QL 671 .A916 BIRD ERICMiBlRDlNG ASSOCIATION ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD' P VOLUME 67: NO. 2, 2013 • DECEMBER 2012 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2013 NEW ABA BIRDFINDING GUIDE! A Birder’s Guide to Louisiana If you like seeing lots of birds, you’ll love Louisiana. Bird density is higher in Louisiana than almost any- where in the country, and some of the concentrations are stunning. Spring migration in the coastal woodlots and rice fields is unforgettable and yet even the prime spots are relatively uncrowded with people. Summer provides excellent chances to see breeders like Swallow-tailed Kite, Swainson’s Warbler, and Bachman’s Sparrow. Autumn sees a long, protracted procession of migratory birds working their way southward, and wintering birds arrive with each passing cold front. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Louisiana birding is the opportunity for discovery. Louisiana is still largely composed of wildlife habitat with cities sprinkled throughout, rather than the other way around. A Birder's Guide to Louisiana will guide you to the best birding spot in Louisiana. The guide contains descriptions, maps, species lists, and directions for over 100 sites. For the first time ever, you can get a FULL copy of an ABA Birdfinding Guide oniine for FREE! Just go to www.alia.org/siteguides/li.htmi. The ABA gratefully acknowledges the support of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in making this free e-guide possible. Hard copies are available for purchase from Buteo Books at www.buteobooks.com or 800-722-2460. AviSys Version 6 As Simple As You Wish - As Powerful As You Need NEW for 2012! Windows Vista/7/8 Ready! Enhanced Feature and Function! 21 Years of Leadership ~ A Giant Step Ahead of All the Rest! A fully-featured worldwide database and reporting system for serious birders. Record sightings for any species, anywhere on the planet, and run comprehensive listings and reports. 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Visit our comprehensive web site at: www.avisys.net For Windows NT, 2K, XP, Vista, 7, 8 ~ Special upgrade pricing for AviSys users 120 day full money back ~ Perceptive Systems, PO Box 369, Placitas, NM 87043 ~ 505-867-6255 Fast as a Falcon ~ Powerful as an Eagle - Friendly as a Chickadee TheCornellLab Ornithology Investigating Behavior: Courtship and Rivalry in Birds eCornell To find out more and to enroll, visit www.birds.comeU.edu/courses ON THE COVER: As Wilde said: "There is nothing that art cannot express." For those who have looked at John James Audubon's paintings of birds and thought some of the settings or poses contrived, take note: the cover photograph is unretouched. We see in the bird's posture, in its background, even in the shape of the sea surface the bold purity of composition of an Audubon painting. We may live in ornithological strange times, where rafts of Razorbills bob off Miami Beach (as here, 1 5 December 2012), but how spellbinding to see these shy birds represented with such rare artistry. Photograph by Trey Mitchell. THE WINTER SEASON: DECEMBER 2012 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2013 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS • AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION • VOLUME 67 • NUMBER 2 • 2013 188 Occurrence and identification of vagrant “orange-billed terns” in eastern North America David T. Shoch and Steve N. G. Howell 210 Bachman’s Warbler (Vermivora bachmanii): Recollections and Corrections Paul W. Sykes, Jr. 216 Changing Seasons: Strangers in a Strange Land Edward S. Brinkley 264 Eastern Highlands & Upper Ohio River Valley Victor W. Fazio III and Tom Johnson 270 Illinois & Indiana James D. Hengeveld, Keith A. McMullen, and Geoffrey A. Williamson 275 Western Great Lakes Adam M. Byrne 278 Iowa & Missouri Francis L. Moore 361 Pictorial Highlights THE REGIONAL REPORTS 229 Altantic Provinces & St. Pierre et Miquelon Blake Maybank and David Seeler 233 Quebec Pierre Bannon, Olivier Barden, Normand David, and Samuel Denault 235 New England Pamela Hunt 281 Tennessee & Kentucky Chris Sloan, Scott Somershoe, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 286 Arkansas 6? Louisiana Steven W. Cardiff and Kenny Nichols 291 Northern Canada & Greenland Cameron D. Eckert 292 Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koesand Peter Taylor 295 Northern Great Plains Dan Svingen 243 Hudson-Delaware Shaibal S. Mitra, Robert 0. Paxton, and Frank Rohrbacher 296 Southern Great Plains Joseph A. Grzybowski and W. Ross Silcock 246 Middle Atlantic Mark! Adams, Arun Bose, and Robert Ostrowski 300 Texas MarkW. Lockwood, Eric Carpenter, and Randy Pinkston 250 Southern Atlantic Ken Blankenship, Richard Hall, and Josh Southern A /■S' CO CO OJ 306 Colorado & Wyoming Tony Leukering, Steven G. MIodinow, and Matt Fraker 254 Elorida Bruce H. Anderson O CO X itl oo CD C3 SI < 312 Idaho & Western Montana David Trochell 259 Ontario Joshua D.Vandermeulen r L- ! CD 314 New Mexico Sartor 0. Williams III These wintering Elegant Terns were loafing among smaller Sandwich Terns at Callao harbor, Peru 1 3 December 2013. See the feature article, pp. 188-209. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. 317 Arizona Mark M. Stevenson and Gary H. Rosenberg 320 Great Basin Rick Fridell 322 Alaska ThedeTobish 327 British Columbia Chris Charlesworth 328 C)regon & Washington David S. Irons, Brad Waggoner, and Ryan Merrill 333 Northern California Stephen C. Rottenborn, Michael M. Rogers, Jeff N. Davis, and Ed Pandolfino 338 Southern California Guy McCaskie and Kimball L. Garrett 343 Baja California Peninsula Richard A. Erickson, Roberto Carmona, and Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos 346 Mexico Hector Gomez de Silva, Amy McAndrews, and Jorge Montejo 349 Central America H. Lee Jones and Oliver Komar 356 West Indies & Bermuda Robert L. Norton, Anthony White, and Andrew Dobson 359 Hawaiian Islands Peter Donaldson VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 American Binding® ASSOCIAI ION www.aba.org CHAIR Louis Morrell BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Carl Bendorf • John Benzon • • Michael Bowen • Matthew Fraker • • Scott Fraser • Susan Jones • • Kenn Kaufman • Roberta Kellam • • Robin Leong • John C. Robinson • • Lili Taylor • Charles Teske • PRESIDENT Jeffrey A. Gordon FINANCE Lisa Slocum, Accounting PARTNERSHIPS & MARKETING Bill Stewart, Director MEMBERSHIP&COMMUNICATIONS David Hartley, Director Nancy Hawley, Membership Experience Coordinator LcAnn Pilger, Coordinator Greg Neise, Web Development EVENTS George Armistead, Coordinator BIRDERS’ EXCHANGE Liz Gordon, Logistics PROGRAMS Bill Stewart, ABA Young Birders PUBLICATIONS Ted Floyd, Birding Michael L. P Retter, Winging It Edward S. Brinkley, North American Birds Ken Barron, Advertising Ed Rother, Design 6" Production VOLUNTEER SERVICES Liz Gordon, Volunteer Coordinator BLOGGERS Nathan Swick, The ABA Blog John Puschock, ABA Area Rare Birds Jennie Duberstein, The Eyrie 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) N orth 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, population dynamics, and changes in migration patterns or seasonal occurrence. We welcome submission of papers in these areas; papers and other communication should be sent to North American Birds, 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 Edward S. Brinkley ( thalassoica@gmail .com) ASSOCIATE EDITORS Louis R. Bevier P. A. Buckley Adam M. Byrne Stephen J. Dinsmore Alvaro Jaramillo Paul E. Lehman Alan Wormington PHOTO EDITOR Vacant REGIONAL EDITORS Mark Adams, Bruce H. Anderson, Yves Aubry, Margaret J. C. Bain, Pierre Bannon, Olivier Barden, Adam M. Byrne, Roberto Carmona, Steven W. Cardiff, Eric Carpenter, Robert 1. Cecil, Chris Charlesworth, C. Dwight Cooley, Bill Crins, 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 Eridell, 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, Amy McAndrews, Guy McCaskie, Steve McConnell, Keith A. McMullen, Shaibal S. Mitra, Steven G. Mlodinow, Jorge Montejo Diaz, Robert L. Norton, Robert Ostrowski, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Edward Pandolfino, Robert 0. Paxton, Wayne R. Petersen, Randy Pinkston, Michael M. Rogers, Frank Rohrbacher, Gary H. Rosenberg, Stephen C. Rottenborn, 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, Joshua P Uffman, Brad Waggoner, Ron Weeks, Walter Wehtje, Jr., Anthony W. White, Sartor O. Williams III, Geoffrey A. Williamson, Rick Wiltraut, Alan Wormington. SUBSCRIPTIONS GRAPHIC DESIGN ADVERTISING LeAnn Pilger Ed Rother Ken Barron North American Birds (ISSN 1525-3708) (USPS 872-200) is published quarterly by the American Birding Association, 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 © 2013 by the American Birding Association, Inc., all rights reserved. Printed by Publishers Printing, Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of each contributing writer and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the American Birding Association or its management. ABA is not responsible for the quality of products or services advertised in North American Birds, unless the products or services are being offered directly by the Association. GST Registration No. R135943454. 186 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Looking for a Birding AdventureP Go offshore with Seabirding For more information contact Brian Patteson Seabirdlng P.O. Box 772 Hatteras NC 27943 (252) 986-1363 http://www.seabirding.coin • Pelagic trips since 1986 • Departures fronn Virginia Beach, VA Oregon Inlet, NC Hatteras, NC aboard the best & fastest boats available • Friendly knowledgeable leaders with extensive offshore experience • Chum for bringing the birds close • Winter trips for Great Skua and alcids • Spring & summer trips for Gulf Stream specialties including rare Pterodromas andtropicbirds • Late summer trips for White-faced Storm-Petrel St. Paul Island K 'Tours ' . m: 877-424-5637 www.alaskabirdmgxom • 280+ Species - Brown Hawk-Owl - Solitary Snipe - Chinese Pond-Heron • Remarkable Seabird Colonies • 500,000 Northern Fur Seals • Carpets of Arctic Wild flowers • Native Aleut Culture c An experience you wilt never forget c o U— * iS o b T3 C CO c 0 E 0 CD 0 C 0 Q. 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Business Manager, or Owner / 1 JO Ifit Production Manager Date 10/31/13 1 certify that all inform^ n fumisheo^this form is true and complete 1 understand (hat anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and impnsonment) and/or dvit sanctions (induding dvil penalties). PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 2 of 3) VOLUME 67 (2013) NUMBER 2 187 in eastern DAVID T. SHOCK • 601 ALTAVISTA AVENUE • CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA 22902 • (DSHOCH@HOTIVlAIL.COM) STEVE N.G. HOWELL • P.O.BOX 423 • BOLINAS, CALIFORNIA 94924 a Thalasseus tern similar in size to Sandwich Tern but with a wholly or mostly orange bill; note that crested terns with all or mostly yellow bills, referable to typical Cayenne Tern (I sand- vicensis eurygnatha) or the larger Crested Tern (I bergii), are not included in this grouping. What exactly these orange -billed terns are is a subject of continuing discussion, particu- larly in European circles. With sightings in- creasing recently in eastern North America, the discussion has spilled across the Atlantic. The default orange-billed tern in much of the East is Royal Tern (T. maxima), which is larger and deeper-billed than the species we con- sider here, although a single bird out of range and context might require closer study. In the North Atlantic basin, the only regular- ly occurring species matching this description is Lesser Crested Tern (T. bengalensis emigrata), which breeds in the eastern Mediterranean, primarily in Libya, Abstract This paper reviews the occurrence and iden- tihcation of orange -billed terns (genus Thalas- seus) in eastern North America, with emphasis on molt, ageing, and the limits of identifica- tion among similar taxa: Lesser Crested Tern (I bengalensis), Cayenne Tern (T. sandvicensis euiygnatha), and especially Elegant Tern (T. ele- gans), Elegant being the species named in most records of vagrant orange-billed terns consid- ered herein. Also treated are possible drivers of population changes and of vagrancy, such as El Nino events in the Pacific. Introduction Over the past several decades, puzzling orange- billed crested terns (genus Thalasseus) have ap- peared sporadically in eastern North America and in western Europe. These birds have some- times been discovered in the company of Sand- wich Terns (T sandvicensis), which they resem- ble closely in size and plumage but from which they differ in their orange or reddish bills. For the sake of this article, we refer to these birds as “orange -billed terns,” defined as and winters on the West African coast south to Nigeria (Figure 1). Some of the orange-billed terns seen farther afield in Europe have been referable to Lesser Crested Tern, which has oc- curred rarely in the past 30 years or so as an isolated breeder in Sandwich Tern colonies in France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and famously in the United Kingdom, where a female Lesser Crested dubbed “Elsie” was present annually on the Fame Islands during 1983-1997. Elsie paired with a Sandwich Tern and raised several hybrid offspring; along with other hybrid pair- ings, this has further complicated the playing field of orange -billed terns in the Atlantic. Many orange -billed terns in Europe, and (al- most?) all in eastern North America, have not matched Lesser Crested Tern. Some have been compelling candidates for Elegant Tern (I el- egans), and indeed many have been identified as such and added to state lists after com- mittee review. As a species of the Pacific coast of North and South America, Elegant seem an implau- to the At- A scene from Mexico? California? Florida? These Sandwich Terns are among Lesser Crested Terns in Africa, in the autonomous Spanish city of Ceuta. Photograph by, Jose Maria ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Map 1 . Core ranges of Elegant Tern (rose), Lesser Crested Tern (blue), and Cayenne Tern (green). Red dots indicate records of orange-billed terns out of range in Europe and eastern North America. lantic. However, the last half of the twentieth century has been a period of some upheaval for Elegant Terns. Changing sea conditions and anchovy distributions along the Pacific coast have driven significant shifts in the species’ breeding range and post-breeding dispersal (Schaffner 1986, Pearcy and Schoener 1987), which could contribute to vagrancy. The onset of these changes, which for convenience can be marked by the breeding expansion of Elegant Tern into southern California in the 1950s, precedes the incidence of orange -billed terns in the Atlantic. The era of vagrant orange-billed terns in the Atlantic began in the last quarter of the twentieth century — in Europe in 1974 at Banc d’Arguin, France (Dubois et al. 1990), and in eastern North America in 1985 on Assateague Island, Virginia (Wilds 1985); Texas had its first modern-era record in 1985 as well (Williams 1986). Records of orange-billed terns in the Atlantic have increased dramatically in the last decade or so, with at least 18 individuals docu- mented in eastern North America since 2000 (Table 1 , Map 1 , Figure 2) and a similar trend in Europe (Gantlett 2003, 2006; Slack 2009); records in Europe are from Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany. Determinations on the identity of many of these birds have been made by relevant records committees. By referring to these records as “orange-billed terns,” our intention is not to call into question any of these decisions or seek to re-open deliberation about records but rather to portray collectively the trend of oc- currence of these challenging-to-identify terns. Clearly, the odds of encountering an orange- billed tern in eastern North America are low, but records have been increasing. And so the objective of this article is to prepare observers by reviewing candidate species and potential identification criteria in the event that more orange -billed terns are encountered. Much remains to be learned, and in the treatment below we emphasize the “gray” nature of most identification criteria that have been applied to these terns. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 189 ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Molt strategies and ageing in Thalasseus terns Identification of any vagrant orange-billed tern should begin with an assessment of age, which is essential to interpret correctly many of the identification criteria covered here. The molt- ing strategies of Thalasseus terns have not been well studied, but those of Elegant Tern appear to be as follows (provisional dates are indicated in italics), based on examination of specimens and on field observations from California, Mexico, Ecuador, and Chile by Howell (mainly summarized in Pyle 2008). After loss of juvenile plumage, helpful char- acters for age determination are molt timing of the outer primaries and relative wear of the pri- maries. As a rule, first-summer terns look like non-breeding adults, whereas second-summers are rather variable: some resemble first-sum- mers (but wing molt timing differs), whereas others resemble breeding adults. By their sec- ond winter, most species of terns look like non- breeding adults, and their molt schedules have aligned with those of adults. White spots in the black cap in spring (Eebruary-April) may be typical of second- and perhaps third-summer Elegant Terns, but studies of known-age Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) have reported nesting fourth-year and older birds with white fore- heads (Cullen 1957); also note that breeding adult Elegant Terns start head molt while nest- ing and can have white-spotted crowns as early as May-June. When viewing terns in the field it is helpful to be aware that fresh flight feathers are pale grayish overall and covered by a pale bloom; I Table 1 . Eastern North American records (from Texas eat^tward) of oranp-billsd terns, m . Location Date Notes Corpus Christ!, TX (specimen) 25Jul1889 BMNH 91-10-20-92 (Oberholser 1974) Chincoteague Nationai Wiidiife Refuge, VA 20Jun1985 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult (Wilds 1985; Armistead 1985) Baimorhea Lake, Reeves County, TX 23 Dec 1985 (Williams 1986) These records from the Tampa Bay, FL area from October 1999 through Apri!2004app!y to at ieast two individuais, notinciuding presumed hybrid offspring. Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area, FL 3 Oct-22 Nov 1999 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult (Pranty 2000; Kwater 2001 ) Fort De Soto Park, FL 2 Dec 2000-6 Jan 2001 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult; different from 1999 individual (Pranty 2001a) Fort De Soto Park, FL 2-29 Apr 2001 1 breeding adult, observed copulating with Sandwich Tern (Pranty 2001b) Fort De Soto Park, FL 23 Aug-23 Sep 2001 2 subadults/nonbreeding adults plus one possible hybrid young, presumed offspring of Elegant and Sandwich (Pranty 2002); ph. Lyn Atherton. Image online: Tampa, FL 23 May 2002 1 breeding adult paired with a Sandwich Tern (Paul etal. 2003) Fort De Soto Park, FL 30 Apr-early May 2004 1 breeding adult, observed copulating with Sandwich Tern (Pranty 2004); ph. Bob Richter. Image online: Chincoteague, VA 5-16 Sep 2001 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult (Iliff 2002; Rottenborn and Brinkley 2007) East Beach, Gaiveston isiand, TX 4-18 Nov 2001 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult (Lockwood et al. 2002); ph. Brush Freeman. Images online: South Beach, Chatham, MA 4-28 Aug 2002 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult (Ellison and Martin 2003) Loggerhead Key, DryTortugas, FL 30 Apr-3 May 2004 1 bird of unknown plumage/age, with dark markings on bill; unpublished. Chincoteague isiand causeway, VA 4 Aug 2004 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult; ph. Michael Boatwright (Day 2005; Rottenborn and Brinkley 2007) Leech Lake, Cass County, MN 28Jun2007 1 breeding adult; ph. Robert Mortensen (Mortensen 2008) Boiivar Fiats, TX 15 Apr 2009 1 breeding adult; ph. Michael L. P. Retter; unpublished Virginia Beach, VA 9 Aug 2009 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult; ph. in North American Birds 64: 188 (Adams and Hafner 2010). Images online: Dauphin isiand, AL 25 May 2011 1 breeding adult (McConnell 2011; Kittle et al. 2011) Sandy Point, Plum Island, MA 23Jul 2011 1 breeding adult; ph. Suzanne Sullivan (Petersen 201 2) North Lido Beach, Lido Key, FL 25-31 May 2012 (and possibly same bird just to the south at Siesta Key sporadically through 9 Nov 201 2) 1 breeding adult (May); 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult (into Nov) (Anderson 2013a, 20123b); ph. in North American Birds 66: 572 Sandy Hook, NJ 2-22 Sep 2012 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult; ph. in North American Birds 67: 184 (Reed et al. 2013) Bowmans Beach, Sanibel Island, FL 25-27 Apr 201 3 2 breeding adults; ph. David T. Shoch Cupsogue, Long island, NY 3-7 Jul 2013 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult (Davis 2013) Upper Texas Coast, TX 14 Sep 2013 1 subadult/nonbreeding adult; ph. Mark Bartosik. Image online: Buffalo, NY area 20-24 Nov 2013 1 nonbreeding adult. Images online: Note: Many, but not all, of these records have been accepted by state records committees as referring to Elegant Tern. 190 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA as feathers wear, the bloom is lost and worn feathers are darker than fresh feathers — the op- posite of what happens on most other birds, where worn feathers are paler than fresh, dark- er feathers. On terns, this can be seen easily on old secondaries, whose dark centers are exag- gerated by wear (even on adults), and in the contrast between old dark and new paler pri- maries (Figure 3), or exposed blackish primary tips vs. basal dark gray areas. Elegant Terns fledge in July-August and, like other large terns, accompany their parents for several months, even perhaps through mi- gration to South America. Juveniles undergo a protracted and apparently complete prefor- mative molt, starting in July-August (only one or two months after fledging) and continuing through to the summer of the following year. Much of the dark-spotted juvenile back plum- age is molted quickly, often being replaced by plainer, pale gray formative feathering by August-September (Figures 4, 5). The first (preformative) primary molt, which replaces the uniform-generation juvenile flight feathers (Figure 6), typically commences in August-No- vember (Figure 7) and finishes in May-August of the following year. Many first-year birds ap- pear to suspend primary molt in December- February, after the renewal of 3-4 inner prima- ries and some inner rectrices (Figure 9); it is possible that some northerly wintering birds (off Middle America) do not start primary molt until January-February (Pyle 2008), but this requires confirmation. While the complete preformative wing molt is underway, a second wing molt (the first prealternate molt) starts April-May and can continue through August-September; dur- ing this molt, 1-6 inner primaries can be re- newed again, along with some to all rectrices; it is likely that some to most head and body Figure 1 . Lesser Crested Terns, Libya, 26 August 201 0. In nonbreeding birds, note the prominent black beady eyes in the crown pattern, similar to Royal Tern. This pattern is a result of at least some white feathering surrounding the eye, absent in Elegant Terns of any age, which also appear paler in the dorsum than Lesser Crested Terns. Photograph by Abdul Hamza. 12 10 eastern North America Europe 1975-1984 1985-1994 1995-2004 2005-2013 Figure 2. Vagrant orange-billed terns in the North Atlantic (1975-2013), y-axis = apparent number of individuals involved per decade. European records are sourced from Gutierrez (1998) and from records archived at: . Figure 3. Adult Elegant Tern, Moss Landing, California, 24 September 2008, showing contrast between fresh basic (pale gray) inner primaries and worn basic (blackish) outer primaries, as well as worn adult primary coverts and secondaries becoming dark (which is not necessarily an immature feature, as often thought). Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figure 4. Juvenile (center) Elegant Terns, Bodega Bay, California, 7 August 2013, showing variable dark marks on back (soon to be replaced by plain, pale gray formative feathers). Also note the extensive white crown of the center bottom bird. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 191 ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA feathers are also renewed at this time, but this is difficult to confirm in the field. In some cases, the end of this first prealternate wing molt can overlap with the start of the com- plete second prebasic molt, which starts in late July-Ociober, with molt of the inner primaries. The second prebasic molt ends in February- March, with growth of outer primaries, when It overlaps with the second prealternate molt (during December-April). The second preal- ternate molt involves head and body feathers (some birds may attain a solidly black cap at this time; studies of known-age birds could confirm this), along with 2-6 inner primaries and some to all rectrices. Thereafter, birds fol- low a pattern of complete prebasic molts dur- ing May-January (starting, at least on breeding birds, with crown feathers in May-June, and with inner primaries in June-August), and partially overlapping, incomplete prealternate molts during late November-February (which can include 4-7 inner primaries, up to 3 outer secondaries, and all rectrices), which may fin- ish during northward migration. Thus, adults and older immatures are completing outer primary molt around January-March, whereas first-cycle birds are completing outer primary molt around May-August. In fall, year-old birds, having recently completed preformative primary molt, can be distinguished from adults and older immatures by fresh outer primaries (Figure 8); however, many such birds may re- main south of the United States. A feature of the complete prebasic primary molt is that it can occur in two to three phases, at least in Mexican breeders; it starts in June- july on or near the breeding grounds, may suspend for northward dispersal to rich feed- ing areas along the California coast, continue in July-September, and, if not completed, it can suspend again through southward migra- tion to the west coast of South America, where Figure 5. First-cycle Elegant Tern, 1 6 August 2008, Abbots Lagoon, California, showing new (formative) uniform gray mantle feathers. Note the short yellowish bill. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figure 7. First-cycle Elegant Tern, Moss Landing, California, 24 September 2008 (Steve Howell) starting preformative primary molt. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figure 6. First-cycle Elegant Tern, Bodega Bay, California, 7 August 2013, showing uniformly fresh juvenile flight feathers (juvenile inner primaries and outer secondaries paler than middle-outer primaries and middle-inner secondaries), also black subterminal marks on relatively short rectrices. Outer primaries and primary coverts wear and become darker by late fall-winter (cf. Figures 9, 38). Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figure 8. Elegant Tern, Rio LIuta delta, Chile, 24 October 2009, of uncertain age, here interpreted as showing recently completed preformative primary molt (note relatively unworn outer primaries) and fresh inner primaries (pi -p6) from either first prealternate molt or second prebasic primary molt (or both). Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. 192 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 9. First-cycle Elegant Tern off Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, Mexico, 1 8 December 2008, with interrupted preformative molt of primaries (pl-p4 new), secondaries (outer secondaries new), and tail (at least one, black-marked juvenile feather remaining). Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. the outer 1-5 primaries are molted in December-January, at the same time as the overlapping prealtemate molt of inner primaries. This molt schedule commonly results in a distinctive wing pattern, whereby one or more old basic middle-outer primaries (usually p7 or p7-p8, molt- ed in California) contrast as a dark wedge between the new basic outer primaries and the new alternate inner-middle primaries. Adults in Cal- ifornia starting primary molt in August may be Pacific coast breeders, which nest about a month later than birds in the Gulf of California. The overall patterns of molt in North American Royal Tern (T. max- ima maxima) and Sandwich Terns appear broadly similar to Elegant Tern, and we suspect that Cayenne Tern and Lesser Crested Tern ex- hibit similar strategies, although timings and perhaps details will vary seasonally depending on local breeding seasons, migration distances, and wintering latitudes. Data presented for Lesser Crested Tern by Mailing Olsen and Larsson (1995) are clouded by their use of unhelp- ful seasonal terms, although they report the hrst (preformative) wing molt does not commence until January-Lebruary (vs. usually August- November in the longer-distance migrant Elegant Tern) and that adult head and body breeding plumage are molted slightly later than on El- egant, again perhaps a function of shorter migrations. Note, however, that in our very small sample of photographed birds, some first-cycle Lesser Crested Terns start primary molt in November (e.g., Eigure 20); whether this is typical we cannot say. The molt timings of vagrant terns, however, may well be atypical, with timings (and perhaps extents) of wing molts responding to fac- tors such as different hemispheres and altered migration distances. Figure 10. (Above) Juvenile Sandwich Tern, Carolina Beach, North Carolina, 16 August 2007. Note the short, blunt bill with extensive yellow coloration, also the dark-centered tertials and dark marks on the mantle. Photograph by David T Shock Figure 1 1 . (Right) When studying the bills of adult terns, observers should attempt to photograph them in perfect profile, so that the bills' true dimensions can be discerned in detail. From top to bottom: Elegant, Lesser Crested, Cayenne, Sandwich. Figure 12. (Below) Bill measurements of Sandwich (n=38). Lesser Crested (n=1 9), and Elegant Terns (n=46). Measures of males and females are combined because sex can seldom be determined in the field. Specimens from USNM,ANSP,UCD,CAS,MVZ. <10% I ■ Sandwich B Elegant B LesserCrested !.Ll 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 exposed culmen (mm) 3 20% I 15% -i VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 193 ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 13. Demonstration of assessment of ratio of exposed culmen ; distance from eye to base of exposed culmen from photograph. Orange-billed tern, Sanibel Island, Florida, 25 April 2013. Photograph by David T. Shoch. Figure 15. Elegant Tern, Bodega Bay, California 1 5 September 201 1 . "Classic" Elegant Tern with long bill; such birds are actually in the minority of fall flocks in California. Also note the relatively prominent gonydeal angle and its position nearer the bill base than in Lesser Crested Tern (cf. Figure 18). Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figure 16. Elegant Tern, San Diego, California, 1 April 2013. Note subtle contrast between new alternate middle primaries and slightly older basic outer primaries. Photograph by Tom Blackman. Figure 14. Histogram of ratio of exposed culmen : distance from eye to base of exposed culmen in Sandwich {n=38). Lesser Crested (n=19), and Elegant Terns (n=26). Measures of males and females are combined. Identification of orange-billed terns Candidates to consider in the identification of an orange-billed tern should include: Elegant Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Cayenne Terns, and also hybrids, in particular Sandwich Tern x El- egant Tern and Sandwich Tern x Lesser Crested Tern. Note that Cayenne Terns are referred to in the plural to reflect that two phenotypically distinct populations exist, one occurring from the Caribbean to Brazil (hereafter referred to as “northern”), the other breeding in Uruguay and Argentina and wintering in Brazil (hereaf- ter “southern”); the southern form is larger, on a different molt schedule, and shows signs of genetic isolation from the northern form (Es- calante 1970, van Halewijn 1990, Efe 2008). The North American subspecies of Sandwich Tern, known as Cabot’s Sandwich Tern (T. s. acujlavida), is further considered here in dis- cussions of hybrid terns in North America; hereinafter, all mention of “Sandwich Tern” re- fers to Cabot’s exclusively. The following review of identification crite- ria focuses on adults. Several of the characters are equally applicable to subadults, includ- ing fledged juveniles. Exceptions in the lat- ter case include bill structure and color, and crest length, which may take some time (up to a year?) to develop fully (especially beware of young juvenile Sandwich Terns, which can have largely yellow or even orange bills, though other indications of immaturity are typically also present, such as a short blunt bill and dark marks on the scapulars and wing co- verts) (Figure 10). Similarly, bills of young El- 194 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA egant Terns are often shorter and deeper-based than the long tapered bills of adults (Figure 5), and crowns of juvenile Elegant Terns can be extensively white, unlike subsequent plum- ages (Figure 4). Observers should be wary that for most characters and measures, there are ten- dencies but few diagnostic criteria. Identification criteria are summarized in Table 2. Bill size and shape In overall dimensions, Sandwich, Lesser Crested, and northern Cayenne Terns are all similar, smaller than southern Cayenne Terns, which in turn are only slightly smaller than Elegant Terns, the largest of the terns under consideration here (Figure 11). In di- rect comparison. Elegant Tern appears about 10% larger and longer-legged than Sandwich Tern. Bill length follows the same trend, with exposed culmen (of adults) averaging about 52-54 mm on Sandwich, Lesser Crested, and northern Cayenne Tern, about 59 mm on southern Cayenne Tern, and about 62 mm on Elegant Tern. In fact, bill length may be the least ambiguous structural feature by which to separate, for example, adult Elegant from Lesser Crested and Sandwich Terns (Figure 12). Nonetheless, bill length is variable, in part sex- and age-related, with males aver- aging longer-billed than females and adults longer-billed than hrst-cycle birds. While bill length is revealing, it is of course not measurable without a bird in the hand. Alternatively, relative bill length can be as- sessed from good photographs using the ra- tio of exposed culmen to distance from eye to base of exposed culmen (Figure 13). Though admittedly offering a more coarse assessment of bill length than direct measurement, this ra- tio varies similarly between species and holds promise as a more practical approach for field observers to assess relative bill length. Measurements of museum specimens reveal that the ratio averages greater in Elegant Tern than in Sandwich or Lesser Crested Terns (Fig- ■- — -V -V-- - • >-.v -.-.•.r- • • •• .. X..-- ■■ •. • • v . < ^ - ' ' ’ T’ " Table 2. Comparative characters/measures of adult orange-billed terns (measures of mixed sexe<: - range and .ample size; me isure, nt males and temale^ are i.r.mbined). Species Exposed culmen (mm) Ratio exposed culmen : eye to base of exposed culmen Bill color Leg/foot color Mantle, rump, and uppertail color Crown pattern Elegant Tern {Thalasseus elegam) 62 (53-70; n=46) 62 (53-69; n=31)’'‘>' 63 (56-71; 0=151)’" 3.0(2.5-3.6;n=26) Orange to red with yellowish tip, or plain chrome yellow. Tarsus and feet black, often with red or orange blotches (esp soles of feet, sides of toes and rear of tarsus), more frequently in subadults •Mantle KODAK 3-4 •Rump and uppertail white (contrasting with mantle) or pale gray (concolorouswith mantle) • Complete black cap and forecrown in Jan-Jun • Long crest extends well down nape • In non-breeding plumage, dark eye tends to be lost in black, with only a white lower eyelid setting it off, also a less extensive white crown than Sandwich (or Royal) Lesser Crested Tern {Thalasseus bengalensis) 52 (46-58; n=19) 54 (47-61; n=?)'' 53 (47-62; n=85)™'- 54(47-58;n=12)’" 2.7 (2.4-2.9;n=19) Evenly-toned orange throughout, seldom with red tones like Elegant Tarsus and feet black, occasionally with light (orange) soles. Juveniles occasionally with orange legs and feet. Mantle, rump and uppertail KODAK grayscale 5-6 • Complete black cap and forecrown in Apr-Jul/Aug““' • In non-breeding plumage, eye often bordered with white crescent at rear setting it apart from black crown (not in Elegant), also a • less extensive white crown than Sandwich (or Royal) Northern Cayenne Tern {Thalasseus sandvlcensis eurygnatha] 54 (49-58; n=23)' 54 (48-61; 0=23)““' 54 (47-60; n=48)'" No data Yellow, often with variable and substantial dark markings. Rarely with muted or dusky orange base. Tarsus and feet black, sometimes with yellow or orange blotches Similar to Sandwich Tern • Appearance similar to Sandwich Tern • On a Northern Hemisphere molt schedule, with complete black cap and forecrown in Mar-Jul'" Southern Cayenne Tern {Thalasseus sandvlcensis eurygnatha) 59 (54-64; n=17)' 58 (54-62; n=l 4)™' 58(53-62; n=29)’" No data Yellow, occasionally with variable dark markings. Rarely with muted or dusky orange base. Tarsus and feet black with yellow soles of feet' Similar to Sandwich Tern • Appearance similar to Sandwich Tern. • Argentina breeding populations on a Southern Hemisphere molt schedule, with complete black cap and forecrown in Aug/Sep-Dec • Brazilian breeding populations on a Northern Hemisphere molt schedule, presumably similar to Sandwich Tern. Breeding phenology of Uruguay nesters not fully studied. Cabot's Sandwich Tern {Thalasseus sandvlcensis acuTlavida) 51 (46-57; n=38) 52 (47-56; n=80)'’ 52 (47-56; n=70)“ 52 (43-57; n=41)'" 2.7 (2.0-3.1;n=38) Black with yellow tip Tarsus and feet black, occasionally with light (yellow) soles •Mantle KODAK grayscale 4-5 ’’ •Rump and uppertail white • Complete black cap and forecrown in Feb-Jun" • In non-breeding plumage, typically molts to mostly white crown well to rear of eye (and often set off by white crescent behind eye), giving it a more bald-headed appearance than either Lesser Crested or Elegant ^ = Pyle 2008; = Mailing Olsen and tarsson 1995; ' = Escalante 1 970; ™ = van Halewijn 1 990 unspecified = Shoch and Howell measurements from National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C, (USNM), Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (ANSP), University of California, Davis (UCD), California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco (CAS), and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley (MVZ). Note that measures of Lesser Crested Terns are derived from subspecies including, but not limited to, emigrata. VOIUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 195 ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure IS.Lesser Crested Terns, Donana National Park beach, Spain, 22 July 2011, showing even-toned orange bill and gonydeal angle located roughly midway along bill length. Photograph by Carlos Gutierrez. Figure 1 7. Elegant Terns, Stinson Beach, California, 1 6 October 2007. Note the less obviously drooping bills as compared with the bird in Figure 16, also the drooped versus raised crests and resulting apparent differences in crest length and differences in bill size/shape and color. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figure 19. Adult Lesser Crested Tern with Royal Tern, Dahkia, Morocco, 9 April 2007. Note that the bill is less tapered than in typical Elegant Tern, with uniform orange coloration, here looking like a miniature Royal Tern (the African subspecies albididorsalis of Royal Tern, shown here, has a less stout, and more intensely orange bill than the North American subspecies maximus). Note that the mantle of the Lesser Crested Tern is darker than in both Sandwich and Royal Terns. Photograph by Ferrari Lopez. Figure 20. First-cycle Lesser Crested Tern, Ribadeo, Spain, 14 November 2012, initiating preformative primary molt (p2 growing in). Note the gonydeal angle located roughly midway along bill length, also the rear white eye crescent and gray rump. Photograph by Pablo Gutierrez Varga. ure 14), and the difference in means is statisti- cally significant (P<0.05). While there is much overlap, no Lesser Crested or Sandwich Tern had a ratio >3.1, while more than 38% of El- egant Terns had ratios >3.1. Also, no Elegant Tern had a ratio <2.5, while about 20% of Less- er Crested and Sandwich Terns had ratios <2.5. The same results bear out in analysis of pho- tographs. Analysis of profiles of 11 Sandwich Terns from Florida yielded an average ratio of 2.5, with no bird exceeding 3.1, while 26 El- egant Terns from California yielded an average ratio of 3.2, with no bird less than 2.5. This ratio can serve as a useful measure for judging relative bill length on lone birds from photo- graphs. To achieve a proper assessment of ratio requires a good profile, sufficient resolution, and the terns eye must be clearly visible; the latter can be difficult to obtain with a bird in breeding plumage, when birds have a wholly dark crown. More difficult to assess is bill shape, al- though traditionally this has been emphasized in identification. Elegant Terns tend to have more tapering bills that appear to droop (Eig- ures 15-18), and often the maxilla is slightly longer than the mandible (less often so in Sandwich and Lesser Crested Terns), which accentuates the perceived droop and taper and may be more marked on males (study needed). Sandwich and Lesser Crested Terns have similar bill shapes (and sizes), on aver- age appearing shorter- and deeper-billed than Elegant Tern (Figures 18-21). In Sandwich and Lesser Crested Terns, the gonydeal angle is of- ten located midway along the length of the bill, while in Elegant Tern the gonydeal angle tends to be located nearer the bill base (and is often less prominent than on Sandwich). Bill shape of Cayenne Terns typically features a gently curved culmen, evenly drooping throughout its length, somewhat like Elegant but deeper- based (Figures 22, 23). 196 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 0RAN6E-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 21 . Adult Lesser Crested Tern, Cadiz, Spain, 8 July 2012, with vaguely drooping bill profile (that could invite confusion with Elegant Tern); however, note the uniformly paler orange coloration of the bill and shorter crest. Photograph by Antonio Acedo. Notwithstanding the tendencies described above, bill shape is a highly variable character and should be weighed with caution. Elegant Terns, for example, can have a prominent go- nydeal angle, despite descriptions to the con- trary (Figure 15). Bill coloration Bill color is of course what makes orange-billed terns stand out from the Sandwich Terns with which they are often encountered. Again, the following descriptions refer to adults. Without exception. Sandwich Terns have black bills with a yellow tip of variable extent. Elegant Terns typically have orange bills fading to a variable pale yellow tip, often with red tones at the base (range of coloration illustrated in Figures 15, 16, 17, 24, 25). The bills of Lesser Crested Terns are generally evenly-toned or- ange throughout (Figures 1, 18-21, 26, 27, 37-39, 45-52). Cayenne Terns are typically yellow- or dull yellow-green-billed, often fea- turing variable but substantial dark markings, particularly in the basal half of the bill (Es- calante 1970, Hayes 2004), most frequent in northern Cayenne (up to 40% of individuals in the Netherlands Antilles; van Halewijn 1990). Wholly bright and vivid orange/red bills, that would invite confusion with Elegant or Lesser Crested Terns, are unknown in Cayenne Tern. However, occasional individuals (<1% in the Netherlands Antilles; van Halewijn 1990) may show a muted or dusky orange to red bill base grading to a yellow distal half; the extent of yel- low in such cases is more extensive than seen in Elegant or Lesser Crested and matches the dull yellow tone of “typical” Cayenne Terns (Fig- ures 28, 29). Escalante (1970) indicated that 5 out of 17 Cayenne Terns collected in Uruguay had “apricot orange to coral red” bills, though we have not been able to find recent evidence of birds with wholly orange or red bills, and recent researchers working in Argentina and Figure 22. Cayenne Terns, Punta Rasa, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 10 March 2008. Note the evenly drooping bills, also the prominent beady black eyes set off by white feathering (also in Sandwich and Lesser Crested Terns, not in Elegant Tern). Photograph by Roberto Giiller. Figure 23. Cayenne Terns with Royal Tern, Punta Rasa, Argentina, 10 March 2008. Note the evenly drooping bills, also yellow mottling in the legs. The Cayenne Terns here are molting into basic plumage; in contrast, birds on a Northern Hemisphere molt schedule would be molting into basic plumage in the northern autumn. Photograph by Roberto Guller. Figure 24. Elegant Terns, San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico, 10 September 2006, here displaying the range of orange tones presented in adult Elegant Terns. The bird at left illustrates the near maximum whitish framing of the eye shown by Elegant Tern. Note the similarity in bill shape to the Cayenne Terns in Figures 22, 23. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 197 ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 25. Adult Elegant Terns, Abbotts Lagoon, California, 16 August 2008, with relativeiy short, plain orange bills (unlike the typical field guide), suggesting Lesser Crested but bills slimmer and longer overall, and note non-breeding face pattern, without white "goggles." A Lesser Crested among Elegants would appear smaller, with darker upperparts and a iess stiletto-like bili; in nonbreeding plumages. Lesser Crested shows more white in the face, especiaily around the eye, than Eiegant. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figure 26. Lesser Crested Terns, Libya, 22 Juiy 201 2. Note the even-toned carrot-orange bills and the white rear eye crescent in the bird center right, again, reminiscent of Royal Tern. An Elegant Tern among Lesser Cresteds would appear paler above, a bit larger, and in nonbreeding plumages would show more black in the face. Photograph by Abdul Hamza. Figure 27. Aduit Lesser Crested Tern, Cadiz, Spain, 10 July 2012. Note the uniformly pale orange bill and relatively short crest. Photograph by Antonio Acedo. Uruguay have not observed such birds. Con- trary to some accounts (e.g. Mailing Olsen and Larsson 1995), occurrence of orange-billed individuals does not appear to be greater in southern Cayenne Tern. The presence of dark markings on the bill has been suggested as an indication of Sand- wich Tern parentage in Elegant (Velarde and Rojo 2012) and Cayenne Terns (Hayes 2004), but the evidence thus far has been circumstan- tial. For example, suspected Elegant x Sand- wich hybrids in the Elegant Tern colony at Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, Mexico were identified on the basis of having dark markings on the bill, without discounting the presence of pure Elegant Terns with natural incidence of dark bill markings (Velarde and Rojo 2012). It would also seem possible that pure Elegant or Cayenne Terns could demonstrate variable dark bill markings that might approach the ap- pearance of Sandwich Tern (both in northern and southern Cayenne Tern; Escalante 1970, Hayes 2004; Figure 30). Thus, what has been viewed as evidence of intergradation might instead reflect the range of appearance within a highly variable population (see Mitra and Buckley 2000). How frequently and to what extent dark markings occur on the bills of pure adult Elegant Terns is not known, but such markings are presumably rare in adults; first-cycle Elegant Terns can have dusky lateral bill patches, though rarely (Mailing Olson and Larson 1995, Pyle 2008; Figure 31), and all ages in nonbreedmg plumage may show dark coloration around the nares and bill base. Thus, while dark bill markings on an adult orange-billed tern may suggest hybrid origin (with Sandwich Tern), there is no basis as yet for that supposition. Leg and foot coloration The terns considered here also differ in color- ation patterns of the legs and feet. The “default” coloration in all is black, but Elegant Terns often have orange mottling on the legs, and Cayenne Terns can show similar patterning in yellow or orange (Figures 32, 23). Sandwich and Lesser Crested Terns almost invariably have wholly black legs, though juvenile Lesser Crested Terns occasionally have orange legs (see frontispiece). The relative distribution of light and dark areas on legs and feet was ex- amined on a sample of museum skins of adults at the Smithsonian Institution (USNM) and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia (ANSP). Of this sample, 67% of Elegant Terns (n=27) had light coloration on the legs and/ or feet, compared with only 8% of Sandwich Terns (n=80) and 25% of Lesser Crested Terns (n=12). In Elegant Tern, light coloration was 198 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA evident on the soles, sides of the toes, and on the tarsus, frequently on the rear tarsus, where- as in all cases of Sandvihch and Lesser Crested Terns, the light coloration was restricted to the soles. In Elegant Tern, orange coloration on the legs and feet is more prevalent in first-cycle birds than in adults, but it can be shown by all ages; we do not know how it relates to age in the other species. Plumage pattern Several details of crown pattern differ among species. Most distinctive is crest length, which is longest in Elegant Tern and an important fea- ture to confirm in the identification of that spe- cies. Although a consistent feature, crest length should be assessed with some caution, as it depends on whether the crest is raised. When the crest is raised, differences in crest length are less apparent; when the crest lays flat against the nape (Eigures 17, 33, 34, 35), differences are most apparent. Also, Lesser Crested Tern tends to differ from Elegant and Sandwich Terns in the extent of the dark crown in breed- ing plumage, perceived as a broader white area between the dark crovm border and the bill gape in Lesser Crested. However, we find that this distinction is too subtle and too prone to Figure 28a, b. Adult and juvenile Cayenne Terns, Nueva Atlantis, south of Punta Rasa, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1 0 March 2008; adult at Punta Rasa, Argentina, 21 March 2009. These adults demonstrate the extreme of orange bill coloration presented in southern (and all?) Cayenne Terns. Photographs by Roberto Giiller. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 199 ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 29. Cayenne Terns (with Royal Tern, with fish, in foreground), Bahia San Bias, Argentina, 19 November 2012. The individual on the left is more typical, with a uniform yellow bill, while the individual on the right shows a dusky red/ orange color in the basal half of the bill — though still not approaching the vivid orange of Elegant or Lesser Crested Terns. Photograph by Cristian Marinao. Figure 30. Cayenne Terns, Punta Rasa, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 8 April 2009. The range of dark bill coloration in Cayenne Tern (see Hayes 2004) is demonstrated here; note in particular the individual at center right, which approaches the appearance of Sandwich Tern. Photograph by Roberto Giiller. Figure 31 . Juvenile Elegant Tern, Stinson Beach, California, 1 6 October 2007. Dark bill markings, as in this individual, are rare but regular in first-fall Elegant Terns. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. misinterpretation to be of value as a field mark. In nonbreeding plumages, Sandwich Tern typically attains a mostly white crown, with limited fine dark streaking, well to the rear of the eye, giving it a more bald-headed ap- pearance; in contrast, the pale crown of Lesser Crested and Elegant Terns is less extensive and with coarser dark markings interspersed (Figure 36). Also in nonbreeding plumages. Lesser Crested, Cayenne, and Sandwich Terns typically have a prominent white crescent be- low and behind the eye (Figures 1, 22, 26), whereas in Elegant the eye typically gets lost in the black, set off only by a white lower eyelid (Figure 24, 25, 40). In fact, the progression of crown molt appears to differ between Lesser Crested and Elegant Terns: in Lesser Crested Tern, crown molt initiates at the forecrown, as in other crested terns, but also in a narrow crescent above and behind the eye, often im- parting the temporary appearance of isolated white “goggles” or “eyebrows” within a mostly dark crown (Figures 37-39), not matched by Elegant Tern. The crown pattern of a molting or non-breeding Lesser Crested Tern, together with relatively deep and evenly orange bill, can give it the appearance of a miniature Royal Tern (perhaps not surprisingly. Lesser Crested Tern has been demonstrated to be closer genetically to Royal Tern than to Elegant and Sandwich Terns; Bridge et al. 2005, Efe 2008). Tone and distribution of gray on the upper- parts is fairly uniform among species (KODAK gray scale 3-4), except in the case of Lesser Crested Tern, which tends to be slightly dark- er, more smoky gray (KODAK gray scale 5-6), comparable to Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). This difference also holds for the Mediterra- nean subspecies of Lesser Crested Tern, emi- grata, the lightest of the Lesser Crested subspe- cies (Mailing Olson and Larson 1995), which is still appreciably darker than Elegant Tern, for example (Figure 41). Judging gray tones in the field is notoriously difficult, however, and requires careful consideration of lighting and lighting angle to be certain that perceived differences are real. The same caution should be applied in assessing the color of the rump. Lesser Crested Tern typically (always?) has a pale gray (not white) rump and uppertail, the same tone as the mantle (Figures 45-47); note that the uppertail can often be a paler gray than the rump, which tends to be the same tone as the mantle. While breeding/spring adult El- egant Tern usually (always?) has contrasting white rump/uppertail coverts (Figure 42), some nonbreeding and immature plumages (including juvenile) have the rump/uppertail coverts pale gray, not contrasting with the back or tail (Figures 43, 44). More important for dis- 200 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA tinguishing Lesser Crested from Elegant Tern is the tone of gray in the rump, which, as for the mantle, is darker in Lesser Crested. Coupled with these potential ambiguities, this feature is also difficult to assess conclusively, even on a bird seen well, as it depends not only on light- ing and correct perception of gray/white but on the typically brief or unstable glimpses of the rump and uppertail offered by a bird in flight or momentarily stretching its wings. As with the upperparts, underpart color- ation is mostly similar among species. Lesser Crested Tern apparently does not display the rosy blush to the white underparts that is often seen in breeding-plumaged Sandwich, Cay- enne, and, especially. Elegant Terns, which in- cidentally also separates them from Royal Tern. All ages of Elegant Tern can have a strong rosy blush (right adult in Eigure 32), presumably related to diet. Molt timing Timing of primary molt could aid in the iden- tification of a vagrant southern Cayenne Tern. Populations of Cayenne Tern in Argentina are on a Southern Eiemisphere molt schedule, with adults initiating prebasic primary molt in Janu- ary (Escalante 1970), and in breeding plumage (with complete black cap and forecrown) from August/September-December (van Elalewijn 1990); it is not clear that nesters in Uruguay are on the same molt schedule (Ruud van Halewijn, pers. comm.). All other candidate orange-billed terns are on a Northern Eiemi- sphere molt schedule, including populations of northern Cayenne that breed in Brazil (Efe 2008). So for example, a bird encountered in January that is just beginning its prebasic pri- mary molt (distinguished from prealternate molt by the degree of wear of old primaries), or a bird in breeding plumage in August or September, would logically be a bird from the Figure 32. First-cycle (left) Elegant Tern, Moss Landing, California, 1 6 October 2007. Some juvenile Elegant Terns can show almost wholly orange tarsi and feet like this individual. Orange blotches can be retained in older age classes of Elegant Tern. Also note the rosy blush to the white underparts on the adult at right. Photograph by Steve N. 6. Howell. Figure 33. Elegant Terns, Stinson Beach, California, 16 October 2007, demonstrating the apparent length of crest with different attitudes, crest relaxed (left) and raised (right). Also note the contrast between fresh basic (pale gray) middle primaries and worn basic (blackish) outer primaries. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. Figures 34, 35. Elegant Terns with Royal Tern (center), south ofTortugas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 10 October 2012, showing differences in non-breeding crown pattern and bill size between Elegant Tern and Royal Tern, the latter somewhat resembling a giant Lesser Crested Tern. Note how apparent crest length of the Elegant Terns changes greatly within a few seconds. Photograph by Steve N. 6. Howell. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 201 ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 36. Nonbreeding crown patterns in (left to right) Elegant, Lesser Crested, and Cabot's Sandwich Terns. Photograph by David T Shoch. Figure 37. Lesser Crested Terns of the nominate subspecies, bengalensis, Red Sea, 3 August 2009. Individuals in center left and right show isolated white crescents bordering eyes typical of non-breeding crown pattern (and even shown in the initial stages of crown molt as here) of Lesser Crested Tern. Photograph by Abdul Hamza. Figure 38. Adult Lesser Crested Tern, Cadiz, Spain, 10 July 2012 in early stages of crown molt, showing white forecrown and broad diffuse white "eyebrow." Photograph by Antonio Acedo. Southern Hemisphere, newly arrived in the north. That a bird is on a Northern Hemisphere molt cycle does not, however, eliminate a Southern Hemisphere origin, because vagrants switching hemispheres can shift to a new molt schedule (Howell 2010). Hybrids It may well be that hybrid origin can never be discounted as a possibility in the identification of any orange-billed tern. While we don’t know how prevalent hybrids are, we do know that they are out there, including Elegant x Sand- wich Terns (Collins 1997, Paul et al. 2003, Du- bois et al. 1990), Lesser Crested x Sandwich Terns (Steele and McGuigan 1989, Jiguet 1997, Dies and Dies 1998), and (indeterminate) orange-billed x Sandwich Terns (Dies et al. 2006). In France, where there are about 50 ac- cepted records of Elegant Tern, including one or more birds observed among breeding terns at He de Noirmoutier 1 1 July 2006 and for the subsequent four breeding seasons, there is con- cern that some birds are most likely hybrids, and so DNA analysis using feathers is under- way (Georges Olioso, pers. comm.). No descriptions of known hybrid adults ex- ist. Hybrid chicks have been described (Dies and Dies 1998), but more useful in this context are descriptions of two known hybrid fledged juveniles observed in their first fall, both Lesser Crested x Sandwich Terns ringed in the United Kingdom (Steele and McGuigan 1989, Jiguet 1997). Both individuals had bills unlike either species, being grayish-yellow with grayish or black marks (though likely still growing and evolving in coloration), and exhibited features of both Lesser Crested (white crescent be- hind eye, less extensive white crown in non- breeding head pattern) and Sandwich Tern (pale gray mantle color comparable in tone to nearby Sandwich Terns). Notably, both had at least one character of each parent species, which supports an assumption that hybrids are unlikely to exhibit all characters of either par- ent. Thus, a hybrid might well be ruled out by confirming consistency across a full range of identification characters. Origins Any robust identification should weigh the likelihood of each candidate. This is always a highly speculative endeavor, but what can be said in this case — and this is what makes these orange -billed terns so intriguing — is that the drivers of vagrancy and routes to reaching eastern North America for any of the given can- didate species are not immediately obvious. In fact, the perceived improbability of, for exam- ple, Elegant Tern repeatedly reaching Europe, 202 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA has led to some speculation of even more im- plausible, and unfounded, possibilities, such as the existence of orange-billed Sandwich Terns (Gutierrez 1998). There are, however, logical pathways and circumstances that can explain their arrival, explored in the following discus- sion of the potential origin of Atlantic orange- billed terns. Before discussing individual species, it is worth stepping back to take note that the dis- tributions of many Thalasseus terns have been shifting notably in the past half-century. Ele- gant Terns, historically confined to Baja Cali- fornia, Mexico, first colonized southern Cali- fornia as a breeding species in 1959 (Schaffner 1986), followed by significant expansion of regular post-breeding dispersal north up the Pacific coast (Pearcy and Schoener 1987). Less- er Crested Terns began colonizing the north- western Mediterranean as isolated breeders as recently as the 1970s and 1980s (Brichetti and Foschi 1987, Dies and Dies 1998). European Sandwich Tern (the nominate subspecies) ex- panded into the Mediterranean as a breeder in pigyre 39. Adult Lesser Crested Tern, Cadiz, Spain, 1 0 July 201 2 in an earlier stage of crown molt than in Figure 38, with the 1950s (Dies and Dies 1998). The northern white feathers beginning to appear in the forecrown. Photograph by Antonio Acedo. Figure 40. Elegant Terns, Stinson Beach, California, 1 6 October 2007. Note face panerns, which lack distinct white areas around eye (other than white eye-arcs) that create beady-eyed appearance of Lesser Crested and Cayenne Terns (and Royal Tern). Photograph by Steve W. 6. Howell. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 203 ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Fif ure 41 . Comparison of mantle color between Elegant Tern (above; Mexico, female, April) and Lesser Crested Tern (below; Morocco, subspecies emigrata, male, May). Elegant and Lesser Crested Terns here assessed as KODAK grayscale 4 and 6, respectively. Mote also the white rump of the Elegant and gray rump of the Lesser Crested. Photograph by David T. Shoch. population of Cayenne Tem has expanded northward into the Caribbean since the 1960s (Buckley and Buckley 1984, Mitra and Buckley 2000), while at the same time North American Sandwich Tern (subspecies acufla- vida) has expanded southward as a breeder into the Caribbean (Buckley and Buckley 1984). Whatever accounts for these dynamic ranges, whether changing sea conditions, prey distributions and/or some other factors, might also help fuel increasing vagrancy in these species. Movements of Elegant Tern have been demonstrated to be correlated with El Nino events. The expansion of breeding into southern California in 1959 followed a se- vere El Nino event in 1957-1958 (Schaffner 1986) . El Nino affects anchovy distributions along the Pacific coast and in turn drives dis- persal of Elegant Terns (Pearcy and Schoener 1987) . Similarly, these conditions likely drive vagrancy in Elegant Tern: the El Nino event that occurred from June 2009 through May 2010 (National Weather Service 2013) caused abandonment of nesting colonies in the Sea of Cortez and coincided with an un- precedented pulse of inland records in Arizo- na and New Mexico (10 individuals reported from June 2009 to June 2010; Stevenson Figure 42. Elegant Tern, San Diego, California, 2 August 2007. Adult in prebasic molt with white Figure 43. Non-breeding adult Elegant Tern, Abbotts Lagoon, California, 16 August rump contrasting with gray mantle. Photograph by Tom Blackman. 2008, with pale gray rump and tail — not the contrasting white illustrated in field guides. Photograph by Steve N. G. Howell. 204 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE-BILLED TERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA and Rosenberg 2009, 2010; Williams 2010, 2011). Perhaps not surprisingly, the increas- ing frequency and intensity of El Nino events observed since the 1970s (Trenberth and Hoar 1995) coincides with the period of incidence of orange-billed terns in inland North America and along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Indeed, the only previous wave of Elegant Terns to the interior Southwest occurred during an event in 2001, when New Mexico recorded its first two Elegants (Williams 2001a. 2001b) and Arizona also recorded two (Rosenberg and Jones 2001). Later, in fall 2001, Virginia recorded its second (Rottenborn and Brinkley 2007), and Texas re- corded its second coastal record but first since 1889 (Lockwood et al. 2002). A potential scenario could thus involve small numbers of Elegant Terns periodically driven inland and eastward by El Nino events. Some of these birds make it to the Gulf of Mexico, remaining there or working their way north- ward up the Atlantic coast, mirroring move- ments along the Pacific coast. Perhaps a more likely route involves crossing to the Atlantic Basin at the Isthmus of Panama or the Isthmus of Tehuantepec during northbound migration, perhaps in association with Sandwich Terns Figure 44. Elegant Tern, off Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, Mexico. 1 8 December 2008. A first-cyle bird in preformative molt with gray rump. Photograph by Steve N. 6. HowelL Figure 45. Lesser Crested Terns of the nominate subspecies, bengalensis, Red Sea, 3 August 2009. Note the center bird, which in this bright light appears to have a mostly white taii and rump (on dose scrutiny the upper rump is the same gray shade as the mantle). Photograph by Abdul Hamza. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 205 ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 46. Lesser Crested Tern, Donana National Park beach, Spain, 22 July 201 1 . The gray rump and tail, with the upper rump concolorous with mantle, are evident. Photograph by Carlos Gutierrez. Figure 47. First-cycle Lesser Crested Tern, Ribadeo, Spain, 14 November 2012, initiating preformative primary molt (p2 growing in). Note the gray rump and tail. Photograph by Pablo Gutierrez. that cross these areas regularly to winter on the Pacific coast from Mexico south. Although no Elegant Terns have been confirmed from the Caribbean coast of Central America, this re- gion has very little coverage. Over time, some of these birds might nest with Sandwich Terns to produce hybrid offspring, resulting in both pure and hybrid Elegant Terns and thus con- tributing to records of orange-billed terns in eastern North America. While there have been no claimed records of Lesser Crested Tern in North America to date, a Lesser Crested Tern in eastern North America should not be summarily discounted. It’s not a stretch to imagine birds wintering in West Af- rica being drifted with prevailing winds across the Atlantic to arrive in the Lesser Antilles, well known for their propensity to receive vagrants from the western Palearctic (Ebels 2002, Buck- ley et al. 2009, Howell et al. 2014). These way- ward Lesser Crested Terns could then join with migrating Sandwich Terns and proceed north- ward to eastern North American coasts, and, like the scenario outlined for Elegant Tern, hybridize with Sandwich Terns over time. In- deed, recent records of vagrant Gray-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephaJus) in North America and the Caribbean might even pres- age such occurrences of Lesser Crested Tern 206 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ORANGE=BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA or Cayenne Tern, given the potential origins of this gull in West Africa or southern South America (Howell et al. 2014). Compared to Elegant and Lesser Crested Terns, northern Cayenne Terns would have considerably less distance to cover to reach eastern North America. Nevertheless, those Cayennes closest to eastern North America, in the Caribbean, frequently have extensive dark markings on the bill (Voous 1983, Hayes 2004), thus not matching the appearance of an orange -billed tern. Cayennes very rarely, if ever, have completely orange bills. Cayenne Terns from southern South America, with bills ap- proaching those of Elegant Tern in length, are further removed from eastern North America than any other candidates considered. That they may be the least likely to occur as vagrants is perhaps a good thing; a Cayenne Tern with a long bill with orange tones that had switched to a Northern Hemisphere molt cycle would pose a daunting confusion risk with Elegant Tern. Cayenne Terns from Argentina and Uru- guay migrate northward in the austral autumn (March) to winter near the equator (northern Brazil; Ruud van Halewijn, pers, comm.) and could potentially overshoot to the Northern Hemisphere. The status of Cayenne Tern in North America is not clear: Mitra and Buckley (2000) recog- nize only four and do not list some included by Hayes (2004). A recent candidate for yellow- billed Cayenne Tern at Siesta Key, Florida 10 August through 23 October 2012 has been well photographed (Anderson 2013b; ph. in North American Birds 67: 184) — but is sometimes re- ported by birders as an Elegant Tern, and is in a location where Elegant has been reported (see Table 1). Could it be a hybrid individual from the Tampa Bay ternery? Toward understanding the evolving status of orange-billed terns in the North Atlantic, it is critical that observers push beyond current knowledge, incorporating studies of vocaliza- tions, DNA, or any other evidence that could shed light on their identification. Acknowledgments For assistance with specimens held at their in- stitutions, we thank Chris Milensky (USNM), Maureen Flannery (CAS), Carla Cicero (MVZ), Andy Engilis (UCD), Phil Unitt (SDNHM), and Nate Rice (ANSP). For discussions on the terns considered here, we are most grateful to Oliver Komar, Abdul Hamza, Roberto Gtiller, Chris- tian Savigny, Jon Greenlaw, Pablo Yorio, Javier Lenzi, Floyd Hayes, Bob Flood, Daniel Lopez- Velasco, Pablo Gutierrez, Georges Olioso, An- tonio Acedo, Angel Sanchez, Carlos Gutierrez, Ferran Lopez, Peter Pyle, Joaquin Sanchez, Figure 48. Juvenile Lesser Crested Tern, Ceuta, Spain, 21 September 201 0. Through banding, many Lesser Crested Terns observed in Spain (Iberian peninsula) and Ceuta, Spain (African continent) have been confirmed to be from Libyan breeding populations (migrata subspecies). Note the short, rather heavy bill at this age. Photograph by Jose Maria Carceles Moreno. Figure 49. Figure 49. Juvenile Lesser Crested Tern, Ceuta, Spain, 2 October 2008. Unlike young Elegant Terns (cf. Figures 5-7, 9, 31 , 32), first-cycle Lesser Crested Terns regularly show some white encircling the eye. Photograph by Joaquin Sanchez. Figure SO. Lesser Crested Tern, Ceuta, Spain, 21 September 2010. Note the white post ocular crescent and gray rump. Photograph by Jose Maria Carceles Moreno. VOLUME 67 (2013) » NUMBER 2 207 ORANGE-BILLEDTERNS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Figure 51 . Lesser Crested Terns, Ceuta, Spain, 2 October 2008. Note the relatively dark gray mantles, evenly toned orange bills and post-ocular crescents. Photograph by Joaquin Sanchez. Figure 52. 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Williams, F 1986. The winter season: South- ern Great Plains region. American Birds 40: 297-299. Williams, S. O. 2001a. The spring migration: New Mexico region. North American Birds 55: 336-338. — . 2001b. The nesting season: New Mexico region. North American Birds 55: 467-473 — . 2010. The spring migration: New Mexico region. North American Birds 64: 469-473. — . 2011. The nesting season: New Mexico re- gion. North American Birds 64: 625-628. VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 209 BIRDING JOURNAL ( Vermivora bachmanii): \ Recollections and Corrections PfiOLW. SYKES, JR. • 1080 FOREST ROAD • WATKiNSVlLLE, GEORGIA 30677 • (JJSYKES@CHARTER.NET) My first long-distance chase for a rare bird was for Bachmans War- bler (Vermivora hachmanii). In the 1950s and 1960s, National Audu- bon Society sponsored “Audubon Screen Tours,” motion picture films or slide shows presented by prominent ornithologists and naturalists to educate the general public about birds and other topics in natural his- tory. I was a senior in 1959 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Man- agement. In November that year, I attended a presentation in the auditorium of the School of Textiles by Alexander Sprunt, Jr., of Charleston, South Carolina. Afterwards, my friend. Dr. Thomas L. Quay — who four years later, after my tour of duty in the U. S. Navy, was chair of my graduate committee — intro- duced me to Mr. Sprunt. During the course of discussions on birds and the conserva- tion efforts of National Audubon, I asked Mr. Sprunt if he would give me the name of someone in the Charleston area who would contact me if a Bachman’s Warbler were to be seen in the coming year. He gave me the name and address of Mr. Ellison A. Williams. I wrote Mr. Williams on 3 March 1960 and enclosed a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On 16 April, Mr. Williams acknowledged re- ceipt of my letter and said he would contact me if a Bachman’s Warbler was found. On 14 May 1960, 1 was overcome with joy upon receiving a postcard from Mr. Williams stat- ing that a male Bachman’s Warbler (Figure 1) was back at the locality where one had been observed for the previous two years. I kept the postcards (Figures 2,3). I was beside myself. I quickly contacted Commander Earl Greenlaw, Chaplain, U.S. Navy, and wife Frances, who were long- time family friends living in Charleston and shared my exuberance over the good news. They said I would be welcome to stay at their home (their oldest son Wayne was Best Man at my wedding in 1962). I then telephoned Mr. Williams and made arrangements to visit the locality where the warbler was seen. In spring 1960, the senior class in Forest Management at North Carolina State School of Forestry was at Hill Forest Camp, near Durham, North Carolina. On 20 May, in high spirits, I hitchhiked from Durham to Charleston to stay with the Greenlaw family over the weekend. Mr. Williams picked me up on Saturday morning, 21 May, and took me to the site where the Bachman’s Warbler had been seen. With great anticipation upon arriving at the site, I quickly opened the car door and to my amazement immediately heard the male singing. The time was 9:30 a.m. The tree in which the warbler perched was on the edge of a small strip of swamp forest. The singing lasted for a short while — in my excitement, I completely lost track of the length of time the bird vocalized. I was overwhelmed with emotion, the hair on the back of my neck stood up, my skin tingled; as my adrenaline level rose, the surge of emotions made the experience seem almost surreal. This bird’s song sounded strikingly similar to that of Northern Parula (Setophaga americana). We quickly located the bird with our binoculars (in my case a pair of Bausch & Tomb Zephyr 7x35s, which I still have and which are in fair working condition) as it perched in clear view on an exposed Long- leaf Pine (Pinus palustris) branch about 3 me- ters above ground. We carefully watched the bird, savoring every moment, until it disap- peared. Mr. Williams then drove me to the Green- laws’ residence; 1 thanked him for a spec- tacular morning of birding that 1 would never forget and said goodbye. Meanwhile, Commander Greenlaw had mentioned to Dr. William E. Evans, at the U. S. Naval Hospi- tal at Charleston, that I had traveled to the city to see a Bachman’s Warbler. About 1:30 p.m.. Dr. Evans came and picked me up, and we went back and observed the Bach- man’s again. Thus I had the good fortune to study this bird twice in the same day. I was euphoric all over again. The site where we saw the Bachman’s Warbler was at the “T” intersection where Brisbane Drive meets Orange Grove Road (Will Post, pers. comm.), in what is now Charleston’s Northridge subdivision. Both roads were unpaved and unmarked at that time. This specific location has not been pre- viously published for the male Bachman’s Warbler sightings that were made south of Charleston in 1958, 1959, and 1960. I recorded my sightings of the warbler on a Daily Field Check List (Figure 4), which has been in my files for 54 years and is among my most prized possessions. I did some general birding the morning of 22 May 1960 in the Charleston area with B. R. (Rhett) Chamber- lain, the long-time Regional Editor for South Atlantic Coast region o( Audubon Field Notes. That afternoon, 1 rode a bus to Durham and returned to Hill Forest Camp. I returned to search for the species again with Rhett Chamberlain 23 February 1964 (which is probably a month early) along the road to the ferry to Bulls Island (or Bull Island), now part of the Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge, where a male had been observed in the spring of 1962 (A.O.U. 1998). We did not locate Bachman’s Warbler that day, nor was it seen at that site again. The South Carolina context By the middle twentieth century, Bachman’s Warbler had become a very difficult species to locate (Stevenson 1972). On 26 April 1958, in Charleston County, a singing male was found by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Henry Horlbeck. The site, described as being along a dirt road one -half mile from a salt marsh 210 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS BIRDING JOURNAL: BACHMAN'S WARBLER on the west side of the Ashley River in St. Andrews Parish, is the same location where I observed the species, and almost certainly the same individual was involved. The bird remained in the area until at least 4 June that year and was seen by many observers and photographed in color by John Henry Dick (Figure 1). Color motion picture film was taken by Henry P. Staats (Chamberlain 1958), and black-and-white photographs were taken by Walter Dawn (1958). The photographs taken by Dick 15 May 1958 and by Dawn 6 through 30 May 1958 show the bird in various positions resting, forag- ing, and singing while perched on small branches of Longleaf Pine (Chamberlain 1958, Dawn 1958, Meanley and Mitchell 1958, Hamel 1995). These color and black- and-white photographs have been widely published. Among the best of John Henry Dick’s color photographs of the bird was published in Volume 3 of The Audubon Soci- ety Master Guide to Birding (Sykes 1983) and A Field Guide to Warblers of North America (Dunn and Garrett 1997). Several recent online resources, as well The World’s Rarest Birds (Hirschfeld et al. 2013), credit Dick’s photographs incorrectly to Jerry A. Payne/ USDA Agricultural Research Service. In fact, Jerry Payne and 1 were classmates during our freshman and sophomore years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia (1956-1958), after which he transferred to University of Tennessee and 1 to North Caro- lina State University. Of these photographs, he writes: “During the mid- to late 1990s, Bugwood Network requested permission to copy and archive my slide collection. Dur- ing that process, the slides of several birds (including the Bachman’s Warbler) that were labeled 'Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602’ were inadvertently credited to me.” In 1960, the male that I saw was first ob- served that spring on 5 May, by Robert H. Coleman; a female was also reported at the site on 14 May. Elsewhere in the Charleston region, two additional males were reported earlier that spring (Chamberlain 1960). At least one male was reported in the next two seasons in that region (Chamberlain 1962). As has been the case with all Bachman’s War- blers observed since the early 1950s, includ- ing the Virginia male(s) observed in 1954 and 1958 (Barnes 1954, Scott 1981), the locations were not published, in an effort to protect the birds (Chamberlain 1958). The brief history of Bachman's Warbler, 1833-1962 Bachman’s Warbler was discovered by the Reverend John Bachman, a Lutheran min- ister living in Charleston, and was first de- scribed to science by John James Audubon (1834) from a specimen collected in the vicinity of Parker’s Ferry, South Carolina. In the early 1800s, Parker’s Ferry was located on the Edisto River, about 10 kilometers upstream from Jacksonboro and not in the place of the current Parker’s Perry (east of Jacksonboro; Shuler 1977a). Bachman was a close friend of John James Audubon and col- laborated with him on many of Audubon’s publications. Audubon (1834) named the species Bachman’s Warbler (Sylvia Bachma- nii) in honor of his friend. The date of the species’ discovery is un- known. Numerous publications list 1834 as Figure 1 . One of the several color photographs of a male Bachman's Warbler {Vermivora bachmanii) taken on IS May 1958 in St. Andrews Parish, Charleston County. This is probably the same individual I saw on 21 May 1 960, as a singing male was also present at this site in spring 1 959. This site is now in Northridge subdivision of the City of Charleston and is unrecognizably different from how it appeared in 1 960. Photograph by John Henry Dick/VIREO. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 211 BIRDING JOURNAL: BACHMAN'S WARBLER the year of discovery (this was Audubon’s year of publication), while others list 1832 or 1833 (Wayne 1910, Deane 1929, Sprunt and Chamberlain 1970, Shuler 1977a, Post and Gauthreaux 1989, Hamel 1995, Dunn and Garrett 1997, A.O.U. 1998). Audubon’s (1834) text reads as follows: “1 myself have never had the good fortune to meet with any individuals of this interesting Sylvia, respect- ing which little is as yet known, its discover- er having only procured a few specimens of both sexes, without being able to find a nest. The first obtained was found by him a few miles from Charleston, in South Carolina, in July 1833, while I was rambling over the crags of Labrador.” So it would appear that July 1833 would be the correct month and year of the first specimen taken by Bachman. Apparently a female specimen (now lost) was taken before the male, still extant, which serves as the Type Specimen (USNM A2903). Christopher Milensky at the Smithsonian In- stitution (pers. comm.) confirms that there is no date on the original specimen label of USNM A2903. The approximate summer range of Bach- man’s Warbler extended from eastern main- land Virginia to central southern Georgia in the coastal plain, and westward well north of the Gulf coast to eastern Texas, north up the Mississippi River drainage to southern Il- linois and far western Kentucky, and up the Ohio River Valley to include southern Indi- ana. The range also included western Ten- nessee, northern Mississippi, and Alabama r* '•> > 1 maisssasr" APS) 16 j r 5 m ^1 \ J ) f Paul w. Sykes, jr. Box 15003 Uate rtaleigh, N. College C. Chari eston, S .C Mr. Paul W. Sykes, Jr., Norfolk, Va. Dear Sirs lour letter of March 3rd in reference to i. My* Bachman comes Ms way again letti-ng you know if Mr. Bachm^ aromd this year. g® is not an early @arly Juiief “ ^ ..r-a 23rd both year., and out for him S thldh he found a maf- up this year. r\t would n ^tf^y 1 Su think about May 1. ^ Figure 2. Face and address sides of the first post card sent by Mr. Ellison A. Williams to the author regarding the sightings of Bachman's Warbler in the Charleston, South Carolina area in the spring of 1 960. Photographs by Peter E. Pattavina. (Hamel 1995). I use “summer range” here, as there is a paucity of evidence of nesting over what was thought to be the species’ breed- ing range. Breeding was documented only in northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Mis- souri, southwestern Kentucky, central Ala- bama, and the Charleston area (Hamel 1995, A.O.U. 1998). The vast majority of Bach- man’s Warbler nests were found in coastal South Carolina. Arthur T. Wayne found 32 nests in I’On Swamp area in the general vicinity of Awendaw, about 30 kilometers northeast of Charleston in what is now the Francis Marion National Forest (Wayne 1910, Shuler 1977b). So far as is known, Bachman’s Warbler wintered only in Cuba, including the Isla de la Juventud. Migrants, sometimes in large numbers, were detected along the Gulf coast from Louisiana through the Florida peninsula, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas (Stevenson 1972, Hamel 1995). The northernmost migrant Bach- man’s Warblers were noted in Virginia in August 1892 and July 1937, with the former bird, apparently a young male, having been collected (USNM 135001; Palmer 1894). The locality of the male observed in northern Virginia near Washington, D.C. in 1954 and 1958 (believed to be the same individual) is incorrectly give as near Lebanon, Maryland by Hamel (1995, 2011). The correct local- ity is along the Pohick Creek on the estate of Dr. Paul Bartsch, then called “Lebanon,” just west of Fort Belvoir and near Lorton, in eastern Fairfax County, Virginia (Meanley and Mitchell 1958). There is no report of Bachman’s Warbler for Maryland (Phil Davis, pers. comm.), nor is there a loca- tion known as Lebanon in Maryland. After the discovery of Bachman’s War- bler, there were no further reports for 53 years, until 1886, when a specimen was taken by Charles S. Galbraith near Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana (Wayne 1910). Hamel (1995) suggests that the gap in reports during this period may have been due to the lack of coverage by knowledgeable observers in the bird’s habitats. Between 1886 and 1915, the species was locally numerous in parts of its range at certain times and absent at others (Hamel 1995). Most records of the species are of migrants. In July and August 1887-1889, at Key West, J. W Atkins observed at least 150-200 migrant Bachman’s Warblers and collected 58 speci- mens; his peak day count was of 25-30 birds 212 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS BIRDING JOURNAL: BACHMAN'S WARBLER on 8 August 1889 (Stevenson 1972). William Brewster and Frank M. Chap- T man collected 46 specimens on the j Suwanee River, Florida in March 1890 ; (Brewster and Chapman 1891). In . March 1892, Wayne (1910) collected about 50 specimens at Branford on the ! Suwanee River and in 1894 took eight ■ specimens in the Wacissa and Aucilla River systems of Florida. Wayne also collected a number of specimens and : egg clutches in South Carolina over a ; period of about 30 years. The number of i museum specimens in major collections j is 332 (Hamel 1986), and about 400 ' total specimens are estimated to be ex- tant (Hamel 1995). In addition to study skins, photographs, and films, there are t a few audio recordings. Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Macaulay Library of Natu- ral Sounds and the Borror Laboratory of Bio- acoustics at Ohio State University have sev- eral recordings of male song, involving just two individuals: from Virginia (near Lorton, recorded by Arthur A. Allen and Peter Paul Kellogg in 1954), one from South Carolina (near Charleston, recorded by G. Stuart Keith in 1959). No formal scientific studies of Bach- man’s Warbler were ever conducted. Shuler (1977b) summarized the work of Arthur Wayne and N. H. Seebeck, Jr., including some of their unpublished notes, on habitats in South Carolina: “territories may be lim- ited to mature hardwood swamp forests that contain patches of thick undergrowth, or ter- ritories may span the edge of swamp forest into other vegetation zones, including pine. Although nests are placed near the ground in swamp forests, males in that habitat tend to spend much time in the upper story. Birds with territories spanning mixed habitats may satisfy their needs closer to the ground. Bachman’s Warblers may colonize small patches of wet hardwood and cypress well removed from the main swamp.” Hooper and Hamel (1977) and Hamel (1995) pres- ent a thorough analysis of breeding, migra- tion stopover, and wintering habitats; Rem- sen (1986) stresses the probable importance of bamboo (Arundinaria gigantea) understo- ry, which was massively reduced during the turn of the last century and first half of the twentieth century. The habitat of all 1958- 1962 Bachman’s Warbler sightings in South Carolina was mixed forest of Longleaf Pine and Loblolly Pine (P taeda) bordering small L this SIDEOr" CARP Paul W. Sykes, Jr. 1522 Lafayette Blvd Norfolk 9j Va. Olarteston S.C. 5/14/J sn told ''’rcci -Berniuda for the another W ^ and to f'ave tried tn'i are good if the (SK ° 1°“' SP'-nnt bK his oC T* I dont know why he answer- and have seen >*ile I was^Cay ^"ov and I think we can arrfnJfa^''- bhs. P. " to-'e HA 2.3508 Figure 3. Face and address sides of the second post card written by Mr. Ellison A. Williams to the author pertaining to the Bachman's Warbler near the Ashley River in the Charleston, South Carolina area in the spring of 1 960. Photographs by Peter E. Pattavina. areas of swamp forest. The last specimen of Bachman’s Warbler was collected on the Mississippi coast in 1949 (Sciple 1950); the last documented nesting pair was observed at Fairlawn Plantation, rOn Swamp. Charleston County in spring 1950 (Chamberlain 1958, Shuler 1977, Hamel 1995); and the last confirmed record came in 1962 near Charleston, along the road to the Bulls Island Ferry (Chamberlain 1962, Johnston 1962, Sprunt and Chamberlain 1970, Hamel 1995; B. R. Chamberlain, pers. comm, in 1964). This last report was made by Ted A. Beckett III on the Charleston Spring Count on 5 May. Chamberlain (1962) states: “seen and heard near Charleston again this spring, but particulars are temporarily with- held for its protection.” To my knowledge, the details of the exact location of this bird were never published and may be lost. One might assume that this male was seen by an unknown number of observers, but whether it was photographed is not known. A singing male was observed but not photographed or audio-recorded on 20 April 1975 hy Ted A. Beckett III and Stan Langston in the Francis Marion National Forest portion of the I’On Swamp, South Carolina (Shuler 1977c). The 1962 observation on the road to Bulls Island Ferry was credited to Beckett as well. The Committee on Classification and Nomencla- ture of the American Ornithologists’ Union in the sixth and seventh editions of the Check- list of North American Birds (A.O.U. 1983, 1998) considered the 1962 report to be the last confirmed record of Bachman’s Warbler, as the 1975 report was not independently verified by other observers. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 213 BIRDIN6 JOURNAL: BACHMAN'S WARBLER Unverified but possibly correct sight re- cords occurred across the southeastern United States and Cuba into the early 1980s (Hamel and Hooper 1979, Hamel 1986). 1 am aware of no verifiable reports for the past three decades, and Bachmans Warbler is now considered extinct (Post and Gauth- reaux 1989, Hamel 1995, A.O.U. 1998), though searches for the bird continue in South Carolina, for instance in the Congaree Swamp National Monument (Watson and Koches 2002, Chamberlain 2003). The rea- sons for the species’ demise probably include habitat loss over large parts of its breeding and wintering ranges by conversion and fragmentation, natural changes in habitats, parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Mo- lothrus ater), and possibly tropical cyclone activity during migration (Hamel 1986). Collecting probably had far less impact on the species’ population that did these other anthropogenic and natural factors (Steven- son 1972, King 1981, Hamel 1995). Bachman's and Birding Members of the birding community repre- sent a diverse group with a wide range of interests and intensities of those interests. In my case, I thoroughly enjoy general birding on a regular basis locally, in Georgia, and on all trips elsewhere, showing birds to others, sharing information on birds and on where and when to find them, and listing at sev- eral levels (states, and various regions, par- ticularly the American Birding Association Area). Over the years, I have made many special long-distance trips to see rare birds. The listing aspect of birding has its critics, but for me and for many, this part of the hobby provides much pleasure. Whether out seeking a bird such as Bachman’s War- bler, or new county bird, I record all of the birds I observe while in the field, and for about 50 years have also made notes on their numbers, behaviors, and habitats. Currently, a group of volunteers from several states are assisting me in contributing my birding data to eBird (), including, now, my two observations of the male Bachman’s Warbler in 1960. I have always believed that careful bird observations, even incidental ones, have value: bird populations change over time, sometimes rapidly and dramati- cally, and we cannot know in advance what information will be useful for future studies of birds’ status and distribution. Informa- tion that is not recorded and not archived or published in some way is lost to posterity; it becomes extinct. My unwavering childhood interest in birds led me to obtain a graduate degree in Zoology at North Carolina State in 1967 and to a career studying birds at three field sta- tions of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Cen- ter with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and later with the United States Geo- logical Survey. All along the way, there has been much overlap between vocation and avocation, scientific study and hobby, with each enriching the other. Truthfully, 1 cannot Figure 4. The author holding the held card on which the two sightings on the same day of the male Bachman's Warbler were recorded on 21 May 1 960, in the company of Mr. Ellison A. Williams in the morning and with Dr. William Evans in early afternoon, on the west side of the Ashley River in the Charleston area. Photograph by Peter E. Pattavina. While-faced White iiliill, Roseate Mute 1, WliislhoK ■ c, Canada White-fronted Snow v,vn..v, Hh'c ■ Mallard,... •• Duck. »lacU . . Duck, Mottled Ciadwall I’int.ail Tc.al. Kiirol>can • Toil. Teal, Ulue-wniRcd - Teal. Cinnamon .. .■ Widacon, hUTOi'oan I WiilKeun. American l.non. Common . - I’acilic Loun. Red-throated .. iJrehe. Red -necked Grebe. Horned Grebe. Eared • Grebe. Western .... Shearw-aicr, ® Shearwater. ’ Shc.arvvatcr, Cory o - Fulmar ■ • - Petre . ccacn s Petrel Wilson's I’clican, ' . Pelican. Brown Cormorant, SSS: , AnhioRa „ /V-inaic-bi' MW""""' V'?VhUc Sir.: Vurct. Common Cvret Snowy Heron. Sir; It«0ti Ycllow-crown- " uern, “-fn, Lenst Wood Mossy Brant inovcivi -• Duck, Wood CanvasbacK - • 1 Goldeneye. Goldeneye. Barrow r 1 Burtlchcad . ■ 1 Eider. Common •• sSr, 1 Scoter, Surf 1 Scoter. Common - u/exis*-' *• wiirblcr. Prolhonotary -V. 1 >V.arl>lcr. bwantson - Warbler. \\ orm-catinf? \V,irl.lc<. OoWentw'"?"' Warbler. Blue-wtn[?cd VN'arbler. Bachmans O i Warbler. Tennessee Warbl.t. Or.i.Jsc.crO''.'.M Warbler. N.ishyill" Wtrrblcr. V-"'"'" W.irbl.r. Vfll"”' Wrrrblcr. S:r,bll'r; Bbr.ihrla.rf Hl..« flirTrS": wlr bill YcUorv.tbrOTlyl V Warbler. Chcstnut-sulcd WaJblcr. Bay-bre.iMeotl Warbler. Pjn« i. Warbler. * y.. W.arblcr. Prainc Warbler. 1 altn ll^UMhiusb. Northern ' - Wat^rthrush. l.oui^siana .y Wnrlilcr. Kentucky ■■ Warbler. Connecticut • • Warbler. MoiirninK Warbler. Warbler. Vrilsonii Warbler, t anada .\mcrican sCrlS: I>»"“ • |I«.-ickbirn, Gracklc. Boat-tailed |Gr.acklc. Common • • • ('owbird. Brovvn-headed iTanaser, Scarlet ' Tanajrer, Summer Groabcak, Blue . - Bunting, , Bunting. Painted . Dickcisscl . •• Grosbeak. Lvemns Finch. Punilc - Grosbeak. Pme Hedpoll. Common 1 Siskin. Pine (Joldfinch. American Crossbill, Red - Crossbill, Towliec, Rufous-sidcd si’,"™*' ‘Sflllb %lVrZ: Slmriwilcil Snarrow, Seaside 398 Birds of tost Diily Field Check List 1 -soe. .vf Eostern N. A. Time y ; red sparrow. Snarrow, L-arK . •• • Sparrow. Bachmans ... Iiuico. Sla^-colorcd Sparrow. Swamp Sparrow, ' Bunting, Snow BIRDING JOURNAL: BACHMAN'S WARBLER imagine a career in field ornithology with- out the passion to experience bird species and their habitats directly, intensely, and fre- quently. 1 feel most fortunate that I made the effort to see the Bachman’s Warbler in 1960. To this day, 54 years after the observation, the memory of watching the unique little feathered jewel singing still brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Acknowledgments I wish to thank the following people for their assistance of many sorts with regard to Bach- man’s Warbler: B. R. (Rhett) Chamberlain, Phil Davis (Maryland and District of Co- lumbia Bird Records Committee), William E. Evans, Lynda J. Garrett (U. S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center), Sandra L. L. Gaunt (retired Curator, Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Ohio State Uni- versity), Earl and Frances Greenlaw, Steve Holzman (United States Fish and Wildlife Service), Christopher Milensky (Division of Birds, Smithsonian Institution), Jerry A. Payne, Will Post (Curator Emeritus, Charles- ton Museum), Thomas L. Quay, Nathan Rice (Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel Uni- versity, Philadelphia), Kelly Smith (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), Alexander Sprunt, Jr., Paul Sweet (American Museum of Natu- ral Ffistory), Jeremiah Trimble (Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University), and Ellison A. Williams. Bonnie F Kepler kindly typed the various drafts of the man- uscript. 1 thank Cameron B. Kepler, Jerry A. Payne, Will Post, Paul B. Hamel (USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station), and Stephen J. Dinsmore for reviewing the manuscript and making many suggestions for its improvement, and Peter E. Pattavina (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) for taking the photographs in Figures 2-4. I am also very grateful to Doug Wechsler at VIREO, Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila- delphia, for granting permission to publish John Henry Dick’s photograph of the male Bachman’s Warbler. Above all others, 1 must thank my wife of 52 years, Joan J. Sykes — whom several of my friends call Saint Joan — for her unfailing support and indulgence of my hobby and my life’s work with birds. Literature cited American Ornithologists’ Union [A.O.U.]. 1998. The American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. Seventh edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. — . 1983. The American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. Sixth edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Audubon, J. J. 1834. Ornithological Biogra- phy. Volume 2. Adam and Charles Black, Edinburgh, Scotland. Barnes, I. R. 1954. A new look at Bachman’s Warbler. Atlantic Naturalist 10: 18-30. Brewster, W, and F M. Chapman. 1891. Notes on the birds of the lower Suwanee River. Auk 8: 125-138. Chamberlain, B. R. 1960. Southern Atlan- tic Coast Region. Audubon Field Notes 14: 377-379. — . 1962. South Atlantic Coast Region. Audubon Field Notes 16: 396-398. Chamberlain, D. 2003. Additional notes on Bachman’s Warbler. Chat 67: 5-10. Chamberlain, E. B. 1958. Bachman’s Warbler in South Carolina. Chat 22: 73-74, 77. Dawn, W 1958. An anomalous Bachman’s Warbler. Atlantic Naturalist 13: 229-232. Deane, R. 1929. Some letters of Bachman to Audubon. Auk 46: 177-185. Dunn, J., and K. L. Garrett. 1997. A Field Guide to Warblers of North America. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Hamel, P. B., and S. A. Gauthreaux, Jr. 1982. The field identification of Bachman’s War- bler (Vermivora bachmanii Audubon). American Birds 36: 235-240. Hamel, R B., and R. G. Hooper. 1979. The status of Bachman’s Warbler, a progress report. Pp. 112-121 in: Proceedings of the Rare and Endangered Wildlife Symposium. Q. Landers, ed.). University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. Hamel, P. B. 1986. Bachman’s Warbler: A Spe- cies in Peril. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. — . 1995. Bachman’s Warbler (Vermivora bachmanii). The Birds of North America, No. 150 (A. Poole and F Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, and the American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. — . 2011. Bachman’s Warbler (Vermivora bachmanii). The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, ed.). Cornell Lab of Or- nithology, Ithaca, New York. Hirschfeld, E., A. Swash, and R. Still. 2013. The World’s Rarest Birds. Princeton Univer- sity Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Hooper, R. G., and R B. Hamel. 1977. Nest- ing habitat of Bachman’s Warbler — a re- view. Wilson Bulletin 89: 373-379. Johnston, D. W 1962. The 1962 Spring Count. Chat 26: 58-69. King, W B. 1981. Endangered Birds of the World: The ICBP Red Data Book. Interna- tional Council for Bird Preservation and The Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Smithson- ian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. Meanley B., and R. T. Mitchell. 1958. Food habitats of Bachman’s Warbler. Atlantic Naturalist 13: 236-238. Palmer, W 1894. Four additions to the birds of the Virginias. Auk 11: 333-334. Post, W, and S. A. Gauthreaux, Jr. 1989. Sta- tus and Distribution of South Carolina Birds. Contribution 18, Charleston Museum, Charleston, South Carolina. Remsen, J. V, Jr. 1986. Was Bachman’s War- bler a bamboo specialist? Auk 103: 216- 219. Sciple, G. W 1950. Recent record of Bach- man’s Warbler, Vermivora bachmanii, from Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Auk 67: 520. Scott, F R. 1981. More on the Bachman’s Warbler in Virginia. Raven 52: 49-51. Shuler, J. 1977a. A new look at the type local- ity of Bachman’s Warbler. Chat 41: 12-13. — . 1977b. Bachman’s Warbler habitat. Chat 41: 19-23. — . 1977c. Three recent sight records of Bachman’s Warbler. Chat 41: 11-12. Sprunt, A., Jr., and E. B. Chamberlain. 1970. South Carolina Bird Life. Revised edition. University of South Carolina Press, Co- lumbia, South Carolina. Stevenson, H. M. 1972. The recent history of Bachman’s Warbler. Wilson Bulletin 84: 344-347. Sykes, R W, Jr. 1983. Bachman’s Warbler ac- count. Pp. 108-111 in: The Audubon Soci- ety Master Guide to Birding, Volume 3 0- Farrand, ed.). Knopf, New York. Terres, J. K. 1980. The Audubon Society En- cyclopedia of North American Birds. Knopf, New York. Watson, C., and J. Koches. 2002. A survey for Bachman’s Warbler (Vermivora bach- manii) in the Congaree Swamp National Monument, South Carolina, March/April 2002. Available online: . Wayne, A. T. 1910. Birds of South Carolina. Contribution No 1, Charleston Museum, Charleston, South Carolina. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 215 The Changing Seasons: Strangers in a Strange Land EDWARDS. BRINKLEY • 124 PEACH STREET • CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINIA 23310 • (THALASS01CA@GMAIL.COM) Winter of 2012-2013 yielded a great mosaic of memories for nearly ev- ery corner of the continent: prized Asian vagrants in the Northwest, a flight of Razorbills in the Southeast, an influx of Varied Thrushes, Northern Lapwings, and Crested Caracaras in the Northeast, and a diversity of unexpected visitors — Ivory Gull, Great-winged Petrel, and Gray Hawk — in the Southwest. The continent’s center en- joyed Great Gray Owls, Northern Shrikes, and Bohemian Waxwings. And finches were ubiquitous. Overall, winter in the contiguous United States ranked the twentieth warmest on re- cord, about 2° F above the twentieth century average, though the Southwest averaged cooler, the East (east of the Rockies) warmer than average, and the Northwest was nearer the average. December was especially milder than usual in the East. Most easterly states were wetter than average, especially from Gulf to Great Lakes, where most precipita- tion totals for the season were in the states’ top ten rankings. From the Great Plains through the Rockies to the Pacific coast, precipitation totals were below average, but snow pack was still appreciable — some 3,366,985 km^, according to the Rutgers Global Snow Lab, so about the fifteenth snowiest winter since 1966. Alaska, almost a continent unto itself me- teorologically, experienced much the oppo- site seasonal rhythm of what we “Southern- ers” did. December was actually quite cold, some 5.9° F colder than average, making it the eighteenth coolest December since re- cords began in' 1918. That meant few linger- ti Figure 1. The flight of Razorbills into Florida, such as this flock off Miami's palm-fronted shoreline 15 December 201 2, was the event of the season, the stuff of dreams. Even those who did not personally wit- ness the influx marveled at first-hand accounts and photographs posted online. Photograph by TreyMitchell. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NU M B E R 2 •f'cay The Changing Seasons: Strangers in a Strange Land THEJCHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND ( i EDWARDS. BRINKLEY • 124 PEACH STREET • CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINIA 23310 ■ (THALASSOICA@GMAILCOM) Winter of 2012-2013 yielded a great mosaic of memories for nearly ev- ery corner of the continent: prized Asian vagrants in the Northwest, a flight of Razorbills in the Southeast, an influx of Varied Thrushes, Northern Lapwings, and Crested Caracaras in the Northeast, and a diversity of unexpected visitors — Ivory Gull, Great-winged Petrel, and Gray Hawk — in the Southwest. The continent's center en- joyed Great Gray Owls, Northern Shrikes, and Bohemian Wax'wings. And finches were ubiquitous. Overall, wunter in the contiguous United States ranked the twentieth wannest on re- cord, about 2° F above the twentieth century average, though the Southwest averaged cooler, the East (east of the Rockies) warmer than average, and the Northwest was nearer the average. December was especially milder than usual in the East. Most easterly states were wetter than average, especially from Gulf to Great Lakes, where most precipita- tion totals for the season were in the states’ top ten rankings. From the Great Plains through the Rockies to the Pacific coast, precipitation totals were below average, but snow pack was still appreciable — some 3,366,985 km^ according to the Rutgers Global Snow Lab, so about the fifteenth snowiest winter since 1966. Alaska, almost a continent unto itself me- teorologically, experienced much the oppo- site seasonal rhythm of what we "Southern- ers" did. December was actually quite cold, some 5.9° F colder than average, making it the eighteenth coolest December since re- cords began in 1918. That meant few linger- Figurel. The flight of Razorbills into Florida, such as this flock off Miami's palm-fronted shoreline 15 December 2012, was the event of the season, the stuff of dreams. Even those who did not personally wit- ness the influx marveled at first-hand accounts and photographs posted online. Photograph by Trey Mitchell. THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND .1 - 1 1 ing species in Alaska, even in the warmer Southeast, compared to some recent winters. However, the season flip-flopped in the New Year, with January the twelfth warmest and Februar)^ the forty-first warmest on record. The reversal also involved precipitation: De- cember was 18% below the 1971-2000 aver- age, but January was 64% above and Feb- ruary 33% above. Overall, these oscillations gave Alaska its twenty-seventh warmest win- ter season and seventeenth wettest. Canada had its eighteenth warmest win- ter since records began in 1948, some 1.6° C above average. This pales in comparison to the practically hot winter of 2009-2010, which was 4.1° C above. The highest tem- perature anomalies were in northern Quebec and Labrador, where temperatures exceeded 4° C above average. Importantly, the area in Canada with the greatest number of bird- ers— the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence region — had its eighth warmest winter on record (2.5° C above average temperatures), permitting more birding activity and thus more bird records than usual. This was the third dri- est winter on record in Canada, about 17% drier than the 1961-1990 average. With the exception of central Alberta, which had ex- ceptionally high levels of precipitation, the western half of Canada was very dry. As in the Lower 48 states, once could almost draw a line down the middle — at about 100° W longitude — to divide the winter experience into two very different halves. One figure we’ve never mentioned in this column is the Residential Energy Demand Temperature Index, which is calculated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- ministration for the Lower 48 states. The cal- culation goes back, somehow, to 1895. This year’s index was the fourteenth smallest value on record, which means that temperature- related energy demand was less than half the average. Does that mean we’re getting more energy efficient in the United States? Prob- ably not. December was the tenth warmest on record, and that mildness is reflected in our reduced use energy to warm our homes and businesses. It also means that, as bird- ers, we’re more liable to be out and about, searching for birds. A fascinating long-term study? Look at the relationship between winter weather and birder activity (feeder- watching not included). In time, eBird data could probably be used for such an analysis. Many regions continued to comment on the long-term impacts of drought conditions on their avifauna, particularly on seed-eating groups like sparrows, which were in very low numbers from the southern Rockies through the Southern Great Plains through the Southwest and Texas. As of New Year’s Day 2013, 61.6% of the contiguous United States was under some category of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and this moderated only slightly, to about 57%, by the end of the season. One has to wonder whether the continued appearance of spe- cies such as Say’s Phoebes well east of their range (especially in Louisiana but also in the East) is connected to the effects of long- term drought in their wintering range, where drought conditions worsened over the sea- son. Razors' Edge The tsunami of Razorbills that began lightly in autumn and exploded in December over- shadowed even the avalanches of finches. First noted in Nova Scotia, then New Eng- land, then the mid-Atlantic .... and then, as we watched with incredulity, Florida, Ala- bama, and Louisiana ... the flight completely re-drew this alcid’s range map in the western North Atlantic (Figures 1,2; Table 1). Twenty years ago, we experienced the same incredulity during a southerly Razor- bill flight — but the scene of wonder was about 1200 kilometers farther north, and back then, there was no internet for vicari- ous birding or information sharing. On the North Carolina Outer Banks, where Razor- bill was still known as a singular rarity, with only a few records of single birds, Brian Pat- teson, Grayson Pearce, and I witnessed a two-hour flight of 1184 Razorbills on Valen- tine’s Day 1994, a pageant we could scarcely fathom. We spoke that day with local fisher- men who described a shoal of 2000-3000 of these birds — which seemed like pure fantasy, even after what we’d observed. Nothing like this count near shore was known south of Figure 2. Like almost all of the Razorbills recorded in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico that could be aged, these birds observed on the Miami Christmas Bird Count IS December 2012 appear to be hatch-year/second-year birds, which have less substantial bills than adults and also lack white marks in the bill. Photograph by Trey Mitchell. THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND j New England at that time. The species was still on the state Review List, and individual birds had to be written up for acceptance on Christmas Bird Counts! Very rarely does a species’ status change from Rare to Abun- dant in one fell swoop such as this, though perhaps Cave Swallow’s odyssey comes close. Ricky Davis, writing the season’s re- gional report for this journal, remarked: “Birders in the Region may never experience anything quite like it again” (Davis 1994). Davis himself was to witness a flight of near- ly 10,000 Razorbills at Cape Point, Buxton, North Carolina 15 February 2004! Fast-forward to 2013; Miami-Dade Coun- ty, Florida, which had but a single record of a single Razorbill, is overrun, as our lead im- age conveys so stunningly. On 14 December 2012, the day the trickle became a flood, flocks totaling over 600 Razorbills passed southward off Miami, those avian emblems of the stoic North visible from the fleshpots of South Beach. Prior to December 2013, all of Florida had only nineteen other records, mostly of beached birds. Once it became clear that numbers were off the charts, and small numbers had even penetrated the Keys and then the Gulf of Mexico, the internet was ablaze with from- shore observations of Razorbills, which in turn prompted ever-greater legions of Flor- ida, then Alabama, then Louisiana birders to get out and Gulf-watch. Virtually everyone was rewarded, though Mississippi seems to have been missed. For those who have been to the Dry Tortugas: Can you imagine a Razorbill next to the Yankee Freedom 111 at Garden Key’s dock? This occurred 22 De- cember— in the location where many of us have panted and squinted, looking for those squirrely Black Noddies. And what of North Carolina in 2013? Patteson recorded at least 2000 Razorbills from his Stormy Petrel 11 off Hatteras on 24 February, a welcome sight, if no longer unexpected. The regular winter range of Razorbill had long been extended to include North Carolina on all field guide maps, thanks to Paul Lehman, who has lately done virtually all field guide map revisions. Now, as in the past, we wonder what drives these beautiful swimmers into strange lands, and, naturally, we worry about sud- den changes in ocean conditions. But there are many pieces to this puzzle, and, as our discussion of Dovekie irruptions noted in winter 2010-2011 (Brinkley 2011), we are still not sure whether we have all of the puz- zle pieces or how they fit together. As with the finches or owls or other northern species that appear well south of typical range in winter, we suspect that some combination of breeding-season success and prey scarcity is to blame for these widely wandering Razorbills. In fact, some Cana- dian Razorbill colonies appear to be increas- ing (Gaston and Woo 2008), so an increase might supply the raw material for a flight. Indeed, many of the Razorbills that were aged were identified as hatch-year or sec- ond-year birds rather than the larger-billed adults; Bruce Anderson’s Special Attention box in the Florida regional report indicates that 80 of Florida’s 85 specimens this winter were young birds, with only 5 adult (after- second-year) birds. So why would these birds not remain in their core range, off the Northeast? That turns out to be a difficult question to answer completely. We know that Razorbills prey on small fish and krill, but we don’t know much about how available their chief prey species were during November and December 2012 in their core range. With Dovekies, powerful storms — which make their smaller plank- tonic prey inaccessible (too deep to reach) — could be an important part of what causes wrecks well inland and irruptions well out of range. Razorbills can dive more deeply and so would be less likely to be impacted by storms, one assumes. December did have some mighty gales, but none of those could be clearly linked to movements of Razorbills. What did occur all through 2012, how- ever, was an unusual change in sea surface temperatures in the northwestern North Atlantic, smack dab in Razorbill’s usual I THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND | ing species in Alaska, even in the warmer Southeast, compared to some recent winters. However, the season flip-flopped in the New Year, with January the twelfth wannest and February the forty-first warmest on record. The reversal also involved precipitation: De- cember was 18% below the 1971-2000 aver- age, but January was 64% above and Feb- ruary 33% above. Overall, these oscillations gave Alaska its twenty-seventh warmest win- ter season and seventeenth wettest. Canada had its eighteenth warmest win- ter since records began in 1948, some 1.6° C above average. This pales in comparison to the practically hot winter of 2009-2010, which was 4.1° C above. The highest tem- perature anomalies were in northern Quebec and Labrador, where temperatures exceeded 4° C above average. Importantly, the area in Canada with the greatest number of bird- ers— the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence region — had its eighth warmest winter on record (2.5° C above average temperatures), permitting more birding activity and thus more bird records than usual. This was the third dri- est winter on record in Canada, about 17% drier than the 1961-1990 average. With the exception of central Alberta, which had ex- ceptionally high levels of precipitation, the western half of Canada was very dry. As in the Lower 48 states, once could almost draw a line down the middle — at about 100° W longitude — to divide the winter experience into two very different halves. One figure we’ve never mentioned in this column is the Residential Energy Demand Temperature Index, which is calculated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- ministration for the Lower 48 states. The cal- culation goes back, somehow, to 1895. This year’s index was the fourteenth smallest value on record, which means that temperature- related energy demand was less than half the average. Does that mean we’re getting more energy efficient in the United States? Prob- ably not. December was the tenth warmest on record, and that mildness is reflected in our reduced use energy to warm our homes and businesses, ft also means that, as bird- ers, we’re more liable to be out and about, searching for birds. A fascinating long-term study? Look at the relationship between winter weather and birder activity (feeder- watching not included). In time, eBird data could probably be used for such an analysis. Many regions continued to comment on the long-term impacts of drought conditions on their avifauna, particularly on seed-eating groups like sparrows, which were in very low numbers from the southern Rockies through the Southern Great Plains through the Southwest and Texas. As of New Year’s Day 2013, 61.6% of the contiguous United States was under some category of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and this moderated only slightly, to about 57%, by the end of the season. One has to wonder whether the continued appearance of spe- cies such as Say’s Phoebes well east of their range (especially in Louisiana but also in the East) is connected to the effects of long- term drought in their wintering range, where drought conditions worsened over the sea- son. Razors' Edge The tsunami of Razorbills that began lightly in autumn and exploded in December over- shadowed even the avalanches of finches. First noted in Nova Scotia, then New Eng- land, then the mid-Atlantic .... and then, as we watched with incredulity, Florida, Ala- bama, and Louisiana ... the flight completely re-drew this alcid’s range map in the western North Atlantic (Figures 1, 2; Table 1). Twenty years ago, we experienced the same incredulity during a southerly Razor- bill flight — but the scene of wonder was about 1200 kilometers farther north, and back then, there was no internet for vicari- ous birding or information sharing. On the North Carolina Outer Banks, where Razor- bill was still known as a singular rarity, with only a few records of single birds, Brian Pat- teson, Grayson Pearce, and 1 witnessed a two-hour flight of 1 184 Razorbills on Valen- tine’s Day 1994, a pageant we could scarcely fathom. We spoke that day with local fisher- men who described a shoal of 2000-3000 of these birds — which seemed like pure fantasy, even after what we’d obseiv'ed. Nothing like this count near shore was known south of New England at that time. The species was still on the state Review List, and individual birds had to be written up for acceptance on Christmas Bird Counts! Very rarely does a species’ status change from Rare to Abun- dant in one fell swoop such as this, though perhaps Cave Swallow’s odyssey comes close. Ricky Davis, writing the season’s re- gional report for this journal, remarked: "Birders in the Region may never experience anything quite like it again” (Davis 1994). Davis himself was to witness a flight of near- ly 10,000 Razorbills at Cape Point, Buxton, North Carolina 15 February 2004! Fast-forward to 2013: Miami-Dade Coun- ty, Florida, which had but a single record of a single Razorbill, is overrun, as our lead im- age conveys so stunningly. On 14 December 2012, the day the trickle became a flood, flocks totaling over 600 Razorbills passed southward off Miami, those avian emblems of the stoic North visible from tbe fleshpots of South Beach. Prior to December 2013, all of Florida had only nineteen other records, mostly of beached birds. Once it became clear that numbers were off the charts, and small numbers had even penetrated the Keys and then the Gulf of Mexico, the internet was ablaze with from- shore observations of Razorbills, which in turn prompted ever-greater legions of Flor- ida, then Alabama, then Louisiana birders to get out and Gulf-watch. Virtually everyone was rewarded, though Mississippi seems to have been missed. For those who have been to the Dry Tortugas: Can you imagine a Razorbill next to the Yankee Freedom III at Garden Key’s dock? This occurred 22 De- cember— in the location where many of us have panted and squinted , looking for those squirrely Black Noddies. And what of North Carolina in 2013? Patteson recorded at least 2000 Razorbills from his Stormy Petrel II off Hatteras on 24 February, a welcome sight, if no longer unexpected. The regular winter range of Razorbill had long been extended to include North Carolina on all field guide maps, thanks to Paul Lehman, who has lately done virtually all field guide map revisions. Now, as in the past, we wonder what drives these beautiful swimmers into strange lands, and, naturally, we worry about sud- den changes in ocean conditions. But there are many pieces to this puzzle, and, as our discussion of Dovekie irruptions noted in winter 2010-2011 (Brinkley 2011), we are still not sure whether we have all of the puz- zle pieces or how they fit together. As with the finches or owls or other northern species that appear well south of typical range in winter, we suspect that some combination of breeding-season success and prey scarcity is to blame for these widely wandering Razorbills. In fact, some Cana- dian Razorbill colonies appear to be increas- ing (Gaston and Woo 2008), so an increase might supply the raw material for a flight. Indeed, many of the Razorbills that were aged were identified as hatch-year or sec- ond-year birds rather than the larger-billed adults; Bruce Anderson’s Special Attention box in the Florida regional report indicates that 80 of Florida’s 85 specimens this winter were young birds, with only 5 adult (after- second-year) birds. So why would these birds not remain in their core range, off the Northeast? That turns out to be a difficult question to answer completely. We know that Razorbills prey on small fish and krill, but we don’t know much about how available their chief prey species were during November and December 2012 in their core range. With Dovekies, powerful storms — which make their smaller plank- tonic prey inaccessible (too deep to reach) — could be an important part of what causes wrecks well inland and irruptions well out of range. Razorbills can dive more deeply and so would be less likely to be impacted by storms, one assumes. Decerhber did have some mighty gales, but none of those could be clearly linked to movements of Razorbills. What did occur all through 2012, how- ever, was an unusual change in sea surface temperatures in the northwestern North Atlantic, smack dab in Razorbill’s usual 218 NORTH AM THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND Table 1 . Selected records of Razorbill during the Great Fjcodus, Iwrfter2012-2013. LocationJ'' 0 Razorbill count Date Grand Manan Island, NB 138 21-Dec Biddeford Pool, ME 223 14-Dec Cape Neddick Light, ME 96 20-Dec Parker River N.W.R., MA 100 14-Dec Nauset Beach, MA 550 16-Dec Andrews Point, Rockport, MA 1085 17-Dec First Encounter Beach, MA 1638 19-Dec First Encounter Beach, MA 10,300 28-Dec North Truro, MA 475 29-Dec Clark's Cove, Nantucket, MA 65 29-Dec Low Beach, Nantucket, MA 426 30-Dec East Hampton, NY 86 16-Dec Montauk, NY 73 22-Dec Jones Beach, NY 13 26-Dec FortTilden,NY 35 15-Dec Coney Island, NY 7 22-Dec off Monmouth, NJ 63 8-Dec Cape May, NJ 22 19-Dec Chesapeake Bay mouth, VA 27 26-Dec Pea Island, NC 94 28-Dec Fort Fisher, NC 57 30-0ec Huntington Beach S.P., SC 72 24-Dec Jensen Beach Park, FL 200 25-Dec Boynton Beach, FL 200 14-Dec offBoynton Beach, FL 500 14-Dec Miami Beach, FL 450 14-Dec Miami Beach, FL (multiple sites) 600 15-Dec Key Largo, FL 1 29-Dec Islamorada, FL 1 17-Dec Key West, FL 1 14-Dec Sanibel Island, FL 12 18-Dec Venice, FL 8 17-Dec Anna Maria Island, FL 20 21 -Dec Fort De Soto County Park, FL 6 21-Dec Honeymoon Island S.P., FL 15 22-Dec St. James Island, FL 40 10-Jan St. Marks N.W.R., FL 17 17-Jan Mashes Sands County Park, FL 16 24-Dec Anclote Gulf Park, FL 25 17-Dec Pensacola Beach, FL 7 18-Dec Gulf Shores, AL 6 6-Feb Calcasieu River mouth, LA 1 14-Feb NOAA/NESDIS SST Anomaly (degrees C), 1/3/2013 -160 -UC -120 -100 -80 -60 -40 -20 Figure 3. Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies {°C) on 3 January 2013. By midwinter 2012-201 3, sea surface temperatures from New York to Newfoundland had been record-high for more than 12 months; note that ^ jj' this is the most anomalous area in the entire Atlantic or Pacific basins. This is also a key wintering area for Razorbills in the western North Atlantic. Graphic courtesy of, and copyright, National Environmental Satellite, ' III Data, and Information Service/NOAA. ; NOAA/NESDIS SST Anomaly (degrees C), 1/2/2012 -1C0 -1+0 -120 -inn -sn -en -40 -2r Figure 4. Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies (°C) on 2 January 2012. Abnormally warm temperatures were noted from Long Island northward beginning in December 201 1 and persisted for over a year. The flights of Razorbill in winter 201 1-2012 reached southern North Carolina (high count 2180 in one site) and Georgia (72 offshore in one day), certainly within striking range of Florida. Graphic courtesy of and copyright. National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service/NOAA. winter range (Figure 3), While sea tem- peratures off the southern states were average to well below average, tem- peratures off the Northeast were 3-4° C above average. This warming trend goes back to the winter of 2011-2013 (Figure 4), and indeed if we look back into the regional reports to last winter, we see the forerunners of this season’s flight: 2180 Razorbills off North Topsail Beach, North Carolina 17 December 2011, and at least 72 off Georgia on 25 January 2012 (LeGrand et al. 2012). Historically, then, we have seen a surge of Razorbills into the southernmost part of the Labrador Seawater Current (off the northern Outer Banks) in the 1990s, and the birds have been irregular but often plentiful there since the winter of 1993-1994. And last winter, we saw much greater numbers into the south- ern Outer Banks, off southernmost North Carolina, and double digits on multiple occasions off Georgia. But to see this surge occur farther south, into the tropical waters of the Gulf Stream 220 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS off southern Florida, looks different and feels different. Dead and dying Razorbills are seldom found in North Carolina, even in big flight years. Florida had at least 85 speci- mens this season, and probably many more were not located. We know that fish and other marine life are very sensitive to changes in tempera- tures; many of the great seabird vagrants in Pacific waters appear during or after an El Nino event, for instance, and die-offs of seabirds, too, relate to changes in sea con- ditions, not just temperature but also up- welling, related to wind patterns as well as ocean currents. So it stands to reason that one driver of the flight, even the vagrancy, of Razorbills south to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico would be scarcity of usual prey in usual range, attributable to warmer ocean temperatures. Gradually warming waters off New England are nothing new; Cory’s Shear- water, for instance, has become downright common in recent years, but in the 1970s and 1980s, it was scarce or absent north of Massachusetts waters. What seems different about the 2012 temperature spike is its in- tensity and duration; preliminary analyses have indicated that the first six months of 2012 had the warmest average sea surface temperatures on record off New England. What could be driving, in turn, this anom- alous warm water pattern? No one seems to have the answer to that question just yet. Certainly, changes are occurring around Greenland at a pace that stuns scientists, and the increase in fresh water from glacial melt there means that changes to ecosystems at all levels are likely, not just because the salin- ity and temperature of the water are affected but also because upwelling and the delicate balance of ocean currents, specifically the thermohaline circulation, would be upset. Theoretical projections of such disruptions all look very bad, and researchers who were spurned as “mavericks” in one moment have turned out to be dead-accurate in their pre- dictions— in the span of a few months (e.g., Goodell 2013). Can we then predict alcid flights in the western Atlantic? Probably not. But we can monitor anomalies in ocean temperatures online (see ). Along with the Razorbills, the Southeast experienced sizable, unusual influxes of Common Loons and Black Scoters (along with lesser num- bers of other scoters, scaup. Red-throated Loons, and a few Common Eiders). It seems not unlikely that the influx of some div- ing ducks, such as Greater Scaup, into the Caribbean and Central America (Figure 5), THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND I Table2 ReportiofRedCrossbillTypesdurmgthe2012-2013 hrrgptiottdti North America. Province, State, or Region Red crossbill Types Recordedt| Quebec Types 3, 10 New England Types!, 10 New York and New Jersey Types 1,2, 3,10 Virginia and Maryland Types 3,4,10 Pennsylvania and West Virginia Types 2,3,10 Tennessee and Kentucky Types 2,3,10 Georgia Typel South Carolina Types 1,3 Arkansas Types 2, 3, 5 Illinois Types 2, 4 Ontario Type! Missouri Types 2, 3, 5 Ohio Type! Michigan and Wisconsin Type! North Dakota Types 2, 3 Nebraska Type! (possibly Type 5) Kansas Types 2, 3, 5 Oklahoma Types 2, 3,5,10 Texas Type 2 Colorado Types 2, 3, 5 New Mexico Types 2, 4, 5 Arizona Type 2 Utah Types 2, 4 Nevada Type 2 Washington Types 1,2, 3, 4, 10 Idaho Types 3, 4 British Columbia Types 3, 4 could be tied to this great seawa- ter anomaly off the Northeast. It is our shared hope that many of these birds were able to forage successfully: note that waters off the Southeast were much colder than average (Fig- ures 3,4). Were these birds chas- ing prey southward? According to Bruce Anderson, “Many birds appeared healthy during their stay, and several on both coasts took up ‘residence’ in an area for a month or more.” However, many corpses were found, and few birds were seen beginning in mid- to late January. Where did the Gulf birds go? One fears that they were not able to forage well in these strange waters and did not recover following their epic exodus. In January, observ- ers in New England noted major mortality among alcids, chiefly Razorbills. The scoters, too, seemed the worse for wear after their flight. From spring through summer 2013, large flocks of Black Scoters remained along At- lantic shores from North Caroli- na to New England (some flocks as large as 500 birds), likely an indication of profound problems with winter foraging and thus migratory fitness in spring. Finches & Other flights The most remarkable thing about finch flights, even for vet- erans, is that they never fail to delight, to fascinate, to raise new questions, and at times to con- found us. Now that we are con- nected online, we are able to communicate our delight and our puzzlement quickly, and internationally. With Red Crossbills (Figures 6, 7), most of us are in the same boat, fac- ing a daunting learning curve in our efforts to piece together an understanding of what Types of Red Crossbills visit our regions. We braved cold and ice; we made audio record- ings; and we brought home lots of home- work. Ultimately, many of us emailed one person — Matt Young at Cornell Lab of Or- nithology— to help us identify the call notes (not all of them flight calls, it turns out!) we recorded. In the end, we discovered quite a bit; at least six Types were on the move in the Superflight of 2012-2013 (Table 2). The only Types not reported were the most range- restricted — Newfoundland (Type 8), South Hills (Type 9, mostly resident in Idaho), and Sierra Madre (Type 6, found mostly in Mex- ico, sparingly into Arizona?). Type 7, some- times called the Enigmatic type, is so little known and apparently rare that reports are even not permitted in eBird as such! It has been recorded thus far only from northwest- ern Oregon and southwestern Washington to northern Idaho, western Montana, and southern British Columbia. We will keep readers posted when a full summary article is published on this intricate irruption, but we see here (Table 2) how widespread the flights of Type 3 and Type 10 were — from the Pacific Northwest (where they are most at home) across southern Canada, the south- ern Rockies (Colorado), the southern Great Plains, and Great Lakes, and to New Eng- VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 221 [the changing SEASONS; STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND Figure 5. Topping the list of waterfowl seen in Central America in winter 2012-2013 had to be the flock of 12 Greater Scaup (7 here) found 9 January 2013 on the San Juan River not far from Lake Nicaragua. The only other report of Greater Scaup in Central America, also from Nicaragua, has not yet been confirmed. A Greater Scaup in the Bahamas at Great Inagua 3-4 December was also rare. Photograph by Richard Galloway. Figure 6. (Left) This male Red Crossbill at Harvey, North Dakota 31 January 2013 was among tens of thousands of its species, of at least six Types, on the move in fall/winter 2012-2013. Photograph by Wayne Easely. land, Appalachia, and the mid-Atlantic states. Remarkably, a few Type 5 were verified east of their range, in Okla- homa, Arkansas, Missour, and possibly Nebraska, while Type 4 were identified in Virginia and Illinois. The cooperation between birders in formerly rather balkanized regions seemed stronger during this season, with folks passing the word quickly on to the next region as finches streamed southward. For instance, word of the White-winged Crossbill flight began to trickle out of Ontario already in Au- gust, then from September in northern New England, then November in New Jersey — and birders in the Southeast began to put out more feeders, visit cemeteries, and generally watch and lis- ten along the coast for White-wingeds. Georgia birders were thus not shocked but very awed by their first-ever White- Figure 7. (Right) The influx of Red Crossbills into Texas from the fall continued into the winter. Most of these birds were in the western third of the state and appeared to be primarily of Type 2. This adult male was at Alpine, Brewster County, on 5 January. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND winged, a male in early February, and Ken- tucky birders celebrated a rare flock at a Lex- ington all season (Figures 8,9). On a continental level, too, we got to see regional communities of birders coming to grips with questions that other communities had been discussing for many decades, such as redpoll identification. All birding circles seem to go through a similar learning curve with these sprites, learning the range of in- dividual variation and variation by age and sex as best we can during their infrequent irruptions, and then we move into the ter- ribly difficult terrain of, as one friend puts it, “How hoary is Hoary enough?” Fortunately, we have a recent set of discussions, both in this journal (Brinkley et al. 2011) and in Birding Qohnson and Seitz 2013), that re- view many of the salient features of Hoary Redpoll, including Hornemann’s. While birders in northern New York were working on picking out Hornemanns among their Hoaries and Greaters among their Com- mons (and delighting in discussions of their finer points — including their calls), birders in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada were working assiduously on photograph- ing and understanding as much variation as possible and on documenting every Hoary or potential Hoary, in regions that rarely re- cord so many redpolls as during this Super- flight— and where local birders have less ex- perience with Hoary than folks farther north (Figures 10, 11). One locus of study, the aptly named Mu- seum of Discovery in Fort Collins, Colorado, had a blizzard of redpolls, among them four Figure 9. Following the late November 2012 flight of White- winged Crossbills into the Tennessee and Kentucky region, a flock continued at the cemetery at Lexington, Kentucky through the winter season. This male was photographed there 23 January 2013. Photograph by Pam Spaulding. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER Figure 8. A long-anticipated first state record was provided by this handsome adult male White-winged Crossbill visiting feed- ers in Burke County, Georgia 1-14 (here 9) February 2013. Photograph by Rachel Holzman. Figure 10. There were more Common Redpolls documented in Nevada and Utah during the winter of 2012-201 3 than in all previous years combined. This aberrant redpoll with yellow rather than red crown patch was photo- graphed 21 January at Croydon, Morgan County, Utah. Photograph by Paul Higgins. 2 223 THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND Figure 1 1 . At the Museum of Discovery in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colo- rado, at least four Hoary Redpolls were identified, two males and two females, from 6 January (here) through 2 February 2013. Photograph by Cathy Sheeter. Figure 12. Part of a strong flight of the species to the east of typical wintering areas, this Varied Thrush frequented a private residence at Avon Lake, Ohio, where nicely photographed 7 December 2012. Photograph by Chuck Slusarayk, Jr. Figure 13. Providing a third state record was this Northern Lapwing in Person County, North Carolina on 24 February 2013 (here) through the end of the winter period. Photograph by Martin Wall. Figure 14. A Northern Lapwing in Bulloch County, Georgia 6-24 (here 16) February 2013 furnished a first state record and a fine example of "trickle-down" birding during winter. Photograph by Ben Thesing. Hoaries, thought to be sexable as two males and two females. Echoing debates of de- cades past, observers discussed at length the breadth of flank streaks and the presence of a slender, single streak in undertail coverts in some of these birds. When many of us came up in birding, only an adult male Hoary, white as snow, was considered “safe” to identify, and held guides of the twentieth century mostly depicted such birds. Even today, at the fring- es of the species’ range, we recapitulate the cautious conservatism of yesteryear, though the learning curve can be scaled much more quickly in the current century. Nevertheless, some birds will not be identihable to species, and such limitations are not to be lamented — they are realities to be embraced. We have not abandoned conservative thinking, but our understanding of plumages has advanced, and so the pool of puzzling birds is smaller. Finches and Razorbills weren’t the only birds irrupting in winter 2012-2013. In the Midwest and Northeast, Varied Thrushes added more color to the winter landscape, staging one of their larger flights on record (Eigure 12). Although the geographic ex- tent of this flight was not nearly so exten- sive as that of 2008-2009 (Brinkley 2009), the number of birds was high, with above- average counts from Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, 13 in New England, 4 in Ontario, 3 in Ohio, 2 each in Nebraska, In- diana, and Texas, and singles in New York, Nova Scotia, and Illinois. The mid-Atlantic and Southeast were shut out this time. Once again, we note that the Intermoun- tain West and the Southwest had “average” years for Varied Thrushes, so one wonders whether these flights are comprised of birds of the nominate subspecies or instead of the longer- winged meruloides, which nests far- ther north in Alaska and is recorded farther south, into Mexico. Female meruloides have paler crowns than females of the nominate subspecies, and some might be safely distin- guishable in the field. I have not seen any recent discussion of this question, but one assumes that many or most of the eastern birds would be meruloides. For northeastern birders who had al- ready been there, or done that, with Varied Thrushes, there were other distractions and irruptions this winter: farm fields could pro- duce either Northern Lapwing or Crested Caracara, for instance. We reviewed the lapwings’ arrival in the previous essay — the Rex Block probably serving as the final slingshot that brought them to the Northeast and quickly as far south as Virginia. And then they did what lapwings in Europe do: they kept moving southward to escape fro- zen ground, turning up in North Carolina (Figure 13) and even Georgia (Figure 14), where unprecedented. It’s hard to say how much luck was involved in the discovery of these southerly birds and how much careful strategy, based on news from the North. Cer- tainly, if I spent 100 or more hours looking 224 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND Figure 16. Only about the third ever for the island, and the first to overwinter there, this femaie Black-throated Gray Warbler was present at Grand Isle, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana from 2 (here 20) December 2012 through the end of the winter period. Another Biack-throated Gray attempted to winter at Taunton, Massachusetts, where last seen 23 January 2013, during a spell of bitter cold. Photograph by Mary Mehaffey. for fields with Killdeer this winter, I was not alone in harboring hope for a fancier find among them. Crested Caracara vagrants are more enig- matic, seemingly able to pop up anywhere, even now into southern Canada. Online chatter suggests that most feel these birds are not coming from Florida but from farther west in the Gulf region. On a single Louisiana Christmas Bird Count (Sweet Lake-Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge) this winter, 41 caracaras were found; the species was a “write-in” just a few years back. So this sus- picion is probably right for many of the birds found in the East, such as the 3 in New Jer- sey and one in Virginia this season (quickly followed by spring birds in Nova Scotia and Delaware). But what about the birds in Cali- fornia and now Nevada (Figure 15)? These seem more likely to come from the burgeon- ing Arizona population; birds there are found farther and farther north, a good sign of range expansion or at least pioneering. Figure 15. Nevada's second Crested Caracara (here with Common Raven) visited Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Lincoln County 1 5-1 6 (here 1 6) December 2012. Another was photographed 3 February 2013 near Glendale, Clark County later in the season. Photograph by Greg Scyphers. CH4N.GIN,6,SEAS0NS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND Figure 19. This very late migrant Long-tailed Jaeger, a juvenile, was at the Texas City Dike, Galveston County 1 Decem- ber 2012, furnishing a first winter-period record for Texas and one of few for the United States. Photograph by Dan Pancamo. Figure 17. This male Summer Tanager, photographed on the second day of its 1 -4 December 201 2 stay at llwaco. Pacific County, was one of two found during December in Washington, which had only two previous records for this species. Photograph by Ryan Shaw. Figure 1 8. This Red-eyed Vireo was a most unexpected find in Orange County, North Carolina on 3 December 2012. Another was found in Florida, in January, the state's first winter record. Photograph by Andrew Thornton. I'm late, I'm late .... The history of winter-season regional reports in this journal is heavy with records of late, lingering, lost birds, as we know. 1 remember seeing a Rufous Hummingbird in Arlington, Virginia — in a persons home, no less — in November 1981 and thinking; this is a once- in-a-lifetime encounter. The following win- ter, an adult male was in Williamsburg, Vir- ginia, feeding on winter-blooming flowers and seeming to be in fine health. What are the odds? we thought. Three decades later, and we are looking at thousands of hum- mingbirds wintering in the Lower 48 states, farther and farther north, of more and more species. A cursory count of Rufous Hum- mingbirds? At least 355 from Colorado (!) and Texas eastward — and that’s not counting any at all from their strongholds in the Loui- siana, Mississippi, and Alabama (where not enumerated) but does 60 banded in Florida. Remarkable even by modern standards were about 20 in the Northeast, 6 in Illinois and Indiana, and 5 in the Western Great Lakes. Their numbers were essentially uncountable in the Carolinas and Georgia, where only the lowest possible count is provided (see the Special Attention box). Again, the vagrants have become the regulars. And, more slowly, the orioles, tanagers, thrushes, warblers, and even some vireos seem to be following suit, though brutal winters clearly take their toll on the northernmost. We have access to bird information in ways that birders of previous eras never imagined, but in this data-rich environment, it is very easy to miss records or even entire patterns. We can feel like Rip Van Winkle, waking up after what seemed a short nap to find that there have been some rather re- markable changes in our environment. Writ- ing this essay used to be somewhat manage- able in terms of data and analysis; nowadays, with so much more data — and such rapid ornithological change — it seems we can barely scratch the surface. Oh, for the 1990s, when kites and doves were the perennial news items! Now, it seems that almost any bird can hang around into winter — there is no stand-out Poster species. Warbler diver- sity in winter in the East can now (almost) rival the West. Although eastern birders have certainly honed their skills to seek out warm micro-climates for warblers and flycatchers, it is a safe bet that birders in the 1970s and 1980s weren’t missing a dozen or more spe- cies. And some birds are not just attempting to winter: they are known to survive the en- tire season, such as the lovely Black-throated Gray Warbler on Grand Isle, Louisiana (Fig- ure 16). Even this only moderately warm winter, most regions have some remarkable record of wintering or overwintering, often of birds away from feeding stations. Summer Tanager is another example of a species whose winter range seems to be changing, though, like the hummingbirds. Summer Tanagers favor feeders except in the warmest climes. Regional reports this 226 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS THE CHANGING SEASONS: STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND winter include exactly 100 records, most notable one in Wisconsin all winter, a gray- ish female bird at Sainte-Felicite-de-Matane, Quebec 5-6 December that was thought to be western cooped, and two in Washington state (Figure 17), where there were only two previous state records of the species at all. (We should point out that 73 of the 100 Summers reported were in California!) This species has gone from being hardly known in winter to being almost more likely than Western Tanager to appear at feeding sta- tions. And Scarlet Tanager seems to be fol- lowing suit. Just when we manage to wrap our heads around another winter Scarlet in Florida (one was at Lake Apopka 26 Janu- ary), our minds are blown again by singles at Brighton, Ontario 1 5 December and Wil- liams Lake, British Columbia the next day. In Kent County, Michigan on 5-10 Decem- ber, a tanager whose identity was unresolved (but whose white underwing coverts suggest Scarlet) was remarkable, whatever it was. We now have not just December reports of Red-eyed Vireo (Figure 18), almost unheard of in the twentieth century, but Warbling Vireo in January (Florida) and Philadelphia Vireo in February (Texas)! Shorebirds are wintering farther and farther north; herons are doing it; cranes, waterfowl, terns, rails, sparrows, woodpeckers. And yes, some sea- birds, too. Long-tailed Jaegers rarely make it into tbe winter seasons reports, but Nova Scotia and Texas (Figure 19) had early De- cember reports, and Bermuda and Baja Cali- fornia Sur both had late February reports. In this age of Long-tailed Jaegers and Scar- let Tanagers in Canada in winter, excellent photographs become more and more neces- sary to quell not so much our skepticism as our utter disbelief. Even open minds can be blown. Extreme btrding The records of birds that catch my eye in re- cent years have changed. As more and more birders, armed with the latest information, seem to congregate in search of others’ dis- coveries, others strike out into unknown, un- birded territory, sometimes at personal risk, along paths less traveled. Over the years of editing this journal, one reads the same place names repeatedly — surely, great places to bird but also terribly familiar, well covered, even a bit crowded. We all visit such places. This was not the case with the town of r‘'nr'6" - a Cree town in northern Quebec that I had to look up on a map (look for Mis- tissini). Here, a Northern Fulmar was found in a snow bank in the middle of winter (Fig- ure 20). Inland tubenoses are rare enough, but fulmars are among the hardiest of sea- Figure 20. This Northern Fulmar was found in a snow bank at Mistissini, Quebec 20 December 2012 and taken into care. The week before, a fulmar wrecked inland at Springfield, Massachusetts. Photograph by Marlene MacKinnon. Figure 21 . This adult Ross's Gull was photographed 1 50 kilometers north of Girardville, Quebec on 22 January 201 2 (the winter season prior). This location in northern Quebec is in the middle of the boreal forest; the tem- perature that day reached just -32° C. Photograph byP. Demers andK. Letourneau. r TH E CHANgTnG IN A STRANGE LAND f birds, and their rarity even in inshore coastal waters during powerful storms is thought to relate to their strategy for coping with low- pressure events. Inland records are extreme- ly few. In this case, the bird probably found Itself in Hudson Bay and was forced to move south, via an overland route through the tai- ga, in search of open water. No less outland- ish, we just received word recently that in the previous winter, a Ross’s Gull turned up on the road far north of Girardville, Quebec, where it followed a ptarmigan hunter’s truck during some of the coldest weather Canada can dish up (Figure 21). Less unexpected, but nonetheless stupendous, an Ivory Gull visited an ice hsherman on Lake Winnepeg in Manitoba (Figure 22); a specimen col- lected in 1917 is the only other record for the south of the province. And in a winter of full of concern, about birds irrupting or lingering far from their usual seasonal haunts, there was no more heart-breaking image than that of a juvenile Ivory Gull at Willow Beach, Arizona near the Nevada bor- der— scarcely two-dozen miles from Sin City itself (Figure 23). “Fallen Angel,” one birder tweeted, applying a Sad emoticon. These records stand out in part because they involve species most of us rarely see but even more so because they come from moments in space and time that attract little interest from birders. Some of these records are said to be established by “non-birders.” Figure 23. (Above) This badly injured Ivory Gull was a remarkable find along the Lower Colorado River south of Willow Beach on 30 December 2012, providing a first Arizona record of this Arctic species. The bird had apparently struck a powerline just above the site where it was discovered. The only records of Ivory Gull at lower latitudes come from California (1997, 2010) and Georgia (2010). Photograph by Dale and Catesby Suter. Figure 23. (Right) This Ivory Gull visited an ice-fishing shack on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba on 5 January 201 3, one of only two records for the southern part of the province. Photograph by Tim Sopuck. But doesn’t the fact that these birds were carefully documented by curious people change the observers’ status? Perhaps these birds were their “spark” birds, the ones that made them incapable of ever seeing another bird without wanting to know its name. We featured a bird from Magazine Mountain, Ar- kansas— the highest point in that fascinating state — in the spring issue, the lovely Gray- crowned Rosy-Finch that provided a state hrst. What better place, on Christmas Eve 2012, to be rewarded with the sight of the state’s fourth White-throated Swift (Figure 24)? Birding’s explorers and pioneers don’t always fetch home such treasures, but they are exploring — the activity that has defined and will continue to define who we are, what we know, and where we go. There is no question that we are capti- vated when new birds appear in our regions. With irruptions of Snowy Owls, we watch and watch, though some profess a regret that many of the birds will perish before the end of winter, victims of cars or starvation or aspergillosis. We apply a perfunctory Sad emoticon, then continue filling the camera’s memory card, and our own memories, with beautiful images. We know that these owl irruptions have occurred since European settlement began in North America; and ac- counts of such irruptions in Eurasia go back much farther in history. These cycles are part of the species’ normal natural history, and though it is proper to cherish our time with these birds, our remorse at their fate, however genuine, may be out of step with their reality. Should we regard southerly Ivory Gulls and Razorbills with passion or dispassion? Are they like the owls, the excess of a boun- tiful breeding season, more often detected in modern times because there are more and better-connected observers? Or are they the portents of upheaval in the Arctic, calling us Figure 24. Arkansas's fourth (and first since 1 999) White-throat- _ : i ed Swift was a shocker at Magazine Mountain, Logan County, j. ! Arkansas 24 December 2012. Photograph by Michael Linz. } ' to arms against the anthropogenic warming r of the planet? Time will tell. But we should ' I not permit our human need for angels, fallen or otherwise, to distract us from our duties to document and to try to comprehend the I changes occurring in our times. We do this =■ best when we are explorers. 2, Literature cited : Brinkley E. S. 2011. The Changing Seasons: Escapes. North American Birds 65: 216- . : 233. — . 2009. The Changing Seasons: Never a Dull Moment. North American Birds 63: I 206-219. '! Brinkley, E. S., P. A. Buckley L. R. Bevier, and A. M. Byrne. 2011. Redpolls from Nuna- vut and Greenland visit Ontario. North American Birds 65: 206-213. Davis, R. 1994. The winter season: Southern Atlantic coast region. National Audubon j Society Field Notes ‘^8: 196-199. Gaston, A. J., and K. Woo. 2008. Razorbills (Aka torda) follow subarctic prey into the •, ! Canadian Arctic: colonization results from j climate change? Auk 125: 939-942. ^ Goodell, J. 2013. The Ice Maverick. Rolling rjl Stone (August 1). Online: . i I Johnson, T., and L. Seitz. 2013. Repoll ^ | redux. Binding 45 (4): 30-33. LeGrand, H. E., Jr., J. Southern, and R. Hall. 2012. The winter season: Southern Atlan- tic. North American Birds 66: 256-261. 228 Atlantic Provinces & St. Pierre et Miquelon | ^Killinek 1. Torngat Mtns. N. R • Hebron m Nain LABRADOR SEA LABRADOR Cape Harrison Hopedale Cartwright * Gannet Island ScheHerville (PO) ■ • Smallwood Mealy Mtns. • N.P 5,. •Churchill Falls Labrador City Wabush Ecological Reserve y>^Slrail of Belle Isle Red / Bay ^LAnse-aux-Meadows • • St. Anthony Gander NEWFOUNDLAND “ ^ •Bonavista QUEBEC Sept-lies • 6ros T- - C„;/„/ mMo^m siJoWs Corner ^Avalon Lawrence Brook Peninsula Port-aux- ^^’^Cape / r. , Salnl-Plerre \ # Charlotte- Cabot strait el Miquelon . \ town - o . .j- J j .,r, SI. Marys ft PF I u Cape Breton Highlands N.P. ' ' ' ' Bathurst ’■ * • Sydney # Cape Breton I. 'BRUNSWICK c Fredeh'cton.S " NOVA SCOTIA Grand ' * Halrfax-Dartmouth Manan I. •Lunenberg * •Yarmouth Brier I. _ ^ I. Anticosni. Sable I. ' MAINE Seall. Lettered Nova Scotia Sites: A Pictou B Amherst C Truro D Woltville E Digby Blake Maybank David Seeler A mild fall heralded a slightly warmer- than-normal winter for the Region, characterized by intermittent storms, windy conditions, and temperatures at or above normal. Ice cover in the Gulf of St. Lawrence was well below average, permit- ting wintering seabirds to disperse over a larger area. Good weather conditions en- abled birders to tally a respectable number of species for the Region. Newfoundland and Labrador reported 152 species, New Brunswick 165, Nova Scotia 204, Prince Ed- ward Island 115, and St. Pierre et Miquelon achieved an astounding total of 104 species, five species over last year’s record for the is- lands. Abbreviations: C.S.I. (Cape Sable Island, Shelburne, NS); G.M.I. (Grand Manan Is- land, NB); H.R.M. (Halifax Regional Munici- pality, NS). WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS A Pink-footed Goose first located 19 Nov at Goulds (Lisa de Leon, m.ob.) lingered tuntil 27 Apr, providing Newfoundland with its eighth record and first for the winter season. A Greater White-fronted Goose was shot by a hunter at Antigonish, NS 6 Dec (fide Billy Digout). Six Snow Geese, uncom- mon in Newfoundland, were at Salmonier 1 Jan (Tanya Appleby). A rare Ross’s Goose among 9 Snow Geese at Harden Point, H.R.M. 31 Dec (Mike King) represented the first record of this species for Nova Scotia. A Brant was first located 10 Nov at Flatrock Harbour, NL (Lisa de Leon); it lingered well into the winter season for others to enjoy (Les Sweetapple, m.ob.). This species is reportedly less than annually in the prov- ince. Gadwall continues to do well in parts of the Region. An unusually large group of 14 appeared in Yarmouth Harbour, NS 23 Dec (Ron D’Entremont). Gadwall regularly overwinters in Prince Edward Island, with 100 being reported at Chapel Creek 15 Dec (Ron Ar\4dson). Record numbers of Ameri- can Black Duck were again recorded on St. Pierre et Miquelon. Over 1000 were found at Grand Barachois 8 Dec, with 1031 there 13 Jan, and 1074 on 24 Feb (RE). A rare find in winter, a female King Eider was observed at Sheep Rock Cove, G.M.L, NB 9 Dec, along with 54 Harlequin Ducks (Roger Burrows). The sw. coast of St. Pierre has been a regular wintering spot for Harlequin Duck. On 17 Dec, 178 were counted, with 168 still pres- ent 15 Feb (LJ). Three Buffleheads were not- ed at Grand Barachois 8 Dec (LJ), with the solo male lingering in the area until 28 Feb. Three rare Canvasbacks found in the Ma- hone Bay area, Lunenburg, NS 16 Jan (Ryan Harvey) included 2 males and a female. The same day, 2 males were observed in Bed- ford Cove, NS and another male in Percell’s Cove, H.R.M. 24 Jan. A rare female Hooded Merganser was photographed at Langlade, Miquelon 2 Dec (Philippe Lahiton); and a female Common Merganser was in the St. Pierre harbor and vicinity 12-28 Feb (LJ, JD, PB). An unusual winter visitor to Newfound- land, a Ruddy Duck was observed on Quidi Vidi Lake, St. John’s 14 Dec (Lisa de Leon). On 21 Dec, 42 Common Loons were still off Cape Miquelon, with 24 counted during the St. Pierre C.B.C. 27 Dec (RE et al). The status of Gray Partridge in Nova Sco- tia was unclear until late Jan or early Feb, when 6 were found at Bible Hill (Ross Hall). A modestly late Pied-billed Grebe was found 7 Dec in Kouchibouguac N.P, NB (OBS). Similarly, late Pied-billeds were on St. Pierre 5 & 22 Jan (LJ) and 8-26 Feb (LJ, JD, PB). Red-necked Grebe put in an excellent show- ing, with 153 counted on the Louisburg, NS C.B.C. 15 Dec — almost half the provincial C.B.C. total. Single Great Blue Herons tried to winter on White Head Island, NB 3 Dec (Roger Burrows) and on St. Pierre 10 Jan (LJ). Great Egrets appear almost annually in Prince Edward Island, but one at Diligent Pond, East Point 2 Dec (Danny Glarke) was late. At least 4 were pressing their luck at various locales in Nova Scotia 1 Dec-4 Jan (Chris Field, Johnny Nickerson, m.ob.). A late Snowy Egret was observed to be doing well 1 Dec in the estuary of Marsh Creek, Saint John, NB (Jim Wilson, Merv Cormier). Two imm. Black-crowned Night-Herons were found on St. Pierre 16 Jan, with 3 pres- ent 19 Jan, and one still there 3 Feb; these represent the first winter records for the French islands (PB, Patrick Hacala). A most unseasonable ad. Yellow-crowned Night- Heron was discovered mid-Dec in the Pub- nico area, Yarmouth, NS (Ron D’Entremont). Turkey "Vultures were reported through- out the w. half of Nova Scotia, with 38 on the Yarmouth, NS C.B.C. 16 Dec and 63 on C.B.C.s provincewide. One was observed at Quispamsis, Kings, NB 5 Dec (Debra Wil- son). Two late Ospreys were reported 15 Dec in Nova Scotia, one on C.S.I. and the other at Wolfville, Kings. A total of 49 Northern Harriers was counted during the C.B.C.s in Nova Scotia, and reports for this species con- tinued through 16 Feb. A female was located at Castalia Marsh, G.M.L, NB 10 Jan (Roger Burrows). In the French islands, one was on St. Pierre 2-10 Dec (LJ) and one at Cape Miquelon 7 Dec (RE). Six Broad-winged Hawks were reported in the season in Nova Scotia, none after 9 Jan. An imm. Golden Eagle at the Tantramar Marsh near Sackville, Westmorland, NB 16 Dec (Caroline Arsenault et al.) lingered until 21 Apr (m.ob.). Anoth- er imm. was located at Lyles Bay, Shelburne, NS 4 Jan (Sandy Hilty), and an ad. was re- ported at Upper Blanford, Lunenburg, NS 5 Jan (Chris Field). A Golden Eagle was also reported from The Hawk, C.S.I. 27-29 Jan Oohnny Nickerson, Terry Crowell, Murray Newell) and again 6 Feb (Clyde Stoddard). RAILS THROUGH ALCIDS Late, but not unprecedentedly so, a Virginia Rail was in Hackett’s Cove, H.R.M. 6-7 Jan (Cathy Potter, Sean Potter). A tardy Sora was reported on Big Tancook Island, H.R.M. 20 Jan (Hilliary Dionne). A Purple Gallinule at Canso, Guysborough, NS in early Dec (Tom ^ A Susann Myers writes: "A remarkable 21 species of shorebird were found lingering Nova Scotia early in the winter season, a testament to the long spell of mild weather enjoyed in late fail. Only eight of those species were found after mid-Jan, but this is also above the average. Eleven species of shorebird (and one Count Week spe- cies) were found on the province's 32 C.B.C.s, higher than the ten-year average of 10 species. The total of 395 shorebirds found on C.B.C.s, however, was 22% lower than the 10-year average." VOLUME 67 (2013) NUMBER 2 229 ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET MIQUELON Newfoundland's eighth Pink-footed Goose appeared in corn fields on the outskirts of St. John's in late November 2012. When the snow covered the fields in December, it was forced to join hand-fed ducks at a nearby St John's city park, where it survived the winter, last seen 27 April 201 3 (here 7 January). Photograph by Bruce Mactavish. Kavanagh) was out of place. American Coot is seen regularly during the winter season in Nova Scotia, with 38 reported on the C.B.C.s. Another was at a sewage lagoon at St. John, NB 1 Dec (OBS). Farther n., 5 were on St. Pierre 4 Dec, with 2 still present at the end of Feb (PB); another was near the vil- lage of Miquelon 7 & 18 Dec (RE). In Prince Edward Island, a coot was discovered in the Tignish River, Prince 14 Dec (Ben Moore). A Northern Lapwing, possibly one of the 2 found in the province in Nov, lingered through 1 Dec at Hirtles Beach, Lunenburg, NS (James Hirtle, Dorthy Poole). Most likely the same individual was found that same afternoon at Cherry Hill Beach, Lunenburg, NS (Sylvia Fullerton). Black-bellied Plovers once again lingered into winter in good numbers in Nova Scotia, with 33 found on five C.B.C.s at the sw. end of the province. This total is more than twice the ten-year average (fide Susann Myers). An Ameri- can Golden-Plover spotted 1 Dec at Cooks Beach, Yarmouth, NS (Murray Newell) was a very rare winter lingerer; the latest re- port for the province is 12 Dec. Also very unusual for the winter season was a Piping Plover at Cherry Hill Beach, Lunenburg, NS 9 Dec, providing only the second winter record for the province. Most leave Nova Scotia by mid-Sep, and there have been only a few Nov reports and one previous winter record from 25 Jan 1967, on Sable I. (fide Susann Myers). A Hudsonian Godwit that survived at The Hawk, C.S.I., NS until 11 Dec (Johnny & Sandra Nickerson) furnished a third provincial winter record. A Greater Yellowlegs at Traytown, NL 3 Dec (Diane Burton) also provided that province with its third winter record. Reports of Red Knots are always of interest. On Miquelon, 32 were at Grand Barachois 4 Dec (RE), and 2 were on lie aux Marins off St. Pierre 27 Dec, provid- ing a C.B.C. first (Frederic & Patricia Allen- Mahe). In Nova Scotia, 5 were observed 15 Dec during the C.S.I. and the Broad Cove C.B.C.s in the sw. part of the province. Four Semipalmated Sandpipers, very rare in winter, were located at The Hawk, C.S.I. 1 Dec, with 7 being present 1 1 Dec (Johnny & Sandra Nickerson). Also present at the same locale 11 Dec, a White-rumped Sandpiper was considered rare, even though the spe- cies has been found on C.S.I. in nine winters since 1996. A White-rumped Sandpiper was at St. Pierre 3 &r 6 Dec (LJ, JD), and 2 were on the C.B.C. 27 Dec. A Wilsons Snipe was attempting to winter at St. Pierre 1 Dec-28 Jan QD)- A Wilson’s Snipe on the Hillsborough River C.B.C. 16 Dec (Roberta Palmer) was rare for Prince Edward Island. An American Woodcock, rare on the Avalon Pen- insula at any time, was at St. Shott’s 2 Dec (Ken Knowles, John Wells); this makes Newfoundland’s first winter record of the species. Reports of single Ivory Gulls came from Topsail Beach, NL 28 Feb (Ian Jones, m.ob.) and Maison- ette, NB 18 Dec (Frank Branch et ah). A Little Gull on the Glace Bay, NS C.B.C. 29 Dec (Della Murrant) was notable. A very late Long- tailed Jaeger was observed just w. of Seal Island, NS 2 Dec (Ron D’Entremont) during a fishing out- ing. Nova Scotia led the charge when it came to reporting Dovekies this season, with at least a few be- ing reported on every trip to the shoreline. Numerous accounts of Dovekies being blown ashore in Nova Scotia during gales were also received. In excess of 200 were reported at various locales from 28 Dec at Canso, Guysborough through 23 Eeb at Lunenburg, Lunenburg (m.ob.). Two were off White Head Eeriy, G.M.I., NB 10 Jan (Roger Burrows). St. Pierre recorded 592 Dovekies during the C.B.C. 27 Dec (fide RE). OWLS THROUGH PIPITS There were few reports of Snowy Owl. At least 4 were noted early in Nova Scotia, with no additional reports after 23 Dec. In Prince Edward Island, 3 Snowy Owls were stak- ing out bird feeders in yards in Queen’s in late Feb. A Northern Hawk Owl at McKees Mill, Kent, NB 26 Dec (Roger Leblanc) rep- resented the only report. A Long-eared Owl made an unusual appearance 23 Feb when it landed on a clothesline outside a home where birders had gathered for tea in Por- tugal Cove South, NL (David Shepard, Julie Cappleman, Richard Thomas); this made Newfoundland’s fifth record of the species. A Short-eared Owl on St. Pierre 27 Dec pro- vided a first local C.B.C. record of the spe- C I't Eric Mills writes: "Both Common and Thick-billed Murres were rather sparsely re- . . 4 C ' ported, but in early Dec, it was clear that something was going on with Razorbills. Seawatching revealed a steady, heavy passage of southbound birds, after which num- bers were relatively low through the end of Feb, but numbers in the American South- east were unprecedented. This incredible movement may have been driven by unusu- ally warm water temperatures in the north (and a resulting lack of prey), as well as a population boom following efforts to protect the species' breeding grounds." 230 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET MIQUELON cies. Up to 6 Short-eareds lingered into win- ter in Nova Scotia: one at Seaforth, H.R.M, 22 Dec (Pat McKay); 3 at Horton Landing, Kings, NS 14 Jan and 14 Feb (Rick Whit- man); and 2 in Lawrencetown, H.R.M. 14-15 Jan (Kate Steele, Paul Mateuchy). Only 3 Bo- real Owls were reported. One was caught in a Pine Marten trap in the area of St. Quentin, Victoria, NB. Red-bellied Woodpecker was not reported from most areas, but Nova Scotia Christmas counts tallied 21 in all. One was still on G.M.l. at a Castalia feeder 8 Dec (Roger Bur- rows). An Eastern Phoebe located during the Wolfville C.B.C. 15 Dec was the lone rep- resentative of flycatchers in Nova Scotia for the season (ph. Barry Sabean). A late Blue- headed Vireo managed to hang on until 25 Dec at Northeast Harbour, C.S.I., Shelburne, NS (Clyde Stoddard). Boreal Chickadees ap- peared to be less common than usual on St, Pierre, with only 22 found during the C.B.C. 27 Dec (fide RE), A House Wren made an un- usual appearance during the C.B.C. on C.S.l. 15 Dec (ph. Clyde Stoddard et al.) Winter Wrens attempt to winter in the Region on occasion; one on G.M.l. 16 Dec (Richard Blacquiere, Merv Cormier) was a Christmas count first. An eleventh provincial and sec- ond winter record, a Marsh Wren was dis- covered at St. Mary’s, NF 8 Dec (BM, Ken Knowles). Two attempted to winter in Nova Scotia. The first, present since fall at Min- ers Marsh, Keniville, NB, was last reported 20 Dec (fide Jim Wolford). The other was on Porters Island, H.R.M. 4 Jan (ph. Fulton Lavender, Chris Pepper). Single Carolina Wrens were seen along the St. John River, Fredericton, NB 2 Dec (Don Gibson) and at Lunenburg, NS 2 Jan-6 Feb (Chris Pepper, Kate Steele, Kevin Lantz). An Eastern Bluebird was discovered on the Fredericton, NB C.B.C. 16 Dec (Bev Schnei- der). In Nova Scotia, one was at Volger’s Cove, Lunenburg 15-19 Jan, and another was at Yarmouth in late Jan Qohn Sollows), later joined by 5 more (Murray Newell). A Hermit Thrush on St. Pierre 2-8 Dec (LJ) was late. In w. Newfoundland, a Fieldfare arrived at Re- idville n. of Deer Lake in mid-Dec lingered through Jan (ph. Gerard & Charlene Butler); the province has at least six previous records of the species. A very uncommon visitor during winter, a Varied Thrush showed up at a feeder in Woods Harbour, Barrington, Shelburne, NS 7 Jan and remained through 23 Feb (m.ob.). Nova Scotia had scattered single Gray Catbirds into Dec, with some well into Jan at Portuguese Cove, H.R.M. (Hans Toom), Port Maitland, Yarmouth (fide James Hirtle), and White Point, Queens, NS. Northern Mockingbird numbers appeared to be slightly higher than average in Nova Sco- tia for the season. Seventeen were counted on nine Nova Scotia counts; the Halifax- Dartmouth C.B.C. provided 7 of these. In all, 24 mockingbirds were reported through- out Nova Scotia during the season. A Brown Thrasher attended a feeder at Tignish from early Dec through 17 Feb (Donna Gaudet); the species is rare in winter on Prince Ed- ward Island. In the French islands, 30 Amer- ican Pipits were on the Isthmus, Miquelon through 4 Dec (RE), one was on St. Pierre 4 Dec (PB), and 3 were near Etang de Mirande 4 Dec (RE); six more reports of single birds were made through 25 Jan. On Prince Ed- ward Island, a late American Pipit was seen during the first half of Jan at Kensington (Londie Meloche). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia each reported 1 1 warbler species during the season. In Newfoundland, five species sur- vived into Jan. An Ovenbird discovered at Halifax 4 Dec provided Nova Scotia with its first winter record. Some 20-24 Orange- crowned Warblers were seen in Nova Scotia in Dec, but just 4 were noted in Jan (fide Ken McKenna). A female Cape May Warbler at Kelly’s Brook, NL 16 Dec (Mike Parmenter, BM et al.) provided the fourth record of that species for Dec in the province and was a rarity on the Avalon Peninsula. A Blackpoll Warbler contributed the third C.B.C. record for Nova Scotia at Barrington, C.S.L 15 Dec Games Hirtle). A Pine Warbler stayed at St. Pierre 5-21 Dec (LJ, PB); another attended suet feeders at St. Leonard, Madawaska, NB 21 Dec (Roy & Charlotte Lapointe). A Yellow-throated Warbler graced feeders in York, Queens 3 Dec-early Feb (ph. Liz MacKay, m.ob.), the second ever for Prince Edward Island. A Townsend’s Warbler was discovered along the lower Waterford River, St. John’s 26 Dec Qohn Wells, Chris Brown) and remained into Jan (ph. BM); there are 15 previous records for the Newfoundland, most in late fall and early winter. Yellow- breasted Chats were observed in record numbers during C.B.C.s throughout Nova Scotia and eventually became the most com- monly reported warbler for the province the season. Twenty-seven were reported during C.B.C.s in Nova Scotia, with an additional 35 reported during the winter in the prov- ince. One attempted to winter at St. John’s, NL 19 Dec+ (ph. Alvan Buckley, m.ob.), last noted in Feb. A Yellow-breasted Chat report- ed at St. John 5 Dec made New Brunswick’s sole report. STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS USED IN THE REGIONAL REPORTS * specimen collected -f- bird(s) seen through end of period t written details on file A.F.B. Air Force Base acc. accepted by records committee A.R.C. Avian Records Committee b. banded B.B.S. Breeding Bird Survey B.O. Bird Observatory B.R.C. Bird Records Committee C.A. Conservation Area C.B.C. Christmas Bird Count CP. County Park cm centimeter(s) Fwy. Freeway G.C. Golf Course G.P. Game Preserve Hwy. Highway imm.(imms.) immature(s) Jet. Junction juv. (juvs.) juvenal [plumage]; juvenile(s) km kilometer(s) mm millimeter(s) m.ob. many (or multiple) observers N.A. Nature Area, Natural Area N.F. National Forest N.M. National Monument N.P National Park N.S. National Seashore N.W.R. National Wildlife Refuge p.a. pending acceptance P.P. Provincial Park ph. photographed (by + initials) R.A. Recreation(al) Area R.B.A. Rare Bird Alert R.P. Regional Park R.S. Regional Shoreline Rd. Road Rte. Route S.B. State Beach S.L. Sewage Lagoon S.F. State Forest S.G.A. State Game Area S.R State Park S.R.A. State Recreation Area S.R. State Reserve S.W.A. State Wildlife Area S.T.P. Sewage Treatment Plant/Pond subad. (subads.) subadult(s) Twp. Township v.r. voice recording (by -i- initials) vt. videotape (by + initials) W.A. Wildlife Area W.M.A. Wildlife Management Area W.T.P. (Waste)water Treatment Plant/Pond Italics indicate name of a county, parish, or municipality. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 231 ATLANTIC PROVINCES & ST. PIERRE ET MIQUELON Newfoundland's sixteenth Townsend's Warbler was found on the St. John's Christmas Bird Count 26 December 2012 and entertained observers until it vanished, probably expired, on 5 January. Photograph by Bruce Mactavish. A single Eastern TowLiee at Charlottetown 15 Dec (Carolyn Cockram) was uncommon for Prince Edward Island; 4 were discovered on C.B.C.s in Nova Scotia, with at least one lingering at Lower Sackville, H.R.M. through mid-Eeb (Peter Leblanc) and another first noted in early Jan at Jollimore, H.R.M. (fide I.M.). A late Chipping Sparrow appeared at a feeder in Quispamsis, Kings, NS 29 Dec (Joanne Savage). A Clay-colored Sparrow on C.S.I. 15 Dec Qarnes Hirtle) plus 3 at Canso, Guysbowugh during the winter (Tom Kava- nagh) made a remarkable total for Nova Sco- tia. In Newfoundland, one at Lumsden 25 Dec was joined by a second 13 Jan (ph. Rog- er Willmott, m.ob.). Single Lark Sparrows, rare in the Region during winter, were at St. John, NB 1-4 Dec (fide Jim Wilson) and at Cape Negro, Shelburne, NS 10 Eeb (Murray Newell). Very late, a Swamp Sparrow was at Langlade, Miquelon 12 Jan (ph, Philippe La- hiton). Two White-crowned Sparrows were at a feeder in St. Pierre 1-2 Dec, and one of these survived to become the first reported on the St. Pierre C.B.C. 27 Dec QD); another was at a local feeder 24 Jan (Patrick Hacala). An ad. Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow visited a feeder at Lumsden, NL 28 Jan (ph. Roger Willmott), the first confirmed record of an ad. for the province. Northern Cardinal continued its push into the Region, with at least 8 reported on Prince Edward Island and 10 in New Bruns- wick. In Nova Scotia, 247 were reported throughout the various Christmas counts, 27% more than the previous record from 2010-2011. Two imm. Rose-breasted Gros- beaks on the Wolfville, C.B.C. 15 Dec were rare finds, with at least one surviving into the spring (Richard Stern, Rick Whitman et ah). An imm. male at Middle Pond, NL 5 Dec (BM) was quite rare. Two Blue Gros- beaks were located on 1 Dec in New Bruns- wick: one at Lower Jemseg, Queen’s (Don Gibson) and an imm. female at Bouctouche (ph. Jean-Paul & Stella Leblanc). An imm. Indigo Bunting lingered into early Dec at Lanark, Antigonish, NS (Marilyn O’Brien); another made intermittent appearances at feeders throughout the season at Lower Rose Bay, Lunenburg, NS (Eric & Anne Mills). A third Indigo appeared at a Halifax, H.R.M. feeder 13 Dec and remained throughout the winter (Susann Myers). Most surprising was the Painted Bunting, a rare visitor to a New Brunswick, visiting a feeder at Grand-Anse, Gloucester 29 Dec-mid-Jan (Michel Chias- son, Rosita Lanteigne, Steeve Miousse). An Eastern Meadowlark that arrived at Grand Desert, H.R.M. before Dec survived through Feb (ph. Chris Pepper, Kate Steele). Another was located 2 Feb at Chebogue Point, Yarmouth, NS (Elizabeth Doull). Rare in Nova Scotia, a Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Falmouth, Hants late Dec 8 Feb (Ryan Harvey, m.ob.). Evening Grosbeak appears to be making a comeback in the Region, with every province reporting the species this season. They were especially prevalent in Nova Scotia, where C.B.C.s logged counts not seen since 1995-1996, Contributors: Patrick Boez, Joel Detchever- ry, Roger Etcheberry (St. Pierre et Miquelon), Laurent Jackman, Bruce Mactavish (BM; Newfoundland and Labrador), Ian McLaren (Nova Scotia). O David Seeler, 28 Irwin Drive, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1E 1S2 (d5eeler@eastlink.ca) Blake Maybank, 144 Bay view Drive White's Lake, Nova Scotia B3T1Z1 (maybank@ns.sympatico.ca) North American Birds A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD "The premier periodical dealing with status and distribution of North American birds." — Kenn Kaufman "Why should you subscribe? Quite simply, you should subscribe to become a bet- ter birder." —Jon Dunn American Birding” Subscriptions are available for $30 for US or $35 for Canadian. Renew or give a Gift Subscription, today • (800) 850-2473 232 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Quebec i Inukjuak Kuujjuaq • Eastmain • Matagami •Amos L Saint-Jcan ■ Ferment* Chibou- • gamau Sept- _ ties • Baie- Comeau •u""' • Rouyn ^''•Matane Tadoussac* Cap-Tourmente# Quebec City* u Natash- pH^e- quan St.-Pieffe ^ • ile-d'Anticosti • Gaspe • Perce Ville- • Marie Mont- » Laufier Berthierville^ ' Montrfeal^ »Victoriaville Gatineau* t I iles-de-la Madeleine L Cton Pierre Bannon Olivier Barden Normand David Samuel Oenault The seasons weather appeared more win- ter-like than in 2011-2012, but tempera- tures were still above normal. December was above average by 2-4° C but with heavy snow in the south, especially in the Lauren- tians and at Montreal. The rest of the season was 1-2° C above average, with below-average precipitation in January and normal precipita- tion in February, except for the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula, which received much snow. WATERFOWL THROUGH HERONS A Mute Swan turned up at Les Escoumins 1 Dec (C. St-Pierre, JG. Beaulieu), and Saint-Ire- nee, and nearby Baie-Saint-Paul hosted singles 24 (MR Cote) & 25 Dec, respectively (A. Jean). Always rare in winter, single Wood Ducks were found at Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka 14 Jan (L. Lemay) and at Saint-Eustache 9-26 Feb QC. Charbonneau). A male Eurasian Wigeon at Eery 20 Dec was late (SD). A Northern Pintail and an American Wigeon overwintered at Baie- Comeau (OB et al.), a first for the North Shore in the case of the wigeon. Not frequently repor- ted in winter, 2 Lesser Scaup were discovered at Verdun 16 Feb+ (SD). At least 4 King Eiders, a somewhat unpredictable species in winter, were reported in e. Quebec. A male Common Eider at He Bizard, Montreal 2 Dec was out range (FB). Three Harlequin Ducks in the La- chine Rapids, Montreal 6 Jan-t- (PB, m.ob.) were distinguishable by plumage differences. Two or 3 Willow Ptarmigan were seen from 9 Jan into early Mar at Pointe-aux-Outardes, where the species is apparently annual or nearly so (S. Pare, E. Brotherton). Common Loons lingered late, with 7 birds still reported after mid-Jan but only 3 in Feb: at Saint-Fabien-sur-Mer 15 Feb (M. Therriault, G. Proulx), Chandler 16 Feb (AC), and Laval 16 Feb (M. Boisvert). A Horned Grebe at Verdun 20 Dec was late (D. Demers), as was a Red- necked Grebe at Gatineau 6 Jan (R. Bisson). A Pied-billed Grebe successfully overwintered at Sherbrooke (m.ob.). The discovery of a Nor- thern Fulmar alive in a snow bank at Mistis- sini 20 Dec was shocking news although not unprecedented (fide SD, ph.). A well-described Wilson’s Storm-Petrel seen at close range at Cap-des-Rosiers 3 Dec (EA) provided a new record late date for the Region. Single out-of- range Great Cormorants stopped at Terrebonne 1-7 Jan (L. Dumont) and at Verdun 12 Jan (PB, R. Guillet). Rare in Feb, single Great Blue He- rons were at Granby 12-22 Feb (M. D’Auteuil, D. Trescak) and Becancour 26 Feb (Y. Rivard). A Black-crowned Night-Heron at Sainte-Cathe- rine 14-20 Dec was also late (M. Juteau). VULTURES THROUGH DOVES A Black Vulture at Fatima, Magdalen Islands 9 Dec-19 Jan was an exciting find (Andre Cou- ture, BV, J. Poirier). Also noteworthy in winter, single Turkey Vultures were at La Prairie 25 Dec (A. Dubois, L. Laviolette), Hudson 17 Feb (C. Buddie), and Saint-Ferdinand 25 Feb (S. Roy, fide D. Gagne). Red-shouldered Hawks have overwintered m increasing numbers in the past few years; 7 were reported this winter, most of them continuing well into Feb. Seldom reported deep into winter, an Ame- rican Coot showed up at Valleyfield 10 Feb+ (R. Fortin, m.ob.). For the second consecutive winter, late Red Knots lingered in the Mag- dalen Islands, where 3 birds were reported at Grosse-Ile 16 Jan (S. Cyr, BV). A late Sander- Img was also in the Magdalen Islands 13 Jan (AR). Rare in winter near Montreal, a Purple Sandpiper was spotted at Sainte-Catherine 14 Dec (DO, GC). Two Wilsons Snipe were spot- ted at Fatima 14 Feb (BV, C. Roy). A Little Gull at Pointe-des-Monts 1 Dec was late (OB et al). An ad. Mew Gull of the nominate subspecies at Baie-Comeau 15 Dec was noteworthy (OB). Single Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported at Terrebonne 20 Jan (SD) and at Clermont 1 Feb (D. Martel). Only one Eurasian Collared-Dove was re- ported at Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville 12 Jan (YG, SMo), down from last winter’s high number. A White-winged Dove at Gallix, Sept-Iles 20-21 Dec provided a new record late date for the province (ph. L. Dube, M. Couette). OWLS THROUGH THRASHERS Usually (but not always) synchronized with Great Gray and Boreal Owl influxes, North- ern Hawk Owls were no more common than during a typical winter. A little more than 100 Great Gray Owls were reported throughout the province this winter, which is slightly more than the 70 of 2008-2009, but this invasion felt much lighter than the memorable winter of 2004-2005 (600+ birds), despite an increase in reporting since then due to the proliferation of electronic media. Local concentrations did not occur as was the case eight years back, as highest count reported at any given site was a mere 4 at ile-aux-Coudres late Feb (fide F Cau- chon). The easternmost record was of a road- killed specimen at Havre-Saint-Pierre in Jan (N. Jomphe). A Short-eared Owl at Baie-Comeau 7 Dec (B. Poulin), one at Cap d’Espoir 10-19 Jan (AC, m.ob.), another at Saint-Louis-du-Ha!Ha! 28 Jan (M. Beaulieu), and 2 at Havre-Aubert This Northern Fulmar, found wrecked at Mistissini, Quebec 20 December 2012, was probably seeking to escape Ice-up in Hudson Bay by flying south. It is shown here in rehabilitation 20 December. Photograph by Marlene MacKinnon. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 233 QUEBEC This Clay-colored Sparrow was found feeding on a roadside at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle 28 December 201 2, just after a snowplow cleared the snow from a storm that had dumped 50 cm in southern Quebec the day before. Photograph by Lucien Lemayand Nicole Guenette. 15-16 Feb (AR, G. Chiasson) were good finds. Belted Kingfishers were found at Sainte- Cecile-de-Masham 28 Dec (COO), at Lejeune, Lower St. Lawrence 6-11 Jan (R. Deschenes), at Saint-Damien-de-Buckland 15 Jan-15 Feb (R. Gingras), at Saint-Lin-des-Laurentides 15-17 Jan (L. Cyr, C. Veevaete), and returning for a third consecutive winter at Lac-Saguay 22 Jan (MA. Montpetit). The Red-headed Woodpecker found at Sainte-Foy in Oct continued through- out the period (m.ob.), and another was at Viceroy Lake, Outaouais 12 Dec (J. Levert, fide R. LeBrun). At least 15 Red-bellied Woodpeck- ers were reported throughout the Region this winter. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was quite surprising at Riviere-Saint-Jean 19 Jan (R. Pou- lin, C. Germain). An Eastern Phoebe at Laval 4 Dec was an excellent find (G. Lachaine). A Blue-headed Vireo at Pointe-Claire 10 Dec was record late and furnished a first win- ter record ever (GC, ph. SD). White-breasted Nuthatches were out of range at Forestville 3-18 Dec (S. Page) and at Sainte-Anne-des- Monts throughout the winter (MD). A Caro- lina Wren at Chicoutimi, Saguenay 3-18 Dec was only the sixth ever for the Saguenay-Lac- Saint-Jean region (C. Imbeau, C. Couture). Other than birds at He des Soeurs (2) and Cap Tounnente (one) — the only sites where Win- ter Wren is reported with regularity deep into winter — hardy individuals were found at Cap- aux-Meules 12 Jan (AR) and He Notre-Dame 15 Feb (PB). Two Marsh Wrens at Maria 1 Dec (M. Larrivee) made for a surprising find. A Swain- son’s Thrush was at Chandler 12 Dec ORL). Single Gray Catbirds were at Saint-Louis-de- Gonzague 15 Dec (D. Collins), Sainte-Anne- de-Sorel 29-31 Dec (J. Lemoyne), and Aylmer, Gatineau 3 Jan (]. Dubois). A Brown Thrasher was found at Grand-Calumet Island 27 Dec (COO), while singles successfully overwintered at Saint-Leon-le-Grand, Lower St. Lawrence (R. Lang) and at Maria (M. Guite, L. Chiasson). PIPITS THROUGH FINCHES A very late American Pipit was at Saint-Ar- mand 19 Dec (JG. Papineau), but a bird pho- tographed at Saint-Etienne-de-Beauharnois 26 Jan (SD) and seen again 3 Mar Q. Fleneault) represented a first record of successful ove- rwintering for the species in the Region. An Orange-crowned Warbler at He Sainte-Helene 3 Dec made it until 9 Dec (SMa, m.ob.). Single Pine Warblers were at He Notre-Dame 1-7 Dec and at Sainte-Catherine 22-26 Dec (YG). A Yel- low-rumped Warbler overwintered at I’Annon- ciation (ph., MC. Campeau, Jide M. Renaud). A Wilson’s Warbler was a great find at Sainte- Catherine 22-26 Dec (YG, m.ob.). Eastern Towhees overwintered at Riviere- Ouelle (G. Pelletier), I’Anse-au-Griffon (DJ, EA), and Chandler (JRL, D. Lavoie), while one at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu was found from 22 Dec through at least 2 Feb (S. Riel). A Chipping Sparrow was at Hebertville 12 Dec (M. Tremblay, J. Fortin). Single Clay-colored Sparrows were found at I’Anse-au-Griffon 14 Dec-5 Jan Q. Lacasse) and Saint-Bernard-de- Lacolle 28 Dec (ph., L. Lemay, N. Guenette). A Field Sparrow at Sainte-Petronille 22 Dec was taken by a cat a few days later (OB). A Vesper Sparrow was at Saint-Gregoire, Becancour 26 Dec (M. Bisson). Single Savannah Sparrows were at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan 16 Dec (DJ. Ward, S. Tremblay), Venise-en-Quebec 29 Dec (SMa, M. Gauthier), Saint-Jude 6 Jan (R. Clermont), and Brigham 17 Feb (B. Ha- mel). The winter’s only Swamp Sparrow was at Beauport, Quebec City 26 Dec-12 Jan (P Lane, GC). Harris’s Sparrows were discovered at feeders in Mirabel 7 Dec (YG, SMo) and Saint-Anaclet-de-Lessard early Dec-i- (R Lam- bert, fide G. Belisle-Couture, LL). A grayish Summer Tanager at Sainte-Felici- te-de-Matane 5-6 Dec appeared to be a young female of the cooperi subspecies (ph. J. De- schenes). On the heels of a strong fall flight. Northern Cardinals were welcomed at feeders throughout the inhabited regions of Quebec NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS QUEBEC beyond their typical range, such as the Abiti- bi-Temiscamingue region (6 birds), the North Shore (7 birds), Lower St. Lawrence (15+), the Gaspe Peninsula (14 birds), and the Saguenay- Lac-Saint-Jean region (15+ birds). A Rose- breasted Grosbeak was at Gaspe 12 Dec-1 Jan (DJ), while an imm. male at Vaudreuil-Dorion 22-27 Jan was one of the latest ever reported in the province (ph. L Chatel, JP Lebel). A Dickcissel attended feeders at Sainte-Anne-des- Monts through 16 Dec (MD). A male Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Saint-Etienne-de-Beauharnois 12-22 Jan (DO). Numerous Red Crossbills, mostly of Type 3 where they were identified to Type, were re- ported at feeders and in ornamental pines. They were especially present in the e. half of the Region, as far e. as Longue-Pointe-de-Min- gan, the Magdalen Islands, and Gaspe — and fairly numerous even into spring in the Gaspe region (S. Marchand). Addendum; Dominique Lavoie and Germain Savard lately identified an ad. Ross’s Gull from photographs taken by two ptarmigan hunters along a logging road approximately 150 km n. of Girardville, Lac-Saint-Jean region 22 Jan 2011 (E Demers, K. Letourneau). According to these hunters, the gull followed their pickup truck for approximately 3 km and finally sat on the roadside after they stopped the engine. Photographs and videotapes were then ob- tained, but it took almost two years before this documentation ended up in the hands of ex- pert birders. Gulls in general are highly adapt- able feeders, and one wonders if this probably starving gull had detected the presence of ptar- migan carcass in the pickup bed. Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): Edith Asselin, Pierre Bannon (Mon- treal), Olivier Barden, Monique Berlinguette (Haute-Yamaska), Club des Ornithologues de I’Outaouais (COO), Frederic Bussiere, Albini Couture, Gerard Cyr, Maurice Daudelin, Sa- muel Denault, Yves Gauthier, Louis Imbeau (Abitibi-Temiscamingue), Diane Jalbert, Louise Lefebvre (Lower-St. Lawrence), Jean- Raymond Lepage, Sylvain Mathieu, Suzanne Moran, Daniel Ouellette, Pierre Poulin (Gas- pesie), Alain Richard (Magdalen Is.), Yann Rochepault (North Shore), Jean-Fran?ois Rousseau (Quebec City), Germain Savard (Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean), Daniel Toussaint (Outaouais), Blandine Vigneault. © Pierre Bannon, 1517 Leprohon, Montreal, Quebec H4E 1 PI, (pbannon@videotron.ca) Olivier Barden, 120 ave Le Gardeur, Apt. 5, Baie-Comeau, Quebec G4Z 1 E9, (iridosornis@gmail.com) Normand David, 10385A rue Clark, Montreal, Quebec H3L 2S3, (normanddavid@videotron.ca) Samuel Denault, 75 Beauchemin, Saint-Basile-le- Grand, Quebec J3N 1J6, (spdenault@gmail.com) New England Pamela Hunt The winter of 2012-2013 began on the morning of 1 December with the first accumulating snowfall at my home in New Hampshire and a continu- ing Little Egret on Cape Cod. Temperatures that morning ranged from 2° C at Hyannis, MA (where the egret was) to -12° C in Win- terpon, ME (where a Townsend’s Warbler was). As the season progressed, December turned out to be both warmer and wet- ter than the long-term trends, while Janu- ary was significantly drier. Temperatures in the latter month dropped noticeably at the end, although February still averaged above normal. The big news in February was the snowfall. While on the whole the month (and season) experienced typical precipita- tion, a blizzard 8-9 February set the stage for a month with multiple storms in southern New England. Perhaps the major effect of the weather on the Region’s birds came from these February snows. Another noteworthy weather event was a very strong sou’wester 21 December. This storm brought a Black- capped Petrel to Cape Ann and many alcids into atypical habitats, including a Dovekie wrecked 75 km inland in New Hampshire. Another storm on 27-28 December, this time the more expected nor’easter, brought alcids and other seabirds into Cape Cod Bay in exceptional numbers. But the seabird of the season was not associated with any ma- jor meteorological phenomenon: a Black- browed Albatross south of Martha’s 'Vineyard on 2 December. The Little Egret was not the only Palearc- tic vagrant to grace New England this win- ter. There were several Northern Lapwings, two Tufted Ducks, and a Barnacle Goose. From the West, 'Varied Thrushes, mostly in New Hampshire, put in appearances, as did a Townsend’s Solitaire. Warblers and half- hardies again made good showings. And then there was the finch flight. No- vember showed signs of the winter being a “super-flight,” with all the irruptive Fringil- lids already reported over a large portion of the Region, along with Bohemian Wax- wings, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and even a few northern owls. As the winter pro- gressed, however, the invasion was primar- ily restricted to Bohemian Waxwings, Pine Grosbeaks, redpolls, and coastal White- winged Crossbills. The season will be remembered for its bizarre juxtapositions, including Common Redpoll and Cape May Warbler at the same feeder. Northern Lapwing and Western King- bird in the same field, and Snowy Owl and Cave Swallow on the same beach. Read on! Abbreviations/locations: Block Island {Wa- shington, RI); First Encounter (First Encoun- ter Beach, Eastham, Barnstable, MA); M.D.I. (Mount Desert Island, ME); EL (Plum Island, Essex, MA); P’town (Provincetown, Barn- stable, MA); Rockport {Essex, MA); Stratford {Fairfield, CT); Wellfleet {Barnstable, MA). WATERFOWL A Ross’s Goose at Sharon, Norfolk, MA con- tinued from the fall through 23 Dec (m.ob.), while a one was seen at Rockland, Knox, Maine 20 Jan {fide WT) through at least 10 Feb (ph., m.ob.). Totals for other Arctic geese included at least 19 Greater White- VQLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 235 NEW ENGLAND C r Just when one thinks the winter tubenose show is getting predictable, there \comes a record to remind us why we look for birds. Such was the ad. Black- browed Albatross photographed 30 km s. of Martha's Vineyard 2 Dec (B. Gervalis), providing Massachusetts with its third record and clearly the first winter record for the Region. A Black-capped Petrel seen from shore at Rockport 21 Dec (RH) was surely associated with a strong sou'wester that also brought alcids to sheltered coastal bays. And finally, to keep landlubbers on their toes, a live Northern Fulmar was found at Springfield, Hampden, MA 13 Dec {Me J. Rose, ph.), a first state inland record and not apparently associated with a weather event: did it come up the Connecticut River? Un- like in recent years, there were no shearwaters lingering into Dec in Massachusetts. This Little Egret wandered around on Cape Cod, Massachusetts from late November through 1 2 (here 9) December 2012, furnish- ing a first winter New England record. Photograph by Tom Murray. fronted and 25 Cackling Geese, with indi- viduals of both species reported in each of the six states. The only Barnacle Goose was one at Hartford. CT through 6 Dec. Also in Connecticut, Brant were noteworthy for be- ing inland at Hartford 5-13 Dec (PC) and at Somers 7 Dec (J. Oshlick). Trumpeter Swans were at Konolds Pond, New Haven. CT for the second winter in a row. Rhode Island continues to be the best spot in the Region for wintering Tundra Swans, with up to 8 there in Dec and Jan. Less expected was one on Frash Pond, Litchfield. CT 27 Dec (R. Smiley). Blue-winged Teal were limited to six individuals in se. Massachusetts and a single Jan bird in sw. Connecticut, while Northern Shovelers were fairly widespread in s. New England. To the n., 6 were found in coastal Maine and 3 in se. New Hamp- shire. Single Eurasian Teal were at Newton, Middlesex. MA 9-25 Dec (m.ob.) and Green- wich, Fairfield, CT 6 Feb-r (MS, m.ob.). A male Common Pochard on Lake Cham- plain, Addison. VT 1 Jan (RP, IW, ph., m.ob.) remained through at least 11 Feb. A band on the leg indicated that it was an escapee, probably from nearby Saratoga, NY, where a collector had lost a bird “htting this descrip- tion.” Observers flocking to the pochard had the opportunity to observe a stunning con- centration of Aythya ducks on Lake Cham- plain. There were hundreds of scaup (both species), dozens of Ring-necked Ducks, a handful each of Redhead and Canvasback, and a single male Tufted Duck 1-30 Jan (RP, IW, ph., m.ob.). A second Tufted Duck, this one a female, was at Nahant, Essex, MA 26-27 Jan (L. Pivacek, m.ob., ph.). A warm spell and southwesterly winds in mid-Jan appear to have triggered a northward move- ment of Canvasbacks, with multiple birds appearing in the n. three states starting 18 Jan (and in w. Massachusetts 14 Jan). Some in coastal areas n. to Yarmouth, Cumberland, ME remained through the remainder of the season, while most inland birds disappeared after the deep freeze a few weeks later. To the s., an impressive gathering of up to 220 Can- vasbacks occurred on Nantucket. Common Eiders off Nantucket peaked at 125,000 on 5 Jan (JT, PT, VL, TP), with counts in the tens of thousands also regular. The peak count of Long-tailed Ducks here was 75,000 on 29 Dec QT). Harlequin Ducks outside of their usual strongholds included a male at Green- wich, CT 2 Dec and a female on Lake Cham- plain 31 Dec (IW). LOONS THROUGH RAILS The mild weather in Dec may have been re- sponsible for several notable inland records of loons and grebes. Highlights included 1-2 Red-throated Loons on Lake Champlain 15-20 Dec (m.ob.) and one on Lake Win- nisquam, Belknap, NH 29 Dec (B. Griffith, L. Kras). Common Loons were similarly out of place at the n. tips of Maine (Long Lake, Aroostook: 15 Dec) and of New Hampshire (Pittsburg, Coos: 18 Dec). In the grebe de- partment, a smattering of both Horned and Red-necked was reported, with a peak count of 57 Horneds on Lake Winni- pesaukee, Carroll, NH 13 Dec (1. MacLeod). Pacific Loons were reliably reported from P’town and Newport, with a less ex- pected bird on Lake Champlain, VT 9 & 20 Dec (RP, IW). Four Western Grebes appeared off PL 1 Dec QT). although only one remained through 22 Feb (m.ob.). Another was seen off Sachuest Point, Newport, RI 14- 29 Jan (GD, ph.). Perhaps a returning individ- ual from the previous winter, a Brown Booby was reported at least three times on Cape Cod 12-19 Dec at Welfleet (D. Lo- gan), Dennis (M. Dettrey), and First Encounter (Z. Loman). Un- expected inland were American Bitterns at Coventry, Tolland, CT 15 Dec and at Rutland, VT 3 Eeb (M. Losom, ph.). There were more Great Egrets than usual this win- ter, although far fewer than the multitudes from winter 2011-2012. Approximately 30 were scattered along the s. coast from Cape Cod eastward, with only 1-2 farther n. in Essex, MA. The latter birds departed by late Dec, while 2 in the s. lingered through early and mid-Feb. First found in Nov, a Little Egret at Hyannis, Barnstable, MA lingered through 12 Dec to provide the state and Re- gion with a first winter record. It then began to wander across the lower Cape, including Falmouth 17 Dec (G. Hirth), Centerville 22 Dec (BN et al), and finally Chatham 26 Dec (JT, PT). A Snowy Egret lingered on Cape Cod into mid-Dec, and another made it through 5 Jan at Greenwich, CT (M. Aure- lia). Much more unexpected was an imm. Little Blue Heron inland at Whitinsville, Worcester, MA 15-24 Dec Q- Lawson, m.ob., ph.). At least 5 Black-crowned Night-Herons in coastal Cumberland, ME marked that spe- cies’ n. limit this season, with 2 ads. through 2 Feb (DL, ph., m.ob.), while a Yellow- crowned Night-Heron lingered until 30 Dec Connecticut's second winter record of White Ibis was established by this immature at Stratford 13 (here 8) December 2012 through 20 January 2013. Photograph by Mark Szantyr. 236 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND Two Northern Lapwings at Little Compton, Rhode Island 1-7 (here 1) February 2013 were among a half-dozen that enter- tained (or frustrated) birders in New England during the winter. Photograph by John Parks. i Unusual in winter in New England, a Least Sandpiper at Matu- nuck, Rhode Island 26-30 (here 28) January 2013 provided the state with its first non-December winter record of the species. Photograph by M. McGlynn. at Stratford, CT. Also at Stratford, an imm. White Ibis 13 Dec-20 Jan (E Mantlik, ph., m.ob.) provided Connecticut and the Re- gion with second and third winter records, respectively. Only 2 Ospreys lingered into Dec this season, one through 16 Dec at Wethersfield, Hartford, CT (R. Acker) and another that spent most of the month at Acton, Middle- sex, MA (m.ob.). The first returning migrant was at Darien, Fairfield, CT 28 Feb (LF). It seemed to be a better winter than usual for Golden Eagles, with at least 3 in Vermont, one in New Hampshire, 4 in Maine, one in Massachusetts, and 2 in Connecticut. Massachusetts hosted 2 Soras in Dec, one at Boston 16 Dec (R. Stymeist) and the oth- er on Cape Cod 22 Dec QT, RS). As usual. Common Gallinules were on islands: Block Island 20 Dec and Nantucket through- out the period. A pair of Sandhill Cranes at Panton, Addison, VT 4 Dec were not far from the state’s known breeding location (B. MacPherson). Later in the season, one ap- peared at Tiverton, Newport, R1 21 Jan and was last seen 7 Feb, just before the season’s first major blizzard (M. Bradley, ph., m.ob.). PLOVERS THROUGH ALCIDS On the heels of an unprecedented fall in- vasion, 3 Northern Lapwings continued into the winter in Massachusetts. A single bird at Bridgewater, Plymouth, continued through 1 Jan, while 2 on Nantucket were present through the season. These were joined by a third 26 Feb (VL). Two more appeared briefly at Little Compton, New- port, RI 1-7 Feb Oohn Parks, ph., m.ob.). Like the nearby Sandhill Crane, they were not seen after the blizzard 8-9 Feb. Linger- ing Semipalmated Plovers included one on Nantucket 3 Dec (VL) and 2 in coastal Con- necticut 3 & 4 Jan (M. Aurelia, J. Zeranski, W Batsford). One American Oystercatcher overwintered at Chatham, Barnstable, MA (PT, ph., m.ob.). Another overwintered in the Stratford/Milford, CT area, with five re- ports from 11 Dec-28 Feb (m.ob.). Spotted Sandpipers are rare in the Region in winter. One at Beavertail S.R, Newport, Rl 12 Dec-7 Jan (m.ob.) was noteworthy, while one at Durham, Strafford, NH 22 Dec (SM) fur- nished the first winter record for the Gran- ite State. In Rhode Island, a Western Willet was a good find on the Block Island C.B.C. 20 Dec (RE, m.ob.). Greater Yellowlegs in s. Maine were unusually far n. and late, includ- ing one at Harpswell 5 Dec (M. Fahay) and 2 at Freeport 20 Dec (L. Gilpatrick). A Red Knot that wintered at Hammonasset (m.ob.) provided one of only a handful of winter re- cords for Connecticut. A molting ad. White- rumped Sandpiper lingered through 5 Dec at Grand Isle, VT (DH, ph.). A well-studied Least Sandpiper at Matunuck, Washington, Rl 26-30 Jan (R. Bushnell, m.ob.) provided a first Jan record for the state. Shorebird highlights from Massachusetts included the season’s only Long-billed Dowitcher at Dux- bury, Plymouth 9 Dec (R. Bowes), a Western Sandpiper at Sandy Neck, Barnstable 22 Dec QT, RS, ph.), and 2 Red Phalaropes off First Encounter 28 Dec (BN). Both nor’easters in Dec brought good numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes to shore at Rockport and First Encounter, with to- tals ranging from 335 to 570 (RH, BN). An imm. Black-legged Kittiwake graced s. Lake Champlain, Addison, VT 15-20 Dec (TM, m.ob.). Also in Vermont, a group of up to 73 Bonaparte’s Gulls frequented the lake at Charlotte, Chittenden through 20 Dec Q- Mead, m.ob.). This is higher than any count reported from the coast of New Hampshire or Maine with the exception of 186 at East- port, Washingon, ME 26 Dec (C. Bartlett). Black-headed Gulls were more common than in recent years, with at least 25 span- ning all five coastal states. More unusual was one well inland at Worcester, MA 11-21 Jan (m.ob., ph.). Pickings among the larger gulls were in contrast rather limited. A Mew Gull of uncertain subspecies was at Swampscott, Essex, MA 4-20 Jan (S. Sullivan, ph., m.ob.), while a Thayer’s Gull made a brief appear- ance at Charlotte, VT 15 Dec (HK, ph.). At the Windsor landfill in Connecticut, 2 large gulls generated interest as possible Yellow- legged and Slaty-backed in Feb, but no fi- nal determination was made. The Region’s landfills appear to be hosting fewer and fewer gulls, but the gull show at Low Beach, Nantucket continues unabated. This sea- son saw the following peak counts: 10,000 Bonaparte’s, 4 Black-headed, 2 Little, 146 Lesser Black-backed, 2 Thayer’s, 72 Iceland, and one Glaucous (VL, GdE, JT, m.ob.). Single Forster’s Terns were at Salisbury, Essex, MA 1 Dec (JT) and at Greenwich, Fairfield, CT 2 Dec (MS). Like shearwaters, jaegers were relatively scarce. One of under- mined species off North Hampton, NH was the only jaeger associated with the nor’easter of 21 Dec (SM), but the storm of 27-28 Dec produced 7 Pomarine Jaegers off Rockport (RH) and 25 off First Encounter (BN). Late records included one Pomarine off Monhe- gan L, ME 3 Jan (R Vickery et al.) and an ap- parent juv. Pomarine off P’town 20 Jan (PH). It was an interesting season for alcids in New England. The sou’wester of 21 Dec brought good numbers of Common Murres The only one of its species recorded in New England in winter 2012-2013, this Great Gray Owl was at Hanover, New Hampshire 3-8 (here 8)) February 2013. Photograph byAiden Moser. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 237 NEW ENGLAND One of the more unexpected photographic juxtapositions of winter 2012-201 3 was this pairing of a Common Redpoll and Cape May Warbler at Andover, Massachusetts. The unusual duo was photo- graphed 19 January, near the end of the warbler's 4-24 January stay. Photograph by Pamela Hunt. (307) and Razorbills (860) to Rockport (RH) but was also notable for large alcids well inshore on sheltered bays, includ- ing a Razorbill on fresh water in Plymouth, MA QT)- A Dovekie wi'ecked 75 km inland at Canterbury, Merrimack. NH 21 Dec (B. Polston); It has been two decades since a Dovekie appeared well inland anywhere in New England and 40 years since the last ma- jor wreck back in fall 1974. A week later, a more traditional nor’easter again brought alcids to the traditional seawatch spots. This time the winner was First Encounter, with a mind-boggling 10,300 Razorbills 28 Dec (BN). Peak Dovekie counts were also associ- ated with this storm, with 43 at Cape Ann and 51 at First Encounter. In the aftermath of another nor’easter 8-9 Feb, a Cape Cod record high of 52 Atlantic Puffins was tallied from Orleans 10 Feb (BN). Down m Long Island Sound, a single Common Murre and 2 Dovekies made it to Connecticut. The sea- son ended on a sad note, as large numbers of dead or dying alcids (mainly Razorbills, but also unusual numbers of Atlantic Puffins) were being reported from Rhode Island to Cape Cod. This event appears to have been associated with a “wave” of alcid mortality that moved northward from the Southeast in Jan. Early data suggest most of the birds were imms. and starving, the latter likely a result of the warm-water-driven food short- age that apparently drove all the Razorbills southward in the first place. OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS The Regional total of approximately 16 Snowy Owls was more typical after last win- ter’s impressive flight, with most birds only appearing for brief periods. A different owl irruption was a little harder to detect. In early Dec, Barred Owls started appearing in areas of the Region where the species is not typically resident, including parts of met- ropolitan Boston and s. coastal areas. This influx, less obvious over most of the rest of This Townsend's Warbler appeared at Winterport, Maine 30 November 201 2 (here 5 December) and was last seen 1 9 January 2013, at the beginning of the winter's first significant cold snap. Photograph by Derek LoviUh. 238 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND Another New England vagrant that probably succumbed to a late January 2013 cold snap was this Black-throated Gray Warbler at Taunton, Massachusetts 1-23 (here 19) January 2013. Photograph by Tom Murray. There were three Le Conte's Sparrows in New England in winter 2012-2013. This one was photographed 15 December at Bloomfield, Connecticut. Photograph by Joseph Cala. the Region, was believed the result of a crash in rodent populations in se. Canada. Heavy snows in the s. part of the Region seemed to concentrate birds further, with an upsurge of reports throughout Feb. Probably associ- ated with the same prey crash were a Great Gray Owl at Hanover, Grafton, NH 3-8 Feb 0- Block, ph., m.ob.) and a Northern Hawk Owl at Houlton, Aroostook, ME 25 Jan (BS, ph., m.ob.). Long-eared Owls seemed wide- spread, with 15-20 reports of this rare and enigmatic species in the Region. In an era of western hummingbirds in the Northeast, the mantra has always been to watch presumed Ruby-throated Humming- birds carefully. This season, there turned out to be 3 Ruby-throateds in Massachusetts. Two long-staying birds on Cape Cod lin- gered through 1 Jan at Falmouth (I. Nisbet, ph.) and through 19 Jan at Orleans (S. Finni- gan, m.ob. ph.). The third was on Martha’s Vineyard 3 Jan (L. McDowell, ph.). Not to be outdone, there were 6 Rufous Humming- birds and 9 unidentified Selasphoms, mostly scattered along the s. coasts of the Region. Farthest n. was a Rufous at Concord, Middle- sex, MA through 24 Jan (L. Levan). Two oth- ers, both presumed Rufous, made history by being the first hummingbirds to overwinter successfully in New England, one at New- port, R1 (C. Clarkson), the other at Groton, New London, CT (E. & M. Ramonas). Both were still present well into spring. To round out the superlatives, 3 frequented the same feeder in Padanarum, Bristol, MA through 10 Dec (GD, ph.). Six Red-headed Woodpeckers graced the Region, with birds at Boston, M.D.L, and Al- exandria, Grafton, NH seen throughout the season. Red-bellied Woodpeckers n. of their usual range included one at Errol, Coos, NH 19 Dec (C.B.C.) and a persisting feeder visi- tor on M.D.L (m.ob.). Many Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were found well inland and n. of typical ar- eas, with at least one in Maine, 7 in New Hampshire, 4 in Ver- mont, and 8 in w. Massachusetts. A Gyrfal- con made sporadic appearances to Hadley, Hampshire, MA 13 Dec (M. Delesantro, ph.) through 25 Feb (m.ob.); a flyby dark Gyr passed Rockport 23 Feb (BV, m.ob.). At least 25 Eastern Phoebes were reported in the s. three states over the winter, with 3 of them making it well into Jan at Middlesex, MA, Windham, CT and New Haven (through 1 Feb). There were also three additional Feb records in e. Massachusetts that might have been extremely confused early migrants. Another was well n. and inland at Putney, Windham, VT 12 Dec (L. Gaudette). The only Ash-throated Flycatcher this season was at Gloucester 16-20 Dec (BV, m.ob.), while a Western Kingbird lingered on Nantucket through 29 Dec (VL, PT, m.ob.). One wonders how often the latter species has been in the same spot as 2 Northern Lapwings? A moderate flight of Northern Shrikes reached all corners of the Region, while out-of-place vireos were restricted to Massachusetts. Three Blue-headeds is par for the course in the hrst half of Dec, while 2 White-eyeds on Cape Cod were a little less expected: at Falmouth 15 Dec (MJl, ph.) and at Wellfleet 23 Dec (J. Young). Northern Rough-winged Swallows con- tinue to frequent wastewater treatment ponds in Connecticut, with 2 at New Haven through at least 20 Jan and 5 at East Hart- ford on the same date. A Barn Swallow was decidedly out of place at Newburyport 7 Dec (S. Sullivan, ph.). Each winter, it seems that more Cave Swallows from the Nov influxes manage to linger into Dec, and this season, at least 23 were scattered among the three s. states. The high count of 9 came from Dux- bury, Plymouth, MA 5 Dec (F Bygate), and the latest was at East Haven, CT 15 Dec, where it had the honor of being the first of Block Island, Rhode Island hosted this Summer Tanager 11-14 (here 11) December 2012. Photograph by Don Mawhinney. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 239 NEW ENGLAND ; Varied Thrush occurs annually in the Region from Nov through Mar, but there !■ " i are usually only 3-5 birds recorded in an average winter. This season there were at least 1 3, the slim majority in New Hampshire (Table 1 ). All except the bird at Provinc- etown were at feeders, as is typical in our Region. This flight surpasses the total of 1 1 in the "invasion" of 2008-2009. In both influxes, birds were found disproportionately to the north (Maine in 2008- 2009), which seems to reflect on a broader geo- graphic pattern in this spe- cies' eastward movements. Looking at eBird data for the past several years, there are usually a few Var- ied Thrushes in the upper Great Lakes and New Eng- land but relatively few in the e. Great Lakes and New York. The gap in New York is particularly intriguing. Is it some combination of in- appropriate habitat where the birders are and few birders in the better habitat (e.g., Adirondocks)? Varied Thrushes staged an impressive invasion of New England during the winter. Of the 13 reported, seven were in New Hampshire, including this bird at Dunbarton from 9 (here 29) January through 13 February. Photograph by Pamela Hunt. Table 1 . Records of Varied Thrush in New England, December 2012 through February 2013. State County Locality Dates Observer Notes VT Orleans Coventry 28 Dec J. Montgomery unconfirmed ME Waldo Lincoinville 29 Dec-l- fide WJ, K. Lundquist ME Cumberland Freeport 31 Dec-3 Jan A. Berry male NH Merrimack Dunbarton 9 Jan-1 3 Feb K. Groves NH Merrimack Bow 11-12Jan P. Fieurie NH Merrimack Bow 19Jan-i- D. Barker, D. Deragon ME Kennebec Hallowell 20-28 Jan m.ob. female NH Carroll Bartlett 23 Jan-8 Feb E. Blake NH Hillsborough Nashua 2-17 Feb T. Riley MA Barnstable Provincetown 8 Feb J. Taylor female NH Merrimack Hopkinton 9Feb-i- A. Plummer MA Rochester Plymouth 17 Feb J. Kingman male CT Milford New Haven 20-22 Feb R. Jenkins male NH Belknap Barnstead 25 Feb-e M. Leriviere its species to be recorded on a New England C.B.C. LARKS THROUGH FINCHES It generally seemed to be a good winter for the group of open country winter songbirds that includes Horned Lark, American Pipit, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting. Per- haps because of limited snow cover through Dec and Jan, large flocks of larks and hun- tings were reported in traditional areas along the coast and inland along the major river valleys. Accompanying the more common species were far more Lapland Longspurs than usual. And then there were the pip- its. Not that long ago, American Pipit was unusual in n. New England after Nov, but this season, there were not only overwinter- ing birds along the New Hampshire and s. Maine coasts but also a handful along the Connecticut River and in the Champlain Valley. After a strong fall flight, Red-breasted Nuthatches were widespread across the Region. The seasons only Blue-gray Gnat- catcher lingered at Little Compton, New- port. R1 through 15 Dec (RE, Geoff LeBaron, m.ob.). Several half-hardy passerines, no- tably Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Hermit Thrush, were noticeably more common away from s. and coastal areas this winter, with reports of the latter increasing dramatically once the snow began to pile up in Feb. New Hampshire seems to have had the motherlode of rare thrushes this season. In addition to 7 Varied Thrushes in New Hampshire, a Townsend’s Solitaire was found at Gilford, Belknap 11-28 Jan (M. Coskren, m.ob., ph.). A Brown Thrasher at Easton, Aroostook, ME 1 Jan-7 Feb was un- precedented so far n. in winter (fide BS). For the second winter in a row, Bohe- mian Waxwings staged an impressive inva- sion of n. New England, with maximum counts coming from nw. Vermont and s.-cen, Maine. Birds were in Vermont throughout the season, although there was a definite in- crease in Feb. In Maine, on the other hand, high counts tended to be from Dec and early Jan. Stuck between the two. New Hampshire had relatively few records. The only bird in s. New England was at East Orleans, Barn- stable, MA 16 Dec (m.ob.). Cedar Waxwings were downright scarce and were often out- numbered by their larger cousins. If last winter was one for the warbler re- cord books, this one was close, with 19 spe- cies and one additional subspecies reported. It is clear that continued enumeration of all these lingering warblers is no longer feasible, especially for those that regularly show up 240 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW ENGLAND Among the three Painted Buntings in New England in winter 201 2-2013 was this one at Boston, Massachusetts 16 December 2012. Photograph byMarshallJ. Iliff. through the C.B.C. period in s. New Eng- land. In the latter category this year were a total of 2 Ovenbirds (CT, MA), 5 Nashvilles (CT, MA, ME), 2 Northern Parulas (ME, RI), one Black-throated Blue (MA), and 3 Wilsons (CT, MA, Rl). Pine Warblers were fairly well represented in New Hampshire and Maine (10-f- records, mainly at feeders), and a Western Palm Warbler overwintered at Saco, York, ME (m.ob.). Some- what more unusual were a North- ern Waterthrush on Nantucket 5 Jan (VL, JT, PT, TP) and a Yellow Warbler at Braintree, Norfolk, MA 15 Dec (GdE). The latter bird was one of a “clump” of warblers on the Quincy C.B.C. , most notable of which was a Blue-winged War- bler that continued through 22 Dec (GdE, m.ob., ph.), providing the Region with what appears to be only its second winter record. Six Black-and-white Warblers made a remarkable total, all the more so because 3 of them made it into Jan in Massachusetts. The latest was at Carlisle, Middlesex through 31 Jan. This winter’s Cape May Warbler was a female at a feeder at North Andover, Essex, MA 4-24 Jan (B. & D. Eox, ph., m.ob.). The bird subsisted on peanut butter and jelly until the late Jan cold snap, which seems responsible for sev- eral other truncated warbler stays. Warblers from the West started with 3 Audubon’s Warblers, singles at Bur- lington, VT 4-5 Dec (N. Kotovich, m.ob.), Boston through 6 Dec (RS, ph., m.ob.), and Salisbury, Essex, MA 7-15 Dec (T. Spahr, ph., m.ob.). Also in Boston was a MacGillivray’s Warbler 13-23 Dec (T. Factor, m.ob., ph.), while a Black-throated Gray Warbler was at Taunton, Bristol, MA 1-23 Jan (R. Dav- enport, m.ob., ph.). Finally, a Townsend’s Warbler first found 30 Nov at Winterport, Hancock, ME continued through 19 Jan (J. Wyatt, D. Ryan, ph., m.ob.) to provide Maine with its fourth overall and first winter record. Like many of the lingering warblers, spe- cies such as Lark Sparrow are now regularly reported in the Region, and continued enu- meration may no longer be warranted. This season there were at least 5, one in Connecti- cut and 2 each in Maine and Massachusetts. The longest stayer was at Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, ME 6 Jan-t-, while the rest only stayed for a few days. More noteworthy were 3 Le Conte’s Sparrows. The first 2 were both present 15 Dec, one at Bloom- field, Hartford, CT (D. Lawton, J. Meyers, ph., m.ob.) and the second on the Newport/ Westport C.B.C., Rl (RE, m.ob.). Two months later, a very cooperative individual graced Concord, Middlesex, MA 12-16 Feb (P. Gilm- ore, m.ob., ph.). From the west, a Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow was photographed at Eastham, MA 20 Jan (A. Moser et ah), and Oregon Juncos numbered 2 in Maine, one in New Hampshire, and 2 in Massachusetts. Block Island hosted a Summer Tanager 11-14 Dec (D. Mawhinney ph.) and a West- ern Tanager 10 Jan (M. Komsinski, ph.). Another Western lingered at Berkley, Bristol, MA through 2 Dec [fide GD), and there was a possible one on Nantucket 1 Jan (F Gallo). A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak barely made it into the season at Norwalk, CT 1 Dec (LF). In a winter notable for its redpoll invasion, this Hoary Redpoll at Little Compton, Rhode Island 3 January 2013 gets the prize for southernmost in New England. Photograph by Geoff Dennis. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 241 NEW ENGLAND One of the last Cave Swallows to grace New England after the large flight of autumn 201 2 was this bird at Point Judith, Rhode Island 12 December. Photograph by Alan Strauss. Three green Painted Buntings were noted: at Boston 16 Dec (N, Yusuff, m.ob., ph.), at Methuan, Essex, MA through 28 Dec (P. Sey- ler), and at Boothbay, Lincoln, ME 26 Jan- early Feb (D. Dun, N. Either, m.ob., ph.). An Indigo Bunting was at Woodb ridge. New Haven, CT 17Jan+ (C. Loscalzo, ph., m.ob.). A Blue Grosbeak on the C.B.C. in North Ha- ven, CT was a good hnd, but it was trumped by a female at a feeder in Merrimac, Essex, MA 6 Jan-i- (B, & B. Buston, ph., m.ob.). In strong contrast to the previous winter, Dick- cissels were few and far between. Sterling, CT is the Regions undisputed Yellow-headed Blackbird capitol. An imm. male 22 Dec and ad, female 23 Dec (R. Dix- on) marked the fourth and fifth records of the species at the same yard — all in the past four years. The other two records for the sea- son were also in the Nutmeg State: ad. males at Salem, New London 16 Feb (P Tamborra) and at New London 17 Feb (R. Askins). A Bullock’s Oriole spent the entire winter at a feeder in Ellington, Tolland, CT (D. McTigue, ph., m.ob.), while another made appearanc- es at Marblehead, Essex, MA 28 Dec and 12 Jan QB, m.ob.). Baltimore Orioles were far less abundant than in 2011-2012, with only 10-15 Regionwide. The northernmost over- wintered at the same feeder in Waldo, ME that hosted the Townsend’s Warbler, Hints of the winter finch super-flight were first apparent in Aug in parts of n. New Eng- land, when Red Crossbills started to show up in ones and twos. The predicted Pine Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls pushed s. of the mountains by early Nov, and then the floodgates opened — but not for long. By the time the winter set in, most of the Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Evening Gros- beaks had disappeared to points unknown. Red Crossbills were largely restricted to coastal locations, with high counts gener- ally in the 20-30 range and higher num- bers earlier in the winter. Of the relatively few identihed to Type by audio-recordings of flight calls, the vast majority were Type 3, with a smattering of Type 10s mixed in. White-winged Crossbills followed the same temporal pattern, although small numbers remained inland through late Dec. Along the coast, however, White-wingeds concentrat- ed in often impressive numbers, highlighted by counts over 100 from Salisbury MA, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Charlestown, RI. The true stars of the hnch flight, however, were Pine Grosbeak and Common Redpoll. At the s. outposts of the Region, the gros- beaks were primarily in n.-cen. Connecti- cut and had vanished by mid-Jan, while in Rhode Island the only flock was of 1 1 at Bur- rillville, Providence 24 Dec— 11 Jan (m.ob.). To the n., however, they were more consis- tent in both space and time, with the peak counts (50+) coming from Burlingon, VT. Elsewhere in Vermont, and everywhere in n. New England, peaks were in the 20-30 range, with numbers falling off after early Jan. While Common Redpolls clearly ir- rupted on a large scale, their distribution in New England was somewhat patchy. A relatively few locations hosted the largest flocks, with top honors going to a feeder in near Bow Lake, Strafford, NH, where counts regularly in the 300-500 range were best- ed 19 Jan by an estimate of 1000 birds (S. Young, ph.). Among the hordes of Common Redpolls were the inevitable Hoaries, with discussion of identification tempered by a reinvigorated discussion about species limits and subspecies. Taxonomy notwithstanding, birds clearly meeting accepted criteria for Hoary Redpoll were widespread, with 10- 15 records each in the n. states and Massa- chusetts; Rhode Island and Connecticut had about 2 each. The first was as early as 1 Dec, at Sandwich, Carroll, NH, but there were re- ports from late Nov as well. Corrigendum: In the winter 2011-2012 summary, a group of 21 Great Egrets at Briggs Marsh, RI 17 Dec was incorrectly at- tributed. The correct observer should have been Robert Emerson. Subregional editors (boldface), contribu- tors (italics), and observers: Jim Berry, Paul Cianfaglione, Glen d'Entremont (GdE), Geoff Dennis, Robert Emerson, Rachel Farrell (Rhode Island), Larry Flynn, Greg Hanisek (Connecticut), Rick Heil, David Hoag (DHo), Marshall J. Iliff, Derek Lovitch, Stephen Mirick, Ted Miain, New Hampshire Bird Records, Blair Nikula, Trish Pastuszak, Ronald Payne, Marjorie Rines (Massachu- setts), Meredith Sampson, Bill Sheehan, Wil- liam Townsend (Maine), Jeremiah Trimble, Peter Trimble, Barbara Volkle, Ian Worley. O Pamela Hunt, 26 Whitewater Drive, Penacook, New Hampshire 03303, (biodiva@myfairpoint.net) NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS A An apparent irruption of European Goldfinches is problematic. Most individuals _i/lof this species are presumed escapees, but given other Palearctic vagrants in the Northeast this winter, one never knows. So, for the record, singles were at East Lyndon, Caledonia, VT through 6 Dec (ph.); perhaps the same bird at nearby Lyndonvilie 8 Jan (L. Welch); and at Enosburg, Franklin, VT 24-25 Dec and 23 Feb (E. Edwards). Two males were at Hartford, CT 26 Feb (PC). The latter location has hosted the species for three consecutive years, which is suggestive of captive provenance. 242 Frank Rohrbacher Tom Reed Robert O. Paxton Shaibal S. Mitra Winter in the Region started out very warm in December, averaging 4-6° F higher than normal, then re- mained warm in January, averaging 2-4° higher than normal, and finally ended 1-2° below normal in February. Several snowstorms in late December and in February affected some areas, but except for a blizzard on 8-9 February that dumped up to a meter of snow across Long Is- land, snow levels were below normal. Waterfowl remained in northern New York, where the lakes remained open through the winter. As was the case last year, egrets, herons, and shorebirds remained in the coastal marshes through the season. This winter will be most remembered for the number and variety of winter finches. Red and White-winged Cross- bills and Pine Siskin made it in large numbers all the way down into Delaware. Common Redpolls were abundant in New York, with the occasional Hoary Redpoll. Smaller numbers of Evening Grosbeaks were found in northern New York. Bohemian Waxwings were plentiful along Lake Ontario. Throughout the Region, the warm, mostly snow-free vhnter allowed many more birders to be out and about. Rare species included Pink-footed Goose, Tufted Duck, Smew, Pacific Loon, Western Grebe, Northern Lapwing, Sabine’s Gull, Mew Gull, Slaty-backed Gull, Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl, Anna’s Hummingbird, Crested Caracara, Townsend’s Solitaire, Virginia’s War- bler, Western Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting. Abbreviations: Bamegat (Bamegat Light, Ocean, NJ); Alley Pond Park (Queens, NY); Bombay Hook (Bombay Hook N.WR., Kent, DE); Cape Henlopen (Cape Henlopen S.R, Sussex, DE); Cape May Point (Cape May Point S.R, Cape May, NJ); Indian River Inlet, (Sussex, DE); Jamaica Bay Qamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Gateway N.P., New York City); Montauk (Mon- tauk Point, Long Island, Suffolk, NY); Prime Hook (Prime Hook N.WR., Sussex, DE). WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES Pink-footed Goose has become an annual visi- tor, but there was an exceptional invasion of 4 birds this season. One was found in New York at Pine Island, Orange 26 Peb-3 Mar (Ken Mc- Dermott. Curt McDermott), and at least 3 win- tered in cen. New Jersey. There were almost dai- ly reports of sightings of one or more in a wide swath from Hunterdon through Ocean from Nov through late Mar. The most reliable bird was one that moved around the intersection of Mid- dlesex, Mercer, and Monmouth. In the same area, about 5 Barnacle Geese were found in flocks of Canada Geese. In the same area of New Jersey there were at least 5 Barnacle Geese. Two more Barnacle Geese wintered on Long Island, one at Van Cortlandt Park from Nov through 5 Jan (fide MMcB) and one at Belmont Lake S.P 15 Dec-13 Eeb (Chase Cammarota, Derek Rogers). Two Black Brant were reported, one at Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY 9 Dec (DG) and one at Deal, Monmouth, NJ 29 Dec (fide SB). The number of Snow Geese that wintered in Delaware was at the lowest level seen in years. Ross’s Goose numbers were average, but a rare blue morph was found on Mulberrie Point Rd., Little Heav- en, Kent, DE 22 Dec (Gina Sheridan). Some 31 Eurasian Wigeons were reported, twice the normal total, 20 from New York, 5 from New Jersey, and 6 from Delaware. High counts of 7 at the West Sayville G.C., Suffolk, NY 21 Dec-3 Eeb (Derek Rogers) and 3 on Prime Hook Beach Road, Sussex, DE (CB) illustrate the size of the invasion. Seven Eurasian Teal were reported, 3 in New York and 4 in New Jersey. Diving ducks from Eurasia were also in the news. Five Tufted Ducks graced New York. The most accessible was a young male at Hun- tington Harbor, Suffolk 17 Dec-2 Jan (Brent Bomkamp), then re-located in the pond at St. John’s Church in Cold Springs Harbor, Nassau 13-21 Jan (Dave Klauber) and 11 Feb-2 Mar (CF). The others were seen for shorter periods, but all were well documented: one, probably a young female, was found at Allan Treman State Marine Park on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, Tomp- kins 29-30 Jan Qeff Gerbracht, Chris Woods); one ad. male was at Smithtown, Suffolk 1-25 Feb (Peter Scully); one female was in Oswego Harbor, Oswego 1 Feb+ (AVN); and one was at the end of the Bird Island Pier, Erie 18 Feb OF BW). A Common Pochard found on the Ver- mont side of the bridge to Addison, VT on Lake Champlain 1 Jan (Ron Payne) was pursued by hundreds, but New Yorkers did not celebrate until the bird drifted a km into New York wa- ^ Hudson-Delawarel ters. Alas, when it was photographed, the bird’s leg band revealing its status as a former captive was visible. The number of King Eiders was well below average, with fewer than a dozen reported in New York and 4 in New Jersey, but the number of Common Eiders reported along the coast of Long Island, New Jersey, and Delaware all winter were about average. Sixteen Barrow’s Goldeneye reports, all in New York, were just about normal, six on Lake Ontario, three on Lake Champlain, and six on Long Is- land. Rounding out the Eurasian waterfowl, a female Smew photographed at Lisbon Beach on the St. Lawrence River, St. Lawrence, NY 16 Eeb OSB) did not linger. Single Pacific Loons were at Tu thill Cove, Suffolk, NY 26 Nov-14 Dec (Dick Belanger), at Piller Point, Chamount Bay, Jefferson, NY 12-29 Dec (Nick Leone), at Montauk 22 Dec (AW), and at Manasquan Inlet, Monmouth, NJ 6 Jan (Alex Tongas); the last bird was relocated sev- eral times between Manasquan Inlet and Toms River, Ocean, NJ until 9 Eeb. Eared Grebes were noted at Ogdensburg on the St. Lawrence River, St. Lawrence, NY 1 Dec QSB). Aurora, Cayuga, NY 26-29 Jan (about the fourteenth year there; AVN, Jay McGowan), at Hog Hole in Ithaca, Tompkins, NY 29 Jan-3 Feb (Dave Nutter), and at Indian River Inlet 9 Feb-16 Mar (CB, AG), found during a joint Delaware Ornithological Society/Sussex Bird Club Seawatch Field Trip. Western Grebe has become annual during re- cent winters and now seems to have become almost expected. In each of the past 10 years, at least 3 have wintered in the Region, except for one when only one was reported. A total of 6-7 birds wintered in the Region this season. In New York, there were 2-3 birds. The first was at Kirk Park, Montauk, Suffolk, NY 9 Jan (Steve Schellenger, John Gaglione, Rick Kopitsch, Bill Hollweg), followed by a sighting at Ponquogue Bridge, Shinnecock, Suffolk, NY 13-15 Jan (Gail Benson, Tom Burke, Bob Shriber), possibly the same bird. The other sighting was off Irond- equoit Bay, Monroe, NY 19-21 Jan (RS, John Boettcher, Jessie Barry, BW). In New Jersey, there were 3 wintering birds: one in Cape May Harbor 1 Dec-12 Jan (Steve Glynn), one at Bar- negat 24 Dec (fide SG), and one at Seven Presi- dents Park, Long Branch, Monmouth 25 Dec-16 Feb Qoe Haemmerle). A Western Grebe found at Augustine WM.A., Kent on the Delaware River 23 Dec during the Middletown C.B.C. (AG, Glen Lovelace) was possibly the same bird found downstream at Beach Plum Island, Sussex, DE 30 Dec-13 Jan (EPS), which made it onto the Cape Henlopen C.B.C. American White Pelicans did not choose to winter, but one spent two days getting itself counted in three different New York Christmas counts: Caumsett S.P during the Northern Nassau C.B.C. 15 Dec VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 243 HUDSON-DELAWARE (K&SF), at Point Lookout on the Kings County C.B.C. 16 Dec (Menachem Goldstein), and on the Queens County C.B.C. 16 Dec (fide Arie Gil- bert). A more traditional \asitor was a bird that visited Kearny Marsh, Bergen, NJ 30 Jan-4 Feb (Fred Weber). Despite the warm winter, only 2 Brown Pelicans were reported: one at Barnegat 6 Jan (Ivan Kossak, Sue Kaufmann) that may have been late going south, and the other at Indian River Inlet 4-8 Feb (fide APE) that may have ventured north early. Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are now present in small numbers all along the coast each winter. A Snowy Egret was late at the Cow Meadow, Nassau, NY 29 Dec (Michael McBrien). Two Tricolored Herons were found on Long Beach Island, Ocean, NJ 13-17 Jan (SB et al), and 3 others were along the bayside of Barnegat Twp., Ocean, NJ 13 Jan (fide SB). Two juv. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were at Cammanns Pond County Park, Nassau, NY 1 1- 29 Dec (DG). A Black Rail was again recorded on the Captree C.B.C., Brooklyn, NY 16 Dec (Robert Grover). A Sora was along Savannah Rd., Kent, DE 10 Feb (CB, Karen Bennett). Al- though no Common Gallinules were reported this winter, a Purple Gallinule made news in Long Island. One was rescued 100 km at sea by a fishing boat out of Shinnecock Inlet 16 Jan and taken to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays. One has to wonder what this bird was doing anywhere near Long Island in the middle of the ocean in the middle of winter. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS With the number of Northern Lapwings being reported along the East Coast this fall and early winter, it was inevitable that they would ap- pear in the Region. On 14 Jan, Shari and Larry Zirlin found 3 at a farm in New Egypt, Ocean, NJ. The birds remained through the winter and into Mar. Wintering shorebirds were legion for the second extremely warm winter season in a row. An American Golden-Plover was at Hecksher S.P, Suffolk, NY 12-16 Dec (K62SF) to make it onto the Captree C.B.C. Two Pip- ing Plovers were seen at Point Lookout, Nas- sau, NY 12 Jan (Lewis Lolya). Last winter, a juv. Black-necked Stilt wintered at Raymond’s Pool in Bombay Hook. That bird stayed until it was joined in mid-Mar by northbound stilts. This winter, the same bird successfully com- pleted another winter there with 1 2 American Avocets. At Brigantine Inlet, Atlantic, NJ, Har- vey Tomlinson counted 157 Western Willets, 232 American Oystercatchers, and 28 Marbled Godwits 1 1 Jan. A Red Phalarope was seen on Lake Ontario, Oswego, NY 13 Jan (Bernie Carr). An imm. Sabine’s Gull was found at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo Harbor, Erie, NY 27-28 Jan QR WD) for only the second Jan re- cord in the Region. Some 15,000 Bonaparte’s Gulls were on the Niagara River from Buffalo to Tonawanda WM.A., NY 17 Jan (WD), which is typical for mid-Dec but not for mid-Jan. This winter, the birds lingered on the river and did not begin to leave until mid-Feb. The numbers of Black-headed Gulls reported were 7 in New York, one in New Jersey, and 7 in Delaware, all typical, but only 3 Little Gulls were reported along the coast, with one each reported from Long Island, New Jersey, and Delaware. Only 6-7 others were reported on the Niagara River from Buffalo to Tonawanda WM.A. this winter. The only Franklin’s Gull reported was one that just made it under the wire, seen at Adam Beck on the Niagara River, Niagara, NY 1 Dec (WD). After several years of multiple Mew Gulls, the only one reported was at Spruce Run, Hunter- don, NJ 10-20 Jan (Rob Fanning, FS); it was identihed as a nominate bird. An ad. California Gull was at Devil’s Hole S.P, Niagara, NY 28 Dec QP). The numbers of Iceland and Glaucous Gulls were about average throughout most of the Region, but in the Niagara Frontier region, 41 Iceland Gulls were tallied 3 Feb OP Corey Callaghan), an all-time high, and 35 Glaucous Gulls 9 Feb QP), the highest since 1975, both at Lewiston Reservoir and Lewiston on the Ni- agara River. An ad. Slaty-backed Gull was at Lewiston Reservoir, Niagara, NY 25-26 Jan and 9 Feb QP), and a different ad. was at Buffalo Harbor, Erie, NY 10-11 Feb QP)- A third- or fourth-cycle Slaty-backed Gull was found in Oswego Harbor, Oswego, NY 28 Feb (DW, Jim Tarolli), for a hrst area record. The only reports of jaegers were a Pomarine at Cape May Point 12 Dec (CJV) and a Parasitic at Robert Moses S.P during the Captree C.B.C. (fide SM). A small flock of imm. Black Skimmers was al- ready very late on Coney Island Creek 23 Dec (DG), but they continued to stay there even later, until 15 Jan (Shane Blodgett). Dovekies were plentiful, with the highest counts for each state being from hshing and survey ships close to shore: in New York, 437 were reported 110 km se. of Shinnecock Inlet, Suffolk 13 Jan (JS, AW); in New Jersey, 288 were counted off Brielle, Monmouth 13 Feb (LS, AM); in Delaware, 110 were found during a Depart- ment of Energy sun^ey off Rehoboth Beach, Sussex 7 Feb (TJ). One was found alive in the median of Route 1 in Bethany Beach, Sussex, DE 19 Feb and rehabilitated at Tri-State Bird Rescue (fide APE). The only signihcant report of Common Murre was of 107 seen on the NOAA ship Pisces 14 Feb as it sailed from Jones Beach to Sagaponack, NY (TJ). Six Thick-billed Murres were reported: Dead Horse Bay, Brook- lyn, NY 13-15 Jan (Rob Jett, Heydi Lopes); Deal, Monmouth, NJ 13 Jan (ph.; Simone Lane, Jeff Ellerbusch); off Indian River Inlet, Kent, DE on a Department of Energy survey 30 Jan (TJ); off Brielle, Monmouth 13 Feb (2 birds; LS, AM); and at the Lemon Creek Marina, Staten Island, Richmond, NY 28 Feb (SW, JS). Razorbills were plentiful from shore or boat everywhere from Montauk to Indian River Inlet. A rare Black Guillemot was at Montauk Point 1 7 Dec (Andy Guthrie), and a very rare Delaware Black Guil- lemot was at Beach Plum Island, Sussex 3 Feb (EPS, BGP). The only significant report of At- lantic Puffin was the 42 counted 1 10 km se. of Shinnecock Inlet, NY 13 Jan QS, AW). DOVES THROUGH CHICKADEES Fifteen years ago, Eurasian Collared-Doves started a colony in Selbyville, Sussex, DE. Its size has fluctuated greatly, once as high as 20 birds, but only 3 birds are known currently. A second colony of 4 at Parma, Monroe, NY reported four years ago has persisted. For the second year in a row, 2-3 have remained through the winter at Cape May, NJ. A White-winged Dove this year was at a private feeder near East Lake in Montauk 4 Dec (Vicky Bustamante). A modest number of Snowy Owls wintered in mainland New York, but few made it down to Long Is- land and New Jersey, and none were reported in Delaware. A Northern Hawk Owl initially reported in Dec in Sarasota, NY at an unnamed government facility was photographed 11 Jan (fide Will Raup). A Great Gray Owl at Robert Moses S.P, Massena, St. Lawrence, NY 27 Jan (Mary Curtis) was not found again. It was a very big fall for Selasphorus hummingbirds in the Region in autumn, but most had moved on by Dec. In New York, a male Rufous Hum- mingbird arrived at a West Phoenix, Oswego feeder in late Oct, was banded on 6 Dec (RPY), and remained until 27 Dec (Ann Gray). In New Jersey, 2 Selasphorus hummingbirds, both thought to be imm. female Rufous, remained into the winter: at Middletown, Monmouth 22 Nov-18 Dec and at Palmyra Cove Nature Park, Burlington 2 Dec-3 Mar (fide Tom Bailey). In Delaware, 2 imm. female Rufous that had been banded (BGP) lingered into the winter: one at Lincoln, Sussex, DE 20 Nov-5 Dec (Ken Bass) and one at Prices Comer, New Castle 29 Nov-3 Jan (fide BGP). A Merlin of the Richardson’s subspecies was seen and photographed at Avalon, Cape May, NJ 17 Feb (Harvey Tomlinson), one of few veri- fied in the East. A juv. Gyrfalcon was seen on a Cayuga Bird Club Field Trip to Knox-Marsellus Marsh at Montezuma N.WR., Cayuga, NY 13 Jan (Bob McGuire et al). Another juv. gray- morph Gyr found by Patricia Lindsay and Holly Wilson at Gilgo Beach, Suffolk, NY 17 Feb was a highlight of the winter season on Long Island; many came from long distances to see this very accommodating bird as it lingered into Mar. 244 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS HUDSON-DELAWARE ^ A The bird that enchanted Delaware birders this winter was a nondescript hummingbird J flthat arrived at Steve and Diane Freebury's feeder in Newark, New Castle 23 Oct and was at first thought to be a late Ruby-throated Hummingbird. By early Nov, questions arose as to its identification, and on 15 Nov Bruce Peterjohn and David Holmes captured and banded what turned out to be an Anna's Hummingbird, a first for Delaware. The property owners graciously opened their yard to birders, and hundreds came throughout the winter to view this very cooperative bird that was almost always visible at the feeder or in a small bush near- by. By late Feb, the bird began to molt and red feathers appeared in the crown. When it left 25 Mar, it was decked out in full iridescent finery. Although there was some speculation as to the possibility of a hybrid with Calliope Hummingbird, photographs and measurements appear not to support this idea. A single Ash-throated Flycatcher, the only unusual late flycatcher reported in the entire Region, was at the Medford WM.A., Burling- ton, NJ 2 Dec-18 Jan (Tom Bailey). A late imm. White -eyed Vireo was at Cape May S.E, NJ 9-14 Jan (CJV), Cave Swallows were plentiful this fall, and the last reports were of a bird at Camp Hero, Montauk 9 Dec (CF, Seth Ausubel) and one at Derby Hill, Oswego, NY 4 Dec (Bill Purcell, Tom Carrolan). A few Black-capped Chickadees overshot the Black-capped/Caro- lina Chickadee line in Pennsylvania this year and made appearances into New Castle, DE in late fall and early winter, but very few wintered at local feeders. Red-breasted Nuthatches be- gan appearing in Sep and by early Dec were reported everywhere in large numbers in the Region, including s. Delaware. THRUSHES THROUGH FINCHES A Townsend’s Solitaire wintered at Sampson S.P. on Seneca Lake, Seneca, NY, and mul- tiple well-documented observations by many birders were made 9 Dec-24 Feb (Tim Lenz, m.ob.). An ad. male Varied Thrush was re- ported at a feeder in Fulton, Oswego, NY 18 Jan (Daniel Wood). The total of 19 species of warblers that were tallied both this winter and last winter was well above the previous eight- year average of 13. The warm winter helps to explain why many linger and why they survive later into the winter. The stars of this season were a Virginia’s Warbler that lingered at Al- ley Pond Park, NY 31 Oct-3 Dec (Eric Miller), a first state record, and a Townsend’s Warbler at Cape May Point, NJ 13 Dec-14 Jan (GD). Some of the warblers made it well into the season at convenient feeders like the Cape May Warbler at Glen Gardner, Hunterdon, NJ through 16 Jan (fide SB) and a Black-and-white Warbler at East Patchogue, Suffolk, NY through 27 Jan (Diana Teta). Though most of the less hardy birds were gone by the end of Dec, a few made it into the new year. In addition to the previously men- tioned warblers, one Ovenbird, one Northern Waterthrush, 2 Nashville Warblers, and 3 Wil- son’s Warblers made it well into Jan, mostly on Long Island and in New Jersey. The latest war- bler was a Blackpoll Warbler photographed at Jones Beach, Suffolk, NY 16 Feb (K&SF). Despite the very warm winter weather, there were no true sparrow rarities, and the numbers of uncommon wintering sparrows were low. However, Michael McBrien in his report on the Long Island region said that “Clay-colored Spar- rows continued their trend of rapidly increasing presence in New York, with 7 on Long Island”; of these, 3 were present at a farm in East Hamp- ton, Suffolk 16 Dec-1 Feb (Hugh McGuinness et al). The same report can be made for Ves- per’s Sparrow: up to 5 were found along Hulse Landing Rd. in Calverton, Suffolk, NY 1-27 Jan (Richard Kaskan), which grew to 10 by 1-2 Feb (Andrew Baksh, AW). Outside of Suffolk, NY, the total number of Clay-colored Sparrows con- sisted of one in New Jersey, and the total num- ber of Vesper Sparrows was one in New Jersey and a group of 4 at the Delaware Army National Guard Base in Bethany 19 Jan (Dave Fees). A Le Conte’s Sparrow was at the Edgemere Landfill, Queens, NY 16 Dec (CE); another was at North Cape May Point, NJ 13 Dec-14 Jan (GD). An imm. Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow came to a feeder in Honeoye Falls, Genesee, NY (Brad Carlson). Three Oregon Juncos made a typical winter total, but a White-winged Junco was far less expected: one imm. showed up at a feeder in Stony Point, Rockland, NY 25 Jan (p.a., Doris Metraux). Three Western Tanagers were reported. The first came to a feeder in Athens, Greene, NY 29 Nov-7 Dec (Peter Lannon). The second was a male at Cape May Court House, NJ 5 Dec (Will Kerling), which was joined by a female 20 Dec (Sam Galick); the pair stayed until 13 Jan. An extremely late Rose -breasted Grosbeak was reported at Forest Park, Queens, NY 21 Dec (Danny Melore). After a great year in New Jersey for new state records, a Lazuli Bunting found at Spruce Park, Hunterdon 23-24 Jan (FS) was the icing on the cake. An ad. male Painted Bunting was at Ramsey, Bergen, NJ 2 Feb (Mi- chael Turso). Another late bunting was an In- digo Bunting at Kissena Corridor, Queens, NY 24 Dec Oeff Ritter). Yellow-headed Blackbirds are usually re- ported in very low numbers, so the total of 8 (5 in New York and 3 in New Jersey) is un- precedented. Brad Carlson seems to know the secret of attracting this species to his feeder m Honeoye Falls, Genesee, NY. This year, he had an ad. male 28 Dec-7 Jan; in 2009, he hosted an imm. male; and in 2010 he hosted an ad. female. The other New York birds included an ad. male at Armitage Rd. near Montezuma N.WR., WaynelSeneca 19 Jan (Steve Taylor) and 2 males in a huge blackbird flock at Calverton, Suffolk 31 Jan-6 Feb (Barbara Blaisdell, Frank Quevedo); a female was found in the same flock 3 Feb (Richard Kaskan). In New Jersey, one was at New Egypt, Ocean 17 Jan (Mary DeLia), one was along Featherbed Lane, Salem 20 Feb (fide SB), and a male was at Donaldson Park in Highland Park, Middlesex 22 Feb (fide SB). In a flock of European Starlings and blackbirds, 12 Brewer’s Blackbirds were found during the Cape Henlopen C.B.C., Sussex, DE 30 Dec (EPS). Because of failures of many cone crops in Canada in summer, most finches were forced southward. Pine Grosbeaks poured into n. New York, particularly along the shores of Lake On- tario, but they did not make it in significant numbers very far s. and e. in New York. Four did make it to the Gillette Trail, Washington Twp., Morris, NJ 8 Jan (MB). Purple Finches seemed to spread uniformly across the entire Region, including Delaware, but nowhere were they common. Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, and Pine Siskins were abundant throughout the entire Region. Common Red- polls were widespread throughout New York ^ A Crested Caracaras have come to New Jersey. This fall, one appeared in West Windsor mJflTwp., Mercer 8-13 Sep (Vincent Nichnadowicz) and then disappeared. In Jan, one ap- peared on the Cape May Bridge, Cape May, NJ 10-13 Jan (fide SG), and another was found at New Gretna, Burlington, NJ 1 5 Jan (Howard Troughton). The next sighting came from Piles- groveTwp., Salem, NJ 1 7 Jan (Frank Sorbelio). Then, there was a caracara at the intersection of Featherbed Lane and King's Hwy., Salem, NJ 22 Feb and 9-10 Mar (Jean Gutsmuthj.The next was reported near Egg Harbor City, Atlantic, NJ 7-12 Feb (fide Jack Conner). And on 8 Mar, another was found in n. Delaware only 30 km from Cape May. Conservatively, we estimate that at least 3 Crested Caracaras were involved in these sightings. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 245 HUDSON-DELAWARE with the occasional Hoary Redpoll among them. However, the concentration of Common Redpolls dropped quickly as one moved s. into New Jersey, and they became very rare in Dela- ware. Remarkably, numerous observers docu- mented Greater Redpolls (rostrata subspecies of Common) and Hornemann’s Redpolls (nomi- nate subspecies of Hoary) in n. parts of the Re- gion. There are very few documented records of either for the Region; both taxa nest chiefly in Greenland and on Baffin Island, Nunavut. Evening Grosbeaks were reasonably common only in the far n. New York. However, some small numbers of birds were present all the way into lower Delaware. Contributors (subregional compilers in bold- face): Deborah Allen (Central Park, New York City), Scott Barnes (Voice of New Jersey Audu- bon), Chris Bennett, Michael Bochnik (Lower Hudson Valley, bochnikm@cs.com), Jeffrey S. Bolsinger (St. Lawrence, NY: jsbolsinger® yahoo.com), Mike Britt (Bergen/Hudson, NJ), Thomas W. Burke (New York Rare Bird Alert), Barbara Butler (Dutchess County, NY), Mark Chao (Finger Lakes Region, NY: markchao® imt.org), Glen Davis, Willie D’Anna, Andrew Farnsworth, Ken & Sue Feustel, Corey Finger, Sam Galick, Doug Gochfeld, Anthony Gon- zon, Tom Johnson, Laurie Larson (New Jersey Birds listserve), Pat J. Lindsay (Long Island and New York City: pjlindsay@optonline.net), Michael McBrien (MMcB) (Long Island region, NY: mcb3mb@verizon.net), Melinda McCor- mack (Adirodack-Champlain Region of New York: Mruddyduck@aol.com), Shaibal Mitra (Long 1. Region, NY: mitra@mail.csi.cuny.edu), Mike Morgante (Niagara Frontier Region, NY: morgm@adelphia.net), Ann Morrison, Jim Pawlicki, Matt Perry (Oneida Lake Basin Re- gion, NY: mperry63@roadrunner.com), Bruce G. Peterjohn, Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club, Frank Rohrbacher (Delaware: rohrbaf@aol. com), Larry Scacchetti, Frank Sencher, Ed P Sigda, Robert Spahn (Genesee Ornithological Society), J. Stetson. David Wheeler (Oneida Lake Basin Region, NY: tigger64@aol.com), Angus Wilson, Seth Wollney Christopher J. Vogel, Will Yandik (Hudson-Mohawk Region, NY: wyandik@hotmail.com), Matthew A. Young (Susquehanna, NY: wyandik@hotmail. com), Robert P. Yunick. O Tom Reed, 81 Reeds Beach Road, Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210, (coturnicops@gmail.com) Frank Rohrbacher, 5 Neva Court, Wilmington, Delaware 19810, (rohrbaf@aol.com); Robert 0. Paxton, 460 Riverside Drive, Apt. 72, New York, New York 10027, (rop1@columbia.edu) Shaibal S. Mitra, Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314 (Shaibal.mitra@csi.cuny.edu) Middle Atlantic MarkT. Adams Robert Ostrowski Arun Bose This season was generally warm in the Middle Atlantic, with near-normal pre- cipitation and no major storms. De- cember temperatures were well above nor- mal across the Region, including near-record warmth on the Eastern Shore. January featured above-average warmth everywhere. Tempera- tures moderated in February to near-nonnal levels except along the Eastern Shore, where they remained above normal. Precipitation was near the Region’s long-term averages with the exception of a wet January in most of Virginia, particularly in the far southwest. The season’s highlights included Tufted Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Western Grebe, Great Skua, Great White Heron, Northern Lap- wing, Long-billed Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Crested Caracara, Say’s Phoebe, Mac- Gillivray’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Bullock’s Oriole. Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay N.WR., Virginia Beach, VA); Bay (Chesapeake Bay); Blackwa- ter (Blackwater N.WR., Dorchester, MD); C.B.B.T. (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Northampton, VA); C.C.B. (Center for Conservation Bi- ology, College of William and Mary/ Virginia Commonwealth University); Chine. (Chincoteague N.WR., Accomack, VA); Chippokes (Chippokes Plantation S.P., Surry, VA); Craney (Craney Island, Portsmouth, VA); D.C. (District of Columbia); E.S.V.N.WR. (Eastern Shore of Virginia N.WR.); False Cape (False Cape S.P, Virginia Beach, VA); Kipt. (Kiptopeke S.P, Northampton, VA). WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES The half-dozen Greater White-fronted Geese at Loch Raven Reservoir, Baltimore, MD 27 Jan-17 Feb (AS, m.ob.) made an unusually high count. Up to 3 Greater White-fronted Geese were among a flock of Canada Geese in Fauquier, VA 6-25 Feb (EK, SH, DG). Of the 8 color-collared Snow Geese in Accomack, VA 31 Dec (fide RL). 2 had been marked at lle-aux-Oies, Quebec in 2009, and 6 had been collared on Bylot Island, Nunavut (one in 2006, 2 in 2007, 3 in 2011). Ross’s Goose singles were at Kipt. 6 Dec (ESB) and at Chine. 7 Dec-1 Jan (SB, LMa, GK). Two 246 Ross’s Geese visited Kipt. 3 Jan (ESB) and Au- gusta, VA 2 Dec-10 Jan (m.ob.). Single Brant were well inland at Eastern Neck N.WR., Kent, MD 1 Jan (DS) and at a small pond in Freder- ick, MD 6 Jan (FJ). The 16 Cackling Geese at Lake Needwood, Montgomery, MD 27 Jan (RO) made the season high count. The 8 Cackling Geese at Willow Lake, Rockbridge, VA 3-27 Jan (ph. DR, AL) made the Virginia high count. Two Trumpeter Swans roosted with American White Pelicans at Blackwater 4 Jan (p. a., BDe). First reported as a Tundra Swan, then a Trum- peter Swan, a putative Tundra Swan x Trum- peter Swan hybrid was at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Prince George’s, MD 15 Feb+ (BWi, m.o.b.). The 4 Eurasian Wigeons at Eastern Neck N.WR., Kent 16 Dec Qk. ML) made one of Maryland’s highest single location counts. The 3 male Eurasian Wigeons at Chine. 13 Feb (JM) were similarly notable. Almost expected in large flocks of the American subspecies, 3 Eurasian Teal were in Maryland 19 Jan-17 Feb (m.ob.), including 2 on the w. shore. Just the sixth Maryland record, a female Tufted Duck at Kent Narrows, Queen Anne’s, MD 15 Dec-23 Mar made the second record for this location in as many years (MSc, m.ob.). Two King Eiders were among scoters off Chine. 7 Dec (SB, LMa); a female was at C.B.B.T. 6 (ph. ZP) & 26 Dec (ESB); another made a nice find off Back Bay 15 Feb (RLAk). Common Eiders wintered at the C.B.B.T. 5 Dec-10 Feb (ESB, RLAk, DY et al.) with a peak of 6 birds (2 males, 4 females) on 3 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS MIDDLE ATLANTIC Feb (GH, EM et al); one was again in the Cape Charles, Northampton, VA harbor 23-24 Dec and 1-6 Jan (ESB). One to 2 Harlequin Ducks were off the C.B.B.T. 26 Dec-10 Feb (RLAk, RLAn, DY et al). Single drake Harlequin Ducks visited Maryland’s w. shore at Fort Armistead, Baltimore 27 Dec-26 Feb (WCr, m.ob.); Her- rington Harbor, Anne Arundel, MD 29 Dec-14 Jan (G&JS, m.ob.); and North Beach, Calvert, MD 3 Feb+ QMo, m.ob.). The Harlequin Ducks at Herrington Harbor and North Beach may have been the same bird. The 12 Surf and 3 Black Scoters on the James River at Ragged Is- land WM.A., Isle of Wight, VA 28 Dec (NF, EE) were good inland finds. A young White-winged Scoter was well inland at Lake Anna, Spotsylva- nia, VA 24 Eeb (ph. TMD, PB). An impressive 3750 Buffleheads were tallied in Northampton 2 Dec (ESB). A female Barrow’s Goldeneye on the Choptank River, Talbot, MD 1 1 Dec-10 Feb QCu, JH, m.ob.) was less than 3 km from the site a female visited in 2009. A male Barrow’s Goldeneye visited the Elms Environmental Ed- ucation Center, St. Marys, MD 23 Dec-19 Jan, as last winter (TB, m.ob.). Virginia still lacks firm evidence of Barrow’s Goldeneye, though it is on the state list in Category 2 based on descriptions of a female from C.B.B.T. in 1982. Pacific Loon singles made Maryland’s fifth and sixth records at Fort Howard, Baltimore 8 Dec QCo) and at Ocean City Inlet, Worcester 16 Feb (ML, m.ob.). Up to 3 Red-necked Grebes delighted C.B.B.T. birders 8 Dec-10 Feb (ph. BT, DY et al); another was at Fort Monroe, Hampton, VA 18 & 20 Jan (TJ, ph. KK). Three Red-necked Grebes were just above the dam at Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenburg, VA 9 Dec (AD, PG). A Red-necked Grebe swam from Virginia into Tennessee at South Holston Lake, Washing- ton, VA 2 Jan (MS et al). Single Eared Grebes were at Craney 13 Dec (ph. BW et al.) and on Assateague Island, Worcester 12 Jan (MWa). A Western Grebe was enjoyed by numerous bird- ers visiting Lake Anna, Spotsylvania/Louisa, VA 11 Dec+ (TJ, m.ob.); a second Western Grebe accompanied this bird 20 Dec+ (DY, m.ob.) A pelagic trip organized offshore Virginia 19 Jan yielded 2 Northern Fulmars, 2 Manx Shear- waters, 93 Red Phala- ropes, a Great Skua, 27 Black-legged Kittiwakes, 47 Dovekies, a new state offshore record 458 Ra- zorbills, and 10 Atlantic Puffins (BP et al). Single Manx Shearwaters were off Back Bay N.WR. 29 Dec and 15 Feb (RLAk). In addition to the long- staying flock at Blackwa- ter, 11 American White Pelicans were at Goshen Farm, Worcester 28 Dec (KGr); 7 were ticked on the Back Bay C.B.C. 29 Dec (PS et al). A Brown Pelican was on the James River at Hopewell, VA 6 Jan (ABr), where one had spent the previous winter; a Brown Pelican at Jordan Point Mari- na, Prince George, VA 2 Feb (ph. ABr, LB) was likely the same bird. An Anhinga was observed at Lake Wright, Norfolk, VA 31 Dec-i- (PB et al, DC). The Great White Heron at Fort Freder- ick S.R, Washington, MD continued through 12 Jan (p.a., MJ, m.ob.). A rare winter visitor near the coast, a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was still at Ake’s home in Norfolk 26 Jan (RLAk). A Rough-legged Hawk was in s. Albemarle, VA for the Warren C.B.C. 31 Dec (PBr, jrde SM). Another at Oxon Hill Farm, Prince George’s, MD 9 Feb (GJ) made the hrst county record in years. A Yellow Rail was flushed from a Northampton marsh 2 Dec (FS et al), a rare sighting of this elusive species. Up to 2 King Rails vocalized from the Carter’s Mill Road wetlands, Henrico, VA through the season (AB, ABr). Bird walk participants at Newport News Park, Newport News, VA enjoyed 3 Virginia Rails 6 Jan QF et al^)- Two Sandhill Cranes flew over E.S.VN.W.R. 27 Jan (ph. K&KR). In Maryland, one visited a soybean held in Hun- tingtovm, Calvert 3 Dec-27 Feb (JG, m.ob.); another was off Partnership Rd., Montgomery 6-17 Feb (ES, m.ob.). PLOVERS THROUGH VIREOS One of the many records in the e. U.S. this winter, a Northern Lapwing was discovered in a wheat held in Talbot 3-4 Feb (LR, m.ob.) and made a second Maryland record. A birder driv- ing by noticed the bird’s large size and crest above the har- vested wheat stubble. A win- tering American Oystercatcher survey conducted in mid-Dec by Chine., E.S.VN.WR., Nature Conservancy, and Virginia De- partment of Game and Inland Fisheries staff tallied 2601 birds in Virginia, the second highest recorded since the survey began in 1999 (AW et al), eclipsed only by the 2717 birds noted in Dec 2011 (fide AW). A single American Avocet was at Chine. 14 Dec-24 Feb (HTA, DCr et al); 5 were at Craney for the Nansemond River C.B.C. 2 Jan (RLAk et al), with one remaining through 14 Feb (RB et al). Rare though annual for the past several years on the Virginia coast, a Long-billed Curlew was an excellent hnd near Oyster, Northamp- ton 17 Dec (DD, HG). A Black-tailed Godwit at Chine. 25-26 Feb (EW, DBa, CB) was likely the same bird that was present here in Aug and Oct 2012. Very uncommon w. of the Bay, 7 Ruddy Turnstones were at Felgates Creek, York, VA 12 Feb (FD). With very few Virginia reports between late Jan and early Mar, the 47 Least Sandpipers in Charles City, VA 10 Feb (AB) made a notable record. The Cape Charles C.B.C., Northampton recorded 18,856 Dunlin 30 Dec (HTA et al), nearly eclipsing the count’s 1973 record of 19,290. A Red Phalarope was off Kipt. 7 Jan (ESB), and one was observed in Maryland’s pelagic waters, Worcester 13 Jan, along with at least 66 Black-legged Kittiwakes (PGu et al). A rare to uncommon transient and winter visitor, a second-cycle Little Gull was an unex- pected sighting at the Kipt. Hawkwatch 4 Dec (ESB, SK). A Black-headed Gull was spotted at Chine. 7 Dec (SB, LMa). One that has been loaf- ing in a Hunt Valley Towne Centre parking lot, Baltimore (RR, m.ob.) since last winter contin- ued through this season. The 102 Bonaparte’s Gulls at Laurel Lake, Prince George’s, MD 22 Jan QH) and the 65 at Lake Kittamaqundi, Howard, MD the same day (WC) made unusually high local counts. A wing-tagged Ring-billed Gull at The Hague, Norfolk 5 Feb (ph. BM, Jide RL) was banded at Worcester, MA 15 Nov 2012. One of the more commonly detected gull hybrids in tbe e. U.S., a Herring Gull x Glaucous Gull was at the Salisbury Landhll, Wicomico, MD 31 Dec (GA). Six Iceland Gull reports in Virginia, Maryland's sixth Tufted Duck (middle bird) was found by Mark Schilling at Kent Narrows, Queen Anne's County 1 5 December 2012 and remained, to the delight of many, through 23 March 201 3 (here 20 January). Photograph by Josh Emm. King Eider has become a scarce species at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in the current century, where this female was found 6 (here) and 26 December 2012. In the early 1970s, flocks of up to 21 could be found, and even into the late 1990s (winter of 1997- 1998), seasonal counts topped 20 birds, but scattered single birds have been the rule since then. Photograph byZakPoulton. VOLUME 67 (2013) NUMBER 2 247 MIDDLE ATLANTIC all singles, spanned 2 Dec-19 Jan. One at the Annapolis junction Transfer Station, Howard 28 Jan-9 Feb (JH, m.ob.) was the hrst county record since 1997; a single Glaucous Gull was at the same site 11-12 Feb (WC, m.ob.). The 220 Lesser Black-backed Gulls counted at Back Bay/False Cape 15 Feb (RLAk, KKr) made the seasons high. Up to 8 Black Skimmers roosted at Wise Point, Northampton 2 Jan-10 Feb (GK, MAK, DY, FSB et ah). Razorbills made an impressive showing along the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico this season. Unusual inshore Razorbill counts included 27 at the C.B.B.T. 16 Dec (ESB et al); a new state from-shore record 46 off Back Bay/False Cape 5 Feb (RLAk, KKr); and 27 off Back Bay 24 Feb (BW, MB). Atlantic Puf- hns were recorded in Maryland pelagic waters on 13 Jan (7 birds) and 5 Feb (2 birds). Increasingly reported but still rare, a White- winged Dove was at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Calvert 1 Feb (THa, m.ob.). Four Long-eared Owls roosting in Baltimore 4 Dec+ (KC, m.ob.) were enjoyed by many birders; another was heard at Riv- erside Farm, Northampton 23 Dec (ESB). A Long-eared Owl continued to be occasionally seen and heard through the season on Wimer Mountain Rd., Highland, VA near the West Vir- ginia line (MO). The nineteenth consecutive C.C.B. late fall/early winter Northern Saw-whet Owl monitoring project netted 423 new indi- viduals plus 16 recoveries 25 Oct-15 Dec (ZP). At least 1 1 Rufous Hummingbirds were re- ported in seven Maryland counties through the season; 4 of these continued from the fall. At least 5 Selasphorus hummingbirds were noted in Virginia across the season; one continued from the fall; 2 were banded and proved to be hatch-year Rufous Hummingbirds. Following the banner 2012 breeding season in which 10 breeding pairs successfully fledged 26 birds, the C.C.B. winter population survey docu- mented a record high of 53 Red- cockaded Woodpeckers — 37 ads. and 16 of the 26 known hatch-year birds — at the Nature Conservancy’s Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex, VA (fide MW). Virginia’s hrst Crested Cara- cara was a one-day wonder that was independently observed by held biologists working at different sites on Fisherman Island N.WR., Northampton 16 Feb (GC, CK). Genetic analysis of DNA from a wintering Empidonax captured at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk 26 Jan (EW et al.) is ongoing; details will be published at a later time; the state has no record of a wintering Empidonax. A Say’s Phoebe passed the Kipt. hawkwatching platform 4 Dec (ESB); another was observed along Rte. 643 in Highland 24 Feb (ph. EG, GM), likely the same bird report- ed there 15 Nov (WT); and another was discov- ered on a silo in Carroll, MD 19-29 Jan (RFR, m.ob.). An Ash-throated Flycatcher seen spo- radically at Petersburg National Battleheld-City Point Unit, Hopewell 8-25 Dec (ph. ABr, LB, m.ob.) made the season’s sole report. A West- ern Kingbird visited Chippokes Plantation S.P, Surry, VA 2-17 Dec (TC, m.ob.); one across the river from Chippokes at Gospel Spreading Farm, James City, VA 22-23 Dec (TA, ph. BT et al.) was likely the same bird. Other singles were at Blackwater 5 Dec QCu, JH) and on Gwynn’s Island, Mathews, VA 30 Dec (EB et al). A Loggerhead Shrike was at Hagerstown, Washington, MD 1 Dec (NM, m.ob.) for the fourth consecutive year. A Loggerhead Shrike at Sky Meadows S.P, Fauquier continued from the fall to 2 Dec (TH). Single Loggerheads were in Clarke, VA near Berryville 4 Dec and 14 Jan (JT) and at Blandy Experimental Farm 9 Dec QC). The only Northern Shrike was reported from far w. Maryland at Finzel Swamp, Garrett 24 Feb OhC). Rare in winter, a Blue-headed Vireo was a good hnd at Pocomoke River S.P, Worcester, MD 2 Jan (GS). SWALLOWS THROUGH FINCHES Cave Swallows visited three Maryland loca- tions; a loner at Point Lookout, St. Mary’s 2 Dec (ML); 5 at Hart-Miller Island, Baltimore 3 Dec (KGr et al.); and 3 at Ocean City Inlet, Worcester 9 Dec (ML, m.ob.). The limited fall Black-capped Chickadee irruption continued, with 10 reports in three Maryland counties, the latest 24 Feb (m.ob.) Rare on Maryland’s West- ern Shore, a Sedge Wren was at Aquasco Farm, Ptince George’s, MD 12 Feb (ML). A Sedge Wren, rare w. of the Bay, made a new species for the Williamsburg, VA C.B.C. 16 Dec (BW et al). The northernmost lingering Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was along the C&O Canal at Ri- ley’s Lock, Montgomery 11 Dec (LF, LS). A very late Wood Thrush was at Patterson Park, Bal- timore 1 Dec-10 Jan (MHu, m.ob.). Typically restricted to the Coastal Plain in winter, a Gray Catbird in the Allegheny Mountain region at Mount Nebo WM.A., Garrett 15 Dec Qh, ML) made an unexpected find. This season saw exceptional winter war- bler numbers and diversity across the Region. A Tennessee Warbler was an extraordinary find at Petersburg National Battlefield-City Point Unit, Hopewell 14-18 Dec (AB et al.) and made a first Hopewell C.B.C. record; an- other was at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax, VA 26 Jan-3 Feb (ph. MM). An Orange-crowned Warbler at Chisel Run, James City 21 Dec-16 Feb (ph. JN, Jide BW) was outside this species’ usual se. Virginia locations. An Ovenbird briefly visited the Maryland Zoo, Baltimore 19 Dec (OB, DH). Single Black-and-white Warblers were noted on the Little Creek C.B.C., Virginia Beach, VA 31 Dec (PS et al.) and along the C&O Canal, Montgomery 26 Jan (DRi). A Nashville Warbler was at the E.S.VN.WR. 23 & 31 Dec (ESB); 4 others were in three Maryland counties and D.C. (m.ob.); and up to 2 were at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax 6-29 Jan (PR, ph. EEd, m.ob.). Single Audubon’s Warblers were noted on the Nas- sawadox C.B.C., Northampton 16 Dec (p.a.; Jide HTA) and at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Cal- vert 13 Jan (SS). Single Yellow Warblers were at Patterson Park, Baltimore 3 Dec (MH), at Swan Harbor Farm, Harford 9-25 Dec (MH, m.ob.), and at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax 6 Jan (SP, KG). A MacGillivray’s Warbler heard, seen, and photographed at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax 23-26 Jan (EEd et al, ph. DB) represents a third Vir- ginia record. A Black-throated Gray Warbler flitted about in English Ivy in a Silver Spring backyard, Montgomery 9-23 Jan (CN, m.ob.), making a sixth state record with its often brief appearances. A warbler with very few winter records in the Region, a Louisiana Waterthrush was an ex- ceptionally early migrant at Font Hill Wetland Park, Howard 16-26 Feb (ph.JW). A Summer Tanager successfully wintered in suburban Columbia, Howard 24 Nov-i- (BD, m.ob.); anoth- er was found in a backyard in Alle- gany, MD 28 Dec (NB). A male West- ern Tanager returned to Settler’s Mill, James City 13 Nov+ for the fourth time in five winters; another male was at Seaford, York 16-20 Feb (ph. K&MB, FD). Rare this far s., 3 Ameri- can Tree Sparrows were at Chippokes Plantation S.P, Surry 18 Jan (TMD); This MacGillivray's Warbler was at Dyke Marsh on the Potomac, Fairfax County, Virginia 23-26 (here 24) January 2013; the state has just two previous records. Photograph by David Boltz. 248 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS MIDDLE ATLANTIC Difficult to track down at times, this Ash-throated Fly- catcher was found at Petersburg National Battlefield-City Point Unit, Hopewell, Virginia. It remained in the area 8-25 (here 8) December 2012 and was recorded on the 16 December Hopewell Christmas Bird Count as a new species. Photograph by Allen Bryan. a single was there 23 Jan (GG). A Clay-colored Sparrow visited Arlington, Northampton 24 Dec (ESB). Four were found in Maryland, includ- ing 3 on coastal C.B.C.s 16-29 Dec (m.ob.). A Lark Sparrow visited a residential Chesterfield, VA yard 4 Nov-i- QE, m.ob.), providing a rare winter Piedmont record. A Le Conte’s Spar- row was a welcome find in a lower Northamp- ton marsh during a survey of marsh sparrows 2 Dec (FS, ESB et ah); habitat for this species (and for Yellow Rail) was sought all day on the Back Bay C.B.C. 28 Dec, but the refuge had re- moved all such habitat during 2012, as part of ongoing modifications of waterfowl impound- ments. This has been the Region’s most reliable wintering population since the late 1980s (and probably back to the 1970s), but no Le Conte’s could be found this season (ESB et ah). In Virginia Beach, the Little Creek C.B.C. tal- lied 30 Snow Buntings 31 Dec (PS et al), and 11-12 were in that area 2-4 Feb (PD et al). A female Indigo Bunting documented at a Wel- lington Neck, Northampton feeder 9 Jan (ph. RK) made just the hfth Coastal Plain winter record. Single Painted Buntings were on the Nansemond River C.B.C., Suffolk, VA 2 Jan (RLAk); at Chesapeake 6 Jan (ph. BM); at Kipt. 15-16 Feb (ESB); and at Virginia Beach 18 Eeb (CR). A female Painted Bunting visiting a Charlottesville, VA feeder 14-21 Dec (RLo, Jide SM) made just a second county record. A rare winter visitor, a Dickcissel was a good find on the Cape Charles C.B.C., Northampton 30 Dec (HTA et al). Continuing from the fall, a male Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Hart-Miller Is- land, Baltimore until 2 Jan (KGr, m.ob.); anoth- er male was among a massive blackbird flock on Lewistown Rd., Talbot 27 Jan (LR). The 250 Rusty Blackbirds at Bell’s Lane, Staunton, VA made the season’s high count 9 Jan (ZZ, DL). A female Brewer’s Blackbird, rare anywhere in Virginia, was in a cow pasture with other blackbirds at Gospel Spreading Farm, James Only the second Northern Lapwing for Maryland, this bird was found by Les Roslund near Cordova, Talbot County. It stayed briefly 3-4 (here 4) February 2013. Photograph by Jared Fisher. City 26 Jan (BT). Four were at a dairy farm at Nokesville, Prince William, VA 23-24 Dec (LM et al., RLAk et al.), where the species has been observed regularly since the early 1990s. Fre- quently reported in recent years from Ragged Island WM.A., a flock of about 50 Boat-tailed Crackles of both sexes was in a Hardee’s park- ing lot in Smithfield, Isle of Wight 17 Dec (NF). Only Maryland’s third record, and its first in four years, a cooperative, imm. male Bullock’s Oriole visited a Newark Farms yard, Harford, MD 11 Feb-t (DK, m.ob.). Up to 7 Baltimore Orioles dined on grape jelly at a Chesapeake, VA feeder 14 Dec+ (KK). The impressive late fall crossbill flight con- tinued into early winter. Monitoring efforts at Kipt., including sonogram analyses of Red Crossbill flight calls, documented a continued finch movement there through early Jan. Ex- ceptional Red Crossbill reports from Kipt. 4 Dec-4 Jan included a peak count of 364 Type 3 and Type 10 birds 4 Dec (ESB et al). Red Crossbills were also reported from D.C. and 12 Maryland counties. White-winged Cross- bill counts from Kipt. 12 Dec-5 Jan included a peak of 46 birds there 5 Jan (ESB et al). An injured female White-winged Crossbill recovered in Accomack about 25 Dec made a first verified county record (ph. GF, fide ESB). White-winged Crossbills were reported from D.C. and 19 Maryland counties. The 70 White-winged Crossbills at Soldiers Delight, Baltimore 6 Dec-r (KC, JGo, m.ob.) made a notable record. Common Redpoll reports in- cluded a single at Chincoteague, Accomack 31 Dec (ph. WH); 2 at Kipt. 3 Jan (ESB); and 2 at Bayview/lnlet Point, Norfolk 8 Jan (PM). Con- tinuing from the fall and remaining through the winter. Common Redpolls appeared in 13 counties across Maryland (m.ob.). Pine Siskins were reported throughout the season with a maximum count of 1550 at Kipt. 4 Dec (ESB). More numerous than in recent winters, 1-4 Evening Grosbeaks were reported from each of at least 1 1 locations across Maryland and Virginia 11 Dec-18 Feb (m.ob.). The 50 Evening Grosbeaks seen gorging on pine seeds at Piney Grove Preserve, Sussex 12 Dec (FS) made by far the most impressive dock, certainly the largest group seen in e. Virginia in decades. Contributors: Robert L. Ake (RLAk), Robert L. Anderson (RLAn), George L. Armistead, Henry T. Armistead, Tom Armour, Olivia Babb, Dick Barmore (DBa), Scott Barnes, Lewis Barnett, Ruth Beck, Tyler Bell, Kim & Matt Bickley Chan- dra Biggerstaff, Nathaniel Biser, Dave Boltz, Perri Borowiecki, Arun Bose, Peter Brask (PBr), Allen Bryan (ABr), Edward S. Brinkley, Rexanne Bruno (RBr), Eugene Burreson, Mitchell Byrd, J. B. Churchill, Dawd Clark, Joe Coleman, Gary Constanzo, Jon Corcoran QCo), Keith Costley Dan Cristol (DCr), Wendy Crowe (WCr), Jeff Culler QCu), Warren Cummings, Terri Cuthri- ell, Doug Davis, Fenton Day, Todd M. Day, Ben- jamin DeHaven (BDe), Adam D’Onofrio, Peter Dougherty, Brian Duncan, Edward Eder (EEd), Peter Eder, Elisa Enders, Jack Esworthy Nick Flanders, Gay Frazee, Linda Friedland, Jane Frigo, Hans Gabler, Eve Gaige, Kurt Gaskill, Geoff Giles, Paul Glass, Jessica Gorzo QGo), David Govoni, Kevin Graff (KGr), Jackie Gray, Paul Guris (PGu), Matt Hafner, Joe Hanfman, Tom Harten (THa), Steven Hersey William Hohenstein, Teri Holland, Gerco Hoogeweg, Derek Hudgins, Mike Hudson (MHu), Frode Ja- cobsen, George Jett, Mark Johnson, Tom Jones, Karen Kearney, Roberta Kellam, Eric Kershner, Dennis Kirkwood, Carl Knauer, Steve Kolbe, Mary Alice Koeneke, Glenn Koppel, Krystal Krejcik (KKr), Allen Lamer, Diane Lepkowski, Ron Loque (RLo), Reese Lukei, Jo Lutmerding, Mikey Lutmerding, Linda Mack (LMa), Nancy Magnusson, Gabriel Mapel, Jim Marcum, Paula Marcum, Michael Mayer, Larry Meade, Stauffer Miller, Bob Mislan, James Moore OMo). Elton Morel, Jeanette Navia, Claire Nemes, Margaret O’Bryan, Ellison Orcutt, Robert Ostrowski, Bri- an Patteson, Zak Poulton, Scott Priebe, Cathy Redwood, Derek Richardson (DRi), Robert F Ringler, Karen & Keith Roberts, Les Roslund, Peter Ross, Dick Rowe, Russ Ruffing, Mike Sanders, Mark Schilling (MSc), Lydia Schindler, Gaby & Jeff Shenot, Dan Small, Fletcher Smith, Gary Smith, Allan Spradling, Ed Stedman, Sher- man Suter, Paul Sykes, Brian Taber, Josh Taylor, Wes Teets, Mike Walsh (MWa), Eric Walters, Bart Wickel (BWi), Alex Wilke, Jim Wilkinson, Bill Williams, Michael Wilson, Dave Youker, Charles Ziegenfus. O Mark T. Adams, 2300 Rocky Run, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901, (markadamsphd@yahoo.com) Robert Ostrowski, 7566 Mandan Road, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770, (rjostrowski@gmail.com) Arun Bose, P. 0. Box 8807, Richmond, Virginia 23225, (arun1bose@gmail.com) VOLUME 67 (2013) NUMBER 2 249 I Southern Atlantic n Grandbther Mtn. « mFallsL mmutchen Greensboro , Jondan L» ^ Goldsboro* L Malta- - • ^ muskeet ' Point L • Columbus ■Eufeu/a NV/R %LVi'alter F. George ' •Albany •Dalton BiassloimBaU r^^ciemson' WL HartM'ell mULanUr \ L Murrai \Wiln»"9ton, ^Kennesaw Mtn. \Clark's ■ .rviumhia "Nail. Battlefield Park Congaree* c » ' Swamp NM Beach* 'Ft Fisher SRA Aiken ^A/unon* •'■Hunfi'fig/on Beach SP LMoulirie^ ^Georgetown i_ West B i_ Juliette Rands Marion NFr CroatanNalt.Foresia Cap^- r-^ Cape Wafteras ^wCape More- Lookoui Cih? NORTH CAROLINA • Macon ^ M Cape Romain NWR s^eauloi3j< ‘-’Charleston j y a Hilton Head Is. Savannah^Si^—— Savannah NWR & Savannah Spoil Site (SC) SOUTH CAROLINA Neck NWR* Sapelo I. Si. Simons I. -^Jekylll. ■ ' Cumberland!. GEORGIA Okelenokee Swamfn ,■ Ken Blankenship Richard Hall Josh Southern Unusually mild conditions once again dominated the period, even by Southern standards, with temperatures a balmy 9-14° C warmer than average. Precipitation was below average as winter began, but heavy December rains and an even wetter February quenched even the driest earth, in the southern reaches of the Region. Though the impacts of these recent “non-winters” on avian life are not well understood, plant and insect life cycles, and even the migratory timing of numerous bird species, appear to be responding to the warmer regime. Sandhill Cranes dawdled south “for the winter” into mid-January; surprising Neotropical migrants again popped up along- side above-average numbers of more expected semi-cold-hardy passerines; and hummingbirds barnstormed the Southeast in unprecedented numbers — some could not be banded, ignoring feeders in favor of winter-blooming flowers! A massive flight of alcids, primarily Razor- bills, surged southward beginning in early De- cember, accompanied by extraordinary armadas of Common Loons, Manx Shearwaters, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. Though sea surface tempera- tures were generally average in this Region, the phenomenon was widely attributed to warmer-than-average waters in the northwestern North Atlantic, north of this Region. Rather than piled on, extra layers of clothing actually had to be removed to enjoy Georgia’s first White -winged Crossbill or famous Snowy Owl. Abbreviations: C.C.W.A. (Clay- ton County Water Authority, Clay- ton, GA); M.N.W.R. (Mattamuskeet N.WR., Hyde, NC); S.S.S. (Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper, SC). WATERFOWL THROUGH SPOONBILL Snow Geese were widely reported, the highest concentrations predictably from North Caro- lina’s coastal plain, with a high count of 18,000 at M.N.WR. 26 Jan (CS). Reports of single Ross’s Geese, numbering 9 total, included some show- ing signs of hybrid derivation; among a few re- ports of multiple birds was an impressive count of 11 at Pocosin Lakes N.WR., NC 24 Jan (DC). Reported only from North Carolina, Cackling Geese were scarce: 3 scattered individuals and a high count of 2-4 at Pocosin Lakes N.WR. 24 Jan-16 Feb (DC, m.ob.). A flock of 12 Tundra Swans was an early morning surprise for partici- pants in the high-elevation Grandfather Moun- tain C.B.C., Watauga, NC 22 Dec (RG). Both Carolinas hosted Eurasian Wigeons, with 7 out of 8 were expectedly found in e. North Carolina. A returning ad. male Cinnamon Teal was present at C.C.WA. 10 Dec (m.ob., ph. J&AH); another drake was at Savannah N.WR., Jasper, SC TI Jan-17 Feb QBH, m.ob.). Nearly quadrupling the previous state high count, an exceptional 2072 Northern Shovelers were at Andrews Is- land, GA 2 Jan (GK). An imm. male Harlequin Duck frequented a rock jetty at Atlantic Beach, Carteret, NC 21 Feb+ (AG, m.ob.). Maxima of 4 Long-tailed Ducks at Huntington Beach S.P., Unprecedented numbers of Manx Shearwaters plied the waters off the Carolinas and Georgia this winter, including this individual foraging with over 100 associates east of Jekyll Island, Georgia on 8 December 2012. Photograph by Dan Vickers. Perched on a jetty just north of the Georgia/Florida border, this first-cycle Glaucous Gull was one of two encountered near shore 28 December 2012. Photograph by Bill Flatau. SC 24 Dec (ND) and Bodie Island N.P., NC 25 Jan (SW) tied for the highest tally among a dozen or so reports; Common Goldeneyes were widely reported, with a high count of 38 at the perennial stronghold at West Point Lake, GA 24 Jan (WC). Numerous records of Common Mer- gansers, typical though uncommon only in our Region’s ne. coastal plain, suggested a sizeable southward movement: a flock of 21 at Pettigrew S.P, NC 12 Dec (AW) had swelled to a remark- able 570 birds 27 Jan (DC et al); much rarer farther s., singles were present in Murray, GA 24 Feb-r (KB, RB, m.ob.) and at Huntington Beach S.P, SC 27 Feb (DB). Emblematic of the large influx of many div- ers this season were throngs of Red-throated Loons just offshore, providing impressive tallies of 5000 at Bogue Banks, NC 13 Dec QF) and 4000 at Pea Island N.WR., NC 25 Feb OLe); amid many totals of 500+ Common Loons was a state record 1055 recorded on a seabird sur- vey in Chatham, GA 20 Feb (BL et al). Pacific Loons were prolific: one was at Figure Eight Island, NC 3-17 Dec (DC); one at Oregon In- let, NC 2 Jan QB); one at Wrightsville Beach, NC 30 Dec QB) and 2 there 6 Jan (RC et al.); one at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, NC 14 Jan (LM); one at Lake Hartwell, GA 26 Jan- 18 Eeb (EB, m.ob.); and one at Masonboro Inlet, NC 27 Feb (ph. LG). Quite out of the ordinary, 3 Western Grebes were seen swimming together off Cumberland Island, GA 22 Eeb (SG). Infre- quently documented in late winter, a Black- capped Petrel was observed on a pelagic out of Hatteras, NC 24 Feb (BPI). Most unseasonable was a Sooty Shearwater spotted from shore at Fort Macon, NC 9 Jan (JF); winter records of this species have been increasing in the past 10 years or so. Large flocks of Manx Shearwaters were encountered on pelagic trips off the Geor- gia coast, fishing in tandem with fleets of Com- mon Loons: 109 near Jekyll Island and Cum- berland Island 8 Dec (KB, RB et al.); at least 125 (99+ in a single flock!) off Cumberland Island 16 Dec (KB, RB et al.); and 90 off Tybee Island 20 Jan (m.ob.). Wood Storks are remaining through winter with increasing regularity and farther n., exemplified by individu- als at Huntington Beach S.P, SC 30 Dec (TS), Garden City, Horry, SC 1 Jan (R&DR), and in New Hanover, NC 20 Feb (GS, KM). Great Cormo- rants turned up Regionwide, often in above-average numbers: an imm. provided the southernmost coastal record at Tybee Island, GA 11 Jan (ph. CC, LD et al.); a returning ad. spent the entire period (its fourth) at Lake Walter E George, GA (m.ob.); and the maximum was represented by 8 at Pea Island N.WR., NC 25 Jan 250 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN ATLANTIC Hopefully tWs foraging Hazorbi!! near Cumberland Island, Georgia on 1 6 December 201 2 was successful in its pursuit of prey. Photograph by Cameron Cox. r A A possible collapse of prey resources in 3 Athe nw. North Atlantic was suspected as the driving force that sent thousands of alcids and other seabirds streaming hundreds of ki- lometers s. of their usual range in Dec. Many observers experienced mixed emotions; the thrill and excitement of seeing such numbers of species that rarely come their way tem- pered with the anxious hope that an appre- ciable percentage of these birds were able to find sufficient resources to survive. • Razorbill: Strong flights of this species have occurred in several previous winters, beginning with the first in Feb 1994. However, the highest counts have typically come from the n. Outer Banks of North Carolina in the past; this winter, Razorbills were everywhere along the coast and offshore, all through the Region. In that respect, this invasion was unusual, though the total seasonal count of birds for the Region was exceeded by single-morning counts from Cape Point, Dare, NC on rare occasions. In North Carolina, local high counts included: 57 off Figure Eight Island, New Hanover 1 Dec (DC); 14 off Fort Fisher, New Hanover 1 1 Dec (Greg Massey); 300 off Bogue Banks, Carteret 1 3 Dec (JF); 725 offWrightsviile Beach 6 Jan (DC); 75-f off of Pea Island N.W.R., Dare 10 Feb (Steve Shultz); pe- lagic counts of Hatteras of 377 on 1 8 Feb, 989 on 1 6 Feb, and 2000 on 24 Feb (BPi). At least 27 were at Murrells Inlet, Georgetown, SC 1 9 Jan (Ron Clark et al.), where the species was present 4 Dec-i- (Steve Compton). Georgia singles from shore were seen at Sea Island, Glynn 9 Dec (KB), Tybee Island 1 3 Jan (Calvin Zippier), and several on coastal C.B.C.s 1 5 Dec; and offshore totals from Georgia included 24 on 8 Dec and 50+ on 1 6 Dec (KB, RB et al.). Fussell noted that Razorbills were observed regularly and "reliably" on the ocean off Carteret and New Hanover beginning 4 Dec and continuing through the end of Feb — and that singles were often seen within Beaufort Inlet and in Core Sound. Check eBird data for more reports of Razorbills. • Dovekie: From-shore sightings included one off Nags Head, Dare, NC 1 3 Dec (Audrey Whit- lock) and 3 off Southern Shores, Dare, NC 1 0 Feb (Jeff Lewis). Nearly a state record, 232 were seen during a pelagic trip off Hatteras, NC 24 Feb (BPI). The species reportedly became more numerous off the North Carolina coast in Mar. • Atlantic Puffin: An emaciated bird was found at Atlantic Beach, Carteret, NC 27 Feb; it was taken to a wildlife rehabilitator but perished (fide JF). Pelagic trips out of Hatteras, NC found one on 1 6 Feb, 5 on 1 8 Feb, and 1 5 on 24 Feb (BPi). This Razorbill near Jekyll Island, Georgia on 8 December 201 2 was part of a massive influx that reached south to the Florida Keys and west to Louisiana. Photograph by Dan Vickers. (CS), an excellent count by recent standards. A Least Bittern at M.N.WR., NC 27 Jan (ph. GH) was just one of several “expected surprises” in the ever-shifting distribution of wintering waders in the Region. New statewide C.B.C. totals of 1313 Great Egrets and 2196 Snowy Egrets were established in Georgia. A White- faced Ibis at M.N.WR., NC 25 Feb (ph. SW) provided only the third state record. Albeit local and few, Roseate Spoonbills are now regular as winter residents: noteworthy among 12 reports were 7 spoonbills at jekyll Island, GA 7 Dec (PM), a northerly record of 2 on the Christmas count at Winyah Bay, SC 14 Dec {fide LG), and a total of 9 on Georgia C.B.C.s. The only spoon- bills on Georgia C.B.C.s have occurred over the past seven years — tellingly, all consecutive win- ters. The species was recorded first on a South Carolina C.B.C. in 1999, and none had been re- corded there until this winter, when two circles yielded the species. RAPTORS THROUGH ALCIDS A Swallow-tailed Kite was record early by nearly two weeks over L.S.S.l. 13 Feb (SCo). An ad. Northern Goshawk appeared briefly at Alligator River N.W.R., NC 2 Dec QR), and an imm. was recorded on the Morehead City, NC C.B.C. 16 Dec (WE, MG). Three Yellow Rails were seen in coastal marshes; on the St. Catherines Island, GA C.B.C. 15 Dec (m.ob.); on the Morehead City, NC C.B.C. 15 Dec QSo); and at Crow Hill Reservoir, NC 16 Dec (DBu, DCh). Unseason- able Purple Gallinules were found at Savannah N.WR., Jasper, SC 8 Dec (MV) and Harris Neck N.WR., GA 31 Dec (ER). Eager crowds came from far afield to enjoy Georgia’s first Northern Lapwing in Bulloch 6-24 Feb (ph. LD, m.ob.); another lapwing, in Person, NC 24 Feb-early Mar (MW), represented that state’s third record. A Snowy Plover was again on the e. end of Bear Island, NC 18 Feb (ph. EC); considering the species’ rarity on the Atlantic coast and its off-and-on presence at this site for six consecu- tive years, many believe that it is likely the same individual. As usual, scattered records of Long- billed Dowitchers were all handily surpassed by a high count of 57+ at the S.S.S. 19 Jan (m.ob.). Just one Wilson’s Phalarope was cause for excite- ment in Macon, GA 13 Jan (ph. PB, HG), as it provided the state’s first winter record. A whop- ping 1400 Red Phalaropes were recorded on a pelagic off Jekyll Island and Cumberland Island, GA 8 Dec (KB, RB, m.ob.). The winter proved quite productive for rarer gulls. Two first-cycle Black-legged Kittiwakes turned up, one at Nags Head, NC 8 Feb (RH) and one at Wrightsville Beach, NC 10 Feb (SaC). Another major constituent in the huge feeding frenzies observed near shore, 1720 Bonapar- te’s Gulls provided a new state high count off Chatham, GA 20 Feb (BL et al.). An ad. Black- headed Gull was present at Lake Norman, NC 16 Dec (fide TP), and single Little Gulls were reported from Lake Lanier, GA 31 Jan QSe) and off Hatteras, NC 18 Feb (BPI). A Franklin’s Gull at West Point Lake, GA 24 Jan (WC) defied ex- pected distribution patterns for midwinter. An Iceland Gull was on Tybee Island, GA 26 Jan (ph. MB); another was off Hatteras, NC 24 Feb (BPI). Five Glaucous Gull sightings were spread across all three states, and 2 Great Skuas were par for the course off Hatteras, NC 24 Feb (BPI). DOVES THROUGH LONGSPURS A White -winged Dove on Jekyll Island 9 Dec (KB, RB) was unexpected; even less expected. one visiting a backyard s. of Athens, GA 11 Jan-16 Feb made a first record for Clarke (Ste- ven Holland, m.ob.). A White-winged Dove in a Savannah backyard 3-24 Feb was thought to be a returning winterer (Steve Wagner). One of the stars of the season in Georgia, and only the sixth for the state, a Snowy Owl was spotted by Sea Island staff 1 Dec and confirmed by naturalist Kristen Morris on 4 Dec; it remained until 9 Dec (m.ob.), then turned up on St. Simons Island 10-27 Dec. Possibly the same bird was photo- graphed at Vilano Beach, FL 2 Jan. And prob- ably the same bird appeared at St. Catherine’s Island 25 Jan Qenifer Hilburn) and then Tybee Island 4-23 Feb (Julie Dylan, m.ob.). This bird is VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 251 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC Table 1 . Minimal totals of wintering hummingbirds, by state, winter 201 2-2013. ' ; Seasonal squadrons of hummingbirds poured into the Southeast in never-before-seen abundance this winter— a phenomenon significant , V not only for its extraordinary numbers of regulars but also for the diversity of species. At minimum, 353 hummingbirds were reported dur- ing the period, both at feeders and nectaring on ample flowers Regionwide (Table 1). Banders in all three states independently reported that they could not meet the travel demands of relentless reports, which extended from the mountains to the Atlantic coast. Among countless superlatives were: • At least 32 single sites hosted multiple hummingbirds. At these, highlights included an imm. male Rufous Hummingbird with a handsome ad. male Broad-tailed Hummingbird in Pickens, GA 12-18 Dec (RW, WW, b. RT); 2 Ruby-throated and 2 Black-chinned Hummingbirds battling in Charleston, SC 26 Jan (ph. ND, m.ob.); and 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds vying for a single feeder on Skidaway Island, GA 1 6 Feb (DB). • Among North Carolina's multitudes of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 77 were recorded on C.B.C.s. Topping all North American counts were the ex- traordinary 35 tallied on the Kitty Hawk C.B.C. alone in Dare 1 5 Dec {fide JL)! • South Carolina hosted its 2nd Buff-bellied Hummingbird at McClellanville 8 Dec-15 Feb (PMo, m.ob.); a juv. male frequenting a feeder on Skidaway island, GA mid-Oct-t (ph. RWi) represented that state's fourth individual and fifth overall record (one was of a returning bird). • At least 4 hummingbirds were re-captures, including a hardy ad. female Rufous Hummingbird returning for her sixth consecutive winter to Lake Oconee, GA 4 Feb {Me KT) Species /State Total Ruby-throated Hummingbird 11 77 17 105 Black-chinned Hummingbird 3 0 2 5 Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1 0 0 1 Rufous Hummingbird 50 20 26 96 Calliope Hummingbird 1 3 1 0 4 Buff-bellied Hummingbird 1 0 1 2 Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird 8 56 11 75 unidentified hummingbird 46 19 ? 65 Minimal totals* 123 173 57 353 * There are benefits but also many pitfalls for records compilers in this information age. To avoid over-estima- tion, the totals in Table 1 are low minimal estimates. I have included only the highest count per species per state among the three databases that inevitably overlap extensively: C.B.C, data; records in eBird.org (which are not standardized, such that the same individual bird may be entered in multiple locations or even on a county level); and data submitted by banders. (State chat groups, listserves, newsletters, journals, and records committees also contribute some records.) Thus, for example, the total of 77 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds recorded on North Carolina C.B.C.s was the highest figure for the state — but these were by no means the only ones in the state. Alas, it is currently impractical to derive accurate numbers of individuals from the many data sources now available, all of which have differing standards and review processes. the only Snowy Owl not to have been collected or found moribund or dead in Georgia. Pellets recovered while the bird was roosting on Sea Is- land were found to contain small bird bones and one small shell; combined with the bird’s habit of flying out to sea each evening in the direc- tion of Pelican Spit, it was thought to be feeding on shorebirds {fide Tim Keyes). Eight Northern Saw-whet Owls were banded in Lamar, GA 1 & 6 Dec (Charlie Muise); in North Carolina, sin- gles were detected at Mayo Mountain S.P., Rock- ingham 14 Dec (fide Brian Bockhahn) and in Nash 19 Jan (Jeff Lewis). Rare flycatchers were much in the news. Single Say’s Phoebes, appar- ently increasing in recent seasons as a vagrant, were m Baker, GA 5-19 Jan (ph. Larry Gridley; possibly the Nov 2012 bird, thus the state’s fifth); at Cherry, Washington, NC 27 Dec (Ed Corey) through 7 Feb (Rich & Susan Boyd); and near Congaree N.P., Richland, SC 16-17 Feb (Kath- leen O’Grady, Alice Steinke, Ted Steinke). Now expected, Ash-throat- ed Flycatchers were in Charlton, GA 29 Dec (ph. GK, Sheila Willis) and again 12 Jan (also a state fifth), at North River Farms, Carteret, NC 2 Dec (Jack Fennell), at Pettigrew S.P, Washington, NC during the C.B.C. 27 Dec (Scott Winton) through 29 Dec (fide JL), and at Mattamuskeet N.WR., Hyde, NC 19 Jan (Scott Winton). A Red-eyed "Vireo pho- tographed at Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange, NC was extraordinarily late 3 Dec (Andrew Thornton), apparently the first ever documented by photograph in our Region dur- ing the winter period. Becoming staples of the early winter, both Cave and Northern Rough- winged Swallows were scattered through the Coastal Plain. Caves were in Georgetown, SC on the Winyah Bay C.B.C. 14 Dec (2 birds; Den- nis Forsythe); at New Bern, Craven, NC 1 Jan (Matt Gould); at Greenfield Lake, New Hanover, NC 3 Jan (Matt Daw, Ali lyoob, Mike McCloy; and 2 were there 5 Jan, Daniel Hueholt); and at Santee Delta WM.A., Georgetown, SC 25 Feb (2 birds; Keith McCullough, Aaron Given). A Northern Rough- winged Swallow was at San- tee N.WR., Clarendon, SC 3 Jan (Lewis Burke, Roger Smith), where possibly wintering; 15 wintered at C.C.WA. (m.ob.); and 4 on the Ma- con, GA C.B.C. 15 Dec were quite rare there. The first returning migrants were on at Lake Crabtree, Wake, NC 25 Feb (Sam Cooper) and 27 Feb (2 birds; Jeff Beane, Ed Co- rey, John Finnegan). The irruption of Red-breasted Nuthatches from the autumn continued into winter, with the highest counts skewed strongly toward the coast, most unusual. In Georgia, the new statewide C.B.C. total of 246 was more than double the previous record of 114 and in- cluded a new state high count of 124 on Saint Catherine’s Island 15 Dec. In the Carolinas, record totals included 76 at Kitty Hawk, Dare, NC 15 Dec (/ide Jeff Lewis); 66 at Carolina Sand- hills N.WR., Chesterfield, SC 15 Dec (fide Nancy Jordan); 41 at Morehead City, NC 16 Dec (fide JF); and 16 in the ACE Basin, Colleton, SC 30 Dec (fide David Chamberlain). A Wood Thrush found 24 Feb in the Cha- tham County Botanical Gardens (ph. Joel Ludlam) constitutes a very rare verified winter record for Georgia; though a few arrive early, this bird Representing the state's sixth record, this Snowy Owl was the first in Georgia not to be subsequently collected or found deceased. It first appeared on Sea Island, where it roosted atop luxury villas from 1-9 (here 5) December 2012. Photograph by Dan Vickers. 252 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS certainly must have been a migrant. The au- tumn’s Sprague’s Pipit at Marshallville Super Sod Farm, Macon, GA continued until 5 Dec (m.ob.). Eight Snow Buntings made the high count on North Carolina’s Outer Banks at Jock- ey’s Ridge S.R, Dare 8 Feb (RH). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Northern Waterthrush, once considered very rare in winter, is now almost expected in this season, at least in Georgia, Two were at Glen- nville Water Treatment Facility, Tattnall 25 Dec (ph. Gene Wilkinson), with at least one remain- ing until 23 Feb. Tennessee Warbler, also for- merly quite rare in winter, is now more regular. Two were in Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta 9 Dec through at least 1 Jan (NF); one was at Marietta, Cobb, GA 12 Jan (Bob & Deb Za- remba); and the rarest, one turned up at Hill- sborough, Orange, NC 24 Dec (Carol Tuskey). Normally more widespread in warm winters, the only Nashville Warblers were at Centennial Olympic Park 1 1 Dec-3 Jan (NF) and at Mat- tamuskeet N.WR., NC 29 Dec Oh). Rare win- tering American Redstarts were at Kitty Hawk, Dare, NC 15 Dec (fide ]ef[ Lewis) and on James Island, Charleston, SC 13 Feb (Dennis Forsythe). A Cape May Warbler returned to a yard in For- syth, NC 1 1 Jan+ (ph. John Schultz) for its third winter in a row; another at Brookhaven, DeKalb 27 Jan (ph. Matthew Daskilewicz) made only the second well-documented winter record for Georgia. An imm. female Blackpoll Warbler at North River Farms, Carteret, NC 2 Dec QF, Jack Fennell, Matt Gould) would have been unthink- able even just a few years ago, but Nov and Dec records are becoming almost routine in recent seasons. Three Northern Parulas, 6 Wilson’s Warblers, and 6 Prairie Warblers rounded out the list of rarer wintering species, though most reports were associated with C.B.C. activity. Uncommon sparrows were hardly men- tioned, the exception being single Lark Spar- rows in Bulloch, GA 7-24 Feb (John Hintermis- ter), enjoyed by many lapwing chasers, and at a feeder in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, NC 2-4 Feb (ph. Lee Weber). Summer Tanagers now rival or surpass Western Tanager (once the default win- ter tanager in the Region), with 6 recorded this season. Single Summers were at Savannah, Cha- tham, GA 5 Jan-15 Feb (ph. Mary Lambright); in an Upson, GA yard 23 Dec-early Feb (Rose- mary Kramer); at a feeder in Wilmington, NC throughout the period (Amy Williamson; fourth winter in a row); and along Bell Point Rd., Pam- lico, NC on the Pamlico County C.B.C, 18 Dec (female; ph. Christine Root). In South Carolina, 2 Summers were recorded on the Hilton Head Island C.B.C. 14 Dec (fide Nan Lloyd). Just 2 Western Tanagers showed this season: a female was banded and photographed in a yard in the s. tip of Horry, SC 16 Feb (Lex Glover, Julie Nole); SOUTHERN ATLANTIC Snow Buntings occupied North Carolina's Outer Banks in late winter 2012-2013, including this striking bird at Jockey's Ridge State Park on 27 February. Photograph by Jeff Lewis. and a male visited a feeder in Clinton, Sampson, NC in mid- to late Feb (ph. Joel Rose). Surprisingly scarce, single Dickcissels were at Reddy Creek Lake Marsh, Wake, NC 15 Dec (Brian Bockhahn) and in Charles- ton, SC 24 Dec-1 Jan (ph. Ray Swagerty, m.ob.). A late Rose-breasted Gros- beak frequented the Jekyll Island, GA campground 8-9 Dec (Lydia Thompson, KB, RB); in the same state, another visited a feeder during the Piedmont-Rum Creek C.B.C. 17 Dec. A Yellow-headed Blackbird in Clarendon, SC 3 Jan (Lewis Burke, Roger Smith) made the only report. An ad. male Bullock’s Oriole at a Charlotte, NC feeder for its second winter in a row 8 Feb-i- (Noreen George). The finch spectacle kept observers attuned to feeders, brambles, and pine forests throughout the season. Georgia’s first White-winged Cross- bill was an ad. male that came to feeders among 300 Pine Siskins in Burke 1 Feb (Karen Cox, m.ob.) and re-appeared on 8 Feb; thanks to the hospitality of the Cox family, it was enjoyed by many birders until 14 Feb. Another was seen just across the state border in South Carolina, but the highest counts in that state came from Devils Fork S.R, Oconee, where flocks were seen at least 13-18 Jan, with the top count of 23 birds seen 14 Jan (Dennis Forsythe). In North Carolina, the highest count of the species was 12 near Falls Lake, Durham, NC 16 Dec (Brian Bockhahn, Kyle Kittelberger), Still quite a rarity anywhere in the Region. 6 Common Redpolls were recorded: at Congaree N.R, Richland, SC 16 Dec (Molly Bonnell, Donna Slyce); at Hatteras, NC 22 Dec (Kate Sutherland); at Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC 19 Jan (Andrew Thornton); at Pea Island N.WR., Dare, NC in late Jan (Derb Carter); at Lillington, Harnett, NC 13-16 Feb (ph. Paul Hart); and in Madison, NC in mid- to late Feb (Michael Logue). The irruption of Pine Siskins saw counts of 200-300 birds submitted to eBird in Feb at feeders throughout the Region. Many C.B.C.s recorded all-time high counts; no- table in North Carolina were tallies of 560 on the Durham C.B.C. 16 Dec (Jicie Jacob Socolar) and 558 on the Chapel Hill C.B.C. 23 Dec (fide Will Cook). Almost meriting boldface type in this century. Evening Grosbeaks were widespread but in small numbers, all in North Carolina: one at Mason Farm Biological Preserve, Orange 19 Dec (Deane Paul, Sylvia Stanat); 2 in Chatham 24-27 Dec (Andy Upshaw); 6 at C. G. Hill Me- morial Park, Forsyth 25 Dec Qohn Hammond); 5 on Roanoke Island, Dare, NC 2 Jan (Skip Morgan); and 2 at Harbinger, Cunituck, NC 4-5 Jan (ph. Lyndi Harris). North Carolina C.B.C.s listing the species included were Rockingham 14 Dec, Cumberland 20 Dec, and Falls Lake 4 Jan (alljide Brian Bockhahn). Contributors: Dot Bambach, Mirko Basen, Jeff Beane, Giff Beaton, Eric Beohm, Ken Blanken- ship, David Boltz, Patrick Brisse, John Brunjes, David Burney (DBu), Rebecca Byrd, Buddy Campbell, Susan Campbell, Derb Carter (DC), Dennis Chadwick (DCh), Walt Chambers, Ron Clark, Scott Coleman (SCo), Sam Cooper (SaC), Ed Corey, Cameron Cox, Lauren Deaner, Na- than Dias, Julia Elliott, Judy Fairchild, Nathan Farnau, Wade Fuller, John Fussell QF), A1 Gam- ache, Hugh Garrett, Sidney Gauthreaux, Lex Glover, Leesa Goodson, Matt Gould, Richard Gray, Krista Gridley, Richard Hall, Jim & Allison Healy, J.B. Hines OhH), Rachel Holzman (RHo), Greg Hudson, Gene Keferl, Jeff Lemons OLe), Jeff Lewis QLewis), Bill Lotz, Patty McLean, Kathleen McLeod, Robert Meehan, Pam Mor- rison (PMo), Luis Munoz, Brian Patteson, Inc. (BPI), Taylor Piephoff, Edward Rigel, Richard & Dorothy Rosche, Jay Ross, Gretchen Schramm, John Schultz QSc), Jeff Sewell QSe). Cherrie Sneed, Tom Snow, Jacob Socolar QSo), Karen Theodorou, Rusty Trump, Mark Vukovich, Mar- tin Wall, Audrey Whitlock, Russ Wigh (RWi), Scott Winton, Russell Wright, Whit Wright. O Ken Blankenship, 200 River Vista Drive, Unit 731, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, (kenhblankenship@comcast.net) Josh Southern, 4100-A Reavis Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, (joshsouthern79@gmail.com) Richard Hall, Odum School of Ecology, 140 East Green Street, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, (rjhall@uga.edu) VOLUME 67 (2013) NUMBER 2 253 Florida Dry Tortugas NP m i . P • • lowest Bruce H. Anderson Weatherwise, the winter season was about normal. The rather mild weather resulted in early breeding such as Hueber finding a fledgling Mourning Dove at Altamonte Springs, Seminole County 14 December, and Keith Laakkonen finding two nest scrapes of Snowy Pfovers at Carlos Pointe, Fort Myers Beach, Lee County 20 February. Big events included the large influx of Red- breasted Nuthatches and Black Scoters that had begun the previous fall. Of course the biggest event of this winter was the Razorbill invasion. Historically, there were about 20 reports of Ra- zorbills for Florida (not 14, as many reports claimed), mostly salvaged specimens. This was the first invasion of any alcid species since the Dovekie invasions of winters 1932-1933, 1936- 1937, 1950-1951, and 1952-1953, 1962-1963 and 1963-1964, ranging from about 50 birds to thousands during each of these winters. A major difference between the Dovekie invasions and these Razorbills was that historically, there existed only two reports of Razorbill for the Gulf north of Key West. Abbreviations/definitions: big bend (the part of Florida from the Apalachicola River and through Jefferson)', FMNH (Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville); FO.S.R.C. (Florida Orni- thological Society Records Committee); Lake Apopka (Lake Apopka Restoration Area, Orange unless otherwise stated); N.E.R.R. (National Es- tuarine Research Reserve); panhandle (that part of Florida from the Apalachicola River through Escambia)', Paynes Prairie (Paynes Prairie Pre- serve S.P, Alachua)', record (only those reports verifiable from photograph, videotape, or speci- men evidence); report (any observation); S.T.A. (Stormwater Treatment Area); UCF (University of Central Florida bird collection, Orlando). WATERFOWL THROUGH HAWKS An apparent Anser sp. x Canada Goose hybrid was photographed at Merritt Island N.WR., Brevard 26 Dec (EK, Rick Folkening) where it remained through at least 1 Jan (PH et al). Otherwise the rela- tive abundance and distribution of geese throughout the state was unspectacular, with one or 2 Snow Geese scattered at various locales throughout the cen. peninsula ex- cept for 7 at Merritt Island N.WR. 7 Dec (PH) and one that made it s. to “Dump Marsh,” Homestead, Miami-Dade 19 Jan (RoT). The only Ross’s Goose reported was at St. Marks N.WR., Wakulla 1 Dec QMu). Some controversy prevailed regarding the identification of 4 small “white- cheeked” geese reported at Apalachee Correc- tional Institution, near Sneads, Jackson 11-21 Jan (fide BAh, m.ob.); some or all were possibly Cackling Geese, but photographs were inconclu- sive. Occasionally, Trumpeter Swans have been reported in Florida, and thus far all have been evaluated to be probable escapees or individu- als from “reintroduction” program. This winter, a lone unbanded ad. Trumpeter at Plant City, Hillsborough, seen again 12 Dec (Roger Newell), had been present about a year (David Pugsley), and one was at Fort Lauderdale, Broward 21 Dec (Kurt Decker). Gadwalls are holding their own as far s. as the cen. peninsula and based on field reports and C.B.C.s do not seem to be increasing; during the past decade, this formerly rare species in the peninsula has become locally fairly common in winter at least as far as the cen. peninsula, with a high this season of 510 at Lake Apopka 6 Jan (HR). Two Eurasian Wigeons found in fall was the maximum reported at Merritt Island N.WR. this winter (MG, MBr, m.ob.), while another male stopped at S.T.A.-IE, Palm Beach 2 Eeb (Brian Hope, AP). Six reports of 7 total Cinnamon Teal was higher than normal for this spe- cies; they ranged from St. Marks N.WR. 1 Dec QMu) to S.T.A.-5, Hendry, where one wintered (ME et al), and S.T.A.-IE, Palm Beach 5 Jan Qohn Shelley et al.), with at least 2 ad. males at Merritt Island N.WR. 30 Dec+ (EK, MBr, KS); one was shot by a hunter in late Jan (fide Tom Dunkerton). Single male Blue-winged Teal x Cinnamon Teal hybrids were identified at Merritt Is- land N.WR. 18 Eeb+ (Cameron Cox, LDe, KS), Green Cay Wetlands, Palm Beach 22 Eeb (EM), and S.T.A.-IE at least twice dur- ing the season (fide ON). Based on the spe- cies’ historic vagrant range in Florida, and its relative isolation from populated areas, an undipped, unbanded White-cheeked Pin- tail at Pelican Island N.WR., Indian River 29 Jan+ (Don Miller, m.ob.) was accepted by the FO.S.R.C. as probably wild, the first so vali- dated in several decades. Records have shown increases, n. to North Carolina and Virginia, in recent years. Canvasbacks remain rare and local in the peninsula; however, as many as 10 at S.T.A.-IE 16 Dec-2 Feb (CW et al.) and 9 at Hardee Lakes Park, Hardee 16 Jan (CF) were far s. for this spe- cies. Always unexpected in the Gulf, a Com- mon Eider at Clearwater Beach 12 Eeb (Da- vid McRee) furnished the first Pinellas record. Another Common Eider stopped at Huguenot ] Memorial Park, Duval 16-17 Dec (KDi); the spe- I cies is almost annual along the ne. Atlantic coast of Elorida. Two imm. Surf Scoters wandered s. to Sanibel Island, Lee 8 Dec (Don & Lillian j Stokes), while 200 at Canaveral N.S., Brevard 10 „ Dec (MiH) was a very high number for Florida. ;■ The rarest scoter species, single White -wingeds were noted at Ponce de Leon Inlet, Volusia 14 Dec (MBr) and Dunedin Causeway, while 2 vis- ited Canaveral N.S. 10 Dec (MiH). Black Sco- ters entered the peninsular coasts in invasion numbers (for Florida) last fall, and continued to funnel into the state through early vAnter, with about 400 at Ponce de Leon Inlet 14 Dec (MBr, DaS), 345 off Miami Beach 15 Dec (RoT, TMi), and one as far s. as Fort Zachary Taylor Historic S.P, Key West, Monroe 23 Dec-3 Jan (CGd). 11 Long-tailed Ducks were found on both coasts, and one put in a very rare inland appearance at The Villages, Sumter 8-9 Dec (Al Roush). On the Atlantic, up to 2 Long-taileds were at Ca- naveral N.S., Brevard 10 Dec-19 Jan (MiH, PH), and one was found moribund at Vero Beach 19 Jan (fide AKr, *FMNH), while on the Gulf, singles were reported at Schultz Preserve, Hill- This hybrid goose was at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Brevard County, Florida 26 December 2012 and 1 January 2013 (here). One of the parents was a Canada Goose, the other possibly a Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides). Photograph by Paul Hueber. 254 N 0 R T H A M E R I C A N B I R D S FLORIDA sborough 16 Dec-26 Jan (Charlie Fisher, Don Margeson), on Green Key 18 Jan (DGa), and in the vicinity of the Courtney Campbell Cause- way, Pinellas where one wintered (Jim Wells). A Common Goldeneye was far s. at Naples, Collier 20Jan(MHi, VM). Four solitary Red-throated Loons were re- ported from the Atlantic coast, with one far s. at Fort Lauderdale, Broward 14 Dec (Russ Titus); along the n. Gulf coast, where the species is rare but regular, a count of 6 at Alligator Point, Franklin 21 Feb QMu) was a strong count. Three reports of Pacific Loons came from the panhandle, where the species is annual: 9 Dec and 18 & 27 Feb (L&RAD, BrP). Unexpected was one photographed inland at Lake Santa Fe. Alachua 6-22 Feb Qohn Hintermister, Rex Rowan) that furnished Florida’s first inland re- cord. Usually, Common Loons are rare off the s. peninsula, but this winter, surveys off Crandon Park Beach, Miami-Dade tallied 574 passing by in 196 minutes over just five days, 27 Dec-2 Jan (RD). Unexpected were single Red-necked Grebes at Lake Jackson, Leon 16 Jan Qohn Er- ickson) and Ponce de Leon Inlet 3 Dec (MBr); there are fewer than five records for the species in Florida. Lone Eared Grebes appeared at Al- ligator Lake, Columbia 30 Nov-1 Dec (]txxy Krummrich), Lake Apopka 5 Dec (HR), and Margate, Broward 3 Mar, a bird that had been present for about two weeks in breeding plum- age (ph. Debbie & Gregjones). Finding tubenoses during the winter is al- ways interesting: lone Cory’s Shearwaters were off Green Key, Pasco 18 Dec (BPr, DGa) and off Playalinda, Canaveral N.S. 30 Dec (EK), with 2 at Pensacola Beach, Escambia 20 Dec (L&RAD); a Great Shearwater showed at St. George Is- land, Franklin 16 Eeb (Christopher Wood); single rare Sooty Shearwaters were sighted 3 km off Clearwater Beach 10 Dec (ph. Walt Spi- na), oof Pensacola Beach 20 Dec (RAD), and off Ormond Beach, Volusia 22 Dec (HR); and lone Manx Shearwaters were at opposite ends of the state off Miami Beach 15 Dec (RoT, TMi) and off Pensacola Beach 23 Dec (L&RAD, Scott Duncan). Reports of Brown Boobies, mostly imms., continue to be regular along the coasts of the peninsula, with singles at Alafia Banks, Hillsborough 6 Dec (EP), Port Canaveral Jetty Park, Brevard 17 Dec (MiH), and Jacksonville, Duval 1 Dec Qames Crumitie), plus 2 at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic S.P., Key West, Monroe 31 Dec (MI, CGd). Always unexpected away from Dry Tortugas N.P, an imm. Red-footed Booby was identified 11 km off Clearwater Beach on a boat as it caught a ride to shore 5 Dec (ph. Stan Czaplicki). Three Neotropic Cormorants were identified at Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Palm Beach from fall 2012 through mid-Jan but only one thereafter; it mated vhth a Double-crested Cormorant and had produced 3 nestlings by 24 Feb (Mark Berney); this was the second verified nesting of the species in Florida, both mixed matings with Double- crested. Forty-three American White Pelicans headed northward over Little Hamaca Park, Key West 27 Feb (CGd) were probably from Cuba, where large numbers winter. At about the n. limit of the Great White Her- on’s breeding range, one attended a nest with a Great Blue Heron at Cortez Key, Sarasota 1 Dec (VP, Mark Vance). So it was hardly a surprise that a Wiirdemann’s Heron, a Great Blue Heron X Great White Heron cross, was found inland in Sarasota at Myakka River S.P 7 Dec (Claire Her- zog). A Great Egret with an orange wing tag that had been banded as a nestling on Nottawasaga Island, Lake Huron, ON in summer 2012 was found at Orlando, Orange 9 Dec (Tom Rodri- guez, JJde Chris Weseloh). Florida has a history spanning at least 50 years during which Scarlet Ibis have been introduced into the wild, both intentionally and not; although deep-red ibis have been rarely seen in recent years, offspring of mixed pairing with native White Ibis, and some likely backcrosses, casually appear in the cen. and s. peninsula, such as a very pale pink ad. found at Palm Bay, Brevard 21 Jan (Tammy Karr). Up to 2 White-faced Ibis were identified at Lake Apopka 26 Dec and 1 Jan (HR). lliff photographed an Osprey of the Carib- bean subspecies ridgwayi in the upper Keys at Islamorada, Monroe 1 Jan; there is no previ- ous Florida record and apparently none from anywhere else in the mainland United States. The only White-tailed Kites reported were a resident pair along Research Road, Everglades N.P. Miami-Dade 17 Dec (RD). In Escambia, a Mississippi Kite at Cantonment 15 Jan (Brenda Callaway) and 2 Broad-winged Hawks in the n. part of the county 15-16 Jan (GDa) were exceptionally early for both species if they did not actually winter in the area. Twenty-four Bald Eagles at International Paper Wetlands, Escam- bia 30 Dec Gerry Callaway) made a high num- ber for the panhandle. Virginia Key’s resident Great Black-Hawk, provenance unknown, was observed throughout the winter (Miami-Dade; RD). Lone light-morph and dark- morph Short- tailed Hawks were late in Volusia at DeLand 1 1 Dec (Peter May) and at Ormond Beach 16 Dec (Steve Petruniak). Primarily wintering s. of Lake Okeechobee, a single light-morph Short-tailed may have overwintered at New Port Richey, Pasco, where it was seen 9 Jan and 24 & 28 Eeb (DGa). The first obvious migrants to return to the cen. peninsula were a mixed pair in court- ship over Orlando Wetlands Park 8 Feb (BHA, PH et ah). A Swainson’s Hawk was identified in the panhandle at Eglin A.EB., Okaloosa 30 Nov (MS), where the species is casual. A Pacific Loon inland at Lake Santa Fe, Alachua County 6-22 (here 7) February 201 3 furnished Florida's first inland record. Photograph by John Hintermister. This Thick-billed Murre at Fort Clinch State Park, Nassau County, Florida 14 December 2012 was one of two found during the massive Razorbill invasion. The state has three previous records of the species. Photograph by Elliot Schunke. RAILS THROUGH PARROTS Eor at least the third winter. Black Rails were identified at Everglades N.P, including one this season along Coastal Prairie Trail, Monroe 29 Dec-27 Jan (RoT, TMi). North of the species near-coastal range, 2 Purple Swamphens were at Green Cay Wetlands 2-5 Jan Gustin Miller, JHB). An ad. and a juv. Whooping Crane were far s. of their known breeding range at West Mi- ramar Preserve, Broward 22 Dec-10 Eeb (Ken Schneider). These birds were from the attempt to establish a nonmigratory population in cen. Elorida beginning in 1993 that was later aban- doned after it proved to be unsuccessful; over 200 cranes were released in Elorida during that project; however, the remaining population is estimated to be about 20 birds as of spring 2013 () . A late American Golden-Plover paused near Eastpoint, Eranklin 8 Dec GMu). Winter census- es of shorebirds along both coasts yielded high counts of 45 Piping Plovers at Crandon Park Beach, Miami-Dade 6 Dec-10 Eeb, including indmduals banded in Michigan, Nebraska, and Virginia (fide RD), and 23 at Shell Key Preserve 3 Eeb (RoS), as well as 278 Red Knots at Shell Key Preserve 3 Eeb (RoS). A total of 149 Ameri- can Oystercatchers along the Amelia River, Nas- sau 29 Jan (PaL) was a high count for Elorida’s Atlantic coast. Presumably, the same ad. male Long-billed Curlew wintered at Bunche Beach, Lee for perhaps its tenth season (CE). Eor the second consecutive winter, a Long-billed win- VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 255 FLORIDA tered inland off Joe Overstreet Rd., Osceola (Me- lissa Vetricek, m.ob.). Elsewhere, lone Long- billeds were found at Marco Island, Collier 23 Dec (MHi) and Fort De Soto Park 21 Jan-20 Feb (BAh), with 2 in the big bend at Indian Pass, Franklin 18 Feb OMu), where the species is casual. A Purple Sandpiper was spotted s. of Its usual winter range at Sebastian Inlet S.P, Bre- vard 10 Jan (DF). Black-legged Kittiwakes are casual along Florida’s Gulf coast, so 3 there this season were unexpected, including one in Pinellas 27 Jan (EP) and one in Hillsborough/Manatee 4 Feb-i- (Alison Salas, Robert Epstein). A presumed ad. Herring Gull x Lesser Black-backed Gull hybrid was identified by Brothers at Daytona Beach Shores, Volusia 20 Feb. At the same location. Brothers found the famous banded ad. Lesser Black-backed “F05” 7 Jan+; this male appar- ently bred with an American Herring Gull at Appledore Island, York, ME in 2007-2009, was banded in 2008, and was first found wintering in Jan 2009 in Volusia, where he has wintered annually since. In addition. Brothers located a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Jim Woodruff Dam, Gadsden 19 Jan, a rare inland sighting in the big bend. Eight Kumlien’s Iceland Gulls, mostly first-cycle birds, were identified, all in Atlantic coastal counties from Nassau, where one was at Fort Clinch S.P 19 Dec (Wil Domke), to Bre- vard, where one was at Playalinda Beach, Ca- naveral N.S. 18 Jan (MiH); up to 4 per day were at Daytona Beach Shores 27 Jan-26 Feb (MBr). Rare was a report of a Kumlien’s at Fort Island Gulf Beach 26 Dec (HN, Dave Brigham). Simi- larly, at least 5 Glaucous Gulls visited the same " A On 7 Dec, a moribund Razorbill was brought to the Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet that had been found on New Smyrna Beach, Volusia '^'if'Mhe same day. One of 2 was photographed on "Saturday, December 9th" from a commercial excursion vessel out of Key West () (but Saturday of that weekend was 8 Dec). On 1 1 Dec, Chris Hooker reported a live Razorbill n. of Volusia at Guana Tolomato Matanzas N.E.R.R., St. Johns/Flagler. On the same date, one or 2 birds were reported in Miami-Dade at the Government Cut/Key Biscayne area (CS, ph. Brenda Kramar). From then, and through early Jan 2013, the "flood gates" opened, and Florida experienced an invasion of Razorbills that extended coastally from Nassau on the Atlantic and far w. to Escambia on the Gulf! On 12 Dec, Razorbills were reported again on the Atlantic at Ponce de Leon Inlet (PH et al.), and for only the third time historically, a Razorbill was found in Florida's Gulf of Mexico, this one at Anna Maria Island, Manatee (Vada Rudolph). On the same date, a Razorbill was salvaged at Conch Key, Monroe 1 2 Dec {fide AKr) in the Keys. Reports continued, revealing Razorbills moving along the Gulf, in Lee 1 3 Dec {fide CE), then s. at Naples Beach, Collier, where on 20 Dec, 18 birds were counted along 6 km of shoreline (Ted Below, Winnie Burkett). Until 14 Dec, sightings had been mostly of one or 2 at any single location; on this date, there were reports of 200 (Susan McKerry, Richard Schofield) and 500 (Thomas Smith) off Palm Beach, while on 15 Dec, flocks totaling more than 600 Razorbills passed along the beaches of/W/am/-Dade(TMi etal.)l Reports continued to come from the Keys: 1 7 Dec: singles were photographed at Islamorada (fide BPr), Boca Chica Beach (Mark Mizak), and Key West (Ron Hamburger); 21 Dec: one was photographed off S. Roosevelt, Key West (CB); 23 & 30 Dec: one to 2 imms. at Key West (CGd); 24 Dec: one salvaged near Marathon (fide AKr); 1 5 Jan: one salvaged at Marathon (fide AKr); and 4 Feb: one photographed alive at Key Largo 4 Feb (Pete Frezza). From DryTortugas N.P. came two reports: 18 Dec, of a moribund bird that died the same day (Judd Patterson, *Everglades N.P.), and 22 Dec, when a Razorbill was spotted off the bow of the Yankee Freedom HI as it docked at Garden Key (CB). A group at Long Key S.P. 1 Feb (Michael O'Brien et al.) was exception; most in this area were seen singly. Meanwhile, more Razorbills continued to appear along both coasts of the cen. peninsula, including a distinct northward move- ment up the Gulf coast: one at Fort De Soto Park 13 Dec (EP) in- creased to 7 on 21-22 Dec (JMn), 3 at Honeymoon Island S.P. 16 Dec, 15 on 22 Dec, and one there 28 Dec (JMn, DGa); 3 at Venice Jetty, Sarasota 1 6-1 9 Dec (Barry Rossheim); 25 flying n. past Anclote Gulf Park (BPr, Dave Goodwin) and 5 at St. George Island S.P. (Mar- vin Friel), both 17 Dec; 7 at Pensacola Beach 18 Dec, and singles there through 25 Feb (L&RAD, Don Ware) for a total of 1 9 Razorbills in Escambia and Santa Rosa (RAD); about 40 at Alligator Point 1 0 Jan (JMu); and 1 7 at St. Marks N.W.R. 1 7 Jan (CAG, Ron Christen). Razor- bill numbers began to decline significantly in Jan, and many fewer were reported after early Feb. Razorbills were reported in all but a few coastal counties, mostly in the big bend and panhandle regions; the few counties without reports lie to the n. or e. of other counties that did have reports, so Razorbills must have passed along all coastal counties. There are currently more than 80 Razorbill specimens known from this invasion, most of which are at FMNH. Most of the live Razorbills reported, and specimens salvaged, were HY/SY birds; in fact 80 of the 85 known salvaged speci- mens are HY/SY;only 5 specimens are AHY/ASY. More than 1000 Razorbills were reported in Florida. Before 1 5 Dec, when flocks of Razorbills were first reported in Miami-Dade, all salvaged specimens but one came from n. of that county. More than one-half of the total number of salvaged specimens reported during the invasion were found on the Atlantic coast, n. of Miami-Dade, after the 600+ were seen alive there on 15 Dec, possibly indicating that these Razorbills were new individuals invading Florida. These facts led Kratterto estimate the number invading Florida in the thousands. Many birds appeared healthy during their stay and several on both coasts took up "residence" in an area for a month or more. On 7 December 201 2, this moribund Razorbill was brought to the Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet, Volusia County from New Smyrna Beach, heralding the beginning of the first Razorbill invasion ever to reach Florida. Photograph by Michael Brothers. 256 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS FLORIDA Atlantic coastal counties (Bill Tinsman, Diana Doyle, GW, MBr, DF). One ad. Great Black- backed Gull at Lake Monroe, Sanford, Seminole 3 Dec OJD) made one of very few inland sight- ings for the state. Along the Gulf coast, where they are rare and local, reports of Great Black- backed came from Sanibel Island, Lee 15 Dec (Karl Werner) and Naples, Collier 20 Jan (MHi). Black Terns in the winter are seldom document- ed, hut one at Port Richey, Pasco 30 Dec-10 Jan was photographed (fide BPr).. Other credible reports of Black Terns involved singles at Pen- sacola Beach 20 Dec (RAD) and Naples 21 Jan (VM). Common Terns may linger into Dec, but documented midwinter reports are very rare: 3 Common Terns were at St. Petersburg, Pinellas 1 Jan (ph. Mark Burns) and one at Cockroach Bay 13-19 Jan (EK). A Pomarine Jaeger 8 km off St. Teresa, Franklin 27 Jan OMu) was a rare sight in the big bend. Parasitic Jaegers were reported in higher numbers than usual along both coasts. A total of 52 included 34 from Ormond Beach 22 Dec (HR). Aside from the thousands of Ra- zorbills that invaded Florida’s coastal waters, a Dovekie was salvaged at Jacksonville some time in Dec (fide AKr). Two live Thick-billed Murres in Nassau made the fourth and fifth records for the state and were the first to be found alive: singles were at Fort Clinch S.E 14 Dec (ph. El- liot Schunke) and at Simpson’s Creek, Talbot Park 15 Dec (Pa&DL). On 16 Dec, a Common Murre was identified flying southward at Play- alinda Beach, Canaveral N.S. (tMG); this spe- cies has not yet been verihed in Florida. Locating Mangrove Cuckoos in Florida in winter is difficult; 2 were at Bunche Beach, Fort Myers 9 Feb (Ruth Parks). The few state- endangered Smooth-billed Anis seen each year are in the s. peninsula, so finding one in the cen. peninsula at Honeymoon Island S.E 15 Dec (DGa, EK) was unexpected. Only one other Smooth-billed was reported, at Eco Pond, Everglades N.E, Monroe 12-13 Dec (GDa). The only Groove-billed Ani report was from Paynes Prairie Preserve S.P 16 Dec-r QMy). With sev- eral previous sight reports, and only one record for Florida, a Snowy Owl at Vilano Beach, St. Johns 2 Jan (ph. Stephen Ossmer) was a one- day-wonder; it was probably the bird observed for much of the winter in Georgia. Caribbean Short-eared Owls are considered rare but regu- lar winter visitors in the s. peninsula; one along Coastal Prairie Trail, Everglades N.E 29 Dec (RoT, TMi) was in an area where the species has been regularly observed in previous years. Although Lesser Nighthawks regularly winter in the vicinity of Everglades N.E, Miami-Dade/ Monroe, and are casual migrants in the big bend, one in the panhandle at Fort Pickens 1-7 Feb (AxH et al.) was unexpected. The Region had the usual assortment of west- ern hummingbirds, but Florida’s first Costa’s Hummingbird, an imm male banded at Tal- lahassee 13 Dec (b. FD, RB) was unexpected. Other westerners included a Broad-billed Hummingbird banded at Tallahassee 29 Jan+ (FD, RB); a Buff-bellied Hummingbird at Apala- chicola, Franklin 28 Dec (JSp, JMu); 3 single Calliope Hummingbirds banded at Niceville, Okaloosa 5 Dec (FD), Tallahassee 7 Dec (FD), and Apalachicola 10 Jan-r (Mary Wilson, JSp) that was banded 2 Feb (FD); and single Black- chinneds banded at Tallahassee 14 & 27 Dec (FD) and Freeport, Walton 5 Jan (FD). This season, banded Rufous Hummingbirds out- numbered Ruby-throateds, with 60 (53 in the Panhandle, 7 in the peninsula s. to Hernando banded 5 Dec-24 Feb) versus 34 of the latter (26 in the Panhandle, 8 m the peninsula banded 5 Dec-17 Feb [FD]). A very small population of Budgerigars persists; 16 were at Hernando Beach 25 Dec (DGa, BPr, VP). FLYCATCHERSTHROUGH FINCHES Twenty-two Least Flycatchers were identified in the cen. and s. peninsula during the winter (HR, DGa, BPr, DF, RD, JMy Adam Zions), a high number for winter. Single Say’s Phoebes appeared at Fort Walton Beach Spray Treatment Fields, Okaloosa 3 Dec-28 Jan (MS, Shelby McNemar) and Astatula, Lake (PH et al.) for the 5th winter. Eight Vermilion Elycatchers were re- ported from the panhandle, at Gulf Breeze 15 Dec-17 Feb (B&GB), throughout the big bend, and s. in the peninsula to Frog Pond WM.A., where up to 2 wintered QHB). At least 20 Ash- throated Flycatchers were reported throughout the peninsula, with highs of 6 at Lake Apopka (HR) and as many as 10 at Paynes Prairie QMy, Ellen Robertson). A few Brown-crested Ely- catchers winter annually, locally in the extreme s. part of the peninsula; there were 3 there this season OHB, GS, RD) and also one n. at Lake Apopka 28 Dec+ (HR), where also annual. Lone La Sagra’s Flycatchers were identified at Virginia Key 4-25 Jan (RD) and Green Cay Wetlands 9 Jan+ (EM, CS). Three Tropical Kingbirds win- tered: at S.T.A.-5 (fide ME), Erog Pond WM.A. (RD, CS), and the C-357 “sparrow fields” (Mi- ami-Dade; Brian Rapoza). Cassin’s Kingbirds were in above-average numbers, with singles at Gulf Breeze 15-19 Dec (B&GB, L&RAD) and Bunnell, Flagler 17 Dec-i- (MBr), plus as many as 3 at S.T.A.-5 beginning 29 Dec (ME) for a fifth consecutive year. This winter, the northernmost kingbird roost was again occupied with up to 10 Western Kingbirds at The Villages, Marion 28 Jan, but Scissor-tailed Flycatchers have not visited the roost in several years QJD^- A late Gray Kingbird was at Egan’s Greenway Nassau 14 Dec (Edward Van Norman), while one win- tered inland 29 Dec+ at S.T.A.-5 (ME). Unex- pected was a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher far n. at Fernandina, Nassau 23 Dec-5 Feb (PaL). A Thick-billed Vireo at Fort Zachary Tay- lor Historic S.P 31 Dec (CGd, MJI) was a fine find; the species is now annual in the extreme s. peninsula and Keys. Three single Bell’s Vir- eos in Miami-Dade were about average for the This male Boat-tailed Grackle with pale irides, probably of subspecies torreyi, was about 1 50 kilometers south of its known Florida breeding range north of the St.Johns River when discovered at Ponce de Leon Inlet, Volusia County, Florida 23 January 2013. Photograph by Michael Brothers. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 257 FLORIDA This Red-eyed Vireo at Indigenous Park, Key West, Monroe County remained S-20 (here S) January 2013, furnishing Florida's first winter record. Photograph by Carl Goodrich. winter (RD), but unexpected was one in the n. peninsula at Paynes Prairie 6-12 Jan (CBu, JMy). A Red-eyed Vireo photographed at In- digenous Park, Key West 5-20 Jan (Mark Whi- teside, CGd) furnished the first firm winter record in Florida, as did a Warbling Vireo at South Miami 4 Jan+ (Joe Barros, RoT), A freshly roadkilled Bank Swallow was salvaged at Moore Haven, Glades 18 Feb (DaS, *UCF), furnishing the first extant winter record in Florida. Red- breasted Nuthatch was another species that invaded Florida beginning fall 2012; about 70 were reported from coast to coast in the pen- insula, with 2 s. at Jupiter Ridge Natural Area, Palm Beach 27 Jan-3 Feb (Larry McQueen, BrR) furnishing the southernmost record in Florida, although there is a sight report for Miami-Dade, fall 1993 (P. William Smith). About 100 Gray Catbirds at Frog Pond WM.A. 4 Jan (RD) were likely recent arrivals from the south. A Brown Thrasher on the Keys at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic S.P 31 Dec-8 Jan (MJI, CGd) was a rare find. Two Sprague’s Pipits at Kanapaha Prairie, Alachua from fall through 16 Dec (T. Good- man) returned for a second season, whereas 7 at Apalachicola Airport, Franklin 28 Dec (Alan Moss, JMu) represented a high number for this historic wintering location. Single Louisiana Waterthrushes at O’Leno S.P, Columbia 18 Dec (fide BPr) and Greyn- olds Park, Miami-Dade 15 Dec OHB) were late. Other notable finds this winter included a Blue- winged Warbler at Matheson Hammock Park 5 Dec-24 Feb (ph. RoT); a Swainson’s Warbler at Long Key S.P, Monroe 15 Jan (ph. Jan Engler); a Tennessee Warbler at Boca Chica Key, Monroe 5 Jan (CGd); lone Nashville Warblers at Hon- eymoon Island S.P 22 Dec and San Antonio 27 Dec (both DGa) and at Paynes Prairie through 9 Feb (Mike Manetz); a MacGillivray’s Warbler at Tropical Park, Miami-Dade through 14 Dec (AxH); a Northern Parula at Tallahassee through 22 Jan (Fran Rutkovsky); a Yellow Warbler at St. George Island 3 Feb (S. Klink, EO); a Black- throated Gray Warbler at Palm Beach Gardens 6 Jan+ (CK, SB); at least 7 Wilson’s Warblers at as many locations, most of which were in the extreme se. peninsula and n. Florida. An ad. Bananaquit was at Bill Baggs Cape Florida S.P 6- 17 Jan (ph. RD), while single Western Spin- dalises were identified at Key West Botanical Garden, Stock Island 28 Dec+ (CGd et al), on Virginia Key through 2 Feb (RD), and at Span- ish River Park, Palm Beach 1 Jan (AP, Marcello Gomes), the last bird being a black-backed male. Rare and local in winter, at least 10 Clay- colored Sparrows, mostly singles, ranged from one at Fort Pickens 7-24 Feb (Daniel Stange- land, JC), s. to Frog Pond WM.A. 4 Jan, when 4 were found (RD). Unusual was only one report of a lone Lark Sparrow from se. of Dade City 7- 17 Feb (DGa). Four Henslow’s Sparrows were captured for banding at Weekiwachee Preserve 19 Jan; 2 had been banded there in 2012, and at the same location, 3 Le Conte’s Sparrows were banded 19 Jan and 9 Feb (MK). Also in the peninsula, a Le Conte’s was observed at Marl Bed Flats, Seminole Tl Jan (PH, GW), where the species is casual. Saltmarsh Sparrows, rare and local on the Gulf coast, were at Fort De Soto Park 12 Dec-20 Jan (2; EP) and Pasco Palms Park, Holiday 29 Dec-13 Jan (one; DGa, BPr); 2 captured at Shell Key 16 Feb had been banded there in 2012 (LDe). Fox Sparrows normally winter as far s. as Alachua, where a high of 9 was counted this winter (E Goodwin et al), so it was not surprising that one strayed s. to Gemini Springs Park, DeBaty Volusia 25 Feb+ (Amy Evenstad). Lincoln’s Sparrow numbers were about average, with eight reports at six locations only in the cen. peninsula, including 3 at Lake Apopka 4 Jan (HR). Single Western Tanagers were identified at Elaine Gordon Enchanted Forest Park, Miami- Dade 8-12 Dec (BrR), at Geneva, Seminole 22 Dec (Bob Stalnaker, Greg Bretz), and at Lake Park, Palm Beach 22 Dec-8 Feb (CK, SB). Rose- breasted Grosbeaks are now rare but annual in winter; this season, at least 5 were found: at Tallahassee 8 Dec-r Ooanne Harrington, Audrey Heupel), at Lakeland, Polk 31 Dec (B. Snow), at Gainesville 20 Jan (Caleb Gordon) and 18 Feb-i- (Shirley Lasseter), at Fort Walton Beach 21 Jan (Steve Goodman), and at Vero Beach all winter (Billi Wagner). Almost annual, lone Black-head- ed Grosbeaks visited Stuart, Martin 8 Dec (ph. Bill & Nancy LaFramboise) and Cantonment 16-18 Feb (Lin & Omega Marvil, ph. B&JC). Unexpected was a Painted Bunting far n. and w. at Fort Pickens 28 Jan-24 Feb (Andrew Carr, Todd Amacker). A Western Meadowlark in n. Escambia 24- 28 Feb (p.a.; GDa, ph. BrP) was carefully stud- ied. Yellow-headed Blackbirds were scattered and relatively scarce, with singles at Carrabelle Beach, Franklin 12 Dec (CAG), Lake Apopka 23 Dec (HR), and Brandon 1-17 Jan (Barbara Bowen). In Alachua, as many as 16 Rusty Black- birds loitered at Gainesville 9 Dec-8 Feb (GW, Keith Collingwood et al.), with about 50 more at nearby Micanopy 2 Feb (CBu); the only other reports of Rusties were one at Alligator Point 22 Dec OMu) and 3 at Crystal River, Citrus 8 Feb+ (CF). A Brewer’s Blackbird wintered at Bayport, Hernando for the second winter (Darcy Love); the species is casual in the peninsula. At Ponce de Leon Inlet 23 Jan, a male Boat-tailed Crack- le with pale irides, probably Q. m. torreyi, was about 150 km s. of its known breeding range n. of the St. Johns River (MBr). To this, add an extralimital ad. Spot-breasted Oriole at Tampa 3 Feb (ph. John Hill), the first record of this ex- otic for the Gulf coast, about 280 km from the nearest known breeding population in Palm Beach. Lone Bronzed Cowbirds at Apalachicola 3 Dec (Larry Gridley JMu) and Avalon Beach 15 Dec (LD) were w. migrants. In recent years, the species has been found nearly year-round at Clewiston, so 5 there 15 Feb (EK) was not unex- pected. Orchard Orioles are very rare in winter, and singles were at Apalachicola 10 Jan-19 Feb (BKi, ph. EO) and Cockroach Bay 27 Jan (Carol Cassels, EK). The only report of Bullock’s Ori- ole was of one at Apalachicola 10 Jan (p.a.; BKi, JMu). Pine Siskins were scarce in the peninsula this -winter, -with loners at Lake Apopka 2 Dec (HR) and Hernando, Citrus 22-26 Feb (HN). Contributors (and members of the Florida Ornithological Society Field Observations Committee, in boldface): Brian Ahern (BAh), Bruce H. Anderson, Chelsea Barattini (ChB), Sonia Bollinger, John H. Boyd, Bill & Greta Bremser, Michael Brothers (MBr), Roy Brown, Chris Burney (CBu), Brenda & Jerry Callaway, Ke-vin Daily (KDi), Gary Davis (GDa), Lauren Deaner (LDe), Robin Diaz, Fred Dietrich, James J. Dinsmore, Lucy & Robert A. Duncan, Mar- garet England, Charlie Ewell, Cole Fredericks, David Freeland, David Gagne (DGa), Murray Gardler, Carl Goodrich (CGd), Cheryl Ann Griffin, Al & Bev Hansen, Alex Harper (AxH), Mitchell Harris (MiH), Monica Higgins (MHi), Paul Hueber, Marshall J. lliff, Barry Kinzie (BKi), Carolyn Kline, Marianne Korosy Andy Kratter (AKr), Ed Kwater, Patrick & Doris Leary (PaL), John Mangold QMn), Eva Matthews, Jonathan Mays QMy), Vince McGrath, Paul Miller, Trey Mitchell (TMi), John Murphy QMu), Heather Nagy Earl Orf, Al Pelligrinelli, Eric Plage, Valeri Ponzo, Bill Pranty (BPr), Bruce Purdy (BrP), Bryant Roberts (BrR), Harry Robinson, Carlos Sanchez, Ken Schmidt, David Simpson (DaS), Ron & Lori Smith (L&RoS), John Spohrer QSp), Malcolm Swan, Roberto Torres (RoT), Chuck Weber, Graham Williams. Bruce H. Anderson, 291 7 Scarlet Road, Winter Park, Florida 32792, (scizortail@aol.com) 258 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Ontario Joshua D. Vandermeulen The winter of 2012-2013 was more or less a typical winter in Ontario. Tem- peratures were slightly warmer than average, several species irrupted southward, but overall, there were no large movements of any unusual species, nor were there any excep- tional bird-related weather events. Temperatures were slightly above average from early December until mid-January, al- lowing several species not knovra for their hardiness, including 1 1 species of warblers, to persist into December. By January, the weather was much more seasonable, and it remained this way through the end of the period. As has been the case in recent years, early arrivals of waterfowl were a theme from mid-January through mid-February, especially involving Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard, American Wigeon, Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, and Great- er White-fronted Goose. Most winter finch species were relatively scarce after many vacated the province dur- ing the autumn, brought on by the widespread failure of cone-bearing or fruiting trees in the boreal forest. It was one of the better years for Bohemian Waxwings in recent memory, with many individuals seen in south-central and eastern Ontario. Both Great Gray Owls and Barred Owls moved southward in large num- bers, while Northern Hawk Owls and Boreal Owls experienced light incursions south. Species in boldface are reviewable by the Ontario Bird Records Committee (O.B.R.C.). Several notable rarities for Ontario were re- ported during the season, including Ivory Gull, Slaty-backed Gull, White-winged Dove, Fish Crow, Mountain Bluebird, and Western Tanager. In addition, several species observed were very rare for the winter period, including Western Grebe, Baird’s Sandpiper, Cave Swal- low, Bay-breasted Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Abbreviations: G.T.A. (Greater Toronto Area); H.S.A. (Hamilton Study Area); Point Pelee (Point Pelee Birding Area, a standard C.B.C. circle centered just n. of Point Pelee N.P); ROM (Royal Ontario Museum); S.L. (Sewage La- goon). Ontario is divided into n. and s. regions by 47° N latitude. Place names in italics refer to a county, district, or regional municipality. WATERFOWL Greater White-fronted Geese were widely re- ported, with at least 23 separate sightings throughout the period comprising at least 94 individual birds. Thirty-four birds seen at Hillman Marsh, Essex 18 Feb (AW) provided a new high count for Point Pelee. An impres- sive number of lingering Greater Snow Geese continued into early Dec in e. Ontario, with 50,000 present at Glengarry, Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry 6 Dec QSw). Ross’s Goose num- bers appearing to be increasing in late winter and early spring; this winter saw at least eight different reports. Of note was the growing flock near Shrewsbury, Chatham-Kent that numbered 15 on 28 Feb (ACC, SRC), record high for the Rondeau Birding Area. The only Brant report for the period was a flock of 6 at Wainfleet, Ni- agara 3 Jan (BEF, JMF). Twenty-one Cackling Geese near Cambridge, Waterloo 9 Dec OBF, JSi) marked a high count for that area. Mute Swans continue their assault in s. Ontario, with 916 being reported from the Presqu’ile Birding Area, Northumberland during the Mid-Winter Waterfowl Inventory 6 Jan (RDM et al). No- table Trumpeter Swan records included 2 at Sombra, Lambton 29 Dec-7 Feb (PAW, m.ob.) and 2 at Windsor, Essex 22 Feb+ GTJK. m.ob.), the latter among very few records for Essex. The Blenheim (Rondeau) C.B.C. reported 6000 Gadwalls 16 Dec (m.ob.), a record for that C.B.C. Three Eurasian Wigeons were re- ported during the winter period. A male at Thickson Point, Durham continued from the previous period (ALA, m.ob.) until 14 Jan; a male at Shrewsbury was observed 23-24 Jan (SRC, m.ob.); and a female, a sex rarely re- ported in the province, was found at Selkirk, Nanticoke 20-21 Jan QGB, KGDB). Of the three Blue-winged Teal sightings during the period, a bird in Cobourg harbour 1-15 Dec (KDN, m.ob.) provided only the third winter period record for Northumberland. The other Blue-winged Teal reports included a male at Ridgetown S.L., Chatham-Kent 6-27 Dec (GCP, m.ob.) and a male at Lighthouse Cove, Essex 1 Jan QTB, KJB). One of the rarer ducks observed in Ontario this winter was a Tufted Duck x scaup hybird on Lake Erie off Hillman Marsh 10 Jan (AW). The other parent was likely a Lesser Scaup. Down from high counts in the 1990s, six King Eider records included an ad. male at Port Weller, Niagara 10 Dec+ (BPA, MB, m.ob.), overwintering there for the second straight year. A second-winter male at Goderich 12-16 Dec (ADB, KGDB) furnished one of very few records for Huron. Harlequin Ducks put on a good showin,g with 14 records totaling 20 birds during the period, most being reported from Lake Ontario. Live Barrow’s Goldeneyes were reported: singles at Presqu’ile PE from the previous period until 5 Eeb (FMH, m.ob.); at Wolfe Island, Frontenac 2 Dec (VPM); at Picton area. Prince Edward 2-15 Eeb (PMSS); at Shir- leys Bay, Ottawa through the period (m.ob.); and at Bate Island, Ottawa 1-18 Jan (m.ob.). This duck (rear, right) at Hillman Marsh, Essex County, Ontario on 10 January 201 3 was apparently a Tufted Duck x scaup hybrid, with Lesser Scaup suspected as one of the parents. Photograph by Alan Wormington. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 259 ONTARIO Record late for the Point Pelee Birding Area were both this Baird's Sandpiper (left) on 14-17 (here 14) December and Pecto- ral Sandpiper on 14-23 (here 19) December 2012 at Hillman Marsh, Essex County, Ontario. Photographs by Alan Wormington. PARTRIDGES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS Up to 13 Gray Partridges were seen at the Brantford airport, Brant 14-17 Feb (DRG, m.ob.), one of few locations where this spe- cies can still be found in sw. Ontario. Three were also observed near Waterford. Norfolk 2 Jan (TL), A female Spruce Grouse was reported and later found dead after colliding with a win- dow at Killarney PP 15 Feb (CM), providing the first documented record for Manitoulin in many years. Wild Turkeys continued to show an increase in Ontario, and 185 seen at Orono, Durham 24 Feb (RRP) furnished a new high count for the G.T.A. A Pacific Loon at the Stoney Creek lake- shore. Hamilton 26 Dec (BRH) marked the only report for the period. A total of 67 Pied-billed Grebes on Big Creek, Norfolk 13 Jan (APT) was an exceptional count for the late date. A bizarre record involved a Horned Grebe found on open water m Algonquin PR, Nipissing 1 Feb QF). providing the first winter record for Algonquin RP A Red-necked Grebe seen at the Tip of Long Point, Norfolk 18 Dec (SAM) was note- worthy, as were single birds at Point Pelee N.R, Essex 1 Dec (AW, RPC, KJR) and the Ottawa River, Ottawa 6-21 Jan (m.ob,). Eared Grebes reported during the period were singles at Col- onel Sam Smith Park, Toronto 1-8 Dec (AEK, m.ob.) and at Point Pelee N.R, Essex 2 Dec and 3 Jan (both AW, RPC), the latter sighting pro- viding a record late date for Point Pelee. West- ern Grebe put in a good showing for a species with apparently only two prior wintering re- cords for Ontario. A Western Grebe was seen at various points along the Toronto lakeshore 3 Dec-r (HH, m.ob.). Another Western Grebe was seen at Sombra 13 Jan (KJB, DN, SN) and it or another was later found at Sarnia, Lambton 16-17 Jan (GTH, m.ob.). Finally, an unidenti- fied Aechmoplionis grebe flew past the Stoney Creek lakeshore 15 Dec (BRH). The 60 Great Blue Herons at Lighthouse Cove, Chatham-Kent 4 Jan (AW) made an ex- ceptional count for early winter. Up to 10 Black-crowned Night-Herons were reported from Hamilton harbour throughout the period (m.ob.). Black Vultures continued to be re- ported from the lower Niagara River, Niagara with up to 6 found throughout the winter pe- riod. This is the third consecutive winter that Black Vultures have been reported here. Turkey Vultures were reported from many locations dunng the period, a trend that appears to be increasing each winter. Notable were up to 30 wintering at Brantford, Brant 10 Feb (WGL, m.ob.). Bald Eagles continue to increase in number in Ontario. At least 240 were at the Thunder Bay landfill. Thunder Bay 17 Dec (BDR), rep- resenting possibly the largest concentration of the species ever recorded in Ontario. A Red- shouldered Hawk overwintered at Hawkesville, Waterloo for its tenth consecutive winter 0GB, MVAB, KGDB, m.ob.). The highest concentra- tion of Rough-legged Hawks on a C.B.C. in Ontario included 119 on the Linwood C.B.C. , Perth and Waterloo 30 Dec (m.ob.). Thirty-one Golden Eagles were reported during the period in s. Ontario, providing evidence that this spe- cies is increasing. A Virginia Rail found at Point Pelee N.P 27 Dec (AW) was late. A flock of 2400 American Coots in Rondeau Bay, Chatham-Kent 16 Dec (AW, MWJ) was a very high count for the time of year. A new high count for Sandhill Cranes was set for the Long Point C.B.C. on 15 Dec when 722 birds were observed (m.ob.); this number increased to 825 on 19 Jan (RR) as birds moved into the area from colder regions. A Killdeer at Hillman Marsh 2 Feb ODV, KJR, JMB) was a record-early spring migrant for Point Pelee. A Sanderling and a White-rumped Sandpiper were seen at Presqu’ile PR 2-4 Dec (m.ob.), both very rare species in the winter pe- riod. A Least Sandpiper at Pittock Lake 14 Dec QMH) provided the first Dec record for Oxford. A Baird’s Sandpiper at Hillman Marsh 14-17 Dec and a Pectoral Sandpiper at the same lo- cation 14-23 Dec (both AW) were record late for Point Pelee. Purple Sandpipers were widely reported in Dec, though one seen at the Les- lie Street Spit, Toronto 24-27 Feb (GS) likely provided a true wintering record. Presqu’ile RP was host to several Dunlin sightings from 2 Dec-1 Jan (RDM et al), while one was also seen at Niagara Falls, Niagara 19 Jan (WCD et al). Two Wilson’s Snipe were seen at Blenheim, Chatham-Kent 30 Dec QTB) at a known win- tering location, while. one was observed in sw. Middlesex 26 Jan (DS). An American Woodcock at Rondeau PE, Chatham-Kent 3 Feb (RBM et al.) was considered a very early spring migrant, but one at Hillman Marsh 1 Jan QMB, NMN) was likely a very late fall migrant. GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Black-legged Kittiwakes were frequently re- ported during the period, possibly involving some lingering birds from Hurricane Sandy, which passed through s. Ontario in late Oct. An ad. was off Darlington PR, Durham 16 Dec (TLH). In Hamilton, one first-cycle bird was re- This very cooperative Purple Sandpiper was a one-day wonder at Bronte harbour, Halton Region, Ontario on 1 December 2013. Photograph by Joshua D. Vandermeulen. I 260 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ONTARIO Providing a record-late date locally for a fall migrant, this Black-legged Kittiwake landed briefly at the Tip of Point Pelee National Park, Essex County, Ontario on 3 January 2013. Photograph by Alan Wormington. Providing only the fourth wintering record for Ontario, this Western Grebe spent time at the Toronto waterfront from 26 January through at least 1 1 May 2013 (here 16 March). Photograph by Joshua D. Vandermeulen. ported from the Stoney Creek lakeshore 15 Dec (BRH, EWH), and 2 were found at the same location 26 Dec (BRH). A first-cycle was found on the Niagara River 19 Jan (WCD, BR KHa, SD). Lake Erie held singles off Turkey Point, Norfolk 15 Dec (BNC, RZD), the Tip of Long Point 18 Dec (SAM), and Point Pelee N.P 3 Jan (RPC, AW), the latter being record late for Point Pelee. A juv. Ivory Gull at Lake Madawaska, Renfrew/Lanark/Ottawa 15 Dec (MWPR, m.ob.) constituted the first record for the Ottawa Bird- ing Area. An extremely late Sabine’s Gull was at Kindardine, Bruce 20 Dec (CEJC). Niagara Falls was the only location to report a Black- headed Gull during the period, as 2 ads, were seen 2 Dec (SAM, m.ob.), with one of the birds remaining until 3 Dec. The Niagara River continues to amaze as a gull spectacle, with at least 15 species observed throughout the period. A Laughing Gull at Niagara Falls 14 Jan (MJCB, HGC, RWFP, ACD), was the only report. An ad. or second- cycle Franklin’s Gull found during the previous period on the lower Niagara River continued until 17 Dec (m.ob.), and a first-cycle was found there 4 Dec (RDM).Two ad. California Gulls were observed on the Niagara River, one on the lower Niagara River 3 Feb (GCP) and a presumed early spring mi- grant at Niagara Falls 17 Feb QDV, JMB). Constituting the second ever record for ManitouUn, a juv. Thayer’s Gull was found at Little Current 12 Jan (CTB). A possible glaucoides Iceland Gull was at Niagara Falls 2 Dec (BMDL, BFDL, m.ob.). This taxon, normally spending the vAn- ter in Iceland and Europe, has been recorded very few times in Ontario. Slaty-backed Gulls, though still a major rarity, are nearly annual on the Niagara River. One ad. at Niagara Falls 30 Dec (KHa, m.ob.) contin- ued until 9 Feb at Lewiston, NY. A second bird was observed at Niagara Falls and Queenston, Niagara 1-25 Jan (WCD, BP, m.ob.). Glaucous Gulls massed on the St. Clair River, Lambton in midwinter, providing a high count of 60 on 3 Feb (BAM). One of the rarest birds found during the pe- riod was a White-winged Dove at Rondeau EE 26 Jan-6 Feb QTB, m.ob.), providing a first lo- cal record and only the second winter record for Ontario. Northern Hawk Owls were seen in moderate numbers throughout cen. Ontario, with a total of 13 birds reported through the pe- Providing just the second winter record for Ontario, this White-winged Dove remained at the Visitor Centre feeders at Rondeau Provincial Park, Regional Municipality of Chatham-Kent from 26 January (here) through 6 February 2013. Photograph by James 1. Burk. riod. Barred Owls had a major incursion into s. Ontario. Notable were 6 birds in Hamilton and Hal ton, and records came from as far s. as Ox- ford, Brant, Middlesex, and Lambton. Presqu’ile RE saw an astonishing minimum number of 32 Barred Owls through the winter (m.ob.). The largest incursion of Great Gray Owls since the major invasion of 2004-2005 was seen during the period. Fifteen at Pass Lake, Thunder Bay 8 Feb (GTG, SG) marked the highest one-day count, while up to 17 birds reported at Algon- quin RE (m.ob.) represented the largest irrup- tion ever seen at that location. Other notable numbers include 20 in Ottawa, 18 in Rainy Riv- er, and 9 in ManitouUn. A Boreal Owl was seen at Staynor S.L., Simcoe 21 Jan (CJ), and another was found at Whitby, Durham 10 Feb (GC). — Red-bellied Woodpeckers continue to increase in n. Ontario; notable were 2 in Rainy River and 5 in Thunder Bay. FALCONS THROUGH WAXWINGS Gyrfalcons were seen in several loca- tions throughout cen. Ontario, in- cluding one along the Thunder Bay waterfront from the previous period through 14 Jan (RJS); 3 in various lo- cations in ManitouUn, and one at Kelly Lake, Greater Sudbury 15 Jan (CGB). An Eastern Phoebe at Ingersoll, Oxford 1 Jan-4 Feb QMH et al.) provided one of few overwintering records for On- tario. After being observed for the first time in the winter during early 2012, Fish Crows were found again in Ni- agara this winter. Records include up to 3 birds at Fort Erie early Jan-3 Feb (TS et al.) and one at Niagara Falls 4 Feb (DES). The report of 2 Common Ravens at Hagersville, Haldimattd 16 Dec (CMF) raises the possibility of lo- cal breeding. A lingering Northern Rough-winged VOLUME 67 (2013) NUMBER 2 261 ONTARIO Swallow was found at Niagara Falls 13 Dec QT, BO, JK). A Cave Swallow at Bronte Flarbour, Halton 5 Dec (GRE, SE) was record late for the H.S.A, Two Barn Swallows attempted to win- ter at the open water at the Burlington Skyway S.L., Halton 1 Dec-12 Jan (RC; m.ob.). A Tufted Titmouse wsiting a feeder in Orangeville, Duf- Jerin throughout the period (RJB) was quite far n. for this species. Another was observed at Stratford, Perth 7 Jan 0J)> and 3 attended a feeder m Summerstown, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry 31 Jan-13 Feb (HVDZ). A Carolina Wren at Michipicoten River, Algoma since 10 Nov QMO et al.) was last seen 6 Jan. A House Wren was found at Mississauga, Peel 15 Dec (fide MHC). A Marsh Wren discovered at Point Pelee N.P 3 Feb QDV, KJR) was overwintering. The latest ever autumn Blue-gray Gnatcatcher for the G.T.A. was found at Sunnyside Beach, Toronto 15 Dec (DDB). Notable any time of year in Ontario, a Mountain Bluebird was found at Kingsville, Essex 15 Dec (AW, RPC). A long- staying Townsend’s Solitaire remained at Ken- dal, Durham 9 Jan+ (RWFP, MJCB, PAR, m.ob.). Another Townsends Solitaire at Silver Harbour, Thunder Bay early Feb-i- (PS, RES) was observed picking insects off of the s. side of a house. A Swainson’s Thrush at Flamborough, Hamilton 5-6 Jan (BM, EM) represented an exceptional Jan record. Varied Thrushes patronized feeders in at least four locations and included single birds at North Bay, Nipissing (dates unknown) (DC), Camden East, Lenirox and Addington 26 Dec-22 Feb (CC, WC, VPM), and Healey Lake, Party Sound 3-30 Jan (RS). In Rainy River, a fe- male Varied Thrush at Fort France late Nov-1 Jan (KR et al.) was thought to be the same bird that appeared nearby at Crozier early Jan-early Mar (BJL). Gray Catbirds braved the harsh Ca- nadian winter at London, Middlesex 6-23 Jan (RGP, m.ob.) and Point Pelee N.P 3 Feb (RPC). An American Pipit with an injured leg at Hill- man Marsh 2 Feb (JDV, KJR, JMB) provided one of few true winter records for Point Pelee. Large numbers of Bohemian Waxwings passed through cen. Ontario, though few seemed to linger. One at Point Pelee N.P 13 Jan (PRB) was the most southerly report during the period. WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Single Orange-crowned Warblers were found at Guelph, Wellington 16 Dec-13 Jan (MDC et al), Toronto 15 Dec (TF), Kingston, Fronte- nac 16 Dec (MRn), and Hillman Marsh 5 Dec (AW). Two Nashville Warblers were seen in the Don River Valley, Toronto 16-17 Dec (TF). An American Redstart was a surprise at High Park, Toronto 1 Dec (HSS), Record late for the Long Point Birdmg Area was a Cape May Warbler at Normandale, Norfolk 12 Dec (APT). Con- stituting the first record for the winter period in Ontario was an extremely late Chestnut- sided Warbler at Erieau, Chatham-Kent 7 Dec (SRC). Two Black-throated Blue Warblers were reported during the period. A male was found at Niagara Falls 3 Dec (RDT), and a female at- For the second winter in a row, a location in the Hamilton Study Area proved to be (host to a number of late warblers in early winter. In Dec 2011, Bayfront Park in the City of Hamilton was home to several late species, including Black-throated Gray, Black- throated Green, Wilson's, and Orange-crowned Warblers, a Blue-headed Vireo, and up to 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.This winter, it was Sedgewick Park in Oakville, Halton Region that stole the show. Sedgewick Park is a small, suburban park located slightly inland from the shores of Lake Ontario. The park is right next to a sewage treatment plant where insects are sometimes numerous on calm winter days. One great find was followed by another, and eventually an amazing collection of species was found attempting to winter there. This phenomenon — a gathering of late and vagrant birds in warm urban micro-climates — has been noted outside the Region, from Atlanta to Philadelphia to St. John's — and could per- haps be sought using thermal satellite imagery. A complete list of notable species at Sedgewick Park is as follows: This Cape May Warbler was found at Sedgewick Park 9 (here 12) December 2012 and stayed until 8 January 2013. Photograph by Joshua D. Vandermeukn. • Orange-crowned Warbler: 3 birds, 9 Dec-1 9 Jan (Robert Z. Dobos, Cheryl E. Edgecombe, m.ob.), one of which showed characteristics of a w. subspecies, either orestera or lutescens. • Nashville Warbler: One 1 1 Dec-19 Jan (Joshua D. Vandermeulen, m.ob.). • Cape May Warbler: One male 9 Dec-8 Jan (Robert Z. Dobos. Cheryl E. Edgecombe, m.ob.). • Bay-breasted Warbler: One 1 6 Dec-1 9 Jan (David M. Bell, Jesse M. Pakkala, m.ob.). • Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Up to 3 birds, 8 Dec-27 Jan (Cheryle E. Edgecombe, m.ob.). • Oregon Junco: One 6 Jan (J. Brett Fried, Erika K. Hentsch, m.ob.). This Bay-breasted Warbler, present from 16 December 2012 through 19 (here 5) January 2013 was one of five warbler species attempting to overwinter at Sedgewick Park, Halton Region, Ontario. Photograph by Alan Wormington. ! I 1 262 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS tempted to overwinter by attending a bird feed- er in Thornhill, York 13 Jan-11 Feb (GDe). Pine Warblers were reported in several locations and included singles at Verona, Frontenac through- out the period (TNo), Kingston 27 Jan-26 Feb (KHe, MDR, m.ob.), Port Weller 14 Dec (PD), and Bronte 1-5 Jan (RH), plus 3 at a different Bronte location 15-17 Dec (GRE, m.ob.). An Audubon’s Warbler at Thunder Bay 1 Dec-6 Jan (AM et al.) made one of few winter records for Ontario. A white-lored Yellow-throated Warbler attended a feeder in Kingston 21-28 Dec (DP, HP). Another Yellow-throated visited a feeder in Brighton, Northumberland from mid- Dec through 31 Dec (fide RDM, m.ob.), when it presumably perished. Single Vesper Sparrows, rare in Ontario dur- ing the vhnter, were reported at Walpole Island, Lambton 29 Dec QTB. KJB), Vittoria, Norfolk 28 Jan (MTT), and Hillman Marsh 17 Dec-2 Feb (AW, m.ob.). Fewer Savannah Sparrows than normal were found in s. Ontario. Notable was a flock of 8 s. of Cayuga, Haldimand 9 Feb (KGDB, MVAB). A Harris’s Sparrow was a visi- tor to a feeder in Bury’s Green, Kawartha Lakes 22 Dec-6 Jan (JMR m.ob.), while another at- tended a feeder in Puslinch, Wellington 16-28 Feb-r (RAVT, m.ob.). Records of Oregon Juncos continue to increase, and 13 individuals were reported through the period. A “Cassiar Junco” at Woodstock, Oxford 20 Jan-4 Feb QMH) rep- resented the first county record of this form. The first winter period record of a Scarlet Tanager for the Presqu’ile Birding Area in- volved a bird frequenting a feeder near Brigh- ton from early Dec until 15 Dec (BS). A female Western Tanager at Oshawa, Durham 16-30 Dec (OP, JM, m.ob.) marked only the second record for Durham; the bird was found dead 2 Jan (BB; *ROM 160332). Exceptional for Manitoulin was an overwintering Indigo Bun- ting at Carnarvon 15-25 Feb (VRE, TE). One was also found in Toronto 16 Dec (BPB, RJY et al), providing the first record for the Toronto C.B.C. A Red-winged Blackbird successfully overwintered at Moosonee, Cochrane (CJN). Eight Eastern Meadowlarks overwintering at Port Maitland, Haldimand (KGDB, MVAB) were noteworthy, as was a Yellow-headed Blackbird at Perrytown, Northumberland that lingered until 1 Jan QH, RJ). Notable for so far n. was a Rusty Blackbird at a feeder all winter in Ear Falls, Kenora (TNe). Two Brewer’s Blackbirds were on Walpole Island 29 Dec (KJB). Pine Grosbeaks moved southward in mod- erate numbers, brought on by the scarcity of Mountain Ash berries in n. Ontario. Notable was a single bird found near Turkey Point 20- 21 Feb (EG). Totals of Red Crossbills on the Algonquin C.B.C. were lower than normal, likely a result of the massive eastward move- VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER ONTARIO A nice find was this immature male Mountain Bluebird at Kingsville, Essex County, Ontario on 15 December 2012. Photograph by Alan Wormington. ment of this species through the province in the autumn. However, large numbers were found throughout the winter at Dryden, Kenora (fide CDE). White-winged Crossbills were also scarce in s. Ontario during the period, but they remained numerous in the nw. portion of the province. Common and Hoary Redpolls arrived in small numbers into s. Ontario. Indi- viduals of the Greendland hor- nemanni subspecies of Hoary Redpoll were reported at Con- stance Bay, Ottawa 16-29 Jan QHS), Hilliardton Marsh, Ti- miskaming 14 Jan (PSB et al), and near Dwight, Haliburton 21 Jan (DG, GDa, SW, TJ, MRa); a few hornemanni were present all winter at a feeder in Moosonee (CJN). The European Goldfinch at Kapuskasing, Cochrane 9 Dec (SP) was an interesting find for this n. location, especially since it was not at a feeder but rather in a natu- ral setting. Addendum: For winter 2011-2012, add: A Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch at Red Lake, Ke- nora 24-25 Feb 2012 (Vic Fazekas et al.) estab- lished the northernmost Ontario record. Observers (subregional editors in boldface): Aired L. Adamo, Brian P Ahara, Manley Baarda, Brian P Bailey, Margaret J.C. Bain, David D. Bea- dle, Christopher T. Bell, Jeremy M. Bensette, Robert J. Best, Christopher G. Blomme, Peter R. Bondy, Dan Bone, Brendan Boyd, Alvan D. Buckley, James T. Burk, Keith J. Burk, Pe- ter S. Burke, James G. Burrell, Kenneth G. D. Burrell, Michael V. A. Burrell, Michael D. Cad- man, A. Geoffrey Carpentier, Richard P Carr, Cindy E.J. Cartwright, Aaron C. Charbonneau, Stephen R. Charbonneau, Barbara N. Charlton, Carol Clifford, Wayne Clifford, Dorothy Cloet, Glenn Coady, Mark A. Conboy, Mark H. Cran- ford, Hugh G. Currie, Robert Curry, Steve Dan- iel, Willie C. D’Anna, Glen Davis (GDa), Gene Denzel (GDe), Ben F Di Labio, Bruce M. Di Labio, Rob Z. Dobos, Andrew C. Don, Philip Downey, Carolle D. Eady, Ted Eaton, Gavin R. Edmondstone, Susan Edwards, David H. El- der, Jenn Fairhurst, C. Myles Falconer, Blayne E. Faman, Jean M. Farnan, Tom Flinn, J. Brett Fried, Denys R. Gardiner, Eric Giles, Doug Gochfield, Geoffrey T. Gooding, Sheila Good- ing, Clive Goodwin, Kim Hartquist (KHa), Heiko Heerklotz, Fred M. Helleiner, Kurt Hen- nige (KHe), G. Tom Hince, Tyler L. Hoar, Pe- ter B. Hogenbirk, Brandon R. Holden, Eric W Holden, James M. Holdsworth, Ross Hotch- kiss, Jenny Houston, Marcie L. Jacklin, Jarmo Jalava, Robert Jean, Corey Jenkins, Mark W Jennings, Tom Johnson, Andrew E. Keaveney Jessica Klawunn, William G. Lamond, Chris- tina A. Lewis, Beth J. Logue, Tim Lucas, Stu- art A. Mackenzie, V Paul Mackenzie, Bruce Mackenzie, Laurie Mackenzie, Blake A. Mann, Richard B. McArthur, Jim Me Knight, R. Doug- las McRae, Chuck Miller, Alan Moon, Brian J. Moore, Brian Morin, Tim Neidenbach (TNe), Christina J. Neilsen, Daryl Nethercott, Sharon Nethercott, Eergus 1. Nicoll, Kenneth D. Niles, Nadia M. Noble, Todd Norrris (TNo), Brennan Obermeyer, Marilyn Ohler, James M. Oleynik, MartinJ. Parker, R. Gordon Payne, Otto Peter, Stanley Plaskett, Gavin C. Platt, Richard W E Pope, Betsy Potter, Julie M. Preslie, D. Pross, H. Pross, Rayfield R. Pye, Brian D. Ratcliffe, Vivienne Rattray-Eatonn, Mark D. Read, Peter A. Read, Kory J. Renaud, Ron Ridout, Mau- reen Riggs, Paul A. Riss, Melissa Roach (MRa), Martin Roncetti (MRn), Michael WP Runtz, Gisbert Segler, Howard S. Shapiro, Jenn Sinisac QSi), Jeffrey H. Skevington, Dave Skinner, Roy Smith, Terrie Smith, Roy Snell, Robert E. Som- merleigh, Patricia Sommerleigh, Pamela M.S. Stagg, Barbara Stevenson, Robert J. Swainson, James Swanson QSw), David E. Szmyr, Bar- bara L. Taylor, James Telford, Rick D. Thorn- ton, Adam P. Timpf, Matthew T. Timpf, Ronald G. Tozer, James A. Turland, Hans van der Zweep, Rohan A. van Twest, Joshua D. Vander- meulen, Scott Whittle, P. Allen Woodliffe, Alan Wormington, Robert J. Yukich. O Joshua D. Vandermeufen, 568 Myers Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5S2 (joshvandermeulen(®live.ca) 2 263 Eastern Highlands & Upper Ohio River Valley Presque Isle SPm -1 : EftlE Conneaul^-'^ 1 — Warren# ■Ai/<(fAe/iy ■ Oeveiaivl ' i "erieNWR mCookFwaslSP Opeiwgs Lorain mw?. Toteclo ^Shfnango Re: 'ftwngslown OHIO Sudf Cree* PENNSytVAHlA •Stale VSttotvCreeiSP •Pillslxirgh •Pwdermill ■ 7 n/ ( Bfpincinnati T 5Aw L, ■ Morgantown* y~-'~ "fey j *r CJwaf iX7^«nn« Atinj. **“ / ^ y / WEST Co9^ HawtrMIrr.M L OtUtUiuneem Harrisburg* Philadelphia York •^•Lancaster _ ? Conejohela Flats Victor W.FazioJII Tom Johnson Among all the seasons, winter in the Region continues to see the most rapid change and greatest departures from the norms of bird distribution. We con- tinue this season with long roster of “excep- tional” records, especially among waterfowl. Examples across puddle ducks and divers abound, most notably teal and mergansers. Exceedingly rare little more than a decade ago, several species such as Rufous Hum- mingbird and Ross’s Goose are worthy of little mention but for high counts and late records. We saw further gains in the range expansion of Black Vulture, Eurasian Col- lared-Dove (West Virginia’s first), and Fish Crow. Sandhill Cranes, Great Egrets, and Killdeer continue to remain farther north in greater numbers, a 25-year-old trend. Swal- lows and sparrows may be following suit, as attested by the overwintering of both Cave Swallow and Nelson’s Sparrow in the Region for the first time. Lingering Neotropical migrants always add spice to the season. While the 13 species of warblers was not as great as some years, that so many lingered well into January and beyond was impressive. Baltimore Orioles are routine, and the occasional Bullock’s Ori- ole breaks the routine, but in an altogether different category was the overwintering of an Orchard Oriole in Ohio. The autumn’s strong irruptions of Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, the all-but-forgotten Evening Grosbeak, and redpolls continued well into the winter season. Numerous reports of Hoary Redpoll will surely keep state records committees busy until the next irruption. Abbreviations: Conneaut (Conneaut Marsh and Harbor, Ashtabula, OH); Fernald (Fer- nald Nature Preserve, Hamilton, OH); Metz- ger (Metzger Marsh W.M.A., Lucas, OH); N.WRC.R (Northeast Water Pollution Con- trol Plant, Philadelphia, PA); Ottawa (Ottawa N.WR., Ottawa/Lucas, OH); Rl.S.P. (Pr- esque Isle S.P., Erie, PA); PVR (Peace Valley Park, Montgomery, PA); S.EH. (State Fish Hatchery). WATERFOWL THROUGH HERONS The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck first re- ported in Knox, OH during the summer was still present in mid-Dec (fide Jim Mc- Cormac). Pink-footed Goose put in an im- pressive showing in se. Pennsylvania, with up to 2 different individuals in Bucks. One was at RVP. 20-23 Dec (August Mirabella) and one in Upper and Lower Make field Twps. 1-20 Jan (m.ob.). Two Pink-footed Geese also overlapped during their stay in Lehigh: one bird was present at Fogelsville Quarry 5-7 Jan (Frank Dickman), while an- other moved between Lake Muhlenberg and Dorney Pond in Allentown 7-14 Jan (Scott Burnet). Greater White-fronted Geese were numerous throughout the Region within the Piedmont of e. Pennsylvania and the Prairie Peninsula of w. Ohio. The species remains noteworthy elsewhere. Singles were found along the Ohio River at Marietta, Washing- ton, OH 1 Jan (KC) and at Tipple, Ohio, "WV 27 Feb QB). Within the cen. Alleghenies, 5 were at Ethel Spring Lake, Westmoreland, PA 2 Feb (Steve Gosser, David Yeany II), 2 in Tioga, PA 18 Feb (Larry Brown Sr.), and one in Clarion, PA 9 Feb (Mark Moore). A high count of 45 at Buck Creek S.P, Clark, OH 23 Jan (Brian Menker) is an extraordinary Re- gional count for midwinter. Also noteworthy were 16 at Elizabethtown, Lancaster, PA 23 Jan-10 Feb (GD). Three Snow Geese near Elkins, Randolph, WV 5-13 Jan (RB) were the only ones reported from West Virginia. Win- tering birds through Ohio were encountered generally in ones and twos with the excep- tion of 6 in Clinton 6 Jan (Elizabeth Ames). One at Marietta, Washington, OH 1 Jan (MW) was the only report from the Ohio River. The winter distribution of Ross’s Goose in the Region resembles that of Snow Goose. One just upriver from Marietta, Washington, OH 25 Jan (KC) was the only report away from the e. and w. extremities of the Region. Outstanding numbers in Ohio included a flock building from 2 to 9 birds 14-18 Feb at Funk Bottoms WA., Wayne (Ben Morri- son, KM, ph. Anna Wittmer, J. Harvey, KHO, m.ob.). Another 4 were at Killdeer Plains WA., Wyandot 12 Jan (ph. Joe Baldwin), and 3 visited Caesar Creek S.P., Warren 5-8 Dec (ph. Bob Powell, ph. LH, Rebecca Palmer, Paul Dubuc, Kathi Hutton, m.ob.). Brant are quite rare in Pennsylvania in winter, so four reports this season were all notewor- thy. Singles were in Bucks at Forest Grove 5 Dec (AMi) and at EVP. 14-16 Jan (MH). Another was along Glase Rd., Northampton 22 Dec (CS, MS). Most surprisingly, a Brant was found in the Northern Tier of Pennsyl- vania at Hills Creek S.P, Tioga 19 Dec (GT). Exceptional for cen. Ohio, one was along the Scioto River, Franklin 26-28 Jan (ph. IS, AC, DSr). The only other inland Ohio re- port came from Peninsula, Summit 16 Dec (Renee Tressler). Cackling Geese are now well established throughout the Region in the winter period. Birds of the e. Piedmont now spill over into the West Virginia Pan- handle, where one was in Jefferson 8-9 Jan (Chuck Parker, JBk). Five other reports from the state included one at Kimsey Run Lake, Hardy 20 Jan (FA), one in Monongalia 3 Jan QB), 2 at Fossil Park, Tygart River, Randolph 6 Feb (RB), and 2 wintering at Tygart Lake, Taylor 3 Jan-4 Feb (ph. JHi, m.ob.). One in Cabell, WV 30 Dec (TD) was the only report from the upper Ohio River. Six in Allegheny, PA 1-28 Dec (MV) made the high count for the cen. Highlands. The species continues to be a source of confusion, and flock sizes of 24-50 were either not supported by de- tails or were not distinguishable from small Canada Geese. The largest confirmed flocks in Ohio were of 12 each at the Thomas Wet- lands, Paulding 14 Jan (SMs) and at Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Franklin 5 Feb (ph. PHu, Matthew Bockey Gene Stauffer). A Barnacle Goose was at P.VP, PA 9-14 Jan (Ian Bal- dock, TJ). A Mute Swan at Yellow Spring, Baker Mountain, Hampshire, WV 16 Feb (Cindy Muller) was most unusual for the Panhan- dle. Four were at McClintic WM.A., Mason, WV 10-24 Feb (TD, Rennie Talbert), where recently established within the Ohio River corridor. The 68 birds at East Harbor S.P, Ottawa 4 Jan (TB) is among the highest mid- winter counts for the state. A duo in Warren 31 Jan-15 Feb (Kyle Meley Becky Linton) was unusual for the n. Pennsylvania high- lands. A Trumpeter Swan was at a Wal-Mart reservoir in Huntingdon, PA 29 Jan-24 Feb (David Kyler, GG, Jim Dunn) for a rare re- port from the cen. highlands. The only other report from Pennsylvania was of 2 near Pott- stown along the Schuykill River in East Cov- entry Twp., Chester 21 Jan (Rob Blye). An as- Furnishing a first confirmed winter record for Ohio, this Western Sandpiper tarried at Pleasant Hill Reservoir, Richland County 11 December 2012. Photograph by Bruce Glick. 264 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY This Black-headed Gull was photographed 2 December 2012 at Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, This iceland Gull on the Ohio River near Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsyivania 27 January Butler County, Pennsylvania, furnishing a fourth county record. Photograph by Geoff Malosh. 201 3 was one of two in that city during the winter season. Photograph by Geoff Malosh. tonishing 320 Tundra Swans were at Cheat Lake, Monongalia, WV 2 Jan (TBr), long past the normal migration period. Where we expected no more than a few Wood Ducks in midwinter in Ohio n. of Columbus a decade ago, double digits are now the norm, with 15 birds in Jan across nine counties. Indicative of the increasing wintering population of puddle ducks in the Region, record midwinter counts of Gadwall in Ohio were obtained from Kelleys Island, Erie 22 Jan (451; TB) and Castalia Pond, Erie 1 Feb (400; Robert Foppe, Jennifer Smolen- ski). These are an order of magnitude greater than peak counts just 25 years ago. A Eur- asian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid was at Castalia Pond, Erie, OH 17-18 Feb (Dave Brumfield, Harry Aspacher, ph. SI, Charles Owens, m.ob.). Eurasian Wigeons, especially noteworthy in winter, were found in Pennsylvania at Bristol, Bucks 1-5 Jan and 3 Feb (DF), Marsh Creek S.P., Chester 28 Feb (HM), Boiling Springs, Cumberland 15-18 Jan (TJ), and Yellow Creek S.P., Indiana, 3-9 Dec (LC). Eurasian Teal were found at Hid- den Lake, Newton, Bucks, PA 19 Dec (Henry D’Alessandro), Core Creek Park, Bucks 5 Jan (DF), and Upper Uwchlan WT.R, Chester 10 Feb (HM). An early spring migrant arrived at Killbuck Marsh W.M.A., Wayne, OH 25 Feb (The Bobolink). Remarkably, 10 Blue- winged Teal were found through mid-Dec across Pennsylvania: 2 at State College, Centre 4-13 Dec QV); 5 at Linesville, Crawford 16 Dec (m.ob.); one in Dauphin 15 Dec (fide GG); one at P.I.S.E 15 Dec (fide GG); and one at Lewisberry York 15 Dec (EB). A late bird re- mained in Portage, OH 29 Dec (Greg Gud- worth). Increasingly early arrivals included one in Eranklin, OH 4 Eeb (CM) followed by 14 in two ne. Columbus locations, Franklin 10 Feb (Nancy Falcon, Mathew Shumar). Exceptional within the High Plateau region in midwinter, 4 Green-winged Teal were in Warren, PA 3 Jan Qohn Fedak), with one at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, Ene, OH 19 Jan (CC). A careful count of 64 at Fernald, Hamilton, OH 9 Jan (WH) repre- sents an exceptional midwinter flock for the state. A Harlequin Duck was at Conneaut 28 Dec-5 Jan (Robert Lane, Steve Landes). The day before, one flew past Lakeshore Metropark, Lake, OH 0?)- Most unusual inland, and a first county record, one ap- peared on the Allegheny River, Armstrong, PA 10 Feb-i- (Dan Yagusic, ph. STh, ph. Jeff McDonald, ph. Mark McConaughy Marjorie Van Tassel, m.ob.). A census of 5151 Com- mon Goldeneyes from Kelleys Island 2 1 Feb (TB) represents a late winter record for Ohio. The Kelleys Island, Erie, OH census also produced a record midwinter count of Red- breasted Mergansers for Ohio 21 Jan (TB), with 25,000 estimated around the island. The remarkable numbers of Ruddy Ducks staging on w.-cen. Ohio reservoirs contin- ued into the early part of the season, with 3200 in Allen 8 Dec (RA). A count of 640 at Rocky Fork S.P., Highland 9 Feb (RA) was equally noteworthy for an early spring count from Ohio. Prior to 2012, Common Loons were ex- ceptional in midwinter throughout the w. portion of the Region. This seasons six re- cords of 9 birds from six counties across West Virginia matches the seven records of 8 birds noted during the preceding decade. Similarly, the 14 birds across 11 counties in Ohio in midwinter, matches both the 2012 single season total and the reported total for the prior decade. A minor flight of Red- throated Loons in the w. part of the Region included singles at Cahoon Park, Cuyahoga, OH 15 Dec QBr) and at West Branch Res- ervoir, Portage, OH 1 Jan (Wes Hatch, Terri Martincic). A Pacific Loon was reported from Clear Fork Reservoir, Richland 27-29 Dec OTT). A concentration of 80 Pied-billed Grebes at East Fork S.P, Clermont, OH 11- 12 Jan (WH, Joe Kappa) represents a record midwinter count for the state. This flock was part of a remarkable number of birds winter- ing across the state, including 25 at Tycoon Lake, Gallia 1 Jan (TD) and 18 on Mogadore Reservoir, Portage 2 Jan (KM). A portion of the record grebe flock at East Fork S.P., Cler- mont, OH involved 20-1- Horned Grebes 2-11 Jan (BWu, WH). Single Eared Grebes were found at PI. S.P. 28 Dec-1 Jan (JeM, DW), and one continued from fall through 24 Dec at Memorial Lake S.P, Lebanon (Randy Miller). Two at Nazareth Quarry 13 Dec-3 Jan provided Northampton, PA with its first record (Billy Weber); at least one persisted until 10 Jan. Single midwinter Red-necked Grebes were found on the Ohio River 24 Jan at the Ohio River N.W.R., Pleasants, WV (TBn) and on the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville, Lancaster, PA 6 Jan (ph. Gor- don Dimmig). One reported from the Tole- do, OH C.B.C. 18 Dec (fide Matt Anderson) made a first for that count. The only spring bird appeared at Hoover Reservoir, Franklin 10-17 Feb (BSs, MS, ph. Jason Sullivan, DK, m.ob.). Single Western Grebes in Ohio put in brief appearances off Rocky River Park, Cuyahoga 1 Dec Qbr, Elizabeth McQuaid, m.ob.) and off Lakeshore Metropark, Lake 1 Dec QP)- Inland, one was at Berlin Reservoir, Portage, OH 11 Dec (Ryan Golterman). An American White Pelican on Sandusky Bay, Ottawa, OH 23 Dec (JP) is among the few reported in winter. Great Cormorants were present all season on the Lower Dela- ware River in Pennsylvania, with a high VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 265 EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY count of 24 at Bristol, Bucks 1 Jan (DF). A roost of 8 Great Egrets at Medusa Marsh, Erie, OH 19 Jan (CC) is the largest mid- winter concentration ever found in the state. Rare elsewhere in Ohio, singles were at Farnsworth Park, Lucas 5 Jan (SD, Greg Links) and on the opposite bank of the Maumee River in Wood (MR) that same day. Exceptional for the Ridge and Valley region, one was at Cedar Run, Clinton, PA 2-18 Feb (Tom Shervinskie). Among the latest winter records for the Region, a Green Heron per- sisted at Manayunk Canal, Philadelphia, PA 3 Dec-24 Jan (Ken Januski). VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS Black Vultures continue to mark progress with new records and increasing numbers across the Region. A flock of 40 in Kanawha, WV just outside of Charleston is the larg- est winter concentration to date within the Kanawha River watershed. Numbers at Mo- hican S.P, Ashland, OH reached 60 birds 10 Jan (RS). Exceptional for the Lake Erie ba- sin, singles were at Bowling Green, Wood 9 Jan (TK), a first winter record for nw. Ohio, and w. of Ashtabula, Ashtabula, OH 19 Jan QP). Locally rare winter records from Penn- sylvania included 2 in Wayne 26 Jan (Dan AltifO, 2 in Greene 15 Feb (Rick Davison), and 3 in Tioga 1 Feb (Philip Krajewski). Sur- prising spring-like weather 19 Jan brought single Turkey Vultures to the Lake Erie wa- tershed in Geauga (Inga Schmidt) and Ot- tawa (Rita Schneider, SMs), plus 3 into Erie (David Clark). In ne. Pennsylvania, one was rare in Susquehanna 12 Jan (}e.rry Skinner). A remarkable 5 Ospreys were found during the season in Pennsylvania, including one on the Bushy Run C.B.C., Westmoreland 5 Jan (Shannon Courage, Dale Maluza) and another at a nest platform on Shenango Res- ervoir, Mercer 18 Feb (Marty McKay). The latter marked an exceptionally early spring arrival. Golden Eagles balk at crossing open waters of the Lake Erie, so records from the Lake Erie Islands are few. One was found on Kelleys Island, Erie, OH 15 Dec QP)- A Sora sighting at Spring Valley WM.A., Greene, OH 16 Dec (Sam Corbo) is among very few winter records for the state. A concentration of 1170 American Coots at Rocky Fork S.P., Highland 19 Jan (TD) made a noteworthy midwinter count for Ohio. Unprecedented for the West Virginia Panhandle, a Sandhill Crane was found wintering around Moore- held, Hardy 17-31 Jan (TBr, JBk, FA, B.J, Little, KKg). Wintering numbers in ne. Ohio were at an all-time high, led by a remarkable 63 at Killbuck Marsh WM.A., Holmes 9 Jan (DLG). The count of 18 at State Game Lands 284, Lawrence, PA 1 Jan (Steve Gosser) was within expectations for nw. Pennsylvania in recent years. Passage through sw. Ohio was so delayed as to blur the lines between mi- grants and wintering residents. Such flocks involved 22 over Woodlawn Cemetery, Montgomery 20 Jan (Mark Ruane), 17 high over Lake 17 Jan QP)- and 27 at East Fork S.P, Glermont 15 Jan (Robert Foppe, Jennifer Smolenski). Arguably the peak flight was 22 Dec, when 900 passed overhead in Paulding, OH (SMs). The 105 over Dublin, Franklin, OH 30 Dec Oim McCormac) was no less im- pressive for cen. Ohio. Prior to 2012, there were very few mid- winter records of Killdeer from the Lake Erie plains in Ohio. This season matched the previous year for reports led by 6 lingering at Side Cut Metropark, Lucas 5 Jan (SD). By 19 Jan, southwesterly winds had individuals winging overhead in Hancock, OH (DLG). In West Virginia, the Central Highlands led with 10 Killdeer at Stonewall Jackson Dam, Lewis 13 Jan (Kyle Aldinger) and 13 at Tygart Lake, Taylor 9-25 Jan (JH). A Lesser Yellow- legs described from Castalia S.EH., Erie, OH 7 Jan (KM) represents only the third mid- winter record for the state. A Greater Yel- lowlegs lingered at Siegel marsh, Erie, PA 18 Dec (Mike Weible). A Dunlin at Bald Eagle S.P, Gentre 8 Dec QV) was exceptionally late for the Pennsylvania highlands. Two at Con- neaut 19 Jan (JP) were among few midwinter records for Ohio. And away from Lake Erie, one at Findlay Reservoir, Hancock 14 Jan QL, SM, RSs) was exceptional. Two late Least Sandpipers were at Upper Oxford, Ches- ter, PA 30 Dec (PM), with another at Marsh Creek S.R, Chester 28 Feb (HM). A bird pres- Q A An apparent ad. Vega Gull (the vegae subspecies of Herring Gull) was studied Jiiat close range atTullytown, Bucks, PA 15 Dec (Melissa Roach, ph. TJ, George L. Armistead, Rick Mellon, DW, STh, Chuck Chalfant). Supportive of the identification were dark irides, heavy head and neck streaking, darker gray upperparts than American Her- ring Gull, and white subterminal "string of pearls" on the primaries. Vega Gulls are ob- served regularly in w. Alaska, and there are records from the West Coast. There are, as yet, no verified records of this subspecies in the American East, though a few similar birds have been recorded in Ontario and in Atlantic coastal areas since the early 1 990s. ent at Pymatuning S.EH., Crawford, PA (MV) 1 Jan+ marks the northernmost wintering record for the Region. The flight of Purple Sandpipers into Lake Erie extended well into the season. Most unusual, late-season birds appeared within the Central Basin in Cuyahoga 4-7 Feb (Scott Loss, ph. RKK, ph. TF, JBr, Ben Warner, m.ob.) and within the Eastern Basin at PI. S.P. 9-10 Feb (ph. Jason Fridora, MV, ph. Mark Moore, m.ob.). A Western Sandpiper at Pleasant Hill Lake, Richland 12 & 29 Dec (GC, JH, Anna Wit- tmer, Tim Leslie) was exceptional in winter. Wintering American Woodcocks were n. to New Martinsville, Wetzel, WV 10 Jan (WJ) and Cumberland, PA 12 Jan (3; AM). Early spring birds reached Ohio in Athens 30 Jan (Darren Cohen) and Hamilton 29 Jan (2; Gale Wulker). Four Pomarine Jaegers lingered into early Dec on Lake Erie, the last at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga, OH 8-13 Dec (Daniel Parsons, RKK, m.ob.). Late Parasitic Jaegers appeared along the Cleveland Lake- front 14-15 Dec (ph. Chuck Slusarczyk, JBr, RS), while 4 were found at PI. S.P. in early Dec (ph. JMd, STh). An exceptional midwin- ter bird was documented at Lorain Harbor, Lorain, OH 1 Jan (ph. Irene Krise). Most unusual inland, a Parasitic Jaeger was docu- mented at Lake Somerset, Somerset, PA 16 Dec (ph. ML). A Mew Gull was documented from Lorain Harbor, Lorain, OH 31 Dec QP)- A Laughing Gull lingered at Tullytown, Bucks 15 Dec (TJ et al). Rare on Lake Erie, single Black-headed Gulls were at Conneaut 30 Dec OPs, DLG), along the Cleveland lake- front, OH 8-13 Dec QBr, KM), off Headland Beach S.P., Lake, OH 18 Dec QT), and at Lo- rain Harbor, Lorain, OH 13 Jan (JP). Excep- tional inland, singles were found in Cumber- land, PA 23 Feb (AMa) and at Moraine S.P, Butler, PA 2-3 Dec (MV, STh, GM, ph. JMd). Rare winter sightings of Franklin’s Gulls in the Region involved singles at Pine Lake, Mahoning, OH 15 Dec (CH) and an excep- tional midwinter bird at Metzger 20-21 Jan (SD, Deb Teft, DLG, m.ob.). The only report of Black-legged Kittiwake came from East- lake, Cuyahoga, OH 3 Jan QT). A California Gull was near Cleveland Harbor, Cuyahoga, OH 2 Dec OBr). Thayer’s Gulls remain exceptional in the Region away from Lake Erie. One was up- river on the Maumee in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, Wood, OH 7-12 Dec (TK, MR, Da- vid Gesicki). Most unusual, one visited Findlay Reservoir, Hancock, OH 19-22 Dec (SM, JL, RSs). Among very few records for the Allegheny Plateau, an Iceland Gull was at Point S.P, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA 26 266 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Jan-7 Feb (GM, ph. JMd, JHn, m.ob.). The 9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on Lake Scranton, Lackawanna, PA 9 Dec (Kevin Ripka) may represent a record winter count in the state away from the Piedmont. The species made new appearances locally in nw. Ohio, with 3 in Seneca 15 Jan (TB) and 2 at Ferguson- Metzger Reservoir, Lima, Allen 12 Jan (RA), both first county records. The only Regional report of a Glaucous Gull x Herring Gull hy- brid came from Oberlin Reservoir, Lorain, OH 6 Jan (Gabe Leidy Emil Bacik, VF). A Dovekie was found at New Hope, PA 21 Dec (Stephenie Ponist); it died at a rehabili- tation facility. This was Bucks’ third record. Another moribund Dovekie was found 22 Dec in Danielsville, Northampton for that county’s second record (fide RW). These Pennsylvania records were products of the coastal storm that produced 3 1 Dovekies ex- iting Delaware Bay at Cape May, NJ 21 Dec and single wrecked birds in New Hampshire 21 Dec and Delaware 19 Dec — a remarkable geographic span. West Virginia has finally fallen to the old Eurasian Collared-Dove. The first state record was documented within the e. Pan- handle at Martinsburg, Berkeley 12-16 Dec (ph. Matt Orsie, Thomas Masters). This was followed by 2 at Union, Monroe 15-17 Eeb (Linda Burns), undoubtedly from the nearby population around Blacksburg, VA. In Penn- sylvania, reports continue to be regular but noteworthy away from the species’ residen- tial stronghold in Franklin. Two continued at Eontana, Lebanon 8 Dec-29 Jan (RB, RMi), and 4 were found at Shartlesville, Berks 5 Jan (fide GG). Single Snowy Owls were s. to Holmes, OH 17 Dec (ph. KM) and Pike, PA 2 Feb (Carissa Longo). After the most impressive fall on record in Pennsylvania for hummingbird diversity, most of the Selasphorus (primarily Rufous, but many unidentified) hummingbirds had left the state by mid-Dec, with 14 staying into Jan (fide GG). Ohio feeders did not draw so much attention from these humming- birds. Eight Rufous lingered into the season, with 6 remaining into Jan, one ad. male and 5 hatch-year birds (fide Allen Chartier). Especially late were individuals at Williams- burg, Clermont 22 Nov-23 Jan (Bill Stanley, fide ACh), at Black Swamp B.O., Ottawa 13 Sep-21 Jan (m.ob.), at North Olmstead, Cuyahoga early Oct-21 Jan (fide Jen Brum- field, m.ob.), and at Circleville, Pickaway 27 Oct-1 Eeb (Melanie Shuter). Single Penn- sylvania Allen’s Hummingbirds persisted in Montgomery (Cathy Lavoie, SW) and in Bucks (Babe Webster, SWe) from the fall; the Montgomery bird left 3 Dec, and the Bucks EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY bird left 8 Jan. A Calliope Hummingbird graced Lancaster, Lancaster 1-11 Dec (Bob & Amy Weiss, Sandy Lockerman). Both Al- len’s and the Calliope were banded, and the identifications were confirmed in hand. Rare within e. Panhandle of West Virginia, mid- winter records of Merlin involved singles in Berkeley 5 Jan Diane Sylvester) and in Hardy 19 Jan (B. J. Little). Another was at Charleston, Kanawha, WV 29 Jan (LCy). The Prairie Falcon that has wintered along Mud Level Rd. in w. Cumberland since Dec 2005 continued for its seventh winter after being found 11 Nov (STh, DW, m.ob.); the last sighting this winter was 28 Eeb. The bird was first discovered as a juv. and has fre- quented a broad agricultural valley each year since, from late fall through early spring. It is often seen hunting Horned Larks and Mourning Doves. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES Midwinter Eastern Phoebes were found n. to Huffman Metropark, Greene, OH 12 Jan (CZ) and Beechwood Farms Nature Pre- serve, Allegheny, PA 6-20 Jan (StT). On 8 Dec, A1 Freeman photographed an unusual yellow-bellied Tyrannus. Subsequent study of the photographs and field observation (Kenn Kaufman, m.ob.) revealed mixed par- entage, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher hybrid with either Western or Couch’s Kingbird. Opinions from experts in Oklahoma Qoe Grzybowski, Mike Husak) offered equal weight to either possibility. An Empidonax photographed at Holmesville, Holmes, OH 27-28 Dec was identified as a Least Fly- catcher (BG). Two Blue-headed Vireos were found in Pennsylvania this winter. One was at Fort Hunter, Dauphin 21 Jan (CB), the other at Jersey Shore, Lycoming 29 Dec (CaH, ChH). A White-eyed Vireo near Morgan- town, Monongalia 14-15 Feb (ph. JHi, Derek Courtney, Lejay Graffious) represents a first midwinter record for West Virginia. Fish Crows persist in the Pittsburgh area, mark- ing a decade-long presence in the Three Rivers area. Signs of expansion downstream along the Ohio River came from singles in Beaver at the mouth of the Beaver River 7 Feb OHn) and at 1. S. 62: Gertrude Sahli Na- ture Park 12 Jan (Tim Johnson). One report of 2 birds at South Euclid, Cuyahoga 24 Jan (DLG) is evidence of the continued presence of this new colony in ne. Ohio. Entering its third year of residence, the Common Raven in Knox, OH was reported through 10 Feb (Steve Landes, BSs, Andy Sewell, DLG, KM). We are grovHng accustomed to early Tree Swallows appearing in Feb throughout the Region. Extreme examples include one in One of the great pleasures of any winter season is an encounter with Short-eared Owl. This bird was studied 7 January 2013 at Bald Knob, Allegheny County, Pennsylva- nia. Photograph by Geoff Malosh. Centre, PA 27 Eeb QV), 4 in Lancaster 16-22 Eeb (ME), and 8 in Philadelphia 18 Feb (CB, DaM). Six reached Maumee Bay S.R, Lucas 13 Feb (Dana Bollin), matching the early ar- rival date for Lake Erie in Ohio. Northern Rough-winged Swallows wintered again at the N.WPC.R, where the high count was 150 (m.ob.). Away from this site and nearby Pennypack on the Delaware River, the only Northern Rough-winged Swallow this pe- riod in Pennsylvania was found at Trexler Nature Preserve, Lehigh 8-15 Dec (CHu). Cave Swallows attempted to winter with the Northern Rough-winged Swallow flock at the N.WPC.R, with 3 birds 17 Dec (TJ, MR) dwindling to just one by the last sight- ing on 2 Eeb (SK). This is the first overwin- tering attempt by the species in the Region. One of 3 swallows seen at Edgewater Ma- rina, Cleveland, OH 3 Dec was identified as a Cave Swallow (Mike Egar), while 2 Caves were reported a few km to the e. at Sims Park, Cuyahoga (RS) the same day. A Townsend’s Solitaire was located on Kel- leys Island, Erie, OH 10 Dec-21 Jan (Mike Mielke, ph. TB, DLG, ph. Irene Krise). Single Varied Thrushes appeared at Fresno, Coshoc- ton, OH 22 Jan-24 Feb Qames E Yoder, TBn, ph. LK, ph. IS, ph. KM), at Avon Lake, Lo- rain, OH 7-9 Dec (ph. KM, ph. LK, m.ob.), and at Parma Heights, Cuyahoga 17-18 Eeb (ph. RKK, ph. SI, m.ob.). A Gray Catbird was n. to Lucas, Richland, OH 7 Eeb (GC). Late-season Brown Thrashers within the Lake Erie watershed were found at River- bend Recreation Area, Hancock 17 Eeb (SM), at South Russell, Geauga 26 Jan Qoyce Calla- han), and at Mentor Marsh State Nature Pre- serve, Lake 22-29 Jan (CCh, Doug Marcum, ph. SI, ph. TP, KM, m.ob.). Equally rare any- where in West Virginia, singles were spotted at three locations in Cabell 1 Jan (Rennie Tal- bert), 16 Eeb (Tom Igou), and again 16 Feb (Nancy Bandy). Prior to 2012, midwinter VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 267 EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY A Bohemian Waxwing (center) was found among smaiier kin at Hoiden Arboretum, Kirtiand, Ohio 12 January 2013. Photograph byChuckSlusarczykJr. American Pipits were almost unknown from the Lake Erie watershed. For the second consecutive year, singles were noted widely: at Rl.S.P 21 Jan (Andrew Mashburn), Wen- dy Park, Cuyahoga, OH 19 Jan Qbr), and near Carey, Wyandot 1 Jan (TB), while 2 each were at Oberlin, Lorain, OH 2 Jan (Nathan Miller), and Side Cut Metropark, Lucas, OH 5 Jan (SD). Very rare in the Region, Bohe- mian Waxwings visited four sites in Ohio. A flock of 1 1 was discovered at Maumee Bay S.P, Lucas 1 Dec (ph. Andy Sewell, ph. BSs, m.ob.), with 5 remaining the next day (ph. LK). These were followed by one near Mos- quito Creek Reservoir, Trumbull 6 Dec (Larry Richardson) and 6 near Curtice, Ottawa 25 Dec OP)- A lone bird was detected at Holden Arboretum, Lake 11-16 Jan (ph. Cole DiFa- bio, Robert Hinkle, ph. LK, ph. TF, CCh). The most recent appearance of more than a single Bohemian Waxwing in Ohio was 15 Mar 1962. The sole report of Lapland Long- spur from West Virginia involved 2 in Grant 18 Feb (FA). One in Washington, OH 25 Jan (MW) represents an exceptional record for Appalachian Ohio. Six Ovenbirds found the season to their liking. One was at Nockamixon S.P, Bucks, PA 16 Dec (AK); one on the Pennypack C.B.C., Philadelphia, PA 15 Dec (fide GG) likely wintered in the area, being seen again 29 Feb (Stephen Page); and one was at West Mount Airy 29 Dec (SJ). One was studied daily in Cuyahoga, OH 23 Dec-17 Feb (ph. PM, m.ob.), and in the Columbus, OH area, singles were at Blacklick Woods Metropark, Fairfield 28 Dec-3 Jan (Diane Morse, Gene Stauffer, RS, Cody Berkebile, m.ob.) and on The Ohio State University campus, Franklin 16 Dec (PHu, ph. DSr, ph. Paul Rodewald, m.ob.). Black-and-white Warblers were at Whitehall Parkway, Lehigh, PA 27 Jan (LV, EV) and at Tinicum, Delaware, PA 3-16 Jan (TH, SD). A Tennessee Warbler continued at Highspire Reservoir, Dauphin, PA Nov-1 Jan (SH, RL). Orange-croivned Warblers were found in Lancaster, Montgomery, and Phila- delphia, PA, and Nashville Warblers were in Bucks, Chester, and Philadelphia, PA. A Northern Parula was at Paoli, Chester, PA 28 Dec (MC). Common Yellowthroats are rare w. of the Coastal Plain. Singles were seen at Mogadore Reservoir, Portage, OH 15 Dec (KM), on The Ohio State University cam- pus, Franklin, OH 16 Dec (ph. PHu, m.ob.), and at Fernald 10 Feb (WH). A Magnolia Warbler was found at Andorra Natural Area, Philadelphia 8 Dec (KJ, JS). A female Black- throated Blue Warbler was in Upper Allen Twp., Cumberland, PA 1-3 Jan QB); another was in Wayne, OH 14-23 Jan (Wayne & Clara Yoder, Nelson Troyer, DLG), the first midwinter record for the state. A Western Palm Warbler in Holmes 3-25 Jan (Su Sny- der, ph. KM, Leroy Troyer) furnished an exceptional midwinter record for n. Ohio. One at the Robert C. Byrd Locks & Dam, Mason 13 Jan on the Ohio River represents an equally unusual midwin- ter record for West Virginia. Palm Warblers were found in five se. Pennsylvania counties, with a high of 8 at N.WP.C.P. 27 Dec (TSc, MDe); one re- mained into Feb (Win Shafer, m. ob.). An Audubon’s War- bler, rarely documented in Pennsylvania, was found at PVR 1-3 Jan (IB, DF, AMi). A Black-throated Green Warbler was at Tinicum, Delaware, PA 11-15 Dec OiM, DoM, NK). Midwinter Pine Warblers were n. to Hartwood Acres, Allegh- eny, PA 27 Jan (Kate St. John) and at a Kidron, Wayne, OH feeder all season (DWr). The latest record of Yellow-breast- ed Chat for Ohio appeared on the Ragersville C.B.C. 27 Dec Qames F. Yoder). Two Wilson’s Warblers were found on the Southern Lancaster C.B.C. (one each in Lancaster and York, PA) 16 Dec (BS, RP, SWi, RC). Exceptional for the Lake Plain in nw. Ohio, a Chipping Sparrow was in Wood, OH 21 Jan (DLG). Eastern Pennsylvania also cor- nered the market on rare wintering sparrows in that state. A Clay-colored Sparrow was found at Fleetwood, Berks 16 Dec (MWl). A Le Conte’s Sparrow wintered at Waterloo Mills Preserve, Chester after first being de- tected 21 Dec (KF). Single Savannah Spar- rows were n. to Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Hancock 4-5 Jan (RSs, SM) and Wood, OH 6 Jan (MR). Rare for the Glaciated North- west of Pennsylvania, 3 were found within the Volant Strip Grasslands, Lawrence 27 Jan (CH). Exceptional anywhere in the Region, a Grasshopper Sparrow near Sugar Creek, Tuscarawas, OH 27 Dec (Matthias Troyer) was remarkable so far north. Equally sur- prising, a Vesper Sparrow attended a feeder near the Lake Erie shoreline 28-29 Dec (ph. JP). A Nelson’s Sparrow in Tuscarawas, OH 27 Dec-r (ph. KM) represents that state’s first wintering record. More than 24 Fox Spar- rows were reported in midwinter throughout n. Ohio, roughly double a normal five-year tally. Most these were found within the Lake Plain of nw. Ohio, led by 4 at Reick Cen- ter, Hancock 6 Jan (SM) and 3 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Lucas 27 Jan (Tim Haney). Rare in the Region w. of the Piedmont, a Lin- coln’s Sparrow on The Ohio State Univer- 268 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EASTERN HIGHLANDS & UPPER OHIO RIVER VALLEY sity campus, Franklin, OH 10-14 Dec (ph. IS) likely wintered, being found again 25 Feb. One tarried at Little Buffalo S.P., Perry, PA 4 Dec (Chad Kauffman). Single Harris’s Sparrow were located in Carbon, PA 1 Jan+ (BR, ph. RRe, ph. Michael Schall, m.ob.), at Byer’s Woods, Ashland, OH 1 Dec-19 Jan (GC, Jason Hull, KHO, m.ob.), s. of Charm, Holmes, OH 6 Jan-6 Feb (Greg Miller, ph. KM, SI, BWu, m.ob.), and at Pickerington Ponds, Franklin, OH 1 Jan+ (Matt & Ashley Collins, ph. AC, ph. IS, ph. LH, BSs, m.ob.). For the fifth season, the returning Hancock, OH Golden-crowned Sparrow survived the winter (Ron Saklosky VF, ph. KM, ph. CCh, m.oh.). An exceptional midwinter Summer Tanager appeared at a Hamilton, OH feeder 25-28 Jan (ph. Dorinda Whitsett, DLG). Two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks appeared in e. Pennsylvania: one was at Manheim, Lancaster 13-15 Jan (BC), the other at Slat- ington, Lehigh 13 Dec (BE). A Dickcissel was found at Gap, Lancaster, PA 29 Dec (PF). A very late Bobolink tarried at the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, Montgom- ery, PA through 2 Dec (PD). The huge an- nual gathering of blackbirds in agricultural lands of Chester and Lancaster, PA received a lot of birder attention, culminating with 5 Yellow-headed Blackbirds at Christiana, Lancaster 14-16 Dec (STh, DW). In Ohio, single Yellow-headed Blackbirds were near Apple Creek, Wayne 16 Dec and near Bun- ker Hill, Holmes 11 Dec (both in The Bobo- link), with up to 7 birds at Bayshore, Lucas 16 Dec- 18 Jan (Greg Links, Kent Miller, m.ob.). A male Bullock’s Oriole returned to Gilbertsville, Montgomery, PA 6 Dec for its third winter (MA). Unprecedented in the Region, an Orchard Oriole spent the sea- son at a jelly feeder near Orrville, Wayne, OH (DWr, ph. BG, m.ob.). The bird first appeared around Thanksgiving and was present into Mar. Seven Baltimore Orioles were found in hve Pennsylvania counties, including 2 in w. Pennsylvania away from the species’ winter stronghold in the mild southeast: one at Aspinwall, Allegheny 29 Dec (SuT, StT) and one at Indiana, Indiana 29 Nov-16 Dec (DJ). One wintered through the season near Holmesville, Holmes, OH (Andrew Hostetler). Evening Grosbeak reports were wide- spread but sparse after a strong movement through the Region in Nov. Most sightings were short-lived, but a reliable flock of up to 80 was present at Marienville, Forest, PA throughout the period (DYe, m.ob.). Com- mon Redpolls made a huge showing across all of Pennsylvania during the season, with especially heavy concentrations along the Lake Erie Plain and the Northern Tier. A few Hoary Redpolls accompanied the many Common Redpolls that invaded the Region this winter; however, few reports were ac- companied by appropriate documenta- tion that supported the identification. One was confirmed along the Lake Erie Plain at P.I.S.P 10 Feb (MDa, MWe). In Centre, 2 were at Port Matilda 15-26 Jan (RRo, m.ob.), and another was at Snow Shoe 27 Jan (AL, JL). One Hoary was at Lake Raystown, Huntingdon, PA 27 Feb (CY, AL, JL, IG). In e. Pennslvania, one was near Lehigh Gap, Lehigh 9 Jan (BE) and another in Rush Twp., Susquehanna 26 Jan (AD, JDa). In Ohio, supporting documentation was received for singles at North Ridgeville, Lorain 9 Jan Qan Auburn, Dick Lee, Larry Rosche), in Summit 16 Jan (DLG), in Geauga 1 Dec-3 Jan at La Due Reservoir (Ben Morrison, KM, RS, Do- reene Linzell, Dan Sanders, Greg Miller) and at a private feeder 17 Jan (ph. Wes Hatch), and in Lake at Holden Arboretum 7-21 Jan (Haans Petruschke, ph. RKK, Steve Lan- des, Dwight & Ann Chasar, m.ob.) and at North Perry 28-29 Dec and 12 Jan (ph. JP). Pine Siskins were found widely across the Region, often in combination with redpoll flocks. Red and White-winged Crossbills were widely reported in Pennsylvania this winter, though not nearly with frequency or in the abundance of Common Redpolls. Crossbill reports were concentrated in the s. tier; this might be due to these birds’ low interest in feeding stations here where they are most likely to be detected, and the lower density of birders in the n. tier. Most Red Crossbills gave calls consistent with Type 3, but Type 2 and Type 10 were also recorded (fide Matt Young). Observers (subregional compilers in bold- face): OHIO: Rick Asamoto (RA), Tom Bain (TBn), Tom Bartlett (TB), Jen Brumfield Ohr), Craig Caldwell (CC), Kyle Carsen (KC), Alex Champagne (AC), Cory Chiappone (CCh), Gary Cowell (GC), Sherrie Duris (SD), Vic- tor Fazio, III (VF), Tom Frankel (TF), Dan and Lynn Gesauldo (DLG), John Herman OH), Craig Holt (CH), Leslie Houser (LH), William Hull (WH), Paul Hurtado (PHu), Sally Isacco (SI), Rich and Karen Kassouf (RKK), Laura Keene (LK), Tom Kemp (TK), Donna Kuhn (DK), Jeff Loughman Qk), Scott Meyers (SMs), Shane Meyers (SM), Kent Miller (KM), Patrick Miller (PM), Craig Moore (CM), Ken and Helen Ostermiller (KHO), John Pogacnik QP), Jeffrey Pontius QPs), Robert Sams (RSs), Irina Shulgina (IS), Mark Rozmarynowycz (MR), Dave Slager (DSr), Mike Smith (MS), Brad Sparks (BSs), Ryan Steiner (RS), Jerry Talkington QT). Mike Williams (MW), David Weaver (DWr), Brian Wulker (BWu), Chris Zacharias (CZ). PENNSYLVANIA: Mary Ache, George Ar- mistead, Ian Baldock, Tim Becker, Ed Ber- not, Chuck Berthoud, Scott Bills (SBi), Rob Blye, Janet Bragh, Scott Burnet (SBu), Bruce Carl, Lee Carnahan, Chuck Chalfant, Rich- ard Clark, Mike Coulter, Shannon Courage, Henry D’Alessandro, Michael David (MDa), Amy Davis, Jeff Davis QDa), Marty Dellwo (MDe), Frank Dickman, Paul Driver, Jim Dunn ODu), Steve Dupont, Mike Epler, Bill Etter, Devich Farbotnik (DF), Pamela Fisher, Kevin Fryberger, Ian Gardner, Greg Grove (GG) (Pennsylvania), Sue Hannon, James Hausman III OHn), Theresa Heinsler, Brian Henderson (Montgomery), Carol Hil- debrand (CaH), Charles Hildebrand (ChH), Mike Homel, Chris Hugosson (Chu), Dory Jacobs, Ken Januski, Tom Johnson (TF), Stephen Johnson, Sandra Keller, Noel Kel- ley, Arlene Koch, Ramsay Koury, David Ky- ler, Alex Lamoreaux (AL), Mike Lanzone (ML), Renee Larry, Cathy Lavoie (CLa), Josh Lefever, Sandy Lockerman, Carissa Longo (CLo), Dale Maluza (DMa), Geoff Malosh (GM) (Pennsylvania), Andy Markel (AMa), Jim McConnell OiM), Jeff McDonald OMd), Doris McGovern (DoM), Marty McKay, Da- vid McNaughton (DaM), Jerry McWilliams (JeM) (Erie), Rick Mellon (RMe), Holly Merker (Chester), Patrick Miller (PM), Ran- dy Miller (RMi), August Mirabella (AMi) (Bucks), Randy Phillips, Stephenie Ponist, Nick Pulcinella, Barbara Rehrig, Rich Reh- rig (RRe), Melissa Roach, Ron Rovansek (RRo), Corinne Schall, Michael Schall, Tim Schreckengost (TSc), Jerene Schroeder, Bob Schutsky, Tim Shervinskie (TSh), Steve Thomas (StT), Sue Thomas (SuT), Shannon Thompson (STh), Neil Troyer, Gary Tyson, Mark Vass (MV), Joe Verica (JV), Ed Ver- million, Liz Vermillion, Billy Weber (BiW), Anna (Babe) Webster (AnW), Mike Weible (MWe), Scott Weidensaul (SWe), Amy Weiss (AmW), Bob Weiss (BoW), Steve Wildasin (SWi), Dave Wilton (DW), Rick Wiltraut (RW), Matt Wlasniewski (MWl), Dan Yagu- sic (DYa), Dave Yeany (DYe), Chuck Yohn. WEST VIRGINIA: Frederick Atwood (FA), John Boback Qb), Randy Bodkins (RB), Jo- ette Borzik OBk), Terry Bronson (TBr), Laura Ceperly (LCy), David Daniels (DD), Todd Deal (TD), Joe Hildreth QHi), Kathy King (KK), Wilma Jarrell (WJ). O Victor W. Fazio, III, 18722 Newell Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio 441 22 (bcvireoifflsbcglobal.net) Tom Johnson, 24 Meadowood Drive, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania 17036 (tbj4@cornell.edu) VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 269 Illinois & Indiana ■ Fermilab^ Lowden- Jackson Park \ Miller SF Lake Calwml Goose Lake Prairie ■ ■ Midewin Natl. ^ Tallgrass Prairie Willow Slough WMA INDIANA LAKEFRONT; A = Hammond Lakefront Sanctuary B = Miller Beach C = Dunes SP & Beverly Shores D = Mich. City Harbor "Pigeon ■ Kingsbury WMA ft WMA m Grand Kankakee Marsh \^Jasper-Pulaski WMA ■ F^ricj \ ■ Sdlamonie TNC Kankakee Sands Pine Creek WMA Ceist ■ Res "Stminiir % Brookville ResM JJ Lake Lemon i jike MoiiroeU Muskatatuck NWR OIney Lake Gihson Rend L ■ ILLINOIS" Union Co. WMAH 'NDIANA r James D. Hengeveld Keith A. McMullen Geoffrey A. Williamson Once again this winter, the Regions temperatures remained well above normal, and precipitation levels were near normal. Little snowfall was pres- ent even in the northern portions of the Region. With the lack of harsh cold snaps, record-high numbers were recorded for a number of half-hardy and only relatively re- cently over-wintering species. Winter finches put on a good show, with numerous reports of both redpoll and both crossbill species as well as excellent num- bers of Pine Siskins. The Region was show- ered with many out-of-place and out-of- season visitors, including Barnacle Goose, Cinnamon Teal, the continuing Calliope Hummingbird, Slaty-backed Gull, Prairie Falcon, Says Phoebe, Mountain Bluebird, Varied Thrush, Green-tailed Towhee, Clay- colored Sparrow, Nelsons Sparrow, and Hoary Redpoll. Abbreviations: Cane Ridge (Cane Ridge WM.A., Gibson, IN); Carlyle (Carlyle Lake, s. IL); Dunes (Dunes S.P., Porter, IN); East Fork Lake (Richland, IL); FWA. (Fish and Wildlife Area); Goose Pond (Goose Pond FWA., Greene, IN); Horseshoe (Horseshoe Lake, Madison, IL); Miller (Miller Beach, Lake, IN); Montrose (Montrose Point, Lin- coln Park, Chicago). WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES Waterfowl were abundant this season, likely a result of open water throughout the re- porting period. A record number of Greater White-fronted Geese was reported in Indi- ana, highlighted by the tally of 8015 at Goose Pond 12 Feb (LWSg, KM, JP, AH), which rep- resented Indiana’s largest single party count ever. Snow Goose numbers continued to be strong in the Region, as 300,000 were pres- ent at Carlyle 21-24 Dec (DMK) and 187,770 were tallied in sw. Indiana on 26 Jan (fide HDH). Ross’s Geese were also about in good numbers, Indiana’s high count consisting of 31 at Chinook Mine, Vigo 10 Feb (PES). Two reported Barnacle Geese are vying to become Illinois’s first accepted records. The first was a bird continuing from fall, seen this season at Elburn Quarry Pond, Kane 8 Dec (AA, SAC, m.ob.), and the second, possibly the same individual, was at Lake Blooming- ton, McLean 29 Jan-13 Feb (TH, ph. MEF, ph. BM, m.ob.). The tally of 1416 Tundra Swans along the Mississippi River in Carroll, IL 19 Dec (EA, RN, m.ob.) almost doubled last winter’s maximum. An impressive 2105 Gadwalls and 1120 Northern Shovelers were tallied 15 Dec at Horseshoe (ERH). A photo- graph of a male Cinnamon Teal shot by a hunter in Knox 29 Dec (fide GB) confirmed Indiana’s first winter record of the species. A phenomenal season for Northern Pintails was highlighted by an Indiana record count of 27,641 at Goose Pond 12 Feb (LWSg, KM, JP, AH) and 40,000 estimated at Car- lyle 24 Feb (DMK). Also noteworthy were 1325 Green-winged Teal at Union County C.A., IL 4 Feb (KAM), 7000 Canvasbacks along the Mississippi River, Whiteside/Car- roll, IL 10 Feb QAS, JIN, UWG, m.ob.), and 1400 Ring-necked Ducks at Union County C.A. 4 Feb (KAM). A single Harlequin Duck, found near the U.S. Steel breakwall. Lake, IN 13 Dec (MT),- remained there through at least 19 Jan QKC et ah). A modest 7 in- land Surf Scoters were found in the Region. Record numbers of White-winged Scoters were reported, with high counts of 69 birds at Michigan City Harbor, LaPorte, IN 19 Feb (BB) and 27 at Winthrop Harbor, Lake, IL 21 Feb (DRD). Unusual for White -winged Scoters were not only the high number of birds at inland locations, including 4 at Rend Lake, Franklin, IL 5-27 Feb (DDM, LWS), 4 at Brookville Lake, Franklin, IN 18 Feb (DG), 3 at Carlyle 21 Feb (DMK), and 5 at Blue- grass FWA., Warrick, IN 27 Feb (CN, SG et al), but also the presence of ad. males, at least 2 of which were seen at inland locations in Indiana (DG). Also unusually prevalent away from Lake Michigan were Long-tailed Ducks, as at least 12 were found through- out the Region. An excellent tally of 4000 Common Goldeneyes occurred 23 Dec at Carlyle (DMK). A male Barrow’s Goldeneye was present 9-29 Dec at the Skokie Lagoons, Cook, IL (MP, ph. NAL, m.ob.). Discouraging were the counts of only 17 Greater Prairie-Chickens on both 8 & 18 Jan at Prairie Ridge State N.A., Jasper, IL (CLH, RES). This species continues to decline, and one can only hope that efforts to start other colonies on state-managed areas in Illinois will be successful. However, Wild Turkeys continue to thrive, as indicated by several triple-digit counts this period. An Indiana-record 542 Red-throated Loons were reported, with a tally of 139 at Dunes 9 Feb (BJG) representing Indiana’s highest one-day total. Common Loons were rather scarce, so the 6 seen at Rend Lake, California Gulls are regular in small numbers in Illinois and Indiana, but their scarcity ensures perennial interest. This one was at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lake County, Illinois 9-10 (here 9) December 2012. Photograph by Jim Hully. 270 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ILLINOIS&INDIANA An apparent adult Great Black-backed Gull x Glaucous Gull hybrid has shown up on Indiana's Lake Michigan lakefront for the past three winters. This individual is thought to be possibly a second-cycle hybrid of this type; it appeared for the first time at the Whiting Refinery Beach, Lake County, Indiana 16 February 2013. Photograph by Michael Topp. Franklin, IL 8 & 15 Dec were noteworthy (KAM, DMK). The count of 90 Pied-billed Grebes at East Fork Lake 7 Jan (CLH) was indicative of their abundance this winter. Five Red-necked Grebes were detected: at Wilmette’s Gillson Park, Cook, IL 1 Dec (LM et al); at Saganashkee Slough, Cook, IL 5-11 Dec (AFS, m.ob.); at Carlyle 16 Dec (DMK); at Rend Lake, Franklin, IL 15 Jan-19 Feb (LWS); and at Lake Springfield, Sangamon, IL 29 Jan and 4 Feb (HDB). The only Eared Grebes reported were singles near the break- wall w. of Miller 14 Dec (EMH, MT et al.) and at Carlyle 22 Dec (DMK). A notewor- thy 17 Western Grebes were reported in In- diana, the peak tally consisting of 4, a new one-day maximum, at Port of Indiana and Dune Acres, Porter 30 Dec OJM)- An inter- esting Aechmophorus grebe 13 Jan in Wauke- gan (BJS, RDH, ph. AAA, ph. NAL, m.ob.) was likely either a Clark’s Grebe or a Western Grebe x Clark’s Grebe hybrid; either would be exceedingly rare for the Region. Small numbers of American White Peli- cans winter in the Region, and they con- tinue to set new occurrence and high-count records in Indiana. An incredible 419 were reported (primarily at Goose Pond), with the 182 birds tallied at Goose Pond 24 Feb (LWSg) constituting Indiana’s highest winter count. This species also congregates in large numbers at staging areas before departing northward, and the 4000 birds at Carlyle 22-23 Feb (DMK) constituted a very large group. For the fifth time in the past seven years, an American Bittern, this one on 4 Dec (DWk), was found at Goose Pond dur- ing the winter period. Four lin- gering Great Egrets were noted at McGinnis Slough, Cook, IL 7 Dec (WSS), and one was at J. 1. Case Wetland, Vigo, IN through at least 15 Dec (PES et al). Black and Turkey Vultures have been wintering in in-creas- ing numbers. The 147 Black Vul- tures s. of Bloomington, Monroe 28 Jan (PM, fide DHt) made In- diana’s third highest winter to- tal. A Turkey Vulture at Urbana, Cham-paign, IL 9 Feb (GSL) was thought to be a northbound mi- grant. The Osprey hunting over the White River in Daviess, IN 6 Jan (AK, NK) was a very rare win- ter sighting. Bald Eagles were in good supply, with three counts of over 165 birds along the Missis- sippi River in w. Illinois. North- ern Goshawk reports included an imm. at Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, Lake, IL 28 Dec (KAM, CJL, ChD), likely the same bird there 16 Feb (APS, KAM), and one in Peoria, IL 1 1 Jan (MHB). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH KINGFESHER Good numbers of Killdeer overwintered, as 120 were counted at Carlyle 22 Feb (DMK). A tardy Spotted Sandpiper was noteworthy at Fort Massac S.P, Massac, IL 30 Dec (KJM, DJA, RSR, VL). Also of interest were: a late Greater Yellowlegs at Cane Ridge 16 Dec (HDH, SG, R&SV); a lingering Lesser Yel- lowlegs at Rend Lake, Franklin, IL 15 Dec (DDM, LWS); and Indiana’s earliest “spring” Lesser Yellowlegs by five days at Patoka River N.WR., Gibson, 12 Feb (SG). Least Sandpip- ers were seemingly everywhere, with wide- spread reports from the cen. and s. portions of the Region. The maximum count was of 54 at Rend Lake, Jefferson, IL 15 Dec (DDM, LWS); other significant counts included 14 at Newton Lake, Jasper, IL 2 Dec (CLH), 11 at Cane Ridge 22 Dec (VWW), and 2 late birds at the Dugger Unit of Greene-Sullivan S.F, Sullivan, IN 5 Jan (LWSg, KM, VWW). A single Least Sandpiper at Fermilab, DuPage, IL 22 Dec (AA) was the lone bird reported from the n. tier. Ten Dunlins were seen through mid-Dec, the latest being 3 at New- ton Lake, Jasper, IL 18 Dec (CLH). Wilson’s Snipe were present in excellent numbers throughout the Region, highlighted by 160 at Rend Lake, Franklin, IL 12 Dec (LWS). On 17 Feb, 43 American Woodcocks were logged in Warrick (ES), establishing a new one-day maximum for Indiana. ^ A In Indiana, numbers ofwintering Sandhill Cranes Jllhave increased dramatically over the past 15 years (Figure 1). On 20 Feb, an astounding 26,153 were counted at Goose Pond (LWSg et a!.), the larg- est number ever reported in Indiana away from the traditional Jasper-Pulaski F.WA staging grounds. VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 271 1LLIN0IS& INDIANA This Snowy Owl at Chicago's 1 2th Street Beach 26 January 2013 was one of about a dozen in the Illinois and Indiana region for the winter season. Photograph by Scott R. Ellis. Unusually early was a breeding-plum- aged Franklins Gull in Sangamon, IL 1 Feb (HDB), as was another at Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Lake, IL 13 Feb QRS, AFS). An (or the) apparent Laughing Gull x Ring-billed Gull hybrid was observed for the tenth straight year at the Flammond Marina, Lake, IN 16 Feb (PES, AWB). It was a good season for large white-headed gulls, as eight species were found. An ad. California Gull was at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Lake, IL 9-10 Dec (ph. JH, MD), a third-cycle was in Chicago 22 Dec (ph. SGS), and another ad. was seen 20 Jan and 3 Feb at Carlyle (ph. DMK, KAM). Maximum counts for Thayer’s and Iceland Gulls were 4 at Lake Calumet, Cook, IL 9 Feb (WjM, AG, EG, EDG) and 3 at Winthrop Harbor, Lake, IL 16 Feb (KAM, DRD, m.ob.), respectively. Five Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen along the Rock River, Whiteside, IL 5-20 Jan (DTW, DH, m.ob.). Indiana’s third Slaty-backed Gull was discovered at Whit- ing Refinery Beach, Lake 13 Feb (p.a., KR). The maximum count of Glaucous Gulls was 7 at Whiting Refinery Beach, Lake, IN 16 Feb (KJB et ah). Several other apparent hybrid gulls were observed on the Indiana Lake Michigan lake- front. An apparent ad. Great Black-backed Gull x Glaucous Gull hybrid appeared at Miller 12 Jan (KJB, JKC, SRB, LSH), marking the third consecutive year it has appeared on the Indiana lakefront; a subad. of the same hybrid combination was at the Whiting Refinery Beach, Lake 16 Feb (ph. DD, ph. MT, ph. JCK). An appar- ent Kelp Gull X Herring Gull hybrid that ap- peared in the fall lingered at Michigan City Harbor, LaPorte, IN through 19 Jan (KJB). Lingering Forster’s Terns were noteworthy, as 3 were seen at Carlyle 2 Dec (ph. DMK) and 12 were at Rend Lake, Franklin, IL 15 Dec (DDM, LWS). Among several Barn Owls reported was a first record for Cass, IN that was found at Springcreek Nursery, Logansport 2 Feb (LN). Following last winter’s record inva- sion, Snotvy Owls were much less wide- spread this season. Two were at Chicago’s Northerly Island 26 Jan (EE, ph. SE), and 9 other single birds were noted across the Region. An excellent count of 20 Long-eared Owls was made at Lost Mound S.P., Jo Da- viess, IL 13-14 Dec (DTW, EA, RN). Not to be outdone, the 17 Northern Saw-whet Owls reported from Sand Ridge S.E, Mason, IL 8 Dec (EWW) and the 19 tallied 15 Dec on the Lake Monroe C.B.C. in s.-cen. Indi- ana were noteworthy. At least 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds j remained in Indiana through mid-Dec, and 2 i of those, hatch-year males in Lake and Posey, ! stayed until 28 Dec, establishing a new late i date for Indiana (fide DG). Six Rufous Hum- ! mingbirds were present this winter. Three were banded in Illinois: an imm. female at Rockford, Winnebago that continued from fall and stayed through 30 Dec (SA, VMK, m.ob.), an ad. male in Logan 1-22 Jan ("VMK, { SC, S&MA), and an imm. female at Valmey- J er, Monroe 27 Dec-13 Feb (VMK, AR, YB, j m.ob.). Single Rufous frequented feeders in ! Hancock, Hendricks, and Posey in Indiana, ; the latest recorded in Hancock 8 Jan (MH, Jtde DG). The Calliope Hummingbird that showed up at a feeder in Bloomington, Mon- | roe, IN in the fall was last seen 5 Dec (SB, ' BPB), the day it was banded. The 13 Belted Kingfishers on the Quad Cities C.B.C. , Rock Island, IL 16 Dec (BLB, CB, m.ob.) was the ; 1 only double-digit count reported in the Re- || gion and represents an excellent count for jj any time of year. ( FALCOMS THROUGH FII^CHES | Winter Merlin numbers continue to increase ' in the Region, with an unprecedented 51 j birds seen. It was an above-average year for Prairie Falcon, as 5 were reported from 11- ) linois. One in Coles was seen 12 Dec-6 Feb i, (RB, TDF, ph. GAW, m.ob.), allowing many | to view it during its visit. Two Prairie Fal- j cons were seen simultaneously in this area ' 17 (DM), 20 (RB), 21 (TDF et ah), & 24 Jan (TDF). Other singles seen 15 Dec in Cham- paign (GSL, SDB, RK), 25 Jan in Edwards (RES), and 6 Eeb in Richland (CLH) were one-day wonders. A rare Jan Eastern Phoebe was at the e. end of Lake Lemon, Brown, IN 6 Jan O&rSH). Indiana’s eleventh Say’s ; Phoebe was discovered at Univer- sal Mine, Vermillion 25 Dec (PES, ( DHs). Loggerhead Shrike numbers continue to plummet in the Region, || so encouraging were one at the Bra- i, zil Sewage Lagoon, Clay, IN 16 Dec I OS, PES, DHs, DW), one at Monty’s Station, Gibson, IN 19 Dec (ES) and j 20 Jan OR), and 4 birds in Edwards, i! IL 11 Feb (RES). It was a fine season for Northern Shrikes, as 69 were re- ' ported in the Region, including 2 in cen. Illinois seen 31 Dec in Mercer (CDM, JLM) and 22 Eeb in DeWitt i (MEF), a relatively southerly bird in nw. Warrick, IN 28 Dec CVWW) that was noted again 19 OU 20 Jan ; (ph. SG, ph. ES), and one in Union 29 i' One of three Varied Thrushes reported in Illinois and Indiana in winter 2012-2013, this bird took up winter residence in an Evanston, Illinois backyard from 27 (here 28) January 2013 through the end of the season, enjoying the shelter of several dense evergreens and the provisions in the yard's feeders. Photograph by Jerry Goldner. 272 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ILLINOIS & INDIANA Evening Grosbeaks had a strong presence in the Midwest this season. This bird could be reliably found in Chicago's Rosehill Cemetery from 27 (here 28) January 2013 through season's end. Apparently the cemetery's trees provided an ample food supply. Photograph by Jerry Goldner. Dec (SDB, PAM) that may represent Illinois’s southernmost record ever. Just as last winter, a Northern Rough- winged Swallow stayed into winter at the Kankakee River WT.P. in Kankakee, IL. It was first noted 20 Dec and seen also 26 Dec and 2 Jan (ph. JBH). Red-breasted Nut- hatches were reported in good numbers throughout the Region. Rare in the winter, 2 Marsh Wrens were found at Goose Pond 5 & 19 Dec (LWSg). Rare at any time of the year in the Region, a Bewick’s Wren was seen at Lick Creek, Sangamon, IL 29 Jan (HDB) at the same location where the observer found one in Oct. A late House Wren was at Horse- shoe 15 Dec (FRH), with another at Dixon, Lee, IL 19 Dec (APS, APS). At Lost Mound S.P, Jo Daviess, IL, a Mountain Bluebird seen 14 Dec-23 Feb (DTW, DLT, APS, NG, AS, m.ob.) obviously over- wintered, providing Illinois’s second wintering record. Stay- ing very late was a Swainson’s Thrush near Kankakee, IL 8 Dec (ph. JBH). An enormous roost of 12,250 American Rob- ins was discovered 20 Jan at Big River S.F, Henderson, IL (EWW). Indiana’s first Var- ied Thrush since Dec 2010 was found in ne. Tippecanoe 27 Dec (DZA). The following day, another was at Wessel- man Woods, Vanderburgh, IN (fide TEG); this bird was seen by many and remained through the end of the season. Another Varied Thrush thrilled scores of birders as it reliably visited a backyard in Evanston, Cook, IL 27 Jan+ (JK, ph. JHz, m.ob.). Eour Gray Catbirds were reported in the Region: at Rockford’s Klehm Arboretum, Winnebago, IL 22 Dec-1 1 Jan (DTW), in Hamilton, IN 30 Dec (LP), at McCormick’s Creek S.P, Owen, IN 5 Jan OID), and at Evanston, Cook, IL 25 Jan (MC) through 16 Eeb (EM et ah). Un- usual for well into winter in the n. tier was an American Pipit at Chicago 10 Jan (ph. SJJ). Single Bohemian Waxwings were seen in Porter, IN at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Headquarters 1 Dec (KJB, MB et ah), at Ogden Dunes 22 Dec OCK). and at Dunes 29 Jan (BB), when at least one was heard among a flock of a dozen waxwings. A Bohemian Waxwing, possibly one of those from the fall season, was located at the Chi- cago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, Cook, IL 22-27 Dec (PTC, DBJ, ph. GAW, m.ob.), and 2 were at Winthrop Harbor, Lake, IL 2 Eeb (RDH, ph. BJS, m.ob.). Eor the winter sea- son, the count of 500 Cedar Waxwings at East Eork Lake 5 Dec (CLH) was high. Several large Lapland Longspur flocks were present, including an estimated 2000 at Carlyle 1-2 Jan (DMK) and lOOO-r at Kankakee EWA., LaPorte, IN 23 Eeb (BB, MK). Snow Buntings were around in nor- mal numbers but only present in the n. tier. A nice assortment of warblers lingered and also likely overwintered. An Ovenbird was at Palos Park, Cook, IL 22 Dec QC) and 2 Jan (MCa). Six Orange-crowned Warblers were noted: in Pike, IL 2 Dec (E’WW), at Carlyle 2 Dec (DMK), at Rend Lake, Franklin, IL 15 Dec (DMK), at Evanston, Cook, IL 18 Dec (MC), in Alexander, IL 28 Dec (KJM, DJA), at Ligonier, Elkhart, IN 29 Dec+ (LS, PMi, EY; feeder bird, Indiana’s fourth Jan record), and at Batavia, Kane, IL 1 1 Jan (ph. LPa). A Common Yellowthroat was at Montrose 12 Dec (ph. JIE), and another was found at Mermet Lake, Massac, IL 18 Jan (KAM). An imm. male Cape May Warbler that was photographed at Greencastle, Putnam, IN 9 Dec (GVM) moved to another Greencastle feeder 20 Jan-8 Feb (EDF), providing In- diana’s sixth Jan and third Feb records. The ad. male Black-throated Blue Warbler that showed up at Indianapolis in Nov was last seen 5 Jan (GLC), furnishing a fourth Jan re- cord for Indiana. Another male appeared at a feeder near Churubusco, Whitley, IN 19 Dec and stayed through 2 Jan (ph. E&MH, fide JAH). Three Palm Warblers were discovered: at Cane Ridge 16 Dec (HDH, SG, R&SV), in w. LaGrange, IN 5 Jan (TS, fide LS), and in St. Clair, IL 21 Jan (TJD). An imm. female Pine Warbler attended LaGrange, IN feeders 23 Dec+ (LS, PMi, EY), and another was not- ed coming to a feeder at Jackson, IL 21 Feb (RSR). On the Whitewater C.B.C. on 16 Dec, 139 Yellow- rumped Warblers were logged in Franklin and Union (DER, JR, RPJlde WHB), setting a new winter single-party maximum for Indiana. Indiana’s third Green-tailed Towhee, coming to a feeder in Huntington, Hun- tington through the end of the period, was seen and photographed by many following the announcement on 18 Eeb (BW) that it had been last seen 17 Eeb after two sight- ings since fall. A Spotted Towhee was in Brown, IL 8 & 14 Dec (CD, TW), and an- other was in Union, IL 21 Jan (DDM, LLW, LWS). Numbers of lingering and wintering Chipping Sparrows con- tinue to increase in the Re- gion, exemplified by the 18 tallied at Fort Massac S.P, Massac, IL 30 Dec (KJM, DJA, RSR, VL). The Clay- colored Sparrow at Ogden Dunes, Porter in the fall was seen 2 QCK) & 27 Dec (ph. GAW, KW et al), providing Indiana’s third Dec record. A C.B.C. Vesper Sparrow in Alexander, IL was present a week later on 1 Jan (ph. KAM), and another vis- ited a feeder in Marion, IN through at least 2 Jan (SJ), providing rare Jan records. At Somerville Mine, Gib- son, a Grasshopper Sparrow was carefully studied 1 Jan (LWSg, KM), furnishing In- in recent winters, reports of American Pipits in the northern tier of Illinois and Indiana have been increasing. This one was located In Chicago 10 January 2013. Photograph by Steven J. Jenear. VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 273 ILLINOIS & INDIANA Among the season's Hoary Redpolls was this one at Chicago's Montrose Point 10 December 2012. One or two were present at this location 7-12 December. Photograph by Nicholas Sly. (diana’s third Jan and fourth winter records. Indiana’s first winter Nelson’s Sparrow was found at Goose Pond during the C.B.C. 19 Dec (RRi, JSc, CR). Only 2 Lincoln’s Spar- rows were reported, both from Illinois. Harris’ Sparrows were more numerous this season, with birds reported from five s. and two cen. Illinois locations plus two Indiana locations, the latter providing first records for Vigo (JB et al.) and DeKalb (ph. SS). Very rare in the Region during the winter, an In- digo Bunting stopped briefly at a feeder in Indianapolis 31 Dec (GLC). The ad. male Baltimore Oriole that attended a feeder in Sullivan in Nov remained through 5 Dec (JT), providing Indiana’s twelfth Dec record. It was an excellent season for winter finch- es. The maximum Purple Finch tally was 60 from Carroll, IL 19 Dec (KJM, JLM, m.ob.). Red Crossbills were present in decent num- bers, the peak count consisting of 70 at Sand Ridge S.F, Mason, IL 9 Dec (EWW). White- winged Crossbills were widespread, with flocks of 1-12 birds reported at 20 different locations in the Region, including a count of 10 at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne, IN 10 Dec (JAH) and 12 at Springfield, San- gamon, IL 2 Jan (CD). The largest invasion of Common Redpolls since 1993-1994 was highlighted by a flock of 120 at Chicago’s Botanical Garden 28 Dec (KAM, CJL, ChD, m.ob.) and 340 at Kankakee EWA., Starke, IN 13 Feb (BJG). The southernmost records involved birds close to the Ohio River in Indiana, including a single in Harrison, IN 7 Jan (PC) and 7 in Perry, IN 16-17 Feb (SK); one in St. Clair, IL 21 Feb (KAM) was also southerly. At least 6 Hoary Redpolls made appearances in the Region. The Hoary Redpoll from Nov at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe, Cook, IL continued into winter through 16 Jan (MC, ph. NAL, ph. NG, ph. JRRS, m.ob.), with a few observers speculating there were 2 there. At Montrose, a Hoary was located 7 Dec (ph. LGM) and I observed through 12 Dec (ph. MC, ph. JIE, m.ob.), with photographs 10 Dec (ph. NS) supporting several observers’ reports of 2. Also reported was a Hoary at Klehm Arbore- tum, Winnebago, IL 22 Dec (DTW, m.ob.). A male Hoary Redpoll accompanied a flock of 12 Commons at the Brock residence in Ches- terton, Porter, IN 31 Dec and 2 Jan (KJB). Another Hoary was at Dunes from 2-9 Jan (BB, m.ob.). Finally, one more was at Genoa, DeKalb, IL 24 Jan+ (ph. KML, DTW, m.ob.). Pine Siskins invaded in excellent numbers, with three counts of over 100 birds and re- ports from throughout the Region. At least 25 Evening Grosbeaks from six locations in Indiana, and 3 birds at three locations in Il- linois were reported. The maximum counts consisted of 9 at Beverly Shores, Porter, IN 9 Dec-14 Jan (BJG, JJM, m.ob.), 6 at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, Fayette, IN 25 Dec-i- (AW, m.ob.), and 6 in w. Brown. IN sporadi- cally throughout the season (lU, m.ob.). A southerly bird was found at Mount Vernon (on the Ohio River), Posey, IN 2 Dec (SSo). A female Evening Grosbeak delighted numer- ous birders during its stay at Rosehill Cem- etery in Chicago 27 Jan-t- (MD, m.ob.), while other single females were present 2 Dec at Sand Ridge S.F, Mason, IL (EWW) and at Crabtree Nature Center, Cook, IL 16-18 Feb (ABA, m.ob.). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face); Danny J. Akers, Andrew Aldrich, Alan B. Anderson, Ed Anderson, Sue Anderson, Steve & Marge Aper, Delano Z. Arvin, Amar A. Ayyash, Susan R. Bagby, Steven D. Bai- ley, Sandy Belth, Brian L. Blevins, Corey Blevins, Jenny Bodwell, H. David Bohlen, Gary Bowman, Ron Bradley, Yvonne Brandt, Mike Brattain, Kenneth J. Brock (Indiana), Maury H. Brucker, Alan W. Bruner, Brad Bumgardner, William H. Bus- kirk, John K. Cassady, Jenna Cava, Maria Cava (MCa), Gordon L. Chastain, Scott A. Cohrs, Patrick T. Connolly, Steve Coogan, Patricia Corn- well, Matthew Cvetas, Don- ald R. Dann, Charlie Deutsch (ChD), TimJ. Dever, Michelle Devlin, Colin Dobson, Jerry 1. Downs, Dan Duso, Ethan El- lis, Scott Ellis, Joshua 1. En- gel, E. Dean Einley, Matthew E. Fraker, Tyler D. Funk, Urs W. Geiser, Steve Gifford, Na- than Goldberg, Don Gorney Tim E. Griffith, Brendan J. Grube, Aaron Gyllenhaal, Eric D. Gyllenhaal, Ethan Gyllenhaal, Heath D. Hamilton, Andy Har- rell, C. Leroy Harrison, Ted Hartzler, Mad- elyn Harwood, James A. Haw, Eric & Mary Helfrich, James & Susan Hengeveld, Jed B. Hertz, Judy Hertz QHz), Dawn Hewitt (DHt), Diana Hews (DHs), Lynea S. Hinch- man, Erank R. Holmes, Dustin Holschuh, Edward M. Hopkins, Robert D. Hughes, Jim Hully, Scott Jackson, Steven J. Jenear, David B. Johnson, Matt Kalwasinski, Rob Kanter, Dan M. Kassebaum, Jason Kay, Amy Kearns, Noah Kearns, John C. Kendall, Vernon M. Kleen, Shirley Kurtzhals, Gregory S. Lam- beth, Nolan A. Lameka, Vicki Lang, Craig J. Litteken, John Longhenry Karen M. Lund, Walter J. Marcisz, Kathy McClain, Jeffrey J. McCoy Kelly J. McKay (Illinois), Keith A. McMullen, Leo Miller, Perry Miller (PMi), Cathleen D. Monson, Jason L. Monson, Fran Morel, David Mott, Pete A. Moxon, Don D. Mullison, Luis G. Munoz, Patrick Munson, Benjamin Murphy Landon Neumann, Chris Originally found at western Ogden Dunes, Indiana in October 2012, this Clay-colored Sparrow was re-found there 1 and 27 (here) December, providing Indiana's Lake Michigan lakefront a second winter record and first in 50 years. Photograph by Geoffrey A. Williamson. Indiana's third ever Green-tailed Towhee appeared at a feeder in Huntington County in autumn 2012, but the birding community was not aware of its presence until mid- (here 24) February 201 3, at which time many saw and photographed the bird. Photograph by Marty Jones. 274 NORTH AMERICAN BIROS ILLINOIS& INDIANA Newman, Joan I. Norek, Randy Nyboer, Linda Padera (LPa), Rebeccah Palmer, Brain- ard Palmer-Ball, Larry Peavler, John Pohl, Marjorie Pries, Rob Ripma (RRi), Chandler Roberts, Kirk Roth, Anthony Rothering, Rhonda S. Rothrock, David E. Russell, Jill Russell, Jeffrey R. Sanders, Beau J. Schaefer, John Schaust QSc), Peter E. Scott, Wesley S. Serafin, Leland Shaum, Robert E. Shelby, Sharon Sheron, Timothy Shrock, Andrew P. Sigler, Jeffrey R.R. Skrentny, Nicholas Sly, Jeff A. Smith, Sharon Sorenson (SSo), Evan Speck, Steven G. Spitzer, Leonard W. Stanley, Lee W. Sterrenburg (LWSg), Alan E Stokie, Anne Straight, Jim Sullivan, David L. Thomas, Michael Topp, Jamie Tyner, Iva Uridel, Gary VanMiddlesworth, Richard & Sue Vernier, Betty Wallace, Eric W Walters, Tony Ward, Dan Weber, Vern W Wilkins, Dan T. Williams, Larry L. Williams, Geoffrey A. Williamson, Amy Wilms, Dennis Work- man (DWk), Ken Wysocki, Enos Yoder. We also thank the many other individuals who submitted observations but who were not explicitly cited here; their contributions were critical to this reports preparation. 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.williamson@comcast.net) Western Great Lakes Adam M. Byrne All three states experienced a “normal” winter when compared to the past few years. Minnesota reported average tem- peratures in December and January and below average temperatures in February; precipita- tion totals were at or slightly above average, with several significant snowfall events. Wis- consin had an “old-fashioned cold winter,” with statewide temperatures below average and above-average precipitation. Winter slow- ly crept into Michigan, with a mild December that slowly transitioned into a winter that held on well into spring. December ushered in large numbers of win- ter finches; especially noteworthy were excep- tional numbers of Hoary Redpolls in all three states. Boreal and Great Gray Owls made an incursion into Minnesota in February, with a few of each species trickling into both Wis- consin and Michigan. Noteworthy were two Slaty-backed Gulls in Wisconsin, one of which crossed into Minnesota for its eighth record. WATERFOWL Ross’s Geese have become regular early win- ter visitors to Wisconsin, typically depart- ing by midwinter, but 10 in Kewaunee 16-17 Feb OS) defied that trend. Michigan had two Dec reports and 2 in Saginaw 21 Feb (DJP), while Minnesota had singles in Chippewa/Lac Qui Parle and Big Stone (DLP). A Wood Duck in St. Louis, MN 12 Feb (KJB) was an unusual winter sighting. A first-year male King Eider was photographed at Duluth, St. Louis, MN 9 Feb (BAF, SHF) and re-found 23-24 Feb (MLH, PHS, PEB, DWK, m.ob.). Wisconsin had single Harlequin Ducks in three counties, includ- ing an ad. male that also frequented Wabasha, MN 5 Jan-3 Feb (SW, MG, m.ob.) and again on 27 Feb (PEJ); Minnesota had another drake in Cook 12 Jan QCG). Single Harlequins were found in four Michigan counties. Minnesota had a female/imm. Surf Scoter in Cass 1 Dec (BAW), White-winged Scoters in five coun- ties, and single Black Scoters in Winona 14 Dec (MG) and St. Louis 9 Feb (FKB). Both Wiscon- sin and Michigan reported good numbers of scoters, with most being seen along their Lake Michigan shorelines. Noteworthy inland re- cords for Michigan were single Black Scoters in Hillsdale 13 Dec-17 Jan QR) and Cass 29 Dec (JTW). Long-tailed Ducks were again noted in large numbers along Michigan’s Lake Michigan shoreline, but numbers were less concentrat- ed in Wisconsin, at least compared to recent years. Minnesota reported a peak of 1 10 Long- taileds in Lake 24 Feb (DWK). A male Barrow’s Goldeneye returned to Duluth 25 Dec+ (KJB, m.ob.) for the fifth consecutive winter; Wis- consin had three different males during the pe- riod, and one in Midland 27-28 Dec (JZ, m.ob.) made Michigan’s first winter record in eight years. Reflecting both limited open water and localized food abundance, 1500+ Common Mergansers in Winnebago 25 Feb (DT) was a re- markable inland concentration for Wisconsin. PARTRIDGE THROUGH GULLS Wisconsin’s second Gray Partridge sighting in 2013 was of 21 in Kewaunee 24 Dec+ (PS). Also noteworthy were 130 Wild Turkeys in Nicollet, MN 4 Jan (BW). Red-throated Loons lingered along the Lake Michigan shoreline in both Wisconsin and Michigan. A Pacific Loon from fall stayed through 17 Dec on Portage Lake, Livingston/Washtenaw, MI (m.ob.), while Minnesota had one in St. Louis 2 Dec (PHS). Unusual inland were 4 Red-necked Grebes in two Wisconsin counties, including one that lingered into mid-Jan, as well as one in Kent, MI 20-28 Feb (SM, PV, m.ob.). Eared Grebes are infrequent winter visitors, so singles in Mil- waukee Fall- 14 Dec and another in Walworth 14 Dec (SF), both Wl, and another in Monroe, MI (LH) were noteworthy. Western Grebes were reported in above-average numbers in Michigan, with up to 7 individuals and 3 Aech- mophorus grebes reported from eight counties; Wisconsin had a Western Grebe on Lake Mich- igan in Racine 8 Dec (RF), while Minnesota had an unusual report from Lake 2-8 Dec and 4, 9, & 26 Jan (PHS, JWL, MJB). Michigan’s mild Dec encouraged an impres- sive 46 Turkey Vultures to linger in Washtenaw through 22 Dec QAC, DOB, m.ob.). Rare win- ter Ospreys were noted m Marquette 14 Dec (DC) and Marathon 21 Dec QH). both Wis- consin, while Michigan had an Osprey in Ber- rien 23 Feb (DCV). Golden Eagles were more widespread than usual in Minnesota; North reports came from Wilkin, Polk, and St. Lou- is, in addition to eight s. counties, including Anoka/Hennepin 22 Dec (RT) and a first coun- ty record in Pope 8 Jan (DJ). Golden Eagles were also found in above average numbers in Michigan, with reports coming from 1 1 Lower Peninsula counties. Virginia Rails again win- tered in Wisconsin, where birds frequented spring-fed wetlands at three sites in two coun- ties in Dec, and as many as four still present in Walworth 17 Feb (EH). Michigan had single Virginia Rails in three s. counties in Dec, but most surprising was a Common Gallinule in Kalamazoo 1 Jan QB), the state’s first winter record in 29 years! Large numbers of Sandhill Cranes again lingered into Dec in Michigan, with a peak of 5540 in Jackson 3 Dec (DRH, VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 275 WESTERN GREAT LAKES m.ob.). A record late migrant American Gold- en Plover was in Dakota, MN 7-8 Dec (CMB, BAF, SHF); Minnesota also had a late Killdeer linger through 1 5 Dec in Rice (TFB), as well as 3 that wintered in Olmsted. Michigan birders reported Killdeer from 10 counties, including a rare Upper Peninsula record in Alger 17 Dec (fide RBA) and an impressive 38 in Allegan 13 Dec (RB). Shorebird diversity was unusually high in Michigan, with a Greater Yellowlegs in St. Clair 15 Dec (MB, m.ob.), a Sanderling in Monroe 23 Dec (AMB), Purple Sandpip- ers in five counties, a Dunlin in Berrien 13 Dec (SWi), Wilsons Snipe in three counties, American Woodcocks that returned by 27 Feb in Macomb (ATC), and a Red Phalarope in Monroe 23 Dec (AMB, PCC). Wisconsin had two Purple Sandpiper reports from Lake Michigan, one in Sheboygan 10 Dec QHe) and 2 m Racine 12 Jan (EH), one of which lingered through 20 Jan. A Red Phalarope in Manito- woc, WI 6-7 Dec (CS) tied the states latest date and was only its second winter record. An ad. Black-legged Kittiwake at Two Har- bors, Lake, MN 3 Feb (CLW) was likely the same bird seen at Duluth on 28 Nov. Michi- gan had a kittiwake in Berrien 17 Dec (MKH), while one in Winnebago, WI 17-26 Feb (SMa) was later than normal. In Wisconsin, Bonapar- te’s Gulls are regular through mid-Dec and then reappear in late Feb, so one in Outagamie 6 Jan (AR) was rare and only the state’s third Jan record. Minnesota had 3 migrant Bonapar- te’s Gulls in Cass 1 Dec (BAW), while Michigan had large numbers linger into Jan, with a peak of 450 in Monroe 1 Jan (WW). The only Little Gulls were adults in Roscommon 15 Dec (TK) and Mason 26 Dec (DCD), both Michigan. California Gulls were photographed in Jeffer- son, WI 18-27 Dec (DG, ST) and Berrien, Ml 7 Jan (TB, MKH). Thayer’s Gulls overwintered in n. Minnesota in Lake/St. Louis, were last seen in the s. in Ramsey 19 Jan (RAF, CRM) and peaked at 9 at Duluth 1 Jan (PHS). Iceland Gulls were relatively scarce, with only first-cy- cle birds in Hennepin 19 Dec (CMB, TAT, KR) and Dakota 1-2 Jan (PEB, DWK, JLO, MJB), and an ad. and first-cycle present through mid-Feb in St. Louis (KJB, PHS). Also in Min- nesota, an apparent hybrid ad. Thayer’s Gull X Iceland Gull was studied in Dakota/Henne- pin 1-5 Jan (PEB, CA, TBr). Michigan birders reported Thayer’s and Iceland Gulls each in five counties, with numbers of Iceland Gulls starting to build in Feb. Minnesota had Lesser Black-backed Gulls in Hennepin/Dakota 1-19 Dec (CMB, m.ob.) and Ramsey 14 Jan (SBM), while Michigan had many reports, including a peak of 7 m Bay 15 Jan QMS, MW, DLJ). An ad. Slaty-backed Gull bounced between Duluth, MN and Douglas, WI 30 Dec-1 Jan (KJB, PHS, m.ob.), while another was found in Jefferson, WI 14-22 Dec (AS, CB). Great Black- backed Gull numbers were significantly high- er on the west side of Lake Michigan, with a high of 41 in Sheboygan, WI 1 Jan (BKK, MP); Minnesota had at least 7 Great Black-backeds in four counties. DOVES THROUGH WAXWINGS A Eurasian Collared-Dove lingered through 26 Dec in Branch, MI (EZ), while Minnesota’s Mahnomen had its first record of this invasive species on 23 Jan (JideJMJ). Snowy Owls were reported in good numbers, and all three states reported Northern Hawk and Great Gray owls. but numbers were higher in Minnesota, illus- trated by peak counts of 6 Northern Hawk Owls and 68 Great Gray Owls. Boreal Owls made an impressive movement into Minneso- ta, with reports coming from 10 counties and a high count of 7 in St. LouisILake 3 Feb (CLW). At least 7 Boreals were found in Wisconsin and another 2 in Michigan; sadly, all three states recovered emaciated, dead birds. Re- cord late was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Sheboygan, WI 27 Dec (I&TZ). Ad. male Rufous Hummingbirds were last reported in Michigan’s Kalamazoo 18 Dec QAS) and Oak- land 28 Dec (CL), while Wisconsin had Rufous Hummingbirds in La Crosse through 23 Dec and Columbia through 21 Dec, as well as un- identified Selasphorus in La Crosse through 23 Dec and Waukesha through 1 Jan. Noteworthy was an American Three-toed Woodpecker in Marquette, MI 14 Dec (KK), while Minnesota had 5 Three-toeds in Lake of the Woods 23 Dec-2 Jan (MHK) and a report from Itasca. Michigan had Gyrfalcons in Chippewa 27 Dec (PW, STh), Charlevoix 24 Jan (SMi), and Ma- comb 26 Jan-24 Feb (BMG, m.ob.). The only Eastern Phoebes were in Wayne 1 Dec (LU) and Eaton 5-16 Dec (RCF), both Michigan, Also noteworthy in Michigan was a continuing Fish Crow in Berrien. Minnesota reported a remarkable 19 Carolina Wrens from 18 counties, including first county records in Isanti 18 Dec OLH) and McLeod 26 Dec (RTF). Notable for the Upper Peninsula were Caro- lina Wrens in Marquette (JC) and Menominee 28 Jan (DL). The most unusual feeder bird has to be the Ruby-crowned Kinglet that made daily visits in Grand Traverse 5 Jan-i- (MJ); ad- ditional Ruby-crowneds were 2 in Berrien, MI 12 Dec (DS) and one in Winona, MN 2 Dec (MG). Michigan birders found at least 4 . Townsend’s Solitaires, including rare south- erly reports from Berrien and Ingham; both : Wisconsin and Minnesota reported average number of solitaires. All three states reported good numbers of Varied Thrush. Minnesota had Gray Catbirds in Kandiyohi 15 Dec QW) and 3 Jan (RSF) and Ramsey 13, 22-24 Dec (SB), and a Brown Thrasher in Carver 21 Dec QCC). Michigan had catbirds in three and thrashers in five counties. The only American Pipit reports came from six Michigan counties. ! Bohemian Waxwings were widespread and in good numbers; flocks of several hundred were reported from all states, with a high counts of 530+ in Iosco 16 Dec (RF) and 500 in Mason 1 Jan (DCD), both ML WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Seven warbler species were found in Michigan. Ovenbirds were in Wayne 5-14 Dec (KO, SAJ), ^ Washtenaw 15 Dec (SMi), and Berrien 4-7 Jan : Minnesota's eighth Slaty-backed Gull, and the fourth for St. Louis County, was found by Karl Bardon at the Superior Entry 30 December 2012 (here). It lingered at Canal Park, Duluth through 5 January 2013. Five of the eight Minnesota records are from the North Shore of Lake Superior, including the state's first in July 2006. Photograph byPederti. Svingen. 276 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS WESTERN GREAT LAKES This Boreal Owl was photographed along the North Shore of Lake Superior, St. Louis County, Minnesota on 3 February 2013. Northern Minnesota witnessed a major irruption of Boreal and Great Gray owls this winter, with above-average numbers of Snowy Owls and Northern Hawk Owls as well. Photograph byPederH. Svingen. (TES). Also noteworthy were a Cape May Warbler in Ingham 4-25 Dec QP). the states second winter record of Black-throat- ed Blue Warbler that visited a feeder in Ottawa 26 Dec-22 Jan OHo), and the states first winter Black-throated Green Warbler record in Berrien 12- 17 Dec (HO). Visiting feeders in Wisconsin were a Cape May Warbler in Eau Claire from fall through 4 Dec (CBu) and a Yel- low-throated Warbler in Dane 2 Dec OSW). Warbler diversity was nonexistent in Minnesota, with only a single Yellow- rumped Warbler in Dakota 17 Dec (DWK) and 3 in Fillmore 17 Feb QWH). Two different male Spotted Towhees were in Rice, MN on 29 Dec-6 Jan (DB, GH) and 13 Jan-r (AJL); Wisconsin hosted a Spotted To- whee in Chippewa 18 Jan-r (AB). Michigan had Chipping Sparrow sightings in six counties, a Vesper Sparrow in Tuscola 20 Dec OEV), and Savannah Sparrows in four counties. Minnesota had 3 Field Sparrows in Washington 9 Feb (SBM) and 2 Savannah Spar- rows in Kandiyohi 15 Dec (RAE, ADT). A sur- prising find was a Le Conte’s Sparrow feeding along a snowy road scrape in Dodge, W1 23 Dec (SD). A late Lincolns Sparrow was in St. Clair, Ml 15 Dec (TH). Minnesota harbored Harris’s Sparrows in eight counties, while Wisconsin had three Harris’s reports. An apparent young male Summer Tanager found a feeder in Ozaukee 5 Dec (EJB) and became the first to survive an entire Wiscon- sin winter. Minnesota had a female Summer Tanager in McLeod 1 Dec (KC). Michigan hosted a tanager in Kent 5-10 Dec (CGB) that had experts divided on its identity. Late were a Rose -breasted Grosbeak in Florence 2 Dec-1 Jan (RH) and an Indigo Bunting in Washington 12 Dec-21 Jan (TS), both WI, and a Yellow- headed Blackbird in Le Sueur, MN 16 Jan (DB, AN, DBe, JWH). Unusual for Minnesota were late winter Common Grackles as far north as Koochiching 5 Feb (AM) and Roseau 24 Feb (BS). Three different Baltimore Orioles vis- ited Wisconsin feeders through Dec, with one surviving through 11 Jan in Washington (WJ); a Baltimore from fall stayed in Oakland, MI through 21 Dec (BJK). Pine Grosbeaks were more numerous and widespread than in recent winters, particularly in Minnesota and Wiscon- sin. Birders in northern Minnesota reported Red Crossbills from 12 counties, up from only three last winter; southern reports came from Ramsey 3 Dec (REH) and 14 Dec (RMD) and 8 in Wright 9-23 Feb (DPG, m.ob.). Red Crossbill numbers lessened as the season progressed in Wisconsin, with a statewide distribution that offered only a few in the sw. third of the state. High counts came from n. areas, with a peak of 70 in Door 1 Dec (MWa). White-winged Crossbills made appearances throughout the Region, with a peak count of 166 coming from Florence, WI 18 Dec (RD). Common Redpolls were also evenly distributed in Michigan, with reports coming from every county. Minnesota had some large totals, topped by 872 on the Little Falls C.B.C. in Morrison 22 Dec, includ- ing a single flock of 520 (MJB). Most notable among the winter finches were the numbers of Hoary Redpolls. Michigan had reports from 27 counties, including an impressive 8 in the s. Lower Peninsula; Wisconsin reported the ir- ruption as “an unexpected amped-up repeat of last winter and an impressive flight.” Minne- sota had Hoary Redpolls in 35 counties, with single location high counts in St. Louis of 12 on 10 Jan and 9 on 23 Jan (KJB). After an encour- aging fall dispersal of Evening Grosbeaks well s. of normal, winter reports were mostly from the n. regions. Northeast Wisconsin may have experienced the largest influx, with hundreds at feeders and peaking with images of 250 in Florence 16 Dec (BKK). An impressive 51 Eve- ning Grosbeaks visited a feeder in Allegan, in Michigan’s s. Lower Peninsula, sometime in Dec, with some lingering into spring (TL). Contributors (subregional editors in bold- face): Caleb Ashling, Steve Bachman, Tim Baer- wald (TB), Karl J. Bardon, Dave Bartkey, Ed &Jan Beimborn (EJB), Dedrick Benz (DBe), Frank K. Berdan, Martin Blagdurn (MB), Carolyn & Greg Blake (CGB), Allan Blink- man (AB), Milt J. Blomberg (MJB), Tom F Boevers (TFB), Terence Brashear (TBr), John Brenneman, Cymthia Bridge (CB), Rick Brigham, Conny M. Brunell (CMB), Paul E. Budde, Carolyn Buvala (CBu), Adam M. Byrne (AMB), Jean Carpenter, Allen T. Chartier, Daryl Christensen, Philip C. Chu, Kyle Cross, Scott Diehl, David C. Dister, Robert Domagalski (RD), Robert M. Dunlap (RMD), Roger A. Eriksson (RE), Ronald A. Erpelding (RAE), Monica K. Essenmacher, Bruce A. Fall, Susan H. Fall (SHF), Rick Fare (RF), Roger & Tammy Field (RTF), Sean Fitzgerald (SF), Richard C. Fleming (RCF), Randy S. Frederickson (RSF), Mal- colm Gold, Jan C. Green, Dennis Gustafson (DG), Dan & Pam Guynn (DPG), Michael L. Hendrickson (MLH), Don & Robyn Henise (DRH), Jim Hess OHe). Tom Hince, John W Hockema (JWH), Joyce Hoeft QH), Ger- ald Hoekstra, Jerri Holleman (JHo), Randy Hollenbeck (RH), Robert E. Holtz (REH), Eric Howe, James L. Howitz OLH). Matthew K. Hysel (MKH), Doug L. Jackson (DLJ), Paul E. Jantscher, Scott A. Jennex, William Joers, Jean- ie M. Joppru, Mike Jorae, Dave Jungst (DJ), Bob & Kay Kavanagh (BKK), Martin H. Kehoe, Tom Kemp, Doug W Kieser, Bev & Jack Kirby (BJK), Katie Koch (KK), Claire Labuta, Aman- da & Jake Langeslag (AJL), Tom Lechleitner, Dale Leitzke, James W Lind, Stuart Malcolm (SMa), Craig R. Mandel, Brian McGee (BMG), Allan Meadows, Scott B. Meyer (SBM), Susan Miller (SMi), Steve Minard (SM), Andrew Ny- hus, Helen Obenchain, James L. Otto, Karl Overman, Jeff Pavlik, David J. Peters, Mark Peterson, Douglas L. Pierzina, Andrew Reimer, Jack Reinoehl, Karl Roe, Thomas Schaefer (TS), Joe Schaufenbuel, Paul Schilke (PS), Dick Schinkle, Beth Siverhus, JoAnne Smit QAS), Joseph M. Soehnel QMS), Charles Son- tag, Tom & Eileen Steele (TES), Aaron Stutz, Peder H. Svingen (PHS), Jack Swelstad (JS), Ron Taube, Daryl Tessen, Steve Theissen (ST), Samantha Thompson (STh), Andrew D. Thor- pe, Tom A. Tustison, Larry Urbanski, Jim E. VanAllen, David C. "Vinnedge, Phil Vreeman, Mike Wagner (MWa), Will Weber, Jeff Weit- zel (JW), Steve Weston (SW), Ben A. Wieland (BAW), Myles Willard (MW), Bob Williams (BW), Sean Williams (SWi), Chris L. Wood, John &r Sara Wright QSW), Patrick Wright, Jonathan T. Wuepper, Irmie & Terry Zerger (I&TZ), Jerry Ziarno, Fred Zilch. Adam M. Byrne, 11771 Rachel Lane, DeWitt, Michigan 48820 (byrnea@msu.edu) VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 277 Iowa & Missouri Francis L. Moore This winter season had near-normal tem- peratures along with near-normal pre- cipitation across the state of Iowa. There was a mix of dry periods and rain/snow events, so that a fair variety of birds was found through- out the state. Good numbers of waterfowl were observed through the winter period, with tem- peratures mild enough so that they were found statewide. Cold temperatures with subzero readings were recorded for short periods but not long enough to freeze most water bodies. Almost all species that linger in most winters were found throughout the period. There were several snow events during the period, with a blizzard taking place 19-20 December and re- ports of large hail on 28 January in the eastern part of the state. The weather was rather unremarkable in Missouri, neither too warm nor too cold, though not exactly a Goldilocks winter. Snow- fall totals were well below average until late in the season. The first three weeks of December were very mild, then the usual cold weather ar- rived, and there was a January thaw, but the month of February was colder that normal. The warm start kept some tenderfoot species farther north longer than usual. Dabbling ducks were more diverse and numerous than in most vrin- ters in many areas, but divers were much less numerous than normal along the Mississippi River. Gull diversity and numbers were low for the second straight winter. In Iowa, Snowy Owls were found in normal numbers after last winter’s major irruption, and good numbers of Northern Saw-whet Owls were also found. This was a weak winter for gallinaceous birds, although some species seem to be rebounding. Fair numbers of Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings were found, with a Smith’s Longspur thrown in for variety. Winter finches were found in strong numbers this winter: both crossbill species and both red- poll species were in much higher numbers than usual. Highlights of the season in Iowa were Iceland Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Gyrfal- con, and Hoary Redpoll. In Missouri, Red-headed Woodpecker num- bers seemed to have rebounded this year, with one Christmas Bird Count recording an all-time high after an all-time low on the same count the previous year. In stark contrast to last winter, however, no Snowy Owls were reported. As in Iowa, the big story was the significant winter finch invasion, featuring flocks of up to 60 Pine Siskins, both crossbills, and both redpolls, vrith this being the winter to produce the state’s first definitive record of Hoary Redpoll. Seasonal highlights included Red-throated and Pacific Loons as well as two Western Grebes, the first winter records for American Avocet and Black-bellied Plover, a White-winged Dove, a Selasphorus hummingbird in northwestern Missouri, a Say’s Phoebe in eastern Missouri, a Yellow-throated Warbler, a Lesser Goldfinch (for the second winter in a row), and an Eve- ning Grosbeak. Abbreviations: Pool 19 (Pool 19, Mississippi River, Lee, lA); Red Rock (Red Rock Reservoir, Marion, LA); Riverlands (Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, St. Charles, MO); Saylorville (Saylorville Reservoir, Polk, LA); Swan Lake (Swan Lake N.WR., Chariton, MO); Table Rock (Table Rock Lake, Taney, MO). WATERFOWL The highest numbers of Greater White-front- ed Geese were 1000 at Swan Lake 12 Feb (SK) and 20,000 at Rapp Park, Page, lA 9 Feb (KDy). The high count for Snow Goose was 500,000 at Fountain Grove C.A., Livingston/ Linn, MO 15 Feb (PM, BJ), 100,000 at Eagle Bluffs C.A., Boone, MO 25 Eeb (VB, T]a, fide EW), and 35,000 at Rapp Park, Page, lA 20-28 Eeb (KDy). Both states recorded small numbers of Ross’s Geese, with the high being 11 on the Maryville C.B.C., Nodaway, MO 15 Dec (DE) and 6 at Big Creek S.E, Polk, lA 10 Feb (AB). High numbers of Cackling Geese were seen in both states. Some 665 in Polk, lA 5 Dec (SJD) and 2726 on the Maryville C.B.C., Nodaway, MO 15 Dec (DE) made the top counts; 105 at Riverlands 22 Dec (CM, JM) was significant for e. Missouri. The high for Canada Goose was 10,000 at Maryville Sewage Lagoons, Nod- away, MO 1 Dec (DE) and 12,010 at Snyder’s Bend, Woodbury, LA 16 Feb (GLV). The only Mute Swans recorded were singles at Hawkeye W.M.A., Johnson, lA 29 Dec QLF) and LeClaire, Scott, LA 31 Dec CWMZ). A Trumpeter Swan survey along the Mississippi River in St. Louis area recorded a high of 510 on 25 Dec (PL); other representative Trumpeter counts at Riv- ; erlands were 348 on 23 Dec (CM, JM) and 300 on 5 Jan (BR). The highest numbers in Iowa were 124 on 28 Dec (TMH) and 96 on 12 Feb ^ (SJD), both at Beemer’s Pond, Hamilton. Tundra Swan made its usual appearance at Riverlands ( Migratory Bird Sanctuary, with a peak of 21 on i 23 Dec (CM, JM) and 16 on 17 Feb (BR). There ‘ were 1416 on the Clinton C.B.C., Clinton 19 Dec (KJM), the highest count in Iowa. There were numerous reports of Gadwall • in Iowa throughout the period; 343 Trum- , peter Marsh, Lee, LA 18 Dec (SJD) was the top count. American Black Duck numbers peaked i at 3 at Clarence Cannon N.WR., Pike, MO 28 I Dec (BR) and 8 at Saylorville 16 Dec (SJD). I A remarkable midwinter high count of 1560 Northern Shovelers was made at Winfield i Slough, Lincoln, MO 4 Jan (CM); the highest ! count in Iowa was 657 at Pool 19 on the Missis- I sippi River, Lee 18 Dec (SJD). Highest number '' I for Northern Pintail was 470 on the Mississippi River, Clinton, LA 19 Dec (KJM). Green- winged | Teal numbered 70 on the Mississippi River, ' i Clinton, LA 19 Dec (DJA). Early to mid-winter counts Green-winged Teal included 500 at the McBaine wetland cells, Boone, MO on 15 Dec (BR), another 500 at Riverlands 22 Dec (CM, JM), and a migratory pulse that brought 800 ■ |; to Ten Mile Pond C.A., Mississippi, MO 18 Feb i j (MH, MG). !| Diving ducks were recorded in robust num- bers throughout the Region. The highest count I; of Canvasbacks in Iowa was 4500 on the Mis- I sissippi River, Clinton, LA 19 Dec (DJA) and 9050 at on Pool 19 4 Jan (SJD), Ring-necked j Duck topped out at 3200 at Duck Creek C.A., ; Bollinger/Stoddard, MO 23 Feb (MH) and 1600 i at Trumpeter Marsh, Lee, LA 19 Dec (SJD). The ' highest number reported for Lesser Scaup was ’ 1500 on the Mississippi River, Jackson, lA 14 , Dec (KJM). Three Surf Scoters were found, all in Iowa with one juv. e. of Saylorville Reser- voir, Polk 1-8 Dec (SJD, JB) and one ad. male at Saylorville 7 Dec (SJD). A White-winged Scoter • j| was at Fellows Lake, Greene, MO 2 Jan (CB, ,!| GSw), an ad. male was at Riverlands 24 Feb I* (AS, CM, JM), later joined by a female or imm. j that remained through the end of the period. ; ' Twelve Long-tailed Ducks were found across "i Iowa, with a high of 3 at Hall Towing, Fort jj Madison, Lee, LA 4 Jan (SJD) and 2 at LeClaire, i Scott, lA 13 Feb OR- Duck Creek C.A., Bol- ^ linger/Stoddard, MO held 22 Buffleheads 22 Feb ; (MH). The ice-free Maryville C.B.C. Nodaway, | MO produced a nice high of 132 Common p Goldeneye 15 Dec (DE); highs in Iowa were 1065 on the Mississippi River, Clinton 19 Dec mi (DJA) and 924 at Red Rock Reservoir, Marion j 24 Dec (SJD). The 51 Hooded Mergansers at ji Saylorville Reservoir, Polk 3 Dec (DJA) made ij 278 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS IOWA & MISSOURI w This adult Thayer's Gull, a rare but regular late fall and winter visitor in Iowa, was photographed 18 December 2012 in Marion County. Photograph by Stephen]. Dinsmore. the high count for Iowa. About 575 Common Mergansers graced Swan Lake 12 Feb (SK), with 9000 found at Red Rock 23 Dec (AB) and 17,000 at Red Rock Reservoir 24 Dec (SJD). Small numbers of Red- breasted Mergansers were found in both states, with a high of 7 at Say- lorville 1-21 Dec (SJD) and 3 at Co- lumbia Bottom C.A., St. Louis, MO 28 Jan (CM). The highest counts of Ruddy Duck were 400 at Missis- sippi River, Lee, lA 17 Dec (KJM) and 2700 at Pool 19 18 Dec (SJD). GROUSE THROUGH RAPTORS Reports of Gray Partridge in Iowa included 7 at Meetz Wetland, Story 18 Dec (HZ). With a warm, dry year in 2012, it looks as though the pheasant popu- lation has started a recovery in Iowa. They were reported from nine counties, with a high of 60 at Owego Wetland Complex, Woodbury, LA 18 Jan (GLV, POR) and 118 at Anderson Lake, Hamilton, lA 24 Feb (SJD). A Red-throated Loon and 2 Pacific Loons were found at Table Rock (PM, BJ) on 23 Jan, making for a three- loon day. Both rare loons stayed for several days and were seen by many. The highest counts for Common Loon were 30 at Table Rock 1 Dec (GSw, GSa, JHa) and 34 at Stockton Lake, Ce- dar/Dade, MO 21 Dec (MR). Seven Pied-billed Grebes were at Rathbun Reservoir, Appanoose, lA 14 Dec (RLC). Single Horned Grebes were recorded in Iowa, and a high of 216 came from Table Rock 2 Feb (GSw, GOAS). Five Eared Grebes were at Rathbun Reservoir, Appanoose, LA 14 Dec (RLC), and one lingered until 22 Dec at Smithville Lake, Clay, MO (KM). A Western Grebe was at Red Rock 15-24 Dec (SJD). Single Western Grebes in Missouri were at at Table Rock Lake, Taney 26 Jan OH) and at Riverlands Migration Bird Sanctuary 16 Feb QM, JU). Double-crested Cormorants are generally not found in n. Missouri in winter, so 2 on the Maryville C.B.C., Nodaway, MO 15 Dec (DE) were noteworthy. Early migrants started in- cluded 2 at Lock & Dam 19, Mississippi River, Lee, lA 7 Jan QLF). American White Pelicans numbered 200 at Lock & Dam 19, Mississippi River, Lee, lA 7 Jan (JLF) and 200 at River- lands Migratory Bird Sanctuary 20 Jan (CM, JM). Northward migration included a high of 316 at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary DATE (CM, JM). A Brown Pelican continuing from the spring season was last seen 19 Dec at Binder Lake, Cole, MO (fide EW). A tardy Cattle Egret was in Dunklin, MO 13 Dec (TJ). Up to 6 Black-crowned Night-Herons were observed throughout the season in Dunklin in southernmost Missouri (TJ). Black Vul- ture numbers were somewhat lower than last year but still impressive at 628 on the Taney C.B.C., MO 30 Dec (CB). Farther n., 32 were counted at Bagnell Dam, Miller, MO 3 Dec (CBa). Turkey Vultures have become regular in the St. Louis/Jefferson, MO area in winter over the past decade or so, although they are gen- erally quite local (JE). Returning birds in Iowa started with 1 in Johnson, lA 10 Feb (CRE). In Iowa, high counts for Bald Eagle for both the interior and the Mississippi River were a little lower than last year, with 304 on the Mississip- pi River, Muscatine/Scott 26 Jan (KJM), 262 at Red Rock Reservoir, Marion 12 Jan (SJD), and 308 at Saylorville 14 Feb (SJD). In Missouri, Bald Eagle numbers were intriguing. A nice early season count of 121 was made at Swan Lake N.WR., Chariton 11 Dec (SK). Numbers below dams along the Mississippi in the St. Louis area were generally lower than normal, but an unusual concentration occurred along River Valley Drive, St. Louis, MO, with 300+ and 216 being tallied there 8 & 9 Feb (CM, JM, PL). lowans reported 78 Northern Harriers throughout the period and 14 were at Ten Mile Pond C.A., Mississippi, MO 18 Feb (MH, MG). Single Northern Goshawks in Iowa were near Blockton Taylor 27 Dec (KDy), at Guttenberg, Clayton 31 Dec (POR), and in Boone, lA 28 Jan (SJD). A count of 10 Red-shouldered Hawks at Perry County Community Lake, Perry, MO 15 Jan (MH) was high. Almost all reports of the species in Iowa were from known or potential breeding locations. A Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk was at Hooper WA.. Warren, lA 23 Dec QS). The Region had two reports each of Western Red-tailed Hawk and Harlans Hawk, and there were 37 reports totaling more than 144 Rough- legged Hawks during the season in Iowa, while just 7 were reported from Missouri. Nine Gold- en Eagles were reported during the period, 2 in Missouri and 7 in Iowa. Ten Merlins in Mis- souri was an impressive total, all singles and most in the St. Louis area. There were 28 re- ports of Merlin from 19 coun- ties in Iowa this year. Of those reporting subspecies, 9 were of the columbarius subspecies and 9 of tichardsonii. A Gyrfalcon was found at Saylorville 5 Dec (SJD). Four Peregrine Falcons were noted in Missouri in three different locations, and 10 were found in Iowa in the e. part of the state and throughout the winter period. Ten Prairie Fal- con made a strong count in w. Missouri; Iowa had 2, also in the w. part of the state. RAILS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS Unusually large numbers of American Coot lin- gered into the winter season, with 301 on the Maryville, MO C.B.C. Nodaway, MO 15 Dec (DE). Iowa had 3533 at Pool 19, Mississippi River, Lee 18 Dec (SJD). A flock of 24 Sandhill Cranes was observed at Squaw Creek N.WR., Holt, MO 6 Dec QD), with 15 at Green Island W.M. A., Jackson, lA 14 Dec (KJM). A first win- ter record for the Region, an American Avocet was at Winfield Slough Lincoln, MO 27 Dec-21 Jan (SS, CM, JU, DM, ph.). A first winter re- cord of Black-bellied Plover was came from the same location 22 Dec (ARe, ph.). At least 16 Lesser Yellowlegs were still in Dunklin, MO 16 Dec (TJ ph). Least Sandpiper was reported from three areas Missouri, with a high of 31 at Stockton Lake, Dade 13 Jan (GSw, GOAS). The highest numbers of late Dunlin in Iowa was 4 at Saylorville Reservoir, Polk 1-5 Dec (SJD). A lone Long-billed Dowitcher was at Trumpeter Marsh, Lee, lA 3 Dec OLE JWR). American Woodcocks were observed displaying remark- ably early on 4 Dec: 3 birds in Cape Girardeau, MO (MH) and 5 in Cole, MO (CBa). Overall gull numbers and diversity were down for the second year a row, especially in the St. Louis, MO area. Bonaparte’s Gull peaked on 4 Jan at Table Rock with highest number re- ported there of 105 (GSw, GOAS); the highest number in Iowa was 12 at Heron Bend, Lee 11 Dec OLF). Five Franklin’s Gulls were reported at the Mississippi locks m Iowa in Jan and early Feb. The high count of Ring-billed Gulls was 2000 at Swan Lake N.WR., Holt, MO 23 Feb (BR), with 3087 at Red Rock 24 Dec (SJD). Some 1400 Herring Gulls rested at Rathbun Reservoir, Appanoose, lA 29 Dec (RLC). Three first-cycle Thayer’s Gulls were in Missouri at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, St. Charles 8 Dec (CM, JM). In Iowa, 13 Thayer’s Gulls were reported, including 2 ads. at Saylorville Reser- VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 279 IOWA & MISSOURI Chipping Sparrow is a very rare winter visitor in Iowa, so this individual, which successfully overwintered (here 1 8 January 2013) in Boone County, was notable. Photograph by Larry G. Dau. voir, Polk 16 Dec (SJD). Three Iceland Gulls in Iowa were notable: a juv. at Davenport, Scott 26 Dec (TS), an ad. at Clinton 5-8 Feb QF), and a second-cycle bird at Lock &r Dam 14/15 Scott 9-24 Feb (JF). Seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported from low, a with the highest num- bers being 4 at Lock & Dam 14, Scott 28 Jan-8 Feb OF). Missouri had 2 at Riverlands on 9 Dec (CM, JM), a single on 22 Dec at Long Branch Lake, Macon, MO (CM, JM) and a first-cycle on 2 Feb at Long Branch Lake, Macon, MO (FC). In Missouri Glaucous Gull was reported only from Long Branch Lake, Macon, MO with singles 27 Dec (PK) and 1 Jan (FC). A total of 13 Glaucous Gulls were reported throughout Iowa during the period. In Iowa, single juv. Great Black- backed Gulls were at Lock & Dam 14, Missis- sippi River, Scott 6 Jan (TS) and at Davenport, Mississippi River, Scott 26 Jan QF). A Barn Owl was found on Christmas count at Squaw Creek N.WR., Holt, MO 18 Dec (PM, JK), and another was at Willow Slough Mills, lA 5-6 Jan (KDy, POR). Three Snowy Owls were noted in Iowa during the season. In Mis- souri, both Long-eared and Short-eared Owls were scarcer than usual, with few reports and low numbers. In Iowa, there were 13 reports totaling 33 Long-eared Owls including 8 in Poweshiek 17 Jan (DK); there were also 26 re- ports of Short-eared Owl, with a high of 14 at the Loess Flills front range Woodbury, lA 7 Dec (POR). Thirteen Northern Saw-whet Owls were noted in Iowa; one was banded at Drury Mincy C.A., Tandy, MO 21 Dec (AK, JG), and another was heard in St. Charles, MO 1 Jan (JU, MP ph.). A Selasphorus hummingbird visited a Buchanan, MO feeder 1-25 Dec (TS. JH ph.). Some 101 Red-headed Woodpeckers in Iowa in Clinton, lA 18 Dec (KJM) made a remarkable count. A Say’s Phoebe at a sewage pond in Elsberry Lincoln, MO 1 Jan got the year off to a great start (JU, MP); the bird was last reported 9 Jan (PL). SHRIKES THROUGH WAXWINGS Six Loggerhead Shrikes were in Iowa and a few in Missouri. There were 45 reports of Northern Shrikes in Iowa, over most of the state, while Missouri had 4. Two Black-billed Magpies were at Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth, lA 29 Dec (GLV). A probable returning Fish Crow was in Cape Girardeau, MO 25 Feb (MH). In Iowa, there were 22 reports of Red-breasted Nut- hatch from all areas of the state. In Missouri, they invaded the state in substantial numbers, with 20 at Jamesport Lake C.A., Daviess 4 Dec (SK) a high count. A Winter Wren near Skid- more Holt, MO 13 Feb (KG) was noteworthy. An annual survey for Sedge Wren at Pershing S.P., Linn, MO 21 Dec (MR) produced a to- tal of 6. A Mountain Bluebird was found on the Grand River C.B.C. Harrison, MO 15 Dec (MMc). A huge roost of an estimated 1.5 mil- lion American Robins was at Mark Youngdahl Urban C.A., Buchanan, MO 18 Feb (BG, LL). Single Bohemian Waxwings were noted in Wa- terman Twp., O’Brien, lA 3 Feb (LAS), at Lewis &c Clark S.P., Monona, lA 5 Feb (GLV), and at North River Road Clay, LA 17 Dec (LAS). LONGSPURS THROUGH FINCHES Highest numbers for Lapland Longspurs were 1800 in Madison, lA 23 Feb (SJD) and 320 at Columbia Bottom C.A., St. Louis, MO 1 Jan (BR). Smith’s Longspur was reported from both states with 55 at Pennsylvania Prairie, Dade, MO 21 Dec (MR) and 4 at Union Hills, Waterfowl Production Area, Cerro Gordo, lA 5 Dec (RGo). In Missouri, a Snow Bunting was at Riverlands on New Year’s Day (CM); the largest flocks in Iowa were of 1077 in Hamilton 24 Jan (SJD) and 1598 in Wright 24 Feb (SJD). An Or- ange-crowned Warbler was reported at Faust Park, St. Louis, MO 4 Dec (CM), with another at Burlington Des Moines, lA 14 Jan QWR). Most surprising was a first winter record for Yellow- throated Warbler at Puxico, Stoddard, MO 22 Dec (MM. BE). Three Spotted Towhees were in each state this season. Eastern Towhee was widely re- ported in s. Missouri, with a high of 1 1 on 24 Feb at General Watkins C.A., Scott, MO (MH). American Tree Sparrow was present in very high numbers; several observers remarked on their abundance throughout Missouri. Chip- ping Sparrow was represented by 1-2 through- out the season at backyard feeders in Cape Gi- rardeau, MO (MH); Iowa had one at Sandpiper Recreation Area, Polk 1 Dec (RLC). A Vesper Sparrow was a very unusual find at B. K. Leach C.A., Lincoln, MO 3 Jan (MTr), and a Lark Bun- ting was reported in Stoddard, MO 8 Jan (SD). Savannah Sparrow was represented in n. Mis- souri by a single on the Maryville C.B.C., Nod- away 15 Dec (DE) and 6 at Pershing S.P, Linn 15 Jan (SK). A Le Conte’s Sparrow was found at Maintz C.A., Cape Girardeau, MO 3 Jan (MH). There were 11 reports of Fox Sparrow in Iowa, with a high of 4 on 9 Jan at Jester Park, Polk, lA (DTh). In Missouri, they were widely reported as being more numerous than usual; 30 were in one area of the Grand River Bottoms at Swan Lake 1 Jan (TMc). Lincoln’s Sparrow was ob- served as scattered singles in sw. and se. Mis- souri and; Iowa had one in Buchanan 23 Dec (KJM). White-throated Sparrow was reported as being more abundant than usual in Missouri, but there were just six reports from Iowa. There were 24 reports of Harris’s Sparrows in Iowa, with a high of 28 in Mills 2 Feb (KDy), while they were well represented in Missouri, with a high count of 28 in a yard and at feeders in Da- viess throughout the season (TMc). There were 15 reports of White-crowned Sparrow from s. and e. Iowa; 7 were near Centerville, Appa- noose 23 Feb (RLC). But White-crowneds were reported as being less numerous than usual in the St. Louis area. An apparent Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow was seen at Columbia Bottom C.A., St. Louis, MO 1 Jan (BR). An Indigo Bunting attended a Springfield Greene, MO feeder 12 Jan (JH). A male Dick- cissel was found at Prairie S.P, Barton, MO 21 Dec (MR). An Eastern Meadowlark was heard singing in Ringgold, lA 19 Jan (SJD), and at least 2 Western Meadowlarks were singing at Owego Wetland Complex, Woodbury, lA 1 Jan (POR). One Eastern was heard among a flock of 64 Westerns at Weldon Spring C.A., St. Charles, MO 16 Feb (BR). A huge roost of blackbirds included an estimated 5 million Red-winged Blackbirds at Mark Youngdahl Urban C.A., Bu- chanan, MO 18 Feb (BG, LL). A Yellow-headed Blackbird was found at Diamond Lake WA., Dickson, lA 15 Dec (LAS). Great-tailed Grackle numbers seem to be dowir in the St. Louis, MO area: 8 patronized a reliable St. Louis feedlot 7 Jan 0U, MP), and 150 were in Springfield, Greene 2 Jan (CB). Rusty Blackbird was well reported in Missouri, with a high number of 200 at Weldon Spring C.A., St. Charles 22 Dec (BR) and 180 in Christian 15 Feb (GSw). Iowa had 350 Rusties at Pierce Creek, Page 8-9 Dec (KDy). Brewer’s Blackbird was reported in ex- pected numbers in sw. Missouri, with highs of 45 at Prairie S.P, Barton 21 Dec (MR) and 40 in Dade 23 Feb (GSa). A female on the se. side of Cedar Rapids along Cedar River, Linn 15 Dec (KJM) made the only record in Iowa. It was a very strong year for winter finches, in particular both redpolls and crossbills. There were 18 reports of Purple Finch in Iowa, with 280 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS IOWA & MISSOURI a high of 61 in Winneshiek 22 Jan (DK) and 91 in Allamakee 23 Jan (DK). Red Crossbill was widely encountered in Missouri, with the high- est count by far of 60 at Faust Park, St. Louis 8 Dec (MT). The southernmost were singles were in Cape Girardeau, MO 31 Jan and 16 Feb (MH), There was a recording of an apparent Type 5 Red Crossbill at Rocky Fork Lakes C.A., Boone, MO 2 Dec (RD, NM). In Iowa, there were 7-20 at Fairmont Cemetery, Scott on 12 Dec-23 Feb Oh WMZ, DTh, JWR, WWH) and 21 at Big Creek S.R, Polk 17 Feb (SJD). In Iowa, mostly in n. and w. parts of the state, there were 21 reports of White-winged Crossbill of perhaps 96 total in- dividuals, and the first arrivals were 2 at Eagle Grove, Wright 2 Dec (SJD); the largest flock was 16 in Story 11 Dec (SJD). Missouri had three re- ports of White-winged Crossbill, a flock of up to 7 at Mount Mora Cemetery, Buchanan 30 Dec-5 Feb QP), plus 2 single males elsewhere. Eight reports of Common Redpoll in Mis- souri included highs of 6 on the Swan Lake C.B.C. 1 Jan (TMc) and another 6 at Whet- stone Creek C.A., Calloway 10 Feb QU. MP)- Iowa had 56 reports submitted totaling 1168 individuals; high numbers were 82 at Big Creek S.P., Polk 1 Dec (SJD), 82 at Ames, Story 15 Dec (SJD), 105 at Red Rock 26 Jan (AB), and 200 at Owego Wetland Complex, Woodbury 26 Feb (GLV). Missouri’s first Hoary Redpoll visited a backyard feeder in Boone 22 Dec (ph. BM, AR). In Iowa, single Hoaries were seen n. of Deco- rah, Winneshiek 4 Jan (BC), and at Curt Nel- son farm. Mason City Cerro Gordo, lA 16 Feb (CJF PH, RGo), and 2 were at Red Rock 26 Jan (AB). There were 20 reports of Pine Siskin in Iowa, with high counts of 94 in Ames 1 Dec-28 Feb (SJD), 100 n. of Iowa City 1 Dec-17 Jan QLF), and up to 160 in a backyard in Mason City, Cerro Gordo 23 Dec-20 Jan (PH, CJF). In Missouri, Pine Siskin was reported widely and in good numbers. The largest groups were on the Northwest Missouri State University cam- pus, Nodaway, with 55 on 3 Dec (DE); the same count came from feeders in Cape Girardeau, MO 2 Feb (MH). A Lesser Goldfinch was re- corded for the second consecutive winter in sw. Missouri. This year’s bird visited a feeder in Nixa, Christian 28 Dec-26 Jan (MD, GSw, GSa, m.ob.). Evening Grosbeak was repre- sented in Missouri by a single female visiting a feeder in Clark 10-24 Feb QF, PM, BJ); another was in Iowa at Fairmount Cemetery, Scott 14 Dec (WMZ). Records of Eurasian Tree Sparrow came from Scott, LA: 35 at Wapsipinicon River access 31 Dec (WMZ) and 25 at Credit Island Park 2 Feb (WMZ). Contributors: IOWA: Danny J. Akers (DJA), John Bissell QB), Aaron Brees (AB), Brandon Coswell (BC), Raymond L. Cummins (RLC), Stephen J. Dinsmore (SJD), Keith Dyche (KDy), Chris R. Edwards (CRE), Carolyn J. Fischer (CJF), Jim Forde (JF), James L. Fuller QLF), Rita Goranson (RGo), Tyler M. Harms (TMH), Paul Hertzel (PH), Darwin Koenig (DK), Corey J. Lange (CJL), Kelly J. McKay (KJM), Francis L. Moore (FLM), Curt R. Nel- son (CRN), Paul O. Roisen (POR), John W Rutenbeck QWR), Lee A. Schoenewe (LAS), Jim Sinclair QS), Tommy Stone (TS), Dennis Thompson (DTh), Gerald L. Von Ehwegen (GLV), Walt Wagner-Hecht (WWH), Hank Zaletel (HZ), Walter M. Zuurdeeg (WMZ). MISSOURI: Chris Barrigar (CBa), Vic Bogosian (VB), Charley Burwick (CB), Frankie Cucu- lich (FC), Jacob Decker QD), Steve Dilks (SD), Ryan Douglass (RD), Matt Duzan (MD), Jo- seph Eades OF), David Easterla (DE), Bill Ed- dleman (BE), Joyce Eowler (JE), Greater Ozark Audubon Society (GOAS), Brent Galliart (BG), Kirby Goslee (KG), Janice Green QG), Mark Goodman (MG), Mark Haas (MH), Jill Hayes (JHa), Jack Hilsabeck QH), Brad Jacobs (BJ), Tim James (TJa), Tim Jones (TJ), Steve Kinder (SK), John King QK). Andrew Kinslow (AK), Peter Kondrashov (PK), Larry Lade (LL), Pat Lueders (PL), Matt Malin (MM), Charlene Malone (CM), Jim Malone QM), Nicholas March (NM), David Marjamaa (DM), Kristi Mayo (KM), Terry McNeely (TMc), Bill Mees (BM), Paul McKenzie (PM), Mark McNeely (MMc), Mark Paradise (MP), Jake Phillips QP), Andy Reago (ARe), Mark Robbins (MR), Alice Robinson (AR), Bill Rowe (BR), Greg Samuel (GSa), Toni Sawyer (TS), Scott Schuette (SS), A1 Smith (AS), Greg Swick (GSw), Mike Thelen (MT), Mike Treffert (MTr), Josh Uffman QU), Edge Wade (EW). O Francis L. Moore, 336 Fairfield Street, Waterloo, Iowa 50703, (flmoore@forbin.net) Tennessee & Kentucky | KENTUCKY Sauertteber Unit, Boone CIrffs Slate Nature Preserve >■ . . m-‘ ( Markland r Dam Falls of the Ohio ■. ' _ C. (’^Louisville •Frar ■ Danielf'^pgdpivgfQQiy'^ Bernheim Forest fipo/jg > ' Geological Area SmithlandDam^ Ballard -'A\ Long Point Unit, s c- ReeHootNWR-J Pans*] Landing $P Tennessee NWf f Big Sandy Unit Mammoth fj-u i Cave NP / 1 ■ Barren Fotesty ' m River L .y ■press Creeks NWR y^Bia South ForkNRA ^mShett^ Bottoms Radnor Lake State Natural Area yMeeman-Shelby Forest SP 4^ ffShelbv Farms Ensley Bottoms Sharp's Ridgei tf. Natural Area . Steam Plant Tennessee NWR HiwasseeWRm Duck River Unit Soddy Min. IL NIckalackLakem Pickwick Landing SP Craven's House „ , Brainerd Levee Chris Sloan Scott Somershoe Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. C onditions during winter 2012-2013 were variable. In Kentucky, December temperature averaged warmer than normal statewide but slightly below normal during January and slightly above normal during February. In Tennessee, December and January were warmer than normal, while east Tennessee was cooler than nor- mal during February. Precipitation across Kentucky was well above normal during December. During January, precipitation was above normal statewide, with Paducah receiving a record amount for the month (20.4 cm) with half that fall- ing 12-13 January. February became drier than normal, with most major stations recording about one-half of normal precipitation. There were no prolonged periods of cold weather or snow cover. Across Tennessee, rainfall was normal statewide except for a wetter-than- normal January. The mild winter weather was Mtn. ^Cumberland Gap NHP S. Holslon Lake Rankin Bottoms \ ■ -yi/Roan Mtn. SP J >-c ■' Shady Valley TENNESSEE widely noted; however, it did not translate into a greater numbers of temperate migrants during the winter period than usual, nor were many late departures noted. Highlights included Red-throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Little Gull, Glaucous Gull, several continuing Rufous Hummingbirds, Say’s Phoebe, at least three Northern Shrikes, two Brown-headed Nuthatches, Spotted To- whee, and Nelson’s Sparrow in Kentucky. Ten- nessee highlights included Harlequin Duck, three Pacific Loons, Western Grebe, Ferrugi- nous Hawk, Glaucous Gull, two Long-eared Owls, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Spotted Towhee, and Pink-sided Junco; and Evening Grosbeak and Rose-breasted Gros- beak visited a feeder during the same week, hollowing the appearance of several irruptive boreal species during late November, a num- ber of reports of both crossbills, Evening Gros- VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 281 I TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY This male Eurasian Wigeon was present at the Busseltown Unit of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur County 12-18 (here 17) January 2013 and furnished the twentieth record for Tennessee. Photograph by Mike Todd. beak, and Common Redpoll continued. Abbreviations: Ballard WM.A. (Ballard, KY), Barren River Lake (Allen/Barren, KY); Meldahl Dam (on the Ohio River, Bracken, KY), Sauer- heber (Sauerheber Unit Sloughs W.M.A., Hen- derson, KY). WATERFOWL THROUGH GREBES The peak count of Greater White-fronted Geese during the season was 8700 at Bal- lard WM.A. 3 Jan (RCo). Snow Geese were not particularly abundant this winter, with a peak count of 31,000 at Ballard WM.A. 3 Jan (RCo). Sixteen Ross’s Geese at the Long Point Unit Reelfoot N.W.R., Fulton, KY 17 Feb (ph. JPk, TM) was a noteworthy count for Ken- tucky. Reports of Cackling Geese of interest included 9 on Camp Ernst Lake, Boone, KY 29 Dec (LMcN); 10 at Spindletop Farm, Fayette, KY 7 Jan (ph. JSo); 5 on Lake Cumberland, Wayne, KY 5 Jan (ph. RD); 8 s. of Scottsville, Allen, KY 17 Jan QBy, MBy); 3 at Flemings- burg, Fleming, KY 26 Jan (BP, EHu); one at Steele Creek Park, Sullivan, TN 8-18 Feb (LMcD, DHt); and 4 at Hiwassee Recreation Area, Rhea, TN 15 Feb (RHk). Peak counts reported for the wintering flock of Tundra Swans at Sloughs WM.A., w. Hen- derson, KY were 1 15 in the vicinity 7 Jan (TY) and 118 along Horseshoe Rd., w. Henderson 24 Feb (BP, EHu, SG, TG); also reported were 2 imms. at Clarks River N.WR., Marshall, KY 22 Dec (ph. HC) and 4 at Goose Lake, Peabody WM.A., Muhlenberg, KY 19 Jan-18 Feb (ph. BY, EWs et ah). The only reports from Tennes- see were of single birds at Hiwassee Refuge, Meigs 17 Dec (CM) and at Britton Ford, Big Sandy Unit, Tennessee N.WR., Henry 15-19 Feb (SE). A male Eurasian Wigeon was at the Busseltown Unit, Tennessee N.WR., Decatur, TN 12-18 Jan (RS, MT). A Blue-winged Teal, always a rarity m the Region during winter, was reported in Washington, TN 3 Jan (RK). Redheads were more widespread and abundant across Tennessee than usual: 24 on Middlebrook Lake, Sullivan 2 Jan (m.ob.); 112 on Amnicola Marsh, Hamilton 3 Feb (DHo); 74 in Blount 5 Feb (m.ob.); 82 at Eagle Bend 282 Fish Hatchery, Anderson 21 Feb (m.ob.); and 147 on Wilbur Lake, Carter, TN 1 Mar (m.ob.) represented signihcant local tallies; 281 Redheads at the Minor Clark Fish Hatch- ery, Rowan, KY 24 Feb (BW) was also notable. At least 300 Greater Scaup at Pace Point, Ten- nessee N.WR., Henry, TN 20 Jan (MT) was a noteworthy high count. A Tennessee hfth state record, a female Harlequin Duck was found on South Holston River, Sullivan 31 Jan-i- (B&JP, m.ob.). There were four reports of Surf Scoter: one on Boone Lake, Sullivan, TN 5 Dec (RK); one on the Ohio River above Uniontown Dam, Union, KY 11 Dec (ph. CC); and an imm. male above Meldahl Dam 27-29 Jan (GWu et ah), with 2 at the same locale 23 Feb (BS, CBC). Two female/imm. Black Scoters were reported on Barren River Lake 25 Dec (tJBr, JMa). There were six reports of White-winged Scoter: a fe- male/imm. on the Ohio River at Louisville 16 Dec (CBe, ph. TBe et ah); one on J. Sevier Lake, Hawkins, TN 4 Feb (SHu); a male on Cave Run Lake, Bath, KY 5 Feb (ph. JPk); a female/imm. above Meldahl Dam 9 Feb (JF, LH); a female on the Ohio River at Louisville 16 Feb-i- (MAu, ph. EHu et al); and an imm. male on Cave Run Lake, Rowan, KY 23 Feb QSo, MSt, ph. BP). Long-tailed Ducks were found at hve locales: 2 males on Kentucky Lake above the dam 30 Dec (BY, ph. MYa), with one lingering in the vicinity into late Feb (m.ob.); 2 on the Smith Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Lyon, KY 7 Jan (GBu); an imm. male on the Ohio River at Louisville 19-20 Jan (KB, DS, KRet ah); a fe- male above Meldahl Dam 25-29 Jan (BW, BHu et al); and one on Lake Breckenridge, Cumber- land, TN 17 Feb-t (TEL). One to 3 Common Mergansers were report- ed at mostly traditional locales during the sea- son (m.ob.); a peak count of 10 was tallied on Honker Lake/Honker Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon, KY 26 Jan (JPt). Eebruary saw a small influx of Common Mergansers into e. Tennessee, where the species is rare, including a male on Wilbur Lake, Carter 8 Feb (B&JP); 5 males and a fe- male on John Sevier Lake, Hawkins 9-19 Feb (SHu); and a male in Hamilton 15 Feb (KC). A tally of at least 650 Ruddy Ducks on Lake Bar- kley above the dam, Lyon, KY 4 Jan (BP, EHu) represented a new state high count. Red-throated Loons were found at four lo- cales during the season: one on South Holston Lake, Sullivan, TN 27-28 Dec (DWi, m.ob.); one at the Big Sandy Unit, Tennessee N.WR., Henry, TN 11 Jan (RS); one to 2 on Chickam- auga Lake, Hamilton 28 Jan-2 Feb (KC, DHo); and one on Freeman Lake, Hardin, KY 8 Feb (RHe, ph. BP, EHu, HC). Four Pacihc Loons were reported, all from Tennessee: one at Percy Priest Lake, Davidson 2 Dec (SS); one at Bruton Branch, Pickwick Lake, Hardin 2 Jan (WR RS); one at the Big Sandy Unit, Tennessee N.WR., Henry 22 Jan (RS); and one on Chickamauga Lake, Hamilton 20 Feb (SS). Although still rare. Western Grebes are occurring (or detected?) with increasing fre- quency; this season, singles were found on Percy Priest Lake, Davidson, TN 1-3 Dec (FF, tSS, m.ob.) and on Chickamauga Lake, Ham- ilton, TN 28 Jan-19 Feb (KC, m.ob.). There were four reports of Red-necked Grebe: one at Pace Point, Big Sandy Unit, Tennessee N.WR., Henry, TN 8 Dec (MT); one on Green River Lake, Taylor, KY 29 Dec (tJSo); one on South Holston Lake, Sullivan, TN 2 Jan (MSI); and one on Chickamauga Lake, Hamilton, TN 10- 17 Feb (KC et al.). The usual winter flock of Eared Grebes on South Holston Lake, Sullivan, TN was mostly absent, with only one present 5 Dec-2 Jan (RK, m.ob.); another was on Chick- mauga Lake, Hamilton, TN 20 Feb (SS). PELICANS THROUGH TERNS American White Pelicans generally move far- ther s. during midwinter, so reports of 1000+ over the Little River embayment of Lake Bar- kley, Trigg, KY 19 Jan (WG) and 1000 over Land Between the Lakes N.R.A., Lyon, KY 21 Jan QPt) were unusual. An American Bittern at Walter S. Davis Marsh, Davidson, TN 4 Dec (FF) provided one of few winter records in the state. Great Egrets are quite rare in Kentucky during winter, so two reports were of inter- est: one at the Falls of the Ohio that contin- ued from the fall season through 16 Dec (TBe, CBe et al.) and one near the Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg 30 Dec (SG, TG, tBP). Great Egrets have been encountered more frequently during winter in Tennessee in recent years; four reports were highlighted by a high count of 22 on the Chattanooga, Hamilton, C.B.C. 15 Dec (m.ob.), while one was reported from Cocke and 2 were from Obion. Two Green Her- ons made an excellent find on the Elizabeth- ton C.B.C., Carter, TN 15 Dec QMc, m.ob.). Two White Ibis, rare at any time of year but in this case a first winter record for the Re- gion, were found on the Elizabethton C.B.C., Carter, TN 15 Dec (GW, B&JP). Rough-legged Hawks were generally quite scarce this winter, with reports from only four Kentucky locales: up to 5 continued sw. of Owensboro, Daviess into mid-Dec OHw, MBn et ah); one at the Louisville landfill 31 Dec-2 Jan (RA); one at Peabody WM.A., Muhlen- berg 23 Jan (ph. MYa, ph. EHu, BP) and 15 Eeb OPk, TM); and an injured bird from near Boston, Nelson admitted for rehabilitation 11 Feb (EWr). Only one Rough-legged Hawk, an imm. female, was found in Tennessee and lin- gered in Carroll 1 Dec+(MT). Tennessee’s sec- NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY ond Ferruginous Hawk continued at Bogota WM.A., Dyer through at least 5 Jan (TW). Reports of Golden Eagles continue to in- crease, in large part due to research efforts designed to attract them to bait sites (primar- ily across the cen. and e. parts of the Region). This winter, Golden Eagles were documented on trail cameras in five Tennessee counties {Anderson, Claiborne, Cumberland, Franklin, and Unicoi, with multiple birds at some sites) and in three Kentucky counties (Bath, Lyon, and Pike). A third-cyle bird was captured and banded at the Anderson, TN site 5 Feb (SS) and subsequently tracked across much of e. Ten- nessee. In addition to trail camera reports, field observers reported Golden Eagles at four Ken- tucky locales in Allen, Ballard, Rowan, and Mer- cerfWoodJord (Kentucky River corridor) and 5 additional birds in four Tennessee counties. In addition, 3 were present at Bernheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson, KY (11 Jan [KV]), with possibly as many as 10 different individuals encoun- tered in the area during the season (KV). There were three reports of Virginia Rail: 2 found during the Chattanooga C.B.C., Hamil- ton, TN 15 Dec (m.ob.); 3 heard in e. Muhlen- berg, KY 30 Dec (BP, CBs); and one at King- sport, Sullivan, TN 15 Feb (RP). Tennessee’s second winter record of Common Gallinule was a rare winter find among American Coots at Phipps Bend, Hawkins, TN 13-22 Dec (RL). Again this year, the lack of cold weather during early winter resulted in a continu- ous trickle of southbound flocks of Sandhill Cranes into mid-Jan; by late Jan, however, large numbers were already moving north- ward, and numbers were dwindling by late Feb. Local peak counts of interest included 7670 at Barren River Lake 3 Jan (WT, JTy) and 7400+ w. of Cecilia, Hardin, KY 31 Jan (EHa), with 8600 there 3 Feb (EHa). Sandhill Cranes consumed much of the corn at the Hiwassee Refuge, Meigs TN early in the season, and a peak of only 5718 was counted on the Hiwas- see C.B.C. 1 Jan (m.ob.). Three Greater Yellowlegs were reported in Tennessee: one at Kyker Bottoms, Blount 1 Dec (RHf, m.ob.); one on the Knoxville C.B.C., Knox 5 Jan (CW); and one at Cross Plains, Robertson 26 Feb (TL). A Lesser Yellowlegs at Sauerheber 23-24 Feb QMe, EHu, BP) was the earliest to be reported in Kentucky. Least Sandpipers wintered on the Blood River and Jonathan Creek embayments of Kentucky Lake, Calloway and Marshall, KY, respectively (HC et al); also reported were 4 just e. of Bal- lard WM.A. 18 Dec (BP, EHu, JSo); 3 along J. C. Jones Rd., Hart, KY 18 Feb QSo); 13 at Sau- erheber 23 Feb QMe); and 42 on the Hiwassee C.B.C. , Meigs TN 1 Jan (m.ob.). Ten Pectoral Sandpipers at Sauerheber 24 Feb (BP, EHu) were the earliest to be reported. Five Dunlins at Sauerheber 24 Feb (EHu, BP) were likely early migrants, as none had been reported there during the winter. Eight were found at semi-regular wintering site at Upper Douglas Lake, Cocke, TN 2/8 Dec (MSI, RK), while 26 were found on the Hiwassee C.B.C., Meigs TN 1 Jan (m.ob.). An impressive 21 Ameri- can Woodcocks were observed at and adjacent to West Kentucky WM.A., McCracken, KY 18 Dec (BP, EHu, JSo). Peak counts of Bonaparte’s Gulls of inter- est included “more than half of 6000 or more gulls” at Barren River Lake 25 Dec QEy, TBr) and at least 3000 at the roost on Kentucky Lake, Marshall, KY 9 Feb (BP, EHu). A first-cy- cle Little Gull was on the Blood River embay- ment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway, KY 5 Dec (THC). The only Laughing Gull reported was at Reelfoot Lake, Lake, TN 15 Dec (MT). Two Franklin’s Gulls at Middlepoint Landfill, Ruth- erford, TN 11 Dec (SS, DE) represent a state winter high count. There were at least two re- ports of Thayer’s Gull in Kentucky: a first-cycle bird below Kentucky Dam 4 Jan (BP, EHu) and above Kentucky Dam 18 Jan (BP, ph. EHu); and an ad. at Barkley Dam 28 Jan (ph. RD) and 12 Feb (tBL). Several Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present on Lake Barkley and Ken- tucky Lake, KY (m.ob.), with a new state high count of probably 9 individuals encountered at various locales on Lake Barkley, Lyon/Ken- tucky Lake, Marshall 9 Feb (BP, EHu). Also re- ported were one at Middlepoint Landfill, Ruth- erford, TN 9 Dec (TW) and an ad. at Meldahl Dam 25-27 Jan (BHu, tBW, DWu, GWu). An ad. Glaucous Gull was present at the gull roost on Kentucky Lake, Marshall, KY 16/18 Jan (tBP, EHu); one was also found at Pickwick Dam, Hardin, TN 3 Jan (WP, RS). As has become the norm, Forster’s Terns lingered into winter on Kentucky Lake, Callo- way/Marshall, KY, with 51 still on the Jonathan Creek embayment, Marshall 15 Dec (HC); on the Blood River embayment, Calloway, 24 were still present 18 Dec (HC), with 32 there 30 Jan (HC) and 23 there 28 Feb (HC). Also reported were a few in the vicinity of Kentucky Dam: 3 there 12 Dec (HC) and 6 there 1 Feb (HC). One at South Holston Lake, Sullivan 11 Jan QMc) furnished the second winter record for ne. Tennessee. DOVES THROUGH FINCHES Two White-winged Doves remained in Shel- by, TN 14 Dec+ (BT fide DP). Up to 2 Bam Owls were reported from six Kentucky locales during the season in Logan (FL), Henderson (tKM), Allen (fide ]By, TBr), Hart QSo), Fayette (LS), and Nelson (TH); nesting was confirmed in Marshall, TN 2 Feb (DM). It was a good Brown-headed Nuthatch nests in southern Tennessee, but it remains a very rare visitor to Kentucky. This was one of two found in Marshall County 18 January 2013 that lingered into spring, suggesting that a nesting pair maybe present. Photograph by Eddie Huber. Indigo Buntings are very occasionally found in the Tennessee and Kentucky region in winter. This bird was photographed at Owens- boro, Kentucky 1 2 December 201 2. Photograph by Judy Adams. This Wood Thrush photographed 16 February 2013 at Johnson City furnished Tennessee's third winter record of this relatively common breeder. Photograph by Jim and Darla Anderson. season for Long-eared Owls in Kentucky, with four reports: one at Peabody WM.A., Muhlen- berg 4 Dec (ph. JSo); one n. of Red Hill, w. Allen 29 Dec-26 Jan (tTBr, AB. JBr, JHv); 2 w. of Central City, Muhlenberg 18 Feb (BP, ph. EHu, ph. MYa); and 3 e. of Morganfield, Union 24 Feb (BP, ph. EHu). Rarely found in Ten- nessee, single Long-eared Owls were reported at Chester Frost Park, Hamilton 15 Dec (DJ, JHe) and at Johnson City, Sullivan 17 Jan (SS). Short-eared Owls were found at six Kentucky locales as follows: 5 were first observed at Pea- body WM.A., Muhlenberg 12 Dec (P&SF) with a high of 13 there 22 Feb (P&SF et al.); up to about 12 at Peabody WM.A., Ohio during the season (AF); up to 5 in e. Grayson during the season (SK, JK, JSo et al); up to 6 in e. Shelby during the season (HB, PS et al); and an im- VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 283 TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY pressive concentration of at least 45 roosting e. of Morganfield, Union 24 Feb (BP, ph. EHu). In Tennessee, up to 3 were at Joachim Bible Ref- uge, Greene 4 Dec-6 Feb (DWi, m.ob.); 3 were found on the Reelfoot C.B.C., Lake 15 Dec (MT, BFo); and one was at Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains N.P., Blount 29 Dec (SFlo). Northern Saw-whet Owls were found on two occasions m Kentucky: 2 at Central Kentucky WM.A., Madison 6 Dec (ph. JPk, TM) and one that responded to an audiolure at Pennyrile Forest S.P., Christian 11 Jan (BP, EHu). Three Common Nighthawks lingered from the fall season through 2 Dec on the University of Tennessee campus, Knox, TN (CW). An unprecedented 8 Rufous Hummingbirds lingered into winter in Kentucky, with 5 re- maining through the period as follows: birds captured/banded during the fall season and previously reported from Barren (L&RY), Hart (MSg), and Pulaski (RD) remained into Mar; a previously reported bird in Wayne was last seen 24 Feb (BHa); an imm. female that had been present at South Williamson, Pike since late Oct was banded 2 Dec (JCr, LE, ba. BP) and lingered into Mar; an ad. male that had been present at Frankfort, Franklin all fall was banded 21 Dec (ER, ba. BP) and lingered through the last week of Jan (ER); and an imm. male that had been present at Fort Thomas, Campbell all fall/winter was banded 12 Feb (A&DL, J&MG, b. BP) and lingered into Mar. Also reported was a female Rufous/Allens Hummingbird at Lexington, KY late Oct-31 Jan (ph. GF). Tennessee hosted a returning Al- len’s Hummingbird in Hamblen 1 Dec+ (MAr, m.ob.), and the state’s seventh Calliope Hum- mingbird wintered in Davidson 21 Dec+ (SS, ba. CS, m.ob.) with one to 2 reported at an impressive 16 Kentucky locales and at least four Tennessee locales during the season. Peregrine Falcons were reported at eight Kentucky locales away from traditional breeding territories: one at Kentucky Dam 15 Dec (HC); one on the US 68/KY 80 bridge over Lake Barkley, Trigg 21 Dec (BL); 2 at Spindletop Farm, Fayette 23 Dec OSw) and 22 Jan QPk, TM); one at Hun- dred Acre Pond, Hart 5 Jan (SK et ah); one at Ballard WM.A. 11 Jan QSo); one at Lake Bar- kley, Lyon 28 Jan (RD); one at Meldahl Dam, Bracken 29 Jan (BP, EHu); and one at the Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway 28 Feb (HC). At least 4 individuals were found across Tennessee in winter, most at traditional wintering areas. A Say’s Phoebe was present ne. of Almo, Calloway, KY 5 Jan (ph. MSc, AY et al.)-16 Feb (ME). A tally of 25 Eastern Phoebes on a C.B.C. in e. Allen, KY 29 Dec (fide MBy) was extraordinary for Kentucky, Tennessee’s fourth record of Ash-throated Flycatcher was found at Meeman-Shelby Forest S.P., Shelby, TN 29 Dec-12 Jan (SM, MMc, m.ob.). It was an un- precedented season for Northern Shrikes in Kentucky, with at least 3 and probably 4 in- dividuals reported as follows: an imm. at Pea- body WM.A., Ohio 30 Dec-27 Jan (ph. EHu, MSt, BY, MYa et al); an ad. at Peabody W.M.A., Muhlenberg 19 Jan into Feb (ph. BY, ph. DL et al); an ad. along KY 379 near Helm’s Junction, Russell 17 Dec and 13-14 Jan (ph. RD, SDn); and an ad. inadvertently captured in a live trap at Peabody WM.A., Ohio 16 Feb (ph. AF). A Tree Swallow at Chickamauga Dam, Hamilton, TN 2 Feb (DHo) was very early; 2 w. of Central City, Muhlenberg 18 Feb (MYa, EHu, BP) were the earliest reported from Kentucky. Relatively good numbers of Red-breast- ed Nuthatches lingered through the winter, with up to 31 reported on 23 Ken- tucky C.B.C.s, while good numbers were also found across much of Tennessee through the period. Two Brown-headed Nuthatches (a presumed pair) were found near Kentucky Dam Village S.P, Marshall, KY 18 Jan (BP, ph. EHu); they con- tinued through the winter, with possibly up to 4 birds reported there 31 Jan QSo). Lingering House Wrens were reported at four Ken- tucky locales during Dec. Tennessee also had 3 House Wrens, with 2 on the Reel- foot C.B.C. , Lake/Obion This immature male Calliope Hummingbird, the seventh for Tennessee, was present in the southeastern part of Nashville 21 December 2012 through the period (here 12 January 2013). Photograph by Chris Sloan. 15 Dec (m.ob.). A Marsh Wren (probably the same bird) was seen at Peabody WM.A., Muhlenberg, KY 22 Dec (tRD) and 23 Jan (tBP). A very tardy Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was seen ne. of Olmstead, Logan, KY 22 Dec (TMBt, tPL), while one was found in King- sport, Sullivan, TN 3 Eeb (KO). A very unusual third state winter record of Wood Thrush was photographed at Johnson City, Sullivan TN 16 Feb Q&DA). A lingering Gray Catbird was seen at the Yatesville Lake WM.A., Lawrence, KY 2 Dec (BP, EHu). Cedar Waxwings were not numerous in most parts of Kentucky during the season, with up to 1424 reported on 25 C.B.C.s. Poor wild fruit crop likely resulted in few waxwings this winter period across Tennessee. Lapland Longspurs were found at five mostly traditional locales in Kentucky; peak counts of 75-100 or more were noted e. of Needmore, Ballard 3 Jan (BP, EHu), and more than 500 were in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton 17 Jan (BP, EHu); 7 near Smiths Grove, Warren 22 Jan (MBy, MkB, SBy) were local firsts. A large Hock of ISOO-t Lapland Longspurs was found near Reelfoot Lake, Obion, TN 15 Dec (GK), and at least 6 were reported from a little- birded sod farm in Eagleville, Rutherford, TN 27 Dec (SS, SZ). A Snow Bunting seen at Farmers, Rowan 1 Feb (tBW) was the only one reported. Likely the same Orange-crowned Warbler that wintered near Union, Boone, KY last year was present mid-Dec into Feb (TS). Only 2 Or- ange-crowned Warblers were reported in Ten- nessee, from opposite corners of the state: one at Johnson City, Sullivan 25 Dec (LMcD) and Wintering Merlins continue to be regular. Five to six years ago, a male Spotted Towhee wintered less about a kilometer north of where this bird was discovered 19 December 2012 (here 5 January 2013) in McCracken County, Ken- tucky. It seems reasonable to suspect a returning individual. Photograph by Rodney (rice. 284 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY one along Walnut Log Rd., Reelfoot N.WR., Obion 15 Dec (MG). A very rare winter Ten- nessee Warbler was photographed in a yard at Louisville 2 Feb (BD, ph. SDs). Palm Warblers are not uncommon m the Region during win- ter, but a group of 8 se. of Mount Zion, Allen 20 Jan (MBy DB, SBr) was unusual for Ken- tucky. A Prairie Warbler was found along Shirk Rd., w. Allen, KY 14 Dec (tJBy, TBr et ah). A male Spotted Towhee was present at and ad- jacent to West Kentucky WM.A., McCracken, KY 18 Dec (ph. EHu, ph. BP et al.)-30 Jan (RD). The bird was located 1 km s. of where a male wintered 6-8 years ago and conceivably could have been the same individual. Tennes- see also hosted a Spotted Towhee at Reelfoot Lake, Lake 15 Dec (MT, BFo). A winter rarity, a Vesper Sparrow was at Phipps Bend, Hawkins 22 Dec (RL). Le Conte’s Sparrows were found in Ken- tucky on three occasions: at least 3 at Ballard WM.A. 18 Dec (BP, EHu, JSo), at least 3 at the former Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg 30 Dec (BP, CBs), and one along Kelly Branch Rd., Ballard 3 Jan (BP); a state record high count of 25 was found at Shelby harms, Shelby, TN 16 Dec (MMc, m.ob.). A Nelson’s Sparrow at Surrey Hills harm, ne. Jefferson, KY 16 Dec (ph. BP, b. MMo et al.) represented a first for the state during winter. A Lincoln’s Sparrow was found between Cayce and Hickman, Fulton, KY 29 Jan (tRD). A well-documented Pink-sided Junco was found near Wilbur Lake, Carter, TN 21 Dec (tB&JP). A yellow variant North- ern Cardinal was present in e. Calloway, KY from late fall into midwinter (ph. TBl). A very rare winter Rose-breasted Grosbeak was pho- tographed in Maryville, Blount TN 31 Jan QTt). Two lingering Indigo Buntings were reported in Kentucky: one at Owensboro, Daviess 12 Dec (ph. JA) and one at Melbourne, Campbell 30 Dec (tBS, G&JB). Single Dickcissels lin- gered at Jackson, Madison TN 8 Dec (PF) and at Maryville, Blount, TN 1-15 Jan (tBHo). Western Meadowlarks were reported from three Kentucky locales: one se. of Needmore, Ballard 3 Jan (ph. BP, EHu); one singing sw. of Cayce, Fulton 17 Jan (tBP, EHu), with 10 in the same area 29 Jan (RD); and one at Open Pond, Fulton 17 Jan (BP, ph. EHu). In Tennes- see, one was at Reelfoot N.WR., Obion 15 Dec (MG), and 8 were along Ruddy Rd., Obion 22 Feb (MG). More than 1000 Rusty Blackbirds were found on the Olmstead, Logan, KY C.B.C. 22 Dec (fide MBt). Brewer’s Blackbirds were re- ported from seven Kentucky locales: 30 in s. Logan 22 Dec (fide MBt); 2 in w. Boone 29 Dec OCm); at least 20 in s. Ohio 2 Jan (BP, EHu); at least a few e. of Oscar, Ballard 3 Jan (BP, EHu); 12 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton 17 Jan (BP, EHu), with 6 there 29 Jan (RD); up to 20 in e. Grayson, where the species has win- tered previously, during mid-Feb (SK, JK et al.); and 10 e. of Cadiz, Trigg 26 Feb (TBL). Brewer’s Blackbirds are typically difficult to come by in Tennessee away from the nw. part of the state, but 12+ were reported from a consistent vAntering site in Sequatchie 20 Jan (TW); up to 20 were also found at Eagleville, Rutherford 4-27 Dec (tSS). Purple Finches were present in relatively modest numbers during the winter season in Kentucky but were fairly widely present across Tennessee. Following the appearance of Red Crossbills at a few locales during late Nov, the species remained locally distributed through the winter; note that two different Types were confirmed by voice recordings (fide MYo). A flock wintered at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louis- ville (m.ob.), with 17 there 10 Dec (v.r. BP et al.) [calls confirmed as Type 3], 11 there 15 Dec (v.r. BP, BY, MYa) [calls confirmed as Type 3], 23 there 1 Jan (BP et al.), at least 16 there 5 Jan (BP), 23 there 22 Jan (BP), and at least 26 there 28 Feb (BP, BW) [calls confirmed as Type 3]. Also reported were one at Pulaski County Park, KY 11 Dec (v.r., ph. RD) [calls confirmed as Type 3]; 6 along Kelly Branch Rd., Ballard, KY 3 Jan (BP, EHu) [likely Type 2 (associated with Loblolly Pines, softer call than Type 3) (TBP)]; one just w. of Barkley Dam, Livingston, KY 16 Jan (BP); and 2 at the Lexington Cem- etery, Fayette, KY 23 Jan OSo), with 6 there 24 Jan (v.r. RD) [calls confirmed as Type 10]. Ten- nessee had only four reports of Red Crossbill, and only one was away from the usual moun- tain locales: 5 at Haw Ridge Park, Anderson 5 Jan (EL). Up to 12 White-winged Crossbills lingered at the Lexington Cemetery, Fayette, KY into late Dec (m.ob.), with at least 20 there 10 Jan (BP et al.) and a peak count of 40 there 27 Jan (DL, ASK); additional Kentucky reports in- cluded one at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville 1 Dec (BP); one at St. Anne’s Convent, Campbell 7 Feb (ph. FR), with 3 there 12 Feb (BP, EHu); one at Elizabethtown, Hardin 30 Jan (ph. KBr); and one at the Glasgow Cemetery, Barren 12- 15 Feb (AH, ph. LC, HC, RD). Single Common Redpolls were present ne. of Independence, Kenton, KY 13 Feb (TGD) and in a flock of House and Purple Finches near Ridgely, Obion, TN 17 Jan (MG). A few Pine Siskins lingered in Kentucky into Dec, but most apparently moved farther south; in Tennessee, Pine Siskins were widely reported across the state. There were two Kentucky re- ports of Evening Grosbeak: 6 at Mammoth Cave N.P., Edmonson 18 Dec (ph. BFe et al.); and up to 12 at Woodsbend, Morgan from late Dec into Mar (B&BA, N&BE, ph. BW et al.). Tennessee also had two well-documented For the first time in more than a decade, a small group of Evening Grosbeaks wintered in Kentucky. This male was one of at least a dozen that visited two feeders at Woodsbend, Morgan County from late December 201 2 into March 201 3 (here 1 9 February). Photograph by Eddie Huber. reports: 2 in Henry 16 Nov (tSE) and one at Maryville, Blount 24-28 Dec (TJTt). Cited contributors (subregional editors in boldface): Judy Adams, Jim and Darla Ander- son (J&DA), Bud & Brenda Angus (B&BA), Ryan Ankeny, Mark Armstrong (MAr), Audu- bon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MAu), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Makaya Beachy (MkB), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Sara- hann Beachy (SBy), Colleen Becker (CBe), Tom Becker (TBe), Mark Bennett (MBt), Carol Besse (CBs), Gordon & Jody Bills (G&JB), Tony Black (TBl), Karen Bonsell, Kathy Brew- er, Horace Brown, Mike Brown (MBn), Abra- ham Brubaker, Daniel Brubaker, John David Brubaker (JBr), Stephen Brubaker (SBr), Tim- othy Brubaker (TBr), Gerald Burnett (GBu), Kevin Calhoun, Joe Caminiti Q Cm), Joan Carr (JCr), Hap Chambers, Cincinnati Bird Club (CBC), Robert Colvis, Linda Craiger, Charlie Crawford, Ben Deetsch, Steve Deetsch (SDs), Gene Dennis, Roseanna Denton, Steve Denton (SDn), Melissa Easley, Norman & Betty Elam (N&BE), Shawna Ellis, Daniel Estabrooks, Les Estep, Phyllis Fawcett, Blaine Ferrell (BFe), Alex Fish, Frank Fekel, Bob Foehring (BFo), Geri Foley, Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF), Jonathan Frodge, Steve Graham, Teresa Gra- ham, Judy & Mark Grainger O&MG), Willard Gray, Mark Greene, Brenda Hager (BHa), Erin Harper (EHa), Richard Healy (RHe), David Hollie (DHo), Don Holt (DHt), Ron Hoff (RHQ, Rick Houlk (RHk), John Henderson OHe), Todd Hendricks, Joseph Hoover QHv), Les Houser, Janet Howard QHw), Bob Howdeshell (BHo), Susan Hoyle (SHo), Eddie Huber (EHu), Susan Hubley (SHu), Bill Hull (BHu), Aaron Hulsey, Dan Jacobson, Gail King, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler, Rick Knight, Tony Lance, David Lang, Allen & Donna Law (A&DL), Ed LeGrand, Roger Lemaster, Bill Lisowsky, Frank Lyne, Jerome Martin QMa), Larry Mc- Daniel (LMcD), Joe McGuinness QMc), Lee VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 285 TENNESSEE & KENTUCKY McNeely (LMcN), Mac McWhirter (MMc), Susan McWhirter, John Meredig QMe), Keith Michalski, Mark Monroe (MMo), Tanner Mor- ris, multiple observers (m.ob.), Daniel Moss, Charles Murray, Ken Oeser, Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (BP), Rick Phillips, JohnRyan Polascik QPk), John Pollpeter OPO, Brookie and Jean Potter (B63JP), Dick Preston, William Pulliam, Elaine Rail, Frank Renfrow, Keith Richardson, Mary Schmidt (MSc), Michael Sledjeski, Chris Sloan (CS), Jeff Sole QSo), Scott Somershoe, Pam Spaulding, Bill Stanley, Tom Stephens, David Stewart, Matt Stickel (MSt), Ruben Stoll, Laura Stone, Mitch Sturgeon (MSg), Joe Swanson O^w), Wayne Tamminga, Michael Todd, James Tracey OTy). John Trent QTt), Kelly Vowels, Gary Wallace, Chris Welsh, Ei- leen Wicker (EWr), Darryl Wilder (DWi), Eric Williams (EWs), Terry Witt, Brian Wulker, Dave Wulker (DWu), Gale Wulker (GWu), Ben Yandell, Mary Yandell (MYa), Aviva Yas- gur, Lew & Ruth Young (L&RY), Matt Young (MYo); Thomas Young, Stephen Zipperer. Chris Sioan, 2036 Priest Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37215, (csloan1973@gmail.com) Scott Somershoe, 213 Belaire Drive, Smyrna, Tennessee 37167, (ssomershoe@gmail.com) Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky, 40222, (brainard@mindspring.com) Arkansas & Louisiana Steven W. Cardiff Kenny Nichols In Louisiana, winter 2012-2013 was rela- tively mild and wet, with especially heavy rains in January. The seventh season of the Louisiana Winter Bird Atlas Project took place 10 January through 20 February. In Arkansas, except for near-blizzard conditions on Christ- mas Day (with some areas receiving as much as a foot of snowfall!), the season was drier than normal. Interesting throughout the season was the significant number of rare western spe- cies, particularly raptors, and the influx of Red Crossbills in the northwest. We thank Dick Baxter for serving as the Arkansas editor over the past few seasons. Abbreviations: B.K.N.WR. (Bald Knob N.WR., White, AR); B.S.N.W.R. (Bayou Sauvage N.WR., Orleans, LA); H.S.M.E (Harry Saul Minnow Farms, DeValls Bluff, Prairie, AR); WL.WC.A. (White Lake Wetland Conservation Area, s. of Gueydan, Vermilion, LA). Parishes are indicated only for the initial mention of a specific locality. 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 commit- tee. Significance for Arkansas records is based on Arkansas Birds, Their Distribution and Abun- dance Oarnes and Neal 1986) and the Arkansas Audubon Society online bird record database (for records since 1986). Significance of Louisi- ana records is based on the Important Bird Re- cord 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 About 50 Fulvous Whistling-Ducks lingered at Cameron Prairie N.WR., Cameron, LA to 16 Dec (BMM, PEC); none were reported later in the period, so these birds may not have over- wintered. Rare in the Region up until a few decades ago, Ross’s Geese are now abundant in some areas, as illustrated by 5100 in the vicinity of Thornwell, Jefferson Davis, LA 14 Dec (SWC, DLD) and an even more impressive 9000 (including one blue morph) discovered near Pine Bluff, Jefferson, AR 28 Dec (K63rLN). Two Trumpeter Swans recorded in Poinsett 17 Jan made for just the second record for ne. Arkansas (R&LH), and 279 counted at three sites in Cleburne and White 9 Jan (K&LN) rep- resented a new high count for the state. Three Tundra Swans near Albion, White, AR 9 Jan were noteworthy and the only ones reported during the period, as was also the case for the American Black Duck near Whistleville, Mis- sissippi, AR 17 Jan (both K&LN). Although be- coming more frequent in the interior, a Mottled Duck was still a local rarity at Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, LA 29-31 Dec (PMcK, ph. JVR). A male Cinnamon Teal inhabited Cam- eron Prairie N.WR. 16 Dec-6 Jan (Michael J. Musumeche, ph. TF, ph. DO’M), with possibly the same individual there 19 Feb QVH). An imm. female White-winged Scoter at H.S.M.E 23 Jan (K&LN) was the season’s only report. Three Black Scoters on a freshwater impound- ment near Fort Jackson 29 Dec (ph. PAW) possibly represented just the second record for Plaquemines, LA. Two Long-tailed Ducks were noted at H.S.M.E, an imm. female 24 Dec (Terry Singleterry, Jared Wilkins) and 6 Feb (K&LN), and an imm. male 23 Jan (K&LN). An ad. male Barrow’s Goldeneye, representing a fifth Arkansas record, was present 24 Nov-23 Feb on Lake Dardanelle, Pope/Yell (K&LN); all previous records involved ad. males at the same location in early 2002, early 2003, win- ter 2010-2011, and winter 2011-2012. An ad. female Common Merganser below the dam at Lake Dardanelle 3 Feb-24 Mar (K&LN) was the only report of this rare winter visitor. A belated report of 100 Red-breasted Mergansers on Lake Dardanelle 17 Nov (K&LN) was im- pressive and the second highest count ever for Arkansas. LOONS THROUGH IBIS Noteworthy loons included a Red-throated Loon on Lake Dardanelle 30 Nov, another on Lake Maumelle, Pulaski, AR 23 Feb (both K&LN), 3 Pacific Loons on Lake Maumelle 23 Feb (DB, SB, WB), and another Pacific on Lake Dardanelle 16 Dec-20 Jan (K&LN, SBe). Another scarce bird at Baton Rouge, a Horned Grebe appeared on Capitol Lake there 25 Dec ; (JVR). Although rare but annual in Arkansas, 4 Western Grebes was well above average and in- cluded a long-staying bird on Lake Dardanelle 17 Nov-3 Mar that was joined by a second bird 23-25 Nov (both K&LN, m.o.b.), at Wil- low Beach Park, Pulaski 6 Dec (Devin Moon, Stan Harrison), and another at Wapanocca N.WR., Crittenden, AR 17 Jan (K&LN); still 286 NORTHAMERICANBIRDS ARKANSAS & LOUISIANA casual in Louisiana, a pair was noted at Cross Lake, Shreveport, Caddo, LA 26-27 Jan (ph. Charles E. Lyon, SLP). Adding to the growing list of recent Louisiana winter records, single Wood Storks were spotted at Baton Rouge 16 Dec (ph. Phil Stouffer) and near Forked Island. Vermilion 27 Dec (PEC). Continuing a recent pattern of late fall-early winter sightings of the species in extreme se. Louisiana, 2 Magnificent Frigatebirds lingered at Grand Isle, Jefferson 2 Dec (PAW), and an ad. female was caught cruis- ing over B.S.N.WR. on the intriguing date of 12 Jan (ph. DO’M, TB). A dead ad. Masked Booby on Holly Beacb, Cameron 24 Jan (ph. Kenneth Moore) was Just the second winter re- cord for Louisiana and the first supported by hard evidence. Still rare, especially in winter, and representing about the fifteenth record for Arkansas, was a well-documented breeding- plumaged Neotropic Cormorant on Lake Con- way, Faulkner 18 Jan-i- (K62:LN, ML); 25 at an aquaculture pond complex at Baton Rouge 31 Jan QVR) illustrated bow dramatically the spe- cies has increased in the Baton Rouge area (east of the Atchafalaya Basin/Mississippi River cor- ridor where the species is still otherwise very rare). A Brown Pelican at Kaplan, Vermilion, LA 31 Dec (ph. PEC) added to the growing number of anomalous inland sightings of the species. A single Cattle Egret near Brinkley, Monroe, AR 19 Dec (LA, TM) was the only report of the season from the Region’s n. interior. Over-wintering Black-crowned Night-Herons are quite rare in Arkansas, with most records from the extreme se., so an imm. at Lake Overcup, Conway 8 Feb (ph. Gail Miller) was especially noteworthy. Six Plegadis Ibis seen near Lonoke, Lonoke 7 Jan (K&LN) marked about the seventh Arkansas winter record of the complex. KITE THROUGH CRANE Exceptional and making for perhaps just the tenth Arkansas record were 2 ad. White- tailed Kites in s. Drew 12-13 Jan (Kay Malan, ph. K&LN, Kelly and Emma Chitwood); also noteworthy for the Louisiana interior were 2 in Kisatchie N.E in Natchitoches 19 Jan (ph. JD). Seven individuals w. of Forked Island 27 Dec (DLD, SWC), including 6 flying towards a communal roost that also involved about 25 Northern Harriers, was a high number and relatively far e. Another communal roost of Northern Harriers located s. of Holmwood, Calcasieu involved an impressive 104 indi- viduals on 12 Jan (PEC). The 105 Bald Eagles seen near Cherokee City, Benton 23 Jan (Doug James, JRe, JCN et al.) represented a new Ar- kansas high count. Very late or possibly win- tering were 3 imm. Swainson’s Hawks in the Thornwell-Lake Arthur area 14 Dec (ph. DLD, SWC, JVH, PEC). With only five previous Arkansas records, the 4 Ferruginous Hawks found in extreme w. Craighead 8 Nov were nothing short of incredible; at least one re- mained through 22 Feb (pb. K&LN, m.o.b.). There were six reports of Golden Eagles this season, all from Arkansas: in Newton 12 Dec (LA), imms. at Holla Bend N.WR., Pope 18 Dec (LA) and at B.K.N.WR. 1 Jan (K&LN, PM), a sub-adult at Madison WM.A., Madison 22 Dec QCN, JRe), an ad. near Maysville, Benton 21 Dec (ph. JCN, JRe), and a sub-adult in Desha 26 Jan (DB). Although presumably fairly com- mon in sw. Louisiana during winter. Yellow Rails are seldom detected after completion of the fall rice harvest; so one flushed near Thorn- well 14 Dec (SWC) was of interest. Increasing- ly scarce and noteworthy in the Baton Rouge area, 2 King Rails were detected at Spanish Lake near St. Gabriel, Iberville 5-8 Jan OVR). Rare in the n. interior in winter, a Virginia Rail was noted at Holla Bend N.WR. 18 Dec (LA), and 2 were heard at Cherokee Prairie N.A., Franklin, AR 2 Feb (K&LN). Also somewhat rare far inland in winter, a Sora was found in Monroe, AR 19 Dec (LA, TM). An imm. Purple Gallinule at the Lacassine Pool Unit of Lacassine N.WR., Cameron 14 Dec (ph. DO’M) could have been either a late fall straggler or attempting to winter. Generally rare in Arkansas, reports of Sand- hill Cranes there included 8 in Desha 11 Jan (DB), and 1 1 near Denwood, Mississippi 17 Jan (K&LN); in Louisiana, the “Holm- wood-Sweet Lake flock,” one of the state’s fastest growing concentrations, A first for Louisiana, and representing the westernmost documented record in the Gulf of Mexico during the species' unprecedented southward irruption of fall-winter 2012-2013, this Razorbill was a one-day wonder just off the Calcasieu River mouth near Cameron, Cameron Parish 1 4 February 201 3. Photograph by Dave Patton. Although Neotropic Cormorant is gradually becoming more frequent in Arkansas, the species is still generally rare there, and there few winter records. This breeding-plumaged adult at Lake Conway, Faulkner County was an unexpected treat on 21 January 2013. Photograph by Michael Linz. was conservatively estimated at 2200 individu- als on 16 Dec (Irvin Louque, MAS et al). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS Out-of-place Black-bellied Plovers encoun- tered away from the coast/sw. Louisiana in- cluded 9 at Baton Rouge 5 Jan (WW, HM) and a single near Livingston, Livingston, LA 23 Feb (MMe). Sixteen Snowy Plovers w. of Belle Pass near Port Fourchon, Lafourche 24 Jan (DLD, SWC) was an unusual number in se. Louisi- ana. Seven Wilson’s Plovers at Grand Isle 20 Jan (PAW) and one near Port Fourchon 23 Jan (SWC) added to accumulating evidence that the species is becoming regular in winter in modest numbers on the se. coast. A Mountain Plover just nw. of Lake Arthur 14 Dec (ph. MAS, Sam Holcomb, JVH, ph. DLD, ph. PEC, ph. PAW) provided Louisiana with its long overdue first well-documented record. Scarce in winter but almost annual at this location, a single Spotted Sandpiper was recorded at the Boyd Point Sewer Plant during the Pine Bluff C.B.C 28 Dec (RD). A Solitary Sandpiper near Lacassine, Jefferson Davis, LA 31 Dec (ph. PEC) was the only report of this very rare winterer. A single Western Sandpiper at Craig Fish Hatch- ery, Benton 1 Dec OCN, MAM, ph. MR ph. JB) represents possibly the latest ever sighting of this species for nw. Arkansas. Representing a new late date for the entire state were 2 Stilt Sandpipers near Pine Bluff 28 Dec (also dur- ing the Pine Bluff C.B.C.; K&LN). Stilt Sand- piper is now expected in moderate numbers in winter in sw. Louisiana, but tbe species is still somewhat unexpected in the se. part of the state; thus, 13 near Port Fourchon 20 Dec (ph. DLD, SWC) and one there 23 Jan (SWC) VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 287 ARKANSAS & LOUISIANA Although there are several winter records for Louisiana, this third-cycle California Gull at the Calcasieu River mouth near Cameron, Cameron Parish 19 January 201 3 (here) through the end of the winter period was the first confirmed to have overwintered in the state. Photograph by Paul Conover. Dardanelle and were seen often and throughout the season (K63:LN); Louisiana’s only report came from the s. shore of Lake Pontchartrain at New Orleans, Orleans 3-6 Dec (ph. RDP, ph. MMe, ph. JRo). An unexpectedly late Black Tern was near Camer- on 15 Dec (ph. DO’M). Rep- resenting a surprising first- ever winter record for well- covered Lake Dardanelle was a single Forster’s Tern 2 Feb (K&LN); also noteworthy were 2 at Boyd Point Sewer Plant 28 Dec (RD). were noteworthy. There were three reports of American Woodcocks in Arkansas, where the species is scarce in winter: singles near Cato, Faulkner 13 Jan (K&LN), displaying near Hec- tor, Pope 28 Jan (LA), and at Lake Fayetteville, Washington 3 Feb (DC). A rare-in-winter Wil- son’s Phalarope was encountered s. of Kaplan 27 Dec (ph. EIJ, DP). Two Parasitic Jaegers just off the mouth of the Calcasieu River, Cameron, Cameron 21 Dec (ph. DP, ph. TF), added to the growing portfolio of recent well-documented fall-winter records from that location; although It appears that small numbers of Parasitics are regular just offshore in this area, typically they are still strongly outnumbered by Pomarine Jaegers. Vying for the Region’s bird of the sea- son, and hugely anticipated considering the species’ unprecedented southward dispersal along the s. Atlantic Coast and into the e. Gulf of Mexico, was Louisiana’s first Razorbill near the mouth of the Calcasieu River off Cameron 14 Feb (ph. DO’M, ph. DP, ph. BMM, ph. EIJ). An ad. Franklin’s Gull at Lake Dardanelle 7 Dec (K&LN) was notably late. Marking perhaps the ninth record for Arkansas, a first-cycle Califor- nia Gull was a one-day wonder on Lake Dar- danelle 3 Feb (KN). A third year California Gull in the vicinity of the Calcasieu River mouth 19 Jan-t continued to be seen in the area off and on well into Spring (ph. PEC, ph. DP, JVH, m.ob.) and was apparently the first individual known to have over-wintered in Louisiana. Also pres- ent off Cameron on 19 Jan was a bird consis- tent with a first year Thayer’s Gull (ph. PEC), another very rare species in the Region. Lesser Black-backed Gull is now annual on Lake Dar- danelle, where 2 ads. were present throughout the period and which were often joined by a first-cycle individual (K&LN, m.ob.); another ad. was encountered at Lake Maumelle 23 Feb (K&LN). Almost unprecedented, two first- cycle Glaucous Gulls over-wintered on Lake DOVES THROUGH LARKS White-winged Doves continue to solidify their expansion into Arkansas with their stronghold appearing to be the w. sections of Fort Smith, Sebastian, where 34 were seen in a single tree on 11 Jan (ph. K&LN); one in Desha 26 Jan (DB) was just the second for the county. A Burrow- ing Owl at Hackberry Ridge, Johnsons Bayou, Cameron 29 Dec (ph. John Whittle, John Hayes) and 6 Jan (ph. DO’M, TB) was likely the same individual returning from the previous winter. The 15 Short-eared Owls seen at the Stuttgart Airport, Prairie 23 Feb (BS, DS) was one of the highest counts ever for Arkansas. Continuing from late fall, at least one Eastern Whip-poor- will was detected intermittently near St. Gabriel to 5 Jan (DLD, SWC). A surprise White-throat- ed Swift seen from atop Mt. Magazine, Logan 24 Dec (ph. ML, PM) would be the fourth Arkansas record and the first since 1999. A Black-chinned Hummingbird in Mablevale, Saline 12 Nov-20 Jan (LG, ph. Robert Herron, m.ob.) would be just the tenth for Arkansas. Also of interest in the Region’s far interior was an unidentified Se- lasphorus at Little Rock 7 Dec (Phillip Craig, DS, SS), and an ad. male Rufous Hummingbird at Searcy, White 25 Dec (Aaron, Dawn, and Joseph Krystofik) through at least 24 Jan (K&LN). By far the most unusual hummingbird found in Louisiana during the period was a Broad-billed at Mandeville, St. Tammany 2-26 Jan (ph. Claire Thomas). A total of 41 Crested Caracaras on the Sweet Lake-Cameron Prairie N.WR. C.B.C. 16 Dec, with as many as 15 & 17 reported by single parties (SWC, DLD, WW, HM, CGB et al.), illus- trated the species’ dramatic recent increase in the area. An above-average 7 Merlins in Arkan- sas included birds -at Lollie Bottoms, Faulkner 1 Jan (ph. ML), at Holla Bend N.WR. 19 Jan (K&LN), an ad. female at Piney Bay Recreation Area, Johnson 25 Jan (K&LN), a long-staying bird at the Fayetteville Country Club, Washing- ton late Nov-30 Jan QCN, JRe, Mary Bess Hol- land, Kelly Mulhollan), at Punkin Center Road, Poinsett 31 Jan (ph. R&LH), and at Craighead Forest Park, Craighead 11 Feb (ph. R&LH). Scarce-in-winter Arkansas Peregrine Falcons were noted at Dardanelle Lock & Dam 18 Dec (K&LN), near Helena, Phillips 20 December (LA, TM), at Mt. Magazine 24 Dec (K&LN), and With just five previous state records, the total of four Ferruginous Hawks found in western Craighead County, Arkansas begin- ning 8 November 2012 (including this bird 9 November) was nothing short of amazing; at least one bird remained In the area through 22 February 2013. Photograph byLaDonna Nichols. 288 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ARKANSAS & LOUISIANA The accumulation of Say's Phoebe records in the Region the past few years has been phenomenal. Formerly casual, the species is at least temporarily approach- ing rare or even uncommon status, especially in sw. Louisiana. This season's contribu- tion included 3 individuals in Arkansas: one found 1 9 Oct near Harris Brake, Perry (Justin Brand) was last observed 2 Jan (ph. K&LN); another was near Kelso 6-26 Jan; and the third was near Pettus, Lonoke 18 Feb (both ph. DB). In Louisiana, no fewer than 17 were reported during the period, mostly (as would be expected) in the state's sw., but includ- ing an astounding 3 individuals in the New Orleans area. One nearThornwell through 1 9 Feb (ph. CGB, JVH) was a possible returnee from the previous winter and was the only one of 6 re- ported during fall 201 2 that remained into the win- ter period. Bursts of winter reports came from: the Sweet Lake-Cameron Prairie N.W.R. C.B.C., where 3 were turned up in the Sweet Lake and Holmwood areas of Calcasieu/Cameron 16 Dec (one a possible returnee; ph. DLD, SWC; ph. PAW, DPM, ph. EIJ), and a fourth was found post-C.B.C. on 31 Dec (ph. Robby Bacon); the White Lake C.B.C 27 Dec, where 5 were discovered by one party w. of Forked Island in/near the e. W.L.W.C.A. (ph. DLD, ph. SWC); and an unprecedented 3 individuals at scattered locations in New Orleans 22 Dec-1 2 Jan (all ph. PAW, m.ob.). Elsewhere, additional singles were near Bell City, Calcasieu 23 Dec-i- (possible returnee; ph. PEC), another w. of there closer to Holmwood 27 Jan (ph. PEC), near Lacassine 31 Dec-27 Jan (ph. PEC), and near Crowley, Acadia 3 Jan (Angela Trahan, Molly Richard, Patti Holland). One of an incredible 25 or so found in the Louisi- ana and Arkansas region in fall/winter 2012-2013, this Say's Phoebe near Pettus, Lonoke County 18 February through 17 (here 2) March 2013 was one of three present in Arkansas during the winter period. Photograph by Michael Linz. near Conway 2 Jan (ML). Arkansas sightings of Prairie Falcons are often less-than-annual, so 7 individuals at six locations this season made for an unprecedented showing: singles were found at Craig Fish Hatchery, Benton 1 Dec (MP, JCN, MAM, JB), at Chesney Prairie N.A., Benton 28 Dec QCN), at Woolsey Wet Prairie, Washington 29 Dec (DC), at Camp Nine Farms, Desha 6-12 Jan (ad.; ph. DB, Jeff Baxter), near Faulkner Lake, Pulaski 12 Jan (ad.; DB, Chris Price), and an amazing 2 individuals were photographed near Waldron, Scott 4 Feb (Ron Goddard). At least 6 Least Flycatchers were documented in s. Louisiana during the period: near Hayes, Calcasieu 14 Dec (ph. EIJ), near Sweet Lake 16 Dec, at New Orleans 5 Jan, separate birds in lower Plaquemines 13 Jan and 15 Feb (all ph. PAW), and near Golden Meadow, Lafourche 20 Jan (ph. PAW, ph. RDP). A bright male Vermil- ion Flycatcher at the Stuttgart Airport, Prairie, was first seen 8 Dec and remained for several weeks (BS, DS); it was suspected that this was the same individual seen at this location the previous winter. Louisiana’s first Dusky-capped Flycatcher, initially discovered at Cross Lake, Shreveport 21 Nov, was last detected 24 Dec QVH, ph. Ronnie Maum, ph. Jonathan Carpen- ter). A decent showing of Ash-throated Flycatch- ers in s. Louisiana was fairly balanced between the sw. and se. and included up to 3 in the vi- cinity of B.S.N.WR. 1 Dec-3 Feb (ph. PAW, ph. EIJ, ph. DO’M, m.ob.), one at Thornwell 14 Dec (DLD, SWC), one near Bell City 16 Dec (ph. MAS et ah), one near WL.W.C.A. 27 Dec (ph. MAS), and one at Diamond 6 Jan-15 Eeb (ph. RDP, ph. PAW). Two reports of Brown-crested Flycatchers included singles at New Orleans 22 Dec-12 Jan (ph. PAW, ph. DO’M) and at Dia- mond 27-29 Dec (ph. PAW, RDP, JVH); the vast majority of Louisiana records are from the se. in winter. Single Great Kiskadees at the White Lake Lodge in the WL.WC.A. 27 Dec QVR) and at Grand Chenier, Cameron 31 Jan (ph. WW) were at known locations with resident (or sus- pected resident) pairs. A voice-confirmed Trop- ical Kingbird at Mooringsport, Caddo 2 Dec-29 Jan (ph. TD, ph. RM, ph. JVH, ph. SLP, ph. JD, ph. CL) was a first for n. Louisiana; another individual at Braithwaite, upper Plaquemines 9 Dec-24 Feb (ph. PAW, RDP, ph. DO’M) was presumably one of the returning winterers from recent years. These would represent about the seventh and eighth records of Tropical Kingbird in Louisiana. Western Kingbirds were in rela- tively short supply but included sightings at Big Branch Marsh N.WR. near Lacombe, St. Tam- many 14 Dec (Tom Trenchard), at B.S.N.WR. 22 Dec (ph. PAW), at Buras, lower Plaquemines 29 Dec (2 individuals; ph. PAW), and at Dia- mond 29 Dec-15 Feb (2; ph. JVH, ph, PAW). In contrast to recent winters, there was but one Scissor-tailed Flycatcher reported this season, at Braithwaite 12 Jan (ph. DO’M). There are few recent records of Horned Larks in the Baton Rouge area, so 3 on the s. side of town 24 Dec QVR) were of interest. SWALLOWS THROUGH LONGSPURS Five Cave Swallows were a surprise near Forked Island 27 Dec (DLD, SWC); although the species has become expected in modest numbers in sw. Louisiana spring through fall, there are still very few winter records. A very late or wintering Barn Swallow was observed w. of Lake Arthur 14 Dec (DLD), and anoth- er was near Kaplan, Vermilion 3 Jan (Brooke Harlowe). Continuing from early fall 2012, the southward irruption of Red-breasted Nut- hatches brought record numbers into Louisi- ana. On Louisiana C.B.C.s alone, 189 were re- ported from 19 circles (eclipsing the previous high of 117 individuals reported from 11 cir- cles during winter 1980-81), and this number was undoubtedly a small fraction of the state total for the entire winter period. Exception- ally, concentrations at single locations reached double figures, including an incredible 24 at one location in Baton Rouge 2 Dec QVR). A spillover from the fall season, a Rock Wren stayed put at Noland Water Treatment Plant, Washington until at least 1 Jan (JRe, JCN). Be- wick’s Wren is relatively rare in Arkansas at all seasons, and the single seen near Georgetown, White 2 1 Jan (KN) was only the second county record since 1986; one in Natchitoches 19 Jan (JD) was noteworthy south of the species’ win- ter “stronghold” in extreme nw. Louisiana. Two Townsend’s Solitaires were seen 24 Dec-26 Jan at Mt. Magazine S.P., Logan (Don Simons et al); the species is casual in Arkansas and a number of previous records are also from this locality. An apparently wintering Wood Thrush at Grand Isle 17 Jan (BD) was the sea- son’s only report. Twenty-one Sprague’s Pipits near Thornwell 14 Dec (SWC, DLD), includ- ing 17 in one field, was an excellent s. Loui- siana count for this scarce wintering species. Two Chestnut-collared Longspurs (vr. TD, Jim Holmes, JD, JVH) and 14 Smith’s Long- spurs (vr. TD, Jim Holmes, JVH) were located at the Shreveport Regional Airport during the Louisiana Ornithological Society winter meet- ing field trip there 26 Jan; for decades this has been the only consistent location for Smith’s Longspur in Louisiana. WARBLERS Reports of wintering Ovenbirds included a bird mist-netted near Milton 2 Eeb (b., ph. EIJ) VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 289 ARKANSAS & LOUISIANA This handsome male Vermilion Flycatcher, thought to be a returnee from winter 2011 -201 2, spent several weeks at the Stuttgart Airport, Prairie County, Arkansas beginning 8 (here 13) December 2012. Photograph by Michael Linz. and one sighted at Grand Isle 17 Feb (PAW). A good assortment of Northern Waterthrushes were found in s. Louisiana, beginning with one near Sweet Lake 16 Dec (ph. PAW), followed by other singles at Port Fourchon 23 Jan (MP), in upper Plaquemines 1 Feb (ph. Lizette Wro- ten et al), near Larose, Lafourche 3 Feb (ph. PAW, RDP), and at Lacassine Pool 13 Feb (ph. Noah Reid, MP). Nashville Warblers reported from Grand Isle 17 Jan (BD) and 21 Jan (Ed Wallace) were at separate locations and treated as separate individuals; another was located at B.S.N.WR. 23 Jan (EIJ). Casual in Louisiana, a MacGillivrays Warbler was a nice find on the e. bank of the Mississippi River in upper Plaquemines 9 Dec (ph. PAW, RDP, ph. DPM); This Townsend's Solitaire at Magazine Mountain, Logan County was one of two there 24 December 201 2 (here) through 26 January 2013, which made for the ninth Arkansas record, a majority of which have been found at the same location. Photograph by Michael Linz. One of many that invaded Arkansas during the winter season, this male Red Crossbill was at Toad Suck Park, Perry County 1 9 December 2012. Photograph by Michael Linz. Representing about the seventh state record and a first for north- ern Louisiana, this voice-confirmed Tropical Kingbird remained at Mooringsport, Caddo Parish 2 December 2012 (here) through 29 January 2013. Photograph by Ronnie Maum. interestingly, this is another species for which most of the se. Louisiana records are from the winter months. Single Northern Parulas were sighted at the White Lake Lodge area of WL. WC.A. 27 Dec (PMcK, JVR), at New Or- leans 14 Jan (GO), and at Lake Martin, St. Mar- tin, LA 23 Jan (DMD). As was the case for most of the other unseasonal warbler reports, most of the seasons American Redstarts were one day observations with little or no follow-up to confirm if they were attempting to over-winter: near Forked Island 27 Dec (ph. PEC), near Fort Jackson 29 Dec (PAW), in St. John the Bap- tist 2 Jan (RS), and at Grand Isle 17 Jan (BD); the exception was a female at a Baton Rouge yard mid Dec-mid Jan (ph. Dennis Demcheck, Kay Radlauer). The only convincing report of Yellow Warbler was a bird near Golden Mead- ow, Lafourche 20 Jan (ph. PAW, RDP). A hardy Palm Warbler in the n. interior was tallied as part of the Felsenthal C.B.C., Union, AR 27 Dec (LA, TM). Always a good bird in winter, Prairie Warblers were observed nw. of Lake Ar- thur 14 Dec (ph. MAS), near Port Fourchon 20 Dec (RDP) and possibly the same bird reported from the same area 24 Jan (ph. MP), and in the vicinity of B.S.N.WR. 24 Dec (ph. PAW). A vagrant Black-throated Gray Warbler was found at Grand Isle 2 Dec and remained there through the period (RDP, ph. PAW, ph. DLD, ph. EIJ, ph. MMe, JVH, m.ob.); it was appar- ently just the third found at this well-covered location and the first to over- winter there. SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Only 2 Spotted Towhees, both males, were reported during the period from Arkansas, on the Little Rock C.B.C. 15 Dec (DS, SS et al.) and near the St. Francis Sunken Lands WM. A., Craighead 22 Dec (ph. R&LH); the lone observation in Louisiana was at Milton 27 Dec (ph. EIJ, ph. Toddy Guidry). Bucking the recent trend of increasing frequency in win- ter, the only Clay-colored Sparrows detected this season were 2 near Forked Island 27 Dec (ph. PEC). A scarce bird in se. Louisiana, up to 8 Lark Sparrows at Harahan, Jefferson from late fall 2012 to at least 9 Feb (ph. LW) was a remarkable concentration for a single loca- tion in s. Louisiana. Always exciting to find in s. Louisiana, Harris’s Sparrows in sw. Calca- sieu 1 Dec (ph. PEC), near Thornwell 14 Dec (DPM, PAW), at Cameron 15 Dec (MW), and ■; near Forked Island 27 Dec (ph. DLD) were in ’ the sw. portion of the state where somewhat more expected, but additional individuals at B.S.N.WR. 22 Dec (RS et al.) and in Washing- ton 8 Feb QRo, GO) were much more unusual in se. Louisiana. A female Summer Tanager at Covington, St. Tammany through the period (Linda Beall), and an ad. male at Baton Rouge 19 Jan (ph. Jane Patterson) were, somewhat f surprisingly, the only ones reported. Rare West- ern Tanagers were documented at Diamond 27 Dec (ph. PAW), e. of Cameron 2 Jan (ph. MW), and at New Orleans 2 Jan- 13 Feb (ph. PAW). Also representing the season’s only report was a Blue Grosbeak in St. John the Baptist 31 Jan (MW). Very rare-in- winter in the Region’s deep interior, an Indigo Bunting visited a feeder in Bentonville, Benton 12 Jan-5 Feb (Adam Schaf- fer); amazingly, the only one reported from Louisiana was in lower Plaquemines 13 Jan (ph. PAW). The season’s only 2 Painted Buntings were both stunning ad. males visiting feeders, at Baton Rouge 26-27 Jan (ph. Angela Orgeron, Susan Breaux), and at Lafayette 15-18 Feb Games and Celia Bollich); the latter bird was suspected of being the same returning indi- vidual first observed as an ad. in winter 2004- 2005 and observed each winter since. Up to 38 Western Meadowlarks in Claiborne 16 Jan+ (ph., vr. JD) were unusual for n.-cen. Louisiana and represented a good count for anywhere in the state. Twelve Yellow-headed Blackbirds near Sweet Lake 16 Dec (DLD, PEC, SWC) normally would have been an excellent Louisiana total, especially during winter. That is, until an unprecedented 141 were counted near Iowa, Jefferson Davis 17 Feb (ph. PEC). Elsewhere, one was at Duson, Lafayette 23 Dec (ph. PEC), 2 were at Venice, lower Plaquemines 29 Dec (RDP), and other singles were at Reserve, St. John the Baptist 30 Dec (MW) and at Lacombe 17 Jan (ph. James Whelan, Billy Kirkpatrick), making for an ex- cellent showing this season. A big surprise was an ad. male Shiny Cowbird on the se. outskirts of Lake Charles, Calcasieu 26 Feb (ph. Billy Jones); there are only 1-2 acceptable previous winter records for Louisiana, and this was the first well-documented winter record for the sw. Orioles, although obviously rare/scarce in winter, were in relatively short supply, with an ad. male Bullock’s at B.S.N.WR. 19 Jan (ph. PAW, EIJ), a female Bullock’s there 19 Jan-3 ( 290 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ARKANSAS & LOUISIANA Feb (p.a.; ph. PAW, DO’M), and a female Bal- timore near St. Gabriel 5 Jan QVR) being the only ones reported. Despite the species’ pro- liferation inland, House Finches are rare on the immediate coast; so, one at Cameron 15 Dec (MW) was notable. Beginning in early De- cember, Red Crossbills were reported from nu- merous locations throughout Arkansas. Most reports were of call Type 2 birds. However, a very rare call Type 5 bird was recorded at the Fayetteville Country Club, Washington 10 Dec QCN). An incredible 74 birds were reported during the Illinois Bayou C.B.C. 5 Jan (LA, Chris Kellner). With fewer than 25 previous Arkansas records, quite notable was an ad. fe- male Common Redpoll visiting a feeder at a Little Rock residence 30 Jan-2 Feb (ph. Lyn- dal York). A male black-backed form of Lesser Goldfinch, only the fourth ever recorded in Arkansas, visited a feeder in Mablevale from 29 Dec- 27 Feb (LG). Initialed observers (Subregional Editor in boldface): Leif Anderson, Tori Bachelor, Dick Baxter, Sarah Baxter, Walt Baxter, Sandy Berger (SBe), Christopher G. Brantley, Jacque Brown, Steven W. Cardiff (Louisiana), David Chap- man, Paul E. Conover, Terry Davis, Bob Del- linger, John Dillon, Donna L. Dittmann, Rob Doster, Tom Finnie, Lenore Gifford, Linda Howard, Ron Howard, Jay Y Huner, Erik 1. Johnson, Michael Linz, Heather Mancuso, Te- resa Mathews, Paul McKenzie, Patty McLean, Mary Mehaffey (MMe), Michael A. Mlodinow, David P Muth, B. Mac Myers, Joe C. Neal, La- Donna Nichols, Kenny Nichols (Arkansas), Dan O’Malley, Glenn Ousset, Stephen L. Pa- gans, Dave Patton, Michael Plauche, Mitchell Pruitt, R. D. Purrington, J. V. Remsen, Joan Reynolds QRe) Janine Robin (JRo), Dan Schei- man, Samantha Scheiman, Rosemary Seidler, Michael A. Seymour, Bill Shepherd, Phillip A. Wallace, Melvin Weber, Walker Wilson, Lizette Wroten. © Steven W. Cardiff (Louisiana) Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-3216, (scardif@gmaiLcom) Kenny Nichols (Arkansas), 44 Winners Circle, Cabot, Arkansas 72023, (kingbird@ymaiLcom) Northern Canada & Greenland Cameron D. Eckert Where do you think it went? That’s the question often asked when a marginal wintering bird, such as an American Robin or wayward Harris’s Sparrow, is no longer seen. It seems most likely they finally succumb to the cold, such as the frozen robin found in a Whitehorse woodshed this season — though perhaps we can hold out hope that some simply grow weary of the bitter northern winter and finally head south. And it was a cold winter throughout the Region, though one that didn’t seem to bother the wintering waterfowl. Finches were also found in abundance. WATERFOWL THROUGH SHOREBIRDS Trumpeter Swan continues to have a winter toe- hold at Johnson’s Crossing, s. Yukon; the flock of 6 there 26 Dec (JC, MC, AS) increased to 9 on 16 Jan (AS). A variety of ducks was repre- sented on s. Yukon Christmas Bird Counts. Whitehorse hosted the Region’s only regular wintering flock of Mallards, some 50 at McIn- tyre Creek (CE, NG), as well as a Barrow’s and 5 Common Goldeneyes and 2 Common Mergan- sers 26 Dec (fideJH). Tagish recorded 2 Buffle- heads, casual in winter, along with 8 Common Goldeneyes and 2 Common Mergansers 26 Dec (SVD). And Carcross had a male Barrow’s Goldeneye 9-16 Dec (ph. RH). A count of 11 Spruce Grouse was recorded at Fort Simpson, NT 5 Jan (fide DT). It’s a hardy breed of Christ- mas counters that take on the task of chasing down ptarmigan; a snowmachine ride up Mon- tana Mountain produced 10 Willow Ptarmigan for the Carcross count 16 Dec (DK, SVD), while Yellowknife, NT recorded 148 on 30 Dec (fide RB). Six Rock Ptarmigan were at Marcil Lake, Nunavut 17 Feb (Nl). The combination of open water on the Yukon River, a fish farm at McIntyre Creek, a large landfill, and warmer winters can be credited with maintaining the annual wintering population of Bald Eagles in Whitehorse, s. Yukon, which numbered 8 on 16 Dec (CE, NG;JideJH). GULLS THROUGH FINCHES A Eurasian Collared-Dove wintering at Haines Junction, sw. Yukon was duly noted on the 16 Dec C.B.C. (fide JAB). A Northern Shrike, a true wintering bird, was seen at Valleyview, s. Yukon 31 Jan QL) and 12 Feb QH). Whitehorse counters turned up the Region’s highest num- ber of Black-billed Magpies with 147 on 26 Dec VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 291 NORTHERN CANADA & GREENLAND {fide JH), followed by Yellowknife’s high count of 80 on 30 Dec (fide RB) and 52 at Hay River, NT 16 Dec {fide GV). The season’s only report of American Crow was one at Yellowknife, NT 30 Dec {fide RB). Warm weather on Christmas count day dashed Whitehorse’s hopes of tak- ing this year’s Common Raven Crown; a mere 1164 were tallied there 26 Dec {fide JH), as compared to 2160 at Yellowknife, NT 30 Dec {fide RB). Notable Common Raven counts else- where were 338 at Hay River, NT 16 Dec {fide GV) and Nunavut counts of 76 at Rankin Inlet 16 Dec (BZ), 269 at Arctic Bay 5 Jan (CK, TK), and 15 at Iqaluit 30-31 Jan (GP), increasing to 34 there 17 Feb (CK). Mountain Chickadee is rare and local in s. Yukon; one was recorded on the Carcross count 16 Dec {fide DK), 2 were at Shallow Bay, s. Yukon 27 Dec (CE), and 2 were near Tally Ho Mountain 29 Dec (MM). A few American Robins attempted to overwinter in Whitehorse, s. Yukon; one was found frozen in a woodshed in early Jan (TH), while another that fed daily along the Yukon River through much of the season finally met its demise dur- ing a final late Feb cold snap (CE). An unusual- ly late arrival of Bohemian Waxwings in late fall resulted in a fairly high count of 727 on the Whitehorse C.B.C. 26 Dec {fidejU). A flock of 1 1 was at Yellowknife, NT (VSG). A lone Snow Bunting, rare in winter, was at Carcross 16 Dec {fide ]H), while a flock of 19 was at McIntyre Creek in Whitehorse 30 Dec-1 Jan (CE, SVD). Rare winter sparrows included an American Tree Sparrow at Haines Junction, sw. Yukon 16 Dec (jrde JAB) and another at Car- cross 16 Dec (RH); a White-throated Sparrow at Yellowknife, NT 30 Dec {fide RB); and single White-crowned Sparrows at Porter Creek, s. Yukon 14 Dec (NG), Carcross 16 Dec (DK), and Shallow Bay, s. Yukon at least through 6 Jan (CG; CE). An imm. Harris’s Sparrow, cas- ual in s. Yukon, turned up in Whitehorse in Oct, lingered or survived just long enough to establish a 1 Dec winter record, but was not seen again (CE; KW). An extremely tough male Rusty Blackbird survived the winter season at Caribou Lake, s. Yukon (ph. SW). Pine Grosbeak was recorded in good num- bers on some s. Yukon C.B.C.s, with 189 at Marsh Lake 23 Dec {fide CO) and 156 at Whitehorse 26 Dec {fide JH). Redpoll iden- tification is the Region’s official winter sport, and so Christmas Count results are anticipated with interest. A good redpoll season this year produced 42 Common, 47 Hoary, and 163 un- identified at Yellowknife, NT 30 Dec {fide RB); 209 Common and 4 Hoary at Marsh Lake, s. Yukon 23 Dec {fide CO); 153 Common and 15 Hoary at Lake Laberge, s. Yukon 27 Dec (CE); 69 Common, one Hoary, and 80 unidentified at Mayo, cen. Yukon 29 Dec {fide MOD); 3 Common, 4 Hoary, and 141 unidentified at Eort Smith, NT 28 Dec {fide SI); 141 Common at Dawson, cen. Yukon 23 Dec {fide SJ); 117 Common and one Hoary at Haines Junction, sw. Yukon 16 Dec {fide JAB); 105 Common and 6 unidentified at Whitehorse, s. Yukon 26 Dec (Jide JH); 79 Common and 2 Hoary at Prairie Provinces Rudolf F. Koes Peter Taylor Early winter was rather cold in west- ern parts of the Region, ameliorating through January and February, and even described as mild at Calgary. The east saw generally average temperatures, except for a prolonged cold snap in mid- through late January. Snowfall was substantial, espe- cially in a broad band from the Edmonton region across Saskatchewan to southern Manitoba. The ground remained covered long after the end of the period in most of the Region. Manitoba owl watchers enjoyed a fabulous winter, and finches were wide- spread, especially early in the season. No- table rarities were an Ivory Gull, a Barn Owl, and an Indigo Bunting in Manitoba, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker in Alberta. WATERFOWL THROUGH DOVES An American Black Duck survived until at least 2 Feb at Winnipeg, MB (RI, ni.ob.). A small patch of open water at Weed Lake, AB allowed a Gadwall, a Northern Shoveler, a Green-winged Teal, and a Lesser Scaup to survive through the season (all TK). A tally 292 Tagish, s. Yukon 26 Dec {fide SVD); 71 Com- mon at Carcross, s. Yukon 16 Dec {fide DK); one Common and 60 Hoary at Fort Simpson 5 Jan {fide DT); 50 Common at Hay River, NT 16 Dec {fide GV); and one Hoary at Rankin In- let, Nunavut 16 Dec (BZ). Evening Grosbeak has apparently declined to the point of being a marginal winter species in the Yukon and Northwest Territories in recent decade, so a count of 57 from Fort Smith, NT 28 Dec {fide SI) was noteworthy. Yellowknife reported the Region’s highest number of House Sparrows with 1 12 on 30 Dec {fide RB); elsewhere, there were 37 at Fort Simpson, NT 5 Jan {fide DT), 24 at Whitehorse, s. Yukon 26 Dec {fide JH), 20 at Hay River, NT 16 Dec {fide GV), and 2 at Arviat, Nunavut 16 Dec {fide MB). Observers (subregional editors in boldface): Julie-Ann Bauer, Mike Beauregard, Robert Bromley, Cameron Eckert (Yukon), Chad Gubala, Nick Guenette, Rick Halliday, Tanya Handley, Jim Hawkings, Niore Iqalukjuak, Sharon Irwin, Sebastian Jones, Dan Kemble, Clare Kines (Nunavut), Travis Kines, Jennifer Line, Megan Marjanovic, Mark O’Donoghue, Clive Osborne, Gavin Platt, Adam Skrut- kowski, Vicki St. Germaine, Douglas Tate (Northwest Territories), Shyloh van Delft, Gary Vizniowski, Keith Williams, Stu Withers, Brian Zawadski. © Cameron D. Eckert, 1402 Elm Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1 A 4B6, (cdeckert@northwestel.net) of 10 Green-winged Teal at Fish Creek RR, AB 8 Jan was high (GY et al). Fifty Red- heads and 100 Lesser Scaup were at Waba- mun Lake, AB 20 Feb (TH, RK, DH, TB), where a lone Canvasback was also seen 5 Jan {fide TK). A single Lesser Scaup spent the winter at a sewage outlet at Winnipeg (m.ob.), while a Hooded Merganser win- tered at Minnedosa, MB (IT). A Ruddy Duck at Boundary Reservoir near Estevan, SK 21 Dec was a winter rarity (KH). Gray Rar- tridge numbers were high in s. Manitoba. A Western Grebe was noted on the Winni- peg C.B.C. 16 Dec (BS, BC), and 2 were at Wabamun Lake 20 Feb (TH, RK, DH, TB). A Great Blue Heron at Calgary 25 Feb had likely wintered nearby QD). Seven Manitoba Sharp-shinned Hawk reports came from Winnipeg, with another at Carman, while Saskatchewan sightings NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PRAIRIE PROVINCES Northern Shoveler is rare anywhere in the Prairie Provinces during winter, so this male (with female Mallard) was a nice find at Weed Lake, Alberta on 5 January 201 3. Photograph by Terry Korolyk. were at Regina and Saskatoon. Also show- ing an urban bias was a total of five Coo- per’s Hawk reports from Regina (BL, RD), Saskatoon (BD), and Winnipeg (m.ob.). Increasing winter Northern Goshawk sight- ings near Calgary seem linked to local wa- terfowl numbers (TK). An above-average total of 4-5 Red-tailed Hawks, including 2-3 Harlan’s, was reported in the Calgary region (TK), while sightings at Regina 2 Dec (FK) and 3 Jan (GK) may have involved just one bird. Typical small numbers of each were re- ported for Gyrfalcons in all three provinces and Prairie Falcons in Alberta and Saskatchewan. An American Coot was at Wa- bamun Lake 20 Feb (TH, RK, DH, TB). Single Wilson’s Snipe made it into Jan in Alberta at Fish Creek P.E {fide TK), Mountain View (NW), and Calgary (GY et ah), and one was at a late-freezing beaver pond at Saskatchewan Landing Provin- cial Park, SK 29 Dec (DZ). South- ern Manitoba’s first confirmed Ivo- ry Gull in nearly a century briefly visited an ice-fishing hut at the s. end of Lake Winnipeg 5 Jan (TS, ph.). The only other gull of note was a Glaucous Gull at Hanna, AB 27-30 Dec (TR, m.ob,, ph.). Eurasian Collared-Doves continue to prosper in s. Sas- katchewan, as witnessed by C.B.C. tal- lies of 28 at Morse 21 Dec QP et al.) and 85 at Swift Current 29 Dec. WOODPECKERS THROUGH PASSERINES Single Red-headed Woodpeckers on Manitoba C.B.C.s were at Oak Ham- mock Marsh 15 Dec (m.ob.) and near Cypress River 22 Dec (K&DDS); the latter bird was still present 20 Jan (CR). A Red-bellied Woodpecker at Etzikom from Nov into Mar provided the 3rd documented record for Alberta (MS, PC, MM, ph.); six were reported across s. Mani- toba (m.ob.), while the bird at Loon Lake, SK lingered into December (fide RD). A sap- sucker on the Waterton N.P, AB C.B.C. 15 Dec was not identified to species {fide TK). Continuing the Common Raven saga on the prairies, a flock of 60+ was reported in downtown Regina 7 Feb (RD), while a com- parable winter flock in Winnipeg will be dis- appointed by the scheduled demolition of its roost and aerobatic centre at the old Blue Bombers football stadium. Another highlight at Waterton N.P was a Chestnut-backed A truck stop at Hanna, Alberta attracted this confiding Glaucous Gull from 27 (here) through 30 December 2012. Photograph by Trevor Roper. ^ A It was an exceptional owl winter, especially for irruptive forest species in se. Manitoba, with good Snowy Owl numbers farther M west. In addition, a female Barn Owl specimen found near Elie, MB on or about 9 Dec but possibly dead for some time (DS), was Manitoba's first since 1 994. Several double-digit tallies of Snowy Owls were reported in Alberta. Saskatchewan numbers were well below the previous winter's invasion level but still included 16 between Weyburn and Moose Jaw 2 Dec (SM), 33 on Regina C.B.C., 14 between Kyle and Elrose 5 Feb (DZ), and 28 between Kyle and Lemsford 24 Feb (DZ). Birds in the latter areas were in good condition, even though there was little evidence of small rodents; they were seen capturing Gray Partridge and Snow Buntings (DZ). Northern Hawk Owls were relatively scarce in Alberta, except for 1 2 near Chisholm 2 Dec (GR, RC). There were few sightings in Sas- katchewan, but birds nearWaldeck, at Saskatoon, and at Condie Reservoir were enjoyed by many. Southern Manitoba had the highest numbers since early 2006, with a peak tally of 24 on 24 Feb (PT, RKo). Sixty-one Northern Hawk Owls banded between 30 Dec and 20 Mar were mostly first-year birds (J&PD). While numbers were highest near the forest edge, especially between Pinawa and Elma, the irruption extended as far onto the prairies as Brandon. Relatively few Great Gray Owls were noted in Alberta, except for the Water Valley area (fide TK). There were hints of a strong move- ment in Saskatchewan, with 5 in the Foxford area 13 Feb and 6 at Candle Lake 16 Feb (Dl). A moderate incursion around s. Lake Win- nipeg in Dec swelled to a major irruption from Hecia Island to the Minnesota border near Sprague as snow cover built up through Jan. Numbers were the highest since winter 2000-2001, with a peak tally of 45 on a long drive 24 Feb (PT, RKo). Up to 5 were visible at once, along with one or 2 Northern Hawk Owls, at some hot spots. Sixty-nine Great Grays banded between 5 Jan and 29 Mar were generally in good condition, with all age classes being represented (J&PD). Boreal Owls followed a similar pattern, with scattered singles in Alberta (CL) and Saskatchewan (NS, m.ob.), whereas 31+ were reported in s. Manitoba, especially in and around Winnipeg, with 6 found dead, mostly in Mar. This highest-ever total was partly due to improved internet communication but still indicative of an exceptional movement out of the forest. Seven s. Manitoba reports of Northern Saw-whet Owls 20 Dec-1 0 Mar was also a higher winter total than usual; one was reported near Saskatoon 28 Jan (BB). VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 293 PRAIRIE PROVINCES not record late for Alberta; one was seen 30 Nov 1997 (North American Birds 52: 78). This Bam Owl was found dead while hay bales were being moved near Elie, Manitoba on about 9 December 2012. It provides the fifth confirmed record for the province, though there are another ten unconfirmed or hypothetical reports as well. The specimen is now located in the Manitoba Museum collection. Photograph by Randy Mooi. Chickadee 31 Dec and 22 Jan O&MM). Al- though Brown Creepers are regular in small numbers across the south in winter, a group of 5 at Regina 14 Feb was remarkable (RD). A Carolina Wren was reported without de- tails at Winnipeg in early/mid-Jan (fide RP). Golden-crowned Kinglets were widespread in low numbers across s. Alberta. Two East- ern Bluebirds at Medicine Hat, AB 1-4 Dec provided the first winter record for the province (MS, B&JA, ph.). Also rare were a Northern Mockingbird at Vulcan, AB 3-16 Feb Oh, m.ob., ph.) and a Brown Thrasher at Regina late Dec-early Jan (fide BQ). Bo- hemian Waxwings made a strong showing across the s. of all three provinces, with high tallies of 1000+ at Winnipeg 1 Jan (GB) and 4000 at Calgary 1 Feb (GY). At Calgary, a tardy Cape May Warbler was seen 2 Dec (LS), while a Yellow-rumped Warbler made it through the winter QN). A white-eyed Eastern Towhee was found on the Winnipeg C.B.C. (RKo, JW); another Eastern Towhee was at MacGregor, MB until at least 6 Feb (DG), and a bird near Saska- toon up to 12 Dec provided a first record for the area (GW, NS, m.ob.). A Chipping Spar- This male Eastern Bluebird was found along the Ajax Coulee Trail in Kin Coulee, Medicine Hat, Alberta 1 December 2012; it gave the province its first winter record of the species. Photograph by Milt Spitzer. row on the Edmonton, AB C.B.C. was a first for the count. Two Song Sparrows wintered at Calgary (SQ, m.ob.), and another was at Waterton (fide TK). Saskatchewan’s 3rd win- tering Lincoln’s Sparrow was photographed at Morse 31 Dec (fide ]?). A Harris’s Spar- row survived at Winnipeg (GB), and one was seen on the Morse C.B.C. 21 Dec. Two White-crowned Spar- rows were found on the Edmon- ton C.B.C., and one was at Saska- toon Jan-Feb (HN). A wintering female Northern Cardinal at Sherwood Park, AB had apparently been in the area since 2008 (EZ); in Saskatchewan, a bird was at Melfort mid-Dec un- til at least 7 Feb (SG). An Indigo Bunting at Gimli, MB 3 Dec was likely the first ever in winter for the Region (DM, ph.). The Elbow, SK area hosted a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch late Nov-early Jan (JP). Pine Grosbeak numbers were high across the s. of all three provinces. Details are limited for a Cassin’s Finch reported at Saska- toon 13 Jan, but a photograph ap- pears to support the identification (SS, C&LS). Both Red and White- winged Crossbills were well rep- resented in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, but numbers dwindled as the winter progressed. Red- polls had a good flight into the s. part of the Region, with an above- average proportion of Hoary Red- polls, including some of the hor- nemanni subspecies. Corrigendum: The Marsh Wren at Taber Lake 24 Nov 2011 was Observers (provincial compilers in bold- face): B. &J. Anderson, J. Bingham, B. Boldt, j T. Brauner, G. Budyk, E Cram, B. Creran, ( R. Cromie, B. Davenport, J. Davis, K. & D. i De Smet, R. Dudragne, J. 63: R Duncan, D. ; Gamache, S. Green, K. Hedegard, T. Hind- I j march, D. Huget, D. Iverson, R. Iverson, j ■ R. Klauke, R. Koes (RKo), T. Korolyk, G. ;; ■ Kratzig, F Kreb, C. Lukaniuk, B. Luterbach, ' ; J. & M. MacDonald, S. Manly, D. Martin, M. f ; Mulligan, J. Nemeth, H. Noton, R. Parsons, | J. Priebe, B. Quiring, S. Quon, G. Roman- ■ i chuk, T. Roper, C. Roy, C. & L. Salisbury, L. ;; i Sargeant, N. Saunders, S. Shadick, B. Shet- ' | tier, T. Sopuck, M. Spitzer, D. Steppler, E !. I Taylor, I. Thorleifson, G. Wapple, J. Wesh- noweski, N. West, G. Yaki, D. Zazelenchuk, 1 E. Zutz. 1$ I Rudolf F. Koes, 135 Rossmere Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K 0G1, (rkoes@mymts.net) Peter Taylor, P. 0. Box 597, Pinawa, Manitoba ROE 110, (taylorp@granite.mb.ca) Although there have been several reports of Northern Mockingbird in Alberta in recent years, it remains a rarity in the province. This bird was at Vulcan on 9 Febru- ary 2013. Photograph by Dan Arndt. This Indigo Bunting at a feeder in Gimli, Manitoba on 3 December 2012 provided the province with its first winter record. Photograph by Dontta Martin. 294 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Northern Great Plains Dan Svingen Overall, the Northern Great Plain’s win- ter of 2012-2013 was unremarkable weatherwise. Temperatures and pre- cipitation vacillated around long-term norms. Snow accumulations were unimpressive until late in the season, when eastern and northern North Dakota quickly piled up snow. That abundance was not shared with southwestern North Dakota or with western South Dakota, both of which saw a continuation of last fall’s drought. Such conditions typically result in a lack of stockpond water in the Region’s western rangelands during the subsequent spring. Birdwise, waterfowl added interest to the winter season, whereas open-country raptors and owls were largely absent. Birders were nonetheless well entertained by an impressive irruption of winter finches. Of particular note was the widespread influx of both crossbills and both redpolls. WATERFOWL Seasonally casual Regionwide, 2 Ross’s Geese were found on the Shadehill, SD C.B.C. 14 Dec. The Bismarck-Mandan, ND C.B.C. 15 Dec had 3 Ross’s; one lingered until 10 Jan (HCT). As noted in previous reports, much remains to be learned of the distribution of Cackling Goose in this Region. The Garrison Dam, ND C.B.C. 14 Dec found 152 Cackling Geese, a new high; the Bismarck-Mandan C.B.C. tallied 14, 2 of which persisted until at least 4 Jan (HCT). The Grand Forks, ND/East Grand Forks, MN C.B.C. 16 Dec found a single Cackling Goose at the Grand Forks, ND sewage lagoons. In contrast to those moderate numbers, 20,350 Cackling Geese were present for the Pierre, SD C.B.C. 15 Dec. A lone Cackling Goose, considered an early migrant, was at Long Lake N.WR., Bur- leigh, ND 26 Feb (TPL). American Black Ducks are rare in North Dakota, so of interest were the singles found on the Fargo, N D/Moorhead, MN C.B.C. 15 Dec, and the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks C.B.C. 16 Dec. The latter bird persisted at the Grand Forks sewage lagoons until at least 16 Feb (DOL). A seasonally rare Blue-winged Teal was in Yankton, SD 16 Dec (KP). Unusual scaup observations included 2 Greaters in Jamestown, ND 5 Dec (LDI), 7 Lessers on the Garrison Dam C.B.C. 14 Dec, and 3 Great- ers at Garrison Dam, McLean, ND 20 Jan-16 Feb (REM, CDE, Pamela Hunt). Accidental in South Dakota, a Harlequin Duck was in Pennington 24 Dec (CEM). Always a treat to see in the Region, White-winged Scoters were reported in Yankton, SD 1 Dec (DS, RM) and at Giant Springs S.P, Cascade, MT 15 Dec-9 Feb (AE, SH); both re- ports were of single birds. Long-tailed Duck sightings included one in Billings, MT 13 Dec (GM), one at Garrison Dam, ND 9 Dec-i-, one at the Heskett Power Station, Mandan, ND 29 Dec-5 Jan (DNS, CDE, HCT), and 2 at Giant Springs S.P, MT 1 Jan and 9 Feb (BM, SH). The 2 Buffleheads at Fargo, ND 3 Feb (GEN) were most likely wintering birds. Barrow’s Golden- eyes are casual in the Dakotas away from the Black Hills; one was along the Missouri River 26 Dec-28 Jan in Charles Mix and Gregory, SD (RM, KP, DC). A Red-breasted Merganser was a treat on the Garrison Dam C.B.C. 14 Dec; 2 were there 20 Jan-17 Feb (REM, CDE, CAC). Two Red-breasted Mergansers were also at Mandan’s Heskett Power Station 3 Feb (CDE). LOONS THROUGH OWLS A Pacific Loon was in Yankton, SD 8 Dec (DS); the species is considered a casual migrant state- wide. A Ferruginous Hawk was photographed during Christmas count at Theodore Roosevelt 22 Dec QLK); there were no winter records for North Dakota prior to 2005. The only Sandhill Crane reported this winter was one in Charles Mix, SD 23-24 Dec (KP, RM). Lingering Killdeer included one on the Garrison Dam C.B.C. 14 Dec, 2 in Two Moon Park, Yellowstone, MT 25 Dec QC), 3 at Giant Springs S.P, MT 3 Jan (AE), and one in Pennington, SD 7-16 Jan (CLG). The perceived status of several gull species in the Region continues to evolve, no doubt as a result of both increased birder coverage and actual changes in the birds’ status and distribu- tion. Now casual in South Dakota, a Mew Gull was in Charles Mix, SD 22-29 Dec (RDO, KP, RM). Single Iceland Gulls were at Fort Peck, Valley, MT 2 Dec (CC), Garrison Dam 9-14 Dec (REM), and Hughes, SD 1-28 Feb (RDO, SS, KM). The species is most regular at Garrison Dam, but even there is still con- sidered rare and not quite annual. Accidental in Montana, a Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Fort Peck Dam 2 Dec (CC). Another Lesser was in Charles Mix, SD 23-29 Dec (KP, RM); the spe- cies is increasingly expected in the e. Dakotas. Snowy Owl counts were much lower than those reported during last winter’s impressive irrup- tion. There was other owl excitement, however, including a Northern Hawk Owl reported in Pembina, ND 25 Feb (Richard Staniforth). Al- though there have been over 30 reports of this species in the state, few have been documented, so it is still considered casual. A Boreal Owl was photographed by many during its 25-26 Feb stay at Grand Forks (DOL et al). This spe- cies’ current status in North Dakota, where considered casual, is more reflective of the lack of past documentation than the lack of past re- ports. Northern Saw- whet Owls were widely re- ported in North Dakota compared to the long- term norm, with a high of 2 discovered on the Denbigh C.B.C. 5 Jan. RAVENS THROUGH FINCHES Common Ravens continue to make news, as the species slowly expands into portions of the Region it abandoned after the wolf eradication campaigns of the 1880s. Chuck Carlson reports that in Fort Peck, Valley, MT, he began seeing one or 2 ravens about five years ago; this winter, the species was present throughout the period, with a high of 6 birds noted 12 Feb. The Den- bigh, ND C.B.C. 5 Jan found 36 Common Ra- vens, while 19 were seen 23 Feb during a bird- ing loop through Burke, Divide, and Mountrail, ND (CDE, REM). Single Common Ravens were seen in two different locations in Charles Mix, SD 2 & 16 Dec (RM); it is unknown whether one or 2 individual ravens were involved. A very late Eastern Bluebird was photo- graphed at a Hettinger, ND birdbath 22 Dec Qohn Kludt, fide Jan Sayler). The Mountain Bluebird discovered in Grand Forks, ND dur- ing the local C.B.C. 16 Dec persisted through at least 11 Feb (DEH et al), providing the state’s first record of successful overwinter- ing. A Northern Mock- ingbird, rare and not yet annual statewide, was in Burleigh, ND 9 Dec (ET). Several noteworthy spar- row sightings were re- ported, including: single Chipping Sparrows on the Fargo-Moorhead C.B.C. 15 Dec and at Jamestown, ND 5-10 Jan (BE). North Dakota’s first Feb record of Field Sparrow was ob- tained at a feeder in Ward 17 Feb (REM). A season- ally casual Vesper Sparrow A flock of four Pine Grosbeaks visited Fargo, North Dakota 6 January 2013, part of a widespread movement of this species in late fall 201 2 and into winter, noted from the Great Plains to New England. Photograph by Dean Riemer. V 0 L U M E 6 7 ( 2 0 1 3 ) . N U M B E R 2 295 NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS was photographed during the Garrison Dam C.B.C. 14 Dec (CDE). In ne. North Dakota, Pine Grosbreaks staged the best invasion in decades, but the species was largely unreported elsewhere. A Purple Finch reported in Fall River, SD 2 Dec Ql-B) was of par- ticular interest due to the ongoing mystery of the species’ actual status in the Black Hills, a locale also occupied by Cassin’s and House Finches. Crossbills were widely reported across the Re- gion and throughout the period. Most of the Red Crossbills were thought to be Type 3, though 15 birds at Beulah Mines WM.A. 20 Jan were iden- tified as Type 2 (REM, CDE). An impressive 127 White -winged Crossbills were found during the Bismarck-Mandan C.B.C. 15 Dec. For many observers, this season’s highlight was the irruption of Common and Hoary Red- polls across all three states, with birds staying through the end of the period. An impressive 118 eBird entries for North Dakota mentioned Hoary Redpolls. At least 7 individual Hoary Redpolls were observed and/or photographed at a Bismarck feeder during the season (DNS). The Grand Forks/East Grand Forks C.B.C. 16 Dec found the Region’s one-day high count of 17 Hoary Redpolls. Overall, participants on North Dakota C.B.C.s tallied 17,961 Common and 9 1 Hoary Redpolls. Many birders noted that redpoll numbers continued to build throughout the winter season. Although the actual number of birds involved will never be known, it was widely considered to be the best flight in several years. Among the reasons for the accolades was the fact that Hoary Redpolls dispersed well s. into the Region. For example, Terry Sohl photo- graphed a Hoary Redpoll at Brandon, SD 12 Jan after his young son inquired about the white bird at the feeder. A Lesser Goldfinch was found in Pennington, SD 14 Jan (RSL); there are no winter I Southern Great Plains W. Ross Silcock Birds are adaptable yet sensitive creatures, escaping or succumbing to landscape and environmental changes that may be barely perceptible to us. A cursory perusal of this season’s report would appear to pres- ent a typical mix of expected and exceptional records, but a broader historical perspective shows how much has changed in our winter avifauna — and in a rather short timeframe. Across a broad array of taxa, we see continu- ing northward expansions of winter ranges in the southern Plains states, especially in south- erly species. Other, more northerly species are not occurring as far south as they did in the past or occur now in much reduced numbers. These latter include several gull and swan spe- 296 cies, now hanging farther north, and species such as Common Mergansers, which now ap- pear in Oklahoma in numbers only later in the winter. Lower counts of other species, such as Western Grebe and California Gull, perhaps indicate reduced populations in comparison to the late twentieth century. This season, many birders reported that landbirds were in short supply, particularly sparrows, very likely a consequence of significant drought, especially in southern parts of the Region and beyond. Several irruptive species, among them North- ern Shrikes, Common Redpolls, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Pine Siskins, were recorded in high numbers this season, adding a bit of recompense for the reduced passerine numbers generally. Abbreviations; Hefner (Lake Hefner, Okla- homa, OK); McConaughy (McConaughy Res- ervoir, Keith, NE); Quivira (Quivira N.WR., Barton, KS); Red Slough (Red Slough WM.A., McCurtain, OK). WATERFOWL THROUGH HERONS Greater White-fronted Geese were found in low numbers in Nebraska through the period at 1 1 mostly e. locations {fide WRS); 5 were pres- ent in Scotts Bluff 15 Dec, a westerly location (fide AK). Significant movement of waterfowl was evident in Kansas and Nebraska by late Jan: 10,050 Greater White-fronted Geese were at Quivira 7 Feb along with 101,500 Snow and 31,500 Cackling Geese (BJ,/ide JK). The 1000 Ross’s Geese in Rooks 22 Jan Q^K) was an impressive season high for Kansas QK); rare records for this species in South Dakota. Cited observers (state editors in boldface): MONTANA: Chuck Carlson (CC), John Carl- son QC), Aria Eckert, Sharon Hansen, Bob Martinka, George Mowat. NORTH DAKOTA: Cathy A. Clayton (CAC), Corey D. Ellingson, Betty Euliss, Deb E. Hanson, Larry D. Igl, Jesse L. Kolar, David 0. Lambeth, Tyrell P. Lauckner, Ron E. Martin (REM), Gary E. Nielson, Dan N. Svingen (DNS), Erik Thompson, H. Clark Talk- ington. SOUTH DAKOTA: Jocelyn L. Baker, Doug Chapman, Richard S. Latuchie, Canyon Lake Group (CLG), Charlie E. Miller, Kenny Miller, Ron Mabie (RM), Kelly M. Preheim (KP), Ricky D. Olson, Jeffery Palmer, Sherry Scherer, David Swanson (DS). O Dan Svingen, 1 141 South Highland Acres Road, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501, (dsvingen@fs.fed.us) midwinter reports in Nebraska came from four locations 10-27 Jan (fide WRS). Hybrid geese reported in Kansas were a Snow x Ross’s in Douglas 26 Feb QK) and a Snow x Canada in McPherson 2 Dec (PJ). The only Brant reported was a Black Brant in Adams, NE 2-3 Feb (PD, MB). As is typical of recent winters, reports of Trumpeter Swan were numerous in Kansas and Nebraska; the best Nebraska count was of 58 in Garfield/Loup 24 Dec (DH), while Kansas had 169+ reported mostly Jan-Feb from 29+ locations (JrdeJK), 33 in Shawnee 9 Jan (]H) the largest single count. A few Trumpeters trickled into Oklahoma, with 4 noted in Osage 1-16 Jan (THo) and 7 at Red Slough 1-9 Dec (BH, DA, DW). Tundra Swans were reported in expected low numbers; 4 were in Russell/Lincoln, KS 16 Dec, 2 in Osage, OK 6 Jan (JWA, DoA), 4 in Rooks, KS 5 Feb (JVK), 2 in Clark, KS 17 Feb OC), and 15 in Richardson, NE 18 Feb (LF, SQ). Five unidentified swans were noted in Murray, OK 26 Jan (DH). Wood Ducks are extending their winter range northward and westward in the Region (fideJK), with high winter tallies of 50+ in Sedgwick, KS 1 Jan (PJ) and 46 at North Platte, Lincoln, NE during Jan (fide WRS). Also in North Platte was a Mandarin Duck, presum- ably the same bird from last winter, present > from 15 Dec (SM) through 3 Feb (WRS, BP, DL, LG; ph.), possibly from a 20-year-old breeding population in Pueblo, CO (fide DE). The best C.B.C. count for Mallard was the 47,000 at McConaughy 31 Dec (fide SJD). Large independent counts of Mallard includ- ed 17,000 at Sooner Lake 13 Jan (THo), and 15,500 at Quivira 7 Feb, the latter with 5050 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS A Purple Sandpiper discovered by John and Brandi Polo at Lake Carl Blackwell, Payne County, Oklahoma delighted many birders 6-8 (here 7) January 201 3 before flying up and circling out of sight. It represents the second record for the Southern Great Plains region and for Oklahoma. Photograph byjamesW.Arterburn. Northern Pintails (BJ, jideJK). Locating Ameri- can Black Duck has become difficult in recent decades; 9 were found this season at seven ne. locations 1 Dec- 19 Jan (fide WRS, JK), with one westerly in Mitchell, KS 27 Dec (fide JK). Midwinter records of Blue-winged Teal in Ne- braska are exceptional; 12 were found at North Platte 15 Dec (fide TJW) and one in Dodge 18 Dec (fide D6a:JP). In Kansas, 16 Blue-winged Teal were reported throughout the period (fide JK). Arriving Blue-winged Teal appeared at Red Slough 6 Feb (3 birds; DA, BH). Northern Shoveler is also wintering farther n. and in larg- er numbers, with an impressive 400 in Omaha 13 Jan and 250 there 3 Feb QR)- Greater Scaup also occurred well n. this win- ter, with 98-1- tallied in Nebraska (fide WRS). Among scoters, always noteworthy in the Re- gion, White-wingeds were located at McCo- naughy 6 Dec (RS, BG), in Russell, KS 20 Jan QK, MRo), and in Tulsa, OK 23-26 Feb (BC, JLe); Blacks were in Tulsa, OK 1-4 Dec (TM) and in Osage, KS 9 Dec (MG, BAS). No Surf Scoters were reported this season in the Re- gion. The usual few Long-tailed Ducks were found, with 2 in Nebraska (SJD, G&WH), 11 in Kansas (fide JK), and 2 in ne. Oklahoma (fide JAG). The season’s high count of Com- mon Goldeneyes in Kansas was an impressive 7500 in Russell 15 Feb (MR). Barrow’s Gold- eneye occurs most winters in tbe North Platte River Valley, NE; a female was in Scotts Bluff 19 Feb (PD). Much more a rarity farther s., Bar- row’s Goldeneyes have seemed to be attracted to Wichita, KS; an ad. male was there 20 Jan-2 Feb (PG, KG). The 512 Hooded Mergansers in Mitchell 27 Dec made a season high for Kansas QK), with 450-r in Ellsworth, KS 2 Dec (PJ) and 400 in Blaine, OK 14 Jan (KA, JHe). Five-digit counts of Common Mergansers built up in the Region: 11,750 were in Mitchell, KS 27 Dec (fidejK), with 20,000 estimated at Cheney Res- ervoir, Reno/Kingman/Sedgwick, KS 6 Jan (PJ) and “thousands” at Canton Reservoir, Blaine, OK 14 Jan (KA, JHe). Northern Bobwhite reports in Nebraska and Oklahoma were uniformly pessimistic, with low numbers at few locations (fide WRS, JAG), possibly a product of recent drought condi- tions. Red-throated Loons appeared in Pawnee, KS 4-5 Dec (SS) and at Hefner 18 Feb QW); only 2 were located 19 Feb at the loon mecca, Tenkiller Lake, Sequoyah, OK QRo et al). While the last Common Loon found in Kansas was in Osage 1 Jan QM), 182 were noted at Ten- killer Lake, Sequoyah, OK 16 Feb (DE). Homed Grebes were tardy n. to Lincoln, NE 31 Dec (LE) and at McConaughy 29 Dec (2, SJD), while in Kansas, midwinter reports were of one in King- man/Reno 2 Feb (KG, JL, ER) and one in Rooks 12 Feb QVK). Three Eared Grebes lingered at Tulsa until at least 3 Jan (TM). Remarkable were the 3 imm. Red-necked Grebes at McConaughy 29 Dec (SJD, WRS); Kansas reports were of singles in Linn 2 Dec (MC, JS) and Russell 16 Dec (fide JK). Western Grebes at McConaughy still numbered 255 on 29 Dec (fide SJD); one 16 Feb QGJ) made only the sixth Feb record for Nebraska. Far less numerous than Western, a Clark’s Grebe was late at McConaughy 29 Dec (SJD), and another was reported in Rus- sell, KS 16 Dec (Jide JK). As with other species, northerly American White Pelicans included a remarkable 451 in Douglas, KS 22 Feb (MA). A lingering Black-crowned Night-Heron was in Harvey, KS 15 Dec-6 Jan (fideJK). VULTURES THROUGH WOODPECKERS Black Vultures are establishing themselves northwestward into Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Comanche, OK (m.ob.). Probably very early mi- grant Turkey Vultures in Kansas were 4 singles at separate locations 2-18 Feb (fide JK). Good counts of Bald Eagles were the 240 in Harlan, NE 17 Feb (PD) and 142 in Riley, KS 30 Dec (TC). A fairly typical 6 Northern Goshawks were reported, 5 in Nebraska 2-29 Dec (fide WRS) and one in Ford, KS 4 Feb QO- Three ad. Golden Eagles were reported in extreme e. Nebraska 11 Dec-3 Feb (D&JR GR, SQ, MW), with 1-2 at Red Slough, se. Oklahoma (DA et al.). A Sora in Russell, KS 16 Dec (fide JK) was a winter surprise. Numbers of wintering Sandhill Cranes were reduced in s.-cen. Kan- sas, possibly due to drought conditions (fide JK). Spring migration of Sandhill Cranes was underway rather early, with flyovers noted in Reno, KS 27 Jan (Jide JK) and 5000 by 7 Feb at Quivira, increasing to 10,000 on 18 Feb (BJ). A single Sandhill in Johnson, KS 27 Dec-14 Jan QW) was easterly and may have been injured. Three Whooping Cranes lingered in Alfalfa, OK through 11 Dec (GH). The usual Killdeer, Least Sandpipers, and Wilson’s Snipe were reported on northerly C.B.C.s. The first American Woodcocks were noted 12 Feb in Douglas, KS (BBu). Greater Yel- lowlegs wintered northerly into Kansas, with 15 reported 15 Dec-26 Jan (fide JK); one was m Sarpy, NE through 5 Dec (RS, BG). Other shore- birds less frequently noted during the winter period were 2 American Avocets n. to Hefner 13 Dec (MaM), with 12 in Johnston, OK 8 Jan QRo, JMu, BS) and one in Blaine, OK 26 Jan (L&MT); a Spotted Sandpiper in Cleveland, OK 16 Feb (TK); 2 Baird’s Sandpipers at Hefner 29 Dec QWA); and 3 Western Sandpipers in Johnston, OK 8 Jan QRo, JMu, BS). Two Dunlins at Hefner 4 & 8 Jan QAG) made the only report. Perhaps the blowout surprise for the season, however, was a Purple Sandpiper in Payne, OK 6-8 Jan QR BPo, m.ob.), drawing birders from a multi- state area — only the state’s second. A Little Gull delighted birders in Tulsa, OK with appearances at two locations, first from 27 Dec-9 Jan (BC, m.ob.), then in n. Tulsa 9 Feb (WCT), then back at the first location 23 Feb+ (BC, m.ob.). Franklin’s Gulls were in Lancaster, NE 21-23 Dec (LE), Cleveland, OK 12 Jan (TK), and Douglas, NE 17 Feb (SMc), plus 3 in Tulsa 24 Feb (TM, JLe). McConaughy is a regular site for Mew Gull; as many as 3 ads. were at Mc- Conaughy 28 Dec-6 Jan (SJD, SMa, PD), and one was a rare find in Harlan, NE 17 Feb (PD). California Gulls away from Keith, NE are rare; reports this season were of singles in Sedgwick, KS 6 Jan (PJ) and Cowley, KS 5 Jan (MT, GY), with 2 at Hefner 4 Jan QAG). Thayer’s Gulls ap- peared in expected numbers in Nebraska and Kansas, with a total of 27 for both states (fide WRS, JK). Southernmost were singles at Hef- ner and in Canadian, OK 6-15 Jan (JW, BD). Iceland Gull is a Regional rarity, especially s. to Kansas; a first/second-cycle bird was in King- man/Reno 26 Jan (PJ), a first-cycle was at Mc- Conaughy 1 Feb (PD), and an ad. was in John- Rarely encountered in the Southern Great Plains, this apparent Herring Gull x Glaucous Gull hybrid was located at Lake Hefner, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma 4 January 2013. Photograph by Joseph A. Grzybowski. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 297 SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS son/Wyandotte, KS 2-16 Feb (CHo, JW, m.ob.). Almost as rare in the Region is Great Black-backed Gull; 2 were found in Kansas, a third- cycle bird that followed the Kansas River from Pottawat- omie to Jefferson 3 Jan QK), and to Douglas 21 Dec-23 Feb (BM, JK, ML), and a subad. in Cowley 12 Jan (TE, KG, PJ). Lesser Black- backed Gull is moving into the ranks of “expected at gull concentrations,” with 20+ in Kansas (fide JK) and 13 in Nebraska (fide WRS); Oklahoma noted at least 5 individuals (fide JAG). Nebraska’s third documented record of Glaucous-winged Gull was of a third-cycle bird at McConaughy 16-23 Feb 0QJ> ph-, m.ob.). The previous two records were also at McConaughy. A typical total of 14 Glaucous Gulls was reported, 5 in Nebraska, 6 in Kansas, and 3 in Oklahoma (fide WRS, JK, JAG). An apparent Herring Gull x Glaucous Gull hybrid was photographed at Hefner 4 Jan QAG). Winter reports of White-winged Dove keep increasing in the Region into n. and e. Kansas as well as s. Nebraska (fide WRS, JK). They are now locally abundant in cen. and w. Oklaho- ma. Singles were at Omaha, NE 25 Dec (MCI) and in Hall, NE 21 Feb (AC), and a surprising 9 were in Riley, KS 21 Jan QRa). Dropping back from previous cold winters, Inca Doves were found only in s. Oklahoma: 2 in Comanche I Jan (L&MT), one in Johnston 21 Jan QMu), and 6 in McCurtain 30 Jan (BH). A Western Screech-Owl nudged eastward to cen. Morton, KS 29 Dec (TM, JW), 30 km e. of the expected range on the Kansas/Colorado border. The huge Snowy Owl invasion of the 2011-2012 winter had a signihcant “echo” this winter, with at least I I additional reported from Nebraska from the 5 found in fall (fide WRS). Three Snowies made it to Kansas in Rooks 8 Dec (ZH), Ellsworth 25 Dec (BW), and Riley (fide JK). Northern Saw- whet Owl is a hard-to-hnd species that is surely more common than the record reflects. Four were “coaxed into song” in Kansas during Feb (jtde JK), and 2 were found in Nebraska (fide WRS). Rufous Hummingbirds lingering in the Region were singles in Shawnee, KS 7 Dec-13 Feb (CM, ph.) and Logan, OK 12 Dec-10 Jan (male; CSt). A Ladder-backed Woodpecker in Pratt, KS 26 Jan (MR) may have been the same one seen there in late 2012 QK)- A Yellow- bellied Sapsucker persisted n. to North Platte, NE 6-10 Jan (TH, JJ). A Hairy Woodpecker from the Rocky Mountain subspecies (monti- cola), known to winter onto adjacent plains in e. Colorado, was docu- mented for the hrst time in Nebraska in Scotts Bluff 3 Feb (KD; ph.). A Pileated Woodpecker in Kingman and Pratt, KS 16 Jan (PJ) was westerly. Unexpected were the 16+ Prairie Falcons reported from Seward, NE eastward (fide WRS). Now found in the Region’s extreme se., a Crested Caracara was discovered at Red Slough 28 Jan (DA). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS Several Eastern Phoebes braved the season in Barber/Harper, KS 19 Dec (PJ). Northern Shrikes were present in good numbers, with 47 reported on Nebraska C.B.C.s (fide WRS) and 37 from Kansas (fide JK), twice the norm. Farthest s. were singles in Linn, KS 16 Dec QK, MM), Garfield, OK 12-14 Jan QHe), and Comanche, OK 13-15 Dec (TU et ah). Logger- head Shrike winters rarely n. to se. Nebraska; one was in Valley 15 Jan (BW). The estimated 7-8 Steller’s Jays that arrived in Scotts Bluff, NE in mid-Nov continued through the winter period (AK, MS, KSt, KD, PD). No additional birds or locations were reported. A remarkable photograph of no fewer than 84 Pinyon Jays was taken in a yard in Cheyenne, NE 17 Feb (CH). Unexpected at the location was a Pinyon Jay in Finney, KS 30 Dec (fide JK). Single West- ern Scrub-Jays in Kansas were found in Gray 22 Dec OH) and Morton 9 Feb QH). As with Steller’s Jay, Mountain Chickadee reports were confined to Scotts Bluff, NE, where at least 8 were present at various feeders during the win- ter period (KD, AD, MS, SMa, PD). Purple Martins appeared early at Red Slough 13 Feb (5; DA) and at Wichita, KS 21 Feb (LM, DM). Also very early were Tree Swallows by 13 Feb and Barn Swallows by 25 Feb at Red Slough (DA). Red-breasted Nuthatches appeared in above-normal numbers in Nebraska and Kansas (fide WRS, JK). Occasional Pygmy Nuthatches occur in un- expected places, such as the 2 in Lincoln, NE 6 Jan-25 Eeb (ph. TH, m.ob.). Rock Wrens wan- dering eastward were at Quivlra Sep-Eeb (fide JK), in Payne, OK 8 Jan OLo et ah), and in Miami, KS 15-27 Jan (CY). A Bewick’s Wren in a Scotts Bluff yard 15 Dec (ph. CMc; fide AK) was un- expected. A Winter Wren in Otoe, NE 13 Feb 1 1 (LF) was surviving the winter there; others t were westerly in Comanche, OK 13 Dec (TU, KM, PV) and 23 Feb QW) arid in Woodward, i OK 29 Dec (SJ). Sedge Wren withdraws from I much of the Region in winter; singles persisted n. to Quivira 2-15 Dec (AM, BM, MMi), Riley, , , KS 15 Dec (ER), and, most surprising. King- |i man, KS 16 Jan (PJ). Townsend’s Solitaire ap- peared in good numbers, with birds easterly to ! Sarpy, NE 7 Jan (CNK), Riley, KS 20 Jan (DR), I j Comanche, OK 8 &13 Dec (TU, JW et ah), and | Sedgwick, KS 27-30 Dec (JC). Varied Thrushes, J rare in the Region, were found in York, NE 8 Dec (GW, EBa) and Douglas, NE 31 Dec-2 Jan | OR). At least 4 Brown Thrashers survived the Nebraska winter into Feb (fide WRS). A stag- gering 250,444 European Starlings were count- ed on the North Platte, NE C.B.C. 15 Dec (fide TJW), about double the previous high for the state. Continuing the northerly finds was an American Pipit in Lancaster, NE 25 Dec (TEL). A lone Bohemian Waxwing was in Boyd, NE 24 Feb (WF); no others were reported. Huge aggregations of Lapland Longspur occur in Nebraska in Feb prior to departure; this sea- son, the 50,000 in Seward 10 Feb QG) was dwarfed by the incredible 300,000 feeding in a harvested sunflower field in Thomas, KS 20 Jan (SS). A single southerly Snow Bunting at Quivira through 17 Dec (BJ) made a local treat. The Audubon’s Warbler at McConaughy 23 Feb (ph. MB) was the only Nebraska record between 1 Nov and 1 1 Apr. SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Northerly half-hardies included a Green-tailed Towhee in Scotts Bluff, NE 5 Jan (PD), a Spot- ted Towhee in Scotts Bluff, NE 15 Dec (fide AK), an Eastern Towhee in Washington, NE 29 Dec (fide JT), a Field Sparrow in Washington, NE 2 Jan OJ), four Nebraska reports of single Savannah Spar- rows (JT, SSc, EB), a Lark Sparrow in Morton, KS 30 Dec (SK, SS), and an ad. Le Conte’s Sparrow with a group of Song Sparrows in Douglas, NE 12 Feb OD- < Westerly Swamp Sparrows included one in Grant, KS 7 Dec (SG, KH) and 2 at McConaughy 29 Dec (fide SJD). Rare eastward in the Region, and sometimes dif- ficult to separate from well- I marked “Cassiar Juncos,” a Wandering into Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska from the Rocky Mountains was this Hairy Woodpecker of the subspecies montkoia, the first documented in Nebraska (here! February 2013). Photograph by Kathy DeLara. Rare any where in the Southern Great Plains, this fe- male Pine Grosbeak graced a feeder in Dakota County, Nebraska from fall into the winter, here photographed 26 January 2013. Photograph by Deb Copple. 298 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS Red Crossbills made widespread ap- pearances in the Region. The highest count in Nebraska was of 23 at North Platte 6 Jan (TH). In Kansas, 1274- were tallied from 144- locations (fide JK). One or more groups of Red Crossbills also persisted in pines at Lake Carl Blackwell, Payne, OK (AJ et al.) through the period. Although these numbers were not over- whelming, many were identified to Type by their flight calls. In general. Type 2, found mostly in the Mountain West, is the most expected Type in the Region, with Type 3, the irruptive Western Hemlock specialist, expected in numbers on occasion. As ex- pected, almost ail Red Crossbills recorded in Kansas this winter were ofType 2 (fide JK), but 24 individuals of Type 3 were verified in a mixed flock in Ellis (JK, MRo). Among birds recorded at North Platte, NE 18 Jan were 18 "probable" Type 3 (TJW; identified by ear), with one in Knox, NE 2 Feb (MB). Close-up photographs of the latter show a "smaller bill" than the usual Type 2. Most surprising, however, v/as the docu- mentation by recording of Type 5 Rad Crossbill, the Lodgepoie Pine form, in the Ellis, KS flock 23 Dec (JK, MRo) and also among the birds in Payne, OK (AJ et al.). Type 5 is known mostly from the West but not previously recorded in the Region. Pos- sible Type 5 reports from Nebraska were of birds heard only, not recorded (TJW). Fi- nally, several Red Crossbills ofType 10, the Sitka Spruce form, a nomadic Type from the Northwest Pacific, were among the Payne, OK birds (AJ); this latter was identi- fied from a recording sent to Matt Young at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. We have much more to learn about the Red Crossbills that visit this Region. Pink-sided Junco was in Wyandotte, KS 31 Dec OK). Of known occurrence in cen. Kansas, but with few records, White -winged Juncos were located in Russell 23 Dec OK. MRo), Reno 25 Dec-7 Jan (AM, JM), Ellis 20 Jan OK, MRo), and Pawnee 27 Jan (SS). A Dickcissel was with House Sparrows in Lancaster, NE 15 Dec (BMe, fide JGJ). Rusty Blackbirds were noted w. to Custer, NE 24 Jan (20; TH). With their decline, good Rusty counts included 200 in Rooks 23 Jan O^K) and 83 in Johnson, KS 12 Dec (ML). Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches, regular in extreme nw. Nebras- ka, were reported only from Scotts Bluff, where a flock of 75-100 wintered (SMa, KD, PD, BE). Oddballs among them were 10 Hep- burns (littoralis) 5 Jan (PD), and Nebraska’s 3rd record of Black-crowned Rosy- Finch was of 1-2 birds there 5 Jan (PD) and 2 Feb (BE). Not to be outdone were the Pine Grosbeaks, including a female in Dakota since late fall (DC; ph.,iide BFH) and a male at a Seward feeder Jan-15 Feb (KGa). Among increasingly fewer reports of Purple Finch, one was westerly to Scotts Bluff 15 Dec (fide AK), and 3 were at a Mc- Conaughy feeder 24 Dec (JB). Top Kansas count of Purple Finch was of 24 in Johnson 27 Jan (DS). After a good fall showing of White-winged Crossbills in Nebraska, numbers dwindled, and the last report was 6 Jan (fide WRS); in all, 22 birds were reported from eight loca- tions in Nebraska (fide WRS), with 5 at five locations in Kan- sas (fide JK) through 16 Feb, the latter in An- derson (CB). Common Redpoll staged a major invasion into Nebraska, the first of this size since 1977-1978. Overall, around 1500 were reported (fide WRS). Kansas also hosted a large number of redpolls, unusual for that state, peak- ing in Jan-Feb with 57 birds at 16 locations (fide JK); the high count was of 30 in Finney 2 Jan (fide GY, MT). A Common Redpoll was noted s. in Delaware, OK duringjan (GK). Two Hoary Redpolls were reported in Nebraska: a very pale male was in Lancaster 2 Jan (BP, DL), and another was photographed in Lincoln 18 Jan (VC). Pine Siskins were ubiquitous in Kansas (fide JK), less abundant in Oklahoma (JideJAG). Max Thompson’s feeders in Cowley, KS attracted some 325 siskins on 27 Dec and 16 Jan. Lesser Goldfinch has increased in the nw. part of the Region in recent years and now occurs rarely in winter; one was at a Finney, KS feeder 8 Feb QC). Few Evening Grosbeaks can now be found, with three reports of single birds this season: a female was at a Blair, NE feeder 22 Jan-23 Feb (ph. MR JR, CNK), one was heard at Omaha, NE 24 Feb QR), and one was in Harvey, KS 16 Jan-30 Mar (fide CS). Cited observers (editors in boldface): NE- BRASKA: Elaine Bachel (EBa), Elliott Bedows, Jay Belsan, Mark Brogie, Mary Clausen (MCI), Virginia Clark, Deb Copple, Kathy DeLara, Ste- phen J. Dinsmore, Ann Duey, Paul Dunbar, Larry Einemann, Dave Ely, Laurence Falk, Bill Fink, William Flack, Karen Gad- berry (KGa), Lynnette Gibson, Betty Grenon, Joe Gubanyi, Tim Hajda, Dave Heidt, Connie Hoff- man, Glen & Wanda Hoge, Bill E Huser, Jan Johnson, Joel G. Jorgensen, Alice Kenitz, Clem N. Klaphake, Thomas E. Labedz, Dan Leger, Sam Manning (SMa), Sara McClure (SMc), Connie McKinney (CMc), Bruce Mell- berg (BMe), Steve Morris, Don & Jan Paseka, Myron Peterson, Susan Quinn, Justin Rink, Gary Roberts, Rick Schmid, Shari Schwartz (SSc), W. Ross Silcock, Marie Smith, Ken Strey (KSt), Jerry Toll, T.J. Walker, Ben Wheeler, Michael Willison, Gertrude Wood; KANSAS: Mike Andersen, Cody Bain, Bill Busby (BBu), Burroughs Audubon Soci- ety, Ted Cable, Jeff Calhoun, Mark Corder, Tom Ewert, Matt Gearhart, Paul Griffin, Kevin Groeneweg, Sam Guy, Jeff Hansen, Kellye Hart, Zach Hesler, Chris Hobbs (CHo), Pete Janzen, Barry Jones, Jeff Keating QKe), Jon King, Steve Kingswood, Jon Van de Kop- ple, Mark Land, Joseph Lautenbach, Brandon Magette, Jim Malcom, Don Mallonee, Linda Mallonee, Mick McHugh, Andrew Miller, Bry- ant Miller, Myron Miller (MMi), Terry Mitch- ell, Carol Morgan, Ellen Rader, Jenn Rader QRa), Mike Rader, Mark Robbins (MRo), Dave Roy, David Seibel, Scott Seltman, Jim Shroyer, Chuck Stryker, Max Thompson, Brad Williams, Jeff Witters, Jimmy Woodward, Craig Yerby Gene Young; OKLAHOMA: Kent Andersson, David Arbour, Doris Arterburn (DoA), James W Arterburn, Bill Carrell, Bill Diffin, Dave Evans, Joseph A. Grzybowski, Berlin Heck, Jason Heinen OHe), Glen Hensley, Derek Hill, Torre Hovick (THo), Alex James, Shawn John- son, Gloria Ketcher, Tomasz Kudor, Jeff Lem- ons QLe), Jo Loyd GLo), Kurt Meisenzahl, Terry Mitchell, Marybeth Murphy (MaM), John Polo, Brandi Polo (BPo), Justin Roach QRo), Brad SoRelle, Christie Stoops (CSt), Will Chatfield- Taylor, Lou & Mary Truex, Terry Underhill, Pa- tricia Velte, Doug Wood, Jimmy Woodard. O Joseph A. Grzybowski, 715 Elmwood Drive, Norman, Oklahoma 72072, (j_grzybowski@sbcglobal.net) W. Ross Silcock, P. 0. Box 57, Tabor, Iowa 51673 (silcock@rosssilcock.com) Common Redpolls rarely reach Oklahoma, making this one in Delaware County 1 1 January 201 3 a significant event. Photograph by Gloria Ketcher. The abundance of redpolls in Nebras- ka this season produced a hoped-for Hoary Redpoll at Branched Oak Lake, Lancaster County on 2 January 2013. Photograph by Bhalchandra Pujari. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 299 Texas Mark W. Lockwood Eric Carpenter Randy Pinkston The winter season in Texas featured generally mild conditions and the continuation of what is looking like a long-term drought. Perhaps as a result of the mild conditions, a number of species win- tered farther north than expected. Precipita- tion was below average in almost all areas, and it was particularly dry in the north- western quarter of the state. Many observers noted overall depressed numbers of winter- ing birds. This is certainly a result of low productivity of resident species and poor food crops on the broader scale. Paton noted that the brutally cold conditions in February 2011 combined with the extreme drought from 2010-2012 decimated vegetation and bird populations in the Trans-Pecos. The dead and dying vegetation resulted in greatly reduced numbers of species such as Scaled Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, and Rufous-crowned Sparrow. He points out that Black-tailed Gnatcatcher has been particularly hard hit, as populations of this common species have declined sharply. The exception was in the Pineywoods, where fall and early winter rains provided the best wetland habitat in the past few years. Wolf commented that waterfowl were widespread and in good numbers, and it was a pleasant surprise to have some marsh birds recorded again, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, and Common Yellowthroat in par- ticular. These species were completely lack- ing during the drought years, as were the marshes! WATERFOWL THROUGH SPOONBILL A Greater White-fronted Goose was at As- carate Lake, El Paso 4 Dec+ (ph. BZ, m.ob.). High counts of 795 Snow Geese and 941 Ross’s Geese were made at McNary Reservoir, Hudspeth 26 Feb (BZ). Up to 2 Brant were at Amarillo, Randall 24 Dec-17 Feb (ph. BP, TDa, m.ob.), and another was at Lub- bock, Lubbock 16-23 Feb (ph. CRi, StC, PB, m.ob.). Twenty-hve Cackling Geese located on Binford Rd., Harris 27 Dec represent a nice tally for the Upper Texas Coast (U.T.C.) QBe, DDi). Farther s., singles were in San Patricio 26 Feb (ph. RB) and at La Sal del Rey Hidalgo 20 Dec (fide MG). A Cackling Goose overwintered at Ascarate Lake, El Paso 4 Dec-r (ph. BZ, m.ob.). Single Tundra Swans were documented at Hagerman N.WR., Grayson 27-28 Dec (KWh, ph. JaC) and In- dependence Creek Preserve, Terrell 2 Jan (ph. RKo). Two Tundra Swans were an excellent find at Anahuac N.WR., Chambers 5 Jan-27 Feb OR, AW et ah). Seven Cinnamon Teal at Tyrrell Park, Jefferson 18 Jan OHa) represent- ed a rather high concentration for the U.T.C. A count of 770 Canvasbacks at Lost Lake, Jefferson 3 Jan OHa) was the highest count for the U.T.C. this winter, though down a bit from historical numbers. A high count of 3420 Redheads was made at San Luis Pass, Galveston 24 Jan (DSh, JT). In the w. half of the state. Greater Scaup sightings included up to 2 at Ascarate Lake, El Paso 4 Dec-r (ph. BZ, m.ob.), 2 at Red Bluff Lake, Reeves 11 Jan (She, MRe, WS), and a high count of 15 at Lake Meredith, Hutchinson 13 Dec (CaC, CrC). The Surf Scoter found in the fall lingered at Donna Reservoir, Hidalgo until at least 13 Jan (DJo, MG). A White-winged Scoter was photographed resting on the 1-10 access road 19 km w. of Fort Stockton, Pecos 31 Dec OMu); another was at White River Lake, Crosby 29 Dec (SB, RL). A Long-tailed Duck was at Lake Meredith, Hutchinson 3-9 Dec (She, MRe, m.ob.); another was at San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, Har- ris 8 Dec-24 Jan (SL et ah); and one pres- ent at Donna Reservoir, Hidalgo since the fall lingered through 6 Jan (MG). An impressive 100 Common Goldeneyes were at Red Bluff Lake, Reeves/Loving 1 1 Jan (She, MRe, WS). One of the outstanding finds of the season was a male Barrow’s Golden- eye at Possum Kingdom Lake, Palo Pinto 17-24 Feb (ph. RiW, m.ob.). High counts of Hooded Mergansers included 63 at Surf- side, Brazoria 15 Dec QT) and 157 at Red Bluff Lake, Reeves/ Loving 11 Jan (ShC, MRe, WS). A female Common Merganser at Lake Tyler, Smith 5 Jan (ph. MBl et al.) was a very nice find. as was another at Buffalo Creek Reservoir, Wichita 20 Jan (GC, EW). A count of 100 Red-breasted Mergansers at Red Bluff Lake, Reeves/Loving 11 Jan (ShC, MRe, WS) was exceptional for the Trans-Pecos. This species also was present in well-above-average num- bers in the Panhandle and South Plains, with five sightings including a high count of 7 at Lubbock, Lubbock 23 Feb (StC). Red-throated Loons away from more regular wintering areas in the ne. quarter of the state included up to 2 at Red Bluff Lake, Reeves/Loving 11 Jan-25 Feb (ShC, MRe, WS, JMc) and one at Flour Bluff, Nueces 25 Feb (SkC). A Pacihe Loon was at Lake Palo Duro, Hansford 3 Dec (ShC, MRe). A high count of 730 Horned Grebes was made at Lake Tawakoni, Rains 1 Feb (CR). A Red- necked Grebe was at White Rock Lake, Dal- las 4 Dec (ph., tCR, DMo, m.ob.). Western Grebes e. or s. of the normal winter range in the state included 2 all period at Lake Casa Blanca, Laredo, Webb (HR), up to 3 at Lake O’ the Pines, Marion 15 Dec-2 Feb (ph. DBr et ah), 2 at Benbrook Lake, Tarrant 2 Jan (DMo, SG), up to 3 at Lake Cypress Springs, Franklin 2 Feb+ (ph. DBr, LuB), up to 3 at Baytown, Harris 15 Feb-7 Mar (ph. SL et al.), and one at Aransas N.WR., Aransas 21 Feb (ph. DDe, ND). Two Clark’s Grebes were at Lake Meredith, Hutchinson 19 Jan (BSu). Lingering Magnificent Frigatebirds included singles at Surfside, Brazoria 1 Dec (RWe) and Port Aransas, Nueces 2 Dec (LJ), while one reported from South Padre Island, Cameron 21 Feb (BBe) was very early. An ad. Masked Booby was at Port Aransas, Nueces 30 Dec (tLJ), and an imm. was on Mustang Island, Nueces 14 Jan (ph. JMc). Two Neotropic Cormorants at Amarillo, Randall 19-28 Feb (BP, AT, m.ob.) provided a first record for the Panhandle. A Least Bittern at Laguna Gloria, Travis 21 Feb-1 Mar (ph. AMo) was either 300 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TEXAS wintering much farther n. than expected or was a rather early migrant. A Tricolored Heron and at least 8 White Ibis were at Cad- do Lake, Harrison 1 Dec (DiJ, DoM, m.ob.). White-faced Ibis were found in the El Paso area in surprisingly high numbers, with 54 at Fort Hancock Reservoir, Hudspeth 17 Dec QPa) and 50 at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso 18 Jan OSp). A Roseate Spoonbill at Salt Lake, Guadalupe 17-18 Feb (ph. BSt) was unseasonable. VULTURES THROUGH PHALAROPES As has become the norm in recent years, one to 2 Turkey Vultures were seen sporadi- cally throughout the period in and around Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, El Paso (m.ob.). An Osprey at Lubbock, Lubbock 1 Dec-1 Feb (CaC, PK, m.ob.) provided a rare win- ter record for the South Plains. Out-of-range White-tailed Kites included one near Red- ford, Presidio 16 Jan (MF), one at College Station, Brazos 27 Jan (LS), and another at Lewisville Lake, Denton 5 Feb (AK). An ad. Northern Goshawk was described at Lewis- ville Lake, Denton 27 Dec (tLC, DW) and will be reviewed. High counts for Bald Eagles were made at several locations in e. and cen. Texas, highlighting the continued recovery of the species. Some of the more notewor- thy counts included up to 10 in the Brazos River bottoms, Brazos/Burleson 1 Dec-20 Jan (m.ob.), 5 on the Nacogdoches C.B.C., Na- cogdoches 16 Dec, 7 on the Longview C.B.C., [ Gregg/Harrison 22 Dec, 13 on the Lake I Tawakoni C.B.C., Rains/Van Zandt 29 Dec, up to 8 at Sabine River, Newton 14 Jan-24 ; Feb (JW), and 8 at Lake Fork, Wood 13 Jan OCo). Two Harris’s Hawks continued at the 1 San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, ! Harris 2 Dec-i- (RPo et al.), and 2 were n. of the normal range at Elroy, Travis 15 Dec-5 Feb (BSt, m.ob.). Much more unusual was one in Johnson 21 Dec (CM) and another in se. Dallas, Dallas 28 Feb (m.ob.). A Red- shouldered Hawk wandered to Lubbock, Lubbock 1 Dec-28 Feb (CaC, StC, m.ob.). A Swainson’s Hawk at Anahuac N.WR., Cham- bers 27 Jan (ph. JKe, BNe) represented an unusual winter record for the U.T.C. White- tailed Hawks of particular note included one in the Brazos River bottoms, Burleson 6 Jan (DSc) and another near Granger Lake, Wil- liamson 5 Jan-24 Feb (JeM, CSe). A Zone- tailed Hawk at Ascarate Lake, El Paso 2-19 Jan (ph. JG) was a first for winter in the El Paso area, where there are still only about 10 total records. East of normal range, a Ferruginous Hawk was in Collin 10 Jan (DRi). Rough-legged Hawks were unusu- ally numerous across n.-cen. Texas, with re- ports from eight counties from 8 Dec-2 Feb (m.ob.). A Rough-legged Hawk on the w. end of Galveston Island, Galveston 13 Feb+ (CDi et al.) represents an exceptional find for the U.T.C. , while another near Marathon, Brewster 2 Jan (HT) was also noteworthy. A Golden Eagle was at Millers Creek Reservoir, Baylor/Throckmorton 19 Jan (GC, EW). A Purple Gallinule at Brazoria N.WR., Brazoria 20 Feb (SaP) represented only the second Feb record for the U.T.C. An impres- sive 3000 Sandhill Cranes were at Imperial Reservoir, Pecos 20 Jan (AR JaP). Whoop- ing Cranes again wintered at Granger Lake, Williamson with a total of 8 (6 ads., 2 juvs.) present. Seven Black-bellied Plovers on the shores of Lake Buchanan, Llano 22 Dec (TF) were likely lingering migrants. A Snowy Plover at Granger Lake, Williamson 2 Dec (LH) was probably also a late migrant. An amazing inland count of 73 Snowy Plovers was tallied at Delta Lake, Hidalgo 7 Jan QBr, Masked Booby is fairly common in summer and fall in the Gulf of Mexcio but generally rare in winter. This immature was found on the beach at Mustang Island, Nueces County, Texas on 14 January 2013. Photograph by Jot} McIntyre. VOLUME 67 (2013) » NUMBER 2 301 TEXAS A rare bird so far south in the Texas coastal prairies, this Rough- legged Hawk was easily observed on the on the western end of Galveston Island, Galveston County 13 (here 16) February 2013 through the end of the period. Photograph by David McDonald. The most unexpected find of the winter 201 2-201 3 season in Texas was unguestionably this Flammuiated Owl. It was discovered in a small woodlot on South Padre Island, Cameron County on 8 January (here) and remained through 4 March, although it was often very difficult to find. This represents the second winter record for the state, but the first was prob- ably a late migrant. Photograph by Larry Kirby. TB), while 4 at Lake Halbert Park, Navarro 3 Feb (DRi) was also unexpected. Normally an uncommon to rare winter lingerer, Wilson’s Plover stayed along the U.T.C. in above- average numbers this winter, with 6 at San Luis Pass, Galveston 24 Jan (DSh, JT) being the highest one-day total. Farther s., singles were noted at Padre Island beach, Kleberg 16 Dec (ph, MeC, BSa) and on Mustang Island, Nueces 1 Jan (LJ). A Semipalmated Plover at Fort Hancock Reservoir, Hudspeth 17 Dec (ph. JPa) made for a very rare winter record. A Black-necked Stilt at Tornillo Reservoir, El Paso 2 Dec QPa) was late. Very rare in win- ter, an American Avocet lingered at Fort Hancock Reservoir, Hudspeth through 17 Dec (ph. JPa), and one was at Lake Halbert Park, Navarro 30 Dec (DRi). Two Western Sandpipers remained at Fort Hancock Reservoir, Hudspeth ; through 12 Jan (ph. JPa). Dunlins away from the coastal prairies included as many as 6 at Fort Hancock Reservoir, Hudspeth 1 Dec-12 Jan (ph. JPa) and up to 12 at Lake Tawakoni, Rains/Hunt 2 Dec-7 Jan (RKi). An unexpected high count of 50 Long-billed Dowitch- ers was made in the Brazos River bot- toms, Burleson 15 Dec OH). American Woodcocks wandered to the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with one at South Padre Island, Cameron 21-24 Dec (ph. PA, RA et al), one at La Sal del Rey Hidalgo 20 Dec (MG), and another at the Edinburg Wetlands, Hidalgo 19-21 Jan (MBa, JBr). Far- ther w., woodcocks were found at Buffalo Springs Lake, Lubbock 1 Dec-13 Jan (CaC, CRi, m.ob.), near Cherry Creek, Gillespie 26 Jan (BF), and Utopia, Uvalde 9 Dec-7 Jan (MH). Up to 5 Wilson’s Phalaropes were at Quintana, Brazoria 3 Nov-10 Feb (RWe et al.), providing the first overwintering record for the U.T.C. GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS Single imm. Black-legged Kittiwakes were seen sporadically at South Padre Island and Boca Chica, Cameron 11 Dec-15 Feb (ph. DJo, m.ob.) and also between Mustang Is- land S.P. and Port Aransas, Nueces 31 Dec-r (ph. NS, m.ob.). An ad. Black-legged Kitti- wake was brought into a rehabilitation cen- ter in Port Aransas, Nueces 2 Dec (ph. AO). An excellent regional tally of 140 Bonaparte’s Gulls was at Red Bluff Lake, Reeves/Loving 1 1 Jan (She, MRe, WS). Little Gulls were at Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas 11-16 Dec (CR, BIG, CF) and 8 Jan (PC) and at White Rock Lake, Dallas 14-15 Dec (CR, BIG) and 5-13 Feb (CR). Noteworthy were single Franklin’s Gulls at Lake Tawakoni, Hunt 2 Dec (RKi) and Lake Tyler, Smith 26 Dec (PB). California Gulls were reported from Ascarate Lake, El Paso 4 Dec-1 Jan (ph. BZ), Lake Kirby, Tay- lor 5-25 Dec QK, DSy), White Rock Lake, Dallas 15 Dec (BIG), Quintana Beach, Brazo- ria 20 Dec (ph. DJa), Lake Buchanan, Llano 22 Dec (ph. TF), and near Kingsville, Kle- berg 5 Jan (LJ). Noteworthy Thayer’s Gulls were reported from Lake Iowa Park, Wichita 13 Dec (CWi) and the Brownsville Dump, Cameron 17 Jan (ph. MRe, ShC). Another was seen s. of Mustang Island S.P, Nueces 24 Jan (LJ). A Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Ascarate Lake, El Paso 10 Jan (ph. DAB), Lesser Black-backed Gulls were also seen at Lake Tawakoni, Van Zandt 1 Dec (PB), Hagerman N.WR., Grayson 12 Dec 0^0. White Rock Lake, Dallas 15 Dec & 7 Feb (BlC, CR), and Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas 4 Jan and 25 Feb (CR). A Glaucous Gull was a great find at Mountain Creek Lake, Dal- i las 5 Jan (AHo). Single Great Black-backed Gulls spent the winter near Quintana, Bra- zoria through early Jan QSt, ph. m.ob.) and at Texas City Dike, Galveston into mid-Feb (ph. JKe, m.ob.). A late Black Tern lingered I at Texas City Dike, Galveston 5-7 Dec (RPe, I ph. JKe). A Common Tern at Port Aransas 29 Jan made a first winter record for Nueces (ph. JMc). Ajuv. Long-tailed Jaeger at the Texas City Dike, Galveston 1 Dec (ph. DPa) marked the first winter record for the state. A Flam- muiated Owl was discovered at South Padre i Island, Cameron 9 Jan-4 Mar (LK, VK, JMa, m.ob.), providing the first midwinter record i for the state and one of the few for the Unit- ed States. An apparent Northern Pygmy-Owl , was heard on several occasions at Dog Can- | yon, Guadalupe Mountains N.R, Culberson i, 10-20 Jan (ShG, MRe, WS, ML), but defini- I tive documentation could not be obtained. ! A Burrowing Owl near Pearsall, Frio 26 : Jan (MRe, ShC) was notable. A Short-eared Owl observed near Bogota 2 Feb (DBr, LuB) was apparently a first for Red River. Rare in winter was a report of Lesser Nighthawk at ' Brazos Bend S.P, Fort Bend 25 Jan (MS). A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird lingered near Kennard, Houston through 6 Feb (BBa). 1 Noteworthy Black-chinned Hummingbirds j' included males at Chappell Hill, Washington 15 Dec (DV) and in the Christmas Moun- I tains, Brewster 17 Jan (KBr), plus a female , in the Davis Mountains Resort, Jeff Davis 3 1 Feb (KBr). Bryan banded 76 Anna’s Hum- ' mingbirds in the cen. Trans-Pecos, where |; numbers remained high through the period, jj The highlight of a great hummingbird sea- i son in cen. Texas was a male Costa’s Hum- i! mingbird that made infrequent visits to a I, Kerrville, Kerr feeder from late Dec through j 26 Jan (ph. DDw, CDw). Another male Cos- ta’s frequented an El Paso yard 24 Dec-3 Feb (ph. BZ), while a female was at Study Butte, Brewster 14-20 Jan (ph. KBr, PSu). Young male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were well documented at Harker Heights, Bell 21 1 Dec+ (ph. TL, RPi) and at College Station, j Brazos 26 Jan+ QH, ph. BrC, m.ob.). Rufous | Hummingbirds overwintered at multiple ^ inland locations from cen. Texas across to | the Pineywoods, including Harker Heights, Bell (ph. TL, RPi), two locations in Brazos j (HB, JA, KLA), two locations in Montgomery il (DBo, AJ), and another in Rusk (PH). A male , NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS 'i i; 302 TEXAS Allen’s Hummingbird spent the season at Amarillo, Potter (ph. DMc, BP, m.ob.), pro- viding a very rare Panhandle record. Else- where, Allen’s Hummingbirds were noted at Austin, Travis 20 Dec-16 Feb (ph. SFr, KeA), San Antonio, Bexar 28 Jan-16 Feb (ph. DE, m.ob.), and Rockport, Aransas 4 Feb-i- (ph. DC, BR). At least 11 Allen’s were present at various times during the period in the Trans-Pecos, 8 of which were banded (KBr et al.). A Calliope Hummingbird from the fall lingered through 17 Feb at Russ Pitt- man Park, Harris (BSt, m.ob.), while another Calliope was located in w. Houston, Harris 6 Dec-i- (SO, m.ob.). A female Calliope was in a w. El Paso yard 13 Dec-24 Jan (ph. JKi). Broad-billed Hummingbirds were observed at Russ Pittman Park, Harris 23 Nov-2 Dec (BSt, m.ob.) and at Lake Jackson, Brazoria 16 Jan+ (ZL, m.ob.). Overwintering Buff- bellied Hummingbirds were noteworthy at feeders near Cleveland, Liberty (ph. CN, RNi) and at Hornsby Bend, Travis (MaC, ph. m.ob.). Astonishing was a Ringed Kingfish- er at Lake Tanglewood, Randall 28 Feb (ph. GM). Lewis’s Woodpeckers overvHntered at Vinton, El Paso (DAB) and in w. El Paso (ph. DAB, m.ob.). A Red-headed Wood- pecker near Lorenzo, Crosby throughout the period was very rare for winter (ML). The fall Acorn Woodpecker at Laredo, Webb was present through at least 28 Dec (MG). Two apparently resident Golden- fronted Wood- peckers at Sabine Woods, Jefferson were present through the period (SM, m.ob.). A Red-bellied Woodpecker was unexpected in Dalhart, Dallam 2 Dec (ShC, MRe). The fall Red-naped Sap- sucker in ne. Travis continued through early Feb (m.ob.). fourth consecutive winter (PR DBe, m.ob.). Wintering Say’s Phoebes were reported from Anahuac N.WR., Chambers 5 Dec+ QKe, m.ob.), El Franco Lee Park, Harris 20 Jan+ (CWh), and an Upshur first at Lake O’ the Pines (m.ob.). A Vermilion Flycatcher was at Lubbock, Lubbock 15-23 Dec (CaC, StC, m.ob.). A second record for Washington, a Couch’s Kingbird was confirmed near Hughes Lake 2-26 Jan (ph. KHa, ph. KHo, DV). A Western Kingbird at Corpus Christi, Nueces 17 Feb was probably a local win- terer (LJ). A highlight of the winter season and perhaps the best C.B.C. discovery was a Fork-tailed Flycatcher that lingered with a group of Scissor-taileds outside McKinney Falls S.P., Travis 15-26 Dec (ph. SHa, LF, m.ob.). The long-staying Rose-throated Be- card at Estero Llano Grande S.R, Hidalgo was present through mid-Jan (MG, HH). It was an exceptional winter for Northern Shrikes, with above-average numbers noted in the Panhandle and singles wandering farther s. to Becton, Lubbock 1-12 Dec (CaC, CrC, m.ob., ph.), near Kalgary, Crosby 29 Dec (AHe), Red Bluff Lake, Reeves 1 1 Jan-13 Feb (ShC, ph. MRe, WS, JMc), and in sw. Throck- morton 14-16 Jan (BF). A Warbling Vireo was reported at Pollywog Pond, Nueces 23 Jan (DT). A Philadelphia Vireo at Formo- sa-Tejano Wetlands, Jackson 5 Feb (ph. HF) provided for a truly outstanding first winter record for the state. A Blue Jay wandered to Fort Stockton, Pecos 25 Jan (LBr). Up to 80 Fish Crows at Huffman, Harris 9 Dec (KHo) were noteworthy. A Chihuahuan Raven was near Port O’Connor, Calhoun 6 Feb (BF). A Tree Swallow was at McNary Reservoir, Hud- speth 17 Dec (ph. BZ). A Northern Rough- winged Swallow was spotted in w. El Paso 1 Jan (MSc, JZ). An early Cliff Swallow was reported from Pearland, Hanis 28 Feb (NR). Eleven Cave Swallows near Tyler 24 Feb pro- vided a first winter record for Smith (PB). NUTHATCHES THROUGH WARBLERS Following the massive invasion during fall 2012, Red-breasted Nuthatches wintered across most of the state, with one at South Padre Island, Cameron through 27 Feb (MG). Up to 3 Brown Creepers were at Fort Stockton, Pecos 8-20 Jan (BSt, AR JaP). Up to 5 Sedge Wrens were at Balmorhea Lake, Reeves 16 Dec-1 Jan (ph. ML) and presum- ably wintered at the site. Easterly Bewick’s Wrens were noted at Washington-on-the- Brazos S.H.P, Washington 16 Feb (BNe et al.), Trinidad Lake, Henderson 2-3 Feb (DDC, DL), and near Tyler, Smith 5 Jan (PB, DH, CRi). Six Eastern Bluebirds in w. El Paso 1 Jan (ph. JPa) made a good total for that area. A Clay-colored Thrush was near Corpus Christi Lake, San Patricio 1-3 Feb (ph. RB), but more unexpected was one at Utopia, Uvalde 1-27 Feb (MH). The long- staying Varied Thrush from the fall in the Christmas Mountains, Brewster continued through 19 Mar (COJ, m.ob.), and another was at Kress, Swisher 3-24 Feb (CA, MA, ph. m.ob.). A Gray Catbird at Elm Fork Nature Preserve, Dallas 7 Dec (WC) may have been a lingering migrant. A Brown Thrasher was in w. El Paso 24 Feb 0^0- A Phainopepla on the pe- riphery of range was noted at Iraan, Pecos 21 Jan (AR JaP), while one near Uval- de, Uvalde 1-28 Jan (TDa) was more unexpected. An Ovenbird was pres- ent all period at Corpus Christi, Nueces (MeC, LJ, WS), and another that likely overwintered was at Centennial Park, Brazoria 9-17 Feb (SHe, RWe). A lingering Louisiana Water- thrush was at Brazos Bend S.P, Fort Bend 15 Dec (ph. BBo et al), and 2 were there 4 Feb QT)- Presum- ably all very late migrants, single Prothonotary War- blers were noted at South Padre Island, Cameron 4 Dec (RN, ph. AMa), at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS The Greater Pewee from the fall continued through the pe- riod at Bear Creek Park, Harris QHi, GR m.ob.). A Least Fly- catcher was seen near Uvalde, Uvalde 5 Feb (ph. TDa). A Hammond’s Flycatcher was noteworthy at the San Anto- nio, Bexar 3-17 Feb (ph. MRe, m.ob.). Very unexpected was an Empidonax in s. Nacogdo- ches 16 Dec (MHW, DR CWi). A Black Phoebe at Lake Rita Blanca, Hartley 21 Dec-13 Jan (TDa, CRu, m.ob.) was ex- ceptional for the Panhandle. A Black Phoebe returned to Cibolo Creek, Wilson for a Although Fork-tailed Flycatchers are a regular visitors to North America, they always generate a lot of attention. This one attracted a large number of observers during it stay near McKinney Falls State Park, Travis County, Texas 15-26 (here 17) December 2012. Photograph by Arman Moreno. VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 303 This Cape May Warbler spent the entire winter (here 18 February 2013) in the central Davis Mountains of Texas. This represents a first winter record for the Trans-Pecos and a very rare record during that season away from the coastal prairies. Photograph by Dolores Roberts. TEXAS Hidalgo 11 Dec (ph. JBr), and at Brazos Bend S.P., Fort Bend 15 Dec (KKu, FL, WL). A late migrant Nashville Warbler was at Lubbock, Lubbock 15 Dec OCl), while another lin- gered at Lake Jackson, Brazo- ria 13 Jan-30 Jan Oh SHe). A MacGillivray’s Warbler at the Katy Prairie, Harris 2 Jan (ph. GL) provided a rare winter record for the U.T.C. A female Hooded Warbler at High Island, Chambers 8 Feb (ph. CDa) is thought to have wintered locally. An American Redstart spent the winter at Quintana, Brazoria 1 Dec-i- (m.ob.). One of the more unexpected finds of the winter was a Cape May War- bler that wintered at the Davis Mountains Resort, Jejf Davis 11 Oct-2 Mar (ph. DRo), providing the first winter record for the Trans-Pecos. A male Northern Parula was at Lajitas, Brewster 8 Dec (KBr, COJ). A Tropi- cal Parula that visited the area during winter 2011-2012 returned to Lake Jackson, Brazo- ria 18 Dec-23 Jan (SHe, RWe, KWi, RoW). Two Tropical Parulas were carefully studied in s. San Antonio, Bexar 16 Dec (LLi, KBa et al.). Two Yellow Warblers wintered at the Port Aransas Birding Center, Nueces, while another bird was present at Corpus Christi, Nueces 19 Jan-mid-Feb (MeC, LJ). More unexpected was a Yellow Warbler at Wal- ter E. Long Lake, Travis 20 Jan (ph. SFa). A Palm Warbler remained at MacKenzie Park, Lubbock 18 Dec-6 Jan (CaC, AHe, m.ob.), providing a rare winter record for the South Plains. Other inland Palm Warblers includ- ed singles at Thousand Trails Campground, Rains 29 Dec (BT, JuC) and in Henderson 24 Jan OBo). A Pine Warbler at Fort Stockton, Pecos 28 Jan (GE, RKo) was a nice find. Far from its usual haunts, an Audubon’s Warbler was at Kilgore, Rusk 13 Feb (PH). An early Yellow-throated Warbler was near Anahuac, Chambers 2 Feb (DMu). A Prairie Warbler was present at Lake Gonzales, Gonzales 24 Dec-H (ph. FK). Black-throated Gray War- blers away from wintering areas in the Low- er Rio Grande Valley included 2 present all period at Rio Grande Village, Big Bend N.R, Brewster (ME m.ob.), one near Stockdale, Wilson 8 Dec-10 Feb (RKo, DMu), one in nw. San Antonio, Bexar 30 Dec-14 Jan (ph. RE), and another at San Marcos, Hays 27 Feb (RSw). A Townsend’s Warbler found in the fall at Corpus Christi, Nueces was spo- radically encountered through at least 14 Jan 304 QMc, LJ et al.). A Wilson’s Warbler was at Washington-on-the-Brazos S.H.S., Washing- ton 2 Jan (ph. KHa), and another was at Rio Grande Village, Big Bend N.P, Brewster 18 Jan (MF). A lingering Yellow-breasted Chat was reported from Anahuac N.W.R., Cham- bers 7 Jan (MD). SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Single Green-tailed Towhees wandered e. to Brazos Bend S.P., Fort Bend 15 Dec (CB, OB), Katy Prairie, Waller 1 Dec OHi, BH), and Dinosaur Valley S.P, Somervell 26 Jan (GC). Spotted Towhees continue to push to the e. edge of their range, with multiple sightings this season at Brazos, Camp, Frank- lin, Harrison, Henderson, Hunt, Rains, Smith, Tyler, Washington, and Van Zandt 14 Dec-i- (m.ob.). Very unusual for winter, a Cassin’s Sparrow was seen in Throckmorton 19 Jan (GC, EW). American Tree Sparrows were in higher-than-normal numbers in the Pan- handle: high counts were of 25 at Lake Mer- edith, Hutchinson 1-13 Dec (BP, m.ob.) and 40 at Lake Palo Duro, Hansford 9 Dec (BP). Farther s., an American Tree Sparrow was at Muleshoe N.WR., Bailey 16 Dec (PK, RL), one was at White River Lake, Crosby 29 Dec (RKo), and another was at Muleshoe N.WR., Bailey 16 Feb (NP). Seven Lark Sparrows at Galveston, Galveston 29 Dec (DPe, RPe) was a large concentration for the U.T.C. Far more surprising were the counts of 15 at Palo Duro Canyon S.P, Randall 22 Dec (BP) and 4 at Alpine, Brewster 20 Jan (ML, PSu). An excellent total of 6528 Lark Buntings was made at Balmorhea, Reeves 16 Dec (KBr, ML). Two Le Conte’s Sparrows were at Bal- morhea Lake, Reeves 16 Dec-1 Jan (ML) and presumably wintered. Single Harris’s Spar- rows were noted along the i immediate coast at Span- ! ish Grant, Galveston 1 Dec i. (DPe, RPe), Sabine Woods, Jefferson 3 Jan (MD, SM), Pelican Island, Galveston, 29 Jan QSc), and San Luis Pass Nature Trail, Brazoria 12 Feb (DSh, JT). A Sum- mer Tanager waited out the mild winter in w. Aus- tin, Travis 11-14 Jan (ph. KG). Western Tanagers on i the U.T.C. included one at Jesse H. Jones County Park, Harris 11 Jan (EHo), ; one at San Bernard N.WR., i Brazoria 11 Jan (WP), ; one at Houston, Harris 30 Jan-i- (TK), and at least 2 at Bear Creek Park, Harris 9 | Feb-23 Feb OHi et.al.). A Crimson-collared Grosbeak put in an appearance at Sabal I Palm, Cameron 12 Feb+ (ph. SeP, m.ob.). Black-headed Grosbeaks were found at Or- chard Lakes Estates, Fort Bend 20 Feb (ph. THu), Nannie Stringfellow WM.A., Brazoria 14 Dec (ph. BO), and at Washington-on-the- i Brazos S.H.S., Washington 16 Feb (BNe, ph. | BNa, LS et ah). A Lazuli Bunting visited Ed- i inburg Wetlands, Hidalgo 22 Feb (MBS), and | a male was a surprise along Terlingua Creek, , Brewster 27 Jan (MF). An Indigo Bunting at Plainview, Hale 28 Dec (AHe, RKo) provided 1 1 the first winter record for the South Plains, i , Early Indigo Buntings were at Chappell Hill, , Washington 21 Feb-i- (DV) and at Midland, , Midland 24 Feb (ph. SaC). Painted Buntings i away from the coastal prairies included sin- gles at Utley, Bastrop 29 Dec (RSm), College ) Station, Brazos 28 Feb OA, KiA), and River ' Legacy Parks, Tarrant 27 Dec (TDr). A surprising number of Western Meadow- larks were in ne. Texas this winter 24 Dec-2 1 Feb, with groups of up to 8 at various lo- \ cations in Henderson, Red River, Smith, and I Wood (m.ob.). A Yellow-headed Blackbird I was at Brazos Bend S.P, Fort Bend 26 Jan I (MS), and 10 were at the Seabreeze Landfill, Brazoria 23 Feb QF et al.). Rusty Blackbirds ! were sparsely reported in ne. Texas, with a i high count of 120 at Lake Tyler, Smith 6 Jan ( (PB) and as many as 6 continued from the ! fall season at Hornsby Bend, Travis though ( they had disappeared by mid-Jan (m.ob.). i Three Common Crackles were w. to Alpine, Brewster 16 Dec (ML). A lingering Orchard I Oriole was located at Tyrrell Park, Jefferson | 24 Dec (MRo). A male Hooded Oriole suc- cessfully overwintered in an El Paso yard where the species has overwintered before NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS TEXAS ^ A The Red Crossbill invasion of the fall continued, with the majority of birds found jtx'm the w. third of the state. In the Trans-Pecos, the largest numbers were noted at Alpine, Brewster and in El Paso and were present into early Feb; most appeared to be Type 2, with some confirmed by audio recordings. Elsewhere in the w. third of the state, small flocks of 3-17 birds were noted in various locations around Lubbock, Lubbock from 8 Dec through 5 Jan (m.ob.), and 7 were at Midland, Midland 22 Jan (DMe, JMe, m.ob.). In the n. half of the state, 7 were at Wichita Falls, Wichita 1 1 Dec (RF), up to 25 at Ray Roberts Lake S.P., Denton 1 5 Dec-24 Feb (m.ob.), 6 near Granbury, Hood 30 Dec (ShC, MRe), 2 at Cedar Ridge Preserve, Dallas 1 Jan (CR, JPe), 1 2 at Denison, Grayson 1 -29 Jan (LLa), and 34 in Hood 19 Jan (CSm). Far removed from this invasion was a Red Crossbill at Ciaiborne West Park, Orange 1 1-13 Jan {ph. LBa et al.) and another near Cypress, Harris 17 Jan (ph.THe). (ph. BZ). A Bullock’s Oriole visited a feeder near Lake Corpus Christi, San Patricio 31 Dec+ (ph. RB). A late Baltimore Oriole was at Harris Reservoir, Brazoria 29 Dec (BO), but far more unexpected was one at Ascarate Lake, El Paso 4-13 Dec (ph. BZ, JKi), pro- viding a first winter record for the county. A male Pine Grosbeak was described from upper Dog Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains N.P., Culberson 30 Dec (tEHu). There were few reports of Purple Finch in ne. Texas, with a maximum of 6 at any location. Away from the core wintering are in the state, 2 were at Bear Creek Park, Harris 11-22 Dec (DDi, JHi), one was at Kingwood, Harris 7 Jan (BNi), and 2 were Kleb Woods, Harris 11 Jan (PC, KKo). More unexpected, a male Purple Finch was near Lubbock, Lubbock 15 Dec (AHe). There was no widespread irrup- tion of Cassin’s Finch, with the only ones reported 2 in the Davis Mountains Resort, Jeff Davis 8 Dec (ME, MEa) and one in Dog Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains N.R, Culber- son 19 Jan (ML). A great find was a Common Redpoll at Trophy Club, Denton 10 Feb-13 Mar (ph. PSh). A Lesser Goldfinch wandered e. to Vernon, Wilbarger 19 Jan (GC, EW). A fe- male Evening Grosbeak was in Dog Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains N.R, Culberson 10 Jan+ (ShC, ph. MRe, ph. WS, m.ob.), while more unexpected was one at San Augustine, San Augustine 9-17 Feb (ph. GH). Cited observers (subregional editors in boldface): Pam Allen, Reid Allen, Kenny Anderson (KeA), Jim Anding, Kitty And- ing (KLA), Connie Andrus, Martin Andrus, Helen Baines, Becky Baker (BBa), Laura Baker (LBa), Peter Barnes, Monica Barrera (MBa), Keith Bartels (KBa), Doug Begole (DBe), Dan Allen Belcher (DAB), Barbara Bennett (BBe), Susan Bergeson, John Ber- ner OBe), Mike Bloodsworth (MBl), Bruce Bodson (BBo), Jim Booker QBo), Dorothy Borders (DBo), Rik Brittain, David Brother- ton (DBr), Luanne Brotherton (LuB), Char- lie Brower, Olivia Brower, Lamont Brown (LBr), John Brush 0^0, Tim Brush, Kelly Bryan (KBr), Bryan Calk (BrC), Skip Cantrell (SkC), Blaine Carnes (BlC), Eric Carpenter (Central Texas: 4710 Canyonwood Drive, Austin, TX 78735. email: ecarpe@gmail. com), Cameron Carver (CaC), Craig Carver (CrC), Juli Chamberlin QuC), Wayne Cher- ry, Jack Chiles QaC), Jeremy Clark OCl), Sheridan Coffey (ShC), Matt Colbert (MaC), Lisa Cole, Fred Collins, Steve Collins (StC), Greg Cook, Janet Cook 0Co)> Mel Cooksey (MeC), Debra Corpora, Sara Cranford (SaC), Paul Crowe, D. D. Currie (DDC) (North- Central Texas: 2703 Colleen Dr., Arling- ton, TX 76016. email: ddbirder@sbcglobal. net), Tripp Davenport (TDa), Chuck Davis (CDa), Dennis Devlin (DDe), Nancy Dev- lin, Drew Dickert (DDi), Carolyn Dill (CDi), Ted Drozdowski (TDr), Michael Dupree, Cookie Dwyer (CDw), Don Dwyer (DDw), Marc Eastman, Maryann Eastman (MEa), Gil Eckrich, Rowe Elliott, Dodge Engleman, Sam Fason (SFa), Tim Fennell, Dean Fischer, Joe Fischer, Mark Flippo, Rick Folkening, Harry Forbes, Laurie Foss, Brush Freeman, Bert Frenz (BeF) (East Texas: 221 Rainbow Dr., #12190, Livingston, TX 77399-2021. email: bert2@bafrenz.com), Caleb Frome, Sam Fruehling (SFr), Karen Gerken, Steve Glover, John Groves, Mary Gustafson, John Hale, Peggy Harding, Shelia Hargis (SHa), Glenda Harrison, Ken Hartman (KHa), John Haynes QHa), Sue Heath (SHe), Mitch Hein- del, Tim Herbert (THe), Anthony Hewet- son (AHe) (Northwest Texas: 4407 36th St., Lubbock TX 79414. email: terrverts® yahoo.com), Jim Hinson QHi), Kathie Holder (KHo), Dave Holdermann, Aaron Holschbach (AHo), Bob Honig, Eric Hough (EHo), Lee Hoy, Eric Huebner (EHu), Terri Hurley (THu), Huck Hutchens, Denis James (DJa), Dan Jones (DJo), Diane Jones (DiJ), Andy Jordan, Larry Jordan, Tracy Keltonic, Joe Kennedy QKe). Florence King, Richard Kinney (RKi), Larry Kirby, Vicki Kirby, John Kirk, John Kiseda QK'). Phillip Kite, Kendra Kocab (K Ko), Rich Kostecke (RKo), Andy Krofina, Keith Kunkle (KKu), Terry Lair- more, Fred Land, Greg Lavaty, Laurie Lawler (LLa), Wayne Lea, Rob Lee, Zane Lee, Leslie Linehan (LLi), Dell Little, Mark Lockwood, Stephan Lorenz, Jim Martin QMa), Steve Mayes, Anne Mayville (AMa), Don McColl (DMc), Jake McCumber OaM),Jon McIntyre QMc), Carrie McLaughlin, Don Merritt (DMe), Joann Merritt QMe), Dorothy Mel- zler (DoM), Darlene Moore (DMo), George Moore, Arman Moreno (AMo), John Muld- row OMu), Jeff Mundy QeM), Derek Mus- chalek (DMu), Boris Navikov (BNa), Bruce Neville (BNe), Brooke Nicotra (BNi), Rick Nirschl, Charlene Nix, Richard Nix (RNi), Carolyn Ohl-Johnson (COJ), Andrew Orgill, Brent Ortego, Sue Orwig, Sally Pachulski (SaP), Amy Packer, Jay Packer Greg Page, Dan Pancamo (DPa), Jim Paton (JPa) (Trans-Pecos: 4325 Boy Scout Lane, El Paso, TX 79922. email: jnpaton@att.net),, Seth Patterson (SeP), Dwight Peake (DPe), Rich- ard Peake (RPe), Jim Peterson 0Pe)> Barrett Pierce, Randy Pinkston (RPi), Ray Porter (RPo), Warren Pruess, Paul Pruitt, Niler Pyeatt, Nina Rach, Janet Rathjen, Martin Reid (MRe), Holly Reinhard, Clayton Rick- ett (CRi), Donna Rizos (DRi), Dolores Rob- erts (DRo), Mike Rogan (MRo), Bron Rorex, Chris Runk, Christopher Rustay (CRu), Billy Sandifer (BSa), Laura Sare, Mark Scheuer- man, Jamie Schubert QSc), David Scott (DSc), Marcy Scott (MSc); Willie Sekula (South Texas: 7063 Co. Rd. 228, Falls City, TX 78113-2627. email: wsekula@copper. net). Chuck Sexton (CSe), Dennis Shepler (DSh), Philip Shoffner (PSh), Roy Smallwood (RSm), Charles Smith (CSm), John Sproul OSp), Jim Stevenson 0^0, Byron Stone (BSt), Nancy Stotz, Mary Beth Stowe (MBS), Paul Sunby (PSu), Brady Surber (BSu), Rom- ey Swanson (RSw), Dan Symonds (DSy), John Tharp (Upper Coast: 1617 Fountain View Drive Apt 55, Houston, TX 77057. email: jlt290@gmail.com), Bob Toleno, Hei- di Trudell, David True, Ashley Tubbs, Darrell Vollert, Jeremy Webster, Ron Weeks (RWe), Diane Wetherbee, Ed Wetzel, Kathy Whaley (KWh), Charles Whipple (CWh), Richard Wilde (RiW), Catherine Winans (CWi), Keith Wise (KWi), Robin Wise (RoW), Mimi Hoppe Wolf (MHW), Adam Wood, Jimmy Zabriskie, Barry Zimmer, (j^ Mark W. Lockwood, 402 East Harriet Avenue, Alpine, Texas 79830 (mark.lockwoodppwd.state.tx.us) Eric Carpenter, 4710 Canyonwood Drive, Austin, Texas 78735 (ecarpe@gmail.com) Randy Pinkston, 3505 Hemlock Court, Temple, Texas 76502 (drpinkston@sbcglobal.net) VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 305 Colorado & Wyoming Tony Leukering Steven G. Mlodinow fVlatt Fraker After many consecutive seasons of fairly extreme weather (predominantly ab- normally warm and dry), this season was just about plain vanilla, the Region expe- riencing near-normal temperatures and pre- cipitation. Exceptions that “proved the rule” included the San Luis Valley’s much-below- normal temperatures dominated by a record cold January, a month in which West Slope Colorado saw much-below-normal tempera- tures. Abnormal precipitation included the following: December much above normal in the San Luis Valley and the Snake drainage, January much below normal in the Upper Platte, February much below normal in the Yellowstone, and Snake drainages, and much above normal in the South Platte drainage. However, because of the near-normal precipi- tation, by the end of the season most of the Region was still in, at least. Extreme Drought, with eastern parts of both states still experienc- ing Exceptional Drought. The only exceptions were the southwestern corner of Colorado and the northwestern comer of Wyoming, with the former in Moderate Drought and parts of the latter being in either Moderate Drought or just Abnormally Dry. A spectacular winter-birding season was highlighted by the Region’s largest redpoll in- flux in 40 years or so, with multiple reports of Hoary Redpoll from both states (including Colorado’s first five records, involving at least 10 individuals). Both states recorded various waterbird species in much-greater-than-normal numbers, particularly grebes, cormorants, and pelicans. Wyoming scored numerous less- than-fifth state winter records, while Colorado birders found that state’s first winter records of Rufous Hummingbird and Hammond’s Flycatcher and first-ever Dusky Canada Goose. A Colorado birder also photographed the first record anywhere (to our knowledge) of an apparent American Tree Sparrow x Harris’s Sparrow hybrid, adding to the long list of hybrid combinations noted from that state. After all of the above, the influx of Bohemian Waxwings and various winter parulid occur- rences seem nearly mundane. Abbreviations: Barr (Barr Lake, Adams)] Bonny (Bonny Reservoir & S.WA., Yuma)] Chatfield (Chatfield Reservoir and S.R, Douglas/Jefferson)] Jackson Qackson Reservoir and S.E, Morgan); Plains (Colorado’s e. plains); Tamarack (Tamarack Ranch S.WA., Logan); Valmont (Valmont Reservoir complex, Boulder). “West Slope” denotes locations w. of the Rockies. Due to reporting biases, all locations can be assumed to be in Colorado; Wyoming locations are noted as such the first time they appear. Only the observer(s) initially finding and identifying cited records are listed. Undocumented reports from Colorado of Colorado B.R.C. (C.B.R.C.) review species () that are deemed probably correct are summarized at the end of this report. WATERFOWL Greater White-fronted Geese were noted in 17 Colorado counties, a much larger spread than typical, including Delta, Mesa, and La Plata on the West Slope, where rare. Snow Geese numbers peaked at 33,000 in Logan 2 Feb (S. Larson, GW), an area that typically sees large numbers in early northward migration, while the 17,000 at Jumbo Reservoir, Logan 22 Dec (SGM, BT) represents a typical midwinter tally for the area. The only Wyoming report of Snow Goose was of a broken-legged bird at Riverton, Fremont 5 Dec (DeN). Five hybrid goose com- binations were reported, as per usual, from five Colorado counties (Boulder, Denver, Larimer, Logan, Weld) this season. The rarest among this panoply of mixed-heritage geese was a blue-morph Snow Goose x Ross’s Goose hy- brid at Greeley, Weld 3 Feb; this same pond on the same date held 14 Snow/Ross’s x Canada/ Cackling Geese hidden among 12,000 parvi- pes Canada and 7000 Cackling Geese (tSGM, CS). The goose of the winter was the well- documented Colorado first for Dusky Canada Goose 21 Jan at Denver (ph. CS). Cackling Geese continue to increase as wintering birds in Wyoming, with some 40 present all winter in Fremont, Hot Springs, and Laramie (DeN, SC). Single Black Brant, annual in Colorado in tiny numbers, were noted at Loveland, Larimer 3-15 Dec (C. Cropper, JT) and at Jackson 23 Dec (SGM). The 21,000 parvipes Canada Geese at Prewitt Reservoir, Washington 8 Dec (SGM, DD) provided the winter Regional max, but most were probably migrants. Mute Swans were recorded in Pueblo in Dec (one) and Adams/Weld in Feb (3 in Weld and one in Adams); an appraisal of the status of such birds is much needed. The 2 wintering Trumpeter Swans found in Larimer 1 Jan (BK) became just one after 26 Jan (last reported 23 Feb), while as many as 15 Tundra Swans ma- triculated at Valmont from fall into spring; both species are rare Colorado winterers. Away from their normal nw. comer haunts, Wyoming bird- ers recorded Tmmpeter Swans in Albany (one ad.; DJ) and in Laramie 5 Dec (2 ads., 3 juvs.; MG). Single Wood Ducks at Pagosa Springs, Archuleta 3 Dec QB), near Nucla, Montrose 3 Dec (male; B. Bailey), and at Nucla, Montrose 5 Dec (female; CD, BW) were late and in sw. Colorado, where rare, while 5 on each of two dates at Lander, Fremont 6-25 Jan (DeN) and a male at First Diversion Dam, Hot Springs 25 Jan (SC) were in Wyoming, where seasonally rare anywhere. The list of hybrid ducks noted this season is once again lengthy, including Gadwall X Mallard (5 in Adams and one in Denver), American Black Duck x Mallard (singles in Boulder, Morgan, Sedgwick), Mallard x Mexican Duck (Weld), Mallard x Northern Pintail (singles in Adams, Arapahoe), and Common x Barrow’s Goldeneye (Fremont). Especially notable was a male Redhead x Ring-necked Duck in Broomfield 27 Dec (ph. BS, ph. SGM, CS). A male Eurasian Wigeon at Canon City 16 Dec-8 Jan (DM) would provide Fremont’s first accepted record. A male Blue-winged Teal at Wheatridge, Jefferson 19 Feb (CA) was nearly a month early. Canvasbacks, rare in winter in Wyoming, were noted in Hot Springs 21 Jan (fe- male) and 23 Jan (2 males, one female; both SC). Greater Scaup was reported from 16 e. Colorado counties, with a whopping 25 on the Rocky Ford C.B.C. (Crowley/Otero) 18 Dec (fide S. Oswald) and as many as 34 at Cherry Creek 18 Jan-17 Feb (m.ob.). A female/imm. Surf Scoter lingered through 8 Dec at the Marston Reservoir complex, Denver/Jefferson along with 2 White-winged Scoters, which stayed through 23 Dec. Scoters are rare in winter Regionally. The six reports of 9 Long-tailed Ducks all came from e. Colorado (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver/ Jefferson, El Paso, Pueblo, Weld), including 3 fe- males at South Platte Park, Arapahoe 4 Dec-22 Feb. The peak Barrow’s Goldeneye count was of 145 at the typical Coryell Ranch hot spot, Carbondale 17 Jan (D. Filby). Two Hooded Mergansers were at fairly high elevation at Ridgway Ouray 5 Dec (B. Fenton), while four reports from Wyoming included three of sin- gles plus 9 at Gray Reef Reservoir, Natrona 31 Jan (J. Hourt). A Red-throated Loon at Valmont 6-8 Dec (SGM, CN) made for the third Boulder record 306 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS COLORADO & WYOMING Dying carp attracted a myriad of gulls to North Teller Lake, adjacent to Teller Farms, Colorado in winter 2012-2013. Among this horde were several"gulls of interest," including this Herring Gull x Glaucous-winged Gull hybrid from 20-28 (here 20) January. This cross may well occur annually in Colorado. Note the Dverali Thayer's-Gull-like appearance but relatively short wings; the bird was also clearly larger than Herring Gulls near it. Photograph by Steven 6. Mbdinow. in a bit over a year; oddly, this most heavily birded Colorado county had no prior records. Another Red-throated wintered at Pueblo Reservoir, Pueblo 28 Dec-r (BKP); this site ac- counts for the lion’s share of Regional winter re- cords, Pueblo Reservoir also hosted at least one Pacific Loon from fall through 10 Jan (m.ob.), but there is strong suspicion that this late-fall migrant was replaced after mid-Dec by a win- ter wanderer; another late fall migrant Pacific graced Chatfield, Douglas 15 Dec (GW). Up to 5 Common Loons were at Pueblo Reservoir in early Dec, but only 3 were noted after 15 Dec (m.ob,). Away from the loon Mecca of Pueblo Reservoir, single Common Loons were noted after mid-Dec only at Valmont 5 Jan (CN) and South Platte Reservoir, Arapahoe 15 Jan-1 Feb (m.ob.) in Colorado, and with Wyoming get- ting into the action with 2 at Lake Desmet, Johnson 16 Dec Q- Canterbury). Apparent late migrant Red-necked Grebes included West Slope Colorado’s sixth, at Grand Junction, Mesa 4-5 Dec (LA); others were in Pueblo, Larimer, and at Chatfield, Douglas/Jefferson. Eared Grebes were exceptionally prevalent in Colorado this winter, occurring far and wide, including records in three West Slope coun- ties, where rare to casual during this season. West Slope reports included 8 at Stagecoach Reservoir, Routt 2 Dec (TM); 4 at Jerry Creek Reservoir, Mesa 3 Dec (BB); and one at Sweitzer Lake, Delta 16 Dec (J. Beason) that was nearly record late. Pueblo Reservoir, the Regional win- ter epicenter for this species, held 1950 on 2 Dec (SGM, NM, BKP), nearly triple the previ- ous winter high count. Post-Dec Eared Grebe records away from Pueblo Reservoir included 2 at Valmont 10 Jan (LK, GW) and one in sw. Weld 3 Feb (NM). The 448 Western Grebes at Pueblo Reservoir 2 Dec (SGM, NM, BKP) shat- tered that species’ winter record max (with 330 still there 1 Jan; SGM, CS). Away from that site. This Snow Goose x Canada Goose shows many features typical of that hybrid. It looks like a peculiar Blue Goose, with a dirty pink- ish bill and dusky legs and with black streaks and patches on the neck and posterior head. Such hybrids are surprisingly frequent in eastern Colorado, with 10-20 now being found each winter. This individual was at Loveland, Larimer County 15 December 2012. Photograph by Steven 6. MIodinow. the <25 at Valmont (27 Dec; SGM, CS) was unprecedented, while the 3 lingering from fall through 11 Jan at Ridgway Reservoir, Ouray (K. Nelson) provided just the second Colorado West Slope Jan record. In Wyoming, the 271 Westerns at Glendo Reservoir, Platte 15 Dec (MF) was also seasonally unprecedented, while 2 were noted 29 Dec at Greyrocks Reservoir, Platte (B. Gorges, MG). Clark’s Grebe did not get in on the unprecedented winter action, with reports after 17 Dec only from Pueblo Reservoir. Single hybrid Aechmophorus were noted at Valmont and at Pueblo Reservoir (SGM, NM, DD, CS). Double-crested Cormorants were both more widespread and more numerous this winter than is typi- cal, with reports from 14 Colorado counties, including Mesa on the West Slope. This was reflected by eBird data, which showed the species’ abundance to be twice normal in e. Colorado until the latter half of Feb, when spring migrants began to arrive at or near colonies, as they have during recent years. Similarly, American White Pelicans had an unprecedented showing this winter with reports from one Wyoming (Converse, 9 Jan, CM; about the twelfth winter record) and 11 Colorado counties (including Mesa)' though the epicenter was in Adams/Arapahoe/Boulder, the max was of a record-shattering 255 at John Martin 17 Dec (hde DuN). eBird data showed pelican abundance as twice to thrice normal during Dec, subsiding to more usual numbers in January, and then upticking sharply during the last half of Feb (e.g., 79 on 16 Feb at L. Henry, B. Snyder), which has not been true in recent years, when the spring influx actually occurred during spring. A very late Great Egret at Canon City 2 Dec (RM, ph. SGM, NM) is one of but a handful ever recorded in winter in Colorado. Turkey Vultures are rarer during winter in Colorado, with nearly all such records coming from Feb. This winter, an incredibly late Turkey Vulture visited Flagler Reservoir, Kit Carson 29 Dec (KH); the last Turkey Vultures have typically departed the state by late Oct. Another Turkey Vulture was at Longmont, Boulder 3 Feb (ph. BS) some month or more early for a spring mi- grant, if that was what it was. Cooper’s Hawks are surprisingly rare winterers in ne. Colorado, so the 4 at Bonny 13 Dec (GW, LK, KH) and the singles at Siebert, Kit Carson 27 Dec (BK), Flagler Reservoir 29 Dec (KH), and Fort Morgan, Morgan 2 Feb (m.ob.) were of interest. Rare anywhere on Colorado’s plains. Northern Goshawks were noted at Bonny 13-14 Dec (juv.; GW, LK, KH), Narrows Dam, Morgan 16 Feb (SGM, DD), and Colorado Springs 19 Jan (juv.; SGM, DD) and 15 Feb (ad.; ph. MP). A juv. Knder’s Red-tailed Hawk was in Weld near Erie 28 Eeb (+SGM, CS), a fonn only recently conhrmed as occurring in Colorado (whatever its taxonomic status). Rough-legged Hawk put on the best show in recent memory, with a high single-checklist count of 21 from w.-cen. Colorado (fide CD) and with 11 at Steamboat Springs, Routt 15 Dec (TM), 13 near Third Creek, Adams 3 Jan (D. Beltz), 12 at Barr 5 Jan (M. Miller), and 15 at Ocean Lake, Fremont, WY 13 Jan (DeN). The highest-elevation of the three C.B.C. Sora reports was the single near Penrose, Fremont 16 Dec (fide MP); the spe- cies is regular in tiny numbers in the state but only from Rocky Ford downstream. The 1395 American Coots that lingered at Clover Basin Reservoir, Boulder through 6 Dec (SGM) pro- vided the highest winter Colorado eBird tally. Spring came early for Sandhill Cranes migrat- ing through the San Luis Valley, with 3000 by 16 Feb at Monte Vista N.WR., Rio Grande (TD), and to Wyoming, with the 6 noted at Riverton, Fremont 12 Feb (DeN) being record early by 11 days. A single in Boulder 6-10 Jan (D. Ball) was unprecedented for the month. Of 3 Greater Yellowlegs this winter, the latest was the single in Weld 4 Jan (BK), while a Dunlin tarried at a small pond in Douglas 3-8 Dec (ph. A. Shipe). Wyoming’s hrst Feb reports of Wilson’s Snipe came 9 Feb in Park (P. Eppel) and 19 Feb in Laramie (DJ). An American Woodcock found dead in a Colorado Springs yard 9 Feb (D. Gould) provided Colorado’s tenth record. GULLS THROUGH CROWS Nearly unprecedented in magnitude dur- ing winter were the 191 Bonaparte’s Gulls at Pueblo Reservoir 2 Dec (SGM, NM); 2 were VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 307 COLORADO & WYOMING This Acorn Woodpecker at Colorado Springs, El Paso County was found on 1 5 December 2013 and remained there into the spring (here 1 9 January 2013), providing only the seventh eastern Colorado record. Photograph by Steven 6. MIodinow. present there 27 Dec (P Owens), with an ad. still there 1 Jan (SGM, CS) providing an excep- tionally rare Jan record. Among 11 Bonaparte’s at Windsor, Weld 2 Dec was an imm. Little Gull (tSW); this species is not quite annual in the state. Single Mew Gulls were noted at five Colorado locations, one each in Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, Pueblo, and Weld. A California Gull in Mesa 3 Dec (LA) was on the West Slope, where the species is casual, at best, in winter, and one in Albany 7 Dec (DJ) provided a rare Wyoming winter record. The only C.B.R.C.- documented Iceland Gull report came from Pueblo Reservoir 31 Dec-3 Jan (BKP). High counts of Thayer’s and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, respectively, were of 10 at Teller Farm, Boulder 20 Jan-3 Feb (SGM, NM) and 11 at Pueblo Reservoir 1 Jan (SGM, CS). A first-cycle Herring Gull x Glaucous-winged Gull hybrid fed on dead fish among a host of other gulls at Teller Farm 20-28 Jan, while a Herring Gull X Glaucous Gull was noted here only on 20 Jan (both ph. SGM). A first-cycle Glaucous- winged Gull was detected a stone’s throw away at Valmont only on 27 Jan (ph., tTRL, MP, tSGM), despite the site being much birded this winter; another first-cycle Glaucous-winged was at Pueblo Reservoir 1 Jan (tSGM, CS, Paul Hurtado), though it may have been present for several days. At least 6 single Glaucous Gulls kicked around various Colorado gull hotspots in Arapahoe, Bent, Boulder/Broomfield, Jefferson, and Pueblo', notably, likely the same ad. and imm. that graced Pueblo Reservoir 13 Jan (N. Komar) were at John Martin 24 Feb (TF), ap- proximately 150 km downriver. The only Great Black-backed Gull of the season was the re- turning bird at Pueblo Reservoir through 1 Feb (m.ob.). Finally, larid-wise, a Herring Gull x Great Black-backed Gull hybrid was discerned at John Martin 17 Dec (fide DR, DuN). Abundance of wintering White-winged Doves continues to climb, with double-digit counts from four Arkansas River watershed C.B.C.s this year: Colorado Springs (20) and Pueblo Reservoir (59). both on 15 Dec; Penrose (15) on 16 Dec; and Rocky Ford (40) on 18 Dec. White-winged Doves were also noted in Boulder, Douglas, Jefferson, La Plata, Mesa, Morgan (11 at Fort Morgan 27 Jan; KMD, JK), Prowers, and Weld, and through 14 Jan at Casper, Natrona (RK), the last of which pro- vided Wyoming’s third winter record. Also a third Wyoming winter report was that of a Barn Owl in Campbell 2 Feb (D. White). Short-eared Owls were noted more widely than in most re- cent winters, with reports coming from eight Colorado counties. Northern Saw-whet Owls are found infrequently on the Plains, so the 2 at Bonny 13 Dec (JK, KMD) are of interest. An imm. female Rufous Hummingbird that was banded at Parachute, Mesa 23 Oct (K. Miller, S. Bouricius) tarried through 19 Dec, providing a first Colorado winter record. A juv. Red-headed Woodpecker was well w. of typical at Florence, Fremont 31 Dec (RM); the species is also Regionally quite rare in winter. A female Acorn Woodpecker, first found 15 Dec on the Colorado Springs C.B.C. (M. Wolf), stayed through the winter and spring and pro- vided just the second for El Paso, while a pair at Beulah found in summer continued through the winter (m.ob., tBKP); these 2 constitute the sixth and seventh e. Colorado records. A Red-bellied Woodpecker continued from fall in Cheyenne through 22 Dec, while another at Laramie, Albany 16 Feb+ (D. Jones) may have been the same female found there in Oct; these birds represent the third and fourth winter and overall seventh and eighth Wyoming records. At least 8 Williamson’s Sapsuckers were noted this ■ season, with the only one outside the typical Fremont/Pueblo Regional winter epicenter be- ing the female at Nucla, Montrose 22 Dec (CD) that provided only the third West Slope winter record. Eleven Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were reported, with the West Slope’s second ever visiting Grand Junction, Mesa 6-10 Feb (LA). The rarest of Colorado’s wintering sapsuck- ers, 3 Red-napeds were found, one each in El Paso, Fremont, and Pueblo. An Eastern Downy Woodpecker was in the mountains at Conifer, Jefferson 18 Dec, while a Rocky Mountain Downy was in w. Adams 29 Dec (both SGM, CS). However, the Rocky Mountain Downy at , Lamar 17 Feb+ (ph.-DR) furnished the state’s easternmost record ever. Three Eastern Hairy Woodpeckers were noted in Boulder, with the westernmost being one at Lyons 6 Dec (SGM). Merlins of the nominate subspecies were noted thrice on the Plains, one at Flagler, Kit Carson 27 Dec (NM) and another at Boulder 14 Jan and 15 Feb (TF). Perhaps the least expected bird this vHn- ter was the Hammond’s Flycatcher at Canon City, Fremont 16-22 Dec (ph. DM, BM), pro- viding the Region’s first winter record of an Empidonax. Three Black Phoebes wintered in Fremont/Pueblo, about the norm for the past few winters, but one at Grand Junction, Mesa 1 1 Dec (BB) made only the second West Slope winter record. At least 18 Say’s Phoebes were detected in Colorado, with a goodly 11 in Fremont/Pueblo, the epicenter for wintering Say’s in the state; 6 along the Front Range and nearby Plains from Denver northward, how- ever, was a high number; the northernmost of these was at Loveland 18 Feb (K. McMillan). ' During winter, a few Steller’s Jays occasionally venture a short distance from their montane i haunts into adjacent flatlands; the congrega- tion of 12 at Lafayette, Boulder 17 Jan (SGM, CS) was much larger than typical. A black river of 2500 American Crows streaming past North Shields Pond N.A., Larimer 22 Dec (D. Wade) surpassed the eBird record high count for Colorado. RAVENS THROUGH THRUSHES Colorado’s first winter Tree Swallow in i five years visited the Wheatridge Greenbelt, i Jefferson 6 Dec (tCA). Mountain Chickadees irrupted into the westernmost Plains, appear- I ing in excellent numbers eastward to Elbert, i Adams, and WeW; this species’ frequency in i 308 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS COLORADO & WYOMING This Hermit Thrush, present at Jackson Lake State Park, Morgan County, Colorado from 1 December 2012 (here) through 16 February 2013 appears to be of the Pacific Lowland subspecies group, guttatus (also known as Dwarf Hermit Thrush). It is much browner on the back and smaller-billed (and smaller-bodied) than Colorado's breeding Hermit Thrushes, which belong to the Montane subspecies group, auduboni, and are not as bright on flanks or back as the taiga-breeding nanus subspecies group. The status of Pacific Lowland Hermit Thrush in Colorado is unclear. Photograph by Steven G. MIodinow. well-birded Weld and Adams was approximate- ly 2% this winter, more than twice that of the preceding winter (eBird data). The only records from farther east, however, involved up to 4 birds at Jackson through the winter (m.ob.) and 5 at Narrows Dam, Morgan 16 Feb (SGM, DD). After last fall’s irruption onto the Plains, Red-breasted Nuthatches wintered there in well-below-normal numbers, with a frequen- cy below 1% this winter, compared ivith the long-term average of approximately 8% (eBird data). In the mountains, however, counts of 67 near Beulah, Pueblo 5 Jan (VT) and 52 in the foothills w. of Boulder 16 Dec (TF) were exceptional. The winter ranges of Eastern and Montane White-breasted Nuthatches are still being worked out. Eastern birds appear to wander regularly in small num- bers w. to the Eront Range; how- ever, one in the mountains near Beulah, Pueblo 5 Jan (VT) was clearly exceptional. This winter, interior birds were found on the Plains in small numbers e. to Morgan, but none were detected farther afield. The only Pygmy Nuthatches away from their usual haunts were 3 at Pueblo City Park, Pueblo 2-15 Dec (BKP, SGM, NM). Unlike Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers re- mained in above-normal num- bers on the Plains throughout the winter, with a frequency about 50% above usual (eBird data); the 19 tallied in the foot- hills above Boulder 16 Dec (TP) was an exceptional count for anywhere in Colorado. Carolina Wrens are not an- nual during winter, but this win- ter yielded 5: singles near Penrose, Fremont 16 Dec (fide MP); near Lamar, Prowers 7-23 Dec OS); at Longmont 30 Dec (T. Deininger); at Lamar 6-24 Jan (D. Leatherman, DuN); and at Tamarack 13 Jan (SGM). A Pacific Wren graced Greenhorn Meadows Park, Pueblo 22-3 1 Dec (tD. Silverman); Colorado has just three accepted records of this species. An astonishing 18 or so Winter Wrens were detected this win- ter, most in or near the foothills from Larimer to Pueblo: one at Durango, La Plata 24 Dec (C. Lundblad, D. Paez) was on the West Slope, from which originate about 20 reports. Single Marsh Wrens on 12 Dec in Hudson (DeN) and 15 Dec in Sweetwater (fide D. Mead) added to 20 or so previous winter Wyoming records. Two Blue- gray Gnatcatchers inhabited John Martin 17 Dec (DM, KMD), and one was in Mesa, where annual, 3 Dec (LA); the Region averages 1-2 per winter, with these two areas providing most of those records. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet graced Glenwood Springs, Garfield 27 Dec (V Zerbi); this species is not annual during winter on the West Slope away from the Grand Junction area. Golden-crowned Kinglets venture nearly annu- ally in small numbers out onto the westernmost Plains. This species is accidental during winter on the far e. Plains, so 3 at Haxtun, Phillips 22 Dec (SGM, BT) were of particular interest. Over the past decade. Eastern Bluebirds have moved westward to the foothills during winter, in in- creasing numbers. This winter, an astounding 120-r were found in Pueblo/Fremont and 20-1- were in Boulder. Other foothill records came from Jefferson and Larimer. Eastern Bluebirds were also unusually prevalent in ne. Colorado, where typically rare after early Jan, as exempli- fied by 43 at Narrows Dam 16 Feb (SGM, DD). Western Bluebirds are not annual during winter n. of the Palmer Divide, so a total of 17 found at three Boulder locations during Dec (DW, MS, JS, S. Wagner) and one at Franktown, Douglas 23 Feb (K. Metz) were quite unusual. Mountain Bluebirds graced Kit Carson on 27 Dec, with singles at Seibert (NM) and Flagler S.WA. (SR); this species is rare during winter on the Plains n. of the Arkansas River. In Wyoming, however. Mountain Bluebirds are accidental after Dec, so 14 at Thermopolis, Hot Springs 18 Jan, dwin- dling to 4 on 21 Jan (SC) were most unusual. Single Hermit Thrushes at Jackson Hole, Teton in early Dec (S. Patla) and at Sundance, Crook 19 Jan QA) added to only two prior Wyoming winter records. The 12 Hermit Thrushes dis- covered in Colorado this winter is on par with the “new normal.” Prior to the past 10 years or so, this species was quite rare during winter in Colorado. The subspecific identities of these Field Sparrows are barely annual during winter in Colorado. This one was found at Holyoke, Phillips County 22 December 2012. Its overall warm coloration and moderately bold auricu- lar patch are suggestive of the nominate, more eastern, sub- species, the status of which is poorly understood in Colorado, other than that it does not breed in the state. Photograph by Steven G. MIodinow. C A The status and distribution of Chihuahuan Raven in Colorado remain mysterious. This j/sspecies was abundant throughout e. Colorado in the 1800s (Henshaw 1875), but its range subsequently contracted dramatically to se. Colorado by the early 1900s (Aiken and Warren 1914). Even in its core range, numbers have dwindled over the past 100 years (An- drews and Righter 1 992), and it is currently considered a locally uncommon to fairly common resident in se. Colorado from Pueblo eastward. In Dec 2006, two snowstorms dropped up to 2 m of snow in se. Colorado; shortly thereafter, a number of Chihuahuan Ravens appeared on the n. Front Range, predominantly in Boulder. Subsequently, there have been annual reports of this species from the n. Front Range, typically without documentation. This winter, well- documented extralimital Chihuahuan Ravens included one at Lagerman Reservoir, Boulder 2 Dec (tTF), another nearTeller Farms, Boulder 1 2 Dec (ph., tSGM, CS), and 4 at a corvid roost at Valmont (tBK, tJV). There is one problem: many of the birds considered Chihuahuan Ravens in Colorado seem atypical for that species, particularly with regard to culmen feathering. Even within the presumed Colorado range of Chihuahuan Ravens, a number of birds ap- pear intermediate between Chihuahuan and Common Ravens, leading some to suggest that none of the ravens in Colorado are Chihuahuan. Research needs doing here. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 309 COLORADO & WYOMING wintering Hermit Thrushes, however, are not well known. Singles in Pueblo, Montrose, and Prowers were identified as Western Montane (SGM, NM, CD, JT), while 2 at Jackson were Pacific Lowland birds (SGM, CS). Three Varied Thrushes this winter was about average, with singles at Conikr, Jefferson 14-17 Dec (m.ob,), Littleton, JeJferson 24 Dec 0- Shin), and Pagosa Springs, Archuleta 15 Dec (CD, BW). THRASHERS THROUGH SPARROWS On the West Slope, where the species is ca- sual in winter, a Sage Thrasher visited Nucla, Montrose 22 Dec (CD). This winter’s total of 5 Brown Thrashers was far above the 1-2 per winter average; included in this total was one in the mountains, where accidental, near Gunnison, Gunnison in early Dec (fide CD) and one on the ne. Plains, where casual in winter, at Jackson 18 Feb (ph. SGM, DD). Equally unusual was a high-elevation Curve-billed Thrasher near Wetmore, Custer 4 Jan-19 Feb (RM). After several years of scarcity, Bohemian Waxwings returned to Colorado in big num- bers. Initially, these flocks stayed in the moun- tains and far nw, evidenced by 250 in Boulder Canyon, Boulder 2 Dec (BK) and 500-1- at Craig, Moffat 29 Dec (FL). Flocks began to appear in adjacent lowland areas in mid-Jan, reach- ing large numbers by Feb, including maxima of 800 in Niwot, Boulder 21 Feb QV) and 400 at Turkey Creek Ranch, El Paso 23 Feb (DM). Remarkably, the only record from the Plains was of 2 at Narrows Dam 23 Feb (DD). A Chestnut-collared Longspur at Valmont 27 Jan (TRL, MR SGM) was in n. Colorado, where extremely rare during winter, and in Boulder, where uncommon at best during any season. McCown’s Longspurs winter in small numbers in far se. Colorado, but 3 at Flagler, Kit Carson 27 Dec (SR) were n. of usual. Snow Buntings didn’t exactly invade Colorado but were more widespread and numerous than typical, with birds at eight locations in six counties; per usual, most were on the n. Plains and in the nw. corner of the state, but one on the Pueblo Reservoir C.B.C., Pueblo 15 Dec (fide M. Yaeger) Colorado averages about two Red Fox Sparrows per winter. This one graced Barr Lake, Adams County on 16 December 2012. Photograph by Steven G. MIodinow. was in s. Colorado, where casual. Maxima from more-typical locations included 15 near Barr 5 Jan (C. Madsen et al.) and 12 at Great Divide, Moffat 16 Feb (G. Baines). For the second consecutive winter, Common Yellowthroat was found in Colorado, with C.B.C. singles at Boulder 16 Dec (TE. DeFonso) and in Adams along the South Platte River near Denver 1 Jan (TF, E. Klaver); this species is detected in Colorado about once every two or three winters. A Northern Parula that made a surprise appearance at Pueblo City Park, Pueblo 5 Dec (ph. BKP) provided only the sec- ond winter record for Colorado. A Western Palm Warbler brightened the Colorado Springs C.B.C., El Paso 15 Dec (fide K. Pals), yield- ing only the second winter record during the past five years in Colorado; interestingly, there have been more winter records of Yellow Palm Warblers than of Westerns in that state. As typical for recent winters, 2 Pine Warblers graced Colorado, with one surviving from the fall through 1 Jan at Pueblo City Park (m.ob.) and another near Lake Loveland, Larimer 18- 19 Dec (DD, J. Reichhardt). Though Yellow- rumped Warblers are uncommon along the Eront Range during winter n. to Larimer, they are very rare on the n. Plains. This season, a Myrtle Warbler was noted at Tamarack 22 Dec-13 Jan (SGM, BT), and a Yellow-rumped (subspecies not noted) was at Port Morgan 27 Jan (KMD, JK); notably. Myrtle Warblers typi- cally far outnumber Audubon’s during win- ter in ne. Colorado. In Wyoming, a Yellow- rumped Warbler graced Riverton, Fremont 31 Dec (T. Axtheim), providing about the twelfth winter record. A white-lored Yellow-throated Warbler at Pueblo City Park through 8 Dec (ph. BKP, m.ob.) provided Colorado’s third winter record and the first since 2004; nearly | all of Colorado’s Yellow-throated Warbler re- | cords involve white-lored individuals. Por the third winter of the past five, a Wilson’s Warbler , appeared in Colorado, this one at Pueblo City Park 2-7 Dec (BKP, NM, SGM). A female Eastern Towhee at Wetmore 1 Jan (tBKR MP) would provide a first for Custer. Single Spotted Towhee x Eastern Towhee hy- brids visited L.C.C. 7 Jan-22 Feb (DR, JS) and Lafayette, Boulder 27 Feb (ph. SGM, CS); this cross is likely annual during winter in the state, passing largely undetected. A Chipping Sparrow | enlivened Pueblo City Park, Pueblo 2 Dec (BKP, I ph. SGM, NM); this species has been annual during recent winters in Colorado. Better yet, " Wyoming’s first winter Chipping Sparrow re- j mained from fall through 10 Dec at Shoshone, i Fremont (ph. E. Baumann). A Field Sparrow, similarly rare during winter in Colorado, graced Holyoke, Phillips 22 Dec (ph. SGM, j BT); of note, examination of the photographs suggests that it may well be of the nominate eastern subspecies, which has very rarely been documented in the state. A Vesper Sparrow was near Nucla, Montrose 25 Dec (CD, BW); during winter, this species is not annual in the state and accidental on the West Slope. Midwinter Sagebrush Sparrows are about as rare during winter in the state, but a greater proportion of records come from the West Slope; this sea- son, one was near Hotchkiss, Delta 4 Jan (D. Garrison). Savannah Sparrows have been found annually during recent years in s. Colorado, and continuing this trend was one at John Martin 17 Dec (fide DR, DuN); substantially rarer was one in n. Colorado at Fossil Creek Reservoir, Larimer 23 Jan (SGM). Red Fox Sparrows are rare-but-annual visitors to Colorado, with most ^ A Dark-eyed Juncos are typically fairly common to common on the Plains during winter Jllbut this season were especially numerous, as best evidenced by 410 far away from any feeders at Tamarack 13 Jan (SGM), a number far exceeding any prior winter tally from the Plains. eBird data suggest that the abundance of Slate-colored, Oregon, and Pink-sided Juncos areal! approximately on par during winter on the Plains, but theTamarack count was distinctly lopsided, with 232 Oregon, 91 Slate-colored, and 28 Pink-sided Juncos. The second highest Plains count this winter was of 1 64 at Jackson 1 Dec (SGM, CS); the breakdown of that tally was 125 Oregon, 19 Slate-colored, and 45 Pink-sided Juncos. Clearly, there is much still to be learned here. Gray-headed Juncos, typically rare on the Plains, were unusually preva- lent there this winter (7 from four locations), with one nearly in Kansas at Bonny 14 Dec (JK) and a maximum of 3 at John Martin 17 Dec (G. Koehn). White-winged Juncos were excep- tionally numerous throughout their Colorado winter range. In the foothills, the top count was a goodly 35 at Red Rocks, Jefferson 25 Dec (SGM, CS), while on the Plains, 6 were at Bonny 14 Dec (JK), and best of all, a White-winged Junco at Durango, La Plata 16 Dec (K. Streiffert) was the westernmost ever in Colorado. Other notable junco records include tallies of 325 Gray-headeds and 250 Pink-sideds at Red Rocks, Jefferson 25 Dec (SGM, CS), a Pink-sided x White-winged cross n. of Lyons in Larimer9 Dec-20 Jan (JS, MS), plus 2 at Red Rocks, Jefferson 25 Dec (SGM, CS), and 3 Gray-headed x Pink-sided Juncos at Red Rocks 25 Dec (SGM, CS). 310 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS COLORADO & WYOMING This Hoary Redpoll was one of four photographed at the Museum of Discovery in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado in January/February 2013 (here 26 January). Photograph by Stem 6. MIodinow. records coming from fall and winter. Three reported this season included singles documented at Boulder 1 Dec (CN) and Barr 16 Dec (ph. SGM, CS). Lincoln’s Sparrows have been annual winter visitors of late to s. Colorado. This season, one was at John Martin 17 Dec (fide DR, DuN), and 2 were noted near Fountain Creek, El Paso 2 1 Dec (fide DM). It was a superb winter in Colorado for Swamp Sparrow, with about 60 reported. The largest concen- trations were 25+ found in the Pueblo/ Fremont/El Paso area and 16 at John Martin (fide DR, DuN), while 2 Swamp Sparrows at Crowheart, Fremont 1 Jan (DeN) provided just Wyoming’s third winter record. Similarly, White- throated Sparrows were reported in above-average numbers, with about 32 de- tected; most unusual among these were singles in Wyoming in Carbon 2 Dec (P Jack) and Fremont 16 Feb Q- McDonald). However, the real surprise was an imm. at Moose Visitor Center, Jackson 26 Jan (ph. SCM, ph. TRL, MP) at about 3000 m that provided a third montane Colorado winter record, with the second com- ing many years before from the same locale! An extraordinary 50+ Harris’s Sparrows were found Regionally this winter, including 4 on the West Slope, where not annual during winter, and 3 in Wyoming. Interestingly, the apparently high numbers of White-throated and Harris’s Sparrows may simply be due to better reporting (especially from C.B.C.s), as eBird data show a roughly 33% drop in the frequency of Harris’s Sparrows and 50% drop in frequency of White- throated Sparrows this winter versus last. A stunning apparent American Tree Sparrow x Harris’s Sparrow was photographed at CBR, Pueblo 21 Jan Q. Mitchell); this hybrid does not appear to have been reported before, any- where (McCarthy 2006). A dark-lored White- crowned Sparrow at Valeo Ponds, Pueblo 19 Jan (SCM, DD) was the only report this winter; its subspecific identity presents the usual binary quandary of oriantha vs. nominate leucophrys. Single Colden-crowned Sparrows returned to Red Rocks, Jefferson and Teller Farms, Boulder, each for its third consecutive winter. CARDINAL THROUGH REDPOLLS Northern Cardinals away from their usual haunts in far e. Colorado included one that overwintered in Boulder (m.ob.) plus one at Narrows Dam 16 Feb (SCM, DD). Yellow- headed Blackbirds appeared in about twice- normal numbers, with 6 birds at five locations in four counties: Pueblo, Adams, Logan, and Larimer. Apparently bucking continent-wide trends, an astonishing 71 Rusty Blackbirds appeared in e. Colorado this winter, with a maximum of 15 near Fort Morgan 15 Dec+ (DD); other reports came from Douglas, Fremont, Pueblo, Adams, Prowers, and Logan. In Wyoming, where scarce during winter, 4 Brewer’s Blackbirds visited Laramie 14 Dec (D. Thomas); 39 at Steamboat Springs, Routt 15 Dec (fide FL) were in nw. Colorado, where seasonally quite rare. Common Crackles, scarce to quite rare Regionally in winter, were reported from numerous sites in both states. Wyoming’s contribution to the phenomenon included one at Laramie 10 Dec (D.), one from fall through 15 Dec at Casper, Natrona (RK), and one at Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Laramie 22 Dec (DeN), while 4 were noted at Cheyenne 18 Feb 0- Blais) and 6 were at Riverton, Fremont 29 Dec, with 8 there 25 Feb (both DeN). A winter gathering of 120 Common Crackles at Parker, Douglas 10 Jan (LK) was unprecedented; a Common Crackle at Ridgway 4 Dec (CD) was on the West Slope, where rare during winter. The count of 500 Creat-tailed Crackles at Stearns Lake, Boulder 9 Jan (C. Hundertmark) eclipsed Colorado’s antecedent high count. Brown- headed Cowbirds were noted in larger-than- usual numbers as well, with the top count being 20 near Lamar, Prowers 13-14 Dec QS). The gathering of 775 Cray-crowned Rosy- Finches at Collbran, Mesa 1-6 Jan (N. Korte) Q A The Region's birders eagerly awaited this winter's redpoll irruption, an event virtually »iJ/lguaranteed by continent-wide patterns. Wouid-be redpoll watchers were not disap- pointed as a tidal wave of these charismatic finches washed over Wyoming into the n. and cen. Colorado mountains and onto adjacent foothills. The highest concentrations were found in Wyoming (500 in Sheridan 1 8 Feb; fide MF) and in montane n. Colorado (particularly Grand and Routt) and along the foothills from Jefferson northward. To some extent, these densities follow that of human populations, but surprisingly few were found on the Plains and, less surprisingly, few were found in s. Colorado. The south- ernmost records of Common Redpoll came from 7-iVlile Plaza, Rio Grande 1 Jan (R. Lewis) and South Fork, Rio Grande 2 Jan (R. Young). Numbers steadily increased from early Dec to a peak from late Jan through Feb. Colorado maxima included 225 at Lee Martinez Park, Fort Collins, Larimer 12 Jan (SGM, CS), 180 at Kremmling, Grand 27 Jan (TRL, SGM, MP), 150 at Franktown, Douglas 1 Jan-2 Feb (P. Broadbent), and 100+ at Meeker, Rio Blanco 1 1 Jan (D. Flilkey). In Wyoming, maximum counts included 291 on the Evanston C.B.C., Uinta 15 Dec [fidel. Gorman) and 200 at Sundance, Crook 5 Dec (j.A). With much anxiety, a few near-mythic Hoary Redpolls were anticipated, salted among the Commoners. Colorado's first Hoary Redpoll visited Schmoker's Longmont yard 29-30 Dec (ph., IBS, ph., tSGM). The next was found shortly thereafter at Fraser, Grand 1 Jan (ph. DW). Thereafter, the epicenter of Hoary Redpolls quickly became Lee Martinez Park, where feeders attracted at least one Hoary 6 Jan-2 Feb (ph. CS, ph., tm.ob.) and a maximum of 4 (2 males and 2 females) 26 Jan (ph., tSGM, tTRL, MP). Other sightings included one at Walden, Jackson 26 Jan (ph., tTRL, MP, ph., tSGM) and 3 at Kremmling, Grand 27 Jan (MP, ph., tTRL, ph., tSGM). In Wyoming, the only documented Hoary was one well described at Casper, Natrona 21-23 Feb (CM, B. Walgren); the state had just one previous officially accepted record, of some 10 previous reports. Note that the authors currently believe that each of the Hoary Redpolis listed here was correctly identified (most being exhaustively photographed), but more de- finitive commentary will be forthcoming from the Colorado B.R.C. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 311 COLORADO & WYOMING a C A ^ Crossbills breed predominantly in the Pacific Northwest (Benkman 1993) •iJ/land disperse regularly south to southern California and occasionally over great dis- tances to eastern North America. Records from the Rocky Mountains are scarce, as this is the smallest-billed Red Crossbill, and most of the local coniferous species produce cones that are too large for it to feed on (Benkman 2007). Colorado's first Type 3 Red Crossbill was audiotaped in Hinsdale during Jul 2007 (A. Spencer, C.B.R.C. files); subsequently, 4 more were recorded prior to this winter: Mesa Feb 2009, Jackson Mar 2009, Jefferson Mar 2009, and Conejos Jul 201 2 (all AS). This winter, 8 were found at Lake Loveland 1 8 Dec (v.r. SW) and one visited Hygiene, Boulder 1 1 Dec (tSGM). Notably, the winter of 201 2-201 3 witnessed an impressive movement of Type 3 crossbills to the East. was exceptional, but the congregation of 300 Black Rosy-Finches at Gateway, Mesa 31 Dec (C. Atwood) probably set a record. Cassin’s Finches leaked eastward onto the lowlands adjacent to the foothills in good numbers this winter, but only one was found truly out on the Plains: at Greeley, Weld 3 Feb (SGM, CS). A White-winged Crossbill enlivened Kiowa, Elbert 8 Feb (ph. M. Pierson); there are few- er than 10 records of this species from the Plains. The 203 American Goldfinches gath- ered at Tamarack 22 Dec was extraordinary for the northern Plains (SGM, BT). Undocumented rarities: The following re- view species were reported in the period from Colorado without documentation: Glaucous- winged Gull (Bent), Iceland Gull (Arapahoe/ Douglas/Jefferson, Boulder/Broomfield); Herring Gull X Glaucous-winged Gull (Bent), Eastern Towhee (Weld), Red Fox Sparrow (Yuma). Cited observers (subregional editors in bold- face): Jean Adams, Chuck Aid, Larry Arnold, Jim Idaho & Western Montana D. Beatty (sw. Colorado), Seth Chamberlain, Coen Dexter (w.-cen. Colorado), David Dowell, John Drummond (se. Colorado), Kathy Mihm Dunning, Ted Floyd, Matthew Fraker (Wyoming), Mark Gorges, Don Jones, Joey Kellner (JK), Loch Kilpatrick, Rose-Mary King, Forrest Luke (nw. Colorado), Bill Maynard, Dan Maynard, Chris Michelson, Rich Miller, Steven G. Mlodinow, Nick Moore, Del Nelson (DeN), Duane Nelson (DuN), Christian Nunes, Brandon K. Percival (Pueblo, Colorado area), Mark Peterson, Sue Riffe, Doth Russell, Bill Schmoker (BS), Cathy Sheeter, Jane Stulp, Jim Thompson, John Vanderpoel, Glenn Walbek, Sean Walters, David Waltman, Brenda Wright. Many other individuals contributed information to this report but could not be acknowledged r here; they have our appreciation. O i Tony Leukering, 1 Pindo Palm Street W, Largo, Florida 33770 (greatgrayowl@aol.com) Steven G. Mlodinow, 22T8 Watersong Circle, Longmont, Colorado 80504 (SGMIod@aol.com) Matt Fraker, The Prairie Oak Veterinary Center, 207B Landmark Drive, Normal, Illinois 61761 David Trochiell It was an unusually warm and dry winter in both states, although some locations re- ported unusually cold weather in mid to late January. As in last year, unseasonably mild temperatures and open water tempted a multi- tude of waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines to linger at least into December, boosting num- bers and species counts to incredible record- breaking levels at many Christmas Bird Count locations. Also adding spice to the winter sea- son was a Regionwide flight of Common Red- 312 polls, which graced most locations in widely varying numbers. GEESE THROUGH ALCIDS Greater White-fronted Geese were unusually widespread and numerous in Idaho, with re- ports of at least 5 found in four counties, and an incredible 40 tallied in Owyhee 1 Jan (CW). Perhaps even more unusual was a Greater White-fronted at Ronan, MT 26 Dec (MS). Snow Geese also made an excellent showing, with a total of 17 in six Idaho counties and 3 in two Montana counties. The only Ross’s Geese were identified in Idaho near Bruneau 8 Dec-12 Jan (]C) and at Boise 3-27 Jan (TH, MJ). Cackling Geese were also unusually wide- spread and numerous; a total of at least 25 were reported in ten counties in Idaho and three in w. Montana. At least 5 Eurasian Wigeons were reported, representing a better-than-average winter total. The Melanitta ducks are unex- pected after late Nov, so a Surf Scoter at Garden Valley, ID 6 Dec (SW) and single White -winged Scoters in Bonneville, ID 7 Dec (ph. DCl), Flat- head, MT 7 Dec (DC), and Nez Perce, ID 16 Dec (CS) were significant. Rare Long-tailed Ducks made an excellent showing in Idaho, with re- ports in Nez Perce 16 Dec (CS), in Kootenai 29 Jan (JI), in Twin Falls 30 Jan-13 Eeb (DT), near Hagerman 1-10 Feb (ZW), and at Marsing 10 Feb (CH). A Red-breasted Merganser in Gla- cier N.P., MT 11 Feb (SG) provided a local first winter record. Idaho Pacific Loons held over in Owyhee 8 Dec QC) and Bonner 12 Dec-24 Feb (JC, Jl). Montana’s ninth Yellow-billed Loon provided a local sensation in Flathead 2-19 Feb (BJW). Representing a local first record was a tardy Pied-billed Grebe in Bozeman, MT 15 Dec QP)- Although Double -crested Cormo- rants are unusual in w. Montana after autumn, 5 were in Poison, MT 17 Dec (BR), one was at Apgar 22 Jan-6 Feb (SG), and up to 4 were near Somers 2-23 Feb (DC). Quite unexpected at Boise, ID was a lingering Great Egret 2-29 Dec OC). Ferruginous Hawks are unexpected in Mon- tana after autumn, so reports of singles near Missoula 15 Dec-13 Jan (LW, NK), near Wil- low Creek 26 Dec-3 Jan QP), and in Flathead 29 Dec-28 Feb (DC) were newsworthy. An Osprey was a surprising find in Owyhee, ID 8 Dec OC); there are very few verified winter re- cords. Five Gyrfalcon sightings represented an average winter tally. Both states reported tardy Soras: one described in Gallatin, MT 10 Dec (PE) added to fewer than ten winter records, and another photographed near Bruneau 29 Dec (LR) will provide the first verified winter NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS IDAHO & WESTERN MONTANA record in Idaho. Sandhill Cranes that held over in Owyhee 31 Dec (SC) and Ada 28 Feb (GW) also added to few winter records. Greater Yellowlegs held over as never before in Idaho, with reports of at least 12 in Can- yon 2-22 Dec (ph., tCH), one in Ada 21 Dec (Larry Arnold), 3 near Springfield 23 Dec-2 Feb (ph., tJPe), and one at Buhl 5 Jan (KR). A Spotted Sandpiper at Bigfork 15 Dec (DC) was quite remarkable; few winter reports exist for Montana. A Sanderling in Canyon 22 Dec (CH) may represent the first verified vhnter record in the Gem State. If accepted, up to 7 Least Sandpipers in Canyon 1 Dec-3 Jan QC, CH) will garner Idaho’s second wdnter record. Two Dunlins documented in Nez Perce 2-24 Dec (ph. , tJH) may provide Idaho’s third win- ter record. Although not identified to species, dowitchers photographed in Nez Perce 2 Dec and near Springfield 22 Dec QPe) were espe- cially interesting, because there are no accepted winter records for Idaho. Also surprising were 9 Bonaparte’s Gulls that lingered in Owyhee, ID 8 Dec (JC). If accepted, an Iceland Gull photo- graphed at Hells Gate S.P 12-18 Feb (DT) will provide Idaho’s 7th record. The tally of other rare larids was very impressive and included 7 Mew Gulls, 13 Thayer’s Gulls, 5 Lesser Black- backed Gulls, 3 Glaucous-winged Gulls, and 3 Glaucous Gulls. Amazingly, both states report- ed vagrant Ancient Murrelets; one found at Bozeman 8 Dec QM) was Montana’s eleventh, and another rescued in Orofino, ID 30 Jan (ph., tCS) was Idaho’s third. OWLS THROUGH FINCHES Snowy Owls showed up in good numbers, with a total of 9 reported in Montana and one in Idaho. A total of 3 Northern Hawk Owls were seen in Montana; one near Wisdom 17 Jan (EW) was astoundingly far out of range. Barred Owls strayed to Boise 18 Dec (SD) and Nez Perce 31 Dec-1 Feb OH). Both states re- ported rare Anna’s Hummingbirds: one was at Somers, MT 1 Dec (DC), and another at Boise 10-15 Dec (ph. HW) will be about Idaho’s 7th winter record. A Lewis’s Woodpecker tarried at Boise 15-18 Dec OC); there is only one other verified winter record in Idaho. At least 9 Blue Jays were recorded in Idaho, the highest winter tally in four years. Also far out of range in Ida- ho were 2 Pinyon Jays near Idaho Falls 22 Dec (CT) and one in Lemhi 14-16 Feb (ph. CK). A lingering Tree Swallow at Fort Boise WM.A., ID 1 1 Dec (TLA) would provide a first vHnter record for Idaho, as would the Barn Swallow seen at Swan Falls 2 Jan (RM). A Swainson’s Thrush photographed at Missoula, MT 15 Dec (DC) represented the Region’s first verified winter record. Not annual in winter, a Gray Catbird hung on at Missoula 15 Dec (LW). Both states reported Northern Mockingbirds, with one at Superior, MT 20 Nov-6 Dec QM) and another in Owyhee, ID 1 Dec-1 Jan (ph., tPO, DT). Sage Thrashers near Bruneau, ID 29 Dec (LR) and in Jefferson 25 Jan (DCl) were very surprising; Idaho has no verified winter records. A Yellow-rumped Warbler lingered at Bozeman 27 Dec (MR). An incredible winter first for Idaho was a tardy Western Tanager in Nez Perce 23 Dec-1 Jan (ph., tJH). Spotted Towhees that held over near Bozeman, MT 15 Dec (PE, GK, TP) and near Kalispell, MT 30 Dec (DC) were unusual. A Chipping Sparrow photographed at Idaho Falls 22 Dec (ph., TDCL) provided Idaho’s second winter record. Fox Sparrows are not expected in winter in Idaho, so 2 near Chal- lis 22-23 Dec QCo) and another at Pearl 17 Feb (ph., TMW) were also surprising. A tardy Lincoln’s Sparrow in Nez Perce, ID 19 Jan-3 Feb OH) likely represented a local first winter record. At least 4 rare Golden-crowned Spar- rows were identified in sw. Idaho 15-30 Dec OC, CH, CW), almost certainly representing the species’ best winter total ever. Single Rusty Blackbirds, not annual, were exciting finds in Kootenai, ID 18 Dec-27 Jan (DW), in Galla- tin 26 Dec (AG), near Stevensville, MT 29 Dec (DL), and at Lake Helena, MT 30 Jan-8 Feb (BM). In Great-tailed Crackle news, a flock of about 50 wintered at Rupert 10 Dec-30 Feb OPe), setting a new high count for Idaho. A much-celebrated Great-tailed Crackle stayed at Bozeman 30 Dec-28 Feb (RW), providing Montana’s first overwintering record. The bird of the season was a Brambling that visited Hai- ley 2-24 Feb (ph. ZW) and provided Idaho’s 4th record. With only six accepted records of Hoary Redpoll in Idaho, one photographed in Madison 12 Jan-9 Feb (ph., tSB, DCl) and oth- er undocumented reports in Bonner and Latah 14 Dec-27 Feb (TG, Jl, TL) were exciting. In Montana, scattered reports of Hoary Redpolls originated from Beaverhead, Flathead, Gallatin, Lake, Madison, and Missoula 9 Dec-4 Feb (MB, RI). Especially rare in w. Montana was a Lesser Goldfinch at Missoula 15 Dec (LW). Contributors: (subregional editors in bold- face): Larry Arnold, Mike Becker, Steve Butter- worth, Kathleen Cameron, Jay Carlisle, Dan Casey, Darren Clark (DCl), Jim Conner QCo), Sylvia Copeland, Steve Duke, Paulette Epple, Steve Gniadek, Terry Gray, Andrew Gutten- berg, John Hanna, Tricia Howerton, Cheryl Huizinga, Radd Icenoggle, Jonathan Isacoff, Mark Johnson, Cliff Keene, George Kelly, Nate Kohler, Terry Little, Dave Lockman, Jeff Marks, Bob Martinka, Robert Mortensen, Paul Ostler, John Parker, Jed Petersen QPe). Hm Preso, Matt Reid, Larry Ridenour, Bob Rost, Karl Ruprecht, Corie Samson, Mason Sieges, Shirley Sturts, Charles Swift, Dale Toweill, Chuck Trost, Spencer Walters, Doug Ward, Heidi Ware, Zeke Watkins, Larry Weeks, Cliff Weisse, Michael Wiegand, Eve Wills, Robin Wolcott, B. J. Worth, Gary Worthington, Poo Wright-Pulliam. David Trochlell, 2409 East N Avenue, La Grande, Oregon 97850, (dtrodilell@frontier.com) American Birds A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGICAL RECORD "Jhs premier periodical dealing with status and distribution of North American birds." — Kenn Kaufman "Why should you subscribe? Quite simply, you should subscribe to become a bet- terbirder." — Jon Dunn AmericanBirding'’ Subscriptions are available for $30 for US or $35 for Canadian, a Gift Subscription, today ^ (800) 850-2473 VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 313 New Mexico San Juan ^ HemjiL «»„ EJV^oL Mo^an FsrminQton .Lake Gajlup Zuni Grants Cochili ■§ / wnan ^Albuquerque Moriarty Fort Sumn^'i Tucumcari* (iSianr^i Rosa L SunuierL LaJoyaW Sooprroj gjjjpyg fjgi '■^Reserve /Apache N.W.H. /«, J. ,, Mafea / [ /Elephant Bum U „ ,j [ Bitter L . jTruthor s;“Roswdl\«''^f’' r r Consequences a,,i i “ .Cloudoroft ( Can Anrlrac < Car/sbad Mamies Pawarnc Kl P\ HarU I (tm - r ' Cllff^^ 2 kabaltol. •Spverjp^^ta San Andres ledrock S.R „ - , Carlsbad < •Lordsburg .oeming ^s Cru“'’ ^ ' - Miti -Rattle .Columbus ” Sartor O. Williams I Winter 2012-2013 saw drought con- ditions continue across New Mex- ico, with scant precipitation, dry- ing springs and rivers, falling reservoir lev- els, and snowpack less than half of historical averages. Temperatures were generally mild, but were punctuated with occasional fierce storms, including across the s., which provid- ed unwelcomed shocks to birds attempting to overwinter. Poor seed and fruit crops resulted in generally low numbers of many typically numerous species. Several rarities were docu- mented, including a late American Woodcock, at least eight Pine Warblers plus a Prairie War- bler, and Lawrences Goldhnches pushing far eastward to the Carlsbad area. Abbreviations: Bosque (Bosque del Apache N.WR.); E.B.L. (Elephant Butte Lake); R.G.V (Rio Grande Valley); R.S. (Rattlesnake Springs area including adjacent Washington Ranch, Eddy). WATERFOWL THROUGH GULLS Tundra Swans in the news were 3 at Ute Lake 20 Dec (DH), one at Storrie Lake 26 Dec (DH), 4 near Artesia 31 Jan (ph. S. Cordova), and one at Bosque 27 Dec-12 Jan (m.ob., ph.) where there were 2 on 4 Feb (GO). An impressive 530 Wood Ducks were tallied at Albuquerque 16 Dec (RV); the species now occurs essentially statewide in winter. A notable concentration of some 77,400 dabbling ducks in the remaining pool of E.B.L. 10 Jan included 28,630 Gad- walls, 23,000 Green-winged Teal, and 10,875 American Wigeons (MW). Two male Eurasian Wigeons were at Clovis 27 Dec (ph. CA), where one lingered to 19 Feb (m.ob.). Winter- ing Barrow’s Goldeneyes seem to be increas- ing in range and numbers in New Mexico; this season found up to 6 on the Rio Grande near Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo 30 Dec-19 Jan QMB, ph. SF, JEP, WW), 2 on the Rio Chama below Abiquiu Dam 19-20 Jan (ph. WH), and single males on the Rio Grande near Pilar, Taos 3 Feb (CR) and the Otowi bridge, Santa Fe 8 Feb (ph. JPB), and at Brantley Lake 11 Dec-19 Jan (ph. CA, m.ob., ph.). Rare in New Mexico, single Red-throated Loons were at Ute Lake 20 Dec (MB, ph. CW) and 19 Jan QO), and Brantley Lake 13 Dec-23 Jan (ph. CA, m.ob., ph.). Pro- viding the hrst conhrmed Eddy record, a Red- necked Grebe was at Lake Carlsbad 30 Dec- 17 Jan (ph. TH, ph. RN, m.ob., ph.); what was likely the same individual was at nearby Lake Avalon 2 Feb (RN). An aerial survey counted 10,300 Aechmophorus grebes concentrated at E.B.L. 10 Jan (MW). Once again. Neotropic Cormorants arrived n. to Albuquerque’s Ting- ley ponds in mid-Jan, with 5 there 15 Jan (DH) increasing to 19 by 28 Feb (m.ob., ph. WH). A Great Blue Heron was gamely trying to swallow a young muskrat below E.B.L. Dam 19 Jan (ph. DK). A Reddish Egret at Six Mile Dam 14 Dec (SW) furnished a rare winter record. At least 16 Turkey Vultures were at Roswell 15 Dec QIS), where only recently discovered win- tering. A White-tailed Kite at Leasburg S.R 21 Feb (ph. CG) provided the only report of this grassland raptor. Noteworthy for s. Dona Ana, a Harris’s Hawk was near Sunland Park 1 1 Feb (DB). A “Harlan’s” Hawk was west to Rodeo 23 Feb-10 Mar (ph. R. Webster). Rough-legged Hawks invaded the eastern two-thirds of the state; noteworthy in the west were one at Zuni 15 Dec (CR), 2 in the Nutria Valley 16 Dec OT), and singles near Cuba 23 Dec (CL) and near Quemado 23 Jan (WW); others were s. to the Animas Valley (LM), Deming (LM), and several Eddy sites (m.ob.). As a reminder to eager ob- servers to be careful when identifying “white” cranes, single leucistic Sandhill Cranes were documented at Percha 14 Dec (ph. DC), near Artesia 27 Dec (ph. L. Hammer, SW), and near Columbus 4 Feb (ph. JPS). Infrequent in winter, a Snowy Plover was near Loving 23 Dec (CCC). Up to 24 Black- necked Stilts wintered along the Rio Grande at Sunland Park Dec-Jan QNP, MS, JZ, JEP). American Avocets win- tered at E.B.L. Dec-Feb, with a peak of 38 there 1 Jan (ph. DC). A Long-billed Curlew likewise wintered at E.B.L. 25 Dec-22 Feb (ph. DC). Unexpected in winter in New Mexico, 2 Western Sand- pipers were carefully documented among hundreds of Leasts at E.B.L. 16-22 Feb (ph. DC); re- ported without details were 13 at Loving 23 Dec (CCC). North of expected, one to 2 Least Sandpip- ers were nw. to Zuni 15 Dec (CR) and ne. to Clovis 29 Dec (GB). Three Dunlins at Ute Lake 20 Dec (MB, ph. CW) were late for so far n.; one to 3 wintered at several sites in the middle R.G.V, including Bosque, E.B.L., and Caballo Lake (m.ob., ph.). An American Woodcock made a brief visit to the Corrales bosque 12 Dec (ph. J. Findley) and became the latest fall migrant yet recorded in New Mexico. A Franklin’s Gull was late at Sunland Park 6 Dec QNP). A good Mew Gull season produced an ad. at Farmington 17 Dec (ph. CA), an ad. at E.B.L. 29 Dec-26 Jan (ph, TG, ph. DC, m.ob.) and a hrst-cycle there 9 Jan (ph. TG), and 2 ads. at Sunland Park 13 Jan QNP) where at least one lingered to 21 Jan Q- Groves). An ad. Thayer’s Gull entertained many at E.B.L. 27 Dec (MB, NR ph. CW)-3 Feb (m.ob., ph.). Another solid Lesser Black-backed Gull season found a con- tinuing first-cycle at Albuquerque’s Alameda bridge 1 Dec (ph. WH, ph. CW) and a third- cycle there 12-13 Jan (ph. WH, JEP), at least 2 individuals at E.B.L. Dec-Feb (m.ob., ph.), and an ad. at Sunland Park 17 Jan-12 Feb (ph. DB, ph. JNP). Glaucous Gull had an impressive season, with single ads, at the Alameda bridge 28 Dec-19 Jan (ph. R. Thompson, m.ob., ph.), Cochiti Lake 16 Jan (G. Bieber), Ute Lake 19 Jan (ph, JO), and E.B.L. 3 Feb (ph. JPS). PIGEONS THROUGH SHRIKES Band-tailed Pigeon is unexpected in winter, so surprising were 2 in the Sandia Mountains 6 Jan (DK) and one at Santa Fe 22 Feb (ph. JPB). The ubiquitous Eurasian Collared-Dove, now described by some as “a scourge,” included counts of hundreds at sites statewide, and was believed to be replacing Mourning Doves in the Carlsbad area (SW). High counts for White- winged Dove included 1509 at Albuquerque 16 Dec (RV), 1348 at Roswell 15 Dec QIS), and 8198 at Las Cruces 22 Dec (DG); the species was observed singing and copulating at Dem- ing 13 Dec (EH); noteworthy was one at Zuni’s Blackrock Dam 15 Dec (ph. CC). Three Com- mon Ground-Doves were near Radium Springs 5-6 Jan, where 2 lingered to 13 Jan (MS, ph. Barrow's Goldeneye may be increasing in numbers and range in winter in New Mexico, where this season the species was reported from five locales in four counties, including up to six (here three) on the Rio Grande near Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Rio Arriba County, 30 December 2012 through 19 (here 13) January 2013. Photograph by Stephen M. Fettig. 314 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW MEXICO Both Glaucous Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull had impressive seasons in New Mexico, with four of the former and five of the latter documented; this photograph captures one of each at Albuquerque's Alameda bridge on 1 2 January 201 3, where the adult Glaucous was present 28 December 201 2 through 19 January 2013and the third-cycle Lesser Black-backed was present 12-13 January. Photograph by William H. Howe. JZ); farther s. in Dona Ana, 2 were at La Union 24 Dec (DB). Scarce in recent years, a female Ruddy Ground-Dove was near Cliff 29 Dec (K, Blisard). Greater Roadrunners at the edge of their distribution were one at Zuni 15 Dec QT) and another at Los Alamos 27 Jan (CR). Long- eared Owls where rarely reported included one in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill area 20 Feb (H. Walker) and 6 at Jal 16 Feb (MB, NP). Always a treat. Short-eared Owls this season were singles near Nutt, Luna 15 Dec (JEP, WW) and Brant- ley Lake 24 Dec (RN) and 2 near Columbus 4 Feb (ph, JPS). A Northern Saw-whet Owl spent the winter roosting in a bird house at a Santa Fe school 18 Dec-1 Feb (ph. D. Stahlecker). A Common Poorwill was found dead at Carlsbad on the surprising date of 1 1 Feb (TH). A young male Magnihcent Hummingbird at Silver City, hrst noted in Nov, was found dead 24 Dec (KB). Several other hummingbirds lingered late or wintered, including 2 Black- chinneds at Albuquerque at least through 16 Dec (ph. L. West, JEP, RV), an ad. male Anna’s at Las Cruces 22 Dec (K. Stinnett), and at least 2 Rufous at Carlsbad Dec-Feb (SW) plus an ad. male Rufous at Elephant Butte last seen 7 Dec (ph. DC). The male Broad-billed Humming- bird at Eldorado near Santa Fe in Nov was last seen 6 Dec (G. & S. Vreeland). A Lewis’s Woodpecker was s. to the R.S. area from 6 Dec into Mar (SW, m.ob., ph.), another was near Radium Springs 7-15 Feb (ph. NS, MS, ph. JZ), and up to 2 were at La Union 1-18 Jan (ph. DB). Far e. was an Acorn Woodpecker at Clovis 16 Feb-22 Mar (ph. W Anderson), A female Red-bellied Woodpecker in the R.S. area from 6 Dec into Mar (SW, m.ob., ph.) was the first to be confirmed there in over 20 years, A Downy Woodpecker was s. to Leasburg S.P. 7-30 Jan (MS, ph. JZ, ph. CG); 2 near Clayton 19-20 Dec (MB, ph. CW) were identified as the east- ern subspecies, and another apparent “eastern” was at Galisteo 4 Feb (ph. JPB). Continuing from Nov, a Hammond’s Fly- catcher at Albuquerque was last seen 1 Dec (WE); at least one Dusky wintered at Bosque (DH), where photographed 15 Dec (ph. CW). Several flycatchers were found well n. of their usual winter ranges, including a Black Phoebe at Orilla Verde 19 Dec (M. Peterson), an East- ern Phoebe at Galisteo from 31 Dec into Mar (ph. BF, ph. JPB, WE), 3 Say’s Phoebes at Es- panola 30 Dec (BF) plus single Say’s at three Santa Fe sites Dec-Feb (WE, ph. JPB, RT), and a Vermilion Flycatcher at Roswell 15 Dec QIS). Northern Shrikes were reported across the n. from Rio Arriba, Taos, Colfax, Union, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, San Miguel, and Quay, singles were s. to Socorro at Luis Lopez 7 Feb QO). Bosque Dec-Feb (m.ob.) and near Bingham 11 Dec (O. Johnson). VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS A Cassin’s Vireo was near Radium Springs 6 Jan (MS, JZ). Noteworthy for Luna, single Hutton’s Vireos were at Deming 13 Dec-18 Jan (ph. CL, DH, EH) and Spring Canyon S.P 21 Jan (LM). A Steller’s Jay was a surprise in Owl Canyon, Peloncillo Mountains 30 Dec (KB, J. Joseph); another was far e. to Trigg Road, e. San Miguel 7 Dec (MM). Eirst found in Nov, a Blue Jay con- tinued in residence at Albuquerque’s Botanical Gardens into Mar (m.ob.). Far from suitable habitat, a Clark’s Nutcracker was in Sycamore Canyon near Cliff 29 Dec (LM). Wintering American Crows were widespread and were especially numerous in the R.G.V, including counts of 3041 at Albuquerque 16 Dec (RV), 1254 at Bosque 15 Dec (DH), and 5465 at Las Cruces 22 Dec (DG). North for the season, 2 Tree Swallows were at Bosque 28 Dec-8 Jan (V Dern, BZ); early Northern Rough-wingeds were 2 near Radium Springs 7 Feb (MS) and 4 at Mesilla Valley S.P 9 Feb (CG). Two “eastern” White-breasted Nuthatches were carefully documented at Washington Ranch 13 Dec-16 Feb (ph., a.r. MB, ph. CW, NP, JEP). At least 2 Pacific Wrens were vocal in Zuni’s Nutria Valley 16 Dec QT); another was at Cienega Canyon, Sandia Mountains from 26 Dec (ph. CW) into Feb (m.ob.). Single Win- ter Wrens were identified at two Santa Fe sites Dec-Feb (ph. BF, WE, CR, JPB), two Corrales sites Dec-Jan (WH, JEP), near Williamsburg 3-11 Dec (ph. DC), and west to Bluewater Gorge 11 Dec QT). Continuing from 2011, 2 Carolina Wrens were vocal at Bosque through the season (m.ob.). Black-tailed Gnatcatchers continued scarce, with only 3 at Las Cruces 22 Dec (DG) and 4 in the Peloncillo Mountains 30 Dec (NP); singles were n. in the R.G.V to E.B.L. Dam 5 Feb (LM) and Bosque 23 Feb (SOW). Blue-gray Gnatcatchers lingering into Dec in- cluded one at Albuquerque 16 Dec (RV), 2 at Caballo Lake 29 Dec QD), and one at R.S. 14 Dec QEP). A Varied Thrush was singing its character- istic winter song at Zuni’s Blackrock Dam 15 Dec (CC); another was a surprise in Los Ala- mos Canyon 16 Jan (ph. C. Hathcock). Gray Catbird has only recently been found wintering in New Mexico; this season, one was far n. to A rare treat for New Mexico, this female Red-bellied Wood- pecker was at Washington Ranch near Rattlesnake Springs, Eddy County from 6 (here 13) December 2012 into March 2013. Photograph by Matthew J. Baumann. One of two found in New Mexico this season, this Varied Thrush was at Los Alamos, Los Alamos County on 16 January 2013. Photograph by Charles D. Hathcock. 315 VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 NEW MEXICO An unprecedented six Pine Warblers were at Albuquerque, Ber- nalillo County, New Mexico in December 2012, including this one on the University of New Mexico campus from 16 December 2012 (here) through 26 January 2013. Photograph by Cole J. Wolf. Dixon 15 Dec (C. Chappel, ph. D. Yeamans). Crissal Thrasher has been spreading north- ward m recent years; this season, a pair was documented in the Conchas River watershed 2 Dec-2 Mar, where the male was singing 25 Jan (ph. W Jaremko-Wright), providing a San Miguel first and the most northerly yet for e. New Mexico. Sprague’s Pipit was decidedly scarce, with singles at Sevilleta N.WR. 7 Dec (DK), near Nutt 6 Dec (CA), and R.S. 5 Jan QEP, WW) the only reports. Up to 8 Lapland Longspurs were in the Jemez Mountains in the Valle Grande area 1-6 Jan (WH, ph. SF); else- where, one to 2 Laplands were reported from several sites in Colfax, Mora, Santa Fe, Socorro, Sierra, Dona Ana, and McKinley. Historically unknown in winter, this season Orange-crowned Warblers were in the R.G.Y from Bernalillo s. to Dona Ana, including at four Albuquerque sites (m.ob., ph. GW), So- corro (ph. CL), Bosque (DH), Caballo Lake area 0C>, JEP, WW), Percha (DC), Las Cruces (DG, ph. J. Yellon), and Mesilla Park (DG). Far n. of expected, a Common Yellowthroat was at Ohkay Owingeh 30 Dec 0ME)i others were at Percha 15 Dec (JEP) and Lake Avalon 2 Feb (RN). A Northern Parula was at Mesilla 22 Dec (T. Lawton). An unprecedented Pine Warbler season produced 6 individuals at six Albuquerque sites in Dec, with at least 2 con- tinuing into Jan (m.ob., ph. AG, ph. CW, ph. CA, ph. NH); in the se., one was at R.S. 15 Dec and 6 Jan (SW) and 2 were there 29 Jan (NC). A Prairie Warbler below Caballo Dam 18-21 Dec (ph. TG, ph. GA, ph. CL, ph. DC, JEP) provided New Mexico’s first Dec record. Cer- tainly unexpected was a Townsend’s Warbler at Deming 13 Dec (ph. CL). TOWHEES THROUGH FINCHES A towhee resembling an Eastern but sound- ing like a Spotted at Albuquerque 16-19 Dec (M. Ackley, ph. D. Mehlman, m.ob., ph.) was considered a likely hybrid between the two Providing New Mexico's second winter record, and first for December, this Prairie Warbler was below Caballo Dam, Sierra County, 18-21 (here 18) December 2012. Photograph by Tony B. Godfrey. species. Always an identification challenge in winter, 2 Cassin’s Sparrows were near Agu- irre Springs 5 Jan (BZ). Several American Tree Sparrows drifted s. of usual wintering areas, in- cluding 6 at Ute Lake 20 Dec (MB) and one to 4 at three Albuquerque locales Jan-Feb (MH, GO, m.ob., ph. NH). Rare in New Mexico in midwinter, a Lark Sparrow was at La Union 19-27 Jan (ph. DB); very early for Santa Fe, 5 reached Las Golondrinas 22 Feb (RT). A dark Sage Sparrow described at the 1-25 Rio Salado rest area 19 Jan (DK) was likely the subspe- cies canescens, a w. subspecies not yet verified in New Mexico. A Grasshopper Sparrow was n. to Alameda 25 Jan (MH). A fresh blanket of snow in the s. Animas Valley 31 Dec brought 16 Baird’s Sparrows to the roadside (ph. MB, ph. NP, ph. GW); farther n., 2 were in the Uvas Valley s. of Nutt 15 Dec and 23 Feb OFP). North for the season was a red Fox Sparrow at Clayton Lake 19 Feb (MB, CR); noteworthy for Toirance was a slaty Fox at Quarai 20 Jan (DK); high counts were 3 at R.S. (SW) and 5 at White’s City (ph. RN) 15 Dec. Also n. were 2 Lincoln’s Sparrows at Clayton Lake 19 Dec (CR). Three Swamp Sparrows were w. to Zuni 15 Dec QT); unusual was another in the Sandia Mountains 26 Dec (NP). A good Harris’s Spar- row season produced reports of 2 at Maxwell 3 Feb (JO) and singles at Corrales 14-27 Feb (C. Ramotnik, ph. WH), Edgewood 2-24 Dec and 4 Feb (PN, JPB, ph. R. Clark), Bosque Dec-Feb (m.ob.), Mesilla Dam 22 Dec (RC), and Hobbs 17 Feb (ph. MB, NP). Golden-crowned Spar- rows were one continuing from Nov at Santa Fe 13-15 Dec (A. Green, ph. JPB, WE) and sin- gles at Albuquerque 16 Dec (RV) and Las Gru- ces 22 Dec (RG). White-winged Juncos were unusually conspicuous across the n. half of the state, including 5 west to the Zuni Mountains 9 Dec QT) and singles at two Zuni sites 13 & 17 Dec QT) plus 2 at Clayton 19 Dec (CR), one at Dixon in mid-Dec (R. Templeton), one at Los Alamos 27 Jan (CR), up to 5 at three Santa Fe locales Dec-Feb (m.ob., ph. JPB), one banded at Sandia Crest 10 Feb (MH), one col- lected at Edgewood 21 Jan (A. Johnson), and Rysty Blackbird has been found wintering with increasing regularity in New Mexico, and winter 2012-2013 found up to seven individuals scattered across four counties, including this one at Cerrillos, Santa Fe County 13-20 (here 13) January 2013. Photograph by AshllLGorbet. one far s. to Lake Avalon 6 Jan (ph. RN). A male Northern Cardinal was on the sw. edge of Silver City 15 Dec (KB); elsewhere, || one continued at Hillsboro 12 Jan (ph. DC) ► and singles were along Trigg Road, e. San Miguel 7 Dec (MM), and Ute Lake 25 Jan QEP). Rusty Blackbird, a species of concern, has been found in New 'Mexico with increasing regularity in recent years; this season found 3 near Clayton 19 Dec (MB, ph. CW), singles at Cerrillos 13-20 Jan (ph. AG, m.ob., ph.) and Leasburg S.P 11-12 Jan (ph. GG, ph. NS, MS, JZ), and up to 2 at Lake Avalon 4 Jan-3 Feb (JEP, CB, ph. RN). Four Common Crackles persisted at a Santa Fe feeder Dec-Feb (BF). Rosy-finches away from Sandia Crest includ- ed 2 Gray-crowneds and 69 Brown-cappeds at the Enchanted Forest ski area, Taos 3 Feb (CR) and 70 Brown-cappeds on the Angel Fire C. B.C. 15 Dec (M. Kellyfi Pine Grosbeaks were conspicuous at Sandia Crest Dec-Jan (m.ob., ph.) including a high 14 on 26 Dec (ph. MB, NP). Red Crossbill was much in evidence Dec- Feb, especially in cen. and s. areas, including a high 171 in the Sandia Mountains 26 Dec (NP), up to 12 at Clayton 19-20 Dec (MB, D. Weidemann), and up to 23 at Deming 28 Dec (MB, CW). For the first time, Lawrence’s Goldfinch spread eastward to the Pecos Valley, with up to 12 at Lake Avalon 1-22 Jan (ph. TH, ph. RN, ph. JO, SW, JEP, CB); in more traditional areas farther w, one was at Caballo Providing New Mexico's easternmost record, and the first for the Pecos River Valley, this male Lawrence's Goldfinch was one of up to 1 2 present at Lake Avalon, Eddy County, 1-22 (here 1) January 2013. Photograph by TomJ. Hines. 316 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NEW MEXICO Dam 28-29 Dec (ph. CA, JEP), 2 were at Las Cruces 22 Dec (S. Mendoza, S. Barham), and a high 1 1 were in the Big Creek area, Peloncillo Mountains 30 Dec (R. Drewien, D. Jasper). Initialed observers: Collin Adams, Jonathan P Batkin, Matthew Baumann, Grant Beau- prez, Karen Beckenbach, Dan Belcher, Charles Black, James M, Black, Richard Castetter, Da- vid Cleary, Chris Conard, Nancy Cox, Craig C. Cranston, John Douglas, Wyatt Egelhoff, Stephen Eettig, Bernard Foy, Tony Godfrey, Coleman Coin, Ashli Gorbet, David Griffin, David Hawksworth, Nancy Hetrick, Michael Hilchey, Tom Hines, Eric Hough, William Howe, David Krueper, Carl Lundblad, Martin MacRoberts, Larry Malone, Robert Nieman, Paul Nobel, Jerry Oldenettel, Gale Owings, John E. Parmeter, James N. Paton, Nicholas Pederson, Christopher Rustay, Jeffrey 1, San- chez, Marcy Scott, James R Smith, Nancy Stotz, John Trochet, Rocky Tucker, Raymond VanBuskirk, Mark Watson, Steve West, S, O. Williams, William Wittman, Cole Wolf, James Zabriskie, Barry Zimmer. Sartor 0. Williams III, Division of Birds, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001, (sunbittem@earthlink.net) Mark M. Stevenson Gary H. Rosenberg Overall, temperatures were below average and precipitation was above average but not enough to provide any substantial drought relief. A cold snap in mid-January af- fected the entire state. Moderate irruptions of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Evening Gros- beaks reflected the wider continental trends. A number of species were found north of their usual winter ranges, at least before the cold snap. Among many rarities, the state’s first Ivory Gull was the highlight. We note with sadness the passing of long-time stalwart Arizona birder and contributor to this column Seymour H. Levy. Abbreviations: A.B.C. (Arizona Bird Commit- tee), B.WD. (Bill Williams Delta, Lake Havasu), L.C.R.Y (lower Colorado River valley), Sweet- water (Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson). WATERFOWL THROUGH SAPSUCKERS The number of Cackling Geese reported was up this winter, with 14 reported during the period 11 Dec-22 Feb (m.ob.), distributed across the state. Though the amount of golf course and parkway habitat has increased in Arizona, Eur- asian Wigeon remains a rare winter visitor. Just 2 were reported this season, males at Glendale 19 Jan-16 Feb (ph. S. Hosmer) and Queen Creek 19 Jan (ph. J. Alsadi). Taking greater advantage of that habitat, American Wigeon was the most numerous species tallied on the Greater Phoe- nix Waterbird Survey, with 17,400 found 19 Jan (fide TC). Following the arrival of exotic mussels in Lake Havasu, numbers of wintering Greater Scaup have greatly increased there. The peak count at B.WD. rose again this season, with 432 present 27 Jan (LHa) easily topping last year’s state high of 350. Also at B.WD., the 4 Surf Scoters continued from fall, decreasing to 2 after 4 Jan (LHa, DVP, m.ob.). White -winged Scoters were also present at B.WD. all season, rising from one in fall to 2 present 3 Dec and 3 on 31 Dec+ (LHa, DVP, m.ob.). Much rarer elsewhere, a White-winged Scoter was at Wat- son Lake for the second consecutive winter 28 Dec-28 Mar (DM; ph. B. Patrick), 2 were on Lake Pleasant 10 Jan (TC et al), and one was along the Colorado River at Buckskin Mountain S.P 28 Feb (ph. Al Dupilka). The latter bird was an ad. male, unlike the 3 at nearby B.WD. The Black Scoter from fall remained at Lake Havasu City through 16 Dec (LHa, DVP). All three sco- ter species have been reported more frequently in recent winters. Long-tailed Ducks were also well represented, with up to 2 at B.WD. 12 Dec-10 Mar Q. Richmond; ph. J. West; LHa et al), one in shallow water at Sierra Vista S.TR 16 Dec-Jan (ph. R. Thompson), and 2 in their familiar location of Glen Canyon 3 Feb (ph. SHo). The season’s high count of Common Goldeneyes at B.WD. was 393 on 27 Jan (LHa), well below high counts in the 1970s. The high count of Barrow’s Goldeneye there was 20 (LHa, DVP), also lower than highs in the 1970s. The only other Barrow’s reported statewide were all at expected locations: 5 at Glen Canyon Dam 1 Jan (SP), one below Davis Dam 12 Jan (LHa, Arizona | DVP), and 15 at Glen Canyon 3 Feb (R. Arm- strong et al). Continuing the recent trend of an- nual occurrence, multiple Red-throated Loons were found. One continued at Lake Havasu City through 16 Dec (m.ob.). At B.WD., 2 were found 13 Jan (J.P Smith), increasing to 3 on 19 Jan-17 Feb (ph. DVP, LHa), then dwindling to one present through 10 Mar (m.ob.). Pacific Loons were more numerous than usual, with one at Lake Pleasant 10 Jan (TC), one at Tucson 18-23 Jan that expired (ph. K. & P. Taylor; ’*‘Uni- versity of Arizona), and up to 7 off Pittsburgh Point, Lake Havasu City 22 Jan-i- (ph. J.P Smith; LHa, DVP). Rare away from the Colorado River, 4 Common Loons were on Lake Pleasant 10-12 Jan (TC). Providing a first record for Maricopa, a Least Grebe was at Sun Lakes 19-28 Jan (ph. T. Lewis). At Pena Blanca Lake, Least Grebe sight- ings remained sporadic, with just one reported 4-5 Feb (ph. AS). As with loons, the frequency distribution of Horned Grebes in Arizona may be divided between the Colorado River and the rest of the state. In the former category, where they are more expected, up to 6 were at B.WD. (LHa), up to 8 were off Pittsburgh Point, Lake Havasu City Q.P Smith; LHa, DVP), and 19 of 31 found on Lake Havasu 20 Jan (DVP et al.) were on the Arizona side of the lake. At Lake Arizona's fourth Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Alamo Lake 26 February through 3 March (here) 2013. Photograph by Kurt Radamaker. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 317 ARIZONA Powell, 3 were present 1 Jan (SP). In the lat- ter category, where they are generally found in small numbers, 25 were reported during the season, with the highlights being 4 on Saguaro Lake 26 Dec-29 Jan (ph. J. Pietrzak) and 15 on Lake Pleasant 10 Jan (TC et ah). The spread of Neotropic Cormorants con- tinued apace. Greater Phoenix is still their year-round epicenter in Arizona. At Tres Rios, 250 active nests were noted 17 Dec (TC), and the Greater Phoenix Waterbird Survey report- ed 2485 Neotropic Cormorants (and 1224 Double-crested Cormorants) 19 Jan (fide TC). Tucson is a distant second in Neotropic den- sity, with the first few birds returning 10 Jan (m.ob.), increasing to 44 by 2 Feb (MMS); only a few Double-cresteds were present. In between the population centers, 93 at Arizona City 15 Feb (C. Powell) was a high count there; this location is not checked often enough to delineate their status there with any certainty. Peripheral to those areas there were signs of expansion: in the L.C.R.Y, the small numbers reported from multiple locations suggested an increase: one at B.W.D. all season (m.ob.), one at Havasu N.WR. 31 Dec-12 Jan Q- West), one at Parker Dam 4 Jan (D. Pearson), 5 at Imperial N.WR. 23 Jan (Y Weber, W. Anderson), one at Lake Havasu City 7 Feb (DYP), and one at Havasu N.WR. 18 Feb 0- West). In the Prescott region, where they have become regular only in the past few years, the first 2 returned to Wat- son Lake 25 Jan (B. Patrick), increasing to 8 by 25 Jan (C. LeYine), and 2 were at Granite Basin Lake 4 Feb (S. Burk). In the Yerde Yalley 3 were at Dead Horse Ranch S.R 15 Feb (C. Haslam). At higher elevations, one was at Pay- son 17-18 Feb (ph. EH), while 2 at Overgaard 23 Feb (ph. EH) were the hrst for Navajo. Winter is an atypical time for Brown Pelicans in se. Arizona, so one flying through Benson 27 Dec (ph. AC) was of note. The Greater Phoenix Waterbird Survey turned up a record high 27 Least Bitterns 19 Jan (fide TC). Black-crowned Night-Heron is rare at any time at Flagstaff, so one there 10 Dec (D. Hall, J. Coons) was unex- pected. Black Yultures are known to winter in numbers in the Phoenix west valley, but 169 in a single flock 27 Dec (fide TC) was still remark- able. The White-tailed Kite found n. to Dewey during fall continued through 22 Feb (m.ob.). Thirty Bald Eagles at Rainbow Lake, Pinetop 15 Feb (EH) was a large concentration for Ari- zona. The only lowland Northern Goshawk of the winter was at Corona de Tucson 20 Feb (ph. W & J. Yan Kempen). Although no Com- mon Black-Hawk wintered there this year. Page Springs again hosted the hrst spring returnee 22 Feb+ (SHo, ph. G. Botello), while migrants were not seen in the s. until Mar. A group of 4 Harris’s Hawks at Dolan Springs 30 Jan-18 Feb (ph. M. Jensen) was n. of their known range in Arizona. A total of 6 Red-shouldered Hawks was reported during the season statewide. Early returning raptors included a Gray Hawk along the San Pedro River near Sierra Yista 1 1 Feb+ (ph. L. LeRoy), a Swainson’s Hawk at Yuma 17 Eeb (ph. B. Miller), another Swainson’s in the Santa Cruz Flats 25 Feb (ph. C. Lund), and a Zone-tailed Hawk at Payson 17 Feb (ph. EH). A total of 1 1 Rough-legged Hawks was above average for this rare winter visitor. Reports of Sandhill Cranes away from typical areas com- prised 8 s. of Ahwatukee 27 Dec (C. Babbitt) and 4 in the Santa Cruz Flats 2-14 Feb (S. Hos- mer). Peak Mountain Plover counts in their fa- vored wintering areas included 26 s. of Yuma (HD), 107 in the Santa Cruz Flats (m.ob.), and 123+ in the Parker Yalley (DYP, LHa). The lat- ter two are higher counts than in recent years, while none were reported from the Sulfur Springs Yalley. Just one year after the hrst win- ter record of Solitary Sandpiper, 3 were found this season. Last year’s bird returned to Sweet- water and again stayed all season (m.ob.); one was found along the Yerde River s. of Beeline Hwy. 14 Dec (ph. TC); and another was at Rio Rico 26-30 Jan (ph. J. Stewart). A Baird’s Sandpiper at Sweetwater 1 Dec (WR) was very late in Arizona. Of 26 Dunlins reported, 18 were at Havasu N.WR. 3 Feb (LHa), a very large concentration for Arizona at any season. An unusual gull found injured on a sandbar in the Colorado River about 6.5 km s. of Wil- low Beach, Mohave 30 Dec (ph. D. & C. Suter) made the surprising hrst state record of Ivory Gull, one of very few yet found in the inland w. United States. Its proximity to a high volt- age power line in a remote area suggested that as the cause of its broken wing. The only Mew Gull found was at Alamo Lake 26 Feb-3 Mar (ph. DM); this rare gull has been annual in the state only in recent winters. Herring Gull is rare away from the Colorado River; 2 were on Lake Pleasant 10 Jan (TC), and one was on Roosevelt Lake 17 Jan (TC). The Lesser Black- backed Gull found in late Nov continued at Lake Havasu City through 5 Dec (m.ob.); sur- prisingly, another was found at Alamo Lake 26 Feb-3 Mar (ph. DM). (Alamo Lake is well off the beaten path and seldom visited by birders so the presence of multiple rare gulls there si- multaneously is intriguing.) White-winged Dove remains patchily distrib- uted in n. Arizona, with known small winter- ing groups in Flagstaff and Saint Johns. Add- ing to those, up to 10 wintered at Taylor (N. Worth), and up to 3 were at Holbrook 8-17 Jan (A. Strawn de Ojeda). Whether these are new or just newly reported is uncertain. Of 16 Ruddy Ground-Doves reported, the only one away from typical areas in s. Arizona was described at Comville 26 Dec (K. Rusch). Just a few Northern Saw- whet Owls were found, singles in the Rincon Mountains 9 Dec QM), at Prescott 20 Dec (Z. Smith), and at Flagstaff 29 Dec (B. Hart). Common Poorwills are known to winter in small numbers in s. Arizona but are seldom detected. One was found dead at Catalina S.P. 23 Jan (T. Helentjaris; ph. S. Pike), and another was heard the next day in n. Tucson (K. Mclvor). Notable winter hummingbirds included up to 2 Broad-taileds near Portal 3 Dec+ (D. Johnson) and another returning to Tucson for a third con- secutive winter 12-27 Jan (ph. R. England). The hrst northbound Broad-tailed arrived early near Portal 7 Feb (D. Johnson). A few Rufous Hum- mingbirds lingered into winter, with only one staying past the cold snap, at Hereford 11-17 Jan (T. Battiste). Exceptional as a spring migrant was an apparent Allen’s Hummingbird at Ajo, Pima 18 Feb (ph. (D. Jorgensen). A Broad-billed Hummingbird was a rarity at Yuma 12-17 Feb (A. & H. Borgardt). A Broad-billed was found nest building early in Tucson 23 Feb (M. Ali). A Yiolet-crowned Hummingbird at Ahwatukee 26 Dec-9 Jan (ph. D. Green) was the hrst for Maricopa. Of the 12 Elegant Trogons found in se. Arizona this winter, the more notable were singles at unusual locations: Pine Canyon, Atas- cosa Mountains 13-22 Dec (R. Hoyer et ah), Stryx Canyon, Patagonia Mountains 20 Dec Q. Stewart), Rock Corral Canyon, Tumacacori Mountains 22 Dec QM), and Blacktail Canyon, Huachuca Mountains 5 Jan (E. Wilson). At Pa- tagonia Lake, the usual wintering male trogon was joined by a female for at least part of the winter (ph. P Suchanek). The only Green King- hsher report came from the Santa Cruz River at Rio Rico 13-17 Jan (R. Wilt; ph. AS). It was an- other banner winter for Yellow-bellied Sapsuck- er, with 17 reported. Red-breasted Sapsucker was also numerous, with 5 reported. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH LONGSPURS A Hammond’s Flycatcher at Granite Creek, Yavapai, 19 Dec (ph. DM) was very late for this far n. in Arizona. More signihcant was another Hammond’s reported from Indian Garden, Grand Canyon N.P 20 Jan-1 Feb 0- Pietrzak, BG), providing only a second winter report for the Grand Canyon region. At least 6 Pacihc- slope/Cordilleran Flycatchers were reported this winter, 2 of which were heard giving typi- cal Pacihc-slope calls, while the other 4 were silent. There are no confirmed winter records of Cordilleran Flycatcher from Arizona, and winter birds are assumed to be Pacihc-slope, considered rare but regular in lowland riparian areas. No fewer than 17 Eastern Phoebes were reported this season; this species is typically a rare but regular winter visitor; though fewer 318 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ARIZONA This Yellow-throated Warbler was present at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon 23 November through 18 (here 1) December 2012, providing the first Northern Arizona winter record for this species. Photograph by Jason Wilder. than last winter, this is still a large number for Arizona. As noted in the fall report, the Nut- ting’s Flycatcher that wintered at Mosquito Flat, Bill Williams River N.WR. last winter returned to the same location 30 Nov and re- mained there throughout the season, although it was difficult to find through most of Feb (ph. LHa, DVP; m.ob.). Last year’s individual rep- resented only a fourth Arizona record of this Mexican species. A Cassin’s Kingbird at Pata- gonia 24 Jan (MB) was exceptional at this el- evation in winter. A Thick-billed Kingbird was near Betty’s Kitchen n. of Yuma 13 Dec-r (E. Moore; ph. HD); this species is a casual winter visitor anywhere in s. Arizona, with most re- cords coming from the L.C.R.V Bell’s Vireo is a casual winter visitor in Ari- zona, so singles at Tucson 2 Jan (E Suchanek), at Dudleyville 5 Jan (ph. MW), and along the lower Bill Williams River 7 Feb (LHa) were of interest. A very late Warbling Vireo was along the Verde River s. of the Beeline Hwy. 14 Dec (ph. TC). A Philadelphia Vireo was reported from along the Gila River near Arlington 26 Dec (ph., tTC, T. Lewis); it would represent a first Arizona winter record. An early Cliff Swallow was at Gilbert Water Ranch 9 Feb (MW). Bam Swallows, casual in winter, lingered into Jan at a few s. Arizona locations; different singles were at Tucson Ications 14 Dec (M. Klinkel), 12-15 Jan (BN), and 24 Jan (PK). Two Black- capped Chickadees were along Kanab Creek at Fredonia, Coconino 2 Jan (SP); this species has been reported sporadically in winter from both Fredonia and nearby Colorado City which may suggest that the breeding population in s. Utah (along the Virgin River) is spreading south- ward, but Black-capped Chickadee remains a less-than-annual fall and winter visitor to ex- treme n. Arizona, where there are few observ- ers. Red-breasted Nuthatches were detected in numerous locations across Arizona this winter, seemingly a continuation of this past fall’s inva- sion. A single White-breasted Nuthatch was at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson 5 Dec (DS); this species is seldom reported at such a low eleva- tion in s. Arizona, but this bird did not appear to be part of a widespread movement. About 10 Winter Wrens were documented from s. Arizona this winter (along with a few additional undocumented individuals); the A.B.C. has retained this “new” species on its re- view list to try to determine its true status in the state; so far it is turning out to be a rare to un- common but irregular fall and winter visitor, a winter status not so different from Pacific Wren. Black-capped Gnatcatchers continue to hang in there at several known se. Arizona locations, ! including Patagonia Lake, Sonoita Creek, Mon- tosa Canyon, and Florida Canyon. Historically, this species invaded from Mexico and persisted for a few years before disappearing, but their constant presence now for more than 10 years may be an indication of a permanent change in distribution. A scattering of Golden-crowned Kinglets were reported from odd locations where the species does not breed, suggesting a slight movement this winter. We received two different reports of Eastern Bluebirds from nonbreeding lo- cations in s. Arizona, one from Tanque Verde Wash in Tucson 16 Dec-15 Jan QM; ph. P. Suchanek), the other from Saint David 26 Dec-11 Jan (AR; ph. AC); the resident fulva subspecies of Eastern Bluebird is not known to wan- der, suggesting that these reports may pertain to the nominate, which has been known to wander westward into our Region, A Hermit Thrush at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon 15 Dec (BG) was very late for n, Arizona. No fewer than 9 Rufous-backed Robins were reported, a greater- than-usual number for a single winter. Now considered rare but regular in winter, but al- ways a nice find, 2 different Varied Thrushes were reported, one from Madera Canyon 5-9 Dec (S. Johnsen, L. White; ph. ML), the other in Cave Creek Canyon, Chiricahua Mountains 5-31 Jan (D. Jasper; ph. D. Wendler). Two Gray Catbirds were found this winter, one at Chan- dler 29 Dec (D. Clark), another at Portal 10 Jan-t- (M. Decker); this species breeds regularly in the White Mountains of ne. Arizona and is a rare migrant and winter visitor elsewhere in the state. Olive Warbler is a regular (but rare) winter resident in areas where they breed in s. Arizona, but lowland records are few and far between; this winter, one was in Dudleyville 5 Jan (TC et al; ph. T. Lewis), and another was reported at Tucson 17 Jan (C. Green), Individual Lapland Longspurs were reported with limited details at Glendale recharge ponds 5 Dec (TD) and in the Santa Cruz Flats 8-17 Jan (K. & P Taylor), Elsewhere, up to 3 were found in the Mohave Valley 12-25 Jan (tLHa; ph., TDVP), and one was n. of Willow Tank near Portal 29 Jan (tC. Rustay); this species is still considered casual in the state, but in recent years, the numbers reported have increased. Up to 6 Chestnut-collared Longspurs and up to 4 McCown’s Longspurs were found in the Mohave Valley 12-25 Jan (LHa, DVP, J. Smith); both spe- cies are considered casual to rare in the Lower Colorado River Valley. Another 2 McCown’s were found near Parker 17 Feb (LHa et al). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES Single Ovenbirds were found at Tucson 16-17 Dec (GB; ph. AC) and at Bill Williams River N.WR. 22 Jan Q. Richmond); this species is casual in the state in winter. Five Louisiana Wa- terthrushes were found in the state this win- ter, all along streams or rivers; this species is rare but regular as a wintering bird in the state. The only Northern Waterthrush reported was one along Granite Creek, Yavapai 19 Dec-4 Jan (ph. DM; B. Patrick), providing the northern- most winter record for the state. No fewer than 14 Black-and-white Warblers were reported, a greater-than-usual number for a single win- ter. A Tennessee Warbler at Tolleson 1 Jan (ph. WG) provided one of the few well-documented winter reports of this species in Arizona. Four American Redstarts and 8 Northern Parulas were reported, about average for a single vCn- ter. Eleven Yellow Warblers were above average for a winter, as were 7 Chestnut-sided War- blers. A Palm Warbler at Flagstaff 29 Dec (ph. R. Auler, G. Auler, B. Cooley) was exceptional and provided a first local winter record for the species. Two different Pine Warblers were well documented at Tucson, one at Evergreen Cem- etery 5 Dec-6 Jan (tM. Gustafson; ph. CMc, ML, AC), the other at an apartment complex 26-31 Dec (ph. E. Heisey); this species is a casual fall and winter visitor to the state. The Yellow-throated Warbler that was found at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Nov was last seen 18 Dec (ph. D. Perekster, J. Wilder). Another Yellow-throated Warbler was at Roger Road S.TP 3 Dec+ (MMS; ph. AC), an unusu- ally prolonged stay; this species is considered casual in the state, A Townsend’s Warbler at Pine 13 Jan (ph. B. Ison) was well n, of this species’ normal winter distribution in the state. Rufous-capped Warblers persisted all winter in Florida Canyon, with 3 seen at once on 15 Jan (m.ob.). A Painted Redstart at Cornville 31 Dec-1 Jan (R. Armstrong; ph. SHo) was well n. of where this species winters in the state. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 319 ARIZONA A Canyon Towhee near Lee’s Ferry 3 Feb (R. Armstrong) provided a first local record for this species. Botteri’s Sparrows again win- tered near Hereford 26 Nov+ (RBe) and near Patagonia Lake 17 Dec+ (AS). Amazingly, AS conducted two different surveys of grassland nesting areas (using playback) in Jan and Feb and found no fewer than 25 Botteri’s Sparrows spread across multiple locations near Patagonia Lake; this species was previously thought to be absent from Arizona during the winter. Single Clay-colored Sparrows were found at Camp Verde 22 Dec 0- Wilder), at Pena Blanca Lake 22 Dec (WR), and at Whitewater Draw WA. 10 Feb (S. G. Mlodinow); this species is rare to casual in the state in winter. Winter surveys of grassy areas in the Verde Valley produced as many as 12 Grasshopper Sparrows Q. Gra- hame, T. Linda, J. Wilder; ph. SHo, G. Botello). The winter distribution of this species in cen. Arizona had been poorly understood; these surveys add substantially to our understanding and will hopefully be expanded to more areas with suitable habitat. Of the nearly 30 Fox Sparrows reported in the state this winter, no fewer than 9 were identified as Red Fox Spar- rows; the A.B.C. continues to be interested in subspecies identification of all Fox Sparrows in the state. No fewer than 27 Swamp Sparrows Great Basin Elko Pyramid Lake ' NEVADA •Reno » Lake mCarson Lake '^ahoe M///er'sfles(Stop Siern \ ■ sTonopah Nevada Torrance \ Ranch CorhClreek* \Colorado \ \ River Rick Frideli It was a spectacular winter season in the Great Basin. Nevada recorded a stunning four state first species: Common Crane, Slaty-backed Gull, Barred Owl, and Dusky- capped Flycatcher. Additional Nevada high- lights included a Black-legged Kittiwake, two Crested Caracaras, and a Gyrfalcon. Utah’s first Allen’s Hummingbird was found and subsequently banded while visiting a feeder in the southwestern corner of the state. Ad- 320 and a whopping 80 White-throated Sparrows were reported; both species are now considered uncommon in the state in winter. Three Harris’s and 5 Golden-crowned sparrows were also re- ported, both more casual in the state in winter. A very nice find was a White-winged Junco at Hearst Tanks, South Rim, Grand Canyon N.P. 13 Dec (ph. BG); this subspecies is a very ca- sual, irregular winter visitor to Arizona. At least 22 Hepatic Tanagers were reported, this winter, an above-average number for a single winter. Pyrrhuloxias continue to be on the apparent increase in Yavapai, with recent sightings at V-Bar-V Ranch ne. of Camp Verde 7 Jan-10 Feb (B. Patrick) and one at Yamell 5 Feb (ph. V Markham, F Baughman). An imm. male Rose-breasted Grosbeak in a Tucson yard 19 Dec was found dead on 20 Dec (ph. JM); this species is casual at best in winter in the state. An ad. male Black-headed Grosbeak was at Carmen along the Santa Cruz River 4-27 Dec (B. Walsh), providing a very late record for the state. A Rusty Blackbird was well documented at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve 31 Jan- 17 Feb (ph. MB, AS); this species is a casual fall and winter visitor to the state. A male Or- chard Oriole returned for the fourth consecu- tive winter to Awhutukee 2-15 Feb (P & G. Halesworth). Outstanding was a single Gray- ditional Utah highlights included three Moun- tain Plovers, a Snowy Owl, Winter Wren, and the state’s first photographically documented Hoary Redpoll. Common Redpolls invaded the Great Basin in unprecedented numbers. While the vast majority of redpoll sightings were from Utah, Nevada also shared in this major flight. Abbreviations: Antelope Island (Antelope Is- land S.R and Causeway, Davis, UT); Farming- ton Bay (Farmington Bay WM.A., Davis, UT); H.B.VP (Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Clark, NV); Floyd Lamb (Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas, Clark, NV); Lake Mead (Lake Mead N.R.A., Clark, NV); Lytle (Lytle Ranch Preserve, Washington, UT); Overton (Overton WM.A., Clark, NV); Pahranagat (Pahranagat N.WR., Lincoln, NV); Sand Hollow (Sand Hollow State Park, Washington, UT); Zion (Zion N.P, Wash- ington, UT). WATERFOWL THROUGH VULTURES Eurasian Wigeons were observed at Reno 30 Dec-9 Jan (RL et al.) and Pyramid Lake, Wash- oe, NV 6 Feb (AQ). A Harlequin Duck, first crowned Rosy-Finch associating with Homed Larks at Monument Valley 5 Jan (ph. T. Lenz); this species is a very casual winter visitor to n. Arizona, usually occurring in irruptive flight years. A large flock of 53 American Goldfinches at Parker 16 Jan (DVP) was a local high count for the L.C.R.V Scattered small groups of Eve- ning Grosbeaks were reported sporadically around se. Arizona during Dec and Jan. This species has been largely absent from that region for a decade or more. Cited observers and contributors: Robert Behrstock, Gavin Bieber, Matt Brown, Andrew Core (Tucson), Troy Corman, Tommy DeBarde- leben, Henry Detwiler, Brian Gatlin, William Grossi, Laurens Halsey, Lauren Harter (LHa), John & Marty Hirth, Eric Hough, Sam Hough (SHo), Philip Kline, Michael Lester, Chris Mc- Creedy (CMc), Jake Mohlman, David Moll, Bri- an Nicholas, David vander Pluym, Shaun Putz, Arlene Ripley, Will Russell, Alan Schmierer, Dave Stejskal, Mark M. Stevenson, Magill We- ber, Richard E. Webster, Erika Wilson. O Mark M. Stevenson, 4201 East Monte Vista Drive, #1207, Tucson, Arizona 85712-5554 (drbrdr@att.net) Gary H. Rosenberg, P. 0. Box 91 856, Tucson, Arizona 85752-1856 (glirosenberg@comcast.net) observed 23 Oct, remained at Antelope Island through at least 8 Jan (GC, PH et ah). Antelope Island also hosted up to 3 Surf Scoters 2-12 Dec (S&CS et al.) and a White-winged Scoter 2-21 Dec (S&CS). A Black Scoter was a nice find at Lake Mead 2 Feb (ph. AL). Winter Long-tailed Duck sightings included up to 8 at Antelope Island 1 Dec-5 Jan (J&KB et al.) and singles at East Fork, Elko, NV 14 Dec QS. M&LP) and Hildale, Washington, UT 17 Dec (RF). A Barrow’s Goldeneye made a rare appearance at Lake Mead 15-25 Dec (GS et al.). Pyramid Lake, Washoe, NV hosted a Red-throated Loon 3-4 Jan (GS, KD) and 2 Pacific Loons 6 Feb (AQ). Nevada’s first Neotropic Cormorant, documented during the fall, lingered at Floyd Lamb through at least 30 Jan (AL, JSt et al). A Neotropic Cormorant was also photographed at Murray, Salt Lake, UT 25 Feb (RY). A Brown Pelican lingered from the fall at Lake Mead 1 Dec-4 Jan (AL, GS). A White-faced Ibis made a rare winter appearance 30 Dec at Stillwater N.WR., Churchill 30 Dec (GS); equally surpris- ing was a Turkey Vulture at Payson, Utah, UT 9 Jan (BS). NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS GREAT BASIN Nevada's first Slaty-backed Gull, a third-cycle bird, spent 18-24 (here 1 8) January 2013 at VJalker Lake, Mineral County. Photograph by Martin Meyers. HAWKS THROUGH TERNS Following the first Utah record in December 2006, Western Gulls have become somewhat regular winter visitors to the Great Salt Lake, with individuals seen annually for the past five winters. This adult was one of two docu- mented at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area 2-1 5 (here 6) February 2013. Photograph by Rick Fridell. White-tailed Kites were observed at Overton 15-17 Jan (NP, RD, ph. RF) and Damonte Ranch Wetlands, Washoe, NV 19 Jan-2 Mar (JL, ph. KD et al). Harris’s Hawks continued at Boulder, Clark, NV 1 Dec-17 Jan (CN). Crested Cara- caras were observed in Nevada at Pahranagat 15-16 Dec (ph. WR, GS) and Glendale, Clark 3 Feb (ph. CB). A Gyrfalcon was observed at Stillwater N.WR., Churchill, NV 15-28 Jan (ph. WH, SS). Certainly one of the highlights of the season was a Common Crane found at Over- ton 15 Jan (NP). The crane remained with 5 Sandhill Cranes through 5 Feb, prowding an opportunity for birders throughout the Region and beyond. Three Mountain Plovers were a major surprise at Harold Crane WM.A., Weber, UT 25-25 Dec (ph. MH et al). Out-of-season shorebirds included a Long-billed Curlew at Sand Hollow 3 Jan (RF), a Western Sandpiper at Pyramid Lake, Washoe, NV 3 Jan (RS, DG, NH), a Baird’s Sandpiper at Antelope Island 28 Dec (ph. NJ), 3 Wilson’s Phalaropes at South Shore of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake, UT 25 Dec (ph. MH), and a Red-necked Phalarope at Antelope Island 11 Jan (KE). A first-cycle Black-legged Kittiwake remained at Lake Mead 17 Nov- 13 Jan (ph. AL et al). Mew Gulls were reported from Logan, Cache, UT 8 Dec (TF, RO), Boun- tiful Pond, Davis, UT 21 Dec (BS), and Lake Mead 31 Dec (AL). Western Gulls were photo- graphed at West Valley, Salt Lake 14 Jan (BO) and at Farmington Bay 2-15 Feb (TAv, DWh et al). Lesser Black-backed Gull sightings contin- ued to increase in the Region, with sightings at Antelope Island 2 Dec (S&CS), Bountiful Pond, Davis, UT 22 Dec (MH, TA, ph. MH), Pyramid Lake, Washoe, NV 3 Jan (GS, KD, West Valley, Salt Lake, UT 23 Jan (DWh), Farmington Bay 2-7 Feb (TA, DWh), and Logan, Cache, UT 25 Feb (RO). The first Slaty-backed Gull in the Region was at Walker Lake, Mineral, NV 18-24 Jan (ph. MM, ph. GS et al). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS A White-winged Dove was observed n. of ex- pected range at Pleasant Grove, Utah, UT 30 Dec (EH). Two White-throated Swifts were over Santa Clara, Washington, UT 4 Jan (DK). Snowy Owls were reported from Corrine, Box Elder, UT 14 Jan (NL) and Almaga Barrens, Cache, UT 1-21 Feb (KK, CC et al). Nevada’s first Barred Owl was photographed in a back- yard in Sparks, Washoe 11-20 Dec (JV, ph. JL et al). Ivins, Washington, UT supplied two incred- ible winter hummingbird records: an imm.male Broad-billed Hummingbird was banded 5 Dec (CR, NB, ph. RF), and Utah’s first documented Allen’s Hummingbird was banded 16 Jan (CR. tNB). Yellow-bellied Sapsuck- ers were at Zion 25 Nov-14 Jan (ph. RD, RF). Lytle 21 Dec-6 Mar (ph. RF et al), and Reno, Washoe, NV 14 Feb (MA). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS Another highlight of the winter season was a cooperative Dusky- capped Flycatcher lingering at Floyd Lamb 5-15 Dec [fide CL, ph. JSt et al). Blue Jays visited Smith- field, Cache, UT 5 Jan-16 Feb {fide RO et al.) and Bountiful, Davis, UT 22 Jan (ph. PH). A Violet-green Swallow at Lake Mead 31 Dec (AL) was noteworthy. A Bewick’s Wren was n. of expected range at Logan, Cache, UT 8 Dec (RO), and a House Wren was a surprise at Pahranagat 7 Dec (RD). A Winter Wren, the first documented in Utah since the split, graced Grove Creeek Canyon, Utah 20-26 Feb (ph. EH et al). Lapland Longspurs were observed 26 Dec-12 Jan in Washoe, NV (TL. D&RS, MA) and Bax Elder, Tooele, and Weber, UT (KW, DWh, OH). A McCown’s Longspur was photo- graphed in Box Elder, UT 28 Dec (tKW). Snow Buntings were found in Utah at Harold Crane WM.A., Weber 25-31 Dec (ph. MH), Penrose, Box Elder 29 Dec (KW), Corinne, Box Elder 30 Dec (DWh), Antelope Island 5-8 Jan (DSh, AT), and West Warren, Weber 9 Jan (DWh). A Northern Parula made a rare winter ap- Nevada's first Barred Owl was found roosting in a backyard in Sparks, Washoe County 11-20 (here 1 9) December 2012. Photograph byJaque Lowery. GREAT BASIN pearance in the Region at Provo City Cemetery, Utah, UT 18 Dec-1 1 Jan (ph. EH et al). Equal- ly surprising was a Yellow Warbler at Las Vegas Wetlands Park, Clark, NV 31 Dec (AL) and a Chestnut-sided Warbler at Floyd Lamb 1 7 Dec (GS, ph. MM). A male Black-throated Blue Warbler was reported from Las Vegas, Clark, NV 2 Jan (SP), and a Black-throated Gray War- bler was photographed at St. George, Washing- ton, UT 26 Dec (ph. ST). SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES A Green-tailed Towhee was a surprise at Baker, White Pine, NV 21 Dec (MR, JF). Two American Tree Sparrows visited Pahranagat 15-20 Dec (DG, RS, GS), and a Brewers Spar- row at Carson City, Carson, NV 16 Dec was unexpected (fide RL). Large flocks of 30-50 wintenng Brewer’s Sparrows in Washington, UT 21 Dec-15 Feb were unprecedented (RF et al.). A Lark Sparrow was photographed at Carson City, Carson 29 Dec (KJR) and a Lark Bunting was in the Washington Fields, Wash- ington, UT 1 Dec+ (ph. RF). Swamp Sparrows sightings included 2 at Pahranagat 16-20 Dec (DG, RS, GS), 5 at Lake Mead 25-31 Dec (AL), and singles at Ogden Bay WM.A., Weber, UT 15-20 Dec (WS et al.), H.B.VP 5 Jan (WP, JBr), and Overton 17 Dec (RF, RD, KWh). Com- mon Crackles were photographed in Lincoln, NV 1-16 Dec (DG, RS, GS) and at Garr Ranch, Antelope Island 7-29 Dec (NJ). There were more Common Redpolls docu- mented in the Great Basin during Dec 2012 and Jan 2013 than in all previous winter sea- sons combined. The redpoll invasion into the Great Basin started in Nov but really picked up in Dec. Most sightings were of individu- als visiting feeders; however, several flocks of 20-50 were also observed (WS, DH, DHo, RF). Common Redpolls were observed in Utah from 1 Dec-28 Feb in Box Elder (MT, JSt, KW), Cache (CM, NW), Davis (RF), Duchesne (PJ), Garfield QM), Millard (DA), Morgan (WS, KP), Utah (EH, KC), Salt Lake (BO, S&JS), Summit (DH, TAv), Tooele (WS), Uintah (CJ), Utah (EH, DSh), Wasatch (NB), and Weber (KP). Redpolls were documented in Nevada in Elko 1-13 Jan QBr, CT), Lincoln 5 Dec Q&SR), Lyon 2-13 Jan (D&RS), and Washoe 28 Dec (TL). Hoary Red- polls were observed near Park City, Summit, UT 5 Jan (ph. BS, DSh, AT) and at Croydon, Morgan, UT 31 Jan (ph., tWS). Contributors and cited observers: Tay- lor Abbott, David J. Allan, Carol Amos, Meg Andrews, Tim Avery (TAv), Ned Batchelder, Joel and Kathy Beyer, Jack Binch, Ned Bixler (NBi), Je Anne Branca QBr), Carl Bullock, KC Childs, Cullen Clark, Ed Conrad, Glenda Cot- ter, Chuck Coxe (CCo), Rob Dobbs, Ken Dro- zd, Keith Evans, Chris Fichtel, Tom Forwood, John Free, Rick Fridell, Dennis Ghiglieri, Dave Hanscom, Oliver Hansen, Mike Hearall, William Henry, Paul Higgins, Nancy Hoffman, Jim Holmes, D. Hogan (DHo), Eric Huish, Norman Jenson, Pat Jividen, Clay Johnson, Carla Joost Reed (CJR), Daniel Kendrick, Kurt Kotter, Josh Kreitzer, Nate Landon, Jim Lane, Andrew Lee, Tim Lenz, Jacque Lowery OLo), Rob Lowry, Carl Lundblad, Diane McAllis- ter, Connie McManus, Martin Meyers, Jens Muthe, Christina Nycek, Kathy Oakes, Ryan O’Donnell, Bryant Olsen, Scott Page, Norman Parrish, Mark and Lois Ports, William Pratt, Kristin Purdy, Alan de Queiroz, Melissa Ren- fro, Carla Ritter, John and Sue Rogers, Wade Rose, Jack Ruckdeschel, Susan and Jeffrey Saffle, Dan Salemi (DSa), Susan Sawyer, Greg Scyphers, Dennis and Rebecca Serdehely, Bryan Shirley, Dennis Shirley (DSh), Weston Smith, Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, Jason St. Sauver QSS), John Stefka, Justin Streit QSt), Rose Strickland, Jeanne Tinsman, Carolyn Ti- tus, Seth Topham, Mark Thai, Alton Thyger- son, Janice Vitale, Diane Vogt, Leah Waldner, Kendall Watkins (KWa), David Wheeler, Kev- in Wheeler (KWh), Nancy Williams, David Worley (DWo), Richard Young. O Rick FrldeSi, Utah Division ofWildlife Resources, 451 North SR 318, Hurricane, Utah 84737 (rfridell@burgoyne.com) Alaska CHUKCHI SEA BEAUFORT SEA ^Barrow PnjdhoeBay BERING SEA Attu I. ^Shemya I. Buldir I. ^ Amchitka I. ThedeTobish Winter struck quickly and came early in mid-November. The late fall season’s strong and wide- spread high pressure settled in for much of the early winter, and December ended in well-below-average, deep cold condi- tions throughout the Region. Even across the breadth of Southeast Alaska, limited precipitation and settled weather predominated. Conditions ameliorated by early January, and a few subsequent warming trends broke the otherwise deepening snowpack. Likely because of skagway the late fall and Decem- ber cold, semi-hardy species and lingering passerines were all but gone from most of the mainland, mak- ing it a rather slow winter season by most accounts. Winter 2012-2013 turned out to be one of the poorest ever for shorebird re- ports. As always, highlights came from im- mediate coastal sites in South-coastal and from Southeast communities. It was hard to judge why concentrations of standard win- tering waterbirds were sporadic or even lo- cally reduced from normal winters at typical stronghold winter locales. The season’s rari- ties certainly concentrated birders at a few 322 sites where other good finds were quickly uncovered. Otherwise, passerine action was limited to sparrows at a few coastal sites and a fairly strong showing of Eurasian species. WATERFOWL THROUGH SHOREBIRDS Not surprisingly for such a long and snowy winter, interesting goose reports were alto- gether lacking. Thirty Trumpeter Swans that wintered on Kodiak’s Lake Rose Tead, and a few others located during warming spells, represented the best tally for South-coastal Alaska. A few managed to find open niches on the upper Kenai River all season also. Gadwall is local and uncommon at Southeast winter sites, so a group of 49 in Juneau 1 1 Feb (GBV) provided a strong winter count for the Region and a record high for the lo- cality. Away from Kodiak, where this year’s Northern Shoveler accounts were also low, there were only two other reports, singles from Juneau 15-17 Dec (NRH, ACC) and Ketchikan 21 Jan-17 Feb (AWP, SCH). Aside from some scattered singles, the best North- NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ALASKA A"little white bird" reported from the Ketchikan waterfront 13-17 (here 17) December 2012, first found by a beginning birder, turned out to be Southeast Alaska's first Black Guillemot ever. Normally found in winter in leads in the Bering Sea pack ice, some 2500 kilometers to the northeast, this individual represents a second record for the eastern North Pacific Ocean. Photograph by Steven C Heinl. ern Pintail count was 18 near Juneau 27 Feb (NRFI). The usual few Canvasbacks were reported from their regular sites around Ko- diak and a few Southeast locations, while 2 females wintered at Unalaska 29 Dec+, where they were joined very late by a male 23 Feb (ph. SLG, BL). Twelve Ring-necked Ducks on Kodiak’s Buskin Lake 1 Dec (WED, RAM) represented the season’s strongest showing. Three Tufted Ducks spent the entire season on Unalaska Lake, where the species is near- ly annual at this season. It was not clear if there were weather forces at work with the distribution of wintering Long-tailed Ducks, but two extremes included a record-high one-day count of 1100 off Dutch Harbor 4 Jan (ph. SLG) and Ketchikan’s lowest tally in over 20 years of only 70 birds on the wa- terfront 15 Dec (AWP). Unalaska’s previous high record was 478 from the local 2001 C.B.C. Aside from the usual few Southeast reports, the Region’s only Hooded Merganser mention was a single drake that spent the season at Seward, where the species has been nearly annual for a decade or more. This season’s only Pied-billed Grebes were located at Ketchikan 17 Dec (WTY et al.) and Sitka 24 Jan-22 Feb (m.ob.), both sites of regular occurrence for this rare winter ^ species. As has been typical over the past few I years. Western Grebes ventured n. of regular I winter sites to the Gustavus area, including ' 1-2 on 15 Dec and a maximum of 3 on 2 Jan (PBSV, NKD, GPS). At least 700 wintered at several locations in the Ketchikan area with- in the standard distribution zone in s. South- east (AWP, SCH, WTY). A few more Fork- tailed Storm-Petrel sightings added to recent trends in Southeast, which hint that this nor- mally offshore winter bird may be more reg- ular inshore. Singles appeared at the mouth of Glacier Bay 15 Dec (GPS), at Sitka 21 Dec (PHN), and at Gustavus 15 Feb (a wrecked bird; ph. DB, JJ). Brandt’s Cormorants again frequented favored local Ketchikan sites this season, with a high count of 10 noted 21 Jan (AWP, SCH, WTY). Great Blue Heron sum- maries away from traditional Southeast and Prince William Sound sites were subpar; at Kodiak, both the Chiniak Bay and Old Har- bor areas produced only 4 birds each, where 6-12 is the norm. Given the harsh and long winter, rap- tors made a fine showing but mostly from their typical winter coastal localities. Even accounting for overlapping counts and lin- gering migrants, Bald Eagles had an unprec- edented Dec across Upper Cook Inlet. The three area C.B.C.s contributed counts of 33 from Anchorage 15 Dec, 94 in the Palmer area 16 Dec, and 211 from Eagle River 22 Dec (m.ob.). For the second consecutive winter. Northern Harrier was reported from the Kenai Peninsula coast, where at least one female hunted around Beluga Lake and points e. 10-19 Jan (LKB, AMB, EF) and an- other was a very late migrant 25 Nov (ph. GAG). Sharp-shinned Hawks were still in decent numbers on the South-coastal mainland well into the C.B.C. season, after which singles were the rule. A single Sharp-shinned that was first seen around town in Unalaska 3 Jan re- mained through the season (SLG). This marks that area’s and the Aleu- tians’ fifth record, all since the first report from Dec 2003. Extremely rare in winter for Southeast, single Red-tailed Hawks were observed at Juneau 4 Jan (GVB) and on three dates around Ketchikan; 22 Dec (AWP), 15 Feb (PSD), and 23 Feb (WTY). Rough-legged Hawks have traditionally been considered ex- tremely rare at Kodiak, so the 3-4 birds noted at several widely spaced areas from 29 Dec (2 birds), 5 Jan, and 10 Feb (ph. BP, ph. DLH, RAM, JBA) made an exceptional count. Macintosh refers to the species be- coming more regular, at least from recent winter data. The winter shorebird showing was dismal by all accounts. Heavy snows, subzero temperatures, and long periods of shorefast ice in shal- low bays and estuaries conspired to limit available habitats. There were no notable concentrations of Calidris, Tiinga, or plovers mentioned from anywhere. The best shore- bird highlights included widely reported Wilson’s Snipe in Southeast, where maxi- mum counts included 8 at Juneau 12 Feb (NRH, GBV) and 3 at Ketchikan 6 Jan (AWP, WTY, SCH), and at least 5 at Gustavus 15 Dec-16 Jan (JFS, WH. NKD). Farther w, one was notable m the Summer Bay Lake marsh in Unalaska 4 Jan (BL). Very rare in winter, a lone Sanderling in Kodiak’s Middle Bay 15 Dec (ph. SS, MS) was the season’s only other significant shorebird record. GULLS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS As in most winters, gulls made a good show- ing, especially coincident with commercial fish openings and associated processing ac- tivities. This year’s commercial fish season brought great numbers and good winter di- versity to Kodiak in late Jan, while other pro- cessing sites seemed sporadic or non-opera- tional all season (e.g., Homer and Seward). Macintosh was lucky enough to work over gull aggregations around the Kodiak water- front of over 6000 birds well into Feb. High- lights there included unusual inshore counts of the otherwise irregular Black-legged Kit- tiwake by mid-Jan; a handsome ad. Kam- chatka Mew Gull 3-15 Feb (ph. RAM, JBA), likely that locality’s second winter record; more than the usual Thayer’s Gulls, with up to 5 per day from mid-Jan through the VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 323 ALASKA This classic adult Kamchatka Mew Gullwas studied in direct comparison to local wintering Mew Gulls at Kodiak, Alaska 3-15 (here 15) February 2013. It repre- sents a second local record and one of few away from the Bering Sea. Photographs by Richard A. Macintosh. ELY). Anna’s Hummingbird staged an unprecedented win- ter showing across Southeast this season, with at least a dozen accounted for around Ketchikan all season (m.ob.) and another single at nearby Metlakatla 4-5 Feb (RB, RA). The latter was probably a first report for Annette Island. Al- though Anna’s may be trend- ing higher over the past de- cade, these numbers likely triple the previous midwinter peak counts. period; a minimum tally of 3 Slaty- backed Gulls irregularly observed be- tween 29 Jan and 19 Feb (ph. RAM); and 10 Glaucous Gulls per day from mid-Jan on, with a peak of 14 on 16 Feb (RAM). Black-legged Kitti wakes were also well represented inshore in Southeast, with hundreds noted off Lemesurier Island, Icy Strait 15 Dec (HL) and another 100 in Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay N.M. 16 Feb (NKD). Golodoff also noted similar inshore kittiwake numbers around Unalaska, where the species is often absent for the season. While the bulk of Alaska’s winter population remains sparsely distributed in the s. Bering Sea and out in the Gulf of Alaska, It seems likely that small numbers venture inshore to sites where strong tides and shallow waters create feed- ing opportunities. Getting very late were 2 California Gulls at Sitka 5 Dec (MRG); most are gone by late Nov. A third- cycle Western Gull was present along the Ketchikan waterfront 16 Dec-17 Feb (ph. AWR m.ob.), where the species remains ca- sual in winter. Seventy-five Thayer’s Gulls at Juneau 29 Dec (GBV) was this season’s peak count for the Region. Another Slaty-backed found on the Homer Spit 3 Feb (AMB) was the only other notable report. A local birder posted photographs of a “curious little white bird” swimming in the Ketchikan harbor 13 Dec that turned out to be a Black Guillemot in nonbreeding plumage. Others were able to relocate and photograph the bird through 17 Dec (ph. SCH, AWP et al.). This Arctic nester is a locally common winter visitor, mostly within and at the edges of the pack ice as far s. as the limits of each season’s max- imum ice advance; it occurs regularly to the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands, nearly 2500 km from Ketchikan. There are at least four records of Interior Alaska, and a pair of Black Guillemots at Valdez Arm in Prince William Sound 17 Jul-1 Aug 2005 represented the only prior record for the e. North Pacific. Ketchikan’s Clover Pass again supported the winter’s best Marbled Murrelet feeding ag- gregations, with peaks of 1120 on 28 Dec and 1400 on 20 Jan (AWP). Three Eurasian Collared-Doves surfaced for the Cordova C.B.C. 15 Dec (MGB), a new local high count from the Region’s farthest most northerly and westerly outpost. Three Snowy Owls represented a good Southeast showing for this irregular visitor in that sec- tion of the Region, all singles, from Juneau 15 Dec (NRH), Gustavus 16 & 21 Dec (ph. NB, JJ), and Petersburg 4-8 Feb (ph. REL, WOODPECKERS THROUGH WAXWINGS A Red-breasted Sapsucker at Juneau 23 Dec provided only that site’s fifth winter report, while another at Sitka 26 Dec (MRG) con- stituted the Region’s only other report. Only two Northern Flicker reports came in for the season away from s. Southeast (where the species is regular in small numbers), slight- ly below the norm but expected in such a tough year, from Juneau 2 Jan (MWS) and Homer 15 Dec+ (AB). These are unusual for so far n.; the species is most regularly en- countered in s. Southeast in winter. Within their winter distribution zone, mostly in the coastal areas. Northern Shrikes seemed in low numbers. A waif Northern Shrike wandered w. and offshore 30 Dec to the or- namental spruces on Amaknek Island and Unalaska (LLR), where there are occasional winter reports. Although pale in compari- son to last winter’s late count of 120 birds, the Juneau area’s 25 Jan peak of 45 Black- billed Magpies represented Southeast’s best for the season and one of the higher counts for that subsection of the Region, where the species is annual in low numbers. Not sur- prisingly, the semi-hardy Horned Lark was poorly represented this season, with limited reports coming only from Southeast. Three Horned Larks were in the Gustavus area through 6 Dec (NKD), while 4 in Juneau’s Mendenhall Wetlands 5 Jan (GBV) pro- vided on a third local midwinter sighting; one offshore at Sitka became that site’s first in winter (ph. MRG, CPFG, EP, FT, PHN). Macintosh reports still-diminished num- bers of resident Pacific Wren and Golden- crowned Kinglets at Kodiak this season, where local populations had been hit hard by extreme snow and cold winters in 2010 and 2011. Only one each Pacific Wren could be located during the area’s two local C.B.C.s between mid- and late Dec where the 10-year average has been 25 birds. For Golden-crowneds, the Kodiak C.B.C. total 324 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS ALASKA of 4 compared to the recent average of 237 showed the population as still extremely depressed. The season’s lone Mountain Bluebird report originated from the Homer area’s vast Mountain Ash thickets 1-14 Jan (DWS, MK). This marks Homer’s second ever and the Kenai Peninsula’s third record. Townsend’s Solitaires continue to attempt to overwinter where ornamental berries prolif- erate in suburban neighborhoods. This year, a lone solitaire made a go of it in an out- lying community n. of Anchorage in Eagle River’s C.B.C. circle 22 Dec (fide RLS) An- other single at Ketchikan 5 Jan (ph. JHL et al.) constituted that community’s first ever in winter. A solitaire was considered more expected at this season at Seward 11-19 Jan (CAG), while another lone bird offshore at Kodiak 15 Dec (ph. RAM, DHL) was pos- sibly the same bird found there in late Nov. This is likely the Kodiak area’s fourth re- cord. Anchorage’s infamous Dusky Thrush re-appeared in the same general haunts, again roamed sporadically with American Robins in the same w. Anchorage neighbor- hoods, and was findable within the same basic timeframe as from its winter 2011- 2012 roaming pattern. First relocated 16 Dec (WK), it remained in the vicinity well into Mar (m.ob.). Even with the tough win- ter conditions, American Robins continued to eke out a living where ornamental ber- ries and feeders provided sustenance. This year’s significant counts included an amaz- ing 500, the peak count of several notable one-day tallies at Homer, 21 Jan (LKB, AJL et al), and 93 on the Anchorage C.B.C. 15 Dec (WK). Prominent among the fewer win- ter Varied Thrush reports, was the otherwise very high count of 12 in the Seward area 26 Feb (SS, AMB) and a lone bird on the Eagle River C.B.C. 22 Dec (fide RLS). Less than annual at Kodiak, where there is no summer season record, a European Starling appeared at a local feeder in town 26 Dec-i- (RAM). The rarity of the winter had to be the Siberian Accentor that found a Seward feeder 22 Jan (ph. CAG, KD, JD et al.) where it stuck like glue until 20 Mar. This marks the second record for the Kenai Peninsula and the Region’s second winter record ever. The usual handful of Cedar Waxwing re- ports came in from random sites, including one at Anchorage for most of Dec (DWS), one each at Ketchikan 15 Dec (ph. AWP) and 6 Jan (AWP, SCH, WTY), and 2-5 in the Homer area 1-10 Jan (DWS, DC). The latter birds are part of the late-fall phenomenon that nearly annually finds dispersing birds moving westward from Southeast Mainland breeding sites. LONGSPURS THROUGH FINCHES Indicative of the influential winter condi- tions was the utter lack of reports of Snow Buntings from essentially everywhere and especially from ephemeral inland zones, where numbers can be found in milder win- ters. Macintosh never saw a Snow Bunting around Kodiak this season, probably the first time ever without a report there. And nota- ble McKay’s Bunting reports were limited to the Kenai River mouth, where a male with Snows 28 Dec (LKB, KT, MR) and a female on 2 Feb (LKB) were the best finds. Late or otherwise significant winter warbler reports were limited also this season, including an Orange-crowned Warbler at Ketchikan 2 Dec (WTY), a Yellow-rumped Warbler also at Ketchikan 8-15 Dec (ph. AWP), and a Townsend’s Warbler at Kodiak 14 Dec (ph. RAM, CT). More unusual was the Palm Warbler in a Ketchikan neighborhood 1-15 Dec (AWP et al. ph. JHL); most records of this casual to nearly rare annual fall migrant are concentrated in the late Sep-early Nov timeframe. Casual in the Aleutians, where irregular reports come from the e. end of the Chain, American Tree Sparrows were lo- cated in the Unalaska environs. Two birds in willows out of town along Captain’s Bay 15 & 29 Dec (ph, LLR) were then followed by a single at an Unalaska Valley feeder 1 Jan (SLG). Eighty in thickets near the Gustavus docks 12 Jan (NKD) prowded a new local peak and was probably one of the Region’s highest winter counts from the same area that has produced the winter high count since at least 2005. It was a very slow year for wintering Fox Sparrows except for the Kodiak area, where the species was noted as more common than usual. A robust total of 41 Sooty Fox Sparrows made the high count from the Kodiak C.B.C. 15 Dec (RAM), and a lone Red Fox Sparrow wintered at a town feeder 7 Dec+ (MMM, RAM). Given the winter conditions, it seemed like a banner year for Lincoln’s Sparrows, almost all from coastal locales, including: one at Juneau 12-20 Feb (MLK, GBV, NRH), 2 at Sitka all season (MRG, LPP), one at Anchorage 15 Dec (WK), and one at Kodiak’s Bus- kin River mouth 23 Dec (BP), then 2 at feeders in town 7 Dec+ (RAM). More unusual were the relative- ly strong numbers of Lin- coln’s Sparrows on the Kenai Peninsula, with 2 singles at Homer feeders in early Jan and 26 Jan+ (MK, AJL, BB), one at Seward all sea- son (LKB, KT, MR), and a rare inland bird at Soldotna 24 Feb (TD). Swamp Sparrows fol- lowed on with their strong fall season show- ing in Southeast, where singles lingered past Nov through 20 Feb at Juneau (ph. NRH) and Sitka through 12 Dec (ph. MRG), and 3 hung on in the Ketchikan through early Jan, with one through 25 Feb (ph. JHL, AWP, SCH, WTY). Swamp Sparrow contin- ues its nearly two-decade-long trend as ca- sual late fall and winter visitor in Southeast. Although White-throated Sparrow made an excellent fall season showing at Ketchikan, only 2 remained through the winter (SCH, AWP). A lone White-throated wintered at Sitka through at least 22 Feb (MRG, LPP). Elsewhere, single White-throated Sparrows lingered from Nov through 5 Dec offshore at Kodiak (ph. RAM) and at Homer, where one appeared 6 Mar (ph. SB), which had cer- tainly wintered in the vicinity. The fall sea- son’s Klukwan Harris’s Sparrow that spent the entire season at the same feeder (ph. CPS) was Southeast’s only report. Another Harris’s found a Homer feeder 17 Jan (ph. AJL, JWM), where it stayed put into Apr. This marks about the ninth ever report for the Kenai Peninsula. It was a very quiet year for juncos and Zonotrichia: a lone Golden- crowned at a feeder in the e. Aleutians at Un- alaska 10 Dec-i- was the sole highlight. A flock of 13 Red-winged Blackbirds in the Juneau wetlands early Jan+ (GBV, NRH, ACC, AK) provided one of the highest mid- winter counts for the Region, surpassed only by a count of 20 from the same general area from the previous two winters. Rusty Black- bird accounts were few, save for the rather This striking Siberian Accentor may have been present since late October 2012 but was finally located and documented at a Seward, Alaska feeder 22 January (here 8 March) 2013. Photograph by Carol L Griswold VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 325 ALASKA healthy winter numbers in Seward, with a peak of 44 from 22 Dec (CAG), likely a local record tally. Perhaps the consistent tough conditions forced Bramblings into feeders late in the season. Good numbers were concentrated in the heart of South-coastal Alaska at Ko- diak, with one first seen on 4 Feb, then 7 at the same feeder by 11 Feb+ (ph, CKB, RAM); at Homer, with at least 5 singles early Dec-21 Feb (MC, LLR, BS, AJL et ah); and at Seward, with 6 mobile birds in the area from late Nov (SS, LHD) through 24 Feb and then 3 into Mar (ph. CAG, BB, MMM). Beyond the usual traditional winter Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch flocks at Seward and at Homer, where 200 made a strong winter showing 18 Feb (MMM), interesting reports otherwise included 8 from a Butte feeder near Palmer 16+ Dec (RW), where the species is casual, and a group of 32 from the Eagle River C.B.C. 22 Dec (fide RLS). Of the few Southeast Gray-crowned Rosy- Finch reports, 2 at Juneau 14-15 Jan (ph. DJ, m.ob.) were of the Brooks Range teph- rocotis subspecies instead of the expected coastal littomlis. Rather typical for winter records, a striking Eurasian Bullfinch ap- peared briefly at a Dillingham feeder 18-19 Feb (ph. AA). The Type specimen for the Alaska subspecies cassinii comes from the w. Alaska village of Nulato from Jan. This seasons Purple Finch sightings were con- fined to Southeast, where most winter re- ports originate, with a female at Wrangell 8 Dec followed by a male 30 Jan (ph. KLC, CLR), and a female at Ketchikan 30 Dec-1 Jan (ph. AWP SCH). White-winged Cross- bills were noted as common in n. South- east and around Kodiak and as sporadic in low numbers or otherwise absent else- where. Very large numbers of Pine Siskins were reported in s. Southeast, with flocks of up to 1000 birds around Ketchikan in late Dec and Jan (m.ob,). Elsewhere, Pine Siskins ventured westward to the Unalaska area, where the species is irregular in win- ter, and where a small flock of 10 found a feeder 29 Dec and stayed through the pe- riod (ph. SLG). A male House Sparrow ap- peared at Petersburg 13 Dec-28 Feb (ph. BLH, TO), where it constituted a second locality record. Alaska’s first ever House Sparrow report came from Petersburg from Oct 1987. At Ketchikan, where the species is now established, the season high count reached 12 birds. Contributors and observers (Subregional Editors in boldface): R. Adkinson, B. A. Agler, R. H. Armstrong, S. Baird, G. S. Bal- uss, B. Benter, A. Bollenbach, R. Booth, N. Borson, A. M. Bowman, C. K. Bower, R Bro- die, D. Bruchu, M. G. Burcham, L. K. & T. A. Burke, K. L. Churchill, R. M. Corcoran, A. C. Courtney, M. Craig, L. H. DeCicco, D, E Delap, B. H. Demerjian, L. Devaney N. DeWitt (Interior), T. DiMarzio, R. Dittrick, P. S. Doherty, W. E. Donaldson, N. K. Drum- heller, J. & K. Durnil, P. Eldridge, D. Erick- son, T. D. Eskelin, E. Fernandez, C. Ford, C. P F Goff, M. R. Goff, S. L. Golodoff, R. J. Gordon, C. A. Griswold, N. R. Hajdu- kovich, M. C. Harris, S. C. Heinl (South- east), C. Heitman, D. L. Hogen, W. Howell, B. L. Hunter, J. Johnson, D. Jones, W Keys, G. Kiefer, M. Kilcher, M. L. King, J. F Ko- erner, A. Kolter, A. J. Lang (South-coastal Alaska), B. Lekanof, H. Lentfer, J. H. Lewis, S. B. Lewis, J. D. Levison R. E. Lowell, M. M. & R. A. Macintosh, D. MacKay, D. K. MacPhail, C. Mannix, J. Mast, J. W Mc- Donough, P H. Norwood, T. O’Leary, B. B. Paige, E. Parker, J. Parks, B. H. Pawuk, B. Peluso, L. Pizzuto-Phillips, A. W. Piston (Southeast), J. Pontii, P Porchot, B. Pyle, C. Ranney, L. L. Raymond, M. Renner, C. Rich- ardson, K. M. Ripley, L. Lybeck-Robinson. P. A. Rose, C. L. Ross, S. Savage, R. L. Scher, S. Schuette, M. W. Schwan, B. Seaman, S. Shaw, M. Sirofchuck, D. W. Sonneborn, G. P. Streveler, S. Studebaker, P. M. Suchanek, C. P. Susie, K, Tarbox, T. Tobish, E Tomkins, C. Trussel, P. B. S. Vanselow, G. B. van Vliet, E. Waddell, M. L. Ward, S. Weltz, R. Winck- ler, C. W Wright, E. L. Young, W T. Young. Referenced specimens (*) are on file at the University of Alaska Museum. Referenced details (t), photographs (ph.), videotape (vt.), and audiotape (v.r.) are on file with the Alaska Checklist Committee. Thede Tobish, 2510 Foraker Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99517 (tgtljo@gmail.com) (tgtljo@gci.net for large files) Listing CENTRAlP Submitting list totals for publication is one of the ABA’s oldest traditions, and we’re taking it to the next level. Now, you’ll be able to submit all of the numbers you have in the past, plus some new ones. Over 3,000 new ones, including county lists! And it’s all online, and continuously updated. We’ve preserved what was popular about the previous system, while vastly increasing its capabilities and bringing ABA’s listing functions fully into the 21st Century. GO ONLINE FOR DETAILS. Iisting.aba.org 326 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Chris Charlesworth Winter weather followed the typical theme of a mild, wet coast and a colder, snowy interior. Since most of the cold Arctic air was bottled up in north- eastern Asia, cold waves were weak, with the most notable arriving the third week of De- cember and the second week of January. Feb- ruary was relatively mild, with even interior locations experiencing daytime temperatures above the melting point. But with overnight readings still dropping below zero, the snow- pack developed a strong surface ice layer that delayed melting and likely negatively impacted hunting raptors such as Snowy Owls. Interior snowfalls north of 53° N latitude piled up steadily atop the ice layer, with many valley lo- cations reporting highest snow on the ground at the end of the season. Precipitation on the coast generally fell as rain. WATERFOWL THROUGH WOODPECKERS A female Tufted Duck found on Osoyoos Lake 24 Dec (DB) constituted the first record for the South Okanagan Valley. Also at Osoyoos Lake, 2 Long-tailed Ducks were at the local sewage lagoons 29 Jan-16 Feb (DB, m.ob.). On Haida Gwaii, a male Smew described on the Massett C.B.C. 27 Dec (MW) was not seen again. In the interior of the province. Pacific Loons are rare visitors. Singles were at Vaseux Lake and at Tuc-el-nuit Lake in Oliver 7 Dec (DB). In Kelowna, one was at the w. end of the Bennett Bridge 23 Dec (CC, m.ob.). Reports of Yellow- billed Loons in the province were few this winter. One was at Lantzville on Vancouver Is- land 27 Feb (Scott Gilmore). An imm. Double- crested Cormorant sat atop street lights on the Bennett Bridge in Kelowna early Nov-18 Dec (CC, m.ob.). In Lake Country, an one was seen 11 Dec (MF). Brown Pelicans bad a spectacular showing around s. Vancouver Island this fall, and up to 22 of them remained around Victo- ria 1 Dec (Al, AC, m.ob.). An ad. gray-morph Gyrfalcon was noted at the Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty s. of Vancouver 30 Dec (RJ). Another or perhaps the same bird frequented the Hastings Park area of Vancouver 21 Jan+ (Doug Cooper, m.ob.). Of interest anywhere in Canada, a Sora at Colony Farms in Coquitlam 2 Feb (Monica Nugent) was of note. In West Vancouver, an ad. Little Gull at Ambleside Park 21-23 Dec QK, Jfi IT) made the only report. In Kamloops, 3 Dunlins were along the Thompson River at McArthur Island Park early Dec- 18 Jan (AR). At Kelowna’s City Park, an ad. Kumlien’s Iceland Gull was seen and well described 24 Jan (RT). An ad. Slaty- backed Gull was in agricultural fields in Chilli- wack 17 Dec (GG). An ad. Lesser Black-backed Gull made a brief appearance at Robert Lake in Kelowna 23 Dec (SW). Presumably the same bird was seen again at the Kelowna Landfill 26 Jan (CC, RT). Outside of the Lower Mainland and s. Okanagan Valley, Barn Owls are a rarity in British Columbia, especially in the winter, so one found roosting at Salmon Arm 12 Dec (Steven Hornstein) was noteworthy. The winter brought many reports of Snowy Owl. Up to 27 were seen at Boundary Bay near Vancouver 24 Dec (MT). On Vancouver Island’s scenic West Coast, a Snowy Owl was seen at Tofino 5 Jan (AD). Perhaps the same bird was seen 8 Feb at nearby Stubbs Island (AD). In Penticton, a Snowy frequented the downtown region, seen 1 Dec and 6 Jan (RC). Other towns in the in- terior of the province that enjoyed their own private wintenng Snowy Owls included Ques- nel. Prince George, Smithers, and Salmon Arm. At Victoria, a suspected first-year male Yellow- bellied Sapsucker was a nice find 9 Jan (1C). JAYS THROUGH BUNTINGS Sightings of Western Scrub-Jays continue to increase in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland area. One was seen repeatedly along Hamilton St. in New Westminster 27 Jan-7 Feb. The bird had apparently been present since Sep 2012 (fide Wayne Weber). Rare but annual in winter throughout the Southern Interior, sin- gle Blue Jays were reported in the Okanagan at Summerland 1 Dec+ (Gwynneth Wilson et al.) and along the Mission Creek Greenway 26 Jan (Tanya Seebacher, Rease Larson). A long- staying Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was seen until at least 5 Dec at Swan Lake in Victoria (IC, m.ob.). Most likely the bird of the period for many, a first-year female Red-flanked Bluetail was found at Queen’s Park in New Westminster 13 Jan (Colin McKenzie; m.ob.). This bird was a first for Canada and was seen by many, re- maining into the spring season. A Mountain British Columbia I Bluebird was present at the Tsawwassen First Nation Reserve 19 Feb+ (]F). Rare in winter in the interior, a Hermit Thrush successfully win- tered along Hall Rd. in Kelowna 14 Dec+ (RT, m.ob.). Another wintering Hermit Thrush in Kelowna was at Brandt’s Creek 24-26 Jan (RT et al). In Penticton, another was seen along the Esplanade Trails 24 Dec (CS), and in Kam- loops, one wintered at McArthur Island Park, first reported 18 Jan (AR). Another rare winter bird, a Gray Catbird was at New Denver in the West Kootenay 3-16 Dec (Linda Norman, et al). Even more exciting was a Brown Thrash- er that spent the winter at a private feeder in Cranbrook in the East Kootenay. It was first re- ported 27 Jan and remained through the end of the period Qack Loeppky m.ob.). A Sage Thrasher magically appeared along the Bound- ary Bay dike near Vancouver and was seen by many 9-22 Dec (Doug Bamford, m.ob.). Canada’s first Citrine Wagtail, first discov- ered in Nov 2012, remained through the end of the period in fann fields near Comox on Vancouver Island. Massett, Haida Gwaii hosted 5 Red-throated Pipits 28 Dec (PH, MH, MW). In Vancouver, a Northern Waterthrush was a surprise find at Hastings Park 21-26 Jan (Doug Cooper). A Common Yellowthroat was at Swan Lake, Victoria 23 Dec-4 Jan (IC). Continuing the late warbler trend, a Wilson’s Warbler was at Cecil Green Park at the University of Brit- ish Columbia in Vancouver 8 Dec (BD). One of the best sightings of the period came from the Cariboo town of Williams Lake, where a female Scarlet Tanager was discovered on the C.B.C. 16 Dec (PR et al); there are few winter records for any state in the U.S. and none for Canada. Also noteworthy was a Western Tanager at Swan Lake, Victoria 3 Jan-3 Feb (IC, m.ob.). An ad. Chipping Sparrow found on the Osoyoos C.B.C. along the e. side of Osoyoos Lake 29 Dec was a first for the count (Kyle Fitzpatrick, RT). In West Vancouver, a Clay- One of six Bramblings found in British Columbia in winter 2012-2013, this male delighted birders at feeders in Vancou- ver (here 21 January). Photograph by Ryan Shaw. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 327 BRITISH COLUMBIA News of this Brown Thrasher wintering at Cranbrook in the southeastern corner of British Columbia brought several carloads of birders over snowy mountain passes to see it (here 9 February 2013). Photograph by Chris Charlesworth. colored Sparrow wintered with the aid of a feeder along Fulton Ave. and was last seen 6 Feb (Alexis Harrington, m.ob.). The Okana- gan’s first winter record of Vesper Sparrow came from Kelowna’s Thompson Brook Ponds; the bird was discovered 10 Dec and was last seen on the local C.B.C. 15 Dec, when a heavy snow storm gripped the area (RT, CCZ). It was never seen again after. On Vancouver Island, a Vesper was found with a mixed flock of spar- rows in residential Victoria 16 Dec and re- mained through 21 Dec (1C, m.ob,). It was a bumper season for Harris’s Spar- rows in British Columbia, with at least 4 reported. A first-year bird was at a feeder along No. 6 Rd. in Richmond 1-13 Feb Qohn Tabak et ah). In Kelowna, an ad. spent the winter at a feeder near the Michaelbrook G.C. 14 Dec+ (RT, m.ob.). Victoria’s Hyacinth Park hosted a Harris’s Sparrow 5-6 Jan Qeff Gaskin, m.ob.), while another was at a feeder nearby 3 Feb (Na- than Hentze). At Merritt, a male Common Crackle made a surprise visit 1 Dec, through it had apparently been present for a “few weeks” (Alan Burger). A Bullock’s Oriole was seen at a suet feeder in Champlain Heights area of Vancouver on their 18 Dec C.B.C. and was again seen 27 Dec (Ilya Povalyaev, JK). Numbers of Common Redpolls throughout the s. interior were quite elevated this winter, but reports of Hoary Redpolls were few and far between; one was seen at the Red Roost Gift Shop near Kaleden in the Okanagan 27 Feb (CC, RT). The winter of 2012-2013 turned out to be the best winter ever for Bramblings, with 6 in total. It all began in the Trout Creek area of Summerland in the Okanagan, where on the Oregon & Washington David Irons Brad Waggoner Ryan Merrill n the wake of a spectacular fall, the winter season offered a dearth of major rarities. Aside from one new bird for the Region, this report features minimal boldface type. Generally mild and drier weather marked the season. Statewide, Oregon’s precipitation was 7.6 cm below the typical December-February average, while Washington was barely 2.5 cm below normal for this period. Although Washington’s average daily temperatures were about 1.5° F above average, this season con- tinued a short-term cooling that started after the exceptionally warm winter of 1992. Snowy Owls and winter finches irrupted for the sec- ond straight winter, and semi-hardy passerines showed well. Abbreviations: McNary (McNary N.WR., Walla Walla)-, Nisqually (Nisqually N.WR., Thurston, WA); RN.P (Point No Point, Kitsap, WA); PT. (Puget Trough, WA); Ridgeheld (Ridgefield N.WR., Clark)-, S.l. (Sauvie Island, Columbia/Multnomah)- WWR.D. (Walla Walla River Delta, Walla Walla). WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES Greater White-fronted Geese on the Region’s westside are no longer novel. Thirty at Sequim 1 Dec+ (B. Paige) and 33 at Otis, Lincoln 328 Christmas count a male was found 16 Dec; it remained until at least 10 Jan (Tom Lowery, | Robyn de Young, m.ob.). Next, another male ; appeared in Revelstoke at a feeder 17 Dec and i remained through the end of the period (Dar- [ lene Cancelliere). In Vancouver, a male was hrst found 6 Jan and remained until at last 10 Feb (Steve Ansell, m.ob.). Apparently the bird had been present for at least two weeks prior as well. The Okanagan’s fourth record of Bram- bling came from Vernon 2-3 Jan Oobn Baum- brough). On Vancouver Island, one appeared 10 Jan and remained through at least 1 Feb (MM, m.ob.). Not to be outdone, the Sunshine Coast also produced a Brambling at a feeder from 3 Jan-3 Feb (Peter Feichtner et al). Observers: Doug Brown, Richard Cannings, Chris Charlesworth, Aziza Cooper, Ian Cruick- shank, Brent Daikow, Adrian Dorst, Jess Find- lay, Mike Force, Gord Gadsden, Peter Hamel, Margo Hearne, Ryan Johnston, Jeremiah Ken- nedy, Agnes Lynn, Mike McGrenere, Andrew Raniseth, Phil Ranson, Chris Siddle, Mike Ta- bak, Ian Thomas, Ryan Tomlinson, Stu Weir, Martin Williams. O Chris Charlesworth, 571 Yates Road, #106 Kelowna, British Columbia V1 V 2V5 (c_charlesworth23@hotmail.com) 13 Jan (D. Faxon) were the daily maxima in Washington and Oregon, respectively. Five at Yakima 20 Dec-r (K. Lucas), and another at Wenatchee 29 Dec+ 0- Millard, H. Murphy), were in e. Washington, where not annual in winter. Prior to 2008, Snow Geese were scarce in e. Washington and ne. Oregon, but the Mid- Columbia Basin is now a major stopover for mi- grants. McNary hosted 2000 southbound birds 12 Dec 0- Levy) and a peak of 6000 north- bound Snows 26 Feb (M&MLD); in Oregon, 5000 Snows sw. of Irrigon, Morrow 18 Jan (CK, PS) was even more surprising and suggests, perhaps, that some are wintering locally. Seven Ross’s Geese made a typical westside tally; one at Coos Bay 24 Jan (TR) was noteworthy for the outer coast. Cackling Geese (B. h. minima and B. h. tavemeri) now winter regularly around Puget Sound; this season’s high count was 280 near Marysville, Snohomish 15 Dec Q- Blubaugh, T. Nightingale). Two Lesser Canada Geese at Sauk Prairie, Skagit 14 Dec (RM, E. Houston) and 2 more at Fir Island, Skagit 29 Jan (RM, NB, FG) add to the few RT. winter records; identification issues may well explain the pau- NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OREGON & WASHINGTON city of reports. Single Dusky Canada Geese at Gibson Point, Clallam 6 Jan (CW, RS, RM, A. Meyer) and Kingston, Kitsap 8 Jan (BW) were well n. of their traditional winter range; aside from a few hundred at Nestucca Bay N.WR. in s. Tillamook, virtually the entire population of this subspecies winters between Eugene and Ridgefield. A Trumpeter Swan at Coos Bay 4 Feb (TR) was unusual for the s. Oregon coast. Washington’s fifteenth Bewick’s Swan graced Ridgefield 5 Dec (ph. A. Hill); most reports have come since 2000. Three Eurasian Wigeons were detected in Union 5 Jan-2 Feb (TB); aside from the Klamath Basin, this species is not annual across most of e. Oregon. Yet another Northern Pintail X Mallard hybrid, this one at Belfair, Mason 3 Feb (RS), extends the string of annual reports of this cross, which was first detected in the Region in 2007. Reports of Eurasian Teal and Eurasian Teal x Green-winged Teal have fallen off in recent winters. West of the Cascades, 4 Eurasians and one hybrid is about one-third of the recent seasonal norm. A Eurasian Teal at Bend 9 Feb (CM) was on the eastside, where not annual. Forty-five Redheads at Federal Way, King 17 Feb (M. Kizer) made an excep- tional winter count for w. Washington. Tufted Duck numbers continue to be four-fold the long-term average; of the 7 reported 8 Dec+, 5 were along the Columbia River, where increas- ing detections have coincided with mushroom- ing numbers of wintering scaup. Eastside birds included 2 at Priest Rapids 1 Dec-12 Jan (ph. DG, AS) and another at Maryhill, Klickitat 14- 20 Jan (tSJ, D. Anderson). Traditionally, Surf and White-winged Scoters rarely remain e. of the Cascades into winter. This season, 4 Surfs inhabited Priest Rapids 1 Dec-6 Jan (AS, DG), and another lingered at Spokane 6 Dec-1 Jan QD- Similarly, 4 White -winged Scoters were still at Vantage, Kittitas 9 Dec (SD), and up to 6 persisted at Priest Rapids 12 Dec-9 Feb (K. Lucas, DG). A Black Scoter at Portland 10-24 Dec (ph. J. Sanford) was along the same stretch of the Columbia R. where Multnomah’s first was found in Jan 2011; this is just the third inland winter record for the Region. A paltry 3 Long-tailed Ducks were noted in e. Washington 27 Dec-20 Jan. Oregon’s lone inland Long-tailed was at Suttle Lake, Jefferson 6 Dec (PL). A near-normal 6 westside Yellow-billed Loons were not- ed in Washington 1 Dec-r, while Oregon produced no reports. Although Dec-Feb Clark’s Grebes are now expected in w. Washington, winter birds are still less than annual in e. Washington. Perhaps closer scrutiny explains the 5 eastside Clark’s 1 Dec-27 Feb; these included 3 in Klickitat 18 Dec (DI, SF). Northern Fulmars rarely find their way into the PT, so 11 flying past Rosario Head, Skagit 7 Dec (RM) were exceptional; strong westerly winds preceded this occurrence. A Mottled Petrel out of Newport 8 Dec (GGi, ph. R. Abe) is the first ever seen during a conventional pe- lagic trip in Oregon waters; prior Oregon re- ports have involved wash-ups, storm-driven birds seen from shore, or birds seen from re- search vessels and cruise ships far offshore. An American White Pelican along the Siletz River just 10 km inland from the outer coast 24 Dec (M. Elliott) was both out of season and out of place; there a no large bodies of fresh wa- ter in this heavily forested section of the Coast Range. American White Pelicans now winter in e. Washington; 40 at Ice Harbor Dam, Walla Walla 15 Jan (M. Woodruff, R. Woodruff, P Haynes) was a representative count for recent seasons. A Brown Pelican at Corvallis 3 Dec (P. Smythe) was 80 km from the nearest marine waters. Given that only 5 were noted along Washington’s outer coast, 7 Brown Pelicans in the PT. 3 Dec-12 Jan was a surprising tally. Two out-of-place Black-crowned Night-Herons (one ad. and one imm.) overwintered at Dungeness, Clallam (fide D. Van Horn); apparently, the ad. has now wintered here five years running. Slightly more expected were one night-heron at Hillsboro 21 Jan (S. Palermo) and 2 more at Fernhill Wetlands 5 Feb QW). Wintering Turkey Vultures are increasing in Washington, with 7 from four locations 1 Jan-1 February; 4 were at San Juan Island, San Juan 30 Jan (B. McGarry). Another vulture at Yakima 2 Feb (S. Ray) was likely an early migrant. Single Ospreys, nearly annual in Washington during winter, visited Nisqually 5 Dec (ST), Duluth, Clark 6 Dec (BF), and Cranberry Lake, Skagit 12 Dec 0- Nugent). Single White-tailed Kites inhabited Julia Butler Hansen N.WR., Wahkiakum 9 Dec (T. Mansfield) and Puget Island, Wahkiakum 28 Dec (D. Froehlich). Kites all but disappeared from sw. Washington following the late Dec-early Jan freeze in 2008-2009; Wahkiakum has provided all of Washington’s winter reports since then. Twelve Red-shouldered Hawks in sw. Washington 1 Dec+ was exceptional, but none was noted n. of Cowlitz- Red-shouldered Hawks are rare away from Klickitat on Washington’s eastside, thus one at Yakima 30 Dec-3 Feb (ph. K. Lucas) was noteworthy; another along Rock Creek in n. Gilliam 8 Feb (CK, PS) may be a county first. A Ferruginous Hawk winter- ing near McMinnville, Yamhill (CK, PS) was unusual for nw. Oregon, where this species is rare at any season; another near Roseburg, Douglas (fide MHu) was equally surprising. For the second straight year, a Fermginous Hawk wintered at Sprague Lake, Adams (JI); they are rare in e. Washington Nov-late Feb, when northbound and breeding birds arrive. A Sora at Sacajawea S.P., Franklin 18 Jan (J. Cleaver) adds to just a handful of prior winter records in e. Washington. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Pacific Golden-Plover graced Fir Island, Skagit 5-10 Feb (T. McEneaney ph. MB), pro- viding only about the tenth winter record for Washington and the first since 2007. A Mountain Plover discovered at Bandon 5 Dec remained until at least 26 Jan (DL, KC). Single Marbled Godwits, rare away from the outer coast in winter, visited Tulalip Bay, Snohomish 3 Jan (S. Pink) and Belfair S.P., Mason 6 Jan+ (M. Bartels). Two Ruddy Turnstones inhabited Ediz Hook, Clallam 18 Dec+ (J. Baier), and another was at Point Roberts, Whatcom 13 Jan-26 Feb (ph. K. Riding); Ruddies are now nearly annual in Washington in winter. Single Red Knots, not annual in the Region during winter, were at Tulalip Bay 6 Dec (M. Reid), Dungeness, Clallam 8-17 Dec (MH), and Coos Bay 27 Jan (TR). Sixteen Least Sandpipers at Tyson Ponds, Walla Walla 22 Dec (M&MLD) is one of the highest winter counts for e. Washington. Even more impressive were the 300 Dunlins at WWR.D. 3 Dec (DG); this is an unprecedented winter tally on Washington’s eastside. An early Dec storm brought 400 Red Phalaropes inshore at Boiler Bay 5 Dec (PP); Washington’s Any Empidonax in Oregon or Washington during the winter months is rare, thus the notion of finding multiple birds together at one site is mind-boggling. Incredibly, this Hammond's Flycatcher was one of two found on 1 S December 2012 at Cleveland Rapids Park in Douglas County, Oregon. The Region's first winter season Hammond's Flycatcher was found less than 1 2 months earlier in nearby Jackson County. Photograph by Keith Phifer. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 329 OREGON & WASHINGTON high count during this event was 18 at Cape Disappointment, Pacific (BW, RS, BL). Following this stonn, several singles appeared inland, including Cowlitz’s first at Woodland Bottoms 3 Dec (R. Koppendrayer), one at Portland 5 Dec (A. Frank), one off Carkeek Park, King 8 Dec (M. Cassidy), and one at Bainbridge Island. Kitsap 8 Dec (BW). A rare PT. Black-legged Kittiwake was found dead near Oak Harbor, Island 26 Feb (M. Klope). A Heennanns Gull at Seattle 16 Feb-i- Ql) was noteworthy, as this species is rare in the PT. after Dec; only 5 were noted along the outer coast after 1 Dec. Adding to 15 prior state records, 4 Kumliens Iceland Gulls in Washington was astounding; singles were de- tected at Ilwaco, Pacific 3 Dec (ph. RM) and La Push, Clallam (ph. RM, ph. NB, ph. FG), plus an ad. at Clarkston, Asotin 15 Feb+ (D. Toweill, ph. T. Gray) that was joined by a first-cycle 22 Feb+ (ph. M. Clarke). Single Lesser Black- backed Gulls, now annual in e. Washington, visited WW.R.D. 2-3 Dec (AS, DG) and Yakima River Delta, Benton 5-14 Jan (R. Barchet). A holdover Slaty-backed Gull continued at Tacoma through 1 Dec (ph. M. Charest), and Washingtons eighteenth graced Everett 31 Dec-2 Jan (S. Atkinson, ph. G. Thompson). Twenty-eight Glaucous Gulls was slightly be- low normal. Eight e. of the Cascades includ- ed one at Klamath Falls 14 Feb-i- 0- Sterling, m.ob.); eastside birds are normally along the Columbia River or Snake River. Single Thick-billed Murres at Edmonds, Snohomish 6 Dec (DD, S. Pink, T. Petersen) and Port Angeles 30 Dec-18 Feb (B. Boekelheide) fit the mostly early Dec-mid-Feb pattern of 19 prior Washington records. Two Parakeet Auklets Sapsuckers 29 Dec-t included Washingtons tenth, which wintered at Bingen, Klickitat (ph. V Lucas, SJ) and 3 found during the Coquille Valley C.B.C., Coos 7 Jan (fide AC); most of the Region’s records have come Dec-Apr. Three apparently pure Red-naped Sapsuckers along with 2 Red-breasted Sapsucker x Red- naped Sapsucker hybrids were reported in w. Washington this winter. While Red-breasted Sapsuckers are regular just e. of the Cascades crest, birds at Mount Spokane, Spokane 10- 30 Dec (M. Goldner, ph. R. Dexter), Hood Park, Walla Walla 22 Dec-2 Jan (M&MLD), Bridgeport, Douglas 9 Jan (ph. K. Black), and Waitsburg, Walla Walla 14 Jan (M&MLD) were well to the e. of where they are expected. Since 2005, Crested Caracaras have appeared spo- radically on the coastal plain in sw. Coos and n. Curry, producing half of Oregon’s eight ac- cepted records; this season, a caracara roamed the New River bottoms, Coos 1-10 Dec (ph. K, Andersson). In California, it has been dem- onstrated that a few individuals account for dozens of widespread sightings, thus it is sus- pected that a single individual has produced all of the recent reports from Oregon’s s. coast. Twenty-five Gyrfalcons was slightly above av- erage, with Washington accounting for more than two-thirds of the sightings; 17 were on the eastside and 8 w. of the Cascades. This sea- son’s w. Washington Prairie Falcon inhabited Stanwood, Snohomish 5-9 Feb (K. Brunner). PASSERINES Incredibly less than a year after the Region’s first winter-season Hammond’s Flycatcher ap- peared at Ashland Qan 2013), 2 were found to- gether at Cleveland Rapids Park w. of Roseburg, It is hard to imagine that any single Ovenbird has ever been photographed more times than this individual. The homeowners set up chairs and welcomed birders into their Portland, Oregon yard throughout the entirety of this bird's five-month stay from 27 November 2012 through mid-April 2013 (here 13 January). Photograph by Jack Williamson. Although Red Fox Sparrows have been reported in the Region nearly every year for decades, docu- mentation has been lacking. This nicely photographed Red Fox Sparrow (subspecies group iliaca), one of six found in Oregon and Washington this winter, appeared at a Heceta Beach, Lane County, Oregon feeder on 7 January 201 3. Photograph by Diane Pettey. out of Newport 8 Dec (D. Mandell et al.) were noteworthy, as they are not often encountered during conventional pelagic trips. Most of the Region’s live inshore Horned Puffins are detect- ed May-Aug, while Nov-May reports involve birds at sea or beached; a live bird swam off Shipwreck Point, Clallam 28 Feb (S. Nattinger), and another beached near Florence 17 Feb (G. Grier, C. Pappas). A Tufted Puffin at Boiler Bay 2 Dec (PP) was equally surprising; this species is rarely seen from shore Nov-Mar. The echo irruption of Snowy Owls equaled the 2011- 2012 invasion. Washington’s 504- Snowies were evenly split e. and w. of the Cascades, while all but one of Oregon’s 8 were on the westside. A Northern Hawk Owl, rare, but now annual in Washington, graced Ephrata, Grant 20 -23 Dec (R. Rogers). Single Burrowing Owls at Sequim 4 Dec-22 Eeb (G. Goeschen) and Everett 24 Dec-1 Jan (ph. K. Smith) furnished extreme- ly rare winter records for w. Washington; Oregon’s only westside Burrowing Owl was at the Umpqua River mouth, Douglas 9 Eeb Q- Hein). A Great Gray Owl at Redmond, King 9 Dec+ (E. Corell, V Corell) was a rare stray to the westside lowlands. A Washington record 47 Short-eared Owls enlivened Samish Flats 12 Jan (RM). Increasingly, Anna’s Hummingbirds are being reported e. of Klickitat in Washington, with most winter detections coming during Dec. This winter as many as 10 overwintered in Douglas, Walla Walla, Benton, and Yakima. A returning male Costa’s Hummingbird visited Aloha, Washington 23 Jan (K. Smith). Eight Lewis’s Woodpeckers were noted in the WV, where just one had been recorded over the previous two winters; 5 were near Dallas, Polk 28 Dec (B. Wagner). Six Yellow-bellied 330 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OREGON & WASHINGTON This House Wren at Point No Point, Kitsap County 10 January 2013 provided only the third winter record for Washington. Photograph by Brad Waggoner. Douglas on 15 Dec (ph. K. Phifer); excellent photographs clearly establish the identity of these birds, and at least one was still pres- ent the following day (MHu). Black Phoebes again overwintered in w. Washington, with 2 at Ridgefield (fide RH) and 2 more near a nest- ing site at Lacey, Thurston (m.ob.); though the species now breeds in Washington, there are few winter records n. of Oregon, The Eastern Phoebe that enlivened Seattle 8-10 Dec (tC. Sidles, ph. J. Puschock) is Washington’s sec- ond in winter and eleventh overall; most other records have occurred May-Jun. Four Say’s Phoebe’s in Oregon 10-28 Dec were likely over- wintering. Most unusual was one at Hines, Harney 28 Dec (T. Blount); Say’s are typi- cally gone from the eastside by early Oct and rarely return before early Feb. Single Tropical Kingbirds lingered at Bandon through 2 Dec (TR), Port Townsend, Jefferson until 2 Dec (S. Cendejas-Zarelli), and Sequim through 12 Dec (D. Van Horn, M. Salvadalena); there are now four winter records for Washington. It was a non-invasion year for Blue Jays, with just 7 de- tected; 6 were in e. Washington 28 Dec-19 Feb, and a lone westside bird wintered at Kingston, Kitsap (fide M. Szerlog). Nine Bam Swallows at five locations 2-27 Dec fits the recent pattern of birds lingering into Dec in w. Washington. Single Barns at Nisqually 6 Feb (S. Thorp) and Seattle 7 Feb+ (C. Sidles) were thought to be midwinter arrivals; these Barn Swallows exhibit a molt pattern that suggests they may originate from newly established breeding populations in s. South America. A Mountain Chickadee X Black-capped Chickadee hybrid was at Northmp Canyon, Grant 14 Jan (MY); this section of e. Washington has pro- duced several recent sightings of this cross. Mountain Chickadees staged a minor irmption into the w. Oregon lowlands, with 17 re- ported 1 Dec+; surprisingly, only 5 were detected in w. Washington’s lowlands. Continuing from fall, 6 Chestnut-backed Chickadees were in the Columbia Basin near Quincy, Grant through 13 Jan (MY); this species is rare away from wet coniferous upland habi- tats in e. Washington. Up to 15 Bushtits of the Great Basin sub- species plumbeus were noted again this winter near Moses Lake, Grant 3 Dec-7 Feb (MY); this is the northernmost of a few small isolated popu- lations that span the 400 km between this lo- cale and the n. end of their expected range in s.-cen. Oregon. A White-breasted Nuthatch, enlivened Lakewood, Pierce 15 Dec-1 Jan (ph. W Sladek); its appearance matched S. c. acu- leata, which still inhabits sw. Washington but disappeared from the oak habitats of s. Puget Sound in the early 1990s. A House Wren at PN.P. 10 Jan (ph. BW) was Washington’s third in winter. Single Mountain Bluebirds, rare during winter on the westside, were at Fall City, King 16 Dec Q. Flynn) and Tacoma 4 Jan- 11 Feb (ph. M. Charest). Five Northern Mockingbirds 1 Dec+ was slight- ly below the seasonal average. Bohemian Waxwings, not annual w. of the Cascades, were noted from six westside locations 1 Dec-6 Feb; 12 at PN.P 1 Dec (BW) provided a Kitsap first, and 10 at Pilot Rock, Jackson 6 Jan (F Lospalluto) was the high count from w. Oregon. A young male Phainopepla at Emigrant Lake, Jackson 4-6 Dec (H. Fuller, m.ob.) was the Region’s sixth; a young male at nearby Gold Hill, Jadtson in Dec 1989 is the only other winter record. The Region’s third winter Ovenbird inhabited a Portland yard 27 Nov-11 Apr (S. Hannum, m.ob.). It was an exceptional win- ter for Northern Waterthmshes in Washington, with no fewer than 3 detected; a fall holdover perse- vered at Bonney Lake, Pierce until 5 Jan (RS), and singles were noted at Skagit WM.A., Skagit 1 Dec (RM) and Juanita, King 9 Jan (RM). This season’s Nashville Warbler, annual during winter in Oregon, was at Astoria 13 Jan (AM). A Common Yellowthroat, not quite annual in w. Washington after Dec, was near Chehalis, Lewis 5 Jan (RS, BT); at least 3 more yellowthroats wintered in Oregon, where they are annual Dec-Feb. A Hooded Warbler at Astoria 30 Dec-21 Jan (ph. AM) was the third winter re- cord for Region; the other two winter reports came from Washington. Yet another Yellow Warbler, the ninth in winter since 1998, was at Newport 30 Dec (AC). Although small flocks of Palm Warblers typically winter near Floras Lake, Cuny, 20 scattered about the Wahl family ranch near Cape Blanco 17 Jan (TJW) is a Regional record for any season. In Washington, 4 coastal Palms 20 Dec-2 Feb was an expected seasonal tally, while singles at Portland 1 Jan (L. Redmond) and Eugene 17 Feb (B. Combs) were unusual winter reports for the Willamette Valley. A Black-throated Gray Warbler was at North Bend, Coos 11-13 Jan (B. Griffin); the Region averages about one report every other winter. Oregon’s 3 Hermit Warblers 15 Dec-18 Feb were all in Lane, where nearly annual in winter. Single Wilson’s Warblers, rare but now annual during winter, brightened Toledo 3 Dec (D. Faxon), Eugene 6 Dec 0- Siporin), and Lake Sammamish S.P, King 27 Jan (S. Cormier- Aagaard). Just 2 American Tree Sparrows were tallied in w. Washington, and Oregon’s lone westside report came from S.I. 10 Feb (AH, CH); win- ter reports from the westside have been on the decline over the past decade. Once again, all Clay-colored Sparrow reports came from Oregon, with singles at Albany, Linn 4 Dec (D. Boucher), Bend 25 Jan (H. Horvath), and S.I. 17 Jan+ (M. Smith, m.ob.). A Lark Sparrow in- habited Cape Blanco 20 Dec-1 Jan (TJW); they are rare away from the Rogue Valley in winter. Fourteen Savannah Sparrows at Dallesport, Klickitat 16 Dec was an exceptional winter count for e. Washington (DI, SF). Better docu- mentation of Red Fox Sparrows (subspecies group iliaca) has proven that they are rare but annual in the Region; this season, there were No bird garnered more attention than this Siberian visitor to Joseph, Wallowa County, Oregon. When it popped up in some residential shrubbery, the observ- ers knew almost instantly that they were looking at a Little Bunting, which reaches western Alaska somewhat regularly but had only been recorded twice previously in the Lower 48 states. This image, taken on 29 January 2013 by the finder, is one of the few identifiable photographs of this wary individual, which was looked for by many and seen by few. Photograph by Craig Turner. j VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 ! 331 OREGON & WASHINGTON six well-substantiated reports, evenly split be- tween the two states. An apparent altivagans Fox Sparrow was at Lake Terrell, Whatcom 13 Jan (RK, P Wegener); this poorly understood taxon, variously assigned to either the Red or Slate-colored group, is thought to winter s. of our Region. It should be noted that Slate- colored Fox Sparrows have occasionally been reported in the Region during winter, includ- ing 2 this year, but many come with little if any supporting documentation. Outside of the breeding season, this subspecies group should be considered extremely rare in Oregon and Washington, as the known wintering range ex- tends only as far n. as cen. California (Rising 1996, BN A Online 2002). Washington’s 16 Swamp Sparrows more than doubled the norm for that state and included rare eastside singles at Toppenish N.WR., Yakima 31 Dec-2 Jan (AS) and Hollebeck Habitat Unit, Walla Walla 27 Jan (M&MLD). Two westside and 8 eastside Harris’s Sparrows approximated recent seasonal averages. Undeniably, the bird of the season was a Little Bunting discovered at Joseph, Wallowa 28 Jan (AC, CT); the bird was skittish, yielding occasional brief glimpses over the next three days. It was last seen 31 Jan, but reap- peared in late Mar. Single male Summer Tanagers at Ilwaco, Pacific 1-4 Dec (ph. D. Swanson), Seattle 4-10 Dec (ph. R. Robinson), and Brookings 1-7 Feb (ph. A. Souther) add to just four prior winter re- cords in the Region. With singles at The Dalles, Wasco 23 Dec (SJ) and Bellingham 17-18 Feb (ph. W. Tarken), Western Tanager have now appeared in 14 consecutive winters. A Black- headed Grosbeak at Portland through the season (A. Shalas) marked the fourth straight winter that this species has been detected in the Region. Not annual during winter in w. Washington, single Yellow-headed Blackbirds appeared at Tacoma 5-6 Jan (ph. M. Charest) and Sequim, Clallam 24 Feb.(D. Van Horn); 2 at S.I. 21 Jan (DI) represented the only w. Oregon report. Four Rusty Blackbirds was a typical winter tally; 3 were in w. Washington, which produces most of the winter reports. With only about a dozen previous winter re- cords for Washington, single Bullock’s Orioles at La Center, Lewis 8 Dec (T. Hicks), Sequim 8 Feb-r (ph. D. Lambert) and College Place, Walla Walla 4 Jan (fide MLD) were noteworthy; the latter provided e. Washington’s fifth seasonal record. Four more Bullock’s in Oregon 5-23 Jan were all coastal. A Brambling at Birch Bay, Whatcom 24-26 Dec (ph. R. Small, V Small) was Washington’s sixteenth. Pine Grosbeaks, rare in the westside lowlands, inhabited Discovery Park, King start- ing with one 1 Jan Q- Leland) and building to 10 on 3 Feb (M. Freund); in Oregon, the only Washington's sixteenth Brambling frequented a feeder at Birch Bay, Whatcom County 24-26 (here 26) December. This bird and another seen a month earlier in Seattle made the first Washington reports of this species since December 2002. Photograph by Ryan Merrill. Most of Washington's eleven records of Eastern Phoebe have occurred during May and June. This individual resided at the Montlake Fill in Seattle 8-10 (here 8) December 2012, providing only the second winter record for the state. Photograph by Ryan Merrill. reports away from Union and Wallowa came from Tumalo Falls, Deschutes, where up to 30 were present 9-20 Jan Q. Meredith, E Low). A Washington record 150 Purple Finches gath- ered near Toppenish, Yakima 4 Jan (K. Lucas), while 12 at Fish Hook Park, Walla Walla 13-27 Jan (M. WoodrufO were in far e. Washington, where rare. Although Purple Finches seem to be increasing along the e. skirt of the Cascade Range, they remain quite rare in far e. Oregon; one at LaGrande 17-28 Jan (ph. TB) was just the third for Union. Perhaps greater observer awareness explains the increasing detections of Cassin’s Finches w. of the Cascades crest. This season, one was at McMinnville (CK, PS). Another near Neah Bay, Clallam 26 Jan (GW) furnished Washington’s third coastal record; most w. Washington records come from Skagit and Pierce. A mini-irruption of White -winged Crossbills into westside lowlands was limited to Washington; reports included 8 at Bellevue, King 1 Dec (R, Rowlett), 8 at Marblemount, Skagit (RM, RK, E. Houston), 25 at Carnation Marsh, King 15 Dec (S. Cormier- Aagaard), a coastal bird at Westport, Grays Harbor 26 Jan (BS), and 30 at Everett 18-19 Feb (K. Moore). Common Redpolls irrupted across the Region, showing particular well in w. Washington, where 150-1- were tallied. High counts included 44 at Diablo, Whatcom 8 Dec (P. Wegener) and 30 at Bellevue 21 Feb (A. Wang); w. Oregon reports were limited to 6 through the season at Pilot Rock, Jackson (F English) and one at Aurora, Marion 13 Feb (A. Briggs). Redpolls were far more numerous on the eastside, with Washington counts of 250 near Cle Elum, Kittitas 16 Dec (SD) and 200 at Chelan, Chelan 6 Jan (G. Rohde); 150 at Imnaha 23 Dec (K. Tran) was e. Oregon’s high count and sizeable flocks pushed as far s. as Hart Mountain, Lake, where 30 were noted on 8 Jan (K. Lopez). This redpoll event provided a handful of Hoary Redpoll reports, including well-documented singles near Cle Elum 16 Dec (tS. Downes) and Chesaw, Okanogan 18 Feb (ph. S. Carpenter); Washington now has 20-1- accepted records. Lesser Goldhnches have exploded beyond their traditional e. Washington haunts in Klickitat and are now established in se. Washington, as evidenced by 60 at Weissefels Ridge, Asotin 18 Feb (K. Dahl, T. Gray). Initialed observers (subregional editors in boldface): Gary Bletsch, Nick Bonomo, Trent Bray, Marv Breece, Wilson Cady, Kathy Castelein, Alan Contreras, Mike & MerryLynn Denny, Dennis Duffy, Shawneen Finnegan, Frank Gallo, George Gerdts, Greg Gillson (Washington, thebirdguide pelagics), (Denny Grandstrand, Randy Hill, Michael Hobbs, Matt Hunter, Stuart Johnston (Klickitat), Carol Karlen, Randy Knapp, Bruce Labar, Dave Tauten, Terry Little, Peter Low, Andrew Mattingly, Craig Miller, Harry Nehls (Oregon), Vic Nelson, Tim O’Brien, Mike Patterson (Clatsop), Phil Pickering, Tim Rodenkirk (Coos, Curry), Ryan Shaw, Andy Stepeniewski, Paul Sullivan, Dave Trochlell (Union, Wallowa), Craig Turner, Dan Waggoner, Jay Withgott, Charlie Wright (eBird), Michael Woodruff, Matt Yawney. O David S. Irons, 6555 S.W. Old Scholls Ferry Road #8 Portland, Oregon 97223 (llsdirons@msn.com) Brad Waggoner, 7865 Fletcher Bay Road N.E. Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110 (wagtail@sounddsl.com) Ryan Merrill, 1616 10 Street W. Kirkland, Washington 98033 (rjm284@gmail.com) 332 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Northern California Lake Almanor Honey I, Lake »Chico ^ Fort Bragg* Point Arena^ S^ke L TAHOE - V ®Stock5on ( 14 Cordell Bankm San Francisco!*^®®^®^^ Bodega^ Pt. Reyes is M S.E. Farallon Ism \ ( San Jose Santa Cruz v ■*’x> Monterey Bay \ Montereyf Salinas'^ Big Sur Davidson Seamount Ed Pandolfino Stephen C. Rottenborn Michael M. Rogers Jeff N. Davis Rainfall patterns this season were er- ratic. By mid-December, the Region had received nearly double its normal amount of precipitation. Then the tap closed, and January and February were the driest on record nearly everywhere. The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada was pitiful, raising con- cerns about low reservoir water levels and increased fire danger. Highlights included the Region’s second Common Crane, sixth Field Sparrow, a returning Falcated Duck, and continuing Northern Gannet and Com- mon Black-Hawk. Boreal seedeating species irrupted in remarkable numbers (see S.A.). Red-breasted Nuthatches in particular were easily found in nearly every part of the Re- gion all through the season. Common Red- polls did not match their incursions of last winter, but flocks were present in several locations in the state’s northeastern corner. off Berkeley Pier, Alameda 10 Feb (Amy McDonald). Even more unexpected were single inland birds at Lakeport 10 Jan (sec- ond Lake record; JR’W, DvW), Staten Island, San Joaquin 18-19 Jan Qoe Schultz, m.ob.), Colusa N.WR, Colusa 19-25 Jan (Steve Em- mons, Mike Peters), and along Brewer Rd. 12 Feb (second Placer record; tStephanie Travanti). A Dusky Canada Goose continued in Morgan Hill, Santa Clara 12-21 Jan (MJM, MMR). Trumpeter Swans continued to be re- ported from Modoc, with 4 at Modoc N.WR. 28 Dec (SCR) and 11-12 near Alturas 6-19 Jan (ph. JCS, TEa, WSS et ah); others were at the n. end of Rd. Z, Glenn 2 Jan QHS) and se. of Nicolaus, Sutter 14-19 Jan (2 imms.; JLa, ph. William Rockey m.ob.). The only Bewick’s Swans reported were 2 birds at the s. end of 7 Mile Lane, Butte 2 Jan QHS). Last winter’s male Falcated Duck re- turned to Colusa N.WR., Colusa 2-22 Dec (Mike Peters, ph. m.ob.) and was seen again nearby at Sacramento N.WR., Glenn 30 Dec (tTara Stewart, Loren Merrill). Eurasian Wi- geon were widely reported in high numbers, with numerous inland birds, including sin- gles in Nevada, Placer, Alpine, and Tuolumne, and a remarkable 7 birds at lone, Amador 15-18 Feb (DMr, TS, FS), the most ever found at a single location in the Sierra Ne- vada foothills. Forty Blue-winged Teal along Gun Club Rd. near Gustine, Merced 20 Jan (PJM, Cedric Duhalde) was a notable high count. Eleven Common Teal in seven coun- ties 22 Dec-i- provided a better than average showing; most notable was a male at Bravo Lake, Tulare 22 Dec (TKz). Notable inland high counts of Redhead included 272 at O’Neill Forebay Merced 18 Jan (KW) and 804 at Kettleman City, Kings 13 Feb (JSy). The ad. male Tufted Duck continued at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Alameda through the period (m.ob.), and the nearby imm. male at Oyster Bay R.S., Alameda stayed through 18 Dec (Doug Henderson). Additional males were noted in Marin at Tomales Bay 6 Dec OGE) and Richardson Bay 24 Jan (TEa), and in Napa at the Napa WT.P 14-15 Jan (DeH, DvH, BDP). An imm. male King Eider found at Elkhorn Slough, Monterey 27 Dec (ph. YG et al.) was unfortunately shot by a hunter the following day. A cooperative ad. male Black Scoter wintered again at Richmond, Contra Costa 20 Nov-11 Mar (ph. Tony Brake, ph. m.ob.); another inside S.E Bay at Bay Farm Island, Alameda was seen 31 Jan (Noah Ar- thur). Seventeen Long-tailed Ducks in nine counties included 3 inland, one at Yolo Basin WA. 14-15 Dec (Yolo’s fourth; Jenn McKen- zie, Dan Smith, ph. m.ob.) and 2 at n. Lake Tahoe 22 Jan-15 Feb (Placer’s third record; BWb, Ron Pozzi, ph. WRi, MMy). The male Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye contin- ued at Mountain View, Santa Clara and was nicely photographed 20 Dec (ph. TGr). Red- breasted Mergansers were reported wide- ly and in high numbers inland, including county firsts for Sutter, at Nicolaus 8-20 Jan (ClH, FrO, ph. Ron Hasey, m.ob.), and Alpine, the continuing bird and 3 others at Indian Creek Reservoir 4-6 Dec QCS, TEa, JSL), with one lingering to 14 Dec. Other notable inland records included one at Salt Spring Valley Reservoir, Calaveras 8-11 Feb QSL, JCS, JLx, DMr), up to 3 at Comanche Reservoir, Amador 8-17 Feb (JSL, JCS et ah), 9 at Lake Almanor, Plumas 26 Jan (CPD, SEd, ADE), up to 6 all season at Lake Suc- cess and Bravo Lake, Tulare (m.ob.), and up to 2 in ne. Fresno, Fresno 27-28 Jan OND. LyH et al.). LOONS THROUGH PELICANS A well-documented juv. Arctic Loon in Monterey Harbor 5 Jan+ (ph. BLS, m.ob.) was a hrst for Monterey and only the hfth for the Region. The same location hosted our only Yellow-billed Loon 30 Dec-3 Jan Abbreviations: C.B.R.C. (California B.R.C.); C.R.P (Cosumnes River Preserve, Sacra- mento)' C.V (Central Valley); F.I. (South- east Farallon Island, San Francisco)', H.R.S. (Hayward R.S., Alameda)', PRBO (PRBO Conservation Science); S.E (San Francisco, not State Forest). Reports of exceptional vagrants submitted without documentation are not published. Documentation of review species will be forwarded to Guy McCaskie, P O. Box 275, Imperial Beach, CA 91933. WATERFOWL Brant continued inside S.E Bay through the period, with 4 seen both at Richmond, Contra Costa 27 Jan (Tara Meintire) and Long-tailed Ducks are rarely found inland in California, but this pair spent 22 January through 1 5 (here 4) February 2013 on Lake Tahoe off Tahoe City, Placer County, California. Obtaining this remarkable documentation required the use of a kayak. Photograph by Will Richardson. VOlUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 333 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA This Common Crane arrived with three Sandhill Cranes at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, Modoc County, California on 27 December 2012, weeks after all the other cranes had left the refuge. It apparently stayed for only a half hour (before heading to Nevada?), but fortunately it was photographed while it touched down. Photograph by John H. Kimura. (tBTM, tDR, RC). Counts of 921 Red- throated Loons, 8178 Pacific Loons, and 1486 Brandts Cormorants were all record totals for the Santa Cruz County C.B.C., San- ta Cruz [fide DLSu), suggesting a localized concentration of prey. Red-necked Grebe numbers were unremarkable save for a con- centration of 42 seen during a boat survey of Tomales Bay, Marin 9 Feb (PJM, Cedric Du- halde); we have no higher single-party (i.e., non-C.B.C.) count on record. Two Western Grebes on Mono Lake 19 Dec (KNN, ADeM) were very rare so late in Mono. “Al” the Lay- san Albatross returned to Point Arena Cove, Mendocino 22 Dec+ for its twentieth consec- utive season Qeff & Beth Petit, Nancy Morin, m.ob.). Flesh-footed Shearwaters are infre- quently seen from shore, but our only one this season was seen from Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz 17 Dec (DLSu). Frigatebirds oc- cur less than annually in the Region, so an unidentihed frigatebird at Abbotts Lagoon, Marin 20 Jan (tMark Butler) was notewor- thy; the presence of “considerable white on the underparts and head” suggested an imm. Magnificent, but the possibility of other spe- cies could not be ruled out. An ad. (or per- haps subad.) Brown Booby was at the Cliff House, S.F. 6-12 Dec (BFi, ph. m.ob.), and a different subad. was at Monterey Harbor, Monterey 27 Dec (John Lucido, Klaus Camp- bell, ph. CSc, ph. KW). The Northern Gannet at FL, present since 25 Apr 2012, remained through the period (fide PR.B.O.). Five Brown Pelicans lingering at San Luis Reservoir, Merced 6 Dec+ (KVV) provided our highest inland count in winter, though after the unprecedented inland incursion in the summer and fall of 2012, such an occur- rence was not entirely unexpected. BITTERNS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS An American Bittern survived sub-zero tem- peratures at the Surprise Valley Hot Springs, Modoc 4 Jan (RSTh). Small numbers of Cat- tle Egrets were found briefly in each of Eve coastal counties 17 Dec-1 Feb. The only coastal White-faced Ibis this season were in Santa Cruz and Monterey, with 11 birds at Struve Slough (LGo, WGo) and 4 at Pinto Lake (Lisa Larson) 3 Dec (both Santa Cruz), 3-4 birds near Moss Landing, Monterey 1-3 Jan (Alex Rinkert, KW), and 6 back at Struve Slough 7 Jan (DLSu). An apparent imm. Northern Goshawk along N. Thorn- ton Rd. 7 Feb (ph. JDGY) was only the second for San Joaquin. The Sonoma Com- mon Black-Hawk at Laguna de Santa Rosa was seen again 12 Feb (ph. Stan Moore). Coastal Swainson’s Hawks included singles in Marin 5 Jan (tTodd Plummer) and S.F 20 Jan (PSar). Single Harlans Red-tailed Hawks in seven counties included light morph birds in Fresno 23 Jan (GaW) and Madera 13 Feb (ph. GaW). Rough-legged Hawks contin- ued to be well-reported, including birds in Napa and Nevada, where rarely found. Single coastal Sandhill Cranes lingered 26 Nov-6 Dec in n. Areata Bottoms, Humboldt (RbF, m.ob.), 28 Dec-18 Jan at the Garcia River Flats, Mendocino (RJK, m.ob.), and 19 Dec+ at Moss Landing, Monterey (Bob Blevy, ph. m.ob.); 2 over H.R.S. 31 Dec (RJR) were the first reported there since 1986. An un- banded ad. Common Crane accompanying an ad. Sandhill Crane and 2 imms. (either Sandhills or possibly hybrids) lingered for only a half hour at Modoc N.W.R., Modoc 27 Dec (ph. John H. Kimura, Cameron King, Dominic Bachman). This bird, only the sec- ond for California following the 5-8 May 2011 Del Norte bird, may have been the same individ- ! ual responsible for Nevada’s first state record (with 5 I Sandhill Cranes) at Overton ' WM.A. 15 Jan-1 Feb. Mountain Plover reports of note included an impres- sive 678 near Kettleman City, Kings 29 Dec QLt, TKz) [ and 78 along Sandy Mush ' Rd., Merced 11-14 Feb Qean Okuye, ph. KW). Sixty Mar- | bled Godwits near Gorcoran, Kings 29 Dec OLfi TKz), with 40 remaining to 23 Jan OH), was an impressive count for any inland location, espe- cially in winter. Unexpected winter Red Knots included one at Crissy Lagoon, S.F 20 Jan-2 Feb (Bob Toleno, Juli Chamberlin, ph. MWE, m.ob.) and 18 far down S.E Bay at the mouth of Guadalupe Slough, Santa Clara 19 Jan (MMR, MJM, Lea Crisp). Only 2 Ruffs were reported, a male at the Eel River mouth, Humboldt 9-13 Jan (ph. KBu, ph. RbF, m.ob.) and another along Santa Fe Grade, Merced 24 Jan-20 Feb (ph. GaW, m.ob.). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS Single Franklin’s Gulls were in the Areata Bottoms, Humboldt 1 Dec (TKz et ah), in the Ferndale Bottoms, Humboldt 12 Dec (RbF, ph. STu, MWa), and at Gun Club Rd., Mer- ced 18 Dec (KW). An unusually high con- centration of 1420 Heermann’s Gulls was at Manresa S.B., Santa Cruz 27 Dec (DLSu). A Mew Gull at Trinity Lake 29 Dec (DCR) provided Trinity's fifth record, while one on ' the Feather River in Yuba City 21-29 Jan (ph. JLa et al.) was seen in both Yuba and Sutter, furnishing a first record for the lat- ter county. Thayer’s Gull is very rare inland north or east of the C.Y; one at Tule Lake N.WR., Siskiyou 5 Jan may have been the same imm. there 6 Feb (Barbara Scoles). The petite, white-winged ad. Iceland Gull present 9-19 Mar 2012 at the Davis W.T.P, Yolo apparently returned, being seen 19-20 Jan (ph. SCH, ph. Garoline Lambert); the only other white -winged ad. Iceland Gull in California was the state’s first, at Bodega Bay, Sonoma in 1984-1985. Single ad. Kumlien’s Iceland Gulls, both seen on 12 Feb., were at Foster City, San Mateo (ph., +AJ) and Point Richmond (ph. Noah Arthur), the latter providing a first for Contra Costa (p.a.). Six Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported, all from different counties. The most notewor- thy were first records for Marin, at Sausalito 334 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 22 Jan (ph. DSg; second-cycle) and San Joaquin, at the Isenberg Crane Reserve 22- 24 Feb (DGY et al; ad.). An ad. gull at the Yolo County Landfill, Yolo, 8 Dec-9 Jan (ph. SCH et al.), originally identified as a Lesser Black-backed, may have been a hybrid be- tween that species and Herring Gull, a com- bination that is increasingly detected on the East Coast but that had not previously been reported in California. Comparison of pho- tos suggested that ad. Slaty-backed Gulls in Sausalito, Marin 23 Jan (ph. DSg, ph. AJ, ph. STu) and at Point Richmond, Contra Costa 8-15 Feb (TEa, ph. Michael Park, ph. Da- vid R. Moore) likely represented the same individual, with a different individual near Tiburon, Marin 24-25 Jan (TJLD, ph. SCH, ph. JCS) and a third bird at Point Richmond, Contra Costa 16 Feb (ph. Tony Brake). The most noteworthy Glaucous-winged Gulls were far inland in Lassen: an ad. at Shugru Reservoir 18 Dec (ph. JLD, KAb) and a first- cycle bird at Eagle Lake 20 Dec (CPD, DPA). Similarly, among 30 Glaucous Gulls report- ed, the most unusual was in Lassen-, a first- cycle bird first observed at Eagle Lake 20 Dec (KAb, ph. JLD) was likely the same bird seen around Shugru Reservoir 17-26 Eeb (PJM, DS et al.), providing the county’s sec- ond record. Scripps’s Murrelet is rarely seen from shore, so a bird off Del Monte Beach, Monterey 7 Jan (tDR) was noteworthy. DOVES TRHOUGH THRUSHES Eurasian Collared-Doves continued to flour- ish, setting new high counts for at least two C.B.C.s, with 99 on the Sierra Valley C.B.C., Plumas and Sierra 14 Dec (BBg, CPD, DPA, m.ob.) and 152 on the Santa Cruz County C.B.C., Santa Cruz 15 Dec (fide DLSu). The species also finally penetrated the heart of the Dia- blo Range, considered the last frontier in Santa Clara, with 3 found during the Mount Hamil- ton C.B.C. in Isabel Valley 2 Jan (MMR et al.). A White-winged Dove shared a feeder with a flock of these unstoppable invaders at Crowley Lake 22 Dec-15 Feb (ADeM, m.ob.), providing the first record of an overvhntering White-winged Dove for Mono. Common Ground-Doves con- tinued to establish a pattern of occurrence in s. Tulare, with one ne. of Earlimart 22 Feb (DaF). Al- though presumably present year round. Western Screech-Owl apparently had not been docu- mented in winter in Plumas until one was observed at a nest box in American Valley 5 Jan (ph. Julie Newman, DPA). Out of range Great Gray Owls included singles ne. of Oakhurst, Madera 1 Dec+ (ph. GaW; second-year bird, continuing from fall), in rural Grass Valley, Nevada 6-10 Dec (ph. Walt Carnahan, m.ob.; suspected second-year bird), and near Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras 23 Dec (ph. Tanya Meyer). A Northern Saw- whet Owl documented by remote camera at the San Joaquin River N.WR. 21-22 Feb (Sean Isley, Elizabeth Parks, ph. Endangered Species Recovery Program) established the third record for Stanislaus. Ongoing ripar- ian restoration is creating suitable habitat at the refuge, where this species could nest in the future. Although saw- whet owls are not known to have nested in the C.V historically, they did nest in a riparian restoration area at the San Luis N.WR., Merced in 1996 (Central Valley Bird Club Bulletin 5:57-58, 2002). Our only Vaux’s Swift was over Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park, S.E 3 Feb (ASH). Two Costa’s Hummingbirds were reported, one in Kentfield, Marin 14 Dec (BiL) and one in Woodlake, Tulare 22 Dec (TKz). Lewis’s Woodpeckers overwintered in good num- bers within and near their breeding range in Shasta and Lassen (fide B&rCY and KAb, re- spectively). Consequently, perhaps, relative- ly few were reported from most areas farther south. Our only out-of-range Williamson’s Sapsucker, a male at Henry Coe S.P. 3 Jan (WGB), furnished the fourth or fifth record for Santa Clara. A total of 15 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 13 coastal and 2 inland, contin- ued the recent trend of much higher-than- average winter numbers. Sharing that trend was a total of 16 Red-naped Sapsuckers, 7 coastal and 9 inland, including Yolo’s over- due first at Putah Creek Canyon 13 Feb-i- (TEa, m.ob.). Del Norte’s Crested Caracara continued near Fort Dick 20 Jan (ADB, Matt Brigham). A total of 13 Eastern Phoebes, also well above the recent 10-year average, included one inland that spent its second winter at Lemoore, Kings 1 Dec-28 Feb (ph. MSy m.ob.). Six Vermilion Flycatchers included 2 in Merced, 2 in Tulare, one in Kings, and one in Monterey at Point Pinos that continued from last season through the end of the pe- riod (ph. BHl, ph. DR, m.ob.). Exceptional in winter, an Ash-throated Elycatcher visited Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma 13 Jan (Linda Petrulias). Ten Tropical Kingbirds included 2 inland, both birds continuing from the pre- vious season in Hanford, Kings 1 Dec, with one lingering through 16 Eeb (MSy, m.ob.). Our only Cassin’s Kingbird was along Santa Fe Grade, Merced 4-20 Feb (Ken Archam- bault, ph. KW). A Western Kingbird s. of Kettleman City, Kings 18 Feb OLt) and an- other e. of Lincoln, Placer 24 Feb Oohn York) were possibly very early northbound migrants, whereas one at County Rd. 105, Yolo 7 Dec (TEa, SCH) was likely a holdover from fall. Our southernmost Northern Shrikes were in Mono, one at Bolher Canyon 19 Dec (Todd Vogel, Paul McFarland) and another in Long Valley 1 Dec-23 Jan OLD. Steve Brad, m.ob.). Unexpected in winter, a Cassin’s Vireo was in Porterville, Tulare 11 Dec OLD, SDS, Susan Steele), and a Plumbeous Vireo, likely the same bird that wintered at this location last year, was at San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz 4 Dec-4 Feb (NLv, LGo, SGe, AMR, DLSu). Wintering swallows, other than the usual Tree and Violet-green, included a Northern Rough-winged at Lake Cun- ningham, Santa Clara 22 Dec (SCR) and 16 Barns, one at Struve Slough, Santa Cmz 27 Dec (CKf, ELb), 13 at the Packard Ranch, Monterey 1 Jan (PJM), and 2 at the Sunnyvale WT.R, Santa Clara 6 Feb (Ann Hepenstal et al.). Establishing the first record for Shasta and the entire C.V, a Black-capped Chickadee visited a feeder in Redding 17 Dec-28 Feb (ph. Bea Currie, B&CY, m.ob.). Although this species has been increasing in range and numbers in the Region, it seemed an unlikely can- didate for reaching the C.V, which is more than 140 km se. of areas of regu- lar occurrence. More expected, but still rare and irregular in the C.V, is Moun- tain Chickadee. One in Sacramento, Sacramento 12 Feb (Dan Sandri) was Detected by remote infrared camera, this Northern Saw-whet Owl provided a rare Central Valley record at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge in Stanislaus County, Califor- nia 21-22 (here 22) February 2013. Photograph by the Endangered Species Recovery Program. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 335 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA the only one reported in the C.V Establishing a first record for the C.V, floor in San Joaquin were 2 Chestnut-backed Chickadees at Oak Grove R.E 23 Jan+ (DGY). These chickadees were of the coastal subspecies (P i: barlowi) rather than the Sierra-breeding subspecies (P r. rufescens), which accounts for most C.V floor records. All previous records of this species in the county were from Corral Hol- low Rd. in the Coast Range. Red-breasted Nuthatches invaded the coast and C.V in above-average numbers. The Winter Wren discovered 20 Nov in Putah Creek Canyon, Yolo continued through the period QCS, TEa, m.ob.). American Dip- pers carrying nesting material in Mendocino at an old bridge on Potter Valley Rd 24 Feb (Seth LaRosa and Steve Stump) and at Cape Horn Dam 27 Feb (GEC) represented very early nesting efforts. Another bobbing on Hwy 395 nw. of Mono Lake C.P., Mono 1 Dec Ooel Ellis) was well away from any wa- terway. A total of 5699 American Robins on the Santa Cruz County C.B.C., Santa Cniz 15 Dec was 2.5 times the recent 10-year av- erage {fide DLSu). THRASHERS THROUGH WARBLERS Amador's first Sage Thrasher pleased many county birders by remaining near lone 29 Jan-8 Feb (Gwenn Starret, m.ob.). Other Sage Thrashers were along Devils Den Rd., Kings 16 Dec-9 Feb (MSy), e. of Bieber, Las- sen 6 Jan (SBT, LTer), and in Salt Springs Val- ley, Calaveras 18 Feb (ph. Susie Nishio). A Le Conte’s Thrasher at Fish Slough, Mono 2 Feb was suggestive of possible wintering at this site. Bohemian Waxwings were at two locations e. of the Sierra Nevada Crest, Loy- alton. Sierra 14 Dec (one; BBg, Jim Gatta- gin, DPA, CPD) and Susanville, Lassen 5-6 Jan (up to 2; JCS, TEa, SBT, LTer). At least 2 Chestnut-collared Longspurs were at Long Valley, Mono 8 Dec (Bob and Susan Steele). A Worm-eating Warbler found in fall in Area- ta, Humboldt was refound 1 1 Jan after being undetected for more than two months (RbF, ph. TKz). Both Northern Waterthrushes were holdovers from fall in Santa Clara and Humboldt. Eleven Black-and-white Warblers and 5 Tennessees were totals just slightly above average, while a total of 37 Nashville Warblers was nearly double our average. A MacGillivray’s Warbler in Bethany Curve Park 2 Dec-1 Feb (SGe, m.ob.) was the first to winter in Santa Cruz in this century. Our only other MacGillivray’s was at Humboldt Bay N.WR., Humboldt 30 Dec (Ralph Bu- cher, Kristine Keil). A handsome male Cape May Warbler was along San Francisquito Creek, Santa Clara and San Mateo 21 Jan+ (ph. Jeff Fairclough, ph. Laurie Graham, m.ob.) and provided a first for Santa Clara. Six Yellow Warblers were all in coastal or bayside counties, and our only Black- throated Blue Warbler was along Pescadero Rd., San Mateo (GrH et al.). We set a new Regional winter record with 57 Palm War- blers, more than double our average. Most notable were 2 C.V Palm Warblers, one at Prairie City O.H.V Park, Sacramento 3 Jan (CrS) and another in Rio Vista, Solano 22- 28 Feb (ph. Jan Allen, m.ob.). Twenty-nine Hermit Warblers, while well short of last winter’s total of 42, was still nearly double our average. Similarly, Wilson’s Warblers were present in fairly high numbers (8 vs, an average of 4.6). The anecdotal nature of the data we receive makes it impossible to draw conclusions about trends, but it does appear that western-breeding warblers are winter- ing in greater numbers in the past decade. When one compares the number of reports from 1992-2001 to the reports since 2001, every species of California-breeding neo- tropical migrant warbler shows an increase in reports with the single exception of Mac- Gillivray’s. The most dramatic change is in Hermit Warbler reports, increasing from an average of 2 prior to 2002 to 15 in the last decade. SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES Green-tailed Towhees were in St. Helena, Napa 28 Dec-8 Feb (ph. Cindy Smith, m.ob.) and in Ripon, San Joaquin 4 Feb-4 Mar (RBk, m.ob.). As is typical, our American Tree Sparrows were e. of the Cascade-Sierra Nevada Crest, one found on the Honey Lake C.B.C., Lassen 18 Dec (CPD, EP, Bobby Tat- man) and the other at Dechambeau ponds. Mono 19 Dec (Ken Wells, ADeM). Single Clay-colored Sparrows were in Oakland, Alameda 17 Dec (Doug Greenberg) and Asi- lomar, Monterey 24 Dec+ (ph. BTM, m.ob.), and 2 were in Ferndale Bottoms, Humboldt 5 Jan (RHw, m.ob.). The first Field Sparrow in the City of San Francisco (the only prior S.E occurrence was on EL) was present 28 Dec+, and seen by many (KMcK, ph. MWE, m.ob.). A Nelson’s Sparrow at Moonglow Dairy, Monterey, first found in fall, remained through winter (Paul Fenwick, m.ob.) and was joined by another in late Feb with both birds lingering into Mar. Swamp Sparrows were found in unusually large numbers with 91 reported from 11 counties. Eight Harris’s Sparrows were scattered throughout the Re- gion with reports from Humboldt, Del Norte, Siskiyou, Lassen, Yolo, Solano, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. Notable among 7 Summer Tan- agers was a male returning for its third win- ter to Roeding Park, Fresno 29 Jan (EE). We received only two reports of Rose -breasted Grosbeaks, one in El Granada, San Mateo 13-17 Dec (Donna Pomeroy) and one in Los Gatos, Santa Clara 21 Dec-13 Feb (LSu, m.ob.). Four Black-headed Grosbeaks was an average showing. Indigo Buntings were in Marina, Monterey 22-23 Dec (ph. SRv) and S.E 19 Jan (DMo). An Orchard Oriole in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz 2 Jan (Christian Schwarz, Chris Lay) was the only one report- ed. A Hooded Oriole in Redding 24 Jan (ph. Gary Stacey) was Shasta's second in winter. Our other 2 Hooded Orioles were both in Santa Cruz with one in Soquel, continuing from fall through 20 Dec (Elena Laborde), and the other near West Struve Slough 1 1 Dec (NAd). Among our 14 Bullock’s Orioles, 3 first detected in mid-late Feb might have been early arrivals. Three Baltimore Orioles was a notable total with singles in Loleta, Humboldt 5-10 Jan (ph. RbF, m.ob.). Cres- cent City, Del Norte 13 Jan-9 Apr (ph. Sky Lloyd et al.), and along San Francisquito Creek, Santa Clara/San Mateo 24 Jan+ QCS, Sandy Koonce, Gena Zolotar, ph. SCR). Low-elevation flocks of up to 250 Gray- crowned Rosy-Finches were in Modoc near New Pine Creek 28-30 Dec (ph. SCR) and e. of Fort Bidwell 3-6 Jan (KMcK, ph. JCS, ph. TEa). Interestingly, both flocks included some brown-cheeked birds in addition to the more expected gray-cheeked Hepburn’s subspecies {Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis). Grinnell and Miller (The Distribution of the Birds of California, 1944, Cooper Ornithol- ogy Club) noted that 7 rosy-finches collected together in late Mar 1941 in s. Lassen also included a mix of subspecies. While it may be impossible to tell from photographs, the brown-cheeked birds in Modoc may have been the Oregon-breeding L t. wallowa. From fall though winter, the Region and the entire state experienced a remarkable invasion of boreal seedeating species (see S.A. feature). Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaks were reported from coastal and low elevation sites throughout the Region in extraordinary numbers. In addition. Common Redpolls, while not spreading as far south into the state as last winter, were found in flocks ranging up to 40 birds in the ne. corner of the Region: Fredonyer Peak, Lassen 18 Dec Qustin J. Streit); Lower Klamath N.W.R., Siskiyou 22 Dec-23 Feb (Russ Namitz, ph. Barbara Scoles, ph. Karan Fairchild); s. Surprise Val- ley 28 Dec (SCR; first for Modoc); e. of Fort Bidwell, Modoc 3 Jan (KMcK); Tule Lake N.WR., Modoc and Siskiyou 5 Jan-16 Feb (ph. Frank Lospalluto, KSp, m.ob.); s. of 336 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Beginning in fall and continuing through winter, we experienced an irruption of nearly all the boreal-breeding seedeating spe- cies with reports of unusually high numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches, Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaks from throughout the Region. Data from eBird (Figure 1 ) allow us to confirm these anecdotal observations and show that, in particular. Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins were remarkably abundant and widespread. The sizable flocks of Common Redpolls found in the ne. corner of the state may also be linked to the same phenomenon responsible for irruption of the other species. In 2001 , Walter Koenig (Condor 1 03:725) showed that irruptions of five species (in- cluding all of the species noted above except Red Crossbill) showed significant synchronic- ity across nearly four decades of analyses. That is, their irrup- tions into areas well s. of their normal winter range tended to occur in the same years. These events may be driven by poor seed crops in the boreal forests of Alaska and Canada (Bock and Lepthien 1976; American Naturalist 110: 559), or by over- population of these species in the year following a particularly good crop (Widriechner and Dragula 1 984; American Birds 38: 840), or a combination of a good seed year followed by a poor one (Koenig and Knops 2001; Journal of Animal Ecology 70: 609). Figure 1. Data from eBird for California comparing the proportion of checklists reporting each species during fall- winter of 2012-13 to ail prior years. Alturas, Modoc 5 Jan (RSTh, LBt, ph. SBT, m.ob.); Tule Lake N.WR. headquarters, Sis- kiyou 5 Jan (Bobbie McGuire); and Alturas, Modoc 6 Jan (TEa, ph. JCS). The nw. corner also produced a Common Redpoll in Areata, Humboldt 1 Feb (Allen Chartier). The most southerly Common Redpoll of the season provided a first for Placer 31 Dec-1 Jan (ph, John York, m.ob.). Cited observers (county subregional edi- tors in boldface): Many more observers are not specifically cited; all are appreciated, Ken Able (Lassen), Nanci Adams, David R Arsenault, Alan D. Barron, Leonie Batkin, Bob Battagin, Murray Berner (Napa), Gary A. Bloomfield, William G. Bousman (Santa Clara), Bob Battagin, Ken Burton, Rita Car- ratello, George E. Chaniot, Chris Conard (Sacramento), Rudy C. Darling (Nevada), Jeff N. Davis (Madera), A1 DeMartini, Bruce E. Deuel (n. C.V. counties), Colin P. Dillingham (Plumas and Sierra), Jon L. Dunn, Todd Easterla, Mark W. Eaton (San Francisco), Amber D. Edwards, Scott Ed- wards, Ray Ekstrom (Sisfeiyou), Elias Elias, Jules G. Evens, Dane Fagundes, Brian Fitch, Rob Fowler (Humboldt; RbF), Steve Gerow (Santa Cruz), Yohn Gideon, Steve A. Glover (Contra Costa), Lois Goldfrank, Wally Gold- frank, Tom Grey, David Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, Steve C. Hampton, John Harris (Stanislaus), Garth Harwood, Cliff Hawley, Lynn Hemink, Rob Hewitt, Bill Hill, Alan S. Hopkins, John E. Hunter (Trinity), Alvaro Jaramillo, Robert J. Keiffer (Mendocino), Clay Kempf, Tony Kurz, Jim Laughlin, Earl Lebow, Bill Lenarz, Robin L. C. Leong (So- lano), Nick Levendosky, John Lockhart, Jim Lomax, John S. Luther, Michael J. Mam- moser, Don Marsh, Blake T. Matheson, Dan J. Maxwell (Marin), Kevin McKereghan, Peter J. Metropulos (San Mateo), Martin Meyers, Dominik Mosur, Kristie N. Nelson (Mono), Frances Oliver (San Joaquin), Ed Pandolfino (Placer), Benjamin D. Parme- ter, David C. Rice, Will Richarson, Robert j. Richmond (Alameda), Alex M. Rinkert, Don Roberson (Monterey), Michael M. Rog- ers, Stephen C. Rottenborn, Steve Rovell, Ruth A. Rudesill (Sonoma), Paul Saraceni, Cooper Scollan, Jeff Seay (Kings), David Shuford, Daniel Singer, W. Scott Smithson, Jim H. Snowden, Kevin Spencer, Mark Stacy, John C. Sterling (Modoc, Alpine, Calaveras, and Yolo), Fritz Steurer, Tim Steurer (El Do- rado and Amador), David L. Suddjian (San- ta Cruz and Mariposa), Brian L. Sullivan, Steven D. Summers (Tulare), Craig Swol- gaard, Linda Terrill, Scott B. Terrill, Ronald S. Thorn, Jim Tietz (EL), Steve Tucker, Steve Umland (Tuolumne), Kent Van Vuren (Merced), Matt Wachs, Bruce Webb, Jerry R. White (Lake), Gary Woods, Dave Wood- ward, David G. Yee, Bob & Carol Yutzy (Shasta). O Ed Pandolfino (Thrashers to Finches) 1328 49th Street Sacramento, California 95819 (erpfromca@aol.com) Stephen C. Rottenborn (Loons to Frigatebirds, Larids to Alcids) 983 University Avenue, Building D Los Gatos, California 95032, (srottenborn@harveyecology.com) Michael M. Rogers (Waterfowl to Quail, Herons to Shorebirds) 499 Novato Avenue, Sunnyvale, California 94086 (m.m.rogers@comcast.net) Jeff N. Davis (Doves to Thrushes) 11238 North Via Trevisio Way, Fresno, California 93730 (jdavis@colibri-ecology.com) VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 337 Southern California Guy McCaskie Kimball L. Garrett The Region experienced another excep- tionally dry winter, with near-normal rainfall in December giving way to ex- ceptionally dry weather during the remain- der of the period (and through spring as well). Most parts of the Region received well under half of their normal rainfall amounts. The highlight of the season was California’s hrst Gray Hawk, a well-documented imma- ture seen by dozens of observers during its stay at Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County. The most shocking record had to be the Great-winged Petrel seen and photographed from shore at La Jolla, San Diego County. Other notable rarities included two Arctic Loon sightings (possibly of the same indi- vidual) on the Los Angeles County coast, an unprecedented midwinter Curlew Sand- piper near San Diego, and the Region’s sec- ond well-documented Iceland Gull. Notable landbirds included two Cave Swallows at the south end of the Salton Sea in mid-Decem- ber (with four present there in March) and two coastal White Wagtails (representing two subspecies). Abbreviations: C.L. (China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, extreme ne. Kern); E.A.TB. (Edwards A.EB., se. Ker?r); G.H.F (Galileo Hill Park, extreme e. Kern); N.E.S.S. (n. end of the Salton Sea, Riverside); PR (Piute Ponds on Edwards A.EB., ne. Los Angeles); RM.N.A.S. (Point Mugu N.A.S., Ventura); S.E.S.S. (s. end of the Salton Sea, Imperial); V.A.EB. (Vandenberg A.EB., nw. Santa Bar- bara). Because most rarities in s. California are seen by multiple observers, only the observer(s) initially Ending and/or identify- ing the bird are included. Documentation for species on the California B.R.C. (C.B.R.C.) review list (see <'www.californiabirds.org>) is forwarded to the C.B.R.C. and archived at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zool- ogy in Camarillo. WATERFOWL THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS A Snow Goose on San Clemente Island 12- 22 Dec (TL) was surprisingly the first ever for this well worked Channel Island. A Brant on the Salton Sea at Salt Creek, Riverside 13 Feb+ (CMcG) was probably an early spring migrant rather than a bird wintering locally, A Trumpeter Swan at PE 19-29 Jan (DDa) provides the third record for Los Angeles, and another at S.E.S.S. 12 Jan-16 Feb (CMcG) was the first in Imperial. Twenty-four Eur- asian Wigeons were reported, with most along the coast, but one at Ontario, San Bernardino 4-23 Feb Oho) and another at S.E.S.S. 24 Feb (BED) inland. A Eurasian Teal, rare but of annual occurrence, was at Pico Rivera, Los Angeles 1-12 Jan (NV). Three Harlequin Ducks along the San Luis Obispo coast, where of annual occurrence, were the only ones reported. Only 9 White- winged Scoters were reported on the coast south of Point Conception, while twice that number of Black Scoters, traditionally much rarer, were found. Two Surf Scoters on Sil- verwood Lake, San Bernardino 9 Feb (BS), a White-winged Scoter at Quail Lake, Los An- geles 2 Feb-5 Mar (KLG), and a Black Scoter on the Colorado River n. of Blythe, Riverside 14-17 Dec (LRH) were inland, where rare. Seven Long-tailed Ducks on the coast ap- peared to be about average, while 2 at Quail Lake 1 Feb-5 Mar (DB) and another on the Colorado River below at Parker Dam, San Bernardino 31 Dec-8 Jan (DVanP, LRH) were inland, where much rarer. Up to 2 Barrow’s Goldeneyes at Tinemaha Reservoir near Big Pine, Inyo 7-19 Feb (T&JH) were the only ones reported away from the Colorado River. An Arctic Loon at Malibu, Los Angeles 12- 15 Jan (KF) and another (possibly the same bird) at Marina del Rey 2 Feb (AU) were the fourth and fifth to be found in Southern Cal- ifornia. A Pacific Loon inland at Tinemaha Reservoir 8 Dec (T&JH) and another on Quail Lake 4 Dec (DB) were likely late fall migrants, while up to 6 on the San Ber- nardino side of Lake Havasu 13 Jan-21 Feb (DVanP, LRH) were wintering locally. Three Red-necked Grebes were found along the coast, with one on San Diego Bay 4 Dec-12 Mar (DA, JRM) at the extreme s. limit of this species’ winter range; in addition, up to 2 were a short distance inland at Saticoy, Ven- tura 3 Dec-12 Jan (AJS), and another was at Anaheim, Orange 9 Feb-2 Mar (DRW). Remarkable was the photographing of a Great-winged Petrel from land at Point La Jolla, San Diego during stormy conditions on 18 Dec (GN), this being only the fifth for California and North America. Five Manx Shearwaters were reported, with single birds in the San Pedro Channel, Los Angeles 12 Feb (BA), Orange’s first off Dana Point 12 Jan OLD), from shore in Newport Beach, Orange 13 Jan (BED), 5 km off Point Loma, San Di- ego 14 Feb (DPo), and a different individual near there 17 Feb QK)- An Ashy Storm-Pe- trel at Point La Jolla during strong westerly winds 10 Jan (MSa) is one of a very few seen from shore in winter. A subad. Masked or Nazca Booby at Point La Jolla 23 Dec (ph. BR) was too distant to determine bill color. A Brown Booby was at Ventura Harbor, Ventura 6 Jan OBa); another at Los Angeles Harbor 13 Feb (DB) was like- ly the same bird at the Whiskey Buoy 8 km off San Pedro, Los Angeles 5-19 Dec OLo); 2 were together off the Tijuana River mouth, San Diego 13 Jan (JK); and one found on San Clemente Island 22 Nov QBR) remained through 12 Jan QBR), with a second there 4 Dec QBR). A Neotropic Cormorant at Parker Dam 12 Dec (DVanP, LRH) was the same bird first seen here in Dec 2010; another was on the upper half of Lake Havasu 6-13 Feb QWe); and up to 3 were at S.E.S.S, after 9 Feb (BK, GMcC). A young Magnificent Frig- atebird at Oceanside, San Diego 26 Jan OL) was one of a very few recorded in California in winter. HERONS THROUGH SANDPIPERS A Reddish Egret at RM.N.A.S. 16 Nov-15 Mar (AJS) was the only one known n. of San Diego and Orange. Four Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were at Imperial Beach, San Diego at the end of the period (GMcC); the imm.found at Bolsa Chica, Orange 12 Nov remained through 20 Jan (BED); and up to 7 at RM.N.A.S. at the end of Feb are believed to have been present a few years. A Black Vulture at Morro Bay 10-12 Feb (MOB) was the first in San Luis Obispo, and one around Lompoc, Santa Barbara since 21 Sep remained through 18 Dec (KH). An im- pressive 39 White-tailed Kites were on San Clemente Island in Dec (DSB); these birds must cross 100 km of open water to reach this known wintering location. A pair of Harris’s Hawks along with one “helper” re- mained around Jacumba, San Diego through the end of the period (EGK); one at Foun- tain Valley, Orange 5-21 Jan (MK) and an- other at Brea, Orange (MH) were both likely escapees. The young Gray Hawk found at Carpinteria, Santa Barbara 25 Nov remained through 15 Mar (EBC). Single Swainson’s Hawks at Hansen Dam, Los Angeles 2 Dec (KLG) and in the Tijuana River Valley, San Diego 16 Dec (DDiT) may have been excep- tionally late fall migrants, but one at Lake Casitas, Ventura 5 Jan (KK), another at Long 338 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA This basic-plumaged Curlew Sandpiper was present on southern San Diego Bay, San Diego County, California 22-27 (here 22) January 2013 and likely remained there undetected with Dunlin through much of the winter. Photograph byMattSadowski. Beach, Los Angeles 17 Jan (KSG), and a third near El Centro, Imperial 28 Jan-8 Mar (KZK) were believed to be wintering locally; the earliest of the spring migrants included one at P.M.N.A.S. 11-15 Feb (FF), banded and equipped with a satellite tracking device in Sisltiyou in Aug 2012, that flew southward into Mexico in the fall and was detected moving northward in spring. Nine Zone- tailed Hawks were known wintering in the coastal lowlands of Ventura s. to San Diego, along with single birds inland at Prado Re- gional Park, San Bernardino 21 Feb-16 Apr QT, MT, HBK), near Lake Skinner, Riverside 15 Dec QS), and near El Centro 24 Sep- 11 Mar (KZK). A Rough-legged Hawk on San Clemente Island 1 Dec- 10 Jan QBR) and an- other near Calipatria, Imperial 17 Feb (KH- L) were the southernmost of 1 1 reported this winter. Twenty Pacific Golden-Plovers along the coast included a flock of 13 on San Clemente Island 1 Jan QTS). Wintering Mountain Plovers at the Carrizo Plain N.M. numbered 158 on 30 Jan (KMS); one was at C.L. 16 Dec (SLS); 12 were near Menifee, Riverside 15 Dec QS); and 36 near Perris, Riverside 17 Jan (DMM) were inland and away from the major wintering area in the Imperial Valley, Impe- rial, while 4 at n, VA.FB. 16 Dec (AAA) were the only ones known on the coast. An apparent American Oyster- catcher at Laguna Beach, Orange 29 Oct (TAB) remained with an obvious hybrid and up to 7 Black Oystercatchers through the winter. A Solitary Sandpiper, un- expected in winter, was at Atas- cadero Lake, San Luis Obispo 10 Dec-11 Jan (RHZ), with 2 there 12 Dec (KJZ); another was at Huntington Beach, Orange 29 Jan-24 Apr (GVL); and a third was near Del Mar, San Diego 21 Jan-7 Feb (DH). A Curlew Sand- piper on s. San Diego Bay 22-27 Jan (BMu) was the first recorded in California between 24 Nov and 9 Apr, and probably also the first in midwinter anywhere in the United States. Two Ruddy Turnstones at Obsidian Butte/Red Hill at S.E.S.S. 17-18 Dec (GMcC, OJ) were inland, where scarce in winter. Up to 3 Red Knots around Obsidian Butte at S.E.S.S. 27 Oct-12 Jan (CMcG, GMcC) were also inland, where rare at this time of the year. A Stilt Sandpiper at P.M.N.A.S. 22 Dec-4 Jan (DPe) was on the coast, where ca- sual in winter. GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A Laughing Gull at Oceanside 7 Dec (KW) was the only one reported on the coast, and 3 at different locations at the Salton Sink 16- 23 Dec (SRi, BJS, TAB) were likely lingering from the fall. A Franklins Gull was on the coast, where casual in winter, at Ormond Beach, Ventura 14-18 Jan QB), and 2 togeth- er at Calipatria 18 Dec (MSanM) provide the first record in Dec at the Salton Sink. A Mew Gull at Bakersfield, Kern 10 Dec QCW) and up to 2 near Calipatria 18 Dec-25 Jan (PEL, OJ) were well inland, while another around Lake Perris/Lakeview, Riverside 18 Dec-i- (EACa, TEW) was somewhat closer to the coast, in an area attracting numerous gulls. A count of 24 Western Gulls at the N.E.S.S. 5 Jan OFG) illustrates how numerous this gull has become at tbe Salton Sea in recent years. A second-cycle Iceland Gull well photo- graphed at Lakeview 9 Feb-6 Mar (MAC, CMcG) provides the second C.B.R.C. -en- dorsed record for this Region and the hrst inland. Six Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported, including 4 (2 ads., one second- cycle, and one first-cycle) around Lakeview from 26 Dec through 9 Mar (CMcG, SRe, CAM); an ad. was at S.E.S.S. 10 Dec (GMcC) and a first-cycle bird there 15 Feb (GMcC). Six Glaucous Gulls were found along the coast, along with 2 inland around Lakev- iew 26 Dec-9 Mar (CMcG), one at N.E.S.S. 1 Jan-16 Feb (SRe, RMcK), and another at S.E.S.S. 1 Feb (KE). An Elegant Tern at Mc- Grath State Beach, Ventura 9 Dec (DPe) was a lingering individual; most have moved to the s. of California by the end of Oct. Common Murres appeared to be more numerous than usual in the coastal waters, as indicated by such numbers as 7500-8000 near Point Mugu, Ventura 18 Jan (OJ, CAM) and 1140 counted flying southward past Point La Jolla in 2.5 hours on 27 Dec (PEL). Two Pigeon Guillemots at Montana de Oro S.P 16 Feb (TME) established one of the ear- liest dates for the arrival of breeding birds in San Luis Obispo; virtually all winter well to the n. of California. Two Marbled Mur- relets at Point Mugu 22 Dec (AJS) were the southernmost reported this winter. A count of 74 Scripps’s Murrelets in the Santa Bar- bara Channel 21 Jan (OJ) was more than usual at this time of the year. Cassins Auk- lets appeared to be exceptionally numerous off Orange and San Diego, as indicated by a count of 1250 from Newport Beach 25 Dec (BED) and an estimated 12,000 at the Nine- Mile Bank off San Diego 11 Dec (PEL). Two Tufted Puffins, exceptionally rare in South- ern California waters, especially so in winter, were found off Cambria, San Luis Obispo 19 Jan (AJ). Three White-winged Doves in San Diego in Dec were the only ones report- ed on the coast; numbers of White-winged Doves found in winter in Imperial increase annually, as indi- cated by a count of 26 at Brawley on 13 Jan (BMi). More Short-eared Owls than expected appeared present, with at least 10 re- ported from five locations scattered throughout the Region. A Vaux’s Swift at Sweetwater Reservoir, San Diego 31 Dec-13 Jan (PEL) was most likely winter- ing locally. A Broad-billed Hummingbird m the Mis- This striking second-cycle Iceland Gull, photographed with Herring Gulls and a first-cycle Glaucous Gull at a dairy in Lakeview, Riverside County, California, was known present from 9 (here 18) February through 6 March 2013. Photograph by Thomas A. Benson VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 339 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA This hatch-year White Wagtail, photographed at Cabrillo Beach, Los Angeles County, California on 8 December 2012, was believed to be of subspecies ocu- laris. It remained through 16 December. Photograph by Larry Sansone. Cooperating only briefly, this White Wagtail, showing characteristics of the Black-backed subspecies, lugens, was photographed at the center lines of a paved road In Otay, San Diego County, California on 10 Febru- ary 2013. Photograph byMattSadowski. Sion Valley area of San Diego 25 Nov-29 Jan (MP) was the same bird present at this location last winter. A Costas Hummingbird at Starlite near Bishop, Inyo 15 Dec (C&RH) was unusually late for this area of California. An Acorn Woodpecker at Borrego Springs, San Diego 16 Dec (SBM) was at a desert lo- cation, where unexpected. A Williamsons Sapsucker at the n. end of the Carrizo Plain 5 Dec-27 Jan (PAGa) is one of only a few re- corded in San Luis Obispo; another near Santa Ynez 20-23 Jan (CM) was only the fifth to be found in the lowlands of Santa Barbara. Fourteen Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were known scattered throughout the Region. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH LONGSPURS Olive-sided Flycatchers are less than annual in the Eegion in winter, so birds at Goleta, Santa Barbara 25 Dec-7 Jan arid at La Cumbre Peak near Santa Barbara 20-21 Jan QWa) were of note. Unusual wintering Empidonax included a Least Flycatcher at Huntington Beach 28 Dec-3 Apr (D&PC, JEP) and a Dusky Fly- catcher at Nestor, San Diego 15- 22 Dec (PEL). Among the three regularly wintering species, Grays and Pacific-slopes were in aver- age to below-average numbers, and the only 3 Hammond’s re- ported were at Bonelli R.R near San Dimas, Los Angeles 1 Dec-9 Mar (RHi, DB) and probable re- turning birds at Balboa Park, San Diego 3 Jan-27 Feb (GCH) and Bakersfield 19 Dec (JCW). Twelve Eastern Phoebes, some present from late fall, were on the coastal slope during the period, with 2 more found in the Imperial Val- ley. Returning Dusky-capped Flycatchers were in Los Angeles at La Mirada 13 Dec-20 Mar QR; returning for sixth winter) and Bell Gar- dens 18 Nov-27 Mar (RB; returning for third winter); far more surprising was one in a desert wash in the Eagle Moun- tains 17-18 Dec (JY), the second ever for Riverside. At least 13 Tropical Kingbirds were on the coastal slope, with most near the immediate coast, during the period. A Thick-billed Kingbird at Chula Vista, San Diego 14 Oct- 14 Apr (RN, CAM) had returned for its third winter here, and another was at Del Mar, San Diego 22 Dec-26 Mar (PU, SB). Western King- birds continued a trend of increasing midwinter presence in the Region, with birds at Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo 5 Jan-23 Feb (BKS), Sepulveda Basin, Los Angeles 6 Jan (MAS), Placentia, Orange 29- 30 Dec OEP). Fullerton, Orange 6 Feb OLP). Coronado, San Diego 28 Dec QMcM), Ti- juana River Valley 7 Dec (CAM), and Lakev- iew 28 Dec-29 Jan (CAM). A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Arroyo Grande 31 Dec-22 Feb (BKS) was feeding on berries of Algerian Ivy (Hedera canariensis) along with three other Jyrannus species; another was at Prado R.R, San Bernardino 13 Nov+ QBr). A Northern Shrike at Quail Lake 25 Feb- 4 Mar OSte) was the first in Los Angeles in some 35 years and one of the few found in the Region in recent years s. of Inyo. Casual in winter, Bell’s Vireos were at Huntington Beach 12 Jan-3 Feb (pusillus; TEW) and Ch- ula Vista 8 Dec (subspecies undetermined; JDe). Eastern vireo strays included a Yellow- throated Vireo at Coronado 15 Dec-24 Feb 340 (RTP) and a bright Blue-headed Vireo at Harbor R.P near San Pedro 13 Jan-16 Mar i (SDex, MJB). Another bright “Solitary Vir- eo,” possibly a Blue-headed, was at Bishop 15 Dec (KNN); whatever species, it was ex- tremely unusual in winter in Inyo. The 19 Plumbeous Vireos reported, all but 2 on the coastal slope, well exceeded the five reports of Cassin’s. A Warbling Vireo was at San Juan Capistrano, Orange 31 Dec (TR). A rare mid- winter Bank Swallow w. of Niland, S.E.S.S. 18 Dec (AJS) was dwarfed in significance by 2 Cave Swallows found at the same time i and place by the same observer; up to 4 ■ Caves present there 12 Mar-7 Apr (GMcC) had undoubtedly wintered locally. A Verdin at Carpinteria 12 Dec-6 Jan (EBC) was only the second for Santa Barbara; another on the University of California Riv- erside campus 2 Dec (KG) was present for its third winter. The fall push of Red-breasted Nuthatches continued, as evidenced by a count of 117 on the Santa Barbara C.B.C. 5 Jan and 17 found by two C.B.C. teams in the Lemon Heights area of Orange on 16 Dec. A Pygmy Nuthatch at Lemon Heights 16 Dec-1 Jan (BED) was only the fourth in Or- ange since the 1970s. Brown Creepers were present in higher-than- average numbers in the lowlands, with more than 10 found in the coastal lowlands of Los Angeles and 6 in lowland San Diego (4 on the coast and 2 at Borrego Springs). A Winter Wren heard at Finney Lake, S.E.S.S. 17 Jan QSF) could not ^ be re-found. Unusual thrashers included a ’ Brown Thrasher on Santa Cruz Island, Santa Barbara 28 Dec (WTF) and the long-stay- ing Curve-billed Thrasher at Starlite, Inyo i through the period (R62'KS). A hatch-year White Wagtail, presumably ocularis, was at Cabrillo Beach, Los Angeles 8-16 Dec (BA); astonishingly, another bird, apparently lugens, was at Otay 10 Feb (MSa), establishing a long-awaited first record for San Diego. Longspurs on the Carrizo Plain, San Luis Obispo included 21 Chestnut-col- lareds on 22 Jan (PAGa) and a Lapland on 29 Jan QSe), and the recently productive fields near Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara produced a Lapland on 24 Feb (OJ), several Chestnut- collareds from the fall until 5 Mar, with a peak of 35 on 31 Dec (TK), and up to 3 Mc- Cown’s 28 Dec-5 Mar (LRB); one Lapland lingered at Mission Bay, San Diego through 6 Dec (PEL), and a Chestnut-collared was at 1 Bishop 26 Dec (T&AD). j WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES j An Ovenbird, casual in winter, remained at ' Huntington Beach 30 Dec-10 Mar (BED); 4 I Northern Waterthrushes were found along ,1 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA the coast, though only one was detected af- ter early Jan. Some thirty Black-and-white Warblers were on the coastal slope (many remaining from the fall), but only a few re- mained through the entire winter period; one at Bishop, Inyo 15-30 Dec (BSM) was far n. and inland, and another was in Mo- rongo Valley 5 Dec (ML). The only Tennes- see Warbler of the period was at Goleta 16 Dec (DMC). Casual in winter on the deserts, a Nashville Warbler was at Branch Pond, E.A.EB. 21 Dec (BG). A returning Virginias Warbler was at West Los Angeles from the fall (24 Oct) through 13 Mar (DSC, DB). The only Lucy’s Warbler was on Point Loma 13 Dec (PS). MacGillivray’s Warblers, among the rarest “western” species in winter, were at San Marino, Los Angeles 19 Dec (DB) and San Diego 25 Dec-2 Jan (TB). American Redstarts were near the coast at Nestor 4 Nov-3 Mar (GMcC), the Tijuana River Val- ley 15 Dec-3 Jan (GMcC), and Chula Vista 2 Mar (DPa); 3 were at S.E.S.S., where regular, 18 Dec-25 Jan (API). Northern Parulas were well represented, with a returning bird at Legg Lake, Los Angeles 1 Jan-27 Eeb (MAS, JSc) and additional birds at Torrance, Los Angeles 16 Nov-16 Mar (TD), Willowbrook, Los Angeles 21 Nov-8 Mar (MJB), Placentia, Orange 29 Dec-13 Jan OEP), Escondido, San Diego 29 Dec (BMu), and on the Riverside deserts at Palm Springs 26 Dec-22 Jan (BW) and Palm Desert 10 Feb (VN). A Magnolia Warbler at San Diego 25 Nov-1 1 Dec (SRi) was the only one reported; rarer still, a Bay- breasted Warbler was at Lower Otay Lake, San Diego 30 Dec-13 Apr QSto, MSa). A re- turning Chestnut-sided Warbler was at Legg Lake 1 Dec-18 Jan (MAS, JSc), and others were at National City, San Diego 15 Nov-15 Dec (PEL), San Diego 7 Dec-13 Apr (PAGi, MSt), and Brawley 17-23 Dec (PEL); another at Heartwell Park, Long Beach 9-11 Mar (AKL) was surely wintering. Black-throated Blue Warblers, casual in winter, were at San Diego 16 Dec-18 Mar QRM) and N.E.S.S. 22 Dec-27 Jan Ohr). Palm Warblers were exceptionally numerous this winter, with 29 in coastal areas (many remaining from the fall), and birds farther inland at Lake Per- ris 12 Jan (GM) and N.E.S.S. 23 Jan Qf-u). With only one winter record prior to 1980 and 10 prior to 1990, Pine Warbler’s status has changed to a regular winterer in small numbers; 1 1 birds found this winter includ- ed birds returning for their third winters at Hansen Dam, Los Angeles 28 Oct-31 Mar (KLG) and Palos Verdes Estates, Los Angeles 23 Dec QEP), plus birds at Willowbrook 9 Dec-31 Mar (TAB, RB), West Los Angeles 1 Mar OeTfrey Sondheimer), Fountain Valley 27 Nov (2; one remaining through 6 Jan, the other 21 Jan; JEP), e. Anaheim from fall (1 Nov) through 27 Feb (TF-H), Coronado 25 Nov-10 Apr (EACo), Del Mar 10 Dec (PEL), San Diego 1 Jan-3 Mar (MSa), and Chula Vista 20-22 Mar (MSa). A Prairie Warbler was at Lower Otay Lake 31 Dec-22 Mar (BJS, MSa). A Yellow-throated Warbler at Orange 12 Dec-10 Feb had returned for at least its second winter and may be the same bird that was detected there m winter 2007- 2008 (DRW). A Grace’s Warbler returned for its fifth winter at Goleta from fall (28 Oct) through 21 Feb QH); others were at Camino Real Park, Ventura 10 Dec-20 Jan (IT), San Diego 31 Oct-10 Apr (returning for second winter; BMu, PM), and Spring Valley, San Di- ego 24 Dec-17 Mar (RN). A Black-throated Green Warbler remained from the fall (1 Nov) through 4 Apr at Santa Ana, Orange (DRW). Average numbers of Wilson’s War- blers were found along the coast, but one at S.E.S.S. 12 Jan (CMcG) was on the s. des- erts, where rare in winter. A Painted Redstart at San Marino 18 Dec-10 Jan appeared to be ill on the last date and likely perished (DB, TEW); another returned for its second winter at Bonita, San Diego 29 Oct-20 Jan (DWA), and one at Inglewood, Los Angeles 9 Feb-4 Mar (RB) was undoubt- edly the same individual found there last Oct. A Yellow-breast- ed Chat was at a suet feeder at Los Osos, San Luis Obispo 8 Dec-28 Jan QC). Midwinter Clay-colored Sparrows were at Goleta 5 Jan (CAM), near Gaviota, Santa Barbara 12 Jan (NAL), and at Nestor 23 Nov-26 Feb (MSt). A Brewer’s Sparrow at Goleta 5 Jan (CAM) established only the second midwinter record for Santa Barbara. The only Lark Buntings were at Agoura, Los Angeles 16 Dec (DSC) and Bishop, where one continued from the fall (15 Nov) through at least 17 Jan (C&RH). Nel- son’s Sparrows were found at regular wintering sites at Seal Beach N.WR., Orange through the period OF) and Mission Bay 14 Nov-9 Feb (up to 4; BLC). The winter status of Grasshopper Sparrow in the Region remains poorly known, so sightings at Morro Bay 13- 14 Jan (RFB) and Pasadena, Los Angeles 26 Feb (DDo) were of interest. The only Red Fox Sparrow reported was at San Luis Obispo 11-15 Dec (TO). Thirty-four Swamp Spar- rows were noted on the coastal slope, with 7 more on the deserts. It was a banner win- ter for White-throated Sparrows; at least 98 were reported on the coastal slope, including a record 33 in Los Angeles, and another 7 on the deserts included 5 in the Coachella Val- ley, Riverside. Harris’s Sparrows also put in a good showing, with 4 on the coast 17 Jan-2 Mar and 7 more on the deserts 1 Dec- 16 Feb. Hepatic Tanagers returned to Balboa Park in San Diego for the third winter 18 Oct-9 Apr (MSa, MJE) and Imperial Beach for the seventh winter 9 Nov-4 Apr (BMu, PEL). Summer Tanager numbers were down from the past few winters, but a still-impressive 63 were in the coastal counties (with 35 in San Diego alone), and additional birds were on the deserts at Morongo Valley 20 Jan (SW), Palm Desert, Riverside 24 Jan (FS), and Brawley 17-23 Dec (PEL). Two Rose- breasted Grosbeaks remained from late Nov through the period at South Pasadena, Los Angeles (CS); others were in Trabuco Can- yon, Orange late Nov-4 Dec (SDem), at Coronado 29 Nov-6 Dec QK). and at Balboa Park 4 Dec (PEL); these were balanced by 6 This female Bay-breasted Warbler at Lower Otay Lake, San Diego County, California remained from 30 (here 31 ) December 2012 through 1 3 April 2013. Photograph by Anthony Mercieca. This female Black-throated Blue Warbler in the San Carlos district of San Diego, San Diego County, California 1 6 December 2012 through 18 March 2013 was photographed on 15 January. Photograph by Janies R. Morris. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 341 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Black-headed Grosbeaks during the period, all on the coastal slope but only one remain- ing past Dec. A very late Blue Grosbeak was at Chula Vista 9 Dec (MSa), and an Indigo Bunting, casual in winter, was at Rancho Bernardo, San Diego 20-22 Dec (AB). A Rusty Blackbird was at Carpinteria 18 Feb-5 Mar (MSh), and another at C.L. con- tinued 20 Nov-6 Dec (SLS). South- coastal Santa Barbara regularly hosts Orchard Ori- oles in winter; this year, birds were at Santa Barbara 5 Jan (RHo) and Isla Vista 27 Dec-5 Jan (female; JWa) and 23 Dec-9 Mar (ad. male; NAL); another was at Solana Beach, San Diego 2-22 Dec (PEL). Thirteen Balti- more Orioles were found during the period, all on the coast. Red Crossbills staged a mi- nor incursion into the coastal lowlands and onto the deserts of n. Los Angeles and Kern; for example, up to 36 birds were found at four locations in San Luis Obispo, 14 were on the Santa Cruz Island C.B.C. 17 Dec, up to 23 were at Ridgecrest 5 Dec-19 Feb (SLS, JMcM), and both Type 2 and Type 3 were recorded at Pearblossom, Los Angeles 26 Jan (LB; with birds present here into the spring). Illustrative of the winters incursion of Pine Siskins, a flock of 339 was in the Upper San- ta Ynez River, Santa Barbara 1 Jan QWa). An Evening Grosbeak at a Westchester, Los An- geles feeder 7 Mar-3 May (KGL) was almost certainly the same bird seen there 2-17 Dec; a few were in the San Bernardino Mountains, including 30+ at Cedarpines Park mid- Jan-24 Feb (RJ); and the southernmost was one at Jacumba, San Diego 4 Dec-22 Mar (EGK). Nutmeg Mannikins continued to ex- pand their numbers on the cen. coast, with a record high count of 50 at feeders in San Luis Obispo 14 Dec (TME); in Ventura, Searcy noted they were “increasingly being reported over an expanding area,” as illustrated by 18 at Soniis 4 Dec (PJ). Corrigendum: The correct observer for This brightly colored male Prairie Warbler, photographed on 31 December 201 2 at Lower Otay Lake, San Diego County, Califor- nia, remarkably associated with a Bay-breasted Warbler through much of the time between its discovery on 31 December and its departure on 22 March. Photograph byArtthonyMercieca. — la This unusually late-staying male Blue Grosbeak at Chula Vista, San Diego County, California was photographed well on 9 December 2012. Photograph byMattSadowski. White-eyed Vireo report from G.H.R in the spring 2012 report [North Amer- ican Birds 66: 557] re- port should be Susan L. Steele. Cited observers (Coun- ty Coordinators in bold- face): Alex A. Abela, Douglas W Aguillard, Dan Airola, Bernardo Alps, Joel Barrett QBa), Richard Barth, Ron E Beck, David Bell, Lance Benner, Thomas A. Ben- son, Louis R. Bevier, Dan S. Biteman, Allen Bond, Johnny Bovee QBo), Steve Brad, Terry Brashear, Julie Bryson OBr), Mike O. Bush, Martin J. Byhower, Dick and Pat Cabe (D&PC), Eugene A. Cardiff (EACa), Barbara L. Carl- son, Jay Carroll, Mark A. Chappell, David M. Compton (Santa Barbara), Daniel S. Cooper, Elizabeth A. Copper (EACo), Eric B. Culbertson, Brian E. Daniels, Don Davis (DDa), Jared Dawson QDa), Shirley Dem- mon (SDem), Jay Desgrosellier QDe), Steve Dexter (SDex), Tim and Angela Dillingham (T&AD), Dean DiTommaso, Darren Dowell (DDo), Tracy Drake, Jon L. Dunn, Kim Eck- ert, Tom M. Edell (San Luis Obispo), Michael J. Evans, Jon S. Feenstra, Francesca Ferr- ara, John Fitch, Thomas Ford-Hutchinson, Kyri Freeman, Wes T. Fritz, Peter A. Gaede (PAGa), Kimball L. Garrett (Los Angeles), Karen S. Gilbert, Kevin Gin, Peter A. Gins- burg (PAGi), John E Green, Bryan Guarente, Lauren R. Harter, Gjon C Hazard, Tom & Jo Heindel (Inyo), Kelli Heindel-Levinson (Kern), Rod Higbie (RHi), Jim Hodgson, Ken Hollinga, David Holway, Chris and Rosie Howard ( C & RH), Andrew Howe, Rich Hoyer (RHo), Michael Huang, Rose- mary Jagt, Alvaro Jamarillo, Oscar Johnson, Penny Johnson, Eric G. Kallen, Jay Keller, Mark Kincheloe, Howard B. King, Alexan- der E. Koonce (San Bernardino), Barbara Krause, Karl Krause, Kenneth Z. Kurland, Tony Kurz, Kevin G. Larson, Andrew K. Lee, Tom Lee, Mark Leggett, Paul E. Lehm- an, G. Victor Leipzig, Nick A. Lethaby, Josh Lietzow OLi), John Lobel OLo), John Luther QLu), Curtis A. Marantz, Paul Marvin, Sara B. Mayers, Guy McCaskie (San Diego and Imperial), Chet McGaugh (Riverside), Rob- ert McKernan, Jimmy McMorran, Bartsche S. Miller, Bob Miller (BMi), Cyrus Moqta- deri, James R. Morris, Douglas M. Morton, Greg Morton, Brennan Mulrooney (BMu), Kristie N. Nelson, Vic Nelson, Richard Norgaard, Gary Nunn, Tom Ogren, Dan- iel Palmer (DPa), Robert T. Patton, David Pereksta (DPe), Jim E. Pike, Mark Polinsky, David Povey (DPo), Sandy Remley (SRe), Bruce Rideout, Steve Ritt (SRi), Jonathan Rowley, Jethro B. Runco, Tim Ryan, Matt Sadowski (MSa), Michael San Miguel Jr., Janet Scheel QSc), Mark A. Scheel, Brad K. Schram, Rick and Karen Scott (R&KS), Adam J. Searcy (Ventura), Jeff Seay OSe), Kathy M. Sharuni, Maggie Sherriffs (MSh), Patricia Simpson, Brad Singer, Jeffrey Sond- heimer QSo), BJ Stacy, Justyn T. Stahl (San Clemente Island), Craig Stanford, Susan L. Steele, John Sterling OSte), Frank Sterrett, Jeremiah Stock QSto), Mark Stratton (MSt), Julie Szabo QSz), Jennifer Tobin, Michelle Tobin, Ignacio Torres, Philip Unitt, Amanda Utzman, David Vander Pluym (DVanP), Norm Vargas, Brad Waggoner, Kenneth Weaver, Justin Watts QWa), John West QWe), Douglas R. Willick (Orange), John C. Wilson, Steve Wolfe, Thomas E. Wurst- er, John Yerger, Roger H. Zachary, Kevin J. Zimmer. Many observers who could not be individually acknowledged submitted re- ports; 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) 342 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Baja California Peninsula reto 10 Dec (TH) was of note. Most of our win- ter reports of Red-billed Tropicbird come from the Gulf of California and the Pacific waters of Baja California Sur, but one was 220 km s. of San Diego and 37 km offshore (30.42.726° N, 116.45.577° W) on 18 Jan (RBM). Individuals of certain mainland species are believed to be- come “stuck” in the Cape District for prolonged periods of time. Exemplary are apparently just 2 ad. Wood Storks seen at various locations since the summer of 2011. This season’s ob- servations were at Chametla 17 Dec (ph. GM) and Presa San Lazaro, near Santiago, 3 Mar (ph. DR). A subad. Masked Booby with up to 7 Brown Boobies at Isla Todos Santos 23 Feb-13 Mar (ph. LM, ph. EG) was only the eleventh to be reported from Baja California. American White Pelicans were more widely distributed than normal, vAth the following seen away from traditional locations: 4 at Estero Punta Banda 28 Dec (SBT, LST), one dead at the Rio Guadalupe estuary 3 Jan (ph. NdJ), and 30 at San Juanico in mid-Feb (fide GJS). Likewise, an imm. Brown Pelican was unexpected inland at San Ignacio 14 Dec (GRC et ah). Out-of-place waders at Estero Punta Banda included Little Blue Herons 25 Nov (AEM, JM) and 24 Mar (EDZH) and the continuing White Ibis that was last seen 21 Apr (EDZH). Just n. of the numbers at the Guerrero Negro saltworks are emphasized. Winter visitors such as American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, and Pine Siskin were poorly represented, but Red-breasted Nuthatch was an exception: that species established a new southerly record in the Region. Top Baja California rarities were Masked Booby, Crested Caracara, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Hood- ed Warbler. The non-native Nutmeg Mannikin was reported for the first time. WATERFOWL THROUGH TERNS Geese presented interesting patterns, ranging from a complete absence of Greater White- fronted Goose reports from Baja California Oct-Apr (the first time since Regional reports for North American Birds began in 2000) to the first confirmed Canada Goose for Baja Califor- nia Sur (cf. parvipes; Nopolb, 6 Nov-21 Apr; ph. TH, MDC, ph. DF; ph. and text in North American Birds 66: 585). Four Greater White- fronted Geese were found- in Baja California Sur 30 Oct-21 Apr (ph. TH, ph. GM, MDC; North American Birds 66: 585). At least 25 Snow Geese 19 Oct-13 Feb extended s. to La Paz. Ross’s Goose showed strongly, with 2 in nw. Baja California 26 Oct-16 Dec; in Baja Califor- nia Sur, where only 4 had been seen previously, one was at Nopolo 14 Nov and a possible Ross’s or a hybrid was at Guerrero Negro 15-16 Nov (both MDC, ph. DF). On Estero Punta Banda, 330 Brant counted 28 Dec (EM et al.) was more This small goose (second from right) with Snow Geese at Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur 15-16 (here 15) November 201 2 was either a Ross's or a Ross's Goose x Snow Goose hybrid; expert opinion is divided. Photograph by Dan Forster. A female Mallard was unexpected among Northern Pintails at Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur 25 November 2012. Photograph by Victor Ayala-Perez. Ensenada Tijuar ' ’’exicali tsias 3 „ . , Todos '\ Verro Prieto Santos^- ^C^eyes de Reforma lower Rioy ,{san Felipe Santo Tomas San Maneadero P/a/n^Quit'Orij EIRosarid; - -ataviha ^ahiade 'los Angeles /s/as San Benito, Isla Cedrosii Vizcaino Peninsula CALIFORNIA SUR San Jose del Cabo Richard A. Erickson Roberto Carmona Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos Cape District reports dominated the win- ter season, with rarity highlights includ- ing Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Louisiana Waterthrush, four Yellow-throated Warblers, and Baja California Sur’s first confirmed Canada Goose. Long-tailed Jaegers were again found in the southern Gulf of California, and waterbird than three times the previous maximum on 1 1 Ensenada Christmas Bird Counts. Single Cack- ling Geese (presumably leucopareia) were about 278 km nw. of Isla Guadalupe 9 Nov (RN, TS) and at Estero Punta Banda 25 Nov (AEM, JM). A minima Cackling Goose was at Nopolo 23 Oct-21 Apr (ph. TH, MDC, ph. DF; North American Birds 66:585). Four Canada Geese in Baja California 12 Nov-14 Dec included 3 birds at the Mexicali Zoo that had apparently not moved since they were last reported there 26 Feb 2012. Also at the Mexicali Zoo 14 Dec was a pair of Wood Ducks (ph. RAE, MRT), the first seen there since a steady stream of observa- tions from Jul 2003 to Nov 2008 included up to 8 birds and confirmed nesting. Other rare and uncommon ducks found included an early Eurasian Wigeon at the Rio Guadalupe estuary 18 Oct (ph. NdJ), a Baja California Sur Mallard at Guerrero Negro 25 Nov (ph. VAP), 11 Great- er Scaup (7 in Baja California Sur), 5 Hooded Mergansers in n. Baja California, and 23 Com- mon Mergansers on the Rio Hardy C.B.C. 5 Jan (fide ACF). Least Grebe is quite local in the Region; 4 at Presa San Lazaro, e. of Santiago 26 Feb (RAE) were at a new location. And away from the nw. corner of the state, Clark’s Grebe is poorly re- ported from Baja California Sur, so one at Lo- VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 343 BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA Ten immature White Ibis at Laguna Guerrero Negro 23 Janu- ary 2013 was by far the largest flock ever reported in Baja California. Photograph by Gerardo Marron. Baja California Sur border, a flock of 10 imm. White Ibis on Laguna Guerrero Negro 23 Jan (ph. GM) contained more individuals than the total reported previously in Baja California. Indicative of the species’ nesting schedule m Baja California Sur was an active Bald Ea- gle nest at Bahia Magdalena 27 Jan QEG, EA). Swainson’s Hawk went unrecorded this winter for the first time in more than 10 years. At least 2 Solitary Sandpipers were found in the Cape District, as is now typical. Rarer in the Cape District was the Surfbird at Cabo San Lucas 31 Jan (CJN). The winter’s Long-tailed Jaeger quota was met by one in Eeb (fide PAG) and 2 on 17 Apr (PAG), all in the vicinity of Isla San Jose. Off the nw. coast of Baja California, 6 Common Murres 26 Nov-9 Apr was fewer than we’ve come to expect in recent years, and only one Black-legged Kittiwake was seen. Franklin’s Gull made a great showing in the La Paz area with a tight hock of 32 imms. on 4 Nov (ph. SGM) and 6 remaining through 9 Jan (ph. GM). This winter’s rare tern tallies in the La Paz area included 9 Gull-billed Terns 4 Nov (SGM) and C.B.C. totals of 9 Common Terns and 3 Elegant Terns 17 Dec (fide DGE). OWLS THROUGH ORIOLES Burrowing Owl is very rare in Baja California Sur, especially away from the extreme northwest (Western Birds 31: 89-99). One at Llanos Hiray 24 Feb (GM) appears to have been at a new lo- cality. Two Vaux’s Swifts at Estero San Jose 23 Feb (PE) provided a fairly typical winter show- ing, but Selasphorus hummingbirds continued to increase their winter status in the Region: 14 m nw. Baja California this season included one identifiable as Allen's at Punta Banda 27-29 Dec (ph. SBT, LST, MS). A sapsucker at El Bosque 9 Dec (ph. GM; North American Birds 66: 598) best fit Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, but like the only previous Baja California Sur record, the possibility that the bird was an intergrade with Red-naped Sapsucker is probably not ruled out. The highlight of the Rio Hardy C.B.C, 5 Jan was the Crested Caracara near Colonia Zacate- cas (ph. OHH, JJB). A rare bird that we believe “got away” was the large Myiarchus flycatcher seen on the road to San Antonio de la Sierra 26 Feb (tPE). The bird was reported as a Great Crested Flycatcher but the description provided did not eliminate the congeneric Brown-crested Flycatcher. Although Great Crested Flycatcher winters at similar latitudes on the other side of continent, the Region’s sole record is from the Vizcaino Peninsula in Oct 2001. The Region’s two Brown-crested Flycatcher records are from the Cape District in Feb and Apr. Competing for resources with the caracara near Colonia Zacatecas 5 Jan were 150 Ameri- can Crows (ph. OHH, JJB). It was a mediocre year for wintering swallows, but none were re- ported from nw. Baja California. A few Northern Rough-winged Swallows and Barn Swallows were seen in the Colorado Desert, along with hundreds of Tree Swallows (fide ACF et ah). Modest numbers of those species were also seen in the Cape District and 125 Tree Swallows were between Ciudad Constitucion and Puerto San C A Carmona and his students (this season: NA, VAP, GGu, FM, FP) continue to monitor the J/lGuerrero Negro area (Lagunas OJo de Liebre, Guerrero Negro, saltworks [ESSA], and vi- cinity), where a remarkable number of waterbirds concentrate (Table 1). We last highlighted this area in the autumn of 2007 (North American Birds 62: 1 57). Enthusiasts of rarities will view these numbers (particularly those of goldeneyes and Bonaparte's Gulls) with hope for addi- tional species to be found. More importantly, the area appears to be of global significance for taxa such as Black Brant, Marbled Godwit, and Red Knot (subspecies roselaari). Table 1 . Maximum counts for selected species in the Guerrero Negro area late November 201 2 through late March 2013.*^ Species Date Number Species Date Number Brant 23-25 Nov 22,318 Black-necked Stilt 24-25 Jan 201 Northern Shoveler 23 Nov 3130 American Avocet 24-25 Jan 1005 Lesser Scaup 23-25 Nov 13,122 American Oystercatcher 23-25 Jan 98 Surf Scoter 26-27 Mar 2751 Black-bellied Plover 23-25 Nov 8027 Bufflehead 23-25 Jan 3729 Greater Yellowlegs 25-26 Mar 59 Common Goldeneye 23-25 Jan 2472 Willet 23-25 Nov 3691 Red-breasted Merganser 23-25 Jan 5448 Lesser Yellowlegs 23-24 Nov 89 Pacific Loon 25 Mar 41 Long-billed Curlew 23-25 Nov 500 Common Loon 23-27 Mar 60 Marbled Godwit 23-25 Nov 50,358 Eared Grebe 24-25 Jan 30,691 Ruddy Turnstone 26-27 Mar 141 Western Grebe 23-24 Nov 1147 Red Knot 23-27 Nov 7841 Clark's Grebe 23-24 Nov 165 Dunlin 23-27 Nov 14,296 Brandt's Cormorant 24-25 Jan 2433 Least Sandpiper 23-24 Jan 210 Double-crested Cormorant 23-25 Jan 10,089 Western Sandpiper 23-27 Nov 84,129 American White Pelican 23-24 Nov 712 Short-billed Dowitcher 23-27 Nov 14,906 Brown Pelican 23-25 Nov 1294 Red-necked Phalarope 24-25 Jan 128 Great Egret 25-26 Mar 400 Bonaparte's Gull 23-24 Nov 2228 Snowy Egret 23-25 Jan 239 Laughing Gull 23-25 Jan 178 Little Blue Heron 23-25 Jan 190 Ring-billed Gull 23-25 Jan 389 Tricolored Heron 23-25 Jan 93 Herring Gull 23-25 Jan 110 Reddish Egret 23-25 Jan 119 Caspian Tern 23-25 Jan 96 Black-crowned Night-Heron 23-25 Jan 151 Forster's Tern 23-27 Nov 2095 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 23-25 Jan 97 Royal Tern 23-27 Nov 1280 Osprey 23-25 Jan 83 Black Skimmer 23-24 Jan 310 Total for these species 293,339 344 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA Bald Eagles have long been known to nest in the Bahia Magdalena area of Baja California Sur, but nest in the desert nearby on 27 January 2013 was apparently at a new location. Photograph by Jose Emer Garda. Carlos 7 Feb (RCH). The rarest of the lot were a Bank Swallow 21-27 Feb (RAE, GM, TMcG) and a Cliff Swallow 1 Feb (RCFI), both at San Jose del Cabo. In the far north, the Mountain Chickadee wintering near Tecate was last seen on 2 Mar (RL). And following the strong fall showing, Red-breasted Nuthatch established a new s. record for the Region with 2 at El Bosque 9 Dec (NA, ph. GM et al). Two were also found on the Ensenada C.B.C. 28 Dec (ph. RMA, LST, SBT). The distribution of the endemic cerroen- sis Bewicks Wren of s. Baja California and n. Baja California Sur is poorly known. Generally considered resident only on the w. side of the peninsula, there are, however, a number of “ex- tralimital” records to the east and south. The southernmost record yet was established by 2 at El Centenario 17 Dec (GM). Observers are encouraged to pay particular attention to this species away from the established range gener- ally well-mapped in traditional sources. The rarest of the winter warblers found were a Louisiana Waterthrush on the road to San Antonio de la Sierra 4 Nov-26 Feb (ph. SGM, ph. GM et al; third consecutive winter for the species in the Sierra de La Laguna foot- hills); Chestnut-sided Warbler at Real del Mar 27-29 Dec (RAE et al; hrst winter record for Baja California); Hooded Warbler at Catavina 27 Dec (ph. AJS et al; one in Mexicali 1 Dec 2007 the only previous Baja California “winter” record); Northern Parula at Miraflores 3 Feb (RCH); and an unprecedented 4 Yellow-throat- ed Warblers in the Cape District, with 2 each in The first Hooded Warbler to be found In the Baja California portion of the Vizcaino Desert was this male at Catavina 27 December 2012. Photograph by Adam J. Searcy. This Louisiana Waterthrush wintered at San Antonio de la Sierra (at the biosphere reserve gate), Baja California Sur; this photo- graph was taken 4 November 2012, and it was last reported here 26 February 2013. Photograph by Steven G. MIodinow. La Paz (2 Nov-13 Mar; ph. GM et al.) and on the road to San Antonio de la Sierra (12 Nov-27 Feb; MDC, ph. DF, ph. RCH et al.). Additional reports included 3 Black- and-white Warblers (low; Ensenada, Guerrero Negro, Cape District), 3 Lucy’s War- blers (Cape District), 2 Nash- ville Warblers (low; Ensena- da, Cape District), at least 5 American Redstarts (low; Baja California Sur); one Black- throated Gray Warbler in Baja California (Ensenada; winters in the Cape District); a Hermit Warbler on the Maneadero Plain 28 Dec (CS, ph. AJS); and at least 6 Yellow-breasted Chats (Cape District). Five hundred Lark Buntings at Llanos Hiray 24 Feb (RAE, ph. GM) was the largest Regional report since Oct 2003. One Grasshopper Spar- row was seen at the same time and place. A Sooty Fox Sparrow at the Las Arenitas sewage ponds 14 Dec (RAE) appears to be the first re- cord of the subspecies group for the Colorado Desert portion of the Region. Two old specimen records (Monographs in Field Ornithology 3: 55) and a remarkable 5 seen near Algodones and Borquez 3-5 Jan 2003 (KAR, CR) were all iden- tified as Slate-colored Fox Sparrows (cf. Birds of the Salton Sea, 2003). In nw. Baja Califor- nia White-throated Sparrows were on the Ma- neadero Plain 28 Dec (returning bird; PAG) and at Ejido Erendira 30 Dec (MS, ph. RMA), and a Swamp Sparrow was in Ensenada 28 Dec (RAE). Another Swamp Sparrow was on the Vizcaino Desert at Catavina 27 Dec (OJ, ph. AJS et al). The only onantha White-crowned Sparrows re- ported from nw. Baja California were singles at Estero Punta Banda 29 Dec (PAG) and Canada el Morro, n. of El Descanso 5 Apr (RAE). The only Slate-colored Junco reported anywhere was on the Maneadero Plain 28 Dec (PAG). Tecate’s female Hepatic Tanager returned for the third consecutive winter and was seen 28 Nov-25 Mar (RL et al). A Summer Tanager was also there 20 Feb (GGr) and ten more were on the Ensenada C.B.C. 27-28 Dec. In contrast, one Western Tanager on the Ensenada C.B.C. was the only one reported from Baja California. Five Summer Tanagers were seen in the Cape District after mid-Nov, where 6 had been seen in early Nov. One Rose-breasted Grosbeak was in the Cape District, at Estero San Jose 27 Feb (PE). No- table oriole sightings included at least 4 Orchard Orioles at Estero San Jose, a Bullock’s Oriole at Tecate 31 Dec (RL), and a Baltimore Oriole on the Maneadero Plain 28 Dec (tOJ, ph. AJS). Exotic species; Monk Parakeets were seen at Ensenada, Guerrero Negro, Loreto, and El Cen- tenario, and 15 White-collared Seedeaters at Estero San Jose 3 Feb (RCH) established a high count. New to this category is Nutmeg Manni- kin, one of which was in Ensenada 28 Dec (ph. RAE; North American Birds 66: 611). More are expected in the future. Contributors: Ryan M. Abe, Edgar Amador, Nallely Arce, Victor Ayala-Perez, David Bell, Jose Juan Butrdn, Alejandra Calvo Fonseca, Mi- chael D. Carmody Roberto Carmona, Nadine de Jong, Paul Egeland, Richard A. Erickson, George Flicker, Mary Flicker, Dan Forster, Peter A. Gaede, Daniel Galindo Espinosa, Jose Emer Garda, Kimball L. Garrett, Edgar Geraldo, Gary Grantham, Gabriela Gutierrez, Tom Haglund, Osvel Hinojosa-Huerta, Richard C. Hoyer, Oscar Johnson, Jay Keller, Rob Larson, Gerardo Mar- ron, Amy E. McAndrews, Todd McGrath, Robert B. McNab, Eric Mellink, Steven G. MIodinow, Fabiola Molina, Jorge Montejo, Lee Morgan, Russ Namitz, Carlos J. Navarro, Fernando Po- zas, Cindy Radamaker, Kurt A. Radamaker, David Rojo, Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos, Matt Sad- owski, Adam J. Searcy, Chriastian Schwarz, Tim Shelmerdine, Gary J. Strachan, Linda S. Terrill, Scott B. Terrill, Matthew R. Teutimez, Enrique D. Zamora-Hernandez. As usual, records submitted to and accessed from eBird/aVerAves were essen- tial in the compilation of this report. O Richard A. Erickson, LSA Associates, 20 Executive Park, Suite 200, irvine, California 92614 (richard.erickson@lsa-assoc.com) Roberto Carmona, Departamento de Bioiogi'a Marina, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, Apartado Postal 19-B, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico (beauty@uabcs.mx) Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Km. 103 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, 22800, Mexico U. S. mailing address: PMB 064, P.O. Box 189003, Coronado, California 92178-9003, (gruiz@uabc.edu.mx) VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 345 ! — 4 Mexico Hector Gomez de Silva Amy McAndrews Jorge Montejo NORTHERN MEXICO WATERFOWL THROUGH JAYS Two Snow Geese were in Marismas Naciona- les, Nay. 13 Dec (ph. JV, EF), and 7 were at Presa El Tulillo, 50 km w. of Saltillo, Coah. 19 Jan (ph. RV, ph. MG, AN). Two Mallards were at Presa de la Rosa reservoir, 35 km w. of Saltillo along the Saltillo-Torredn freeway 19 Jan (ph. RV, ph. MG, AN). A group of Buffleheads was seen at Canon de Fernandez S.P, Dgo. 4 & 15 Feb (MRLL, FVP). A White-winged Scoter was recorded at Marismas Nacionales, Nay. 24 Jan (ph. JV). A Long-tailed Wood-Partridge was heard at Cerro San Juan, Nay. 28 Dec (FG, MS). A Masked Booby was seen 8 km offshore of San Bias, Nay. 27 Jan (FG). In the same state, a Brandt’s Cormorant was at Aticama 24 Feb (FG). A Snail Kite was recorded in the Guaya- bal estuary Playa El Verde Protected Area, about 20 km n. of Mazatlan, Sm. 4 Jan (RV). Two Black Hawk-Eagles were above Tecuitata, Nay. 13 Jan and 1 & 3 Feb (FG). Three Black- and-white Owls were at La Bajada, Nay. 4 Feb (FG, ph. MS); the only previous report of this species from Nayarit is from 27 Feb 2009 and was just 400 m from the present sighting (MS). A Baird’s Sandpiper was reported at Marismas Nacionales 24 Jan QV, FG). Some 15 Wilson’s Phalaropes were reported 3 km offshore of Mazatlan 4 Jan (BS, JHM, BR, RV, GC,JB, GP); 2 Western Gulls were noted by the same party that day. Five Herring Gulls were seen at Santi- aguillo lake, 50 km n. of Durango, Dgo. 10 Feb (ph. JHM, BS, BR). A Lesser Black-backed Gull in Estero del Pozo, San Bias 5 Jan (MS, FG) was rare for Nayarit. A Least Tern was near the marina in Mazatlan 4 Jan (RV), and an Elegant Tern was in the Guayabal estuary 4 Jan (RV, ph. JHM BS, BR, GC, GP). Three Eurasian Collared-Doves were at Compostela, Nay. 4 Feb, 2 were at San Bias 7 Feb, and one was at Zacualpan, Nay. 8 Feb (HGdS). In Nuevo Leon, a Yellow-billed Cuck- oo was recorded in Estanzuela Park, Monter- rey 15 Feb (RV). Numerous records of up to 3 Anna’s Hummingbirds at a time were made in urban parks and gardens in the Torredn, Coah. area (FVP, MRLL). On 4 Feb, a Green Jay was seen at Canon de Fernandez S.P, in the same 50-m tract of riparian forest as all the records here in previous years (MRLL, FVP). VIREOS THROUGH GROSBEAKS A Philadelphia Vireo and a Warbling Vireo were at Estanzuela Park 18 Jan (ph. RV). A Brown-backed Solitaire was recorded at Me- seta de Cacaxtla Protected Area, 50 km n. of Mazatlan along the Mazatlan-Culiacan freeway 9 Jan (RV, AvdH). Three Blue Mockingbirds through Feb, dozens of Cedar Waxwings in flocks of 40-50 were a frequent sight in Tor- reon; they were eating the fruits of the urban Pingtiico trees (Erethia tinifolia) (FVP). Flights in recent years have produced higher counts in this area. A Golden-winged Warbler was recorded at Rancho La Noria, Cerro San Juan, Nay. 15 Jan QV). A Yellow-throated Warbler was at Aticama, Nay. 6 Feb (FG, HGdS). A Blackburnian Warbler was in downtown Mon- terrey 13 Feb (MG). A Black-backed Oriole at Cerro San Juan 25 Feb (MS, FG). A second- year male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at Pina- cate Biosphere Reserve, Son. 24 Feb (LN, CS). Contributors (area compilers in boldface): Jerry Baker, Georgia Conti, Elsa Figueroa, Al- fredo Garcia, Francisco Garda, Mario Guer- rero, Alwin van der Heiden, Eugenio Lopez, Maria del Refugio Loya Loya, Jose Hugo Mar- tinez, Adriana Nunez, Larry Norris, Jorge Or- tiz, Gehu Paz, Bryan Sharp, Curtis Smith, Mark Stackhouse, Francisco Valdes Peresgasga, Rene Valdes, Jonathan Vargas. CENTRAL & SOUTHERN MEXICO High counts of 103 Gadwalls and 150 Green- winged Teal came from Santa Maria Xadani, Oax. 4 Feb (AM, JM). Five Cinnamon Teal were e. of La Ventosa, Oax. 6 Feb (AM, JM). A rare visitor to cen. Veracruz, a female Can- vasback was near the mouth of Rio Actopan near Playa Juan Angel 6 Dec (ph. AM, ph. JM). Two Hooded Mergansers were at Rancho Pri- mavera, Jal. 3 Feb (HGdS). Four Cook’s Petrels Palenque Puerto Escondido del Valle Arri^^ • •San Cristobal Arriaga\ , (je las Casas Huatulco EITnunfo ( TapachuW were recorded at Sierra Alta, in the s. city lim- its of Monterrey 26 Jan (ph. AG), and one was heard there 24 Feb (RV, AG, EL, JO). From Dec were recorded 123.3 km n. of Clarion Island, Col. 18 Jan (RM). A high count of 11 Elegant Terns were at La Ventosa lagoon at Salina Cruz, 346 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS This female Gadwall was one of three present at the Cozumel Country Club 3 December 2012 and represents the first record for the island and one of only a handful of records from the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Photograph by Steve N. 6. Howell. Oax. 5 Feb (ph. JM, AM, RPL). An ad. Double-toothed Kite was on the Prov- idencia road near El Tuito, Jal. 2 Feb (HGdS). Another ad. was seen at close range just n. of Salvador Urbina, Chis. 9 Feb QM, AM et al). Two Swainson’s Hawks, usually migrants, were near Micro-ondas La Cumbre, Col. 30 Jan (HGdS). A Eurasian Collared-Dove was in Ciudad Guzmm, Jal. 28 Jan, up to 7 were seen in Barra de Navidad, Jal. 31 Jan-2 Feb, 1 was at El Tuito 3 Feb, and 1 was at Huandacareo, Mich. 17 Feb (HGdS). An ad. or near-ad. Kelp, Gull was in Manzanillo, Col. 12 & 16 Jan (ph. JBJ). A Bat Falcon was seen near Comala, Col. 1 Feb (RC). An early arriving Piratic Flycatcher was heard singing near Paval camp, Chis. 23 Feb (AM, JM, MG). An early Yellow-green Vireo was singing near Paval camp, Chis. 15 Feb (MC et al, AM, JM), and 2 were heard there 23 Feb (AM, JM, MG). A Lucy’s Warbler was at Parque La Campana, Col. 31 Jan (HGdS). South of its normal range, a Chestnut-sided Warbler was just n. of Salvador Urbina 9 Feb (AM, JM, MC et ah). A breeding-plumaged male Dickcissel near Metro Etiopia, D.E 21 Jan (HGdS) fur- nished the second record for the D.E Contributors (area compilers in boldface): Mi- chael Carmody, Robert Cecil, Hector Gomez de Silva, Manuel Grosselet, Jesper Bay Jacob- sen, Amy McAndrews, Robert McNab, Jorge Montejo, Rosa Pablo Lopez. YUCATAN PENINSULA DUCKS THROUGH TERNS For the second winter in a row, the subregion enjoyed a larger-than-usual contingent of wa- terfowl, for reasons that are not clear. A group of 3 Gadwalls at Cozumel Country Club 2 Dec provided the hrst documented sighting for the island (ph. SNGH); a pair of American Wigeons was at the same location 5 Dec (ph. BC, RC). A male Cinnamon Teal was with a MEXICO This Common Tern at Sisal, Yucatan 1 9 January 201 3 marks the first documented winter record of this normally transient species in the Yucatan Peninsula. Photograph by Amy McAndrews. small group of American Coots on the edge of the mangroves in the coastal lagoon located in the se. corner of the abandoned shrimp farms at Sisal, Yuc. 19 Jan (ph. AM, ph. JM). Two Northern Shovelers were at Rancho San Fran- cisco, 12 km s. of El Cuyo, Yuc. 10 Dec (MC, HL). A total of 1650 Northern Pintails was at Sisal 19 Feb (AM, JM), bnnging back memories of the large numbers of this species that used to visit Celestun, Yuc. each winter prior to 1988. A male Green-winged Teal was at Rancho San Francisco 10 Dec (MC), while Redheads also returned, with 40 and 200 counted in the es- tuary at Celestun 27 (PB, KH, KH, AW, NiW, Now, SW) & 29 Dec (HD). A Redhead and 48 Ring-necked Ducks were at Sisal 19 Jan (AM, JM). On Cozumel, 15 Ring-necked Ducks were on a seasonal pond on the e. coast 2 Dec (MC). Not to be left out, a rare Hooded Merganser female was at the pond at Rancho San Fran- cisco 10 Dec (MC, ph. TL, JR), and another (or the same?) was at the Cozumel Country Club 3 Jan (ph. BC, RC). The now not uncommon Red-breasted Merganser was also present, with 4 female types flying over Rio Lagartos 1 1 Dec (MC) and 33 in the harbor at Rio Lagartos 23 Dec (BM, MT). Ruddy Duck was also back, with one seen 27 Dec in the Celestun estuary (PB, KH, KH, AW, NiW, NoW, SW); 76 were present in same area 29 Dec (AD); and one was at Sisal 19 Jan (AM, JM). Black Tern is normally a transient in the Yucatan Peninsula, but this one photographed 1 9 January 2013 at Sisal, Yucatan represents the second winter record, the previous one being from 27 January 2012. Photograph by Amy McAndrews. A regular but normally difficult to hnd spe- cies, an American Bittern was at Acuaparque in Merida, Yuc. 9 Jan (AM, JM, CP, BS), while one of the Least Bitterns resident in the same park showed itself 20 Jan (BM). A Great White Heron x Great Blue Heron (a cross sometimes called Wurdemann’s Heron) was at Rio Lagar- tos 29 Nov (SNGH), and an ad. Glossy Ibis was at a pond s. of El Cuyo 10 Dec (MC, DS). An ad. male Northern Harrier was at Las Colora- das, Yuc. 9 Dec (MC), and another was at Sisal 19 Jan (AM, JM). An imm. Purple Gallinule was documented at at the Cozumel Country Club 14 Jan, where an ad. usually hangs out (ph. RC); the only possible evidence of breeding on Cozumel is a female ad. collected 10 Aug 1962 by Erwin Klaas (pers. comm, to BM). Although large numbers of shorebirds are recorded on passage, a count of 1266 Lesser Yellowlegs at Las Coloradas 23 Dec was notable (BM, MT). Four Long-billed Dowitchers at Rio Lagartos 28 Dec (ph. DN) were considered probable. Some 23 Wilson’s Phalaropes were in the Rio Lagartos harbor 23 Dec (BM, MT). A Black Tern over the Sisal marina followed the jetty out into the Gulf of Mexico 19 Jan (ph. JM, ph. AM); the only other winter re- cord of this transient was one on Cozumel 27 Jan 2012. A Common Tern, normally just a transient in the subregion, was also seen from the jetty at Sisal 19 Jan (ph. AM, JM), while Rio Lagartos Merida VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 347 MEXICO Four apparent Long-billed Dowitchers were studied at Rio Lagartos, Yucatan 28 December 2012. The species has been reported on the Yucatan Peninsula several each year in recent years, but conclusive documentation is still elusive. Photographs by Diego Nunez. 3 Forsters Terns, expected but un- common winter visitors, were on a sandbar in salt flats at Celestun 30 Dec (HD, BM, MT), and 6 were at Sisal 19 Jan (ph. AM, JM). DOVES THROUGH MUNIAS Eurasian Collared-Doves seem to be well established at Celestun, where 15 were counted within an area of four blocks 23 Dec (BM); there were no White-winged Doves in the same area, where White-winged used to be common. A Chimney Swift was seen among the resident Vaux’s Swift on the n. outskirts of Merida 2 Dec; the species is known to be a transient but not known to winter (MTe). A Cozumel Emerald nest was nicely documented with photographs, beginning with the female incubat- ing two eggs 13 Feb and the newly hatched chicks 22 Feb, perhaps the first documentation of the nest and eggs of the endemic species (RC). A male Black-headed Trogon was in the gardens of the Hotel Iberostar, Cozumel (Zona Sur, km 19) 4 Feb (ph. RC); the only previous report of this species from Cozumel is a sight record by Robert Waide in early Aug 1978 (in litt. to BM). At Merida, the population of introduced Red-lored Parrots has grown from the original 17 escapees to 26 seen as a flock flying over m the late afternoon of 15 Jan (BM). A Great Kiskadee was heard in Cozumel 2 Dec (RC, SNGH). An ad. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen along the Tizimin-Rio Lagartos road, Yuc. 8 Dec (MC), while 2 Fork-tailed Flycatchers were at the Sisal jetty feeding at the edge of the beach 19 Jan (ph. AM, ph. JM). The timing of migration of Purple Martins through the subregion is not entirely under- stood, so we report the sighting of 9 flying over Rio Lagartos 23 Dec (BM, MT). Some 17 Tree Swallows seen resting on cables at Las Colora- das 23 Dec (BM, MT) were more surprising, as they normally return from their wintering grounds in Feb. Also reported were normally transient Barn Swallows: 3 seen flying high over Rancho San Francisco 10 Dec (MC); 7 at Rio Lagartos 23 Dec (BM, MT); and one feed- ing over the jetty at Sisal 19 Jan (ph. JM, AM). A rare Ruby-crowned Kinglet was observed next to Hotel Laguna in Bacalar, Q. Roo 4 Jan (KH, NW). An American Robin, an uncom- mon winter resident, was seen on the grounds of the Hacienda Chi- chen, Chichen Itza, Yuc. 5 Dec (MC), while a Black Catbird was in a garden in the center of Celestun 30 Dec, an unusual location for the species (BM). An American Pipit at Sisal 19 Jan (ph. AM, JM) was only the sixth subregional record; the first 2 were one collected in Campeche (Traylor, M.A. 1941. Birds from the Yucatan Peninsula. Field Museum of Natural History Publications 24 (19): 1-225) and one photographed at Cancun by MacKinnon in 1977. Although Golden-winged War- bler is mostly a transient through the subregion, a few winter: a fe- male was with a mixed flock at Calakmul, Camp. 3 Jan (KH). One of the usually transient Tennessee Warblers was seen roosting with a group of Orchard Orioles and other warblers in a park in Co- lonia Aleman, Merida 1 Jan (AM, JM). A rare Orange-crowned Warbler was at the CRIT park in Merida 8 Jan (ph. AM, ph. JM); probably the same bird was there 5 Jan (BS). An uncom- mon Kentucky Warbler was at Chichen Itza 30 Nov (SNGH), and at least 45 Northern Parulas were counted at Sisal 19 Jan (AM, JM). Single Prairie Warblers were found along coast ne. of Merida 6 Jan (ph. JM. AM), and at Xcambb ru- ins, Yuc. 14 Jan (BS, ph. CP, MTe, ph. JM, ph. AM). Normally, the species is noted in winter farther east. This female Hooded Merganser at Cozumel Country Club, Quintana Roo 3 January 2013 is one of very few recorded on the Yucatan Peninsula and one of two reported in winter 2012-2013 on Cozumel Island. Photograph by Benny Campos. This subadult Purple Gailinule at Cozumel Country Club's golf course 14 January 2013 made the island's second record of a nonadult. Photograph by Rafael Chacon. 348 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS MEXICO FurnisWog only the sixth record for the Yucatan Peninsola, this American Pipit was at Sisal, Yucatan 19 january2013. Photograph by Amy McAndrews. A Lark Sparrow was with a mixed group of sparrows and seedeaters just w. of Sierra Papa- cal, Yuc. 12 Jan (ph. JM, AM), and a Grasshop- per Sparrow on Cozumel 2 Dec was the first documented with a photograph (ph. SNGH). Another one was reported in a field at El Ce- dral, Cozumel 3 Dec (MC). A Lincoln’s Spar- row popped up close to viewers along the first 10 km of the Jonuta-Palizada Rd., Camp. 17 This adult or nearly adult Kelp Gull at Manzanillo, Colima 1 2-16 (here 12) January 2013 marks the first record of the species from the Pacific coast of Mexico. Photograph byJesper Bay Jacobsen (www.naturewatcb.dk). Jan (AM, JM). A male Rose-throated Tanager was on Cozumel 2 Dec, where it had appar- ently not been seen for some time (ph. SNGH). For the second winter in a row. Yellow-headed Blackbirds were found along the first few km of the Jonuta-Palizada Rd., this time 2 with a group of ca. 300 Red-winged Blackbirds 23 Jan (ph. AM, JM). A male Baltimore Oriole was wintering at Acuaparque, where it was report- ed 20 Jan (BM), and the count of 40 Tricolored Munias along the Jonuta-Palizada Rd. 23 Jan (ph. AM, JM) demonstrates that this exotic species is now hrmly entrenched in parts of the peninsula. Contributors (area compiler in boldface): Pa- tricia Briceno, Benny Campos, Michael Car- mody, Rafael Chacon, Alexander Dzib, Henry Dzib, Keith Hansen, Kirk Hopkin, Steve N. G. Howell, Tony Licata, Harry LeGrand, Toni Li- cata, Barbara MacKinnon, Amy McAndrews, Jorge Montejo, Diego Niinez, Cherie Pittillo, Janet Ray, Bev Scott, Melgar Tabasco, Markus Tellkamp, Anna Warnock, Nils Warnock, Noah Warnock, Sarah Warnock. O Hictor Gomez de Silva Xola 314-E, 03100 Mexico, D.F., Mexico, (hector.gomezdesilvaiagmail.com) Amy McAndrews, Jorge Montejo Cond. El Haya Ed. 2 Depto. 6, Xalapa, Veracruz 91070, Mexico (aemcandrews(S)yahoo.ca,jorgemontejodiaz@yahoo.com.mx) Central America Tikal GUATEMALA np Ambergris Cay . BELIZE Belmopan HONDURAS Guatemala Quet^f' ‘Cfy /Copan lenar^o^jhajatenan^ San Salvador EL SALVADOR COSTA RICA H. Lee Jones Oliver Komar Waterfowl continue to make news in the Region. In the past few winters, ducks, and occasionally geese, have come to dominate the pages of the Central American winter report. Some species that were rare, or even unheard of, in the Region just a few winters ago are now becoming al- most commonplace. Will this trend continue? If drought has become the new normal across the southern United States and northern Mex- ico, as climate scientists have long predicted, then large and diverse assemblages of winter- ing waterfowl may have become the new norm in Central America. This winter, in addition to the usual suspects. Greater Scaup was docu- mented in the Region for only the second time when a group of 12 was photographed in flight in Nicaragua. This was also an exceptional season for South American vagrants (or colonists), nev- er before recorded in North America. The continent recorded its first Bicolored Wrens when a pair was photographed in eastern Panama, and its first photographically documented Dusky Pigeons, also in eastern Panama, when 2 turned up near the Colombian border. Most unexpected, however, was an appar- ent Peruvian Pelican photo- graphed as it flew overhead with a flock of Brown Pelicans in El Salvador. If size alone is diagnostic in separating these two species, then there is little doubt as to the identity of this individual. It was nearly 25% larger (in length) than the 19 accompanying Brown Pelicans and probably close to twice the mass. Other country firsts were Red Knot (finally!). Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Dusky- faced Tanager in Nicaragua, White-faced Ibis in Belize, an apparent Kelp Gull in Costa Rica, and a Gray-headed Gull in Guatemala. Costa Rica’s first records of Clay- colored Sparrow came to light, although some- what belatedly, thanks to one that showed up this season. Blue-and-white Swallow was re- corded in Guatemala and Nicaragua for only the second time. Greater Scaup in Nicaragua for the second time. Southern Lapwing for the second time in El Salvador, and Tawny-chested Flycatcher for the second time in Honduras. Abbreviations: C.A.T.I.E. (Centro Agrono- mico Tropical de Investigacidn y Ensenanza), American Wigeons invaded Central America in unprecedented numbers this winter. About 250 were counted at El Jocotal lagoon, El Salvador on 1 6 February 201 3 (here). In neighboring Honduras, a cumulative 900-1- were counted on LakeYojoa on two dates in February, and as many as 1 0 were seen as far south as Panama. Photograph by Alvaro Moises. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 349 CENTRAL AMERICA This male Cinnamon Teal, found at Bocana Rio Jiboa on 24 December 2012, was El Salvador's ninth. Just eight days earlier, El Salvador had registered its eighth Cinnamon Teal on Laguna de Chanmico. Photograph by Vicky Golan. Now that Nazca Booby has been recognized as a separate species, special attention is being paid to all Masked/Nazca Boobies seen away from known breeding colonies in Central America. Neither species is expected in Costa Rica's Golfo Duke, where this subadult Masked Booby was observed in the channel between Puerto Jimenez and Golfito on 25 Janu- ary 2013. Photograph by David Comings. U.O.C.R. (Union de Ornitologos de Costa Rica website). WATERFOWL Impressive numbers of American Wigeon were recorded in the Region this winter. In Guate- mala, 6 were at Bocas del Polochic, Izabal 13 Dec QB, JPC), 22 were on Lake Atitlan, So- lold during the Atitlan Volcano CBC 15 Dec (EB), and 60 were at Finca Tamashan 25 Dec QPC). In El Salvador, an unprecedented 250 American Wigeon were observed at El Jocotal Lagoon, San Miguel 16 Feb (ph. AM, EnC). In Honduras, 300 were at Los Naranjos Archeo- logical Park, Lake Yojoa 3 Feb (KK, m.ob.), and 520 were farther s. on Lake Yojoa, Cortes 16 Feb QvD, RJ), while an additional 81 were at the w. side of Lake Yojoa, Santa Barbara on the same day QvD, RJ). In Panama, several (number not specihed) were seen on ponds near Chepo, Panama 10 Jan QO), and at least 10 were counted near Tocumen, Panama 19 Jan (ph. JAC). These numbers are especially impressive for a species that is considered one of the least common of the regularly occurring ducks in much of Central America and rare as far s. as Panama. Interestingly, during the invasion of waterfowl in Winter 2011-2012, American Wigeon was reported in above- average numbers only in Belize. Cinnamon Teal, an exceptionally rare bird in the Region, were reported in El Salvador and Costa Rica. With only seven previous records, El Salvador logged one on Laguna de Chanmico, La Liber- tad 16 Dec QA, MBo, WM, Rl) and another 24 Dec at Bocana Rio Jiboa, La Paz 24 Dec (ph. VG, IV, RigG), both department firsts. In Costa Rica, a male was at Lagunas Catfish Farm, Gua- nacaste 16 Dec (HV), 2 males were on Sandillal Reservoir in Canas, Guanacaste 14 Dec (HV), and 3 males were at Sandillal 21 Feb QZ). In Guatemala, an impressive 40 Northern Shovelers were seen at Finca Tamashan 25 Dec OPC), while in Panama where it is rarely reported, one was at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort marina. Colon 4 Dec (VW); 5 were seen near Punta Chame, Panama 4 Jan (ph. JAC); several (number not specihed) were seen on ponds near Chepo 10 Jan QO); a female was seen near Tocumen 19 Jan (ph. JAC); and a pair was seen at Las Macanas Marsh, Herrera 20 Jan QAC). Northern Pintail is one of the few ducks that was more common in the Region several decades ago, but it may now be making a comeback. Providing a hrst record for s. Belize, 8 were seen flying in a flock of Blue-winged Teal over The Dump, Toledo 18 Feb (LJ). In Guate- mala, 40 were at Finca Tamashan 25 Dec, and 60 were on Lake Guija 30 Dec (both JPC). In Panama, a very im- pressive 40 were seen 19 Jan near Tocumen (ph. JAC). Green-winged Teal is an exceptio- nally rare bird in the Region. At least it was prior to Winter 2011-2012, when as many as 60 males and perhaps as many overlooked females were found at one locality in Belize. This winter none were reported from Belize, but in neighboring Guatemala 10 were at Finca Tamashan 20 Dec (ph. JPC) and 1 was at Lake Guija 30 Dec OPQ- fri El Salvador, one at a shrimp farm in Zacatecoluca 23 Jan (ph. JA) provided a hrst record for La Paz. In Hondu- ras, a female was found among hundreds of Blue-winged Teal at the El Progreso Sewage Ponds, Yoro 9 Dec (OK, AA), and in Costa Rica, 2 males each were at Lagunas Cathsh Farm 16 Dec (HV) and Sandillal Reservoir in Canas 21 Feb (JZ). Two years ago, Redhead was virtually un- known in the Region outside of a handful of records from Guatemala and El Salvador. Win- ter 2011-2012 saw an unprecedented number as far s. as Costa Rica. The trend continued this winter. In Guatemala, 3 were seen at Lake Giiija 30 Dec OPC). In Honduras, a male was seen 18 Jan on Lake Yojoa from the shore of Los Naranjos Archaeological Park, Cortes (ALA), and 2 males were seen 16 Feb in a dif- ferent section of Lake Yojoa (MG, RJ, ph. JvD). As a fairly recent addition to the Honduran list (hrst seen in 2010), Redhead has thus far only been reported from Lake Yojoa. Although seen with increasing frequency in many parts of n. Central America since the early 1990s, Ring- necked Duck is still quite rare in Panama. One was found with Lesser Scaup 17 Jan on the Chagres River above Gamboa, Colon (ph. JW, JAf, BH). In Guatemala where it now occurs annually, 26 were seen at the w. end of Lake Peten Itza, Peten 10 Dec QB, JPC); 9 were seen in San Cristobal Verapaz, Baja Verapaz 9 Nov, and 3 were there 14 Nov (bothJPCX Unprecedented in the Region, a hock of 12 Greater Scaup was photographed as they took hight on the San Juan River, Rio San Juan not far from Lake Nicaragua 9 Jan (LC, GD, ph. RicG). The Region’s only other record, also from Ni- caragua, was of an apparently intoxicated bird found on the Rio Nino, Rio San Juan 25 Feb 2001 (HH, OA, cited inJ.C. Martinez-Sanchez 2007, Lista Patron de las Aves de Nicaragua.). That bird died later but was photographically documented. In Guatemala, 5000-t- Lesser Scaup were seen at Bocas del Polochic 13 Dec QPC, JB), and in Panama, an impressive 92 were seen at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort marina 9 Dec (ph. JAC). In El Salvador, one at Barra de Santiago 19 Dec (OK, MBo, JA, BR) provided the first record ior Ahuachapdn, while 4 others were at El Jocotal Lagoon on the same date (DaS, DG, SG). A Red-breasted Merganser seen in tbe surf off Half Moon Caye 18 Jan (ph. Two Red-billed Tropicbirds were reported in Central America this winter, one in Guatemala and the other (shown here) in Costa Rica. This moribund juvenile was found in the surf line at Playa Blanca, well inside the Gulf of Nicoya, on 28 January 2013. Photograph by Mima Salas. 350 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CENTRAL AMERICA Dunlin is a rare sight anywhere in Central America. This one, observed at Isla San Sebastian on 22 December 201 2, provided only the third record for El Salvador, all coming in the past seven months. Photograph by Alvaro Moises. CS) provided only the 7th record for Belize, all since 2000. In Honduras, a female-plumaged Masked Duck was found 16 Dec in a small pond n. of Talanga, Francisco Morazdn (RJ, ph. JvD), and what may have been the same indi- vidual was seen there 7 Feb O^D). This secre- tive species is only occasionally reported n. of Costa Rica. Following Belize’s first two records of Ruddy Duck in Winter 2011-2012, one was present at Fresh Catch Fish Farm, Belize 23 0U)and 29 Dec (PB,JR). QUAIL THROUGH HAWKS In Guatemala where it is not often reported, a group of 20 Black-throated Bobwhites was seen in El Migueldn, about 25 km n. of Dolo- res, Peten 10 Dec QPC, JB). Rarely reported off the coast of Guatemala, a Red-billed Tropicbird was seen in the Pacific Ocean off Escuintla 1 Dec (ArR). Farther s., in Costa Rica a mori- bund immature washed up on the beach at Playa Blanca, Punta Morales, Puntarenas 28 Jan (ph. MS). This pelagic species is very unusual this far up into the Gulf of Nicoya. Similarly, a near-ad. Masked Booby seen in the Golfo Duke between Punta Jimenez and Golfito, Puntarenas 25 Jan QZ, ph. DC) was unexpect- ed. American White Pelican is a regular winter visitor in coastal wetlands along the Guatema- lan Pacific slope, but 4 at 1560-m Lake Atitlan 14 Feb OE MF) were unexpected. In El Salva- dor, what was believed to be an ad. Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus) was reported in La Perlita, La Libertad (OK, ph. JA, MBo) flying eastward overhead accompanied by 19 Brown Pelicans 21 Dec. Its far greater bulk, in com- parison with the smaller Brown Pelicans, was immediately noted by the observers. More than 1000 Brown Pelicans were examined along the coast in El Salvador in the follow- ing days, without any notably larger individu- als being discovered (OK, m.ob.). This would be the first North American record of Peruvian Pelican, which is a resident of Chile and Peru, with an increasing number of birds being re- ported in Ecuador, mostly between May and Sep. In Honduras, no fewer than 5 Pinnated Bitterns were found during a Snail Kite survey 16 Feb that effectively cov- ered the entire perimeter of Lake Yojoa (RoG, OD, MG, RJ, ph. JvD). Although occasionally reported from the lake shore, 5 is surely a high count for the site. Also noteworthy was a Pin- nated Bittern in the w. part of Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala 8 Dec QB, JPC). In Panama, a boat trip on the Chagres River above Gamboa 30 Jan produced three unexpected herons, a Least Bittern, a Cocoi Heron, and a Capped Heron (all JO). A dark-morph imm. Reddish Egret, a rare migrant in Panama, was at Aguadulce, Code 1 Jan QAC). Rare on the Pacific slope of Nicaragua, 2 Glossy Ibis seen at Isla Juan Ve- nado, Leon 19 Jan (GD, LC, ph. MB, JM) were the first to be reported in Isla Juan Venado Na- ture Reserve. In Panama, a flock of about 50 on 4 Jan near Juan Hombrdn, Code (ph. JAC) were the first to be reported from that local- ity, an indication that this species is continu- ing to increase and spread through Panama. At least one juv. White-faced Ibis was found at Crooked Tree, Belize 18 (GC, ph. KKar, MD, LW) and 22 Dec (ph. TC). This long-expected first for Belize was at this popular Ramsar site where thousands of waders congregate most years early in the dry season, when the water level in the lagoons begins to fall. A bird of the Caribbean lowlands from Honduras south- ward, 4 Green Ibis, first heard, then seen flying in the coastal lowlands at Naranjito de Quepos just inland of Quepos, Puntarenas 18 Feb QoC, U.O.C.R.) were on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where the species is unexpected. Snail Kite has been known from Lake Yojoa in Honduras since 1930, but in recent years, numbers have been increasing. To determine the current size of the population, two teams of observers (RoG, OD, MG, RJ, JvD, and others) set out to cover the entire 43-km lakeshore by boat 16 Feb. Snail Kites were found through- out the lakeshore, with higher concentrations on the n., e., and s. sides of the lake. A re- markable 606 birds were counted, represent- Considered rare anywhere in Central America, American Avocets have become almost routine in recent years. These three were part of a group of 18 present at El Jocotal Lagoon, El Salvador on 16 February 2011. In neighboring Guatemala, an unprecedented 46 were found at Finca Tamashan on Christmas Day. Photograph by Alvaro Moises. Red Knot is an uncommon but local transient and winter visitor along both coasts of Central America and was certainly more common in the past. But until this winter, it had eluded observers in Nicaragua — yet another indication that Nicara- gua is truly Central America's last ornithological frontier. On 1 December 201 2, Nicaragua finally added Red Knot to its list of known avifauna when 1 1 (2 here) were observed at Estero Real. Photograph by Orlando Jarquin. Bonaparte's Gull is rarely seen south of central Mexico and is still unrecorded in Honduras and Nicaragua. Costa Rica, with more than its share of birders scouring the countryside annually, has only a handful of records. This first-cycle bird, found at Playa Potrero on the northwest coast 2 January 2013, was the first reported in Costa Rica in nearly five years. Photograph by Dennis Shepler. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 351 CENTRAL AMERICA 'i Southern Lapwings are continuing their slow but steady march northward through Central This second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull present at Las Pehitas 19-25 (here 19) January 2013 was America. These two, confirming El Salvador's second record, were found at El Jocotal Lagoon the first to be reported in Nicaragua. With this record, Costa Rica is now the only country in Central on 16 February 2013, only 1 1 months after the country's first. Photograph by Alvaro Moisei. America without at least one record. Photograph by Manfred Bienert. ing quite possibly the largest concentration in Central America. The number of Long-winged Harriers reported in Panama continues to in- crease, the latest being a dark-morph male and female seen 19 Jan near Tocumen (ph. JAC). In Belize, an impressive 3 Sharp-shinned Hawks were seen on the Hidden Valley property in the Mountain Pine Ridge 15 Dec, and 2 more were seen 25 km away at the Guacamallo Bridge over the Macal River the following day (both Cayo, RP et al.). This very cooperative Great Potoo was seen by many over several months beginning 1 1 January 201 3 (here). It could be reliably found most evenings around 9:30 p.m. perched on top of the observation tower (an old fire lookout tower) at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education facility in northern Toledo District. Whether overlooked in the past or a recent colonist. Great Potoos are now being seen regularly at this and another site in southern Belize. Photograph by William Garcia. A Bicolored Hawk seen on Barro Colorado I., Panama 23 Dec (KAp, ph. JH, HC) provided the hrst record for this very well studied local- ity. A White-tailed Hawk, which occurs only locally in Guatemala, was seen on the w. part of Lake Peten Itza 8 Dec QB, ph. JPC), and an- other one was present at Volcan Ipala, Jutiapa 30 Dec OPC). RAILS THROUGH PHALAROPES Clapper Rails are seldom reported inland in the Region; thus, one heard re- peatedly from 14 Feb-t- (GC) in a small reed-choked pond in Crooked Tree Village, Be- lize was unexpected. In Cos- ta Rica, 2 ad. Clapper Rails each were seen and heard at Chomes, Puntarenas 14 Dec (ph. KEa, HV) and at Punta Morales 27 Feb (JZ). After a Rufous-necked Wood-Rail was observed in mangroves at Isla Juan Venado 22 Dec (ph. MB), a group includ- ing MB, LC, and GD went to the same place 19 Jan and, using playback, found 2 in- dividuals. On 13 Feb DM saw one, possibly one of the same birds, in the same area, which also responded to playback. Prior to this win- ter, the species was known in Nicaragua from just two re- cords, both found in decidu- ous forests on Mombacho and San Cristobal volcanoes in May and Jun: a male with testes enlarged and a female with ovaries enlarged. These latest records from the coastal mangroves may represent wintering birds, as the species is be- lieved to breed only in the mountains Qones, 2003, Birds of Belize). Two Southern Lapwings observed at El Jocotal Lagoon 16 Feb (ph. AM, EnC) estab- lished the second record for El Salvador, the hrst coming less than a year earlier 26 Mar 2012 from a nearby site. Since hrst reported in Nicaragua on 13 May 2009 OM), Southern Lapwing has been seen several times in that country. Most recently, 2 were found in the San Miguelito wetlands, Rio San Juan 15 Feb (MB), 4 were seen in Punta Mayales, Chontales 16 Feb, and 2 were seen in Rosita, RAAN 22 Feb (both DH, FM), all representing new lo- calities of record. Quite impressive were 220 Killdeer seen 17 Feb in El Guayabo wetlands, Granada (DM). Noteworthy were 31 American Oystercatchers at Estero Real estuary, Chinan- dega 14 Dec (ph. OJ, MV, PC). Oystercatchers are seldom reported in Nicaragua. Even more impressive, though, were a record 46 Ameri- can Avocets in Guatemala at Finca Tamashan, 10 km e. of Ocbs, 25 Dec QPC) and 18 Ameri- can Avocets in El Salvador at El Jocotal Lagoon 16 Feb (ph. AM, EnC). Avocets are considered rare anywhere in the Region, but if the recent trend continues they may already be an ex- pected part of the Region’s winter-season avi- fauna. A Northern Jacana seen together with a Wattled Jacana on a small pond near the Rio Quebro, Veraguas 23 Dec and 14 Jan (both KG) is suggestive of a mixed-species pair. The site is e. of the normal range of Northern and within the range of Wattled. In Costa Rica, a Long-billed Curlew seen at Punta Morales 14 Dec (HV) and 27 Feb (JZ) was probably the same individual seen there and at Chomes in Fall 2012. Almost inexpli- cably, Red Knot was not on the Nicaragua list 352 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CENTRAL AMERICA Costa Rica logged its first Kelp Gull in winter 201 2-201 3, a second-cycle bird seen at Barra del Colorado just south of the Nicaraguan border, in late December and early (here 8) January. Although much debated, the bird's overall bulk, its relatively heavy bill, short primary extension, and nearly black mantle all point to Kelp Gull rather than Lesser Black- backed. Photograph by Sebastian Bonilla. until 1 Dec when 13 were observed in Estero Real estuary (ph. OJ, MV, JAq). This species was certainly expected in the Gulf of Fonse- ca area, where shorebirds have been severely understudied in the past. Providing the third record for El Salvador was a Dunlin observed 22 & 30 Dec at Isla San Sebastian, Usulutdn (ph. AM, VG, ly RigG). The species was first recorded in El Salvador less than a year before, on 26 May 2012. Stilt Sandpipers were re- ported more frequently this winter than usual. In Nicaragua, 6 were seen 29 Dec in Salinas Grandes, Leon (MB, RB) and 7 were seen there 2 Feb (MB); in El Guayabo, 10 were observed 13 Jan (MB). In El Salvador, 2 were at Bocana Rio jiboa, La Paz, 27 Jan (ph. EnC, AM), 22 were at Salinera San Ramon, La Union, 3 Feb (OK, RJ, ph. JVD), and one was at El Jocotal Lagoon, San Miguel 5 & 16 Feb (ph. EnG, AM). Previously, this species has been observed only during migration in El Salvador. Unprecedent- ed in winter were 40 Wilson’s Phalaropes ob- served in Salinas Grandes 28 (MB) and 29 Dec (MB, RB). On 2 Feb, 28 were seen at the same locality (MB). One was also at Finca Tamashan 20 & 25 Dec (ph. JPG). This species occasion- ally winters, but in much smaller numbers, in the Region. GULLS THROUGH POTOOS A Bonaparte’s Gull at Playa Potrero on the nw. coast of Guanacaste 2 Jan (ph. DS) was the first reported in Costa Rica in nearly five years. Unprecedented was the report of an ad. Gray- hooded Gull, a bird that was seen at close range, on Lake Peten Itza 10 Feb (tMTh). The observer and a companion clearly saw the pale gray head with black posterior border and the bird’s red bill; they also noted that it was smaller than a Laughing Gull. There are six re- cords of Gray-hooded Gull from Panama, all since 1955, and an unpublished sighting from Costa Rica, an ad. seen on Cocos I., 500 km s. of the Osa Peninsula, 2-3 Feb 2011 (ph. EH). A second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull that exhibited characteristics most typical of L. /. graelhii was found in Las Penitas, Leon 19 (ph. MB, LC, GD, JM), 20 (MB), and 25 Jan (MB). With this first report from Nicaragua it has now been reported in six of the seven countries that comprise Central America and can be ex- pected to turn up in Costa Rica in the near fu- ture. Another gull that has been recorded now in several, but not all, of the Region’s nations is Kelp Gull. An apparent 2nd-cycle Kelp Gull was seen at Barra del Colorado, Limon, just s. of the Nicaraguan border, in late Dec and early Jan (ph. SB, U.O.C.R.), providing a first record for Costa Rica. Of note was a Forster’s Tern at Playa Potrero 3-6 Dec (DS). This species is a casual winter visitor to Costa Rica. In Panama, an Elegant Tern at Arenal Beach 12 Jan (JAG) and 4 at El Ciruelo Beach 13 Jan (ph. JAG), both near Ped- asi, Los Santos, were at new localities. Although Dusky Pigeon (Patagioenas goodsoni) had been reported in Panama previously (1981, 1992), it was not adequately documented in North America until 26 Dec when 2 were photo- graphed above Paya, Darien near the Colom- bian border (ph. EC). The species was first re- ported from Panama in 1981 (Wetmore et al., 1984, The Birds of the Republic of Panama, Part 2) based on 2 birds seen and tape-recorded in the Tuira River Valley of Darien, but these re- cordings were subsequently lost. A 1992 sight report (Angehr et al., 2006, Annotated Check- list of the Birds of Panama) is now suspected to have been a misidentification. Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, a species that frequents open, disturbed sites, has been colonizing deforested areas in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras in re- cent decades. One seen 10 Dec in the w. part of Lake Peten Itza QB, JPG) was at a new locality. On 19 Jan a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seen at Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve (GD, LC, MB). This represents the first record for the Reserve and possibly a first winter record for Nicaragua. Two Pacific Screech-Owls were heard in Nino Dormido Regional Municipal Park, Zacapa 13 Dec QB, v.r. JPG). This record represents a significant range extension from the arid Pacific slope lowlands and Lake Giiija Region into the Motagua Valley. Honduras is at the se. edge of the Northern Pygmy-Owl’s range in Central America, where it is typically uncommon. A new location was established 27 Dec when observers heard one vocalizing in La Muralla N.P., Olancho (KW, RJ, JvD). Infrequently reported in Honduras, a Striped Owl was heard calling 6 Dec near Hotel Papa Ru in Nueva Palestina, Olancho (RoG). Great Potoo appears to have recently colonized (or been overlooked until recently) at two loca- tions in s. Belize. An individual has been at B.FR.E.E., Toledo since 11 Jan+ (ph. WG, LP, AIR), where it has been seen perching on top of the observation tower nearly every evening around 9:30 p.m. The species was first report- ed at B.FR.E.E. in Feb 2011, and what appears to be a small population has been present on the Rio Grande near Punta Gorda, Toledo since its discovery there in Mar 2011. The only oth- er documented report from Belize was a bird photographed at Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, Cayo in Sep 2009 (NAB 64[11167). SWIFTS THROUGH VIREOS Noteworthy was a Black Swift with a flock of Gray-rumped Swifts flying above the Bartola River, Rio San Juan 11 Jan (tLC, GD, RicG, JKM). The bird was larger than the Gray- rumped Swifts, and its pale forehead was ob- served; documented winter records are rare in the Region. In Belize, one or more Brown Violetears have been visiting the humming- bird feeders at Green Hills Butterfly Ranch off and on since mid-Jun 2012 QaM), and more recently the feeders at Mountain Equestrian Trails 1 km e. of Green Hills (MBe). Farther s., in Punta Gorda, a Buff-bellied Hummingbird seen 23 Jan (PB, LJ) provided the first record for Toledo. Seldom reported in Panama, a fe- male Ruby-throated Hummingbird was seen at the Hotel Heliconia, 8 km s. of Mariato, Veraguas, 31 Jan (KG). The distribution and relative abundance of Blue-chested Humming- These two Dusky Pigeons (of three observed), found 26 December 2012 near the HIto Palo de Letra boundary monu- ment on the Panama-Colombian border, provided the first photographically documented evidence of this species' occur- rence in North America. Dusky Pigeon has been reported in Panama previously (1981 and 1992), without confirmation. Photograph by Euclides Campos. El Salvador's third White-eyed Vireo was photographed on 28 January 201 3 at La Mora in Cuscatlan Department. Photograph by Melvin Bonilla. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 353 CENTRAL AMERICA 1 This unhanded White-eyed Vireo seen in Tortuguero town on 20 January 2013 is clearly not the same individual that was banded nearby on 11 November 2012. A third individual was seen 5.5 km north of Tortuguero at Cano Palma on 13 December 2012, making for an exceptionally good winter for White-eyed Vireos in Costa Rica. Photograph by Kevin Easley. bird in Nicaragua is poorly known; thus, one captured in El Jaguar Private Preserve, Jinotega 2 1 Jan (LC, GD) is worth noting. An American Pygmy Kingfisher seen 1 Dec in a flooded lot at the s. end of Caye Caulker (J&DB) provided only the fourth record for the island. It has not been reported from any other Belize cay and only once from Ambergris Caye, really a pen- insula. (Ambergris is separated from the main- land only by a narrow waterway and canal, constructed by the ancient Maya, that defines the Belize-Mexico border, and more recently, by the 56-meter-wide Canal de Zaragosa con- structed on the Mexican side in 1901.) Rare in Panama, a juv. Yellow-bellied Sap- sucker was found 20 Dec in La Tranquilla on Lake Alajuela, Colon (KAp, ph. KA, NP). Recent observations of Ladder-backed Woodpecker in Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve suggest that it is an uncommon local resident at this site. Following the initial observation in Sep 2011, it was reported in the same area again this year 19 (GD, LC, MB, JM) & 29 Jan (DH, FM). Although common on the Caribbean slope, a male Smoky-brown Woodpecker found in the Chocoyero El Brujo Nature Reserve, Managua 13 Dec (LC, GD, DC) established the species’ presence on Nicaragua’s Pacific slope. Provid- ing the first record of Chestnut-colored Wood- pecker on the Pacific slope of Central America, a female was observed near Jinotepe, Carazo 13 Feb (tJC). Seldom seen in Costa Rica, an Aplomado Falcon was at the Medio Queso wet- lands (e. of Los Chiles on the Nicaraguan bor- This Biue-headed Vireo found east of 1 0OO-Foot Falls was one of two seen on 5 February 2013 in Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge. The other was seen 1 2 km to the west at Blancaneaux Lodge. Four of the six documented records for Belize have been from the Mountain Pine Ridge; the other two were from nearby Belmopan. Photograph by Jonathan Urbina. der), Alajuela 17 Dec (KEa, HV). Another was in agricultural fields next to the Tarcoles River, Puntarenas 26 Dec (CW). Two Tawny-chested Flycatchers were heard calling throughout the day 9 Dec near El Limbn, Olancho, provid- ing only the second record of this species for Honduras (RG, OD). This site is close to the Nicaraguan border. Although Eastern Kingbird is a common transient in Honduras, a 2 Dec record from Las Tablas, Choluteca (RG, OD) is very late for this species in the Region. Two late Eastern Kingbirds were seen in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, one at Rio Tusubres 26 Dec (JBa, CW) and another at Quepos 4 Feb (RBa). On 28 Jan a White-eyed Vireo appeared in La Mora, Cuscatldn (ph. MBo), providing only the third record for El Salvador. In Costa Rica, a White-eyed Vireo was banded in Tortuguero town 11 Nov (RD, WJ) and an unbanded bird was seen there 20 Jan (ph. KEa). Another bird was seen 5.5 km n. of Tortuguero at Cano Palma 13 Dec (RD). This is a remarkable num- ber of reports from Costa Rica in one winter. Is Bell’s Vireo being overlooked in Honduras at the s. end of its winter range? The second report for Honduras, and the first since 1935, came 14 Apr 2012. The same site. Laguna Villa Royal near Sabana Grande, Francisco Morazdn, hosted one individual, perhaps the same bird as last year, 30 Dec (KW, RJ, JvD). Another was observed and well described 13 Jan from The Lodge at Pico Bonito, Atlantida (OK, HB). Two Blue-headed Vireos were found in the Mountain Pine Ridge 5 Feb, one at the n. end of the range e. of 1000-foot Falls (ph. JU), and another 12 km to the w. at Blanca- neaux Lodge (RM). There are only four previ- ously documented records for Belize, two from the Mountain Pine Ridge and two from nearby Belmopan, all in Cayo. SWALLOWS THROUGH WAXWINGS A flock of 4000 Tree Swallows at El Progreso Sewage Ponds, Honduras 2 Dec (AA) was a large concentration for the species this far i south. The species also showed up in low num- j bers at numerous scattered locations where it is not usually found, indicating a significant jjj incursion into Central America this winter. It !j| was reported on eBird as far s. as the Panama \ 1 canal. Blue-and-white Swallow staged an in- ; cursion into n. Central America this winter. i: Six Blue-and-white Swallows were observed in Montibelli Private Reserve, Managua 1 1 Feb n (DM), providing only the second record for ( Nicaragua. The first record was a specimen of 1 subspecies patagonica collected 9 Jul 1954. In ! Guatemala, an impressive 14 Blue-and-white | Swallows were studied carefully as they for- | aged low over a residential neighborhood in } Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez 16 Feb (tJF). \ This species, s. populations of which are mi- | gratory may be overlooked to some extent in j n. Central America because of its similarity to other swallows, but it would be expected to turn up in spring and summer (the Aus- tral winter), not in winter. The records cited above, however, are from mid-Feb. In Costa Rica, where the species is resident, there are \ a number of recent records from n. Alajuela ^ outside the range given for the resident sub- ; species. Interestingly, all of those records are j from Jan-Mar. ’ A pair of Bicolored Wrens (Campylorhyn- chus griseus) was seen, and a third bird was ! heard, at Boca de Cupe, Darien 23 Dec (ph. EC). This species had not been previously re- corded in North America. Like so many other species around the globe, the Bicolored Wren is likely expanding its range in response to deforestation. We received three well docu- mented reports of Gray-cheeked/Bicknell’s Thrush, all from mid- to late Dec, well after these sister species should have reached their wintering grounds in the West Indies (Bick- nell’s) and South America (Gray-cheeked). Providing the first photographically documented record for Belize, this American Pipit was found at Cooma Cairn in the Mountain Pine Ridge on 19 December 2012. Photograph by Ryan Phillips. 354 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS CENTRAL AMERICA Any appearance of Golden-winged x Blue-winged Warbler hybrids in Central America is considered noteworthy. Most reports have been of birds matching the Brewster's phenotype; Lawrence's phenotypes are rarely reported. This bird, which ap- pears to be an adult male Brewster's, was observed 29 January 2013 at Los Naranjos Archaeological Park on the north shore of Lake Yojoa in Honduras. Photograph by John van Dort. Black-throated Blue Warbler is one of several warblers that occur regularly in migration and winter on islands off the coast of Cen- tral America yet are seldom seen on the adjacent mainland. This male was seen 1 9 January 201 3 at Gavilan Lodge near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui in Costa Rica. Photograph by Kevin Easley. The first appeared at J&DB’s feeder on Caye Caulker 13-18 Dec. Good quality photo- graphs revealed several characters more in- dicative of Bicknell’s than Gray-cheeked (fide Michael Patten), although these subtle pheno- typic differences may be less than definitive based on our present knowledge. The second bird appeareci at Tikal, Peten 17 Dec (EK, ER, CWe). The three observers of this bird are all familiar with Cathams thrushes in the U.S. and were able to compare it with nearby Swainson’s Thrushes. The third, also in Belize, was closely studied at B.ER.E.E. 28 Dec (ph. DN), but only the Caye Caulker photographs show enough detail to allow speculation on the bird’s taxonomic affinity. Black Catbird is rarely reported in n. Guate- mala, where its status remains uncertain. One was mist-netted at Las Guacamayas Biological Station in Laguna del Tigre N. P., 6 km w.-sw. of Paso Caballo, Peten 7 Feb (ph. BM). Provid- ing the fourth record for Belize and the first for Dec, an American Pipit was seen at Cooma Cairn, Mountain Pine Ridge 19 Dec (ph. RP, BC). Cedar Waxwings were reported from three sites in Costa Rica this winter: 3 were seen at Concepcion de San Rafael, Heredia 20 Dec (LS, U.O.C.R.); 5 were at Getesemani, He- redia 10 Jan (VA, U.O.C.R.); and one was at Alajuela, Alajuela 12 Feb (TeS). We received no other reports of waxwings in the Region this winter. WARBLERS THROUGH EUPHONIAS Among the relatively few resident warblers in the Region, two species were recorded at or beyond their known distributional limits this winter. Seldom reported in Nicaragua, a Cres- cent-chested Warbler was observed 7 & 10 Feb in pine-oak forest in San Rafael del Norte, Jinotega (LC), and 3 others were observed 8 Feb at Pinabete, Nueva Segovia (FM). This species reaches the s. limit of its range in nw. Nicaragua. On the other hand, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat reaches the n. limit of its range in Honduras where it is rarely reported. An ad. male was seen well in Catacamas, Olancho 23- 24 Dec (RBe). Much more frequently reported out of range in the Region each winter are an assortment of Neotropical migrant warblers. This winter was no exception. An apparent ad. male Brewster’s Warbler was observed 29 Jan at Los Naranjos Archaeological Park on the n. shore of Lake Yojoa (CF, RJ, ph. JvD). In Hon- duras, a Nashville Warbler was observed 21 Jan at Laguna Villa Royal near Sabana Grande OvD), and in Costa Rica, the Nashville War- bler reported last fall at Ujarras, Cartago was last seen 10 Dec (RGar). In El Salvador, an im- pressive 6 Northern Parulas were observed at Barra de Santiago 14 Dec (MBo, RI, WM). A female Cape May Warbler seen 25 Dec in Pan- ama at Paya (EC) was the hrst to be reported in Darien. In Nicaragua, a Cape May Warbler was at Chocoyero Wildlife Refuge, Managua 1 Feb (ph. FM); a Blackpoll Warbler was in Costa Rica at Cahuita, Limon 20 Jan (AMon); a male Black-throated Blue Warbler was in Costa Rica at Gavilan Lodge, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Heredia 19 Jan (ph. KEa); and a Prairie War- bler, seldom seen on the mainland, was seen in Belize City 17 Jan QU). Two Hermit Warblers were at 1200-meter Finca Loma Linda, Canas Gordas, Puntarenas near the Panama Border 7 Feb (DR), an ad. male was at the Monteverde Reserve, Puntarenas 6 Jan to 11 Feb (MT, JZ), and another ad. male was at Prusia, Cartago 16 Dec (ErC). In Costa Rica, 2 ad. male Golden- cheeked Warblers were seen 6 Jan at 2400 me- ters in the Savegre Valley, Cerro de La Muerte, San Jose (TS). A flock of about 30 Dusky-faced Tanagers observed feeding in a tangle over the Samoso River, a tributary of San Juan River, Rio San Juan 10 Jan (LC, CD) established the first confirmed report of this species in Nicaragua. Scarlet- thighed Dacnis was first reported in Nicaragua in late Dec 2011 and early Jan 2012 at Refugio Bartola near the Costa Rican border, and in Apr 2012 at Rosa Grande, Siuna, 320 km to the north. On 11 Jan a male was discovered in a high tangle along the Rio Bartola in the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve (LC, CD, RicG, JKM). These two records from Rio San Juan and one from the opposite end of the country suggest that the species may have recently (or not so recently?) colonized extensive areas of Nica- ragua from Costa Rica. What was thought at the time to be Costa Rica’s first Clay-colored Sparrow was at C.A.T.I.E., Turrialba, Cartago 13 Jan to 9 Feb (ph. SA, ph. SE, ph. DaR, U.O.C.R.); however, over the next couple of months, people produced photographs of 3 more Clay-colored Sparrows that had been seen in 2012 but not reported: one near Playa El Rey 16 km se. of Quepo, Puntarenas 8 Apr (ph. DV) and one each on Cocos Island 28 Jun and 20 Nov (both ph. GB). A Savannah Spar- row at El Pochotal, an agricultural area just n. of Palo Verde N.P, Guanacaste 26 Feb (ph. JZ) provided the first report for mainland Costa Rica. The only other record for Costa Rica was When this Clay-colored Sparrow was found at the Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensehanza in Turrialba on 1 3 (here 24) January 201 3, it was thought to be Costa Rica's first. But once word got out, three other recent records surfaced: one from near Quepos in April 201 2 and singles from Cocos Island in June and November 2012, all three documented with photographs. Photograph by Steven Easley. Providing the first record for mainland Costa Rica, this Savan- nah Sparrow was at El Pochotal, an agricultural area just north of Palo Verde National Park, on 26 February 2013. The only other record for Costa Rica was from Cocos Island fifty years earlier. Photograph by Jim Zook. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 355 CENTRAL AMERICA from Cocos I. in 1963. A male Scarlet Tanager was observed at Cer- ro Campana, El Imposible N.R, Ahmchapdn on the unseasonable date of 16 Dec QA, MBo, WM). Tbe half dozen or so previous reports from El Salvador have been during peak mi- gration (Apr and Oct). A Blue-black Grosbeak seen in Corozal Town 22 Jan (NW) provided the northernmost record for Belize and one of the few records for Corozal A male Bullock’s Oriole was seen near San Marcos La Laguna, Solold 14 Feb OE MF), and another male was seen in Antigua Guatemala 15 Feb (JF). This species rarely reaches Guatemala where it is at the s. limit of its winter range. Much farther s. and clearly outside its normal winter range, an ad. male was in La Ensenada, Puntarenas 14 Jan (TS). Unexpected were 5 White -vented Euphonias at Veracruz, near Panama City 16 Dec QAC). Contributors (country coordinators in bold- face): Jeniffer Abrego, Victor Acosta, John Afdem GAD, Steven Aguilar, Alex Alberto, Fernando Aldana, Alexander Alvarado (AlA), George Angehr (Panama), Karla Aparicio (KAp), Jose Aquino QAq), Katherine Arauz (KA), Osmar Arroliga, Claudia Avendano, Philip Balderamos, Jessie Barry QBa), Roger Barrows (RBa), Rob Batchelder, Ruth Bennett (RBe), Humberto Berlanga, Jason Berry, Jim and Dorothy Beveridge Q&DB), Marguerite Bevis (MBe), Manfred Bienert, Guillermo Blan- co, Melvin Bonilla (MBo), Sebastian Bonilla, Everilda Buchan, Pedro Caceres, John Paul Ca- hill, Euclides Campos, Ernesto Carman (ErC), Hilda Castaneda, Liliana Chavarria (Nicara- gua), Johan Chaves, Jeffrey Cheney OoQ. Ett- rique Choussy (EnC), Bill Clark, David Com- ings, Glenn Crawford, Jan Axel Cubilla, Mark Davis, Olivia Diaz, Richard Dobbins, Andres Duarte, Georges Duriaux, Kevin Easley (KEa), Steven Easley, Knut Eisermann (Guatemala), John Fitzpatrick, Molly Fitzpatrick, Carlos Funes, Rigoberto Galan (RigG), Vicky Ga- lan, Diego Galdamez, Robert Gallardo (RoG), Richard Galloway (RicG), William Garcia, Richard Garrigues (RGar), Malcolm Glasgow, Kees Groenendijk, Saul Guzman, Brian Han- sen, Esteban Herrera, Heydi Herrera, Jorge Herrera, David Hille, Ricardo Ibarra, Wendy James, Orlando Jarquin, Lee Jones (Belize), Roselvy Juarez (El Salvador), Kevin Karlson (KKar), Kenn Kaufmann, Ethan Kistler, Oliver Komar, Benoit Laliberte, Roni Martinez, Brian McNab, Jan Meerman QaM), Jorg Mellenthin, Walter Mendez, John Kent Minichiello, Alvaro Moises, Alan Monroy (AMon), Darien Mon- tanez (Panama), Francisco Munoz, Desiree Naranjo, Jacobo Ortega, Ryan Phillips, Norma Ponce, Liberato Pop, Joshua Richards, Arlene Ripley (ArR), Eric Ripma, Benjamin Rivera, Doug Robinson, David Rodriguez (DaR), Allen Romero (AIR), Amber Roth, Mima Salas, Luis Sandoval, Ted Sears (TeS), Tim Shelmerdine, Dennis Shepler, Celso Sho, David Sigtienza (DaS), Max Thompson (MTh), Matthew Timpf, Union de Omitblogos de Costa Rica website, Jonathan Urbina, Martin Vallecillo, John van Dort (Honduras), Danny Vasquez, Iselda Vega, Herman Venegas, Nathaniel Wan- der, Linda Warschauer, Chris West (CWe), Venicio Wilson, Jennifer Wolcott, Kashmir Wolf, Chris Wood, Jim Zook (Costa Rica). O H. Lee Jones, 3 Ogaldez Street, Punta Gorda, Belize (bzbirdman@gmail.com) Oliver Komar, Zamorano University, Department of Environment and Development Studies, Km 35, Carretera a Danli', Francisco Morazan, Honduras (ol(omar@zamorano.edu) West Indies & Bermuda Robert L. Norton Anthony White Andrew Dobson The winter season passed with few surprises, but there were a few firsts for individual islands. Dr. Elwood “Woody” Bracey of Treasure Cay, Abaco provided some remarkable finds during his 2012 Bahamas Big Year, which tallied 242 total species. Congratulations! A whip-poor- will, well described but not photographed. would be the Bahamas’ first of any Antros- tomus species. The Bahamas population of Anhinga unfortunately appears to have de- clined to a single female. Individual island firsts included Snowy Plover on Grand Ba- hama, Swamp Sparrow on San Salvador, and Least Grebe on Musha Cay. Highlights at Bermuda in this period included 17 spe- cies of duck, a Northern Lapwing (fourth record), an adult Glaucous Gull, and White- winged Crossbills. A Tufted Duck in Puerto Rico would be a potential hrst fort the Ca- ribbean. WATERFOWL THROUGH WOODPECKERS Nine Snow Geese photographed on San Salvador 23 Jan (DH, MK) reportedly ar- rived in mid-Dec (fide BC); 3 were seen as late as 24 Feb (BC). Six Snow Geese were at Cano Tiburones, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 2-9 Feb (SC et ah). A record 13 Canada Geese were present in Bermuda this winter. First seen in St. Davids 9 Nov, the presumed three family groups settled at Tuckers Point G.C. (3 birds). Port Royal G.C. (6), and South- ampton G.C. (4), remaining through the sea- son (AD). A Canada Goose wintered at the Treasure Cay G.C., Abaco as well (EB, GT, CM). A Wood Duck was at Cano Tiburones 5-6 Dec (GLu, JuS). Three Gadwalls, rare in Cuba, were at Guanahacabibes N.P 7 Nov (DK et ah); another was studied at Albany G.C., New Providence 20 Dec (WP, CMW, LHu). An American Black Duck in Har- rington Sound, Bermuda 4 Jan (AD) was the hrst of an influx of about 10 birds at vari- ous locations through the end of the season. A male Northern Pintail was found at Great Pedro Pond, sw. Jamaica 28 Nov (DA, RRo, KL, JRe, BHa) in a large mixed flock of teal, scaup, and Ring-necked Ducks. A Eurasian Wigeon at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 23 Oct (DBW) was the hrst of 4 present at various Bermuda locations through the winter (AD). A female Tufted Duck was observed at Laguna Cartagena N.WR. 19 Nov (AM) and 21 Dec (BvS) — the hrst record of the species for Puerto Rico and possibly the en- tire Region. Bermuda’s 8th record of Long- tailed Duck came from Tucker’s Point G.C. 17 Nov-i- (AD). Ring-necked Duck numbers peaked at 18 at Granard South Pond, St. Croix 21 Jan (LY) and 2 Feb (CC-B). A fe- male Greater Scaup was at Great Inagua 3-4 356 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Dec (BH, EB). A Bufflehead at Spittal Pond, Bermuda 28 Feb (PW) was a spring arrival. Seven Red-breasted Mergansers made the high count at Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda 10 Feb (PW). In the Bahamas, 2 were at Al- ice Town, Bimini 2 Dec (WP), one at Green Turtle Cay, Abaco 25 Dec (EB), 13 at West End, Grand Bahama 28 Dec (EB, BH, BP), and one at East End Beach, Nassau 15-19 Jan QT). A Hooded Merganser visited the Laguna Cartagena 28 Nov (APa) and 9 Dec QA). A Ruddy Duck was at Cloverdale Pond, Bermuda 1 Dec+ (AD). A Least Grebe at Musha Cay, Exumas 18 Dec was the first for that island (KJ). A Horned Grebe seen in Harrington Sound, Bermuda 14 Nov (JM) moved to Castle Har- bour 31 Dec. During surveys on the R.V. Ex- plorer to the s. of Bermuda, Wingate recorded a Cory’s Shearwater 14 Feb, 2 Manx Shear- waters 27 Feb, and a Leach’s Storm-Petrel 26 Feb. An Audubon’s Shearwater was reported off Desecheo Island 26 Dec (LMu et al). In Puerto Rico, Eliezer Nieves observed 4 Red- billed Tropicbirds flying along the cays of the Arrecife de la Cordillera Nature Reserve off Fajardo’s coast 9 Dec. On 12 Feb, there were 110 Brown Boobies with 42 nests on Cato Cay, San Salvador (BC). Rare for Puerto Rico, 2 American White Pelicans were pho- tographed during the Cabo Rojo C.B.C. 29 Dec (fide ] AC)', 3 at Guanahacabibes N.P 7 Nov (DK et al.) were expected in Cuba. In Bermuda, an imm. Brown Pelican was pres- ent in the East End 2 Nov-4 Dec (AD) and an ad. in Castle Harbour 12-23 Feb (GBu). Two Neotropic Cormorants at Reef G.C. 5-6 Jan were unusual for Grand Bahama (fide EG). A female Anhinga, seen infrequently on Paradise Island and Hobby Horse Lake (WP, PM, ph. LHu) is believed to be the only one left in New Providence and the Bahamas. An American Bittern was at Wilson Pond, New Providence 18 Dec (WP, PD). A Little Egret was reported from Saline des Galets, Guadeloupe 13 Jan (FD), indicating the spe- cies’ continued spread in the Lesser Antil- les. Thirty-four White Ibis at Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands 5-6 Dec was a high count (TW). Away from their home island of Great Inagua, 14 American Flamingos were seen on Acklins Island 27 Feb, and 7 were on West Plana Cay 20 Feb (EF). At least 2 ad. American Flamingos were reported QP) at Cabo Rojo N.WR., Puerto Rico 15-28 Feb, and the flamingo that arrived in Camuy Puerto Rico in Feb 2009 continued there (fide] AC). Northern Harriers were widespread in the Bahamas in Dec and early Jan, being report- ed from South Bimini (WP), Great Harbour Cay (TW), Lake Killarney New Providence (TH), Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre, New Providence (WP, PD), the Marls, Abaco (EB), Treasure Cay Fruit Farm, Abaco (3 birds; BP), and West End, Grand Bahama (3; BP, BH, EB). A female was seen at Elim Ponds, sw. Jamaica 27 Nov (DA, RRo, KL, JRe, BHa). Elsewhere, harriers were at Cano Tiburones 11 Dec QuS) and on the Santa Isa- bel coastal plain, Puerto Rico 22 Jan QoS), and one was at Estate Belvedere, St. Croix 23 Feb (SF). Sharp-shinned Hawks are rare in the Bahamas archipelago, so singles re- ported at Governor’s Beach, Grand Turk 9 Dec (RP) and San Salvador 16 Jan (BC) were noteworthy. The 2 Red-tailed Hawks contin- ued at Morgan’s Point, Bermuda throughout the period (AD, PW). In Bermuda, a Vir- ginia Rail was seen on Mid-Ocean G.C. 29 Dec-20 Jan (PA), and another was at Paget Marsh 6 Feb (GB). At Zapata Swamp, Las Salinas N.P, Cuba, a Spotted Rail was heard calling and responded to audiotape 1 1 Nov (DK et al.). An imm. Purple Gallinule was at Somerset Long Bay N.R., Bermuda 14 Dec (DBW), while an exhausted bird was found not far away at Coco Reefs Hotel 1 1 Jan and taken into care. Two Purple Gallinules were at Paradise Island G.C. 3 Feb (TH, WP) and one at Hobby Horse Lake, New Providence 24 & 28 Feb (GL, CMW). A Northern Lapwing was first seen over Hamilton 8 Dec before moving to the airport 24 Dec-1 Feb (PW); Bermuda has three pre- vious records of the species. Over 250 Black- bellied Plovers and 100 Semipalmated Plo- vers were at the Green Turtle Cay sandspit 29 Dec (EB). An American Golden-Plover was still present at the Bermuda airport 15 Dec (AD). In Puerto Rico, up to 7 American Golden-Plovers were seen at Cano Tiburones from 4 Dec QuS, GLu, WH) through 7 Feb (IG, JuS); one was at the El Combate section of the Cabo Rojo N.WR. 1-30 Dec QR)- A Piping Plover was at Cooper’s Island, Bermu- da 12 Jan-7 Feb (AD); others were observed at the Grande de Anasco River mouth, Puerto Rico 1 Dec and on the Cabo Rojo C.B.C. 29 Dec (fide JAC, LMu). A Snowy Plover pho- tographed at Pelican Point, Grand Bahama 17 Jan (CD, EH, TR) was new for the island and one of the few ever seen in the n. Baha- mas. American Avocets were seen at Albany G.C. 10 Dec (TH) and Lochebar Pond, Long Island, Bahamas 7 Jan (PM). Four American Avocets were seen at Parrottee Pond, sw. Ja- maica 28 Nov (DA, BHa, KL, JRe, RRO). One avocet was at Cabo Rojo N.WR. 29 Dec-13 Jan OuS), likely the same bird reported there 24 Sep. Other high sho rebird counts at the Green Turtle Cay, Abaco sandspit 29 Dec in- WEST INDIES & BERMUDA This Greater Scaup on Great Inagua 3 December 2012 was struck down to the water by a Peregrine Falcon just moments after it flushed. The species is quite rare in the Bahamas. Photograph by Bruce Hallett. eluded 9 Willets, 52 Red Knots, 60 Western Sandpipers, 18 Dunlins, and 80 Short-billed Dowitchers (EB). Up to 3 Whimbrels were seen daily along the sw. shore of Isla San Andres 26-28 Feb (MG, TW). A Pectoral Sandpiper was reported at Punta Maracayo Beach, Hatillo, Puerto Rico 4 Dec (JR). A Short-billed Dowitcher was unseasonable at Mid-Ocean G.C., Bermuda 20-30 Jan (GB). A Wilson’s Phalarope was the highlight of the Nassau C.B.C. 16 Dec (NMc, ph. EB); 2 were at Parrottee Pond, Jamaica 28 Nov (DA, KL, BHa, JRe, and RRo); and another wintered at Cabo Rojo N.WR., hrst noted 1 1 Dec and still present 19 Feb (SC). At the same refuge, several Red-necked Phalaropes, first report- ed 27 Sep (GLA), were still present in the Combate section 20 Feb (GLu). Single Black-headed Gulls were wide- spread, noted at West End, Grand Bahama 27-28 Dec (EB, BP) and Nassau 4 Jan-4 Eeb (WP, LHu, GL), and in Puerto Rico at the Grande de Anasco River mouth 24 Nov-26 Dec Ok SC), Catano Pier, Boquerbn Bay 24 Dec (FC) and 2 Jan OoS), at Playa Boqueron 26 Dec (KS, IS), and at Mayaguez 9 Jan-16 Feb OO- A Bonaparte’s Gull was at West End, Grand Bahama 4 Jan (BP, EB), and another was off Treasure Cay, Abaco 14-19 Feb (EB). Eour Lesser Black-backed Gulls and one Great Black-backed Gull at the Turks and Caicos National Museum, Grand Turk 18 Jan (RS) made a good count for that loca- tion. A first-cycle Lesser was photographed with a Ring-billed Gull on the shore near the Frederiksted Fishermen’s Pier, St. Croix 23 Feb Qb) arid 26 Feb (LY) and was last seen 21 Mar. An ad. Glaucous Gull was photo- graphed off Bermuda from the R. V Explorer 26 Feb (DBW). A Gull -billed Tern was at Cabo Rojo N.WR. 14 Dec (ph. MM). Caspian Terns were at the Grande de Anasco River mouth 14 (WH, GLu, JuS) & 18 Dec QD and at San Juan Bay 17 Dec (APa). Another was at Caves Point, New Providence 2 & 8 Dec (TW, EB). VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 357 WEST INDIES & BERMUDA 1’ Two Forster’s Terns wintered at Dockyard, Bermuda 1 Dec+ (PH). Up to 6 Forster’s were along the w,-cen. coast of Puerto Rico 14 Dec and 19 Feb (PS et al). Sandwich Terns were noted on Coco Cay, Berry Islands 15 Dec and 1 Jan (GS, AF) and in the Caicos Islands 7-15 Jan (AF). Juliann Rosado saw a Black Tern at the Grande de Anasco River mouth 1 Dec. A dark-morph Parasitic Jaeger was photographed off Bermuda during sur- vey work on the R.V. Explorer 27 Feb (DBW). CUCKOOS THROUGH FINCHES A late Yellow-billed Cuckoo was at Ferry Point, Bermuda 9 Dec (NM). A Short-eared Owl was at the Bermuda airport 26 Feb (PW). An Eastern Phoebe w. of Maria la Gorda within Guanahacabibes N.P. 6-7 Nov (Dave Krueper, Arturo Kirkconnell et al.) made the sixth record for Cuba. An Eastern Phoebe was at Morgan’s Point, Bermuda 5 Jan (AD). A well-described whip-poor-will was seen repeatedly at Gerace Research Cen- ter, San Salvador 19 Feb-10 Mar (BC, MA). Unfortunately, the bird did not vocalize, and the observers were unable to get a photo- graph. There is no verified Bahamian record of any whip-poor-will species. Green-breast- ed Mangos are found in the West Indies only on San Andres and Providencia. They were noted to be fairly common on San Andres 26-28 Feb (MG, TW). A Ruby-throated Hummingbird was at the Leon Levy Pre- serve, Eleuthera 16 Feb (FM). A Peregrine Falcon was seen at various Bermuda loca- tions 20 Dec+ and in late Feb often roosted on the window ledge of an office block in Hamilton (AD, RA, NM). Three Peregrines on Great Inagua 3 Dec (BH, EB) made a good count. Two Brown-throated Parakeets were noted 26-27 Feb along the sw. coast road on San Andres (MG, TW), where the species has been recently introduced. Multiple reports of parrots from Nassau indicate that there is a population of 6-8 Cuban (Baha- ma) Parrots in the city (fide LG). Two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were seen feeding at the U.S. Forest Service offices at the El Yunque N.E, Puerto Rico 26 Dec (DS) and later; another was at Cabo Rojo N.WR. 7 Jan (AM). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES According to Bracey, Eastern Phoebes were common in Abaco this winter. Elsewhere, singles were at Great Harbour Cay 5 Dec (TW) and 15 Jan (KJn) and at West End, Grand Bahama 27 Dec (EB, BP). A late Gray Kingbird was found in Nassau 8 Dec (TW, EB, TH, BH). One of the few documented records of Philadelphia Vireo for Puerto Rico came from Cano Corazones, Mayagiiez 22 Dec (ph. AFa); it was seen again 26 Dec by several other birders. A Red-eyed Vireo was present at the Rio Abajo S.E, Puerto Rico 4 Dec OuS). Single White -eyed and Blue-headed Vireos were found on Grand Bahama 4-6 Jan (BP, EB, BH). A Yellow- throated Vireo was at Camden Marsh, Ber- muda 29 Dec (AD). The endemic St. Andrew Vireo was common and easy to see in the s. two-thirds of its eponymous home island 26-28 Feb (MG, TW). A vireo observed in the mangroves near San Luis on the e. coast of San Andres 27 Feb (MG, TW) most re- sembled a Thick-billed Vireo and could have been the taxon resident on Providencia (Old Providence). That vireo is listed as a subspe- cies of Thick-billed Vireo by the American Ornithologists’ Union and as potentially a subspecies of Mangrove Vireo by Raffaele et al. (1998), whereas local naturalist Thomas McNish splits it as an endemic species, Old Providence Vireo (Vireo approximans) . Cer- tainly, the matter bears further study. A flock of 16 Horned Larks lingered at the Bermuda airport 16 Dec-3 Jan (DBW). Tauer and Moning found 25 Bahama Swal- lows in s. Abaco 11 Jan. Single Bank Swal- lows were at Cano Tiburones 22 Dec (NG, JuS) and at Yeguada Pond, Camuy 28 Dec and 1-4 Jan (LMu; NG, JuS); 2 were at Cabo Rojo 11 Dec (SC), with 3 there on 2 Jan (NG, JuS). Yeguada Pond also had 2 North- ern Rough-winged Swallows 28 Dec (LMu); one at Matthewtown, Great Inagua was un- expected 5 Dec (BH, EB). A Tree Swallow was logged on the Cabo Rojo C.B.C. 29 Dec QoS). Three Golden Swallows were found at Wynne Farm 21 Jan (HMi), and 45 were estimated at Seguin, Haiti 27 Feb (CR). On Abaco, Bracey found House Wrens at Coo- perstown 12 Dec and at Sandy Point 15 Dec. Two Brown-headed Nuthatches on Owl’s Hole Rd., Grand Bahama 27 Dec (EB, BP) were the final species for Bracey’s Bahama Big Year. Eight American Pipits were seen on Port Royal G.C., Bermuda 13 Feb (PW); one was at the Great Harbour Cay G.C. 6 Dec (TW) and 12 Jan (KJn). A Bicknell’s/ Gray-cheeked Thrush at the Jardin Botani- ca Nacional in Havana, Cuba 16 Nov (DK et al.) accompanied a feeding flock of about 25 Red-legged Thrushes. Two American Robins were at Emerald G.C., Grand Bahama 26 Dec (EB, BP) and one at Orchid Bay, Abaco 28 Feb (MS). A Gray Catbird was observed at the Rincon Lighthouse, Puerto Rico 2em- ber (JR) & 12 December (NG, JuS), while another was in Cano Tiburones for the Are- cibo C.B.C. 22 December (APa, LMu). Four Snow Buntings were at the Bermuda airport 28-29 Dec (AD, PW). Twenty-two species of warbler were re- corded in Bermuda during the winter pe- riod, including a Swainson’s Warbler in the Smith’s Hills 20 Jan OM)- Single Kirtland’s Warblers were found on San Salvador 9,18, & 27 Feb (BC). Other uncommon warblers found in the Bahamas this winter included Blue-winged, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Black-throated Green, and Wilson’s War- blers. Blue-winged Warblers were wide- spread in Puerto Rico, reported from Rio Abajo S.F 4 Dec (JuS) and 3 Feb (NG), Cano Tiburones, 22 Dec on the Arecibo C.B.C. (SC), and at Jobos Bay, Sa- linas 18 Jan during a bird banding workshop OuS). A Louisiana Waterthrush seen along the Mahogany Rd. stream, St. Croix 16 Dec and 15 Feb (LY) was presumed to be on winter territory. In Puerto Rico, single Chest- nut-sided Warblers were re- ported at Carite 9 Dec (AM) and Maricao 11 Feb QuS), and a Worm-eating Warbler was at La Esperanza Natural Area, Manati on the Arecibo C.B.C. 22 Dec (RLR, JR). Two Swainson’s Warblers were caught in mist nets at the Guanica S.E, Puerto Rico 15 Jan (fide DN); one was along the Mastric Trail, St. Andrew Vireo has the smallest range of any bird in the West Indies, San Andres Island in the western Carib- bean, where this bird was one of many observed 26-28 (here 27) February 2013. Photograph by Mark Garland. 358 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS Grand Cayman 3 Dec (ph. AC). Three West- ern Palm Warblers were noted at George- town, Grand Cayman 26 Jan (SM, CR-S). A Chipping Sparrow was at Big Bird Poul- try Farm, Abaco 30 Dec and 6 Jan (BP, EB). A Swamp Sparrow was at Morgan’s Point, Ber- j muda 5 Jan (AD); 2 were at Cooperstown, I Abaco 12 Dec (ph. EB); one on San Salvador I 16 Jan (b. MA, BC) was the first for that is- [ land. A Lincoln’s Sparrow in the Foret des Pins, w. Haiti 6 Feb (JTi) was locally rare; one ■ banded on San Salvador 16 Jan (MA, BC) was the first for that island. Single Lincoln’s were also seen at several sites in Abaco 12 I Dec-9 Jan (EB, BH). A Rose-breasted Gros- beak was at Camuy Puerto Rico 5-6 Jan (PR, i IG). A migrant Summer Tanager at Maricao ; S.F, Puerto Rico 1 Dec (SC). At least 5 Red- winged Blackbirds were reported from vari- ous Bermuda locations 1 Jan-i- (AD). Great- I tailed Crackles were uncommon around the airport and in the urban n. third of San An- dres 26-28 Feb (TW, MG). A Brown-head- ed Cowbird was discovered at Port Royal G.C., Bermuda 11-12 Jan (PW). Eight Shiny Cowbirds were at Rainbow Farm, New Providence 15 Dec (WP, PD). A first-winter male Orchard Oriole was seen briefly but heard extensively on St. Croix 27 Feb and ultimately photographed 28 Feb (LY); it per- sisted through 6 Mar (CC-B et al). Single Baltimore Orioles were along Buen Retiro Rd., Nassau 11 Dec (TH), at Emerald G.C., Grand Bahama 4 Jan (BP), and on Elbow Cay, Abaco from 19 Nov+ (3 birds; BW). An ad. Baltimore Oriole was at Mahogany Run, St. Croix 4 Feb (RW). Part of a mas- sive eastward and southeastward dispersal in North America, 8 'White-winged Crossbills graced Southampton Princess G.C., Bermu- da 13 Jan-10 Feb QR)- Also on Bermuda, 4 Common Redpolls were on Nonsuch Island 9 Dec (AD) and 2 at St. Georges G.C. 19 Jan (PW). Two Antillean Siskins were at Wynne Farm, Haiti 21 Jan (HMi). Observers (subregional editors in bold): Pe- ter Adhemar, Michael Akresh, Jose Alicea, Richard Amos, Gloria Archilla, Dennis Ar- endt, Geoff Bell, Elwood Bracey, Gregory Burgess (GBu), Chris Burville, Blaine Carnes, Jose A. Colon, Sergio Colon, Alison Cope- land, Frank Cosme, Carol Cramer-Burke, Alexander Cruz, Christina Davis, Paul Dean, Steven DeSilva, Andrew Dobson, Frantz Du- zont, Alice Falto (AFa), Andrew Farnsworth, Ethan Freid, Wendy Frith, Sheelagh Fromer, Lynn Gape, Mark Garland, Erika Gates, Na- thaniel Gonzalez, Charles Gosling, Israel Guzmto, Bruce Hallett, Doug Hamilton, Brandon Hay (BHa), Emily Heiser, Tony Hep- burn, Willie Herntodez, Peter Hopkin, Linda Huber (LHu), Jorge Illanas, Kathlyn Johnson (KJn), Kevin Jolliffe, Mark Kuhlmann, Gra- WEST INDIES & BERMUDA ham Langley, Kit Larsen, Gabriel Lugo (GLu), Jacqueline Leedy, Jeremy Madeiros, Leila Madeiros, Stuart Mailer, Herb Marshall, Neil McKinney, Friedericke Merck, Haynes Miller (HMi), Christoph Moning, Predensa Moore, Alcides Morales, Mike Morel, Neal Morris (NM), Luis Munoz (LMu), Desiree Narango, Eliezer Nieves, Jeffrey Padilla, Roy Peterson, Nigel Pollard, Ana Pazos (APa), William Pin- der, Ron Porter (RPo), Adam Power, Bruce Purdy, Tom Reed, Jim Regali QRe)- Chris Rimmer, Ramon L. Rivera, Roger Robb (RRo), Pablo Roman, Juliann Rosado, Christine Rose-Smyth, J.-P Rouja, Julio Salgado O^S), Jose Salguero OoS), Pedro Santana, Robert Scranton, David Seibel, Kate Shulgina, Irina Shulgina, Gerald Sniderman, Michele Soren- son, Gerlinde Taueqjohn Thompson, Jim Ti- etz OTi), Bas van Schooten, Carolyn Wardle (CMW), Paul Watson, Roger White, Tim White (TiW), Tony White, David Wingate, Bruce Wolck, Lisa Yntema. Robert L. Norton (Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles) 8960 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville, Florida 32609 (corvus0486@aol.com) Anthony White (Bahamas Archipelago) 970 Aurora Avenue A205, Boulder, Colorado 80302 (spindalis@aol.com) Andrew Dobson (Bermuda) Warwick Academy, 1 1 7 Middle Road, Warwick PG 01 Bermuda, (ADobson@warwickacad.bm) Hawaiian Islands | Pater Donaldson The rainy season got a late start, but some heavy rain finally arrived in early December and more widespread rain in January. However, persistent trade winds (more typical of summer than winter) dominated through much of December and February. While windward areas received average rainfall amounts, drought conditions continued over leeward areas. Observer cov- erage was good but there were few unusual migrants, especially in the waterfowl. WATERFOWL THROUGH FALCONS The only migrant goose reported was a Cackling Goose at the Kealakehe WT.P, Hawaii Island 20 Dec (DD) and 11-12 Jan (AW; MSe). Cackling is normally the most common migrant goose in the Region. Four Tundra Swans were on the Molokai C.B.C. 20 Dec (ph., ADY) and were observed on various Molokai wetlands through 26 Jan (m.ob.). Migrant swans are very rare in the Region, and this was a new high count for this species. A male Gadwall wintering at Lokowaka Pond Hawaii Island Dec-i- (AW, m.ob.), possibly the same bird seen there the previous spring, was the most unusual duck reported. Duck numbers were generally low and bay ducks quite sparse. Kalij Pheasants are locally common on Hawaii Island but rarely reported elsewhere in the Region. One spotted in the Waianae Mountains, Oahu Island on the Waipio C.B.C. 5 Jan (DB, LT et al.) was some indication that a popula- tion may be getting established on Oahu. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 359 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS On Kure Atoll, this first-cycle Herring Gull (thought to be of the wgae subspecies) was present 9 October through 9 December (here) 2012 and this adult Slaty-backed Gull spent 12 January (here) through 1 3 February 2013. Photographs by Naomi Worcester and liana Nimz. Few unusual seabirds were reported. A White-necked Petrel was photographed sw. of Lanai Island 7 Dec by cetacean researchers (ph. C.R.C.). Ajuv. Masked Booby off South Point, Hawaii Island (TP, AW) was quite unusual. Maskeds are rarely observed around the main is- lands away from Oahu. White-faces Ibis were sparse this season, but 2 were at Kealia Pond N.WR., Maui Island Dec-t- (MN, LT. MW et al.), 2 at the Honouli- uli Unit of Pearl Harbor N.WR., Oahu Island 27 Dec and 2 Jan (PD, RM), and one at Lokowaka Pond, Hawaii Island Dec-r (DD, AW, m.ob.). The only mi- grant raptors of the season were single Peregrine Falcons observed at the Kii Unit of James Campbell N.WR. 8 Dec (MO, LT et al.), at Kilauea Point N.WR., Kauai Island 15 (ph. TT) & 19 Dec (LY), and at Ohiapilo, Molokai Island 24 Feb (ADY). The falcon on Kauai was a very dark and odd-looking bird that provoked considerable comment but was a Peregrine. The outstanding rarity of the season was the Regions first American Bittern near Pearl City, Oahu 16 Jan-i- (PD, RM, ph. EV, m.ob.); the bird may have been present since the fall. SANDPIPERS THROUGH PASSERINES A Surfbird was seen near the Halona Blow- hole, Oahu 19 Feb-i- (LT, EV). This is prob- ably the same bird seen in the area the pre- vious winter — the only one ever reported in the Region. The bird was not observed over the summer and fall, and it is unknown whether the bird migrated. A nice group of shorebirds (by Hawaii standards) was at Kealia during the winter, including a Semi- palmated Sandpiper, a Western Sandpiper, a Dunlin, and 5 Least Sandpipers Dec-i- (LT, ph. DBe, DKi). A Curlew Sandpiper present on Molokai since fall 2010 wintered there (ADY). Curlew Sandpiper and Semipalmat- ed Sandpiper are rare in the Region; Western and Least Sandpipers and Dunlin are regular. Gulls remained scarce around the main islands, and no large gulls were reported. However an ad. Slaty-backed Gull was ob- served on Kure Atoll 12 Jan-13 Feb (IN et al.), and a first-cycle Herring Gull (probably of the vegae subspecies) was present there 13 Oct-4 Dec (LP et al). Both are rare in the Re- gion. Three Least Terns were seen at the Ke- alakehe WT.E, Hawaii Island 20 Dec (DD), 28 Dec (CB), and 11 Jan (AW); 2 were there 12 Jan (MSe). These were likely some of the 4 birds seen at this location in fall. A Cas- pian Tern was observed at Kaneohe, Oahu Island Dec+ (LT, m.ob.). A Common Tern at Kii Dec-i- (m.ob.) was probably the same bird seen at Kii during the fall. Caspian and Common Terns are rare in the Region. Least Terns are regular, but 3 birds lingering into Jan is very unusual. The only Belted King- fisher was at Lokowaka Pond 16 Feb (CG). Four Greater Necklaced Laughing- Thrushes were observed at Lihue 14 Dec (TH), 5 were seen along the Kuamoo-Nou- nou Trail 20 Dec (MA), 3 were spotted at Kokee 1 Feb (DL), and 2 were found on the Kuilau Ridge Trail 13 Feb (SCA, LC, JC, EC), all on Kauai Island. It is unusual to receive this many reports in one season of this enig- matic species. liwi are locally common on Hawaii and Maui Islands but very rare on Oahu, where one was on the Waipio C.B.C. 5 Jan (LT et al.). Contributors: Michael Adams, Perry Barker, Dave Bell (DBe), David Bremer, Cheshta Buckley, Cascadia Research Col- lective (C.R.C.), Joanne Cormier, Sharon Cormier- Aagaard, Etta Cosey Reg David, Arleone Dibben-Young, Peter Donaldson, Darren Dowell, Mason Elint, Callie Gesmun- do, Nick Hajdukovich, Tyler Hallman,. Da- vid Kiehl, Dan Lindsay, Richard May, liana Nimz, Mike Nishimoto, Mike Ord, Kurt Pohlman, Liat Portner, Thane Pratt, Matthew Saunter (MSa), Mike Sefton (MSe), Afsheen Siddiqi, Thomas Tamura, Lance Tanino, Phil Taylor, Eric VanderWerf, Michael Walther, Alex Wang, Lindsay Young. O Peter Donaldson, 2375 Ahakapu Street, Pearl City, Hawaii 96782, (pdnidsn.birdiamaccom) Tundra Swans are very rare in the Hawaiian Islands, and four together is unprecedented. These birds were at the kualapuu Reservoir, Molokai Island 20 December 2012. Photograph by Arleone Dibben-Young. 360 NORTHAMERICANBIRDS Pictorial Highlights 1 & 2 • Canada's first Red-flanked Bluetail, seen by thousands at Queen's Park in New Westminster, British Columbia from 13 January 2013 into spring (here 10 March), was part of a notable influx of Asian species into the Pacific Northwest in autumn 2012. Photographs by Ryan Shaw. 3 • This photograph documents North America's first Peruvian Pelican (Pekcanus thagus) at La Perlita on the coast of El Salvador, as it flew eastward accompanied by 19 Brown Pelicans on 21 December 2012. At close range, the far greater bulk and wingspan of this bird, an apparent adult, dwarfed the Brown Pelicans. Searchers along the coast could not re-locate this bird. Photograph byJenifferAbrego. 4 • This apparent Dusky Canada Goose (subspecies ocddentalis) in Denver, Colorado 21 January 2013 was most unexpected. This subspecies is a long-distance migrant, traveling from southwestern Alaska to western Oregon, but the breeding population as of 201 2 was estimated to be only 1 3,700 birds. This bird's deep chestnut color and Canada Goose structure eliminates all other taxa except fulva, a slightly larger sub- species that is sedentary or a short-distance migrant. Photograph by Cathy Sheeter. 5 • In Wayne County, Ohio, this male Orchard Oriole remained through the winter (here 31 December 2012) at a jelly feeder, furnishing a first wintering record of the species for Ohio and one of few anywhere at this latitude. Photograph by Bruce CM. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 361 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 • This Redhead x Ring-necked Duck in Broomfield County on 27 December 2012 was first such hybrid to be identified in Colorado. Photograph by Steven G. MIodinow. 2 • This Purple Sandpiper, present 9-10 (here 1 0) February 201 3 at Presque Isle State Park, Erie County, Pennsylvania, was most unexpected; the state has no previous February record this species, and the county has no February record of any Calidris. It fed on frozen Gizzard Shad strewn all along the beach, often within feet of onlookers. Photograph by Geoff Malosh. 362 3 & 4 • This hybrid kingbird photographed 1 1 December 2012 near Pipe Creek, Erie County, Pennsylvania exhibits characters of both Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and a yellow-bellied Tyramiis. Current thinking favors either Vtestern or Couch's Kingbird as one of the parents. Photograph by Kurt Wray. 5 & 6 • identifying gadfly petrels at sea can be challenging. Off the Kona coast of Hawaii Island, southwest of Lanai Island, this White-necked Petrel was nicely photographed 7 December 2012. Photographs by Annie Douglas/Cascadia Research Collective. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 & 2 • A hatch-year male Allen's Hummingbird frequented a feeder in Ivins, Washington County in early December 2012. It was captured and banded on 1 6 January 2013 (here), making the first documented record of the species for Utah. Photographs by Carla Ritter. 3 • A species unexpected in North America away from Dry Tortugas National Park (where rare), this Red-footed Booby caught a ride to shore 5 December 2012 on a boat 11 kilometers miles off Clearwater Beach, Pinellas County, Florida. Photograph by Stan Czaplicki. 4 • Just the fourth for Arkansas, this photogenic male Lesser Goldfinch resided at Mablevale, Saline County 29 December 201 2 through 27 February (here 20 January) 2013. Photograph by Michael Linz. 5 & 6 • Gray-cheeked or Bicknell's? This bird, seen at the Beveridges' feeder on Caye Caulker 13-18 (here 13) December 2012, would represented either Belize's first December record of Gray-cheeked Thrush or perhaps first Bicknell's Thrush. The reddish cast to the mantle and tail, the primary extension, and the short bill with extensively yellow mandible are suggestive of Bicknell's. Photograph by Jim Beveridge. 7 • Winter 2012-2013 was a notable season for Long-eared Owls in Kentucky, with one to three birds reported from four locales. This was one of two found in Muhlenberg County 1 8 February. Photograph by Eddie Huber. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 363 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 • Belize finally got its long-awaited first White-faced Ibis when this juvenile (and possibly another) were photographed on Northern Lagoon, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary on 1 8 (here) and 22 December 2012. Ibises in the genus Plegadis are now a common sight at Crooked Tree and locally elsewhere in Belize. Most or all in the past have been assumed to be Glossy, but few have been scrutinized critically to rule out White-faced. Photograph by Kevin Karlson. 2 • Rufous Hummingbirds were widespread and numerous in the Midwest and East in autumn/winter 2012-2013. This one, photographed 6 January 2013 at Leetsdale, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, was one of three in the county during the season; incredibly, the state overall hosted no fewer than 46, of which 44 were banded. Photograph by Geoff Malosh. 3 • One of several reported in Illinois and Indiana this season, this adult male Hoary Redpoll visited the Brock residence in Chesterton, Indiana 31 December 2012 (here) and 2 January 2013. Photograph by Kenneth J. Brock. 4 • Grasshopper Sparrow is occasionally found in coastal scrub and roadsides of the Yucatan Peninsula, but this individual on 2 December 201 3 is apparently the first photographically documented for Cozumel Island. Photograph by by Steve W. G. Howell. 5 • This female Summer Tanager was present 5-6 (here 6) December 2012 at the pho- tographer's home in Sainte-Felicite-de-Matane, Quebec; its grayish tones were thought to be more suggestive of western cooper/ than of the nominate subspecies. Photograph by Jacques Deschenes. 6 • Nevada's first documented Common Crane (upper right) was found 15 (here 1 7) January 201 3 with five Sandhill Cranes at Overton Wildlife Management Area, Clark County. It remained through 5 February, providing viewing opportunities for birders from throughout the Great Basin region and beyond. Photograph by Pick Fridell. 364 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHT?1 1 • Previously unrecorded in North America, a pair of Bicolored Wrens was seen near Paya, Darien Province on 23 December 2012 (here), with single birds seen the following two days. Another bird was identified by voice near Boca del Cupe, Darien Province on 28 December. A bird of second-growth woodland, Bicolored Wren was a likely candidate to find its way to Panama eventually, after decades of deforestation in northern Colombia. Photograph by Euclides Campos. 2 • This female Barrow's Goldeneye on the Choptank River, Talbot County 1 1 (here 18) Decem- ber 2012 through 10 February 2013 was well watched. Found by Jeff Culler and Joe Hanfman, it made the ninth accepted record of this species for Maryland. Photograph by Mark Johnson. 3 • Quite rare in Ohio in December, and seldom well documented so late, this juvenile Parasitic Jaeger was photographed at Edgewater Park Marina in Cleveland on 14 December 2012. Photograph by Chuck Sksarayk, Jr. 4 • Botteri's Sparrow has been found to be an increasingly regular winter resident at some of the known breeding areas in southeastern Arizona; this bird was found near Patagonia Lake State Park 3 February 2013. Photograph by Alan Schmmer. 5 • The Old Dominion University Department of Biological Sciences, netting birds for a study of avian tick-borne diseases at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, captured this intriguing Empidonax flycatcher during a snowstorm 26 January 2013. The bird, wintering in a closed area of brush- piles, animal dung, and overgrown vegetation adjacent the butterfly garden, was observed infrequently and captured only once more during the study. Analysis of DNA is ongoing, and a paper on this individual will be published at a later time. Photograph by Erin Heller. 6 • One of the great finds of the winter season was this male Barrow's Goldeneye at Possum Kingdom Lake, Palo Pinto County 17-24 (here 19) February 2013 — the tenth ever for Texas. Photograph by Dan Jones. VOLUME 67 (2013) • NUMBER 2 365 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 • This American Bittern found near Pear! City, Oahu Island 16 January 2013 was the first ever reported in Hawaii, but bitterns being bitterns, there was some doubt the bird the bird would ever be photographed. Fortunately, it finally posed for this portrait on 21 January. Photograph by Eric VanderWerf. 2 • This Dusky-capped Flycatcher visited Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas, Clark County 5-15 (here 14) December 2012. This photograph supports the first Nevada record of the species endorsed by the state records committee. Photograph by Rick Fridell. 4 • A quite unexpected first winter record for Texas was provided by this Philadelphia Vireo found at the Formosa-Tejano Wetlands, Jackson County, on 5 February 2013. Photograph by Harry Forbes. 5 • Winter 201 2-201 3 was an unprecedented season for Northern Shrikes in Kentucky, with at least three and probably four birds reported. This adult was present 19 (here 23) January into February in southeastern Muhlenberg County. Photograph by David Lang. 6 • This stunningly photographed Common Goldeneye x Bufflehead hybrid spent the winter 21 November 2012 through 1 0 March 201 3 (here 20 December 2012) at Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California. Photograph by Tom Grey. 366 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 - This nicety docuiTsented Black-headed Trogon near the Hotel Iberostar Cozumel 4 February 2013 represents only the second record for Cozumel Island. Photograph by Rafael Chacon. 2 & 4 • First located on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain 1 January 201 3, this Com- mon Pochard enlivened the birding scene at the southern end of of the lake well into February. Speculation about provenance was mostly settled when Thomas Berriman digiscoped these images at Port Henry, New York on 6 January. The band shown on the bird's right leg does not match any used by waterfowl banders in Europe, and further sleuthing revealed that a collector nearby in upstate New York is known to keep the species. Photographs by Thomas Berriman. 3 • Completely unexpected was this magificent adult Black-browed Albatross south of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts 2 December 2012. Photograph by Brian Garvalis. 5 • Western subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco have been rarely reported in Tennessee and, at least historically, have been poorly documented in the state. This Pink-sided Junco, perhaps only the second ever reported in Tennessee, was photographed in Carter County 21 December 2012. Photograph by Brookie Potter and Jean Potter. VOLUME 67 (2013) NUMBER 2 367 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1 & 2 • Observers in Georgia and the Carolinas were kept busy by hundreds of hummingbirds in winter 2012-2013. Among the rarer finds were a young male Buff-bellied Hummingbird that arrived on Skidaway Island, Georgia in mid-October 201 2 and wintered (Image 1 ; here 27 February 201 3) and an adult male Broad- tailed Hummingbird in Pickens County, Georgia 12-18 (here 12) December 2012. Photographs by Russ Wigh and Rusty Trump. 3 • This Nelson's Sparrow represented a first for the Tennessee and Kentucky region for winter. It was found on the Louisville Christmas Bird Count 19 December 2012 and was banded and photographed for documentation. Photograph by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 4 • This adult male Shiny Cowbird near Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish 26 February 201 3 made only the second well-documented winter record of the species for Louisiana and the first for the southwestern portion of the state. Photograph by Billy Jones. 5 • Incredible was this Great-winged Petrel photographed on 18 December 2012 from shore at Point La Jolla in La Jolla, San Diego County, California documenting the fifth record for North America and first from shore. Photograph by Gary Nunn. 6 • Ash-throated Flycatchers in Tennessee have been one-day wonders, but this in- dividual, the state's fourth, delighted a number of birders with its relatively lengthy stay from 29 December 201 2 through 1 2 (here 4) January 2013 at Meeman-Shelby State Park in Shelby County. Photograph by Georges McNeil. 368 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS events.aba.org ABA Convention: Corpus Christi, Texas April 22-27, 2014 ABA Convention Staff: Jeff Gordon, Tom Johnson, Jennie Duberstein, Ted Floyd, Jen Brumfield, George Armistead, and more. Speakers include Gerrit Vyn, Brian Sullivan and Jeffrey Kimball. Registration Fee: $1445 Migration is at its best in April along the Gulf Coast and there’s no better spot to take it all in than Corpus Christi. Join ABA nnembers and staff for thrilling field trips in search of migrants . ABA Birding Rally: Plymouth, Massachusetts January 31-February 3, 2014 Hosts: Marshall Iliff, Jeff & Liz Gordon, Wayne Petersen, Mark Faherty, Eric Flynes, George Armistead, and more. Cost: $750 When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth in 1620, what did they see? There must have been Razorbills, Black Guillemots, and probably murres, and even Great Auks working the coast. Things have changed a bit since Captain Myles Standish's days, but a lot is still the same too. The Clam Chowder has always been good, and the tough, plump Purple Sandpipers still work the tide-line along the rocks, while scot- ers and Common Elders still drift offshore, just as they did in 1620. The Cape Cod area is a hotbed for rarities too. Join your ABA birding friends in legendary Plymouth! King Eider with Common Eiders I I i I [ i South Africa Safari October 7-17, 2014 Capetown and Kruger National Park ABA Safari Staff: Adam Riley, Jeff & Liz Gordon, Forrest Rowland, George Armistead, and more. Registration: Opens January, 2014 Big game, incredible birds, an amazing group ol people all gathering for a great cause. Join the ABA, Rockjumper Birding Adventures, and South Africa for an unique Safari Safari profits ' support local vation For all the latest details on these and more ABA events, go to events.aba.org, email us at events(a)aba.org, or call us at (800) 850-2473 SMrTHSONIAN LIBRARIES Learn more at www.celestron.com/granite 111 illiilli 3 9088 01 9191 998