenly split between the states, and the season’s only Dickcissel, at VOLUME 60 (2006) NUMBER 1 145 BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA This blackbird at Santa Ines, Baja California (here 5 October 2005) associated with Brown-headed Cowbirds and a fe- male Brewer's Blackbird. Although its overall size was not strikingly larger than expected of a male Brewer's Black- bird, its flattened head and hefty bill suggest a possible Brewer's Blackbird x Great-tailed Grackle hybrid. Photograph by Robert A. Hamilton. Bahia Tortugas 6 Oct (RAH, RAE, SNGH). Since 20 Nov 1968, when David DeSante collected one at Cabo San Lucas, no Bobolinks had been found in Baja California Sur s. of the Vizcaino Desert until 1-3 Oct, when up to 3 were at Estero San Jose del Cabo (SGM, CW, RS). Bobolinks were also found at one site in n. Baja California Sur and three sites in Baja California, including a healthy count of 20 at El Rosario 9 Oct (RAE, RAH, SNGH). A male blackbird that associated with a female Brewers Blackbird at Santa Ines/Catavina 5-8 Oct possessed a flattened head and grackle-like bill, features suggesting a possible Brewer’s Blackbird x Great-tailed Grackle hybrid (SNGH, ph. RAH). The first Great-tailed Grackles in Baja California Sur were found at Guerrero Negro in 1995, and while nesting has not yet been confirmed in the state, a late Jul count of 400 that included begging juvs. (AG-A) suggests that coloniza- tion of this s. outpost is probably now com- plete. A female Bronzed Cowbird at Chametla 7 Oct (SGM, CW, RS) may have been the same bird seen in this area 25 Jan. Single Orchard Orioles were at Todos San- tos 6 Oct (SGM, CW, RS) and Bahia Asuncion 6 Oct (RAH), and 2 females were at Bahia Tor- tugas 7 Oct (RAE). The only Baja California Sur Bullock’s Oriole was at Bahia Tortugas 7 Oct, whereas Baltimore Orioles were at Punta Banda 10 Oct, Bahia Asuncion 6 Oct, and Rancho Santa Monica 7 Oct (all RAH, RAE, SNGH). NON-NATIVE SPECIES High counts of Eurasian Collared-Doves in- cluded (from north to south): 100 on the Maneadero Plain 11 Nov (RAE), 40 at El Rosario 21 Oct (MS, LN), 38 at Guerrero Ne- gro 13 Nov (AG-A), 15 at Bahia Tortugas 7 Oct (RAE, RAH, SNGH), and 20 at Bahia Asuncion 6 Oct (RAE, RAH, SNGH). Contributors: Nallely Arce, Victor Ayala, Mark J. Billings, Georgina Brabata, Barbara L. Carlson, Michael D. Carmody, Roberto Car- mona, Harry R. Carter, Jose Alfredo Castillo, Andrea Cuellar, Richard A. Erickson, George Flicker, Mary Flicker, Peter A. Gaede, Steve Ganley, Salvador Gonzalez-Guzman, Antonio Gutierrez- Aguilar, Robert A. Hamilton, Steve N. G. Howell, Marshall J. lliff, Eric L. Kersh- ner, Howard B. King, Rudolf Koes, Pablo Lobera, John Martin, Michelle A. Matson, Jimmy M. McMorran, Robert McMorran, Steven G. Mlodinow, Thomas J. Myers, Chris- tian Neumann, Larry L. Norris, Lea Norton, Drew Pallette, Pam Pallette, Peter Pyle, Gor- gonio Ruiz-Campos, Matt Sadowski, Luis Sauma, Ryan Shaw, Brian L. Sullivan, Charlie Wright. O Richard A. Erickson, LSA Associates, 20 Executive Park, Suite 200, Irvine, California 92614, (richard.erickson@lsa-assoc. com); Robert A. Hamilton, 34 Rivo Alto Canal, Long Beach, California 90803, (robb@rahamilton.com); Roberto Car- mona, Departamento de Biologi'a Marina, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, Apartado Postal 19-B, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, (beauty@uabcs.mx); Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Apartado Postal 1653, Ensenada, Baja Cali- fornia, 22800, Mexico, U. S. mailing address: PMB 064, P.0. Box 189003, Coronado, CA 92178-9003, (gruiz@uabc.mx) Mexico Hector Gomez de Silva recorded 11, 18, & 25 Sep and 23 & 30 Oct (WB, AVJ, RLL, EC, FVP). A pair of Mon- NORTHERN MEXICO tezuma Quail with at least 3 chicks was at WATERFOWL THROUGH OWLS Wood Ducks were seen by the dozens in Canon de Fernandez S.P., Rio Nazas, Dgo., reaffirming that this local population contin- ues to reproduce well. Groups of 10-35 were Cuarenta Casas, Chih. 2 Aug (EB, MDC, ph. JC). An ad. Least Grebe was seen in Canon de Fernandez S.P 10 Oct, a new species for the area (WB, RLL, FVP). A juv. Little Blue Heron and a Tricolored Heron, scarce inland, accompanied a Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret at a pond 72 km e. of Monterrey, N.L. 14 Aug (MDC). Four Hook-billed Kites were seen just s. of El Ciru- elo, Nay. along the Rio Grande de Santiago 4 Nov (JM, AM). A Great Black-Hawk was near Arroyo de Mentidero/Cuchujaqui, Son. 4 Nov (RW). Gray Hawks seem to be established at Canon de Fernandez S.P., as suggested by ads. seen there 18 Sep and 9 Oct and a juv. 25 Sep (WB, AVJ, RLL, FVP). A kettle of ca. 150 Swainson’s Hawks was at a roaside pullout near Cerro el Elefante, Sin. 28 Oct (MSM et al). Some 1300 Swainson’s were noted mi- grating through the mts. s. of El Ciruelo 3 Nov (JM, AM). A Golden Eagle, scarce this far s., was seen along a trail at km 207.5 of the Durango Hwy. in Sep (MR, SC). A Bat Falcon was seen just n. of Punta Mita, Nay. in Sep (MR, SC). Slightly outside of mapped ranges were a Collared Forest-Falcon 3 Nov and a Prairie Falcon (mobbed by a pair of Peregrine Falcons) 4 Nov near El Ciruelo (JM, AM). A remarkable concentration of 385 Aineri- 146 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS MEXICO can Oystercatchers was on the shore near El Golfo de Santa Clara during a very high tide 18 Sep (KG). Four American Avocets were seen with Black-necked Stilts in Las Etnias, an urban park in Torreon, Coah. (RLL, FVP). At least 8 Stilt Sandpipers were at Yavaros, Son. 6 Nov (RW). A group of 7 Elegant Terns at Yavaros 6 Nov were somewhat late (RW). At least 5 Eurasian Collared-Doves were in agricultural areas near Yavaros 6 Nov (RW). About 10-15 Mexican Parrotlets were near Alamos, Son. in early Nov, and two flocks to- taling 200+ were above El Chalaton park, Son. 7 Nov (RW). Several Western Screech- Owls were heard 10 km n. of Madera, Chih. 2 Aug (MDC). Eastern Screech-Owls were heard 6 & 8 Aug 17 km w. of Linares, N.L. (MDC). A Vermiculated Screech-Owl was heard near Gomez Farias, Tamps. 8 Aug (MDC). Two calling Northern Saw-whet Owls were heard 15 km n. of Madera, Chih. 2 Aug (MDC). HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES Lucifer’s Hummingbirds seemed especially numerous in the deserts of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon in Aug, with 10+ (mostly ad. males) feeding at tree tobacco at Presa el Tulil- lo, Coah. 4 Aug, 20+ at flowering shrubs near Tanque de Emergencia, Coah. 5 Aug, 10+ at agaves in the lower slopes of Hwy. 31, N.L. 6 Aug, and 5+ at flowering shrubs near Los Lirios, Coah. 7 Aug (MDC). A Lucifer Hum- mingbird s. of El Ciruelo 3 Nov was below normal elevation at about 400 m, as were sev- eral Broad-tailed Hummingbirds s. of El Ciruelo at ca. 800 m 2 Nov (JM, AM). Anna’s Hummingbirds were recorded Aug-Nov in Bosque Venustiano Carranza, a city park in Torreon, Coah. where it continues to be the most common hummingbird (WB, AVJ, RLL, EC, FVP). Over 30 Costa’s Hummingbirds were feeding on roadside flowers n. of Rosa Blanca 3-4 Nov; this species has been thought rare in Nay. (JM, AM). Eared Quetzals were well reported in the state of Durango near and along the Durango Hwy. this season: a pair was at the edge of pine forest 2 km s. of El Salto; another pair was about 0.5 km s. of the cabins at Mexiquillo 31 Oct; and a pair and a juv. were at km 161.7 on the Durango Hwy. 31 Oct (MSM et al.). In early Nov, a rumor circulated via the Internet of a female Imperi- al Woodpecker near Divisadero; it would be wonderful, of course, if it turned out that the species were not extinct, but we have as yet received no clear documentation to suggest that the sight record is correct. The habitat in the vicinity of the sight record is not what one would expect to be appropriate for the species, based on the literature. Subsequent searches for this bird have not proved fruitful. Just received was a record of a Streaked Flycatcher photographed in Parque La Es- tanzuela, Monterrey, N.L. 22Jun 2004 (AH). A Thick-billed Kingbird was seen by many at Sombreretillo dam, Sierra de Picachos, N.L. 29 Oct (AGS, ph. IG, m.ob.). A Greenish Elaenia was on the La Petaca road off the Du- rango Hwy. in Sinaloa in Sep (ph. MR, SC). A Yellow-green Vireo was seen on Hwy 31 ca. 25 km w. of Linares 5 Aug (MDC). A male Phainopepla seen 4 Nov s. of El Ciruelo was slightly outside of normal range (JM, AM). Three Green Jays were found in Canon de Fernandez S.R 11 Sep, 15 were counted there 18 Sep (WB, AVJ, RLL, FVP), with 10+ on 2 Oct (WB, EC); brief sightings of possible Green Jays in the area extend back to 2003 (WB, FVP). A Virginia’s Warbler was well studied at El Doctor, Son. 19 Sep (KG). A Prothonotary Warbler was in mangroves just n. of Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 22 Sep (MR, SC). A Yellow- throated Warbler was just e. of the Alamos cemetery 5 Nov. A male Red-legged Honey- creeper was at the n. limit of its range 45 km w. of El Naranjo in San Luis Potosi 8 Aug (MDC). Following the numerous records of Western Tanager in nw. Mexico in late Jul (see the Nesting Season report), Aug records from ne. Mexico are of single females or imms. at Tanque de Emergencia 5 Aug and Parrot Cliffs, N.L. 7 Aug (MDC). Several flocks of Stripe-headed Sparrows n. of Rosa Blanca, Nay. above 1800 m were at unusually high elevations 5 Nov (JM, AM). A flock of 75-100 Striped Sparrows were at the meadow 2 km s. of El Salto, Dgo. 29 Oct, and 2 Baird’s Sparrows were in fields with bunch- grass at Ejido Ojo de Agua-El Cazador, Dgo. 30 Oct (MSM et al.). If confirmed, the latter would represent a range extension and a new biome for Baird’s Sparrow. Also at Ejido Ojo de Agua-El Cazador were 3 Grasshopper Sparrows 31 Oct and a single Sierra Madre Sparrows 30-31 Oct (MSM et al.); this popu- lation of Sierra Madre Sparrows was found by Adan Oliveras de Ita and Octavio Rojas-Soto in 2004 and constitutes a rediscovery (after more than 50 years) of this enigmatic sparrow away from the Valley of Mexico near Mexico City. The residents of this area are glad to show visiting birders the sparrow; a small guide/entrance fee helps ensure its habitat is preserved. Anyone interested should contact Don Julio Castro in person at the ejido (col- lective cooperative that manages and oversees this area). A Vesper Sparrow was on the Panu- co road, Sin. 1 Nov (MSM et al.). A pair of Pyrrhuloxias seen 2 Nov near El Ciruelo was outside of normal range. A female Baltimore Oriole was seen in El Golfo de Santa Clara, Son. 18 Sep (KG). Contributors (area compilers in boldface): Ebbe Banstorp, William Beatty, Ernesto Cabrera, Michael D. Carmody, Javier Cruz, Sheridan Coffey, Adrian Ganem Sada, Kimball Garrett, Ignacio Granados, Antonio Hidalgo, Refugio Loya Loya, Amy McAndrews, Jorge Montejo, Martin Reid, Mike San Miguel and party (including Dave Pereksta, Mike Bum- gardner, Loren ). Eight new migrant species were registered for San Andres Island, which are mentioned below; the effect of high winds and surges on coastal mangrove habi- tats has yet to be determined. WATERFOWL THROUGH TERNS A rare West Indian Whistling-Duck was ob- served 10 Nov near Island School, Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas (DE). A Gadwall banded at San Andres in the period 20 Oct-2 Nov fur- nished a first record for that location (BH). Two Eurasian Wigeons arrived at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 20 Oct (DBW). Heavy rains in Great Exuma in Oct filled the ponds, and large num- bers of American Wigeons and Ruddy Ducks showed up in Nov (J&BM). Three American Wigeons were first seen at Maillis Ponds, Ade- laide, New Providence 29 Oct, and a female Northern Shoveler was there the next day (PM). A basic-plumaged Garganey, Bermuda’s 2nd, was at Spittal Pond 10 Oct-12 Nov (PW, m.ob., ph.). The first returning Bermuda Pe- trels were noted 19 Oct (JM). In 13.5 hrs of seawatching in Nov at Guadeloupe, Levesque recorded a single Black-capped Petrel and 6 Cory’s Shearwaters. A Cory’s with no obvious injury was found on a roadside on Grand Ba- hama 21 Nov (EG). A Leach’s Storm-Petrel was seen off Bermuda 28 Oct (PW). On 9 Nov, an injured imm. Northern Gan- net was found at Our Lucaya Beach, Grand Bahama (EG). An imm. Masked Booby died in captivity at Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo 4 Aug (JG); another was photographed off West Whale Bay, Bermuda in early Sep (fide AD). A Magnificent Frigatebird was over Castle Harbour, Bermuda 4 Sep (KD, AD, JM), where an unprecedented influx of at least 70 followed Hurricane Wilma (there had only been sightings of single birds previous- ly!) 4 Nov and later, with singles seen as late as 12 Nov. Magnificent Frigatebirds were present at New Providence, Bahamas in un- usual numbers, with 3 at Clifton 28 Oct (MD), 5 flying over Montagu Foreshore and Potter’s Cay 5 & 6 Nov (NMc, CW), and mul- tiple singles over the island in late Oct and early Nov. Over 30 distant, unidentified cor- 156 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS WEST INDIES & BERMUDA | morants on West Caicos 23 Sep were un- precedented for the Turks & Caicos Is. (SW), whatever their species. Neotropic Cor- morants were noted nesting in Nov at Blue Pond, Great Exuma (J&BM). Anhingas are rare in the Bahamas, so up to 4 on New Prov- idence this season was noteworthy. First re- ported at Harrold & Wilson Ponds N.R 21 Sep (PD, ph. LL, LH, KHL), Anhingas were also noted through the season at the Ocean Club G.C. and Lakeview Ponds on Paradise I. (m.ob.), Cable Beach (PD, LL), and Adelaide (PM, m.ob.). An Anhinga remained at Graeme Hall Swamp, Barbados through at least 9 Nov (SM, MF). An American Bittern, a scarce migrant and wintering species in the Bahamas, was seen 18 Oct at Guana Cay, Abaco (RP). A Least Bit- tern was noted at Foster’s Swamp, Barbados 27 Nov (EM, MF). Wilma was responsible for 28 Great Blue Herons at Frank’s Bay, Bermuda 26 Oct (DW). Bermuda’s first Gray Heron was found moribund at Kindley Field 7 Oct (DW). Thirty Cattle Egrets were at Bermuda Airport 24 Nov (PW). A Roseate Spoonbill was seen in the Marls, Abaco 24 Sep (EB, BB). About 24 Greater Flamingos were noted on West Caicos 23 Sep (SW). The long-staying Bermuda Red-tailed Hawk was seen over the Hamilton Harbour Is. 17 Aug (DBW). What was almost certainly a Black Rail was flushed from the edge of North Pond, Bermu- da 24 Nov; there have been only a few similar brief sightings of this species here since it was first recorded by Hurdis in Bermuda in 1851! Watson commented: “Seen at a distance of about 15-20 feet as it flew from the se. corner of the pond onto one of the small islands on se. comer; a very small, all- black bird about the size of a very dumpy sparrow, white spots on lower back seen, and large trail- ing feet noted in flight.” Fifty Semipalmated Plovers were at various locations around Bermu- da 17 Sep (AD); 3-4 Pip- ing Plovers were on Bermuda, with one seen late at Spanish Pt. 31 Oct+ (PW). Piping numbers at Green Turtle Cay, Abaco rose from 5 on 16 Aug to 18 on 18 Nov (EB, BB); else- where in the Bahamas, 5 were at Joe Cay, Ex- umas 7-8 Sep (RP), one on the beach one km e. of the Lucayan Water- way, Grand Bahama 31 Aug (BP), and 2 at Lucaya Beach, Grand Bahama 31 Aug (EG). An American Avocet, possibly the one that spent last winter there, showed up at Harrold & Wilson Ponds N.R 19 Nov (PD, LL, KHL, LH). A late Willet was at Hungry Bay, Bermuda 20 Nov (GH). On 7 Sep, 5 Upland Sand- pipers were at Pointe a Pitre airport, Guadeloupe (AL); one was at Tuckers Town G.C., Bermuda 11 Sep (JM). A Whimbrel was seen flying over Compass Cay, Exumas 8 Sep (RP). On 11 Sep, a European Whimbrel (nominate subspecies of Whimbrel) was noted at Ste. Anne, Guadeloupe (AL), providing about the 4th record for the Antilles. A Hudsonian God- wit frequented Pitman’s Pond, Bermuda 7 Sep into Oct (AD). A Ruddy Turnstone color- banded at Delaware Bay returned 23 Aug to Guadeloupe (AL) to spend its 5th winter on the Petite Terre Nature Reserve. The Braceys had a high count of 36 Red Knots 27 Sep at Green Turtle Cay, Abaco. A record 35 White- ramped Sandpipers were at various locations, Bermuda 18 Sep (AD). A Baird’s Sandpiper was on Port Royal G.C., Bermuda 19-20 Sep (AD). A Dun- lin was at Daniel’s Head, Bermuda 20 Sep (DW). On 9 Sep, Levesque recorded a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Pointe a Pitre airport, Guade- loupe, and a Ruff was there 29-30 Sep. A Long- billed Dowitcher at Spring Hall, St. Lucy 7 Nov (EM, MF) was good find, as was a Wilson’s Phalarope at Golden Grove, also Barbados, 9 Nov (MF). Hurricane Wilma pro- duced a record 30 Laugh- ing Gulls at various loca- tions around Bermuda 4 Nov+ (AD), and a record 5 Franklin’s Gulls were among the Laughings at Ferry Pt., Bermuda 4 Nov (PW). On 9 Nov, 2 Franklin’s Gulls provided a first record for Barbados (SM, MF), also almost certainly as- sociated with the passage of Hurricane Wilma. A first-year Black-headed Gull was present 13 Nov+ at Bermuda (ph. ESB, AD et al). Two first-year Her- ring Gulls at Green Turtle Cay 13 Sep were early (EB). On 6 Nov, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were noted at Chancery Lane, Barbados (ph. SM); Yellow- legged Gull was carefully ruled out through extend- ed dialogue with European authorities. On 9 Sep, a Gull-billed Tern was seen at Pointe a Pitre airport, Guadeloupe (AL). A Caspian Tern (Bermuda’s 3rd) passed Elbow Beach 27 Oct (PH) and Ferry Pt. 31 Oct (PA). Another Caspian, the first for Barbados in 40 years, was present at Foster’s Swamp 27 Nov (MF, EM). Counts of Royal Tern (28) and Sandwich Tern (200) were record high in Bermuda following Hurricane Wilma. A Roseate Tern at Ferry Pt., Bermuda 29 Oct (AD) was joined by another later, and a record-high 6 Forster’s Terns were together in Hamilton Harbour 27 Nov (PW). Over 200 Sandwich Terns were roosting on the pier at Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera 13 Oct, as Wilma passed through the n. Bahamas (PB, DC). There were 11 young Least Terns at South Westridge Estates, New Providence 13 Aug (PD, TWh). An imm. Common Tern and a Black Skimmer were at Sandy Pt., Abaco 22 Sep (EB, HP). A Black Tern was in Hamilton Harbour, Bermuda 1 Nov (PW); the only one reported in the Bahamas this fall was at Reef G.C., Grand Bahama 10 Sep (MH, EG). A Bri- dled Tern was at Charles I. 26 Oct (JM); a Sooty Tern was off Ruth’s Pt., also Bermuda 28 Oct (PW); and singles of each were together in Little Sound, Bermuda 7 Nov (TW). CUCKOOS THROUGH THRUSHES The latest date for Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Guadeloupe was established 24 Nov at Petite Terre Nature Reserve (AL). Mangrove Cuck- oos are thought to be sedentary in the Ba- hamas, so Currie’s early Oct report from s. Eleuthera of a “noticeable movement/presence of Mangrove Cuckoos, many with worn plumage and incomplete tails” is intriguing. A brief but well-documented sighting 16 Nov of a Great Lizard-Cuckoo at The Retreat, Nassau (AH) was the first report in four years from New Providence. Hurricane Wilma produced record-high numbers of Chimney Swifts (100+) in Bermuda 4-5 Nov, with numbers di- minishing through 14 Nov, when the last sin- This Swainson's Thrush lingered on Desirade Is- land, Guadeloupe 21-23 (here 23) October 2005, furnishing a first record for the country. Photograph by Anthony Levesque. This Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Petite Terre Nature Reserve, Guadeloupe 24 November 2005 es- tablished a late date for the country. Photograph by Anthony Levesque. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 157 WEST INDIES & BERMUDA Providing good documentation for the species for Desirade Island, Guadeloupe is this image of a Red-eyed Vireo, taken 22 October 2005. Photograph by Anthony Levesque. gle was seen. On 8 Nov, a Chimney Swift was present at Graeme Hall Swamp, Barbados for one of the few reports from the Lesser Antilles (SM, MF). A Ringed Kingfisher seen 30 Nov at Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe (AL) furnished one of the few reports from that location. A Western Wood-Pewee netted at San An- dres I. 20 Oct-2 Nov (BH) represents a first record for the island and perhaps only the 4th from the Region. Single Eastern Wood-Pewees were at Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera 9-10 Oct (PB, DC, KP, EJ) and Guana Cay, Abaco 18 Oct (RP). Up to 3 were at Rock Sound, Eleuthera 18-20 Oct (PB DC). On 25 Oct, an Acadian Flycatcher was banded at Rock Sound, Eleuthera (ph. K.W.T.R.P.). Acadian, Alder, and Least Flycatchers were netted at San An- dres 20 Oct-2 Nov, all first records for this lo- cation (BH). An Eastern Phoebe was seen 26 Nov near the water tanks e. of the Lucayan Waterway, Grand Bahama (EG). Bracey spot- ted a Great Crested Flycatcher at Treasure Cay, Abaco 6 Sep. Eastern Kingbirds were noted at St. Georges Memorial Park, Grand Bahama 14 Sep (EG), Treasure Cay, Abaco 16 Sep (EB), Great Guana Cay, Abaco 22-23 Sep (2 birds; RP), Pelican Bay, Grand Bahama 8 Oct (EG), and Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera 7-8 Oct (PB, DC). Single Gray Kingbirds at Little Harbour, Aba- co 25-26 Nov (AB), Nassau 27 Nov (PD), and Coral Harbour, New Providence 25-30 Nov (CW, FS, TH, TWh) were rather late, all found on dates of quite typical of “reverse migrants” to the Atlantic coast of North America. A Blue-headed Vireo, unusual in the Ba- hamas, was seen at Rock Sound, Eleuthera 10 Nov (DE). A Red-eyed Vireo at Desirade L, Guadeloupe 22 Oct (AL) was a good find. A Yellow-throated Vireo was banded at San An- dres in mid-Oct (BH). At Guadeloupe, 1730 Caribbean Martins roosted in Pointe a Pitre town center 25 Aug (AL). A late Northern Rough-winged Swallow was at East End Dairy, Bermuda 29 Nov (AD). Two well-pho- tographed Cliff Swallows with a flock of Rough-wingeds 12 Nov at Carmichael Rd., New Providence provided the first confirmed record for the Bahamas (PD, ph. LL, LH, KHL). In an hour of counting swallows at Pointe des Chateaux, Guadeloupe, Levesque identified 342 Barn Swallows, 6 Cliff Swal- lows, and 6 Caribbean Martins 4 Sep. Always rare in Bermuda, 3 Winter Wrens were discovered following Wilma: at St. Georges G.C. 26-28 Oct (PW); Port Royal G.C. 28 Oct (AD); and Ferry Pt. 4 Nov (PW). A Northern Wheatear on St. Georges G.C., Bermuda 27-28 Aug (PW) was an exception- al find, found some three weeks in advance of the earliest record; another was on Horn Rock, Bermuda 24 Oct (JM). A Wood Thrush was at The Retreat, Nassau 1 Nov (CW, RW). Seven Swainson’s Thrushes were banded at Rock Sound, Eleuthera 21 Oct-28 Nov (K.W.T.R.R), but the thrush of the season was a Bicknell’s Thrush banded there 28 Oct, pro- viding the 3rd Bahama record (ph. K.W.T.R.R). A Swainson’s Thrush remained at Desirade 1. 21-23 Oct, providing a first This Lapland Longspur at the base of Longbird Bridge, Bermuda was the only one reported on the island in au- tumn 2005. Photograph by Edward S. Brinkley. record for Guadeloupe (AL) and probably only 2nd for Lesser Antilles after one in Bar- bados (1997). WARBLERS THROUGH HOUSE SPARROW Uncommon warblers noted in this fall’s mi- gration through the Bahamas included: a Blue-winged Warbler at s. Eleuthera 2 Oct (DC); single Tennessee Warblers at Waterloo Rd., Nassau 17 Oct (PD), s. Eleuthera 19 Oct (PB), and Rock Sound, Eleuthera 25 & 26 Oct (K.W.T.R.R); Orange-crowned Warblers at Rock Sound 6 Oct (PB) and Munjack Cay, Abaco 4 Nov (EB); Nashville Warblers at West Caicos 23 Sep (SW), Angelfish Pt., Aba- co 26 Sep (EB), Waterloo Rd. 17 & 27 Oct and 13 & 29 Nov (PD), and Munjack Cay 4 Nov (EB); Chestnut-sided Warblers near Treasure Cay, Abaco 8 & 15 Sep (EB), Long Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Is. 20 Sep (SW), Coral Harbour 25 Sep (TH), Waterloo Rd. 17 Oct (PD), and s. Eleuthera 5 (DC) & 19 Oct (PB); Kentucky Warblers at Waterloo, Nassau 21 Aug (PD), Little Harbour, Abaco 18 Oct (AB), and Rock Sound, Eleuthera 5 Nov (ph. K.W.T.R.R); and Bay-breasted War- blers at the fruit farm, Abaco 15 Sep (EB), Munjack Cay 4 Nov (EB), and Waterloo Rd. 18 Nov (PD). Nashville, Golden-winged, and Pine Warblers were netted at San Andres 20 Oct-2 Nov, all first records at this location (BH). A female Chestnut-sided Warbler 20 Oct at Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe (AL) was a very unusual find in the Lesser Antilles. The rarest warbler of the season was a Canada Warbler on s. Eleuthera 3 Oct (PB); another was netted at San Andres 20 Oct-2 Nov (BH). A Cerulean Warbler was extremely late at St. Georges G.C., Bermuda 17 Oct (PW). A Townsend’s Warbler found 24 Oct at Scaur Hill, Bermuda (AD) continued a recent streak of records of this rarity at Bermuda. A late Kentucky Warbler was at Jenningsland, Bermuda 12 Nov (]M). On 28 Oct, a Scarlet Tanager was seen at The Retreat, Nassau (CW, EGu). Single Rose- breasted Grosbeaks were found in s. Eleuthera (DC, JW, PB, KP, EJ) and at Waterloo Rd., Nas- sau 17 Oct (PD). A Clay-colored Sparrow was noted at Ferry Pt., Bermuda 18 Oct (PW). At Abaco, a Clay-colored Sparrow was seen at Re- gattas 3 Oct (LS, LG), and a Lark Sparrow was at the old fruit farm near Treasure Cay 15 & 20 Sep (ph. EB, BB); a Lincoln’s Sparrow was found 9 Nov on the Treasure Cay G.C. (EB). A Vesper Sparrow was along Parson’s Rd., Bermuda 3 Nov (DW), and a Lapland Longspur was on the Causeway, Bermuda 13 Nov (AD, ph. ESB et al.). On 12 Nov, a Dick- cissel, the 2nd for Barbados, was found at Hannay’s, St. Lucy in a flock of Grassland Yel- low-Finches (MF, EM). On 7 Oct, a Yellow- headed Blackbird was seen at Reef G.C., Grand Bahama (JMi). A Common Grackle, rare in Bermuda, was seen at Paget Marsh 13 Nov (KL, RL). A Baltimore Oriole was netted at San Andres for a new record there, 20 Oct- 2 Nov (BH). Shiny Cowbirds reproduced suc- cessfully at Rainbow Farms, New Providence (PD, TWh). Five House Sparrows were seen 29 Nov at Capesterre Beau/Eau, Guadeloupe (AL), indicative of further expansion through the Lesser Antilles. Observers: Peter Adhemar, Alison Ball, Peter Bichier, Betsy & Elwood Bracey, Edward S. Brinkley, David Currie, Paul Dean, Andrew & Katrina Dobson, Monty Doyle, Dave Ewert, Martin Frost, Lynn Gape, Erika Gates, Jen- nifer Gray, Ed Gustafson (EGu), Lee Hanna, 158 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Michelle Hanson, Gene & Susan Harvey, Tony Hepburn, Anthony Hewetson, Bill Hilton, Peter Hopkin, Anthony Jeremiah, Everton Joseph, Kirtland’s Warbler Training and Research Project (K.W.T.R.R), Kay & Ray Latter, Keva Hanna Lawrence, Anthony Levesque, Lionel Levine, Jeremy Madeiros, Pericles Maillis, Eddie Massiah, Neil McKin- ney (NMc), Juliet Mills (JMi), Jane & Basil Minns, Steve Mlodinow, Ron Pagliaro, Hagen Peters, Keith Phillippe, Bruce Purdy, Lreddie Schaller, Lisa Sorenson, David Wallace (DW), Rebecca Wallace, Carolyn Wardle, Paul Wat- son, Tony White (TWh), Stu Wilson, David B. Robert L. Pyle • Peter Donaldson Autumn 2005 was an excellent season for unusual shorebirds, with one new species recorded for the Region. By contrast, numbers of migrant waterfowl were unimpressive, with only a few rare species noted. Because northeasterly trade winds pre- vail in the Region, most harbors are on the protected southwestern coasts of the islands, and it can be difficult for observers to get out into the windward waters. Recent pelagic trips northeast of the islands, however, sug- gest that the rough windward waters may be more productive for some species. Abbreviations: H. (Hawaii I.); HRBP (Hawaii Rare Bird Documentary Photograph; used with image catalog number from the HRBP file at Bishop Museum, Honolulu); Hakalau (Hakalau N.W.R., Hawaii L); Hanalei (Hanalei N.W.R., Kaua’i I.); Honouliuli (Hon- ouliuli Unit of Pearl Harbor N.W.R., 0‘ahu I.); K. (Kaua’i 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 I.); Kokee (Koke'e S.R, Kaua’i I.); K.R (Ki- lauea Pt. N.W.R., Kaua’i I.); M. (Maui I.); Midway (Midway Atoll N.W.R.); O. (0‘ahu I.); Ohiapilo (‘Ohi'apilo Pond, Molokai I.); Pouhala (Pouhala Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, 0‘ahu I.); Waiawa (Waiawa Unit of Pearl Har- bor N.W.R., 0‘ahu L); Waikamoi (Waikamoi Preserve, Maui I.). WATERFOWL THROUGH IBISES Single Cackling Geese, both present since fall 2004, remained Nov+ at Honouliuli (PD, AN, MS) and K.P (BZ, DL). The Cackling at K.P. was captured and appears to be a female of the minima subspecies. An imm. Greater White-fronted Goose joined the Cackling at Honouliuli 12 Oct+ (AN, MS, PD). Ten Cana- da Geese and a Greater White-fronted Goose, of questionable provenance, have been at Wailoa S.R, H. for years. They were joined by 2 small Cackling Geese Nov+ (DL). A Brant This apparent Stejneger's Petrel was turned into the seabird rehabilitation facility at Sea Life Park on O'ahu in early (here 7) October 2005. It was found to be healthy, pho- tographed, and released. Photograph by Sea Life Park staff. was observed at Kii 21 Nov+ (MS, KP). A Gadwall was observed regularly at Ohi- apilo 3 Nov+ (ADY); the species is rare in the Region. A Eurasian Wigeon was seen at Hon- ouliuli 14 & 18 Oct (PD) and 2 on 29 Oct (PD); one was at Ohiapilo 9 Nov (ADY). American Wigeons were present in good numbers, with peak counts of 7 at Ohiapilo 3 Nov (ADY), 21 at Kii 17 Nov (KP), and 18 at WEST INDIES & BERMUDA Wingate (DBW), Joe Wunderle. © Robert L. Norton, 8960 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville, Florida 32609, (corvus0486@aol.com); Anthony White, 6540 Wal- honding Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20816, (spindalis@veri- zon.net); Andrew Dobson, 1 1 7 Middle Road, Warwick PG 01 Bermuda, (ADobson@warwickacad.bm) Hawaiian Islands Honouliuli 29 Nov (PD). Northern Pintail numbers were rather low, with a peak count of 47 at Kii 24 Nov (KP). Northern Shoveler numbers were low in most places, but 245 were counted at Kealia 3 Nov (MN). A small flock of bay ducks in Kahuku, O. 29 Oct+ (TD, m.ob.) included 3 Canvasbacks and a Redhead. Canvasbacks are uncommon in the Region, while Redheads are rare (the database at Bishop Museum shows just 16 prior Re- gional records). A female or imm. male Hood- ed Merganser was seen at Kii 17 Nov (KP) and 19 Nov (RM). Observers submitted only three reports of Hawaiian Petrels (Endangered), one between Kaua’i 1 and Nilhau I. 26 Aug (DK), 3 e. of 0‘ahu 1. 20 Sep (CM, HS), and 2 e. of Kaua’i I. 25 Sep (HS). Various gadfly petrels are be- lieved to be regular migrants through Hawai- ian waters, but we normally receive few re- ports, and some of these are of undetermined species. We had an unusually high number of reports of Black-winged Petrels this season: one was photographed se. of Kaua’i 19 Oct (RB, GS); 2 were well e. of Kaua’i 25 Sep, This Black-winged Petrel off Kauai, on 19 October 2005 clearly shows the diagnostic underwing pattern that gives the species its name. Photograph by Greg Schorr. along with 6 similar birds that were probably also Black-wingeds (HS); one, possibly 2, were observed e. of Kaua’i 25 Oct (RB); 3 probables were seen sw. of Kaua’i 27 Oct (RB, DK, HS); one was picked up in w. Maui 25 Oct (FD) and released in good shape; an in- VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 159 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS This American Avocet, spotted by Glynnis Nakai at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on 9 (here 12) September 2005, represents the first record of the species in the Hawaiian Islands. Photograph by Michael Walther. jured bird was found in cen. Maui the next day (conceivably the same individual; *FD); and one was picked up on Kaua’i 1. 11 Nov (SR). Up to 30 Cook’s Petrels and up to 30 Stejnegers Petrels were observed e. of O’ahu I. 20 Sep (CM, ph. HS). These species can be difficult to separate at sea, but good photo- graphs were obtained of both species. Ten Cook’s were seen e. of Kaua’i 1. 25 Sep (HS). A petrel turned in to Sea Life Park, O. in ear- ly Oct was photographed and released. Based on the photographs, the bird appears to be a Stejneger’s, but even captive gadfly petrels are a challenge to identify. In autumn, most Bar-tailed Godwits are thought to migrate nonstop from Asia to the wintering areas, but a few drop in to the Hawaiian Islands en route. This juvenile was seen at Pouhala Marsh in Waipahu on 0'ahu Island 15 October 2005. Photograph by Peter Donaldson. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are the common breeding shearwater in the main Hawaiian Is- lands; a count of 3000-5000 e. of 0‘ahu 18 Sep (CM, HS) gives an indication of its abun- dance. Migrant shearwaters can also appear in good numbers in Hawaiian waters. A contin- uous southward passage of Sooty Shearwaters was observed e. of O’ahu 18 Sep, with 600-700 birds counted (CM, HS). It was good to get several reports of Newells Shearwaters (Threatened) around Kaua’i. A count of 50 Newell’s in a feeding flock with 80 Red-footed Boobies and 20 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters e. of Kaua’i 1 25 Sep (HS) was remarkable. We received only two reports of Band-rumped Storm-Petrels: one w. of Kaua’i 26 Aug (DK) and one e. of Kaua’i 19 Oct (RB, ph. DW). A Great Blue Heron, uncommon in the Re- gion, was spotted in Hilo Harbor 15 Nov (SO). The bird was seen in the same area 16-17 Nov (DL). Up to 5 Plegadis ibis were observed at Kealia Aug+ (MN), with at least one red-eyed individual identified as a White- faced Ibis 15 Sep (RD, RP). A dark-eyed imm. Plegadis remained around Kii early Oct+ (AN, m.ob). The birds are all presumed to be White-faced Ibis. OSPREY THROUGH GULLS An Osprey was seen in the Ho- nouliuli area 16 Nov-i- (PD). A Northern Harrier was observed at Kii 15 Nov (AN, MS) and 19 Nov (RM, MO). Both of these migrant raptors are rare in the Region. A Killdeer, uncommon in the Region, was observed at Kii 24 Nov+ (KP). An Ameri- can Avocet remained at Kealia 9 Sep+ (GN, m.ob.). This bird was the first of its species recorded in the Re- gion. A Greater Yellowlegs, uncommon in the Region, was observed at Waiawa 16 Nov, with a Lesser Yellowlegs conveniently nearby for comparison (AN, MS). An imm. Willet observed in Hilo Bay, H. 23 Nov (RD) was not seen again. Bristle-thighed Curlew numbers were unusual- ly high this fall. More than 35 Bristle-thigheds were counted late Oct (KP, MO). A tally of 47 birds 24 Nov (KP) is the high- est count ever recorded in the main islands. A Whimbrel of the Siberian subspecies variega- £us was observed 28 Aug and 10 Sep around Kii (PD). A Whim- brel spotted at Kii 26 Nov was reported to be of the North American subspecies hudsoni- cus (MO). A juv. Bar-tailed Godwit, uncommon in the Region, was at Pouhala 14 Oct (ph. PD). A Marbled Godwit was seen regularly at Kii Aug-13 Oct (RM, m.ob.). This is probably the same bird that appeared in w. 0‘ahu I. in Oct 2004, moved to Kealia on Maui I. later that fall, then re-ap- peared at Kii on 0‘ahu 1. in May 2005. This bird represents only the 3rd record for the Re- gion. A juv. Red Knot, very uncommon in Hawaii, was at Kii 10 Sep (PD). A peep pho- tographed at Ohiapilo (ph. ADY) appears to be a Semipalmated Sandpiper — rare in the Re- gion and even more rarely photographed here. A Curlew Sandpiper (or possibly 2) at Pouhala 18 Oct (ph. MW) was yet another rare shorebird for the Region. Up to 2 snipe were observed at Kii 17-26 Nov (KP, RM, MO, ph. TD); photographs taken on the last date show that one was a Wilson’s Snipe. Both Wilson’s and Common Snipe have been recorded in the Region. Gulls were fairly scarce this fall. We re- ceived reports of one or 2 Laughing Gulls on 0‘ahu I. and Maui I. (m.ob.) and a single re- port of a Ring-billed Gull at Kealia 5 Oct (MN). These are the two most regular gulls in the Region. No large gulls were reported. OWLS THROUGH PASSERINES Native Short-eared Owls continue to be seen in good numbers on Hawai'i I., with several daily counts over a dozen and one count of 29 Peeps are uncommon in the Hawaiian Islands, and many that are seen are not identified to species. This bird at 'Ohi'apilo Pond, Molokai Island appears to be a rare juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper, based primarily on bill shape. Photograph byArleone Dibben-Young. This rare Curlew Sandpiper was spotted at Pouhala Marsh in Waipahu on 0'ahu Island on 16 October 2005. Photograph by Michael Walther. 160 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS HAWAIIAN ISLANDS on 16 Aug (H.ET.) Six White-rumped Shamas were observed around Moloka'i 1. 11-13 Nov (EV). We get few reports of White-rumpeds on Moloka'i I., but the species seems well es- tablished there (ADY). Three Greater Neck- laced Laughing-thrushes were spotted at Huleia N.W.R., Kaua’i 1. 21 Sep (DL). This species is seldom reported, and its status is poorly known. It is difficult to tell much about the status of other exotics believed to be relatively common but seldom reported, such as Western Meadowlark. Two mead- owlarks were reported at Kukuiula, K. 22 Sep (DL), the only ones seen in three days of bird- ing on Kaua’i I. Meadowlarks were seen again there 6 Oct (DL). We have gotten few recent reports on the native forest birds on Kaua’i, so it was wel- come news that Kaua’i ‘Elepaio, ‘Apapane, ‘Anianiau, and Kaua’i 'Amakihi were all readi- ly found in the Kokee area 22 Sep and 6 Oct (DL). Two 'Akeke'e were seen in Kokee 22 Sep, but none were spotted 6 Oct (DL). A juv. O'ahu ‘Elepaio (Endangered) was seen along Aiea Trail, O. 11 Aug (MW). Palila (Endan- gered) were observed regularly at Pu'u Laau, H. Aug+ (H.ET.), but none could be located there 26 Sep or 10 Oct (DL). ‘Akiapolaau (En- dangered), Hawaii Creepers (Endangered), and ‘Akepa (Endangered) continue to be re- ported regularly by tour groups visiting Hakalau and Pu'u ‘O'o Ranch, H. (H.ET.) but with few details on locations or numbers. There is concern about the declining popula- tion of 'Akepa on Hawai’i I., so it was good to get a report of several at Hakalau 9 Oct (DL). Three ‘Akohekohe were observed at Waikamoi 13 Sep, along with 15 Maui 'Alauahio (CP). No Maui Parrotbills were reported this fall. Contributors: Robin Baird, Joan Carroll, Reg David, Jim Denny, Arleone Dibben-Young, Pe- ter Donaldson, Tom Dove, Fern Duvall, George Fisher, Kunriko Hasegawa, Hawaii Forest & Trail (H.ET.), Alvaro Jararmllo, Jack Jeffrey, Nick Kaladimos, David Kuhn, Dan Lindsay, Richard May, Matt Medeiros, Curt Mench, Glynnis Nakai, Aaron Nedig, Mike Nishimoto, Susan O’Neill, Mike Ord, Rob Pacheco, Kurt Pohlman, Chuck Probst, Robert Pyle (RPy), Sharon Reilly, John Riggins, Greg Schorr, Hadoram Shirihai, Michael Silberna- gle, Forest & Kim Starr, Jeff Sutton, Jan Ten- Bruggencate, Eric VanderWerf, Michael Walther, Daniel Webster, Brenda Zaun. © Robert L. Pyle, 1314 Kalakaua Avenue, #1010, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826, (rlpyle@hawaii.rr.com); Peter Donaldson, 2375 Ahakapu Street, Pearl City, Hawaii 96782, (pdnldsn.bird@mac.com) Remote. Wild. Unbelievable •Home to 1,000,000 Fur Seals •Spectacular Seabird Colonies •Arctic Fox and Reindeer •Brilliant Showcase of Wildflowers •Historic Russian Church •Native Aleut Culture ST. PAUL ISLAND TOUR Alaska’s Rribilofs 1-877-424-5637 www.alaskabirding.com 800-222-0118 • www.leica-camera.com/sportoptics The red badge of confidence. The Televid 62 and APO-Televid 62 inspire confidence in the field. With a sight picture that preempts other lightweight compacts. Owing to light transmission, rich color and high contrast that rivals bigger instruments. Rugged and watertight, they're the only compacts worthy of our enviable red togo. Televid 62 and APO-Televid 62 VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 161 I First Record of Ringed Storm-Petrel « Iceanodroma hombyi ) for North America PETER PYLE • THE INSTITUTE FOR BIRD POPULATIONS • P.O.BOX 1346 • POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA 94956 • EMAIL: ppyle@birdpop.org | GARY FRIEDRICHSEN • 1521 BUTTERMILK LANE • ARCATA, CALIFORNIA 95521 | THOMAS STAUDT • 1511 EAST HAMPTON STREET • TUCSON, ARIZONA 85719 | CORNELIA OEDEKOVEN • 8070 LA JOLLA SHORES DRIVE • PMB182 • LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA 92037 • EMAILcoedekoven@yahoo.com | LISA T. BALLANCE • ECOSYSTEM STUDIES PROGRAM • SOUTHWEST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER, NOAA FISHERIES • 8604 LA JOLLA SHORES DRIVE • LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA 92037 • EMAILLisa.Ballance@noaa.gov Abstract We observed a Ringed Storm-Petrel ( Oceanodro - ma hombyi ) off San Miguel Island, Channel Is- lands, California, on 2 August 2005, represent- ing the first record of this South American species for North America. This paper discusses the species’ distributional history and puts the discovery into an oceanographic context. Field Encounter On 2 August 2005, the authors observed and photographed a Ringed (or Hornby’s) Storm-Pe- trel ( Oceanodroma hombyi ) 22.2 km (12.0 nauti- cal miles [nmi]) west-southwest of the western- most point of San Miguel Island, Channel Islands, California. This represents the first con- firmed record of this South American species in the North American region as defined by the American Ornithologists’ Union (A.O.U. 1998). We recorded this storm-petrel while aboard the NOAA Ship David Starr Jordan , as part of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center’s CSCAPE project (), a five-month survey for marine mammals and birds covering waters up to 552 km (300 nmi) off the Pacific coast of North America (see additional article in this issue). At 1756 PDT on 2 August, the ship was on a west-northwesterly course (285° true heading) at position 33.57° N, 120.40° W, over the coastal slope off the Channel Islands. The bottom depth was 1704 m, sea surface tempera- ture was 17.03° C, and salinity was 33.58 psu. A low sea-surface-height anomaly was centered at 33° N, 120° W, marking the presence of a cold- core eddy in surrounding waters. Mean back- scatter intensity was strong, indicating high ocean productivity within the eddy, while just to the west of the observation location there was a front between the boundary of the eddy and a less-productive water mass. The Ringed Storm-Petrel was observed from the Hying bridge of the vessel, which is situated approximately 10 m above the water surface. The bird Hew parallel to the ship at distances of 40-80 m for approximately 2 minutes, before transecting the ship’s path approximately 75 m in front of the bow and veering northward. A high marine layer was present and seas were light, affording excellent observation condi- tions. We observed the storm-petrel through 8x, lOx, and mounted 25x binoculars, and Oedekoven obtained 44 digital images (Figures 1-3) with a Canon 20D camera and 400mm lens. Descriptions of the storm-petrel and copies of all 44 images have been archived by the California Bird Records Committee, which has accepted the record as the first for Cali- fornia (Hamilton et al. 2006). Identification The storm-petrel appeared similar in size to several Black Storm-Petrels (O. meiania ) observed during the afternoon. It had pro- portionately broad wings and a long, forked tail. No projection of feet or toes was observed beyond the tail tip (Figure 1). It flew in a continuously flapping manner within 2 m of the water surface, with deep wing beats. It maintained a horizontal aspect for much of the observation, with occasional turns to the side. Its bill was small and black, with fused naricoms visible on the upper surface. Its plumage was distinctive, with white forehead and loral region; distinct dusky “hood” over the crown and auriculars; grayish-brown nape be- coming browner posteriorly and toward the scapular region; prominent pale brown carpal bars in the upperwing through the distal lesser, median, and proximal greather secondary coverts; blackish secondaries, primaries, and rectrices; grayish rump and uppertail coverts; white underparts with a distinct brown collar through the breast; and dark underwing coverts (Figures 1-3). These features are characteristic of Ringed Storm-Petrel and combine to rule out all other storm-petrels and other species within Procellariiformes (Harrison 1983, 1987). The primaries were in molt, with pl-p4 new or growing, p5 missing or just developing, and p6- plO older and browner (Figures 1-3). The re- mainder of the plumage was worn and slightly disheveled, indicating that it may have been un- dergoing body molt as well. Discussion Ringed Storm-Petrel is frequently observed at sea in the Humboldt Current from central Chile north to Ecuador (Murphy 1922, 1936; Mills 1968). It is thought to breed in arid re- gions of Peru and northern Chile (Murphy 1936, Mills 1968, Spear and Ainley, in press); recent records from Huaraz to Arequipa at 2300-3400 m elevation in the central Andes of Peru (N. Hidalgo, E. Malaga, M. Ugarte, pers. comm.) suggest breeding in this area, but thus far no colony has been located. A female col- lected by Spear and Ainley (in press) with a partially formed egg off Peru in late November, coupled with records on land of grounded fledglings in June and July, indicate a protract- ed breeding season spanning the austral fall. During extensive surveys in the Humboldt Current, Spear and Ainley (in press) recorded over 1800 individuals between 32° S and 3° S and found higher densities to the south during the austral spring and to the north during aus- tral fall, indicating seasonal migration to winter grounds closer to the equator. Spear and Ainley also found them more abundantly over coastal Figure 1. Ringed Storm-Petrel, 2 August 2005, 22.2 km west-southwest of San Miguel Island, Cali- fornia. Note the long forked tail and distinct upperpart coloration diagnostic of this species. Images presented here have been cropped and enlarged but are otherwise unaltered from the original. Photograph by Cornelia Oedekoven, © Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center. 162 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS RINGED STORM-PETREL Figure 2. Ringed Storm-Petrel, 2 August 2005, 22.2 km west-southwest of San Miguel Island, California. Note the dark underwing coverts and distinct brown breast collar. Photograph by Cornelia Oedekoven, © Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center. Continental Shelf waters than over pelagic wa- ters and found increasing densities with increas- ing salinities >33.5 psu and decreasing sea-sur- face temperatures between 12° and 23° C. Overall, at-sea records are confined to waters be- tween 33° S and 1° S (Murphy 1936); a speci- men collected in July 1979 from Isla Gorgona (03° 07’ N, 78° 15’ W), off Columbia (Hilty and Brown 1986), is the only published record north of the equator. The type specimen of Ringed Storm-Petrel is of an undated individual reportedly collected from “the northwest coast of America” (Gray 1853) by Rear-Admiral Sir Phipps Hornby, who had supposedly commanded the “Pacific Station on Vancouver Island “(Bent 1922). E. W. Nelson later reported sight observations of this species south of the Aleutian Islands during May and October 1887 (Bent 1922). A lack of subsequent records in the North Pacific has caused or- nithologists to question both the collection lo- cality of the type specimen and the identification of the birds reported by Nelson (Murphy 1922, A.O.U. 1998). Admiral Hornby commanded the Pacific Station in Valparaiso (rather than Van- couver) during 1847-1851, from which he re- turned to England in 1852, whereas his son, Ge- offrey Thomas Phipps Hornby, helped settle a dispute between England and the United States at Vancouver and the San Juan Islands in 1859. The eastern boundary current system waters of the Humboldt Current, where Ringed Storm- Petrels occur, are similar to those found off southern California, and the xeric coastline of Peru and Chile is similar in topography to that of the Channel Islands. It is possible that the in- dividual we observed was attracted to the area of observation by similar geographic (including coastal shelf) and oceanographic conditions as those found in its indigenous range. The storm- petrel’s state of plumage wear and timing of molt was typical of other adult seabirds on a bo- real breeding cycle, per- haps indicating that it had been in the North- ern Hemisphere for some time. It also could have represented an adult or subadult that had strayed across the equator during the post-breeding phase of the annual cycle. Storm-petrels and other seabirds are known to land on ships and become stranded for days or even weeks, after which they might be released in ports far from their normal range. It is possible that the Ringed Storm-Petrel was transported to California in this manner. We suggest, however, that this and other Southern Hemisphere seabirds reported from California — including Shy Albatross ( Thalassarche cauta ), Light-mantled Albatross ( Phoebetria palpebrata ), Wandering Albatross (Di omedea exulans), Great- winged Petrel ( Pterodwma macroptera ), and Lit- tle Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis) — be treated in a consistent manner and, without evidence to the contrary, as naturally occurring vagrants. Acknowledgments We thank the officers and crew of the NOAA Ship David Starr Jordan for accommodating us during the CSCAPE Survey, cruise Chief Scien- tist Karin Forney for support and information, Holly Feambach and Tim O’Toole for accompa- nying us in the observation, and Elizabeth L. Zele and Candice Hall for information on the oceanography at the observation location. Na- taly Hidalgo and Mauricio Ugarte (Coleccion Cientifica del Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad San Agustin, Arequipa) and Ernesto Malaga (Reserva Nacional de Lachay) provided unpublished infor- mation on records of Ringed Storm-Pe- trel in Peru, and Wayne Hoffmann and Angus Wilson provided back- ground on the type specimen. We also thank Larry Spear and David Ainley for information and reviews of the man- uscript, and Debi Shearwater and Leslie Lieu- rance for posting images of the bird on , helping to communicate the observation. Literature cited American Ornithologists’ Union [A.O.U.]. 1998. The American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. Seventh edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washing- ton, D. C. Bent, A. C. 1922. Life Histories of North Ameri- can Petrels and Pelicans and their Allies. U. S. National Museum Bulletin 121: 1-335. Gray, G. R. 1853. On a new species of Thalas- sidroma. Proceedings Zoological Society of Lon- don 21: 62. Hamilton, R. A., M. A. Patten, and R. A. Erick- son, eds. 2006. Rare Birds of California: A Pub- lication of Western Field Ornithologists and the California Bird Records Committee. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, California. Hilty, S. L., and W. L. Brown. 1986. A Guide to the Birds of Columbia. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Harrison, P. 1983. Seabirds: An Identification Guide. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachu- setts. . 1987. Seabirds of the World: A Photograph- ic Guide. Princeton University Press, Prince- ton, New Jersey. Mills, E. L. 1968. Observations of the Ringed Storm-Petrel off the north-west coast of South America. Condor 70: 87-88. Murphy, R. C. 1922. Notes on tubinares, includ- ing records which affect the A.O.U. Check- list. Auk 39: 58-65. . 1936. Oceanic Birds of South America. Vol- umes 1 and 2. American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York. Spear, L. B., and D. G. Ainley. in press. Storm-pe- trels of the eastern Pacific Ocean: abundance, distribution, habitat use, and behavior. A.O.U. Monographs. Figure 3. Ringed Storm-Petrel, 2 August 2005, 22.2 km west-southwest of San Miguel Island, California. Note the distinct upperwing pattern and molt of primaries, with p1-p4 new, p5 missing or growing, and p6-p10 older and worn. Photograph by Cornelia Oedekoven, © Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 163 A Second North American Record for Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) CALVIN BRENNAN • JEFF SCHULTZ • SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN RAPTOR RESEARCH • C/0 LAKE ERIE METROPARK • 32481 WEST JEFFERSON • BROWNSTOWN, MICHIGAN 48183 • BRENNAN EMAIL: common_raven@hotmail.com • SCHULTZ EMAIL: apennyshy@aol.com Abstract This paper documents the occurrence of Lesser Frigatebird, formerly Least Frigatebird ( Fregata arid), at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Michigan on 11 September 2005. Field separation from other Fregata species is discussed, along with notes on the first North American record of the species, from Maine. Field Encounter On 11 September 2005, at approximately 1630 EDT, a frigatebird was observed for 20-25 minutes at Southeastern Michigan Raptor Research's (SMRR) principal hawk- watch site at Lake Erie Metropark in Brown- stown, Michigan. The bird was initially seen at the mouth of Brownstown Creek, a small channel that empties into the mouth of the Detroit River. At this point it was some 150 m away from the hawkwatch site. It immediately took an aerial dive at a juvenile Double-crested Cor- morant ( Phalacrocorax auratus) that was swimming in the channel, which caused the cormorant to dive underwater. From there, the bird glided into the channel, bringing it to within 15 m of the observers and some 4-5 m above the surface of the water. Its attention had apparently been drawn to a group of Ring-billed Gulls (Lams dclawarensis ) that was feeding on baitfish that fishermen had dumped near the park’s boat launch close to Figure 1. Lesser Frigatebird at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Michigan, 1 1 September 2005. In this view of the upper- parts, note the absence of a prominent alar bar. Photograph by Paul Cypher. the upper end of the channel. Upon reaching the gulls, the frigatebird made a sharp dive into the midst of the group, scattering them. From there, it rose up over the water again and continued to make passes back and forth within the confines of the channel some 15-20 nr above the surface. It eventually drifted farther away from the hawkwatch site, staying along the extreme northeastern end of the channel, and continuing on this track un- til out of view of the observers. Upon first seeing the bird, we noted that it possessed the typical proportions of a frigate- bird, having the classic profile of a large but very slender dark seabird with long, angular, pointed wings, a deeply forked, long tail, and a long, slender, hooked grayish bill. It seemed reasonable to assume it was a Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificats) and probably would have been recorded as such had had the bird flown off to the east over Lake Erie. For- tunately, the prolonged, close views of the bird permitted study, discussion, and photography. The bird’s plumage was entirely black ex- cept for prominent band-like patches of white on the axillaries that extended just onto adja- cent areas of the flanks. This feature was strik- ing at all distances, even to the naked eye. The birds dorsal surface appeared uniformly dark except for slight wear in the greater and me- dian upperwing coverts, which caused them to look just slightly paler than the remiges. The size of the bird could be judged fairly ac- Figure 2. Lesser Frigatebird at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Michigan, 11 September 2005. The all-black head and breast and crisp white axillary spur are clearly visible in this im- age; this combination indicates an adult male Lesser Frigatebird. Photograph by Paul Cypher. curately by comparison to the cormorant and the gulls it harassed. We judged it thereby to have a wingspan similar to that of an Osprey (Pandion haliaeutus) rather than similar to or greater than that of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) . Was this bird an atypical Mag- nificent Frigatebird, we wondered, or some- thing much more extraordinary? We realized in the field that some research would be re- quired to identify the bird from our notes and photographs (Figures 1-5). Identification The relative size and proportions of the frigatebird were considered problematic for Magnificent Frigatebird by several observers and were noted as such in the field. Magnifi- cents have wingspans of about 229-238 cm, similar to or greater than that of a Bald Eagle (200 cm) (Sibley 2000, Harrison 1985). How- ever, it was agreed in the field that the wingspan more closely matched that of Os- prey, about 160 cm. Several of the photographs of the bird include Ring-billed Gulls in the same frame (Figure 5) and clearly show that the bird, although obviously larger, does not dwarf the gulls, as one would expect a Magnif- icent to do in direct comparison. Although the relative size of a flying bird can be difficult to judge (something we recognize daily in identi- fying sometimes distant raptors), a difference of ca. 40 cm (or 20%) should be noticeable in the field when a bird is seen at relatively close range. Moreover, the frigatebirds size and very slender build struck us as diminutive, in com- parison with other species present, in compar- ison with species we see routinely (at diverse distances and altitudes), and against our ex- pectations of, and experiences with, Magnifi- cent Frigatebird elsewhere. As is true of many bird taxa, frigatebirds ( Fregata ) are more easily identified when the age and sex of the bird are known. James (2004) notes that plumage differences related to age/sex within a frigatebird species are of- ten more dissimilar than they are to the cor- responding plumages of other species. In order to age and sex a frigatebird, it is impor- tant to note the arrangement and placement of white or pale areas in the plumage as well as the prominence of upperwing “alar bars” (or carpal bars) — contrastingly tawny coverts 164 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS LESSER FRIGATEBIRD that cross the wing diagonally from the carpal joint to the humerals or tertials. In the case of the Michigan frigatebird, we were able to rule out immature and female frigatebirds of all species, as these typically have prominent white or buff areas in their plumage and well- defined alar bars. The lack of any white areas on the Michigan bird (other than the obvious axillary spurs) and the lack of any pro- nounced alar bar on the dorsal surface of the wings rule out all combinations of age and sex except adult male. Adult males of several species of Fregata can be ruled out, based on plumage characters. Christmas Island Frigatebird (E andrewsi ) has fairly prominent alar bars and has an oval of white on the belly in all plumages; addition- ally, some adult males also possess white axil- lary spurs. Great Frigatebird (E minor) can be ruled out as well: it has prominent alar bars never shows crisp white axillary spurs. As far as is known, there is no record of an adult male Magnificent Frigatebird with distinct axillary spurs or pronounced alar bars, and so that species should be ruled out on plumage; a par- tially leucistic adult male Magnificent probably would not show such a distinctive pattern. As- cension Frigatebird (E aquila) has white axil- laries at younger stages of development but does not show this trait in adult males. Only adult male Lesser Frigatebird (E ariel) has the combination of characters shown by the Michigan frigatebird. The wingspan of Lesser Frigatebird (184 cm; Harrison 1985) also nearly matches that of Osprey, the species we identified as most closely approximating the wingspan of the Michigan frigatebird. Figure 3. Lesser Frigatebird at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Michigan, 11 September 2005. Another view of ventral and cephalic features. Photograph by Paul Cypher. Discussion The Lesser Frigatebird at Lake Erie Metropark was undoubtedly transported there in part by powerful Hurricane Katrina , the remnants of which crossed to the south of the area just days before. However, this only explains part of the bird’s journey; its presence in the North Atlantic would already be highly unusual. In the western Pacific Ocean basin, the species is known to stray quite far north, to Japan and even Siberia (Marchant and Higgins 1990), but such records are few, and not all can be linked to tropical storm activity. There is one previous record of Lesser Frigatebird for North America. On 3 July 1960, Bertram Leadbetter of Beverly, Massa- chusetts, took a 16mm motion picture of a frigatebird at Deer Isle, Hancock County, Maine. Alexander Wetmore later confirmed the frigatebird as an adult male Lesser by ex- amining specimens at Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology and through frame-by- frame analysis of the film footage, from which several photographs were made of the clearest frames. (These images are said to be in the archives of the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts; the archives were un- der renovation when we inquired in autumn 2005.) Although the description (Snyder 1961) of the frigatebird is somewhat incom- plete— as it refers more to a well-defined white area on the side of the bird rather than to an axillary spur — and although the film and photographs have not been examined re- cently (and have yet to be reviewed by the Maine Bird Records Committee; Louis R. Bevier, pers. comm.), the Maine frigatebird Figure 4. Lesser Frigatebird at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Michigan, 11 September 2005. Photograph by Paul Cypher. has been included by the American Ornithol- ogists’ Union (1998) and the American Bird- ing Association (2002) on their official checklists as an adult male Lesser Frigatebird. Acknowledgments We would like to thank David James and Louis R. Bevier for their comments on the photographs and manuscript and Paul Cypher for remembering to bring his camera to the hawkwatch that day. Literature cited American Birding Association. 2002. ABA Checklist. Sixth edition. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, Colorado. American Ornithologists’ Union. 1998. The American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. Seventh edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Lawrence, Kansas. Harrison, P. 1985. Seabirds: An Identification Guide. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massa- chusetts. James, D. J. 2004. Identification of Christmas Island, Great, and Lesser Frigatebirds. Bird- ing Asia 1: 22-38. Marchant, S., and P. J. Higgins. 1990. Hand- book of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds. Volume 1: Ratites to Ducks, Part A: Ratites to Petrels. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Sibley, D. A. 2000. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Knopf, New York. Snyder, D. E. 1961. First Record of the Least Frigatebird ( Fregata ariel ) in North Amer- ica. Auk. 78: 265. Figure 5. Lesser Frigatebird at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne County, Michigan, 1 1 September 2005. At times, observers had the oppor- tunity to compare the frigatebird with other species. It was clearly larger than Ring-billed Gulls it harassed, but it did not dwarf them. The fact that the gull closest to the frigatebird is in focus in this photograph indicates that their sizes relative to one another are actual rather than artefactual. Photograph by Paul Cypher. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 165 First Record of Parkinson's Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni ) for the Continental United States RICHSTALLCUP • PRBO CONSERVATION SCIENCE - 4990 SHORELINE HIGHWAY - STINSON BEACH, CALIFORNIA 94970 • EMAIL: stallcup@prbo.org ERIC W. PRESTON • 98 WHITNEY STREET • SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94131 • EMAIL: eric@ericwpreston.com Abstract This paper details a record of Parkinson’s Pe- trel ( Procellaria parkinsoni), also known as Black Petrel, on 1 October 2005 at 38° 05.788' N, 123° 22.281' W, or 32.4 km (17.6 nrni) northwest of the Point Reyes headlands, Marin County, California in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Although there have been prior potential reports of this species in continental United States waters, all in California, this is the first to be conclu- sively documented for California and the U.S. waters of the North Pacific Ocean. Field Encounter On 1 October 2005, a group of 20 birders led by Rich Stallcup and co-organized by Ann De- wart departed Bodega Bay aboard the New Sea Angler, a 20-m charter boat captained by Rick Powers, who has collaborated with Stallcup since 1988 on pelagic birding trips. This was the thirtieth such trip of this group since 1990. The course ran from Bodega Harbor to the 106-m (59-fathom) “spike” at the north end of Cordell Bank and beyond, off the edge of the Continental Shelf to waters 1800 m or more (1000+ fathoms) deep, then returning on an east-northeasterly course back toward Bodega Bay (Figure 1). The conditions were favorable for viewing birds and other marine life, with light west-northwesterly breezes and swells of 1 m at intervals of ca. 14 sec. Encounters with birds and mammals over the course of the morning and early afternoon were relatively few compared to past trips. In the afternoon, however, the course set to re- turn to the harbor would pass through waters that had in recent years produced several species of interest, notably Light-mantled Al- batross ( Phoebetria palpebrata). Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta), Galapagos/Hawaiian Pe- trel (P phaeopygia/sandwichensis), and Sooty Tern ( Sterna fuscata). At 1418 PDST, from the upper level bow, Stallcup spotted three birds on the water at the edge of a raft of detached Bull Kelp (Nereocys- tis luetkeana) about 0.5 km from the boat; he asked the captain to steer 90° to port, to bring the boat closer to the birds. From that dis- tance, it appeared most likely the birds were a Pink-footed Shearwater ( Puffinus creatopus), a Flesh-footed Shearwater (P cameipes), and a Sooty Shearwater (P griseus). As we neared about 150 m from the birds, Stallcup asked the captain to turn off the engines and to drift silently toward the birds, a technique that Figure 1 . Course of pelagic trip from Bodega Bay, California, 1 October 2005, with location of Parkinson's Petrel. Graphic by Rich Stallcup. 166 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PARKINSON'S PETREL Figure 2. Parkinson's Petrel, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Marin County, California, 1 0ctober 2005. This image shows the color, structure, and pattern of the bill, silvery appearance of the remiges when seen from from below, and the dark legs and feet. Photograph by © Eric Preston. (along with maintaining silence on the public address system) had permitted very close ap- proach to seabirds on past trips. The location here was at 38° 05.788' N, 123° 22.281' W. To Stallcup, the larger dark bird looked “wrong” for Flesh-footed Shearwater; he noted aloud its “big-headed, thick-chested” appearance and its whitish (not pinkish) bill tones. He suggested that those with cameras get into position on the starboard bow, in or- der to document what appeared to be a Pro- cellaria petrel. Over the next two minutes, as the boat drifted alongside and past the birds, Stallcup narrated field characters that would support this tentative identification, includ- ing the bill’s dark tip and dusky culmen ex- tending to the naricoms. As the birds flushed, the black legs and feet of the suspected Pro- cellaria were clearly visible, and Stallcup identified it at that time aloud as a Parkinson’s Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) , or Black Petrel, as it is called in Australia and New Zealand (Heather and Robertson 1997). The bird flew about 0.5 km and landed near another kelp raft and a Rhinoceros Auk- let ( Cerorhinca monocerata). The group stud- ied the bird again, in the same manner, and once more a few minutes later. The encounter lasted about 16 minutes, until 1434 PDST. All twenty participants on board had prolonged, excellent studies of the bird, and extensive photographic documentation was obtained (Figures 2, 4, 5, 8-10). Field identification In the North Pacific Ocean, there are several large, all-brown or mostly brown procellariids that might be confused with each other and potentially with Parkinson’s Petrel (see McKee and Ter- rill 2004, Spear et al. 1992). However, most of these birds are noticeably smaller and/or have a very different bill shape than all the Procellaria petrels, in- cluding Sooty Shearwater, Short-tailed Shearwater ( Puffinus tenuirostris) , dark- morph Northern Fulmar ( Fulmarus glacialis) — as well as the rare and va- grant gadfly petrels to the eastern North Pacific, such as Great-winged Petrel ( Pterodroma macroptera gouldi ), dark- morph Herald Petrel (P heraldica ), Solander’s Petrel (P solandri ), and Ker- madec Petrel (P neglecta), most of which are known only from waters outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (E.E.Z.) of the continental United States. Less likely candidates for confusion would be smaller species such as Bulwer’s Petrel ( Bulweria bulwerii ), dark-morph Wedge-tailed Shearwater ( Puffinus paci- ficus cuneatus), or Christmas Shearwater (P nativitatus) , all also pri- marily birds of tropical wa- ters beyond the E.E.Z. waters of the continental United States. Off California, then, ob- servers should concentrate on distinguishing Flesh- footed Shearwater, as well as the relatively rare dark morph of Pink-footed Shearwater, from any po- tential Procellaria petrel, of which there are an addi- tional two mostly brown species to consider: West- land Petrel (P westlandica ) and White-chinned Petrel (P aequinoctalis ). Though all five species are mostly brown in plumage, the details of overall size and structure, the distribution of dark and light on the bill, and the size and structure of the bill should be sufficient to distinguish the species, given sufficient views. Parkinson’s Petrel is a somewhat fulmar-like petrel, about the size of a Pink-footed Shearwater, with a thick, pale, horn-colored bill that has a dark tip and dusky culmen, and dark legs and feet (Harper and Kinsky 1974, Harrison 1983, Harri- son 1987, Marchant and Higgins 1990, Heather and Robinson 1997). The underside of the primaries may appear silvery gray in direct light (Marchant and Higgins 1990, Howell and Webb 1995; Figure 2). Flesh- footed Shearwater and dark-morph Pink- footed Shearwater by comparison are less bulky, have a longer, thinner, pink-based bill, a longer, less wedge-shaped tail, and pale, pinkish legs and feet (Figures 3, 4). Westland Petrel is a much larger bird than Parkinson’s, often as much as 20% larger (Figure 6), and tends to looks less slender in neck, body, and wings (Marchant and Higgins 1990). Al- though Parkinson’s is comparable in mor- phometries to Pink-footed Shearwater, it is an obviously bulkier bird to an experienced observer (Figure 4). In flight, Parkinson’s of- ten shows toes projecting beyond the tail; Westland shows little or no projection of the toes past the tail tip (Figures 2, 5). Compared to Parkinson’s, Westland has a blockier (rather than rounded) head and a larger, thicker bill, features that can be hard to judge on a single bird at sea (Figure 6); the two species share a similar bill pattern, with most horn-yellowish (sometimes with bluish or Figure 3. Flesh-footed Shearwater. Compared to Parkinson's Petrel, Flesh-footed Shearwater (as well as dark-morph Pink-footed Shearwater) has a thinner, longer, pink-based bill and pale pinkish feet. Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand; 6 December 2004. Photograph by © Eric Preston. Figure 4. Parkinson's Petrel (left) and Pink-footed Shearwater in flight, showing their similar sizes. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Marin County, California; 1 October 2005. Photograph by © Eric Preston. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 167 PARKINSON'S PETREL Figure S. Parkinson's Petrel, showing feet projecting beyond the tail tip. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Marin County, California; 1 October 2005. Photograph by © Eric Preston. even greenish tones) bill that show contrast- ing grayish black ungues (both the maxillary unguis and the mandibular unguis), culmen saddle, and sulcus (Marchant and Higgins 1990). White-chinned Petrel, about the same size as Westland (and therefore appreciably larger than Parkinson’s), almost always has a pale ungues and almost always shows — at close range — white feathering at the base of the mandible (sometimes only in the interra- nral space), i.e., the “chin’’ (compare Figure 7). Some White-chinned Petrels do not show this feature (Falla 1937, Warham and Bell 1979, Warham 1996, Marchant and Higgins 1990), and so its absence clearly does not rule out White-chinned Petrel. Because size and proportions can be difficult to judge at sea, reports of any Procellaria in North Amer- ica should be accompanied by notes on the birds proportions in direct comparison to procellariids near it. Discussion Parkinsons Petrels breed on Little Barrier and Great Barrier Islands, both of which are in the Hauraki Gulf of the North Island of New Zealand. They formerly bred on both the main north and south islands of New Zealand (Heather and Robertson 1997). The world population is estimated at 10,000 birds (Tay- lor 2000). As is true of many procellariids, Parkinson’s Petrel’s breeding success has been negatively affected by introduced mammals, including cats. Also, as has been the case with many petrels, shearwaters, and albatrosses, many have been caught and drowned by the long-line fishery (Birdlife International 2005). After the breeding season, Parkinson's Petrels migrate to the eastern Pacific Ocean; their dis- tribution at this time stretches from northern Pent to southern Mexico (to about 20° N). There is some evidence that the species has a foraging re- lationship with dolphins, especially Melon-headed Whales (Pepoiwcephala electra ) and False Killer Whales ( Pseudorca crassi- dens ) (Pitman and Balance 1992). In North American wa- ters north of Mexico, there is at least one sight- ing of a probable Parkin- son’s Petrel, about 43.2 km (23.5 nmi) south- southwest of Southeast Farallon Island, San Francisco County, California on 7 June 1996, but this record was not accepted by the California Bird Records Committee, which, however, did agree unani- mously that the bird was a Pro- cellaria petrel, either Westland or Parkinson’s (Rottenborn and Morlan 2000). More re- cently, a possible juvenile Parkinson’s Petrel was pho- tographed off Bodega Bay, Sonoma County, California 11 October 2004 (color photo- Figure 6. Westland Petrel, showing blockier head and larger, thicker bill than Parkin- son's Petrel. Kaikoura, New Zealand; 10 December 2004. Photograph by © Eric Preston. Figure 7. White-chinned Petrel, showing ivory-tipped bill and white chin. Kaik- oura, New Zealand; 10 December 2004. Photograph by ©Eric Preston. graphs in North American Birds 59: 191; Glover et al. 2005). During the past 35 years, pelagic birding trips in the United States have helped to re- fine, even to redefine our understanding of nearshore avifaunas; species once thought to be rare are now known to be regular visitors. The Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary has begun to receive attention from pelagic birders because of its high productivity. It is essentially an underwater craggy granite ridge located 92 km (50 nmi) north-northwest of San Francisco and about 46 km (25 nmi) west of the Point Reyes Lighthouse in Marin County, California. Roughly elliptical in shape, its dimensions measure about 16 x 7 km (9x4 nmi) at the 90-m (50-fathom) con- tour. Its highest point lies only 36 m (20 fath- oms) below the surface of the sea. Some 36.8 km (20 nmi) to the west of the ridge, the depth falls to 3600 m (2000 fathoms) and still deeper farther offshore. The Bank is persist- ently under the influence of an upwelling plume that originates off Point Arena to the north. In addition, the strong, southbound California Current, driven by prevailing northwesterly winds, encounters this three- km-high submarine wall, whirling additional nutrients and prey items (e.g., euphausiid shrimp; cephalopods; and juveniles, eggs, and dead of several species of rockfish [ Sebastes spp.l) to the surface. This banquet of food makes Cordell Bank attractive to thousands of seabirds during the summer months and a haven for large numbers of cetaceans, partic- ularly of Blue Whale ( Balaenoptera musculus ) and Humpback Whale ( Megaptera novaean- gliae) over the fall and winter months. Be- cause the Cordell Bank concentrates such prey resources, it is not surprising that it has proven an excellent place to find stray seabirds such as the Parkinson’s Petrel. Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank Steve N. G. Howell for helpful comments, and Martin Figure 8. Parkinson's Petrel dorsal surface in flight. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Marin County, California; 1 October 2005. Photograph by © Martin Meyers. 168 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PARKINSON'S PETREL f. SPMHI ir i ..'.-I llifcM* • i > Figure 9. Parkinson's Petrel dorsal surface in flight. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Marin County, California; 1 October 2005. Photograph by © Eric Preston. Figure 10. Parkinson's Petrel sitting on the water near Bull Kelp. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Marin County, California; 1 October 2005. Photograph by © Eric Preston. Meyers and Ed Greaves for their photo- graphic contributions. We also thank Ann Dewart for helping to organize these trips, and Captain Rick Powers for piloting the boat so expertly. Literature cited BirdLife International. 2005. Species factsheet: Procellaria parkinsoni. Downloaded 2 Janu- ary 2006 from . Falla, R. A. 1937. Birds. British, Australia, and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition. 1929-1931 report (Series B) 2: 1-288. Glover, S. A., L. W. Cole, S. B. Terrill, and M. M. Rogers. 2005. The fall migration: Mid- dle Pacific Coast region. North American Birds 59: 142-146. Harper, P. C, and F C. Kinsky. 1974. New Zealand albatrosses and petrels. Biological Society of Victoria, University of Welling- ton, Wellington. Harrison, P. 1983 (rev. 1985). Seabirds: an identification guide. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts. . 1987 (rev. 1997). A Field Guide to Seabirds of the World. Stephen Greene Press, Lexington, Massachusetts. Heather, B., and H. Robertson. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Howell, S. N. G., and S. Webb. 1995. A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and North Central America. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Marchant, S., and P. J. Higgins, eds. 1990. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 1: Ratites to Ducks, Part A: Ratites to Petrels. Oxford University Press, Oxford. McKee, B. T., and R. S. Terrill. 2004. Dark shearwaters in the northeast Pacific. Bird- ing 36: 598-607. Pitman, R. L., and L. T. Ballance. 1992. Parkinsons Petrel distribution and foraging ecology in the eastern Pacific: aspects of an exclusive feeding relationship with dol- phins. Condor 94: 825-835. Rottenborn, S. C, andj. Morlan. 2000. Report of the California Bird Records Committee: 1997 Records. Western Birds 31: 1-37. Spear, L. B., S. N. G. Howell, and D. G. Ainley. 1992. Notes on the at-sea identification of some gadfly petrels (genus: Pterodroma). Colonial Waterbirds 15: 202-218. Taylor, G. A. 2000. Action plan for Seabird Conservation in New Zealand, Part A: Threatened seabirds. Threatened Species Occasional Publication 16. Department of Conservation, Wellington. Warham, J. 1996. The Behaviour, Population Biology and Physiology of the Petrels. Acad- emic Press, London. Warham, J., and B. D. Bell. 1979. The birds of Antipodes Island, New Zealand. Notomis 26: 121-169. ^ CORNELL LAB of ORNITHOLOGY BNA BNA.BIRDS.CORIMELL.EDU *> Now including sound and video for many species ONLINE Birds of North America Online is the comprehensive life-history information resource on more than 700 North American bird species. -> -> Continually updated with the latest information Geographic distribution range maps SPECIAL OFFER One-year individual subscription for only $35.00, a 12% discount! To subscribe, simply visit and use promotional code NAB06 or call our toll-free number, 1-877-873-2626. Don't turn your back on this offer — it expires October 31, 2006! VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 169 Barred Owl by Gerrit Vyn Photo Salon: Cape Florida Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is home to a relatively new banding station, known affectionately as "Cape Florida" or "South Florida Bird Observatory," that has already in its four fall seasons (2002-2005) turned up some interesting records, among them Zenaida Dove, LaSagra's Flycatcher, and Western Spindalis. Fall 2005 was no exception, with Thick-billed Vireo, Townsend's Warbler, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher among the highlights. This collection of rarities is most remarkable in context: the station has banded just 4029 individual birds in 12,123 net-hours, among them a host of Caribbean-wintering Neotropical migrants. The station is located on the western (here the left) side of the peninsula, in native woodland. Photograph by Graham Hitchen. Adding spice to any bander's day are the least-common warblers, such as this male Golden-winged Warbler (21 September 2005; top) and this Townsend's Warbler (4 November 2005; bottom). A MacGillivray's War- bler was observed, but not captured, just a day after the Golden- winged, but a Mourning and two Connecticut Warblers were banded that day. Photographs by Robin Diaz. Warblers that winter largely in the West Indies are seen in southern Florida during both fall and spring migrations. But capture rates, for instance, of Cape May Warbler (male, 12 October 2004; upper left) and Black-throated Blue Warbler (male of the Appalachian subspecies cairnsi; 1 6 September 2005; upper right)— both Neotropical migrants that winter mostly in the Caribbean— are surprisingly different at Cape Florida. The former is relatively rare (9 cap- tures), the latter the most common warbler captured (707), even outnumbering the abundant Ovenbird (672). Species that winter both on Caribbean islands and the Caribbean slope of Mexico and Central America, such as Worm- eating Warbler (28 September 2004; lower left) and Swainson's Warbler (14 September 2004), have also turned out to be more common than Cape May Warbler, with 205 and 42 captures, respectively. Photographs by Robin Diaz. 170 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PHOTO SALON Cape Florida's position, as well as its habitat, make it a magnet both for local birds and for migrants and vagrants, whether from the Bahamas (just 1 00-200 km distant) or farther away. This Thick-billed Vireo (7 November 2005; right; upper left) represented just the fourth verified record for Florida (a White-eyed Vireo makes a nice comparison, 26 October 2005; center), whereas this Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (8 October 2005; lower left) was just the fifth for Florida. Photographs by Robin Diaz. Most birders observe nightjars only as moth-like apparitions rising off roadsides, but banders see them in the light of day. This female Chuck-will's-widow (upper left) was banded 1 2 September 2005; another female, band- ed 29 September 2004 (two views), shows the enormous gape, large enough to swallow a warbler whole, as this species sometimes does. Seventeen "Chucks" have been caught at Cape Florida, but just one Whip-poor-will, this bird 26 October 2005, a male (lower right). Photographs by Robin Diaz. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 171 Three Townsend's Warblers were present in St. John’s, Newfound- land in autumn 2005 (here 19 November): all twelve records of the species in the province fall are from November-December. Photograph by Bruce Mactavish. This female Anna's Hummingbird at Montmagny, Quebec 12-23 (here 18) November 2005 provid- ed an unexpected first provincial record. Photograph by Alain Cote. Virginia's second record of Allen's Hummingbird was furnished by this immature male at Cape Charles 25 October (here 3 November) through 30 December 2005. Photograph by EdwardS. Brinkley. Present from 18 (here 21 (October through 10 November 2005, this adult Black-tailed Gull was Vermont's first. It was very coop- erative, eventually perceiving birders as a cue for feeding. Photograph by Heather f order. This Green Violet-ear at Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey 23 and (here) 24 August 2005 was not only a first for New Jersey but a first for the Atlantic seaboard as well. Photograph by Scott Elowitz. A second for Maryland but one of very few records for the East, this Hammond's Flycatcher was found along the North Central Railroad Trail, near Monkton, Baltimore County, Maryland 23 (here 28) November 2005 and superbly documented. It lingered through 2 December. Photographs by George Jett. The first for Virginia, this MacGillivray's Warbler was captured at Kiptopeke State Park, Northampton County, where 306,054 birds have been banded in over 517,000 net-hours since 1963. Photograph by Jethro Bunco. 172 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS One of two Le Conte’s Sparrows found at the Bradley Unit of Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia in late (here 29) October through November 2005, this bird was unchar- acteristically approachable. Photograph by Bob laremba. This Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was netted and banded during its stay at Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, Ontario 23-27 (here 22) October 2005. Photograph by John Woodcock. A first for Ohio was this Green Violet-ear in Holmes County 15 and (here) 16 August 2005. Photograph by Gabe Hostetler. Providing the first record for Indiana, this Gray Kingbird was found in southern LaPorte County on 5 November 2005 (here). Photograph by John K. Cassady. This Black-throated Blue Warbler showed greenish female-like plumage on its right side but typical male plumage on its left; it appears to be a bilateral gynandromorph, a very rare aberration but reported at least twice previously in this species. It was cap- tured and banded 20 September 2005 at the Dolly Sods Banding Station, West Virginia. Photograph by Stephen W.Sandford. Completely unexpected in Michigan, this adult light-morph Short- tailed Hawk was photographed at Whitefish Point, Chippewa Coun- ty 20 November 2005, the second and final day of its stay at this legendary location. Photograph by Scott Jennex. In what was certainly one of the best years for White-eared Hummingbirds in the Southwest, several made extralimital ap- pearances, the most eccentric of which was this one in Hamburg township, Livingston County, Michigan 18-20 (here 19) August 2005. Photograph by Roger Eriksson. Alberta's second Long-billed Murrelet was found along the highway between Hinton and Jasper National Park on or before 8 August 2005 and was turned in at the park gate. The finder is unknown, as is the fate of the bird. Photograph by Mark Bradley. Two Long-eared Owls, part of a remarkable extralimital breeding record, lingered near their nest site at Sulphur Lake in southwest- ern Yukon Territories until at least 21 September 2005, when this bird was photographed. Unfortunately, one was taken by a Northern Goshawk the next day. Photograph by Cameron ft Eckert. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 173 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS This Gray Hawk in Wichita, Kansas 20-30 (here 20) October 2005 represents the northernmost confirmed record of the species in North America. Photograph by Mark Bryant. This Lawrence's Warbler, found in Boise's Barber Park on 21 October 2005 by the photographer, was a first for Idaho and also a first for the Pacific Northwest. The Gem State has just one report each for Blue- winged and Golden-winged Warblers! Photograph by Mark Collie. The warbler highlight of Colorado's fall season was a Painted Redstart that visited a residence near New Castle 16 through 18 (here) November 2005. The bird gleaned frozen and dormant insects from the eaves of a house. Photograph by Glenn Walbek. White-winged Scoter, a rare migrant in South Dakota, was detected once this season— this flock of five at Pierre 22 October 2005. Photograph by Doug Backlund. A first for South Dakota, and one of six hummingbird species recorded in the state in 2005, this Costa's Hummingbird de- lighted birders 9-17 (here 12) September in the Black Hills in Lawrence County. Photograph by Scott Weins. Idaho's newest banding station at Camas National Wildlife Refuge captured this immature female Connecticut Warbler on 30 August 2005, a state first. Remarkably, this banding crew netted another immature Connecticut 1 5 days later. Photograph by Craig Fosdick. Utah's first documented Ruby-throated Hummingbird was this young male, discovered 29 August 2005 by Larry Tripp in his backyard in Central, Washington County, Utah. It lingered through 2 September (here). Idaho and Arizona also have recent first records. Photograph by Rick Fridell. A combination seldom reported, this apparent hybrid Green-tailed Towhee x Spotted Towhee was in Ash Canyon, Arizona 26-27 (here 26) November 2005. Photograph by Jim Burns. 174 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS Off the California coast, Southeast Farallon Island has recorded sin- gle Dusky and Lanceolated Warblers in past autumn seasons, so this Arctic Warbler, banded 27 September 2005, was almost an expected island first; it furnishes the third record for northern California. Photograph by Adam Brown. There are few records of Temminck's Stint in the New World away from the Bering Sea islands and only one south of Alaska: a juvenile near Vancouver, British Columbia in September 1982. This individual was present at Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington 9 (here) through 13 November 2005. Photograph by Ruth Sullivan. This Sedge Wren, a first for British Columbia, was a remarkable find at Cecil Green Park, Vancouver 29 October 2005. Photograph by Walter Ammann. This juvenile Little Stint (left) at Boundary Bay furnished British Columbia's ninth 14 (here 21) September through 7 October 2005; the province's eighth record, an adult, came 5 September 2005 at the same location. Photograph by Rick Toochin. Alaska recorded a good run of grosbeaks in October 2005. This Rose-breasted Grosbeak (right) was at Ketchikan 17 October, one of three found there that month, while this Black-headed was also at Ketchikan 5-13 (here 4) October. Photographs by Steve Heinl. The crisp whitish wing bars, heavy streaking without dusky sides, streaked back, and lack of bright red tones mark this bird as a potential altivagans Fox Sparrow (near Monroe, Washington, 20 November 2005). This taxon has been placed with both the Red and the Slate-colored Fox Sparrow group (and often closely resembles zaboria Red Fox). It is thought to winter mainly in Califor- nia, but there have been several fall and winter reports from Washington. Photograph by Steven G. Mlodinow. Slate-colored Fox Sparrow winters regularly in the mountains of northern Baja California but is seldom seen along the coast. This migrant was near the beach at San Quintin on 9 October 2005. Photograph by Robert A. Hamilton. This stejnegeri-type Stonechat at Gambell, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska 6 September 2005 was the first documented there in fall and just the state's fourth autumn record. Photograph by Aaron Lang. VOLUME 60 (2006) • NUMBER 1 175 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS This first-year female Cape May Warbler was one of several eastern warblers found in the small town of Bahia Asuncion, Baja California Sur, Mexico on 6 October 2005. Photograph by Robert A. Hamilton. This male Golden-winged Warbler was captured 1 5 November 2005 at the bird monitoring station in Montecristo National Park. It was El Salvador's second fall record for the species, the first coming from the same park 27 October 2005. Photograph by Leticia Andino. Perhaps part of California's "Madrean" summer and fall, four Grace's Warblers were found on Point Loma, San Diego County, in November 2005 (here 5 No- vember). Photograph by Matthew l Heindei. The Baja California Peninsula's fifth Bay-breasted Warbler was this first- year female at El Rosario, Baja California on 9 October 2005. The faint blush of color on this bird's flank was difficult to perceive in the field. Photograph by Robert A. Hamilton. An unusual gull at Ria Lagartos, Yucatan, Mexico 19 September 2005 (here) and later was determined to be a Laughing Gull with orange bill and legs. A similar bird was noted in Lee County, Florida 30 September 2005. Photographs by Diego Nunez. This Bicknell's Thrush was banded by the Kirtland's Warbler Train- ing and Research Project 28 October 2005 near Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas. It furnished the second or third confirmed record for this species in the Bahamas. Photograph by Dave Currie. Three Canvasbacks accompanied this Redhead at the Kuilima Sewage Treatment Plant in Kahuku on O'ahu Island on 29 October 2005 (here); both species are rare in Hawaii. Photograph by Tom Dove. 176 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS DUNNE CLAY & PAT SUTTON Letters from Eden A Year a i Menu, It lit He*Jt 1 FlFtAV 1 EDITION H'U-V wybw . updated j /ulic Zicfccfoosc IE ARY OF PISHING frande Valle; 'f Texas Timorhv Brush BIRDS and BIRDING what to See When and Where to 60 ; Check out these exciting new titles as well as hundreds of other birding books, optics, CDs, DVDs, and birding accessories from ABA Sales. Order online or call customer service for more information. AmericanBirding ASSOCIATION ABA Sales www.abasales.com • 800-634-7736 SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES Introducing a Completely New Species oj Binoculars. 3 9088 01920 2571 THE ELITES FROM BUSHNELL. ELITE Newly designed. 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Known also for an outstanding ability to resist scratches and scrapes with rubber-armored chassis and electrostatic powder coating. Body always black with platinum color banding. Many specific characteristics set it apart from others similar in appearance, including: O- ring sealed waterproof/ dustproof/fogproof, hydrophobic construction, Rainguard® exterior lens coating and handsome, lightweight magnesium chassis. Also identifiable by locking center diopter adjustment knob. Voice: Song, a repeated series of clear, sweet whistled phrases, “ Oooh , 1 love my new Elite binoculars." JUVENILE 8x43 in size Twist-up evecups RAINGUARD* patented lens coating sheds water off the exterior lenses even in the dampest conditions Identical to adults; except in magnification For more information and complete specifications on the new Elites, visit your local optics retailer or log on to: www.bushnell.com