lericanBirding” North American Birds ^^TORTERLY J0URNAL(0F O^NITHOLOGICALJ^CORD PUBLIS^ BY THE AMERICAN BIRDIIWASSOCIATION: r tours cover the best birding areas in tMs marvelous country, from the far northwest to the southernmost tip. Each tour will be led by Steve Hilty and a local leader. Steve is one of the mas ! renowned experts on South Ainei Sea's avifauna and a superb tour leader. Northwest Argentina: Chaco, Andes and Altipiano November 2-14, $3995 Northeast Argentina: Pampas, Ibera Wetlands and Iguazu November 13-24, $3695 Southern Argentina: Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego November 24-December 5, $4395 , Tours depart from Buenos Airej Limit: 14 participants Iguazu Falls ©Alfredo Cena/shgpetstoj^ Strange-tailed Tyrant © German Pugnali/ Seriema Nature Tours n cx ^ 1 r \ J r u_ ) c DONATE TO I KHi Jjlauite nr Birds 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. To dontate go aba.org/donate/nab.php Or send donations to: The Friends of NAB, ABA, 4945 N. 30th Street, Ste 200 Colorado Springs, CO 00919 An amazing summer camp for young birders! ^ The American Birding Association Announces: Camp Colorado * 2012! Join us as we explore Colorado from grasslands to glaciers! From ■ : the shortgrass prairie of northeastern Colorado to the aspen groves ,■ and alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park, 2012 Camp Colorado has it all. Fabulous field trips will be punctuated by temfic educational workshops, making Camp Colorado a truly exceptional experience! Campers will find plenty of opportunities to take their birding skills to the next level, meet other young people with similar interests, explore careers in birding and ornithology, and, of course, leam about the diverse bird life and natural American Birding’ history of northern Colorado. Color-ado WHEN: July 8 -July 13, 2012 WHERE: YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park, Colorado For complete details and registration, pi www.aba.org/events/colorado201 2 ' or contact Bill Stewart at bstewart@al Bird photos courtesy of Camp > Colorado instructor Bill Schmoker^ 572 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ncient Murrelet © Glenn Bartley/VIREO ON THE COVER: Ryan Schain found this female warbler, apparently a Prairie Warbler x Blue-winged Warbler hybrid, feeding young at Crane Wildlife Management Area, Falmouth, Massachusetts 3 June 2011. This provides the first documentation of this suspected hybrid combination. Photograph by Ryan Schain. Contents The Nesting Season: June through July 2011 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS • AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION • VOLUME 65 • NUMBER 4 • 2012 576 The Changing Seasons: Refugees 620 Ontario 664 Edward S. Brinkley William J.Crins 700 Range expansion of Clay-colored 625 Eastern Highlands & 664 Thrush (Turdus grays) in Texas Upper Ohio River Valley Timothy Brush and Mark H. Conway Victor W. Fazio, III and Rick Wiltraut 668 704 First record of Solander’s Petrel 629 Illinois & Indiana (Pterodroma solandri ) for Alaska James D. Hengeveld, Keith A. McMullen, Barry E. Cooper and Gail B. Mackiernan and Geoffrey A. Williamson 671 709 Pictorial Highlights 633 Western Great Lakes Peder H. Svingen 672 The Regional Reports 635 Iowa & Missouri James J. Dinsmore 675 590 Atlantic Provinces & 638 Tennessee & Kentucky St. Pierre et Miquelon Chris Sloan and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 676 Brian Dalzell 641 Alabama & Mississippi 593 Quebec Pierre Bannon, Olivier Barden, Steven W. McConnell 682 Normand David, and Samuel Denault 644 Arkansas & Louisiana Steven W. Cardiff 595 New England Wayne R. Petersen 647 Northern Canada & Greenland Cameron D. Eckert 686 600 Hudson-Delaware Robert 0. Paxton, Richard R. Veit, 649 Prairie Provinces 689 Frank Rohrbacher, and Shaibal S. Mitra Rudolf F. Koes and Peter Taylor 604 Middle Atlantic 651 Northern Great Plains Mark T. Adams, Matt Hafner, and Robert Ostrowski Ron Martin 691 652 Southern Great Plains 607 Southern Atlantic - Spring 2011 Harry E. LeGrand, Jr., Josh Southern, Joseph A. Grzybowski and W. Ross Silcock 693 and Richard Hall 655 Texas Eric Carpenter, Randy Pinkston, 697 613 Southern Atlantic - Summer 2011 Harry E. LeGrand, Jr., Josh Southern, and Ron Weeks and Richard Hall 659 Colorado & Wyoming Tony Leukering and Bill Schmoker 698 616 Florida Bruce H. Anderson Sartor 0. Williams, III Mark M. Stevenson and Gary H. Rosenberg Chris Charlesworth Northern California Michael M. Rogers, Jeff N. Davis, Ed Pandolfino, and Stephen C. Rottenborn Baja California Peninsula Richard A. Erickson, Roberto Carmona, and Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos West Indies & Bermuda Robert L. Norton, Anthony White, Andrew Dobson, and Eddie Massiah Great Shearwater. Photograph by Todd McGrath. See page 682. American Birding® www.aba.org CHAIR Louis Morrell BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jane Alexander Dick Ashford Lynn Barber Charles Bell Carl Bendorf Michael Bowen Kenn Kaufman Robin Leong John C. Robinson Charles Teske Bob Warneke PRESIDENT Jeffery A. Gordon FINANCE Lisa Slocum COMMUNICATIONS David Hartley BIRDERS' EXCHANGE Betty Petersen MEMBERSHIP LeAnn Pilger Liz Gordon PAST PRESIDENTS AND BOARD CHAIRS Dick Ashford (2009-2010) Thomas Pincelli (2007-2009) Bettie R. Harriman (2006-2007) Richard H. Payne (1999-2006) Allan R. Keith (1997-1999) Daniel T. Williams, Jr. (1993-1997) Allan R. Keith (1989-1993) Lawrence G. Balch (1983-1989) Joseph W. Taylor (1979-1983) Arnold Small (1976-1979) G. Stuart Keith (1973-1976) G. Stuart Keith (1970 pro tern) 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. We invite all readers to become ABA members by visiting aba.org/join or calling (800) 850-2473. 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, popula- tion dynamics, and changes in migration patterns or seasonal occurrence. We welcome sub- mission of papers in these areas; papers and other communication should be sent to North American Birds, 124 Peach Street, Cape Charles, VA 23310 or email to the address below. For correspondence on photographic material, contact the Photo Editor at the email address below. PUBLISHER American Birding Association EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITORS PHOTO EDITOR Edward S. Brinkley Louis R. Bevier Brian Sullivan (thalassoica@gmail.com) P. A. Buckley Adam M. Byrne Stephen J. Dinsmore Alvaro Jaramillo Paul E. Lehman Alan Wormington REGIONAL EDITORS (heraldpetrel@gmail.com) Mark Adams, Bruce H. Anderson, Yves Aubry, Margaret J. C. Bain, Andy Bankert, Pierre Bannon, Olivier Barden, Adam M. Byrne, Roberto Carmona, Steven W. Cardiff, Eric Carpenter, Robert I. Cecil, Chris Charlesworth, C. Dwight Cooley, Bill Crins Brian Dalzell, Normand David, Jeff N. Davis, Samuel Denault, James J. Dinsmore, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Andrew Dobson, Peter Donaldson, Cameron D. Eckert, Walter G. Ellison, Richard A. Erickson, Victor W. Fazio III, Rick Fridell, Kimball L. Garrett, Hector Gomez de Silva, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Matt Hafner, Richard Hall, James Hengeveld, Pam Hunt, David Irons, Greg D. Jackson, H. Lee Jones, Rudolf E Koes, Oliver Komar, Harry E. LeGrand, Jr., Tony Leukering, Mark Lockwood, Blake A. Mann, Nancy L. Martin, Ron E. Martin, Eddie Massiah, Blake Maybank, Guy McCaskie, Steve McConnell, Keith A. McMullen, Shaibal S. Mitra, Steve Mlodinow, Robert L. Norton, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Edward Pandolfino, Robert O. Paxton, Wayne R. Petersen, Randy Pinkston, Michael M. Rogers, Frank Rohrbacher, Gary H. Rosenberg, Stephen C. Rottenbom, Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos, William Schmoker, Douglas Schonewald, Willie Sekula, W. Ross Silcock, Chris Sloan, Josh Southern, Mark M. Stevenson, Dan Svingen, Peder Svingen, Mark Szantyr, Peter Taylor, Thede Tobish, David Trochlell, Bill Tweit, Joshua P. Uffmann, Richard R. Veit, Brad Waggoner, Ron Weeks, Walter Wehtje, Jr., Anthony W White, Sartor 0. Williams III, Geoffrey A. Williamson, Rick Wiltraut, Alan Wormington SUBSCRIPTIONS GRAPHIC DESIGN ADVERTISING LeAnn Pilger James M. Harris Ken Barron 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, 1618 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904; (800) 850-2473. Subscription prices: $30/year (US) and US$35/year (Canada). Copyright © 2012 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 contri- buting 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. 574 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS AviSys Version 6 As Simple As You Wish ~ As Powerful As You Need Latest Clements Taxonomy! Subspecies Support! Palm Support! New Release! Celebrating 15 Years of Leadership! Now Windows Vista-ready! AviSys is a fully-featured worldwide database and re- porting system for serious birders. It can be enhanced by adding the Shawneen Finnegan Worldwide Nation Checklist Add-On (as provided in BirdArea by Santa Barbara Software Products), providing the most authoritative, highest quality, and most up-to-date individual checklists of the 254 nations of the world. Instantly re- duce the on-screen list from a world or N.A. list to the checklist of any nation, state, county, wildlife refuge, etc., whether provided by AviSys or created by you. * Unlimited Number of Lists: all major geographic lists automatically updated. Example: assigning a sighting to your yard also updates your City, County, State, Nation, Continent, worldwide ABA Area(s), worldwide ABA Region, and Life lists. ^ Full ABA N.A. Checklist, Clements World Checklist, and Official Tony White State/Province Checklists, all fully integrated with screen and report facilities. * The Fastest, Easiest and Most Flexible sighting entry— just click on the birds. * Unlimited Reporting and Listing by date range, season, geography, species, habitat, behavior, sex, nesting status, heard-only, photographed, key-words, etc. * Speedy, rock-solid performance, for Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, Vista. * Ask around; by far the best reputation for function, usability, and reliability. Visit our comprehensive web site at: www.avisys.net For more information — call 1-505-867-6255 ~ MC/VISA 120 day full money back - Perceptive Systems, PO Box 369, Placitas, NM 87043 Fast as a Falcon ~ Powerful as an Eagle ~ Friendly as a Chickadee DRYTORTUGAS SPRING 2012 WITH FLORIDA NATURE TOURS Join our expert leaders for the birding adventure of a lifetime. Include one of our mainland tours and see all the Florida specialties. We have the very best prices & itineraries designed to see the most species in the least amount of time. Save hundreds of dollars and we will also donate $100 to your favorite birding or conservation organization. See our web site for all the details. Dry Tortugas Tours 2012 dates: 4/13-16,4/20-23,4/24-27, 5/3-6,5/7-10 South Florida Tours 2012 dates: 4/16-20,5/6-10 Florida Super Tour 2012 dates: 4/27-5/3 www.floridanaturetours.net birdsatfnt@bellsouth.net 407-384-9766 Looking for a Birding Adventure P Go offshore with S6. Williams, J., D. Albright, A. J. Hoffmann, A. Eritsov, P. F. Moore, J. C. Mendes, M. Leonard, j. San Miguel-Ayanz, G. Xan- thopoulos, and E van Lierop. Findings and implications from a coarse-scale global as- sessment of recent selected mega-fires. Available online: . (© 586 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand Julian Fitter &Don Merton Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East Dennis Paulson Birds of India Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Second Edition Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp . Petrels, Albatrosses, and Storm-Petrels of North America A Photographic Guide Steve N G. Howell Cotingas and Manakins I Guy M. Kirwan & Graeme Green PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand contains over 600 stunning photographs of the more than 350 bird species likely to be seen in this area of the world. Comprehensive and compact, the book includes full descriptions of all native species and regular visitors, distribution maps and measurements, key information on national parks, and useful information on ongoing conservation efforts in the country. Filled with handy tips for nature enthusiasts wanting to make the most of their trip, this is the only bird guide that anyone exploring this region will need. This is the first fully illustrated guide to all 336 dragonfly and damselfly species of eastern North America — from the rivers of Manitoba to the Florida cypress swamps— and the companion volume to Dennis Paulsons acclaimed field guide to the dragonflies and damselflies of the West. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East features hundreds of color photos that depict all the species found in the region, detailed line drawings to aid in-hand identification, and a color distribution map for every species. Princeton Field Guides Paper $29.95 978-0-691 -1228B-0 Cloth $85.00 978-0-691-12282-3 The best field guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent is now even better. Thoroughly revised, with 73 new plates and many others updated or repainted, the second edition of Birds of India now features all maps and text opposite the plates for quicker and easier reference. Newly identified species have been added, the text has been extensively revised, and all the maps are new. Comprehensive and definitive, this is the indispensable guide for anyone birding in this part of the world. Petrels, albatrosses, and storm-petrels are among the most beautiful yet least known of all the world’s birds, living their lives at sea far from the sight of most people. Largely colored in shades of gray, black, and white, these enigmatic and fast-flying seabirds can be hard to differentiate, particularly from a moving boat. Useful worldwide, not just in North America, this photographic guide is based on unrivaled field experience and combines insightful text and hundreds of full-color images to help you identify these remarkable birds. Cloth $45.00 978-0-691-14211-1 Cotingas and Manakins is the definitive work these magnificent Neotropical birds, covering more than 130 species. These range from some of the rarest , and most enigmatic birds in the world to some of the best studied of all tropi- cal species. This stunning volume features 34 color plates by Eustace Barnes, who has observed many of these species in the field, as well as distribution maps and approximately 400 color photographs that cover all but a tiny handful of species. Cloth $55.00 978-0-591-15352-0 See our E-Books at press.princeton.edu ABA Window Sticker $1 each Common Eider Knit Shirts, Mens and Ladies sizes - Reg. $22,99 - ON SALE $1199 Bobolink Black V-Neck Tee - Reg. $19,99 - ON SALE $17.99 Little Gull Gray V-neck Tee -Reg. $19.99- ON SALE $14.99 Spoonbill Pink Ladies Short-sleeve - Reg. $24.99- ON SALE $19.99 Barn Swallow Blue Knit Shirt - Reg. $22.99 - ON SALE $17.99 Bluebird Blue % Sleeve shirt - Reg. $25.99 - ON SALE $19.99 Blue Grosbeak shirt - Reg. $22.99 - ON SALE $19.99 SllOP@ABA Your store for ABA logo wear and more! • Shirt styles for men, women, and juniors including polos, button-downs, and V-necks • Vibrant colors like Spoonbill Pink, Barn Swallow Blue Common Eider Green, Bobolink Black and many more • Ball caps in Peregrine Blue and Clay-colored American Binding® To see the foil line of ABA logo products, accessories, and life list pins, go to: shop.aba.org Other colors and styles available, call for more! ABA Birdfinding Guides A Birder’s Guide to Alaska by George C. West • Revised 2008 A Birder’s Guide to Alaska gives you the detailed information you need to find the Great Land’s great birds. The status of more than 500 species of birds in Alaska-and dozens of field-identi- fiable subspecies-is treated in the Annotated List. This updated guide features more than 120 maps, which accompany the 56 chapters. A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona by Richard Cachor Taylor • Revised 2005 Great year-round birding, grand scenery, and a birdlist that in- cludes some of the most sought-after and beautiful birds in all of North America - these were the inspirations for Jim Lane when he wrote the first Lane Guide in 1965. the first edition. A Birder’s Guide to Southern California grraHBSI by Brad Schram • Revised 2007 All serious North American bird- ers eventually end up in South- ern California. The vast, varied topography that is Southern California has recorded over 555 naturally occurring bird species, many of which are near endemics to its geography. Each of Southern California’s many habitats offers its own specialties, and this guide will help you to find them all. A Birder’s Guide to Florida by Bill Pranty • Revised 2005 Florida is one of the most pop- ular birding destinations in the Western Hemisphere. North American birders savor Florida as the place to see species not found elsewhere in the US and Canada. This birdfinding guide and your field guide are the only books you’ll need! A Birder’s Guide to Michigan by Allen T. Chartier and Jerry Ziarno • Published 2010 A Birder’s Guide to Michigan de- scribes over 200 sites, with details on each site’s birds, best seasons, and driving directions, accompanied by 200-plus maps. A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande Valley by Mark W. Lockwood, William B. McKinney, James N. Paton, Barry R. Zimmer • Revised 2008 Birding begins in the wonderland of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, detail- ing routes designed to help you make the most of your visit at any time of year. In addition to descriptions of over 230 birding sites, the authors-all of them long-time Texas birders-have completely updated the Annotated Check- list, covering more than 500 species. A Birder’s Guide to the Texas Coast by Mel Cooksey and Ron Weeks • Revised 2006 One of the world’s premier birding destinations, the Texas coast is home to an amazing number of migrating and wintering birds, as well as many “specialty” resident and nesting species. The habitat diversity ranges from the Pineywoods to the Gulf prairies, from the coastal wetlands to the South Texas subtropics. 1 fP mrts A Birder’s Guide I by Hal Opperman Washington! . Pgbljshed 2oo3 A Birder’s Guide to Washington de- | tails hundreds of birding routes \ and sites in the state and adjacent HH areas ’n British Columbia, together P l with year-round access instructions and birding advice. Over 220 maps pinpoint the most productive desti- nations in the field and offer re- gional overviews to help with trip planning. The ABA's Birdfinding Guide series and other ABA publications are partner, Buteo Books. Visit www.buteobooks.com for complete Atlantic Provinces & St. Pierre et Miquelon kr Schefferville (PQ) Mealy • ' Smallwood Mins. ' ; “f I Gu"°> mMNnp JBm John's Sept-iles • *« & Porl-aux- NEW M , * Cape Breton I. w C«.MP , &?ea*Ya,m,u,h SaWel’ DWbMIe , SeaTl'^" CapeSeblel E Digby Brian Dalzell It was a stubbornly damp summer in the Region, especially in Newfoundland and St. Pierre et Miquelon, where Etcheberry called it “our worst summer, at least for the last 30 or 40 years! Cold, foggy, and about half the amount of sunshine than average.” And, for the first time in memory, peat-har- vesting operations in the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick could not put together enough rainless days in a row to sun-dry their product before packaging it. However, there were few reports of birds specifically suffering mortality or reduced nesting success due to the unusually wet summer. Abbreviations: A.R (Avalon Peninsula, NF); C.S.I. (Cape Sable I., NS); G.M.I. (Grand Manan I., NB); G.N.P. (Great Northern Pen., NF); H.R.M. (Halifax Regional Municipality, NS); M.B.B.A. (Maritimes Breeding Bird At- las); SPM (St. Pierre et Miquelon, France); NF (insular Newfoundland). LOONS THROUGH RAPTORS Five ad. Red-throated Foons at Port George, Annapolis, NS 25 Jul (Richard Stern) were most unexpected there. A Pied-billed Grebe at Goose Bay, 8-21 Jun (TC, CJ) provided one of very few records for Labrador, with the near- est known breeding areas being 500-600 km away in Quebec. Good totals of tubenoses in- cluded 20,000 Great Shearwaters near G.M.I. 25 Jul (DI) and 15,000 Sooty Shearwaters near St. Shotts, NF 10 Jul (KE et al.); the latter as- semblage was seen right along the shores, feeding on spawning Capelin. The best show- ing for Manx Shearwater s. of Newfoundland was 5 s. of lie Saint-Pierre, SPM 1 Jun (PB). With the sea as flat as “oil on water,” 100,000 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels were estimated in the Bay of Fundy over the Grand Manan Basin, NB 25 Jul (Dl). Northern Gannets were al- ready moving southward past Nova Scotia by Jul, with 500+ off the mouth of Halifax harbor 14 Jul (Terry Boswell); about 500 were noted off Rockdale Beach, Richmond , Cape Breton I. 24 jul (Billy Digout), apparently feeding on mackerel. An estimate of 30,000 at the gan- netry of Cape St. Marys, NF 10 Jul (KE et al.) must have been a splendid sight. Brant rarely put down when migrating overland in spring, so 5 at Labrador City 6 Jun (GS, LS) were of note. Wood Duck possibly breeds in Labrador, but the island of New- foundland has no reports of breeding; a male was at Broom Pt., Gros Morne N.P 1 Jul (fide JG), and 2 were near St. Anthony 29 Jun (Gene Herzberg). Lingering Eurasian Wigeons were found at Saint John, NB 11 Jun (Gilles Belliveau) and near Borden, PE 18 Jun (Greg Feetham). Common Eider appears to be doing quite well along the Labrador coast, with some females escorting creches of as many as 50 ducklings, such as near Rigolet 20 Jul (Hol- lis Yetman). Thirty Long-tailed Ducks were found 50 km e. of Rigolet 12 Jul (TC), where they have been known to nest in recent years. Hooded Merganser now breeds e. to L. Mel- ville in Labrador, but there is still only one breeding record for insular Newfoundland, so 3 at Brig Bay, G.N.P 4 Jun (JG) were perhaps on their way to Labrador, where 4 were found near Goose Bay 21 Jun (TC). Rarely do ad. Little Blue Herons wander as far e. as Newfoundland in spring, but one was found near Torbay 11-15 Jul (Michelle Mack- ey). An imm. Little Blue at Neguac, Glouces- ter, NB 23 Jun was the first report for the Aca- dian Pen. since 1998 (Jolande St-Pierre). Award for most wayward Great Egret goes to one found at Eastport, NF 30 Jun (Bruce Bradbury). Black Vulture has not made great strides invading the Region in recent years, as Turkey Vulture has. A Black Vulture at Mi- ramichi City, NB 5 Jul ( fide Rod Currie) and 2 on a billboard welcoming visitors to Beres- ford, Gloucester, NB 1 Aug (John Klymko) made the only reports. Turkey Vulture is now well entrenched as a breeder over the higher parts of s. and cen. New Brunswick, with a small enclave in the se. centered on the Cale- donia Highlands of Albert, where 25 were found at Midway 30 Jun (DSC, MM). Two Swallow-tailed Kites photographed together by Jim Wilson near Hammond River, Kings 4 Jun furnished the first verified record for New Brunswick. There are about six previous spring reports for nearby Nova Scotia, but New Brunswick has only a few sight reports; another Swallow-tailed Kite was seen near Norton, Kings, NB 15 Jul (Ted Sears). While quite common in Labrador, Red-tailed Hawk is still very rare in Newfoundland, where one was found in the Codroy Valley 10 Jun (DB, JH). There are no breeding records for insular Newfoundland. A Rough-legged Hawk was present at Tantramar Dykelands, Sackville, NB throughout the season (Kathy Popma); a pair on the ne. coast of lie Saint-Pierre, SPM 15 Jun+ was likely the resident pair from nearby Columbier I. (PB, LJ, JD); and anoth- er was at Cape Race, NF 18 Jun (CD). GALLINULES THROUGH SHORERERDS Common Gallinule is a rare and local breeder in suitable habitat in the Region, such as the Germantown Marshes, Albert, NB, where 2 were heard 2 Jun (SIT) and 3 on 11 Jun. Two on a farm pond at Avonport, Kings, NS 21 Jun-12 Jul (Dick Halliburton) was suggestive of possible breeding at this new location. Sandhill Cranes likely now breed in Nova Scotia, albeit in tiny numbers, with tantaliz- ing reports in recent years from Guysborough. The vast, complex coastline of Labrador provides excellent breeding habitat for Common Eider. Near Rigolet in late (here 28) July 2011, some female eiders tended groups of 50 or more ducklings. Why such "super hens" claim so many ducklings from other hens is still unknown. Photograph by Hollis Yetman. 590 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET MIQUELON j Drivers passing Beresford, New Brunswick likely thought the big black birds perched on the signs were crows or ravens, if they noticed them at all. This pair of Black Vultures, making the first report of more than a single in the province, was pho- tographed 1 August 2011. Photograph by John Klymko. A family unit of 2 ads. and 2 juvs. spent more than two months wandering the agricultural fields of w. Pictou 25 Jun-i- around Scotsbum (Kay Wilson). An ad. Pacific Golden-Plover in breeding plumage was found by Mactavish at Bellevue Beach, Trinity Bay, NF 30 Jul-3 Aug; there are two previous records for the province (and Region), all in the past four years. Piping Plover is holding its own in Newfoundland, with some 50 pairs now nesting annually in the small number of suitable glacial sand beaches, including up to five pairs on Miquelon, SPM, where a nest with eggs was found n. of Grand Barachois Gully 11 Jun (JD, LJ). Upland Sandpiper still likely breeds in tiny numbers on blueberry barrens in ne. New Brunswick, but there have been no con- firmed reports for at least 20 years. One near Val-Doucet, Gloucester 26 jun (Giles Godin, Roland Robichaud) indicates breeding may still be occurring at the ne. limit of its range. A Lesser Yellowlegs at Eddies Cove East, G. N.P 28 Jun was the earliest ever there for long-time resident John Gibbons. They be- come rarer farther n. and e. in the Region, so one at Gull I., 50 km e. of Rigolet, Labrador 12 Jul was also of note (TC). Spotted Sand- pipers were found in above-average numbers, including an estimated 20 breeding pairs at tiny Machias Seal I., NB in early Jul (RE), numbers more typical of those found there in the 1990s. Willet continues to appear in breeding habitat unoccupied for more than a century, such as the Magdalen Is. of Quebec, the Acadian Pen. of New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. One behaving as if on terri- tory at St. Pauls Inlet, G.N.P. 16 Jun (DW) may have been an overshoot from the Mag- dalens, while a pair bred again at Renews on the A.P. (BM). A Ruff molting into basic plumage at Three Fathom Harbour, near Hal- ifax, NS 3 Jul (Susann Myers) made the sea- son’s only report of this rarity. Red-necked Phalarope is more numerous than Red Phalarope at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy in early summer, but recent counts indicate that Reds now begin to outnumber Red- neckeds by mid-Aug. There were an estimat- ed 10,000 Red-necked (and no Reds) around Old Proprietor Ledge, G.M.l. 25 Jul (DI). A spring migrant Red was at Portuguese Cove, H. R.M. 6 Jun (Hans Toom), and several dozen were just s. of lie Saint-Pierre 9 Jun (JD). The first southbound Red was noted 500 km e. of St. John’s 30 Jun (BM). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS A few more Black-headed Gulls than usual were noted, including one inland at Monc- ton, NB 4 Jun (Roger LeBlanc), one along the Labrador coast at Cartwright for two weeks starting 11 Jun (Shirley Walsh), one at Happy Valley-Goose Bay 8 Jun (TC), and 2 at Miquelon Village, SPM 17 Jun+ (first there since 1998). Probably fewer than 50 pairs nest in the Region, mostly in the Mag- dalen Is. of Quebec and at Stephenville Crossing, NF, but surely scattered breeding pairs still await discovery. Mactavish noted a “dire lack” of Black-headed Gulls at Stephenville Crossing, NF 1 Aug, opining the small colony may have been flooded out earlier in the summer, nesting as they do there at the lowest fringes of a Ring-billed Gull colony. A new colony of about 250 pairs of Ring-billeds has become established on lie aux Marins, off He Saint-Pierre, noted 27 Jun (PB). Single Laughing Gulls are nor- mal summer visitors in the Region except in Newfoundland, where 3 were noted togeth- er at Renews 18 Jul (DB); another second- cycle Laughing was nearby at Ferryland, also 18 Jul (DB). Franklin’s Gull is always a surprise in the Region, no matter where one turns up. An ad. was found at Daniels Head, C.S.I. 4 Jun (Johnny Nickerson), and a sec- ond-cycle Franklin’s was in the estuary of the Codroy R., at Upper Ferry, NF 1 Aug (BM). An ad. Sabine’s Gull was late, or early, 28 Jun near The Wolves (islands) off G.M.L (SIT). Black-legged Kittiwake is expanding and consolidating many new colonies in the e. part of the Region, such as the Bay of Chaleur and the Bay of Fundy, NB, as well as Cape Breton L, NS. The traditional colony on Columbier I., SPM has increased from 473 pairs in 2009 to 575 pairs this summer (AB), while 10,000 individuals were esti- mated around the gannetry at Cape St. Marys, NF 10 Jul (KE+). Black Terns often show up in places where the species has not bred; 2 were near Labrador City in suitable habitat 6 Jun (GP), and singles were at a pond on the Isthmus of Miquelon, SPM 12 Jun (RE, DL), where the species has bred in the past, and at Concep- tion Bay South, NF 6-11 Jul (Jared Clark et al.), where it has not. Quite unexpected was a Sandwich Tern near Grand Barachois, SPM 19 Jul (Idir Alliche). Detailed reports of Great Skua included singles near ile Saint- Pierre 10 Jul+ (JD) and in the Bay of Fundy, NS/NB 15 Jul (Steve Benedict), the latter seen from the Princess of Acadia. South Polar Skuas were noted from shore at Cape Spear, NF 15 Jul (DB) and near Old Proprietor Shoal, G.M.L 16 Jul (ph. DI). Several unidentified skuas were seen 30 km off Hal- ifax, NS 13 Jul (Art Gaetan). The only jaegers seen from a seismic vessel 480 km e. of St. John’s 1 Jul (BM) were a few first-sum- mer Long-tailedjaegers; another imm. Long- tailed was photographed 32 km se. of Hali- fax, NS 17 Jul (Art Gaetan). Etcheberry found 3 Dovekies off Cape Miquelon, SPM 29 Jul and noted he had re- ceived eight reports of the species 9 Jun-31 Jul, mostly between lie Saint-Pierre and Langlade. As many as 27 were found per day in mid-Jul (JD), with the observer seeing at least a few every day he went to sea. Nesting alcids appear to be doing well in the Region, most notably at Columbier I., SPM, where wretched summer weather made enumera- tion difficult for researchers. However, in 2010 they estimated 17,000 Common Mur- VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 591 | ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET MIQUELON res, 15,000 Atlantic Puffins, and 9000 Razor- bills on the island, a significant increase over recent years, especially for the murres (AB). Peak counts of nesting Atlantic Puffins at tiny Machias Seal I., NB have nearly doubled since the late 1990s; from 5600 birds in 1997 (Tony Diamond) to 10,500 this season (RE). A new breeding colony of puffins on Green I., Shel- burne, NS contained at least 30 ads. (m.ob.). DOVES THROUGH SWALLOWS A White-winged Dove with 3 Mourning Doves at a Labrador City feeder 15 Jun (GS) was 2nd for Labrador, following a record from Gannet Island. One near Barrington, Shel- burne, NS 12 Jul (Betty-June Smith) was about the 50th for that province. It was not a big year for Black-billed Cuckoo, but one made it as far as the Codroy Valley, NL on the Chimney Swiff took a big hit from Hurricane Wilma in late Oct 2005. Numbers seem to be re- bounding in places but are still around 50% lower than those found during the first M.B.B.A. (1986-1990). Seven with swallows at Grand Codroy, NF 2 Jun (DB, JH) were in a location where they are not known to breed; the near- est nesters are probably on Cape Breton I., but that was not confirmed during the recently completed M.B.B.A. (as it was during the first). The highest count came from a school chimney in New Glascow, NS, where 645 entered on the evening of 1 Jun (Ken McKenna et al.).They are still present occasionally in the wild, with about 10 pairs found deep in the woods near Heathe-Steele, Northum- berland, NB 22 Jun, where thought to be nesting in giant White Pines killed by a fire that swept through the area about 1985 (BD). somewhat early date of 3 Jun (DB, JH). Ruby-throated Hummingbird now likely breeds annually in extreme w. Newfoundland, but one at Middle Cove, near St. John’s 20-21 Jun (Ken Knowles) was pushing the enve- lope. There was also one at the village of St. Pierre, SPM 22-24 Jun (PB), possibly the same one seen there 11-13 Jun (Klervia De- bois). A Black-backed Woodpecker nest with young on e. Miquelon I. 18 Jun (PB) was sur- prisingly the first confirmed breeding record for the Trench islands. An Eastern Phoebe at St. Andrews, NL was seen to fly under a bridge in suitable habitat 15 Jun (DB, JH). A few nest on Cape Breton I., but the edge of their continuous range is still mainland Nova Scotia. A wandering ad. Scissor-tailed Ply- catcher reached St. Andrews, NB 1-2 Jun (Todd Watts). Extralimital Eastern Kingbirds made it to Cape Ray, NF 3-4 Jun (DB, JH), Miquelon, SPM 4 Jun (LJ), and Langlade, SPM 18 Jun (JD). Blue Jay migration is not as noticeable in spring as in fall, but 100+ at Marys Pt., Albert, NB 4 Jun (DSC, MM) was indicative of a mi- gratory peak. Gray Jays already had fledged young by 1 Jun at Goose Bay, Labrador (TC). A Blue-headed Vireo sang in suitable breeding habitat at Smokey Mt., Labrador City 21 Jun-18 Jul (GS, GP), but it was apparently unmated. There are still no breeding records for Labrador. A pair of Red-eyed Vireos at Labrador City 15 Jul+ (GS) likely nested there; they are somewhat more common far- ther e. around Goose Bay, where noted after 11 Jun (TC, CJ). Two recently fledged North- ern Shrikes plus 2 ads. at Tanya L., Labrador City 24 Jun (GS) made an excellent find for the s. edge of its breeding range. The only Black-capped Chickadee at St. Pierre “these many years now” is still alone, awaiting the mate that may never come (RE), reminiscent of the Tufted Titmouse that spent many years as the only one of its kind on Martha’s Vine- yard, MA (before interbreeding with a chick- adee). Despite reduced numbers in the Mar- itime Provinces, Gray Catbird still manages to turn up with some regularity in Newfound- land, where it breeds only infrequently; 5 were noted in the Codroy Valley 7 Jun (DB, JH), 2 at St. Pierre 5-7 Jun (PB), one near Cape Race, NF 25 Jun (CD), and one singing at Broom Brook, Gros Morne N.R 29 Jun+ (DW). The northernmost Northern Mocking- bird was a territorial bird at Happy Valley, Labrador 22 Jun+ (David Elliot). A female Purple Martin in the Codroy Estuary 2 Jun (DB, JH) was rarer than it would have been 25 years ago, with the species now (sadly) al- most gone as a breeder from its former range in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Barn Swallow is also in long-term decline through- out the Region, so it was heartening to hear of 60 with a mixed flock of 300-400 Tree and Bank Swallows over the Codroy Estuary, NF 2 Jun (DB, JH). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Tennessee Warbler is doing very well in New- foundland and Labrador, but not so much in the Maritimes, where it is thinly and patchily distributed. Peak numbers were on a B.B.S. route between Goose Bay and Northwest Riv- er, where 61 were tallied 24 Jun (TC, CJ). Or- ange-crowned Warbler breeds only in Labrador in the Region, mostly in regenerat- ing forest burns, such as around Goose Bay-Happy Valley, where 14 were found on the aforementioned B.B.S. route. A Nashville Warbler was a good find at Cape Race 14 Jun (CD); a few now breed in the Codroy Valley. A Black-throated Blue Warbler singing in suit- able habitat at Broom Brook, Codroy, NF 6 Jun+ (DB, JH) would have needed a female to attempt a first nesting in the province. A Black-and-white Warbler made a less-than- annual spring occurrence at Wabush, Labrador 5 Jun (GS, GP). A Canada Warbler singing at St. Andrews in the Codroy Valley 7- 15 Jun (DB, JH) would also have required a mate for a first breeding record in Newfound- land. A banded Northern Waterthrush recov- ered 5 Jul at Cooks Harbour (DW), near the n. tip of the G.N.P, had originally been band- ed 3 Sep 2009 at Bill Baggs Cape Florida S.P., Key Biscayne, FL. Clay-colored Sparrow must have bred somewhere in the Region by now, given the decades (since the 1970s) of scattered reports of singing males each summer. This season, singing males were noted at Buctouche Dune, Kent, NB 1 Jun (SIT) and Paunchy L., near Sackville, Westmoreland, NB 7 Jun (SIT). One singing at Millville in the Codroy Valley 7 Jun+ (DB, JH) was only the 2nd known spring record for Newfoundland. A Blue Grosbeak made it as far as Plum Pt., G.N.P 4 Jun (Ivy Gibbons), and an Indigo Bunting made it almost as far, being found at Cape Ray, NF the same day (DB, JH). A male Paint- ed Bunting attended a feeder in Ketch Har- bour, NS 28 Jun (ph. Heather King). A sec- ond-year male Yellow-headed Blackbird visit- ed a feeder in New Minas, NS 6-7 Jun (fide Bernard Forsythe). A second-year male Bronzed Cowbird on Seal L, Shelburne, NS 27 Jun-1 Aug was nicely photographed (Charles Kenny), for the 4th provincial record. As noted by Ian McLaren, the first one occurred at the same feeder in early May 1991 and was well described by the residents (including Mr. Kenny) as their “grackle with the red eyes.” Remarkably, there are single records for Maine and South Carolina but no others for Canada or the American East n. of Florida. American Goldfinch continues to expand into Labrador, with reports of one at St. Lewis 4 Jun (EL), 5 at LAnse au Clair 19 Jun (fide JG), and 2 at Labrador City 19 Jun (GS). Evening Grosbeak is still rare in Labrador, with the only report this spring be- ing a male at St. Lewis 5 Jun (EL). Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): Patrick Boez, Amael Boudreau, Dave Brown, David S. Christie, Tony Chubbs, Joel Detcheverry, Cliff Doran, Kim Eckert, Roger Etcheberry, John Gibbons, Jen Harding, Durian Ingersoll, Laurent Jackman, Colin Jones, Bruce Mactavish, Mary Majka, Gordon Parsons, Gordon Saunders, Stuart I. Tingley. C Brian Dalzell, 7 Allison Drive Moncton, New Brunswick, E1E 2T7 592 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Quebec PeSla 0 Xs 4 Pierre Bannon Olivier Barden Normand David Samuel Denault It was a very pleasant summer. June tem- peratures were near or slightly above nor- mal across the Region. Except for torren- tial downpours in the Gatineau Hills and on the Gaspe Peninsula, total precipitation was near or slightly below average for all regions. In July, temperatures were warmer than normal for all regions except a few areas in eastern Quebec. Most of the province experi- enced below-average precipitation, especially southwestern Quebec, which was drier than normal. The second season of field work of the sec- ond Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Quebec turned up some exciting discoveries. One of the biggest surprises of the summer was the confirmed breeding of Eurasian Collared- Doves at Sainte-Brigide-dTberville. SWANS THROUGH GULLS A Mute Swan found at Pointe-au-Pere 23 Jun (A. Brisson, J. Larivee) wandered in the Low- er St. Lawrence until 25 Jul; another appeared at Boucherville 13-25 Jul (G. Legault). Single Trumpeter Swans were found at Val-Sen- neville 6-17 Jun (L. Boucher, m.ob.), Beam 13-18 Jun (M. Gervais), and Anticagamac L. (La Mauricie N.P.) 1 Jul+ for the 3rd consecu- tive summer (D. Masse, C. Bourgeois). Two Red-necked Grebes at Riviere-Ouelle 16 Jul, and 4 there 31 Jul, were unusual in summer for this part of the Region (CG, CA). An Eared Grebe in breeding plumage at Saint- Basile-le-Grand 23-25 Jul was a fine find (ph. SD). There are fewer than 10 records for the Region. A Manx Shearwater at Tadoussac 19 Jul (R. Pintiaux) was noteworthy. An Ameri- can White Pelican turned up at Sainte-Anne- de-Sorel 13-22 Jul (M. Chabot, m.ob.). Single Cattle Egrets were located at Baie-du-Febvre 1 Jun (L. Jacques, GH, L. Labonte) and at Hen- ryville for most of summer (MG, SM). A Black Vulture photographed at l’Anse-a- Beaufils 24 Jul was seen again at Perce the same day (ph. A. Saint-Jean, MA. Belanger). A high count of 30 Bald Eagles at Riviere York 5 Jul (M. Castilloux, A. Dupuis) was notewor- thy. A dark-morph Red-tailed Hawk was re- ported at Mansonville 18 Jun (R. Carswell), and a light morph was well north at Shef- ferville 7 Jul (JC). A count of 68 Sandhill Cranes, including more than 20 juvs., in a field at Latulipe 14 Jul (JF) represented a high summer count for Temiscamingue. A Willet nest with four eggs at Dune du Nord 8 Jun (AR) was the first documented for the Mag- dalen Islands. Elsewhere on the archipelago, 8 Willets represented a remarkable concentra- tion at Bassin 22 Jun (AR). A Pectoral Sand- piper was very late or early at Henryville 15 Jun (MG). Single Ruffs stopped at Cap Tour- mente 6 Jun (FD, RD) and at Baie-du-Febvre 10 Jun (S. Houpert). Outside the Magdalen Is., Black-headed Gulls showed up at La Mal- baie, Tadoussac and Les Escoumins (m.ob.). A total of 8 Laughing Gulls was reported across the Region. Single Franklin’s Gulls vis- ited La Malbaie 2 Jun (O. Barden) and Riv- iere-Ouelle 4 Jun (CG, CA). PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Band-tailed Pigeon was nicely pho- tographed at Portneuf-sur-mer 21-22 Jul, fur- nished the 4th Regional record and the 2nd in summer (ph. G. Doiron). The range of Eurasian Collared-Dove has been expanding rapidly in North America since it first nested in Florida in 1982. In Canada, the species has nested in British Columbia and in the prairies, but its arrival in the e. Canada has been much slower, as is true of the United States’ East, where confirmed nesting is known only n. to Connecticut. Confirmation of its nesting at Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville in s. Quebec this summer was unexpected. A pair first noted 11 Jul (SM et al.) was pho- tographed by M. Bertrand et al. 13 Jul (ph. J. Henault); and 2 juvs. were found 15-16 Jul (JM. Giroux, ph. PB, R. Belhumeur, P. Simard). On 17 Jul, a singing bird was found sitting on a nest (SD, D. Daigneault). Birds continued to be seen in the same area into Aug. Also expanding northward, White- winged Dove has now become almost regular in Quebec at any season except winter. This summer, 3 birds were reported and pho- tographed: at Natashquan 27 Jun-18 Jul (G. Tremblay, fide J. Piuze), Saint-Hyacinthe 1-3 Jul (R. Millier), and Port-Daniel 22-25 Jul (J. Affleck et al.). Well established in the inhabit- ed part of the province, Mourning Dove is still VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 593 | QUEBEC ■ This Band-tailed Pigeon was found at Portneuf-sur-mer 20 July 201 1 , furnishing the fourth record of the species for Quebec. Photograph by Ghislain Doiron. expanding northward as well, as evidenced by a pair found this summer at Shefferville (SD, JC). No confirmation of nesting has ever been found n. of 50° 30’ N, but it should not be too long before that happens. Single Yellow-billed Cuckoos appeared at Godmanchester 19 Jul (ph., MA, LL) and at Iberville 25 Jul (MG, A. Moreau). A juv. Red- bellied Woodpecker was seen at Chateauguay 7 & 21 Jul (G. Poirier, JE Santerre; ph. LL); this is the species’ only known breeding loca- tion. Out of the ordinary was an ad. Red-bel- lied at Matane 7 Jun (N. Blouin, Y. Lemieux), the first in summer for the Lower St. Lawrence. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWINGS An Acadian Flycatcher sang on territory for at least 20 days at Notre-Dame-du-Nord 20 Jun-9 Jul (v.r. JF, ph. R. Ladurantaye), a first for Abitibi-Temiscamingue and 8th for the Region. A pair of Eastern Phoebes was found nesting at Saint-Simeon 16 Jun, the easternmost breeding record in many years on the Gaspe Pen. (PP, G. Roy, D. Robert). A tattered Fork-tailed Fly- catcher made a short visit at Saint-Georges-de- Beauce 8 Jun (ph. S. Larochelle, m.ob.); a be- lated report of one at Lac-Megantic in late May possibly involved the same individual, as these localities are only 60 km apart 0- Poulin, fide C. Poulin, G. Duquette). An ad. Loggerhead Shrike was an astounding find at Saint-Ludger-de-Milot 5 Jun (ph. S. Bergeron, J. Ibarzabal) and made a 2nd record for Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. A Purple Martin glimpsed at the Bic R. mouth, Bas-Saint-Laurent 2 Jun (L. Jolicoeur) was far from the species’ current range. Notable House Wren records in- volving territorial behavior well beyond the species’ range came from Les Bergeronnes in Jun (SB) and Saint-Anaclet 10 Jun-8 Jul (JM. Turgeon). Two singing Sedge Wrens at Franklin, Monteregie 28 Jun (PB) were at a new site for this species. A male Blue-gray Gnat- catcher was accompanied by a bird of undeter- mined sex and age at Godmanchester 26 Jun (ph. M. Lapointe, LL). Surprisingly, this species, which is generally treated as part of the Region’s regular breeding avifauna, had no pre- vious records in two years of field work for the 2nd Adas of the Breeding Birds of Quebec. A Gray Catbird at Schefferville 13 Jul (SD) was the 6th record ever n. of 50° 30’ N. Highly intriguing was a report of a pair of Bohemian Waxwings in suitable breeding habitat at Mt. Olivine (E Fradette, X. Francoeur), as well as at least an- other bird farther w. in Gaspesie Park over the summer (N. Bernier). WARBLERS THROUGH ORIOLES A rarely seen hybrid similar to a Golden- winged Warbler but with double wing bars and mostly yellow underparts was pho- tographed at Godmanchester 24 Jul (ph. LL, MA). Such a bird is the result of a backcross between a Brewster’s Warbler (hybrid) and a Golden-winged Warbler (Parkes, K. C. 1951. The genetics of the Golden-winged x Blue- winged Warbler complex. Wilson Bulletin 63: 6-15). Single Golden-winged Warblers were found at new sites in Outaouais at Montcerf 12 Jun and Lytton 21 Jun (F Bedard). Over- shooting Prairie Warblers were found at De- schenes (Gatineau) 2 Jun (M. Aube) and Ri- mouski 5 Jun (G. Gendron), while another at Montreal 17 Jun furnished a 5th mid-summer record for sw. Quebec 0- Brisson). Surely lost was a singing male Mourning Warbler near Radisson in Jun 0- Larivee). A female Eastern Towhee was out of place at Lac Neigette, Capitale-Nationale 22 Jun (P. Lane). Clay-colored Sparrow continues its eastward march. More often than not, prospective colonizers are found singing with- out further evidence of breeding, which was the case for 4 singing males in the Temiscoua- ta region of the Lower St. Lawrence from 4 Jun through 3 Jul (M. Beaulieu) and another at Matapedia 27 Jun (C. Pitre, D. Jalbert, G. Gal- lant). One extreme case involved up to 3 singing males and 2 females producing two broods for a total of at least 10 birds in a small cedar plantation at Saint-Isidore, Chaudiere- Appalaches 4-24 Jul (R. Couture et ah). A Grasshopper Sparrow was singing at a new site at Hinchinbrooke 4 Jul (PB). A female North- ern Cardinal was rare both locally and season- ally at Saint-Felicien, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean 28 Jun 0- & R- Tremblay). A Dickcissel paused at Laval 7 Jun 0- May, L. Simard). A singing Western Meadowlark at Sacre-Coeur, Cote-Nord 11-14 Jun (SD, FD, RD) may very well have been the same one singing at Les Bergeronnes in Apr, which in turn was be- lieved to have wintered at Les Escoumins! An- other bird was singing at Danville 17 Jul (GH, J. Cadieux). A female Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Newport 1-2 Jun (fide JR. Lepage; ph.), an imm. male was at Bonaventure 3 Jun (ph. A. Charette, J. Charette), and a pair was at Les Bergeronnes 7-10 Jun (E. Bouchard, fide SB). A male Orchard Oriole was singing at lie Perrot 14 Jun, about 5 km from where a pair nested at Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue in 2002 (G. Desnoyers, E. Marshall). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): Michele Amyot, Claude Auchu, Pierre Bannon (Montreal), A. Beauchamp (Beauce- Appalaches), Samuel Belleau, Joel Coutu, Samuel Denault, Frangois Dion, Roger Dion, Claire Douville (Lower St. Lawrence), Jonathan Frechette, Marcel Gauthier, Chris- tine Girard, Guy Huot, Lucien Lemay, Sylvain Mathieu, Pierre Poulin (Gaspesie), Alain Richard (Magdalen Is), Jean-Frangois Rousseau (Quebec City), Germain Savard (Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean), Daniel Toussaint (Outaouais). © Pierre Bannon, 1517 Leprohon Montreal, Quebec H4E 1P1, (pbannon@videotron.ca) Olivier Barden, 955 Lienard, Apt. 5 Quebec, Quebec 61V 2W6, (iridosornis@gmail.com) Normand David, 10385A rue Clark Montreal, Quebec H3L2S3 (normanddavid@videotron.ca) Samuel Denault, 75 Beauchemin Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Quebec J3N 1J6 (spdenault@gmail.com) 594 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS New England Early June will not soon be forgotten in New England. A series of highly de- structive tornadoes tore across south- ern Massachusetts, especially in Hampden and southern Worcester County, on 1 June, the likes of which has not been seen in the Bay State since 1953. Several miles of forested landscape were virtually flattened by these storms, leaving a path not unlike a giant pow- er line cut and creating a state of emergency in many communities for several days. A heat wave and a passing cold front in northern New England less than ten days later trig- gered more tornadoes, caused serious flood- ing, and cut power to more than 20,000 cus- tomers in New Hampshire. The heat index for the first ten days of June was extreme in some areas, with temperatures exceeding 90° F in places, even though four New England states posted slightly below-average temperatures for the month. Precipitation averaged slightly above normal in many areas, much of it ac- companying the severe tornadoes. July was extremely hot and dry, with temperatures av- eraging 77.3° F in Boston, making it the sec- ond hottest July on record following a record set last year. The temperature reached 103° in Boston on 22 July, only one degree short of the record set in July 1911. Not surprisingly, the month was also the driest in the Northeast since 1895. Though rainfall was only a little more than an inch below normal in Boston, there was no rain for eight straight days dur- ing the oppressive heat wave, which caused great demand for water, increased fire poten- tial, and caused a number of lightning strikes and reports of several small tornadoes. Determining the impact of extreme weather on birds is never easy. Few compilers or ob- servers made specific mention of obvious bird mortality in the aftermath of this season’s ex- treme conditions, but fortunately the most seri- ous tornado damage was away from coastal areas, where many colonial bird species and large tree-nesters (e.g., herons, Osprey, etc.) could have been significantly impacted. Indeed, a silver lining to this extreme weather event might be the creation of expanded early successional habitat, an ecotype widely recognized as decreasing in extent in many parts of the Re- gion. Time will perhaps tell. The most notable breeding birds of the season were a first state nesting record of Clay-colored Sparrow in Rhode Island and an unsuccessful nesting attempt by Eurasian Col- lared-Dove in Connecticut. Other notable records included Black- bellied Whistling-Duck in New Hampshire, Anhinga in Connecti- cut, Magnificent Frigatebird in Rhode Island, Little Egret in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, El- egant Tern in Massachusetts, and Red-billed Tropicbird and Bridled Tern in the Gulf of Maine. This Anhinga at Lake Whitney 1 1 (here) and 12 June 201 1 made the first pho- tographically documented record for Connecticut and one of few for New England. Photograph byMarkSzantyr. Abbreviations: B.O. ( Bird Observer ), Charles- town Breachway (Charlestown, Washington, RI), C.D.E.P. (Connecticut Department of En vironmental Protection), Eagle I. (Salem, Es sex , MA), D.C.W.M.A. (Dead Creek WM.A. Addison , VT), H.B.S.P. (Hammonasset Beach S.P., Madison, New Haven , CT), I.B.A. (Im- portant Bird Area), Kettle I. (Manchester, Es sex, MA), L. Josephine (Easton, Aroostook ME), M.A.S. (Maine Audubon Society) M.D.I.EW. (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife), M.A.R.C. (Massachusetts Avian Records Committee), M.D.F.W. (Massachusetts Division of Fish- eries and Wildlife), N. & S. Monomoy I. (Monomoy N.W.R., Chatham, Barnstable, MA), Plum I. (Parker River N.W.R., New- bury/Rowley, Essex, MA), Race Pt. (Provincetown, Barnstable, MA), Scarborough Marsh (Scar- borough Beach, Cumberland, ME), South Beach (Chatham, Barnstable, MA), Stellwagen Bank (Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary), Tuckernuck 1. (Tuckernuck I. off Nantucket I., MA), VC.E. (Vermont Center for Ecostudies). last year in Maine, a flock of 5 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks at Salem, Rockingham, NH 28 Jun (ph. M. Campbell et al., fide TV) will be a first state record if accepted by the state records committee. Intriguing but less well documented was a one-day sighting of a Ful- vous Whistling-Duck at Sutton, Merrimack, NH (W. & S. McAllister, fide TV). Notably out-of-place geese this season were a Snow Goose at D.C.W.M.A. 27-30 Jul (TM) and a TUDAiiru i Die ec Furnishing one of few records for recent seasons in New England, this Little WATERFOWL THROUGH IBISES Egret was present at Scarborough Marsh, Cumberland County, Maine 29 Remarkably similar to an event (here) and 30 June 201 1. Photograph by Derek Lovitch. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 595 | NEW ENGLAND Very uncommon in Maine, two adult Long-billed Dowitchers visited Scarborough Marsh, Cumberland County, Maine 22-31 (here 22) July 2011. Photograph by Derek Lovitch. This South Polar Skua at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Massachu- setts was enjoyed during a pelagic trip sponsored by the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance on 12 June 2011. Photograph by Stephen Whitebread. Brant at the same location 24-30 Jul (TM, C. Provost). The pair of Mute Swans at Kittery, York, ME, apparently the northernmost known nesting location in New England for this alien species, failed to breed this year, thus maintaining the n. limit of the species’ expansion in the Region (fide DL). For the 2nd year in a row, Gadwalls nested at Fairhaven, Bristol, MA (B.O.), increasing the likelihood of establishing a new “colony” for this localized Bay State nester. Two Blue- winged Teal at Nantucket I. 12 Jun (T. Pas- tuszak, fide B.O.) were of interest, especially given the precipitous decline noted in the highly localized breeding population of this species in Massachusetts, but a female North- ern Shoveler at Wachusett Res., Princeton, Worcester, MA 27 Jul (B. Kamp.Jide B.O.) was more likely only a wanderer or an early mi- grant. At least one pair of Redheads nested for the 4th year in a row at L. Josephine (D&JL, BS), and a drake Greater Scaup at the same lo- cation 18-30 Jun (BS) was most unusual both by date and location. Two King Eiders were at H.B.S.P. throughout the peri- od (m.ob., fide GH), one was at Rye, Rockingham, NH 11-15 Jun (SM), and one continued from spring at Gloucester, Es- sex, MA through 12Jul (m.ob., fide B.O.). A late Long-tailed Duck was at L. Champlain, Charlotte, Chittenden, VT 3 Jun (TM), and up to 2 were at Gloucester 1-12 Jul (m.ob., fide B.O.). Also late were single Common Goldeneyes at Strat- ford Pt„ Fairfield, CT 13 Jun (T. Leenders, fide GH) and Newburyport, Essex, MA 27 Jun (DL); a Red-breasted Mer- ganser at L. Champlain, Char- lotte, Chittenden, VT 4-24 Jul (TM); and a Ruddy Duck at Shelburne, Chittenden, VT 12 Jun (TM), 4-5 at L. Josephine 4-5 Jul (D&GL, BS), up to 2 at Brookline, Norfolk, MA 1-19 Jul (fide B.O.), and 2 at Plum I. 12 Jul (RH). An ad. Pacific Loon at Rock- port, Essex, MA 7 Jun (ph. RH) represented another in the in- creasingly routine string of late spring occurrences of this species in New England waters. Of 71 pairs of Common Loons in Vermont that attempted nesting, 51 raised approximate- ly 60 chicks through Aug (fide EH, VC.E.). Though somewhat lower than 2010, Vermont loons average greater produc- tivity than any others in the Northeast (fide EH). In neighboring New Hampshire, Com- mon Loon numbers and productivity were said to approach the long-term average, despite ap- parent reproductive problems on some of the big lakes (e.g., L. Umbagog) (fide TV). Indica- tions are that lead and mercury issues contin- ue to plague the Region’s Common Loon pop- ulations, and research has shown that the highest mercury levels in loon eggs and blood ever discovered in the United States were found in New Hampshire (fide H. Vogel, Loon Preservation Committee, Audubon Society of New Hampshire). A total of 55 Pied-billed Grebes at L. Josephine 30 Jul (BS) was notably high, while 2 Horned Grebes at Napatree Pt., Washington, RI 10-15 Jun (C. Pedro, fide RF) were tardy. The presence of a Red-necked Grebe inland at Wachusett Res., Worcester, MA 30 Jul (KB, fide B.O.) was more inexplicable. Mid-summer numbers of Cory’s Shearwa- ters in the cool waters around Cape Cod were higher than usual, as exemplified by counts of 400 off Provincetown 16 Jul (BN) and 250 off N. Truro 30 Jul (BN), in addition to a mod- estly high tally of 37 individuals off Portland, Cumberland, ME 23 Jul (LS). More typical were totals of 200 Great and 450 Sooty Shear- waters at Stellwagen Bank 12 Jun (WP et al.) and 23 Manx Shearwaters off Provincetown 16 Jul (BN). Enigmatic was the continued presence of up to 27 Manx Shearwaters at Re- Of considerable interest was a well-described Barolo Shearwater observed by an experienced seabird researcher from a NOAA research vessel approxi- mately 305 km e. of Nantucket 1. 29 Jul (p.a.; Michael P. Force). The location is 27 km s. of Georges Canyon and 41 km n.-ne. of Nygren Canyon. In addition to 3 Barolo Shearwaters off Newfoundland in late Sep 2003 and a specimen from Nova Scotia (1 Sep 1896), there is a Re- gional record 25 Aug 2007 from waters s. of Veatch's Canyon, which lies to the sw. of the 29 Jul observation. Barolo Shearwater is currently classified by the Amer- ican Ornithologists' Union as the baroli subspeaes of Little Shearwater; it breeds from the Canaries to the Azores. More information on this and other small shearwater taxa can be found in Howell, S. N. G. 2012. Petrels, Albatrosses, and Storm-Petrels of North America: A Photographic Guide. vere Beach, Suffolk, MA 7 Jun (MI, RS), where, for the past several years, this species has offered tantalizing indications of possible local nesting. Small numbers of Wilson’s Storm-Petrels were regularly recorded in Long Island Sound, CT, where uncommon (fide GH). A tally of 45 Leach’s Storm-Petrels off Rhode Island/Massachusetts 16 Jul (MI, B.B.C.) was the highest submitted count. For the 7th straight year, a Red-billed Trop- icbird was present throughout the season off Seal I., Knox, ME (fide LS). A male Anhinga was photographed at L. Whitney, Hamden, New Haven, CT 11-12 Jun (E MacBride et al, ph. MS). A female Magnificent Frigatebird soared over Block I., RI 9 Jun (D. Wilson, ph. L. Taylor, fide RF). Least Bittern reports were highlighted by 1-2 at three Rhode Island lo- calities (fide RF), one at Belle Isle Marsh, East Boston, Suffolk, MA 4 Jul (S. Zendeh et al., fide B.O.), and three pairs at West Meadows W.M.A., West Bridgewater, Plymouth, MA (ph. SA). At Kettle I., Manchester, Essex, MA in late May, surveyors found 181 Great Egrets, 234 Snowy Egrets, 47 Black-crowned Night- Herons, and 88 Glossy Ibis (SP, JB), plus 15 Little Blue Heron pairs. Since nearby Eagle I. was not surveyed this year, these figures are relatively comparable to a similar census con- ducted in 2009 when the totals for both is- 596 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND | This Royal Tern, still a great rarity in northern New England, was at Hills Beach, Biddeford, York County, Maine on 31 July 201 1 . Photograph by Derek Lovitch. The second ever for Massachusetts and New England, this Elegant Tern (right) was discovered at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island, Essex County 23 July 2011. Photograph by Suzanne Sullivan. New England's first known nest of Eurasian Collared-Dove was monitored at Sikor- sky Airport, Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut 7 (here 9) June through 23 July 201 1 . Connecticut has only two previous records of this species. Photograph by MarkSzantyr. lands were quite similar to this year’s total. The most disturbing difference was a drop from 124 pairs of Glossy Ibis in 2009. A sum- mary of Rhode Island wading birds indicates that Snowy Egret numbers continue to de- cline, Little Blue Herons have been reduced to a single pair, and Cattle Egrets are completely absent as breeders, a situation now similar to Massachusetts for this once well-established alien wader (CR, fide RF). A Little Egret graced Scarborough Marsh 29-30 Jun (D. Hitchcox et al., ph. DL) and possibly through 8 Jul before likely moving southward to Plum I., where a Little Egret was observed 10 Jul (E & P. Vale, ph. J. Hoye). Tricolored Herons present throughout the period included as many as 3 at Scarborough ( fide DL) and 2 at H.B.S.P., where 3 juvs. were present by the end of summer (fide GH). A Black-crowned Night-Heron at Ft. Kent, Aroostook, ME 4 Jul (DL, BS) was uncommon so far n. in the Re- gion. Outside of Connecticut, where the species breeds, approximately a dozen reports of Yellow-crowned Night-Heron came in from Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. A White-faced Ibis at Scarborough Marsh 24 Jul (ph. LS) made possibly only the 2nd report ever in Jul for this increasingly regular visitor. VULTURES THROUGH GALLINULES The only notable Black Vulture was a single at Vinalhaven, Knox, ME 12 Jun (D. Hitchcox). Commensurate with the increasing consoli- dation of this species’ breeding range in New England, the annual scattering of reports no longer warrants enumeration. A Swallow- tailed Kite at Harwich, Barnstable, MA 11 Jul (RS, E Bouchard) was outside the expected period of occurrence for this species in New England. Despite sporadic sightings at Sims- bury, Hartford, CT, Mississippi Kites were un- able to be confirmed nesting this year, in spite of previously successful attempts for the last several years (fide GH). In New Hampshire, however, nesting was again successful at Newmarket, Strafford (fide TV), and a kite ob- served carrying a stick at Eliot, York, ME may have represented a missed opportunity (fide PV LS). Massachusetts had six reports, the latest being 19 Jul (J- Spendelow, fide B.O.). Bald Eagles had a respectable nesting season, with successful breeding including 16 pairs fledging 16 young in New Hampshire (fide TV); 22 pairs fledging 37 young in Massachu- setts (TF, M.D.EW.); and 18 pairs fledging 29 young in Connecticut (fide C.D.E.P.). Espe- cially noteworthy this year was the death of an injured Bald Eagle in New Hampshire car- rying the band “W22.” W22 was a captive- bred female, the daughter of a non-releasable breeding pair at Conway, Franklin, MA that was fostered out to a nesting pair at the Quabbin Res., Worcester, MA in 1992. With- out fully detailing her nesting chronology, suffice to say that W22 was confirmed breeding at Nubanusit L., Hancock, NH in 1999 and that indications are that she may have success- fully nested at this location 2004-2011 and fledged 19 chicks during her years in the Granite State (fide CM, N.H.A.S.). In any case, W22 lived to be 19.5 years old, the oldest known New Hampshire Bald Eagle at the time of her death. A long-maintained American Kestrel nest box trail in se. Massachusetts this year had 22 out of 63 boxes occu- pied with “about normal pro- ductivity of 3.5 young per box” (JM). Nonetheless, the outlook continues to be dis- couraging for these once com- mon and widespread colorful little falcons. Conversely, Mer- lins continue to proliferate Re- gionwide, and suspected or confirmed breeding was again established in Massachusetts and in the three northern New England states. Peregrine Fal- cons enjoyed mixed nesting success. In New Hampshire, 20 territorial pairs fledged 26 young (CM), and in Vermont 38+ territorial pairs fledged 35+ young (MF), both totals below 2010 numbers. In Mas- sachusetts, 25 territorial pairs fledged 34 young (TF, M.D.EW.), and in Connecticut 13 territorial pairs fledged 25+ young (fide C.D.E.P.); both of these totals are notably higher than those of 2010. Usually elusive and relative- ly silent in New England, King Rail is certainly one of the most under-recorded regularly oc- curring species in the Region. Accordingly, 2 at West Mead- ows W.M.A., West Bridgewater, Plymouth, MA 19 Jun-23 Jul (SA) were of considerable interest, as was a somewhat out-of-place individual at Belle Isle Marsh, E. Boston, Suffolk 17Jun-10Jul (RS et al., fide B.O.). Further underscoring the quali- ty of the marsh at West Meadows W.M.A. were tallies of 22 Virginia Rails, one Sora, and one Common Gallinule 19 Jun (SA). Common Gallinules were also reported from at least sev- en additional localities in Maine, Massachu- setts, and Rhode Island. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 597 NEW ENGLAND A White-winged Uove visited luckernuck Island off Nantucket, Massachusetts 4-6 (here 4) June 201 1 ; the species is now an annual visitor to the Northeast in late spring and early summer. Photograph by Richard Veit. Although records of Lapland Longspur in midsummer in New England are not without precedent, this bird at Griswold Point, Old Lyme, New London County, Connecticut 24 July 201 1 was surely a surprise. Photograph by Maggie Perretto. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS The Piping Plover population in the Region continues to increase, as indicated by pair counts of 33 in Maine (fide M.D.I.EW), ap- proximately five in New Hampshire (fide New Hampshire Fish and Game Department), 688 in Massachusetts (fide SM, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program), 86 in Rhode Island (fide RF), and 52 in Connecti- cut (fide C.D.E.P.). The cumulative total of ap- proximately 864 pairs compares favorably with last season’s total of 758 pairs; nevertheless, concerns persist over low productivity due to pre- dation, disturbance, and other issues. In the Bay State, for example, pro- ductivity was only 0.90 young per pair (fide SM). In Massachusetts, 198 pairs of American Oyster- catchers fledged 74 young (0.46 young/pair), a figure significantly be- low the 0.62 fledged in 2010 and 0.8 in 2009 (fide SM). Despite signifi- cant predation pressure, evidence of the continu- ing Regional recovery of this species was the con- firmation of 21 pairs in Boston Harbor (fide CT) and the discovery of an oystercatcher nest on Cat I., off Marblehead, MA 21 Jun (JB, S. Schulte), just the 2nd known nesting location in Essex in more than 150 years. Most un- usual was the brief inland appearance of 2 Ameri- can Oystercatchers at Rochester W.T.P., Straf- ford, NH 17 Jun (T. Hub- bard, fide TV). Notable out-of-range shorebirds at Scarbor- ough Marsh included 2 American Avocets at 4-6 Jun (N. Bonneau, fide TV), a Western Sand- piper 22 Jul (ph. DL, D. Nickerson), a Ruff 3 Jul (D. Hitchcox, M. Dem- ing, fide LS), 2 Long- billed Dowitchers 22-31 Jul (ph. D&JL et al.), and a pair of Wilson’s Phala- ropes throughout the pe- riod (fide LS). Likewise noteworthy were 3 Marbled Godwits at Charlestown Breachway 30-31 Jul (RF, m.ob.) and one at South Beach 11 Jun (BN), single ad. Baird’s Sandpipers at Rye, Rockingham, NH 23 Jul (SM) and D.C.WM.A. 27 Jul (TM), an ad. Buff-breast- ed Sandpiper at Popham Beach, Sagadahoc, ME 26 Jul (ph. M. Fahey, fide LS), and single Red Phalaropes inland at Enfield, Grafton, NH 17 Jul (ph. C. Rimmer) and at Wachusett Res., Worcester, MA 30 Jul (KB et al., fide B.O.). Underscoring the significance of stopover sites for long-distance migratory shorebirds was the sighting of a color- marked Hudsonian Godwit at South Beach 9-31 Jul (LS, BN, ph. JT et al.) that was orig- inally tagged on Chiloe I., Chile 21 Jan 2010 and observed for the 2nd year in a row at South Beach on practically the same date. This individual has clearly logged plenty of frequent-flyer miles! Other than 41 Hudson- ian Godwits at South Beach 30 Jul (Gd’E, B.B.C.), there were few notably high counts of migratory shorebirds reported during the period. A tally of 548 Bonaparte’s Gulls at Plum I. 28 Jul (RS) was largely comprised of non- breeding individuals. An imm. Black-headed Gull at Reid S.P, Georgetown, Sagadahoc, ME (ph. DL) and up 3 Little Gulls at Lynn Beach, Essex, MA (fide B.O.), both through the period, and another Little Gull at Plum I. 30 Jun-26 Jul (fide B.O.) were clearly non- breeders. The total of 1581 pairs of Laughing Gulls in Massachusetts represented a 26% in- crease since 2010, a fact continuing to cause apprehension, as Laughing Gulls nest in as- sociation with major tern colonies at Ply- mouth and South Monomoy I. (fide SM, CM) and often harass terns carrying fish. Linger- ing Iceland Gulls included singles at Provincetown 10 Jun (BN), Rochester, Straf- ford, NH 17 Jun (fide TV), and Seabrook, Rockingham, NH throughout the period (SM et al). A tally of 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Nantucket 12 Jun (SP) was higher than usual for this date, even at this known concentration locality. Following a first nest- ing in 2007 of a Lesser Black-backed Gull x Herring Gull pair at Appledore I., Isles of Shoals, ME, this year the pair fledged anoth- er young bird that was banded 14 Jul (ph. S. Maclean, fide A. Hill); more than one previ- ously banded individual from this pair has been photographed as far away as Florida. At least 7 Glaucous Gulls reports were received from Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Is- land during the period. A well-described Bridled Tern observed from a whale-watching boat out of Portland, Cumberland, ME 8 Jul (J. Delcourt, fide LS) was at least the 3rd such occurrence in the Gulf of Maine since 2006. The total of 4054 Least Tern pairs in Massachusetts represent- ed a nearly a 21% increase from 2010 and continued the positive trend of the past sev- eral seasons (fide SM, CM). In Rhode Island, 367 ad. Least Terns surveyed this season rep- resented a dramatic drop from 1286 last year (CR, fide RF), leading to speculation that perhaps some of the Ocean State’s Least Terns moved to Massachusetts this season. 598 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND | Statewide pair totals of 50 Roseate Terns in New Hampshire (fide TV) and 1359 in Mas- sachusetts (fide SM, CM) were down slightly from 2010; however, 2811 pairs of Common Terns in New Hampshire (fide TV) and 16,734 in Massachusetts (fide SM, CM) maintained the modest increase reflected during recent past seasons. With only a tiny population in Massachusetts, Arctic Terns may have become extirpated at their south- ernmost nesting locality in the world this year (fide SM, CM). A Royal Tern at Bidde- ford, York, ME 31 Jul (ph. DL) was the northernmost report for the season. A Sand- wich Tern was at the mouth of the I Icusa ion- ic R„ Milford, New Haven, CT 8 Jul (N. Bonomo ,fide GH). Eclipsing both was an El- egant Tern at Plum I. 23 Jul (S. Grinley et al, ph. S. Sullivan), the 2nd for Massachu- setts and the Region. Black Skimmers were unsuccessful breeders again this year at their only regular Regional nesting locality in Massachusetts (fide SM, CM). A South Polar Skua visited Stellwagen Bank 12 Jun (WP et al., ph. S. Whitebread), and single skuas at Nantucket I. 21 jun (V Laux, fide B.O.) and the Nantucket Shoals 25 Jun (N. Yusuff, B.B.C.) were also identified as probable South Polars. Of note in Gulf of Maine wa- ters in midsummer were single Long-tailed Jaegers off Portland, Cumberland, ME 15 Jul (ph. LS) and at Jeffries Ledge, Rockingham, NH 16 Jul (ph. J. Lambert et al, fide TV). Late Common Murres included 7 passing Andrews Pc., Rockport, Essex, MA 14 jun (RH), an unprecedented number for this late date, and one at Nantucket Shoals 25 Jun (N. Yusuff, B.B.C. ). Five Black Guillemots off Rockport 30 Jun 0- Frontieno, fide B.O.) and one at Marblehead, Essex, MA 15 Jul (D. No- ble, fide B.O.) for the 2nd year in a row con- tinue to tantalize Massachusetts birders with the possibility that this species could be nest- ing on an island off Essex. DOVES THROUGH WRENS A pair of Eurasian Collared-Doves at Siko- rsky Airport, Stratford, Fairfield 7 Jun-23 Jul (FM, P. Desjardins, ph. MS et al.) represented the 3rd state record and a first nesting attempt for Connecticut. The now annual Regional summer appearances of White-winged Doves occurred at Tuckemuck I. 4-6 Jun (ph. RV), Appledore L, York, ME 8Jun (M.A.S., jide LS), and Milford Pt., New Haven, CT 18 Jul (E Gal- lo, fide GH). A Short-eared Owl at Nantucket 1. 15 Jul (B. Harris, fide B.O.) made the only report. A pair of Northern Saw-whet Owls that nested in a nest box at East Lyme, Mid- dlesex, CT (R. Chyinski, fide GH) is an indi- cator of how widespread this low-profile nester could be in that state. As in 2010, 2 Chuck-wiU’s-widows at Orleans, Barnstable May-16 Jul (fide B.O.) hinted at nesting in Massachusetts, as yet unconfirmed. An evening count of 250+ Chimney Swifts at Bradford, Essex, MA 17 Jul (SM) probably represented non-breeders. A Red-headed Woodpecker at a feeder in Newington, Hartford, CT in late Jun (C. Pagliaro, fide GH) was the only one reported during the period. Of interest among breed- ing flycatcher reports were single Olive-sided Flycatchers at Washington and October Mountain S.P., Berkshire, MA 19 Jun (Gd’E) and 2 Willow Flycatchers at the n. edge of the species’ range at L. Josephine 21 Jun (BS). Single Western Kingbirds wandered to Her- mit I., Sagadahoc, ME 3 Jun (S. Spangenberg, fide LS) and Lexington, Somerset, ME 1 Jul (ph. M. Fahey, fide LS); a Scissor-tailed Fly- catcher was at Bartlett I., Blue Hill Bay, Han- cock, ME 3 Jun (DL, M. Larson); and a Fork- tailed Flycatcher graced Pemaquid, Lincoln, ME 27 Jun (ph. T. Frantz, fide LS). Single Sedge Wrens were at Danbury, Merrimack, NH 28 Jun (E Newbern, fide TV) and Tyring- ham, Berkshire, MA 30 Jul (ML, jicle B.O.); a pair nested at South Burlington 4-19 Jun (TM, K. Cattrano, S. Morrical, S. Kaestner), providing one of very few confirmed Ver- mont breeding records. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES In Massachusetts, 2 Brewster’s Warblers and a Lawrence’s Warbler were reported, but no Golden-winged Warblers were seen, and it is likely we are on the verge of losing the species as a breeder in the Bay State. The Allen Bird Club tallied 144 Ovenbirds, 50 Black-throat- ed Blue, 55 Black-throated Green, 42 Black- burnian, and 82 Black-and-white Warblers in the Little R. watershed of Massachusetts 4 Jun (fide B.O.), an indication of the abundance of warblers present in appropriate s. New Eng- land forested habitat during the early nesting season. Notably late were Blackpoll Warblers in Connecticut at Pomfret, Windham and Norwich, New London 16 Jun (fide GH). A singing Mourning Warbler at Mohawk Mt., Goshen, Litchfield, CT (E Carrier, fide GH) was in suitable breeding habitat, although this boreal species has never been documented breeding in the state. Clay-colored Sparrows continue to estab- lish themselves as breeders in New England, with a first Rhode Island nesting record at the Francis Carter Preserve, Charlestown, South 10-16 Jul (P. Blake, D, Finizia et al, fide RF) and 3 singing males at the Kenneb- unk Plains, ME 1 Jun-mid-Jul and a fledged young observed 8 Jul (ph. LS). Clay-colored Sparrows were also observed at no fewer than four additional locations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts (fide LS, TV, B.O.). At the Kennebunk Plains, an average of 38 male Grasshopper Sparrows was tallied on surveys conducted throughout Jun (LS); a count of 14 at Crane W.M.A., Falmouth, Barnstable 16 Jul (MK) was respectable for this small Bay State grassland site. Two Fox Sparrows at Dixville, Coos, NH 8 Jun-2 Jul (K. Horton, fide TV) and one at Pondicherry N.W.R., Jefferson, Coos, NH 25 Jun (G. Quigley, Jr., fide TV) were well s. of the ex- treme s. fringe of their breeding range in n. Maine. Equally extralimital were an ad. White-crowned Sparrow at Plum I. 10 Jun-12Jul (P. Sowizral, ph. RH), a juv. Dark- eyed Junco at the Boston Public Garden, Suf- folk 19 Jul (T. Factor, fide B.O.), and a Lap- land Longspur at Griswold Pt., Old Lyme, New London, CT 24 Jul (ph. M. Perratto, fide GH). In Connecticut, where Blue Grosbeak is a rare and sporadic breeder, single males were in Litchfield at Southbury, Morris, and Roxbury (fide GH) suggest that this is an area to survey carefully for possible breeding next season. A mixed-age flock of 24 Boat- tailed Crackles was noted at Sikorsky Air- port, Stratford, Fairfield, CT 25 Jun (FM), the Region’s only breeding area. Ten Red Crossbills at Westfield, Hampden, MA (S. Sumer, fide B.O.) likely represented an itin- erant post-breeding flock. Subregional editors (boldface), contributors (italics), and cited observers: Steve Arena, Jim Berry, Bird Observer (B.O.), K. Bourinot, Brookline Bird Club, Connecticut Depart- ment of Environmental Protection, Glenn d’Entremont, Rachel Farrell (Rhode Island; RFe), Margaret Fowle, Tom French, Greg Hanisek (Connecticut), Eric Hansen, Rick Heil, Marshall J. Iliff, Ellen Jedrey, Mary Kele- her, Derek & Jeannette L ovitch, Maine Audubon Society, Maine Department of In- land Fisheries & Wildlife, Frank Mantlik, Chris Martin, Joey Mason, Massachusetts Di- vision of Fisheries & Wildlife, Scott Melvin, Steve Mirick, Carolyn Mostello, Ted Murin, New Hampshire Fish & Game, Blair Nikula, Simon Perkins, Chris Raithel, Marj Rines (Massachusetts), Ryan Schain, Luke Seitz (Maine), Bill Sheehan, Robert Stymeist, Suzanne Sullivan, Mark Szantyr, Jeremiah Trimble, Carol Trocki, Tony Vazzano (New Hampshire), Richard Veit, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Peter Vickery, d Wayne R, Petersen, P. 0. Box 686 Hanson, Massachusetts 02341 (wpetersen@massaudubon.org) VOLUME 65 (2012) . NUMBER 4 599 Robert 0. Paxton Richard R. Veit Frank Rohrbacher Shaibal S. Mitra The summer of 2011 was memorable for two off-the-wall oddities — Gray-hood- ed Gull and Hooded Crow — as well as a host of rarely reported seabirds observed from NOAA research vessels. The weather was dry in the north and wet in the south, with a week of extreme heat in July. Storm tides damaged some beach and marsh nesters. Delaware’s atlas project accomplished its fourth year of field work. Our information about raptors and colonial waterbirds is skimpier than usual, in part because budget cuts decimated state wildlife agencies, espe- cially the New York Department of Environ- mental Conservation (N.Y.D.E.C.). Abbreviations: Bashakill (W.M.A. near Wurts- boro, Sullivan, NY); Batavia (WT.P., Genesee, NY); Bombay Hook (N.WR., Kent, BE); Brig (Brigantine Unit, Edward Forsythe N.W.R., At- lantic, NJ); Chazy (Chazy R. mouth on L. Champlain); Cupsogue (County Park, West- hampton Beach, Suffolk, Long I.); D.N.R.E.C. (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation); Fort Dram (Fort Drum Military Installation, Jefferson, NY); Great Gull I. (off e. Long I., NY); Jamaica Bay (Wildlife Refuge, New York City); Little Galloo I. (off Jefferson, NY); Montezuma (N.W.R., Seneca, NY); N.J.D.EG.W (New Jer- sey Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife); Prime Hook (N.W.R., near Milford, Sussex, DE); Stone Harbor Pt. (n. side of Hereford In- let, Cape May, NJ); Taylor’s Gut (saltmarsh pond near Woodland Beach, Kent, DE); Walkill (N.W.R. near Pine Island, Orange, NY, extend- ing into Sussex, NJ). WATERFOWL THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks can turn up anywhere now. One visited Lily L, Cape May Pt., NJ 3-4 Jul, and up to 6 remained at Brig 25 Jul+ (LM et al.). Trumpeter Swans, from rein- troduction projects and probably also private collections, continue to increase around Mon- tezuma (Carroll, D., and B. L. Swift. 2000. Sta- tus of Trumpeter Swan in New York State. Kingbird 50: 232-237). The largest group re- ported was 13 at Savannah, Wayne 4 Jul (W. & M. Rowley), but individuals were also present at Oak Orchard W.M.A. , Genesee (WW, WD’A), at Iroquois N.W.R., Genesee/Orleans (WW), and in Lysander Twp., Onondaga 30 Jul (JBr). Two ad. male King Eiders, first noted in late May, lingered at E. Marion, Suffolk, Long I. 1-2 Jun (JSe, RA, ph.). Flocks of 60+ Common Eiders were noted around Long I. well into Jun (JSe, JOiC, Angus Wilson), and in New Jersey, 3 males were at Island Beach S.E 28 & 31 Jul (Skyler Streich, Alex Tongas). Ruddy Ducks no longer nest regularly in the Region, but three nestings were noted this season: at Quebec Brook, Franklin, NY 16 Jul (Sean O’Brien, Alan Belford), at Brig 20 Jun (Thomas Slemmer), and at Prime Hook 16 Jun (BGP). The regular summering flock at Batavia, where 34 were noted 5 Jun (WW), still shows no sign of breeding. Twenty-five Pied-billed Grebes were at High Acres Natural Area, Perinton, Monroe, NY 29 Jun (Dominic Sherony). A Fea’s Petrel was well studied from the NOAA research vessel Henry B. Bigelow near Hudson Canyon 14 Jun, providing a long- overdue potential first record for the Region (Todd Pusser, CJV). Counts of tubenoses were far below those of the past two summers. The only sizable shore-based counts were of Cory’s Shearwaters, with 80 off Cupsogue 3 Jul (PJL) and 150 off Robert Moses S.E 11 Jul (SSM, PJL, JBo). Single Manx Shearwaters were iden- tified from shore off Cupsogue 18 Jun (PJL) and Robert Moses S.E 10-11 Jul (SSM, JBo, PJL); unexpected was one inside the jetties at Cape May Inlet, feeding with terns on an in- coming tide 22 Jul (Mike Fritz). Four Audubon’s Shearwaters were reported from the NOAA research vessel Henry B. Bigelow at Hudson Canyon 14 Jun, while 30 made an ex- cellent count from the same ship, located 313 km e. of Atlantic, NJ 20 Jun (MF, CJV). Four Leach’s Storm-Petrels were near the 500-fath- om line s. of Shinnecock, Long I. 16 Jul (IS). An apparent Band-rumped Storm-Petrel was photographed well e. of Manasquan, Mon- mouth, NJ 30 Jun (ph. LS); another was seen from the NOAA research vessel Henry B. Bigelow about 166 km off Cape May, NJ 16 Jun, with 4 more 313 km off Atlantic, NJ 20 Jun (ME CJV). Fewer imm. Northern Gannets lingered offshore than last summer, nearer the normal handful. American White Pelicans now appear widely during summer, without apparent pattern. One noted at the end of May on the Hudson R. n. of Saugerties lingered through 1 Jun (Alan Beebe); another visited Oneida L., Oswego, NY 6-12 Jun (DW); an- other, or possibly the same, turned up on Whitney Point Res., Broome, NY 16-18 Jul (ph. Suzanne Henderson); and one was at Bombay Hook 3-4 Jun (CB, Karen Bennett, ph. FR). Brown Pelicans were scarce, the northernmost being one at Cupsogue 5 Jul (Steve Walter). The Regional maximum was 18 at Cape May Pt., NJ 21 Jun (TR). The N.Y.D.E.C. continues to reduce Dou- ble-crested Cormorant populations on L. On- tario and the St. Lawrence River; nevertheless, there were 2884 nests on Little Galloo I. at the end of May, 1126 above last year but well be- low the 8410 of summer 1996, just before control measures began (JF). Cormorant nests increased again to 1306 in New York Harbor (EC). A probable frigatebird over Avalon Causeway, Cape May, NJ 1 Jun (Kate Atkins) followed late May sightings in that area. HERONS THROUGH WOOD STORK New York City Audubon’s 27th New York Harbor Heron survey found 1890 nests of nine species (EC; cf. 2043 in 2010, 1683 in 2009). The other major colony, Pea Patch I., off Delaware City, New Castle, DE, grew, but such concentrations in industrial settings ex- pose the Region’s wading birds to pollutants. A successful Great Blue Heron nest on Goose I., Bronx, NY was the first known on the New York seacoast (EC). Though Great Blue Herons nest in the Pea Patch I. heronry in Delaware Bay (94 counted flying into the colony on 29 Jun, 41 flying out, a little above average, [CB]), they have nested nearly en- tirely in upland settings in New Jersey and entirely in such settings in New York. A measure of Great Egret breeding success in far nw. New York was the count of 150 at Tonawanda W.M.A., Genesee/Erie 29 Jul (Mike Wasilco). Great Egret was the 2nd most numerous breeding ardeid in New York Harbor, with 567 nests (EC). At Pea Patch I., 352 flew in and 27 flew out on the evening of 29 Jun (CB). Snowy Egrets made up 14% of the New York Harbor heronry, and at Pea Patch I.’s 179 flying in and 4 flying out on 29 Jun made the highest Jun count ever (CB). Only 19 Little Blue Herons nested in New York Harbor, though the Pea Patch I. count (502 in, 6 out, evening of 27 Jul) was twice the average (CB). The northernmost Snowy was at Walkill 2 Jul (Danny Messina, Lisa O’Gorman Hofsommer, RS). Tricolored Herons have receded from the Region, after colonizing northward to Long 1. in the mid- 600 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS HUDSON-DELAWARE | * • ww 'V*(v < ..... -f+ m ^ BP* ' First-summer Arctic Terns {front left) haw occurred regularly in coastal Long Island, New York during early sum- mer fer at least a decade. The corresponding plumage of Roseate Tern (middle right) has been documented there far less often. This photograph was taken 9 July 2011 at Moriches Inlet, Suffolk County. Photograph by Shai Ultra. 1950s. Only 3 nested in New York Harbor (EC), and one at Pea Patch I. 29 Jun was the first there since surveys began in 2003 (CB). For the first time since 1970, no Cattle Egret nest was found in New York Harbor (EC, DR). The Region’s only re- maining colony, Pea Patch l. , flourishes; 730 flying in, and 50 out, on 29 Jun (CB) made the highest Jun count ever. Black- crowned Night-Herons re- main the principal com- ponent of the New York Harbor heronry, with 818 nests, 43% of the total (EC). At Pea Patch I., with 27 in and 105 out on 29 Jun, their numbers were below average (CB). There were 33 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron nests in New York Harbor, and New Rochelle was added to the growing list of suburban breeding sites (Robert Lebensold). At Pea Patch I., only 2 were counted entering the colony and 5 leaving it on 29 Jun, about av- erage (CB). Least Bitterns expanded into Long I., breeding at Massapequa Preserve, Nassau (John Turner, ph. David Speiser, Dave Klauber, m.ob.), and breeding was also con- firmed at Bashakill (JH) and at Dragon’s Run Park, Delaware City, New Castle, DE (m.ob.). Following several records in spring, imm. White Ibis were widespread in ones and twos. One appeared at Walkill 14+ Jul (RS, m.ob.) and occasionally crossed the New Jersey bor- der; one at Bashakill 27-28 Jul (JH et al.), the first Sullivan, NY record, was likely the same bird. Elsewhere in New Jersey, one arrived at Brig 15 Jul (Kris Arcuri, Don Freiday, m.ob.) and was joined by another 25 Jul (Matt Web- ster et al). Delaware sightings at Prime Hook Beach Rd. 17 Jul ( fide FR), Bombay Hook 23 Jul (AGo), and Broadkill Beach Rd. 24 Jul (CB, FR, BGP) could involve some duplication. Glossy Ibis were in lower numbers than last year at both New York Harbor (178 nests, -9% [EC]) and at Pea Patch I. (228 in and 27 out, 29 Jun [CB]). The farthest afield was a single at Mon- tezuma 22 Jul (Larue St. Clair, Jackie Bakker). Up to 2 White-faced Ibis at Brig 19+ Jul, the northernmost, and 2 at Bombay Hook from early Jun through at least 22 Jul (m.ob., ph. Howard B. Eskin) were a bit low. An ad. Wood Stork soaring over Cape May 9-13 Jun (SG, TR, m. ob.) was about the 8th ever recorded there, and a juv. was photographed at Blairstown, Warren, NJ 10-11 Jun (ph. Alan Boyd). VULTURES THROUGH CRANES A prospecting Black Vulture reached the Great Lakes at Hamlin Beach S.P., Monroe, NY 1 Jun (Dave Tetlow), and another visited Dewitt Twp., Onondaga, NY 6 Jun (Derek White). New York’s first breeding Mississippi Kites returned to last year’s site at Root, Montgomery (MMcB, Richard Guthrie), but the nest was depredated, perhaps by crows. In New Jersey, they were widely scattered in Sussex, Gloucester, and Somerset (two sites), as well as the usual Cape May gathering. The only Delaware report came from the DuPont estate, Granogue, New Castle 11 Jun (Bill Stewart). The resurgence of Bald Eagles is at- tested by the count of 40 (including only one ad.) at Tschache Pool, Montezuma 1 Jun (Jay McGowan). We no longer have statewide ea- gle totals for New York, as Pete Nye, who re- stored Bald Eagles to New York, has retired from the Department of Environmental Con- servation, which has not hired a replace- ment. Bald Eagles passed two century-mark milestones in New jersey, with 111 territori- al pairs and 116 fledged young (KC) this sea- son. In 1961, New Jersey had only seven nests, only one of them productive. Cooper’s Hawks continue to colonize suburbia. Eight active nests, plus one attempt, were known on Long I., seven of which produced about 20 young (Tony Tierno). “Pale Male,” the fa- mous Red-tailed Hawk of Fifth Avenue in New York City, raised young successfully af- ter multiple failed attempts in recent years. Merlins continue to expand into the low- lands of upstate New York, definitely breed- ing this summer at Geneseo (Jim Kimball) and probably also at Rochester, Syracuse, and Jamestown. A Purple Gallinule at- tracted crowds at Cape May, NJ 12-21 Jun (SG, FS, ph. Karl Lukens, m.ob.). Common Gallinules were widely but spottily distrib- uted. Up to 14 were at Bashakill, but the nests were washed out by rain 20 Jun; some re-nested, and young were seen 17 Jul (JH). A pair with young at Augustine Beach W.A., New Castle in mid-Jul (Sally O’Byme, Jim White) inhab- ited one of three known nesting sites in Delaware. At least two pairs of Sand- hill Cranes nested again at Savannah, Wayne, NY, where the Region’s first nest was documented in 2003. Wandering individuals visited Ulster and Saratoga in New York, Somerset and Bergen in New Jersey, and Walkill, in both states, 13 Jul+ (RS, m.ob.). The Cumberland/Salem, NJ, flock of Sandhill Cranes and Common Crane x Sand- hill Crane hybrids, numbering 15-20 birds, persist there, but we have no specific informa- tion to confirm nesting. SH0REBERDS An American Oystercatcher was surprising at Piermont Pier, Rockland, NY 21 Jun (Chris Healy). A Black-necked Stilt visited Cape May, NJ 19 jun (FS et al); stilts bred again at Bom- bay Hook. A Western Willet stopped on L. Ontario at Southwick Beach S.P., Jefferson 6 Jun (David Balderini), and one visited Fairhaven State Beach, Cayuga 3 Jul (Mickey Scilingo). The first Western Willets returned 3 Jul at both Ponquogue Bridge, Suffolk, Long I. (MMcB) and Cupsogue (SSM); they totaled 18 at Jones Beach S.P., Suffolk, Long I. 20 Jul (KF). Fort Drum contained only four Upland Sandpiper territories; they have become scarce even in this Regional stronghold (JBo). An ad. Upland accompanied 3 young at Fair- field, Herkimer, NY 16 Jun (Larry Hall), and singles or pairs were present in Montgomery, Seneca, and Ulster, NY. A Long-billed Curlew was photographed at Wildwood, Cape May, NJ 18 Jul (Bob Lubberman); fewer than 10 have been recorded in New Jersey in the past 50 years. Marbled Godwits were at Southwick Beach S.P., Jefferson, NY 3-4 Jun (Tom Shrimpton) and at Chazy 15-20 Jun (BK); the first fall migrant arrived at Cupsogue 12 Jul (BA, Tom Moran). Migrating Red Knots still numbered 700 at Mispillion Light, DE 3 Jun (CB) and 60 at Cupsogue 10 Jun (SSM). VOLUME 65 (2012).- NUMBER 4 601 I HUDSON-DELAWARE *-**1fhr ^ ■* ♦ ^ r ft On 24 Jul, Sara Burch reported noted an unusual 3/igull at Coney I., Brooklyn, New York City and en- tered the observation into eBird (ebird.org) as a Black- headed Gull. When eBird reviewer Doug Gochfeld en- quired further, Burch emailed him a photograph. The bird was in fact an ad. Gray-hooded Gull in slightly faded alternate plumage! It was relocated 29 Jul (Shane Blodgett) and remained until early Aug on the thronged beach, associating with Laughing Gulls and showing particular fondness for a fountain in the shape of a plastic palm tree. Thousands of birders came from across the continent to see this bird, enjoying Coney I. atmosphere and cuisine as well. Previous North Ameri- can records of the species come from Apalachicola, FL 26 Dec 1998 (North American Birds 53: 337-339) and Barbados 30 May 2009 (North American Birds 63: 520). Tern researchers for the Great Gull I. (JBiC et al.) project often encounter multiple Gray-hooded Gulls off ne. Brazil, where Laughing Gulls also winter. Some specific locations, in some cases exceeding slightly the n. range limit (see Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 3) include the states of Maranhao (30 Jan 1998) and Ceu- ra (17-18 Oct 2006). The Coney I. bird's provenance re- Tkhis Gray-hooded Gull was enjoyed by hundreds of birders on a crowded beach at Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York from 24 July into August 201 1 . mains unknowable, but a scenario in which it accompa- These images were captured 29 (perched) and 30 July (in flight, with died Laughing Gulls northward is certainly conceivable. Laughing Gull on left). Photographs by Andrew Baksh (top) and Karen Fung. Western Sandpiper was represented by five observations of singles on Long I. (AGu, SSM) and 200+ at Taylor’s Gut 30 Jul (CB). A female Ruff was also at Taylor’s Gut 3 Jul (BGP, FR). Migration timing, now especially closely studied in this era of climate change, ap- peared to be on schedule for most species. The first trickles of southbound shorebird mi- grants included Semipalmated Plovers, Lesser Yellowlegs, and Short-billed Dowitchers, ar- riving in the last days of Jun, as is typical. Mi- gration was in full swing by 3 Jul, as flocks of Short-billed Dowitchers, including one hol- der soni, arrived with a few Lesser Yellowlegs and Least Sandpipers at Cupsoque (AGu), where these first migrants mingled with sum- mering non-breeders. Reports of apparent summering birds included a Black-bellied Plover 27 Jun at Montezuma (DW), a Greater Yellowlegs at Cupsogue 20 & 26 Jun (SSM), 120 Short-billed Dowitchers at Cupsogue 20 Jun (SSM), and 15 White-rumped Sandpipers and a Dunlin at Montezuma 22 Jun (DW) — though these latter were in alternate plumage. Late northbound migrants dropped off sharply after about 10 Jun; for instance, 600 Semipalmated Sandpipers at Cupsogue 10 male Wilson’s Phalarope stopped at Bombay Hook 5-6 Jun (FR); the first southbound mi- grants arrived 19 Jun at Jamaica Bay (Corey Finger) and 24 Jul at Brig, where 8 were not- ed (Mike Fritz). Four Red-necked Phalaropes at Montezuma 25 Jul (D. M. Kennedy) made a good local count; others were at Chazy 4 Jun (BK), Montezuma 24 Jul (Gary Chapin), and Brig 24-26 Jul (Harvey Tomlinson, Steve Glynn, FS). GULLS THROUGH SKUAS A single Little Gull was at Sandy Hook 30 Jul (SB). A Laughing Gull wandered to Alexan- dria Bay, L. Ontario, Jefferson, NY 23 Jun (Nick Kiehl). A few Bonaparte’s Gulls nor- mally summer in the Region, but 116 loafing on rooftops at Fort Niagara, NY 8 Jul (WW) made a remarkable tally. Ring-billed Gulls nested on a flat rooftop at Batavia (fide RGS); the first juvs. of the species arrived on the coast at Coney I. 29 Jul (SSM). Once found mostly in winter, Lesser Black-backed Gulls now reach double digits in summer on the coast; 70 were at Nickerson Beach, Nassau, Long I. 10 Jul, including 56 first-cycle birds (SSM et al.). Up to 20, including one ad., in- habited Delaware Seashores S.P, Sussex, DE Jul+ (Eileen Schwinn et al.) — and one was at Shark R. inlet, Monmouth, NJ 24 Jun (ph. Nick Taylor). A Bridled Tern was seen from the Henry B. Bigelow at Hudson Canyon 7 Jun (MF, CJV). Little Galloo I. held a record 1934 Caspian Tern nests (1788 in 2005; JF). A pair tried again to nest at Bamegat Bay, NJ, but the nest was washed out by storm tides (JBu). A juv. Caspian Tern following an ad. at Taylor’s Gut 24 Jul (CB) marked the arrival of migrants at the coast. At least 4 Sandwich Terns wandered to cen. Long I., and up to 9 were at Cape May 30 Jul (Glen Davis, SG, MO’B, Tony Leukering). The Roseate Tern colony on Great Gull I. contained 1400 pairs this season (HH); only scattered pairs nest elsewhere in New York. The now usual straggling Roseate Terns at Cape May still show no sign of breeding there. Great Gull I. held about 10,000 Common Tern nests, the world’s largest colony (HH). Common Terns in Barnegat Bay, NJ were heavily im- pacted by storm tides and produced only 0.7 young per nest (J13u). A Com- mon Tern at Cupsogue 25-26 Jun (ph. SSM) appeared to be of the subspecies longipennis; a similar bird was photographed in New Jersey in 2003. Five different first- summer Arctic Terns came ashore at Cup- sogue 16Jun-9 Jul (SSM, SA, m.ob.). Almost all the Region’s Black Skimmers were concen- trated in large colonies: at Breezy Pt., Queens, NY, where 200 were noted on 20 Jun (Avi Lewis); at Nickerson Beach, Nassau, NY, where at least 850 were present during the season (John Zarudski); and at the Seaview Harbor Marina in Great Egg Inlet, Atlantic, NY, where most of the state’s 1846 individu- als raised 775 young, a little below last year (TP). In Barnegat Bay, skimmers raised very few young because of flood tides and Great Horned Owl predation (JBu). A Great Skua, more expected in winter, was seen well at Hudson Canyon 7 Jun (MF, CJV). A South Polar Skua, very rarely observed from shore in the Atlantic, was seen harassing a Parasitic Jaeger at Robert Moses S.P., Suffolk, NY 1 1 Jul (SSM, JBo). The few Pomarine Jaegers report- ed were all offshore, as usual (AC, LS et al.). A subad. Long-tailed Jaeger was a surprise at Braddock Bay, Monroe, NY 16 Jul (ph. CW, JBa, Sam Barry); 5 were observed well off- shore s. of Shinnecock, NY, also 16 Jul (JS). Jun had declined to 150 by 16 Jun (SSM). By 28 Jul, numbers of southbound Short-billed Dowitchers reached 5500 at Bombay Hook (Louise Zemaitis, MO’B, Mark Garland). A 15 Jul (CB). Three Glaucous Gulls were not- ed in New York — at Oswego Harbor 24 Jun (DW), Orient Pt., Suffolk through the period (A. J. Lauro; injured bird), and Cupsogue 12 DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES A Eurasian Collared-Dove summered at Cape May Pt., NJ 13 Jun+ and was joined by anoth- 602 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS HUDSON-DELAWARE | er at season’s end. Other singles were at War- ren Grove, Ocean, NJ 6 Jun (ph. SG) and Loch Arbor, Monmouth, NJ 17 Jul (ph. Mary Pomeroy). Up to 2 continued at Parma, near Rochester, NY (RGS et al.). Red-headed Wood- peckers remained scarce and spottily distrib- uted, but Delaware atlassers found more than expected in Kent and Sussex “in recently logged forest lands" (AGo). New Jersey loca- tions included Burlington, Mercer, Morris, Som- erset, and Cape May, while New York had re- ports from Buffalo (five sites), the Finger Lakes, and the St. Lawrence R. valley, e.g., 9-11 pairs at Fort Drum (JBo). Red-bellied Wood- peckers march relentlessly northward and up- slope: one at Inlet, Hamilton, NY 7 Jul (CW) was an Adirondack rarity. A Western Kingbird paused 12 Jul at Fort Drum (Gabe Luongo). An ad. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was at Middle- town, Monmouth, NJ 2 Jun (Sam Skinner), and one was at Jersey City 6 Jun (Simon Lane), possibly the same bird. Scissor-tailed Flycatch- ers have recently nested as close to the Region as Virginia and the Carolinas. Common Ravens nested successfully at Hampton Bays, Suffolk, NY (Hugh McGuin- ness, m.ob.), a remarkable culmination of more than ten years’ expansion into the coastal plain. The raven nest at Kew Gar- dens, in New York City, failed this year, but a raven was seen carrying food in Queens 16 Jun (Jean Loscalzo). An apparent Cliff Swal- low x Barn Swallow hybrid was pho- tographed at Point Breeze, Orleans, NY 17 Jul (CW, AGu, JBa). Sedge Wrens went al- most unrecorded in New York away from the St. Lawrence R. valley, with 10-11 pairs at Fort Drum (JBo); one at Walkill was the only exception, 14Jul+ (RS, m.ob.). Delaware had Sedge Wrens at Bombay Hook 26 Jun (Carl- ton Groff) and at Cape Henlopen, also 26 Jun (Martin Wilson). Graduate student Sara Pace found more successful American Robin nests in New York City parks than in subur- ban parks; 38 nests were in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, for instance, but only five nests were in a comparable area at Mutton- town Preserve, Nassau, NY. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Blue-winged Warblers and hybrids continue to increase relative to Golden-winged War- blers at Fort Drum; most of the latter are now found in moist shrubland and woodland. Golden-wingeds still predominate farther n. in St. Lawrence, but hybrids are also increas- ing there (JBo). Far to the s., 5 Golden- winged Warblers persevered at Sterling For- est, Orange, NY 12 Jun (Connecticut Young Birders’ Club, James Purcell). The only New Jersey observation of the species was nearby at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Jefferson Twp., Morris 26 Jun (CH). New Jersey’s only report of Brewster’s Warbler was along Old Mine Rd., in Worthington S.E, Warren, NJ (Pete Bacinski, Mike Hiotis). A Lawrence’s Warbler returned for its 5th summer to Eliza- beth Kay Environmental Center, Chester, Morris, NJ. Others were found at Southland Farm, Dutchess, NY 4 Jun (R. T. Waterman r A A first-year Hooded Jf lCrow (Corvus cornix) was found at Great Kills Park, Staten I., NY 20 Jun (ph.Seth Wollney, m.ob.) and enjoyed by hundreds of birders there until about 8 Jul. It later turned up on Long Beach I., Ocean, NJ 17 Jul (Judson Hamlin et al.) and was seen sporadically for several more days there. In North America, records of Hooded Crow from Texas (2002), Illinois (2000), and Alberta (2006) were ei- ther confirmed or suspected to be escapees from captivity, and many suggested that ship assistance (or escape from captivity) would be likely in the case of this season's record. However, there are two old specimens from Greenland, and Ice- land has 76 accepted records (involving 88 total individuals), so natural vagrancy, as with Eurasian Jackdaw, is also plausible. This Hooded Crow was found by Seth Wollney at Great Kills Park, Staten Island, New York 20 June 2011 (here) and was enjoyed by hundreds through at least 8 July. The bird reap- peared briefly in coastal New Jersey in mid-July. This species has reached Iceland many times and Greenland twice, but it is also fairly common in captivity in the United States. Photograph by Seth Wollney. Bird Club) and Hutcheson Memorial Forest, Somerset, NJ 9 Jun (David LaPuma). Twenty Cerulean Warblers made an impressive count along Old Mine Rd. 10 Jun (LM), and 9 were along Doodletown Rd., Bear Mountain S.P, Rockland, NY 4 Jun (Tom Preston). Prothono- tary Warblers again nested at Montezuma, at their n. limit (ph. CW, m.ob.). A pair of Summer Tanagers accompanying a young bird at East Hampton, Suffolk, NY through Jul (AC) suggested a 2nd successful breeding on e. Long Island, the species’ ne. limit. A female Summer Tanager visited Great Gull I. 24 Jun (JDiC). Several territorial pairs of Savannah Sparrows, including one carrying food, were found by atlassers near Middle- town, DE in mid-Jun (fide AGo); this former breeder was last suspected of breeding in Delaware in 1985. A Lark Sparrow visited Se- van W.M.A., Newport, Cumberland, NJ 31 May-6 Jun (ph. Lynn & Jeffrey Faust, m.ob.), Henslow’s Sparrows barely hang on, mainly in the St. Lawrence R. valley. Fort Drum had up to 8 males in three locations (JBo), and small colonies were detected nearby at Orleans, Jef- ferson (SSM, PJL, TWB, Gail Benson) and Hammond, St. Lawrence (Joan Collins). The only other report came from Ames, Mont- gomery, in n.-cen. New York 9 Jul (Peter Schoenberger). Dickcissels bypassed New York, but New Jersey had singing males near Port Norris, Cumberland (LM et al.), at the Mercer Sod Farms, Burlington (FS et al.), at the Negri-Nepote managed grasslands in Franklin, Somerset (m.ob.), and at Lakehurst N.A.S., Ocean (Sandra Keller). At least five sites were known in Delaware (fide FR, AGo). A first-year male Yellow-headed Blackbird landed on the vessel Henry B. Bigelow 129 km s. of Suffolk, NY 6 Jun (MF, ph. CJV). A Cliff Swallow colony at Fort Niagara, NY was par- asitized by House Sparrows this season: the young sparrows were seen being fed by Cliff Swallows 8 Jul, and an ad. House Sparrow also fluttered its wings and begged from a Cliff Swallow (WW). Observers (subregional compilers in boldface): Robert Adamo, Seth Ausubel, Andrew Bahksh, Scott Barnes (n. -coastal New Jersey: scott.barnes@njaudubon.org), Jessie Barry (JBa), Patrick Belardo (n.-cen. New Jersey: pbelardo@yahoo.com), Chris Bennett, Michael Bochnik (Lower Hudson Valley, NY: bochnikm@cs.com), Jeff Bolsinger (JBo; St. Lawrence, NY: cadybols@gisco.net), Joseph Brin (JBr; Syracuse, NY Rare Bird Alert), Joan- na Burger (JBu), T. W. Burke (NYC Rare Bird Alert), Mark Chao (Finger Lakes, NY: markchao@imt.org), Kathy Clark, Anthony Collerton, Elizabeth Craig (NYC Audubon), VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 603 | HUDSON-DELAWARE Joe DiCostanzo, Andrew P. Ednie (Birdline Delaware), Jim Farquhar, Michael Force, Va- lerie Freer ( Sullivan , NY), Sam Galick (Cape May B.O.), Anthony Gonzon (AGo), K. C. Griffith (Genesee, NY: ckgrif@localnet.com), Andy Guthrie (AGu), John Haas, Frederick Hamilton, Jennifer Hanson (nw. New Jersey: ammodramus88@gmail.com), Helen Hays (Great Gull I.), Carole Hughes, Bill Krueger, R. J. Kurtz, Melinda McCormack (Adirondack re- gion, NY: mruddyduck@aol.com), Pat J. Lind- say, Barbara Loucks, Linda Mack, Michael McBrien, Michael Morgante (Niagara Frontier, NY: morgm@adelphia.net), Michael O’Brien, Bruce G. Peterjohn, Todd Pover, William Pur- cell (Oneida Lake Basin, NY: wpurcell@twc- ny.rr.com), Tom Reed, Don Riepe (Jamaica Bay), Larry Scacchetti, Sy Schiff, Frank Sencher, Jr., John Sepanowski (JSe), John Shemilt, Robert G. Spann (Rocheste-r, NY), Rob Stone (RS), Christopher J. Vogel, R. T. Wa- terman Bird Club ( Dutchess , NY), William Wat- son, David Wheeler, Chris Wood, Will Yandik (Hudson-Mohawk region, NY: wyandik@hot- mail.com), Matthew Young (Susquehanna re- gion, NY: may6@comell.edu). Robert 0. Paxton, 460 Riverside Drive, Apt. 72 New York, New York 10027, (rop1@columbia.edu) Richard R. Veit Department of Biology, College of Staten Island 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314 (veitrr2003@yahoo.com) Frank Rohrbacher, 5 Neva Court Wilmington, Delaware 19810, (ROHRBAF@aol.com) Shaiba) S. Mitra Department of Biology, College of Staten Island 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten island, New York 10314 (mitra@mail.csi.cuny.edu) Middle Atlantic Mark!, Adams Matt Hafrter Robert Ostrawski It was mostly a very hot and dry summer. Maryland had its 2nd warmest July of the past 117 years; and July in Virginia was hotter in only five of the past 117 years. June precipitation was below normal everywhere outside the southern Piedmont. The rainfall pattern was a patchwork in July: relatively wet conditions on the Coastal Plain, nearly normal rainfall in far southwestern Virginia, and be- low-normal precipitation everywhere else. Observers nonetheless enjoyed a diverse set of highlights that included a Fea’s, 8 Trinidade, and many Black-capped Petrels, two White- tailed Tropicbirds, Red Phalarope, Long-eared Owl, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and a significant Dickcissel incursion. In addition to our many individual contributors, we thank Adam D’Onofrio, YuLee Larner, Dan Perkuchin, Robert F. Ringler, Jo Solem, and Bill Williams for their assistance in compiling and inter- preting the summer season’s records. Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay N.WR., Virginia Beach, VA); Bay (Chesapeake Bay); Chine. (Chincoteague N.W.R., Ac- comack, VA); Craney (Craney 1. dis- posal site, Portsmouth, VA); H.R.B.T. (Hampton Roads Bridge- Tunnel, Hampton/Norfolk, VA); Poplar (Poplar L, Talbot, MD); Swan Cr. (in Anne Arundel, MD). WATERFOWL THROUGH HEROES Five Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks visited Patterson Park, Baltimore, MD 3-8 Jun (KEC, m.ob.); 7 flew over a shopping center parking lot at dusk in Gainesville, Prince William, VA 29 Jun (TTMD); and one was popular at Chine. 16-26 Jul (ph., tEEd; MRu, HTA; vt. JE). Two Brant were late visitors at Castaways, Worcester, MD 10-14 Jun QCu, JH, m.ob.). Noteworthy wa- terfowl at Craney included a Green-winged Teal 30 Jun (BW, SD, MS), a Red-breasted Merganser 26 May-7 Jul (RBo et ah), and a Ruddy Duck 23 Jun (BW et al.). Swan Cr. hosted a Gadwall 21 Jul (EB), a Northern Pin- tail 13-28 Jul (EB, m.ob.), and a Canvasback 3 Jun-13 Jul (SA, m.ob.). Rigby’s Folly, Talbot, MD had 3 Surf Scoters and a drake Ruddy Duck 25 Jun (HTA). A Black Scoter at North Beach, Calvert, MD 4 jun-27Jul (MB, m.ob.) was at a location where the species has sum- mered in past years. Lingering Long-tailed Duck singles were at Poplar 22 Jun (PO, m.ob.) and Sandy Point S.P., Anne Arundel, MD 28 jun (SA). Two Buffleheads were sur- prising in the Piedmont at L. Anna, Spotsylva- nia, VA 7 Jun (ADo et al); another was at Hart-Miller L, Baltimore 20 jun (KGr, RFR). A female Hooded Merganser with 4 young was photographed at the Dulles Greenway Wet- R The Region's offshore waters have been very rarely studied, and almost ail observations have come from nearshore i waters, mostly within 140 km of the coast. This season, reports came in from offshore surveys conducted from MOAA vessels, the first such reports in many years. On 1 9 Jun, working aboard the Henry 8. Bigelow about 350 km e. of Cape Charles, VA, Michael P. Force, Christopher J. Vogel, and Todd Pusser found a flock of birds over a school of very large Yellowfin Tuna that held a Fea's Petrel, 7 Trinidade Petrels (ph. TP; 4 dark morphs, 2-3 intermediate morphs, plus an unusual light morph with white collar and forehead), 20-25 Black-capped Petrels, 40-50 Cory's Shearwaters, 20-30 Great Shearwaters, an Audubon's Shearwater, a South Polar Skua, and a Sooty Tern; another Black-capped Petrel was seen later in the- day. The lo- cation is over water 2600 fathoms (almost 5 km) deep, and the sea was characterized as "bright indigo Gulf Stream, 85° F". There is no previous record of a group of /Trinidade Petrels at sea in the North Atlantic, and Virginia has no offshore record of more than one Black-capped Petrel and only two records of Fea's Petrel. The same crew had seen a Black-capped Petrel e. of Worcester, MD the previous day. They photographed many Cory's Shearwaters during the cruise, documenting many ap- parent examples of the nominate subspecies, rarely reported in the Region, though specimens from the Region have not been examined critically. Tom Johnson, working aboard the Gordon Gunter, about 254 km e. of Virginia Beach, VA, documented a dark-morph Trinidade Petrel, a Black-capped Petrel, 6 Cory's Shearwaters, 2 Great Shearwaters, an Audubon's Shearwater, a Leach's Storm-Petrel, and an ad. White-tailed Tr«M«bir»l ? Li NUMBER 4 619 | FLORIDA* Robert A. Duncan, Charlie Ewell, David Free- land, Nate Goddard, Larry Goodman, Al & Bev Hansen, John Hintermister (JoH), Paul Hueber, Keith McMullen, Paul Miller, John Murphy (JMu), Valeri Ponzo, Peggy Powell, Bill Pranty, Bob Richter (BoR), Harry Robinson, Rex Rowan, Carlos Sanchez, David Simpson (DaS), Jean Simpson (JeS), John Thornton, Roberto Torres (RoT), Ken Tracey, Billi Wagner (BiW), Chuck Weber, Andy Wraithmell. O Bruce H. Anderson, 2917 Scarlet Road Winter Park, Florida 32792, (scizortail@aol.com) Andy Bankert, 365 Spoonbill Lane Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951, (abankert@fit.edu) Ontario On average, temperatures in June were within the normal range throughout the province, except along the ne. shore of Lake Superior at Wawa, which expe- rienced its warmest June since 2007. Precipi- tation patterns varied, with much of the northwest, as well as Timmins, Peterborough, and Hamilton receiving amounts lower than normal, generally in the range of one-half to two-thirds of normal levels (Bryden experi- enced the driest June since 1998), while Wawa, Chapleau, Manitoulin Island, Sud- bury, Earlton, Petawawa, Ottawa, Kingston, Wiarton, and Sarnia received above average rainfall. June was relatively quiet with regard to severe storms in the north, but, especially in the northwest, frequent thunderstorms and associated lightning during July led to exten- sive forest fires. In the south, two major se- vere storms with high winds, hail, and/or large amounts of rain occurred during June. July was 2-3° C wanner than normal in most parts of the province, but again, precipitation patterns varied, with most areas, particularly in the north, being drier than normal, but with some areas experiencing high precipita- tion (e.g., wettest July since 1995 in Essex County) associated with severe storms, in- cluding at least one confirmed tornado. The breeding season was productive for most common species, despite the hot condi- tions, according to regional reports, and Breeding Bird Surveys yielded average results in terms of both numbers of species and num- bers of individuals. A few very rare species were discovered this season, including a Wil- low Ptarmigan in southern Ontario, at least one White-faced Ibis, a Swallow-tailed Kite, and a Say’s Phoebe. Abbreviations: Point Pelee (Point Pelee Bird- ing Area, a standard C.B.C. circle centered just n. of Point Pelee N.R). Ontario is divided into “north” and “south” regions along the 47° N latitude. WATERFOWL THROUGH VULTURES A Tundra Swan, an unusual summer record for the Kingston area, was on Amherst L, Lennox and Addington ll-31Jul (EB, PJG). Six Brant at Longridge Pt., Cochrane 22 Jul (RDJ) was an unusual summer record for s. James Bay. A single Brant remained at Ottawa, Ot- tawa until 19 Jul (fide MVAB). A Canvasback summered at Windermere Basin, Hamilton during the period (KAM, m.ob.). A pair of Ring-necked Ducks at Presqu’ile P.P. , Northumberland 3 Jul raised the prospect of local nesting (fide FMH). Two male Greater Scaup at Point Pelee N.P., Essex 3-11 Jun (AW) were record late there, and 6 were in Popham Bay, Presqu’ile P.P until late Jul (fide FMH). An imm. male King Eider at MacGre- gor Point RE, Brace 7 Jun (BAT) was an un- usual summer record for the south. Two White-winged Scoters lingered in Hamilton Harbour, Hamilton 9-13 Jul (KAM) and 14 at Presqu’ile P.P. 23 Jul (fide FMH). A Black Scot- er, unusual for both date and inland location, was at the Exeter S.T.P, Huron 5 Jul (BRH). A Long-tailed Duck was at Cobourg harbor, Northumberland 1 Jul (BB). Two Ruddy Ducks were at the Moosonee S.T.P., Cochrane 2 Jun, and another male was there 23 Jun (both EBM); there are very few records of this species for s. James Bay (fide AW). An amazing Willow Ptarmigan appeared several hundred km s. of its usual range along the L. Ontario shoreline at Darlington, Durham 8Jun-31 Jul+ OR, WH, m.ob); possi- New for the Ottawa Birding Area, this first-year White-faced Ibis was present at Carp, Ontario 4-13 (here 13) July 2011. Photograph by Ben F. Di Labio. 620 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ONTARIO) Ontario does not have a breeding record of Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, but occasionally an adult appears in the province during summer. This bird was a one-day wander at Windsor, Essex County 1 June 201 1 . Photograph by Karen J. Morgan. bly the bird had been present since late Mar or early Apr (fide BEH). Unusual during the summer period in s. Ontario was a Red-throated Loon in definitive alternate plumage on Chandos L., Peterborough 7 Jun (KB). In Prescott and Russell, an Eared Grebe was at the Russell S.T.R 23 Jun (HV, RS), and likely the same bird was nearby at the Em- brun S.T.P. 1-21 Jul (MP, m.ob.) and Cassel- man S.T.P 5 Jul (NS). American White Peli- cans continue to be seen with increasing reg- ularity in the e. and s. parts of Ontario, with singles in Mitchell’s Bay, Chatham-Kent 7-9 Jun (fide JGH), Rondeau Bay, Chatham-Kent 17-18 Jun (MFM, m.ob.), at the Miller Tract, Simcoe 18 Jun (DP), Dundas Marsh, Hamilton 18 jun and 16 Jul (LB, PDS), Hamilton Har- bour, Hamilton/Halton 29 Jun-15 Jul (KAM, m.ob.), and Oshawa Second Marsh, Durham 3-9 Jul (JSP, MVAB). Four were at Thessalon, Algoma 27 jun (KGDB et al), up to 56 were at Mission Island Marsh, Thunder Bay 1 1 Jul (TW), and 76 were at Northbluff Pt., Cochrane 22 Jul Oh BNC, RDM, KHan). A Great Blue Heron e. of the Muketei R., just nw. of Koper L., Kenora, 9 Jun (PSB) was unusual this far n. in the Hudson Bay Low- lands. A small Great Egret colony, the first breeding record for the Kingston area, was discovered on Middle Brother I., Fmntenac 8 Jul (DVW et al.). Great Egrets also were seen more frequently than usual during the period in the Ottawa area, Ottawa, with up to 5 to- gether 21 Jul (fide CAL), and n. of their usual range at M’Chigeeng, Manitoulin 2 Jun (HM) and the Pic R. mouth, Thunder Bay 20 Jul (WSM, DB). A Snowy Egret was at Hillman Marsh, Essex 13 Jun (DJW). Single Cattle Egrets were at Normandale, Norfolk 2 Jun (BMc), Green Bay, Manitoulin 14-24 Jun (EAF, fide CTB), Isaac L„ Bruce 4-5 Jul (AX MV), and Holiday Beach C.A., Essex 22 jul (BRH, KGDB). A Green Heron was at Bass L., Mani- toulin 26 Jun (fide CTB). An ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was at Windsor, Essex 1 Jun (KM). A Glossy Ibis was at Lake- view Heights, Stormont, Dundas and Glengar- ry 23 Jul-10 Aug (RBS, m.ob.). A White-faced Ibis, the first record for the Ot- tawa area and e. Ontario, was present at Carp, Ottawa 4-13 Jul (BED, m.ob.). Another, or perhaps the same bird, was- at Presqu’ile PE 15-30 Jul+ (SO, JMA et al.). A Black Vulture was at Dundas, Hamilton 1 Jun (DKD). Two Least Bitterns were heard and seen relatively far n. at Beaver Meadows, Manitoulin 7 Jun (RCT, BG), and one was at Cache Bay, L. Nipissing, Nipissing 20 Jul (RDT, FP). RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS A Swallow-tailed Kite at Pearl, Thunder Bay 10 Jul (GNS) was an exceptional rarity for L. Superior. Bald Eagles continue to occupy new breeding territories, with two new locations in Algonquin P.P. in 2011 (Cedar L. and L. Opeongo, Nipissing ), for a total of six pairs (fide RGT), and new locations in Oxford (fide JMH). Near the n. limit of its range in On- tario, Red-shouldered Hawks were found in Sandfield Twp. 5 Jun (JH) and M’Chigeeng 16 Jun (RCT), both in Manitoulin. A Golden Ea- gle at Longridge Pt. 19 Jul (RDJ) made an un- usual summer record for the coast of James Bay. A territorial Merlin at Hamilton, Hamil- ton 5 jul (RWS) suggested local nesting, as did one at The Pinery P.P., Lambton 28 Jul (PSB et al). Yellow Rails appeared to be at very low levels in the s. James Bay area during the period, likely due to drought conditions in coastal meadows; however, along the Hud- son Bay coast, and inland, conditions were more favorable, and small numbers were found at scattered locations (fide KFA). A Yel- low Rail also was discovered well inland in the vicinity of Big Trout L., Kenora (fide KFA). A Sora responded strongly to playback e. of the Muketei R., w. of Koper L. 7 Jun (TC). Up to 76 Sandhill Cranes aggregated along the James Bay coast at Northbluff Pt. 18 Jul (JI, BNC, RDM, KHan). Two Sandhill Cranes were s. of Cayuga, Haldimand 11 Jun (RZD), and 4 were feeding in a bean field near Cam- bray, Kawartha Lakes 17 Jul (SRW). At Sauble Beach, Bruce, two Piping Plover nests fledged 2 and 3 young, and young also fledged from a nest at Wasaga Beach PE, Sim- coe (fide KJT, BAT). There was no change in its status in Manitoulin, with a single unmated male bird at Carter Bay 6-15 Jun (SJT, CTB, JB). Single American Avocets were at the Tilbury S.T.P, Essex 4 Jul (JDV), Blenheim S.T.R, Chatham-Kent 13-14 jul (WM et al.), and The Pinery EP. 29 Jul (PSB et al). Ongo- ing shorebird migration monitoring, with a fo- cus on Red Knot migration, along the s. James Bay coast continues to reveal the importance of this area for staging. Maximum numbers of selected shorebirds during the period include: 392 Greater Yellowlegs at Northbluff Pt. 27 Jul 01, BNC, RDM, KHan), 262 Ruddy Turn- stones at Longridge Pt. 30 Jul (MKP, ERR, AC, RDJ), 1100 Red Knots at Longridge Pt. 24 Jul (MKP, ERR, AC, RDJ), 1100 Red Knots at Lit- tle Piskwamish Pt., Cochrane 31 jul (BNC, RDM, DAS, RR), 23000 Semipalmated Sand- pipers at Northbluff Pt. 29 Jul QL BNC, RDM, KHan), and 7710 White-rumped Sandpipers at Northbluff Pt. 29 Jul Ql, BNC, RDM, KHan). A Lesser Yellowlegs with an injured leg at Hillman Marsh 13 jun (DJW) made an unusual summer record for Point Pelee; one at Blenheim 19 Jun 0TB) was a very early fall migrant. Two Upland Sandpipers, uncommon in this part of the province, were 5 km n. of Rainy River, Rainy River 17 Jun-25 Jul (MSD et al), and one was near Devlin, Rainy River 23-25 Jun (MSD et al.). Several Upland Sand- pipers were in scattered locations on Mani- toulin I. in Jun (fide CTB). A Whimbrel was seen at Hillman Marsh 13 Jun (CAC et al.), a record-late date for Point Pelee. Single Mar- bled Godwits were on Amherst 1. 3 Jun (AKBR) and s. of Barrhaven, Ottawa 9-10 Jun V01UME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 621 [ONTARIO This adult male Painted Bunting made it to the north shore of Lake Superior at Marathon, Thunder Bay District, Ontario 12-18 (here 1 5) July 201 1 . Photograph by Michael T. Butler. (RMP). Few Red Knots were reported during the spring flight, but there was a flock of 20 birds at Presqu’ile EP. 4Jun (WDG). The 520 Semipalmated Sandpipers at Point Pelee 1 Jun (AW) made a record-high count there for spring. An ad. Western Sandpiper was at Mor- ven, F rontenac 26 Jul (RDW). Early Baird’s Sandpipers were at Townsend S.T.P., Haldimand 20-21 Jul (KAM et al.), Verner S.T.P, Nipissing 24 Jul (CAS), and Rainy River S.T.E 25 Jul (DHE); 7 at Longridge Pt. 27 Jul (AC) was a good count for the relatively early date. One ad. Dunlin at Erieau, Chatham-Kent 9 Jul (BAM) was an early southbound mi- grant. Fourteen Buff-breasted Sandpipers were seen foraging on berries and insects along the Hudson Bay coast between the Niskibi R. and the Severn R., Kenora 27 Jul (KFA); one was also at Longridge Pt. 29 Jul (MKP, ERR, AC, RDJ). A hendersoni Short-billed Dowitcher at Hillman Marsh, Essex 1 Jun (AW) was late for this subspecies. A first-summer Short-billed Dowitcher at Amherst I. 19 Jun (AW, BRH) made an unusual summer record. An early Long-billed Dowitcher was at the Tilbury S.T.P. 28 Jul (KGDB). Wilson’s Phalaropes were reported from several locations, includ- ing two pairs (1 Jun) and a single male (9 Jun) at Hillman Marsh (AW et al.), 12 ads. (22 Jun) and one juv. (2 Jul) on Amherst I. (AW), one at Townsend S.T.P. 4 Jul (JEH), and one at Longridge Pt. 25-30 Jul (MKP, ERR, AC, RDJ). GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS An ad. Laughing Gull was present on Pelee I., Essex 27 Jul (KGDB, CM). An aggregation of 72 Franklin’s Gulls was at Rainy River, Rainy River 27 Jul (AGH). The 6 ad. Bonaparte’s Gulls at Point Pelee 13 Jul were the first fall migrants in the s., and the first juv. was also at Point Pelee 24 Jul (AW). Two Little Gulls at Moosonee, Cochrane 9 Jun (EBM) were late spring migrants. Two ad. Little Gulls at Point Pelee 14 Jul (AW, RPC) were the first fall mi- grants in the south. A first-cycle Thayer’s Gull was at Marathon, Thunder Bay 1 Jun (MTB). A second-cycle Iceland Gull was at Nepean, Ottawa 3 Jun (BMD), and a first-cycle bird was at Pt. Charwell, Prince Edward 7 Jun (BRH, JLB). Up to 20 first-cycle Lesser Black- backed Gulls summered at Point Pelee, with the maximum count of 12 birds on 14 Jul (AW, RPC). Older birds, the first of the fall migrants, included 2 at Point Pelee 14 Jul (AW, RPC) and several others there immedi- ately thereafter. A third-cycle Glaucous Gull at Nepean 1 Jun (BMD) was likely a late spring migrant, and other singles were at Dar- lington PR, Durham 5 Jun (IW) and Lon- gridge Pt. 19 Jul+ (MKP, AC, RDJ). Thirteen Caspian Terns were at Longridge Pt. 29 Jul (MKP, ERR, AC, RDJ). A Forster’s Tern was present at Rainy River 10 Jun (WFS, PAM). Yellow-billed Cuckoos were reported as far n. as Pike L., M anitoulin 12 Jun (CTB) and Ka- gawong, Manitoulin 19 Jun (RCT). A White-winged Dove was at the Tip of Long Pt., Norfolk 2 Jun (RWW). A Northern Hawk Owl was found near Raith, Thunder Bay 12 Jun (NGE, BJM, CJE). Very few Short-eared Owls were reported in the far n., due to an ap- parent lack of small mammals (fide DAS), but one was observed at Manitou Rapids, Rainy River 10 Jun (MSD). Although likely wide- spread in the far n., few Boreal Owls are ever reported, so 2 singing s. of the Attawapiskat R., one sw. of Garvey L., and one at Wigwas- cence L., Kenora in early Jun (PSB) are note- worthy. A Northern Saw-whet Owl was n. of Baltimore, Northumberland 27 Jul (RL). A Chuck-will’s-widow was heard at Round Lake (hamlet), Peterborough 15 Jun (TLH). Eastern Whip-poor-wills were reported n. to Lavigne, Nipissing 18 Jun (AM), Campbell Twp., Mani- toulin 13 Jun (PR), and Dorion, Thunder Bay 10 Jun (NM). A Chimney Swift was at Atikokan, Rainy River 29 Jun (DHE), the first record there since 2000. Red-headed Wood- peckers continue to decline, but some tradi- tional nesting areas are still occupied, includ- ing a bird found excavating a nest cavity in Billings Twp., Manitoulin 5 Jun (RCT) and a pair of ads. with 2 fledged young at Constance Bay, Ottawa 14 Jul (BMD). The first confirmed breeding record for Red-bellied Woodpecker in the Ottawa area occurred at Pakenham, where a pair with at least 2 noisy, large young ready to fledge were monitored until 25 Jun (RPH, RAB, CAL). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAX WINGS Acadian Flycatchers were found beyond their main breeding areas at Moffat Swamp, Wellington 3 Jun (FJU), Happy Valley Forest, York 25 Jun (JBS), and Ganaraska Forest, Durham mid-Jul (BW). A Say’s Phoebe was at Amherst I. 3 Jun (PAR), the first spring record and the 3rd record overall for the Kingston re- gion. An Eastern Kingbird displaying over muskeg ca. 10 km sw. of Prime L., Kenora 11 Jun (PSB) was well n. of typical range. A Scis- sor-tailed Flycatcher, the first record for Niag- ara, was at Port Colbome 8 Jun (BEF, JMF). A juv. Northern Shrike at Northbluff Pt. 22 Jul (JI, BNC, RDM, KHan) regurgitated a pellet comprised mostly of insect exoskeletons. A White-eyed Vireo was at Windsor 15 Jun (JMH, RCS), and another was singing at the Stone Road Alvar, Pelee I. 7 Jul (SO, GCAG). Common Ravens continue to expand their range southward, with a bird found at New- market, York 27 Jun (RJF). The only known breeding colony of Purple Martin on Mani- toulin I., in Carnarvon Twp., Manitoulin con- I tained 3 birds 6 & 14 Jun (fide CTB). Tree Swallows arrived in good numbers in the vicinity of Atikokan, Rainy River this spring but had almost complete nesting failure in that area (DHE). A pair of Bam Swallows along the e. side of the Muketei R., nw. of Koper L. 9 Jun-7 Jul attempted nesting on camp struc- tures at least twice (PSB). A singing male Car- olina Wren between Rainy River and Harris 622 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ONTARIO] Hill, Rainy River 10-11 Jun (WFS, PAM) was exceptional for the n., and another, also some- what out of its usual range, was at Manotick, Ottawa in early Jul (fide CAL). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was present in Gordon Twp., Manitoulin mid-Jun (BG). A Gray Catbird was singing at Nipigon, Thunder Bay 9 Jun (WS). Northern Mockingbirds were discovered at several locations in n. Ontario, including one at Moosonee 1-3 Jun (EBM et al.), one at Marathon 2 Jun (MTB), one at Thessalon 7 Jun (KGDB), one at Fort Frances, Rainy River 12 Jun (WFS, PAM), and one at Chisholm Yard, Nipissing 18 Jun (LA). A Brown Thrasher was at Northbluff Pt. 18-27 Jul (RDM, KHan, JI, BNC). An American Pipit at Little Piskwamish Pt. 31 Jul (DAS) was s. of the known breeding range; 2 Bohemian Waxwings were also there 31 Jul (BNC, RDM, DAS, RR). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES A female Golden-winged Warbler at Hurkett Cove, Thunder Bay 30 Jul (AFG) was an early fall migrant, and exceptional for L. Superior. Brewster’s Warblers were at the Carden Alvar, Kawartha Lakes 5 Jun (MVAB), near Campbell- ville, Halton 12 Jun (BR), and in the Glen Ma- jor Forest, Durham 24-27 Jun (MD). A singing Tennessee Warbler was at Southampton, Bruce 3 Jul (MEC), and another was s. of Sundridge, Parry Sound 14 Jul (SJO, DJ); both of these were early fall migrants. A Northern Parula at Bronte, Halton 19 Jun (GRE) was an unusual summer record for the Hamilton area. A singing Blackburnian Warbler s. of the At- tawapiskat R., sw. of Garvey L., Kenora 6 Jun (PSB) was beyond the n. limit of its breeding range in Ontario. A territorial male Prairie Warbler was near Westover, Hamilton 1 Jun-13 Jul (RZD, m.ob.). A Prothonotary Warbler at Presqu’ile P.P. 2 Jun (WJE) was a late spring migrant. A pair of Prothonotary Warblers nest- ed at Point Pelee N.P., along the Woodland Na- ture Trail (DJW), the first nesting in the park since 1985, and another pair nested at Fish Pt., Pelee I., with a nest containing three eggs 3 Jul (fide GCAG). A Northern Waterthrush at Beachville, Oxford 2 Jul (JMH) may have been an extremely early fall migrant. A singing Ken- tucky Warbler was at Ancaster, Hamilton 1 Jun (RC). A male Hooded Warbler was at Heart Lake C.A., Brampton, Peel 4 Jun (BN). For the 2nd summer in succession, no breeding Yel- low-breasted Chats were found at Point Pelee N.E (fide AW). However, chats were singing at two locations within the Stone Road Alvar, Pelee I. 15 Jun (SO) and 6 Jul (SO, GCAG). A chat at Thunder Cape, Thunder Bay 4 Jun (JMW et al.) was a rarity for the north. A Sum- mer Tanager was heard singing at Palmyra, Chatham-Kent 17 Jun (DMB). A singing Eastern Towhee was present dur- ing Jun at Lavigne, Nipissing (AM), n. of the species’ usual range. At least 3 Clay-colored Sparrows were at Bracebridge, Muskoka 21 May-24 Jul (BLT, AS et al.). Vesper Sparrows were relatively common in regenerating Jack Pine cut-overs w. of Nakina, s. of O’Sullivan L., Thunder Bay 2 & 22 Jun (PSB), near the n. breeding limit in Ontario. Grasshopper Spar- rows were singing until soybean planting time on Pelee I. 6 & 10 Jun (GCAG) but then dis- appeared. At least one male Le Conte’s Spar- row was in a hay field s. of Alfred, Prescott and Russell 4-24 Jul (JMB, m.ob.). A male White-crowned Sparrow at London, Middlesex 20 Jun (EH) was an unusual summer record. A Northern Cardinal was at Marathon 5 Jun and 18 Jul (MTB), and another was at Crozier, Rainy River 16 Jul (SAS, WRS). A male Paint- ed Bunting was at Marathon 12-18 Jul (RCE et al.). Dickcissels likely nested at several loca- tions, with 3 males and 2 females e. of Wheat- ley, Chatham-Kent 16-23 Jun (KGDB, m.ob.), a male at the Blenheim S.T.P., Chatham-Kent 24 Jun (JTB) t a different male there 5 Jul (JEH), two pairs there 9-14 Jul (BAM), a territorial male at Fort Frances 13-19 Jul (JEV et al.), and at least 2 territorial males and one or more females at Point Pelee 17-28 Jul (AW et al.). A singing male Western Meadowlark was in Robinson Twp., Manitoulin 20-27 Jun (BMa, KHam, RCT), and another was at Pan- mure, Ottawa 19Jul-l Aug (RPH, m.ob.). A female or imm. male Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Rondeau P.P., Chatham-Kent 1 Jun (RBM), a male was present at Point Pelee 6 Jun (SER), and another was on Amherst I. 13 Jun (JS). A very late Rusty Blackbird was at Port Perry, Durham 4 Jun (TH). In Parry Sound, after the disappearance of the colony at Powassan a few years ago, a male Brewer’s Blackbird was discovered at a new location just n. of Trout Creek 15 Jul (SJO). Orchard Orioles at Marathon 2-5 Jun (MTB) and at Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay 19-21 Jun (SG) were spring migrants. White-winged Cross- bills were present at Field, Nipissing 24 Jul (CAS), and 3 were at The Pinery P.P. 28 Jul (PSB et al.), indicating a southward move- ment. An American Goldfinch s. of the At- tawapiskat R., sw. of Garvey L. 6 Jun (PSB) was well n. of the species’ usual range. Corrigenda: For the summer 2010 season (North American Birds 64: 583-587), the Trumpeter Swan at Tilbury should be listed as 16 Jul-21 Nov and credited to Brandon R. Holden, Joshua D. Vandermeulen, m.ob. Observers (subregional contributors in bold- face): Kenneth F Abraham, Lori Anderson, Jennifer Marie Arnold, Kingdon Baker, Jeff Balsdon, E. Batalla, Bryan Baxter, Derek Bed- ford, Christopher T. Bell, David M. Bell, Joan Bell, Jennifer L. Bock, Jacques M. Bouvier, Robert A. Bracken, James T. Burk, Peter S. Burke, Kenneth G. D. Burrell, Michael V.A. Burrell, Lindsay Burtenshaw, Michael T. But- ler, Tony Calverly, Michael E. Carlson, Richard E Carr, Barbara N. Charlton, Cherise A. Char- ron, Antonio Coral, Robert Curry, Michael S. Dawber, Ben F Di Labio, Bruce M. Di Labio, Robert Z. Dobos, David K. Donn, Mark Dor- riesfield, Gavin R. Edmondstone, William J. Edmunds, David H. Elder, Robert C. Ellis, Christopher J. Escott, Nicholas G. Escott, Blayne E. Faman, Jean M. Farnan, Edward A. Ferguson, Ron J. Fleming, Bruce Gates, Graeme C.A. Gibson, Allan F Gilbert, William D. Gilmour, Peter J. Good, Sylvia Groop, John G. Haggeman, Keith Hamilton (KHam), Kevin Hannah (KHan), Allan G. Harris, John Harvey, Eleanor Heagy, Fred M. Helleiner, Brian E. Henshaw, James E. Heslop, Tyler L. Hoar, Brandon R. Holden, James M. Holdsworth, Raymond P Holland, Wayne Holroyd, Jean Iron, Dave Jensen, Roy D. John, Christina A. Lewis, Rob Lonsberry, Michael F. Malone, Blake A. Mann, Eric B. Marcum, Angela Mar- tin, Brenda Masson (BMa), Harold Masson, Norma Maurice, Richard B. McArthur, William McKitterick, Kevin A. McLaughlin, Beverly McLeod (BMc), Peter A. McParland, R. Douglas McRae, Wayne S. Michano, Brian J. Moore, Charlotte Moore, Karen J. Morgan, Bob Noble, Stephen J. O’Donnell, Sumiko On- ishi, Steven Oswald, Mark Patry, Mark K. Peck, Fred Pinto, Jonathan S. Pleizier, Richard M. Poulin, Dale Powers, Brian D. Ratcliff, Pe- ter A. Read, Jeff Reid, Ron Ridout, Maureen Riggs, Bob Ringler, Emily R. Rondel, A. K. Bud Rowe, Sarah E. Rupert, Peggy Russell, John B. Schmelefske, Janet Scott, Robert B. Scranton, Shirley A. Skirten, Wayne R. Skirten, Al Sin- clair, Paul D. Smith, William E Smith, Ross C. Snider, Robert W. Stamp, Nina Stavlund, Will Stolz, Gregory N. Stroud, Christopher A. Sukha, Donald A. Sutherland, Richard D. Tafel, Barbara L. Taylor, Rodney C. Thomp- son, Stephen J. Thorpe, Brendan A. Toews, Kimberly J. Toews, Ronald G. Tozer, Don Ty- erman, Fred J. Urie, John E. van den Broeck (JEV), Anthony Vanderheyden, Matthew Van- derheyden, Joshua D. Vandermeulen, Hans van der Zweep (HV), Ben Walters, Dean J. Ware, Ron D. Weir, D.V (Chip) Weseloh, Tom Wheatley, Ivor Williams, Stuart R. Williams, Ross W. Wood, John M. Woodcock, Alan Wormington. (© William J. Crins, 1 70 Middlefield Road Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8G1, (bcrins@cogeco.ca) VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 623 'See, Hear & Instantly Identify 505 Birds On I) 1 1) Audubon VideoGuide to 505 Birds of North America On Two DVDs “A skillful mix of video and stills that will delight and inform.” New York Times “Not only authoritative, but also literate, witty and full of interesting facts.” Library Journal “An important addition to printed field guides. ” Philadelphia Inquirer Audubon’s VideoGuide to 505 Birds of North America on Two DVD is the ideal application of DVD tech- nology to a reference source. Beauti- ful moving footage and stills, bird calls and sounds, annotated visuals, authoritative narration and range maps help users quickly and pre- cisely locate any of 247 bird species in DVD I, 258 species in DVD II, or all 505 species in the two-disk set, at the touch of a button. By using your DVD player's remote control you can repeat a segment, a shot or any part of a bird’s descrip- tion as often as you like, or even study footage in slow motion. DVD puts you in control. Use a laptop or portable DVD player and you can easily bring this unique reference into the field for easy on- site identification. Also included in each DVD package is the informative 64-page Mini FieldGuide to 505 Birds of North America, which will help you find birds on disk and in the field.. 6 Hours $69.95 New Audubon DVD Release Available September 2008 Orders Accepted Now Audubon’s VideoGuide to Butterflies Common and Endangered contains extremely rare, never before seen mov- ing footage of 21 of the 22 U.S. endan- gered and threatened butterflies — the lone exception, the Lotis Blue, has not been seen by anyone in its Northern California habitat since 1994 and may be extinct — and tells the stories of how they came to be at risk. This companion to the classic Audubon Society's VideoGuide to 505 Birds of North America, is also the first field video guide to common North American butterflies, the kind found in backyards across the continent. It features beautiful video, range maps, and informative narration about more than 70 common butterflies in their native habitat. The VideoGuide was written by Dr. Paul Opler, author of the Peterson Field Guides to Eastern and Western Butterflies , and Jim Ebner, director of Audubon Butterfly Essentials for Be- ginners and Gardeners. 2 Hours $39.95 "Fascinating and memorable. Children might get hooked on butterflies." New York Times "Stunning footage, soothing narration and lovely background music. An ex- traordinary duo.” Booklist “Engrossing.... magical... an excellent learning tool for adults and children.” Washington Post Audubon Butterfly DVD Essentials for Beginners and Gardeners has everything the budding lepidopterist needs to begin identifying the common butterflies found across the United States. Included is an easy-to- understand introduction to butterfly bi- ology, butterfly lifecycles and behavior, as well as identification sections on 30 of our most common species. Each butterfly species has its own fa- vorite foods and habitat which can help attract them to your backyard garden. Essentials contains all the information you'll need to turn your garden into a butterfly paradise, plus in depth looks at 25 favorite butterfly plants and many of the butterflies they attract. The beautiful video of favorite and sur- prising butterflies is sure to delight. Essentials for Beginners and Garden- ers was written by Paul A Opler, author of the Peterson Field Guides to East- ern and Western Butterflies , and di- rector Jim Ebner. 2 Hours 30 Mins $39.95 more info or order at mastervision.com or 800-876-0091 xl03 money back guaranteed! Or send check or money order to Mastervision, Dept. 103, PO Box 48, Howell MI 48844-0048. Add $5 S&H per order. Eastern Highlands & Upper Ohio River Valley Victor W. Fazio, 111 RickWiltraut This was another exciting season for both extralimital vagrants and new breeding records. Waterfowl lingered more than usual, highlighted by Canvasback, including a rare breeding record from the southern shore of Lake Erie. American White Pelicans, Western Kingbirds, and a Western Meadowlark (in West Virginia) lent a western flavor to the season — although a territorial Cassin’s Sparrow discovered in rural Ohio was in a league of its own. From the south, the wanderings of White Ibis in recent years have been impressive, but no fewer than 11 across the Region in a single season from a half-dozen sites is jaw-dropping. With anoth- er summer of record heat, southern wander- ers are perhaps to be expected. But what of northern birds such as Tundra Swan, Glau- cous Gull, and Parasitic Jaeger making sum- mer appearances in the Region? In Ohio, Sandhill Cranes continue to make sporadic appearances in recent summers in the center of the state; Black Vultures are con- solidating range gains at the northern edge of the Unglaciated Plateau; Eurasian Collared- Doves continue to claim new ground; Yellow- throated Warblers nested north to Toledo; Black-throated Blue Warbler was confirmed nesting in Geauga County, the state’s first nesting since 1931; and Summer Tanagers continue their northward push up the Ohio River Valley. In Pennsylvania, Merlin again made headlines, with several potential new nesting areas discovered. And throughout the Region, Dickcissels were found nesting in great number, probably in response to the Great Plains droughts. Abbreviations: Conneaut (Conneaut Harbor and Marsh, Ashtabula, OH); Glacier Ridge (Glacier Ridge Metropark wetlands, Union, OH); Green Bottom (Green Bottom W.A., Ca- bell, WV); Lorain (Lorain impoundment, Lo- rain Harbor, Lorain, OH); Magee (Magee Marsh W. A., Lucas/Ottawa, OH); PW.T. (Penn Warner Tract, Bucks, PA); Presque Isle (Presque Isle S.P., Erie, PA). WATERFOWL THROUGH IBIS A Tundra Swan lingered at Octorara Res., Chester, PA 9 Jun-late Jul (LL, K. Pileggi). Gadwall reports were restricted to the L. Erie Basin, where up to 8 were reported from Magee 10 Jul (C. Langford). Away from the L. Erie Basin and adjacent highlands of the Erie Drift Plain, American Black Ducks are rare summer visitors to the Region. One sum- mered at Glacier Ridge 12 Jun-17 Jul (IK, L. Deatley), while a flock of 5 was found at Rock L., Marion, WV 21 Jun (DC). Noteworthy American Wigeon included singles in Hardin, OH 12 Jun (RC) and Northampton, PA 30 Jun (S. Kloiber). Three Blue-winged Teal on the Williams R., Pocahontas, WV 12 Jun (R. Tal- bert) were unexpected; one at Pymatuning, Crawford 2 Jul (MV) provided the only mid- summer report from Pennsylvania. A North- ern Shoveler apparently summered in Adams, PA 8 Jun-19 Jul (P. Morgan), and one was at State College, Centre, PA 23 Jul (DW). One at Battelle-Darby wetlands, Franklin 5 Jun (CC) was a late spring migrant for s. Ohio. Inter- esting reports of Green-winged Teal included 2 at Big Island W.A., Marion, OH 4 Jun (GS), 2 near Bellevue, Sandusky, OH 9-17 Jul (JBr), one at Pymatuning, Crawford, PA 9 Jul (MV), and 2 at P.W.T. 31 Jul (DF). Ohio’s 3rd breeding record of Canvasback was discovered at Cedar Point N.W.R., Lucas, OH 29 Jun (MSh). All have come from the L. Erie marshes within Lucas. Away from L. Erie, an ad. male summered at Conewago Recre- ation wetlands, Lancaster, PA (TBk et al.), and a female appeared at Armleder Park, Hamil- ton, OH 23-24 Jun (ph. D. Morse Jr., K. West- emdorf). Another drake was present close to L. Erie at the Pymatuning Spillway, Crawford, PA 6-25 Jun (MV). Redheads were scarce, with just one report from Upper Sandusky Res., Wyandot, OH 4-6 Jul (S. Sny- der, LD). Twelve Ring-necked Ducks were reported from the cen. highlands of Pennsylva- nia, led by 7 on the Susque- hanna R., Dauphin, PA 3 Jul (M. Markiewicz). In the w., the Allegheny foothills supported 2 in Lawrence, PA 4-10 Jun (MV), with Ohio singles in Summit 6-18 Jun (GB) and Cuyahoga 2-18 Jun (D. & A. Chasar). A late spring Greater Scaup slipped into the period at Conneaut 1 Jun (CH). The high count of Common Mer- ganser from the West Virginia breeding grounds was 24 in Grant 13 Jul (FA). A female with 4 young at Hidden Valley Park, Lake, OH 28 Jun OP) represents a rare breeding record from the Cleveland Region and farthest w. for the species in Ohio. One at Pricketts Fork S.P., Marion, WV 26 Jul (TBr) was unexpected. Re- ports in Ohio w. of Cleveland went uncorrob- orated. A single Red-breasted Merganser was present in Lorain 21-26 Jun (IK, KOr), the only Central Basin report, while 2 at Presque Isle 31 Jul (ST) constituted the only Eastern Basin report. The Pennsylvania interior pro- duced singles at Bald Eagle S.P., Centre 23 Jul (DW) and Echo L., Northampton 9 Jun (MS). Ruddy Ducks were numerous and widespread at both extremes of the Region but rare with- in the Appalachian highlands, where one was at Shelocta, Indiana, PA 13 Jun (R. Higbee). The Northern Piedmont of e. Pennsylvania saw late singles at L. Ontelaunee 5 Jun (D. Beitzel), at Woods Edge Park, Lancaster 20 Jun (B. Carl), and Conewago Recreation wet- lands, Lancaster 2Jun-25 Jul (TBk et al.). In Ohio, non-breeding singles could be found in Union 5-6 Jun (K. Rowland, CC), Summit 17 Jun (GB), Columbiana 22Jun-3 Jul (B. Lane), Richland 29 Jun (GC), Sandusky 2 Jul (JBr), and in Wyandot 6 Jul (LD). A flock of 12 at Lorain 6 Jun (JBr) dwindled to 5 by early Jul, with 4 present 29 Jul (J. McNeal). A flock of 8 at Hardin wetlands 12 Jun grew to 12 on 4 Jul (RC). As usual, a scattering of Common Loons was reported across the Region, with singles in Hamilton, OH 12 Jun (L. Houser, J. Mar- vin), in Hardin, OH 12 Jun (RC), at Kahle L., Clarion, PA 23 Jul (CW), at Keystone Res., Armstrong, PA 14 Jul (K. Byerly, N. Bond), on A first for Seneca County, Ohio, this Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was photographed 9 July 201 1 . Photograph by Paula Bartlett. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 625 [EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY the Susquehanna R., Dauphin, PA 8 Jun (TBk), at Bald Eagle S.P., Centre, PA 9-25 Jul (DW, B. Bermudez), at Struble L., Chester, PA 11 Jun (E & B. Haas), at Marsh Creek S.P., Chester, PA 16 Jun+ (LL, K. Pileggi et al.), and at Spruce Knob L., Randolph, WV 16 Jul (S. Bush). Three at Evans L., Mahoning, OH 4 Jul (M. J. Iliff) marked the high summer count from the Allegheny foothills; 2 summered within the Northern Piedmont on L. Onte- launee, Berks, PA 2 Jun+ (D. Beitzel et al.). A Pied-billed Grebe in the Unami Creek Valley, Montgomery, PA 27 Jun was a surprise (GF). A Horned Grebe was unusual for cen. Ohio at Prairie Oaks Metropark, Madison 1 Jun (GS); another was late at Stone Valley, Huntingdon, PA 11 Jun (David F. Ryan). The Shrum Mound rookery in Columbus, OH held 40 nests of Double-crested Cormorant 17 Jun (BWh); this species continues to expand along interior waterways. However, Double- crested Cormorants remain scarce in the Up- per Ohio River Valley, where West Virginia singles were noted only from Byrd Dam, Ma- son 2 Jun (CE) and River Bend S.P, Ritchie 18 Jun (T. Deal). A small Ohio flight of American White Pelicans involved a flock of 12 just e. of Port Clinton, Ottawa 25 Jun (TSy), with 11 of these noted the same day e. to Medusa Marsh, Erie (R. Schneider, L. Alldridge). A single bird had been detected earlier at Sandy Ridge, Lo- rain 17-22 Jun (M. Stetz, JBr, m.ob.), while a flock of 8 was noted over Bayshore, Lucas 17 Jun (S. Duris). Least Bitterns of local interest include singles at Wessner Road pond, Berks, PA 1 Jun (continuing from 22 May; R. Essick, ph. RW), in Juniata, PA 2 Jun (A. Troyer), at Green Bottom 11 Jun (DC), and at Cuyahoga Valley N.P., Cuyahoga, OH 2-26 Jun (D. & A. Chasar); 2 were at Mosquito Creek W.A., Trumbull, OH 1 Jun (B. Jones). The Shrum Mound rookery in Columbus, OH held 10 nests of Great Egret 17 Jun (BWh). The few reports emanating from the Upper Ohio River Valley included 2 at Prick- etts Fork S.P., Marion, WV 16 Jul (TBr), one at Green Bottom 11 Jun (DC), one in Allegheny, PA 30 Jun (ST), and one in Harrison, OH 22 Jun (AC). Up to 2 at Union City Dam, Erie, PA were unusual for that area 13-16 Jun (JM, D. Nixon). Four at South Mill Creek L., Grant 12 Jul (FA) were most unusual for the Allegheny Front of West Virginia. A Snowy Egret at Belle- vue, Sandusky, OH 17 Jul (IK) was away from usual haunts. Little Blue Herons within the Ohio River Valley included one at Ellis L. wet- lands, Butler, OH 4-5 Jun (J- Hull, C. Zacharias) and one at Green Bottom 30 Jul (WA, MG). Rare county records included an ad. at Bellevue, Sandusky, OH 24 Jul (L. Richardson) and 2 at Battelle-Darby Creek Metropark, Franklin, OH 2-3 Jun (B. McNulty, D. Brubeck). In Pennsylvania, Little Blue Herons included 5 in Bucks at 27-31 Jul (DF, D. Allison, M. Gallagher) and 2 in Chester 25 Jul (HM) and singles at Conejohela Flats, Lan- caster 14 Jul (D. Hoffman) and Woods Edge Pond, Lancaster 28 Jul (G. Shaffer). Seven were at John Heinz N.W.R., Delaware 29 Jul (TBk). Cattle Egrets were more widespread than normal. A flock of 28 at the Southerly W.T.P, Cuyahoga, OH 1 Jun (ph. D. Shank- land, fide B. Hinckle) represents a new high count for the Cleveland Region. Two were near Hillgrove, Darke, OH 1 Jun (C. Ploch, fide R. Schieltz), with singles in cen. Ohio at Deer Creek W.A., Pickaway 2 Jun (R. Asamo- to) and Glacier Ridge 24 Jul (W. Becker). In Pennsylvania, single Cattle Egrets were at Middle Creek W.M.A., Lancaster 1 Jun (C. Chalfant), Quakertown, Bucks 1 Jun (DF), and Nockamixon S.P, Bucks 17 Jul (C. Husic). A late spring report of a Black-crowned Night- Heron from Moraine S.P, Butler, PA 7 Jun (R. Nugent) was unique to the Allegheny foothills for the season. For the 4th consecutive year, a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron returned to Chadds Ford, Delaware, PA 13 Jun (A. Guar- ente). In Pennsylvania, White Ibis reports in- cluded 3 in Dauphin 26-27 Jul (M. Shartle et al.) and singles at John Heinz N.W.R., Philadelphia 14-18 Jul (E Windfelder) and Green Pond, Northampton 24-25 Jul 0- Greco, ph. RW). White Ibis continue to make their presence felt in West Virginia, where a flock of 4 was at Pleasant Creek W.M.A., Barbour 23- 26 Jul (T. Schnap, J. Herron, m.ob.). An imm. at Stauffer’s Marsh, Berkeley 31 Jul (MO) was a first for the e. Panhandle, while one at Green Bottom 30 Jul (WA, MG) was exceptional for the Ohio River Valley. Not all dark ibis in the Region are Glossy Ibis — and, as we learned this season, nor are they nec- essarily the increasingly frequent White-faced Ibis. Inves- tigating a report of 2 Glossy Ibis at Winous Pt., Sandusky, OH 29 Jun, Tom Bartlett photographed the birds the next day, correctly identifying one as a White-faced Ibis. The other appears to represent the state's first documented record of a Glossy Ibis x White-faced Ibis hybrid, ac- cording to Joseph Grzybowski, who has examined the photographs. An earlier ad. White-faced Ibis pho- tographed at Lorain 6-8 Jun (EB, JBr, ph. GLy, RK, JHy, m.ob.) represents a 2nd summer record for Ohio. VULTURES THROUGH GULLS In total, 17 Black Vultures were reported from Richland, Ashland, and Holmes, OH this sea- son (GC; The Bobolink ), with one n. to Inter- state 71 at Britton Rd., Wayne 2 Jul (IK). One at Mercers Bottom, Mason, WV along the Ohio R. 17 Jul (GR) is part of the species’ ex- pansion along this corridor. In Pennsylvania, Black Vultures ranged as far n. as PPL Mon- tour Preserve, Montour 7 Jun (A. Guarante). For the 4th year, Mississippi Kites bred in j Ohio, with a pair raising one young to fledg- ing at Hide-A-Way Hills, Hocking (ph. M. Krygier, fide J. McCormac). A subad. Missis- sippi Kite was near Easton, Northampton, PA 10 Jun (ML). Away from known breeding ar- eas, a Northern Harrier in Shelby, OH 2 Jul (IK) was likely too early to be a migrant. An Five Merlins fledged from a nest at Promised Land S.P., Pike, PA this season, the most ever for that site. Merlins have successfully nested there five years in a row and have produced a total of 19 young, making this the most reliable location at the s. limit range of the breeding range in e. North America (RW). Here the species prefers to nest in old (probably Fish Crow) nests in tall White Pines adjacent a large lake. The chief prey items are Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, and Cedar Waxwings (RW). Another family group of Merlins was discovered at Williamsport, Luzerne, PA 19 Jul (D. Brauning, ph. W. Laubscher). Other probable breeding locations in Penn- sylvania were indicated by a pair at Erie, Erie throughout the summer (J. & B. Klan, M. Birdsong) and an ad. female carrying prey in Somerset 3 Jun (ML). A Merlin at Con- neaut 4 Jul (M. Mahnke) may have been a resident, while another Merlin was in Lycoming, PA 23 Jul (N. Frank). ad. Peregrine Falcon at the Harrison County Airport, OH 30 Jul (S. Pendleton) was likely an early migrant, as was one in Lycoming, PA 23 Jul (N. Frank). Two King Rails summered at Glacier Ridge (D. Schmidt, P. Hurtado, IS, m.ob.) for the only Regional report. Where not long ago Vir- ginia Rails were largely unknown in the s. half of Ohio in summer, wetland restoration ef- forts in the Columbus area have been well re- ceived by the species. Glacier Ridge hosted up to 5 ads. 10 Jun (IS), with 10 (including young) there 14 Jul (B. Warner). Two could be found at Battelle-Darby Creek Metropark, Franklin 25 Jun (DSr et al.). One at Shawnee Lookout, Hamilton 12 Jul (P Krusling) was exceptional for sw. Ohio. Locally rare Com- mon Gallinules included 2 at Glacier Ridge 10 Jun (T. Johnson) and one at Pickerington Ponds, Franklin, OH 26 Jul (RA). Six ad. and 21 young Common Gallinules were at New Beaver Marsh, Lawrence 10 Jul, one of the southernmost nesting sites in w. Pennsylvania (MV). One at Octorara Res., Chester, PA 31 Jul was unusual for that location (LL et al.). A Columbus area wetland hosted up to 9 Amer- ican Coots through Jul (C. Moore, B. Powell, 626 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY) CC). In Pennsylvania, single coots were in Bucks , PA 21 Jun (B. Keim) and 2JuI (H. D’A- lessandro, M. Gallagher). Two at Fernald Na- ture Preserve, Hamilton, OH 13 Jun (BWu) and one at Winfield Locks & Dam, Putnam, WV 28 Jul (CE) were s. of the normal sum- mer range. A pair of Sandhill Cranes with a colt at Slate Run Metropark, Pickaway 15 Jun-17 Jul 0- Knapp) provided for a rare breeding confirmation from the s. half of the state. Completely unexpected in the Ohio River Valley was one in Fearing Twp., Wash- ington, OH 15-17 Jun (B. Thompson III). Within the Northern Piedmont of Pennsylva- nia, singles were at Haafsville, Lehigh 7 Jul (D. Neimeyer), Green Pond, Northampton 17-30 Jul (B. Etter, G. Grasic, m.ob.), Bedminster Twp., Bucks, PA 27 Jun (DF), and Conejohela Flats, Lancaster 18 Jun (BS). Two color-banded Piping Plovers were present at Lorain, Lorain OH 13-16 Jul (EB, D. Lee, m.ob.). Dave Slager reported these to the Cuthbert Lab at the University of Wisconsin, where Alice Van Zoeren replied that one bird, banded as a young bird, had likely hatched at Gulliver, Ml (although an origin within the Apostle Is- lands National Lakeshore, W! could not be ruled out) and the other bird was a male that hatched near Escanaba, Ml in 2007 and was banded in 2009 in the Upper Peninsula at Port Inland, ML Early American Avocets arrived along L. Erie’s shoreline 26 Jun at Pipe Creek W.A., Erie, OH (EB, GLy) and 28 Jun at Lorain (IK). Among a total of 20 others were 5 at Lorain 25 Jul (RK) and 11 at Conneaut 21 Jul (J. Talk- ington). In Pennsylvania, an avocet was at Harvey’s L., Luzerne 23 Jul (D. Fisher). A late spring Willet was at Lorain 6-8 Jun (EB, D. Gesauldo, RK). Thirty Willets for the flight along the L. Erie shoreline matched the strong showing of 2010; their arrival was marked by 2 at Lorain, 3 at Conneaut, and one at Presque Isle 2 Jul (GLy, CH, K. Rosenberg). High counts included flocks of 15 and 6 at Lorain 10 & 16 Jul (]Br), respectively. Other Willets were at Conejohela Flats, Lancaster, PA 14 Jul (D. Hoffman) and Harborcreek, Erie, PA 16 Jul 0- Cowell, fide S. Smith). The 200 Lesser Yel- lowlegs at the Riddle Rd. wetlands in San- dusky, OH 17 Jul (JBr) made the Regional high count. Two Whimbrels were reported at Con- neaut 24 Jul (JHy), and a late spring migrant was at Sandy Ridge, Lorain, OH 3 Jun (RK). A Marbled Godwit set down at Lorain 23 Jul (EB, GLy), possibly the same bird as one there 30 Jul (KOr). Single Semipalmated Sandpipers at Lorain 11 Jun and 29 Jun (IK), a site that saw daily coverage, clearly marked late spring and early fall migrants. However, singles there 21 Jun (IK) and at Pickerel Creek W.A., San- dusky, OH 19 Jun (GLy) could have been northbound or southbound. Three Semi- palmateds at Pleasant Creek W.M.A., Barbour 9-24 Jul (TBr, R. Bodkins, DC) were unusual for the West Virginia highlands. Otherwise this was a lackluster flight, with few reports exceeding single digits, and the flights of oth- er peep species were equally weak. Three Ohio Western Sandpipers included 2 at Lorain 15 Jul (J. Ford) and one at Winous Pt., Sandusky 16 Jul (A. Jones, DSr). In Pennsylvania, West- ern Sandpiper reports included 2 at Grove City, Mercer 1 Jun (R. Stringer), one at John Heinz N.W.R., Philadelphia, PA 19 Jul (T. Fel- lenbaum), 2 at P.W.T. 30 Jul (DF), and one at Shartlesville, Berks 30 Jul (M. Wlasniewski). The high count of Least Sandpiper from the cen. highlands came from Pleasant Creek W.M.A., Barbour, WV, where 23 were noted 24 Jul (DC). In Pennsylvania, a high count of 140 Least Sandpipers was made at Core Creek Park, Bucks 21 Jul (B. Keim). A late flight of White-ramped Sandpipers included 5, dwin- dling to 2, at Gallipolis Ferry, Mason, WV Il- ls Jun (DC) and one Byrd Dam, Mason, WV 15 Jun (WA, MG), 2 at the Conejohela Flats, Lancaster, PA 18 Jun (BS), and one at Con- neaut 21 Jun (CH). Early arrival of Baird’s Sandpiper was noted at Lorain 29 Jun (IK). There were only 2 others reported for the Re- gion, including a rare West Virginia report from the highlands in Barbour 24 Jul (DC). Late spring migrant Dunlins appeared to de- part the L. Erie shoreline by 10 Jun, but re- markably several birds, all ads. in breeding plumage, appeared 21 Jun at Lorain (3; IK) and Conneaut (one; CH). Three or four were sporadically reported throughout the season at Lorain (KOr, G. Coleman, J. Ford, m.ob.). Just 15 years ago, summer Dunlins were thought accidental but have proven annual in recent years. A single Wilson’s Phalarope was at Riddle Rd. wetlands, Sandusky 17 Jul (J13r). A Bonaparte’s Gull at Bald Eagle S.P, Cen- tre, PA 28 Jul was an unusually early migrant 0- Verica), as was one at Green Lane Res., Montgomery, PA 30 Jul (S. Grunwald, GF). Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls appeared at Conneaut in Jul: a second-cycle bird 13 Jul (M. J. Iliff) and first- and third-cycle birds 20 jul (CH); one remained there 29 Jul (P. Chaon). Truly exceptional in summer, a Glau- cous Gull was at Magee 15-18 Jun (K. Kauf- man, G. Stauffer). An ad. or subad. Parasitic Jaeger was out of place at Moraine S.P., Butler, PA 8 Jul (MV). DOVES THROUGH VIRE0S Nesting Eurasian Collared-Doves were again found at Celina, Mercer, OH 19 Jun (TSy), and one was near Milton Center, Wood, OH 26 Jul (T. Kemp). One present since May re- mained at Kidron, Wayne, OH 23 Jun (K. Miller), while one found 30 Apr through 15 Jun at South Charleston, Clark, OH (DO) was at a new location for the species. In Pennsylvania, one was in Ligonier, West- moreland 14 Jun (B. Carnes, fide MH). Thanks to nest box efforts, Bam Owls are holding their own in se. and s.-cen. Pennsyl- vania, where 200 nestlings were banded at 62 sites in 13 counties (Pennsylvania Game Commission). Chuck- will’s-widow was once again reported from Cedar Lakes, Jackson, WV 11 Jun (DC), and one in Putnam, WV 18 Jun (K. Cade) was at a new location. One summered along Tomstown Rd., Fort In- diantown Gap, Lebanon, PA 8 Jun-6 Jul (TBk, E. Mann, m.ob.). Four nightjar routes in cen. Pennsylvania, with most stops in Rothrock S.E in n. Huntingdon, resulted in an excellent total of 41 Eastern Whip-poor-wills counted on 40 stops (GG, D. Bierly). Inter- estingly, 40 were tallied on these same four routes in 2010 (GG). The spring flight of Olive-sided Flycatch- er was late in the s. portion of the Region, with 2 in Butler, OH 5 Jun (C. Zacharias), 2 in Scioto, OH 4 Jun (CC), and one in Jeffer- son, WV 5 Jun (MO). One on Kelleys I., Erie 16 Jul (TB) marked an early fall arrival for Ohio and a rare Jul record for the L. Erie is- lands. An Acadian Flycatcher also on Kelleys I. that same day (TB) provided a rare mid- summer record for the island. This summer’s Scissor-tailed Flycatcher appeared in Seneca, OH 8-9 Jul (j- Coffman, ph. P. Bartlett), for a county first. Single Western Kingbirds turned up at Wellsboro, Tioga, PA 5 Jun (ph. B. Israel) and near Bellville, Rich- land, OH 25 Jun (Albert L. Troyer et al.); an- other was reported in the vicinity of Caesar Creek S.P., Warren, OH 3 Jul (p.a., John Moore). Single Loggerhead Shrikes were re- ported in Crawford, PA 4 Jun (Ron Leber- man, fide MV), in Pocahontas, WV 12-14 Jun (G. Balogh, C. Bailey), and near the Dayton Airport, Montgomery, OH 25 Jun (Robert Reed). The species persists at a known site in Jefferson, WV 0- Borzik, B. J. Little et al.) A singing White-eyed Vireo was at Presque Isle 28 Jun (J. Flynn), and up to 6 were at Rod- erick Reserve, Erie, PA 30 Jun 0- Flynn). White-eyed Vireos have never been con- firmed nesting in Erie (JM). Bell’s Vireos were reported from five sites across sw. Ohio in Franklin, Clark, Butler, and Hamilton, OH. Single Blue-headed Vireos at Magee 4 Jul (M. Mahnke) and at Steyer Nature Preserve, Seneca, OH 27 Jul (L. Hintz) may have rep- resented post-breeding dispersal. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 627 EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY CORVIDS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS Two Common Ravens at P.W.T. 19 Jun were well s. of their normal breeding range in e. Pennsylvania (DF); given recent nestings in urban se. New York and on Long I., observers should be mindful of possible urban/coastal plain nesting in this Region. A singing Gold- en-crowned Kinglet at Union City Res., Erie, PA 13 Jun was unusual (JM), but a singing Ruby-crowned Kinglet in suitable habitat along Hatchery Rd., Carbon, PA 8 Jun was more exceptional (ph. D Welch), as there are no breeding records for the state. A Winter Wren within the Oak Openings of Toledo, Lu- cas, OH 12 Jun (MA) represents an excep- tional summer record for nw. Ohio. Five singing Swainson’s Thrushes in the Heart’s Content area of the Allegheny N.F., Warren/Forest during Jun was a good count for this rare breeder in Pennsylvania (CW). A northerly Worm-eating Warbler in Penn- sylvania was detected in Susquehanna 1 1 Jun (W. Shafer et al.). A Nashville Warbler near Sun Cliff, Indiana, PA 18 Jul was away from the species’ usual breeding haunts (MH). A Magnolia Warbler in Fayette, WV 9 Jun (D. Beutler) was well away from the normal range and may have been a late migrant; singles at Kiwanis Riverside Park, Franklin, OH 1 Jun (IS) and Wendy Park, Cuyahoga 9 Jun (RK) were surely migrants. A singing Blackpoll Warbler along the L. Erie shoreline at N. Per- ry, Lake, OH 19 Jun (JP) and one along the Olentangy bike trail, Franklin, OH 9 Jun (M. McDermott) were very late spring migrants. After several years of tantalizing observations, breeding confirmation of Black-throated Blue Warbler came from Stebbins Gulch, Geauga, OH 19 Jun (T. Frankel), where 3 males (one carrying food) and one female were observed. A Yellow-rumped Warbler at Yellow Creek S.P, Indiana, PA 26 Jul (MH et al.) was un- usual for that location. A Prairie Warbler at Big Island W.A., Marion, OH 13 Jun (C. Bom- baci) was a rare find for the Sandusky Plains. Confirmation of the first breeding record of Yellow-throated Warbler for the Toledo region came 8 Jul (MA), making it one of the north- ernmost sites for nesting of the species in Ohio. A lingering Northern Waterthrush was banded at Rushton Farm Banding Station, Chester, PA 6 Jun (D. McGovern). The surprise of the season was a territorial Cassin’s Sparrow discovered 8 Jun by Doug Overacker during a breeding bird atlas route in Shelby just ne. of Lockington. Present through 2 Jul, this bird represents a long- awaited first state record (DO, L. Jeanblanc, J. Karlson, IK, ph. DSr, m.ob.). A Clay-colored Sparrow was discovered at Sauer Farm, Ash- land, OH 16-17 Jun (GC, J. Herman). A Clay- colored Sparrow e. of normal range in Penn- sylvania was in Montour 8 Jun (DW). The species’ stronghold in Pennsylvania is in Clar- ion, where 7 were at Curlsville 1 Jul (CW). A Savannah Sparrow at Byrd Dam, Mason, WV 2 Jun (CE) was unexpected; another in Jeffer- son, WV 12 Jun (MO) represents a rare sum- mer record for the county. A pair of Lark Spar- rows along the Bridgeview bike path, Lorain, OH raised 3 young, the first successful nesting in ne. Ohio in half a century (Sally Deems- Magyordy). White-throated Sparrows linger- ing s. of the breeding grounds included singles in Cleveland 10 Jun (TM), just w. of Pittsburg 12 Jun (G. Feild), and at Benjamin Rush S.P., Philadelphia 19 Jun (D. Smith-Remick). Mid- summer reports of interest include singles at Headlands Beach S.P., Lake, OH 10 Jul 0- Mc- Connor et al), Upper Gywnedd Twp., Mont- gomery, PA 20-22 Jul (AM), Cooperstown, Westmoreland, PA 15 Jul (S. Love), and Presque Isle 27 Jun (J. Flynn). A Dark-eyed Junco at King of Prussia, Montgomery, PA 24 Jun was well s. of its normal breeding range in e. Pennsylvania (M. Rosengarten), and a lin- gering White-crowned Sparrow was at Ham- burg, Berks, PA 2 Jun (K. Grim). Two Summer Tanagers at Canaan Valley Periodic incursions of the Dickcissel into the Re- gion are well known, and some have been well documented by past atlassing efforts. This year marks the first major movement within the era of online databases, and the resulting map is most telling. In the w., virtually all of the Ohio Till Plains supported the species, with re- ports from more than 50 sites, almost all w. of the Inter- state 71 corridor. The farthest se., within the Allegheny foothills, were 4 in Noble 13 Jun (LK). The species is occa- sionally encountered along the Ohio R. corridor, so one at Apple Grove Fish Hatchery, Mason, WV 23 Jun (B. Borda) was not unexpected. In the e. portion of the Region, the species sometimes ranges n. through the Piedmont of Pennsylvania and spills into the e. panhandle of West Virginia. This season, up to 6 could be found in Jefferson, WV 1 1 Jun (B. J. Little), where nesting was confirmed 14Jun (WIO). Then, limits in Pennsylvania were bounded by 6 on Portico Rd., Franklin 23 Jun (C. Blazo), 2 on Chestnut Rd., Cumberland 4 Jun (RK et al.), 2 on Pine Rd., Lebanon 9-16 Jul (TBk, D. Mc- Naughton, P. & R. Williams), and one at Pen Argyi Landfill, Northampton 13 Jul (MS). The Appalachians make a for- midable barrier between the e. and w. groups in this Re- gion, and there were just two reports from the cen. Ridge and Valley system: one on Shoop Rd., Dauphin, PA 9 Jun (RK) and 4-6 along Houghton Lane, Grant, WV 5 Jun— 13 Jul (DC, FA). Four were at P.W.T. in Jun, where 14 were counted last year (DF) N.W.R., Tucker, WV 7 Jun (Lejay Graffious) were rare for the Allegheny Front. Also note- worthy were records from Belmont, OH 13 Jun (AC), Jefferson, OH 9 Jun (AC), and Greene, PA 30 Jun (2 birds; RL). A pair of Summer Tanagers made two unsuccessful nesting attempts at Schenley Park, Allegheny, PA in Jun (K. St.John, MV, C. DeStein). Rose- breasted Grosbeaks continue their march to the Ohio R. in sw. Ohio, with singles at Shawnee Lookout, Hamilton 13 Jun (BWu), at East Fork S.P., Clermont 19 Jun (P. Krusling), at Edge of Appalachia Preserve, Adams 14 Jul (LD), and in Pike 3 Jun (T. Floyd). Houghlin Rd., Grant, WV hosted 7 ad. Blue Grosbeaks 13 Jul (FA); the species is typically rare along the Allegheny Front. Pushing northward in cen. Ohio, single Blue Grosbeaks were in Champaign 10 Jul (DO) and Paulding 2 Jun (D. & M. Dunakin). A Western Meadowlark in Summers, WV 5 Jun-9 Jul (Betsy Reeder, ph. MO, GR, m.ob.) was an outstanding discovery. A male Yellow- headed Blackbird was at Harborcreek, Erie, PA 16 Jun 0- Skuce). Initialed observers (subregional compilers in boldface): OHIO: Matt Anderson (MA), Tom Bartlett (TB), Gregory Bennett (GB), Craig Caldwell (CC), Rick Counts (RC), Gary Cow- ell (GC), Annie Crary (AC), Laura Doman (LD), Craig Holt (CH), Rich Kassouf (RK), Laura Keene (LK), Irene Krise (IK), Robert Lane (RL), Gabe Leidy (GLy), Terri Martincic (TM), Ken Ostermiller (KOr), John Pogacnik (JP), Troy Shiveley (TSy), Irina Shulgina (IS), Dave Slager (DSr), Gene Stauffer (GS), Bill Whan (BWh), Brian Wulker (BWu). PENN- SYLVANIA: Terry Becker (TBk), Kevin Crilley (KC), David Eberly (DE), Devich Farbotnik (DF), George Franchois (GF), Paul Hess (PH), Margaret Higbee (MH), Greg Grove (GG), Rudy Keller (RK), Ramsay Koury (RK), Mike Lanzone (ML), Larry Lewis (LL), Jerry McWilliams (JM), Holly Merker (HM), August Mirabella (AM), Bob Schutsky (BS), Shannon Thompson (ST), Matthew Sabatine (MS), Mark Vass (MV), Drew Weber (DW), Rick Wiltraut (RW), Carole Winslow (CW). WEST VIRGINIA: Frederick Atwood (FA), Wendell Argabrite (WA), Terry Bronson (TBr), Derek Courtney (DC), Cynthia Ellis (SE), Mike Griffith (MG), Matt Orsie (MO), Gary Rankin (GR). O Victor W. Fazio, III, 18722 Newell Road, Floor 2 Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122, (bcvireo@sbcglobal.net) Rick Wiltraut Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center 835 Jacobsburg Road, Wind Gap, Pennsylvania 18091 (rwiltraut@pa.us) 628 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS James D. Hengeveld Keith A. McMullen Geoffrey A. Williamson Once again, summer temperatures were in the top 10% on record. July was especially oppressive, as a dome of high pressure over the South and Midwest forced the jet stream to remain in Canada, re- sulting in many triple-digit and record-high temperatures. Many marshes and sloughs were significantly drier than normal, which resulted in the concentration of waders at prime foraging areas. Despite the conditions, very high numbers of many songbirds were reported, perhaps as the result of greater num- bers of reporters or perhaps because of breed- ing bird atlas work conducted throughout the summer. An unprecedented array of rarities included Mottled Duck, nesting Eared Grebes, Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, Black Rail, Curlew Sandpiper, Green Violetear, Western Wood-Pewee, and Swainson’s Warbler. Abbreviations: Cane Ridge (Cane Ridge W.M.A., Gibson, IN); Emiquon (The Nature Conservancy Emiquon Preserve, Fulton, IL); F.P. (Forest Preserve); F.W.A. (Fish and Wildlife Area); L. Gibson ( Gibson , IN); Goose Pond (Goose Pond EW.A., Greene, IN); Hen- nepin (Hennepin-Hopper L. Restoration Area, Putnam, IL); Miller (Miller Beach, Lake, IN); Montrose (Montrose Pt., Lincoln Park, Chicago). WATERFOWL THROUGH GREBES Three Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were seen 10 Jun along the Mississippi R. levee near Ware, Union, IL (JOS, JWL) and 2 there 13 Jul (ErG, ph. AG); 2 were also found in a flooded pool at Forsythe Park, Hammond, IN 29 Jul (DA, fide CAM), providing the first record for the Indiana lakefront. Breeding Trumpeter Swans with 2 young were noted at McGinnis Slough, Cook, IL 11 Jun (RLS). A pair of Mot- tled Ducks graced Union, IL along Levee Rd. 4 on 11 Jul (ph. DMK, MSS, GN, KAM et al.). Though the male appeared to be a classic Mot- tled, photographs suggested the female might have been a hybrid involving some Mottled parentage. A pair of Northern Shovelers re- mained at Cane Ridge through at least 1 1 Jun (VWW), and a male and 6 female-plumaged birds were at Goose Pond 7 Jul (DRW et al.). Other interesting summering waterfowl in- cluded 2 Northern Pintails at Emiquon 14 Jul (KBR) and one at Hennepin 25 Jul (DFS); a Green-winged Teal at Chicago’s Rosehill Cemetery 30 Jun (MD) and 2 at Rollins Sa- vannah, Lake, IL 3 Jul (BJS); and 6 Redheads at Hennepin 4 Jun (TH), with one at Cane Ridge 21 Jun (CEM). Remarkably, a pair of Greater Scaup was also at Cane Ridge 21 Jun (CEM), the male remaining through at least 29 Jul (AK, CEM, LWS, KM), providing Indi- ana’s first Jul record. Unexpected was an imm. male Surf Scoter at a small private pond in Carlinville, Macoupin, IL 3 Jun (EZ, ph. KAM). A record-high summer count of Hood- ed Mergansers in Indiana was furnished by 35+ in Hiney Creek Bottoms, Vigo 4 Jul (JS). An injured Common Merganser was at Cane Ridge 21 Jun (CEM) through 6 Jul (JSC, CEM, DAy). Ruddy Ducks had an increased pres- ence in the s. tier this summer, as evidenced by singles at E. Fork L., Richland, IL 14 Jun (CLH), Two Rivers N.W.R., Calhoun, IL 16 Jun (DMK, MSS), E. Cape Girardeau, Alexander, IL 25 Jun (KAM et al.), and Cane Ridge 14 Jun (AK, JSC) and 6 Jul (JSC, CEM, DAy). Encouraging were reports of Ruffed Grouse from Indiana totaling 9 individuals, the high- est count consisting of a female with 3 young in Hoosier N.E, Lawrence 25 Jul (NK). North- ern Bobwhite numbers were laudable, with 34 noted on the Martinsville B.B.S. route, Clark and Crawford, IL 24 Jun (SDB); three other Illinois B.B.S. routes with more than 20 indi- viduals represented an increase over the past two breeding seasons; and a healthy 75 were tallied on the Newberry B.B.S. route in Greene and Daviess, IN 6 Jun (J&SH). Eight Com- mon Loons lingered this season, the most no- table being singles at L. Springfield, Sanga- mon, IL 13 Jul (HDB) and in Monroe, IL 13-17 Jul (ph. DMK, MSS, C&PD). Pied-billed Grebes bred successfully at Sand L., Mason, IL, where 8 ads. and 10 young were noted 23 Jul (KAM); 9 were observed along Levee Rd., Monroe, IL 24 Jul (DMK). A single Eared Grebe was on L. Gibson 14 Jun (AK, JSC), joined by another 22 Jun (CEM). Illinois’s 2nd nesting record for Eared Grebe was es- tablished when a pair with a nest, and even- tually with 2 chicks, was documented 14-31 Jul at Sand L., Mason (KBR, TH, m.ob.). Illinois & Indiana PELICANS THROUGH CRANES Breeding American White Pelicans were noted at a new nesting island along the Mississippi R. in Carroll, IL, where over 400 young were de- tected from a U.S.EW.S. video (fide AS). At Goose Pond, Indiana’s first Neotropic Cor- morant was seen initially 11 Jun (LWS) and then positively identified and photographed 14 Jun (LWS, ph. JCK, BE LAB, LP et al.); it was seen by many for the next four weeks, last on 10 Jul (VWW). For the 2nd consecutive year, Neotropic Cormorants were located in Burn- ham, adjacent to se. Chicago, with both an ad. and an imm. present 21 Jun+ (ph. WJM, m.ob.). For the 3rd consecutive year, Anhingas were found at Heron Pond State N.A., Johnson, IL; 2 birds were there 12 & 26 Jun (KAM, m.ob.). American Bitterns were well reported, with 8 tallied at Goose Pond 4 Jun (LWS). It was an excellent summer for Least Bitterns as well, with 4 reported at Mermet L., Massac, IL 12 Jun (KAM, m.ob.), 3 in Monroe, IL 1 Jul (ph. DMK), and 8 at Goose Pond 1 Jul (LWS). Impressive were the 600 Little Blue Herons 24 Jul and 120 Cattle Egrets in Monroe, IL 27 Jun (DMK). The 65 Cattle Egrets at L. Gibson 5 Jul (VW, CL) constituted Indiana’s highest count outside of 1996, when they attempted to nest at Gibson. A Plegadis ibis seen at Goose Pond 2 Jun (BF) was positively identified as a White- faced Ibis 3 Jun (LWS, AK, NK); another White-faced was reported along Levee Rd., Union, IL 11 Jul (KAM, ph. GN, JRRS). Record summer numbers of Black Vultures were reported in Indiana, and it was also a good year for Ospreys, as they were reported nesting from nine Illinois locations, an in- crease from 2010. It was another record sum- mer for Mississippi Kites, as extralimital birds included singles from ne. Newton, IN 3 Jun (WHB) and Willow Slough EW.A., Newton, IN 21 Jun (JBH), plus 2 birds each in Madison, IL 12 Jun (FRH) and near the Purdue Airport, West Lafayette, IN 5 Jul (JSk, EMH). Nesting by Mississippi Kites continued at the Rock- ford, Winnebago, IL site, where two nests were noted in late May and an active nest with 2 ads. and a nestling was observed 29 Jul (DTW, LGB et al.). An ad. Sharp-shinned Hawk carrying food was noted at Waterfall Glen ER, DuPage, IL 22 Jun (SDB). Small numbers of Swainson’s Hawks continue to breed in Kane and McHen- ry, IL, where pairs with fledged young were observed in each county (R&AM). An exciting find was an elusive Black Rail in White Rock Twp., Ogle, IL 3 Jun-1 Jul (SDB) that responded vocally to audio play- back but did not show itself. In addition to King Rails at Goose Pond that included 2 ads. and 5 chicks 25 Jun (MRB, MT, PT, LWS), one at a Vigo, IN wetland 5 Jul (ph. JS) pro- VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 629 | ILLINOIS & INDIANA Indiana's first (and overdue) Neotropic Cormorant appeared at Goose Pond 1 1 (here 1 8) June 201 1 and was rather coopera- tive, remaining through 10 July. Photograph by Michael R. Brown. vided the first county record since 1978, and another unexpected bird was at Eagle Marsh, Allen , IN 31 Jul (JAM, RPR) DR) Rep0rts from Illinois included single birds at Goose Lake Prairie S.P, Grundy 11 Jul (REF) and at Prairie Ridge State N.A., Marion 1 & 13 Jun (CLH, RES). Notable were an ad. and 2 young Virginia Rails at Goose Pond 14 Jun (BF), an ad. ne. of Lebanon, Boone, IN 14 Jun (RLH), 2 calling ads. at the Grant St. wetland, Lake, IN 2 Jul (JKC), and 2 ads. with a full- grown juv. and 2-3 small chicks at Air Station Prairie in Glenview, Cook, IL 9 Jul (JE, JA). A Sora spent the summer near the cen. Illinois town of Mansfield, Piatt 19 Jun+, where breeding is very unusual (GT); remnants of the bird (apparently taken by a predator) were found 14 Aug. A Purple Gallinule was present along Levee Rd., Monroe, IL 27-28 Jun (ph. DMK, MSS, KAM); the site seemed suitable for breeding, but the bird remained only two days. Common Gallinules were re- ported in unprecedented numbers this sum- mer, exemplified by the 21 half-grown chicks at the Grant Street wetland, Lake, IN 2 Jul (KJB, SRB, JKC, RJP); several family groups were also seen in s. Illinois, where flooded fields from heavy spring rains were dense with marshy vegetation that provided addi- tional breeding habitat. A lone Sandhill Crane was discovered at Goose Pond 15 Jun (DW, MB). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS Indiana’s highest count ever of Black-necked Stilts was logged 3 Jun, when 130 (including chicks) were tallied at L. Gibson (CEM); high counts in Illinois included 120 in Monroe 24 Jul (DMK) and 88 in Union in late Jul (LWSy, DDM). Stilts continue to expand their breed- ing range into the cen. and n. tier of Illinois: likely representing a first county nesting record, four-week-old chicks were noted near Princeville, Peoria 29 Jun (TRE), and 3 ads. and 4 young were seen at Sangchris Lake S.P, Christian 23 Jul (HDB). The first among 17 total American Avocets reported was one at Montrose 21 Jul (TK, ph. RDH, m.ob.); the high count was of 4 at Pine Creek wetland, Benton, IN 30 Jul (EMH). An early juv. Spot- ted Sandpiper was at Striebel Pond, Michigan City, IN 28 Jun (KJB). Willets had an excel- lent flight, highlighted by a group of 35 at Michigan City Harbor, Laporte, IN 2 Jul (RJP, JKC, SRB, KJB). Notable were 3 Upland Sandpipers at Mount Comfort Airport, Hitch- cock, IN 5 Jun (JC). Six Whimbrels were not- ed this period. One at Montrose 3 Jun (RDH) was northbound, while 2 at Miller 9 Jul (JJM) were the first of southbound birds, which also included singles at Montrose 21-22 Jul (RDH et al.) and Miller 29 Jul (MT). One at Emiquon 10-12 Jul (KBR) provided the sole report away from L. Michigan. Indiana’s 3rd Jun record of Hudsonian Godwit was fur- nished by a pair in Daviess 1 Jun (ph. LG); a female in alternate plumage was at Lynch- burg Township, Mason, IL 12 Jun (KBR), and a juv. was along Levee Rd., Monroe, IL 24 Jul (DMK). An ad. Marbled Godwit was detected at L. Springfield, Sangamon, IL 18 Jun (ph. HDB), and 5 accompanied the Willets at Michigan City Harbor 2 Jul (SRB, JKC, RJP, KJB); an impressive 12 were at Michigan City Harbor 10 Jul (BJG). At Emiquon, a Red Knot 10 Jul (KBR) was early. A couple of rare mid- Jun shorebird records came from Goose Pond 16 Jun, when 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers (J&SH) and 3 Dunlins (AK, NK, RR, J&SH) were seen. At Patoka River N.W.R., Gibson, a juv. Baird’s Sandpiper 31 Jul (G&LB) provid- ed Indiana’s first ever summer-season record for that plumage. Indiana’s 3rd record of Curlew Sandpiper was a bird apparently in basic plumage at Goose Pond 16 Jun (p.a., RR, NK, AK, J&SH). A fine summer count of 17 Stilt Sandpipers was made at the Pierce Rd. wetland, St. Joseph, IN 29 Jul (BH). Early were 4 Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Big L., Brown, IL 31 Jul (KBR). Single Wilson’s Snipe were encountered on three occasions in New- ton, IN throughout the summer (JBH, EMH), at Havana, Mason, IL 1 Jul (KBR), and at Hennepin 3 Jul (DFS). At least 5 Laughing Gulls were reported from the Region, all in Illinois. A Franklin’s Gull in se. Hamilton 11 Jun (BKJ) provided a rare summer record for cen. Indiana, and an ad. in basic plumage lingered at L. Spring- field, Sangamon, IL 17-25 Jun (ph. HDB). A second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was noted at Montrose 22 Jul (DFS). On 2 Jun, 20 Caspian Tern nests were counted in the E. Chicago, IN colony (JSC, AK), while the Chicago lakefront rooftop colony, discovered in 2009, had an amazing 625 ads., 129 downy young, and a nest with two eggs on 18 Jun (ph. GAW). Common Terns continue to nest at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Lake, IL. After a severe storm destroyed nests 1 Jul, re-nesting occurred, but the attempts failed again due to insufficient incubation; 28 ads. at 14 nests were noted, with 32 eggs and 2 chicks present as late as 15 Jul (DRD). Exem- plifying a very good season for Least Terns, an impressive 225 were tallied in the L. Gib- son-Cane Ridge area 20 Jun (CEM); in s. Illi- 630 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ILLINOIS & INDIANA | nois, normal numbers were found, but spring flooding forced the relocation of formerly suc- cessful colonies. DOVES THROUGH VIREOS There are now records of Eurasian Collared- Dove in 48 of 92 Indiana counties, with 3 found in Cass (LN) and one in Clay (AK, LWS), both on 12 Jul. The 13 Monk Parakeets seen at Griffith, Lake 24 Jul (B&AD) repre- sented Indiana’s 5th highest total ever. A hefty total of 7 Black-billed Cuckoos came from cen. Cass, IN 20 Jun (LN), and a family group was noted at Spring Creek EP, Cook, 1L 23 Jun (REF). Encouraging were two Bam Owl nests at Prairie Ridge State N.A., Marion, IL: an ad. and 6 young were at one nest, and an ad. with 3 eggs and one young were at the other nest 13 Jun (RES, CLH). An out-of- range Chuck-will’s-widow surprised many in Goose Lake Twp., Grundy, IL 8-20 Jul (SAC, CAT, REF, m.ob.), as it was well n. of the species’ customary stronghold. Though not confirmed until 2 Aug, Indiana’s 2nd Green Violetear appeared in extreme ne. Fountain 31 Jul (D&MP). It was a good summer for flycatchers in the Region, with an excellent diversity of species recorded, some in very high numbers. On 5 Jul, Indiana’s 2nd ever Western Wood-Pewee was discovered at Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve in Griffith, Lake (MI). The bird was seen, heard, and photographed by scores of birders and remained through the end of the period. Despite intense breeding bird atlas ef- forts, very few Alder Flycatchers were found in n. Indiana, where they breed in small num- bers; combined with data from the past two decades, this suggests that Alder Flycatcher populations have declined significantly. A Myiarchus flycatcher photographed at Majeni- ca Marsh, Salamonie Res., Huntington 17 Jul (ph. EW, JG) was likely Indiana’s first Ash- throated Flycatcher. Unfortunately, it did not remain at that location, and no local birders were able to see it. Five singleton Western Kingbirds were reported away from the small s. Illinois breeding locations: in Ogle 11-13 Jun (DTW, ph. EWW, JD), on the Bartonville B. B.S., Peoria 12 Jun (RF), at Waterfall Glen FP, DuPage 13 Jun (REF), at Green River C. A., Lee 26 Jun (ph. EWW), and at Chicago’s Lincoln Park 3-4 Jul (ph. EG, AG). The Scis- sor-tailed Flycatcher found in Elkhart, IN 30 May appeared again 2 Jun (S&SS). Two pairs of Scissor-taileds nested in Monroe, IL, a mere 10 km from each other: the first pair was ob- served 3 Jun-19 Jul, with a juv. seen 12 Jul (ph. C&PD, ph. KAM, SDB et al.), and the other, which raised 5 young, was observed 4 Jun-30 Jul (ph. DMK, C&PD). Five Loggerhead Shrikes, including a fledg- ling, were found in Orange, IN 25 Jun (AK), and one was in Daviess, IN 14 Jul (AK); pre- cious few remain in Indiana. Seven were noted at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Will, IL 18 Jun (FM). The common and widespread summering vireos were reported in excellent numbers. Additionally, the 2 Bell’s Vireos seen w. of Roann, IN 1 Jun (SD) were the first recorded in Miami, and for the 3rd summer, singing Bell’s Vireos were found in Fox Island Park, Allen, IN, with a nest found there 6 Jul (JAH). Rather surprising was a territorial Blue- headed Vireo seen and heard at Pigeon River FW.A., Lagrange, IN 11 & 25 Jun (JAH, SS). SWALLOWS THROUGH FINCHES Impressive swallow numbers were reported, including 700 Banks in Wabash, IL 15 Jul (CLH) and 800 Cliffs along Levee Rd., Mon- roe, IL 28 Jun (DMK). A Red-breasted Nuthatch seen in Rockford, Winnebago, IL 29 Jul might have been on a breeding territory, as one had been seen at this location since late May (DTW). A Brown Creeper in Chicago 4 Jun (LGM) was a late migrant. Notable were a territorial Brown Creeper found n. of L. Yel- lowwood, Brown, IN 24 Jun (J&SH) and pos- sible summering birds in Cook, IL 28 Jun (DFS) and in Woodford, IL 2 Jul (TH). For the first time in many years, Bewick’s Wrens were not reported from their annual nesting haunts at Siloam Springs S.P., Adams, IL. Five and 9 singing Marsh Wrens were recorded at Goose Pond 12 & 17 Jun (LWS), respectively, both tallies being higher than the previous high summer count for s. Indiana. Impressive was a count of 46 Marsh Wrens at Grant Street wetland, Lake, IN 2 Jul (SRB, JKC, RJP, KJB). At Fort Harrison S.P. in ne. Indianapolis, a tardy or perhaps a territorial Veery was found 14 Jun (RLH), and on the same date, 10 Veeries were tallied at Cap Sauers Holdings Nature Preserve, Cook, IL (EG). Another 10 Veeries were tallied at Lowden-Miller S.E, Ogle, IL 18 Jun (EG). A nice total of 8 Wood Thrushes came from Pine Hills, Union, IL 9 Jun (KAM). A fine count of 1 1 Ovenbirds was made at Mackinaw State EW.A., Tazewell, IL 8 Jun (MEF). The peak daily counts of 15 Worm- eating Warblers in Crawford, IN 7 Jun (NK) and 10 at the Pine Hills, Union, IL 9 Jun (KAM) were notable. An early fall migrant Northern Waterthrush was studied 27 Jul in Chicago’s Jackson Park (PRC). An Indiana summer record 26 Black-and-white Warblers were reported statewide; 8 were noted in Illi- nois. A pair of Swainson’s Warblers returned to a historical breeding location near Thebes, Alexander, IL in early May (SDB, PAM) and was last noted 17 Jun (ph. KAM, EG et al.). A late Tennessee Warbler was seen in Evanston, IL 24 Jun (MMC). A singing male Mourning Warbler at Big Rock EE, Kane, IL 14 Jun-late Jul (ATB) was likely on territory. A fine count of 20 Cerulean Warblers was made in Martin, IN 1 Jun (AK). A singing male Magnolia War- bler was discovered in se. Kokomo, Howard, IN 14 Jun (BKJ), and the only summer record for Blackburnian Warbler was provided by a singing male at Fumessville, Porter, IN 25 Jun (SRB). An 11 Jun survey at Kankakee FW.A., Starke, IN yielded a state-record 164 Yellow Warblers (KJB, JKC, SRB, LSH, RJP). A late spring migrant Palm Warbler was spotted in Chicago 12 Jun (LGM). Single singing Black- throated Green Warblers were recorded at Swallow Cliff Woods FE, Cook, IL 28 Jun (DFS), at Indianapolis 10 Jul (LAC), and in Cass, IN 14 Jul (LN). Unusual was the ab- sence of any Canada Warbler reports. The singing Clay-colored Sparrow found in Lagrange, IN in May remained on territory through at least 11 Jun (JAH, SS). Rare in s. Indiana in the summer, a singing Vesper Spar- row was found in Lawrence 7 Jun (AK), and a female feeding 3 fledglings was seen in Clay 8 Jun (AK); an excellent tally of 50 Vespers was made along the Milford B.B.S. route, Iroquois and Vermilion, IL 25 Jun (SDB). Very good numbers of Lark Sparrows were reported in the Region this summer, including 12 in Kankakee, IL 25 Jun (RDH) and the first 2 ever for Hancock, IN 29 Jun (MCR). A previ- ously banded Dark-eyed Junco was mist-net- ted at Waterfall Glen FE, DuPage, IL 24 Jun (GG, BK). Along the Columbia B.B.S. route, Monroe, IL, 16 Blue Grosbeaks were recorded 4 Jun (KAM), and a singing male in Allen, IN 8 (RPR) & 9 Jun (JAH, SS) was also notable. Both Blue Grosbeaks and Dickcissels were re- ported in high numbers in the Region. Paint- ed Buntings returned to the E. St. Louis, IL area, very close to the location where they have previously nested. An imm. male was noted 16 & 20 Jun (DMK, KAM), and an imm. male in more advanced plumage was seen 6 & 17 Jul (ph. DMK). An ad. male Yellow-headed Blackbird that flew across 1-465 on the n. side of Indianapo- lis 5 Jun (PDRH) provided the first record for Marion since 1976. Another ad. male ap- peared at the USX impoundment near Miller 23 Jul (JKC, BJGJGr, KJB), and a female and 3 fledglings were seen at the Grant Street wet- land, Lake, IN 30 Jul (EMH). A Western Meadowlark discovered near Decker 1 Jun (G&LB) was the first reported in Knox, IN since 1986. Pine Siskin sightings, all from Illi- nois, included single birds at Rollins Savanna EP., Lake 11 Jun (SBB) and Forreston, Ogle 14 VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 631 | ILLINOIS & INDIANA HWJJ.NMU Start a discussion in our Facebookgroup! Get recent ABA news! Follow the link at www.aba.org. Up-to-date ABA information on Twitter! \ www.twitter.com/ I abaoutreach }\ Birder's Suideio by George C. West Revised 2008. Item #044 ABA Member Price: $26.36 (List $32,95) A Birder's Guide to Alaska gives you the detailed information^ you need to find the Great Land's great birds. Over 60 locations- - are covered, including the state's entire road system, the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek, BCthrough the-Yukgn to Alaska, the Alaska Marine Highway ferrysystem;'^nd|he,.'Alaska Ma- rine Highway from British Columbia to AJaskaSspegip|,:atten- ■tion is given to providing birdin'g information for the larger communities, in addition to Alaska's popular tourist destina- JlbriSIThe status of more than 500 species of birds in Alaska— u ^f^|6zens;of field-identifiable subspecies— is treated in the , Afrnot^fed*' List. The guide features more than 120 maps accompanyingtfi^'56 chapters. George C. Wesf.',ailonqtime Alaska resident of Fairbanks and Homer, has dorfel-a-r superb job in bringing together .birdfinding, information to help visitors and residents alike. ' ' ' ' Jul (AS), plus up to 4 birds late May-30 Jul at Downers Grove, DuPage, including an ad. feeding fledglings (REF). Contributors cited (subregional editors in boldface): John Adams, Dan Arendas, David Ayer (DAy), Susan R. Bagby, Steven D. Bailey (Illinois), Lawrence G. Balch, Lou Anne Bar- riger, H. David Bohlen, Aaron T. Boone, Gary & Lisa Bowman, Matt Bredeweg, Kenneth J. Brock (Indiana), Michael R. Brown, Samuel B. Burckhardt, William H. Buskirk, Lee A. Casebere, John K. Cassady, John S. Castrale, Paul R. Clyne, Scott A. Cohrs, Janet Creamer, Matthew M. Cvetas, Donald R. Dann, Carl & Penelope DauBauch, Bob & Ann Decker, Michelle Devlin, Jeff Donaldson, Steve Doud, Thad R. Edmonds, Josh Engel, Brad Feaster, Robert E. Fisher, Rick Fox, Matthew E. Frak- er, Glenn Gabanski, Lou Gardella, Josef Geisler, Brendan J. Grube, Josh Grube (JGr), Aaron Gyllenhaal, Eric Gyllenhaal (ErG), Ethan Gyllenhaal, P D. Ryan Hamilton, C. Leroy Harrison, Ted Hartzler, James A. Haw, Roger L. Hedge, James & Susan Hengeveld, Jed B. Hertz, Lynea S. Hinchman, Frank R. Holmes, Edward M. Hopkins, Robert D. Hughes, Bob Huguenard, Marshall Iliff, Brad K. Jackson, Dan M. Kassebaum, Amy Kearns, Noah Kearns, Tom Kelly, John C. Kendall, Bri- an Kraskiewicz, Carla Lemar, Joseph W. Lill, Walter J. Marcisz, Carolyn A. Marsh, Kathy McClain, Jeffrey J. McCoy, Keith A. Mc- Mullen, Chuck E. Mills, Fran Morel, Robert & Anita Morgan, Pete A. Moxon, Don D. Mullison, Luis G. Munoz, Greg Neise, Lan- don Neumann, Randy J. Pals, Larry Peavler, Debby & Mike Peterson, Rodger P. Rang, Dave Reichlinger, Mark C. Rhodes, Kevin B. Richmond, Rob Ripma, Steve & Sarah Sass, Sandy Schacht, Beau J. Schaefer, Mark S. Seif- fert, Robert E. Shelby, Randy L. Shonkwiler, John Skene (JSk), Jeffrey R. R. Skrentny, Leonard W. Stanley (LWSy), Lee W. Sterren- burg, Douglas E Stotz, Anne Straight, Jim Sul- livan, Jeffrey O. Sundberg, Craig A. Taylor, Gale Thomas, Michael Topp, Patty Topp, Eric W. Walters, Eric Weaver, Vicky Whitaker, Donald R. Whitehead, Vern W. Wilkins, Daniel T. Williams, Jr., Geoffrey A. William- son, Dennis Workman, Edward Zalisko. Many others submitted observations but could not be personally acknowledged; all have our thanks for their contributions. <& James D, Hengeveld, 6354 Southshore Drive Unionville, Indiana 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.wiIliamson@comcast.net) 632 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Peder H. Svingen Cool and wet conditions from spring extended through June in Minnesota, while normal to above-normal tem- peratures and precipitation were the rule in Michigan and Wisconsin. The entire Region experienced above-normal temperatures in July, with nesting negatively impacted by se- vere storms in early July. Noteworthy nesting records included Snowy Egret and Cattle Egret in Michigan and Say’s Phoebe in Min- nesota. Rarities included Wisconsin’s first Neotropic Cormorant, Mississippi Kite in Minnesota, and 2 Green Violetears and a Ver- milion Flycatcher in Michigan. We welcome Joe Schaufenbuel as the new subregional compiler for the Badger State and thank Randy Hoffman for his thoughful and timely summaries of Wisconsin birdlife over the past several years. Abbreviations: Horicon (Horicon Marsh, Dodge, WI); L.R (Lower Peninsula of Michi- gan); Pte. Mouillee (Pointe Mouillee S.G.A., Monroe, MI); U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michi- gan); Whitefish Pt. (Whitefish Point Bird Ob- servatory, Chippewa, MI). WATERFOWL THROUGH GALLINULES Straggling Snow Geese are reported almost every summer in the Region, but a flock of 15 in Waukesha, WI 24 Jun (MC) was unexpect- ed. Two Tundra Swans at Duluth, MN 9 Jun (ph. JWL) were still northbound. Outstand- ing at any season was a Eurasian Wigeon at Shiawasee 22 Jun (p.a., DJP, SFK, EPD). Greater Scaup away from the Great Lakes in- cluded singles in Carlton, MN 25 Jun (RAE) and Marinette, WI through 6 Jul (AK). Unsea- sonable were single Surf Scoters in Mani- towoc, WI 4 Jun (CS) and Marquette, MI 11- 13 Jun (SH). Single White-winged Scoters were found in three ne. Minnesota locations during Jun; one in Manitowoc, WI 4 Jun (CS) and 25 Jun (RD) marked only the 3rd sum- mer record in 25 years for the Badger State. Single Black Scoters in three locations com- pleted the scoter sweep for Wisconsin. Michi- Western Great Lakes gan had more Long-tailed Ducks than usual, including a flock of 30+ birds on L. Michigan in Schoolcraft 2-10 Jul (DL, BDi) and one as far s. as Berrien 16-18 Jul (TBa). Northern Bobwhite in four s. Michigan and five s. Wis- consin counties underscored the decline of this species in the Region. Wisconsin report- ed only one Gray Partridge for the 2nd con- secutive summer; this year’s bird was in Man- itowoc 8 Jul QH). Three Red-throated Loons in Douglas, WI 23 Jun (SB) and singles at Duluth, MN 26 Jun (PHS) and 3 Jul (SW) represented the end of spring migration on L. Superior. Unusually high numbers of Pied-billed Grebes at Pte. Mouillee peaked at 841 on 16 Jul (AMB). Red-necked Grebes in six Wisconsin counties included four probable nesting sites. Min- nesota’s only Clark’s Grebe was in Lac Qui Parle 12 Jun (ph. BJU). Providing a long- awaited first record for Wisconsin was a Neotropic Cormorant in Dodge 3-29 Jul (PF, m.ob.). Outstanding for the U.P. was a Least Bittern nest with four eggs and 2 young in Houghton 8 Jul (JY). Michigan also trumpeted its first Snowy Egret nest at Pte. Mouillee (fide AMB). Michigan had the Region’s only Little Blue Herons, with up to 2 at Pte. Mouillee 22 Jul (JJ). Cattle Egrets were scarce elsewhere in the Region, but at least three pairs nested at Pte. Mouillee for the Wolverine State’s 3rd breeding record. Minnesota reported the only Yellow-crowned Night-Heron in Lac Qui Par- le 11 Jun (BJU). Single White-faced Ibis in Mason, MI 3 Jun (JL, DCD) and Goodhue, MN 8 Jun (ph. GM) were probably late spring mi- grants. A White-faced Ibis at Pte. Mouillee was joined by an unidentified Plegadis 11 Jun-29 Jul (AMB); presumed hybrids have been documented here in the past. Mississip- pi Kites near Whitefish Pt. 4 Jun (LC, JG) and in Hennepin, MN 6 Jun (CLW) were spring overshoots. Merlin continues to expand its summer range southward in the Region. In Minnesota, nesting was documented in Dako- ta (TAT) and suspected in Hennepin (PEB). In Wisconsin, a nest was found in Adams 7 Jul (CR), and in Michigan, one at St. Joseph 4 Jun provided the first summer record for Berrien (TBa). Wisconsin had no substantiated re- ports of Yellow Rail, and this sought-after species was inexplicably absent from its Michigan stronghold at Seney N.W.R. In Min- nesota, three nesting pairs of Common Gallinules each fledged 6-9 young in Blue Earth (CH, RMD), Brown (BTS), and Sher- burne (PLJ). Away from this species’ usual nesting range in se. Wisconsin was a nesting pair in Portage 22 Jul (JS); one also wandered nw. to Burnett 16 Jun (AP). Michigan report- ed good numbers of gallinules at traditional sites in the s. Lower Peninsula, including 78 at Pte. Mouillee 3 Jul (AMB), which surpassed last year’s high count of 54. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Piping Plover nesting success in Michigan de- clined slightly again this year, with 74 young fledged from 58 nests in the wild; an addi- tional 16 chicks were released from the cap- tive rearing facility (VC). In Wisconsin, 7 Pip- ing Plovers were at the Apostle Is. nesting Remarkably out of range and unseasonable was this Sage Thrasher at Bayfield, Wisconsin 1 June 201 1 . Photograph by Dick Verch. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 633 | WESTERN GREAT LAKES area 12 Jul (RSB, TO). Nearly extirpated as a breeding species in Minnesota, a pair at the traditional nesting location in Lake of the Woods was of interest (KH). Two Black- necked Stilts at Horicon were probably re- turning to last year’s nesting location. Thir- teen Whimbrels at Manitowoc, WI 2 Jun (RD) and up to 2 at Duluth, MN 7-12 Jun (ph. PHS) closed the books on their spring migration. A Marbled Godwit loitered in Ash- land, WI until 5 Jun (NA, PA). Michigan re- ported a female Ruff at Pte. Mouillee 2 Jun (AD). Small numbers of Buff-breasted Sand- pipers in four Minnesota counties and one in Racine, WI 31 Jul (TH) characterized the re- cent summer scarcity of this species in the Re- gion. Up to 3 spring migrant Red-necked Phalaropes at Pte. Mouillee 2-3 Jun (AD, AMB) mirrored the first southbound migrant in Lac Qui Parle, MN 1 6 Jul (PCC) . In Wisconsin, first-cycle Little Gulls visited Manitowoc 11 Jun (DT) and Sheboygan 4-25 Jul (TW). Laughing Gulls in five Wisconsin locations probably involved multiple sightings of several individuals. Michigan distinguished at least 4 Laughing Gulls in three counties, in- cluding Allegan 6-7 Jun (JVK) and Berrien 5-6 (MH) & 10 Jun (BA); the only ad. was in Ma- son 19-25 Jun (DCD). A first-cycle Thayer’s Gull at Duluth 2 Jun and a second-cycle bird there 4 Jun (ph. PHS) were noteworthy; Min- nesota has only one previous summer record of this species. Late Thayer’s, Iceland, and Glaucous Gulls were identified in Kewaunee, WI 11 Jun (DT). All three states recorded both Great Black-backed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls this summer. Most unusual were first- cycle Lesser Black-backeds at Pte. Mouillee 3 Jun (AMB) and in Wright, MN 19 Jun (PCC), and a second-cycle Great Black-backed at the Superior Entry through 6 Jun (ph. PHS); the latter furnished Minnesota’s first summer record. A light-morph ad. Parasitic Jaeger in Bayfield, WI 20 Jun (RSB) was an extraordi- nary addition to Brady’s yard list! Eurasian Collared-Dove still makes news in Michigan: one was in Delta 7 Jun+ (JDK). Wisconsin’s 10th White- winged Dove was in Columbia 4-12 Jun (JWo, SWo); another in Wabasha 14-19 Jun (ph. GM) was the 19th for Minnesota since 2003. A Short-eared Owl in Portage 1 1 Jun (JT, P. Trick) was the only one found in Wisconsin, while Michigan’s only re- port was of one found dead in Charlevoix (CE). Continuing from spring were Chuck- will’s-widows in Berrien, Ml through 1 Jul (TBa, HE) and Jackson, WI through 10 Jul (QY), the 7th consecutive summer for both lo- cations. Michigan’s 6th and 7th Green Vio- letears were photographed at feeders at Shel- ter Bay, Alger 2-3 Jul (SCH) and Emmet 13-14 634 Jul (RF); the former location was within a mile of a 2008 record of this species. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES Reversing their usual distribution in Min- nesota were a singing Alder Flycatcher near the Iowa border in Fillmore 3 Jul (RMD, DBz, JWH) and a singing Willow Flycatcher in Lake of the Woods 4 Jun (MHK). For the 2nd consecutive year, Say’s Phoebe nested under a bridge in Yellow Medicine, MN (p.a., m.ob.). Furnishing Michigan’s 4th record was an ad. male Vermilion Flycatcher at the mouth of the Presque Isle R., Gogebic 24 Jul (ph. FH). Michigan’s Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw 5 Jun (B&BD, BDe, ph. AWG) was found about two weeks after the one photographed at nearby Copper Harbor. Also in Michigan was a Loggerhead Shrike in Marquette 11 Jun QDP); this threatened species was found in 12 Minnesota counties. White-eyed Vireos were found in three se. Wisconsin counties, and one sang in Hen- nepin, MN 6 Jun (PME). Bell’s Vireo showed reasonably well in seven Minnesota and five Wisconsin counties. Nineteen Gray Jays in five n. Wisconsin counties was the most since 2004 for the Badger State. Continuing from spring into early Jun was at least one Fish Crow at Forest Lawn Landfill, Berrien (KM, m.ob.). Multiple observers commented on the scarcity of Winter Wrens throughout its n. Michigan range; in Minnesota, it nested for the first time s. of its usual range in Pine (AP). Regrettably seen for only a few hours was a Sage Thrasher in Bayfield, WI 1 Jun (DBr). Michigan reported territorial Worm-eating Warblers in three Berrien locations (JTW, WG, KM). Depressed numbers of Connecticut Warbler in Michigan and Wisconsin may have been weather related. In contrast, 25 territori- al Mourning Warblers during a roadside sur- vey in the Sax-Zim Bog area of St. Louis, MN 4 Jun (PHS) was more than usual. Ten Kentucky Warblers in six s. Wisconsin counties was up dramatically from just one bird last summer. Rebounding from last year’s 3.5% decline in Michigan was a record high total of 1805 singing male Kirtland’s Warblers (fide MP). Wisconsin’s total was similar to last year, with 22 male and 1 1 female Kirtland’s Warblers in five Wisconsin counties fledging about 17 young from 1 1 nests, most of these in Adams (JT). In Michigan, Cerulean Warblers claimed territories in Arenac and Dickinson (25 Jun, GC) for the 3rd consecutive year. Ceraleans in 10 Minnesota counties declined from 15 counties last year. Unusually far s. in Min- nesota was a Northern Parula in Brown 3 Jul (WCM). Unusually far n. were Yellow-throat- ed Warblers in Ingham, MI 4 Jun (BC) and Ashland, WI 31 Jul (NA). Wisconsin’s only Prairie Warbler lingered through 16 Jul in Waukesha (AS). Ten Yellow-breasted Chats in seven Wisconsin counties was encouraging. Unusually far ne. for Minnesota was a Field Sparrow in Lake 4 Jun (HCT). Grasshopper Sparrows were found in good numbers in the L.P and were generally widespread. In Min- nesota, Carlson found 14 Grasshopper Spar- rows at Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, Hennepin 27 Jul (SLC). Henslow’s Sparrow counts were down in the L.P, but Minnesota observers found them in 22 counties (15 last year) as far n. as Otter Tail and Pine. In Wisconsin, tardy White-crowned Sparrows visited Racine 11 Jun (GO) and Ozaukee 17 Jun (JSo). Inexpli- cably late for Minnesota were White- crowneds in Rock 18 Jun (AXH) and Kandiy- ohi 24 Jun (RSF). In Michigan, a Summer Tanager pair vaca- tioned at Warren Dunes S.P., Berrien for the 2nd consecutive year, and this time breeding was confirmed (CW, m.ob.). The only other Regional report was in Blue Earth, MN 8 Jun (RMD, CH). Michigan’s 15th Blue Grosbeak in Cass 16 Jun+ (JTW, m.ob.) was the Wolver- ine State’s longest staying on record; another visited Van Buren 12 Jun (p.a., TBa). Blue Grosbeak was found in 11 Minnesota coun- ties, including Dakota, where breeding was documented for the first time (JLO, ph. JPM, PEB, AXH, m.ob.). Dickcissels were wide- spread across the Region, including Michi- gan’s L.P and Alger, Delta, and Ontonagon in the U.P Dickcissel irruptions are traditionally associated with hot and dry conditions, but this species was more widespread than antic- ipated, being reported on 9% of all checklists submitted to eBird in Wisconsin and reported in 59 of Minnesota’s 87 counties. Evening Grosbeaks were found in four Minnesota and six Wisconsin counties. Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Brad Anderson, Nick Anich (eBird Wis- consin), Paula Anich, Tim Baerwald (TBa), Dedrick Benz (DBz), Steve Betchkal, Ryan S. Brady, David Bratley (DBr), Paul E. Budde (Minnesota), Adam M. Byrne (eBird Michi- gan), Steve L. Carlson, Vince Cavalieri, Philip C. Chu, Lathe Claflin, Bruce Cohen, Mary Cullen, Bill & Bonnie Degowski (B&BD), Bill Deephouse (BDe), Andy Dettling, Ed P. De- Vries, Brian Dibbem (BDi), David C. Dister, Robert Domagalski, Louie J. Dombroski (Michigan), Robert M. Dunlap, Carrie Eck- hold, Paul M. Egeland, Ron A. Erpelding, Harold Eyster, Bruce A. Fall (eBird Minneso- ta), Roger Ferguson, Peter Fissel, Randy S. Frederickson, Jacco Genderloos, Greg Cleary, Wayne Gleiber, Arthur W. Green, Skye Haas, NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS WESTERN GREAT LAKE?] Tim Hahn, Florence Hawarden, Katie Haws, Chad Heins, Anthony X. Hertzel, Scott C. Hickman, John W. Hockema, Jim Holschbach, Matt Hysell, Paul L. Johnson, Jerry Jourdan, Steven E Kahl, Joseph D. Kaplan, Amy Kearns, Martin H. Kehoe, John Vande Kopple, Demetri Lafkas, James W Lind, Joe Lipar, William C. Marengo, James P. Mattsson, Gabriel Miller, Kip Miller, Gayly Qpem, Tim Oksiuta, James L. Otto, Andy Paulios (eBird Wisconsin), David J. Peters, Mike Petrucha, J. D. Phillips, Tom Prestby (eBird Wisconsin), Chuck Roethe, Joe Schaufenbuel (Wisconsin), Brian T. Smith, Joan Sommer (JSo), Charles Sontag, Peder H. Svingen, Andrea Szymczak, Daryl Tessen, Howard C. Towle, Joel Trick, Tom A. Tustison, Bill J. Unzen, Chuck Witkoske, Jerome Woelfel (JWo), Sharon Woelfel (SWo), Scott Wolff (SW), Christopher L. Wood, Thomas Wood, Jonathan T. Wuepper, Quentin Yoerger, and Joseph Youngman. We extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of other con- tributors who could not be acknowledged in- dividually. 0 Peder H. Svingen, 2602 East 4th Street Duluth, Minnesota 55812, (psvingen@gmail.com) Iowa & Missouri In brief, it was a hot summer. June started out hot in both states. Temperatures in the second half of June were more season- able in Iowa and northern Missouri, but southern Missouri remained hot. High tem- peratures continued in both states during July. It was the seventh hottest July on record in Iowa, and Missouri suffered through its hottest month in more than 30 years. Both states had numerous days with temperatures in excess of 100° Fahrenheit. Rainfall was less of an issue in both states. Rainfall was near normal in June but well be- low normal in both states in July. It was espe- cially dry in southwestern Missouri, which experienced very severe weather. Of more concern to both states was precipitation that fell upstream in the Missouri River basin. By early June, the Missouri River was in flood stage in both states, leading to excessive flooding in northwestern Missouri and south- western Iowa for the remainder of the sum- mer. In total, several hundred thousand acres were inundated, including thousands of acres of state and federal wildlife areas and a num- ber of important birding areas in both states. Yellow-headed Blackbirds nesting in north- western Missouri were flooded out, and many ground-nesting species probably had poor nesting success. Regional highlights were Anhinga, Black Rail, Long-eared Owl, Broad-billed Hum- mingbird, and nesting Sandhill Cranes in Missouri. Abbreviations: C.B.C.A. (Columbia Bottoms C.A., St. Louis, MO); C.C.N.W.R. (Clarence Cannon N.W.R., Pike, MO); Clinton spoil is- lands (spoil islands in Mississippi R., Clinton, IA); ER.C.A. (Four Rivers C.A., Vernon and Bates, MO); Hawkeye (Hawkeye W.A., John- son, IA); Mingo (Mingo N.W.R., Stoddard, MO); O.S.C.A. (Otter Slough C.A., Stoddard, MO); R.M.B.S. (Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, St. Charles, MO); Spirit L. (Dickin- son, IA); T.R.W. (Thompson River Wetlands, Livingston, MO); Waubonsie (Waubonsie W.A., Fremont, IA). WATERFOWL THROUGH IBISES The Region’s only Black-bellied Whistling- Ducks were 3 in Jackson, MO 4 Jun (ph. Lin- da & Steve Krohn, fide BR). Late waterfowl in Missouri were 2 Northern Pintails at Swan Lake N.W.R., Chariton 25 Jun (SK, LL) and one at O.S.C.A. 24Jul (ph., tCBa), a Common Merganser at Horseshoe L., Buchanan 10-16 Jun (LL), and 2 Ruddy Ducks at Maryville, Nodaway 19 Jun (David Easterla). Lingering waterfowl in Iowa included single Greater White-fronted Geese in Boone, Hamilton, and Story (SJD), an American Wigeon at Ames, Story 10-29 Jun (WO), and single Canvas- backs at Dan Green Slough, Clay 5 Jun (LAS) and Little Clear L., Pocahontas 9 Jun (SJD). Northern Bobwhite and Ring-necked Pheasants continued to do poorly in Iowa. Af- ter a snow-filled winter and a cold, wet spring, few pheasant broods were seen this summer (TSS, SJD), and roadside counts were the low- est ever for both species (Iowa Department of Natural Resources). Few bobwhite were noted in the St. Louis area after Jun flooding (PL). Gray Partridge continued at their traditional strongholds in cen. and n.-cen. Iowa (m.ob.). Greater Prairie-Chickens had a good year in Missouri, with 29 nests, 23 of which hatched, and at least 52 chicks at two prairies in St. Clair (Missouri Department of Conservation). A few ad. prairie-chickens but no broods were seen in Ringgold, IA (SSh). Two Common Loons summered at Pleasant Creek R.A., Linn (JF, BS), and Iowa singles were seen at Ames, Story 9-12 Jun (WO) and in Poweshiek 1 Jul (DK), with one at Table Rock L., Stone, MO 23 Jul (ph. Mitchell Pruitt). In nw. Iowa, 3 Western Grebes were at Trumbull L., Clay 5 Jun (LAS) and one at Spirit L. 8 Jun (SJD), and a Red-necked Grebe was at Grover’s L., Dickinson 19 Jun (LAS). The thriving Dou- ble-crested Cormorant colony on the Clinton spoil islands had 1300 ads. and 602 nests 20 Jun (SJD), totals greater than in 2010. In Mis- souri, up to 32 Double-crested Cormorants summered at R.M.B.S. (PL, m.ob.). The Re- gion’s only Anhingas were 2 at Mingo 9 Jun (CBa). At the Clinton spoil islands, there were 1200 ad., 950 young, and 265 American White Pelican nests 20 Jun (SJD). American White Pelicans in Missouri included 289 at Mingo 9 Jun (CBa) and 20-30 summering at T.R.W. (SK). Hundreds at R.M.B.S. 31 Jul (PL) proba- bly were early fall migrants. Single American Bitterns were at Ankeny, Polk 3 Jun (DA) and Dunbar Slough, Greene 19 Jun (SJD) in Iowa, and one was in Bates, MO 5 Jun (Matt Gearheart). There were nu- merous reports of Least Bitterns from both states, mostly from the St. Louis area and from n.-cen. Iowa (m.ob.). Great Egrets were numerous in both states, with 437 at Mingo 9 Jun (CBa), 1000 at ER.C.A. 19 Jun (SK, LL), and 250 at C.C.N.W.R. 31 Jul (JU, SS). At the Clinton spoil islands, there were 215 ad. Great Egrets and 147 nests 20 Jun (SJD). VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 635 IOWA & MISSOURI In Missouri, all Snowy Egrets were reported from near St. Louis, with high counts of 26 at C.B.C.A. 10 Jun (JU) and 20 at C.C.N.W.R. 31 Jul (JU, SS). Snowy Egrets in Iowa includ- ed 3 at Waubonsie 18 Jun (KD), one at Hawkeye 19 Jul (JF), and 2 at Green Island W.A .Jackson 28 Jul (JLF). Little Blue Herons in Iowa included 20 at Waubonsie 18 Jun (KD), one in Warren 2 Jul (ph. Curt Gracey, fide SJD), and one near Colfax, Jasper 31 Jul (SJD). In Missouri, 779 Little Blue Herons were at Mingo 9 Jun (CBa), 70+ at ER.C.A. 19 Jun (SK, LL), and 220 at C.B.C.A. 10 Jul (BR). The Region’s only Tricolored Heron was an ad. at R.M.B.S. 30-31 Jul (JU)- In Iowa, high Cattle Egret counts were 300 at Waubonsie 11 Jun (KD) and 18 on the Clin- ton spoil islands 20 Jun (SJD). The high count in Missouri was 100+ at R.M.B.S. 31 Jul (PL). The only Cattle Egret reported from w. Missouri was one in St. Clair 19 Jun (SK, LL). All reports of Black-crowned Night- Heron in Missouri were from the St. Louis area: 20 at R.M.B.S. 31 Jul (PL, Dick Palmer) was the highest count. Up to 3 were reported at five locales in Iowa (m.ob.). Yellow- crowned Night-Herons in Missouri were sin- gles at Forest Park, St. Louis City 2 Jun and 12 Jul (JU, PL) and five nesting pairs on Shoal Cr., Newton in sw. Missouri in earlyjun (JC). A juv. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Waubonsie 10 Jul (KD) was Iowa’s only re- port. Missouri had an ibis trifecta: an imm. White Ibis at C.B.C.A. 17-19 Jul (ph„ tMT, m.ob.), 4 Glossy Ibis at O.S.C.A. 16 Jul (CBa), and 16 White-faced Ibis at Lewis and Clark S.P, Buchanan 3 Jun (RA) and 2 at C.B.C.A. 5 Jun (David & Mary Anne Marja- maa). White-faced Ibis in Iowa included one at Ankeny, Polk 6 Jun (DA), 13 at Waubonsie 15 Jun (KD), and one at Hawkeye 29 Jun (ph. Linda Rudolph). VULTURES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS The only Black Vultures reported were 2 ads. and 2 fledglings in Christian , MO 29 Jun (Bob Kipfer) and 3 between Greer and Alton, Ore- gon, MO 14 Jun (SH). Osprey reports include 17 nesting pairs in Iowa (PS) and a nest in Dade, MO (CBu) for the 3rd year. Besides the 2 ad. and 6 juv. Mississippi Kites in Columbia, Boone, MO 29 Jun (RD), one or 2 were found in Greene (nest), Jasper, Barry, Newton, and Putnam, MO. Iowa’s reports included one at Ottumwa, Wapello 2 Jun and 18 Jul (BS, JLF) and one or 2 in Des Moines, Polk 1 Jun-19Jul (m.ob.). Iowa’s Bald Eagle population grew to about 300 active nests, and with new reports from Grundy, Pocahontas, and Wright, nests have now been reported from 91 of 99 coun- ties (SSh, BE). Two Northern Harriers were found in Sullivan, MO 28 Jun (SK, LL). Else- where, singles were in Howard and Win- neshiek in ne. Iowa (DC) and in five w. Mis- souri counties (SK, LL, m.ob.). A Red-shoul- dered Hawk was near Avenue City, Andrew 28 Jun-10 Jul (Ryan Evans) in nw. Missouri. Iowa’s reports included a pair in Black Hawk (TSS) and singles in Lee 30 Jun and 4 Jul (MP, CRE). All of Missouri’s Broad- winged Hawks were s. of the Missouri R., with a nest located 2 Jul in Greene (CBu). Swainson’s Hawks con- tinued in Greene, MO, where four nests were found this year (CBu, GS). Iowa’s only report was one in Chickasaw 5 Jun (TSS). Eight of Iowa’s 15 Peregrine Falcons nests were suc- cessful and produced 18 young, totals down slightly from 2010 (PS). In Iowa, a Black Rail found at Hawkeye in late May remained through 2 Jun (JLF, tAnn Johnson), and a King Rail was at Dunbar Slough, Greene 19 Jun (tSJD). Common Gallinules were found at four Missouri sites, including a brood at L. Contrary, Buchanan 23 Jul (LL, CBa. MN, PL), and one or 2 at four scattered sites in Iowa. Seen by many of the state’s birders, a pair of Sandhill Cranes pro- duced 2 colts at Eagle Bluffs C.A., Boone — Missouri’s first successful nest in modern times. The 18 ad. Sandhill Cranes at Otter Creek Marsh, Tama 31 Jul (SJD) and 12, in- cluding three family groups, at Cone Marsh, Louisa 30 Jul (JJD) indicate continued growth at two prime Iowa nesting sites. Late spring shorebirds in Missouri were an American Avocet, 20 White-rumped Sand- pipers, a Dunlin, and a Red-necked Phalarope at Swan Lake N.W.R., Chariton 14 Jun (SK). In Iowa, 162 Pectoral Sandpipers in Boone 1 Jun (DCH) and 200 White-rumped Sand- pipers in Clay 9 Jun (SJD) were large groups for so late. A Dunlin and 2 Stilt Sandpipers at Barringer Slough, Clay 9 Jun (SJD) were late. News on nesting shorebirds was scant. Away from se. Missouri, where Black-necked Stilts seem to be established, 2 were at C.B.C.A. 19 Jun (BR) and 3 were at Eagle Bluffs C.A., Boone 28 Jun (Lottie Bushmann, Laura Pintel). Four ad. and 4 young Piping Plovers were at MidAmerican Energy ponds, Pottawattamie, IA 15 Jul (SJD). Strays were at Saylorville Res., Polk 20 Jul (SJD) and Hawk- eye 23 Jul (Jf0- Upland Sandpipers were found in five Missouri and 19 Iowa counties, mainly in the w. two-thirds of the Region. Eight at Dunn Ranch, Harrison, MO 29 Jun (TN) were the most. Five reports of single American Woodcocks in the e. half of Iowa made the most summer reports in recent memory. Woodcock is an uncommon nester in both states. Neither state reported any large concentra- tions of southbound shorebirds. At T.R.W., a high count of 15 Willets 3 Jul, and single Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, and Wilson’s Phalarope 30 Jul (SK), were all good finds. Missouri also had a high count of 24 Solitary Sandpipers in Linn 18 Jul (SK), 2 Sanderlings 18 Jul and one 31 Jul along Hwy. 79 in Lincoln (PL), and an early Buff-breasted Sandpiper near L. Contrary, Buchanan 23 Jul (LL). The greatest diversity of southbound shorebirds in Iowa was at Hawkeye, including 7 American Avocets 23-24 Jul (JF), a Willet and Marbled Godwit 11 Jul (JF), an early Sanderling 13-15 Jul (JLF JF), and an early Hudsonian Godwit and early Red-necked Phalarope 21 Jul (JF). Elsewhere, 3 early American Avocets were at Cedar L., Linn 5 Jul (BS), and a Marbled Godwit was at Cone Marsh, Louisa 24 Jul (JF). The 36 Buff-breast- ed Sandpipers at Hawkeye 30 Jul (JF) made a relatively high count for that species. GULLS THROUGH WAXWINGS Stray gulls in the Region included 2-5 Franklin’s Gulls in Clay, Dickinson, and Buena Vista 8-9 Jun (SJD), a first-summer Herring Gull at Spirit L. 8 Jun (SJD), and 4 first-sum- mer Bonaparte’s Gulls at the Clinton spoil is- lands 20 Jun (SJD). Both of the Region’s Ring- billed Gull colonies were active, with 135 nests and 40 chicks near Spirit L. 9 Jun (SJD) and 326 ads. at the Clinton spoil islands 20 Jun (SJD) and a nest there 8 Jul (Mike Griffin, fide SJD). Elsewhere, 60 Ring-billed Gulls along Hwy. 79, Lincoln 31 Jul (PL) constitut- ed a high summer count for Missouri. At the MidAmerican Energy ponds, Pot- tawattamie, IA, 34 ad. Least Terns, four nests, and four broods were present 15 Jul (SJD). One strayed to Little Wall L., Hamilton 19 Jul (SJD). At the nesting barge at R.M.B.S., at least 3 Least Terns were present 18 Jun+, with a high count of 9 on 5 Jul (JU). it was uncer- tain if any nested this year. Caspian Terns in- cluded 2 in Marshall 2 Jul (MP) and 3 in Linn 24-25 Jun (BS,JF), both in Iowa, and one at C.C.N.W.R. 23 Jul (PL), typical of summer. A few Black Terns nested in Dickinson and Han- cock in nw. Iowa (SJD, PH, DCH). South- bound migrants were noted in Missouri in late Jul (PL, LL, SK). For the 4th straight year, no one reported nesting Forster’s Terns in Iowa. Missouri’s only White-winged Dove was one in late Jul at Advance, Stoddard (Matt Bowyer, fide CBa). In Iowa, 2 were at a feeder in Benton 18-19 Jun (TAlan Kakac), and one was at Shenandoah, Page 22 Jun-15 Jul (KD). Yellow-billed Cuckoos were fairly widespread in both states, but Black-billed Cuckoos were reported only from 11 counties scattered 636 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS iowa & Missouri] across Iowa. As expected, the Region’s only Greater Roadrunners were singles in Ozark 14 Jun (SH) and in Greene 7 Jun and 27 Jul (CBu) in sw. Missouri. A Long-eared Owl heard at Backbone S.P., Delaware 16 Jun (KW) constituted Iowa’s first summer record in more than 20 years. Barn Owls had a good year in Iowa: nesting was reported in six mostly s.-cen. counties (BE, PS). In Missouri, 2 were at Prairie S.P., Barton 26 Jun (JC), and a pair was at Carl Junction Lagoons Jasper 15 Jul (LH). Chuck-will’s-widows were reported only from Crawford and Webster, MO (PL, AK) and Lucas, IA (RA, PA, DT). Eastern Whip-poor-wills were reported mostly from s. of the Missouri R. in Missouri (KM) and from eight mainly se. Iowa counties. None were re- ported from traditional strongholds in ne. Iowa or the loess hills in w. Iowa. A Broad- billed Hummingbird that appeared briefly in Charles City, Floyd in late Jun provided the first record for Iowa and the Region (Margaret Berns; ph., tEllen Montgomery; ph., tPH; tRita Goranson). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were found in seven mostly ne. Iowa counties where they nest. Late flycatchers included an Olive-sided Flycatcher in Hardin 16 Jun (MP), 3 Alder Flycatchers in Hamilton 4 Jun (MCK), and a Least Flycatcher in Kossuth 2 Jun (MCK), all in Iowa, and 3 Alder Flycatchers at T.R.W. 2 Jun (SK). A Least Flycatcher near Volga, Clay- ton 19 Jun (DA) may have been nesting, while 2 in Page 31 Jul (BS) were probably early mi- grants. A Western Kingbird near Ridgeway, Winneshiek 1 Jun was unexpected in ne. Iowa (DC, Ellen Bell). Several pairs nested in Polk in cen. Iowa, where they are established. A Western Kingbird nest in Greene in sw. Mis- souri (CBu, GS), a nest in St. Charles (PL, m.ob.), 2 in St. Louis 8 Jun (PL), and four nests near Chillicothe, Livingston (SK) attest to continued range expansion in Missouri. In early Jun, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were found at two sites in St. Charles (JU, PL, m.ob.) and at one site in St. Louis (PL), where they are becoming more regular. One in Boone 20 Jun (RD) adds to recent reports from the Columbia, MO area. Singles near West Branch, Cedar 3 Jun (ph. Dave Rozinek, fide CRE) and near Algona, Kossuth 4 Jun (ph., tMCK) furnished Iowa’s 3rd and 4th records in Jun in the past three years. Loggerhead Shrikes were reported from four Missouri and nine Iowa counties, all but two in the w. half of the Region (m.ob.). In both states, its population decline continues. A Black-billed Magpie was at its established site in Plymouth, IA 1 & 4 Jun (Eugene Armstrong, Gerald Von Ehwegen). Fish Crows continued in sw. Missouri: 3 were found at FR.C.A. 4 Jun (SK), and one was in Jasper 22 Jul (LH). North of the Missouri R. in Missouri, Carolina Wrens were scarce away from towns and feeders (Edge Wade, KM). Isolated reports came from Harrison in nw. Missouri 5 Jun (Keith Brink) and Pike in ne. Missouri. Iowa had only three reports. The recent cold, snowy winters have probably harmed this species. Iowa’s only Be- wick’s Wren was near Kalona, Johnson 10 Jun+ (JLF, tCRE, RA, PA). Singles were in Johnson 12 Jun (KM) and at World Bird Sanctuary, St. Louis 30 Jun (PL), both in Missouri. Sedge Wrens were widely reported in Iowa s. to the Missouri border (m.ob.). Missouri’s only re- ports were 2 at Dunn Ranch, Harrison 10 Jun (TN) and 3 at R.M.B.S. 31 Jul (PL). Missouri’s only Marsh Wrens were one at B. K. Leach C.A., Lincoln 16 Jul (PL) and 2 in the St. Louis area 31 Jul (PL). In the Joplin, MO area, few Eastern Bluebird nests were active in late Jul, perhaps because of the heat (LH). A late Swainson’s Thrush at Algona, Kossuth 2 Jun (MCK) was the only re- port. The only Veeries reported were one or 2 in Boone, Johnson, and Linn, IA (Jim Sinclair, CRE, BS). A Northern Mockingbird at Spillville, Winneshiek 22 Jul was near Iowa’s n. border (Larry Reis). Rare in se. Missouri in summer, 2 Cedar Waxwings were at Jackson, Cape Girardeau 8 Jul (MH), and one was at Castor River C.A., Bollinger 14 Jul (MH). WARBLERS THROUGH WEAVER FINCHES Late migrants included single Tennessee War- blers 2 Jun in Polk, Johnson, and Kossuth, IA (DT, CRE, MCK), a Golden-winged Warbler at O.S.C.A. 5 Jun (CBa), a Black-and-white Warbler in Kossuth, IA 8 Jun (MCK), and a Connecticut Warbler in Johnson, IA 16 Jun (CRE). There were few reports of Worm-eat- ing Warbler; one at Poosey C.A., Livingston 9 Jun in n. Missouri, where rare (Myma Carl- ton, fide SK), and singles at Croton Unit, Lee in se. Iowa 14 Jun and 13 Jul (DT, John Rutenbeck). Single Swainson’s Warblers in Bollinger in se. Missouri 23 & 30 Jul (Alan Brant) made the only reports of the species. Hooded Warblers in Missouri were 2 at Lewis and Clark S.P., Buchanan 3 Jun (RA) and one at A. A. Busch C.A., St. Charles 11 Jun (MT). In Iowa, singles were found in Allamakee, Lee, and Polk, all in Jun (DK, DT, MP, DA). In sw. Missouri, an American Redstart with a brood patch 19 Jun (AK, Janice Greene) and a Cerulean Warbler 10 Jun (Greg Swick, CBu) were at Drury Mincy C.A., Taney, where both species are uncommon. Cerulean Warblers were found in six Iowa counties, fewer than usual. Two singing male Chestnut-sided War- blers at Yellow River S.E, Allamakee 7 Jun (DK) and singles at two sites in Clayton in early Jul (SJD, DA) were in ne. Iowa, where the species is a rare nester. Clay-colored Sparrows were found in five counties near Iowa’s n. border, where rare; an apparently territorial male was well s. of typi- cal range in Audubon in sw. Iowa 13 Jul (SJD). In Missouri, a Vesper Sparrow at Pawnee Prairie N.A., Harrison 8 Jul (SK) was near the s. edge of its range, and 11 Grasshopper Spar- rows at Muskrat L., Buchanan 28 Jul (LL) was a high count. Henslow’s Sparrows were found in 13 Iowa counties, mostly in e. Iowa, with 28 in Clayton 9 Jul (DA). A decade ago, Henslow’s was considered rare in Iowa. In Missouri, 3 were atBois D’Arc C.A., Greene 14 Jun (Bo Brown) and 17 were at Prairie S.P, Barton 26 Jun (JC). A White-crowned Spar- row at Oxford, Johnson 19 & 21 Jun (ph. Mark Snyder, fide John Bissell) and a Dark- eyed Junco in Ridgeway, Winneshiek 1 Jun (DC) provided Iowa’s first summer records since 2003 and 1999, respectively. As usual, Blue Grosbeaks were found along Iowa’s w. border and in adjacent counties to the east. However, this year, birds in Audubon 13 Jul and Cass 15 Jul (SJD) were farther e. than usual, and one at Saylorville Res., Polk 20 Jul (SJD) was unusual. A Blue Grosbeak 14 Jun and a pair 4 Jul were at the species’ tradi- tional se. Iowa site in Lee (DT, CRE), and an- other was nearby at L. Sugema, Van Buren 29 Jun (MP). Surprisingly, one was found at Hawkeye 11 Jun, 2 more 19 Jun, and in all, at least 7 different birds were found (CRE, JF, JLF), an unexpected influx to this well-birded area. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak visited C.B.C.A. 11 & 19 Jun (PL, BR); this species is becoming more expected here at the s. edge of its range. Single Painted Buntings were found at four sites in Barry and Greene in sw. Mis- souri, where the species is expected (JC, CBu), but none were reported from areas in e.-cen. and cen. Missouri where it has been found in recent years. The 36 Bobolinks at Dunn Ranch, Harrison 5 Jun (Michael Weaver) made a good count for n. Missouri. Two Yellow-headed Black- birds were at Squaw Creek N.W.R., Holt 13 & 15 Jun (MN, Heidi Retherford), but their nesting strongholds in nw. Missouri were soon flooded, and none were reported in Mis- souri after that. All reports of Great-tailed Grackles in Iowa were from known sites, and the rapid range expansion of recent decades seems to have stalled. In Iowa, a Purple Finch was at Davenport, Scott 4-5 Jun (Walt Zuur- deeg), and a Pine Siskin was at a feeder in Ot- tosen, Humboldt 23 Jul (Jacob Newton). Two pairs of Eurasian Tree Sparrows at nest boxes in Marengo, Iowa 23 Jun were at the nw. edge of the species’ expanding Iowa range (KW). VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 637 | IOWA & MISSOURI Cited contributors (subregional editors in boldface): Danny Akers, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, Richard Anderson, Chris Barrigar (CBa), Charley Burwick (CBu), Jeff Cantrell, Dennis Carter, James J. Dinsmore, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Ryan Douglas, Keith Dyche, Chris Edwards, Bruce Ehresman, Bery Engebretsen, Jim Forde (JF), James L. Fuller (JLF), Mark Elaas, Doug C. Harr, Susan Hazelwood, Lawrence Herbert, Paul Hertzel, Matt C. Kenne, Steve Kinder, Andrew Kinslow, Darwin Koenig, Larry Lade, Pat Lueders, Kristi Mayo, Tom Nagel, Mary Nemecek, Wolf Oesterreich, Mark Proescholdt, Bill Rowe, Greg Samuel, Bill Scheible, Tom Schilke, Pat Schlarbaum, Lee A. Schoenewe, Scott Schuette (SS), Stephanie Shepherd (SSh), Mike Thelen, Den- nis Thompson, Joshua Uffman, Kirsten Win- ter. An additional 15 uncited individuals made contributions to this report; all have my appreciation. @ James J, Dinsmore, 646 Mallory Hill Drive The Villages, Florida 32162 (oldcoot@iastate.edu) Tennessee & Kentucky Chris Sloan Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Following the rainy spring season, June and July 2011 were more normal in terms of temperature and precipitation, although a prolonged period of above-normal temperature and below-normal rainfall com- menced across most of the Region during July. Transient lakes across the Highland Rim of south-central Kentucky lingering from the heavy spring rains did not last as long as in 2010, but there were a few interesting reports of nesting waterbirds, particularly in southern Christian County. Rarity highlights of the season included up to four Neotropic Cormorants and a Tricol- ored Heron in Kentucky and a potential state- first Hooded Oriole and two Great White Herons in Tennessee. Least Terns apparently had at least some nesting success on higher sandbars in the Mississippi River, but most traditional nesting sites remained inundated as the region’s major rivers dropped very slowly after the spring flooding. Abbreviations: Ensley (Ensley Bottoms, in- cluding the EARTH Complex, in sw. Shelby, TN); McElroy L. ( Warren , KY); Morgan Pond ( Christian , KY); Reelfoot L. (Lake, TN). WATERFOWL THROUGH IBIS Breeding Black-bellied Whistling- Ducks continue to increase at Ens- ley. The peak count, including young, was 58 on 2 Jun (JRW). A presumably injured Snow Goose was near Kingston, Roane, TN 31 May (ph., fide KDE). Broods of Blue-winged Teal were found at Swallow Spring Pond, Christian, KY (BPa, EHu) and at Chaney L., War- ren, KY 17 Jul (BPa, EHu). Small numbers of Blue-wingeds lingered at several other sites in s. and w. Kentucky and w. Tennessee without evidence of nesting. Lingering waterfowl of interest in- cluded a male Gadwall at Swallow Spring Pond, Christian, KY 15 Jun (BPa, EHu); 4 Northern Shovelers at Reelfoot L. 4 Jun (JRW), one or more at Ensley 6 Jun (JRW), and 4 at McElroy L. 26 Jun (TD); a male Green-winged Teal at McElroy L. 1 1 Jul (DSi); an American Black Duck at Ensley 2-6 Jun (JRW); and pairs of Ring- necked Ducks at both Reelfoot L. 4 Jun (JRW) and a karst pond in s. Logan, KY through 5 Jul (FL et al.), with the female of the latter pair last seen 16 Jul (FL). Ruddy Ducks lingered at sev- eral locations, with 2 at Reelfoot L. 4 Jun (JRW), 11 at Robco L., Shelby, TN 6 Jun (JRW), and a male at L. Reba, Madison, KY through at least 17 Jul (AN). Hooded Mer- gansers are very rare breeders in middle and e. Tennessee, so one in Marion 5 Jun (TR) was noteworthy. Single Common Loons were reported at six Ken- Although Neotropic Cormorants have become somewhat regular in southwestern tucky locales: on a pond at Tennessee in recent years, the species remained elusive in Kentucky — until four Bowling Green, Warren, birds were found in June 2011 at Lake No. 9 in Fulton County. This adult (here with through most of Jun (TD); a Double-crested Cormorant) was present 1 July. Photograph by Mary Yandeli. on Morgan Pond 15 Jun (EHu, BPa); on L. Cumberland, Wayne 16 Jul (/ideJBs); on Ken- tucky L., Marshall, during Jul (CS, ME, BL); on a pond in Boone 23 Jul (LM); and on Cave Run L., Bath/Rowan 31 Jul (DP). Pied-billed Grebes were confirmed nesting at four lo- cales: at Black Bayou W.M.A., Lake, TN, where at least four nests were found 25 May (SS); at Chaney L., Warren, KY, where three family groups were seen 17 Jul (BPa, EHu); at Swallow Spring Pond, Christian, KY, where at least 6 ads., including one on a nest, were seen 15 Jun (BPa, EHu); and at Morgan Pond, where 10-12 ads., 2 of them on nests, were seen 15 Jun (BPa, EHu) and 3 ads. plus a fam- ily group were seen 17 Jul (BPa, EHu). One to 2 Pied-billeds were detected at a few addi- tional locales during the season, but none with evidence of nesting. A wayward American White Pelican was present at the Falls of the Ohio Jefferson, KY 18 Jun-Jul (DSt et al.); other reports included one at Ensley 2 Jun (JRW), 100+ at Reelfoot L. 4Jun m: 638 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY] (JRW), 11 in Dyer, TN 10 Jul (JRW), and 2 at Mud L., Lake, TN 16 Jul (JRW). One to 4 Neotropic Cormorants, including 2 ads., were present at Lake No. 9, w. Fulton, KY 19 Jun-30 Jul (ph. JRW et al.) and represented only the 3rd report for the state. Several reports of Neotrop- ics from nw. Tennessee might have involved some of the same individuals: one at White Lake W.M.A., Dyer ca. 2-23 Jun (WGC); one at Phillippy Pits, Lake 19 Jun (JRW); 2 n. of the Obion R., Dyer 10 Jul (ph. JRW), with one still present 16 Jul (JRW); and one at Mud L, Lake 12 Jul (ph. MT). Nesting Double-crested Cor- morants in Kentucky were limited this year to two sites on L. Barkley, Lyon/Trigg, with ca. 1000 birds including an unknown number of nesting pairs on two adjacent islands in the latter coun- ty during Jun (JBs). A female Anhinga on a nest, with a male nearby, at J. Percy Priest L., Ruther- ford, TN 2 Jun (ph. SS) was an unprecedented discovery for middle Tennessee, but the nest was abandoned soon thereafter. An Anhinga nest was active in Memphis, TN 25 Jun (JRW), and single individuals were at Ensley 6 Jun (JRW) and Mud L., Shelby, TN 2 Jul (JRW). At least 10 Least Bitterns were at Black Bay- ou W.M.A., Lake, TN 4 Jun (BPu); six or sev- en active nests were found there 16 Jun (SS). One was at Mud L., Dyer, TN 25 Jun (JRW), but none were reported from Standifer Gap Marsh, Hamilton, TN due to dry conditions. A tally of ca. 150 Great Blue Herons at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, KY 12 Jul (DSt) proba- bly represented an all-time high count for that location. Two Great White Herons were re- ported in Hamilton, TN 8 & 12 Jul (BO) and on the Nolichucky R., Unicoi/Washington, TN 16 Jul+ (DH, m.ob.). Numbers of Great Egret were relatively low again this summer, with 750-1000 at Obion W.M.A., Fulton, KY 31 Jul (BPa, EHu) representing a very modest peak count for Kentucky. Reports of Little Blue Herons away from the w. portion of the Re- gion included an ad. in s. Jefferson, KY 7 Jun (EHu); 3 at Poole Knobs Recreation Area, J. Percy Priest L., Rutherford, TN 8 Jun (TW); an ad. on L. Cumberland, Pulaski, KY 5 Jul (RD); 2 juvs. at McElroy L. 17 Jul (EHu, BPa); and an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, KY 21 Jul (EHu) into early Aug (m.ob.). An ad. Tri- colored Heron was present at the Fishing Cr. embayment of L. Cumberland, Pulaski, KY 22 Jul (ph. RD). Single Snowy Egrets at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, KY 5 Jun (T&CB) and at the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan, KY 26 Jun (TVS) were the only out-of-range birds reported in Kentucky. Four imm. White Ibis were along Great River Road, Dyer, TN 12 Jul (ph. MT); one in Unicoi, TN 17-21 Jul (BS, m.ob.) represented a first county record. A rare visitor to Kentucky, this adult Tricolored Heron was present on the Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski County on 22 July 2011. Photograph by Roseanna Denton. RAPTORS THROUGH TERNS A juv. Swallow-tailed Kite was in Bledsoe, TN 20-26 Jul (KBo, LB, m.ob.). There were only two re- ports of Mississippi Kites away from known nesting areas: one along Green Rd., Kenton, KY 5 Jun (TAB) and one at the Sinclair Unit, Peabody W.M.A., Muhlenberg, KY 1 Jul (ET). A statewide Osprey nest survey conducted during Jul by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources de- tected at least 87 active nests, mostly on L,_ Barkley and Ken- tucky L. (KH); that agency also tal- lied a record number, 98, for occu- pied Bald Eagle nesting territories in the state during 2011, including 10 new territories that were estab- lished or detected for the first time (KH). Single Northern Harriers at Rankin Bottoms, Cocke, TN 10 Jul (MS) and at Limestone, Washing- ton, TN 16 & 20 Jul (RK) were surprising for midsummer. The only evidence of breeding Peregrine Falcons in Tennessee was 2 imms. at the known breeding location at Alum Cave Bluff, Great Smoky Mountains N.P, Sevier, TN 4-29 Jun (KDE, KO et al.); 2 were seen at Limestone, Washington, TN 20 Jul (RK). During the 201 1 nesting season, the Kentucky De- partment of Fish and Wildlife Resources docu- mented nesting attempts by 13 pairs of Peregrine Falcons in the state, seven of which were successful (KH); com- bined, all nests produced 21 fledglings (KH). An overall re- duction of nest success in 201 1 may have been due to bad weather in the early part of the nesting season; however, a nesting pair in Carroll produced the largest documented falcon brood, 5 fledglings, in Kentucky history (KH). Also of interest was a nesting attempt by a pair in Franklin that occurred on a cliff (old quarry face); although that nest failed, it was the first falcon nest attempt on a cliff docu- mented in Kentucky since the late 1930s (KH). There were four reports of Common Gallinule, all from Kentucky: one in w. Hardin, 12 Jun (RA); 2 at Swallow Spring Pond, Christian and 8 at Morgan Pond, all 15 Jun (BPa, EHu); 3, with one seen carrying nesting material between Powderly and Cen- tral City, Muhlenberg in early Jul (SN, JN); and one at Morgan Pond and another on a pond about 3 km to the e., both 30 Jul (EHu, BPa). Small numbers of American Coots lingered at several locales well into summer, but none ex- hibited any evidence of nesting. Three imm. Sandhill Cranes at the Duck River Unit of Tennessee N.W.R., Humphreys, TN 9 Jun (CF) were unprecedented for summer. Black-necked Stilts were confirmed nest- ing at two Kentucky locales: at Morgan Pond, where three family groups with 4 chicks each were present 30 Jul (BPa, EHu), and at Obion W.M.A., where at least two family groups were present 1 Jul (EHu, BPa). Other birds reported during the season did not exhibit nesting behavior, e.g., in s. Logan, KY (ph. FL et al.), at McElroy L. (TD), and in w. Fulton, KY (DC et al.). Reports of tardy spring shore- birds included 3 Semipalmated Povers at McElroy L. 15 Jun (BPa, EHu); 21 Semi- palmated Sandpipers at Ensley 2 Jun (JRW), with 4 still in s. Logan, KY 14 Jun (FL); 8 White-rumped Sandpipers at McElroy L. 15 Jun (BPa, EHu); and a Dunlin at McElroy L. 15 Jun (BPa, EHu). Reports of early fall mi- grant shorebirds included a Semipalmated Plover at Ensley 2 Jul (JRW); single Greater Yellowlegs at McElroy L. 28 Jun (TD) and at L. Cumberland, Pulaski, KY 6 Jul (RD); 3 Lesser Yellowlegs at McElroy L. 28 Jun (TD); a Solitary Sandpiper in w. Fulton, KY 3 Jul (JRW); a Semipalmated Sandpiper in s. Lo- gan, KY 17 Jul (BPa, EHu); a Least Sandpiper in s. Logan, KY 5 Jul (MBt); and a Wilson’s Snipe at McElroy L. 12 Jul (TD). Early peak counts for shorebirds included 45-50 Solitary Sandpipers at and near Morgan Pond by 30 Jul (BPa, EHu); 35-40 Semipalmated Sand- pipers at Morgan Pond by 30 Jul (BPa, EHu); a tally of 16 Western Sandpipers at McElroy L. 17 Jul (BPa, EHu) that probably represents VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 639 | TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY Numbers of nesting Peregrine Falcons in Kentucky have slowly increased over the past two decades, with almost all pairs in- habiting the Ohio River corridor. This brood of five at a power plant in Carroll County was the largest ever hatched in the state. Photograph by Tonya Mammone. a new state high count for ads. in fall; and 22 Stilt Sandpipers at Morgan Pond 30 Jul (BPa, EHu). A few Spotted Sandpipers lingered into Jun in Kentucky, but none of the reports were accompanied by substantive evidence of nesting. Upland Sandpiper singles were not- ed at Chaney L., Warren, KY 17 Jul (BPa, EHu), Morgan Pond, Fulton, KY 30 Jul (BPa, EHu), Lake No. 9, Fulton, KY 30 Jul (BPa, EHu), and Ensley 30 Jul (JRW), with 3 total around Obion W.M.A., Fulton, KY 31 Jul (EHu, BPa). The only Sanderling reported was from Ensley 30 Jul (JEW). A Laughing Gull was in Tipton, TN 3 Jun (JRW). Five Caspian Terns at McElroy L. 26 Jun (TD) were extremely unusual for the last week of Jun. The only reports of Black Tern were 2 ads. and an imm. along the Mississip- pi R. at Memphis, TN 2 Jul (JRW) and one at Morgan Pond 30 Jul (BPa, EHu). At least 200 pairs of Least Terns nested on the Mississippi R. off Watson Pt., Fulton, KY (EHa, JBs), but other Kentucky sites on the Mississippi R. and lower Ohio R. remained inundated well into Jul, resulting in limited presence of the species elsewhere. The only exception was an industrial pond on the lower Tennessee R., Marshall, KY, where ca. 40 birds were present during the season (DSw). Single Forster’s Terns were unusual for the.season at McElroy L. 2 (TD, BY, MY) & 28 Jun (TD). CUCKOOS THROUGH FINCHES There were four reports of single Black-billed Cuckoos, all from Kentucky: near Bridgeport, Franklin 23 Jun (JBs); at Boone County Cliffs Nature Preserve 25 Jun (NC); at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson 2 & 4 Jul (BPa); and at the St. Anne Wetlands, Melbourne, Campbell 28 Jul (SH). A Yellow-billed Cuckoo recaptured at a M.A.P.S. banding station in Mercer, KY 2 Jun (KH et al.) had originally been banded there in summer 2009. A breeding bird foray in Mc- Creary, KY yielded the first Eurasian Collared- Doves (2) to be found in that county 31 May (SSt). There were 15 reports of nesting Barn Owls in the following Kentucky counties (KH, EW; JH et al.): Caldwell, Clinton, Edmonson, Graves, Grayson, Logan, Marion (two nests), Pulaski, Scott, Taylor, Union, Warren (two nests), and Webster. One was in Anderson, TN, just across the Knox line 13 Jul (ph. KR); none have been reported in Knox since 1988. A pair of Least Flycatchers was observed at a nest at the summit of Black Mt., Harlan, KY 27 Jun (RW). Normal numbers were reported from regular breeding sites on Roan Mt., Carter, TN, as well as 2 at Shady Valley, John- son, TN (WC, RB) and 3 at Iron Mountain Gap, Unicoi, TN (DK). Reports of likely terri- torial Willow Flycatchers of interest included one on a reclaimed mine in Knott, KY 6 Jun (KH) and 2 detected in cen. McCreary, KY during a breeding bird foray 31 May and 2 Jun (SSt). One in Bradley, TN 24 Jun (DC) was possibly a first county record. Alder Flycatch- ers were not reported away from regular breeding locations on Roan Mt., Carter, TN. Continuing the recent trend, at least 19 West- ern Kingbird and two Scissor-tailed Flycatcher nests were found in the Memphis, TN area 25 Jun (JRW); one Western Kingbird was paired with a female Western Kingbird x Scissor- tailed Flycatcher hybrid. Scissor-tailed Fly- catchers were found at five locations in Bled- soe, TN, in addition to a regular pair in South Pittsburgh, Marion, TN during the period. Two ads. with at least 2 juvs. were in Murfrees- boro, Rutherford, TN 9-30 Jul (KBa, DE). A family of Tree Swallow fledglings being fed nw. of Beattyville, Lee, KY 13 Jun (BPa) likely represented a first nesting record for the county. At least 200 Bank Swallows at Morgan Pond 17 Jul (BPa, EHu) were not near a known nesting colony and were likely already dispersing. An ad. and a juv. Logger- head Shrike in Washington, TN 10 Jul (RK) were the only ones reported from e. Ten- nessee. A Bell’s Vireo was heard singing at Lower Hatchie N.W.R., Tipton, TN 3 Jun (JRW). A group of 7 Common Ravens in Knott, KY 6 Jun (KH) was likely a family group near a known nesting locale. A Sedge Wren at Shady Valley, Johnson, TN 31 Jul (MS) established a new early fall date for ne. Tennessee. A Gray Catbird was at Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN 3 Jul (JKS). A Swainson’s Thrush singing 17 & 23 Jun just outside of Tennessee on the North Carolina side of Round Bald, Roan Mt., Mitchell, NC (JSo, SS) was the 2nd summer record there. Singing Hermit Thrushes were reported from three locations: 3-6 singing, with one juv., were on Roan Mt., Carter, TN 22 Jul (RK, m.ob.); 2 were singing on Unaka Mt., Unicoi, TN 15 Jun (RK); 2 were on Mt. Le Conte, Great Smoky Mountains N.P, Se- vier, TN 18 Jun (KO); and one was at Cling- man’s Dome, Great Smoky Mountains N.P., Sevier, TN 9 Jul (KDE). Atlassing efforts for Golden-winged War- blers by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources staff and volunteers yielded the following reports of territorial males: 4 on Log Mt., se. of Chenoa, Bell 20 May (LP); 2 on Jellico Mt., sw. of Williamsburg, Whitley 25 May (SA); 12 on Black Mt., Harlan 1 Jun (SV); and one along Sims Fork ne. of Arjay, Bell 3 Jun (DB). Continuing confirmation of a rela- tively recent breeding range expansion of Chestnut-sided Warblers in se. Kentucky, at least 1 1 likely territorial individuals were not- ed in at least eight distinct locations in Mc- Creary, most in the heavily forested e. portion of the county, during a breeding bird foray 30 May-3 Jun (SSt). There are very few breeding records of Magnolia Warbler for the Region, so 4 singing on Roan Mt., Carter, TN 20 May+ (RK, m.ob.) and 3 on Unaka Mt., Unicoi, TN 15 Jun and 12 Jul (RK et al.) were noteworthy. A male Black-throated Green Warbler near Millerstown, nw. Hart, KY 10 Jul (BA) was far from known breeding areas. Specific efforts to survey for Cerulean Warblers in Kentucky yielded the following counts: 4 at J. J. Audubon S.P., Henderson 5 Jun (MBr); 10 along the Nolin R. in Mammoth Cave N.P, Ed- monson 1 Jul (MBr); and 13 along the Green R. in Mammoth Cave N.P, Edmonson 8Jul (MBr). A surprisingly high total of least 25 singing male Swainson’s Warblers was detected in Mc- 640 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY) Creary, KY, particularly in the se. portion of the county, during a breeding bird foray 31 May-3 Jun, with 16 recorded 2Jun (SSt). Two Savannah Sparrows in s. Logan , KY 14 Jun (ph. FL), with one still there 17 Jun (FL), were far outside the documented nesting range. Likely breeding Savannah Sparrows were at three Tennessee locations: 6+ (includ- ing several juvs.) were at three sites in Wash- ington (RK); 3 were at Shady Valley, Johnson 10-12 Jun (RK); and 2 were at Paddle Creek, Sullivan 14 Jun (WC). Vesper Sparrows were reported in Jun from Shady Valley, Johnson, TN (RK) and the grassy balds on Roan Mt., Carter, TN (RK). Kentucky reports of Henslow’s Sparrow of interest included one at Anna, n. Warren 5 Jul (GR) and at least 2 ne. of Red Hill, Allen in mid-Jul (JBy, MBy et al.). Single Lark Sparrows were in s. Logan, KY in the first half of Jun (ph. FL) and w. Henderson 12 Jun (CC), with 2 ads. and 2 imms. in the same area 14 Jul (ph. CC). In Tennessee, 2 were in Gibson 21 Jun (MG) and one in Smyr- na, Rutherford 12 Jun (SS). A pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks was present at Boone County Cliffs Nature Pre- serve, KY 19 Jun 0T EH). Three Blue Gros- beaks in Knott, KY 6 Jun (KH) were relatively far e. in the Region. By all accounts, it was an excellent nesting season for Dickcissels in cen. and w. Kentucky, with well-above-normal numbers detected in several areas (m.ob.). Up to 6 at three sites in Sullivan, TN (RK, WC, RB) furnished the first county records in over 40 years. At least 2 singing male Bobolinks were encountered off Fox Lane s. of Mt. Ster- ling, Montgomery, KY 6 Jun (KH). A pair was present through the season at a regular loca- tion in Washington, TN, with a juv. seen there 20 Jul (RK). An ad. male Hooded Oriole near Elora, Lincoln, TN 8-14 Jul (p.a., ph. EP) would provide a first record for Tennessee and 2nd for the Region. Good numbers of Red Crossbill were reported from Carter, Sullivan, and Unicoi, TN, apparently the result of a good cone crop. Single Pine Siskins lingered near Big Gimlet, Elliott, KY through 29 May (EM) and at Lexington, KY through 5 Jun (JP). Pine Siskins were unreported in Ten- nessee away from local breeding areas. Cited contributors (subregional editors in boldface): Ryan Ankeny, Sara Ash, Bonnie Av- ery, Kristy Baker (KBa), Andrew Baldelli, Dan- na Baxley, Jamin Beachy QBy), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Katherine Boyles (KBo), Louis Bean, Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB), Mark Bennett (MBt), Rob Biller, Mike Brown (MBr), John Brunjes (JBs), Neill Cade, Kevin A. Cal- hoon (se. Tennessee), Phillip Casteel (middle Tennessee), David Chaffin, Wallace Coffey, Charlie Crawford, Roseanna Denton, Tom Durbin, Melissa Easley, K. Dean Edwards, Daniel Estabrooks, Clayton Ferrell, Jonathan Frodge, Mark Greene, Erin Harper (EHa), Stanley Hedeen, Kate Heyden, Don Holt, Les Houser, Janet Howard, Eddie Huber (EHu), Rick Knight (ne. Tennessee), David Kirschke, Bill Lisowsky, Frank Lyne, Lee McNeely, Eve- lyn Morgan, Jacob Neace, Susan Neace, Andy Newman, Burton O’Neill, Ken Oeser, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPa), David Patick, Laura Patton, Eden Powell, Bill Pulliam (BPu), Joe Pulliam, Gerald Robe, Tommie Rogers, Kelly Roy, Vicki Sandage, Mike Sanders, Jan K. Shaw (JKS), Damien Simbeck (DSi), Jacob Socolar (JSo), Scott Somershoe, Steve Stedman (SSt), Bryan Stevens, Del Striegel (DSt), Don Swearingen (DSw), Carrie Szwed, Evan Tanner, Mike Todd (w. Ten- nessee), Shawchyi Vorisek, Rick Waldrop, Eileen Wicker, Jeff R. Wilson, Terry Witt, Ben Yandell, Mary Yandell. Q Chris Sloan, 2036 Priest Road Nashville, Tennessee 3715 (csloan1973@gmail.com) Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (brainard@mindspring.com) Alabama & Mississippi Steven W. McConnell Summer weather in the Region averaged warmer than the historical norms, with drier conditions in June. July tempera- tures stayed warm, but rainfall totals in the southern half of our two states were above normal. Neither of the tropical storms that transited Gulf of Mexico waters this season af- fected the Region, and the birding was rather uneventful, with no stellar rarities or notable breeding range extensions, though a male Black-headed Grosbeak furnished Mississip- pi’s first summer record. Marsh surveys along the Pascagoula River in Mississippi once again documented impressive bittern, rail, and marsh sparrow populations in this seldom- visited area. Standardized summer surveys in two lightly birded Alabama counties also pro- vided valuable field data and high counts. Abbreviations: B.A.S. (Birmingham Audubon Society, Birmingham, AL); Coldwater (Cold- water River N.W.R., Quitman/Tallahatchie, MS); Dauphin (Dauphin I., Mobile, AL); Delta (Mississippi R. delta region, w. Mississippi); F.S.C.R. (Farquhar State Cattle Ranch, Cedarville, Hale, AL); Ft. Morgan (Ft. Morgan State Historical Park, Baldwin, AL); G.C. (Gulf Coastal Region of s. Alabama); I.C.P. (Inland Coastal Plain Region of s.-cen. Ala- bama); M.R. (Mountain Region of n. Ala- bama); Noxubee (Noxubee N.W.R., Nox- ubee/Oktibbeha/Winston, MS); S.B.C. (Sum- mer Bird Count); Seaman (Seaman Rd. la- goons, Jackson, MS); T.V (Tennessee Valley Region of n. Alabama); Wheeler (Wheeler N . W.R. , Limestone/Morgan/Madison,. AL) . WATERFOWL THROUGH RAILS Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks maintained a noticeable presence in the Region, with four reports from each state. Ten ads. were found 18 Jun at Blakeley I., Mobile, AL, where the species likely bred again (KC, DG). More un- usual were the 9 at Enterprise, Coffee 17 Jun (ph. RW), establishing only the 5th inland Al- abama record. The count totals from Missis- sippi seemed unusually low this season com- pared to recent years, with 6 the largest flock reported, 21 Jul at Seaman, where these (and many other waterfowl, noted below) were re- ported by many observers during the season. Up to 3 Black-bellieds per site were seen at VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 641 [ALABAMA & MISSISSIPPI Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks now appear to be regular spring and summer residents along the Mississippi and Ala- bama coasts, and inland reports are on the increase. In summer 2011, eight records of the species were received, including up to three birds frequenting a turf farm ditch near Magnolia Springs, Baldwin County, Alabama 20-28 (here 20) July 201 1 . Photograph by Bill Summerour. three other coastal and Delta locations 26 Jun-28 Jul. The Ross’s Goose at Noxubee 5- 15 Jun (TLS, MS) was a rare find for summer and furnished only the 2nd local record. Late Gadwalls were recorded in both states: a male at Leighton, Colbert , AL 2-3 Jun (DJS) and 2- 3 at Coldwater 5-11 Jun (GK, AM, BR). Tardy Blue-winged Teal were also found in both states: up to 6 were on flooded fields near Leighton, Colbert, AL 3-5 Jun (SWM, DJS, ph. GDJ) and up to 4 at Seaman 2-14 Jun. Late Northern Shovelers were in both states: up to 5 were at two locations in Colbert/Lauderdale, AL 1-3 Jun QAT, SWM, DJS), and 4 were at Coldwater 5-11 Jun. At Seaman, many ob- servers reported a late Redhead 30 Jun-28 Jul and 2 Greater Scaup 16-30 Jun. Two Lesser Scaup on a catfish pond in Tunica, MS 31 Jul (NL) were also tardy. Three reports of Hood- ed Merganser, an erratic breeder in the Re- gion, were received: one at Centre, Cherokee, AL 4 Jun (DPG), 2 at ES.C.R. 9 Jun QAT), and one at Coldwater 11 Jun (GK, SK, WP). A Ruddy Duck was at Seaman 2 Jun-14Jul, an- other was at Sledge, Hale, AL 30 Jul (DS, KW), and 4 were on catfish ponds in Tunica, MS 31 Jul (NL); the species summers only oc- casionally in the Region. Of 14 Pied-billed Grebe reports, only two came with confirmation of breeding: up to 8 (2 ads., 6 imms.) at ES.C.R. 25 Jul (MSh) and 17 (8 ads., 9 imms.) in Colbert, AL 18 Jun (PDK, DEK), at a site where the species has bred in the recent past. A Horned Grebe in breeding plumage was yet another summer rarity at Sea- man 23 Jun-28 Jul. A new Alabama record count of Wood Stork, 1300, came from Sledge, Hale 25 Jul (MSh). Small, widespread flocks of storks were noted in Mississippi: up to 42 were at Noxubee 5-31 Jul (TLS), 40 at Seaman 30 Jun, and groups of 3-20 were at six other sites in four coastal and Delta counties. Two imm. Northern Gannets were seen off Jackson 17 Jun (ph. TJ) and one there 21 Jul (BD). Double- crested Cormorants now summer regularly along the Tennessee R. in n. Alabama, but a nesting pair found at Wheeler Dam, Lawrence 5 Jun (GDJ) was unprecedented. Up to 5 An- hingas summered at Noxubee (TLS), where the species is a rare nester. Large American White Pelican flocks were noted at inland lo- cations where the species is seasonally rare: 100 at Panther Swamp N.W.R., Humphrey, MS 5 Jun (RH); 75 near Florence, Lauderdale, AL 24 Jun (DJS); and 100+ near Sledge, Hale, AL 30 Jul (GJH, B.A.S.). Marsh surveys in the Pascagoula R. channels n. of US 90, Hancock/Jackson, MS 2 Jun-21 Jul found Least Bitterns widespread, with a maximum day count of 22 on 8 Jun (JNW). The new seasonal high count of Great Blue Heron for Alabama was 234, set at Muscle Shoals, Lauderdale/Colbert/Lawrence 12 Jun, where many were recorded 3-12 Jun (PDK). Later in the season, a new I.C.P. summer high count was set by the 200 at Sledge, Hale 25 Jul (MSh). Forty-seven Great Egrets made the new summer M.R. record in Cherokee 17 Jun (RSH, DCH); 850 were counted at Sledge, Hale 25 Jul (MSh), a new summer I.C.P. record. In Mississippi, 500 Greats were report- ed from Panther Swamp N.W.R., Humphrey 5 Jun (RH), and a conservative estimate of 1000 came from Noxubee 22 Jun (DM, MAM). Snowy Egrets made an impressive showing this season, with 1 1 at one Colbert, AL site 5 Jun (ph. GDJ) and 100 at Panther Creek N.W.R., Humphrey, MS the same day (RH). Little Blue Herons also made news: a new G.C. record was established by 850 at a colony n. of Stockton, Baldwin, AL 2 Jul (MJJ), and 500 were at Coldwater 5 Jun (NL, GK). An unusu- al-looking Egretta, possibly a Snowy Egret x Little Blue Heron hybrid, was observed in Col- bert, AL 3 Jun (DJS, ph. SWM). The count of 5000 Cattle Egrets at Noxubee 22 Jun (DM, MAM) was exceeded only by that of 6000 near Pisgah, Montgomery, AL 19 Jun (A&PT). White Ibis numbered 1300 at the Clearwater Forever Wild tract, Baldwin, AL 5 Jun (MJJ, NC), and 450 were found the same day at Coldwater (NL, GK). Six Roseate Spoonbill reports were received: an imm. at Andalusia, Covington, AL (ph. TWS), 3 ads. near New- burn, Hale, AL (ph. R&SR, K&VM), and 5 to- tal at four Mississippi locations in Tallahatchie, Humphrey, and Jackson 5 Jun-25 Jul. With almost weekly visits to the New- burn/Prairie Eden area of Hale, AL 9-30 Jul, observers were successful in documenting the increase in Swallow-tailed Kite flocks there; the maximum count was an impressive 55 birds 30 Jul (GJH, B.A.S.). Observations of Mississippi Kite continue to come in from the M.R., where the species would have been con- sidered quite rare only a few years ago. Two ads. and an imm. were at a new site in Shelby, AL 26 Jun (RSH, DCH), and a nest with two eggs was discovered 15 Jun in s. Baldwin, AL, where the species is more expected but where breeding is rarely documented (BS, JAT). An excellent count of 40 Mississippi Kites came from Panther Swamp N.W.R., Humphrey, MS 5 Jun (RH). Summer Peregrine Falcons are noteworthy in the Region, and an Alabama nest has yet to be discovered in the current century. In the T.V, one was seen at Florence, Lauderdale 11 Jun (DJS); farther s., singles were at Chickasaw, Mobile 19 Jul (BCG) and at Perdido Pass, Baldwin 23 Jul (BJS). Common A few Roseate Spoonbills disperse into Alabama and Missis- sippi during the summer season, though their appearances there are irregular. This immature spent 16-24 (here 24) July 2011 just south of Andalusia, Covington County, Ala- bama, one of six reports for the season in the two-state re- gion. Photograph by Tom Savage. Gallinules are rarely found in the n. half of the Region, making the 2 ads. at Coldwater 16 Jul (GK, WP) noteworthy. Twenty ad. Common Gallinules with young at Chickasaw, Mobile, AL 19 Jul (BCG) was a high count. Ten reports of American Coots 2 Jun-23 Jul seemed a higher total than usual; however, no breeding activity was reported. SH0REBIRDS THROUGH SHRIKES Fifteen Semipalmated Plovers were at Leighton, Colbert 5 Jun (GDJ), for a new Ala- bama inland maximum for the summer sea- son; 7 were at Dauphin 11-25 Jun (HEH). A Piping Plover was at a marina in Harrison, MS 23 Jul (JNW, NL), and 4 were found at the nearby w. ship channel the next day (BD, CW). A summer trip to Blakeley I., Mobile, AL 18 Jun found 3 American Avocets (KC, DG), furnish- 642 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ALABAMA & MISSISSIPPI Lesser Black-backed Gulls are no longer a rare find in Alabama, although no sum- mer records existed prior to 201 1 . This second-cycle bird was discovered 23 July on Dauphin Island. Earlier in the season, on 1 June, a different second-cycle Lesser was photographed on Dauphin Island, providing a first state record for June. Photograph by B.J. Stacey. ing a rare Jun record for the Gulf coast. Three Solitary Sandpipers were located at locations in Jackson, Panola, and Quitman, MS 7-30 Jul, providing rare summer records. Two Whim- brels lingered on the w. end of Dauphin 11 Jun-9 Jul, providing only the 3rd Alabama Jun record, and 2 Marbled Godwits were also there 1 1-25 Jun, for only the 4th Alabama Jun record (ph. HEH). Mississippi observers also located single Marbled Godwits at the w. ship channel, Harrison 24 Jul and Horn I., Jackson 25 Jul (BD, CW). Ten Sanderlings at the w. end of Dauphin 22 Jun (JW) was a high count for the date. A Dunlin in breeding plumage was seen on Pelican I., just s. of Dauphin 20 Jun (JW), and another (or the same?) bird stayed at the w. end of Dauphin 11-24 Jun (HEH, JW). A male Wilson’s Phalarope tarried at a small field pond in Colbert, AL 3-5 Jun (ph. SWM, DJS). The first Lesser Black-backed Gull records for Jun and Jul in Alabama were established this season by a second-cycle bird at the w. end of Dauphin 1 Jun (ph. BCG) and another second-cycle on Dauphin 23 Jul (ph. BJS). A visit to a Least Tern nesting area at Biloxi, Harrison, MS 5 Jun found 600, an excellent count (ZL). Nest census efforts at the w. end of Dauphin 1 1 Jun-9 Jul included a count of 442 Common Terns 25 Jun (HEH), a new Al- abama summer record. Nesting Black Skim- mers continue to maintain a strong presence in coastal Mississippi, where census efforts found 200-360 between three Harrison loca- tions 4 Jun-23 Jul. Two White-winged Doves were a surprise at Tuckersburg, Chambers 12 Jul (LW), only the 7th M.R. record for this expanding species. Two Common Ground-Doves were heard call- ing at Waynesboro, Wayne, MS 18-19 Jun (GK, SK), where the species is an uncommon nester. Twenty Acadian Flycatchers made a new summer M.R. high count on the Cherokee S.B.C. 12 Jun QFF, AH). Two singing Willow Flycatchers were found 9 Jun at the F.S.C.R., where breeding was documented in 2010 (ECS); this remains the only known nesting site s. of the T.V in Alabama. A singing Willow Flycatcher was noted 13 Jun at Wheeler, where the species bred in 2004 (DRC); another was at Coldwater 11 Jun (TGK, tSK, WP). A Least Flycatcher sang in response to playback in Colbert 11 Jun (DJS), establish- ing the 2nd Alabama Jun record. Local nesting was sus- pected for the Western King- birds (one ad., one imm.) found at Horn L., DeSoto, MS 25 Jul (ph. JRW). A Gray Kingbird at Ft. Mor- gan 4 Jul (EW), where the species continues to be found sporadically, provided the only re- port of the season. Seven Alabama Scissor- tailed Flycatcher sightings totaled 10 birds, 12 Jun-24 Jul; almost all were at or near tradi- tional nesting locations. A family of 4 Logger- head Shrikes (2 ads., 2 imms.) was seen near Florence in Lauderdale, AL 3 Jun (SWM, DJS); the species is currently considered a rare breeder in that area. VIRE0S THROUGH ORIOLES Warbling Vireos were documented nesting again at Waterloo, Lauderdale, AL 3-25 Jun (SWM, DJS), at the e. edge of their range; this site has hosted the species for at least the past 10 summers. On the heels of a late spring sighting at the same location, a Black- whiskered Vireo on Dauphin 19 Jul (BCG, PR) made an unprecedented summer find. Fish Crows are becoming almost expected in n. Alabama, and this season, four reports came in from T.V and M.R. counties, with 14 in Cherokee 10-12 Jun QFF, GDJ, MSh) being the highest count. A new M.R. maximum for Northern Rough- winged Swallow was estab- lished by 324 totaled during the Cherokee S.B.C. 4 Jun (DPG), but this mark was sur- passed by the 400 counted at Greensboro and Marion, Hale/Perry 16 Jul (MSh, AGM), fur- nishing a new Alabama summer maximum. Some 770 Cliff Swallows were recorded at colonies during the Cherokee, AL S.B.C. 17 Jun (RSH, DCH). Participants on the Pike, AL S.B.C. found 10 Gray Catbirds in the Ainsley topographic quadrangle (A&PT), an excel- lent total that far south. A singing Chestnut-sided Warbler at Paint Rock, Jackson, AL 7 Jun (DRC) may have been another indication of attempted breed- ing. A singing Black-throated Blue Warbler at DeSoto S.P, DeKalb, AL 11 Jun (JB) was a late migrant. The Pike, AL S.B.C. produced anoth- er notable observation: 4 Worm-eating War- blers in the Saco topographic quad 5 Jun (JAT), at the s. edge of the species’ normal range. Continuing from spring, an Ovenbird sang through at least 3 Jun at Noxubee (TLS); an Ovenbird has occupied a territory there annually since 2007. Seven reports totaling at least 12 Swainson’s Warblers came in from both states, 1 Jun-9 Jul. A singing Connecti- cut Warbler at Cedar Creek, Franklin, AL 1 1 Jun (DJS) was most unusual: this species is very rarely detected in Alabama at any time of year, much less during the summer months. Both Cerulean and Yellow Warblers, rare breeders, were found at Larkin Fork, Jackson, AL 7 Jun (DRC). A singing Yellow Warbler was in the willows at Oakland Marsh, Laud- erdale, AL 3 Jun (SWM, DJS). An injured White-throated Sparrow con- tinued from spring through the season at Adaton, Oktibbeha, MS (TLS, MS), for only the 2nd local summer record. Seventeen Scar- let Tanagers, a new Alabama high count for summer, were found in the Leesburg topo- graphic quad on the Cherokee, AL S.B.C. 10 Jun (GDJ). A male Black-headed Grosbeak at Columbus, Lowndes, MS 17 Jul (ph. DN, JN) marked the first summer record for the state. The impressive count of 102 Indigo Buntings in two topographic quads on the Cherokee, AL S.B.C. 12 Jun OFF, AH) broke the previous M.R. summer record. Up to 6 Baltimore Ori- oles per site were reported in Hinds, Quitman, Tallahatchie, and Tate, MS 5 Jun-30Jul. Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): John Bonelli, Karen Chiasson, Ned Coleman, Dean R. Cutten, Jim F Flynn, Bob Dellinger, Diana Gardiner, Ben C. Garmon, David P George, Andrew Haffenden, R. Stan Hamilton, Dana C. Hamilton, GregJ. Harber, Rob Heflin, Howard E. Horne, Greg D. Jack- son (Alabama), Tom Johnson, Michael J. Jor- dan, Donna E. Kittle, Paul D. Kittle, Gene Knight, Shannon Knight, Zachary Loman, Nick Lund, Ken & Vicki Marion, David & Mary Anne Marjamaa, Steven W McConnell, Anne G. Miller, Allan Mueller, David Nabors, Jackie Nabors, Wayne Patterson, Rick & Susan Remy, Becky Rosamond, Patsy Russo, Tom W. Savage, Marion Schiefer, Terence L. Schiefer (Mississippi), Maureen Shaffer, Damien J. Sim- beck, Don Sizemore, Eric C. Soehren, B.J. Stacey, Bill Summerour, John A. Trent, Allen & Priscilla Tubbs, Jacob N. Walker, Ed Wallace, Jennifer Wang, Lorna West, Randy White, Ken Wills, Jeff R. Wilson, Cynthia Worthington. © Steven W. McConnell, 29 Village Drive NE Hartselle, Alabama 35640, (swmavocet@aol.com) VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 643 Arkansas & Louisiana Steven W. Cardiff As the record floods of late spring 2011 subsided and early season tropical cy- clones once again avoided the central Gulf Coast, severe drought moved back to the forefront as the dominant weather theme of summer 2011. Continuing to be particularly hard hit by the ongoing drought were western and southern Louisiana. Barrier Island bird re- surveys (designed to monitor the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and to estab- lish baseline data in the event of future spills) initiated during May 2011 continued through June, and the fifth season of the Louisiana Summer Bird Atlas project took place from 1 June to 15July (see: ). Abbreviations: B.K.N.W.R. (Bald Knob N.W.R., White, AR); C.N.F. (Camp Nine Farm, Desha, AR); M.S.F (Morganza Spillway Forebay, Pointe Coupee, LA). Counties/parish- es are indicated only for the initial mention of a specific locality, and states are indicated only for the initial mention of counties/ parishes, except to avoid confusion. For records of “review list” species, documenta- tion has been received and records have either been accepted by, or acceptance is pending by, the respective state bird records committee. Significance for Arkansas records is based on Arkansas Birds, their Distribution and Abun- dance (James and Neal 1986) and the Arkansas Audubon Society (A.A.S.) online bird record database (for records since 1986). Significance for Louisiana records is based on the bird record card file database and the Louisiana Bird Records Committee archives at the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science, as well as the most recent draft of the forthcoming Birds of Louisiana (Remsen, Cardiff, Dittmann, and Dickson). WATERFOWL THROUGH ANHINGA Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks have in- creased rather dramatically over much of Louisiana and s. Arkansas, but the species is still rare in the n. portion of both states. Northward venturing Black-bellieds included 2 at Proctor, Crittenden, AR 25 Jun (Rita & Richard Underhill), 2 at Woolsey Wet Prairie near Fayetteville, Washington, AR 28 Jun (MAM) and 1 Jul (ph. Don Steinkraus), 2 near Athens, Claiborne, LA 4 Jun (ph. Zach Buckner), and 6 at Black Bayou L., Caddo, LA 2 Jul (ph. Larry R. Raymond). Four Fulvous Whistling-Ducks well e. of their normal sw. Louisiana distribution were at Braithwaite, Plaquemines 4 Jul (ph. GO); representing sw. Arkansas’s isolated summer resident popula- tion were 18 at C.N.F 4 Jun (DB) and 12 there 26 Jul (DB, AL). Lingering puddle ducks, most of which are presumed to be in- jured birds, included Gadwalls at Port Louis, St. Tammany, LA 9 Jun (HLP) and near Sweet Lake, Cameron, LA 15 Jul (DLD, SWC), 4 Northern Shovelers at C.N.F 4 Jun (DB) and one near Sweet Lake 15 Jul (DLD, SWC), and 2 Northern Pintails at C.N.F 4 Jun (DB) plus one near Sweet Lake 15 Jul (DLD, SWC). The only reports of summering scaup were of a very rare Greater on the coast at Cameron, Cameron 2 Jun (PEC; possibly same bird there in late May) and a Lesser at Kincaid L., Rapides 8 Jun-18 Jul (JVH). Up to 6 Surf Scoters (DBo, WW, HM, PEC) and 3 Black Scoters (PEC) were noted on the Cameron, LA coast through 6 Jun, and a late Red- breasted Merganser was just w. of Holly Beach, Cameron 1 Jun (DBo). Ruddy Ducks are generally quite rare in the Region in sum- mer, so a female at Kincaid L., Rapides, LA 12 Jun+ (JVH) and a male in non-breeding plumage at L. Fayetteville, Washington 21 Jun (MAM, H. D. Chapman; only 3rd summer record for nw. half of Arkansas) were worthy of mention; a female at C.N.F 4 Jun (DB) was also “late,” but the species has apparently nested at that location in recent years. Sub- stantial numbers of presumably summering American White Pelicans were reported from multiple locations across s. Louisiana Jun-early Jul (m.ob.), with a high of 385 at M.S.F 25 Jun (DBo, JBo); scattered singles were also noted in n. Louisiana in Red River 1 Jul (Carolyn Phillips et al.), Union 7 Jul (SLP), and Natchitoches 23 Jul (JVH). Among the many American White Pelicans at M.S.F 25 Jun were 2 rare inland Brown Pelicans (DBo, JBo). Neotropic Cormorants are still rare anywhere in n. Louisiana and Arkansas, so 3 ads. at B.K.N.W.R. 18 Jun-8 Jul (K&LN) and 2 at Cotile L, Rapides 14 Jul (JVH) were good finds; an estimated 800 (many on nests) at M.S.F 25 Jun (DBo, JBo) provided further evidence of a major surge into this area ne. of the normal distribution in sw. Louisiana. About 100 Double-crested Cormorants at C.N.F 26 Jul (DB, AL) was an exceptional summer count for se. Arkansas, and a single at SWEPCO L. near Gentry, Benton 15 Jul (ph. Terry Stanfill) was unusual for nw. Arkansas. Forty-five Anhingas at Moore Bay- ou, Arkansas 4 Jun (DB, Kirsten Bartlow) and 40 at C.N.F 26 Jul (DB, AL) were high num- bers for anywhere in Arkansas, and a single at B.K.N.W.R. 18 Jun (K&LN) and 5 there 30 Jun (Terry Butler, David Finch) were unusu- al for ne. Arkansas. HERONS THROUGH SH0REBIRDS At least 2 Tricolored Herons in Claiborne 13- 24 Jul (JD) were unusual for the n. Louisiana “uplands region,” as were 2 Roseate Spoon- bills at Homer, Claiborne 26 Jul (JD). Three r n Gulf of Mexico pelagic trips out of Louisiana have been few and far between in recent years, so one of the summer J /^highlights were the two Jul trips this season. These were the first publicized pelagic birding trips into the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster zone since the rig accident in 2010. The first trip (sponsored by Louisiana State University Museum of Nat- ural Science) took place 1-2 Jul out of South Pass of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The 36-hour format allowed coverage out to 145 km and a depth of 2400 m, with the majority of coverage beyond 80 km. Considering the distances covered, seabird diversity and abundance were average at best: 49 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, 4 Leach's Storm-Petrels, 8 Band-rumped Storm-Petrels, one Masked Booby, and 14 Bridled Terns (SWC, ph. DLD, Curtis C. Sorrells, Phillip A. Wallace, JVH, Melvin We- ber). These results are actually not bad for a Gulf pelagic, and at least it was reassuring to find seabirds using the oil disaster zone. Perhaps almost as interesting as the pelagic species were sightings of some unexpected non-pelagic species making trans-Gulf flights in early Jul, e.g., a Tricolored Heron 40 km offshore, 5 Cattle Egrets at 114 km out, and a Green Heron at 95 km out, all flying northward. The 24 Jul trip out of Tiger Pass passed close to Southwest Pass, then ssw. over Sackett Bank and the Mississippi Canyon out to about 65-75 km ssw. of Southwest Pass and 900 m depth. Pelagic seabirds reported included 4 Audubon's Shearwaters, 11 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, 1-2 Leach's Storm-Petrels, 9 Band-rumped Storm-Petrels, 3 Bridled Terns, and a Pomarine Jaeger (DBo, ph. JBo, ph. JWH, ph. Dave Patton, m.ob.). 644 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ARKANSAS & LOUISIANA] Roseate Spoonbills in St. Tammany, LA 21 Jun were also unexpected for n. of L. Pontchar- train. An ad. White-faced Ibis at B.K.N.W.R. 4 Jun (K&LN) hinted at possible breeding in ne. Arkansas. Swallow-tailed Kites in cen.-w. Louisiana (and away from established breed- ing locations) included one in Rapides 2 Jun (JVH), one in Vernon 15 Jun (Robert Harper, JideJVH), and 2 there 3 Jul (DBo, JBo), and 2 in Natchitoches 26 Jun and one there 12 Jul (both JVH); one near Marianna, Lee, AR 31 Jul (John Morrow) was most likely a fall tran- sient. Five White-tailed Kites at a regenerat- ing clear-cut in Beauregard 2 Jul (DBo, JBo) added to the accumulating breeding season records for inland sw. Louisiana. At least six reports of Bald Eagles from across Louisiana 1 Jun-25 Jul (JVH, DBo, JBo, JD) provided fur- ther evidence that small numbers of the win- ter-breeding population are now remaining through the summer. A Sharp-shinned Hawk near Gepp, Fulton 1 1 Jun (LA) was this sea- son’s only report of this rare summer resident of the Ozarks. Red-tailed Hawks are being re- ported with increasing frequency during sum- mer from Louisiana’s coastal zone; this sea- son, singles were observed near Oak Grove, Cameron 5 Jun (DBo, JBo) and in St. Bernard 10 Jun (GO), a family group of 5 was near Houma 18 Jun, and 4 (including juvs. and suggestive of local breeding) were near Sweet Lake 30 Jul (both DBo, JBo). An American Kestrel on the coast near Venice, lower Plaquemines on the strange date of 24 Jul (ph. B. J. Stacey) was presumably a very early tran- sient or post-breeding wanderer; one in Cal- casieu 31 Jul (DBo, JBo) could also have been an early transient or possibly representative of a rare breeding attempt in sw. Louisiana. A King Rail in a Lonoke rice field 17 jun (John Andre) made the only report of this rel- atively rare Arkansas summer resident. Amer- ican Coots occasionally summer or even nest in Louisiana’s w. coastal zone, but this season’s drought was probably not conducive to breed- ing and may have accounted for the up to 15 individuals during the period concentrated in the stagnant canals at the Lacassine N.W.R. Pool Unit, Cameron (DBo, JBo, SWC, DLD); singles were also noted at Cameron 1 Jun (DBo), near Houma 18 Jun (DBo, JBo), and at Morgan City, St. Mary, LA 30 Jun (DBo). A Wilson’s Plover at Bayou Sauvage N.W.R. 1 Jun (Tom Trenchard, GO) was slightly inland from more typical barrier island habitat. A Piping Plover at Whiskey I., Terrebonne 7 Jun (JBo) added to Louisiana’s “tweener” records — individuals that could be either late spring transients, summering, or exceptional- ly early southbound transients (the observer speculated this bird may have been a failed A scarce but regular summer visitor to Louisiana's offshore waters, this Audubon's Shearwater was one of four encountered about 50 kilometers south-southwest of Southwest Pass during a Gulf of Mexico pelagic trip out of Venice 24 July 201 1 . Photograph by Dave Patton. Representing only the second confirmed breeding occurrence for southern Louisiana (and the first since 1966), these young Western Kingbirds at Breaux Bridge, St. Martin Parish had recently fledged from a nest discovered there 5 (here 14) July 201 1 . Photograph by Gary Broussard. breeder due to Midwest floods). An amazing 800 or so American Avocets in the Grand Chenier area of Cameron 5 Jun (DBo, JBo) represented an unprece- dented concentration for summer; 12 ads. at B.K.N.WR. were considered ex- ceptionally early fall migrants on 1 Jul (K&LN). Three very early Willets at Red River N.W.R., Red River 6 Jul (ph. JT, TD) provided one of few nw. Louisiana records of fall migrants. Six Long-billed Curlews near Johnsons Bayou, Cameron, LA 6 Jun (PEC) may have been summering nonbreeders; one at Whiskey I. 22 Jun (JBo) was more likely an early southbound transient and added to the growing number of records on the cen. Louisiana coast. Seven Marbled Godwits made a nice find inland in St. Landry, LA 26 Jul (JVH). Although Short-billed Dowitch- ers regularly summer on the Louisiana (especially se.) coast, there are few well- documented inland records of summer- ing birds or extremely early fall tran- sients; thus, one nicely photographed in inland Vermilion 2 Jul (EIJ) was of inter- est. A Wilson’s Snipe lingered at B.K.N.W.R. to the very late date of 4 Jun (K&LN). Relatively early, especially for the se. Louisiana coast, was a Wilson’s Phalarope at Fort Jackson, low- er Plaquemines 23 Jul (DBo, JBo). GULLS THROUGH WRENS A Laughing Gull at C.N.F 4 Jun (DB) made the only inland report. Arkansas’s first sum- mer season Herring Gull since 1990 was at Overflow N.W.R., Ashley 15 Jun (ph. Michael Budd). A Black Tern at South Farm Unit, Sher- burne W.M.A., Iberville, LA 24 Jul (JVR, WW, HM) and 9 at L. Claiborne, Claiborne 30 Jul (JD) were at inland sites where transients are rarely detected except during landfalls of trop- ical cyclones. Another rare inland bird in sum- mer, a Caspian Tern was near Centerton, Ben- ton 17 Jun (DB). A Pomarine Jaeger on Holly Beach 23 Jul (PEC) was an obviously un- healthy summering individual. Two Yellow- billed Cuckoos at the East Chaland Headland barrier island (in Plaquemines e. of Grand Isle) 14 Jun (SWC, ph. DLD) were considered spring migrants that had likely just made landfall after crossing the Gulf of Mexico. An imm. male Rufous Hummingbird at Cabot, Lonoke 24 Jul (Ralph Sandage, Andy Sandage) VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 645 ARKANSAS & LOUISIANA furnished Arkansas’s first Jul record for this rare fall migrant; there were no prior records from the period 13 Apr-2 Aug. A nesting pair of Northern Flickers along Falgout Canal Bay- ou s. of Houma 15 Jul (DBo, JBo) provided a rare breeding record near the Louisiana coast. An Eastern Wood-Pewee at Baton Rouge 4 Jun (JWH et al.) provided one of very few non- coastal detections of a presumed late spring migrant. A family group of 6 Great Crested Flycatchers at Grand Isle, Jefferson, LA 12 Jun (DBo, JBo) possibly represented the first breeding record for that locale. A pair of West- ern Kingbirds attending a nest with large young at Breaux Bridge, St. Martin 5 Jul+ (ph. Gary Broussard et al.) furnished only the 2nd confirmed breeding record for s. Louisiana. A singing Black-whiskered Vireo made a brief appearance in upper Plaquemines 16-17 Jun (Mikey Lutmerding, DBo, JBo); there are few previous summer records, and the vast majority of all Louisiana records are from coastal barrier islands. Tree Swallows were once again confirmed breeding in Rapides , LA, where an ad. was observed feeding a fledgling at Kincaid L. 26 Jul (JVH); a juv. near Guey- dan, Vermilion 12 Jun (PEC; “begging” from other swallow species), and other singles at M.S.E 25 Jun (DBo, JBo) and in Vermilion 4Jul (E1J), were probably best considered wander- ing post-breeders, nonbreeders, or exception- ally early southbound transients. Circumstan- tial evidence of breeding Northern Rough- winged Swallows in the coastal zone (and s. of the established breeding distribution) includ- ed an apparent pair attending a fledgling in ex- treme sw. Cameron 1 Jun (DBo; possibly also present 21 May), 2 at Cameron 2 Jun (PEC), and a possible pair at Larose, Lafourche 12 Jun (DBo, JBo). A Bank Swallow at Middle Cha- land Headland, Plaquemines 15 Jun (SWC) was very late for a spring transient, and 2 in Vermilion 4 Jul (ph. EIJ) were exceptionally early for southbound transients. A Brown- headed Nuthatch was an unexpected visitor near Pineville, Izard 11 Jun (LA); more wide- spread in the Ouachita region and a rare and local resident in the s. Ozarks, this is appar- ently the farthest ne. that the species has been reported in Arkansas. A House Wren was rela- tively far s. at Fort Smith, Sebastian 27 Jun (Sandy Berger, David Berger), but breeding re- mains unconfirmed there despite several oth- er recent summer records. THRUSHES THROUGH WARBLERS Eastern Bluebirds s. of the normal breeding distribution included one at Hackberry, Cameron 1 Jun (DBo; possibly same bird pres- ent since Apr), several territorial pairs in the vicinity of Cut Off, Lafourche , including a pair attending a nest 12 Jun (DBo, JBo), and two pairs (at least one nest) at Bertrandville, Plaquemines 17 Jun (DBo, JBo). A lone Ameri- can Robin at Grand Isle 12Jun (DBo, JBo) was thought to be the same summering bird pres- ent since early May. The peculiar Gray Catbird breeding population in se. Calcasieu and adja- cent Cameron , LA continues to thrive, with as many as 27 detected in the Sweet Lake area 14-15 Jul (SWC, DLD); one near St. Gabriel 17 Jul was judged a wandering post-breeder, as the species is not known to nest in the area (SWC, DLD). Three Cedar Waxwings, includ- ing a juv., at Hector, Pope 21 Jun (LA) were somewhat se. of most other Arkansas breeding season records, and most reports of juvs. are from later in the summer. An Ovenbird s. of Marianna in St. Francis N.E, Lee 13 Jun (LA) was well e. of the normal summer distribution in the Arkansas Ozarks; hopefully, confirmation of breeding in the area will be pursued further. A Northern Wa- terthrush at East Chaland Headland 14 Jun (ph. SWC, ph. DLD) was exceptionally late for a presumed spring transient. Another in- triguing find in the St. Francis N.E, Phillips 13 Jun (LA) was a Worm-eating Warbler; there are only a few previous summer records for this area of e.-cen. Arkansas; one mist-netted at a M.A.P.S. site at Sherburne W.M.A., St. Martin , LA (where the species is not known to breed) 28 Jun (ph. Eric Liffmann, Irvin Louque) was presumably a wandering non- breeder or failed breeder. A very late Ten- nessee Warbler at Little Rock, Pulaski 2 Jun (Dan & Samantha Schieman) had been pres- ent since late May and represented only the 2nd Jun record for Arkansas. Most interesting among several Arkansas reports of American Redstarts were 4 territorial males at St. Francis N.E, Phillips 13 Jun (LA); this is apparently the first evidence in several decades that the species persists (or is becoming re-estab- lished) as a breeder in e. Arkansas. Another surprise from the St. Francis N.F, Lee 13 Jun (LA) were the 3 territorial Cerulean Warblers, a species now rarely reported in Arkansas dur- ing the breeding season away from the Ozarks. A possibly territorial Chestnut-sided Warbler near Lee Cr. 5 Jun (LA) would be only about the 2nd breeding season record for Crawford and one of few for the extreme w. Ozarks. A Black-throated Green Warbler n. of Chester 5 Jun (LA) was thought to be a territorial bird, which would be a breeding first for Crawford and the extreme w. Ozarks; previously, breed- ing was known from as close as adjacent Franklin to the e. and the Ouachita Mts. to the southeast. A very early migrant Prairie War- bler was on the coast near Port Fourchon, Lafourche 20 Jul (ph. SWC). SPARROWS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS The Cassin’s Sparrows discovered at Bossier City, Bossier, LA in early May were last ob- served 1 Jun, when a male and female were detected; none could be found during subse- quent visits (TD). Arkansas’s first Cassin’s Sparrows, also discovered in early May in Lit- tle River, continued well into the nesting sea- son period, with a maximum of 6 birds (5 singing males and a female) confirmed 14 Jun and numerous sightings of ads. carrying food, providing good circumstantial evidence of successful breeding there (ph. CM); the Arkansas Cassin’s were last observed 10 Jul (CM). A rare breeding species in Louisiana, a pair of Grasshopper Sparrows was at Homer, Claiborne 11 Jun (]D). A one-day-wonder White-throated Sparrow at Erbie Camp- ground, Buffalo National River, Newton 9 Jul (Jack Stewart, Timon Barr, Stephanie Barr, Pam Stewart, Ed Pinkston) may have provid- ed Arkansas with its first Jul record, at least since 1986; one with a crippled wing first ob- served near St. Gabriel 22 May was last ob- served 17 Jun (ph. SWC, DLD). A very late Rose-breasted Grosbeak visited Monroe, Ouachita, LA 3 Jun (SLP). Two territo- rial male Dickcissels near Houma 18 Jun (DBo, JBo) were unusually close to the se. Louisiana coast, and one flying s. over Grand Isle 19 Jul (DBo) was very early for a migrant. Four Boat- tailed Grackles at M.S.E 25 Jun (DBo, JBo) were unusually far inland, and a male Great- tailed Grackle at Bueche, West Baton Rouge 3 Jul (JVR) added to the growing number of records just ne. of the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp corridor. Bronzed Cowbirds continue to spread across s. Louisiana, but the species remains scarce in the Baton Rouge area and n. of L. Pontchartrain. Thus, of note were a male at St. Gabriel 12 Jun (JVR, Amy Shutt), and St. Tam- many sightings of 4 on 9 Jun (HLP) and one on 1 Jul (GO); 13 near Sweet Lake 30 Jul (DBo, JBo) was a large number for sw. Louisiana. Initialed observers (subregional editors bold- faced): Leif Anderson, Dick Baxter, Devin Bosler (DBo), Justin Bosler (JI3o), Steven W. Cardiff (Louisiana), Paul E. Conover, Terry Davis, John Dillon, Donna L. Dittmann, Jeff W. Harris, Jay V. Huner, Erik I. Johnson, Adam Leslie, Heather Mancuso, Michael A. Mlodinow, Joseph C. Neal (Arkansas), Kenny Nichols, LaDonna Nichols, Glenn Ousset, Stephen L. Pagans, Harvey L. Patten, J. V Remsen, Jeff Trahan, Walker Wilson. $ Steven W. Cardiff, Museum of Natural Science 119 Foster Hall, Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-3216 (scardif@gmail.com) 646 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Northern Canada & Greenland Cameron D. Eckert As the frenetic anticipation of spring fades, summer is the season to take stock of the Region’s breeding bird populations — their abundance, productivity, and long-term health. Nesting shorebirds and raptors appeared to have a productive season in northern Yukon and parts of Nunavut, and Whooping Cranes had a very good year. The quest to fill knowledge gaps continued, with new nesting records for rare species through- out the Region including Northwest Territo- ries’ first American Dipper nest, a first Dusky Grouse in central Yukon, and a new nesting site for Ross’s Gulls in the High Arctic. WATERFOWL THROUGH SHOREBIRDS A pair of Northern Pintails, rare at Iqaluit, NU, shared a pond there with a pair of Tundra Swans 25 Jun (ph. DKi). King Eider reports included a migrant flock of 16 at Herschel I., n. Yukon 6 Jun (ph. CE), and a flock of 50 at Arctic Bay, NU 19 Jun (CK). A flock of 8 male Harlequin Ducks was on the Yukon R. in Whitehorse, s. Yukon 19 Jun (ph. HD); a pair at Brintnell Cr., Nahanni N.P., NWT 20 Jun (JT, EB, DTe) may have been breeding. Two Hooded Mergansers, a species not yet con- firmed breeding in the Yukon, were seen near Marsh L. 28 Jul (EA). It had been so long since the last cen. Yukon report of a Dusky Grouse that it seemed doubtful they still ex- isted in the area; that changed with the obser- vation of two Dusky Grouse broods (3 and 9 chicks) in mixed forests of Trembling Aspen and White Spruce forest on Mt. Hansen, se. of the confluence of the Pelly R. and Yukon R. 28 Jun (MOD). A courting pair of Sharp-tailed Grouse, at the n. edge of their range, was seen near Inuvik, NWT 25 May (ph. RM). A pair of Pacific Loons with a chick on a pond near Rabbitkettle L., Nahanni N.E, NWT 14 Jul (ph. DTa) was the first recent evidence of nesting there. A pair of Pacific Loons nested for the 2nd consecu- tive year at Marcil L., Arctic Bay, NU, with chicks hatching 26-27 Jul (CK). Four species of loons present in the Mary R. area, Baffin L, NU included ad. Yellow-billed Loons with young (AA). A bright breed- ing-plumaged Eared Grebe, casual in s. Yukon, was at Whitehorse 19 Jun and 8 Jul (CE; JJ). The report of a Double-crested JJ | Cormorant at Nares L., s. Yukon 13 J Jun (TA, HG) was followed by the ( discovery of a nearby breeding y i colony near Bove I. on Tagish L., where 13 ads. and three nests were noted 10 Jul (JBo). A check of the colony 13 Aug recorded three breeding pairs with one, 2, and 3 young, respectively (ph. BS1). A sin- gle Double-crested Cormorant was seen near the only other known Yukon breeding colony on L. Laberge 7 Jul, though nesting activity was not observed (MBe, PB). The Double- crested Cormorant colony on Akimiski L, NU numbered 100-125 nests this season (fide KA). American Bittern is sporadic in sw. Northwest Territories, and at least 2 were not- ed near Ft. Liard in Jun (CM). Whooping Cranes in Wood Buffalo N.P., NWT had a suc- cessful breeding season, fledging 37 chicks from a record 75 nests (SI). Three productive Rough-legged Hawk nests at Cambridge Bay, NU 27 Jun-15 Jul were somewhat surprising, given the apparent lack of lemmings in the area (JR)- Breeding productivity was out- standing for Rough-legged Hawks and Pere- grine Falcons at Mary R., Baffin I., NU this season; most Peregrines fledged 4 chicks, while 5 chicks was common for Rough- leggeds (AA). A flock of 30 American Golden-Plovers at Ft. Smith, NWT 4-5 Jun (SI) were late mi- grants, though 2 singles seen in alpine habitat on Tundra Ridge, Nahanni N.P., NWT 18 Jun (MS, JaH) suggested possible breeding. Four Common Ringed Plovers, including 2 very pale individuals, were seen at Marcil L., NU 7 Jul (CK). A territorial Wandering Tattler, a rare breeder in Northwest Territories, was at an alpine pond near Funeral Cr. headwaters 17 Jun (MS, JaH). A pair of Greater Yellowlegs with a downy young at Army Beach 18-24 Jun (JJ, BSc; ph. CE) added to the few confirmed breeding records for the Yukon. An Upland Sandpiper seen at Akimiski I., NU 9 Jun (MD, GH) established the first record for the Bay Is- lands. An Upland Sandpiper nest found near Jawbone L., sw. of Norman Wells, 26 Jun (RP) provided one of Northwest Territories’ north- ernmost confirmed breeding records for the species. Three late migrant Ruddy Turnstones were at Hay River, NWT 4 Jun (ph. GV). A pair of Surfbirds, a very rare s. Yukon breeder, was seen on a ridge top in Kusawa Park, s. Yukon 25 Jun (ph. JK). A migrant flock of 15 White-rumped Sandpipers at Herschel I. 4 Jun (ph. CE) was perhaps the largest flock ever recorded in the Yukon. Baird’s Sand- pipers had a successful breeding season at Arctic Bay, NU, with many family groups en- countered 12-26 Jul (CK). le appeared at Cambridge Bay 30 June 201 1 . Photograph by VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 647 | NORTHERN CANADA & GREENLAND GULLS THROUGH FINCHES Ring-billed Gull and Herring Gull colonies on Akimiski I., NU have expanded in the past 10 years, while the Caspian Tern colony remains at about 100 nests (fide KA). A count of 163 Glaucous Gulls was recorded at Marcil L., NU 4 Jun (CK, TK). Anyone with a keen interest in Glaucous Gull x Herring Gull hybrids would thrill at the Inuvik, NWT dump; 20 hybrid gulls were recorded there among 100 Glaucous and 6 Herring Gulls 7 Jun (CE). An amazing flock of 193 Sabine’s Gulls, a very rare inland migrant, was observed flying northward along the Mackenzie R. at Ft. Simpson, NWT 1 Jun (ph. DTa). Research on Ivory Gulls in Nunavut’s High Arctic this sea- son focused on a colony of about 30 nests at Seymour I. and several smaller colonies total- ing about 50 nests at Grinnell I. (MMy). Thir- ty Arctic Terns (22 ads., 8 juvs.) were at Simp- son L., se. Yukon 29 Jul (JJ). Twenty- five ad. Black Terns were at the colony at Blind L., se. Yukon 23 Jun (CE, MC, PF, DP); this site con- tinues to define the nw. extent of the species’ breeding range. A trickle of eastbound mi- grant Pomarine Jaegers at Herschel 1., n. Yukon totaled 18 birds 30 May-6 Jun (EM; ph. CE). A Parasitic Jaeger at Tagish 26 Jul (SVD) was unexpected in s. Yukon in sum- mer. Both Parasitic and Long-tailed Jaegers nested at Cambridge Bay, NU 27 Jun-15 Jul (JR), while Long-taileds were reported nest- ing at Mary L., Baffin I., NU (AA), and a pair was seen nesting on Angelcomb Mt., Tomb- stone Park, cen. Yukon 10 Jul (CC). The spring surge of Eurasian Collared- Doves into s. Yukon continued into the sum- mer, with reports of one at L. Laberge 3 Jun (BL, ph. SR), a pair in Carcross through late Jun (ph. AW), one in Tagish 30Jun-l Jul (ph. LH), one at Twin Lakes Jul 5 (AL), and up to 3 in Haines Junction through the season (fide JuB). A single Mourning Dove, a rare wander- er to the Region, was at Partridge Cr., cen. Yukon 4 Jun (DB, VB, ph. MBu); another was at Norman Wells, NWT 10 Jun (CHo, PR). A Black-billed Cuckoo was seen at Watson Lake, se. Yukon 9 Jun (SC, PMi), though its rarity was not fully realized until the chance for a photograph had passed. A Snowy Owl nest with six eggs was found along Water Cr., Herschel I., n. Yukon 3 Jun (ph. CE). Snowy Owls were especially common at Mary R., Baffin I., NU this summer; ads. with 4-5 young were regularly encountered later in the season (AA). An extraordinary count of about 150 Common Nighthawks was recorded along a 20-km stretch of highway e. of Hay River, NWT 25 Jul (ph. GV). Two Rufous Hummingbirds, rare but regular in s. Yukon, were seen at Teslin late Jun-6 Jul (]S, HS). Black-backed Woodpecker can be elusive in s. Yukon; one was at the lower Smith R. 25 Jun (SVD). A Northern Flicker, at the n. edge of its range, was found dead in a woodstove se. of Inuvik, NWT in late Jun (ph. RL). Pileated Woodpecker is scarce in s. Northwest Territories; a nest with at least 2 young was nicely documented at Hay River 12 Jul (ph. GV). An unfortunate Say’s Phoebe, n. of its normal range at Herschel I., n. Yukon 2 Jun, died when it got trapped in a building (LJM). A Western Kingbird, a first for cen. Yukon, was at Henderson’s Corner, s. of Dawson 28 Jul (ph. GB, MBr, CHu). An Eastern Kingbird, a rare but regular wanderer to the Region, was at Tagish, s. Yukon 19-20 Jun (ph. SVD; JJ). A tantalizing Blue Jay call heard at Ft. Liard 31 May (CM, KK, AE) added to the handful of reports of this species, which has yet to be documented for Northwest Territories. A cold weather front bringing fog and freezing rain saw 5 Horned Larks join 12 Snow Buntings and 2 White-crowned Sparrows at a Rankin Inlet, NU feeder 4 Jun OCA). Northern Rough- winged Swallow is very rare anywhere in the Region and has yet to be confirmed breeding in the Yukon; a pair seen at Porter Creek 3-10 Jul displayed all the signs of breeding except for a nest (ph. CE, PS). A substantial flock of about 1000 Bank Swal- lows was at the Whitehorse sewage ponds, s. Yukon 19 Jun (CE). Marsh Wrens, known from scattered locations in s. Northwest Terri- tories, were found at three sites around Hay River in Jul (GV). An American Dipper nest, the first for Northwest Territories, was dis- covered along lower Prairie Cr., Nahanni N.P. 21 Jul (MS). The spectacular breeding display of Northern Wheatear is one of the true de- lights of a summer trek in the alpine; such was the case with a pair seen at Discovery Ridge in Tombstone Park, cen. Yukon 10 Jun (ph. CE); as well, wheatears were occasional- r Unpredictable changes in the formation and extent of Arctic pack ice, combined with increased industrial activity in the jt\ North, has raised concerns for the species that depend on remote and very poorly understood habitats in Canada's High Arctic. New research by Memorial University graduate student Mark Maftei and Dr. Mark Mallory of Acadia University, both of the High Arctic Gull Research Group, is investigating the breeding behavior and post-breeding dispersal of one of the Arctic's rarest breeding birds, Ross's Gull. Field surveys this year discovered new nesting sites in Queen's Channel, NU; at least 13 ad. Ross's Gulls were observed at three different sites, with two confirmed nests and two more pairs suspected of breeding (JA, SD, MaM, MMy). A paper in preparation will summarize 32 previous breeding records from Nunavut and Manitoba. ly seen at Mary L., Baffin I., NU, with ads. feeding young later in the season (AA). Ex- tralimital American Robins appear to be on the increase in the far North, with reports this season from Ulukhaktok, NWT (DKu) and Rankin Inlet, NU, where 2 were noted 4 Jun (TB) and at least one through 30 Jul (BZ). A Varied Thrush, n. of its range, was seen at Herschel I., n. Yukon 2 Jun (LJM); a pile of Varied Thrush feathers found the following day in a nearby Peregrine Falcon nest pointed to its demise (CE). A Brown Thrasher, about the 5th for Nunavut, was at Cambridge Bay 30 Jun (ph. AH). Cedar Waxing can be fairly common in s. Yukon in some years; 2 were at Teslin 18 Jun (ph. AS), 3 were at Watson Lake 21 Jun (SVD), 4 were at Porter Creek 26 Jun (CE), and 2 were at Faro, cen. Yukon 4 Jul (LG, JJ). Tennessee Warbler is a rare but regular wan- derer to cen. Yukon; one was singing at Hen- derson Corner, s. of Dawson in mid-Jun (GB, CHu). Rare warblers at Herschel I., n. Yukon were a Yellow Warbler 5 Jun and a Yellow- rumped 4 Jun (ph. CE), providing the island’s 2nd and 3rd records, respectively. Two addi- tional Yellow-rumped Warblers well n. of their normal range were reported at Rankin Inlet, NU 9 Jun (BZ) and Whale Cove, NU in the first week of Jun (GO, ph. MO). Two singing Bay-breasted Warblers, near the nw. edge of their range, were at Deadmen Valley, NWT 17 Jun (DTa). Two singing MacGillivray’s War- blers along Cosh Cr. 23 Jun (v.r. CE) estab- lished the Yukon’s easternmost record for the species. A nicely documented male Western Tanager provided a rare record for Carcross, s. Yukon 6 Jul (ph. AW). Rare sparrows seen at Cambridge Bay, NU included a Savannah Sparrow 7 Jul (Gfi MiM, JR, DS), a Song Sparrow 12 Jul (MiM, JR), and a pair of agitated White-crowned Sparrows 5- 12 Jul (GF, MiM, JR), a species that locals re- port as becoming more common in the past four years. A singing White-throated Sparrow was a surprise at Henderson Corner, s. of Dawson, cen. Yukon 17 Jun (GB, CHu). White-crowned Sparrows have shown a dra- matic decline on the Ingraham Trail breeding bird survey route near Yellowknife, NWT; one of the most common birds 15 years ago, there were none recorded on this year’s 21 Jun sur- vey (JaB). A notable movement of Common Redpolls was observed at 1800 m elevation along the Mountain R., NWT during the last week of Jul: over six days, there was a regular movement of small flocks, numbering a few hundred birds daily, toward the southeast (RP). A flock of 12 Pine Siskins seen 12 Jul (MiM, JR) established just the 2nd record for Cambridge Bay, NU. 648 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NORTHERN CANADA & GREENLAND Observers (subregional editors in boldface): Ken Abraham, Jason Akearok, Tracy Allard, Edward Allen, Alexandre Anctil, Jamie Bastedo (JaB), Julie Bauer (JuB), Mary Beattie (MBe), Pete Beattie, Eric Betsaka, Jim Boresenko (JBo), Tommy Bruce, Greg Brunner, Marlen Brunner (MBr), Del Buerge, Michael Buerge (MBu), Virginia Buerge, Corey Cartwright, Steve Charlton, Matt Clarke, Johanne Coutu- Autut, Michael Davies, Shanti Davis, Helene Dobrowolsky, Cameron Eckert (Yukon), Amanda Edworthy, Pierre Foisy, Glen Fox, Laura Grieve, Helmut Grunberg, Attima Had- lari, Jarret Hardisty (JaH), Jim Hawkings (JiH), Linda Heynen, George Holborn, Chris Hop- kins (CHo), Cynthia Hunt (CHu), Sharon Ir- win, Jukka Jantunen, Kevin Kardynal, Jozien Keijzer, Clare Kines (Nunavut), Travis Kines, David Kilabuk (DKi), David Kuptana (DKu), Ron Lalonde, Andre Langlois, Brian Lendrum, Mark Maftei (MaM), Craig Machtans, Rolland Malegana, Mark Mallory (MMy), Peter Marcel- lais (PMa), Mike McEvoy (MiM), Edward McLeod, Lee John Meyook, Peter Mitchell (PMi), Josan Moss, Mark O’Donoghue, George Okalik, Molly Okalik, Ashley Okrainec, Heather Omilgoitok, Dan Paleczny, Richard Popko, Jim Richards, Kelly Riggs, Paul Rivard, Susan Ross, Erin Scharf, Ben Schonewille (BSc), Henderien Schonewille, John Schonewille, Brian Slough (BS1), Pam Sinclair, Adam Skrutkowski, Dan Strickland, Mike Suit- or, Douglas Tate (DTa) (Northwest Territo- ries), Dan Teleki (DTe), Jonathan Tsetso, Shy- loh van Delft, Gary Vizniowski, Anita Wether- all, Brian Zawadski. O Cameron D. Eckert, 1402 Elm Street Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A4B6, (cdeckert@northwestel.net) Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koes Peter Taylor From flooding to drought, the southern Prairie Provinces saw it all this season. June remained cool, particularly in the east of the Region, and rainfall continued well above average throughout the month. As a re- sult, the major rivers and large lakes in south- ern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba continued to flood the surrounding land, after heavy spring run-off, which was augmented by flow from farther west and south, and this situation persisted into August. Some Breed- ing Bird Surveys had to be abandoned, and at- lassing was severely hampered in parts of western and central Manitoba. July was hot and dry in the east — in fact, the driest July on record in Winnipeg — reducing insect num- bers and shriveling up berry crops. Seeing ma- jor water bodies at flood stage in an otherwise dry and dusty landscape was bizarre. Nests of Canada Geese and Eared Grebes were flooded out, Wood Duck nest boxes five meters up in trees were inundated, shorebird habitat was almost nonexistent, and Cliff and Barn Swal- low nests were washed away. Impact on re- mote waterbird colonies is largely unknown, but thousands of Ring-billed Gulls relocated from an island colony to a huge old quarry at Grand Rapids, Manitoba. On the positive side, conditions in Manitoba’s pothole country were perfect for waterfowl, resulting in the highest productivity of Northern Pintail, Blue- winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup in decades. Pied-billed Grebes and Black Terns also took advantage of the newly created habitat. Con- versely, few Black Terns, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, or American Coots reached nest- ing areas on the fringes of boreal lakes and marshes. Observers in Alberta and Saskatchewan also noted good water- fowl breeding success; fall migration may reveal how the passerine breed- ing season was affected. WATERFOWL THROUGH RAILS Locally fronted Geese at Churchill, MB 7-9 Jun (RK, C.N.S.C.), while a tardy in- dividual lingered at Moose Jaw, SK 25 Jun (DC). Thirty Brant passed Cape Merry, Churchill 14 Jun (BFz et al.). Five pairs of Cackling Geese, descen- dants of released and wild birds, raised broods at a Ducks Unlimited project near Pierson, MB, far s. of the normal breeding range (R&MW, fide CC). Although actual breeding records remain scarce, Trumpeter Swan sightings in s. Manitoba contin- ue to increase: reports came from the Pinawa area, Forestry Road 13A, Hecla L, Northwest Angle Provincial Forest, Riding Mountain N.P., and the area e. of L. Winnipeg. A Eurasian Wigeon was a Churchill rar- ity in Jun (NS). An out-of-season Yel- low-billed Loon was seen at Banff N.P, AB 10 Jul (fide JRo). Single Great Egrets were at Fairy Hill Marsh, SK 12 Jun (BL), near Taber, AB 12 Jun (TP), and near Nanton, AB 13 Jul (fide GY). A Snowy Egret was at Cherry L., SK 11-12 Jun (TH). In Saskatchewan, Reed L. had a pair of Cattle Egrets 14-17 Jul (JPr, L&MD), and 6 were near Odessa, SK in the 2nd half of Jul (VG); another was s. of Lethbridge, AB 27-28 Jul (JP, m.ob.), while 70+ were at Whitewater L., MB 11 Jul (CC). A Green Heron was near Ste. Anne, MB 10 Jun (VR), and an unidenti- Band-tailed Pigeons are rare wanderers to the Prairie Provinces region. This bird remained in a Dorothy, Alberta yard 6-1 1 (here 1 1 ) June 201 1 . Photograph by Carrie Mashon. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 649 [prairie provinces This Steller's Jay was photographed, though not by a birder, at a Regina, Saskatchewan golf course some time in mid-July 201 1 . Mo further details on the bird have come to light. Photograph by Steven Lloyd. fied Plegadis ibis was near Southey, SK 19 Jun (RD). A Gyrfalcon at St. Ambroise, MB 5 Jun was exceptionally late (GWz, JW). Yellow Rail numbers in s. Manitoba were barely a shadow of last year’s invasion; perhaps the birds had short-stopped at suitable habitat farther s., where flooding broke records across large parts of the Dakotas. One Yellow Rail at Jasper N.P., AB 19 Jul-Aug was the first for the park since about 1826 (fide JRo)! An American Coot was a local rarity at Churchill 14 Jun (BFz et al.). SHORiBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Black-necked Stilt visited Jasper N.P. 11 May (fide JRo); 4, including one on a nest, were noted at Chaplin, SK 15 Jun (JPr), and one was near Pipestone, MB 13 Jul (KDS). Territorial Spotted Sandpipers were promi- nent in s. Manitoba early on, but many nests were flooded out as the season progressed (KG, RK). Lesser Yellowlegs were found breeding near Airdrie, AB in late Jun (TK). An out-of-range Upland Sandpiper was at Big Sand L., MB 14 Jun (RK, RS), and 2 were also well n. at Thompson, MB 1 Jun (RM, RI); the species reportedly did well this season around Regina, SK (GK). A Whimbrel at Jasper N.P. 31 May (GG) was a first for the park. The Chaplin/Reed L. area held 1400 Sanderlings 1 Jun (JJ). Single Buff-breasted Sandpipers fre- quented upland tundra patches at Churchill 6 & 8 Jun (RK, CNSC). A Red Phalarope at Oak Hammock Marsh, MB 1 Jun was a good find (CC, PP et al.). Breeding Bird Atlas work in n. Manitoba re- vealed Mew Gulls at Big Sand L., Zed L., and North Knife L. (RS, RK, VR, LG). As expect- ed, most rare gull reports during the season came from Churchill; best was a beautifully photographed Glaucous-winged Gull 7 Jun, about the 4th for Mani- toba (PP). Single Arctic Terns were rare at Chester- mere L„ AB 11 Jun (TK) and at Kitsim Res., AB 30 Jun (GR, SK). A Long-tailed Jaeger was near Hanna, AB 4 Jun (DS). East of its range was a Band-tailed Pigeon near Dorothy, AB about 6-11 Jun (CM, ph.), while Saskatchewan’s 4th White- winged Dove was a one-day wonder at Denholm 23 Jun (fide SS). A pair of Long- eared Owls was noted on territory near Churchill mid-Jun (RP, C.N.S.C.). The Hemaruka B.B.S. route near Youngstown, AB produced 18 Short-eared Owls 27 Jun (D&AS). An Eastern Whip-poor-will at Granville L., MB was far n. 15 Jul (RS). Initial cold weather, followed by drought, led to a scarcity of insects, which resulted in failed and abandoned nests of Chimney Swifts in Manitoba (fide FM et al). A Lewis’s Wood- pecker at Banff N.P. 20 Jul was rare (fide JRo). PASSERINES There was a late report of a Gray Flycatcher at Jasper N.P. 14 May (fide JRo), furnishing Alberta’s 3rd documented record. A Western Wood-Pewee at Laurie L, MB 27 Jun (KDS) was n. of the species’ known range and the first reported in Manitoba since 2009. A Steller’s Jay was photographed at Regina by a non-birder some time in Jul (SL, fide GK and BL). Brown Creepers were observed along Goose Creek Rd. and at Twin L. in the Churchill area in Jun (RK, C.N.S.C., BDL et al.). Outside of the normal ranges were an Eastern Bluebird pair at Cypress Hills P.E, AB 11 Jun (JKe), a lone Eastern Bluebird near Churchill in mid-Jun (fide DB), a Western Bluebird near Jasper 30 Jun (DE), a singing Wood Thrush at Milner Ridge, MB 29 May and 26 Jun (FT), and a Varied Thrash at Churchill 13 Jun (BDL et al). Wandering Northern Mockingbirds turned up at Lundar Beach, MB 10 Jun (LdM), Churchill 13 Jun (fide BDL), Wapusk N.P., MB 20 Jun (CA), and Calgary 2 Jul (AS). Locally rare warblers included a Golden-winged Warbler at Saska- toon, SK 3 Jun (PH, ph.), single Northern Parulas at Saskatoon 4 Jun (fide GW) and near the n. shore of L. Winnipegosis, MB 22 650 Jun (PT), a Magnolia Warbler at Churchill 16 Jun (BDL et al), and a Black-throated Blue Warbler at Calgary 31 May-2 Jun (RW, MW, JR, m.ob ). Black-throated Blues in Manitoba were reported from Winnipeg 3 Jun (RP), along Forestry Road 13A on 8 Jun (fide GB), and nw. of Inwood 28 Jun (BS). A female Spotted Towhee was seen about 35 km n. of Grand Rapids, MB 3 Jun (RI, RM). Calgary was an unusual locale for a pair of Lark Buntings 5 Jun (CH). A male Black- headed Grosbeak at Birds Hill, MB 18 Jun was noteworthy (WJ). Lazuli Buntings were prominent in s. and cen. Alberta (m.cb.); a male took up territory at Lyleton, MB for the 2nd year in a row (fide KDS). Possible Lazuli Bunting x Indigo Bunting hybrids were at the latter location in Jun (fide KDS), and one was at Lumsden, SK 7 Jun (BL). Westerly Indigo Buntings were at Medicine Hat, AB 2 Jun (BF) and at Banff N.P. 8 Jul, a first for the park (fide JRo). Bobolinks enjoyed a stellar season in s. Saskatchewan and s. Manitoba (GK, KG, m.ob.). A pair of Orchard Orioles at Val Marie 23 Jul and a single at nearby Grasslands N.P. on the same day (RD) were w. of their re- stricted Saskatchewan range. A pair of Bul- lock’s Orioles at Mountain View, AB was con- sidered unusual (NW, m.ob.), as was a House Finch at Jasper N.P 24 Jun (AC). Small num- bers of both Red and White- winged Crossbills were at Calgary in Jun-early Jul (MG), while widespread courtship activity of White- wingeds was noted from The Pas, MB and far- ther northeast in late Jun-Jul (JK, PT et al.). Contributors (subregional compilers in bold- face): C. Artuso, D. Britton, G. Budyk, A. Carter, D. Cork, P. Cram, C. Cuthbert, L. de March, K. DeSmet, B. DiLabio, L. & M. Du- dragne, R. Dudragne, D. Elphinstone, B. Frenz (BFz), B. Frew, M. Gahbauer, K. Gardner, L. Giesbrecht, V Glas, G. Gulash, P. Hardie, C. Havard, T. Herriot, R. Ibarra, W. Jansen, J. Johnston, J. Kayer, J. Kennedy (JKe), S. Knight, R. Koes, T. Korolyk, G. Kratzig, S. Lloyd, B. Luterbach, E Machovec, C. Mashon, R. Mooi, M. Mulligan, P. Palmer, R. Parsons, J. Pilny, R. Porteous (RPo), T. Poulton, J. Priebe (JPr), V Refiner, J. Riddell, J. Rogers (JRo), G. Romanchuk, D. Sawatzky, N. Senner, S. Shadick, B. Shettler, A. Slater, R. Staniforth, D. & A. Stiles, P. Taylor, G. Walz (GWz), R. & M. Wang, G. Wapple, J. Weier, M. Wershler, R. Wershler, N. West, G. Yaki, Churchill North- ern Studies Centre (C.N.S.C.). © Rudolf F. Koes, 135 Rossmere Crescent Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K 0G1, (rkoes@mymts.net) Peter Taylor, P.0. Box 597 Pinawa, Manitoba ROE 1L0, (taylorp@granite.mb.ca) NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Northern Great Plains Ron Martin The flooding that characterized the spring season across the Region con- tinued and increased during the sum- mer season. June was cool, with above-aver- age precipitation in many areas, particularly in eastern Montana. By the end of June, Glas- gow had recorded the wettest January-June period on record. July featured average tem- peratures but above-average precipitation. A flash flood covered the Milk River valley of Montana on 7 June. The Yellowstone River ran at high levels through the season, and re- leases from Fort Peck Dam were at record lev- els. In North Dakota, the Missouri River ran at one meter above flood stage for two months. Flooding occurred in parts of resi- dential Bismarck for the first time since Garri- son Dam was built. Of the 72,000 acres of Wildlife Management Area on the Missouri River in North Dakota, 47,000 acres were flooded. Water was released from the spillway at Garrison Dam for the first time in history. The releases cut a new channel to the river be- low the dam. The flooding on the Souris River in north- central North Dakota was even worse. Al- ready well over flood stage in June, the val- ley was hit by a flash flood from 18 cm of rain in the upper watershed in southern Saskatchewan. In late June, the flood volume through Minot was three times the previous high mark. Four thousand homes were flooded, some with water to the rafters. In all, the Souris River valley was covered with water for four consecutive months from April through early August. The Souris Loop National Wildlife Refuges were all inundated for months. Breeding Bird Surveys were a real challenge with thousands of flooded roads. The weath- er and flooding wreaked havoc on nesting success. Some grassland birds made a signifi- cant movement westward, with the lush veg- etation available. Birder activity was lower than average with all of the challenges in- volved. On a positive note, the South Dakota Breeding Bird Atlas project logged many note- worthy sightings and nesting records. WATERFOWL THROUGH VIRE0S A Fulvous Whistling-Duck pho- tographed in Potter 14-16 Jun (BU) provided the 3rd record for South Dakota. A pair of Trumpeter Swans in Day 6 Jul was well ne. of the species’ range in South Dakota (BU). Representing the first con- firmed nesting of the species in the Region since 1996, a brood of American Black Ducks was in Brookings, SD 21 Jul (KJ). Accidental in sum- mer in North Dakota, a White-winged Scoter was at Fargo 1 & 10 Jun (p.a., KRC, DWR). A Bufflehead brood in Roberts, SD 11 Jul (BU) added to the small number of confirmed breeding records for this species in the state. A Greater Prairie-Chicken was w. of its usual range in South Dakota in Perkins 30 Jun (BU). The first nesting confirmation for South Dakota, a Common Loon with 2 young was noted in Marshall 15 Jul (BU). The 3rd record for South Dakota, a Neotropic Cormorant was in McPherson 7-11 Jun (p.a., BU). Little Blue Herons were reported from three ne. South Dakota counties, with a peak of 3 in Brown 22 Jul (MO). A possible first for South Dakota and the Region, a Reddish Egret was photographed in Codington 19 Jun (BU). Casual in South Dakota, a Tricolored Heron was in Brown 15 Jul (BU). The 9th re- port for North Dakota, a Tricolored Heron was in Kidder 14 Jun (p.a., CLW). A Cattle Egret was far w. in Harding, SD 18 Jun (JSP). Rare in Montana, a Cattle Egret was at Bow- doin N.W.R. 24-30 Jul (MD). Casual in South Dakota, a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron in Pennington 5 Jun (p.a., RL) provided the west- ernmost record for the state. An unusual date and number, 63 American Golden-Plovers were in Spink, SD 23 Jun (BU). A Solitary Sandpiper in Potter, SD 16 Jun provided a rare mid-Jun record (RDO). Rare in fall migration in Montana, 2 Red Knots were at Freezout L. 27 Jul (MS). A late Whimbrel was in Dewey, SD 1 Jun (BU). Southwest of the species’ known range, and a possible post-nesting wanderer, an American Woodcock was in Todd, SD 22 Jul (BU). A Bam Owl heard in Marmarth, Slope, ND 15 Jun (JW) added to the increasing number of breeding season records in the state. A Barred Owl in Bennett, SD 23 Jul (BU) fur- nished a new county record; this species ap- pears to be expanding its range in South Dakota in recent years. A rare migrant in South Dakota, the only Calliope Humming- bird reported was from Custer 28 Jul (BU). Three Lewis’s Woodpeckers were in Harding, SD 5 Jun (CM); there is only one previous record for this county, located n. of the Black Hills. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was unusu- ally far w. at the South Unit, Theodore Roo- sevelt N.P. 5 Jun (CDR, JPL, HCT). Only the 2nd record for South Dakota, a Williamson’s Sapsucker was in Fall River 25 Jul (p.a., BU). Well e. of the species’ typical range in North Dakota, a Western Wood-Pewee was singing in Eddy 5 Jun (p.a., REM). Cassin’s Kingbirds were noted from four sw. South Dakota counties 18 Jun-28 Jul, including a single n. of their normal range in Haakon (BU). A nice assemblage of migrant kingbirds at Nelson Res., Phillips, MT 3 Jun included 117 Western Kingbirds and 111 Eastern King- birds (SD). A Bell’s Vireo was ne. of typical range in Roberts, SD 1 1 Jul (BU). A Bell’s Vireo feeding young in Emmons, ND 16 Jul (BJA) added to the small number of nesting confir- mations for the state. Four Plumbeous Vireo reports were received for Harding, SD 12-30 Jun (CM, BU); there are no nesting records for this species in nw. South Dakota. SWALLOWS THROUGH ICTERIDS A Violet-green Swallow was ne. of typical range in Roberts, SD 11 Jul (p.a., BU). The first nesting in South Dakota away from the Black Hills, a Pygmy Nuthatch pair with young was in Bennett 23 Jul (BU). The 4th record for South Dakota, a Bewick’s Wren was pho- tographed in Todd 22 Jul (BU). A Pacific Wren was in Lawrence, SD 10 Jul (p.a., DB); this species is likely a very rare nester in the high- er Black Hills, but more study is needed. A Sedge Wren in Dunn, ND 25 Jun (REM, CDE) was sw. of the species’ usual range. A peak of 8 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers was in Fall River, SD 25 Jul (BU); one at Fargo 19 Jun (p.a., REM, DWR) furnished the 5th summer report for North Dakota. Accidental in summer in North Dakota, a Townsend’s Solitaire was in Kidder 4 Jun (p.a., REM, DOL). Very rare in summer in North Dakota, a Wood Thrush was in Eddy 3 Jun (BTH). Rare in summer in South Dakota, Mc- Cown’s Longspurs were in Perkins 3 Jun and in Butte 2 Jul (BU). Furnishing the first sum- mer record for North Dakota, a Blue-winged Warbler was in Grand Forks 14 Jun-3 Jul Providing a first nesting season record for North Dakota, this Blue-winged Warbler was in Grand Forks County 14 June through 3 (here 1 ) July 201 1 . Photograph by Dave Lambeth. VOLUME 65 (2012) . NUMBER 4 651 [northern great plains (p.a., DOL); one in Roberts 15 Jul was nw. of the species’ usual limited range in extreme se. South Dakota (BU). A Virginia’s Warbler in Fall River, SD 25 Jul (BU) provided a new county record. Late and w. of usual migration routes, Northern Parulas were noted 3 Jun in Perkins, SD (BU) and 1 Jun in Lewistown, MT (p.a., EK). A Nashville Warbler on territory 14 Jun-3 Jul in Grand Forks, ND was s. of normal range (DOL). A casual migrant in Montana, a Black-throated Green Warbler was in Valley 3 Jun (p.a., EH). An Eastern Towhee in Bismarck, ND 7-9 Jun (CDE) was well into Spotted Towhee range. Three reports of Cassin’s Sparrow from South Dakota were unprecedented: sin- gles were noted 9 Jun in Shannon (p.a., MM), 25 Jun in Pennington (p.a., BU), and 4 Jul in Fall River (p.a., JSP). This species has ap- peared with some regularity in recent years when drought conditions grip the Southern Great Plains and Southwest. Rare in South Dakota, Henslow’s Sparrows were noted in Spink 23 Jun (BU), Lake 12-14 Jul (JSP), and Roberts 15 Jul (BU). The lush vegetation that followed the wet spring led to higher-than-av- erage numbers of Baird’s Sparrows in w. North Dakota and nw. South Dakota. At the far sw. edge of their range was a single Baird’s Spar- row in Stillwater, MT 15 Jun (EH). Late mi- grant sparrows in Stutsman, ND included a Lincoln’s Sparrow 7 Jun (BS) and a White- throated Sparrow 18 Jun (MR). A Scarlet Tanager pair with young in Todd, SD 22 Jul (p.a., BU) provided the first nesting record for the state w. of the Missouri River. A Northern Cardinal was far w. in Dunn, ND 15-19Jun (DL). Great- tailed Grackle reports from seven ne. South Dakota counties would seem to in- dicate that the species is now established in that area. Southeastern North Dakota would appear to be next in line for colonization. Corrigendum: The report of Greater Sage- Grouse in Pennington, SD 3 Apr 2011 ( North American Birds 65: 473) was incorrect and should have referred to Sharp-tailed Grouse. Contributors (state editors in boldface): MONTANA: Chuck Carlson, Steve Dins- more, Mona Doebler, Ed Harper, Ethan Kistler, Mike Schwitters. NORTH DAKOTA: Bob J. Anderson, Keith R. Corliss, Corey D. Ellingson, Dave O. Lambeth, Deb Lancaster, Jack P Lefor, Ron E. Martin, Dean W. Reimer, Mark Robinson, Bill Schmoker, H. Clark Talk- ington, Bill Thompson, Jay Withgott, Chris L. Wood. SOUTH DAKOTA: Doug Backlund, Kent Jensen, Richard Latuchie, Michael Melius, Charlie Miller, Ricky D. Olson, Mark Otnes, Jeffrey S. Palmer, Bill Unzen. (© Ron Martin, 16900 125th Street SE Sawyer, North Dakota 58781-9284, (jrmartin@srt.com) Southern Great Plains Joseph A. Grzybowski W. Ross Silcock ater — can’t live without it, and, at times, can’t live with it. This sea- son, the contrast in the Region was between having far too little and having far too much. Exceptionally severe drought con- ditions to the southwest of the Region reached Oklahoma, with negative impacts on reproductive success there, although we have limited data. Cassin’s Sparrows were among several species noted fleeing the dry condi- tions and moving eastward in an effort to find suitable conditions for breeding. In Nebraska, water levels in the Missouri River and other drainages were at historic highs, creating much habitat for foraging shorebirds but eliminating much nesting habitat for species such as Snowy Plovers and Least Terns. We surmise that the effects of both the drought and the floods during the growing season will have an impact on winter food reserves for many species. The expansion of species northward and westward in the Region con- tinues, though drought conditions may slow its rate. Abbreviations: Cheyenne Bottoms (Cheyenne Bottoms W.M.A., Stafford, KS); Crescent L. (Crescent Lake N.W.R., Garden, NE); Hack- berry (Hackberry Flat W.M.A., Tillman, OK); Hefner (L. Hefner, Oklahoma, OK); Mc- Conaughy (McConaughy Res., Keith, NE); Quivira (Quivira N.W.R., Barton, KS); Rain- water Basin (area of playa wetlands in s.-cen. Nebraska); Red Slough (Red Slough W.M.A., McCurtain, OK); Salt Plains (Salt Plains N.W.R., Alfalfa, OK). WATERFOWL THROUGH FALCONS The only Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks re- ported came from Oklahoma, where up to 18 were at Red Slough through the period (DA, m.ob.) and 8 were at Hackberry 5 Jun (L&MT). Small numbers of lingering Snow Geese are the norm in Nebraska; as many as 12 were in Clay 17 Jun (PD); farther s., where unusual, one was in Douglas, KS 14 Jun (JW). Less common were single Ross’s Geese in Douglas, KS 1 Jun (DL, RB, JB) and Clay, NE 17 Jun (LE) and Cackling Geese in the Rain- water Basin 25 Jun (JGJ) and in Dundy, NE 2 Jul (LE). Unmarked ad. and young Mute Swans have been found recently in the Oma- ha area, and 3 ads. were in Clay this season 13 Jun (j\Va). A female Gadwall with several ducklings was found at Quivira 2 Jul (PJ), where a rare breeder. A few Mottled Ducks are identified at Cheyenne Bottoms each year; 2 were there 5 Jun (SSc). Red Slough is becom- ing a regular haunt for Mottled Duck, with up to 3 present through 29 Jun (DA). Single Cin- namon Teal in unexpected locations were at Cheyenne Bottoms 3 Jun (MR) and in Clay, NE 13-17 Jun (JWa, PD). Lingering Green- winged Teal were in Phelps, NE 5 Jun (LR, RH) and Clay, NE 26 Jun (RS). A late Can- vasback was at Cheyenne Bottoms 3 Jun (MR). Ring-necked Duck is a rare breeder in Nebraska; a male in Seward (JGJ) added to the several similar summer Rainwater Basin records without breeding evidence, along with single males in Dodge, NE 9 Jun (JGJ) and Douglas, NE 11 Jun (JR). A tardy Com- mon Goldeneye was in Dodge, NE 9 Jun (JGJ), and a Common Merganser was in Pot- tawatomie, KS 16 Jun (BM). Northern Bobwhite numbers fluctuate widely; while they seem to be holding up in Nebraska, their populations are almost disap- 652 N 0 R T H A M E R I C A N B I R D S SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS] pearing in much of Oklahoma, though a few were noted in the Wichita Mts. (VF, JAG). 1mm. Common Loons summering s. of breed- ing range were in Morris, KS 1 Jun (GF), Pawnee, NE 16 Jun-2 Jul (SW, fide TEL, LR, RH), at McConaughy 21 Jul (RE), and in Ri- ley, KS 30 Jul (DB). Clark’s Grebe was report- ed only from McConaughy, a regular location, where 2 were present 21 Jun (RE). Two Neotropic Cormorants each were found in Lancaster, NE 25 Jun (LE) and in Neosho 5 Jun (PJ), singles were at Cheyenne Bottoms 3 Jun (MR) and Salt Plains 2 Jun (JAG), while Red Slough hosted 2-7 (DA) and 3 were at Hackberry 18 Jun (VE DG). Red Slough nor- mally hosts Anhingas, but 90 there 29 Jun (DA) was a very high count. Single Least Bitterns were found at the n. edge of the Region in Cherry, NE early in Jun (MRo) and in Dakota, NE 29 Jul (D&JP). Lit- tle Blue Herons also surged northward, with 1 1 reported in Nebraska, all but one ads. (fide WRS); six nests were reported in Douglas, KS 24 Jun (JBa). A Tricolored Heron was noted n. to Clay, NE 21-24 Jul (ER, DB); only one was found at Salt Plains 4 Jul (MP). Red Slough hosted 2 Tricolored Herons through the period (DA). A large flock of 221 Cattle Egrets was in n. Cherry, NE 22 Jul (WM). The only Yellow-crowned Night-Heron re- ported from Nebraska was in Pawnee 2 Jul (LR, RH). A vagrant ad. White Ibis was in Hodgeman, KS 1-24 Jul (CV, m.ob.), and a Glossy Ibis was in Phelps, NE 18 Jul (WF). Glossy and Glossy/White-faced Ibis (up to 4 of each) were found nesting in Alfalfa, OK (JAG, GH, GDS et al). A White Ibis wan- dered n. to Hodgeman, KS, 23 Jul (MG, NA). Excellent tallies of Wood Storks were 81 at Red Slough 25 Jul (JLa, THo) and 69 in John- ston, OK 30 Jul (BA). A Black Vulture was away from typical range at Cheyenne Bottoms 27 Jul (RP), as was a Crested Caracara in Bryan, OK 30 Jul (DW et al). Three pairs of Osprey attempted to nest but were unsuccessful in Scotts Bluff, NE, and the same was true of a pair in Keith, NE; sadly, one Scotts Bluff pair was killed by electrocution, but another pair moved into the territory later (KD, MPe, fide JJJ, TJW). Mississippi Kite is a localized breeder in Ne- braska; this season, a nesting pair was in Chase early Jul+ (MB), and 7 were present in Scotts Bluff (KD). Surveys by Nebraska Game and Parks located 69 active Bald Eagle nests, mostly along riparian corridors (JGJ). Sum- mer reports of Sharp-shinned Hawk often pertain to male Cooper’s Hawks, but a cor- rectly identified imm. Sharp-shinned was in Custer, NE 9 Jun (TH). An imm. Peregrine Falcon near North Platte, NE 23 Jun (TJW) was unexpected but may have come off a nest in the Rockies; another imm. was noted 22 Jul at Cheyenne Bottoms (JAG). RAILS THROUGH TERNS Black Rail reports came from Quivira, where expected, and from Cheyenne Bottoms 13 Jun (MR) and 2 Jul (PJ). King Rails away from Red Slough were scarce this season; sin- gles were in Clay, KS 21 Jul (ER, DB), in Garfield, OK 7-16 Jun (KAn, DE), and at Hackberry 9 Jul (VE DG). Unusual reports of Virginia Rail came from Quivira and Cheyenne Bottoms, both 2 Jul (2 birds; PJ). Purple Gallinules were restricted to Red Slough as usual, where up to 21 were present (DA). Single Common Gallinules made it n. to Phelps, NE 20 Jul (KS) and Cheyenne Bot- toms 23 Jul (MG); Red Slough hosted up to 16 (DA). Sandhill Cranes continued at known Nebraska Panhandle breeding loca- tions, with 2 chicks each in Scotts Bluff 21 Jun (KD) and Morrill 3 Jun (LJH). Single Black-bellied Plovers lingered at Salt Plains 1 1 Jun (JLa) and Cheyenne Bottoms 24 Jun (JCo). Two American Golden-Plovers were in Kiowa, OK 18 Jun (VF, DG), 4 were in Clay, KS 28 Jun (ER), and singles were at Cheyenne Bottoms 28 Jun (MR) and in Clay, NE 2 Jul (LE). Only one Snowy Plover was re- ported at the n. edge of its Regional range in Nebraska, in Knox 14 Jun (JGr); extensive Missouri R. flooding and high water at Mc- Conaughy apparently precluded much breed- ing of this species, Piping Plover, and Least Tern (JGJ)- A statewide survey of Piping Plover yielded 330 birds, down from 723 in 2006 (fide JGJ). A group of 16 migrant Pip- ings, including 5 juvs., was in Sarpy and Saunders, NE 22 Jul (JGJ), with 5 in Reno, KS 30 Jul (KG) and 2 in Osage, OK 27 Jul (MP). An estimated 1000 Killdeer were in flooded fields in Dakota, NE 30 Jul (BFH). Seventy- five Black-necked Stilts congregated at Cheyenne Bottoms 28 Jun (MR), and in Phelps, NE, 43 were counted 28 Jul (JD, fide JGJ). Two stilt nests with eggs were watched in Dakota, NE 21-30 Jul (BFH, EB, m.ob.). Single Greater Yellowlegs were in the Rainwa- ter Basin 9 Jun (JGJ) and at Salt Plains 21 Jun (MP); a Lesser Yellowlegs was also at Salt Plains 21 Jun (MP), with 6 in Garfield, OK 28 Jun (KAn). Single Willets in Oklahoma, OK 1 Jun and at Salt Plains 11 Jun (JLa) had prob- ably suspended their migration, while one in Garfield, OK 28 Jun (KAn) was more likely the first southbound migrant. Long-billed Curlews also leave their breeding range early after nest failures; 1 1 were noted in Garfield, OK 28 Jun (KAn), and one was at Quivira 10 Jul (D&KK, SS). Early Marbled Godwits in- cluded one in Garfield, OK 28 Jun (KAn) and up to 6 at Cheyenne Bottoms 2-10 Jul (PJ, ML, EL). The first Red Knot at Cheyenne Bot- toms arrived 28 Jul (MR). A Semipalmated and 9 White-rumped Sandpipers were still in Cass, NE 13 Jun (JGJ) and Fillmore, NE 17 Jun (LE), respectively. Among early fall ar- rivals were a Semipalmated Sandpiper 28 Jun in Garfield, OK (KAn), 8 Stilt Sandpipers at Salt Plains 4 Jul (JLa), and 6 Pectoral Sand- pipers in Saunders, NE 8 Jul (PH). An amaz- ing aggregation of 1000 Pectoral Sandpipers was in perfect habitat for this species, flooded grassy fields in Dakota, NE 30 Jul (BFH). Ad. Short-billed Dowitchers arrive in Jul; 2 were in Kearney, NE 15 Jul (LE), 2 in Saunders, NE 21 Jul (LE), up to 4 in Dakota, NE 21-30 Jul 0J, RD, EB, BFH, MB), and one in Hodgeman, KS 24 Jul (PJ, KG, JC). A group of 19 Buff- breasted Sandpipers appeared in Sedgwick, KS 30 Jul (JC). Two Wilson’s Phalaropes in Kiowa, OK 18 Jun (VF, DG) were of uncertain status; one in Garfield, OK 28 Jun (KAn) was likely an early migrant. The only gull of note for the season was a Laughing at Cheyenne Bottoms 2 Jul (PJ). CUCKOOS THROUGH SWALLOWS Five Black-billed Cuckoos were reported in Nebraska (fide WRS). Greater Roadrunners continue to be reported in cen. Kansas, with singles this season in Barton 12 Jun (WCT), Hodgeman 25 Jun (SS), and Comanche 15 Jun (KB, MR). Easterly breeding Burrowing Owls in Nebraska included up to 9 (5 juvs.) in Clay during Jun (PD, BF, JCa, SSw, JGJ; CNK). A Long-eared Owl in Roger Mills, OK 5 Jun (ES) seems likely to have been breeding. An east- erly group of Common Poorwills, up to 5, was noted in Pottawatomie, KS 16 Jun (BM) and 23 Jul (RK). A northerly Chuck-wilTs- widow was near the Missouri R. in Cedar, NE 16 Jun (DH). Westerly Eastern Whip-poor- wills in Nebraska included 2 in Thomas 28 Jun 0J) and 2 in Jefferson 21 Jul (JG). Excep- tional hummingbird finds were a Green Vio- letear in Riley, KS 11 Jun (fide DR), the state’s first, and a Broad-billed Hummingbird in Gray, KS 8-12 Jun (T&SS), the state’s 3rd. On the outer fringes of normal were 2 Black- chinned Hummingbirds in Rawlins, KS 30 May-8 Jun (J&AH), a female in Pawnee, KS 3 Jun (SS), and 2 females at Salt Plains 23 Jul (VF, DG). The first Rufous Hummingbirds ap- peared on cue at the end of Jul, with singles in Comanche, OK 26 Jul (KDo) and Pawnee, KS 29 Jul, the latter an imm. male (SS). The last migrant Yellow-bellied Flycatcher of spring was in Sarpy, NE 4 Jun (JR, LE). Acadian Flycatchers expanding northward in Nebraska’s Missouri R. valley included 4 in VOLUME 65 (2012) . NUMBER 4 653 | SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS Sarpy 15 Jun-4 Jul (L&BP, NR); westerly birds were in Payne , OK 7 Jun (TO) and Cleveland, OK 11 Jul (AH, BD). Cordilleran Flycatcher has been expanding eastward in the Nebraska Pine Ridge for the past few years; what may be the easternmost nest yet discovered was at Metcalf W.M.A., Sheridan 20 Jul (WM). An easterly Say’s Phoebe was in Knox, NE 12 Jun (RE). In Nebraska, Scissor- tailed Flycatchers were noted n. to Frontier 21-29 Jul (TJW, WF), Buffalo 8-18 Jun (TH, JJ), and York 9 Jul (LE). Because of severe drought conditions, Black-capped Vireos in the Wichita Mts., OK had their poorest reproductive season in the past 20 years, with many disappearing off ter- ritory by mid-Jul (VF, DG, JAG). Westerly Yel- low-throated Vireos were located in Antelope, NE 12 Jun (DH), Jefferson, NE 16 Jun (CNK), and Barton, KS 13 Jun (MR). A Cassin’s Vireo in Kimball, NE 1 Jun provided the first spring record for the state (JGJ). Black-billed Magpie was scarcely reported in Nebraska (fide JGJ). Fish Crow has established itself as far w. as Sedgwick, KS, where 2-7 were noted Jun-Jul (JC). At least 5 Tree. Swallows were noted at their Comanche, OK outpost 14 Jun (DG). The two major Purple Martin roosts in the Region were well populated by 31 Jul: Wichita, KS had 30,000 (KG), and Omaha, NE had 15,000 (JR). A nesting pair of Cave Swallows was dis- covered in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Comanche, OK 15 Jun (VF, KM); up to 11 were seen there 27 Jul (Vfi DG et al.). NUTHATCHES THROUGH FINCHES At least one Red-breasted Nuthatch has been in a Lancaster, NE yard for four years, but nesting has not been observed (RE). White- breasted Nuthatch is a low-density summer resident along the Platte R. valley w. of Hall, NE, so a pair in Lincoln, NE 28 Jun was con- sidered a “breeding season highlight” (TJW). A Carolina Wren in Frontier, NE 14 Jun (TJW) was westerly. An apparently late Townsend’s Solitaire was in Sheridan, NE 12 Jun (CNK). A Wood Thrush in Webster, NE 27 Jun (CNK) furnished a first local record. A family group of Curve-billed Thrashers in Stevens, KS 12 Jun (WCT) was beyond the normal breeding range of the species. Strag- gling Ovenbirds reached Pawnee, KS 2 Jun (SS) and Garfield, NE 11 Jun (LR, RH). A Blue-winged Warbler in Lancaster, NE 1 Jun (RS) was both late and westerly. Possibly wan- dering Black-and-white Warblers were in Lan- caster, NE 1 Jun (RS) and Barton , KS 13 Jun (MR). Late Orange-crowned Warblers were noted 1 Jun in Kimball, NE (JGJ) and Banner, NE (JGJ). Among vagrant warblers was a Hooded in Sedgwick, KS 1 Jun (PG) and a Chestnut-sided in Douglas, KS 2 Jun (BAn). A Northern Panda was westerly in Chase, NE 10-11 Jun (MB), as was a Blackburnian War- bler in Kimball, NE 1 Jun (JGJ). Two Yellow- throated Warblers in Cherokee, KS 5 Jun (GF, EF) were part of an apparent breeding outpost in extreme e. Kansas. Yellow-breasted Chat has become rare in e. Nebraska in recent years, and so a surprise was one in Pawnee 8 Jul (LF, SQ). A very late or vagrant Green-tailed Towhee was in Morton, KS 12 Jun (WCT). Bachman’s Sparrows at a westerly outpost were in Atoka, OK 20 Jun (JM et al.). A Lark Bunting in Mar- ion, KS 8 Jul (TW) was easterly. Savannah Sparrow is a rare and local breeder in nw. Ne- braska; a group of 14, including 4 recent fledglings, was discovered in Sheridan 20 Jul (WM). Henslow’s Sparrows were reported from known locations in Marion, KS 25 Jun and 3 Jul (TW) and in Lancaster, NE through the period (PD, BF, KP, JR). Cassin's Sparrow staged a major incursion into the Region, surely due to extreme drought and fires in the Southwest The species typically ranges into the w.- cen. portions of the Region, n. to the Nebraska Panhandle, but numbers this year were up even from previous highs, and there were far more easterly records than usual. Vic Fazio counted over ISO territorial males at Fort Sill, Co- manche. OK, more than five times higher than any previous count. Easterly in Oklahoma were up 2 Cassin's in Payne 3- 7 Jun (TO, JP), one in Noble 12 Jun (DHa), 3 in Osage 14 Jun (VF), and one in Garvin 11 Jun (JWo, NV). In Kansas, 30 were found on a census route in Clark 10 Jun (GP), and sev- eral were reported far to the «* , including one singing in Chautauqua 11 Jun (MG, NA, CF), singles in Sedgwick 11 (PJ) & 15 Jun (KG), singles in Marion 23 (B8) & 25 Jun (TW), and 3 singing at Quivtra 1 Jun (BJ). High numbers were the ncrrr in Nebraska, and there was eastward expansion there as well: 33 were counted in 10 km in Chase 11 Jun (MB); first-ever sightings were made on census routes in Keith 13 Jun (TJW) and Banner 22 Jun (KD); and in Lincoln, the first county record was furnished by 8 birds in a sand- sage area s. of North Platte 23 Jun-1 Jul (TJW). Most cen. Nebraska Pheucticus grosbeaks are hybrids to some degree, but pure-looking ads. of both Black-headed and Rose-breasted were in a Garfield yard 11 Jun (LR, RH, B&KG). A Lazuli Bunting in Pratt, KS 15 Jun (MR) was easterly, while 2 male Painted Buntings at Quivira 1 Jun (BJ) and a male in Russell, KS 28 Jun (MR) were westerly. A pair of Summer Tanagers in suitable breeding habitat in Lancaster, NE 2 Jun (MU) were probably part of westward expansion in this species. Two Western Tanagers in Sheridan, NE (CNK) were at the e. edge of their typical summer range. Dickcissel is an abundant species in the Region; 500+ were tallied 5 Jun in Linn and Miami, KS (MG, ML). This species was detected w. to the Nebraska Pan- handle, a phenomenon noted only in the past three summers ( fide WRS). Red Crossbills are generally on the move in Nebraska by the Jun-Jul reporting period; scattered reports in Nebraska for Jun were received from Chase (MB) and Cherry (CNK). A Lesser Goldfinch turned up in Sedgwick 14 Jun (SC). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): NEBRASKA: Ed Brogie, Mark Brogie, John Carlini (JCa), Kathy BeLara, Roger Diet- rich, Jeff Drahota, Paul Dunbar, Rick Eades, Larry Einemann, Larry Falk, Bill Fink, William Flack, Bob & Kathi Gerten, Jonas Grundman (JGr), Joe Gubanyi, Tim Hajda, Luke J. Hamilton, Robin Harding, Dave Heidt, Paula Hoppe, Bill E Huser, James J. Jenniges, Jan Johnson, Joel G. Jorgensen, Clem N. Klaphake, Thomas E. Labedz, Wayne Moll- hoff, Kevin Poague, Loren & Babs Padelford, Don &Jan Paseka, Mark Peyton (MPe), Susan Quinn, Lanny Randolph, Neal Ratzlaff, Justin Rink, Mark Robbins (MRo), Shari Schwartz (SSw), W. Ross Silcock, Kent Skaggs, Ruth Steams, Moni Usasz, Jake Walker (JWa), T.J. Walker, Steve Winter. KANSAS: Nic Allen, Bob Antonio (BAn), Jill Baringer (JBa), Jon Boyd, Roger Boyd, Ken Branson, Doris Bur- nett, Bill Busby, Jeff Calhoun, Will Chatfield- Taylor (WCT), Judith Collins (JCo), Steve Comeau, Chris Fagyal, Eric Friesen, Gregg Friesen, Matt Gearheart, Paul Griffin, Kevin Groeneweg, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Jeff & Al- ice Hill, Pete Janzen, Barry Jones, Don & Kathy Kazmaier, Ron Klataske, Eileen Land, Mark Land, Dan Larson, Brandon Magette, Lloyd Moore, Robert Penner, Galen Pittman, Mike Rader, Edward Raynor, Dave Rintoul, Scott Seltman, S. Schmidt (SSc), Tom & Sara Shane, Carl Vierthaler, Tristan Weinbrenner, Jeff Witters. OKLAHOMA: Bill Adams, Kent Andersson (KAn), Dave Arbour, Bryan Davis, Ken Dorell (KDo), Dwayne Elmore, Vic Fazio, Dave Gagne, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Doc Harrett (DHa), Glen Hensley, Angie Holt, Torre Hovick (THo), Joseph Lautenbach (JLa,), Jeri McMahon, Kurt Meizenzahl, Tim O’Connell (TO), Mark Peterson, John Polo, Gary D. Schnell, Eddie Stegall, Lou & Mary Truex, Nadine Varner, Doug Wood, Jimmy Woodard (JWo). Joseph A. Grzybowski, 715 Elmwood Drive Norman, Oklahoma 72072, (j_grzybowski@sbcglobal.net) W. toss Sikeck, P.0. Box 57 Tabor, Iowa 51673, (silcock@rosssilcock.com) 654 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Eric Carpenter Randy Pinkston Ron Weeks Texas summers are always hot, but the summer of 2011 was especially hot. Record-high temperatures and little to no rain across the state continued to stress wildlife. Many hoped for a hurricane to pass through Texas to dump some much needed precipitation, but even with the landfall of Tropical Storm Don at the end of July in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, conditions did not improve. In fact, by the end of July, nearly three quarters of the state was classified as be- ing in Exceptional Drought; over 91% of the state was suffering from Extreme Drought, with no end in sight. Birders seemed to be out and about very lit- tle in the stifling heat, and what they did wit- ness was a reflection of the stressful condi- tions. Throughout this report, we have noted a number of exceptional late spring records, as was the theme through early June. In fact, sev- eral of these birds likely never got out of Texas, perhaps waylaid by the lack of food and water in their attempt to head farther north. How else might you explain a summering Harris’s Sparrow in north-central Texas or a Gray-cheeked Thrush at the southern tip of the state at the beginning of July? Observers across the state noted breeding failures as well as many birds not even attempting to breed, and in many cases seemingly evacuating parts of the state altogether. Many observers report- ed that summer residents were in low num- bers or almost absent. On 7 July, on an aerial survey for nesting waders on the Trinity River between Lake Livingston and the coast, Or- tego noted only four colonies containing 1050 nesting pairs of birds, whereas in some wet years as many as six colonies containing over 23,000 nesting pairs are present. In some cas- es, birds were forced to take unusual food items; Heindel noted that Greater Roadrun- ners were becoming adept at picking off hum- mingbirds from the large numbers that were relying on his feeders. WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS About 370 Fulvous Whistling-Ducks were near Indianola, Calhoun 8 Jun (BrF). A flyby Mottled Duck at Cook’s Slough, Uvalde 23 Jul (MHe) was unexpected. Unusual was a pair of Cinnamon Teal observed copulating at Hornsby Bend, Travis through mid-Jun, though no sign of nesting was found (m.ob.). A male Northern Pintail seen at Santa Ana N.W.R., Hidalgo 10 Jun (MG) was a nice sum- mer surprise. A Green-winged Teal was pres- ent at El Franco Lee Park, Harris 11-12 Jul (SL, MaK, JuB). Unexpected were 2 Canvas- backs and 5 Redheads at L. Wichita Park, Wi- chita 24 Jun (PM). A Redhead and a Ring- necked Duck were seen throughout the re- porting period at Village Creek Drying Beds, Tarrant (m.ob.). A Greater Scaup at John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, Kaufman 5 Jun (GC) was a nice find. A male Surf Scoter on the North Jetty at Port Bolivar, Galveston 3 Jun (ph. CH) was just the 2nd summer record for the Upper Texas Coast (hereafter, U.T.C.). Female/imm. Black Scoters were seen w. of Chinquapin, Matagorda 30 Jun (SH) and at the Land Cut e. of Kenedy Ranch, Kenedy 12 Jul (ph. DN). The Masked Duck at Sabal Palm, Cameron continued from spring through 9 Jul (tm.ob.); 2 females and a male were there 25-29 Jun (tm.ob.). A female- plumaged Masked showed up n. of Combes, Cameron 19 Jul-1 Aug (tRZ, m.ob.). A Least Grebe nest found at Anahuac N.W.R., Cham- bers 23 Jun was still active on 26 Jul (TR, KH, BC). As many as 9 were at Shipp L., Bastrop through 27 Jun (BGr). Two reported on Bear Branch L. 13 Jun (LC) made a probable Erst record for Montgomery. Successful breeding was also noted for the Erst time in Caldwell, with an ad. and fledgling observed se. of Lockhart 27 Jul (ByS). An unidentified flamingo was observed in flight near the Trinity R. area of upper L. Liv- ingston, San Jacinto 3 (LO) & 23 Jul (GR). The descriptions favor Greater Flamingo, per- haps the escapee that has frequented the Gulf Coast the past few years. A Sooty Shearwater reported off Freeport, Brazoria 15 Jun would be just the 2nd for the U.T.C., pending ac- ceptance by the Texas B.R.C. (tJF). Single Leach’s Storm-Petrels were reported from the pelagic trip off South Padre I., Cameron 16 Jul (ph. TD) and off Port Aransas, Nueces 18 Jul (ph. JMc). An imm. Red-billed Tropicbird was seen on the pelagic trip off South Padre I., Cameron 16 Jul (JO; ph., tm.ob.). Counts of 7- 9 Neotropic Cormorants at Skeen Playa, Lynn Texas 23-31 Jul represent the first record of multiple individuals for the subregion (CC, SC, AH). Singles showed up at Big Bend N.P., Brewster, with one at Rio Grande Village 13-14 Jun (BB, HE) and another at La Clocha 17 Jun (BB, HE). Two ad. and 2 imm. Double-crested Cor- morants at Lubbock 17 Jun (AH) provided first documented breeding for Lubbock 17 Jul (AH). Least Bitterns are rare in East Texas, so one in Camp 4 Jun (JHe) and 2 on L. Sam Ray- burn, San Augustine 26 Jul (DW) were note- worthy. High counts of 782 Snowy Egrets and 350 Great Egrets at John Bunker Sands Wet- land Center, Kaufman on 4 & 16 Jul, respec- tively, were impressive (RRa). Tricolored Herons may be nesting on an island in L. Sam Rayburn, San Augustine: a single was seen there 2 May and 2 on 6 Jun (DW). As many as 4 juv. Reddish Egrets visited cen. Texas during the season: one along the Guadalupe R. n. of New Braunfels, Comal 25 Jun (ph. BN, GS et al.), one at Mitchell L., Bexar 17 Jul (ph. CB, m.ob.), one at L. Buchanan, Llano 29 Jul+ (ph. TiF), and a white morph at Union Grove W.M.A., Stillhouse Hollow Res., Bell 4 Jul (RK). A high count of 280 White Ibis came from John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, Kaufman 16 Jul (RRa); a juv. at the Uvalde Fish Hatchery, Uvalde 2 Jul (MHe, ECa) was much farther w. than expected. Two Glossy Ibis were at the Village Creek Drying Beds, Tarrant 17-24 Jul (GC, SG, BC), and another was noted at Southside W.T.P., Dallas 31 Jul (GC, CR, BoS). Two Osprey nests on L. Sam Rayburn, Nacogdoches fledged young this summer (DW). Singles spotted at the s. unit of the Devils River S.N.A., Vai Verde 23 Jun (ML) and at Union Grove W.M.A., Stillhouse Hol- low Res., Bell 28 Jun (RPi) made rare summer records in those counties. Swallow-tailed Kite sightings in Jun suggest local breeding, so Harris reports at Highlands 3 Jun (NR) and between Crosby and Highlands 27 Jun (RPo) were of interest. One at Waco 9 Jul provided the first McLennan record since 1906 (BGo), and another near Huntington, Angelina 31 Jul was far n. for the species (ph. BJ, TiJ). One of the incredible finds of the summer was a one- day-wonder Snail Kite found at El Franco Lee Park, Harris 17 Jun (ph., tSL), a first for the U.T.C. and just the 4th for Texas. A Mississip- pi Kite was out of place at Marathon, Brewster 18 Jul (MY). Sharp-shinned Hawks outside the known breeding range included an imm. at River Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend 2 Jun (MaS), an ad. at Sylvan Rodriguez Park, Har- ris 28 Jun (ph. MaK), and one at Utley, Bas- trop 9 Jul (BrF). Cooper’s Hawks were con- firmed breeding in Nacogdoches when 2 beg- ging fledglings were observed 26 Jul+ (DW). VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 655 | TEXAS An American Kestrel in Waller 30 Jun made just the 3rd summer record for the U.T.C. (HL). Two were seen at a nest cavity 14 Jun about 16 km n. of Rio Grande City, Starr (BrF), while another was at Port Aransas, Nueces 27 Jun (JMc). Summer Peregrines were widespread, with singles in Smith 19 Jun (PB), at Santa Ana N.W.R., Hidalgo 22 Jun (MG), at Temple, Bell 25 Jun (RPi), in Waller 30 Jun (HL), and on the Warren Ranch, Har- ris 22 Jul (MaK, DaC). RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS Summer Sora records are extremely rare, so reports from South Padre I., Cameron 12 Jun (fide MG), Freeport, Brazoria 13 Jun (TM), and Brazoria N.W.R., Brazoria 17 Jul (ph. MB) were noteworthy. Four Purple Gallinules at L. Fork, Wood 1 Jul (JCo) made a nice count. A Black-bellied Plover at Lub- bock, Lubbock 31 Jul was the first Jul record for the South Plains (AH). Several American Golden-Plovers were reported this season, in- cluding one at Hornsby Bend, Travis 17-18 Jun (ph. DA), one at Union Grove W.M.A., Stillhouse Hollow Res., Bell 3 Jul (ph. GE), 7- 8 seen flying overhead along the Guadalupe R. delta, Aransas 22 Jul (JMc), and another at Tule L., Nueces 23 Jul (MC). A single Snowy Plover was a nice find at Hagerman N.W.R., Grayson 17 Jul, with 2 there 24 Jul (RRa). A pair with a juv. on L. Buchanan, Llano 29 Jul (ph. TiF) indicated that the species likely nested there, as occurred in 2009. A Semi- palmated Plover near Dougherty, Floyd 4 Jun marked just the 2nd Jun record for the South Plains (AH). Four Piping Plovers were no- table for their inland location at Warren L., Harris 22 Jul (DDi, GP et al.). Black-necked Stilts nesting at Union Grove Wildlife Area, Stillhouse Hollow L. produced 3 fledglings 26 Jun-22 Jul (ph. RPi), a first nesting record for Bell. A pair of American Avocets nested at Mitchell L., Bexar, with two eggs being at- tended 18 Jun+ (GS, m.ob.); it does not ap- pear that this effort was successful, as no young birds were observed subsequently. An early Willet was at Stillhouse Hollow L., Bell 28 Jun (ph. RPi); another along Pullman Rd., Randall 10 Jul was rare for the Panhandle (ToJ). Single Whimbrels were near Indianola, Calhoun 8 Jun (BrF), at Packery Channel, Nueces 14 Jun (JMc), and at Port Bolivar & Bolivar Flats, Galveston 2-4 Jul (m.ob.). Out- of-season Long-billed Curlews included birds seen near Olton, Lamb 12 Jun (DH), at Paul Rushing Park, Harris 13 Jun (GP), and 1-3 seen near Skeen, Lynn 26-27 Jun (SC). A very late Hudsonian Godwit visited Indianola, Calhoun 8 Jun (BrF). A Marbled Godwit may have summered at the Skeen Playa, Lynn, with observations 26 Jun (SC) and 24 Jul (AH). A Ruddy Turnstone at Warren L., Har- ris 22 Jul (MaK) was notable for its inland lo- cation. Three Sanderlings were at Lubbock, Lubbock 31 Jul (AH). Only the 2nd for Texas and first for the U.T.C., an ad. Red-necked Stint in breeding plumage graced Bolivar Flats, Galveston 26 Jun (ph. KT) and was ob- served sporadically through 8 Jul (ph. JKe, tPH). Two White-rumped Sandpipers at Ft. Hancock Res. 1 1 Jun made an overdue first for Hudspeth (ph. JiP). Late or lingering birds included one still present at Union Grove W.M.A., Stillhouse Hollow Res., Bell 26 Jun (RPi) and 4 at the Texas City Dike, Galveston 14 Jul (JKe). Two juv. Baird’s Sandpipers at El Franco Lee Park, Harris were noted on the early date of 30 Jul (MA). A Dunlin at Bolivar Flats, Galveston 7 Jul (JKe) was unexpected, but even more outstanding and apparently a first summer record for ne. Texas were 3 at L. Bob Sandlin, Titus 31 Jul (LP). A Stilt Sand- piper visited Skeen Playa, Lynn 26 Jun (SC). Two Wilson’s Phalaropes at Anahuac N.W.R., Chambers 6 Jun (ph. MSI) and 2 at Sea Cen- ter Texas, Brazoria 9 Jun (ph. JE, TM) likely involved late migrants. A Red-necked Phala- rope tarried at Sugar House Pond, Hidalgo 26-30 Jul (DJ). GULLS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Two Franklin’s Gulls at the Skeen Playa, Lynn 4 Jun (SC) were late migrants. A very late Ring- billed Gull was at L. Sam Rayburn, Angelina/San Augustine 6 Jun (DW), and 4 were in Trinity 9 Jul (DB, LB). A Lesser Black-backed Gull at Rollover Pass, Galveston 7 Jul (JKe) pro- vided the only report for the season. Counts of up to 4 Brown Noddies came from waters off Port Aransas mid-Jun-18 Jul (KS, ph. JMc). Late were 3 Forster’s Terns near Dougherty, Floyd 4 Jun (AH). A Pomarine Jaeger made an appearance on the pelagic trip off South Padre I., Cameron 16 Jul (ECa, MG, m.ob.). Until 2010, White-winged Doves were scarce in the pineywoods region of e. and ne. Texas. This season, significant numbers were present at Lufkin, Angelina, where breeding was confirmed for the first time for the subre- gion (RRo, LD, CS). Two White-winged Doves were also present this summer at Tyler, Smith (AB, PB, DS), and one was s. of Kilgore, Rusk 30 Jul (LP). An elusive Mangrove Cuck- oo was heard and glimpsed by a few at Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Cameron 26-30 Jun (SP, TJA). An impressive tally of 9 Greater Roadrunners came from Van Zandt 5 Jun (DDC, DL); a pair was observed feeding young at Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches in Jul (fide CS). Unexpected was a Groove-billed Ani at Persimmon Gap, Big Bend N.P, Brewster 4 Jun (DDu). In spite of the drought, a pair of Eastern Screech-Owls fledged an impressive 5 young at College Sta- tion, Brazos in early Jun (MDW). A calling Eastern Whip-poor-will at High 1., Galveston 12 Jun was unprecedented for the summer (HS, fide WB). An unidentified Chaetura swift zipped over Marathon, Brewster 14 Jun (MY). Single Green Violetears appeared near In- gram, Kerr 20-21 Jun (ph. MI) and at Abilene, Taylor 8-10 Jul (ph., tJaP). Quite unusual was an unmated female Broad-billed Hummingbird building a nest at Dimmitt, Castro 6-10 Jun (ph. MSt); there is only one prior record of this species in the Panhandle. El Paso, El Paso records of Broad-billed Hummingbird contin- ue to accumulate, with different males report- ed 12-19 Jun (GV), 30 Jun (BZ), and 31 Jul (JiP). Blue-throated Hummingbirds aban- doned traditional breeding sites and spent the season at feeders in the Chisos Mts., Brewster and the Davis Mts., Jeff Davis. Individuals vis- ited low elevations as well, with an ad. male banded at Terlingua Ranch, Brewster 10 Jul (BW, KB). In the Davis Mts., Jeff Davis, Bryan banded an unprecedented 53 Lucifer Hum- mingbirds, mostly ad. males and just 2 juvs.; it is presumed that the species had a disastrous breeding season due to prolonged drought and extensive fires. The drought was likely also re- sponsible for bringing 2 Lucifer Humming- birds to El Paso, El Paso, with a male present 2 Jul-1 Aug (ph. JKi, m.ob.) and another 12-14 Jul (ph. BZ). Poor nesting conditions likely led to Lucifer Hummingbirds dispersing quite ear- ly to the east, and there were no fewer than five in cen. Texas: a male at Junction, Kimble 24 Jun-3 Jul (ph. RH, m.ob.); one at Utopia, Uvalde 28 Jun-2 Jul (ph. MHe); one at Lost Maples S.N.A., Bandera 10 Jul (BLy, VE); one at Uvalde, Uvalde through 12 Jul (ph. RAC); and a female at San Angelo, Tom Green 31 Jul (ph. TC). Broad-tailed Hummingbird does not breed in El Paso, El Paso, so two records in Jun were a bit unusual, a male 6 Jun (JKi) and a fe- male 30 Jun (BZ). Also perhaps reflective of the poor nesting conditions to the west, a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird at Utopia, Uvalde 19-24 Jun (MHe) was an unusual visitor for early summer. Green-backed ad. male Selas- phorus hummingbirds, probably both Allen’s Hummingbirds, were at El Paso, El Paso 17 (BZ) & 20 Jul (JiP). A Downy Woodpecker at Rockport, Aransas 9 Jun (fide JMc) was at an odd coastal location for the season. Several Olive-sided Flycatchers were reported into Jun in the Trans-Pecos, with the latest at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso 15 Jun (JS). A Western Wood-Pewee at El Paso, El Paso 26 Jun was noteworthy (JiP); another near Bledsoe, Cochran 23 Jul (AH) was presumably an ear- 656 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TEXAS] ly fall migrant. A Least Flycatcher at El Paso, El Paso 4 Jun (BZ) provided the first Jun record for the area. Pacific-slope/Cordilleran Flycatchers remained around El Paso, El Paso at multiple locations through mid-Jun, with the latest spotted 21 Jun (JiP). Two Buff- breasted Flycatchers were in their traditional stronghold at the Davis Mountains Preserve, Jeff Davis 4 Jun (ph., tML), though they were not noted the rest of the summer due to fires in the area and poor coverage by observers. No reports of Dusky-capped Flycatcher came from Big Bend N.P., Brewster, likely a product of the drought, but two pairs were in the Davis Mountains Preserve, Jeff Davis 11 Jun (ML). A Great Kiskadee was regularly seen at Sheldon Lake S.P., Harris 16 Jun+ (TZ); a pair wandered nw. to the Devils River S.N.A., Val Verde 23 Jun (ph. ML); and the pair found in spring at Junction, Kimble remained through the season (RH). Tropical Kingbirds from the spring at Galveston, Galveston apparently re- mained and attempted nesting (JKe). A pair of Couch’s Kingbirds fledged at least one young near the edge of the species’ range at Devils River S.N.A., Val Verde 22 Jun (ph. ML); far- ther w., the pair at Big Bend N.P was present all period (m.ob.). In cen. Texas, one was at San Saba, San Saba 1 Jul (DDC, DL), and a pair was seen attending a nest s. of Hutto, Williamson 27Jul+ (DCa, m.ob.). VIREOS THROUGH THRASHERS Quite unexpected so far from typical breeding territories, a Black-capped Vireo singing w. of Wheelock, Robertson 4 Jun (BRe) furnished a first county record. Wandering individuals ap- peared in a few odd places: one in the Christ- mas Mts., Brewster 2 Jun (JC, BLi), a male at Dugout Wells, Big Bend N.P., Brewster 23 Jun (LHa, JMa), a female at Sam Nail Ranch, Big Bend N.P, Brewster 28 Jun (JD), and a male at Rio Grande Village, Big Bend N.P., Brewster 15 Jul (DoC, AK). Quite unexpected was a Blue- headed Vireo at Dugout Wells, Big Bend N.P., Brewster 17 Jun (BB, HE); another at Spring Branch, Comal 27 Jun (BD) was also out of season. Warbling Vireo migrates into early Jun every year in the Trans-Pecos, but the number observed in El Paso through at least 20 Jun (m.ob.) was unusually high. Yellow-green Vireos successfully nested this year at the Sa- bal Palm Sanctuary, Cameron and Resaca de la Palma S.P., Cameron (m.ob.). Unknown as a U.T.C. breeder five years ago, nesting Tree Swallows can now be found in multiple locations. Breeding birds were found at El Franco Lee Park, Harris (SL et al.) and at the known nesting areas at Brazos Bend S.P., Fort Bend (ph. GP) and at Bay Area Park, Harris (m.ob.). Another bird at Houston, Har- ris 7 Jun may also have represented local nest- ing (MaK). Two Tufted Titmice along Mitchell Cr., Donley 11 Jun (BP) marked just the 3rd record for the Panhandle. An ad. Black-crest- ed Titmouse made an unusual barrier-island appearance at Paradise Pond, Port Aransas, Nueces 28 Jun (JMc). White-breasted Nuthatches near the s. limit of summer range included 3 at W.G. Jones S.E, Montgomery 2 Jun (NR) and singles in ne. Waller 12 Jun (RW), near Utley, Bastrop 16 Jun (BrF), and at Brenham, Washington 20 Jul (DV). Unex- plainable was a Gray-cheeked Thrush at the Convention Center at South Padre I., Cameron 30Jun-3 Jul (ph. BM). A Swainson’s Thrush was unexpected at El Paso, El Paso 30 Jun (ph. BZ). Gray Catbirds made a strong showing on the U.T.C., with at least seven re- ports in Harris, Brazoria, and Galveston, in- cluding a peak count of 16 at Sylvan Ro- driquez Park, Harris 10 & 24 Jun (BRo). A Gray Catbird at Canyon, Randall 26 Jun (MoS) was unusual for the Panhandle. Brown Thrashers may have summered at Sabine Woods, Jefferson, where 2 were seen 12 Jun and 3 on 18 Jun (SM). LONGSPURS THROUGH WARBLERS One of the stunners of the period was a Snow Bunting at Sea Rim S.P Jefferson 13 Jun (ph., TTeF). An Ovenbird at McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains N.P, Culberson 4 Jun was both rare and late (TD). Migrant Louisiana Waterthrushes included one at El Paso, El Paso 19 Jul (HJ) and another at Big Bend N.P, Brewster 30 Jul (MEa, ME). A Northern Waterthrush at Marathon, Brewster 4 Jun (MY) was late. An early Black-and- white Warbler was westerly at Post Park near Marathon, Brewster 31 Jul (MY). A male Pro- thonotary Warbler was out of place at China Spring, McLennan 12 Jun (FB, JBu), while one at the Convention Center on South Padre I., Cameron 29 Jul (DJ) was an early migrant. A pair of Prothonotary Warblers with 2 fledg- lings along the Medina R. near La Coste 7 Jul provided a rare Bexar breeding record (ph. BD, m.ob.). Swainson’s Warblers are regular breeders in Brazos, Grimes, and Robertson. Singing birds can usually be noted into late Jul, though this season, the last singing birds were detected 2 Jul, with most birds appar- ently leaving their traditional territories by 4 Jul (DV). A singing male Colima Warbler was noted in the Davis Mountains Preserve, Jeff Davis 11 Jun (ph. ML), adding to the few records from that mountain range. Perhaps oversummering, a Virginia’s Warbler was not- ed at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso 4 Jun, 9 Jul, and 26 Jul (JS). Late MacGillivray’s Warblers were observed passing through the Trans-Pecos in impressive numbers through 10 Jun, with the latest birds being at El Paso, El Paso 1 1 Jun (BZ) and Marathon, Brewster 17 Jun (MY). Single American Redstarts at JesseJones Park, Harris 12Jun (MiK, SK) and Friona City Park, Parmer 11 Jun (PT) were likely late migrants, while one near Rockport, Aransas 9 Jul (PW) was harder to explain. Overshadowing those were 3 individuals that summered at Panther Junction, Big Bend N.P, Brewster 23 Jun+ (AD). Several Tropical Parulas were detected around both the n. and s. units of Devils Riv- er S.N.A., Val Verde 20-22 Jun, with the high- light being 7 birds, including 3 fledglings, at the n. unit 20 Jun (ph. ML). A late migrating Magnolia Warbler was singing at Rice Univer- sity, Houston, Harris 1 Jun (CtL). Early was a Yellow Warbler at Sunset Valley, Travis 26 Jun (RD). A Blackpoll Warbler at Quintana, Bra- zoria 3 Jun (TaF) seemed late though not nearly so as a lost individual at Alpine, Brew- ster 20 Jun (HT). Lingering Yellow-rumped Warblers were at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso 4 Jun (JS) and Friona City Park, Parmer 11 Jun (PT). A male Townsend’s War- bler at Panther Junction, Big Bend N.P, Brew- ster 22-23 Jun (AD) was unexpected, as was a female at Boot Springs, Big Bend N.P., Brew- ster 14 Jul (DoC, AK). Exceeding the latest Central Brazos Valley record for Black-throat- ed Green Warbler by nine days, one was near Wellborn, Brazos 6 Jun (ph. JHa). A female Canada Warbler was at Frontera Audubon Sanctuary, Weslaco, Hidalgo 2 Jun (DJ). Wil- son’s Warbler migration continued almost un- abated into early Jun in far w. Texas, with the latest being one at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso 11 Jun (JS); one at Skeen Playa, Lynn 24 Jul (AH) was quite early for a southbound bird. A rare low-elevation sighting was a Painted Redstart at Rio Grande Village, Big Bend N.P, Brewster 12 Jul (MF) SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES A Green-tailed Towhee was notably late at El Paso, El Paso 5 Jun (JG). Spotted Towhee does not nest in the Franklin Mts., so singles at El Paso, El Paso 13 (BZ) & 16 Jun (JS) were noteworthy. The Cassin’s Sparrow invasion from the spring continued into early summer, with new county records established for An- derson, Grimes, Milam, Robertson, and Van Zandt (m.ob.). Numbers may have peaked in early Jun; a census in Waller yielded 42 indi- viduals 11-12 Jun (HL). Sightings seemed to dwindle after mid-Jun, with few of the in- vaders noted by late Jul; there were no reports of successful breeding from these displaced birds. Out-of-place Chipping Sparrows were at Post Park near Marathon, Brewster 4 Jun VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 657 TEXAS (MY) and in Chisos Basin, Big Bend N.P., Brewster 14 Jun (BB, HE). A Brewer’s Sparrow at El Paso, El Paso 1 Jun (JS) was late. A Lark Sparrow found on the Laas Ranch in w. Waller 3 Jun was notable (HL, RW). Unseasonably late, or perhaps early, a Lark Bunting was in the Christmas Mts., Brewster 21 Jun (COJ). A late Lincoln’s Sparrow was near Marathon, Brewster 4 Jun (MY). Completely out of sea- son, a White-throated Sparrow summered in Dallas 13 Jun+ (ph. PK). Also quite unex- pected was the summering Harris’s Sparrow in Collin 14 Jul+ (ph. MM). White-crowned Sparrow occurs annually into early Jun, but one at Balmorhea S.P, Reeves 17 Jun (]iP) was especially late. A pair of Summer Tanagers with 3 fledg- lings at White River L., Crosby 9 Jul (AH) was not completely unexpected, due to previous summer sightings, but represented the first known breeders in the South Plains. Out of range and out of season was an ad. male Scar- let Tanager at Lubbock, Lubbock 27 Jul (JiB). Lingering Western Tanagers included one at L. Tanglewood, Randall 1 Jun (JHi, MHi) and 3 in Hartley 9 Jun (BP); another at Lubbock, Lubbock 4 Jun-26 Jul (KD) was an unprece- dented summering bird for the subregion. A highlight of the season was a male Flame-col- ored Tanager in the Davis Mountains Pre- serve, Jeff Davis 30 Jul (LHe, TJKa). A tardy male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at Hot Springs, Big Bend N.R, Brewster 16 Jun (BB, HE). A few Black-headed Grosbeaks were seen throughout Jun at El Paso, El Paso (m.ob.), where the species does not breed; one there 12 Jul (BZ) was likely an early fall migrant. Hundreds of Blue Grosbeaks in the fields around Balmorhea, Reeves 16 Jun (JiP) were interpreted as a sign of mass abandon- ment of nearby breeding areas. Indigo Buntings are rare breeders on the U.T.C., so singing males in ne. Waller 12 Jun (RW) and at Houston’s Bear Creek Park, Harris 16 Jul (GP) were noteworthy. Two Varied Buntings were nice finds on the Yturria Brush tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley N.W.R., Hidalgo 12 Jun (DJ). About four weeks early for a fall migrant, a female Dickcissel was detected at Alpine, Brewster 11 Jul (ML). A Yellow-headed Blackbird seen near Indi- anola, Calhoun (BrF) 8 Jun was at an odd lo- cation for early summer. Great-tailed Grackles were confirmed breeding at Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches for the 2nd year in a row, with the first juvs. detected 27 Jun (DW). Up to 10 Bronzed Cowbirds gathered at The Wood- lands, Montgomery through 1 Jul (JoP, EB, BT, DDo). An Audubon’s Oriole at San Angelo, Tom Green 9-10 Jun (ph. TC) was out of range. A Lesser Goldfinch at Waco 13 Jul furnished a first summer record for McLennan (ph. AG). American Goldfinches out of season included singles at Ft. Davis, Jeff Davis through 6 Jun (KB), at Utopia, Uvalde 22 Jun (MHe), and w. of Rosanky, Bastrop 30 Jul (EC1). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Dan Allen, John Arvin, Mike Austin, Chris Bailey, Ellen Baker, Peter Barnes, Mark Bartosik, Judy Behrens (JuB), Jim Bertrand (JiB), Bill Blackburn, David Brotherton, Lu- anne Brotherton, Kelly Bryan, Frank Bumgard- ner, Jeanette Bumgardner (JBu), Winnie Bur- kett, Ann Bush, Dan Calloway (DCa), Tom Camfield, Blaine Carnes, Eric Carpenter (ECa; Central Texas), Larry Carpenter, Cameron Carver, Edith Clark (EC1), Dan Coleman (DaC), Steve Collins, Greg Cook, Janet Cook (JCo), Mel Cooksey, Rose Ann Cooper (RAC), Dominic Cormier (DoC), Jane Crone, D. D. Currie (DDC; North-Central Texas: 2703 Colleen Dr., Arlington, TX 76016), Tripp Dav- enport, Angie Dean, Louis Debetaz, Robin Dennis, Drew Dickert (DDi), Ken Dixon, Bob Doe, David Dolan (DDo), Jessica Donohue, Douglas Duncan (DDu), Marc Eastman (MEa), Maryann Eastman, Gil Eckrich, Victor Emanuel, Jerry Eppner, Hannah Espy, Tim Fennell (TiF), Terry Ferguson (TeF), Tad Finnell (TaF), Joe Fisher, Mark Flippo, Brush Freeman (BrF), Bert Frenz (BeF; East Texas: 221 Rainbow Dr., #12190, Livingston, TX 77399-2021), Steve Glover, Brenda Golubski (BGo), Ann Gordon, Bernd Gravenstein (BGr), John Groves, Mary Gustafson, John Hale (JHa), Lyle Hale (LHa), Cynthia Harland, Kelli Haskett, Dave Hawksworth, Susan Heath, Lin- da Hedges (LHe), Mitch Heindel (MHe), Rhandy Helton, Janie Henderson (JHe), An- thony Hewetson (Northwest Texas: 4407 36th St., Lubbock TX 79414), Jerrie Hill (JHi), Mar- ilyn Hill (MHi), Petra Hockey, Melissa Isom, Hugh Jameson, Beverly Johnson, Tim Johnson (TiJ), Tom Johnson (ToJ), Dan Jones, John Karges (JKa), Andrew Keaveney, Paula Keeth, Joe Kennedy (JKe), John Kiseda (JKi), Rich Kostecke, Mark Kulstad (MaK), Michael Kuzio (MiK), Sarah Kuzio, Harvey Laas, Cin-ty Lee (CtL), Bill Lindemann (BLi), Dell Little, Mark Lockwood, Stephan Lorenz, Barry Lyon (BLy), Michael Matuson, Steve Mayes, Jonathan Mayl (JMa), Jon McIntyre (JMc), Brad McKinney, Penny Miller, Tom Morris, David Newstead, Bob Norris, John O’Brien, Carolyn Ohl-John- son (COJ), Brent Ortego, Lisa Osborn, Jay Packer (JaP), Greg Page, Jim Paton (JiP; Trans- Pecos: 4325 Boy Scout Lane, El Paso, TX 79922), Seth Patterson, Barrett Pierce, John Pike (]oP), Randy Pinkston (RPi), Ray Porter (RPo), Linda Price, Nina Rach, Ross Rass- musen (RRa), Bill Reiner (BRe), Thomas Riecke, Brandan Robertson (BRo), Richard Rowlett (RRo), Chris Runk, George Russell, Mark Scheuerman (MaS), Monty Schoenhals (MoS), Keith Schoolcraft, Georgina Schwartz, Dennis Scott, Willie Sekula (South Texas: 7063 Co. Rd. 228, Falls City, TX 78113-2627), Cliff Shackelford, Houston Sliger, Margaret Sloan (MSI), John Sproul, Mack Staffey (MSt), Bob Stone (BoS), Byron Stone (ByS), Bill Tar- box, Kerry Taylor, Peggy Trosper, Heidi Trudell, Gloria Villaverde, Darrell Vollert, Ron Weeks (Upper Texas Coast), Mary Dabney Wilson (MDW), David Wolf, Pat Wright, Bon- nie Wunderlich, Matthew York, Teri Zambon, Barry Zimmer, Robin Zurovec. <& Eric Carpenter, 5604 Southwest Parkway #2222 Austin, Texas 78735, (ecarpe@gmail.com) Randy Pinkston, 3505 Hemlock Court Temple, Texas 76502, (drpinkston@sbcglobal.net) Ron Weeks, 110 Indian Warrior lake Jackson, Texas 77566, (ronweeks@sbcglobal.net) A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD ' v.il'wc,iW North American Birds ® Bsi AmericanBirding” _ rri Subscriptions are available for $32 for US or $37 for Canadian. Renew or give a Gift Subscription, today! (800) 850-2473 658 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Colorado & Wyoming Tony Leukerirtg Bill Schmoker This report is dedicated to Larry Semo, one of our editorial team for many years, who passed away in August 2011 after a short battle with cancer; he was just 44 years old. Larry was one of the hearts of Colorado birding and ornithology, and his contributions were legion, though many were not necessarily visible. We will all miss his wit, tenacity, and knowledge, though Col- orado ornithology will probably most miss the contributions to our understanding that he would have made, were it not for a much- too-early departure from the scene. Larry, well miss you, scamp! Instead of summer doldrums, birders in the Region were treated to many highlights this season. Most significant was Colorado’s first Western Gull, with the state’s third Crested Caracara also reaching the rarified air of state “megas.” Significant irruptions of Red-headed Woodpecker, Cassin’s Sparrow, and Dickcissel graced the Region this season. Continued ef- forts under Colorado’s second Breeding Bird Atlas documented further expansion of the ranges of birds such as Black-chinned Hum- mingbird and Lesser Goldfinch in the state. Wyoming avoided all drought designation this season, but southeastern Colorado saw a growing welt of red, indicating Extreme Drought conditions on the U.S. Drought Monitor map. Worse yet was the floor of the San Louis Valley, which along with the very southeastern comer of Colorado (in which most areas had not received appreciable moisture since the previous August), ended the season under Exceptional Drought cate- gorization. June saw all of Colorado’s divi- sional temperature ranks above normal ex- cept for the state’s Republican River and Arikaree River basins, which ranked near normal. Wyoming’s June temperature was below normal in all basins except for the Belle Fourche, which was ranked above nor- mal. All of Colorado and the southern and eastern' drainages of Wyoming ranked below normal precipitation in June, while the northern drainages of Wyoming ranked near normal. July’s divisional temperature rank- ings in Colorado were above normal in the Colorado and Republican/Arikaree basins, while the rest of the state was much above normal. Wyoming was mostly above normal in temperature ranking throughout July, with the Yellowstone and Cheyenne/Nio- brara River drainages much above normal and the Snake River drainage below normal. July’s precipitation picture was a mosaic of extremes in both states, with only two drainages (Wyoming’s Bell Fourche and Lower Platte) near normal. Colorado’s South Platte River drainage ranked wettest at much above normal, while the state’s Republi- can/Arikaree and Colorado River drainages along with Wyoming’s Green/Bear River basins were ranked above normal. On the dry side, ranked below normal, were the Arkansas and Rio Grande river drainages in Colorado and the central, eastern, and northwestern drainages of Wyoming. Driest were Wyoming’s north-central drainage basins, ranked much below normal. Abbreviations: Chatfield (Chatfield Res. and S.P., Douglas and Jefferson)-, Crow Valley (Crow Valley camp- ground, Pawnee National Grassland, Weld)', Lower Latham (Lower Latham Res., Weld). “West Slope” denotes locations w. of the Rockies. Due to reporting biases, all locations can be assumed to be in Col- orado; Wyoming locations are noted as such the first time they appear. Only the observer(s) initially find- ing and identifying cited records are listed. Undoc- umented reports from Colorado of Colorado B.R.C. (C.B.R.C.) review species () that are deemed probably correct are sum- marized at the end of this report. 6IESE THROUGH RAILS The 2 laggard Snow Geese at Neenoshe Res., Kiowa were not reported after 4 Jun (MP et al.), but singles were found in Larimer at Fossil Creek 10 Jun (SGM) and Douglas Res. 10 Jul (ph. K. Rasmussen) and at Russell Lakes S.WA., Saguache 28 Jun (IF, BS). An apparently “pure” male Mexican Duck and an intergrade Mexican Duck x Mallard (probably female) were noted at a site in Lin- coln 22 Jul (p.a., tTF et al.). Male and female Common Goldeneyes graced Sands L., Chaffee 1 Jun (SY), but only the female remained through the season. A female Barrow’s Gold- eneye was a surprise on Echo L, Clear Creek 30 Jul (ph. T. Bunker), as summering birds in Colorado away from the known breeding area on the West Slope are quite rare. Notably, the location is near a site with a historic breeding record. In recent years, Hooded Merganser has been found breeding nearly annually in Col- orado. However, this year’s records were some- what surprising. An apparently independent juv. was noted on the incredibly early date of 17 Jun in w. Weld (SGM; ph. reviewed by P. Pyle). This sighting, at least, was on the plains somewhat near the foothill edge, an area from which most/all breeding records originate. However, another independent juv. was found at Estes Park, Larimer 6 Jul (SGM) in the mts., where there are no previous breeding records. A female Hooded Merganser was late and/or out of range in Cheyenne 22 Jun (CD, BW). Also out of range, a female Common Mer- ganser with 2 chicks graced Windsor L., Weld 10 Jun (SGM). Colorado's summer of 201 1 started of with a bang, as the state's first Western Gull was found at Chatfield Reservoir, Douglas/Jefferson Counties 1 June (here). The bird's twenty-day l j pleased even the tardiest chasers. Photogrpah by Glenn Walbek. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 659 I COLORADO & WYOMING A plethora of Common Loons was noted this summer away from the species’ usual haunts in nw. Wyoming, with birds elsewhere in Wyoming in Albany, Johnson, and Sheridan, and in Colorado in El Paso (2 through sea- son), Jackson, Logan, Park, and Summit. The only Horned and Red-necked Grebes were in Wyoming ( Park and Fremont, respectively; singles each), while at Windsor L., one or 2 Western Grebe x Clark’s Grebe hybrids con- tinued from spring (ph. SGM). An imm. Neotropic Cormorant was a nice find at Pre- witt Res., Washington 10 Jul+ (ph. SGM); the species is virtually annual in Colorado now, spring through fall. Egrets outside of e. Col- orado included individual Great Egrets in Custer, Costilla, Rio Grande, and Mesa, and Snowy Egrets in one Wyoming county, Albany, and seven Colorado counties. A Green Heron was at inexplicably high elevation at Frisco 25-27 Jun (tK. Ecton), providing a first for Summit. An ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron incubated in a nest in a mixed heron colony in Greeley, Weld 7 Jun-24 Jul (m.ob.), apparent- ly paired with a Black-crowned Night-Heron; no young were ever seen. The only previous breeding attempt by the species in the Region was by a pair in a Black-crowned Night-Heron colony in Denver, 1983-1985. Single Glossy Ibis were documented in w. Weld on 2, 11, & 18 Jun, as was a Glossy Ibis x White-faced Ibis hybrid on the first date (all SGM). Cooper’s Hawk is fairly rare on the plains in summer, so reports from Logan, Morgan, and Yuma this season are of some interest. It was quite the contest for raptor-of-the-season hon- ors, with 2nd place taken by the ad. Common Black-Hawk at Delta, Delta 23 Jun (ph., tM. O’Brien, L. Zemaitis) providing the state’s 10th record. An Honorable Mention went to an ap- parent pair of ad. Broad-winged Hawks “calling a lot” at the Welchester Tree Park, Jefferson 5 Jun+ (N. Lewis) and the apparent young-of-the- year there 18 Jul (P Plage); it would be nice to know whether or not the juv. at Chatfield, Jef- ferson 20 Jul (JK) was the same individual. But top honors went to Colorado’s 3rd Crested Caracara, an ad. near Verhoeff Res., Bent 7-9 Jul (ph. DN) that was the first in the state seen by many observers. A Merlin at Boulder, Boulder 3 Jul (J. Hutchinson) provided yet another sum- mer record of the species, which is not known to breed in Colorado. As many as 3 calling Black Rails on a private ranch in Lin- coln 21-22 Jul (MP et al.) provided a first for that lightly birded county and a northward extension of known occupied habitat on Col- orado’s e. plains; an extensive effort to survey the species there is very much needed. PLOVERS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS Snowy Plover is a very scarce breeder in the Region, particularly away from se. Colorado. The San Luis Valley supports a small popu- lation, at the Blanca Wetlands, Alamosa, but the species is not known to breed at other locales in the Valley. Thus, the single bird at Smith Res., Costilla 4 Jun (ph. SGM) was a surprise. The other breeding site away from the plains is Antero Res., Park, where a single bird was noted 3 Jul (CLW). The portion of Antero at which the species breeds is difficult to access and thus receives little coverage. A Mountain Plover lit- erally on the Boulder/Jefferson line 16 Jun (CN) provided a rare record for both counties. A Whimbrel at Lower Latham Res., Weld 9 Jun (ph. SGM) was probably a late migrant; the species is fairly rare in the Region in fall mi- gration. The 15 Long-billed Curlews at L. Cheraw, Otero 5 Jun (SGM, TL, MP) may have been southbound migrants already. White- ramped Sandpiper is well known to be among the latest shorebird migrants in spring, but the 4 at Lower Latham 18 Jun were of undeter- mined migration direction (likewise the Red- necked Phalarope seen with them), whereas the 51 female Wilson’s Phalaropes present at Lower Latham that day were clearly south- f fl Two Regional migratory foothill breeding species, Black-chinned Hummingbird and Lesser Goldfinch, have been j/isteadily expanding their breeding ranges during the past 10-20 years. Until recently, these changes were mostly lim- ited to northward extension up the e. foothill edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains, bringing the goldfinch to Wyoming and the hummingbird to the s. edge of the Denver Metro area. However, during the past few years, both species have adopted ru- ral towns on the e. plains as suitable habitat; and that expansion was seemingly explosive this summer. During intensive work for the second Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas (), Leukering noted both species widely in the s. half of Colorado's plains, finding Black-chinned Hummingbirds in e. Springfield, Baca; in the town of Las Animas, Bent; in pinon-juniper habitat in s.-cen. Lincoln; in Simla, Elbert; and in the very ne. corner of Bent (the last record, on 5 Jun, consisted of 2 females and a male, with a female seen gathering nest material; with SGM, MP). He found Lesser Goldfinches even more widely distributed, with individuals or pairs scattered across plains sections of Baca, El- bert, and Lincoln; additionally, three pairs with females gathering nest material were along a tributary of the Purgatoire R. in se. Otero, and pairs were noted in Deer Trail and Centennial, Arapahoe. Numerous eBird reports of the two species also sug- gest a continuing push by Black-chinned Hummingbird up the Front Range in Colorado (now to Boulder and Larimer) and an extensive push by Lesser Goldfinches eastward off the foothills, n. of Denver, into w. sections of Adams and Weld. Birders in Kansas should be on the lookout for breeding colonization of that state, particularly in the sw. corner, as Elkhart provides an abundance of apparently suitable habitat for both species. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 660 COLORADO & WYOMING | r fl The incredible late-spring showing of migrant landbirds continued well into Jun, with flycatchers providing, perhaps, 3 fithe most notable example. As far away from the Regional breeding range as one can get, Baca hosted large numbers of Olive-sided Flycatchers in late May, peaking at 8 in and near Springfield 31 May (TRL). Additionally, scattered individuals were noted during Jun at low elevations in five Colorado counties, including 2 in ne. Bent 5 Jun (TRL, MP, SGM) and, the lat- est, a single at Chatfield, Jefferson 10 Jun (E. Dorman). Empidonax flycatchers also got into the act. Though Willow Flycatcher is typically a late-spring migrant, individuals at migrant spots at low elevations in Weld (9 Jun; near Pierce and at Crow Val- ley; SGM), s. Prowers (1 2 Jun; JS), and Boulder (22 Jun; TF) were abnormally so. A Least Flycatcher was late in Baca 27 May, as were 2 in Kiowa 30 May (both CD, BW). Padfit-siope/Cordferan Flycatchers were also surprisingly late, with single Cordiller- ans at Prewitt Res. 29 May (SGM) and in ne. Bent 5 Jun (MP, SGM, TL) and silent birds near Pritchett, Baca 31 May (TRL), in s. Prowers 1 Jun (JS), in Kiowa 21 jun (CD, BW), in Cheyenne 22 Jun (CD, BW), and at Crow Valley 24 Jun (C. Cogswell). Single Ash-throated Flycatchers were noted in Kit Carson 1 jun and Cheyenne 22 Jun (both CD, BW) and in Boulder 3 Jun (CM), in Dou- glas 1 1 Jun (S. Stachowiak), and in Larimer 22 Jun (A. Core). bound (SGM). A Pectoral Sandpiper e. of Kersey, Weld was early 30 Jun (SGM). The bird of the season was the ad. Western Gull, probably of the nominate subspecies oc- cidentalis, at Chatfield, Douglas 1-20 Jun (GW). Accepted by the Colorado B.R.C., this record was a first for Colorado and raised the state’s gull list to 22 species. Though Califor- nia Gull does not breed in e. Colorado, large numbers summer there, exemplified by the 550 at a landfill in w. Weld 11 Jun (SMG). An ad. Least Tern was a bit w. of normal at L. Cheraw 5 Jun (SGM, ph. TL, MP). As many as 4 Caspian Terns summered in se. Larimer, an area in which the species attempted nesting — the first and only such occurrence in Col- orado— almost a decade ago. White-winged Doves were reported from 11 Colorado counties, and 2 were together in Laramie, WY 9 jun (TC. Schroeder). All Yel- low-billed Cuckoo reports came from Col- orado (both slopes), while the only reported Black-billed Cuckoo was on Red Canyon Ranch, Fremont, WY 9 Jun (D. Nelson), which lies outside of the mapped breeding range of the species. A Greater Roadrunner made a noteworthy appearance at Jackson Res., Mor- gan 10 Jul (SGM, T. Clark), well n. of typical range. A Western Screech-Owl at Bower’s Gulch, Dinosaur N.M. 2 Jun (C. Dodson) was in Moffat, where the species is apparently rare. A Chaetura swift found dead in Norwood, San Miguel 5 Jun (G. Steele) measured out as a rare West Slope Chimney Swift rather than Col- orado’s overdue first Vaux’s Swift (JBn). A fe- male Magnificent Hummingbird was at the same site at which one was found last sum- mer, Tunnel Campground near Cameron Pass, Larimer 20-24 Jun (ph. C. Kogler, tBS); the species is of nearly annual occurrence in Col- orado and has bred once. A Broad-tailed Hum- mingbird was quite late or well out of range in Cheyenne 31 May (CD, BW). WOODPECKERS THROUGH VIRE0S Red-headed Woodpecker, a species that has been restricted to the plains in the Region, continued its superb spring showing into Jul, with numerous reports coming from montane areas in the n. Front Range of Colorado, from Teller n. to Larimer. Even more mind-bog- gling, single birds were found on the West Slope, where very rare, at Carbondale, Garfield (5 Jun; TM et al), Cottonwood Bend, Sweetwater, WY (8 Jun; JW), Escalante Forks, Mesa (14 Jun; MH), and Cedaredge, Delta (12 Jul; jute A. Robinsong). Three Willow Flycatchers at Lyons, Boulder 25 Jun (TF) were probably breeding locally. A singing Willow in easternmost El Paso 11 Jun (PG, TL, MP) was in the same location as 2 juvs. and a possible ad. 14 Aug (MP, PG); the species is not known to breed in e. Colorado away from montane riparian habitats. A singing Gray Flycatcher at Boulder 5 Jun (ph. CN) was, presumably, prospecting n. of typical range. A Black Phoebe at Parachute, Garfield 13 Jun (FL) provided evidence of an ongoing range expansion by that species; the site is a bit n. and e. on the West Slope of recently known range. Singing White-eyed Vireos were en- joyed at Chatfield, Douglas 11 Jun (JK et al.) and at Colorado City, Pueblo 18 Jul-12 Sep (DS). Colorado’s birders have been attempting to discern the breeding ranges of the two taxa of Warbling Vireo on the e. plains, so the 13 singing Eastern Warbling Vireos at Prewitt Res. 29 May (SGM) and 2 singing at Jackson Res. 10 Jul (SGM), with no Westerns at either site, are of interest. However, extensive efforts turned up singing Easterns at four sites in Boulder and at two sites in westernmost Weld (TF, SGM), while a singing Western was atypi- cally far e. at Tamarack Ranch S.W.A., Logan 2 Jul (SGM). Together with older records of a singing Eastern among the breeding popula- tion of Westerns at Barr L, Adams, these data suggest a less-than-minor overlap of occur- rence in the South Platte R. drainage. The situ- ation in the Arkansas R. drainage is much more poorly known, though all 3 singing War- bling Vireos in ne. Bent 5 Jun (TL, SGM, MP) were Easterns. An incredible number of Red- eyed Vireos was found this summer in Col- orado, where the species has not been proven to breed, scattered across nine counties, with the farthest flung being a singing male on the West Slope in Delta 29 Jun-13 Jul (JBn). SWALLOWS THROUGH WARBLERS A Purple Martin reported from n. Boulder 6 Jun (P. Piombino) was nearly unprecedented in this well-birded county. Bank Swallow is an early fall migrant; numbers maxed at 1200 at Beebe Draw, Weld 30 Jul (SGM). The last of the laggard Red-breasted Nuthatches of the spring was noted at Crow Valley 9 Jun (SGM). We en- courage cautious attempts at determination of the taxa of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on the e. plains of the Region, as e. and w. birds look and sound different from each other, though subtly. This is particularly true of summering birds there, such as the single birds noted in Adams, Logan, and Weld this summer; the species is unknown as a breeder on the plains of Colorado, though is in known to breed in e. Wyoming. Eastern Bluebirds have taken to nesting in s. Boulder recently, continuing the trend this summer (CN), but the pair noted at Higbee, Otero 4 Jun (MP, TL, SGM) was possi- bly at a new summer location. However, the Eastern Bluebirds of most interest were the 6 in Teton, WY 24 Jul (A. Farnsworth) that would provide the westernmost record for the state. A Veery singing at Gregory Canyon, Boulder 12 Jun (SGM) was at fairly low eleva- tion, if attempting to breed, while 2 singing along the Conejos R. at Horca, Conejos 4 Jun (TL, MP, SGM) provided nearly the southern- most summer occurrence in Colorado (being marginally more northerly than the site along the Purgatoire R. upstream from Mogote, Las Animas ). A Gray-cheeked Thrash at Van’s Grove, Bent 4 Jun (p.a., TL, MP, tSGM) would provide the latest Colorado spring record; ex- cept for two fall records, the first 50 records r fl With the widespread and severe drought from se. Colorado southward, Cassin's Sparrow and Dickassel made a spec- J Atacular showing outside of usual range in the Region, with relatively large numbers of birds in the n. 1-25 urban cor- ridor in Colorado and, at least for the sparrow/, into w. Colorado, with records from two locations in Delta 5 Jul (JBn) and 6-7 Jul (JC) and 16 Jun in Rio Grande (MP). In Wyoming, Cassin's Sparrows were reported from Laramie and, quite oddly, Teton, while single Dickcissels were in Buffalo, Johnson 14 Jun (J. Shell), e. of Cheyenne, Laramie 21 Jul (L. Barber), and Goshen's Hole, Goshen 4 Aug (M. Fraker); the first of these is nearly the northwesternmost of ail records in the United States this sum- mer [North American Birds 65: 402). VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 661 | COLORADO & WYOMING I Table 1. Occurrence of 42 species of typically eastern passerine migrants in Colorado, spring 2011, with notation as to spring abundance relative to that for each species in the most recent decade. Species1 No. Total reports First date Last date2 Relative abundance Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 1 15-May avg Alder Flycatcher 9 8 19-May 30-May high Least Flycatcher 83 59 6-May 7-Jun very high White-eyed Vireo 3 3 17-May 10-Jun low Yellow-throated Vireo 6 6 21 -Apr 21-May high Blue-headed Vireo 1 1 5-May low Philadelphia Vireo 4 4 12-May 27-May high Red-eyed Vireo3 22 22 12-May 9-Jun low Purple Martin 2 1 26-May avg Sedge Wren 2 2 17-Apr 21 -Apr high Gray-cheeked Thrush 5 5 18-May 4-Jun high Wood Thrush 3 3 20-May 16-Jun high Worm-eating Warbler 3 3 7-May 21 -May avg Louisiana Waterthrush 1 1 20-Apr high Northern Waterthrush 80 65 4-May 29-May high Blue-winged Warbler 2 2 6-May 20-May low Golden-winged Warbler 2 2 4-May 11 -May avg Black-and-white Warbler 31 31 3-May 31 -May high Prothonotary Warbler 3 3 16-Apr 28-May high Tennessee Warbler 26 23 6-May 29-May high Nashville Warbler 12 12 28-Apr 31 -May avg Mourning Warbler 5 5 19-May 31 -May high Kentucky Warbler 1 1 31 -May avg Hooded Warbler 18 16 10-Apr 29-May high American Redstart 62 40 11 -May 15-Jun high Northern Parula 34 34 17-Apr 29-May high Magnolia Warbler 24 24 11 -May 31 -May high Bay-breasted Warbler 6 6 27-May 31 -May very high Blackburnian Warbler 7 7 24-Apr 26-May high Chestnut-sided Warbler 16 16 3-May 29-May high Blackpoll Warbler 39 35 7-May 30-May high Black-throated Blue Warbler 5 5 6-May 19-May high Pine Warbler 0 0 low Palm Warbler 15 15 21 -Apr 29-May avg Yellow-throated Warbler 1 1 22-Apr avg Prairie Warbler 0 0 low Black-throated Green Warbler 8 8 11 -May 29-May high Canada Warbler 1 1 29-May avg Eastern Towhee 1 1 19-Apr high Summer Tanager 38 35 9-Apr 31 -May high Scarlet Tanager 2 2 26-May 26-May high Rose-breasted Grosbeak3 36 35 6-May 12-Jun avg 'Species mostly do not winter or breed in Colorado, except for Least Flycatcher, which has a substantial breeding popu- lation (15-25 pairs) in the Chatfield Basin of the southwestern Denver metropolitan area. Boldface indicates a C.B.R.C. review species. 2This indicates the last date on which a new individual was found; some such individuals stayed for multiple days. 3As these species are regularly found scattered around eastern Colorado in summer (though there are few, if any, definitive breeding records), the cutoff between migrants and prospecting summering birds is admittedly arbitrary. (through 2009) spanned 27 Apr-29 May. While 3 Swainson’s Thrushes at two sites in Weld 9 Jun were a bit late, the 3 Hermit Thrushes at the same two sites that day (SGM) were later still. A Wood Thrush nicely pho- tographed in s. Prowers 16 Jun (JS) marks the 2nd latest spring/summer record for the state. A singing Black-and-white Warbler was a surprise at Lyons, Boulder 23 Jun (ph. J. Such); there are no Colorado breeding records. Lucy’s Warblers continue at their breeding outpost in Yellowjacket Canyon, Montezuma, being noted there twice in Jun. Male Hooded Warblers were near Gregory Canyon 17 Jun (CN) and at Kodak S.W.A., Weld 23 Jun (SGM); the former site has a his- tory of breeding by the species. Northern Paralas tarried in Pueblo (singing male 13-21 Jun; BKP) and Custer (16 Jun; VT), while an early fall migrant was at Canon City, Fremont 30 Jul (RM). A stunning male Bay-breasted Warbler was a great find at Estes Park 1 Jun (ph. DW), only the 2nd local record (the pre- vious in 1973) and 4th for montane Colorado. Late were Chestnut-sided Warblers at Estes Park (female; G. Matthews) and Welchester Tree Park (singing male; I. & T. Sanders), both 10 Jun. Along with seemingly all other spring migrant species, Yellow-rumped Warblers were found quite late, through 9 Jun, on the Colorado plains; of particular interest were the Myrtle Warblers very late 2 Jun in Bent and Lincoln (VT). A male Prairie Warbler held ter- ritory at Corwina Park, Jefferson 1 Jun-16Jul (I. Brennan, M. Rhodes), providing unrealized hopes for a first Colorado breeding record. The only Grace’s Warbler noted away from the w. slope this summer was a singing male in Huerfano 4 Jun (T. Bunker). A Townsend’s Warbler at Tailrace Campground, Lincoln , WY 8 Jun (JW ) was far s. for the date; there are breeding records for nw. Wyoming. T0WHEES THROUGH FINCHES Two Green-tailed Towhees and a montanus Spotted Towhee were very late on the plains at Crow Valley 9 Jun, while 2 singing male East- ern Towhee x Spotted Towhee hybrids and a singing male Eastern Towhee were document- ed from Tamarack Ranch S.W.A. 2 Jul (SGM). A Canyon Towhee made a surprising find in Boulder 12 Jun (CN), as the species is almost unknown in the Region away from se. Col- orado. However, numerous reports around Lyons from the 1960s through the mid-1980s suggest that there was once a disjunct popula- tion in the county; there is certainly seeming- ly suitable habitat along the foothill edge of the Front Range into Larimer. Lincoln’s Spar- rows were very late in s. Prowers 8 Jun (JS) and at Crow Valley 9 Jun (3; SGM), as was a 662 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS COLORADO & WYOMING | Mountain White-crowned Sparrow near Pierce 2 Jun (SGM). The inexplicable Rufous- collared Sparrow in Clear Creek continued from the spring through at least 16 jun. A White-winged Junco nw. of Boulder 6 Jun (ph. DW) accounted for only the 3rd summer record for Colorado, though, oddly, one of those is a breeding record from 1905! A female Summer Tanager was late at Thompson Ranch, Lincoln 3 Jun (ph. GW), but the individuals on the West Slope in Glenwood Springs, Garfield 1 Jun (female; V Zerbi),. Nucla, Montrose 5-9 jul (imm. male; JC), and Escalante Forks 7 Jul (imm. male; MH) and in the mts. near Idaho Springs, Clear Creek 15 Jul (imm. male; ph. C. Peter- son) were in areas of the state where the species is rare. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were scattered more extensively in e. Colorado (eight counties) this summer than is typical, though none were proven to be breeding. The oddest reports, though, came from West Slope Cortez, Montezuma 27 Jun (S. Meyer) and montane Custer 27-29 Jul (BKP). Hybrid Pheucticus were noted in Douglas and Larimer. The 69 Blue Grosbeaks around Hig- bee 4 Jun (TL, SGM, MP) represented an in- credible concentration of migrants of the species and provided a new state maximum — and illustrated how late the species can mi- grate. Three singing Indigo Buntings near Montrose, Montrose 21-30 Jun ( fide CD) made a large concentration for the West Slope, where the species is a rare breeder. Male and female Bobolinks were reported from Tarryall Res., Park 3 Jul (SGM); though very local as a breeder in montane Colorado, there is appar- ently only one previous county record. The Routt Orchard Oriole continued from spring through 3 Jun and provided a first for the county. Additionally, the superb showing that the species made in spring to the foothill edge continued through the summer, with birds scattered along the Front Range edge from Douglas n. to Larimer. Baltimore Orioles were also w. of normal, at Crow Valley 14 Jun (ad. male; D. Welsh) and at Teller L, Boulder 19 jun (female; SGM). An apparent Type 5 Red Crossbill was well out on the plains at Prewitt Res. 10 Jul (SGM). The only reports of White- winged Crossbill this season came from Cone- jos, Lake, Hinsdale, and Routt, which covers the latitude of Colorado, and in Wyoming in Crook and Sheridan. Undocumented rarities: The following re- view species were reported in the period from Colorado without documentation: Laughing Gull (Douglas); Lesser Nighthawk (Montrose); Black-chinned Sparrow (Mesa; though docu- mented for spring). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Larry Arnold, Jason Beason, Jim D. Beat- ty (sw. Colorado), Robert Bradley, Dan Brooke, Tom Bunker, Jacob Cooper, Eva Crane, Todd Deininger, Coen Dexter (CDe, w.-cen. Col- orado), John Drummond (se. Colorado), Kathy Mihm Dunning, Doug W. Faulkner, Dick Filby Ted Floyd, Dennis Garrison, Mike Henwood, Dona Hilkey Tim Kalbach, Joey Kellner, Nick Komar, Forrest Luke, Dan May- nard, Tom McConnell, Rich Miller (RMi), Steve G. Mlodinow, Polly & Paul Neldner, Kent Nelson, Brandon K. Percival, Mark Peter- son, Bill Schmoker (BSc; Colorado Front Range), Larry Semo, Dave Silverman, Cheryl Teuton, Van Traan, Glenn Walbek (montane Colorado), Cole Wild, Brenda Wright. Many other individuals contributed information to this report but could not be acknowledged here; they all have our appreciation. Tony Lettering, 102 Delaware Avenue Villas, New Jersey 08251 (greatgrayowi@aol.com) Bill Schmoker, 3381 Larkspur Drive Longmont, Colorado 80503 (bill@schmoker.org) http : // vireo .ansp .org 70,000 photos online for lectures & publication VIREO The Academy of Natural Science . (2 15)’ 299- 1069 vireo@ansp .org VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 663 Idaho & Western Montana The summer of 2011 will be best re- membered for its unusually cool, wet weather in June, which delayed plant phenology and bird migration across the Re- gion. As last year, July brought near-normal temperatures and the beginning of summer- like conditions. Abbreviation: latilong (area encompassed by one degree latitude and one degree longitude used in mapping bird distribution in both Idaho and Montana). GREBES THROUGH CRACKLES A pair of Red-necked Grebes that produced 4 fledglings in Bozeman, MT (JP) represented New Mexico a geographic range extension and first record for Latilong 21. Red-breasted Mergansers are usually absent in summer, but 3 were at En- nis L., MT 10 Jun, and another was near there 17 Jun (JP)- A pair of Merlins with 2 young in Bonner 15 Jul (PS) added to few historic breeding records in Idaho. The bird of the season was a Mississippi Kite pho- tographed near Livingston 29 Jun (R&LF). An Anna’s Hummingbird in Garden Valley 23 Jul (SW) was a significant event; there are only two accepted summer records in Idaho. A survey discovered 4 singing Northern Mockingbirds at Craters of the Moon Na- tional Monument, ID 10 Jun (JC). Much less expected was one at Polebridge, MT 12 Jun (RI). If accepted, a Brown Thrasher that stopped at Challis 1-30 Jun (D&EF) will make Idaho’s 8th record. A tardy Lapland Longspur near Middleton 14 Jun (AL) made a very rare summer record for Idaho. A Northern Parula, Montana’s 17th, was a good find in Bozeman, MT 11-12 Jun (LH). Another parula spotted near Island Park, ID 20 Jun (ZW) was Idaho’s 13th. The only Blackpoll Warbler report came from En- nis L., MT 10 Jun (EH, JP). A Tennessee War- bler near Pritchard 14 Jun (MHa) was rare for Idaho and a first for Latilong 3. The Cape May Warbler present at Red Rock L., MT since 29 May was last seen 5 Jun. The only Black-and-white Warbler stopped at Liv- ingston, MT 2 Jun (NT). A Yellow-throated Warbler, Montana’s 3rd, was a sensational Sartor O. Williams III Record heat, record drought, and the largest wildfires in recorded history set a grim stage for summer 2011. Breed- ing bird numbers were, low, and the appear- ance of many common species in nonbreed- ing areas throughout the season suggested many birds abandoned breeding efforts alto- gether. Birding was made difficult because fire closures resulted in no access to most forests, parks, and bosques. Highlights included work in the rugged Organ Mountains by David Griffin, which expanded our knowledge of that range, and two Groove-billed Anis that appeared at Rattlesnake Springs, the first found in New Mexico in seven years. Abbreviations: B.L.N.W.R. (Bitter Lake N.W.R.); Bosque (Bosque del Apache N.W.R.); find at Missoula 4 Jun (TN). Both states recorded rare Indigo Buntings, with one n. of Howe, ID 3-4 Jun (JO) and an- other at Montana City, MT 13-15 Jun (BM). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were noted in typi- cal numbers, with one photographed s. of Livingston, MT 6 Jun (MH) and a pair seen in Twin Falls, ID 9-13 Jun (SH). A pair of Blue Grosbeaks, rare and irregular breeders in s. Idaho, was near Stone (DC1). Summer Tan- agers photographed in Jefferson, ID 16-19 Jun (BS) and at Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID 21 Jun (JC) are expected to garner Idaho’s 8th and 9th records. A pair of Great-tailed Grackles feeding young in Roberts, ID 5 Jun (D&EF) represented one of only a few Regional breeding records and a lo- cal first. Another pair of Great-taileds was noted in Carey, ID 13 Jun (JC). Contributors: (subregional editors in bold- face): Kathleen Cameron, Jay Carlisle, Dar- ren Clark (DC1), Dave and Elise Faike, Ray and Linda Forrest, Mike Haldeman (MHa), Ed Harper, Lou Ann Harris, Sarah Harris, Mitch Hurt, Radd Icenoggle, Alex Larnore- aux, Bob Martinka, Ted Nordgren, Jack Oar, John Parker, Bill Schiess, Paul Sieracki, Shirley Sturts, Neil Travis, Chuck Trost, Spencer Walters, Zeke Watkins, Cliff Weisse, Poo Wright-Pulliam. © David Troehleil, 2409 East N Avenue La Grande, Oregon 97850, (dtrochIell@frontier.com) E.B.L. (Elephant Butte L.); G.G.P. (Granite Gap Preserve); L.VN.W.R. (Las Vegas N.W.R.); N.R.T. (n. Roosevelt migrant trap w. of Mel- rose); E O. Canyon (Post Office Canyon, Pel- oncillo Mts.); R.G.V (Rio Grande Valley); R.S. (Rattlesnake Springs and vicinity, Eddy). HERONS THROUGH TERNS Scarce in New Mexico in recent years, an ad. Little Blue Heron was at Mesilla Valley 5.?. .11- 14 Jun (ph. CG.'ph. D. Richman, NS, GP), and another was seen sw. of Deming 31 Jul (DG); an ad. Tricolored was at B.L.N.W.R. 2 Jul (ph. CW). Recently annual in the state, an ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo near Espanola 27 Jul (WWi), and an imm. was at Bosque 29-30 Jul (GF, ph. J. Shipman). White-tailed Kites continued in evidence in the R.G.V, with up to 2 at Mesilla Valley S.E 4- 664 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW MEXICO] A species unreported in New Mexico since 2004, two Groove-billed Anis were present at Rattlesnake Springs, Eddy County 25- 27 (here 25) June 2011, and one lingered through 6 July 2011. Photograph by Nancy E. Hetrick. White-eyed Vireo has been found with increasing frequency in New Mexico in recent years, including this one found singing near Picuris Pueblo, Taos County 3 July 201 1 , at an elevation of 21 90 meters. Photograph by Nancy E. Hetrick. 22Jun (NS, CG, m.ob., ph. J. Lazarus- Yellon) and singles at Belen 22 Jun (T. Hodoba) and Bosque 28 Jul (DH). Far n. of expected, a Mis- sissippi Kite was at Taos Pueblo 18 Jul (J. Og- bum). Of the five known Bald Eagle territories in New Mexico, the four that were moni- tored— two each in Rio Arriba and Colfax — were all successful (DS, T. Johnson). Note- worthy n. to Santa Fe, an ad. Common Black- Hawk was on the Rio Nambe 12 Jun (ph. BF), near where an imm. was found in the spring; on the upper Pecos R., single black-hawks were near Villanueva 5 Jun (CR) and San Jose 18 jun (CR), and continuing from spring, at least one was at Bosque 24 Jul (CR). A pair of Harris’s Hawks continued in residence at San- ta Teresa through the season (JNP). A Zone- tailed Hawk was again n. to Mills Canyon 17 Jun (CR), single ads. were at Bosque 29 Jul (GF) and Aguirre Springs, Organ Mts. 1 Jul (ph. D. Simonetti), and 2 were at Sitting Bull Falls, Guadalupe Mts. 20 Jun (SW). Rare in Jul, an ad. Black-bellied Plover was at E.B.L. 31 Jul (ph. DC). An ad. American Golden-Plover at B.L.N.W.R. 16 Jul (CR) pro- vided New Mexico’s first Jul record. The high count for Snowy Plover was 173 at B.L.N.WR. 7 Jul QS); elsewhere, 2 were at Morgan L. 7 Jun (ph. TR), singles were at two E.B.L. sites 12-21 Jul (DC), and up to 12 were at Brantley L. 15 Jul (JEP). A Semipalmated Plover at B.L.N.W.R. 8 Jun (JS) was late; one at E.B.L. 30 Jul (ph. DC) was early. Unusual concentrations of American Avocets, includ- ing 177 at Stubblefield L. 9 Jul (DH), 125 at L.VN.W.R. 17 Jul (DH), and 43 at E.B.L. 26- 28 Jun (ph. DC), were likely failed breeders from elsewhere; a single pair produced chicks late at E.B.L. 29 Jul (ph. DC). Early Solitary Sandpipers were 2 at B.L.N.W.R. 7 Jul QS) and one at Alameda 10 Jul (WH). Scarce in fall migration, a Whimbrel was at the Lords- burg Playa 25 Jul 0- & M. Hirth). Earliest southbound Marbled Godwits were 4 at B.L.N.W.R. 20 Jun QS), but others were noted at multiple sites 26 Jun and later, including a high 47 at E.B.L. 17 Jul (DC). An early West- ern Sandpiper arrived at Morgan L. 28 Jun (TR), where a Semipalmated was among 50 Westerns 17 Jul (ph. TR). Earliest Least Sand- pipers were 19 at B.L.N.W.R. 7 Jul QS) and 30 at E.B.L. 8 Jul (DC), but 582 reached E.B.L. by 11 Jul (DC). As usual, northbound White- rumped Sandpipers continued into Jun, with one at Bosque 4 Jun (JEP), one at Brantley L. 12 Jun (SW), and 13 at B.L.N.W.R. 8 Jun (ph. JS). Late was a Pectoral Sandpiper at E.B.L. 1 Jun (DC). Noteworthy for Harding, 4 Stilt Sandpipers were near Mills 23 Jul (CR). Sum- mering Wilson’s Snipe were one at the Parkview hatchery 18 Jun (JEP) and 2 at Fen- ton L. 25 Jun (ph. WH). Southbound Wilson’s Phalaropes began to appear by mid-Jun, in- cluding 23 near Mills 17 Jun (CR), 39 at Mor- gan L. 21 Jun (TR), 81 at B.L.N.W.R. 22 Jun OS), and 62 at E.B.L. 28 Jun (DC); 2 were at Tyrone 26 Jun (EL), where seldom reported. Unexpected in summer, a Bonaparte’s Gull lingered at Morgan L. 11 Jun (MB) and 5 Jul (ph. TR). Among several Franklin’s Gulls in Jun were singles at Stubblefield L. 25 Jun (MB, NP) and Eagle Nest L. 26 Jun (CR). A Least Tern was w. to Mesilla Bosque S.P. 11 Jun (GP), and one at Brantley L. 22 Jun (SW) made the only report from that former breed- ing locale; five pairs had attempting nesting at B.L.N.WR. by early Jul, but all ultimately failed QS). Unseasonable was a Caspian Tern at E.B.L. 28 Jun (DC). PIGEONS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Many Band-tailed Pigeons seemed to have abandoned the mountains for suburban feed- ers and lowland riparian woodlands, e.g., up to 68 at Silver City in Jul (K. Beckenbach) and VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 665 | NEW MEXICO Far north and east of experted range, this Phainopepla was at Oasis State Park near Portales, Roosevelt County, New Mexico 5 July 201 1 . Photograph by James Lofton. one in the Gila Lower Box 6 Jul (DG). Only one Inca Dove was noted in Carlsbad Jun-Jul (SW), where the species has almost disap- peared in recent years. Up to 3 Common Ground-Doves were at G.G.P. during Jun, where copulation was observed 1 Jun and nesting was suspected (TG); elsewhere in Hi- dalgo, singles were at San Simon Cienega 27 Jul (RW) and Rodeo 30 Jul (RW), and at least 3 were in Guadalupe Canyon 24-25 Jul (MB, NP, ph. CGL). A Ruddy Ground-Dove provid- ed a local first at San Andres Spring, Dona Am 7-8 Jun (HW, MW). Yellow-billed Cuckoos where seldom reported included singles at Dixon 15-16 Jun (R. Templeton), e. Albu- querque 24 Jun (ph. CB), and Riverside, Lin- coln 28 Jun (WWe). Unreported in New Mex- ico since 2004, and unexpected in midsum- mer, 2 Groove-billed Anis were found at R.S. 25 Jun (ph. RN, ph. SW), where both were seen through 27 Jun and at least one remained until 6 Jul (m.ob., ph.). Maintaining an Organ Mts. presence was an Elf Owl near Soledad Canyon 20 Jul (DG); in Eddy, however, none were detected in Last Chance Canyon 13 Jul (SW). A Common Nighthawk was tending 2 downy young at Lake Valley 29 Jul (DG). Two Black Swifts were over the Jemez R. n. of Jemez Springs 2 Jun (J. Black). Single Chimney Swifts were w. to Rio Rancho 2 Jun (NP) and Las Vegas 4 Jun (CR). Rarely reported e. to Union, a White-throated Swift was at Ca- pulin Mt. 30 Jul (D. Weide- mann). Perhaps refugees from nearby burning mountains or parched canyons, Broad-billed Hummingbirds inundated P. O. Canyon Jun-Jul, peaking at 15 21 Jul (CDL), and others were scattered far and wide, in- cluding singles n. and e. to G.G.P. 29-30 Jun (TG), Silver City in late Jun ( fide RS), Percha S.P. 25 Jul (E. Wilson), and Las Cruces 21 Jun (L. Mosley, ph. DG), as well as Clanton Canyon and Cottonwood Canyons in the cen. Peloncillo Mts. 23-25 Jul (MB, NP); only one was found in Guadalupe Canyon 24 Jul (NP), the principal breeding lo- cale in the state. A Magnificent Hummingbird in the Organ Mts. 1 & 15 Jul (ph. DG) may be a first for that range; perhaps flee- ing Arizona fires, the species was unusually conspicuous in E O. Canyon Jun-Jul as well as in the Mogollon and Pinos Altos ranges, where there were high counts of 4 each at Mogollon 9 Jul (CR) and L. Roberts 16-17 Jul (NP). A male Lucifer Hummingbird was n. to Silver City 30 Jun (E. Halbedel); in P. O. Canyon, lack of flowers and insects discouraged breeding (CDL). Sin- gle Black-chinned Hummingbirds in the e. were at Mills Canyon, Harding (on a nest) and at Clayton L. 17 Jun (CR). A Calliope Hum- mingbird was early in the Organ Mts. 2 Jul (DG); the earliest Rufous Hummingbird reached Cedar Crest 28 Jun (DL). Single pairs of Red-headed Woodpeckers were at nest cavities at Trigg Ranch, e. San Miguel 16 Jun (MM) and Tolar 3 Jun (WH). Noteworthy n. to Taos, one or more Acorn Woodpeckers were e. of Costilla 6 Jul (WWi). A Downy Woodpecker was feeding 2 large nestlings at Clayton L. 17 Jun (CR); scarce in the Sacramento Mts., one was near Cloud- croft 11 Jun (WH). Two pairs of American Three-toed Woodpeckers produced young in the Black Range w. of Poverty Creek Jun-jul (ph. DC); at least one fledgling was with ads. at Sandia Crest 30 Jul (DH). Two Olive-sided Flycatchers — one singing — were in firs in the higher reaches of the Organ Mts. 20 Jun (DG). Western Wood- Pewees appeared in non-breeding habitats throughout Jun; some, such as the 9 at N.R.T. 3 Jun (WH) and singles at P. O. Canyon 11 Jun (CDL) and Malaga 12 Jun (SW), could have been late migrants, but others, such as the 10 at Santa Teresa 21 Jun (JNP) and 2 at Las Cruces 23 Jun (DG) may have been failed breeders from elsewhere. A silent Alder/Wil- low Flycatcher at N.R.T. 3 Jun (ph. WH) was thought to be an Alder, a species still uncon- firmed in New Mexico. Late was a Least Fly- catcher at N.R.T. 3 Jun (ph. WH). A Gray Fly- catcher was along the w. rim of the Guadalupe Mts. in Chaves 6 Jul (SW); 5 were on the near- by Piiion B.B.S. in Otero 10 Jun (WH). Dis- placed Cordilleran Flycatchers were a vocal one near Radium Springs 7-26 Jun (MS, JZ) and 3 vocal at La Union 20 Jun (DB). A Ver- milion Flycatcher was e. of Pastura 3 Jun (WH). Providing an Organ Mts. first, a Dusky-capped Flycatcher was in Indian Hol- low 16 Jun (ph. DG). Maintaining a Sierra presence were 5 Brown-crested Flycatchers along Las Animas Cr. 4 Jun (JEP). A Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher was in Guadalupe Canyon 24 Jul (ph. NP, ph. MB), the first detected there since 2008. An Eastern Kingbird was n. of Taos at El Prado 6 Jun (A&JT). Scissor- tailed Flycatchers pushing far w. were singles at Questa 22 Jun (B. Long) and Mesilla Bosque S.P. 4 Jun (NS); up to 4 were at or near the Mesa Rest Area 4 Jun (WH). ViRIOS THROUGH WARBLERS A male White-eyed Vireo singing in riparian habitat at 2190 m near Picuris Pueblo 3 Jul (CR, ph. NH) provided a Taos first. Continu- ing from May, a Bell’s Vireo was heard singing n. to Sumner Dam 3 Jun (JO, WH), and an- other sang along Salt Cr. n. of B.L.N.WR. 4 Jun (WH). Warbling Vireos were reported in low numbers in usual breeding areas but were found in non-breeding areas throughout Jun, including singles at Albuquerque’s Paradise Hills 9 Jun (WH), s. Albuquerque 14 Jun (NP), and near Radium Springs 19 & 28 Jun (MS. JZ). A Red-eyed Vireo was singing at Pi- cacho, Lincoln 28 Jun (WWe). Unusual were 3 Clark’s Nutcrackers s. to Otero Canyon, Manzanita Mts. 5 Jun (A. Gorbet). A Purple Martin near Angel Fire 18 Jun (DH) furnished a new Sangre de Cristo Mts. locale. Tree Swal- lows again nested at E.B.L., with up to 8 birds, including pairs at cavities, 17 Jun and 4 Jul (DC). Unexpected w. to Cibola was a small colony of Bank Swallows n. of Grants on San Mateo Cr. 27 Jun (H. Parmeter). Noteworthy for Otero was a Cave Swallow near Piiion 10 Jun (WH), and two pairs were in a mixed colony in s. Chaves 13 Jun (SW); at Carlsbad Caverns N.P., however, numbers were down sharply — to about half of normal — and little reproduction was documented (SW). Red-breasted Nuthatch is a rare breeder s. 666 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW MEXICO | to the Organ Mts.; this season, four pairs were at three sites there 20-27 Jun (DG). A Caroli- na Wren pair was found at Bosque 24 Jul (CR), where one sang 29 (JEP) & 31 Jul (DH). Further surveys of known Black- tailed Gnatcatcher sites in the E.B.L. area found none 20 Jun and 19 Jul (DC); the Feb freeze may be a factor. No Veeries were detected along the Rio Pueblo 11 Jun (JEP), and searches found none at Chama 17-18 Jun (JEP), suggesting the species may be extirpat- ed from these two formerly dependable sum- mering areas; singing Swainson’s Thrashes, however, were found at both sites (JEP). Lin- gering Hermit Thrushes were singles at N.R.T. 12 Jun (DH) and near Radium Springs 14 Jun (MS, JZ). Providing a first breeding record for Union, a Gray Catbird pair was tending fledglings at Folsom 25 Jun (MB, NP); in the w., one was singing at Jemez Springs 25 Jun (WH). A southerly Sage Thrasher was heard singing at the Very Large Array, Socorro 9 Jul (CR). Bendire’s Thrashers where seldom reported were one singing near Omega, Catron 9 Jul (CR) and an ad. with 2 fledglings near Cabezon Peak 17 Jul (WH). A Crissal Thrasher was n. to the Caja del Rio plateau, Santa Fe 24 Jun (BF). Cedar Waxwings continued as a summering pres- ence in n. New Mexico, including one col- lecting nest material at Farmington 7 Jun, where 9 were seen on 28 Jun (TR), 6 at Chama 18 Jun (JEP), 2 at Picuris Pueblo and a pair “courtship feeding” near Vadito 3 Jul (CR), 24 at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo 27 Jun (DS), and 3 in Albuquerque’s Tingley Beach bosque 18-21 Jun (CB). Phainopeplas on their n. frontier were singles at Farmington 5- 6 Jul (ph. TR) and Oasis S.P. 5 Jul (ph. J. Lofton); noteworthy was an ad. with fledg- lings at Bosque 24-29 Jul (CR, GF) and two pairs at San Patricio, Lincoln 28 Jun (WWe). A singing Olive Warbler was in pine-fir habitat in upper Fillmore Canyon, Organ Mts. 27 Jun (DG), where breeding is not known. Also noteworthy for the Organ Mts. were two pairs of Virginia Warblers at Indian Hollow 16 Jun (DG) and six pairs plus an active nest in Fillmore Canyon 27 Jun (DG). Two Lucy’s Warblers were singing n. in the R.G.V to Bosque village, Valencia 19 Jun (DH). North- ern Parala has nested in New Mexico in past years, so summer reports are always of inter- est; this season, a male continuing from May was still singing at Corrales 5 Jun (GO), an- other was singing at L.VN.W.R. 4 Jun (CR), and yet another was singing at Albuquerque’s Tingley Beach 9 Jun (CB). Noteworthy for the R.G.V n. of Albuquerque were up to 2 singing Yellow Warblers each at Cochi ti L., San Felipe Pueblo, and Algodones 26 Jun (WH), where not found in recent years; in Sierra, 2 each were singing at Hillsboro 18 Jun (DC) and Monticello Canyon 27 Jun (ph. DC). Provid- ing a San Andres Mts. first was a male Chest- nut-sided Warbler in San Andres Canyon 6 Jun (ph. MW). A male Magnolia Warbler was late at N.R.T. 4 jun (ph. JO). Out of range was a Black-throated Gray Warbler at E.B.L. 25 jun (JEP). A Hermit Warbler was early in Whitmire Canyon, Peloncillo Mts. 30 Jul (JEP, WWi). An ad. Grace’s Warbler was tend- ing fledglings in the Organ Mts. 8 Jul (DG). Surprising was a Blackpoll Warbler singing at Albuquerque 4 Jun (CR). Single American Redstarts were singing at Albuquerque’s Montessa Park 3 Jun (ph. NP) and in the Or- gan Mts. 16 Jun (DG). Unseasonable warblers included a Black-and-white on the Rio Nambe 5 Jun (BF, ph. E. MacKerrow), a Pro- thonotary in the Gila Lower Box at Nichols Canyon (DG), and a Hooded at Cedar Crest 20-24 Jun (DL). A singing Mourning Warbler was at Corrales 6 Jun (T. Fetz). Wilson’s War- blers were conspicuous in nonbreeding habi- tats statewide in Jun, such as singles at Albu- querque 14 Jun (NP), near Vicks Peak 14 Jun (H. Schwarz), La Union 20 Jun (DB), and P. O. Canyon 26 Jun (CDL). Unexpected was a Red-faced Warbler at Rock Hound S.R 5 Jun (L. Malone); singles were at two Organ Mts. sites 16 Jun and 2 Jul (DG). SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES A Rufous-crowned Sparrow near Counselor 12 Jun (DK) was at the nw. edge of the ex- pected range. Two Botteri’s Sparrows found at Lake Valley, Sierra in May were relocated 10 Jul (DG); providing a new Luna locale was one singing ne. of Hermanas 31 Jul (ph. DG), while another was at Rodeo 17 Jul (RW). Re- flecting the extreme drought in the e. plains, numbers of Cassin’s Sparrows were greatly re- duced in Jun in their breeding strongholds there; by Jul, the species began to appear from the R.G.V. westward, including one near Farmington 10 Jul (C. Black), 4 near Cabezon Peak 17 Jul (WH), 9 at Albuquerque 1 Jul (DH), and 26 at Quemado 9 Jul (CR). By late Jul, Cassin’s were plentiful in Sierra, Luna, and Hidalgo. An early Fox Sparrow was at the Red River hatchery 30 Jul (M. Pfeiffer). No- tably late Lincoln’s Sparrows were singles at N.R.T. 3 Jun (WH), G.G.P. 13 Jun (TG), and P. O. Canyon 15 Jun (CDL). A Summer Tan- ager was ne. to Clayton L. 18 Jun (CR). A . Northern Cardinal was singing along the Canadian R. near Sabinoso 17 Jun (CR). An ad. male Rose-breasted Grosbeak wandered to the Organ Mts. 15 Jul (DG). Reports of Lazuli Bunting x Indigo Bunting hybrids included singles at Farmington 12 & 19 Jul (TR), near Vadito 3 Jul (CR), and at Corrales 31 Jul (WH). Three pairs of Varied Buntings were in San Andres Canyon 6-8 Jun (ph. MW, HW) and up to 8 were in Guadalupe Canyon 24-25 Jul (MB', NP, CGL), but only one was report- ed in Walnut Canyon 4 & 16 Jul (SW), where fire destroyed much habitat. Likely refugees from the parched Southern Great Plains, Painted Buntings staged a memorable flight southwestward across New Mexico late Jun-Jul, including singles at Edgewood 10 Jul (ph. J. Ashby) and Ruidoso 15 Jul (ph. P. Price), 2 at Bosque 17 Jul (NP), and a half- dozen at Las Cruces 22 Jul (R. Castetter), sin- gles near Silver City 21 Jul (fide RS), n. of Sep- ar 31 Jul (ph. C. Cole), Gila Lower Box 4 Jul (DG) , and Playas 18 Jul (ph. W. Cavaliere), up to 7 at Rodeo 4-23 Jul (RW), and 4 at P. O. Canyon 28 Jun-20 Jul (CDL). An early Dick- cissel was at Santa Fe 14 Jul (R. Latuchie). A male Bobolink was singing in a fallow field near Abiquiu 2 Jun (WWe); an early mi- grant reached B.L.N.W.R. 15 Jul (ph. RH). Three Eastern Meadowlarks were at 1922 m along the Guadalupe Rim in Otero and Chaves 6 Jul (SW); a pair with 3 fledglings was n. to the Cabezon Peak area 17 Jul (WH). Two Or- chard Orioles wandered to the Mesa Rest Area 4 Jun (WH). A male Baltimore Oriole was a surprise at Carlsbad 24 Jun (ph. RH). American Goldfinches in potential breeding habitat in- cluded singles at Farmington 21 Jun and 19 Jul (ph. TR), several at Chama 17-18 Jun (JEP), up to 3 at El Prado, Taos 1 Jun-10 Jul (A&JT), 5 at Taos 3 Jul (CR), 2 along the Rio Pueblo, Taos 11 Jun (JEP), and a male at Picuris Pueblo 3 Jul (CR) ; southerly were 5, including 2 singing males, at Bosque 31 Jul (DH). Initialed observers: Matthew Baumann, Dan Belcher, Celestyn Brozek, David Cleary, Bernard Foy, Gary Froehlich, Tony Godfrey, Coleman Goin, David Griffin, David Hawksworth, Nancy Hetrick, William Howe, Ronald Hurd, David Krueper, Eugene Lewis, David Ligon, Carroll D. Littlefield, Carl G. Lundblad, Martin MacRoberts, Robert Nieman, Jerry Oldenettel, Gale Owings, John E. Parme- ter, James N. Paton, Nicholas Pederson, Gloria Pike, Tim Reeves, Christopher Rustay, Jeffrey Sanchez, Marcy Scott, Roland Shook, Dale Stahlecker, Nancy Stotz, Ann & James Tuomey, Hira Walker, Richard Webster, Mara Weisen- berger, Steve West, William West, William Wittman, Cole Wolf, James Zabriskie. © Sartor 0. Williams HI Division of Birds, Museum of Southwestern Biology University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 (sunbittem@earthlink.net) VOLUME 65 (2012) I NUMBER 4 667 Arizona Mark M. Stevenson Gary H. Rosenberg For many species, spring migration ex- tended longer into summer than is typ- ical. The drought continued, and when the summer rains finally arrived, they were for the most part below average. Adding to the disastrous fires in the prior season, the “Monument Fire” started in the Huachuca Mountains, burning 30,000 acres between the border and Carr Canyon. Much of the state’s public land was closed during June due to fire danger, limiting observer access. Even so, many interesting and rare birds were found, including Tufted Flycatcher, Mourning War- bler, Fan-tailed Warbler, and multiple Yellow Grosbeaks. Abbreviations: A.B.C. (Arizona Bird Commit- tee), A.T.P (‘Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, Parker), B.T.A. (Boyce Thompson Arboretum S.P.), B.W.D. (Bill Williams Delta, L. Havasu), G.R.P (Glendale recharge ponds), H.R.P (Hassayam- pa River Preserve), L.C.R.V. (lower Colorado R. valley), Las Cienegas (Las Cienegas Nation- al Conservation Area), Sweetwater (Sweetwa- ter Wetlands, Tucson). WATERFOWL THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Mexican Duck was at Lake Havasu City 3-6 Jun (DVP); as observers pay more attention to this taxon, scattered individuals like this are found away from the known range. On L. Havasu, 3 Ring-necked Ducks were casual 14 Jun (DVP). A Common Loon at L. Powell 22 Jul (SP) was unusual there in summer. More surprising was a Yellow-billed Loon in the L.C.R.V. on the river along the Parker strip 15 Jun+ (tMN; ph. DVP). Likely a holdover from winter and missing most of its flight feathers, this is the first Yellow-billed documented as summering in the state. An ad. Neotropic Cor- morant at Page S.T.P. 12 Jun (ph. SP) furnished only the 2nd record for Coconino. In the L.C.R.V., reports of Neotropic Cormorants continue to accumulate, with one above Headgate Rock Dam 6-13 Jul (DVP) and one at B.W.D. 14 Jul (K. Blair). At Prescott, up to 4 were on Willow L. 17 Jul+ (CST), where they have become more regular. Among the 20+ Brown Pelicans wandering n. to Arizona this summer, the farthest flung was one found freshly dead at Cluff Ranch W.A. 7 Jun (TC). A Little Blue Heron at Cibola N.W.R. 5-20 Jun (ph. DVP, LH) and 21-24 Jul (A. Lamoreaux) was very rare in the L.C.R.V An ad. Glossy Ibis in the Mohave Valley 5-9 Jul (tPEL, BC; ph. DVP) added another to the small but growing list of records. The resident Roseate Spoonbill continued all summer at Palo Verde (MH). Mississippi Kites were noted nesting again at Duncan 7 Jun OS), and reports continued to accumulate along the Santa Cruz R. from No- gales to Tumacacori, where 2 were seen 23 Jun 0- Alsadi, TC). Unusual in the L.C.R.V in summer, single ad. Cooper’s Hawks were in the Parker Valley 6 & 13 Jul (DVP). A pair of Har- ris’s Hawks was seen 15 Jul at a nest near Dewey (CST), where they nested for the first time in 2010. A single Red-shouldered Hawk continuing at H.R.P. 10 Jul (TD) was the only one reported. The expansion by Gray Hawks continued, with up to 3 at H.R.P. all summer (TD), one along the Gila R. near Three Way 7 Jun QS), and one heard again along the Agua Fria R. near Humboldt (CST). A single Short- tailed Hawk was reported all summer high in the Santa Catalina Mts., primarily near Sum- merhaven and Mt. Bigelow (CLu; ph. M. Sharon), and there was a single report of one over Onion Saddle in the Chiricahua Mts. 13 Jul (H. Snyder). Very rare in the L.C.R.V. in summer, up to 2 Swainson’s Hawks continued at A.T.P. 8 Jun-18 Jul (D. Rankin), where a Zone-tailed Hawk was also seen 3 Jun (LHa). There was a flurry of Purple Gallinule re- ports, a species usually less than annual in the state; one ad. was found dead near Picacho 29 Jun (fide PK), another was at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station 8 Jul (ph. M. Shobe), and another was at Rio Rico 8-11 Jul QS; ph. LH, AS). Snowy Plover is sparsely dis- tributed in the state, especially as a nester. Though none were found nesting near Gila Bend this year, one was there 16 Jul (TC), while in the L.C.R.V., 5 ads. and 2 juvs. were at Cibo- la N.W.R. 23-24 Jul (A. Lamoreaux, A. Fasoli). A Solitary Sandpiper was early in the L.C.R.V at Lake Havasu City S.T.P. 19 Jul (DVP). Semi- palmated Sandpipers were relatively scarce this season, with just one report, from Willcox 25- 30 Jul 0- & M. Hirth, J. P. Smith). White- rumped Sandpiper has become virtually annu- al as a late spring migrant; 3 were at Willcox 1- 3 Jun (R. Eastman; ph. DS). A Baird’s Sandpiper at G.R.P. 4 Jun (CB, ph. DPe) was a very late spring migrant. A Laughing Gull at Cibola N.W.R. 20 Jun (ph. T. Schreckengost) was only the 2nd in the L.C.R.V in a decade. An ad. Heermann’s Gull was at Tucson 21 Jun (J- Hig- gins; ph. LH, CDB). A few California Gulls were seen on L. Havasu again this Jun (DVP), adding to recent summer records and filling in some gaps in their known dates of occurrence in the L.C.R.V. Casual in early summer there, 2 Caspian Terns were at G.R.P. 1-2 Jun (G. Nunn). Similarly, a Common Tem was at L. Havasu 4 Jul (LHa, DVP). An Elegant Tem at Green Valley 18-20 Jun (ph. C. & J. Trible) makes the 9th record in the past 10 years and the 3rd consecutive year in which this casual visitor has been documented in the state. A Black Skimmer was a good find at Parker 4 Jun (D. Rankin); if accepted by the A.B.C., this would be the 5th record in the past 10 years and the 3rd consecutive year for this species in the L.C.R.V There were scattered reports of Ruddy Ground-Dove in se. Arizona, with 2 at the San- ta Cruz Flats 5 Jul (G. Graves) and singles at Amado 8 Jul (MMS), Kino Springs 9 Jul (R. Payne), and Tucson 22 Jul (MMS). Broad- billed Hummingbirds were again found be- yond their established range in Maricopa. One was present intermittently all summer in Mesa (J. Miller), one was along the Verde R. at Box Bar 20 Jul (TD), and another was near Rio Verde 31 Jul (ph. P. Deviche). Before the forest closed, a Berylline Hummingbird was seen in Madera Canyon 5 Jun (LH), and then 2 were seen there 20 Jun-8 Jul (L. Calvo et al), with one remaining 11 Jul+ (ph. LHa). In the Chir- icahua Mts., an ad. male Berylline was in E. Whitetail Canyon 16 Jul (RT). A few stray Vi- olet-crowned Hummingbirds were reported in se. Arizona away from known areas of occur- rence, with one at a Rio Rico feeder 19 Jun (J. Hammond) and one near Palominas 30 Jun (S. Williamson). Seldom seen in the lowlands, particularly in summer, a Blue-throated Hum- mingbird was near the mouth of Ventana Canyon, Tucson 26-29 Jul (ph. L. Daniels), where one had just wintered. Surprisingly nu- merous, 8 Magnificent Hummingbirds seen away from breeding habitat in se. Arizona 1 Jun+ were possibly refugees from the forest fires or drought. A peculiar hummingbird in Portal 21 Jun was thought to be a hybrid of Magnificent and Broad-billed Hummingbirds (ph. REW). Virtually annual in the past decade, single Plain-capped Starthroats were in lower Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mts. 3-11 Jul (ph. C. Melton) and along Harshaw Cr., Pata- 668 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ARIZONA] gonia Mts. 22 Jul (ph. L. Rogers, S. Wething- ton). Lucifer Hummingbirds were reported from multiple locations in the Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Mule Mts. this summer, and outliers were reported from Madera Canyon 7 Jun Q. Murray), Rio Rico 14-17 jun (J. Ham- mond; ph. LHa), Sierra Vista 16-21 Jun (E. Wilson), along Harshaw Cr. 24 Jun (L. Rogers, S. Wethington), near Palominas 30 jun (S. Williamson), and in Madera Canyon 9 Jul+ (ph. LHa). The lowland reports from Rio Rico, Palominas, and Sierra Vista were especially no- table. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were report- ed from multiple low-to-middle-elevation lo- cations in se. into mid-Jun, when they are ex- pected to be at higher elevations, possibly in response to drought or fire. Allen’s Humming- bird is a sparse fall migrant, so 14 reported 2- 27 Jul was a good showing. All were in se. sites, where birders and banders are concen- trated. The annual Elegant Trogon census in the Chiricahua Mts. was delayed by the Horse- shoe 2 Fire until 26 Jun. The 6 found, all in S. Fork, Cave Cr., was the lowest number record- ed in 34 years of counting (RT et al.). Green Kingfisher remains sporadic in the state, with most reports from near the international bor- der in se. Arizona; the only report came from San Bernardino N.W.R. 8 Jun-18 Jul (ph. REW). Rare in the Grand Canyon region, 2 Lewis’s Woodpeckers were at Lockett L. 2 Jul (B. Gatlin). Although unexpected away from oak woodlands, Acorn Woodpeckers have tak- en a liking to the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, where up to 3 were present again 7Jun=-26Ju! (J. Nichols). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH PIPITS An outstanding find was Arizona’s 3rd Tufted Flycatcher, located at B.T.A. 6 Jul (JS; ph. JHo); the previous well-documented Arizona records were from late Feb and early May. Ex- tralimital Greater Pewees were found this sum- mer at Milk Ranch Point near Strawberry 25 Jun (SP), at Black Canyon near Heber 14 Jul (EH), and at Hualapai Mountain Park 30 Jul (LHa, DVP); this species is an annual late spring and summer wanderer in very small numbers to mountainous areas in n. Arizona. Seven Western Wood-Pewees at San Bernardi- no N.W.R. 12 Jun, and 4 there 18 Jun (REW), were considered very late migrants. A calling Eastern Wood-Pewee was present at San Bernardino N.W.R. 8-10 Jun (ph., v.r. REW), furnishing only the 5th Arizona record. Late Willow Flycatchers were at San Bernardino N.W.R. 18 Jun (REW) and at Portal 21 Jun (REW). Similarly, very late Hammond’s Fly- catchers were at San Bernardino N.W.R. 2 jun and at Portal 19-25 Jun (REW). A Gray Fly- catcher at San Bernardino N.W.R. 8 Jun was likely a very late migrant (REW), while 4 (at three locations) in the Hualapai Mts. 2 jul (LHa, DVP) were probably breeding locally, which would represent a new breeding loca- tion in the state. Pacific-slope Flycatchers were reported at a number of locations during the first week of Jun, with a few lingering through the 3rd week, which is later than usual. In gen- eral, Empidonax flycatchers were more preva- lent during the first half of Jun, indicating a late migration across s. Arizona this spring. At least three territories of Buff-breasted Flycatch- ers were present in Rose Canyon, Santa Catali- na Mts., throughout the season. A Sulphur-bel- lied Flycatcher at Cienega Creek Preserve, Pima 18 Jul (ph. CLu) was one of very few re- cent records from the lowlands. Unusual was a pair of Tropical Kingbirds at Pintail Slough, Havasu N.W.R. 30Jun+ (DD, DVP, LHa). The pair at A.T.E since May was observed nesting in late Jun-Jul (LHa, CMc, PEL, BC); there are no previous breeding records for the L.C.R.V. The only Eastern Kingbird of the season was near Buckeye 24 Jun (ph. MH). Also casual during summer, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was at Arlington 4 Jun (ph. D. & J. Luehrs, D. Smith). The only Rose-throated Becard found this summer was one along the Santa Cruz R. near Carmen 19 Jul (ph., JDS). A Yellow-throated Vireo was a good find at B.T.A. 5-6 Jul (CST, ph. JHo). Very late Cassin’s Vireos were at A.T.E 3 Jun (LHa) and Lake Havasu City 3 Jun (DVP); along with nu- merous warblers and flycatchers, their migra- tion was very protracted, lasting well into ear- ly Jun. Hutton’s Vireos were found at Hualapai Mountain Park 2 & 30 Jul (ph. LHa, DVP); there have been no previous breeding reports from this mountain range. Migrant Warbling Vireos also lingered into mid-Jun; reports of multiple individuals at San Bernardino N.W.R. 12 & 18 Jun (REW), one at Cibola N.W.R. 16 Jun (T. Schreckengost), one at Portal 19 Jun (REW), and one at Phoenix 23 Jun (R. Ditch) were all considered casual that late. A Red- eyed Vireo was reported from Portal 1 Jun (RAR), and another was present at Slaughter Ranch 6 Jul (ph., fREW); this species is still considered casual in the state. A flock of 7 Mexican Jays near Strawberry 25 Jun (SP) was w. of the normal distribution along the Mogollon Rim in cen. Arizona. Tree Swallows present at Sweetwater in late May, attempting to nest there, were last reported 9 Jun 0B, BGi, MMS); singles at Cibola N.W.R. 5 Jun (LHa) and L. Havasu 8 Jun (LHa) were both very late migrants for the L.C.R.V Late Bank Swallows were near Budleyville 1-13 jun (ph. R. Aracil) and at San Bernardino N.W.R. 8 Jun (REW). A Bam Swallow was at Truxton 16 jul (DVP), which was the only lo- cation in Mohave where breeding was con- firmed for this species during the Arizona breeding bird atlas. Fourteen Red-breasted Nuthatches in the Hualapai Mts. 30 Jul (DVP, LHa) was certainly suggestive of local breed- ing, despite breeding not being confirmed in these mountains during the atlas. Scattered White-breasted Nuthatches were detected in the lowlands during late Jul, suggesting a pos- sible early movement. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet near Herb Martyr, Chiricahua Mts. 26 Jun (RT) was at an odd location for this species during the breeding season. It was clear that Swainson’s Thrashes were more prevalent in s. Arizona during Jun than during any previous Jun that Arizona birders could remember. Relatively large numbers were seen at numerous locations during the first week of Jun, with scattered individuals lingering (or passing through?) well through the 3rd week of the month. The last one re- ported was in Portal 29 Jun (REW), thought possibly to be of an Olive-backed subspecies. Rufous-backed Robins are few and far be- tween during the summer season, so one in Sahuarita 12-18 Jun (ph. M. & G. Ballard) and one with a brood patch banded at Las Cienegas 29 Jul (ph. M. Radke, B. Radke) were of note. A Varied Thrush along S. Fork of Cave Creek Canyon 8 Jun (ph. D. Simon- etti) represented a first Jun record for se. Ari- zona. A Gray Catbird at Scottsdale 23-24 Jun (ph. M. Larson) represented only the 2nd summer report for Maricopa. Two Curve- billed Thrashers at Bullhead City during Jun (ph. DD) were w. of normal distribution in the state. An American Pipit at Paloma Ranch 4 Jun (CB, DPe) was a late migrant. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Two Olive Warblers at Hualapai Mountain Park 30 Jul (ph. LHa, DVP) were w. of this species’ normal distribution in Arizona; one of these had been discovered during spring. After 8 Ovenbirds found during the spring season, 3 more were found in Jun. A Louisiana Waterthrash was at San Bernardino N.W.R. 25 Jul (REW); there are two distinct migratory periods for this species in Arizona, one in late jul-early Aug, and the other in- volves wintering birds along permanent streams in the se. portion of the state. A Blue- winged Warbler was reported along the San Pedro R. near San Manuel 28 Jun (tSB); if ac- cepted, this would represent a 12 th Arizona record. Single Black-and-white Warblers were reported at Sweetwater 19 Jun (B. Walsh) and Diamond Bell Ranch, Pima 2 Jul (CC); this species is rare to casual in Arizona in summer. Several Orange-crowned Warblers were de- tected in the lowlands through mid-Jun, later VOLUME 65 (2012) . NUMBER 4 669 [ARIZONA Grosbeaks added to the numerous reports during May. Consistent with the late migra- tion, numerous Black-headed Grosbeaks were detected in lowland areas away from breeding habitats through the 3rd week of Jun, perhaps a result of the severe drought or numerous wildfires. At least 75-80 Painted Buntings, an unprecedented number, appeared in se. Ari- zona during Jul, with high counts of 27 at San Bernardino N.W.R. 18 Jul (REW) and 13 in one Portal yard 21 Jul (M. Decker). This species has been considered casual to rare in Jul and generally more regular in Aug. A male Bobolink was reported at Sweetwa- ter 18 Jun (JB); this species remains casual in the state. An ad. male Streak-backed Oriole was at a residence near Patagonia L. 11-12 Jun (ph. AS); there are about 15 previous state records. A casual breeding bird anywhere in Arizona, a female Lawrence’s Goldfinch was at Bill Williams River N.W.R. 8-20 Jun (DVP, D. Rankin). One of the Evening Grosbeaks present near the top of the Santa Catalina Mts. during late May remained until 3 Jun (CLu). than usual for migrants in s. Arizona. A Nashville Warbler at Willow Tank near Portal 5 Jun (ph. JY) was very late for se. Arizona. Two Virginias Warblers at San Bernardino N.W.R. 2 Jun, and another there 8 Jun (REW), were very late migrants for the low- lands of se. Arizona. MacGillivray’s Warblers were detected in relatively high numbers across s. Arizona into mid-Jun; the latest re- ported was near Portal 29 Jun (T. Morgan, REW). One of the birds of the summer was Arizona’s 8th Mourning Warbler found at Empire Gulch, Las Cienegas 1 Jun (B. Adler; ph., tGHR; DS et al.). A female Kentucky Warbler was in Portal 5-6 Jun (JS; ph., tREW); Jun is probably the best month of the year to see this rare species in Arizona. Hood- ed Warblers were found in Leslie Canyon N.W.R. in early Jun (B. Radke) and at Portal 2 Jun (R. van Buskirk); as with the previous species, Jun is probably the best month to find Hooded Warbler in the state. No fewer than 7 American Redstarts were found during the summer season, including 2 female-plumaged birds along the Colorado R. in the bottom of the Grand Canyon 5 Jul (WR), thought to be “birds of the year,” possibly hav- ing hatched nearby; there are only a few previ- ous breeding occurrences for American Red- start in the state. A bedraggled male Magnolia Warbler was present at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 6 Jun (B. Bickel; tMMS), pro- viding what is perhaps the first Jun record for se. Arizona. A Blackburnian Warbler, casual at best in the state during Jun, was reported from Pasture Canyon 6 Jun (tCL). Scattered late lowland Audubon’s Warblers were reported across s. Arizona through mid-Jun, with one even reported from the Slaughter Ranch 6 Jul (REW); very late Myrtle Warblers reported into mid-Jun, and another was at San Bernardino N.W.R. 6 Jul (REW). A Yellow-throated War- bler was reported from along the San Pedro R. at Gray Hawk Ranch 2 Jun (tWA); this species is still considered casual in the state. Both Her- mit and Townsend’s Warblers were detected lat- er than usual into Jun. Another excellent find was a Canada Warbler at Willow Tank, Portal 4-5 Jun (B. Rodriguez; ph., tJY, TG; ph. REW); there have been nine previous accepted records from Arizona. The prolonged migration was exemplified by the numerous reports of Wil- son’s Warblers into the 3rd week of Jun; the lat- est report was of a singing male at Las Cienegas 4 Jul (CC). A Painted Redstart was well n. of the species’ normal breeding range in Arizona at Pasture Canyon 10 Jun (ph. SP). For the 2nd year in a row, a singing Botteri’s Sparrow near Oracle 5 Jun+ (DJ) was n. of its usual breeding range in se. Arizona. Cassin’s Sparrows were detected at scattered locations well n. and w. of normal breeding sites in the state. A very late Brewer’s Sparrow was at San Bernardino N.W.R. 8 Jun (REW). Scattered White-crowned Sparrows were reported later than usual into the 3rd week of Jun; the latest reported this summer were a gambelii type at Portal 20 Jun and an oriantha type at Portal 21 Jun (REW). A Northern Cardinal was at Cougar Point, Bill Williams River N.W.R. 8 Jun, and 2 were there 25 Jul (DVP, LHa); this species is very local in the L.C.R.V and had not been reported from this location previously. Dark-eyed Junco is casual in s. Arizona during Jun, so one in E. Whitetail Canyon, Chiri- cahua Mts. 2-3 Jun (RT) and another even lat- er in the Pinal Mts. 28 Jun (PK) were of note. Scattered Hepatic Tanagers were in “desert” areas away from normal breeding habitat dur- ing early Jun, perhaps a result of the severe drought and wildfires. A male was seen carry- ing food at Wild Cow Spring, Hualapai Mts. 2 Jul (LHa), where this species is casual at best as a breeding bird. The apparent male Summer Tanager x Western Tanager hybrid returned for at least the 6th summer to Red Rock S.P., where detected 9 Jul (BG). Several Western Tanagers were reported from lowland areas well into Jun, but 18 at San Bernardino N.W.R. 18 Jun was an unusually high count for such a late date; and several were still there 6 Jul (REW). Single Yellow Grosbeaks were discov- ered at the Patons’ place in Patagonia 1 1 Jun (MM; A. Tillinghast, E. Strelow; ph. J. Sparhawk) and at Ash Canyon, Huachuca Mts. 12-14 Jun (imm.; MJB; tj. Hays; ph. CVC, J. Woodley, M. Tarachow), and 2 were reported at Rio Rico 9 Jul (tG. Graves, EW, J. Stewart). There are 19 previous state records, virtually all in Jun or Jul. Seven Rose-breasted Contributors: Walt Anderson, Charles Bab- bitt, Mary Joe Ballator, Chris D. Benesh, Scott Blackman, Jerry Bock, Barbara Carlson, Cliff Cathers, Christie van Cleve, Andrew Core (Tucson), Troy Corman, Tommy De- Bardeleben, Dee Dee DeLorenzo, Brian Gatlin, Brian Gibbons, Tony Godfrey, Laurens Halsey, Lauren Harter (LHa), Melanie Herring, Jack Holloway, Eric Hough, Doug Jenness, Philip Kline, Chuck LaRue, Paul E. Lehman, Carl Lundblad (CLu), Michael Marsden, Chris Mc- Creedy (CMc), Michael Nicosia, Dave Pearson (DPe), David vander Pluym, Molly Pollock, Shaun Putz, Gary H. Rosenberg, Rose Ann Rowlett, Will Russell, John Saba, Alan Schmierer, Dave Stejskal, Mark M. Stevenson, Rick Taylor, Carl S. Tomoff, Richard E. Web- ster, Erika Wilson, John Yerger. Mark M. Stevenson (Non-passerines) 4201 East Monte Vista Drive, #J207 Tucson, Arizona 85712-5554, (drbrdr@att.net) Gary H. Rosenberg (Passerines) P. 0. Box 91 856, Tucson, Arizona 85752-1856 (ghrosenberg@comcast.net) Visit the American Birding Association website * Rarities posted on PEEPs, the online blog » ABA Checklist updates and reports ► Birding Web Extras * ABA Festivals Directory » Sightings ► Complete issues of Winging It, newsletter ► The Eyrie, the Young Birder blog * The Big Day & List Report ► ABA Image Gallery ••• Nan — — AmericanBirding’ 670 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Great Basin | Rick Fridell The late arriving spring delayed nesting in the Region by one to two weeks, and much of the high country remained in- accessible well into June. Highlights in Ne- vada included a Mexican Whip-poor-will and a Yellow-throated Vireo, while two Little Blue Herons, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and a lin- gering Dickcissel were among Utah’s more notable birds this season. Abbreviations: Antelope I. (Antelope Island S.P. and Causeway, Davis, UT); Bear River (Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder, UT); Corn Cr. (Cora Creek Unit, Desert N.W.R., Clark, NV); H.B.VP. (Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Clark, NV); Lytle (Lytle Ranch Preserve, Washington, UT); Miller’s R.A. (Miller’s Rest Area, Esmeralda, NV); Ouray (Ouray N.WR., Uintah, UT); Pahrana- gat (Pahranagat N.W.R., Lincoln, NV); Sand Hollow (Sand Hollow S.P., Washington, UT); Zion (Zion N.P, Washington, UT). WATERFOWL THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Red-necked Grebe was photographed at Hyrum S.P, Cache, UT 18-24 Jun (BA et al„ ph. RO). A wayward juv. Brown Pelican was reported at the seldom-birded Smith Creek Playa, Lander, NV 24 Jun (PS, fide AW). Neotropic Cormorants continued their re- cent presence along Utah’s Wasatch Front, with 3 at Jordan R. Parkway, Salt Lake 11-20 Jun (ph., tRY) and one at Bear River 8 Jul (KP). Amazingly, 2 Little Blue Herons turned up in Utah this summer, including one ob- served periodically at Bear River from 18 Jun (ph. MS) through 30 Jul (ph. PH et al.) and another photographed 29 Jul at Ouray N.W.R., Uintah (ph., TCE). There are five pre- vious records of the species in Utah, all be- fore 1985. A Green Heron at the Provo Air- port Dike, Utah, UT 6 Jul (CN) was n. of ex- pected range. A second-year Common Black-Hawk was a surprise at Com Cr. 15 Jun (ph. GS). The Red-shouldered Hawks at Pahrump, Nye, NV raised 2 young this summer (DF et al.). Snowy Plovers nested at H.B.VP. (JB, PEL et al.), well s. of previously documented areas; three eggs successfully hatched 6 Jul (ph. SP). A Whimbrel was noted at Antelope I. 6 Jun (S&CS), and another was at Pyramid L., Washoe, NV 31 Jul (RL). Two Stilt Sandpipers were at Bear River 16 Jul (S&CS). Southern Utah’s first Western Gull remained at Sand Hollow 31 May-3 Jun (RF et al.). White-winged Doves were found at several locations n. of their expected range, including continuing birds at Price, Carbon, UT 1 Jun+ (SC), Dugway, Juab, UT 1 Jun (CZ), and Miller’s R.A. 12-18 Jun (MM et al.). Yellow- billed Cuckoos, seldom reported in the Re- gion, were found at Pahranagat 11 Jun (DH), Draper, Salt Lake, UT 5-11 Jul (BW), and Meadow Valley, Lincoln, NV 14 Jul (LC). A calling Mexican Whip-poor-will was at Kyle Canyon, Spring Mts., Clark, NV again this year 13-15 Jun (RS, DG et al.). A Black Swift was reported from Soldier Pass, Lake Mts., Utah, UT 4 Jun (EH, KC), and 2 Vaux’s Swifts were observed flying over Provo, Utah, UT 14 Jun (NB). An Acorn Wood- pecker was photographed at Verdi, Washoe, NV 4-5 Jun (ph. ST, MM), and the small colony contin- ued at Kolob Meadows, Washington, UT through the season (RF). A pair of Black-backed Woodpeck- ers was observed nesting in Alum Canyon, Washoe, NV 17 Jun (AQ). surprise at Miller’s R.A. 4 Jul (tPEL, BC). Even though spring migration was delayed a few weeks this year, only a few e. warblers lin- gered into Jun. Male Northern Parulas were reported from Carson L., Churchill, NV 5 Jun (GS) and City Creek Canyon, Salt Lake, UT 18 Jun (BO). A Yellow-throated Warbler was photographed at Liedy Cr., Dyer, Esmeralda, NV 12 Jun (MM), and a female Blackpoll Warbler was at Miller’s R.A. 17-18 Jun (FP). American Redstarts were observed at Pahranagat 5 Jun (JS), Dyer, Esmeralda, NV 4 Jun (MM, GS), Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas, Clark, NV 11 Jun (AL), and Miller’s R.A. 12 Jun (MM, RS, DG). A Northern Waterthrush was also at Miller’s R.A. 13 Jun (GS). At Antelope I., a Lark Bunting was seen 5- 6 Jun (S&CS). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were reported from Dugway, Juab, UT 3 Jun (CZ), Highland Glen, Utah, UT 3 Jun (EP, JC), Lytle 12 Jun (LT), South Campground, Zion 17 Jun (fide SH), and Coal Pits Wash, Zion 20 Jun (JH, RR, MW). Perhaps a refugee from drought to the east, a singing Dickcissel lin- FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES A Scissor-tailed Fly- catcher graced the Provo Airport Dike, Utah, UT 6- 9 Jun (TEH, ph. BO, ph. KB). A Yellow-throated Vireo was photographed at Miller’s R.A. 12 Jun (TMM). A Purple Martin was briefly observed fly- ing over Dyer Pond, Es- meralda, NV 5 Jun (MM, GS). Several Gray Cat- birds were observed away from expected areas, in- cluding Fernley, Lyon, NV 4 Jun (D&RS), Lytle 8 Jun (RF), and along Coal Cr., Cedar City, Iron, UT 10 Jun+ (2 males; SHe). A Brown Thrasher was a big A first for southern Utah and the sixth record for the state, this adult Western Gull lin- gered at Sand Hollow State Park, Washington County from 31 May through 3 (here 1) June 201 1 . Photograph by Rick Fridell. Nevada's fifth record of Yellow-throated Warbler was provided by this bird, pho- tographed 1 1 June 201 1 at Dyer, Esmeralda County. Photograph by Martin Meyers. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 671 | GREAT BASIN gered at Farmington, Davis, UT 26 Jun-19 Jul (ph. TJ et al., ph. PH). Five Bobolinks were reported at Springville, Utah, UT 20 Jun (AH et al.). A male Scott’s Oriole visiting feeders at Fallon, Churchill, NV 8-9 Jun (ph. SHu) was n. of expected range. A Lawrence’s Goldfinch remained at Dyer, Esmeralda, NV through at least 5 Jun (MM, GS). Contributors and cited observers: Bob At- wood, Ned Bixler, Je Anne Branca, Kendall Brown, Barbara Carlson, K. C. Childs, Steve Christensen, Jeff Cooper, Laura Cunningham, Christopher Eliot, Darleene Feener, Rick Fridell, Dennis Ghiglieri, Steve Hampton, Jim Haw, Steve Hedges (SHe), David Henderson, Paul Higgins, Alona Huffaker, Eric Huish, Su- san Hurd (SHu), Tony Jones, Andrew Lee, Paul E. Lehman, Rob Lowry, Martin Meyers, Carol Jean Nelson, Christina Nycek, Ryan O’Donnell, Bryant Olsen, Scott Page, Fred Pe- tersen, Eric Peterson, Kristin Purdy, Alan de Queiroz, Roger Rang, Greg Scyphers, Dennis & Rebecca Serdehely, Peter Smith, Mort and Carolyn Somer, Steve & Cindy Sommerfeld, Justin Streit, Rose Strickland, Mark Summers, Steve Ting, Carolyn & Richard Titus, Larry Tripp, Alan Wallace, Barbara Watkins, Marisa Windell, Richard Young, Candy Zaffis. C Rick Fridell, Utah Division ofWildlife Resources 451 North SR 318, Hurricane, Utah 84737 (rfridell@burgoyne.com) Alaska Amchilka I. Mak l- ThedeTobish A handful of spring migrant highlights salvaged what was otherwise one of the Region’s poorest spring migrations in a long time. Passerines continued to trick- le through the Region well into the third week of June, and most of the regular late- season migrants seemed late in arriving. Al- though a few storms brought Asian species into the Bering Sea, mostly to the Pribilofs, in early June, it was a poor showing for species coming from the west. Midsummer produced a typical sampling of Asian wanderers. Ob- servers did not comment much on the nesting season’s success, but June appeared to be cool and windy enough to have reduced nesting success in some areas, particularly South- coastal Alaska. Concern continues for swal- lows, whose numbers, at least in the Interior and along the North Gulf Coast, seem re- duced. Most swallows were late or otherwise seemed sparse, if mentioned at all, which has been the trend in much of the Region for the past three years at least. Some ornithologists have also voiced concern about the lack of commitment and funding for baseline popu- lation studies of the commoner species, in- cluding swallows. WATERFOWL THROUGH HERONS An unidentified bean-goose seen in flight at St. Paul I. 5 Jun (FR) was the season’s only report. Equally interesting in the Bering Sea was a Snow ' Goose at St. Paul 2 Jun (FR), where they are oc- casional in summer. It was a quiet season for waterfowl, despite good coverage on the Seward Pen. and North Slope. Two Gadwalls at a field camp on the North Slope’s lower Colville R. 10 Jun (DP) were unusual away from known nesting areas. A drake Eurasian Wigeon at MacLaren River Lodge, halfway down the De- nali Hwy. 18 Jun (ND), may have been pres- ent since late May; odd Eurasian Wigeon re- ports in this section of the Interior in Jun are not without precedent. Nesting Ring-necked Ducks were noted at two Southeast locations, with broods at Norton L. 2 Jul and Moraine L. 19 Jul (PMS), both in Juneau, and at Mitkof I.’s Hill L. 10 Jul (PMS). Normally found in the cen. and e. Interior in the breeding sea- son, Ring-neckeds are local and uncommon in Southeast, mostly as non-breeders on mainland lakes. Also unusual in Southeast in summer were good counts of Long-tailed Ducks, including 4 in Glacier Bay 4 Jun and 20 Jul (NKD, KU) and another 2 at Point Bridget S.P., n. of Juneau, 12 Jun-29 Jul (m.ob.). Extralimital and pioneering Barrow’s Goldeneyes continue to make summer news, including an imm. drake in the Nome area 12 Jun+ (PEL, BT), where casual at best. The species’ status as a breeder in Southeast is still not well known, so females with ducklings at Mitkof I. 10 Jul (PMS) and on a Ketchikan pond 15 Jun (ph. JHL), only a 2nd local nest confirmation, were noteworthy. A female- plumaged Smew visited St. George in the Pri- bilofs 4 Jun (MK), where the species is not an- nual. Although Hooded Mergansers disperse westward in the North Gulf of Alaska (here- after, North Gulf) in fall and winter, presum- ably from Southeast breeding areas, 2 females near Cordova 22 Jul (ph. AJL) constituted that locale’s 2nd summer record and one of few for all of South-coastal Alaska. For the 2nd consecutive summer, Pied-billed Grebes nested at Sitka’s Swan L., where an ad. tended 4 chicks 22 Jul (MRG), the Region’s 4th known breeding record. With cool sea surface temperatures in the early season, notable tubenose reports were few, though Manx Shearwater numbers in the ne. North Gulf, in the vicinity of Icy Bay, were very high. We received multiple Manx reports This calling, singing Willow Flycatcher at Gustavus was pho- tographed on the second day of its 28 June-1 July 201 1 visit. Most of the previous ten state records come from mainland areas of Southeast Alaska mid-June-mid-July. Photograph by Nat K. Drumheller, 672 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ALASKA] In Alaska, isolated patches of willows on coastal tundra are always worth a look, as this Hawfinch at Chevak, in the Yukon-Kuskok- wim delta, proved on 1 3 June 201 1 . There are only three prior state records from the mainland. Photograph by Klas Radberg. from research vessels for most of Jul, with a flock of 7 seen mid-month (NRH, CW, MLK, ph. SMG). Although Manx Shearwater sight records date back to the late 1970s, small numbers are now being reported annually May-Sep in the North Gulf. Ketchikan bird- ers located single Leach’s and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels inshore following stormy weather 2 Jul (WTY) and 3 Jul (SCH), re- spectively, both first local summer records. It was a double-heron season in the Bering Sea. A Chinese Pond-Heron braved territorial jaegers and cool temperatures and hung around a tundra pool at Gambell 14-15 Jul (ph. RU et al.); the 3rd Regional record, this bird follows singles at St. Paul I. and the w. Aleutians. In the Pribilofs, St. George birders also documented a Black-crowned Night- Heron on five occasions during the period 11- 29 Jul (ph. MK). This represents about the Region’s 3rd summer record and only the 2nd from the Pribilofs. HAWKS THROUGH ALCIDS Northern Harriers were observed regularly in the Gustavus area 1-28 Jul (m.ob.); a male was noted carrying prey 21 Jul, and a begging juv. was observed following an ad. male 11 Aug (NKD, BBP). The species is a rare nester in limited habitats in Southeast. A first-year Swainson’s Hawk was in an unusual setting out along Kougarok Rd. from Nome 19 Jun (Field Guides, ph. AJ) — only the 2nd ever documented from the Bering Sea coast area. This very rare and local e. Interior breeder has nested within 200 km of this site, as close as Nulato. A Harlan’s Hawk was photographed at Gustavus 29 Jul (ph. BBP). This subspecies is mostly rare migrant and occasional in sum- mer in Southeast; recent Jun reports from up the Chilkat R. valley out of Haines point to probable nesting there. Sandhill Cranes are known to nest in small numbers in the s. Alexander Archipelago, where this season ads. with downy chicks were found near Sweetwater L., Prince of Wales I. 15 Jun (ph. SS) and at Mitkof I. 14 & 18 Jun (ph. LB). This local Southeast popula- tion comprises larger birds thought to repre- sent Greater Sandhills, G. c. tabida or possibly rowani, as opposed to Lessers (nominate sub- species), which are fairly common migrants through Southeast. Nesting Sandhill Cranes have not been documented in n. Southeast, where for the 3rd consecutive summer cranes were heard calling around Gustavus (m.ob.) and where an ad. and a juv. were seen on the beach near town 11 Aug (BBP). In the past, Sandhills have been suspected of nesting on Kruzof 1. near Sitka, where a pair again dis- played 18 Jun (ph. RK). U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists described an American Avocet, the Region’s 5th ever report, at Icy Bay 19 Jul (tSBL). Three of the Region’s now five records have been photographed, and all come from sum- mer from the North Gulf coast. The spring’s latest report of Gray-tailed Tattler came from the Barrow tundra 13 Jun (ph. SE, ph. JP), where there are occasional Jun reports; the first return migrant showed up at St. George I. right on schedule 13 Jul (MK). Not unexpect- ed was a Common Greenshank at St. Paul 13- 14 Jun (FR); there are multiple such mid- summer greenshank records from the w. Aleutians, plus a few from Kodiak and Nome. Thirteen Hudsonian Godwits made an above- average summer showing at Juneau 2 Jul (CW); small numbers stage there each sum- mer. Two Marbled Godwits on the Resurrec- tion Bay flats near Seward 21 Jun (GB) were probably the first ever for summer on the Ke- nai Pen. and provided one of very few reports for the season in South-coastal Alaska. Large numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers began showing up in the Juneau area in early Jul. Peak counts included 278 on 30 Jun and 370 on 1 Jul (PMS, CW, GBV). A White-rumped Sandpiper at St. Paul 6 Jul (FR) was perhaps the 2nd in midsummer for the Pribilofs; White-rumpeds normally occupy North Slope breeding areas at this time of year. A Baird’s Sandpiper behaved as if on territory in suit- able breeding substrate at 1050 m elevation in the Kenai Mts. in the Palmer Cr. drainage above Hope, on the s. side of Tumagain Arm 9 Jul (LB, TB). The s. limits of this alpine nester remain poorly understood, but similar sight records over the past several decades provide circumstantial evidence that the species breeds in the Talkeetna Mts., portions of the w. Chugach Range above Anchorage, and into the n. Kenai Mts. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper reached the Bering Sea near Woo- ley Lagoon at Nome 3 Jun (AJL). Notable late migrant Ruffs included 2 on coastal tundra at Shishmaref 13 Jun (ph. KS) and a single on the lower Colville R. near the Arctic Sea coast 15 Jun (DP). The Region’s only nesting record comes from the Pt. Lay area, where a female was flushed from a nest with four eggs in late Jun 1976. There was a flurry of unusual mid-summer Sabine’s Gulls away from North Slope breed- ing areas, highlighted by an incredibly early juv. in inshore waters of Glacier Bay 31 Jul (ph. NKD) and singles at Homer 22 Jul (RLS), where occasional, and near Healy ca. 20 Jun (ph., fide TT), where casual. An ad. Black- headed Gull near Nome 11-12 Jun (PEL, BT et al.) was uncommon on the Seward Pen., where one shows every few years in Jun; an- other ad. was in the e. Aleutians in Unalaska Bay 9-10 Jun (ph. SG). Interesting California Gull summer reports, all from Southeast, in- cluded one n. to Gustavus, where very rare, 21 Jun-15 Jul (BBP, NKD), and peak counts of 78 at Juneau 24 Jul (PMS, PAR) and 150 in Ketchikan 3 Jul (SCH). The ad. Slaty-backed Gull near Main Bay in Prince William Sound 23 Jun (ph. TWL) made the only significant report of this species; there are few Prince William Sound summer records. It was also VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 673 | ALASKA relatively quiet season for Caspian Terns, with one at Homer 23 Jul (RLS) and 3 there 29 Jul (LB, TAB) the most notable away from their ne. Gulf Coast strongholds. The summer’s peak counts were 19 around Juneau 28 Jun (PAR) and 41 at Gustavus 13 Jul (BBP), which represented one of Southeast’s highest totals ever. Again this year, there were sight- ings of 4 Caspians that had been banded as chicks in the E. Sand I. colony in the Colum- bia R., 3 at Juneau and one at Gustavus. A basic-plumaged Black Guillemot with Pi- geon Guillemots at Cape Nome 4 Jun (LHD, AJL) provided a rare Seward Pen. report and probably the first since 2006. A Thick-billed Murre near Aurora Lagoon 29 Jul (TAB) was rare for Kachemak Bay. Although Thick- billeds breed in outer coastal colonies beyond the mouth of Cook Inlet, there are few in- shore summer reports. The seabird highlight of the summer had to be the repeat appear- ances of up to 3 Long-billed Murrelets in Kachemak Bay not far from Homer 2 Jun-6 Aug. First, a local boat captain located one off Glacier Spit across from the Homer Spit 2 Jun (ph. KDS); then 3 were seen in rafts of hun- dreds of feeding murrelets in the same area 23 Jul (KK, TZ, ph. EL); and finally, a single was in the same feeding aggregation 6 Aug (RAM, DWS, ph. AJL). The large feeding flocks were consistently seen in silty glacial-fed waters washing into the Bay. There are five prior doc- umented Alaska records and several sight re- ports. These are the first records from the Ke- nai Peninsula. DOVES THROUGH WAGTAILS As many as 80 Band-tailed Pigeons were pres- ent in the Ketchikan area in Jun and Jul, in- cluding a very large flock of 40 s. of town (WTY). Single juvs. were described at three feeders on the Ketchikan road system 12 Jun-1 Jul (KMR), 27 Jun (CAF), and 30 Jun (JFK, ph. JHL). Observations of fresh juvs. at Ketchikan feeders represent the best breeding evidence for Alaska. Large numbers of Eurasian Collared-Doves are now entrenched in s. Southeast, where they now occur in most communities, having first appeared only a few years ago. Numbers appear to have increased to about 20 each at Petersburg and Wrangell (BHD, BN), and one was along the Stikine R. near the border with Canada 9 Jun (BN). Six were in Gustavus all season, 2 at Haines (LP), and 3 at Sitka (MRG, MET, MLW). One in the Interior at McCarthy, well up the Copper R. watershed, spent about a week in late Jun and was photographed 28 Jun (ph. TE, fide MV). A pair was observed constructing a nest at Ketchikan 16 Jun+; the nest contained 2 chicks ready to fledge 23 Jul (AWP). Al- though this species has clearly been nesting in Alaska, this was only the 2nd documented nest in Alaska and the first observation of suc- cessful nesting. The Pribilofs produced yet another Fork- tailed Swift, a single at St. Paul 21 Jun (FR); most of the Region’s recent reports come in fall from the Pribilofs and the w. Aleutians, but summer records in the Pribilofs have been increasing recently. A subad. Anna’s Hum- mingbird at Sitka 9 Jul+ (ph. WS) provided an unusual summer record for this species, typi- cally a very rare fall and winter visitor in Southeast. Just s. of the base of the Seward Pen., a Belted Kingfisher at the Ungalik R. mouth near Norton Bay 30 Jun (JS, fide PEL) was a remarkable find; there are few records this far w. and away from the taiga. Following spring reports from the Fairbanks area, a Yel- low-bellied Sapsucker nest in the Bonanza Cr. woods s. of Ester remained active, with beg- ging young noted through least 9 Jul (JDL); this was the season’s only observation from the mature spruce forest and adjacent bum where this rare visitor has nested sporadically since at least 1999. Another Yellow-bellied resided in a wooded parcel at milepost 6.9 on the Chena Hot Springs Rd. out of Fairbanks 9 Jun-earlyJul (SH, ph. ND). It was a banner summer for extralimital Western Wood-Pewees: singles were at Sitka 16 Jun (MET, MLW), only a 4th local record, near Pmdhoe Bay on the lower Colville R. 16 Jul (JH), and at Barrow 24 Jul (ph. AB). Gambell was aflutter in early Jun when Zimmer flushed an Empidonax flycatcher near Troutman L. that turned out to be a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 5- 6 Jun (VENT, ph. KJZ). This constitutes a first documented Bering Sea record and could well have been an overshoot from the recently dis- covered small “colony” in the cen. Interior along the Yukon River. In Southeast, single vo- calizing Willow Flycatchers were at Gustavus 28 Jun-1 Jul (ph. NKD, PBSV, MDS, BBP, JS) and Juneau 6 Jul (PMS, MWS). Most of the 10 prior Alaska records come in summer months from the Southeast mainland. A Bank Swallow at Gambell was very rare offshore 10 Jun (PEL). Extralimital Barn Swallows consistently add to summer high- lights, and this year’s crop was above average. Eurasian white-bellied birds included 2 at St. Paul 17-21 Jun (FR) and on on the North Slope near the Colville R. delta 20 Jul (ph. JH). Three North American Barn Swallows were at two sites near the Colville R. delta 4 Jul OH), and 2 were at Barrow 29 Jun (Field Guides). The season’s lone Palearctic flycatch- er report was a Gray-streaked Flycatcher at St. Paul 24-25 Jun (FR). The only Siberian Rubythroat was a male at St. Paul 3 Jun (FR), probably associated with the same storm sys- tem that produced a late May report in the w. Aleutians. Single Eye-browed Thrushes were seen at St. Paul hotspots 9 & 15 Jun (FR). WARBLERS THROUGH WEAVER FINCHES Extralimital Tennessee Warblers showed well this summer, with singing birds noted at three sites, including singles at mileposts 286.5 and 240.6 on the Richardson Hwy. s. of Delta Junction 19-20 Jun (ND, SD) and near Eklut- na in the Cook Inlet area 26 Jun-4 Jul (PS, DWS et al.). On 11 Jun, Cordova birders pho- tographed a pair of Common Yellowthroats at milepost 85 of the Copper River Hwy., and the male was relocated 21-22 Jul (ph. MGB, AJL). There is only one confirmed breeding record of the species in South-coastal Alaska. American Tree Sparrow, rare at any season on the Bering Sea islands, is more often found in the fall season, so a lone bird at St. Paul 4-6 Jun (FR) was one of few ever offshore in spring/summer. Equally unprecedented was the single Chipping Sparrow in the Gambell middens 9-10 Jun (vt. PEL), only a 2nd ever spring record for St. Lawrence Island. A White-crowned Sparrow ventured offshore to St. Paul 4 Jun (FR). It seemed likely that Western Tanagers would make summer season news offshore at Ketchikan, following the spring’s unprece- dented showing. Despite only one prior sum- mer record, 3 were found in the vicinity of Ketchikan: a male 1 Jun (JHL), a female 26 Jun (AWP), and a singing male 5 Jul (ph. JHL). Western Tanagers are otherwise un- common breeders in the riparian cottonwood strips along mainland Southeast river sys- tems. The season’s only Black-headed Gros- beak was a second-year male at a Ketchikan feeder 6 Jul (JFK, AWP, ph. JHL). Prior to 1995, there were only three Alaska records of Black-headed Grosbeak; the species has since become a rare annual summer visitor, mosdy in Southeast. Although Brown-headed Cow- birds appear each summer, mostly in South- east, numbers vary considerably each year. Numbers were elevated this season, with widespread reports across Southeast. Two males were at Ketchikan 2 & 4-16 Jun (SCH, JHL), and Juneau produced multiples, includ- ing up to 4 at local horse stables and 3 at the Mendenhall Wetlands all season, where a juv. was documented 21 Jul (KH). Elsewhere, pairs were noted at Yakutat 2 Jun (GM) and at the Stikine R. mouth 9 Jun (BN). The pres- ence of juvs. with host families at a few Alas- ka sites, and observations of mating cowbirds at Hyder, indicate breeding in the Region. Following a very poor redpoll winter, a flock of 16 Common Redpolls near Juneau 21 Jul, 674 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ALASKA | mostly juvs. (ph. PMS), was unexpected. There are few prior summer redpoll records from Juneau and Southeast, where the species’ summer status is not well understood. To- wards the end of Jul, Pine Siskins were on the move n. of their regular summer range, which lies s. of the Alaska Range. Birds were reported in the Interior in jul, and 2 wandered offshore to St. Paul 24 Jun (FR), where they are not un- known in irraptive years and were last seen in summer 2009. Most unusual offshore and in summer was the female Evening Grosbeak at a Ketchikan feeder 30 Jun-1 Jul (JFK, ph. SCH, JHL); this species is a sporadic, rare migrant and casual winter visitor in the Region. While on a birding tour to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, a participant photographed a Hawfinch near the school in Chevak 13 jun (ph. KR, Wilderness, fide AJL), the 4th documented record for the Alaska mainland. At least three House Sparrow nests were stuffed into the eaves of their favored Ketchikan nesting area; one juv. fledged by 6 Jun (SCH). To the n. at Juneau, the lone male House Sparrow first found in Feb was observed just once this sea- son, on 2 Jul (CW). Contributors and observers: j. B. Allen, R. H. Armstrong, G. S. Baluss, G. Bieber, L. Boiter, D. Braun, M. G. Burcham, L. & T. A. Burke, G. V. Byrd, D. Chorman, E. DeBoer, L. H. DeCicco, D. E Delap, B. H. Demerjian, L. Devaney, J. De- Witt, N. DeWitt (Interior), N. K. Brumheller, S. DuBois, T. Egans, P. Eldridge, T. M. Ellis, S. Elowitz, T. D. Eskelin, Field Guides (D. Ste- jskal, M. Crewe et al)| C. Field, C. A. Fultz, D. D. Gibson, R. E. Gill, M. R. Goff, S. Golodoff, R. j. Gordon, C. A. Griswold, D. Gualtieri, C. Harwood, N. R. Hajdukovich, M. C. Harris, S. C. Heinl (Southeast), C. Heitman, I. Helmer- icks, A. jaramillo, K. Johnson, R. Kaufmann, P. Keller, W Keys, M. Kilcher, M. Klostermann, J. E Koemer, D. Koons, K. Kuletz, A. J. Lang (South-coastal Alaska), P. Lehman, J. H. Lewis, S. B. Lewis, J. D. Levison, K. Lochman, T. W. Lohse, R. A. Macintosh, D. Mackay, D. K. MacPhail, C. Mannix, G. Matz, C. McIntyre, B. Meiklejohm, N. Mollett, B. Neumann, P. H. Norwood, L. J. Oakley, E. Oman, K. Owen, B. B. Paige, J. Parks, D. Pavlik, B. H. Pawuk, W. L. Peavler, B. Peluso, L. Rizzuto-Phillips, A. W. Piston (Southeast), J. Pontii, K. Radberg, L. L. Raymond, M. Renner, K. M. Ripley, E A. Rose, E Rowland, D. Russell, J. Saracco, R. L. Scher, M. W. Schwan, E Scully, B. Siegel, D. W. Son- nebom, S. Spores, K. Stenek, K. D. Stoltzfus, W. Stortz, G. P. Streveler, P. M. Suchanek, J. Swelstad, K. Tarbox, M. E. Tedin, K. Tidwell, T. Tobish, B. Tweit, K. Unertl, R. Ungwiluk, VENT (Victor Emanuel Nature Tours; K. J. Zimmer et al.), G. B. van Vliet, M. L. Ward, Wilderness Birding Tours (A. J. Lang, R. Dit- trick et al.), R. Winckler, WINGS (P. E. Lehman, J. Dunn), V. Wilson Winne, J. With- row, C. Wood, C. Wright, W. T. Young, T. Zeller, K. Zervos, S. Zimmerman. Thede Tobish, 2510 Foraker Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99517, (tgtljo@gmail.com) British Columbia Q Chris Charlesworth The common lament across British Co- lumbia this summer was: “What sum- mer?” A deep upper trough resided over the Region through much of the season, providing cool and wet weather to almost all areas. Northeastern British Columbia was particularly wet, as an easterly flow produced copious precipitation and widespread flood- ing, especially during the last ten days of June. Probably because of the unseasonable weather, which extended south to California, many observers claimed that birds were late to return for breeding. WATERFOWL THROUGH TERNS Unusual in the s. interior during summer months were 2 ad. Tundra Swans at Vaseux L. 17 Jun-12 Jul (CC). Up to 4 Mute Swans were also noted at 12 Jul at Vaseux L. in the Okana- gan, where this species is of casual status (BL). Four Mute Swans spotted over Kam- loops 1 2 Jul (Ralph Ritcey, Mike Hanry) were possibly the same birds. Rare in the s. interior of the province, especially in summer, a Long- tailed Duck was at Invermere in the W. Koote- nay 3-18 Jul (Howard Heffler, Randy Hop- kins). At Island View Beach in Saanichton on Vancouver I., a Great Egret was present 8-13 Jun (MR, m.ob.); another was in the W. Kootenay at Duck L., Creston 30 Jul (Carolee Colter). Three Double-crested Cormorants were at Otter L., near Vernon 3 Jun (DC et al.). Very rare for midsummer, a Rough- legged Hawk was at Creston 21 Jul (LvD). The sole report of a Ferruginous Hawk came 27 Jul from the Okanagan Valley, the source of most reports of the species in British Colum- bia (TM). Furnishing one of very few reports for Canada, a Crested Caracara was seen in flight at Revelstoke 30 Jun (RC). In the ne. part of the province at Pine Pass, 7 Yellow Rails were heard in a marsh 1 1 jul (Guy Monty). A male Bar-tailed Godwit in breeding plumage entertained birders at Boundary Bay, s. of Vancouver, 14 Jun-17 Jul (MT, m.ob.). On the w. side of Vancouver I., an Upland Sand- piper was a fantastic find at the Long Beach Air- port n. of Ucluelet 29 Jun (AD). Rare but al- most annual in the Okanagan, a Short-billed Dowitcher was at Robert L., Kelowna 24 Jul (CC). Delighting numerous birders in the Van- couver area, a Sabine’s Gull was along Bound- ary Bay 14-15 Jun (MT et al.). In the Okanagan, where Caspian Terns are of rare but annual ap- pearance, 2 were at Jim Grant 1. 4 Jun (DC); an- other was in the W. Kootenay at Edgewood 10 Jun (JF). A very rare summer visitor to the Okanagan was a Forster’s Tern seen near Ver- non at Otter L. 1-3 Jun (RC et al). DOVES THROUGH BUNTINGS Eurasian Collared-Doves have executed their invasion of British Columbia quite swiftly. They are now very common in two areas of the province, the Ladner/Delta area and the Okanagan Valley, especially in the s. and around Kelowna, and they are making in- roads in the n. part of the province in many towns. A singing male Alder Flycatcher along the Salmon R. near Salmon Arm 31 Jul (DC) was at the s. limit of the species’ range in the s. interior. Also somewhat out of range was a V 0 L U M E 6 5 ( 2 0 1 2 ) . N U M 8 E R 4 675 | British Columbia’ 1 This male Chestnut-sided Warbler entertained birders at Camosun Bog near Vancouver, British Columbia on 27 June 201 1 . Photograph by Peter Candida. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at Donald in the Columbia R. Valley 12 Jul (RC); this species is usually seen only in boreal forest areas of the Peace R. and at scattered areas across n.-cen. British Columbia. A Black Phoebe was a rare find along the beach at Sidney, Vancouver I. 27 Jun (Kerry Kinley, m.ob.); another at Rich- mond Community Gardens 16 Jul (Wayne Diakow) was in the Lower Mainland area, where this species has become almost annual. Ash-throated Flycatcher has also become a nearly annual visitor in the Lower Mainland, with one seen at the Maplewood Sanctuary in N. Vancouver 29-30 Jun (Quentin Brown et al.). A female Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen at the Carmanah Lighthouse on the s. end of Vancouver I. 28 Jun (Jerry Etzkom). The Western Scrub-Jay at Maple Ridge, found several years ago, continued through 3 Jun but was not reported thereafter (Roger Craik). Northern Mockingbird reports came in from all around the province: the Allan Brooks Nature Centre in Vernon 8 Jun (Lloyd & Vicki Atkins); Logan Lake 23 Jun (JF); near Giscome 5 Jun (Jack Bowling, Brien Mc- Gaughey); near Chetwynd 13 Jun (Cathy An- toniazzi, Nancy Krueger); at Cranbrook 6 Jun (PD); and at Harrison Hot Springs, near Chill- iwack, 18 Jun (Murray Brown). In the nw. sec- tion of the province, a Brown Thrasher was observed at New Hazelton 5 Jun (Ray Stur- ney). After a several bumper years for Sage Thrashers in the S. Okanagan, they became frustratingly hard to find this year, with just one report at the Chopaka Border Crossing near Osoyoos 12 Jul (fide RCa). Delighting many birders in Vancouver was a male Chest- nut-sided Warbler at Camosun Bog 26 Jun-3 Jul (Christine Adkins, m.ob.). Interestingly, a male Chestnut-sided Warbler was in this very location in 2004. A singing male Magnolia Warbler at Swan L., Victoria 1 Jun (CS) was a superb find. Also near Victoria at Prospect L., a Yellow-breasted Chat caused some excite- ment 13 Jun-7Jul (Laura Cox, m.ob.). Rare on Vancouver I., a Brewer’s Sparrow was noted singing on Mt. Douglas, Victoria 3 Jun (IC). A Lark Sparrow at Port Albemi 7 Jun was unexpected (SM), as was a White-throat- ed Sparrow in Art Mann Park on Quamichan L., in the Cowichan Valley 9 Jun (DM). One of the more outstanding finds of the season, a fe- male Chestnut-collared Longspur was ob- served at the Hope Airport 20 Jun (RT), per- haps a refugee from drought to the east. At the Cranbrook Sewage Ponds, a male Indigo Bunting was discovered 4 Jul (PD). Observers: Richard Cannings (RCa), Russell Cannings, Don Cecile, Chris Charlesworth, Ian Cruikshank, Pete Davidson, Adrian Dorst, Jess Findlay, Jamie Fenneman (JFe), Barry Lancaster, Thor Manson, Derrick Mar- ven, Sandy McRuer, Mary Robichaud, Chris Saunders, Mike Tabak, Rick Toochin, Linda Van Damme. O Chris Charlesworth, 571 Yates Road #106 Kelowna, British Columbia VI V2V5 (c_charlesworth23@hotmail.com) Oregon & Washington David S. Irons Brad Waggoner BiHTweit 4 C ool and cloudy” best describes this I summer in the western reaches of the Region. Though precipitation was near normal, temperatures for both June and July were well below normal. Seattle recorded only ten days in June with tempera- tures over 70° F, and in July there were only four days that reached 80° F. Given the sum- mer chill that came on the heels of a cool and wet spring, fleece outerwear was kept close at hand. During the first week of June, strong easterly winds produced fallout conditions on back-to-back days at coastal Oregon’s Cascade Head, with action so fast and furious that the reporting observer was sure a couple of good birds “got away.” Offshore, oceanographic conditions were marked by significantly cold- er-than-normal sea surface temperatures across most of the eastern North Pacific, be- coming more average near shore. Upwelling was weak during June but strengthened to nearly average in July. Pelagic coverage was less than in recent years, with just one June trip and three during July out of Westport; there were no Oregon trips during the season. As a result of the persistent coolness, late departures and protracted migration were the most consistent themes of the season. “Pud- 676 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OREGON & WASHINGTON | This first-year Short-tailed Albatross brought smiles te the faces of seabirders eff Westport, Washington 25 June 201 1 . Wash- ington now has about a dozen records, with five in the past four years. Photograph by Ryan Shaw, Though nearly annual during summer of Oregon and Washington in recent years, an extraordinary three Horned Puffins were detected there in summer 201 1 . This bird was studied 23 July off Westport, Washington. Photograph by Ryan Shaw. die duck” habitat was in more abundant sup- ply than normal in the Willamette Valley. Sev- eral species that are typically long gone from the Valley floors by June lingered into the sea- son in the lowlands. Highlighting the interior species that strayed west of the Cascades was a Gray Flycatcher, which was a summer first for western Washington. Our spring column chronicled a treasure trove of birds along the Skagit River in northeast Skagit County; con- tinuing coverage along this skirt of the North Cascades supplied a roster of late lingerers and “eastside” species. Finally the identity of a long-staying shorebird along Oregon’s southern coast sparked international debate until the locals collected sufficient documen- tation to satisfy those who doubted from afar. As a result, we now know a little more about the molt timing and migratory habits of first- summer Red-necked Stints. Finally, with this column our team bids adieu to Bill Tweit. Off and on (mostly on), Bill has been part of the editing team for Ore- gon and Washington and the old “Northern Pacific Coast Region” since 1978, when we still knew him as Bill Harrington-Tweit. By our calculations, Bill has worked with 13 different co-editors. Along the way, there were multiple stints (not the kind we hope for) when he was producing the entire column by himself. In re- cent years, Bill has compiled sightings and an- alyzed trends on the Region’s seabirds. We will sorely miss his insights and analysis of off- shore food supplies and trends in sea surface temperatures, along with his firsthand appre- ciation of the changes in the Region’s birdlife over the past 33 years. We wish Bill the best, and it is our hope that he is able to trade time spent crafting these reports for time out in the field, ensuring that “BT” continues to be a fix- ture among the initialed observers cited in this Region’s seasonal summaries. In the wake of Bill’s retirement, Ryan Mer- rill will take over the editing of pelagic re- ports. For the past year or so, Ryan has been a major behind-the-scenes contributor by compiling sightings for the Washington edi- tors and tracking down those pesky details. We welcome him to the team and look for- ward to Ms contributions. Abbreviations: Finley (William L. Finley N.W.R., Benton, OR); F.R.R. (Fern Ridge W.M.A., Lane, OR); Malheur (Malheur N.W.R., Harney, OR) Nisqually (Nisqually N.W.R., Thurston, WA); N.S.C.B. (North Spit Coos Bay, Coos, OR); O.S. (Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor, WA); P.N.P. (Pt. No Point, Kit- sap, WA); RS.B. (Port Susan Bay Snohomish, WA); P.T. (Puget Trough, WA); Ridgefield (Ridgefield N.W.R., Clark, OR); W.W.R.D. (Walla Walla R. delta, Walla Walla, WA); W.V. (Willamette Valley, OR). “Eastside” and “westside” indicate locations e. and w. of the Cascade Crest, respectively. WATERFOWL THROUGH RAILS A Ross’s Goose lingered at Julia Butler N.W.R., Wahkiakum 2 Jun (R. Moyer), providing only the 4th Washington summer record. Two Brant were near Bandon 10 Jun-3 Jul (DF, KC, DL), while one at Tatoosh L, Clallam 14 Jun (RM) and another at Padilla Bay, Skagit 22 Jul+ (RM) were the only reports for w. Wash- ington. Brant have become increasingly regu- lar during summer in the Region. Notably, the Padilla Bay bird was from the Western High Arctic population (“Gray-bellied Brant”), of which there are very few summer records. A Tundra Swan at Sprague L., Adams 13 Jun (ph. WC) provided an extremely rare summer record for the eastside, while another, at Juanita, King 8 Jul+ (D. Templeton), was ex- traordinarily late on the westside. The lone westside Trumpeter Swan inhabited RS.B. 21 Jul+ (SP). A flock of 6 Trumpeters at Ste- hekin, Chelan 7 Jun (M. McCloy) and 2 at Wilson Creek, Grant 18 Jun (D. Hayden) were in e. Washington, where, aside from the resident Trumpeter at Turnbull N.W.R., there are fewer than 10 summer records combined for both Tundra and Trumpeter Swans. Five Trumpeters at Powell Butte, Crook 10 Jun (C. Zalunardo) represented the only Oregon re- port away from the small resident population at Malheur. Five American Wigeons at N.S.C.B. 1 Jun VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 677 OREGON & WASHINGTON A first for Jefferson County, this Chestnut-sided Warbler visited Protection Island, Washington 21 June 2010. Most of the 23 state records of this species have occurred in June. Photograph by Andre Moncrieff. were the latest northbound birds ever record- ed in Coos; a pair lingered there through 14 Jun, and a male oversummered (all TR). At least 30 broods of Gadwall hatched at N.S.C.B. this season, and a “few hundred” were there at the end of the period (TR). With water aplen- ty, Gadwalls nested all over the W.V., where until recently they were scarce breeders. Now reported annually in the Region, a Blue- winged Teal x Cinnamon Teal hybrid visited Woodland Bottoms, Cowlitz 2 Jun (M. Craw- ford). Canvasbacks are not annual on the westside during summer, so one at ER.R. 4 Jun OS), 2 at Hoquiam, Grays Harbor 23 Jun-9 Jul (K. Brady), and another at P.S.B. 15 Jul (RM) were noteworthy. A brood of Red- heads at Vanport Wetlands 9 Jun+ (AF) con- stituted the first breeding record for Multnom- ah, while another brood at nearby Ridgefield 31 Jul (RH) was just the 3rd such record for w. Washington. Away from Island , Lesser Scaup are rare westside breeders; three of the four broods found in that county duringjul were at Deer Lagoon (RM), a site that has yielded as many as seven broods in recent years. A White-winged Scoter on the Columbia R. near Vantage, Kittitas 3 Jun (BW) made just the 5th summer record for e. Washington. A rare sum- mering Black Scoter inhabited O.S. 1 Jun-24 Jul (RM). A Long-tailed Duck, not reported annually during summer, was at March Pt., Skagit 1-8 Jul (RM). Small groups of Buffle- head tarried into early Jun at ER.R. (JS) and at N.S.C.B., where 3 also summered (TR). Although ad. Horned Grebes were ob- served in appropriate breeding habitat at mul- tiple Lake locales during the season, includ- ing a pair gathering nesting material at the Lakeview sewage ponds on 9 Jun, none ap- parently produced broods (AK); a few pairs breed at Malheur in neighboring Harney, but there is just one published nesting record for Lake. Eared Grebes are not annual on the westside during summer, so one at Ridgefield 9-25 Jun (S. Carpenter) and 2 at Vanport Wet- lands 3-18 Jul (G. Haworth, AF) were news- worthy. A Clark’s Grebe off Browns Pt., Grays Harbor 30 Jul (BW, R. Waggoner) provided only the 5th w. Washington summer record away from Vancouver Lake. In w. Oregon, 2 Clark’s summered at Fernhill Wetlands, Washington (SN), while another at Yachats, Lincoln 26 Jul (AC, T. Meinzen) was the only coastal sighting for that state. Three Laysan Albatrosses off Westport 25 Jun (RS, BSh) were unusual: most of the Re- gion’s reports come Oct-Apr. Yet another first-year Short-tailed Albatross was seen out of Westport 25 Jun (S. Mills, ph. RS, BSh); this species is now nearly annual in the Re- gion. An injured Northern Fulmar was on the beach near the Tenmile Cr. mouth, Coos 12 Jul (DF); this species is exceptionally rare in- shore during summer. Offshore numbers of fulmars were pedestrian on pelagic trips, av- eraging about 375 per trip, but 6950 fulmars in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanc- tuary, Clallam 25 Jul (BT, RM) made an as- tonishing count. Equally amazing that day, in the same area, was the tally of 4750 Pink- footed Shearwaters; back-to-back trips out of Westport 23-24 Jul located a mere 47 Pink- footeds. A Washington Department of Fish- eries and Wildlife murrelet survey team counted 22 Manx Shearwaters off the n. Washington coast Jun-Jul, with daily maxi- mum of 6 on both 9 Jun and 20 Jul (RM et al.); most of the encounters were in the vicin- ity of Alexander and Destruction Islands. This total was roughly double the numbers pro- duced with similar effort during 2007 and 2010 survey work. Manx Shearwaters were also seen from shore in nw. Washington, with singles at La Push, Clallam 6 & Jul (RM) and 2 off Browns Pt., Grays Harbor 30 Jul (BW). Two Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, rare at any season in inland marine waters, were near Smith L, San Juan 21 Jul (BF); a Leach’s Storm-Petrel seen from shore at Florence, Lane 5 Jun (DPe) was equally unexpected. Although American White Pelicans often gather by the hundreds on Oregon’s high lakes after the breeding season, 200-250 on Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs, De- schutes 20 Jun was exceptional for such an early date (D. Sutherland). A concentration of 2700 Brown Pelicans at Carroll L, Clallam 19 Jul (RM) was shy of a few 3000+ counts for Washington but was the largest ever for the n. coast. By 31 Jul, the build-up of Brown Peli- cans at East Sand I. inside the Columbia R. mouth reached 6925 birds (B.R.N.). Not quite annual during summer in the P.T., single Brown Pelicans were at Port Townsend, Jeffer- son 2 Jun (P Leuneur), Dalco Pt., King 8 Jul (D. Houston), and West Pt., King 5 Jul (K. Slettebak). Seventeen Great Egrets summer- ing at Scappoose, Columbia (L. Pierce) raised suspicions about local breeding, which were confirmed when a nest with young was de- tected there 22 Jun (D. Whipple); prior to 1990, no westside colonies were known. This small colony and another discovered near Kalama, Cowlitz (in 2007) are the only known rookeries away from Oregon’s s. coast. A Snowy Egret summered at Bandon (RN et al.), and up to 3 resided along the lower Winchuck R., Curry 21 Jun-11 Jul (DM). Two ad. Black- crowned Night-Herons at Bandon S.P 6 Jun For the 2nd consecutive year, American White Pelicans bred at Miller Sands on the lower Co- lumbia R. e. of Astoria. Priorto 2010, there were no west- side breeding records. This nesting season produced 101 young, 51 of which were banded 11 Jul (B.R.N.). In early Aug, 360 pelicans were counted at Miller Sands (B.R.N.). Although still considered rare in w. Washington during summer, with a large breeding colony a mere one-hour flight downriver, it was perhaps not surprising that up to 83 American White Pelicans inhabited Ridgefield 1 Jun— 21 Jul, with the maximum count tallied 21 Jul (JD). 678 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Oregon & Washington] r a Oregon hosted its 11th Red-necked Stint, albeit one whose identity was much debated. An after-hatch-year small 3 IxCalidris in basic plumage was discovered near the mouth of New R., Coos 1 2 Jul (KC, DL), where it may have been pres- ent more than a month earlier (a similar bird was seen there 5 Jun but not studied closely; fide DL). Remarkably, the stint re- mained along the same stretch of beach for more than two months and was seen by dozens of birders before the last sight- ing 15 Sep (TR). The fact that the bird displayed no trace of alternate plumage in mid-Jul led some to question the identification as Red- necked Stint. However, persistent efforts by Casteiein, Lauten, Namitz, Rodenkirk, and others ultimately produced outstand- ing photographs that showed a complete absence of palmations, ruling out Semipaimated and Western Sandpipers. The bird called on many occasions and was heard well by these observers and others intimately familiar with the call notes of North America's small Calidris. The bird's vocalizations did not match those of Western or Semipaimated Sandpipers and were sug- gestive of Red-necked Stint; however, recordings captured using a digital camera were not conclusive. Some have postulat- ed that this individual was a first-summer bird that had spent its first winter in the Americas. As do many other shorebird species in their first summer, first-summer Red-necked Stints often summer on wintering grounds or may terminate north- bound migration well before reaching the Arctic. O'Brien, Crossley, and Karlson (2006. The Shorebird Guide) suggest that such birds initiate their prebasic molt much earlier than after-second-year birds, which might explain why the New R. bird was al- ready in full basic plumage in mid-Jul. (K. Saylor) were in Coos, where breeding has long been suspected but never confirmed. An ad. female Northern Harrier near Oak- land, Douglas 27 Jun (BA) furnished a rare breeding season detection for the Umpqua Valley. A Northern Goshawk near Philomath 2 Jul O- Fairchild) was similarly unexpected, as this species is rarely detected during sum- mer on the westside. A single Sandhill Crane was at Ridgefield 9 Jul (K. Meyer), and 3 were over Seattle 10 Jul (B. Meilleur); cranes rarely oversummer in the westside lowlands. Ore- gon’s 11th Common Gallinule enlivened Kla- math Marsh N.W.R. 9 Jun (B. Massey et ah); this is just the 2nd summer season record for the Region, where seven of 10 prior records have come in May. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS The season’s only American Golden-Plover was s. of Philomath, Benton 7 Jul (WDR). Once again, the Region hosted Pacific Golden- Plovers during Jun, with singles at Oregon Dunes Overlook, Douglas 16 Jun (DF) and Nisqually 26-27 Jun (K. Stewart, BT); prior to 2001, such records were virtually unknown. Additional Pacifies were at N.S.C.B. 2 Jul (KC) and New R., Coos 29 Jul (KC, DL). A rare summering Semipaimated Plover spent the season near the Siltcoos R. mouth (DF); this species has summered at N.S.C.B. in recent years and attempted to nest there in 2000. A Greater Yellowlegs was at Kettle Falls, Stevens 14 Jun (W. Current), and 3 were at Reardan Ponds, Lincoln 17 Jun (TMa); such mid-Jun birds could be northbound, southbound, or neither. The earliest probably southbound Greater Yellowlegs were at Bainbridge I., Kit- sap 23 Jun (BW). Three-quarters of the 16 Solitary Sandpipers reported 6 Jul+ were in e. Washington; though triple the long-term aver- age, this tally approximates the recent norm. Rare away from the coast in w. Washington at any season, a Long-billed Curlew at South Colby 22 Jul was a first for Kitsap and provid- ed one of only a few summer records for the P.T. (I. Uhrovic). Single Marbled Godwits at Gloyd Seeps, Grant 1 1 Jun (S. Tracy) and Mal- heur 14 Jun (AK) were on the eastside, where not annual in summer; there are fewer than five Jun records for e. Washington. Three Red Knots at Skagit W.M.A., Skagit 3 Jun (GB) were apparently late northbound migrants and provided one of only a handful of Jun records. In addition to the expected flight through the P.T., southbound Semipaimated Sandpipers showed spectacularly on the outer coast, where typically scarce. This season’s maxi- ma— 13 at Hoquiam, Grays Harbor 16 Jul (RS, AM) and 15 at O.S. 24 Jul (RM) — were both more than double the coastal total from last summer; the latter tally establishes a new coastal high count. Nearly all of w. Oregon’s 15 Semipalmateds were coastal, which is the norm in that state. Nine eastside Semipalmat- eds was subpar, with all but one detected in Washington. About two weeks early, a Pectoral Sand- piper near Molson, Okanagan 3 Jul (WC) made the only eastside report; 3 in w. Wash- ington 18-29 Jul represented a typical sum- mer tally there. The lone Pectoral Sandpiper in Oregon was at Lincoln City 31 Jul (RN). An ad. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper found at FR.R. 16-18 Jul (tj. Wilder, ph. JS) was a seasonal first for Oregon and just the 2nd summer record for the Region; one was at Crockett L., Island 2-5 Jul 1995. A very rare ad. Stilt Sand- piper visited O.S. 16 Jul (RS, AM). On 24 Jun, 5 ad. Wilson’s Phalaropes (2 males, 3 females) inhabited PS.B., where they have bred in the past, but there was no evidence of breeding this season (RM). On 24 Jul, a migrant juv. was at N.S.C.B. (TR), where no Wilson’s bred this season. A subpar 5 Franklin’s Gulls were tallied in e. Washington 2-12 Jun. An ad. Little Gull at Summer Lake 31 Jul (E Low) was just the 13th for Oregon, where this species is sur- prisingly rare; California and Washington have over 100 records each. Bonaparte’s Gulls rarely summer along the Oregon coast; thus one at New R. 2 Jul (KC, DL) was surprising. It seems almost inconceivable that the world’s largest Caspian Tern colony at East Sand I. produced zero young in 2011, but the contin- ual harassment of Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, combined with nest predation by gulls, resulted in 100% nest failure at this massive rookery (B.R.N.). Scattered reports of Elegant Terns 3 Jul+ precursed a major fall in- cursion along Oregon’s s. coast; the daily maximum was 30+ at Gold Beach, Curry 31 Jul (BY, CY). Two Common Terns at Gold Beach 30 Jul (BY, CY) represented the only re- port of the season; these birds were more than a month ahead of the main southbound flight, which peaks in Sep. For the first time since 2004, no Arctic Terns bred on Dungeness Spit, Clallam. Detections of South Polar Skua, formerly rare in the Region’s waters Jun-Jul, have been on the increase in recent summers. One off Westport 21 Jun was merely unex- pected, while 12 tallied out of Westport 9 Jul was truly remarkable. Later Westport trips yielded 2 skuas 23 Jul and 3 more 24 Jul (RS, BSh). Two apparent northbound Parasitic Jaegers were off of Edmonds, Snohomish 4 Jun (T. Hass); this species is very rare as a north- bound migrant in the ET., and southbound birds rarely arrive before Aug. Four Long- tailed Jaegers seen out of Westport 25 Jun (ph. RS, BSh) represent Washington’s first Jun records ever. Forty or more Ancient Murrelets off n. Washington 14 Jun included 2 chicks off Hobuck Beach, Clallam (RM); 3 near Smith I., San Juan 24 Jul (G. Thompson) were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, where not annual dur- ing summer. An astounding 135 Cassin’s Auklets were near Tongue Pt., Clallam 16 Jul (BW); they rarely stray e. of Cape Flattery. Single Horned Puffins, now nearly annual during summer, were near Pillar Pt., Clallam 14 Jul (ph. L. Sztukowski, C. Clatterbuck, T. Bloxton), off Westport 23 Jul (ph. RS), and in Boiler Bay 30 Jul (GG). A Band-tailed Pigeon at Bridgeport, Douglas 19 Jun (M. Spencer) was a bit e. of the species’ limited range in e. Washington. Three fledged Northern Hawk Owls were at Horseshoe Basin, Okanagan 25 Jul (AS), continuing the recent trend of breeding season records from VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 679 [OREGON & WASHINGTON n.-cen. Washington; this species was first con- firmed breeding in the Region in Jun 2007. An Anna’s Hummingbird was at Vantage, Kittitas 3 Jun (BW, D. Swayne); this species is still rare in e. Washington away from Klickitat. A Cal- liope Hummingbird lingered at Rockport until 2 Jun, furnishing a rare summer record for the lowlands of w. Washington (RK). Single male and female Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were at Malheur N.W.R. 7-9 Jun (AC), and another was at Twin Peaks, Malheur 17 Jul (RN); the Regional status of this species remains poorly known. Extremely rare during summer in w. Washington, single Lewis’s Woodpeckers re- mained at Corkindale, Skagit 1-3 Jun (RK), Marymoor Park, King 2 Jun (G. Oliver), and at White Horse, Snohomish 9 Jun (RM). Though this species is now reported annually Oct-Mar (mostly in Oregon), a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Malheur 3 Jun (C. Corder et al, ph. AC, ph. AH, ph. CH) appears to represent the first summer record for the Region in near- ly three decades; one at Gilchrist, Klamath in Jul 1983 is the most recent published report. Prior to about five years ago, Red-naped Sap- sucker x Red-breasted Sapsucker hybrids were rarely reported w. of the Cascades, but they are now detected annually. This season’s bird in- habited Newhalem, Whatcom 6 Jun (RM). This change is most likely due to increased observer awareness. PASSERINES A suspected-but-silent Eastern Wood-Pewee was studied and extensively photographed at Bend 11-13 Jun (PL, D. Tracy, ph. TC); this would be the Region’s 2nd accepted record. Westside Least Flycatchers, now detected an- nually, included singles at Corkindale, Skagit 4 Jun-9 jul (RM) and Deming, Whatcom 12- 23 Jun (GB), plus 2-3 territorial birds at Lost Creek Res., ne. Jackson (fR. Fowler); the lat- ter locale is just across the Cascades from nw. Klamath sites where territorial males have been reported nearly annually. Ten eastside Leasts, including 8 in e. Washington, was a typical summer showing. A Gray Flycatcher at Corkindale 1 Jun (RK) provided w. Wash- ington’s first summer record; there are still fewer than 10 records total for Gray Flycatch- ers in w. Washington, with most having oc- curred in May Small numbers of Dusky Fly- catchers are known to migrate through the westside lowlands before moving farther n. or to upslope breeding sites in the Cascades, but this season’s lowland singles at Corkindale 1- 3 Jun (RK), Newhalem, Whatcom 1 Jun (RK), and Marblemount, Skagit 1 Jun (RK) were nearly a month tardy; it is likely that the cool and wet late spring stalled these migrants. Two pairs of Black Phoebes nested at Ridge- 680 field this spring, establishing Washington’s first breeding records. Eight young fledged from three attempts at two different nests (fide RH). An Ash- throated Flycatcher, barely annual in w. Washington, visited Corkindale 5 Jun (ph. RM). A pulse of northbound West- ern Kingbirds along the outer coast in late May-early jun is somewhat expected, but coastal records after mid-jun are extremely rare; thus singles at North Bay, Grays Harbor 28 Jun (K. Brady), Newport 1 jul (E. Hor- vath), and O.S. 24 jul (J. Owens) were of note. Though Eastern Kingbirds nest at the Sandy R. delta, they are rarely encountered in the surrounding area, so 3 at Ridgefield 16 Jun (RH) were unexpected. Even more sur- prising was the Eastern Kingbird at Naselle, Pacific 7 Jul (R. Koppendrayer, J. Jendro); most westside strays occur during spring and fall migration windows. A Scissor-tailed Fly- catcher near Tenino, Thurston 4 Jun (tB. Huff) and one at Cockreham I., Skagit 6 Jun (TJ. Mackie) provided the 10th and 11th records for Washington; most Regional records have been May-early Jul. A Warbling Vireo near Vantage, Kittitas 25 Jun was three weeks tardy for a northbound migrant and not in breeding habitat (AS). A Blue Jay at RN.P 26 Jun made Washington’s 5th summer record (VN). Black-billed Mag- pies, normally considered very rare in w. Washington, were at Corkindale, Skagit 4 jun (RM, RK, GB) and Tacoma 17 Jun (K. Al- bright); in the past two years, a few wander- ing magpies have been noted in each report- ing period at widely scattered locations. A presumed migrant Bank Swallow was at Coos Bay 3 Jun (TR), while 14 near Brady, Grays Harbor 16 (RS, AM) Jul suggests the existence of a new colony, which would be a first for Washington’s outer coast. Washington’s 11th Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was near Washougal, Clark 20-21 Jul (tC. Abbrazzese); most prior records are from late fall or winter. A male Mountain Bluebird at Chetco L. (1219 m) in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness 23 Jul (TR) was the 6th for Curry; detections immediately s. of this area during the Oregon Breeding Bird At- las project indicated that this species may have a disjunct breeding population in the Siskiyou Mountains. The return of 3 Veeries to their lone westside breeding location near County Line Ponds, Whatcom/Skagit 3-10 Jun (RM, RK) was about a week later than nor- mal. In Oregon, one singing at Finley 11 jun (WDR) may represent a W.V first. On the eastside, single Veeries were at Black Butte Ranch, Deschutes 12 Jun (PL) and Camp Sherman, Jefferson 26 Jun (B. Bender). A Gray Catbird, very rare in w. Washington, inhabit- ed Corkindale 1-4 Jun (RK). Three of the 4 eastside Catbirds 5 Jun-6 Jul were in De- schutes and Klamath, where this species has been annual during recent breeding seasons; the outlier skulked about the DeMoss Springs oases in n. Sherman 5 Jun (SF; DI, JW). The season’s 6 Northern Mockingbirds were even- ly divided between the east- and westsides. Most unexpected was a Sage Thrasher at Brookings 21 Jun (DM); although this species is nearly annual on the westside in spring, most extralimital records fall mid-Apr-mid- May Washington’s 15th Brown Thrasher en- livened Seattle 12 jun (tC. Sidles, IT. Hass), while that state’s 14th, found during the spring season at Potholes S.P., Grant, re- mained through 14 jun (M. Yawney); records are evenly distributed between westside and eastside, with most May-Jun. Another Brown Thrasher, at Malheur 22-28 Jun (RN, TR), adds to about 30 prior records from Oregon. A late American Pipit tarried at Bandon through 6 Jun (KC, DL), and another lingered at Renton 10-13 Jun (A. Grenon); there are very few lowland westside records for this species after May. A Lapland Longspur near Ophir, Curry 11 Jul (RN, TR) made one of very few Jun-Aug records for the Region and just the 5th for Jul. Washington’s 3rd and the Region’s 8th Blue-winged Warbler sang continuously during a short visit near Forks, Clallam 23 Jun (ID. Drummond); previous Washington records include one in early Aug (that had likely summered nearby) and one in mid- Sep. Yet another Virginia’s Warbler was at Twin Peaks in the Oregon Canyon Mts., Mal- heur 17 Jul (RN); fully one third of Oregon’s 15 records have come from this remote re- gion in the extreme se. comer of the state, where this species is presumed to be a low- density breeder. Single Northern Parulas were at Fields 8 Jun (AC, V Wilcox) and Mal- heur 22 Jun (RN); the bulk of Oregon’s re- ports have come from Harney oases May-jun. Strong easterly winds produced a fallout of 1000+ Yellow Warblers at Cascade Head 3 Jun, and 800 were there under similar condi- tions the following day (PP); this site has proven quite productive in late spring/early summer when there are strong easterlies. A Chestnut-sided Warbler, Washington’s 23rd, visited Protection I ., Jefferson 21 Jun (ph. A. Moncrieff, L. Megna); all but a handful of records of this species are from Jun. A male Magnolia Warbler at Fields 4 Jun (ph. AH, CH) adds to 30 Oregon records, half of which have come from the Harney oases late May-early Jun. Oregon’s 14th Cape May Warbler visited Malheur 11 Jun (ph. O. Schmidt). The lone Black- throated Blue War- bler of the season was at Astoria 9 Jun (D. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OREGON & WASHINGTON | Haller); most of the Region’s records come in autumn. A Myrtle Warbler stopped at PN.R 1 Jun (BW), and a surprising 5 were noted near Rockport, Skagit 1 Jun (RK); Washington now has about 20 summer records, all but two since 2000. Though Hermit Warblers are abundant breeders in the higher elevations of w. Oregon, one at Page Springs Campground, Harney 9 jun (fide HN) was certainly out of place in the Hamey Basin, where this species is decidedly rarer than many of the “eastern” warblers. A warbler at Fields 4 Jun (ph. AH), first identified as a female Black-throated Green Warbler, was eventually considered by many to be Hermit Warbler x Townsend’s Warbler hybrid; this cross is most often en- countered in the overlap zone of their breed- ing ranges in the Cascades. The fallout on Cascade Head 4 Jun included a late Palm Warbler (PP); most of the Region’s Palms are found Sep-Mar, with wintering birds typical- ly gone by Apr. A first-spring female Bay- breasted Warbler at Malheur 5 Jun (AC, ph. AH, ph. CH) was Oregon’s 10th but just the 2nd in that state since 1990. Six Black-and- white Warblers 9 Jun-1 Jul was above aver- age for the season; all were in Oregon. An American Redstart was entrained in the weather system that produced a major fallout of migrants at Cascade Head, Tillamook 3 Jun (PP). In w. Washington, an American Red- start was once again on territory near Carna- tion, King 12-18 Jun (D. Parrott), and a stray was noted at Sammamish L, King 21 Jun (K. Grant). Redstarts were also about a week late in arriving at their isolated breeing area at County Line Ponds, Whatcom/Skagit 7 Jun (MB). An Ovenbird visited Newhalem, What- com 7 Jun (tMB, SP), and one was heard singing at Battle Ground, Clark 19 Jun (]D); Washington now has about 25 records, with most May-Jun. Yet another Hooded Warbler was on Oregon’s eastside, at Bend 8 Jun (L. Rems). Wilson’s Warblers joined the swarm of Yellows on Cascade Head 3-4 Jun, with 250+ there both days (PP). Breeding Yellow- breasted Chats have increased in w. Washing- ton over the past eight years, and this sum- mer, at least 5 were noted at Ridgefield (fide RH), one was at Brooks Slough, Wahkiakum 3 Jun (TMa), and 2 were near Ariel, Cowlitz 9 Jul (DI, SR JD, AN). Chipping Sparrows are scarce along Ore- gon’s outer coast at any season and particular- ly so during summer, so any report is note- worthy. Singles at Florence 4 Jun (DF, DPe) and Coos Bay 11 Jun (TR) were considered late migrants, while another near Floras L., Curry 11 Jul (L. Miller, KAn) defied catego- rization. A Clay-colored Sparrow at Rockport, Skagit 3 Jun provided the 5th summer record for w. Washington (RK), while on the east- side, 12 Clay-colored Sparrows were noted on breeding territories in n.-cen. and ne. Wash- ington 4 Jun-15 Jul. Records of breeding Clay-colored Sparrows away from the Spokane area have been on the increase over the past 10 years. A Brewer’s Sparrow at Corkindale, Skagit 7 Jun (MB, SP) and one at Marymoor Park, King 9 jun (M. Hobbs) pro- vided only the 2nd and 3rd summer records for the lowlands of w. Washington. Two Lark Sparrows wandered to the W.V., with singles at Detroit, Marion 8 Jun (T. Snetsinger) and at the Sandy R. delta (B. Vrilakas). A seasonally unprecedented “invasion” of Black-throated Sparrows produced 3 westside birds during early Jun, with singles at Skagit W.M.A., Sk- agit 3 Jun (G. Toffic), Florence, Lane 4 Jun (DPe, DF), and Ridgefield 8 Jun (T. Tuttle, C. Kauphlan); this sort of modest irruption often correlates with drought conditions in the core range of this species. At least 3 Black-throated Sparrows were noted at their traditional site near Vantage, Kittitas 7 Jun-H Jul (RK, G. McWethy, R. Bjorkland). None were found elsewhere in e. Washington, which is a bit surprising, given the number of westside re- ports late May-early Jun. Thorough surveys of appropriate grassland habitat at the e. edges of the Umpqua Valley resulted in the discovery of new Grasshopper Sparrow colonies n. of Sutherlin and Glide during jun (BA). A late White-throated Sparrow passed through Malheur 7 Jun (D. Porter); north- bound migrants are typically out of the Re- gion by late May. Eight Rose-breasted Grosbeaks for the sea- son included 4 in w. Washington, which has averaged one per summer since 2000. As is the norm, all but one were found 7-23 Jun; a male was near Langlois, Curry 13 Jul (KAn). A female Blue Grosbeak at Chrissey Field S.E s. of Brookings 30 Jun (DM, B. Stewart) adds to nine antecedent records for Oregon and is the 3rd report of this species in s. Curry since 2004. Single Summer Tanagers were on the eastside at Paisley, Lake 12 Jun (KS) and Sis- ters, Deschutes 26 Jun (D. Hale), and a male, seen briefly near Bandon 7 Jul (H. Schubothe), furnished the 4th for Coos. At least 200 Western Tanagers accompanied the warbler fallout on Cascade Head 4 Jun (PP); northbound movements of tanagers general- ly persist well into Jun. Two Western Mead- owlarks were at Corkindale 1 Jun (RK); aside from those present at the very few remaining breeding locations in w. Washington, mead- owlarks have vacated this area by mid-May. Two male and 2 female Yellow-headed Black- birds were in the Cape Blanco/Floras L. area 6-17 Jun (T. Wahl, TR); in recent years, this species has been somewhat regular in n. Cur- ry, where formerly quite rare. This season’s Common Grackle was at Frenchglen, Hamey 17 Jul (RN). Five Great-tailed Grackles 10 Jun-22 jul was slightly subpar; none were re- ported from Washington, where they had ap- peared during four consecutive summers. Along Oregon’s outer coast, where Bullock’s Orioles are rare but annual, 5 were noted 3- 13 Jun. Cassin’s Finches, generally rare on the westside, were again noted at Mt. Hardy, Ska- git, with a maximum of 11 on 8 Jul (RM). On 22 Jul, 3 Cassin’s were at Bear Camp in the Siskiyou Mts. of e. Curry (T. Love), where they may be somewhat regular. A single Gray- crowned Rosy-Finch was flushed off the sum- mit of Saddle Mt., Clatsop 9 Jun (SN); Marys Peak in w. Benton is the only site in the Coast Range where rosy-finches occur consistently, and most sightings there come Oct-Apr. It was a non-invasion year for crossbills in w. Oregon, with scant few reports of Red Cross- bills and just one White-winged Crossbill sighting: one was w. of Sisters, Deschutes 25 Jun (D. Hale). Five Lesser Goldfinches tallied in Asotin, Columbia, and Garfield during sum- mer reflects the northeastward expansion of this species beyond Klickitat. Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): Bob Altman, Knute Andersson, Bird Research Northwest (B.R.N.; ), Gary Bletsch, Marv Breece, Wilson Cady, Kathy Castelein, Alan Contreras, Tom Crabtree, Jim Danzenbaker, Daniel Farrar, Shawneen Finnegan (Oregon), Bob Flores, Andy Frank, Charles Gates (Crook), George Gerdts (GGe), Greg Gillson (thebirdguide pelagics, Washington), Jeff Gilligan, Denny Granstrand, Randy Hill, Stuart Johnston (Hood River, Klickitat, Skamania), Randy Knapp, Alan Kneidel, Dave Lauten, Peter Low, Tom Mansfield, Ryan Merrill (Washington), Annie Meyer, Don Munson, Russ Namitz, Har- ry Nehls (Oregon), Vic Nelson, Ann Nightin- gale, Steve Nord, Mike Patterson (Clatsop), Diane Pettey, Phil Pickering, Steve Pink, W. Douglas Robinson (Benton), Tim Rodenkirk (Coos, Curry), Ryan Shaw, Bill Shelmerdine, Kevin Spencer (Klamath), Andy Stepniewski, John Sullivan, Jay Withgott, Charlie Wright (eBird), Bob Yutzy, Carol Yutzy. © David S. Irons, 2544 NW Marshall Street Portland, Oregon 97210, (llsdirons@msn.com) Brad Waggoner, 7865 Fletcher Bay Road ME. Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, (wagtail@sounddsl.com) Bill Tweit, P.0. Box 1271, Olympia, Washington 98507 (Sebnabgill@aol.com) VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 681 Northern California Michael M. Rogers Jeff N. Dawls Ed Pandolftno Stephen C, Rottenborn Our unusually cool spring persisted into June, contributing to a remark- ably deep summer snowpack in the Region’s mountains. This was likely responsi- ble for an extraordinarily late passerine migra- tion. Nearly every subregional editor reported multiple examples of late migrants, including most of the warblers, Western Tanagers, Lazuli Buntings, and Cedar Waxwings. Interestingly, reports of late Townsend’s Warblers, whose regular breeding range does not extend into California, were particularly widespread. At least eight counties reported unusually late dates (some into late June) or large numbers of this species. Reports of vagrants, on the other hand, were few and far between, with many subregional editors commenting on their lack- luster showing. Our only boldfaced species were shorebirds: a late, displaying Upland Sandpiper that spent four days 30 kilometers east of Stockton and single adult Little Stints at two widely separated locations in July. Abbreviations: C.B.R.C. (California B.R.C.); C.R.P. (Cosumnes River Preserve, Sacramento ); C.V. (Central Valley); EL (Southeast Farallon I., San Francisco ); H.R.S. (Hayward R.S., Alameda ); PRBO (PRBO Conservation Sci- ence); S.E ( San Francisco, not State Forest). 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. 0. Box 275, Imperial Beach, California 91933. WATERFOWL Single Greater White-fronted Geese were one-day wonders in Jul in Humboldt, Mendo- cino, and Sacramento, whereas another spent the season at various Monterey locations (m.ob.). An Aleutian Cackling Goose that ar- rived at EL 9 May was joined by another on 17 Jul, and both remained through the peri- od (PRBO); other summer Cacklings were found in four coastal counties. The breeding Canada Geese at FI. successfully fledged 2 young before departing the island 28 Jul (PRBO). A Tundra Swan n. of the Thermalito Afterbay, Butte 1 Jun (ph. Kenneth Sobon) was notably late. Up to 3 Redhead ducklings were with 9 Lesser Scaup ducklings at H.R.S. 16 Jun-i- (RJR, PBr); two or three other Less- er Scaup broods were also found there later in the season (RJR, PDr). A King Eider at outer Pt. Reyes, Marin 5-7 Jun (Sonja Sorbo, JsC, DaW et al, tjeff Miller) may have been the same bird reported at Tomales Bay 22-29 Jan. Male Harlequin Ducks continued inside S.E Bay through 12 Jun at Heron’s Head Park, S.F. (CLo, m.ob.) and into fall at Coyote Pt., San Mateo (m.ob.). A White-winged Scoter sum- mering at Seacliff S.B. 18 Jul-5 Aug (DLSu, Kathy Kuyper) was exceptional for Santa Cruz in recent decades. The Kutras L. Black Scoter survived the season in Shasta; the only other report was of one at King Salmon, Humboldt 4 Jun (MWa). The lone Long-tailed Duck was at Crescent City, Del Norte 7 Jun-29 Jul (ADB, JCS). Reports of Hooded Mergansers with ducklings confirmed breed- ing of the species again at Antelope L., Plumas 18 Jun (SEd, ADE) and at C.R.P 10 Jul (first Sacramento breeding record; JTr). A female Common Merganser with 4 young at San Pablo Res. 17 Jun (Pieter de Jong) pro- vided a long overdue first breeding confirma- tion for Contra Costa. Two Red-breasted Mer- gansers far inland at Mono L, Mono were particularly unexpected on the mid-summer date of 27 Jun (DHo). LOONS THROUGH PELICANS Mono often hosts a few Common Loons in summer; this season, one was on Lundy L. 19 Jun (PJM), and up to 3 were on Crowley L. 12 Jun-21 Jul (DHo et al.). San Mateo’s first Great Shearwater, off Half Moon Bay 30 Jul (Jon Feenstra, ph. TMcG, ShJ), provided the Region’s 9th record. A Fork-tailed Storm-Pe- trel captured in a mist net during Ashy Storm-Petrel monitoring on El. 24 Jul was the first caught there since 1992 (PRBO). Even more unusual was a very small Leach’s Storm-Petrel with measurements indicating the subspecies socorrensis (Townsend’s Storm- Petrel) captured on EI. 28 Jul (PRBO). This subspecies breeds only on Guadalupe I. off Mexico, and though it occurs in California waters, its appearance onshore at EL is note- worthy. An ad. Brown Booby 6.5 km off Half Moon Bay, San Mateo 21 Jun (JsC) was fol- lowed the next day by an unidentified booby, likely an ad. Brown, at Sutro Baths, S.F. (DMo). Brandt’s Cormorants suffered near- total breeding failure at EI. for the 4th con- secutive year (PRBO) but were in high num- bers in Santa Cruz, where 421 nests at Seacliff S.B. 10 Jun (DLSu) nearly doubled the previ- ous high for that location. In the recently dis- covered Double-crested Cormorant colony at Big River, Mendocino, chicks were detected in three nests 17 Jun (REH). A concentration of 80-123 American White Pelicans on College L. 10-12 Jul (Heidi Sandkuhle, Kathy Kuyper, JHW, LGo) provided not only a high number for Santa Cruz but also the first summer Great Shearwater seems to be occurring off northern California with increasing frequency; this bird off Half Moon Bay en 30 July 201 1 provided a first record for San Mateo County. Photograph by Todd McGrath. 682 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA] Given the scarcity of Heermann's Gull records away from the Pacific coast, Mono County's five records, including this adult at Mono Lake on 19 June 2011, are surprising for far eastern California. Photograph by Peter J. Metropulos. record for the site. A spate of juv. Brown Pel- icans inland may have been related to the un- usually high number of dead and dying birds found in more normal coastal haunts this season. One at Mono L., Mono 25 Jun (Ken Watanabe, DHo) was the farthest inland, and one in W. Sacramento 2 Jun (Dan Airola, JCS, TEa) provided Yolo’s first record. Other juvs. were at Folsom Dam, Sacramento 3 Jun (fide Dawn DeBerry); Lincoln L. in Stockton, San Joaquin 28-29 Jun (Lynette Buckman), with possibly the same bird at Lodi W.T.P, San Joaquin 20 Jul+ (Linda Pittman, FrO); and Little Panoche Res., Fresno 11 Jul+ (Michelle Townsley, Bob Love, m.ob.). BITTERNS THROUGH CRANES Continued presence of a Least Bittern at Math- er L., Sacramento 2 Jul (Phil Lutz) suggested possible breeding at that location; the only others reported were 2 heard near Alpaugh, Tulare 13-15 Jun (SAL). Cattle Egrets were lit- tle reported, with the only coastal record com- ing from Shollenberger Park, Sonoma 31 Jul (PBC). Coastal White-faced Ibis included one flying n. at Pigeon Pt., San Mateo 27 Jun (Mark Kudrav), one near Harkins Slough, Santa Cruz 24 Jul (CKO, and up to 3 seen through the season at Moro Cojo Slough and Zmudowski S.B., Monterey (RF, m.ob.). A northward incursion of California Condors brought 5 imms. from Pinnacles N.M., San Benito/Monterey to the summit of Mt. Hamil- ton, Santa Clara 21 Jun (Keith & Lotus Baker, ph. Elinor Gates, ph. Peter & Diane Hart); one of these birds was known to be in Alameda the day before, based on GPS transmitter data (fide MiT). All the birds returned to Pinnacles 21 Jun except for one that remained at Mt. Hamilton until the following morning. Osprey nests at Richmond Marina 29 Jul+ (Tony Brake) and Pier 94 on 16 Jun (DMo) were the 2nd and first for Contra Costa and S.E, respec- tively. After fours years of breeding, only a sin- gle Swainson’s Hawk was found at Suscol Cr., Napa 12-24 Jul (Jeff Acuff, Alex Merritt, DMo), and no breeding was confirmed there this year. On the other hand, a total of 7 birds elsewhere in Napa and Sonoma 14-28 Jul was well above average. The Del Norte Crested Caracara continued near the Hwy. 101 bridge over the Smith R. through the summer (ADB, m.ob.). A Prairie Falcon reported from Moore Cr. Preserve 2 Jul (Kathy Kuyper) and An- tonelli Pond 13 Jul (SGe) provided only the 2nd summer record for Santa Cruz. Extensive nocturnal Yellow Rail surveys in Lassen turned up over 20 birds in the vicinity of Eagle L. late Jun-25 Jul (fide Tom Rickman). Up to 2 birds were again found at Willow L., Plumas 25 Jun-14 Jul (Peter Gaede, SEd, ADE, WGB, SCH), and a single bird was near Ea- gleville, Modoc 2-3 Jul (SCR, Curtis Marantz). Three Sandhill Cranes in a field se. of Chico, Butte 8 Jun (Matt Rogers) were very late. A pair of Sandhill Cranes at Bridgeport Res., Mono 1 1 Jun+ was joined by a 3rd ad. 16 Jun+ (JuH, JiDP, PJM, m.ob.). An escaped Black-crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina ) was near Cordelia, Solano 9 Jun (Jim Walsh, RMu). SHOREBIRDS Many reports of late northbound shorebirds came from across the Region. A Black-bellied Plover at Goose L. 2 Jun (KAb, EP) may have been the first Jun record for Modoc. The only American Golden-Plover reported was at L. Talowa, Del Norte 9 Jun (LuB). A Black Oys- tercatcher survey covering 9% of the state’s coastline during Jun turned up 1346 birds and 175 nests (fide RJK), with most of these found in our Region. These numbers suggest a larger state population than previously esti- mated. The pair of American Avocets at Kelseyville remained into Jul and successfully hatched 3 young, one of which was still alive and present 31 Jul (first Lake breeding record; JRW). Late Wandering Tattlers included sin- gles in Santa Cruz 3 Jun (SGe), in Monterey 10 Jun (RFT), and at FI. 12 Jun (PRBO). Late in- land Willets included a flock of 21 at the Sacramento Regional W.T.P, Sacramento 19 Jun (Lora Leerskov, ph. CCo, DKo). The first Upland Sandpiper for San Joaquin and the C.V. was a calling and displaying bird along Waverly Rd. 2 km s. of Flood Rd. 25-28 Jun (Karen Zumwalt, ph. Linda Pittman, m.ob.). This is only the 10th record for the Region (half of these being from FI.) and is two weeks later than the latest previous Jun record. A pair of Long-billed Curlews with 4 chicks at Crowley L. 12 Jun (DHo) provided the first confirmed breeding record for Mono. The only inland Ruddy Turnstone was again in Kings , near Corcoran 27 Jul (TKz, JLt). A Black Turnstone at Davenport Landing, Santa Cruz 9 Jun (AMR) was unexpectedly late; even less precedent exists for 2 Surfbirds at Pescadero S.B., San Mateo 25 Jun (JRy). Five Red Knots at Zmudowski S.B., Mon- terey 2 Jun (BTM) were late migrants, where- as 2 or 3 summered at H.R.S. (RJR). Three Sanderlings at the Pajaro R. mouth, Santa Cruz/Monterey 16-27 Jun (Gary Martindale, CEy, BRa) may have also been summering, as was a single Dunlin seen throughout the peri- od at H.R.S. (RJR). Other surprisingly tardy shorebirds lingering into early Jun included 2 Least Sandpipers at the Salinas W.T.P, Mon- terey 5 Jun, with one still there 19 Jun (KW); a Long-billed Dowitcher at the Palo Alto Bay- lands, Santa Clara 4 Jun (ph. MMR); 2 Wil- son’s Phalaropes at the Ukiah W.T.P, Mendoci- no 3 Jun (CEV); and Red-necked Phalaropes in Sonoma 3 Jun (MBe), Yolo 3 Jun (GEw), and Butte 8 Jun (3 birds; Matt Rogers). Thirty Semipalmated Sandpipers in 12 counties 23 Jun+ was above the long-term average but perhaps typical of recent years. Three in Lake 2 Jul+ were notable (JRW, BJM), given only one previous summer record there; also less expected were an ad. at the Lodi W.T.P, San Joaquin 3-4 Jul (DGY, LzW) and a juv. at the Fresno W.T.P., Fresno 24 Jul (ph. GaW). Re- markably, 2 Little Stints, both alternate- plumaged ads., were found this season, the 7th and 8th for the Region. Del Norte’s first VOLUME 65 (2012) . NUMBER 4 683 | NORTHERN CALIFORNIA was near Ft. Dick 6-7 Jul (LuB, ADB, ph. JCS, m.ob.), and the first for Yolo and the C.V was at the Davis Wetlands 15-17 Jul (ph. TEa, ph. SCH, ph. m.ob.). Four Baird’s Sandpipers were reported from four counties 11-28 Jul, whereas only a single Pectoral Sandpiper was found, at Cock Robin I., Humboldt 31 Jul (TWL). The lone Stilt Sandpiper was near Corcoran, Kings 24 Jul (MSy), and the only Ruff was at the Napa-Sonoma Marshes W.A., Solano 23 Jul (RAR). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS A Laughing Gull at San Rafael, Marin contin- ued from the spring through 11 Jul (FHa, Doug Wiedermann); perhaps the same bird was in ponds w. of Vallejo 16-26 Jul (tRMu, RAR, JSL, KPa), providing a first Solano record. The only Franklin’s Gulls reported were singles at MacKerricher S.P., Mendocino 26 Jul (KHv, DT), s. of Corcoran, Kings 14-24 Jul (JLt), and at Areata, Humboldt 19 Jul (SWH, Michael Harris). Three Heermann’s Gulls were well inside S.E Bay in Santa Clara and Contra Costa, where fairly rare, during the brief span 8-17 Jul, but their significance was overshadowed by an ad. at Mono L. 19 Jun (ph. PJM et al.), which provided Mono’s 5th record. Single ad. Western Gulls at the Davis W.T.P, Yolo 3 Jun (GEw) and on L. Al- manor, Plumas 20 Jun (tBrent Campos; first summer record for the Sierra) were unusual- ly far inland, particularly for summer. The Western Gull colony on El. suffered its low- est productivity on record, apparently owing to limited food availability and consequent high intraspecific predation, and only a few young fledged successfully (PRBO). Similar- ly, the colony of California Gulls on El. expe- rienced complete failure for the 3rd straight year; although 104 suspected nests were present 1 Jun, no chicks were observed (PRBO). PRBO’s survey of Mono L., Mono in late May recorded only 17,500 California Gull nests, tying 1998’s results as the lowest number recorded since the survey began in 1983 (fide KNN). In S.E Bay, California Gull surveys by San Francisco Bay B.O. recorded 38,098 individuals, down 8000 from 2010 numbers (though the colony on Brooks I., Contra Costa was not included in the total for either year). A second-cycle Glaucous Gull at the mouth of Gazos Cr. 21 Jun-7Jul (ph. Bert McKee, TMcK et al.) provided a first summer record for San Mateo. Least Tern counts conducted near known or potential breeding locations away from the Region’s main Least Tern colony at Alameda N.W.R., Alameda, recorded 21 birds s. of Collinsville, Solano near Montezuma Slough 15 Jul (RMu); up to 20 at Huichica Creek W.A., Napa 2 Jun-8 Jul (MBe); and a pair that fledged 3 young at the Sacramento Regional W.T.P., Sacramento 31 May-12 Aug (CCo et al). Post-breeding counts elsewhere included up to 36 at Coyote Pt., San Mateo 20 Jul (a new high count for the location; RSTh); up to 56 at the typical Mountain View, Santa Clara staging area 3 Jul+ (WGB et al.), with the high count occurring 21 Jul (MJM); and an ad. near Harkins Slough, Santa Cruz 24 Jul (CKO- At Agua Vista Park, S.E’s only Caspian Tern breeding site, three active nests and one fledgling were observed 14 Jun (Mary Bet- latch). Breeding also likely occurred again on Sand 1. in n. Humboldt Bay, Humboldt ( fide RbF). Small numbers of Common Terns regu- larly occur in the Region in summer, and this season, singles were at the Mad R. mouth, Humboldt 2 Jul (GSL), Coyote Pt., San Mateo 13-26 Jul (RSTh et al.), and the North White Slough area, Solano 15-24 Jul (RMu, LHg). The Forster’s Tern colony at H.R.S. supported more than 700 nests, but only a few young fledged, apparently owing to mammalian pre- dation (fide RJR). Although a few Black Skim- mers were observed in San Mateo and Santa Clara, the highest numbers (with up to 28 ads. 2 Jul), and the only breeding attempts, were at H.R.S. (RJR). However, no young fledged, again due to mammalian predation (RJR). Away from S.F Bay, Black Skimmers in- cluded up to 2 at Bolinas, Marin 14 Jun-6 Jul (KH, Jeff Miller) and 2 at Moss Landing, Mon- terey 31 Jul (DG1, ph. DR, RC et al.). A Long- tailed Jaeger off Cypress Pt. 23 Jul (ph. Marti- jn Verdoes et al.) provided Monterey’s earliest fall record. A survey of 19 km of the n. Santa Cruz coastline 8-11 Jun recorded a remark- able total of 452 Pigeon Guillemots (DLSu). This survey recorded only 10 Rhinoceros Auklets, but one was seen flying into a cavity on the bluff between El Jarro Pt. and Daven- port Landing, indicating a likely nest site; the species was last confirmed nesting in Santa Cruz in 1997. DOVES THROUGH NUTHATCHES A Band-tailed Pigeon at Red Bluff, Tehama 4 Jun (Michelle Swartout) provided an unusual summer record for the C.V floor. White- winged Doves were all coastal or nearly so, with singles at Bolinas, Marin 20 Jun (Walter Kitundu); Struve Slough, Santa Cruz 22-27 Jun (SGe, RRa, BRa); Pt. Richmond, Contra Costa 26-30 Jun (ph. Melani King et al.); and Sea Ranch, Sonoma 8 Jul (Diane Hichwa). Yel- low-billed Cuckoos included one in Soquel, Santa Cruz 8 Jul (ph. Pete Sole) and another at Sacramento River N.W.R., Tehama 15 & 22 Jul (Robert H. Doster). Barn Owls don’t often make headlines, but 9+ owls and three nests at the Palace of Fine Arts 25 Jul (Walter Kitundu) established a new high count for S.E, inspiring some to dub the famous landmark the Palace of Fine Owls. Rare in summer in San Mateo, a Long-eared Owl called from Butano Ridge 9 Jul (TMcK). Three Short-eared Owls circling together at Bridgeport Res., Mono 9 Jun (PJM) estab- lished the first breeding-season record at this location since 1984. As many as 8 in Sierra Valley (6 in Plumas and 2 in Sierra ) 18 Jun-17 Jul (KPa, CPD, ADE, SEd, Doug Herr), in- cluding a chick in Plumas 18 Jun (Eddie Bart- ley), provided evidence of breeding at this lo- cation this summer. Similarly, as many as 6 at Atwell I., Tulare 24 Jun-mid-Jul (SAL) sug- gested local nesting. A Lesser Nighthawk must have been a strange sight over urban Sunnyvale 15 Jul (MMR, Alma Rogers). Continuing a disturbing trend, there were no reports of Black Swifts during the breeding season in San Mateo ( fide PJM). Santa Cruz fared slightly better, with several reports but none confirming local nesting (fide SGe, DLSu). Two Black Swifts over Pepperdine campground in the Warner Mts., Modoc 25 Jun (Boyd Turner) were of interest, as the nearest known nesting location is roughly 140 km sw. of this site. White-throated Swifts seem to have established themselves as sum- mer residents recently in the C.V. portion of Fresno. Two in downtown Fresno 4 Jun and 10 there 30 Jul raised suspicion they were nesting in weep-holes in a freeway overpass (both RH). A female Broad-tailed Humming- bird along Hwy. 89, 13 km nw. of Calpine, 28 Jun (tRSTh, LBt), and another at Bassett’s Sta- tion 24 Jul (tMWE), represent the first docu- mented records of this species for Sierra. Meanwhile, a male near Big Creek 8 Jun (tJTz) was Fresno’s 4th, and another at Fores- ta 15 Jul (tDLSu) was Mariposa’s 3rd. A dis- playing male Allen’s Hummingbird at C.R.P. 19 Jun (JTr) was at a site in the C.V where this species has nested in the past. A Red- naped Sapsucker at Lemon Canyon 3 Jun (tNancy Nelson) furnished a rare summer record for Sierra. It was another poor breeding season for Mono’s fragile population of Willow Flycatch- ers, which became established along lower Rush Cr. in 2001. The population peaked at 10 birds in 2004 and has declined since then. Two nests were found this summer, but nei- ther was successful (CMc). Incidentally, one of the breeding attempts was by a 12-year-old banded female, the oldest Willow Flycatcher on record according to the Bird Banding Lab- oratory (). Modoc’s 5th Least Fly- catcher was at Eagleville 13 Jun (v.r. CCo), 2 684 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA] Jul (SCR), and 23 Jul (JSL, JLx). Providing the first summer record for San Mateo, a Hammond’s Flycatcher called on Butano Ridge 26 Jul (TMcK). The lone male Dusky Flycatcher that maintained a territory at Big Basin Redwoods S.P., Santa Cruz for five con- secutive breeding seasons was not found this year when the site was searched 1 1 Jun and 8 Jul (Kathy Kuyper). Hanging on from last season, the Eastern Phoebe at Pt. Reyes Sta- ff tion, Marin remained through 6 Jun (RS, DWm). A Say’s Phoebe along White Rock Rd., Mariposa 1 Jun (DLSu) was outside the known breeding range of the species and pre- sumably a late migrant. Ending 13 consecu- tive years of nesting season reports, Eastern Kingbirds did not materialize at Salt L., se. of Grenada, Siskiyou (fide RE). A consolation perhaps was a male less than 15 km n. of there at Shasta Valley W.A. 31 Jul (Steve Nel- son). Meanwhile, the breeding site at Blue L., Lassen was apparently occupied; one bird was detected there 4 Jul (RMS, Eugenia Larsen). Another, at Point Reyes N.S., Marin 24 Jun (RS) was a vagrant, while one at Kennedy Meadows on the same day (TCo, ph. RLeb) was Tulare’s 3rd. Sonoma! s 4th Scissor-tailed Flycatcher dropped in at Bodega Bay 20 Jun (LaRee Maguire, ph. Jackie Sones). A pair of Least Bell’s Vireos bringing food to a nest containing at least one large nestling at San Luis N.WR. 25 Jul (ph. PJM) established the first breeding record for Merced since 1919 (Western North American Naturalist 70: 105-113 [2010]). This record follows other recent C.Y records from San Joaquin N.W.R., Stanislaus from 2005-2007 and at Wind Wolves Preserve, Kem in 2010. One of the 3 Least Bell’s Vireos discovered last season at Yolo Bypass W.A., Yolo lingered through 26 Jun (Ed Whistler). Emblematic of an unusual fallout of late migrant passerines throughout the Region, many associated with an unsea- sonable storm 4 Jun, was a total of 22+ War- bling Vireos away from breeding areas in San- ta Cruz 1-7 Jun (fide DLSu, SGe). Red-eyed Vireos included singles at Eagleville, Modoc 3 Jun (Curtis Marantz) and Ft. Dick, Del Norte 18 Jul (LuB). Surprisingly, the Steller’s Jay at Curtis Park in Sacramento, Sacramento, first found last fall, remained through 18 Jun (Dan Murphy, Dan Airola, CCo et al.). Large gath- erings of Common Ravens are becoming more frequent in the low foothills of the Sier- ra. A particularly impressive crowd of approx- imately 725 was along White Rock Rd., Mari- posa 13 Jul (DLSu). A Cliff Swallow x Barn Swallow hybrid at Foster City 12 Jun-10 Jul (fLBt, RSTh) was the 2nd such hybrid for San Mateo. Coincidentally, another was over Crespi Pond, Monterey 18 Jun (ph. BLS). Red- breasted Nuthatches away from known breed- ing areas included singles in Mountain View 5 Jun (MDo) and Los Altos 27 Jul (Jim Liskovec), both Santa Clara; another at Boggs Slough, Kings 11 Jun (MSy); and 2 in Prunedale, Monterey 16 Jul+ (TAm). THRASHERS THROUGH FINCHES The mimids of note were a Gray Catbird at Pt. Reyes, Marin 24 Jun (RS), a Brown Thrasher on EL 18 Jul+ (PRBO), a Sage Thrasher on Mt. Davidson, S.E 1 Jun (ph. Will Duncan, m.ob.), and a California Thrasher at San Luis N.WR., Merced 25 Jul (PJM; rare at this valley floor lo- cation). Reports of vagrant warblers were sparse and well below recent averages. Exam- ples include: Northern Parula with six reports compared with a 20-year average of 14; Chest- nut-sided Warbler with one report versus an average of five; American Redstart with six re- ports versus our average of 13; and Hooded Warbler with no reports for only the 2nd time in the past 20 years (we average four reports). Tennessee Warblers were found on EL 3-6 Jun (PRBO) and along Rush Cr., Mono 20 Jun (ph. CMc). The one Chestnut-sided Warbler was at Oasis, Mono 14 Jun (JuH). A Magnolia War- bler was on EL 6 Jun (PRBO), and another sang at Antonelli Pond, Santa Cruz 9 Jun (ph. SGe). A Palm Warbler near L. Merced 30 Jun (ph. Steve Kass) was the latest ever for S.E A female Blackpoll Warbler was at Pt. Reyes, Marin 24 Jun (RS), and a singing male at Pil- lar Pt. 8-10 Jul (AJ et al.) provided the first Jul record for San Mateo. Black-and-white War- blers were in S.E 4 Jun (Kevin Liberg), at Ulis- tac N.A., Santa Clara 17 Jun (Pingang Wang), and e. of Weott, Humboldt 27 Jul (John Gaf- in). Both our Ovenbirds were singing, one along Ida Clayton Rd., Sonoma 13 Jun (MBe) and the other near Pilot Peak, Mariposa 22 Jun (DLSu; Mariposa’s 2nd). A Sage Sparrow in Sierra Valley 16 Jun (THarry Reeves) was apparently the 3rd for Plumas. New likely nesting locations for Grasshopper Sparrow were noted along Wa- verly Rd., San Joaquin 1-6 Jul (CCo, m.ob.) and at C.R.P. 30 Jul (CCo, JTr, Nancy Reitz). A very late White-throated Sparrow was in Rio Del Mar, Santa Cruz 10 Jun (ph. Lise Peter- son). Other Zonotrichia lingering into summer included a White-crowned Sparrow at San Jose, Santa Clara 4 Jun (ph. JPa) and Golden- crowned Sparrows at Talmage, Mendocino 1- 17 Jun (CHW, GeH), Morgan Hill, Santa Clara 4 Jun (SCR), and Pescadero, San Mateo 30 Jul (GrH et al). Summer Tanagers included Mod- oc’s 2nd near Eagleville 4 Jun (EP, Margaret Williams et al.), Sierra’s first e. of Yuba Pass 26 Jun (RSTh, LBt), and a singing bird in Acam- po, Sait Joaquin 3 Jul (DGY). A total of 13 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks was less than half our average, with two notable inland observa- tions, one near Eagle L., Lassen 6-7 Jun (LOr), the other at Lush Meadows, Mariposa 6 Jun (Lowell Young). Blue Grosbeaks were con- firmed breeding at two unusual locations: near Hensley L. in Madera’s foothills 4 Jun (JND) and at Newell Preserve 16 Jun (MBe, Louise Vicencio; Napa’s 2nd nesting record). Seven or 8 Indigo Buntings were found, depending on whether males near Sherman Pass, Tulare 3 Jul (Lori & Mark Conrad) and 10 Jul (JLD) were different birds. A Dickcissel visited a Bolinas, Marin feeder 10-13 Jun (KH, ph. RBiG et al.). At least 7 Bobolinks were present at their traditional lo- cation near Eagleville, Modoc 4-24 Jun (EP, JRa, m.ob.). Another Bobolink singing and displaying at Areata Bottoms, Humboldt 5 Jun (CJR) was much more unexpected. An ad. male Scott’s Oriole at Seacliff S.B., Santa Cruz 5-7 Jun (TDLSu, Marilee Harris) provided only the 3rd Regional summer occurrence of this species in the past two decades. Follow- ing the impressive fall through spring Evening Grosbeak irruption, single birds were noted at coastal locations in Sonoma 15 Jun (Bob McLean) and Marin 27 Jul (Dave MacKenzie). In addition, at least 25 grosbeaks died near Quincy, Plumas 18-24 Jun (CPD, Ila Decker) of an unknown cause. Addendum: In our winter column, we inad- vertently failed to include a report of Ameri- can Tree Sparrow at Redwood Shores, San Ma- teo 5-6 Dec (RSTh, LBt et al). Cited observers (county coordinators in boldface): Many more observers are not specifically cited; all are appreciated. Ken Able (Lassen), Tim Amaral, Alan D. Barron, Leonie Batkin, Murray Berner (Napa), William G. Bousman (Santa Clara), Lucas Brag, Rita Carratello, Josiah Clark, Peter B. Colasanti, Terry Colborn, Chris Conard (Sacramento), Rudy Darling (Nevada), Jeff N. Davis (Madera), Bruce E. Deuel (n. C.V. counties), Ryan DiGaudio, Colin P. Dilling- ham (Plumas and Sierra), Matthew Dodder, Peter Dramer, Todd Easterla, Amber D. Ed- wards, Scott Edwards, Mark W. Eaton (San Francisco), Amber D. Edwards, Scott Ed- wards, Ray Ekstrom (Siskiyou), Gil C. Ewing, Carleton R. Eyster, Jon L. Dunn, Rick Fournier (RF), Rob Fowler (RbF; Humboldt), Steve Gerow (Santa Cruz), Don Glasco, Steve A. Glover (Contra Costa), Lois Goldfrank, Steve C. Hampton, Keith Hansen, Rob Hansen, Stanley W. Harris, Garth Harwood, Karen Havlena, Floyd Hayes, Geoff Heineck- en, Lynn Hemink, Justin Hite, Debbie House, VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 685 | NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Richard E. Hubacek, Lisa Hug, John E. Hunter (Trinity), Alvaro Jaramillo, Robert J. Keiffer (Mendocino), Clay Kempf, Dan Kopp, Tony Kurz, Stephen A. Laymon, Rick Lebau- dour, Robin L. C. Leong (Solano), Tom W. Leskiw, Gary S. Lesterjohn Lockhart, Jim Lo- max, Calvin Lou, John S. Luther, Michael J. Mammoser, Blake Matheson, Chris Mc- Creedy, Todd McGrath, Bryan J. McIntosh, Tristan McKee, Peter J. Metropulos (San Ma- teo), Dominik Mosur, Roger Muskat, Kristie N. Nelson (Mono), Prances Oliver (San Joaquin), Lew Oring, Ed Pandolfino (Placer), Jim & Debby Parker, Kathy Parker, Janna Pauser, Gary W. Potter (Fresno), C. John Ralph, Bernadette Ramer, John Ranlett, Robert J. Richmond (Alameda), Alex M. Rinkert, Don Roberson (Monterey), Michael M. Rogers, Stephen C. Rottenbom, Ruth A. Rudesill (Sonoma), Jennifer Rycenga, Adam Searcy (Marin), Jeff Seay (Kings), Shearwater Journeys, Mark Stacy, Rich Stallcup, John C. Sterling (Modoc, Alpine, Calaveras, and Yolo), Tim Steurer (El Dorado and Amador), Robert M. Stewart, David L. Suddjian (Santa Cruz and Mariposa), Brian L. Sullivan, Steven D. Summers (Tulare), Ronald S. Thorn, Jim Ti- etz (LI.), Robert L Tintle, Dorothy Tobkin, John Trochet, Leslie Tucci (Del Norte), Mike Tyner, Steve Umland (Tuolumne), Kent Van Vuren (Merced and San Benito), Chuck E. Vaughn, Matt Wachs, Jeff H. Wall, Cheryl Watson-Heinecken, Liz West, Jerry R. White (Lake), Dan Williams, David Wimpfheimer, Gary Woods, David G. Yee, Bob & Carol Yutzy (Shasta). (© Southern California Michael M. Regers (Waterfowl to Quail, Herons to Shorebirds) 499 Novato Avenue, Sunnyvale, California 94086 (m.m.rogers@comcast.net) Jeff N. Davis (Doves to Thrushes) 1 1 238 N. Via Trevisio Way, Fresno, California 93730 (jdavis@colibri-ecology.com) Ed Pandolfino (Thrashers to Finches) 5530 Delrose Court, Carmichael, California 95608 (erpfromca@aol.com) Stephen C. Rottenborn (Loons to Frigatebirds, Lands to Alcids) 983 University Avenue, Building D Los Gatos, California 95032 (srottenborn@harveyecology.com) Guy McCaskie Kimball L. Garrett The Region experienced a relatively cool summer, with below-normal tempera- tures in June and generally normal temperatures in July. Rainfall was normal, meaning only trace precipitation from weath- er fronts plus some heavier localized thunder- storms, mainly in the eastern part of the Re- gion. The most noteworthy birds were three shorebird rarities from Asia — a Lesser Sand- Plover in Orange County, a Little Stint in Los Angeles County, and a Curlew Sandpiper in San Diego County. There were few landbirds of note, apart from a good showing of Yellow- billed Cuckoos. It was clear during the spring period that the passage of landbird migrants was generally late, and the summer season saw straggling migrants of many species oc- curring through June and even into July. 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. Kern); G.H.P. (Galileo Hill Park in extreme e. Kern); N.E.S.S. (n. end of the Salton Sea, Riverside); P.P. (Piute Ponds on Edwards A.L.B., ne. Los Angeles); P.M.N.A.S. (Point Mugu N.A.S., Ventura); S.E.S.S. (s. end of the Salton Sea, Imperial); S.J.W.A. (San Jacinto W.A., near Lakeview, Riverside); VC.G.P. (Ventura County Game Preserve, near Pt. Mugu N.A.S., Ventura). Mu- seum collections abbreviated in the text are SDNHM (San Diego Natural History Muse- um). Because most rarities in s. California are seen by multiple observers, only the observ- ers) initially finding and/or identifying the bird are included. Documentation for species on the California Bird Records Committee (C.B.R.C.) review list (see ) is forwarded to the C.B.R.C. and archived at the Western Foundation of Verte- brate Zoology in Camarillo. WATERFOWL THROUGH HAWKS Summering Harlequin Ducks were in Avila, San Luis Obispo 20 Jun-31 Jul+ (BCG) and at Estero Bluffs S.P, San Luis Obispo 30-31 Jul+ (RHZ). The Long-tailed Duck found inland at S.E.S.S. 30 Apr remained through 14 Jun (GMcC), and another was nearby 1-9 Jun (KCM). A Greater Sage-Grouse at Reed Flat in the White Mts. 4 Jul (SLS, CBH) was the first in Inyo since 1991; this area is the his- toric s. limit of this species range in Califor- nia. A Sooty Grouse in the Greenhorn Mts. 1 1 Jun (SLS) confirms the continued presence of this species at the southernmost limit of this species’ range in California. A Common Loon at N.E.S.S. 16-24 Jul (MW, HBK) provides one of only a few Jul records at the Salton Sink. The Yellow-billed Loon found on the Col- orado R. below Parker Dam, San Bernardino remained through 4 Aug (DVP). A Laysan Albatross 24 km w. of San Miguel I. 23 Jul (HPR) was the only one reported. A Buller’s Shearwater 25.8 km w. of San Miguel I. 23 Jul (PEL) was early for s. California wa- ters. A Manx Shearwater 11 km w. of San Miguel I. 23 Jul (DP) provides one of a very few records in summer. A count of 131 Black Storm-Petrels at Pt. La Jolla 12 Jul (PEL) was an impressive number from shore. Two Red- billed Tropicbirds sw. of San Miguel I. 23 Jul (HPR, TMcG) were in an area where expected in small numbers at this time of the year. The only Brown Booby reported was one near Im- perial Beach, San Diego 5 Jun (DDiT). A Neotropic Cormorant was on the San Bernardino side of the Colorado R. near Park- er 20-23 Jul (DVP), and a pair attending a nest at Ramer L., Imperial 8 Apr-14 Jun (GMcC, BMi) provides the first breeding record for California. Unfortunately, the nest collapsed, and the birds were last seen at the site 23 Jun, with one remaining through 3 Sep (BMi). A Reddish Egret at P.M.N.A.S. 19-28 Jul (MR) was the only one on the coast n. of Or- ange, but inland a continuing bird from 12 Mar remained at N.E.S.S. through 15 Aug (TS, CMcG). At least 11 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were around San Diego, includ- 686 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA] One ef an apparent pair noted along San Felipe Creek in eastern San Diego County 11-14 (here 13) July, this Yellow-billed Cuckoo was one of 24 reported in southern California in summer 2011. Photograph by Eric G. Kallen. ing a pair at a nest with 2 young at Imperial Beach (GMcC, JP), and another pair with a nest at Mission Bay (JP); in addition, 2 at P.M.N.A.S. in Jul (DP) were known present there since 2009. This species is on its way to becoming firmly established as a resident bird in coastal s. California. A well-documented Glossy Ibis was at S.J.W.A. 18-28 Jun (CMcG). Numbers of Wood Storks at S.E.S.S. built up to a pathetic 7 on 15 Jul (GMcC) af- ter the first arrived 25 Jun (TM), and one on 13 Aug (GMcC) was the latest. Numbers of this post-breeding visitor to the Salton Sea are declining, and it will probably not be too many years before the species no longer oc- curs in California. A pair of Northern Goshawks, rare in this Region, fledged at least one “chick” on Fra- zier Ml, Ventura in Jul (DD), and one was near Aspendell, Inyo 26 Jun (BS, SLS). One of the two Harris’s Hawks in the McCain Valley, San Diego was still present 9 Aug (EM), the pair at Jacumba, San Diego was attending a nestling on 21 Jun (with the young bird fledg- ing on 1 Aug; PK), and one found at Borrego Springs, San Diego 11 Apr was still present 5 Jul (PJ). The two pairs of Swainson’s Hawks that nested near Shandon and Cuyama, San Luis Obispo in 2010 returned and successfully fledged young in Jul (TME). Three subad. Swainson’s Hawks near L. Henshaw, San Diego 19 Jun (SB) were unexpected, consider- ing the date. An ad. Zone-tailed Hawk near Escondido, San Diego 22 Jul (FL) was unusu- ally early to be in the coastal lowlands. PLOVERS THROUGH PUFFINS A Pacific Golden-Plover was inland at P.E on the early dates of 9-10 Jul (CDY). A Lesser Sand-Plover at Huntington Beach 25 Jun-2 Jul (BED) was new to Orange and the 3rd in this Region. A Wilson’s Plover was near Impe- rial Beach 23 Jun (MS) and one at Carpinteria 23 Jul-11 Sep (PAG) was the 2nd in Santa Barbara. An American Oystercatcher was well photographed at Goleta, Santa Barbara 16 Jun (HPR), and another was seen in flight at Pt. La Jolla 17 Jun (BMu). A Solitary Sandpiper at RE 17 Jul-4 Aug (KLG) was the earliest of 4 reported by the end of the period. A Wandering Tattler at La Jolla 14 Jun (MM) provides one of only a few records in summer, and another at Estero Bluffs S.E 10-14 Jul (TME) was an early fall migrant. Two Surfbirds on s. San Diego Bay 18 Jun-25 Jul (PEL, GMcC) clearly summered locally, and one at Playa del Rey Los Angeles 22 Jul (BJ) was the earliest of the fall mi- grants. Three Sanderlings at Owens L., Inyo 31 Jul (DJH) were the only ones inland away from the Salton Sea. Three ad. Semipalmated Sandpipers were found: at Blythe, Riverside 6 Jul (PEL), Imperial Beach 25-31 Jul (PEL, RP), and S.E.S.S. 10 Jul (GMcC); the earliest of 8 juvs. reported in Jul was one at P.P. 24 Jul (CAM). An ad. Little Stint at P.E 23-25 Jul (KLG) provides the 8th record for the Region. Single Baird’s Sandpipers at C.L. 21 Jul (SLS) and EE 28 Jul (JFGa) were the earliest this fall. An ad. Curlew Sandpiper was at Imperial Beach 24-26 Jul (GMcC); there are now over 20 records for this species in s. California. A Stilt Sandpiper at S.E.S.S. 30 Jun (GMcC) was an early fall migrant; single birds at C.L. 25- 26 Jul (SLS), Daggett, San Bernardino 29 Jul (TAB), and P.P. 29 Jul-11 Aug (JFGa) made the only reports away from the Salton Sea. Two South Polar Skuas were 27.6 km w. of San Miguel 1. 23 Jul (TMcG). Nine Long- tailed Jaegers sw. of San Miguel I. 23 Jul (TMcG) were the first of the fall migrants not- ed this year. A Laughing Gull at Bolsa Chica, Orange 13 Jun (BKj) and another at Malibu, Los Angeles 5 Jul (HW) were on the coast, where rare. An ad. Franklin’s Gull at Kramer Junction, San Bernardino 4-8 Jun (AEK) and another at C.L. 15-18 Jun (SLS) were late spring migrants, and a juv. at S.E.S.S. 31 Jul (CAM) was the earliest this fall. A Heermann’s Gull was inland at N.E.S.S. 4 Jun (HBK), and at least 4 more were at S.E.S.S. through Jun (KCM, GMcC); in addition, single birds were at nearby Ramer L. 30 Jun (GMcC), Salton City 3 Jul (MBr), and San Felipe Cr., e. San Diego 5 Jul (PJ; *SDNHM). Numbers of West- ern Gulls reaching the Salton Sea continue to increase, as evident by 8 at N.E.S.S. 4 Jun (CAM) and 6 at S.E.S.S. 30 Jun (GMcC). The first in Jun for the Salton Sea, a first-summer Lesser Black-backed Gull was at S.E.S.S. 30 May-30 Jun (DDiT, GMcC). r A Breeding larids experienced mixed results at S.E.S.S. this summer (KCM). !t was another banner yearfor Caspian Terns, J I Iwith more than 2000 nesting pairs fledging hundreds of young at Salton Sea N.W.R.; California Gulls were also pro- ductive there, with over 1 00 pairs nesting with good success. Conversely, only 87 pairs of Gull-billed Terns were found at the Salton Sea this year, and they experienced total nesting failure (after fledging only 6 young in 2010); this is an alarming trend for one of only two nesting localities for the subspecies vmossemim the United States. Several hundred pairs of Black Skim- mers attempted to nest late in the season, but with zero success. The success of the Caspian Tern and California Gull (and of the abundant Double-crested Cormorant) indicates a continued thriving Tilapia population, which benefits these larger pis- civores. The abundance of the large breeding larids, however, has negatively impacted smaller terns and skimmers, which have been crowded out of the few islands that remain as the Salton Sea shrinks and fewer watered impoundments with is- lands are available; terrestrial predators have negatively impacted nesting attempts at the alternate sites where Gull-billed Terns and skimmers attempted to nest. Elsewhere in the Region, some 60 pairs of Gull-billed Terns had good breeding suc- cess in South San Diego Bay (RP). A pair of Gull-billeds attending a nest at San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine 22 May (BED) provided the first record of attempted breeding for Orange; this attempt failed, and no birds were seen in the area after 29 May. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 687 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA The Sooty Tern found at Bolsa Chica, Or- ange 29 Apr remained through 6 Aug (BED), and another was near Imperial Beach 23 Jun (MS). Least Terns were finally found nesting at S.E.S.S. when a nest with eggs and 3 chicks, along with 6 ads., were seen 23 Jun (GMcC, EC); unfortunately, predators prevailed, pre- cluding success. A Least Tern at C.L. 26 Jul (SLS) and another at ER 28 Jul (JFGa) were also inland but at high desert locations. An Arctic Tern 77 km sw. of San Miguel I. 23 Jul (TMcG) was the earliest in s. California this fall. Three Elegant Terns near Seeley, Imperial 30 Jun (GMcC) had wandered n. from the Gulf of California. Up to 8 Black Skimmers in the Riverside portion of the Prado Basin 21 May-18 Jul (JEP) and one at S.J.W.A. 21 Jun-9 Jul (TAB, HBK) were inland and away from the Salton Sea. Common Murres are normally absent from waters off San Diego in summer, so up to 3 seen flying southward each day off La Jolla 12-16 Jul (PEL) was unexpected. Two Pigeon Guillemots at Newport Beach, Orange 22 Jun (IK), another there 22 Jul (NAG), up to 3 in a day at La Jolla 11-14 Jun (JRob, EGK, PEL), another there 11 Jul (BMu), and 2 at West Cove Pt. on San Clemente I. 6 Jul (JTS) were at the extreme s. limit of this species’ range. Single Marbled Murrelets off San Simeon (MLS) and Avila 15 Jul (MLS, MDS) were at the s. limit of the species’ normal range. A Tufted Puffin seen flying southward off Pt. La Jolla 14 Jul (PEL) provides the 3rd record for San Diego but the first of a live individual, the others being found dead on beaches. CUCKOOS THROUGH THRASHERS Far more Yellow-billed Cuckoos than normal were reported, with up to 10 at the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve restoration site near Blythe, where nesting, 13 Jun+ (TS), and sin- gle birds in known or suitable nesting loca- tions in the Riverside portion of the Prado Basin 23 Jun (DMcM), near Bonsall, San Diego 7 Jul (BMu), and at L. Hodges, San Diego 25 Jul (A&GB), along with 2 on San Fe- lipe Cr., e. San Diego 11-14 Jul (PJ); in addi- tion, lone individuals at Morongo Valley, San Bernardino 3 Jul (DB), Rovana, Inyo 16 Jul QLD), and near Brawley, Imperial 15 Jul-13 Aug (GMcC) were in marginally suitable breeding habitat, while others near El Monte, Los Angeles 27 Jun (CAM), in O’Neill Region- al Park, Orange 3 Jul (GM), near Santa Paula, Ventura 5 Jul (AS), on Point Loma, San Diego 6Jul (SS), in El Centro, Imperial 16Jul (BKr), and in Irvine Regional Park, Orange 19 Jul (MBy) were either migrants or lost. Elf Owls were again present and probably nested at a desert oasis in e. Riverside. A recently fledged Northern Saw-whet Owl captured at the Mar- shallia G.C. on North Vandenberg A.EB., San- ta Barbara 3 May (MBa) provides one of a very few nesting records in the lowlands of s. California. Mexican Whip-poor-wills were calling, and suspected of nesting, at Green Canyon in the San Bernardino Mts. 7 May-1 1 Jun (BS, JL), and along Azalea Cr. in the San Jacinto Mts. 5 Jun (TAB). Two Vaux’s Swifts over Ragged Pt., San Luis Obispo 11 & 17 Jun (MDS, RS) were of interest, as this species is not known to nest on the coast s. of Santa Cruz. An unidentified Chaetura swift was over Buellton, Santa Barbara 14 Jul (WTF). Continuing a trend that became evident during the spring season, a generally late pas- sage of passerine migrants was followed by an unprecedented spate of very late stragglers that provided a number of record-late dates for “spring” migrants. One well-worked area, the Imperial Valley, had record-late dates for sever- al flycatcher species, including an Olive-sided Flycatcher at S.E.S.S. 14 Jun (GMcC), a West- ern Wood-Pewee near El Centro 22 Jun (KZK), and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher near El Centro 23 Jun (KZK). A briefly singing Willow Flycatcher in Big Tujunga Wash, Sunland, Los Angeles 30 Jun (BED) was likely of subspecies extimus but did not remain. The first fall mi- grant Willow was reported 29 Jul at Palmdale, Los Angeles (RAH). A juv. Vermilion Flycatch- er at El Dorado Park in Long Beach, Los Ange- les 28 Jun-7 Jul (KSG) had dispersed from an- other area. A male Vermilion in Tustin accom- panied by 2 juvs. 31 May (BSc) provided only the 2nd documented breeding for Orange ; this species also bred on the Orange/Riverside/San Bernardino line at Green River G.C., with a family group observed 19 Jul (GLT), and else- where on the coastal slope, a nest in Mission Valley San Diego fledged young 15 Jul (AA, JK). Up to 3 Ash-throated Flycatchers near Brawley 14-30 Jun (GMcC) appeared to be summering. Single Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were found at Goleta, Santa Barbara 14 Jul (PAG) and at Morongo Valley 4 Jul (DB). A Cassin’s Vireo at B.S. 18 Jun (TEW) was a very late straggler, as were single Warbling Vireos at both B.S. and G.H.P. 19 Jun (TEW); a Warbling near Brawley 23 Jun (GMcC) was the latest spring bird ever in the Salton Sink. An unseasonable lowland Purple Martin was over Westchester, Los Angeles 15 Jun (KGL). A Bank Swallow at Wister, S.E.S.S. 23 Jun (GMcC) was the earliest fall migrant ever in the Salton Sink; another very early fall mi- grant was at Huntington Beach, Orange 1 Jul QLD). Barn Swallows nested in the Salton Sink for the first time since the 1980s, with a pair near Brawley 14 Jun-5 Aug and 2 fledg- lings on the last date (GMcC). Two strikingly “dark-eared” Bushtits in a flock in Irwindale, Los Angeles 20 Jun (JSF) clearly represented anomalous variants of lo- cal nominate birds rather than vagrants from extralimital “black-eared” populations. An unseasonable Red-breasted Nuthatch was at B.S. 25 Jun (TEW). An early fall movement of aculeata White-breasted Nuthatches included birds at The Village Green in Los Angeles 8 Jul (DS), Long Beach 25 Jul QB), and Pear- blossom, Los Angeles 29 Jul (JFGa). A Be- wick’s Wren in a riparian area near Brawley 23 Jul-7 Aug (HBK et al.) established the first mid-summer record for the Imperial Valley. A Pacific Wren was singing at s. end of its Sier- ra Nevada breeding range in the Greenhorn Mts., Kern 7-19 Jun (RAB). A singing Ruby- crowned Kinglet at G.H.P 25 Jun (TEW) was exceptionally late. A female Western Bluebird was observed with 3 fledglings at Bishop 18 Jun (J&DP); there are few nesting records for the Owens Valley. A singing Swainson’s Thrush at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine 5-19 Jun (BED) suggests possible breeding of a species nearly extirpated as a breeder in the lowlands of Orange. A Gray Catbird spent 2-31 Jul in a riparian meadow in Aspendell, Inyo (BS, SLS). A worn ad. Sage Thrasher on San Clemente I. 4 Jul was a very early fall wanderer (SEE). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Very late western warbler migrants included an Audubon’s Warbler in Irvine 20 Jun (JRoe) and the following birds at B.S.: a Hermit War- bler 12 Jun, a Black-throated Gray Warbler 16 Jun, a Common Yellowthroat 22 Jun, and a Wilson’s Warbler 25 Jun (all SLS). Single Black-and-white Warblers were in Pine Creek Canyon, Inyo 22-23 Jun (J&DP) and Westch- ester, Los Angeles 24 Jun (KGL). A Virginia’s Warbler in Pine Creek Canyon 16-23 Jun (J&DP) was at an unusual locality. An imm. Lucy’s Warbler was near Brawley 17-23 Jul (BMi, HBK). Hooded Warblers at Pt. Loma 4 Jun (SR) and Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo 29 Jun (AFS) augmented 2 found in the spring. In addition to the 2 American Redstarts in Jun already noted in the spring report, singles were at N.E.S.S. 4 Jun (HBK), Goleta 16 Jun (HPR), Westchester 18 Jun (KGL), and Huntington Beach 26 Jun (BED); even later were redstarts at Los Osos, San Luis Obispo 2 Jul (JSR) and Aspendell 10 Jul (BSt, SLS). A late Northern Parula was at Goleta, Santa Barbara 14 Jun (ARA). Five singing Black-throated Gray Warblers in upper Trabu- co Canyon in the Santa Ana Mts., Orange 18 Jun (NAG) suggests that a breeding popula- tion may be well established there. A singing Yellow-breasted Chat near Brawley 5 May-22 688 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Jul suggests local breeding (GMcC). The presence of up to six family groups of Chipping Sparrows in Craig R.P., Fullerton, Orange 9 & 16 Jul (VW) confirms a well-es- tablished population there, now present for at least three years; a Chipping in upper Trabu- co Canyon, Orange 18 Jun (NAG) suggests breeding there also. The first Large-billed Sa- vannah Sparrows were 6 at S.E.S.S. 23 Jun (GMcC); exceptional was one in the interior well away from the Salton Sea, at S.J.W.A. 9 Jul (CMcG). Very late White-crowned Spar- rows of the subspecies gambelii were at Hansen Dam, Los Angeles 12 & 25 Jun (KLG), Santa Barbara (U. C. Santa Barbara campus) 22-24 Jun (DF), and Madrona Marsh in Tor- rance, Los Angeles 13 Jul (TD); one atS.J.WA. 14 Jul (HBK) was a black-lored bird. Dark- eyed Juncos continued their colonization of urban and coastal areas in Los Angeles ; s. of there, a singing bird was in the U. C. Irvine campus, Orange 22 Jun (IK), one was in the Tijuana River Valley 22 Jun (BJS), and anoth- er was on San Clemente I. 11 Jul (TLP). Summer Tanagers appeared at various coastal slope localities from Santa Barbara to San Diego through the period; in the far n. in- terior, one was in Birchim Canyon near Bish- op 14 May-21 Jun (J&DP). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks continued to move through the Region well into summer; 7 on the coastal slope 2 Jun-11 Jul and 3 on the n. deserts 12- 21 Jun are in addition to those noted in the spring report. Indigo Buntings were even more widespread, with 9 on the coastal slope and another dozen on the deserts. An imm. male Orchard Oriole was banded at Pt. Loma 23 Jun (AH), and vagrant Baltimore Orioles were at Pt. Loma 5 Jun (GN) and at Gaviota, Santa Barbara 25 Jun (WV). Up to 13 Gray- crowned Rosy-Finches were present through the period at Aspendell, including a juv. being fed by an ad. 31 Jul (BSt, SLS). A male and fe- male Lawrence’s Goldfinch were somewhat out of range at Big Pine 19 Jun (T&JH). Cited observers (county coordinators in boldface): Alex R. Abela, Arlene Arnold, Mor- gan Ball (MBa), Robert A. Barnes, Dan Bau- man, Thomas A. Benson, Steve Bier, Allen and Gloria Bond (A&GB), Jeff Boyd, Matt Brady (MBr), Martin Byhower (MBy), David M. Compton ( Santa Barbara ), Elizabeth Copper, Brian E. Daniels, Don Desjardin, Dean DiTo- mmaso, Tracy Drake, Jon L. Dunn, Tom M. Edell ( San Luis Obispo ), Shannon E. Ehlers, Jon S. Feenstra, Dan Fontaine, Wes T. Fritz, Peter A. Gaede, John E Garrett (JFGa), Kim- ball L. Garrett ( Los Angeles ), Neil A. Gilbert, Bill C. Green, John F. Green ( Riverside ), Robb A. Hamilton, Tom & Jo Heindel (Inyo), Kelli Heindel-Levinson (Kern), Chris B. Howard, Debbie J. House, Alexandria Hous- ton, Barbara Johnson, Jim Lomax, Oscar Johnson (Ventura), Paul Jorgensen, Eric G. Kallen, Istvan Katona, Jay Keller, Howard B. King, Bjorn Kjellemyr (BKj), Paul Konrad, Alexander E. Koonce (San Bernardino), Bar- bara Krause (BKr), Kenneth Z. Kurland, Kevin G. Larson, Paul E. Lehman, Fatima Lu- jan, Curtis A. Marantz, Marcy Mason, Emily Mastrelli, Guy McCaskie (Imperial), Chet McGaugh, Todd McGrath, David McMichael, Gary Meredith, Thomas Miko, Bob Miller (BMi), Kathy C. Molina, Brennan Mulrooney (BMu), Gary Nunn, Robert Patton, Jim Pea, Dave Perekstra, James E. Pike, Theresa L. Pope, Hugh P. Ranson, Steve Ritt, Jim Roberts (JRob), Jim Roe (JRoe), Jim S. Royer, Martin Ruane, Matt Sadowski, Ross Schaefer, Alan F Schmierer, Tim Schreckengost, Bob Scrimger (BSc), Adam Searcy, Brad Singer (BSi), Maggie L. Smith, BJ Stacey, Justyn T. Stahl (San Clemente I.), Bob Steele (BSt), Susan L. Steele, Don Sterba, Mike D. Stiles, Sally Symanski, Gerald L. Tolman, Wim van Dam, David Vander Pluym, Hartmut Walter, Valerie Wheeler, Douglas R. Willick (Orange), Michael Woodruff, Callyn D. Yorke, Roger H. Zachary. An additional 20+ observers who could not be individually acknowledged sub- mitted reports; all have our thanks. O Guy McCaskie, 954 Grove Avenue Imperial Beach, California 91932, (guymcc@pacbell.net) Kimball L. Garrett Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90007 (kgarrett@nhm.org) Baja California Peninsula Ensenada Richard A. Erickson Roberto Carmona Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos Appropriately, this report emphasizes nesting birds. Included are details on globally or Regionally rare nesting species such as Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Redhead, California Condor, Clapper Rail, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Red- winged Blackbird, and the endemic San Lucas Robin, Belding’s Yellowthroat, and Brown’s Song Sparrow. Ever useful when considering the Region’s nesting birds are historical ac- counts from early in the last century by Griff- ing Bancroft (Condor 29: 29-57; 29: 188-195; and 32: 20-49) and G. Stuart Rowley (Condor 37: 163-168). Rowley’s paper includes a thoughtful discussion on the influence of scarce rainfall in the Region. The best of the Regionally rare non-breeding species recorded this season were Christmas Shearwater, Pi- geon Guillemot, and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. DUCKS THROUGH ALCIDS Reports of nesting ducks were pretty typical of recent years, with a brood of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks at Lagunas de Chametla 23 Jul (SGM), seven broods of Gadwalls at the Rio Guadalupe estuary 1 Jul (RAE), Mallards at four sites in the northwest (MJB, RAE, EDZH et al.), and Redheads and Ruddy Ducks at La- gunita El Cipres (EDZH, RAE) and Estero San Jose (including at least two Redhead broods 19 Jul; SGM). A Northern Pintail at Lagunita El Cipres 25 May and 8 at Guerrero Negro 1 Jun (all MJB et al.) were unseasonable, as were 3 Pacific Loons at Rosarito 24 Jul (MJB), Eared Grebes at Lagunita El Cipres 18 Jun (2; EDZH) and Bahia de los Angeles 9-11 Jul (CR), and a Northern Fulmar s. of Isla San Jeronimo 15 Jul OP). As usual, seawatching off Pta. Arena was VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 689 | BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA This ninety-day-oid California Condor was photographed at the nest in the Sierra San Pedro Martir of Baja California on 4 July 201 1 . Fledging takes on a different meaning in a huge species such as this. At the end of October, the bird was still engaged in that long process, sticking to area cliffs and enjoying the hands-off monitor- ing of researchers. Photograph by Mike Wallace. productive. Among other things, at least 6 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, a Christmas Shear- water, one or possibly 2 Townsend’s Shearwa- ters, a Leach’s Storm-Petrel, and 3 Red-billed Tropicbirds were seen 20-21 jul (SGM). At least 2 Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels, 3 Red- billed Tropicbirds, and a Masked/Nazca Booby were seen 28-30 Jul, and 14 Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels and 6 Red-footed Boobies were seen from a boat near there 30 Jul (all MJB, RMA). An inland Brown Pelican was found again at San Ignacio 10 Jul (CR). Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Snowy Egrets have nested at the Cerro Prieto geother- mal ponds for many years, so the report of no nesting activity there 12 May (KLG et al.) was a surprise. In Baja California Sur, nesting Red- dish Egrets at Isla San Jose 16 Apr (PAG) were at a new locality (fide EP), a pair of Yellow- crowned Night-Herons were nesting in a date palm at Loreto in May (TH), and a pair of White Ibis nested again at Isla Piedra in Lagu- na Ojo de Liebre (ad. and chick 3 Aug; VA, HO). A juv. White-faced Ibis at Lagunita El Cipres 21 Aug suggested the possibility of nesting in the freshwater marsh there (MJB, RMA). The California Condor report from the Sierra San Pedro Martir was good this year. As of mid-Oct, one young was “in the process of fledging... bouncing from ledge to ledge taking short flights but not leaving the cliff face yet.” The fate of two other pairs with eggs or young remained unknown (MW). This represents the first successful nesting of the species in Mexi- co in the modem era. Osprey nests were active at El Sauzal 12 May (MJB, RAE, ESB) and En- senada (fide EDZH). A Clapper Rail chick at Lagunita El Cipres 13 Jul (EDZH) confirmed freshwater nesting there for the 2nd consecutive year. A Sora in the Cape District at La Ribera 21 Jul (SGM) was considered an early migrant, but a juv. and displaying Black-necked Stilts at the same location 23 Jul suggested local nesting (SGM). On the n. coast, Black-necked Stilts and American Coots nested at La Salina (RAE), where they do not normally do so. The wet winter had resulted in condi- tions to their liking. There were few re- ports of unseasonable shorebirds this summer; 28 Greater Yellowlegs at Guer- Negro 1 Jun (MJB, RMA), a Red Knot at Lagunita El Cipres 18 Jun (EDZH), and a Long-billed Dowitcher at Loreto 9-13 Jun (TH) were exceptions. A Bonaparte’s Gull at Guerrero Negro 31 May (MJB, RMA) and 2 Gull-billed Terns and a Common Tern at El Centenario 23 Jul (SGM) were similarly unseasonable. South Polar Skuas have become routine at Pta. Arena. Singles there on 20 (SGM) & 28 Jul (MJB, RMA) were followed by 4 on 29 Jul (MJB, RMA). A Pomarine Jaeger at Pta. Arena 20 Jul (SGM) and 2 seen from a boat nearby 30 Jul (MJB, RMA) were less expected, and a Pi- geon Guillemot about 3 km e. of Islas Coron- ado 14 Jun (MB) was one of the highlights of the season. CUCKOOS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS Although male Yellow-billed Cuckoos with en- larged testes have been collected in the Cape District, we are unaware of confirmation of nesting there (or anywhere in the Region for that matter; cf. Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 182), let alone them having done so after nesting outside the Region in the same year (as wildly suggested recently for this species and several others; Proceedings of the National Acad- emy of Sciences 106: 19050-19055, 2009). Cuckoos are believed to nest in the Cape Dis- trict annually, but the report of 2 persistently counter-singing males on the road to San Anto- nio de la Sierra 22 Jul (SGM) appears to be as good as any supportive evidence since Brewster (Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 41: 101, 1902) shared M. Abbott Frazar’s report that the species “did not begin nesting until the latter part of July 1887 — at the same location as this year! Another species technically un- confirmed as nesting in the Region is the Northern (Cape) Pygmy-Owl. Where do they come from? Be the first to describe the nesting habits of this Cape District endemic taxon! A Pacific-slope Flycatcher at Loreto 19 Jul (TH) was probably an early long-distance mi- grant, but the movements of this and many other Baja California Sur breeders are essen- tially unknown. A month later and far to the north, successful late nesting was established at Tecate, where 3 young still in the nest 20 Aug had fledged by the following day (JS). Say’s Phoebe has not been reported nesting south of Mulege, so repeated observations at Nopolo in Jun and Jul (TH) were of interest. Tropical Kingbirds were not confirmed nest- ing this year, but at least 2 birds at Lagunas de r ft The breeding population of Bell's Vireo may be expanding in the Region, as it has in s. California in recent decades, L thanks to extensive Brown-headed Cowbird management and, in some cases, the development of suitable habitat in association with human development and mitigation. Of course, in s. California at least, all of this follows a long period of habitat destruction and the creation of conditions highly suitable for the brood-parasitic cowbird. In 1928, Grinnell (A distributional summation of the ornithology of lower California. University of California Publications in Zoology 32) recognized the species' breeding range as extending s. only through the California district, although the Viz- caino Desert was poorly known at that time. In 1995, the species was first found nesting in Baja California Sur (Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 1 04), but those areas had not been visited at the appropriate season since. This year, singing (and pre- sumably nesting) birds were found at ten locations in the Vizcaino Desert s. to the Vizcaino Peninsula 13 May-1 Jun (RMA, MJB, ESB, RAE), including sites not mapped in North American Birds 62: 325. Even farther to the southeast, a singing bird at San Ignacio 13 May was also presumably nesting. Grinnell had considered a 17 Apr 1927 specimen from there as a spring mi- grant, and the species was unrecorded by Bancroft during his lengthy stay in 1928 (Condor 32: 20-49). After 80+ more years of human habitation in the desert, San Ignacio is now much more heavily vegetated than what is shown in a photograph of Bancroft's, resulting in conditions more suitable for Bell's Vireo. r A The dominant perception of the breeding range of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in the Region (exemplified by range maps in J rtrecent field guides) has been that there is a large gap between the n. mountain region and the Cape District. This may be the case, but 10 birds singing (and presumably nesting) at San Francisco de la Sierra 15 May (MJB, ESB, RAE) were only about 280 km s. of nesting birds at Catavina and Santa Ines 13 May (RAE, MJB, ESB) (first confirmation for the Vizcaino Desert). Moreover, many higher elevation and well-watered locations along the spine of the peninsula between these points are off the beaten track and are poorly known. The distribution of this species— and others such as Western Screech-Owl, Black Phoebe, and Western Scrub-Jay— may be more nearly contiguous than we realize. Also note that ongoing settlement of the Region has in some cases resulted in more habitat for species such as Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The Catavina, and proba- bly the Santa Ines, birds were not nesting in natural conditions, and 2 singing birds at San Ignacio 13 May (RAE, MJB, ESB) were where the species was not found nesting during intensive coverage in 1928 (see Beil's Vireo S.A.). 690 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA | Chametla 23-27 Jul (SGM, MJB, RMA) were in the area where nesting has occurred. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Punta San Pedro in the Sierra San Pedro Martir 24Jun (JV, MM, fide GDLG) was a first for the Region’s moun- tains. Cliff Swallow is not known to nest in the Region except in the far north, so a juv. at Bahia de los Angeles 1 Jun (ph., fide GF, MF) had apparently dispersed from afar. American (San Lucas) Robins are often found along the road to San Antonio de la Sier- ra, but a nest with young there 28 Jul (RMA, MJB) was unexpected. Juvenile Belding’s Yel- lowthroats confirmed welcome nesting at La- gunas de Chametla, Miraflores, and Caduano 19-23 Jul (SGM). A new threat for this endan- gered Baja California Sur endemic was demon- strated by a female tending a nearly full-grown Brown-headed Cowbird at Estero San Jose 19 Jul (SGM). As recently as 10 years ago, the cowbird was unconfirmed as a breeder in the state. A singing Yellow-breasted Chat was at La Ribera 21 Jul (SGM). According to Eckerle and Thompson ( Birds of North America Online ): “no published data mention singing behavior on wintering grounds.” The s. limit of the species’ breeding range in the Region remains to be clarified. At the newly established s. lim- it of Song Sparrow’s known range in the Re- gion, information continued to come in from Las Animas in the Sierra El Mechudo. Nine- teen birds recorded on 18 May included young of the year (ph. VA et al.). Following the ban- ner spring season for the species in the Region, a singing male Indigo Bunting was at Catavina 8 Jul (CR, SW). Another species whose range may be in flux and the s. limits in need of clar- ification is Red-winged Blackbird. First con- firmed nesting in Baja California Sur in 2006 ( North American Birds 60: 443) and suspected of nesting farther s. since, confirmation came this year from El Centenario, where 19 birds seen 23 Jul included several fledglings (SGM). Exotics: Monk Parakeets in Ensenada were found at a nest in Jul; 8 birds remained there 2 Nov (ph. EDZH). Contributors: Ryan M. Abe, “El Palle” Amador, Nallely Arce, Victor Ayala, David Bell, Mark J. Billings, Matthew Binns, Edward S. Brinkley, Alejandra Calvo Fonseca, Gonzalo De Leon Giron, Richard A. Erickson, George Flicker, Mary Flicker, Peter A. Gaede, Kimball L. Gar- rett, Gabriela Gutierrez, Tom Haglund, Steven G. Mlodinow, Kathy C. Molina, Mohamend Moud, Hugo Ortiz, Eduardo Palacios, Jim Pea, Mark Rayor, Cameron Rutt, Eduardo Soto Mon- toya, Joe Sweeney, Juan Vargas, Mike Wallace, Stephanie Wheeler, Enrique D. Zamora- Hemandez. As usual, records submitted to and accessed from eBird/aVerAves were essential in the compilation of this report. £ Richard A. Erickson LSA Associates, 20 Executive Park, Suite 200 Irvine, California 92614, (richard.erieks0n@lsa-assoc.com! Roberto Carmona, Departamento de Biologia Marina Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur Apartado Postal 19-B, La Paz, Baja California Sur (beauty@uabcs.mx) Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Apartado Postal 233, Ensenada, Baja California, 22800 U. S. mailing address: PMB 064, P.O.Box 189003 Coronado, California 92178-9003 (gruiz@uabc.mx) Mexico | Hector Gomez de Silva Although the northwestern states of Chihuahua and Sonora shared drought conditions with the south- western U. S. states of Arizona and New Mex- ico, areas farther south in Mexico experi- enced extensive rain and flooding during the rainy season, notably in southern Veracruz, from Cosamaloapan to Acayucan, and in east- ern Oaxaca and southern Chiapas. NORTHERN MEXICO In Nuevo Leon, 4 Thicket Tinamous were heard at Estanzuela Park in s. Monterrey 24 Jul (RV, BS). A pair of Wood Ducks with 2 half-grown ducklings was noted along the Durango-Mezquital hwy. on Santiago Bayaco- ra R., about 14 km s. of Durango, Dgo. 20 Jul OHM ph, BS); and three pairs were seen in Canon de Fernandez, Dgo. 12 Jun (PA, IR, ASW, ph. FVP). A Lesser Scaup was in an es- tuary about 6 km sw. from the Mazatlan, Sin. Airport, along the road to Isla de la Piedra 26 Jun (ph. RV, HB). Perhaps the first ever docu- mented in Durango, an Anhinga was pho- tographed soaring over the Santiago Bayacora R. 20 Jul (BS, ph. JHM). An ad. Gray Hawk was along the Nazas R. at Canon de Fernan- dez S.P. 12 Jun (PA, IR, ASW, ph. FVP), con- firming the species there. A Red-tailed Hawk was along the Isla de la Piedra rd. near the Mazatlan airport 26 Jun; this is a common species along the Pacific coast in winter but unusual in summer (RV, HB). A Collared For- est-Falcon was heard at Estanzuela Park 24 Jul (RV, BS). In San Luis Potosi, a Greater Yel- lowlegs was recorded at the ejido San Fran- cisco, Santo Domingo 12 Jul (RV, ph. JC); a Baird’s Sandpiper was recorded there 12-13 Jul (RY ph. JC). An early Black-chinned Hummingbird and an out-of-range Broad-billed Hummingbird were seen at the ejido San Francisco 12 Jul (RV). Five Five-striped Sparrows were record- ed along a creek near Temoaya in Mezquital, 130 kms. of Durango, on 16 Jul (BS, ph.JHM). A Northern Cardinal was seen along the Isla de la Piedra rd. near Mazatlan airport 24 Jun (RV, HB); this sighting is located 70 km s. from the mapped range according to Howell and Webb (1995). A Varied Bunting was recorded in La Chilacayota, Sin., and 2 were in the El Verde protected area, Sin., all 24 Jun (RV, HB). Iden- V0LUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 691 MEXICO tified by voice and plumage, an Eastern Mead- owlark was recorded in the El Verde protected area 24 Jun (RY HB). On 11 Jun, 3 Streak- backed Orioles were recorded at the edges of the Durango R. at Paura, Mezquital, about 50 km s. of Durango (JN, BS, ph. JHM). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): Pedro Arrojo, Hugh Buck, Juan Cruza- do, Jorge Nocedal, Jose Hugo Martinez, Italia Reza, Amorita Salas Westphal, Bryan Sharp, Francisco Valdes Peresgasga, Rene Valdes. CENTRAL MEXICO A Least Bittern and a Glossy Ibis in the compa- ny of 3 White-faced Ibis were at Santa Alejand- rina marsh near Minatitlan, Ver. 22 Jun (ph. MG). An ad. Cooper’s Hawk was over Parque El Haya in Xalapa, Ver. 13 Jun (AM, JM), and a juv. Sharp-shinned Hawk was at Auditorio Na- cional, D.E 26 Jul (HGdS, RC, DM). Eight Gray-breasted Crakes were heard at Santa Ale- jandrina 28 Jun (v.r. MG). A Northern Jagana was at Parque Ecologico Xochimilco, D.E 21 Jun (AMH, RW). Two Black Terns were at San- ta Alejandrina 21 Jun and 4 there 27 Jun (MG). Two Monk Parakeets at a nest on a utility pole in n. Cardel, Ver. 10 Jun may have been the pair seen at this nest 10 Aug 2010 (AM, JM). Two White-naped Swifts were at Tarango, D.E 26 Jul (HGdS, RC, DM). A female or imm. Mexican Whip-poor-will was caught in a building in downtown Coyoacan, D.E 12 Jul (ph. CL). At least 2 Gray-breasted Martins and 2 European Starlings were at Jiutepec, Mor. 26 Jul (HGdS, RC, DM). A Fan-tailed Warbler at Pedemales, Mich. 10 May (GC, VHV, GM) was in a location where the species was noted 4 Oct 2009 (GC); Howell and Webb (1995) do not map the species there, but the location is half-way between the mapped range and a recent record from w. Mex. (DeSu- cre-Medrano, A. E., P Ramirez-Bastida, D. E. Varona-Graniel, L.H. Opengo-Pina, and Y. Morlan-Cahue. 2010. Dos registros nuevos de aves en el Estado de Mexico: Protonotaria cit- rea y Euthlypis lachrymosa. Huitzil 11: 21-25). An imm. male Blue Grosbeak was at Tarango 26 Jul (DM, RC, HGdS). Three Orchard Ori- oles arrived at Santa Alejandrina 2 Jul, after an absence of more than two months, and the species was recorded daily thereafter (ph. MG). A group of at least 3 Hooded Grosbeaks was at La Cima, D.E 26 Jul (RC, DM, HGdS). Contributors (area compilers in boldface): Rafael Calderon, Georgia Conti, Hector Gomez de Silva, Manuel Grosselet, Carlos Loaiza, George MacDermid, Amy McAndrews, Alejan- dro Melendez Herrada, Dominic Mitchell, Jorge Montejo, Victor Hugo Valencia and Richard Wilson. YUCATAN PENINSULA & SOUTHERN MEXICO A Red-footed Booby with a broken wing was found on the beach at Akumal, Q. Roo 2 Jul (PNS) and taken into rehabilitation. Only three pairs are known to nest on Alacran Reef off the n. coast of the peninsula, but the species is also resident in Belize; vagrants are found infrequently along the Q. Roo coast. Possibly summering were 8 American White Pelicans (ph. JM, AM) at Santa Maria Xadani, This Glossy Ibis showed up in the company of three White- faced Ibis in a marsh at Santa Alejandrina, near Minatitlan, Veracruz 22 June 201 1 . This represents the first photo- graphically documented record of Glossy Ibis in the state. Photograph by Manuel Grosselet. This adult Gray Hawk at Canon de Fernandez State Park, Du- rango 12 June 2011 provided another record of this species from this area, which is not mapped in the literature as part of the species' regular Mexican range. Photograph by Fran- cisco Valdez Perezgasga. Oax. 22 Jul (AM, JM). Nine Swallow-tailed Kites were at Muyil in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Q. Roo 30 Jul (CB, PC). A subad. Zone-tailed Hawk was n. of La Ventosa, Oax. 22 Jul (ph. JM, AM). A Hidalgc Zitacuaro; J?" ^ Ljlaxc k Distrito Federal 692 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS MEXICO] late Peregrine Falcon was observed at a gravel pit in the n. section of Cancun, Q. Roo 22 Jun (ph. AP). Two Black-bellied Plovers, a Greater Yellowlegs, and a Whimbrel at Chuburna, Yuc. 23 Jun (DB) were likely first-summer birds that did not migrate. Likewise probably over- summering at Santa Maria Xadani, Oax. 22 Jul were a Black-bellied and 4 Semipalmated Plovers, 8 American Avocets (several in breed- ing plumage), 2 Ruddy Turnstones, a subad., possibly injured Franklin’s Gull, an ad. Ring- billed Gull, and 12 Black Terns (ph. JM, AM). A Black Tern in the Least Tern nesting colony at Celestun 9 Jul (AD) may have been a very late spring migrant, a very early fall migrant, or possibly a summering bird. H. Lee Jones Oliver Komar Shorebirds have long been a neglected group in Central America. But in the past decade or two, shorebirds have re- ceived increasing attention, especially during periods of migration when they are locally plentiful and the chance of picking out a true rarity or two is high. However, our knowledge of shorebird species and numbers in the Re- gion in June and July remains meager. We know that some species oversummer in small numbers and others probably do not. We also know that spring migrants of some species pass through the Region as late as early June, and that fall migration for most is well under- way by mid- to late July. We can also extrapo- late typical departure and arrival dates from other regions for those species that do not, or rarely, oversummer. This year, brief visits were made in early June and mid-July to two sites on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua that are known to attract shorebirds, and several species were seen outside their known dates of occurrence in the Region. But were they over- summering or were they atypically late spring or early fall migrants? With regular visits to A male Gray-collared Becard, an uncom- mon and very local species in the Yucatan Peninsula, was seen carrying nesting materi- al in a site between the Mayan community of Chumbec and Hacienda San Antonio Chuc, cen. Yuc. 11 Jun (DB). Three Barn Swallows were seen over a small wetland s. of La Ven- tosa, Oax. 10 Jul, and another 3 were at San- ta Maria Xadani, Oax. 22 Jul (JM, AM). A Green Jay was seen building a nest in the folds of a palm frond at Hacienda San Jose Cholul, Yuc. 1 Jun (BM). Colonies of Black Catbirds are being reported with more fre- quency in Yucatan: 20 were recorded along the Chunchucmil Rd. near Celestun 26 Jun (DB). An ad. male Magnolia Warbler was at these and other shorebird sites in the region in mid- to late June, we expect the answers to these questions will soon become evident. One country first was recorded this sum- mer, Melodious Blackbird in Panama; Wilson’s Plover in Nicaragua and Solitary Eagle in Be- lize both established first confirmations of breeding in those countries. In Panama, Little Blue Heron was found nesting for only the sec- ond and third time (two different localities). QUAIL THROUGH PLOVERS In Honduras, a female Ocellated Quail found a few km n. of Danli, El Paraiso 8 Jul (RG, MM) was the first of the species to be report- ed in the area since the early 1900s. In Nicaragua, 2 Fulvous Whistling-Ducks at Las Lomas, Jinotega 24 Jul (LC, ph. GD), if not oversummering, may have been early mi- grants. Likewise, a male and female Blue- winged Teal, possibly a pair, on Corn I., Atlan- tico Sur 20 Jul (LC, ph. GD) may have also been early migrants. Blue-winged Teal usually do not appear in the Region before Aug. A Pinnated Bittern found in El Salvador 26 Jun (FF, PG) was the first recorded at Manahuara Lagoon and only the 2nd in La Union. Farther s., a Bare-throated Tiger-Heron on the Rio Carti Grande, Kuna Yala 12 Jun (ph. RM, KK, MF, DH, LW) was only the 3rd reported from Panama’s Caribbean coast. Could Little Blue Heron be in the process of becoming an es- tablished breeder in Panama? One was ob- served on a nest 12 Jun in the large Cattle Egret colony near Chepo, Panamd (RM, KK, MF, DH, LW), and another nest was found 21 Jun at a heronry near Quebro, Veraguas (BA, CP, CE, DH, CH, DP). Prior to 2011, there Komchen de los Pajaros, n. Yuc. 1 May (BM). In Quinta Roo, a pair of White-winged Tan- agers with 4 juvs. was observed at Central Vallarta, w. of Puerto Morelos 30 Jun (LK, AP), thus confirming it as a breeding species for the subregion. Contributors (area compiler in boldface): David Bacab, Cameron Boyd, Pepe Cuevas, Alexander Dzib, Luis Ku, Jorge Montejo, Bar- bara MacKinnon, Amy McAndrews, Alejan- dro Pacheco, Paul Navarro-Sanchez. © Hector Gomez de Silva, Xola 314-E 03100 Mexico, D.F., Mexico (hector.gomezdesilva@gmail.com) Central America was only one instance known of Little Blue Heron breeding in Panama. Although not rare in the wetlands of n. Peten , Agami Heron is rarely seen at the Tikal archaeological site, where one was present 4-5 Jun (ph. JPC). Seldom reported in Nicaragua, a Glossy Ibis seen 16 km w. of Sabalos Lodge, Rio San Juan 16 Jul (LC, GD) is worth noting. Rare and local in Nicaragua, 2 Green Ibis each were seen in three different places along the San Juan R., Rio San Juan 16 Jul (LC, GD). This species is likely under-reported in This juvenile Great Black-Hawk, photographed at El Jocotal Lagoon on 17 July 2011, provided only the second record in the past two decades for El Salvador's San Miguel Depart- ment. Photograph by John van Dort. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 693 [CENTRAL AMERICA This perky Wilson's Plover chick (here 5 June 201 1 ) entered the world at Salinas Grandes as the product of Nicaragua's first confirmed successful nesting by that species. Photograph by Manfred Bienert. With chick by its side, this adult Great Potoo was observed at the Lodge at Pico Bonito 8-10 (here 8) June 201 1 , providing one the few documented breeding records of this nocturnal species for the area. Photograph by Robert Gallardo. The seasonal distribution of Green-breasted Mango is complex. Even within portions of its range where it is considered resident, there appear to be strong seasonal movements. This individual appeared 3 July 201 1 at Antiguo Cuscatlan's La Laguna Botanical Garden, providing El Salvador with its first summer record. Photograph by John van Dort. Nicaragua. Generally rare throughout El Salvador, a Great Black-Hawk at El Jo- cotal Lagoon 17 Jul (ph. JVD, RJ, MP) was only the 2nd in the past 20 years to be seen in San Miguel. After seven years of searching and mounting circumstan- tial evidence, a small team of Belize Raptor Research Institute personnel, with as- sistance from Blancaneaux Lodge, discovered a Solitary Eagle nest with a chick close to fledging on 30 Jun in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge, Cayo (ph. RMa, RP et al.). In the past few years, eagles have been observed conducting courtship displays and copulating in the area. Red-throated Caracara has been in steady de- cline throughout the Region for decades and is now absent in most of its former range n. and w. of e. Honduras. Of interest, therefore, was one heard and ob- served at Vallecito, Olancho 18 Jul (RG, BJ, DR), the first to be recorded in the area since 2002. In Kuna Yala, 3 Yellow-headed Caracaras seen 30 Jul near the Cartf airstrip and 5 seen near Mandinga the following day (both GA) provided evidence for the species’ spread eastward along the Caribbean coast of Panama. A Uniform Crake was closely studied at Sabalos Lodge in Nicaragua 15 Jul (LC, GD). Although seldom reported, this species occurs on the Caribbean slope throughout the Region. Well outside its normal period of migration, a Purple Gallinule on Northeast Caye 4 Jun (PB, MBa) provided the first record for Glovers Reef and one of the few records for the Belize cayes. Also unusual for both date and location were 3 American Coots seen on the same date in the sea off Corozal Town in Belize (PB). Providing the first documented record of breed- ing in Nicaragua was a pair of Wilson’s Plovers with a chick at Salinas Grandes, Leon 5 Jun (ph. MB). Completely out of season were 3 Killdeer seen in the dry Aguan Valley, Yoro 20 Jul (RG, BJ). Migrant Killdeer typically do not arrive in the Region until Oct, and by early Apr, wintering birds have usually departed. SANDPIPERS THROUGH P0T00S In Nicaragua, Manfred Bienert visited Salinas Grandes, Leon 5 Jun, after most spring migrants should have departed for breeding grounds well to the n., and again on 19 Jul, when the first fall migrants of most species have begun appear- ing in the Region. Based on typical arrival and departure dates for migrants in Central America, and what we know about the relative frequency with which some of these species oversummer, the following species and dates are consid- ered noteworthy: 3 Spotted Sandpipers in alternate plumage 5 Jun (exceptional- ly late migrants or oversummering?), 2 Greater Yellowlegs 19 Jul (most likely early fall migrants), 3 Ruddy Turnstones 5 Jun (late spring migrants or over- summering birds?), 120-150 Western Sandpipers 19 Jul (early? fall migrants), and 2 Short-billed Dowitchers 5 Jun (either exceptionally late spring migrants or, more likely, oversummering birds). Elsewhere in Nicaragua, a Greater and a Lesser Yellowlegs were seen on Corn I., Atlantico Sur 18 Jul (LC, GD). 694 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CENTRAL AMERICA] Although believed to be a regular winter visitor and migrant in Nicaragua in small numbers based on multiple sight records, a Marbled Godwit at Salinas Grandes 19 Jul (ph. MB) provided the first photographically documented record of its occurrence in the country. Providing the first Jul record for El Salvador were 7 Semipalmated Sand- pipers seen among Least Sandpipers at Bahia de Jiquilisco, Usulutdn 16 Jul (JVD, NH, JH, RJ, LE, MP). Baird’s Sandpiper is a rare transient in Honduras, so 2 late spring mi- grants observed on a mudflat at Guayape tilapia ponds, Olancho near Limones 4 Jun (RG, MC) were noteworthy. Considered to be only a migrant in Nicaragua, 50 Least Terns seen at Salinas Grandes on the late date of 5 Jun (MB) may have been breeding in the area, although no sign of nesting was found at this site. Ten individuals were present at the site on Bienert’s return visit 19 Jul. Black Tern, on the other hand, is not known to breed s. of 35° N latitude but does frequently oversummer in the Region; thus, about 100 at Salinas Grandes 5 Jun (MB) were likely summering locally. Black Skimmers are not known to breed in Central America s. of El Salvador, where a few pairs have nested in some years; however, non-breeding birds may be observed at any time of year, although it is considered rare in most areas in the months of Jun, Jul, and Aug. Forty seen at Salinas Grandes 5 jun, with the same number present 19 Jul (MB), is suggestive of a summering flock. A virtual onslaught of White-winged Doves occurred along the cen. coast of Belize 20-22 Jul (RMa), which is consistent with a recent southward extension of its breed- ing range in Belize. In summary, 10 were seen 20 Jul at three locations on the Placen- cia Pen.; 7 were seen 21 Jul at two locations in the Hopkins area; and 6 were seen 22 Jul at two locations in Dangriga, all in Stann Creek. Fall migrants do not appear in cen. and s. Belize until early Oct, and there are few if any previous summer records from s. of Belize City, where it was recorded breeding for the first time this year on 5 Jun (PB) . Rare anywhere in Honduras, a female Maroon-chested Ground-Dove at 1400 m in La Muralla Wildlife Refuge 19 Jul (RG, BJ) provided a new record for Olancho. A Yellow- billed Cuckoo seen in Tikal 4 Jun (ph. JPC) was at a popular inland birding location in Guatemala, where the species is seldom reported. Providing the first reports for Dar- ien were individual Striped Owls seen 27 Jul at two different locations between Aguas Frias 1 and Aguas Frias 2 (ph. VW, MR). A Great Potoo with one young observed at the Lodge at Pico Bonito, Atlantida 8-10 Jun (ph. RG et ah) provided the first docu- mented breeding record for this area of Honduras. HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS Although common in Sep and Oct, an imm. male Green-breasted Mango at La Laguna Botanical Garden, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad 3 Jul (ph. JVD, RJ) provided the first summer record for El Salvador. A Violet-headed Hummingbird captured in a mist-net at El Jaguar Reserve, Jinotega 26 Jul (LC, ph. GD) at 1350 m provided the first record for the reserve and likely represents a range extension. On 16 Jun, an apparent hybrid Amazilia hummingbird was caught in a mist-net in the Cerro Uyuca Biological Re- Melodious Blackbird is one of many open-country species expanding their ranges in Central America because of deforestation and urbanization. First recorded in Costa Rica in 1987 and now widespread and common there, it was inevitable that the species would eventually reach Panama. Two photographed on 26 June 201 1 at Finca Cen- tinela in Bocas del Toro Province provided the first confirmed record for Panama. Photograph byEuclides Campos. The least reported becard species over most of northern Central America, this male Gray-collared Becard provided the first record for La Muralla Wildlife Refuge, Honduras 6 June 201 1 . Photograph by Robert Gallardo. Rock Wren has a patchy distribution in Central America, where it is con- fined primarily to lava flows. It had not been reliably reported in Honduras since 1962 and not in El Paraiso Department since 1898 — until this year. This individual is one of a pair that was observed near the village of Tinidero in El Paraiso on 6 July 201 1 . Photograph by Robert Gallardo. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 695 | CENTRAL AMERICA WHAT DO INDOOR CATS MISS? Killing birds >► Getting lost )► Getting stolen )► Getting hit by a car Fatal feline diseases >* Dog attacks >► Abscesses >> Worms • Fleas • Ticks * *4' Protect cats, birds, and other wildlife by keeping cats indoors! For more information, contact: American Bird Conservancy Cats Indoors! 1731 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-234-7181 Fax: 202-234-7182 Web: www.abcbirds.org E-mail: abc@abcbirds.org AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY serve, Francisco Morozdn, Honduras (ph.JVD, RJ, LE). The bird appeared morphologically intermediate between Azure-crowned and Berylline, a hybrid combination that has been reported once before from a specimen in the collection of the British Museum collected at Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. In Panama, a Mag- nificent Hummingbird near Cerro Colorado, Ngobe-Bugle 23 Jun (BA) established the east- ernmost record for the country, and a Long- billed Starthroat near Mandinga, Kuna Yala 31 Jul (GA, EC) was the first to be recorded from the Caribbean slope e. of Bocas del Toro. An- other Long-billed Starthroat, this one cap- tured in a mist-net at 1350 m in El Jaguar Re- serve 26 Jul (LC, ph. GD), provided what may have been only the 2nd record for the reserve and perhaps another range extension for a species that is being seen at increasingly high- er elevations. Typically, the species has been found at or below 1000 m elevation in drier habitats. In Honduras, a female Sparkling- tailed Hummingbird observed at La Muralla Wildlife Refuge 6 Jun (RG et al.) was the first recorded in the reserve, and a male Wine- throated Hummingbird seen in the Texiguat Wildlife Refuge 2 Jun (DG, MM) established a first record for Atlantida and an eastward range extension of nearly 100 km. In Guatemala, an Olive-sided Flycatcher seen 9 Jun in cloud forest of the Chelemha Reserve, Alta Verapaz (JM, ECh, RR) was a late spring migrant. The grassy right-of-way along the new Cinta Costera Parkway on the Panama City waterfront was home to a Cattle Tyrant on 22 Jul (VW). This relatively recent and still rare colonist from Colombia is typi- cally found in pastures and savannas. A White-ringed Flycatcher, rare and local in Nicaragua, was seen at Sabalos Lodge 15 Jul (LC, ph. GD). Rare in Honduras, a male Gray- collared Becard was recorded for the first time in La Muralla Wildlife Refuge 6 Jun (ph. RG et al.). A male Bare-necked Umbrellabird, at Alto de Piedra above Santa Fe, Veraguas 9 Jul (GA, ph. RM, DH, MF, AD) was only the 2nd of this rare species to be reported from this lo- cality, the previous one being in 2000. Rarely recorded in Honduras away from the n. coast, 5 Lovely Cotingas were seen at La Muralla Wildlife Refuge 6 Jun (RG et al.). A small group of Unicolored Jays on Cerro Mogoton, El Paraiso 7 Jul (RG, vt. MM), just on the Honduran side of the border with Nicaragua, provided the first record for that area of Hon- duras. The species has also recently been recorded from n. Nicaragua. A Rock Wren population in El Paraiso was confirmed extant when one pair was observed near the village of Tinidero, Yuscaran 6 Jul (ph. RG, vt. MM). The species was last reported in that area in 1898 and had not been document- ed elsewhere in Honduras since 1962. Provid- ing the first record from the Pacific slope of Panama w. of Veraguas was a Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush seen at about 1300 m near Cerro Santiago, Ngobe-Bugle 23 Jun (BA). Noteworthy were a singing male and a female Yellow-bellied Seedeater in the upper Central Valley at Birri de Santa Barbara on the Pacific slope of Volcan Barva at 1400 m, Heredia 8 Jun (ph. EM). A rather nomadic species, the only area where it is seen with regularity in Costa Rica is in the s. Pacific. In Guatemala, an ad. Gray-throated Chat seen feeding a juv. 4 Jun 0PC) furnished a nesting record for Tikal. A male and 7 female Yellow-hooded Blackbirds were seen at Nuevo Bijao 26 Jul, and several dozen individuals were seen the following day at Betzaida, both sites near Yaviza, Darien (ph. VW, MR), thus establishing an additional loca- tion in e. Panama of this recent arrival from Colombia. Panama recorded its first confirmed Melodious Blackbird when 2 were pho- tographed 26 Jun at Finca Centinela, near Senostre, about 29 km by road w. of Guabito, Bocas del Toro (ph. EC, LR, DS). Corrigenda: The Rufous-crested Coquette re- ported at the La Danta butterfly gardens in Braulio Carillo N.P. was seen 2 Nov 2010 ( North American Birds 65: 179). The Ruddy Woodcreeper at Chiquero ranger station in Panama was seen 16 Dec 2010 by Ken Allaire ( North American Birds 65: 353). Contributors (country coordinators in bold- face): Bill Adsett, George Angehr (Panama), Mychal Balderamos (MBa), Philip Balderamos, Manfred Bienert, John Paul Cahill, Euclides Campos, Michael Carmody, Ernesto Chalib (ECh), Liliana Chavarria (Nicaragua), Anto- nio Dominguez, Knut Eisermann (Guatemala), Charlotte Elton, Lya Estrada, Felipe Franco, Michael Froude, Pablo Galan, Robert Gallardo (Honduras), Daniel Germer, Cora Herrera, Jorge Herrera, Nestor Herrera, Daniel Hinckley, Bradjacobs, Lee Jones (Belize), Roselvy Juarez (El Salvador), Karl Kaufmann, Roni Martinez (RMa), Mayron Mejia, Juan Mez, Eric Miranda, Rosabel Miro, Celeste Paiva, Ryan Phillips, Donnie Pierpoint, Milagro Portillo, Rogelio Rax, Dan Reed, Laura Reyes, Moyo Rodriguez, David Santos, John van Dort, Linda Ward, Venicio Wilson, Jim Zook (Costa Rica). H. Lee Jones, 901 East Washington Street, Apt. 126 Colton, California 92324 (lee Jones@att.net) Oliver Komar Zamorano University P.0. Box 93, Tegucigalpa, Honduras (okomar@zamorano.edu) NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 696 West Indies & Bermuda Robert L. Norton Anthony White Andrew Dobson Eddie Massiah The summer of 2011 was memorable for a well-attended conference of the Socie- ty for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds at Freeport, Grand Bahama Is- land, Bahamas 20-26 July. Endemic to that country, Bahama Warbler ( Setophaga flave- scens ) was elevated to the status of full species just before the conference and enjoyed by many conference attendees, along with the en- demic subspecies (insularis) of Brown-headed Nuthatch. This season, Bahamian birders con- firmed nesting of Bahama Swallows on New Providence for the first time in over a decade. Continuing surveys by Daphne Gemmill on Vieques, Puerto Rico in June proved interest- ing for summering shorebirds and resident species of conservation concern. WATERFOWL THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Canada Goose was at Treasure Cay, Abaco 21 & 27 Jul (TH, EB et al.). A male Wood Duck summered at Mid-Ocean G.C., Bermu- da (GB), and a Blue-winged Teal at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 29 Jul was an extremely early fall transient (DBW). A possibly summering Blue-winged Teal was seen at Reef G.C., Grand Bahama 23 Jul (fide BP). White- cheeked Pintails, listed as vulnerable at Puer- to Rico, seem to be making a comeback at Vieques since cessation of active military op- erations there; Gemmill noted 16 at Laguna Sombe 21 Jun. Two Ring-necked Ducks at Tucker’s Point G.C. provided the first summer record for Bermuda; the male was last seen 27 Jun and had been banded at Skaneateles, Onondaga NY 5 Mar 2008 (AD), and the fe- male was still present 14 Jul (DBW). The population of Bermuda Petrel contin- ues to increase, with the number of nesting pairs (producing an egg and/or chick) at a new record of 98, six more than last season, and a record-high number of 57 successfully fledged chicks, compared to 52 last season (JM). A disorientated Great Shearwater was pho- tographed flying around the Bermuda Nation- al Stadium floodlights at night 30 Jun (CB). On 10 Jul, approximately 80 Brown Boobies were on the rocks e. of Rose I., off New Prov- idence (NM). Neotropic Cormorants are rare on Abaco, so 2 at Treasure Cay G.C. 27 Jul (EB, BH et al.) were noteworthy. Grand Bahama 23 Jul was out of season (fide BP). Eight Bridled Terns were noted nesting on Don’t Rock 30 Jun, and 70 were on Whale Cay, Abaco Sound 28 Jul (EB, BH, MZ). An S.C.S.C.B. field trip noted 50+ pairs of Bridled Terns and four pairs of Sooty Terns nesting at Peterson Cay N.P., Grand Bahama 23 Jul (fide EB). About 40 Least Terns were feeding and resting on salt flats at Laguna Sombe, Vieques 21 Jun (DG). On 16 Jun, 2 Forster’s Terns r A From the 1970s through early 1980s, Brown Pelicans of Cayo Canejo (off Vieques, Puerto Rico) represented one oftwo DHimportant colonies of this endangered species on the w. Puerto Rico Bank, with up to 150+ pelicans on the island. Over the past three decades, however, the fate of the colony has been a concern of wildlife managers, as the island's colony had been abandoned. Now that military operations have ceased there, however, the birds have returned. At Vieques N.W.R., the refuge manager (MB) noted as many as 51 ad. Brown Pelicans 9 Oct 2010. On 20 Nov, he counted 49 ads. and 6 chicks, and by 27 Nov, the numbers had increased to 63 ads. and 1 1 chicks. Finally, on 1 1 Dec, the highest counts of 82 ads. and 1 3 chicks were registered. These numbers not been seen since 2000, when 1 8 pairs were counted (fide Jorge Saliva). The species' smaller spring nesting season wound down in Jun 201 1 , when 1 1 ads. were noted tending 1 6 fledglings 4 Jun (MB). By the time of Gemmill's visit 18 Jun, spring nesting was completed, and no pelicans were present. Two Little Egrets were at La Boca, Barce- loneta 30 Jul (NG), an area along the n.-cen. coast of Puerto Rico between Arecibo and Tor- tuguero where at least one has been seen since last year. Five Black-crowned Night-Herons were reported 23 Jul at the Reef G.C., Freeport, Bahama (AK). An Osprey at Laguna Sombe, Vieques 18 Jun (DG) made the 2nd summer record there. Caribbean Coots, listed as vulnerable at Puerto Rico, were present at Laguna Puerto Diablo, Vieques, with 17 counted 18 Jun (DG). Probably summering birds, 9 Black-bellied and 18 Semipalmated Plovers were at Playa Grande, Vieques, Puerto Rico 17 Jun; 8 of 19 Black-necked Stilts pres- ent there that day were on nests (DG). Four Solitary Sandpipers were at the National Botanical Garden, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 28 Jul (SB). Single Greater Yel- lowlegs at Crossing Rocks, Abaco 20 Jul (EB, TH, EM, A&MP) and Reef G.C., Grand Ba- hama 20 Jul (ph. BH), and 4 were at Laguna Sombe, Vieques 21 Jun (DG). A Western Wil- let was at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 29-31 Jul (DBW), while a Lesser Yellowlegs at Seymour’s Pond 7 Jul (DW) was the first returning fall shorebird in Bermuda. Three Whimbrels re- mained at Stocks Harbour, Bermuda through late Jul (PW). Four Ruddy Turnstones were noted at Playa Grande, Vieques 17 Jun (DG). A White-rumped Sandpiper was at Tucker’s Point G.C., Bermuda 26 Jun (AD). A flock of 8-10 Short-billed Dowitchers at Treasure Cay 28 Jul contained 4 alternate-plumaged hender- soni, unusual in the Bahamas (ph. BH). Forty- six Short-billed Dowitchers were seen at La- guna Playa Grande, Vieques 17 Jun (DG). A female Wilson’s Phalarope was at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 4-7 Jun (BB). A distressed Ring-billed Gull at Lucaya, were seen s. of Bermuda at 31° 39’ N, 64° 09’ W (DBW). Mt. Pirata, Vieques held 8 Bridled Quail- Doves 20 Jun, the largest number Gemmill has found there to date. At Boca Quebrada, Vieques, more than 25 White-crowned Pi- geons were actively calling from mangroves 16 Jun (DG). Eighteen White-winged Doves at the Fruit Farm, Abaco 27 Jul was a good high count (EB, BH et al.). Single Chuck- will’s-widows were noted at Reef G.C., Freeport 22 Jul (JG, EM) and at Garden of the Groves, Grand Bahama 26 Jul (AK, RN). A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on Nonsuch I. 17- 19 Jun (JM) provided the first Jun record in Bermuda; another was at Rand Nature Center, Grand Bahama 24 Jul (RN). SWALLOWS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS The latest record of Tree Swallow ever for Bermuda came from Spittal Pond 19 Jun (DBW). In Jun, a pair of Bahama Swallows nested successfully in a hole in the cabin of a derelict work-boat at Arawak Cay, Nassau (PD, LH, WP, LL), the first confirmed nesting of the species there in over a decade. Brown- headed Nuthatches are difficult to find on Grand Bahama, so it was very fortunate that nearly 60 people were able to see 3 at Lucayan Estates 23 Jul (S.C.S.C.B., fide EB, LM). Early migrants in the Bahamas included single Louisiana Waterthrushes on New Prov- idence 10 Jul (PD) and Grand Bahama 14 Jul (PM), single Black-and-white Warblers on Grand Bahama 14 Jul (PM) and New Provi- dence 30 Jul (PD, LH, WP, LL), a Yellow- throated Warbler (sensu stricto ) on Grand Ba- hama 22 Jul (BH), and a Prairie Warbler on New Providence 30 Jul (PD, LH, WP, LL). A Prairie Warbler returned to Hinson’s I., V01UME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 697 | WEST INDIES & BERMUDA At least three Brown-headed Nuthatches of the endemic subspecies in- sularis were studied at the Lucayan Estates by many of the 1 60 partici- pants at the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds meeting held at Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas 20-27 (here 23) July 201 1 . This aflopatric taxon has recently been proposed for full species status. Photograph by Robert L. Norton. Bermuda for a 2nd summer, last heard singing there 26 Jun (JH). Boat-tailed Grackles con- tinue their visits to the Bahamas, probably by riding cruise ships. This summer, several were reported at Harrold and Wilson Ponds N.P and vicinity 11-18 Jun (LH, CW) and at Grand Bahama Shipyard 25 Jun (IL,Jide EG). Shiny Cowbirds were reported from Rand Na- ture Center, Grand Bahama 20-26 Jul (EB, RN et al.) and Bahama Palm Shores, Aba- co 27 Jul (CW). Addenda: From St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands we have reports from 30-31 Mar (JS, MLR) of 36 White- cheeked Pintails and a Cape May Warbler at the Wyndham Resort, Smith Bay, and 4 Clapper Rails near Red Hook. Corrigenda: The autumn migration 2010 report should be corrected to read as follows: Gemmill reported 600 Semipalmated Sandpipers at La- guna Sombe, Vieques, Puerto Rico 29 Aug (almost certainly associated with the arrival of Hurricane Earl later that day, rather than Hurricane Danielle that had passed the island a few days earlier, 26 Aug). No Least Sandpipers were recorded there 29 Aug. Gemmill noted 300 Semipalmated Sandpipers and 20 Semi- palmated Plovers 30 Aug at Mosquito Pier, as- sociated with Hurricane Earl. As Danielle, Earl, and Fiona passed the Vieques vicinity between 26 Aug and 1 Sep, the presence of shorebirds there during this period could be related to one ore more of these storms. Observers (subregional editors in boldface): Mike Barandiaran, Geoff Bell, Elwood Bracey, Stephen Brauning, Bart Brown, Chris Burville, Paul Dean, Andrew Dobson, Erika Gates, Daphne Gemmill, Jeff Gerbracht, Nathaniel Gonzalez, Bruce Hallett, Lee Hannah, Tony Hepburn, Janice Hetzel, Adam Kent, Lionel Levine, Irene Liu, Jeremy Madeiros, Larry Man- fredi, Eddie Massiah, Neil McKinney, Predensa Moore, Rob Norton, A. & M. Pienkowski, William Pinder, Bruce Purdy, Maria L. Rivera, Jose Salguero, Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (S.C.S.C.B.), David Wallace, Carolyn Wardle, Paul Watson, David Wingate (DBW), Margo Zdravkovic. O Robert L. Norton (Greater Antilles) 8960 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville, Florida 32609 (corvus0486@aol.com) Anthony White (Bahamas Archipelago) P. 0. Box 2531, Jackson, Wyoming 83001 (spindalis@aol.com) Andrew Dobson (Bermuda) Warwick Academy, 117 Middle Road Warwick PG 01 Bermuda (ADobson@warwickacad.bm) Eddie Massiah (Lesser Antilles) Johnson Road, Fitts Village, St. James Barbados, (ebmassiah@hotmail.com) [Hawaiian Islands Peter Donaldson W: Tild springtime weather continued r into June, as a low-pressure area aloft produced intense thunder- storms and flooding rains through 4 June. Drier trade-wind weather prevailed through the rest of the season. Observer coverage over the summer. The Short-tailed Albatross chick on Midway that endured ferocious win- ter storms and tsunami waves survived to fledge on 16 Jun (JK). This was the first Short-tailed known to have fledged anywhere other than islands off Japan and China. A Kermadec Petrel was seen circling over Ki- lauea Point N.W.R., Kauai I. 12 Jul (RD), pos- trel (Endangered), including reports of 1400 birds staging late in the evening off Lumahai Beach 9 Jun and 500 on 21 Jun (OJ). These are exceptionally high counts. Three banded Bonin Petrels on French Frigate Shoals were found to have been banded in 1981, 2 of them as breeding ads., making them the old- est known individuals of this species (DR, SY). A Buller’s Shearwater was seen from Nawiliwili Lighthouse, Kauai I. 12 Jun (OJ). Buller’s are rare in the Region, and it is espe- cially unusual to see one from shore. Six Masked Boobies were counted by observers on e. Oahu I. 28 Jul (LT), an unusually high count away from a breeding colony. Two White-faced Ibis were around Pearl Harbor, Oahu I. Jun+ (PD, RM, KP); these birds were in fine breeding plumage, which is unusual for birds in the Region. was good, and some very interesting seabirds enlivened what can be a quiet sea- son in this Region. WATERFOWL THROUGH IBISES No migrant geese or ducks were reported sibly the same bird seen there in Apr, and one was seen w. of Kauai I. 23 Jul (OJ, C.R.C.). A Murphy’s Petrel was photographed in the Kauai Channel 29 Jun (AR). Kermadecs and Murphy’s are rare in the Region. I received an unusual number of reports of Hawaiian Pe- PLOVERS THROUGH PASSERINES The only uncommon summering shorebirds reported were a Black-bellied Plover at Kii 17 Jun (PD) and at least 3 Semipalmated Plovers around Pearl Harbor 15 Jun-late Jul 698 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS HAWAIIAN ISLANDS | A trip to tiny, uninhabited Lehua I., n. of Niihau I. 15-17 Jun produced some interesting sightings but also some disturbing news. On the boat trip from Kauai I. to Lehua 15 Jun, the group observed a Tristram's Storm-Petrel (ML, SP, AT, LY). Tristram's, which breed in the nw. islands, are virtually unknown in the main is- lands—this is only the 2nd record, in 2009, an effort was made to eliminate rats from Lehua with rodenticide broadcast from aircraft, to help improve conditions for seabirds nesting on the island. Most of the rats were killed, but some survived, and the rat population has now rebounded. The rats prey on some of the seabirds, espe- cially smaller burrow-nesting species, and also suppress native vegetation, allowing invasive vegetation to blan- ket potential nest sites. Brown Boobies and Red-tailed Tropicbirds, which are formidable enough to hold their own against the rats, were doing well, with hundreds of nests. On the other hand, only one Bulwer's Petrel was heard, and Wedge-tailed Shearwater numbers were down by 50%. (These two species are burrow-nesters.) Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses on Lehua failed to fledge any chicks. This reproductive failure may not be re- lated to conditions on Lehua; albatrosses nesting on Kauai and Oahu also had poor nesting success. (PD, RM, KP). An unusually high count of 4 Semipalmateds observed at the Waiawa Unit of Pearl Harbor N.W.R. 31 Jul may have in- cluded one or more early fall migrants (PD, RM). Summering Pacific Golden-Plovers seemed unusually sparse, with counts of only one or 2 Jun-mid-Jul (m.ob.). Migrant Pacific Golden-Plovers began arriving in late Jul, on schedule. Endangered Hawaiian Stilts had a rough nesting season in some ar- eas due to heavy spring rains. Some birds nested late, after water levels subsided, and there were unusual numbers of young chicks in late Jul in Oahu wetlands (PD, RM). There were 16 Bristle-thighed Curlews, a rather high count for summer, at the Kii Unit of James Campbell N.W.R. 17 Jul (PD); it is not certain if these were all summering birds or if this count included some early migrants. Ruddy Turnstones are often fairly numerous in summer, but a count of 93 at Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanc- tuary on Maui I. 30 Jun is unusually high (AW et al.). No gulls were reported over the summer. A Least or Little Tern was observed at Kii 17 Jul (PD). Four White Terns ob- served on Lanai I. (AF) were very unusual — this is only the 2nd report from that island. Three South Polar Skuas were observed off Kauai 26 Jul (ph. C.R.C.). South Polar Skuas are rare in the Region, and this is the high- est number ever reported. Two Mariana Swiftlets (Endangered) were seen in n. Halawa Valley, Oahu I. 19 Jun (RM), 4 were there 26 Jun (LT et al.), and 7 there 4 Jul (VJ, CR, SW). There was a bit of good news about one of the native forest birds. Two pairs of Puaiohi (Endangered) were found nesting in artificial nest boxes in the Alakai Swamp, Kauai I. (EV). It is hoped that these next boxes will provide nest sites less accessible to predatory rats. Three Yel- low-faced Grassquits were seen on Kame- hame Ridge, Oahu I. 22Jun (RD). There have been very few recent reports of this elusive little exotic, and its status in the Region is poorly known. Contributors: Cascadia Research Collective (C.R.C), Reg David, Arleone Dibben-Young (ADY), Peter Donaldson, Andrew Farnsworth, Hawaii Forest & Trail (Hawaii Forest and Trail), Vitek Jirinec, Oscar Johnson, John Klavitter, Michael Lohr, Richard May, Mike Ord, Rob Pacheco, Sheldon Plentovich, Kurt Pohlman, Chuck Probst, Dan Rapp, Brooks Rownd, Alexis Rudd, Cameron Rutt, Forest & Kim Starr, Lance Tanino, Andrew Titmus, Eric VanderWerf, Michael Walther, Alex Wang, Stephanie Wheeler, Lindsay Young, Sarah Youngren. © Peter Donaldson, 2375 Ahakapu Street Pearl City, Hawaii 96782, (pdnldsn.bird@mac.com) VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 699 TIMOTHY BRUSH . DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAM AMERICAN • 1201 WEST UNIVERSITY DRIVE, EDINBURG, TEXAS 78539 • (TBRUSH@UTPA.EDU) MARK H. CONWAY • 2106 EMERALD LAKE DRIVE, HARLINGEN, TEXAS 78550 • (MARKHCONWAY@HOTMAIL.COM) Figure 1 . Juvenile Clay-colored Thrush captured at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Hidalgo County, Texas, 25 July 2007. Note the well- tated, moist riparian edge, one of the species' main habitats in the United States. Photograph by Mark H. Conway. Abstract Using data from banding operations and field observations, this paper updates the status and distribution, including breeding status, of Clay-colored Thrush ( Turdus grayi ) in Texas, the only state of the United States in which the species has been recorded. Background Clay-colored Thrush ( Turdus grayi), formerly known as Clay-colored Robin, was first recorded the United States in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 1940 (Oberholser and Kincaid 1974). Since that time, the species has gradually increased, becoming fairly common in the Valley by the 1990s, mostly in well-vegetated urban parks and near wetlands in larger natural areas. After it had become clear that records of Clay-colored Thrush had increased substantially through the 1990s, the Texas Bird Records Committee removed the species from its review list in 1998, with 51 records archived by that time (Lockwood 1999, 2000). By 1999, Clay-col- ored Thrushes had spread upriver to the Lare- do area, where the first nest was discovered in 2002. Since that time, nesting Clay-colored Thrushes have been detected at many more Lower Rio Grande Valley sites, and single in- dividuals have been recorded during the April-July breeding season in locations well north of the Valley. Status and distribution in Texas, 1940-2011 The Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas has a dynamic avifauna, due in large part to its location in the subtropical zone of southernmost Texas (Brush 2008). Clay- colored Thrush, a common breeding res- ident in central Tamaulipas (Gehlbach 1987), has until recently been consid- ered a rare resident of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, mostly in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr Counties, from which it has been reported annually since 1976. The species was first record- ed in the United States near Brownsville, Cameron County 10 and 17 March 1940 (Oberholser and Kincaid 1974); subse- quently, a territorial bird was present at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Hidalgo County (hereafter, Bentsen) from 14 May through about 8 June 1959 (James 1960). Four more sight records followed, from 1962 through 1978 (Oberholser and Kincaid 1974, Gehlbach 1987), and the first United States specimen of Clay-colored Thrush was collected in February 1973, near Huntsville, Walker County (Molden- hauer 1974); there have been no other reports from locations so far north and none from U. S. states other than Texas. The first several nests found in the Unit- ed States were in Hidalgo County, at Bentsen in 1986 and 1988 (Lasley and Sexton 1986, 1988) and at Anzalduas County Park in 1992 (Brush 2005). More recently, in 1999, Brush (2000) found two breeding pairs (and four total nests) at Anzalduas County Park and one nest at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (hereafter, San- ta Ana). Also in 1999, the species was first re- ported at Laredo, Webb County (Woodin et al. 2000). In 2002, nesting was first noted 2 May at Laredo along the Rio Grande (Lock- wood et al. 2002a), and at least one young fledged from that nest (Ron LaDuque, pers. comm.; Brush 2005). Brush saw three birds fledge from a nest in Laredo on 16 May 2010 and two days later saw two birds at the Zapa- ta Library Pond, Zapata County. 700 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS RANGE EXPANSION OF CLAY-COLORED THRUSH IN TEXAS Banding In the course of regular banding operations at Santa Ana and at Quinta Mazatlan, in McAllen, and occasional banding demonstra- tions at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park (Harlin- gen) and the Valley Nature Center (Weslaco), we have captured 50 Clay-colored Thrashes (Figure 1, Table 1), or one bird per approxi- mately 45.27 net-hours, between 2005 and 2011. At Santa Ana, most mist-nets were set up along wetland edges (with some extending a short distance into adjacent scrub and for- est), as part of a study of wetland-breeding Common Yellowthroats ( Geothlypis trichas ). At Quinta Mazatlan, an urban sanctuary, banding was done for educational and gener- al scientific purposes. About 94% of Clay-col- ored Thrushes were captured at Santa Ana and Quinta Mazatlan. Four recaptured birds, including a Quinta Mazatlan male originally captured in March 2008 and most recently re- captured in June 2011 (Table 2), indicate some degree of site fidelity. Although we did not search for or find nests at Santa Ana or Quinta Mazatlan, the capture of eight hatch-year (includes juvenile and first-fall) birds at Santa Ana (47% of the total captured there) and 12 hatch-year birds at Quinta Mazatlan (39% of the location total) implies successful nesting at or near those lo- cations. Seven of the 48 thrushes banded at these two locations were in breeding condi- tion (brood patch or cloacal protuberance). While birders have observed Clay-colored Figure 2. This Clay-colored Thrush was banded in McAllen in July 2010 and photographed at Rancho Viejo, near Brownsville, 17 March 2011. Photograph by Brad McKinney. ( Sideroxylon celastrina ), may help explain the species’ presence at Quinta Mazatlan. The property at Quinta Mazatlan includes only 8 hectares, so thrushes probably also use some of the surrounding area for nesting and/or foraging. Table 1 . Numbers of banded Clay-colored Robins by location, 2005 through 201 1 (2263.63 net-hours). Location /Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total Hugh Ramsey Nature Park 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Quinta Mazatlan 0 0 1 7 3 4 16 31 Santa Ana 0 0 2 2 6 7 17 Valley Nature Center 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Thrushes in well-vegetated urban areas of the Lower Rio Grande Valley since the 1970s, we were surprised to capture so many individu- als in the more xeric habitat at Quinta Mazat- lan. However, the presence of fresh water and large fruiting trees attractive to Clay-colored Thrushes, such as Anaqua ( Ehretia anacua ), Sugar Hackberry ( Celtis laevigata ), and Coma Table 2. Recaptured Clay-colored Thrushes, 2007 through 201 1 . All were recap- tured at the same site where they were originally captured. (See also Figure 2 and text for discussion of a "photo recapture.") sex date of first capture date of recapture location female 06/15/2007 06/21/2008 Santa Ana male 06/04/2009 07/06/2009 Santa Ana male 03/09/2008 03/14/2010 and 06/06/2011 Quinta Mazatlan unknown 10/30/2011 12/4/2011 Quinta Mazatlan At Santa Ana, we were surprised to capture so many Clay-colored Thrushes in the wet- land edge areas where most of the nets were, as we did not hear birds singing or find any nests in the immediate area. We speculate that birds were flying from the nearby riparian for- est 100-200 m to the west and south (where nesting occurs; Brush 2005) to wetlands on the other side of the nets. Opportunities for drinking or foraging on muddy edges are not usually available in the drier, closed-canopy forest. Indicative of a growing popu- lation there is the total of 18 individuals seen there 22 May 2010 (Mary Gustafson, pers. comm.). Expansion elsewhere in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Clay-colored Thrushes have begun establish- ing themselves at Weslaco, Hidalgo County in recent years. At Valley Nature Center, one pair has nested per year, in 2009 (two successful nests), 2010 (one successful nest), and 2011 (one successful nest; Raul Garza, Jr., pers. comm.). Birds are regularly seen in the park but may use the surrounding residential habi- tat for foraging. Also in Weslaco, a pair nest- ed at Estero Llano Grande State Park in 2010 and 2011 (possibly also in 2009; Huck Hutchens, pers. comm.), and a family group of four birds was seen there on 29 April 2011 (K. O’Haver, pers. comm.). These birds were using the well-vegetated former trailer court and adjacent forest. Although no nests have been found at Frontera Audubon Society, also in Weslaco, Clay-colored Thrushes have been seen during the breeding season since 2007 (Dan Jones, pers. comm.). Since 2007, at least two birds (indicating possible breeding) per site have been reported from eight other loca- tions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley during the breeding season (Table 3). Although our banding recaptures suggest site fidelity in several individuals, dispersal of at least 70 kilometers was shown by a bird banded at Quinta Mazatlan (19 July 2010, as a juvenile of unknown sex) that was pho- tographed at Rancho Viejo, Cameron County VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 701 | RANGE EXPANSION OF CLAY-COLORED THRUSH IN TEXAS on 14 and 17 March 2011 (Brad McKinney, pers. comm.). The band could be read by ex- amining photographs (Figure 2). The Rancho Viejo bird was one of two birds present at that location, one of which sang frequently 13-23 March 2011, but the birds were not seen after that. Also in Cameron County, Conway noted a Clay-colored Thrush singing at the Arroyo Colorado Wildlife Area on 5 June 2011, but it was not detected subsequently. Clay-colored Thrushes were seen regularly in the Brownsville area in the 1970s, but thereafter they became less common, and there are no breeding records in Cameron County (D. Benn, pers. comm.; Brush 2005). The riparian forest at Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary and sev- eral residential areas in the Brownsville area appear to have habitats similar to those at Santa Ana and Quinta Mazatlan, so breeding populations may develop in these areas. Dispersal and future expansion In coming years, Clay-colored Thrushes may establish themselves north of their current Laredo/Lower Rio Grande Valley range, as sug- gested by northward dispersal of about 35 in- dividuals and one into the Trans-Pecos — a sin- gle bird at Sam Nail Ranch, Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, first found 27 Decem- ber 2004 (Lockwood et al. 2005b) and last not- ed 2 April 2005 (Lockwood et al. 2005c). Just to the north of the latitude of the Valley, though also in the region designated by the Texas Ornithological Society as the Rio Grande Brushlands, one Clay-colored Thrush was not- ed by Brush at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County 10 February 2001 (Sexton 2001a), and in the next county to the north, Kenedy County, singles were doc- umented at Sarita 31 December 1981-5 Febru- ary 1982 (photographed; Lasley 1989) and 8 December 1987 (Lasley 1990). Bordering Kenedy County to the north, Kleberg County has records of single Clay-colored Thrushes at Kingsville 14-28 January 1990 (photographed; Lasley 1991) and again 1 February 1990 (spec- imen; TCWC 12812) (Lasley 1991), near Ri- cardo 21 January 1988 (photographed; Lasley 1989), and on the King Ranch on 15 Decem- ber 2004 (Lockwood et al. 2005b). Farther north still, Nueces County has the majority of records away from the Valley, with accepted records of single individuals on 13 oc- casions, mostly from Corpus Christi and sur- rounding area: 28 March 1982 (Rappole and Blacklock 1985), 25 December 1985 (specimen at Welder Wildlife Foundation, WWF 2348), 15January-l April 1988 (Lasley 1990), 14Jan- uary 1990 (photographed at North Padre Is- land; Lasley 1991), 16-22 March 1995 (Haynie 1998), 4 December 1997-11 January 1998 (Lockwood 1999), mid-May 2001 (Sexton 2001b), 4 September 2005 (Lockwood et al. 2006a), 13 February 2006 (Lockwood et al. 2006b), 17 April 2006 (Lockwood et al. 2006c), 17 May-November 2007 (Lockwood et al. 2007, 2008b), and 13 January-February 2009 (Tim Ludwick, pers. comm.), with anoth- er at the same location 18 November 2011 and later (Mark Lockwood, pers. comm.). North and northeast of Corpus Christi, there are far fewer records of Clay-colored Thrush, with singles documented at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Aransas County 7- 12 February 1988 (photographed; Lasley 1989) and at Victoria, Victoria County 28 February-3 April 1988 (Lasley 1989) and 18 December 2004 (Lockwood et al. 2005b). There is one record from Lake Jackson, Bra- zoria County, a bird first seen 6 June 2003 (Lockwood 2004; Tom Morris, Thomas Collins, pers. comm.) and noted each sum- mer through July 2007 but never findable in winter (Lockwood et al. 2008a). The records from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Jackson are the only ones from the re- gion designated Coastal Prairie by Texas Or- nithological Society. In Brooks County, just north of the Valley and away from the coast, single Clay-colored Thrushes have been documented at Falfurrias 15 January-3 March 1988 (Lasley 1989) and 28 November 2004 (Lockwood et al. 2005a), and one was found south of Falfurrias 20 Feb- ruary 1988 (Lasley 1989). Much farther north, but also still in the region designated as Rio Grande Brushlands, two Clay-colored Thrush- es at Pleasanton 31 May and 1 June 2008 rep- resent the only records for Atascosa County (Lockwood and Carpenter 2008). Farther in- land, in the Edwards Plateau region, Uvalde County has records of single Clay-colored Thrushes at Uvalde 4 February 2005 (Lock- wood et al. 2005b) and at Utopia 11 May 2008 (Lockwood and Carpenter 2008), and one was seen at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Bexar County 10 April 2011 (Carpenter et al. 2011; Brad Wier, pers. comm.). Farther east still, one was seen at Gonzales, Gonzales County in February 2001, and two were there (one of them singing) on 9 July 2002 (Lock- wood et al. 2002b; Brush Freeman, pers. comm.) and 29 March 2003 (Lockwood 2003). These Gonzales County records are the only ones for the region designated as Central Prairie, which receives much less ornithologi- cal attention than areas in the Lower Rio Grande Valley or along the Gulf coast. Clay-colored Thrushes continue to consol- idate their status as breeding birds in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and are apparently established in small numbers at Laredo. Suit- able habitat appears to be present in cities such as Corpus Christi and San Antonio and in towns such as Lake Jackson and Gonzales. Whether food resources and winter climate will permit establishment in those areas re- mains to be seen. Acknowledgments We thank preserve managers for allowing bird banding at their parks, the many observers who have reported Clay-colored Thrushes, and Mark Lockwood, for review of the manu- script and extensive assistance in locating records of the species north of the Rio Grande Valley. Literature cited Brush, T. 2000. Nesting of Rose-throated Be- card Pachyramphus aglaiae (Passeriformes: Incertae sedis) and Clay-colored Robin Turdus grayi (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in Hidalgo County, Texas. Texas Journal of Sci- ence 52: 165-168. . 2005. Nesting Birds of a Tropical Fron- tier, the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Texas A&M University Press, College Sta- tion, Texas. . 2008. Additions to the breeding avi- fauna of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Studies in Avian Biology 37: 11-19. Carpenter, E., M. W. Lockwood, and W Seku- la. The spring migration: Texas region. North American Birds 65: 479-484. Gehlbach, E R. 1987. Natural history sketches, densities, and biomass of breeding birds in evergreen forests of the Rio Grande, Texas, and the Rio Corona, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Texas Journal of Science 39: 241-251. Haynie, C. B. 1998. Texas Bird Records Com- mittee Report for 1996. Bulletin of the Texas Table 3. Additional Lower Rio Grande Valley locations with two or more Clay-colored Thrushes observed at least once during the May— July breeding season, 2007-201 1 . Records were obtained from eBird and personal communications. Location(s) (M@3D Anzalduas Edinburg Mission Rio Grande, Salineno, and Fronton Pharr IWM B 2007-2011 2010 2010 2010 2010 2011 ......J numerous WmEm °bservers Mary Beth Stowe John Brush John Ebner Fred Collins, William Shepler Mary Gustafson 702 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS RANGE EXPANSION OF (LAY-COLORED THRUSH IN TEXAS Ornithological Society 31: 7-21. James, P. D. 1960. Clay-colored Robin in Texas. Auk 77: 475-476. Lasley, G. W 1989. Texas Bird Records Com- mittee Report for 1988. Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society 22: 2-14. . 1990. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1989. Bulletin of the Texas Or- nithological Society 23: 6-19. . 1991. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1990. Bulletin of the Texas Or- nithological Society 24: 2-15. Lasley, G. W., and C. Sexton. 1986. The nest- ing season: South Texas region. American Birds 40: 1225-1228. . 1988. The nesting season: South Texas region. American Birds 42: 1310-1315. Lockwood, M. W. 1999. Texas Bird Records Committee report for 1998. Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society 32: 26-37. . 2000. Texas Bird Records Committee report for 1999. Bulletin of the Texas Or- nithological Society 33: 13-22. . 2003. The spring migration: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 57: 370-374. . 2004. The nesting season: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 57: 513-518. Lockwood, M. W., C. E. Shackelford, B. Free- man, and G. Lasley. 2002a. The spring mi- gration: Texas region. North American Birds 56: 324-329. Lockwood, M. W., C. E. Shackelford, and W. Sekula. 2002b. The nesting season: Texas region. North American Birds 56: 455-459. Lockwood, M. W., E. Carpenter, and R. Weeks. 2005a. The fall migration: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 59: 107-111. Lockwood, M. W., R. Pinkston, and W. Seku- la. 2005b. The winter season: Texas region. North American Birds 59: 291-295. . 2005c: The spring migration: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 59: 461-465. Lockwood, M. W., E. Carpenter, and W. Seku- la. 2006a. The fall migration: Texas region. North American Birds 60: 99-103. Lockwood, M. W., R. Pinkston, and R. Weeks. 2006b. The winter season: Texas region. North American Birds 60: 254-258. Lockwood, M. W., E. Carpenter, and W. Seku- la. 2006c. The spring migration: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 60: 401-405. . 2007. The spring migration: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 61: 473-477. Lockwood, M. W., R. Pinkston, and R. Weeks. 2008a. The nesting season: Texas region. North American Birds 61: 609-613. . 2008b. The fall migration: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 62: 106-110. Lockwood, M. W., and E. Carpenter. 2008. The spring migration: Texas region. North American Birds 62: 441-446. Moldenhauer, R. R. 1974. First Clay-colored Robin collected in the United States. Auk 91: 839-840. Oberholser, H. C, and E. B. Kincaid. 1974. The Birdlife of Texas, Volume 2. University of Texas Press, Austin. Rappole, J. H„ and G. W Blacklock. 1985. Birds of the Texas Coastal Bend: Abundance and Distribution. Texas A&M University Press, Corpus Christi, Texas. Sexton, C. 2001a. The winter season: Texas region. North American Birds 55: 193-197. . 2001b. The spring migration: Texas re- gion. North American Birds 55: 321-325. Woodin, M. C., M. K. Skoruppa, and G. C. Hickman. 2000. Breeding bird surveys and ecotourism potential at Laredo, Webb County, Texas. Final report. U. S. Geologi- cal Survey and Texas A&M University, Cor- pus Christi, Texas. O 37 Warbler Species possible! HOSTED BY: Black Swamp Bird Observatory Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center Destination Toledo Lake Erie Shores & Islands Join us in Northwest Ohio 'The Warbler Capital of the World! May 4 -13, 2012 I o wmmmt * Bird ID Workshops I * Support for Local Bird Conservation * Magee Marsh Birding Trips pH * Private Property Trips I * Lake Erie Islands Birding Trips * World-class Guides | \M\ * Bird Photography Workshops * Evening Socials Featuring Local Food and Music H VENDOR SPACE AVAILABLE In The Birders’ Marketplace! For festival information visit: biggestweekinamericanbirding.com Or call Black Swamp Bird Observatory at 41 9.898.4070 VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 703 Abstract This article provides documentation of Solan- der’s Petrels ( Pterodroma solandri ) off Alaska 15 September 2011 and a review of previous reports of the species in this area and off the Pacific coast of North America. Background Since 1998, we have taken voyages on cruise ships, and on one research vessel, in order to study seabirds. As of the end of 2011, we have spent over 150 days at sea, in all oceans except the Indian Ocean. Large vessels such as cruise ships offer excellent opportunities for seabird study: a stable platform from which one can comfortably use a spotting scope; covered decks for observation during periods of in- clement weather; and a wide array of routes. In 2011, we took part in a cruise aboard Silver Shadow that departed from Seward, Alaska on 8 September and arrived at In- cheon, South Korea on 23 September. Silver Shadow is a relatively small cruise ship, ac- commodating just 350 passengers. On this ship, we were not able to gain access to the bow, which typically provides the best seabird viewing. Depending on weather and sea con- ditions, we birded from multiple decks, most frequently from Deck 5, about 7 m above the sea surface. Throughout our observations, we used 10x42 binoculars (Nikon and Canon) and a Kowa TSN-4 77mm spotting scope with 20-60x eyepiece. The ship’s course provided good opportu- nities for seabird study. After stops in Homer and Kodiak, the ship passed through the Gulf of Alaska toward Dutch Harbor, then through Unimak Pass into the Bering Sea, with the next leg (of 2315 km) toward Petropavlovsk, Russia. Prior to entering the Bering Sea, we had encountered the expected seabird species, including thousands of Short-tailed Shear- waters ( Puffinus tenuirostris) , Northern Ful- mars ( Fulmarus glacialis), and Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). Less numerous species seen included up to 80 Black-footed Albatrosses ( Phoebastria nigripes ) per day, six Buller’s Shearwaters ( Puffinus bulleri ), and many Leach’s Storm-Petrels ( Oceanodroma leucorhoa ) and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (O. furcata). On entering the Bering Sea, we de- tected a slight change in seabird composi- tion: Short-tailed Sheawaters were still pres- ent but had declined from daily counts in the many thousands to counts in the hundreds. Northern Fulmar numbers also dropped off noticeably. Surprisingly, we had seen only a single Laysan Albatross ( Phoebastria im- mutabilis ) prior to arrival at Dutch Harbor. After leaving Dutch Harbor, we recorded about 300, though many of these were in Russian waters. Mottled Petrels ( Pterodroma inexpectata) began to appear on our first day out of Dutch Harbor. We estimated 50 Mot- tled Petrels during our time in American wa- ters and about 25 more after we had crossed the U. S. maritime border. Also across this border in Russian waters was a single Short- tailed Albatross ( Phoebastria albatrus). Figures 1, 2. The Solander's Petrels observed off Alaska 15 September 2011 (and in Russian waters the following day) were all robust in appearance, with long, broad wings, thickset bodies, large heads, relatively heavy bills, and broad, wedge-shaped tails. All were dark brown or grayish brown above, but some individuals showed contrasting paler gray mantles, such as this individual. All showed an even band of pale feathering at the base of the bill, visible even in more distant individuals. Photograph by Gai! Mackiernan. 704 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS FIRST RECORD OF SOLANDER'S PETREL FOR ALASKA | Figures 3, 4. Some of the Solander's Petrels observed off Alaska 1 5 September 201 1 showed a distinct or fairly distinct carpal-ulnar "M," typical in this species (perhaps most strongly in freshly plumaged juveniles?) but not reported in the simiiarly robust Great-winged Petrel, for instance. Photographs by Gail Mackieman. Field encounter On 15 September, we spent most of the day observing seabirds. For much of the day, ac- tivity had been slow, with small numbers of species such as Laysan and Black-footed Al- batross, Mottled Petrel, as well as many Northern Fulmars and Short-tailed Shearwa- ters. After a break, Cooper commenced sea- watching again in the afternoon (ca. 1600 Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time [HAST]). He detected a noticeable increase in bird ac- tivity at about 1700, and notified Mackieman, who joined him at around 1730 on Deck 5. At approximately 1745, a large dark Ptew- droma petrel flew rapidly past the ship, about 15 m from the ship. The bird was larger than the nearby Short-tailed Shearwaters, dark above and below, with an obvious white un- derwing flash that contrasted sharply with its otherwise dark plumage. Mackieman imme- diately identified it as a Solander’s Petrel (P. solandri), familiar from previous observations (see below). During the next 45 minutes, sev- eral other Solander’s Petrels flew around the ship and followed in the ship’s wake. Estimat- ing the exact number was difficult; up to 10 Solander’s Petrels were in the wake at one time, with others visible abeam of the ship. The birds were flying very rapidly and arcing high in the sky, and birds frequently changed position around the ship during the period of observation. The petrels were very active in flight, moving fast and low over the water and frequently arcing up well above the horizon in typical Pterodroma fashion. Winds were rather light, at 6 knots from the west-north- west, but the birds’ flight patterns were never- theless quite dynamic. Their manner of flight was fairly similar to some of the Mottled Pe- trels seen at the same time, but our overall impression was of a distinctly larger, more powerful bird with a faster flight than Mottled Petrel. The Solander’s Petrels sometimes flew in twos and threes, with some slight interac- tions among them observed. They were read- ily distinguished from the many Short-tailed Shearwaters by their rapid, dynamic flight, with wings held perpendicular to the sea sur- face, often showing first the upperparts and then the underparts as they zipped by. During the observations, the light and bird/observer orientations were favorable for study of the petrels; the sky appeared flat gray, with minimal haze or other distortion. We took field notes on the petrels, though not on each individual bird, whose plumages ap- peared essentially identical, and we took 40 photographs with a Nikon DS60 camera with 300mm lens. In all, we estimated at least 25 total petrels. After 45 minutes, as light faded, we ceased observations. At 1800, we contacted the bridge to deter- mine our position at sea, which was 53° 16.9’ N, 171° 5.3’ E, over water 1050 m deep. No sea surface temperature was recorded. The ship’s bearing at 1800 HAST was 267°, and the ship was traveling at 12.4 knots, in seas recorded as “moderate” in the ship’s log. The officer with whom we communicated at this time confirmed that we were still in U. S. wa- ters and would not be crossing the United States maritime border for another two hours. Description Our immediate impression of the first bird (and subsequently all other individuals) was of a large, heavyset, long-winged, and some- what broad-winged Pterodroma petrel. The birds were somewhat larger and obviously longer winged than the numerous Short- tailed Shearwaters in the vicinity. Compared to Mottled Petrels, also present in the area, they were substantially larger, longer winged, and more powerful in appearance and flight behavior. The bill appeared both long and rel- atively heavy for a gadfly petrel. The wedge- shaped tail appeared relatively long, and the broad-based wings were typically held a bit forward and crooked. Our initial impression was that the birds’ overall plumage was a dark brown or grayish brown, but petrels passing the ship at close range showed more nuance: a pale whitish area evenly surrounding the bill; a dark hood contrasting with paler underparts and back; and a dorsal surface showing a subtle but dis- VOLUME 65 (2012) » NUMBER 4 705 FIRST RECORD OF SOLANDER'S PETREL FOR ALASKA Figures 5-9. The underwings of all Solander's Petrels observed off Alaska 15 September 2011 showed a distinctive area of whitish plumage in the primaries: from below, most of the primaries were whitish, as were the bases of the greater primary coverts. The dark tips of these coverts divid- ed the area of white, creating a "double flash" that recalled the underwing of many Pomarine Jaegers. Murphy's Petrel typically shows a more muted, silvery underwing pattern, not so starkly white as seen in Solander's. No white was present in secondaries or their coverts as seen from be- low. The degree to which a dark hood was apparent varied among the Solander's Petrels observed (see Figures 5, 6), but a distinct hood was detected in all of them and was most easily perceived with a good ventral view. Even at some distance, the pale plumage evenly surrounding the bill was visible; the similar but smaller and more delicately built Murphy's Petrel typically shows more pale plumage in the throat, less above the bill. Photographs by Gail Mackiernan. 706 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS FIRST RECORD OF SOLANDER'S PETREL FOR ALASKA] tinct darker brown “M” across the wings and back (in most individuals). In some birds, the mantle appeared quite grayish. The most prominent feature of the plumage, however, was in the underwing, specifically the primar- ies, where a large white area was broken by dark-tipped greater underprimary coverts, re- calling the “double flash” of Pomarine Jaeger ( Stercorarius pomarinus ) underwing. This pat- tern is typical of Solander’s (Bailey et al. 1989, Marchant and Higgins 1990, Olney and Scofield 2007, Howell 2012). Other than this feature, the upperwing and underwing showed no tracts of pale plumage, and none of the birds seen closely showed white pri- mary shafts. Discussion Identification of Solander’s Petrel should be made with care in order to rule out similar large, dark gadfly petrels. Like Solander’s, the gouldi subspecies of Great-winged Petrel (P macroptera ) has a pale area of feathering around the bill but unlike Solander’s shows a mostly dark underwing (Marchant and Hig- gins 1990). Great-winged has broader wings, a shorter tail, and a heavier bill than Solan- der’s, lacks gray sheen or tones in plumage, and apparently does not show a dorsal “M” pattern (Howell 2012). Henderson Petrel (P atrata ), sometimes considered a dark morph of Herald Petrel (P heraldica ), is a smaller, slenderer species than Solander’s, and al- though the pattern of the primaries below re- sembles that of Solander’s, the pale feathering extends through the greater underwing coverts entirely, and the lesser coverts (pro- topatagium) are also usually pale (Howell 2012). The dark morph of Kermadec Petrel (P neglecta) has an underwing pattern similar to Solander’s but shows white primary shafts (dorsally) and does not show several impor- tant features of Solander’s, such as the dark- hooded appearance, grayish plumage tones, dorsal “M” pattern, and long tail (Howell 2012). Murphy’s Petrel (P ultima ) is most similar to Solander’s in plumage but is small- er, with shorter, narrower wings and notably smaller bill (Howell 2012). In Murphy’s, the white plumage of the face tends to be most extensive in the throat, less so above the bill, unlike Solander’s, and the pale portion of the underwing tends to be both more muted than in Solander’s, more silvery or “reflective” (Howell 2012). We have observed Solander’s Petrels well on three previous occasions. Our first encounter was with two birds in the North Pacific Ocean, about 370 km south of the Commodore Is- lands 11 May 2007 (Cooper and Mackiernan 2007). The next year, on 7 March, we record- ed 17 Solander’s Petrels between New Caledo- nia and Guadalcanal. Also that year, on 27 De- cember, we noted three Solander’s about 685 km east of the Australian mainland, near the edge of the continental shelf. There are previous reports of one or more Solander’s Petrels in waters off the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, but no report has been accepted as of this writing, mostly owing to potential confusion with Murphy’s Petrel (see Gillson et al. 2011). The California Bird Records Committee is aware of reports totaling about 127 Solander’s Petrels off that state, though many of these are thought to refer to Mur- phy’s Petrel, and Solander’s remains on the state’s Hypo- thetical list (Hamilton et al. 2007, Tietz and McCaskie 2012). Oregon had one ac- cepted record of Solander’s Petrel, a single bird seen 111 km west of Lane County on 9 May 2009 (Irons et al. 2009, Gillson et al. 2011), but at the request of an Ore- gon Bird Records Commit- tee member, the record is currently again under con- sideration. Four Solander’s Petrels reported 102-130 km off Oregon 20 May 1981 (Bailey et al. 1989) have generally been treated in lat- er literature as unidentified gadfly petrels (Gilligan et al. 1994, Marshall et al. 2003, Gillson et al. 2011), and two possible Solander’s Petrels observed by Michael P Force 259 km west of Florence, Oregon on 12 May 1997 have like- wise been considered unidentified or possibly Murphy’s Petrels (Tweit and Lillie 1997, Her- lyn et al. 2009, Gillson et al. 2011). A Solan- der’s Petrel observed by Force at 44° 29.6’ N, 128° 6.3’ W, or about 333 km west of Wald- port, Oregon 18 April 1994 has not been pre- viously published (Michael P. Force, pers. comm.). Later in 1994, Force and other expe- rienced seabird researchers recorded 1 1 Solan- der’s Petrels in Alaskan waters during research cruises in August, though none was pho- tographed (Table 1). Terry Wahl observed and photographed an apparent Solander’s Petrel off Westport, Washington 11 September 1983 (Hunn and Mattocks 1984), and that record has now been accepted by the Washington Bird Records Committee (Matt Bartels, pers. comm.). Finally, a single dark Pterodroma not- ed off British Columbia by Sharon Toochin, Mike Toochin, Roger Foxall, and Arti Ahier 6 October 2009 (Charlesworth 2010; photo- graph by S. Toochin in North American Birds 64: 186) appeared to show some characteris- tics of Solander’s Petrel, but the bill appears rather small and the underwing pattern mut- ed, more like Murphy’s (see Howell 2012). This record was made over Clayoquot Canyon (depth ca. 900 m), about 52 km west of Tofi- no, British Columbia. Our photographs and notes on the Septem- ber 2011 Solander’s Petrels have been re- viewed by the Alaska Checklist Committee and accepted as the first record for Alaska (Thede Tobish, pers. comm.). Solander’s Petrel, also known as Provi- dence Petrel, breeds on islands in the Tas- man Sea, chiefly Lord Howe Island. During the breeding season, most appear to forage south into the Tasman Sea as far as Tasma- nia, but the species appears to be scarce in New Zealand waters (Marchant and Higgins 1990). Records from the central northeast- ern Pacific are known December-April, as far north as the western Bering Sea (Marchant and Higgins 1990, Howell 2012). Terry Wahl noted a Solander’s Petrel in inter- national waters off Alaska 11 July 1981 (Hamilton et al. 2007), and more recently, on Table 1. Sight records of Solander's Petrel in Alaskan waters, August 1994. Date No. jl Location Comments Observers 4 Aug 1 Gulf of Alaska, 57°23.TN, 146°9.8'W five-minute study Michael P. Force, Richard A. Rowlett, Bob Pitman etal. 17 Aug ~r s. of Unalaska 1., 52° 1 2.6' N, 164° 51. 9' W; and 52° 24.8' N, 165° 24.8' W singles; with Mottled Petrels Michael P. Force, Jim Carretta 20 Aug ~s~ s. of Umnak 1., 51° 29.6' N, 167° 25.8' W; 51° 24.7' N, 167° 25.4' W; 50° 20.4' N, 167° 21. 8' W; and 50° 18.8', 167° 21.6' three singles, then 2 together at the final location noted; first single and final 2 at close range Michael P. Force, Richard A. Rowlett, Bob Pitman, Jim Carretta et al. 21 Aug s. of Samalya Pass, 49° 41.1'N, 167°32.9'W; and 50° 37.4' N, 169° 33.9'W Second bird at close range, with possibly some evidence of tail molt Michael P. Force, Richard A. Rowlett 25 Aug i justs, of Seguam Pass; 51°46.2'N, 172° 43.5' W 10 minutes at close range, remained on leeward side of sta- tionary vessel Michael P. Force The observers note: "All these birds were seen well, usually by multiple observers, with the aid of 20x60mm prism-stabilized and 25x1 50mm ship-mounted binoculars. The birds often seemed somewhat attracted to the ship. These sightings were made from the NOAA ship Surveyor, during a marine mammal survey sponsored by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center." VOLUME 65 (2012) . NUMBER 4 707 Dlscoveif Keep the Excitement of Birding Alive, Please Support Birders' Exchange Especially needed are rubber armored and waterproof optics for conservation scientists and graduate degree programs. All donated optics must be in good working order, thank you! AmericanBirdingv | Contact Betty Petersen Birders' Exchange Director bpetersen@aba.org * www.aba.org/bex | FIRST RECORD OF SOLANDER'S PETREL FOR ALASKA 23 September 2006, Illiff (2006) and other birders observed at least 9 and possibly as many as 18 Solander’s Petrels in Russian wa- ters about a half-day’s sail from the U.S. mar- itime border. Iliff and party were aboard the Spirit of Oceanus, heading toward Petropavlovsk, and so these Solander’s Pe- trels were very likely near the area where we estimated 50 on 16 September 2011, also in Russian waters, as we were en route toward Petropavlovsk; the two Solander’s we noted in May 2007 were also in this general area (Cooper and Mackiernan 2007). Based on our observations and those of Iliff and party in 2006, it would appear very like- ly that Solander’s Petrels are regular visitors off the Kamchatka Peninsula south of the Commodore Islands and that they range into U.S. waters at least on occasion. Given the rel- atively large number of Solander’s Petrels recorded on these few cruises, it may be the case that the species is fairly common in this area, particularly in autumn. Breeding Solan- der’s Petrels are normally in the vicinity of their breeding islands in September, and so it is probable that the majority of the petrels ob- served in U. S. and Russian waters in Septem- ber were not yet of breeding age. Acknowledgments We would like to thank the staff of the Silver Shadow for graciously accommodating two rather scruffily dressed (and sometimes drip- ping wet) birders. In particular, we would like to thank the ship’s officers for providing us the data relevant to the Solander’s Petrel records. We thank Bill Tweit, Michael P. Force, David S. Irons, and Alan Contreras for assistance in compiling reports of possible Solander’s Petrels off Oregon, Stephen C. Rottenborn and Richard A. Erickson for assistance with California re- ports, and Matt Bartels for researching the sta- tus of the Washington report. Michael E Force was very generous in clarifying the status of records of Solander’s Petrels off both Oregon and Alaska in the 1990s, and we thank him for arranging permission to publish records of one Solander’s off Oregon and records of 11 Solan- der’s made during the Aleutian Islands Marine Mammal Survey of the Cetacean and Ecosys- tem Assessment Survey, conducted by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Literature cited Bailey, S. F, P. Pyle, and L. B. Spears. 1989. Dark Pterodroma petrels in the North Pa- cific: Identification, status, and North American occurrence. American Birds 43: 400-415. Charlesworth, C. 2010. The fall 2009 migra- tion: British Columbia region. North Amer- ican Birds 64: 137-139. Cooper, B., and G. Mackiernan. 2007. Osaka, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia Cruise, April 30th to May 19th, 2007. Available online: . Gilligan, J., M. Smith, D. Rogers, and A. Con- treras, eds. 1994. Birds of Oregon: Status and Distribution. Cinclus Publications, McMin- nville, Oregon. Gillson, G., M. Force, and D. S. Irons. 2011. The status of Murphy’s Petrel ( Pterodroma ultima ) in Oregon. Oregon Birds 37: 60-63. Hamilton, R. A., M. A. Patten, and R. A. Er- ickson, eds. 2007. Rare Birds of California. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, California. Herlyn, H. G., A. L. Contreras, and R. Papish, eds. 2009. Handbook of Oregon Birds: A Field Companion to Oregon Birds. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. Howell, S. N. G. 2012. Petrels, Albatrosses, and Storm-Petrels of North America: A Photo- graphic Guide. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Hunn, E. S., and P W Mattocks, Jr. 1984. The fall migration: Northern Pacific Coast re- gion. American Birds 38: 236-240. Iliff, M. J. 2006. Attu aboard the Spirit of Oceanus cruise log. . Consulted 1 February 2012. Irons, D. S., D. Schonewald, and B. Waggoner. The spring 2009 migration: Oregon & Washington region. North American Birds 63: 491-497. Marchant, 8., 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, Melbourne, Australia. Marshall, D. B., M. G. Hunter, and A. L. Con- treras, eds. 2003. Birds of Oregon: A Gener- al Reference. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. Onley, D., and E Scofield. 2007. Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World. Christopher Helm, London. Tietz, J., and G. McCaskie. 2012. Update to Rare Birds of California. Available online: . Consulted 1 February 2012. Tweit, B., and G. Lillie. 1997. The spring mi- gration: Oregon-Washington region. Field Notes 51: 918-921. © 708 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 3 1 & 2 • Molting dark shearwaters in Alaskan waters in midsummer can be difficult to distinguish. These Sooty (above) and Short-tailed Shearwaters were photographed at Icy Bay, Alaska on 22 July 201 1 . Short-taileds show a shorter bill, a pale, often whitish chin, and a lighter upper throat and foreneck, while the longer- billed Sooty usually appears to have a uniformly cleaner, darker plumage, including the entire head, throat, and neck. Photographs by Scott M. Gende. 3 • At least three breeding-plumaged Long-billed Murrelets frequented a large murrelet aggregation on the south side of Kachemak Bay, Alaska in summer 2011. First found by biologists Kathy Kuletz, Liz Labunski, and Tamara Zeller on 23 July, the Long-billeds were noted on three subsequent occasions in the same area. In this plumage, the white throat, completely dark nape (lacking a white collar), and longer bill separate this species from the similar Marbled Murrelet. The overall cool charcoal gray color, lacking rufous tones, the white eyer- ing, and the relatively straight border between white and dark plumage from the bill to the nape are also im- portant features distinguishing Long-billed from Marbled. In Marbled, the dark feathering dips lower just be- low the eye. Photograph by Liz Labunski. 4 • Birders visiting Gambell, Alaska were more than a little surprised to flush this Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in the boneyards 5 June 201 1 , a first for the Bering Sea and western Alaska. Photograph by Kevin J. Zimmer. 5 • Always a satisfying summer find, up to three Swainson's Warblers were observed 5-9 (here 9) July 201 1 at Muscle Shoals, Colbert County, at a location where breeding has likely occurred during the past few years. Nesting is much more difficult to confirm in the northern half of Alabama than in the southern half. Photo- graph by Bala Chennupati. VOLUME 65 (2012) NUMBER 4 709 [PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 • Establishing the first record for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia in more than a century, these two American Oystercatchers only tarried a short while at Glace Bay sandbar 16-17 (here 1 6) July 201 1 . The nearest records come from Canso, where two birds present in the summer of 2010 did not breed and were not reported this year. Photograph by Cathy and Al- lan Murrant. 2 • Although it stayed for more than a month on remote Seal Island, Nova Scotia, few birders got the chance to see this male Bronzed Cowbird. Present 27 June through 1 August (here 29 July) 201 1 , it marks the fourth record for the province since the first one turned up at the same feeder in May 1991. With no other records for Canada, and only one for New England, one has to wonder what drives these birds so far to the northeast. Photograph by Charles Kenny. 3 • The saga of Arkansas's first Cassin's Sparrows — discovered in Little River County in early May 2011 — continued to unfold during the summer period, with a peak of five territorial males and at least one female present on 14 June 2011, and at least two present through 10 July. On various occasions, individuals were seen carrying nest material or food (as was the case with the one photographed here, 22 June), providing evidence ef nesting. Photograph by Charles Milk. 4 • Near Vancouver, British Columbia, the area of Boundary Bay hosted one or more Bar- tailed Godwits in summer 2011, with this bird photographed there 27 June. Photograph by Mike Mat 5 * Long suspected of nesting in Belize, this active Solitary Eagle nest was located in a remote canyon on the lower slopes of the Mountain Pine Ridge on 30 June 201 1 after an intensive effort by researchers over several years. This extraordinary find apparently represents the first active nest of the species to be found in more than fifty years and the first ever to be studied. Photograph by Roni Martinez. 710 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 1 & 2 • This White-faced Ibis (above) and White-faced Ibis x Glossy Ibis hybrid were photographed at Winous Point, Ottawa County, Ohio 30 June 2011. There are very few reports of hybrids for the Great Lakes region. Photographs by Tom Bartlett. 3 • Hybridization in hummingbirds is not especially rare, especially when one considers that many hybrids are hard to discern and are undoubtedly overlooked. This individual, mist-netted on 16 June 2011 in the Cerro Uyuca Biological Reserve of Honduras, appeared to be morphologically in- termediate between Azure-crowned and Berylline, two related species in the genus Amazilia. This hybrid combination has been reported only once before, from Veracruz, Mexico. Photographed by John van Oort. 4 • These fledgling Merlins discovered by Dan Brauning at Williamsport, Lycoming County 1 9 July 201 1 represented a new breeding location for this expanding species in Pennsylvania (here 20 July 2011). Photograph by Wayne Laubscher. 5 • On the eastern edge of regular breeding range in Pennsylvania, this adult Barn Owl exits an ac- tive nest near Hamburg, Berks County 30 June 201 1 . Nest box efforts have benefited this species tremendously in the southeastern and south-central portions of the state. Photograph by Rick Wiltraut. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 711 | PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 • This young Common Black-Hawk was photographed 15 June 2011 at the Corn Creek Unit of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Clark County, Nevada. Although several pairs nest annually along ri- parian areas In the southwest corner of Utah, black-hawks are seldom observed in Nevada. Photo- graph by Greg Scyphers. 2 » This Yellow-throated Vires was photographed 12 June 2011 at Miller's Rest Area, a famous vagrant trap along Highway 6/95, Esmeralda County, Nevada. There are four previous records of Yetlew- throated Vireo accepted by the Neva da Bird Records Committee. Photograph by Martin Meyers. 3 & 4 • Representing only the second record for Indiana, this Western Wood-Pewee was most obliging, remaining at the Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve, Lake County from 5 July 2011 (left) through the end of the month (30 July, right). The bird vocalized regularly through virtually the entirety of its stay. Photographs by Marty Jones (left) and Susan £ Hengeveld. 5 • In the Yukon, Dusky Grouse is considered a Subalpine Fir specialist; this adult with two broods on Mount Hansen, in a mixed forest of Trembling Aspen and White Spruce, was thus unexpected (here 28 June 2011). Photographs by Mark O'Donoghue. 6 * This adult male Cinnamon Teal was discovered at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in southern Virginia Beach on 1 5 April 2011, during a survey of freshwater impoundments there. There are about five previous records for Virginia. Photograph by Robert L Ake. 712 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS j 1 & 2 • The stuff of dreams for birders, this Ross's Gull was one of a pair photographed 5 (left) and 1 1 June 201 1 at Queen's Channel, Nunavut during investigations by the High Arctic Gull Research Group. Photographs by Mark Maftei. 3 & 4 • Clay-colored Sparrow is a rare and local breeding species in New England. This adult (8 June 201 1 ) and juvenile (8 July) were photographed at the Kennebunk Plains, York County, Maine, a site with optimal habitat for many grassland species. Photographs by Luke Seitz. 5 • Nicely documented at Churchill, Manitoba on 7 June 201 1 , this adult Glaucous-winged Gull unfortunately did not linger beyond the day of its discovery. It provided the fourth record of the species for the province. Photograph by Phil Palmer. 6 & 7 • Rodney Ungwiluk, Jr., a resident of Gambell, Alaska, took these photographs of a Chinese Pond-Heron, which was present in coastal tundra south of the village 14 June 201 1; it remained there just one more day. Alaska has just two other records of the species. Photographs by Rodney Ungwiluk, Jr. VOLUME 65 (2012) • NUMBER 4 713 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 • About 150 people were escorted into the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station to see the Willow Ptarmigan on 12 June 2011, a one-time opportunity. Photograph by Jean Iron. 2 • Totally unexpected was this male Willow Ptarmigan along the shoreline of Lake Ontario at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, Durham Regional Municipality, Ontario, where it was present from 8 (here 1 2) June into August 201 1 . This represents one of the most southerly records anywhere for this Arctic grouse and was likely a result of an irruption the previous winter that sent large numbers southward into south-central Quebec. Photograph by Jean Iron. 3 • Although juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpipers occur annually along the Pacific coast, adults are quite rare south of Alaska. This alternate-plumaged individual, discovered at Fern Ridge Reser- voir, Lane County, Oregon 18 July 2011, represents just the second record of an after hatch-year bird in Oregon and Washingon. Photograph by John Sullivan. 4 • Furnishing about the eleventh provincial record, this Eared Grebe was photographed at St.-Basile-le-Grand, Quebec 24 July 201 1 . Photograph by Samuel Denault. 5 • This Acadian Flycatcher sang on territory at Notre-Dame-du-Nord, Quebec from 20 (here 29) June through 9 July 201 1 . There are only seven previous records for the province, and this is the first for the Abitibi— Temiscamingue region. Photograph by Raymond Ladurantaye. 6 • This adult male warbler photographed at Godmanchester, Quebec 24 July 201 1 appeared to be a cross between Brewster's Warbler and Golden-winged Warbler. Photograph by Lucien Lemay. 714 ORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS] 1 • This adult Little Stint, photographed on the second day of its 23-25 July 201 1 stay at the Piute Ponds on Edwards Air Force Base in northeastern Los Angeles County, shows dark spotting within the reddish coloring on the breast — the primary feature used to differentiate Little from Red-necked Stint. Photograph by Larry Sansone. 2 • A Red-necked Stint on Bolivar Flats, Galveston County, Texas on 26 June (here) through 8 July was the most chased bird in the state in summer 201 1 , though its appearances were infrequent during its two-week stay. Texas has just one previous record of this species. Photograph by Kerry Taylor. 3 • This adult male Curlew Sandpiper, still retaining most of its alternate plumage, drew much atten- tion from birders on southern San Diego Bay at Imperial Beach, San Diego County 24-26 (here 25) July 201 1 . Photograph by Thomas A. Blackman. 4 • This stunning male Hooded Oriole was present 8-1 4 (here 8) July 201 1 near Elora, Lincoln County, Tennessee. It represents a first record for Tennessee and a second for the Tennessee and Kentucky region. Photograph by Eden Powell. 5 • In the United States, Hook-billed Kite is a low-density resident in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Signs of successful nesting are rare, so a recent fledgling at a nest near Penitas, Hidal- go County on 18 June 2011 is an encouraging sign. Photograph by Mary Gustafson. 6 • This Snail Kite at El Franco Lee Park in Houston 17 June 201 1 is just the fourth ever recorded in Texas and the northernmost thus far. Photograph by Stephan Lorenz. 7 • Providing a long-awaited first record for Wisconsin was this Neotropic Cormorant at Horicon Marsh, Dodge County 3-29 (here 13) July 201 1 . Photograph by Jack Barthelmai. 8 • Perhaps the most surprising find of the season in Texas in summer 201 1 was this Snow Bunting along the coast at Sea Rim State Park, Jefferson County 1 3 June. Unfortunately, nearby wild- fires limited access to its location, so even local birders were unable to look for it. Photograph by Terry Ferguson. VOLUME 65 (2012) NUMBER 4 715 NEW! Don't just see it, feel it. 3 9088 01657 4006 For more information, please visit leica-sportoptics.com The all-new Leica Trinovid 42. 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