KINGBIRD
FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.
* 2 /KINGBIRD
PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.
Vol. XIV No. 4 October, 1964 Pages 193-246
CONTENTS
Editors Page-.--Alice E. Ulrich 194
President’s Page__Robert S. Arbib, Jr. 195
Birds And Geography in New York__E. M. Reilly, Jr. 197
Thirty-three Years of Bird Observations
at Mohonk Lake, New York_Daniel Smiley 205
New York State Crow Roost Survey __Dwight R. Chamberlain 208
Operation Bluebird___W. L. Highhouse 210
Conservation News__Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr. 212
Field Notes:
Grackles Decapitate Sparrows__ Jeanne M. Cassidy 215
Cerulean Warbler Nesting in Jefferson Co.
A. W. Allen & J. B. Belknap 215
Blue Grosbeak at Port Kent__ Harriet L. Delafield 215
Least Flycatcher “assists” at Chipping
Sparrow Nest_-_____Donald D. Burgess 216
Red Crossbill Nesting in Como Park, Erie Co._Carl Mrozek 216
Highlights of the Summer Season
June 1-August 15__ David B. Peakall 218
Regional Reports for the Summer Season 1964 ---i- 220
Reviews --- - --242
Editor — Alice E. Ulrich
Editorial Board
John B. Belknap
Leslie E. Bemont
Allen H. Benton
Stephen W. Eaton
Eugene Eisenmann
Sally Hoyt
David B. Peakall
Harold D. Mitchell
Business and Circulation Manager — to be announced
Cover Design — Douglas L. Howland
EDITOR’S PAGE
Nearly four years ago, I took over the editorship of The Kingbird and
have completed fourteen issues. Miss Minnie Scotland did the May 1961
issue before I could take up the work of the editor and in 1962 the October
and December issues were combined to make the four issues, January, May,
July and October fall within one calendar year.
Editing The Kingbird was a challenge, which required much more
time and effort than I had ever expected. In spite of all the tasks of solicit¬
ing articles and field notes, compiling the materials, proof reading galley
sheets and preparing the dummy, checking the files and mailing, I have had
a great deal of satisfaction in the fourteen issues which I have edited. Much
of my satisfaction lies in my association with and the co-operation of the
many contributors and coworkers.
The Kingbird has steadily grown in increased subscriptions and size in
the last four years. In my specific request for longer articles, I have found
the contributors most generously willing. The regional record "reports were
in the hands of capable coeditors. Enough unsolicited field notes came in
to balance that section with the other features of the magazine.
I wish to thank all who have through their contributions of articles and
field notes and other efforts aided me during my period of editorship; to
Dr. Sally Hoyt and Dr. David Peakall for their most generous council and
help in clearing out the technical details of the submitted papers and to Mrs.
Lillian C. Stoner for her ever ready advice and comments.
At this time, I am glad to introduce your new editor, Mrs. Dorothy
Mcllroy, Ithaca, N. Y. To Mrs. Mcllroy, I extend my sincere wishes for her
success in her new endeavor and ask that those who have favored me so
generously extend their very ready support to her.
I have only one final request. There are missing from our reserve files,
copies of the January 1963 and 1964 issues. If you have no further need for
your copy please donate it to The Federation (Kingbird) by mailing it to
Mr. Alfred A. Starling, 75 Brooklawn Drive, Rochester, N. Y. 14618.
Requests for these numbers are still coming in and we have none.
THE KINGBIRD is published four times a year (January, May, July and October)
by the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc. Publication office is
193 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. and Publication is sent free to all individual members
of the Federation. Membership in the Federation is $3.00 per year as of Jan. 1,
1962. Single copies: $1.00.
APPLICATION for membership should be sent to the chairman of the member¬
ship committee, Mrs. Donald Radke, Box 138, R. D. #1, East Chatham.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS is handled by the Treasurer, Kenneth D. Niven, 61
Broadway, Monticello. EXCHANGES, BACK COPIES, and REPLACEMENT OF
DAMAGED COPIES by Allan S. Klonick, 901 Sibley Tower Building Rochester 4, N. Y.
Controlled circulation postage paid at BUFFALO, N. Y.
194
The Kingbird
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
Your President regrets to announce that the Editor of the Kingbird, Alice
E. Ulrich of Buffalo, has been forced to submit her resignation as of the
current issue, conforming to a long-range plan, made suddenly necessary
by a persistant eye ailment. It is with the gratitude of the entire Federation
that Alice Ulrich lays aside her arduous and often thankless task. She has
presided over a continuously proved Kingbird for four years, 16 issues, and
roughly 720 pages. In this period no one has put in more hours for the
Federation or achieved more lasting results than she has. We thank her
for her great service; we wish her speedy recovery; we will find her hard to
replace. We hope to see her continue as an active member of our Federation
for years to come.
In the last issue of the Kingbird, your President suggested immediate
steps that should be taken by member clubs to organize their field records,
to prepare them for use by the editor of the State Book. (A recent letter
from the Schenectady Bird Club reports that it has, in response, done just
that.) As a further aid to this project, he would like to submit for the
consideration of the member clubs, a suggested order, or agenda, for the
discussion and reporting of field observations at local club meetings. As a
longtime participant in bird club meetings, he has often felt that almost all
the emphasis and interest in the field report sessions at meetings is on
rarities, unusual dates, etc. Often, a stranger to the area, at one of our
meetings, would get a totally erroneous picture of the bird life of the season,
from the reports made. Actually, for the numbers present, and future
editors, to get a panoramic picture of the previous periods bird activity, it
is far more important to report on the dominant arrivals, departures, breeding
species, and concentrations of birds.
To this end your President submitted to his own local bird club a
suggested agenda, which might be considered by other clubs. It is to be
admitted that the only occasions on which it worked, he himself conducted
the session. But it can work with some interested and informed leader,
and with the membership familiar with the procedure. Members at first
might find it hard to contain themselves with that wonderful accidental
until the proper moment, but the concensus of those who took part when
this agenda w'as tried agreed that it added greatly to their enjoyment of
field reports, and made them more meaningful. The agenda:
1. Weather Review. Previously assigned to some member. A review
of the weather pattern in the period since preceding meeting. No
more than five minutes.
2. Dominant new arrivals. In generalized terms, but giving dates and
numbers of the most prevalent species to change their status during
the period. Comments on waves, movements, incursions. No men¬
tion of rarities here. T his is the big picture.
3. Dominant Departures. Last dates for wintering, summering, and
migrant species. Birds that noticeably dwindled or disappeared during
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195
the period. Birds that went through briefly, in numbers. This is
part of the big, changing picture. No rarities.
4. Noteworthy Concentrations . Breeding colonies, roosting flocks, any¬
thing to do with interesting abundance notes.
5. Noteworthy distribution notes. New locations for breeding, changes
in status of breeding species (appearance, disappearance, decrease,
spread, etc.)
6. Rarities. Records noteworthy from the point of view of rarity, date,
place, plumage, etc. With supporting evidence.
7. Behavioral notes. Any notes of unusual or previously unreported bird
behavior.
Your President would be happy to hear from clubs who have experi¬
mented with this agenda, including any and all improvements to it.
Elliott Memorial Fund. A last minute report from the fund Treasurer,
Adrian Dignan of Freeport, lists a total fund at hand, as of September 17,
1964, of $763. This is roughly half the total sum we seek for this fund,
and surprisingly some of the Federation members and clubs closest to John
Elliott have not been heard from. Remember that in addition to memorial¬
izing our late friend and President, the fund will serve to encourage and
reward the publication of papers in The Kingbird, a most worthwhile pur¬
pose. Make checks payable to Elliott Memorial Fund, and send to Adrian
Dignan, 98 Hillside Avenue, Freeport, N. Y. The first prize award will
be made at the 1965 meeting.
Robert S. Arbib Jr.
This will be the fourteenth and last issue of ‘The Kingbird’ under the
present editor. Unfortunately due to eye-trouble, Mrs. Ulrich is unable to
continue her fine work with the state journal. The new editor will be Mrs.
Dorothy Mcllroy, 419 Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, N .Y.
Assisting the new editor will be three associate editors
Field Notes — Dr. Sally Floyt
Photographic editor — Mr. David Allen
Regional reports — Dr. David Peakall
The details of this arrangement will be given later; but field notes should
be sent direct to Dr. Hoyt at the Faboratory of Ornithology, Cornell Univers¬
ity, Ithaca and all other material to the new editor.
David B. Peakall
196
The Kingbird
BIRDS AND GEOGRAPHY IN NEW YORK STATE
E. M. Reilly, Jr.
New York State Museum
When the Europeans first started occupying the area which is now New
York State it was predominately woodland. Unfortunately there were no
trained naturalists with the first colonists, and even if there had heen the
state of knowledge of the science of ornithology was inadequate for the task
of naming and listing the birds of that time. The meager natural history
notes left by the settlers and explorers are only tantalizing and seldom
volurftinous or accurate enough to do as much as indicate things about the
avifaiina.
We can infer that woodland-loving species predominated. We can
identify with certainty a few species which are no longer found in the State
such as the Heath Hen, Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet and Eskimo
Curlew. We can he sure that some birds are more common today than in
colonial days and that some are more rare. We are certain that some species
have changed their way of life and we may be equally certain that there are
some species new to the State since 1609, excluding those introduced by man.
The startling changes have been mainly proportional — population increase
in meadowland species and a population decrease in woodland species.
Whenever farms are deserted in the State they revert to woodlands in a
comparatively very short time. This indicates that soil, climate, and
biological factors are ideal, and have been in the last millennium at least,
for a continuous stretch of forest over the vast area. Naturally in such an
area the fauna and flora would have to be predominately of woodland types.
Even at their greatest growth and extent the woodlands of the State
were broken in many places by grasslands of rather small size caused by
natural destruction of portions of the forests through fire, windfall, local
blights, droughts, and flooding, and local peculiarities of soil and climate.
When the lands were further opened up by extensive farming the avifauna
restricted to these small oases expanded tremendously. Populations of wood¬
land species, once widespread and united became smaller and discontinuous.
When some farmlands, especially the poorer lands in the mountainous
districts, were allowed to revert to a wild state the forests reclaimed their
own with some minor differences.
The birds which have disappeared from New York State are primarily
those which have become extinct. The four species mentioned above had
the misdirected, but highly efficient, help of man. It must be pointed out
however, that many many species have become extinct without any assist
from man due to evolution, aided and abetted by geological and hence
climatic change. Man has changed some of the natural features of the
State and certain of these and other activities of Homo sapiens has caused
some species to alter their ranges within the State and even to depart
temporarily. The Common Egret and the Black Skimmer are examples of
birds which deserted us for a while but are now returning as natives.
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197
Species formerly less common which have increased enormously are
those which adapted to the urban and suburban areas built by man. These
ecological niches, certainly new to American birds, might be described as
semi open bushy areas with rather high plant food content and nerve-
wracking activities in the case of suburbs and in the cases of the cities even
higher activities, but special feeding opportunities in the waste products and
overflow of the wasteful feeding habits of man. The Wood Thrush, a
forest bird by natural aptitudes, has done remarkably well as a bird of the
suburbs; it is almost certainly more numerous today in New York than it
was 300 years ago. The Robin has even adapted to city life and the lawns
and shrubbery of the suburbs are now the primary niche of the bird. The
same sort of population increase is true of the Killdeer, Red-eyed Vireo,
Chipping Sparrow, and others.
In a somewhat different category are the Red-winged Blackbird, Meadow¬
lark, Song Sparrow, Junco, Woodcock and others. These increased because
man's agricultural activities made more open area, which they favored,
available. The addition of cultivated plants, particularly the grains, to the
“flora” of the State, merely by adding to the total volume of food available
allowed some species to increase their numbers if not their total range.
This would be true of many of the sparrows and blackbirds. The addition
of cultivated fruits to the diet helped orioles, catbirds, thrushes and many
others to expand their ranges and population.
The change in the way of living is perhaps most notable in the Robin
whose visible adaptions mark it as a forest species. The appearance of
shaded, well-watered lawns with surrounding shrubs and trees helped
increase the earthworm population (some of these worms, indeed, were
probably accidentally introduced from Europe) and the Robin found him¬
self admirably “pre-adapted” to feed on these now abundant creatures.
Today we can study the transition of the Red-winged Blackbird from a
strictly marsh-dwelling bird to one found in almost any partially open, moist
habitat. We might profitably study the food habits, past and present,
of this species to find the cause of this really sudden change.
Those species new to the State are surprisingly few. Most of them might
better be classed as species which probably retreated from the State because
of climatic changes before the advent of civilized man and are now re-occu¬
pying the State because the climate is ameliorating again in their favor.
Such species were here in small numbers in south or southeast New York
in early colonial days, possibly to the present, and are now moving north¬
ward. The most noticeable of these is the Cardinal; others, not quite as
spectacular, include the Tufted Titmouse, Mourning Dove, Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher, Carolina Wren, Mockingbird, Kentucky Warbler and others.
We can, of course, study all the available d[ata on each species in
chronologic order and identify easily those species which have become rarer
and we will find that many of these have retreated northwards because they
prefer cooler climates than we are now experiencing or because the type of
habitat they prefer has been reduced by man’s activities. A list of these
species would include the true forest dwellers such as the Pileated Wood¬
pecker and other members of his family unable to adapt to the noise, dirt,
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198
and “nervous” activities of man. The Loon, the grehes, some of the thrushes,
some owls, the Bald Eagle and many shore birds and some game birds have
to be included in this list. The reasons for alteration of range in any species
are many and usually complex; only a few general rules may be briefly noted.
Climatic changes may alter ranges slowly as the plant cover or food may
not establish itself in the newly opened area for quite a few years. Birds,
like all animals, are dependent on the availability of proper amounts of their
food. Before they move into new areas their population in the old areas
must increase so that some individuals of the species must search for and
find less crowded breeding areas or perish. Increasing populations lead to
increased ranges — but not always as the species concerned may merely
have occupied different niches within the same general range. Most birds
will not cross barriers merely to see whats on the other side. A few species
are vagrants and apparently wander from region to region quite readily.
Such species as the Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, and
Mockingbird are apt to appear anywhere and change their breeding localities
frequently. There is, in short, no range change without a reason. The
reason may be psychological in that the species is ultraconservative and will
not take chances crossing a barrier unless forced to, or crosses them readily
because they live that way. Population pressures or competition intra-specific
is the strongest force for range expansion. Physical ability to cross the barriers
must be present. The food and other ecological requirements of the species
must be met on the other side of the barrier or the species will not survive
there. Vagrant individuals or accidental strays do not survive long because
mates are not available or in too few numbers to establish a breeding colony.
The major factors affecting the numbers of species of birds occurring in
New York State are diversity of habitats available, the convenience of the
routes available to migrants and non-residents, and exposed marine coastline.
The advent of the Europeans did not alter the diversity of habitats only their
ratio.
Geological changes are slow; climatic changes are comparatively rapid;
and biotic distributional changes usually lag considerably behind the
climatic changes. Forests help maintain their own “micro-climate” and exten¬
sive woodlands, because they act as moisture traps, will survive long periods
of drought which would have killed any individual of the tree species con¬
cerned quite rapidly.
In the Mohawk Valley are numerous White Cedar swamps and bogs of
little practical use to man. These are relicts from somewhat cooler geologic
times and relicts left by man’s cultural activities. The shade furnished by
the trees, the moisture retaining capabilities of the bog mosses, and the
cooling effects of plant respiration and shade have combined to conserve
these oases. The seeds of the plants have fallen on suitable soil in a suitable
microclimate and have furnished new self-sustaining growth.
For the birders these swamps furnish convenient local exhibition areas
of Canadian forms usually seen only in higher lands. The average temper¬
ature of the surrounding area is higher and were such birds as the Junco
and White-throated Sparrows controlled mainly by temperature factors they
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109
would have moved out of the region as nesting species long ago. In the
midst of plant associations of familiar and favored combination the birds
will put up with small discomforts caused by really slight temperature differ¬
ences. Relict stands of Black Spruce, Red Spruce, Pitch Pine — almost
any species of major forest trees — will also be islands of habitation for
animal species and other plant species associated with such pure forests in
their more “normal” climate and altitude.
Migrants must be considered in a different way than breeding popula¬
tions or resident species. The geography of New York offers pathways for
these migrant species which carry many of them over the more populated
regions. The opening of the Mohawk Valley by farming activities has
probably made this route more attractive, to species nesting in central Canada
than before. Many of the water birds which moved south from the breeding
grounds to the Great Lakes Region found a relatively easy route through
this Valley and the Hudson River Valley to the sea. The Champlain-Lake
George Valleys offer similar “easy” routes to birds from eastern Canada and
the Gulf of St. Lawrence Region.
Western species, driven out of the more normal fly ways are very apt to
follow the Mohawk-Hudson lines because of the available food, the low
altitude, and the flow of other migrating land birds. It is not surprising to
me, that many western species such as the Oregon Junco, the Chestnut-
collared Longspur, Clay-colored Sparrow, Brewers Blackbird, Townsend's
Solitaire, and others are observed and collected in this natural “funnel”.
Some species prefer to fly across this valley from the Adirondacks to the
Catskills and on down the mountain chain. During migration birds must
rest and eat; if they are able to live on the bounty offered only by coniferous
forests their routes account for this idiosyncrasy and since our mountains are
the coniferous regions of the State certain species will fly over the, to them,
barren deciduous-plains areas. Some species, of course, change their diet
during travel, like good children on a trip, and, probably because it takes
less energy, fly down the protected valleys and over the flatter lands.
We are just beginning to learn some of the details of the geography of
New York State Birds. We may only plot the ranges, past and present, as
carefully as possible to learn more about the birds. The ranges change or
remain static only because each species must follow the rules and its own
inclinations, not because we want them to be here. As we plot more and
more accurate ranges we find that no two species will have precisely the
same range and that it is a fallacy to describe a bird's range in the terms of
the range of a plant or certain temperature ranges. The more accurately
the ranges are plotted the more we will know about the species concerned
and the more we will realize that the range of the bird tells much of the
biology of the bird.
Albany
200
The Kingbird
Some Comments on Avian Biotic Districts in New York
The Federation has been struggling for years with a districting problem.
The cultural aspects of our civilization in the form of road and telephone
communication systems seldom take any cognizance of natural areas. Divi¬
sions of the State into administrative units such as counties and townships
obliterate natural divisions from our minds, such as the transition from high
coniferous forests to lower mixed woods, because our road signs mention
only the cultural divisions. Much of our culture is focused on contacts with
other humans in their communities rather than on natural communities
developed by plant and animal life. Such areas exist and are real; we need
only to make some modifications based on the distribution of birds to arrive
at a solution which would allow us to describe bird ranges within the State
more simply.
Smith, 1954, outlines the history and present status of the changing
vegetative cover of N.Y. and introduction of new foods for wildlife. Webb,
1963, published a map of avian biotic districts for the State based on Smith’s
work. Such districts are only very generally useful and should not be
sharply delimited on such factors as altitude, average temperature, yearly
rainfall, soil types, plant cover, and animal types. On bird distribution
alone, it might be pointed out here, that Webb’s first district, the Lake Plain,
extends too far south generally and especially in the Finger Lakes Region
as only the northern tips of Lakes Seneca and Cayuga are related avifaunally
to the Lake Plains. The Hudson Valley District is much too broad, partic¬
ularly in its northern reaches; it is amazing how close to the river one
must get in Columbia County before birds typical of the Hudson Valley
Biotic District appear as one soon realizes on examining the records of the
Alan Devoe Bird Club.
The districts proposed by Webb make more biological “sense” than the
“reporting” districts of the Federation, but changing our districts to coincide
with natural areas could only be accomplished by compromise with com¬
munication arteries and geometric, but arbitrary, boundary lines of townships
and counties. The reports from area 9 of Webb (and all his other areas)
would still include species from relict areas related to other biotic districts
and the data thus included would certainly not help delimit his districts at
all unless these relict areas were accounted for by plotting and recognition
by local observers.
Much of the data presently available about our birds is not reliable
enough to accurately plot the breeding range of any Species in New York.
Arbib, 1963, has come closest in his attempts to plot the range of the
Common Loon. With this species, it is most apparent that the Adirondacks
are too sparsely populated with humans interested in birds and competent
enough to gather and assess the information as to actual regular breeding and
migration. Even in the densely populated areas of the State we find, after
sorting out misconceptions and faulty observations, that with only a few
species would we be able to state the biological status unequivocably.
The data available are plotted on a ‘grid” of observers very unevenly
distributed in space, time, and quality. Definitions in many cases have not
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201
been clearly drawn. Local lists often simply state that a bird “breeds” in the
area, but is this assertion based on scientific data? Many times the status
is merely copied from earlier works which may have been in error or the
terrain so changed that the statement is no longer true. John Bull, the
recently chosen Editor-Author of the projected State bird book established
criteria (1964) for the breeding category which must be followed in compil¬
ing records for the new book. Criteria have been established for relative
abundance (Arbib 1957) although some work remains to be done in rela¬
tion to abundance within the species. For example: 20 Kirtland Warblers
in one place in N.Y. at one time would be “abundant” because of the rarity
of the species; two pairs of nesting Scarlet Tanagers per acre of second-
growth deciduous trees is not as “abundant” as two pairs nesting in an
acre of mature mixed forest. Obviously, in the case of breeding species the
best terms we could use relative to the abundance of the species would be
a comparative list of the average number of pairs per 100 acres in the differ¬
ent types of cover used by the birds.
Migration routes may be even more difficult to plot accurately or even
to establish criteria for. We will find it difficult to tell whether an indi¬
vidual bird reported during migration is on the regular route or has strayed
because of weather or other factors. Some species we “know” cross the
State only by inference: there are available “resting stops”, food, and oppor¬
tunity and the species occurred north and south of us. The Greater Snow
Goose was recorded only very rarely in the State, but the most “logical”
course for the thousands resting in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the north,
was down the Champlain-Lake George-Hudson River valleys. We now
know that they fly on that course overnight at high altitudes. Even the
goose, capable of flying over the mountains of New England and New York,
prefers to save its energy by flying through the valleys where cross-winds
are less prevalent and at lower altitudes where oxygen requirements could be
filled more easily.
We know the Common Loon is not a practiced long-distance or high-
altitude flyer and that its migration must be made in rather short flights
from one body of water to another until the marine wintering range is
reached. Some are seen in the silt- and chemical-laden Hudson River, but
the chances are that it prefers the clearer, small lakes and ponds dotting
the foothills and terraces east and west of the Hudson.
The geography of our State in relation to other areas of the continent
and to the seas indicates that the Lake Plains-Mohawk-Hudson River
“route” is an avenue through which many shore bird species breeding in
central Canada must pass to reach the sea coast. Birds from eastern Canada
have the Champlain-Lake George-Hudson route available. Small birds
breeding in the large coniferous forest areas to the north may hop dbwn the
evergreen-clad Adirondacks to Catskills route or may simply adopt to feed¬
ing in the deciduous forests while on migration.
The key to biotic districts is most likely to be found in plotting the ranges
of the permanent residents and populations or subspecies of these forms.
Properly evaluated districts will be helpful in describing the ranges of bird
species within the State but only by the use of qualifying adjectives such as :
202
The Kingbird
“higher, spruce-clad mountains of central Adirondacks” — and this, unknown
to us now perhaps, may not be literally true at the height of winter or in the
post breeding season when increased population may force younger birds
into new habitats.
Webb’s proposal is an excellent one. We should be aware that our
reporting districts are highly artificial and we should he aware that there
are more natural districts. By the means of breeding bird censuses,
properly taken and assessed, we will be able to plot better boundaries to the
natural districts and to know the location of relict populations outside the
districts where they more normally occur. The aim should be to know more
about the biology of the birds occurring in New York so that the ranges in
the State may be described in fewer words of more biological significance
as: “higher coniferous forests areas of Tug Hill District with small
populations found in Mohawk Valley District”. This saves mentioning
districts 5 and 6 in addition to Tug Hill. We should know the natural
areas occurring in our unnatural districts.
It may be suggested here that the Federation appoint a committee, with
John Bull’s approval and participation, to make a more detailed map of the
State on which could be plotted at least the major relict areas known to the
birders of New York as well as the major avian “districts”. This map would
be for reference only, since the cost of reproducing a large scale map would
be prohibitive. Smaller scale maps for use in the State Bird Book could be
designed from the finished map.
LITERATURE CITED
Arbib, R. S. Jr. 1957. The New York State Standards of Abundance,
Frequency, and Seasonal Occurrence. Audubon Field Notes v. 11
(1): 63-64.
1963. The Common Loon in New York State. Kingbird v. 13
(3): 132-140.
Bull, John L. 1964. What Constitutes Breeding? Kingbird v. 14 (3):
131-132.
Smith, R. H. 1955. Definition of game range divisions in New York. N. Y.
Fish and Game Journ., 2 (2): 127-141.
Webb, W. L. 1964. New York Biogeography and Bird Distribution. King¬
bird v. 14 (2): 67-73. Albany.
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203
Aerial view of Lake Mohonk area
204
The Kingbird
THIRTY THREE YEARS OF BIRD OBSERVATION
AT MOHONK LAKE, NEW YORK*
Daniel Smiley
Mohonk Lake is both a body of water and a geographical area for this
paper. The lake is in the center of a 7,500 acre property which saddles the
Shawangunk Mountains for 8 miles. The elevation of the high point is
1550 feet, about 1,200 ft. above the valleys. The top and upper slopes
are second-growth woods, while fields and pastures are found on the lower
slopes. Conglomerate cliffs are a spectacular part of the scene. Fifty miles
of roads for horses only and 40 miles of foot trails give good access to
different habitats.
Many of the observations reported here are from the lake Q mile long),
gardens, lawns and groves within | mile of the Lake Mohonk Mountain
House. This 95 year old institution accommodates up to 475 guests. I feel
that this area may be of some interest because it is an island of “civilized”
bird habitat surrounded by at least a mile and a half of woods. Thus,
fluctuations in kinds and numbers of birds may be a sort of control for
observations in other areas.
Briefly, the habitat outside the garden area is quite varied, but certain
types are lacking completely. The lake is deep and cold, with little shore
vegetation, and water birds are an exception. The several artificial ponds
and reservoirs are not suitable for most waterfowl. Streams are small and
the swamps too far advanced to woods to be wetland habitat. The wooded
areas are diverse, ranging from old fields with the beginnings of pioneer
succession (these are getting less) through cove hardwoods, hemlock filled
ravines to the scrub oak association on thin soil at the tops of rock outcrops.
The farm fields are mostly managed as grasslands.
I have personally been observing birds at Mohonk for 33 years and
others supplied me with records for 5 years before that. These are written
records on cards. I am outdoors for a short time almost every day of the
year, but do not have time for a “bird walk” each day.
After trying different systems, starting with an estimate of numbers of
each species every day, I have settled for recording:
a) first arrivals — spring and fall
b) departure dates (this tends to be less reliable than daily lists would be)
c) out-of-the-ordinary occurrences
d) nesting dates
e) observations of food habits, interrelationships, dead birds, etc.
My card records are summarized quarterly for the local enumerator for
the Kingbird. Yearly for the past 14 years, I have taken part in the Audubon
Christmas Census, covering my area.
Banding birds adds considerable information on local species. For
instance, in early May 1964 3 to 5 Blue Jays were banded and a return taken
on 6 days in succession. I believe that this represents the height of the
* In Ulster County opposite Poughkeepsie
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205
spring migration, and that I would not have noticed the slight increase in
Blue Jay numbers by casual observation,
In 33 years we have recorded 169 species for the Mohonk property and
banded 9,500 birds of 78 kinds. The ridge is just high enough to be
within what we used to call Canadian Zone. The Slate-colored Junco is
one of the commonest breeding species, and Winter Wrens nest here.
Seventeen kinds of warblers breed on the mountain.
I feel that the following factors have had some influence on the apparent
fluctuations of birds that I am about to report:
1) the population of a species in the Hudson Valley and elsewhere
2) the interrelationships of bird species, or of birds with predators or
disease
3) weather and weather cycles
4) changes in habitat, such as old field to forest
5) human influences — farm practices (grass ensilage is cut early),
Christmas tree plantations, bird feeders
6) inconsistent observation — time in field, and pure chance
7) a combination of two or more of the above or some unknown cause.
On the west side of the Hudson River the John Burroughs Natural
History Society is the active birding group. It has published “Christmas
Bird Count Summary — Eleven Years, 1950-1960” — compiled by Fred
Hough and Dan Smiley. This reports year by year numbers for 86 species
and gives our analysis of the changes that have occurred. This report and
other publications of the John Burroughs Natural History Society are
available from the author.
In 1954 I made a 30 Year Summary of Spring Arrival Dates for Mohonk
Lake. This covered 32 species. The records for each species were “aver¬
aged” by 3 ten-year intervals. Chandler Robbins has since pointed out to
me that a better comparison can be made by determining “median” dates.
The several species for which I have applied the latter method show a trend
similar to that by averages — the 1945-54 period arrival dates were a few
days earlier than the previous 10 years, which in turn were earlier than
1925-34.
The following 19 birds have shown a change in status in the vicinity of
Mohonk Lake, which may have significance beyond normal year-to-year
fluctuations. They are grouped according to my estimate of the previously
mentioned causative factors.
1. Population changes of the species over wide areas
Peregrine Falcon
Heinz Meng has supplied records of this bird. 1930-1952 up
to 4 nested. 1959- 1 nested. Since then none known to nest.
There are 2 theories on this change of status — cycles and pesti¬
cides.
- Blue ]ay
* Up to 1957 I had never handed a Blue Jay . In 1963 32 were handed
and in 1964 29, to date May 18 th.
206
The Kingbird
Since 1952 they seem to have become more common than the
average of the fluctuations previous to that.* As an aside, one
banded in September was shot 2 months later in Mississippi.
Tufted Titmouse
In 1950 first recorded at foot of mountain. It has been slowly
moving up the slope. Two records at summit in the last three
years.
Carolina Wren l
One record in 1927. From 1950 to 1962 intermittent visitations
from a few days to nearly a year.
Eastern Bluebird
To 1957, it was recorded regularly as a migrant flying over.
Few have been noted since then. I personally believe that our
changing farm field habitat in Ulster County and Starlings have
as much to do with the decrease of this species, as other factors
such as pesticides and winter storms.
Starling
In 1952 it first nested at Mohonk. Since then it has increased
in spite of our yearly control measures.
Myrtle Warbler
A common migrant and regular nester through the 1950’s.
Since then, few either in migration or nesting.
Cardinal
1954 first recorded at the edge of the property in the valley.
1959 we started to get casual winter records in the Mohonk Lake
area. This spring, 1964, nested for the first time — 3 pairs.
2. Interrelationships
Domestic Pigeons
Five years ago they began nesting on the Mountain House and
on the cliffs of Sky Top. I wonder if the Falcons had previously
been the control.
3. Human Influences
Turkey Vulture
1930 to 1955 the population seemed stable. Several nesting
recordls. 1955 to the present I have the impression of fewer
viiltures, though more widespread in Ulster County. I wonder if
fewer farm animals disposed of in the woods under present day
agriculture may be a factor.
Black-capped Chickadee
In the 1930’s, an average of 5 Chickadees were banded per
winter. In 1962-63 — 176 were handled and in 1963-’64 — 148
individuals were caught (81 of them returns). I suspect that
this winter population explosion may be due to the increase in
winter feeding stations on the mountain.
Evening Grosbeak
About 1917 John Burroughs recorded a flock at Riverby with
the comment, “none in the previous 44 years”. Since 1955 a
regular winter visitant at Mohonk. Have bird feeding shelves
changed their habits?
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207
6. Inconsistent Observation or Chance
Saw-whet Owl
The first record at Mohonk was July 1960 — an immature
bird found in a guest's room on the 6th floor! Others recorded
fall and winter — 1961, '63, '64.
7. Unknown factors
House Wren
For 20 years about 6 pairs nested. In 1951 fewer than normal
bred on the mountain. From 1952 to 1956 none nested. In 1957
one pair was found and in a couple of years the breeding popula¬
tion was hack to normal.
Brown Thrasher
Up to 5 pairs once regularly nested in the garden area. In
1937 none were seen during migration or nesting season. It was
1958 before they again nested. Now they are as common as ever.
Pine Warbler
A regular migrant and nester 1926 to 1934. Six records in
1940's, 2 in 1950s none since 1953.
Browne-headed Cowbird
Not recorded on the mountain before 1930. Up to 1962, 1 or
2 banded per year. 1962 — 12 banded or returned. 1963 — 86
banded or returned. 1964 — 72 already banded or returned.
Little change in numbers noted in the valleys on either side of
the mountain.
P\Ose-breasted Grosbeak
Since 1955 nested in vicinity every year. Previous to 1955
known Only as a migrant.
I would like to conclude with my own opinion of the value of bird
watching, such as I have been discussing. Observing birds may be mostly
for fun — without written records or with elaborate scoring by day, month,
year and a life-list. This is a worthy pastime, but should not be considered
as ornithological research. At the other extreme would be planned bird
observation directed toward a specific scientific study.
My 33 years of bird observation falls somewhere between the above. I
do not have time to be truly consistent in observation. Nor do I start out
with an objective for study. Bird data is recorded at random. After a few
years, review of the records brings to light information that seems to have
significance. One strives for perfection, but should not take oneself too
seriously. It has given me much satisfaction.
Mohonk Lake, New Paltz
NEW YORK STATE CROW ROOST SURVEY
The well-known winter roosts of the Common Crow (Corvus brachy-
rhychos) present an opportunity to estimate on a year to year basis the
population changes of a bird which is hunted throughout the year without
season or bag limit. Furthermore, the communal night roosts seem an
excellent subject for study of both group behavior in general and special
behavior of crow roosts.
208
The Kingbird
The following account of the 1963-1964 roosts in New York State is
based upon both personal and volunteer observations, and the observations
of others solicited by a letter of inquiry sent to regional editors of The
Kingbird
Crow roosts are used for perching at night during the winter months,
the population appearing to build up during the fall, to be maximal during
December and! January, and the birds dispersing as spring approaches. The
roost may be in coniferous or deciduous woods or groves, and are often in
protected sites such as cemeteries, wildlife refuges, and hospital grounds
where shoot-outs may not be conducted. A roost used for many years may
be abandoned entirely without apparent cause, and another roost may or
may not then appear in the region.
Crows approaching their evening roost are a familiar winter sight as
from early afternoon until hours later they pass from one field or another
to approach their final roost. Eventually many thousand may occupy a small
grove. Not only do crows perch in trees in close communion but also have
been seen to perch on the ground under some conditions. The reader is
referred to Bent (1946) for a general account of roosting by crows, and to
Eaton (1914) for observations in New York State.
The following table is a summary of a region by region count and
estimates by a number of contributors:
Kingbird
Location
Date
Numbers
Region
1
Niagara Falls (near)
1,000
2
Rochester
22 Dec.,
1963
17,148
Wayland
24 Feb.,
1964
1,200
Batavia
2 Feb.,
1964
3,500
Geneseo
4 Apr.,
1964
500
3
Ithaca
16 Dec.,
1963
500- 3,000
Ithaca
28 Jan.,
1964
250
4
Binghamton
800- 1,000
Owego
170- 175
5
Syracuse
4 Jan.,
1964
10,750
Cuyler
(“hundreds”)
6
Watertown (no roost,
Xmas count only)
51
7
Saranac Lake (no roosts)
8
Eludson
2,000
Voorheesville
(no
figures given)
9
Poughkeepsie
28 Dec.,
1963
4,733
Beacon
Jan., 1964
1,000
10
Long Island (no known
roosts)
Since the above figures range from rough estimates to fairly reliable
counts and by no means represent all the rookeries in New York State, no
precise total figure can be given, but it is clear that the winter survey is
somewhere around 40,000 to 50,000 crows. It is of interest that the well-
known winter roost at the Montezuma Refuge in use for over ten years was
The Kingbird
209
vacant in 1963-1964. This was counted in the previous year as about
25,000 and perhaps a few of them were responsible for a several thousand
increase in the Rochester roost this year over the 1962-1963 count, (from
14,000 to 17,000)
A half century ago Eaton (1914) recorded roosts of from 20,000 to
40,000 in New York State, and it would appear that a census made at that
time on a state-wide basis would have shown substantially higher numbers.
It is also of interest that Bent (1946) lists congregations in more southern
states (Virginia, Washington, D. C., Pennsylvania) of an order ten times
as great. ’ \ j
The present count confirms previous observations that Central New
York is at the northern border of the winter range in New York State,
although some crows are known to inhabit the province of Ontario during
the winter. It may be further noted that there may be some connection
between the crow shoots under the migration lines along Lake Ontario,
roost shoots generally, and the apparent decline in total New York State
winter populations.
It is hoped that observations upon behavioral aspects of community
roosting may be presented at another time.
REFERENCES
Bent, A. C., 1946 “Life Histories of North American Jays, Crows and
Titmice” Smithsonian Inst. Bulletin 191 U.S. National Museum.
Eaton, E. H., 1914 “Birds of New York” N. Y. State Museum, Memoir 12.
Dwight R. Chamberlain, Drapers Meadow Terrace Apts. #Q12, Blacks¬
burg, Va.
“OPERATION BLUEBIRD” Warren County, Pennsylvania
Eighth Report — 1964
W. L. Highhouse
1964 will go down in record as the best in the 8 years of operation of my
Eastern Bluebird and Tree Swallow nesting box project.
The production of bluebirds in the boxes which I have been checking
for the past 8 years increased from 316 in 1963 to 474 in 1964 — an increase
of 50%.
The second best year on record was 1962 when 432 bluebirds were
fledged.
In addition to 474 bluebirds fledged: from my boxes a very handsome
stock dividend was declared as the nesting boxes on the adjacent H. Cook
Anderson project produced a total of 146 bluebird fledglings.
Thus the sum total of the two projects was 620 Eastern Bluebirds —
and at this writing, August 10, we also had 21 bluebird eggs in boxes being
incubated.
One can only conclude that the weather during the month of May is
the determining factor as to production of Eastern Bluebirds. The month
210
The Kingbird
of May 1964 was very pleasant with a number of sunny, warm, and dry days.
This same type weather held during May 1962 when we had our second
best year for production of bluebirds.
In direct contrast the weather during May 1963 was not as favorable
and the bluebird production suffered accordingly.
Data — Eastern Bluebirds
Initial Occupancy
Boxes Nests Eggs Young Fledged Dead Young
Operation Bluebird Project
109 71 327 285 ' 269 16
H. Cook Anderson Project
41 26 121 109 88 21
Second Occupancy of Nesting Boxes
Operation Bluebird Project
109 61 252 221 205 16
H. Cook Anderson Project
41 19 85 62 58 4
Thus we had 97 pairs of Eastern Bluebirds occupying the nesting boxes
initially and 80 pair using the boxes for a second nesting. This means that
83% of the first nesting pairs renested. This is way above the usual average
figure of 50%.
Tree Swallows
1964 was a good year for Tree Swallows when 33 initial nesting pairs
produced 120 young. This is an increase of 6 pairs from 1962 and 1963.
The number of young produced in 1963 was 102. Thus 1964 showed an
18% increase.
After an apparent failure in 5 boxes at the first nesting, subsequent
attempts at a second nesting produced 17 Tree Swallows.
Since the Tree Swallows nest in the latter part of May and are not as
subject to the weather of early and mid-May their nesting success is on a
much more consistent basis.
Again the project of FI. Cook Anderson paid big dividends with 14
pairs of Tree Swallows producing 81 young.
Data — Tree Swallow Initial Occupancy
Boxes Nests Eggs Young Fledged Dead Young
Operation Bluebird Project
109 33 180 125 120 5
H. Cook Anderson Project
41 14 87 84 81 3
Second Occupancy — Operation Bluebird
109 5 23 17 17 0
The “No Vacancy” signs went up early in 1964 as of 150 boxes available
only 2 went unoccupied. One box was occupied by chickadees producing
7 young. Several boxes were occupied by House Wrens.
One pair of bluebirds produced 7 young in the first nesting and followed
with 6 young in the second nesting for a total of 13 for this year.
The Kingbird 211
On occasion woodpeckers enlarge the H" opening making it possible for
larger birds to enter the box. This year the first time a cowbird entered one
of the boxes and laid two eggs.
In checking the total production on the 150 boxes which were under
management for the entire year we find:
620 Eastern Bluebirds Fledged
218 Tree Swallows Fledged
7 Black-capped Chickadees Fledged
20 Flouse Wrens, estimated
855 or an average of 5.7 birds per box per season.
I wish to thank the following people for their help during the 1964
bluebird season:
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Neel and Mr. Charles Kidder for checking the
Cherry Grove area of 32 boxes (checked 14 times) which produced 141
bluebirds and 37 Tree Swallows. The Neels banded 200 Eastern Bluebirds.
Mr. H. Cook Anderson for his fine work in managing the boxes which
Wayne Yonkie had built and located in 1962 and 1963.
Mr. Ted Grisez for checking one area and assisting in other areas. He
banded 80 Eastern Bluebirds.
Mr. Flarrison Johnson for use of his jeep and his help during the early
part of the nesting season.
8 Fourth Street, Warren, Pa.
CONSERVATION NEWS
By Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr.
The fortunate outcome of a mosquito DDT spraying controversy in the
upstate town of Fulton was apparently due in considerable part to the warn¬
ings of four Federation members who traveled to hearings in the community's
town hall last July. Recently, the Board of Health ordered a halt in the
use of DDT.
I have to say “apparently” because no one could dash around with ques¬
tionnaires and tape recorders to efficiently measure the effect of Dr. Sally
Hoyt, Dr. Walter Spofford, Dr. David Peakall and Hubert Ives, former
president of the Onondaga Audubon Society, all of whom spoke. But they
felt that some spraying adherents showed a more questioning attitude
following the knowledgeable explanation of the dire effects of DDT.
There are probably many communities in this state where there is a
demand to rid backyards of mosquitoes and other pests and where there is
no one in the area who has seriously studied the risks that are involved in
using poisons. Thus, residents who support spraying programs are exposed
through their own ignorance, to the hazards of pesticides.
For instance, in Fulton one earnest advocate rose to say that although
the spraying had been going on for some time he had not noticed ill effects
on birds or other wildlife. It may well have been his good fortune that
212
The Kingbird
the Federation experts were there to explain that often the pesticide destruc¬
tion is not visible, and that in the case of such long-lived compounds as
DDT the destruction can take place at a later time and even in an area
distant from the actual site of spraying. If the insecticides are carried away
by run-off they could pass into a stream, killing the trout that perhaps that
advocate likes to catch.
As though we were expecting some stealthy attack from the enemy,
conservationists apparently have had to patrol the beaches to prevent further
losses of our natural resources. Members of the New York State Federation
of Women's Club pledged themselves to such duty to prevent the filling in
of the state's underwater lands. The resolution passed at their state conven¬
tion condemned this filling-in and cited, among several incidents, the
gradual filling-in of marshes at the foot of Conesus Lake and the construc¬
tion of a boulevard bisecting the 500-acre Irondequoit wetlands, “The Ever¬
glades of Monroe County."
The two Rochester Federation clubs, the Burroughs Audubon Nature
Club and the Genesee Ornithological Society of Rochester, along with the
Women's Federation and other organizations protested the filling-in of
underwater land in Saw Mill Cove, a part of Sodus Bay by Lake Ontario.
This was to be done so that a marina could be constructed.
However, the application to fill-in this area was rejected by the State
Office of General Services. Conservation Commissioner Flarold G. Wilm
himself opposesd it saying that “We find the shallow lands under water
along the shore line in this part of Sodus Bay constitute important spawning
grounds for bass, pike, and sunfish, and also consists of some of the finest
waterfowl feeding grounds to be found in the entire Sodus Bay area. In
our opinion, very severe damage would result to the fish and wildlife
resources of Sodus Bay if the filling proposesd in this application would be
carried out."
Two bills by Assemblyman S. William Rosenberg passed by the Legis¬
lature last year would have prevented such fill-ins. They were vetoed by
the Governor. However, Dwight R. Chamberlain, vice president of the
Genesee Ornithological Society and a new member of the Federation con¬
servation committee, who has been keeping a close watch on this problem
expects similar legislation to be introduced at the next session.
Between Apalachin and Owego there is a marsh over which the State
Department of Public Works contemplates implanting a highway. The
Department claims that wreckage of the marsh will be minimal. However,
Mrs. Frederick Marsi, president of The Naturalists’ Club in Binghamton
expressed it well when she said “With big equipment thrashing around in
there, four or five times the damage will be done than shows up on their
maps of the completed road."
If citizens have to patrol the beaches to prevent destructive filling-in of
underwater lands, others have taken to their boats — an armada of cruisers,
outboard runabouts, sailboats, etc. sailing down the Hudson River — to
protest the 160 million-dollar gashing of scenic Storm King Mountain.
Consolidated Edison Company has been given approval by the Federal
Power Commission to build a hydroelectric power project there. Water
The Kingbird
213
would be pumped into a reservoir on top of the mountain area and allowed
to pour back into the Hudson River to provide electric power for New York
City during peak use periods of electricity.
The flotilla of 50 pleasure craft, led by the handsome 79-foot Westerly,
flagship of the New York Yacht Club, carried huge lettered signs, “Save
Storm King,” “Clean Up the Hudson,” etc.
This fight has bluntly had injected the role aestheticism should play in
the thoughts of the men and even government officials who have parts in
the consideration of such a project. Should aesthetic values be considered
by the Federal Power Commission in determining whether to grant a license?
In this case Consolidated Edison said no. The company maintained that
under the law the FPC has no right to consider aesthetic values.
The FPC in approving the multi-million-dollar project said that economic
values outweighed any others. But it did not rule specifically on its right
to weigh aesthetic values. The Scenic Hudson Preservation Conference
filed a brief asking the Commission to rule on this point. This then has
made the question of aestheticism £ legal question.
Think what interesting changes might be effected. A positive decision
could at least encourage an agency like the FPC to consult persons versed
and sensitive even to the natural beauty. It could elevate in the public
mind the importance of beauty in considering a big-money and practical’
project such as that proposed for Storm King Mountain.
It might even force the engineers and builders into a modern approach,
which they may think they have with all their big, mechanical equipment.
Marston Bates in his book, “The Forest and the Sea”, has said that the
Romantic Movement of the early 1800’s to which we trace the modern
aesthetic interest in nature has not vet caught up with the engineers and
builders.
But all these battles, discouraging as some may be individually, are being
fought within the context of great conservation successes. New York State
is now to have a equivalent of a national park, this being the Fire Island
National Seashore which is now on the law books.
After years of struggle the Wilderness Bill was passed. It wasn’t all
that conservationists wanted. But it and the principles it involves are on the
law books. We can fight for improvements.
In fact the 88th Congress has been heralded for its remarkable conserva¬
tion record which included approval of a new national park in Utah and
passage of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act to provide funds for
further land aquisitions.
I’m sure that part of all this success is due to the rising interest in these
matters by citizens. T his is certainly aided in part by publicity, especially
columns in newspapers like that of Beverly Waite, Federation conservation
committee member. She devoted two of her columns in the Albany Knicker¬
bocker News, “On the Wing” to reports of the Federation’s conservation
resolutions passed at the meeting last May. Also Mrs. Margaret Dye of
Cornwall-on-Hudson, another committee member, covered the Federation’s
conservation activities in her local newspaper column.
333 Bedell St., Freeport, Long Island
214
The Kingbird
FIELD NOTES
Grackles Decapitate Sparrows: My next door neighbor consistently has
fed the birds on her open lawn both winter and summer, with bread and
seeds. The usual bird gathering included quite a few sparrows, some doves,
a flicker. Catbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds and an occasional Common Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula).
About the middle of June the body of a sparrow was discovered at the
feeding place neatly decapitated. For a few days there would be one here
and there, and then we began to find them by twos and threes, always
sparrows and always decapitated. Finally a Barn Swallow fell prey. So
w'e instituted a careful watch one morning when the feeding was the busiest.
There was a sudden flurry amongst the birds and I noticed one of the
grackles picking viciously at something and small feathers flying. Running
out to investigate I saw a fresh “kill”, but the head of the sparrow victim
was still intact. Further watching disclosed that the grackle returned to the
“kill”, tried to carry off the victim several times in its claws but was unable
to move the body but a few inches. Failing at this, it then proceeded to pick
at the meek of the sparrow until it had detached the head, whereupon it
seized this in its beak and flew off, leaving the body behind'.
After about two or three weeks of this behavior the sparrow raids
ceased, leading one to surmise that the sparrow heads were being fed to
young grackles.
Jeanne M. Cassidy, Hidden Springs, Glen Head, Long Island
Ed. Note. Harold Mayfield, in the December 1954 issue of The Wilson
Bulletin, p. 271, describes a somewhat similar incident involving a grackle
and an English Sparrow.
Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) Nesting in Jefferson County: In
the breeding season this species is found mainly in the Mississippi drainage
basin. Its range has extended into our state and it is locally common in parts
of western and central New York, although little is known of its occurrence
in northern New York. There are a few scattered records, mainly in the
spring migration period.
During May 1964 Cerulean Warblers were seen in three areas near Water-
town. Later, two singing males were found in an area of mixed hardwoods
a few miles north of the city. Identification was facilitated by familiariza¬
tion with the song as reproduced on the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
Records. Although the birds followed their customary behavior of keeping
to the treetops, occasionally a good view could 1 be obtained. Careful watch
was kept and finally on July 8 a Cerulean Warbler nest was located in an elm,
approximately thirty feet above the ground. At this time one of the adults
was observed coming to the nest with food. Three days later indications
pointed to the nest being empty, although a singing male was nearby.
The nest was located at the junction of two small branches and appeared
to be composed largely of bark fibre. The area is typical mixed hardwood —
maple, elm, ash, basswood, black cherry and shagbark hickory. The location
is in the town of Pamelia not far from the crossroads hamlet of Knowsville.
A. W. Allen and J. B. Belknap, Watertown.
Blue Grosbeak at Port Kent: On June 17, as I started in to the unoccu¬
pied D & H Railroad Station at Port Kent, I saw a flash of blue fly up from
the ground — Bluebird or Indigo Bunting? I stopped the car and in a
moment the bird flew down to the place where it had been feeding before.
Size much larger than a bunting, figure and plumage not at all bluebird.
He was in excellent light about eight or ten yards from me so that I hardly
needed glasses to see the cinnamon wing-bars and a large grosbeak bill on this
all blue bird. I observed him for at least fifteen minutes, most of the time
through 7 x 35 binoculars.
The Kingbird
215
The grosbeak fitted Peterson’s picture perfectly except that the sun
made his blue coloration brighter. I feel that there can be no doubt that
this was a male Blue Grosbeak, Guiraca caerulea, in perfect spring plumage.
Because of circumstances beyond my control I could not check all records
in the area on this species but this record is “very rare” according to Reilly
& Parkes.
Harriet L. Delafield, Trudeau Road, Saranac Lake
Least Flycatcher “assists” at Chipping Sparrow nest: On June 22, 1964,
my wife and I were photographing the feeding activities at a nest of Chipping
Sparrows (Spizella passerina) located about three feet up in a small tree near
a dirt road in Broome County, New York, The parent sparrows were feeding
on an average of once every 10 minutes — sometimes one adult came and
sometimes the other, but on at least three occasions we were able to photo-
graph both at the nest at the same time.
In between feedings, we noted that another bird would slip in, sometimes
to feed the four nearly-grown young and sometimes just to sit on the edge
of the nest and look at them. To our surprise, we identified it as a Least
Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus). We had our camera set up at the nest for
about four hours while the unusual situation unfolded, and made the following
observations.
The parents approached the nest from across the road, while the fly¬
catcher came in from the opposite direction. At first the interloper would
wait until both parents had fed and then slip in as soon as they had gone,
usually feeding and leaving before they returned’. But the sparrows must
have become suspicious, for they began coming in together, then one would
leave and the other remain at the nest. When the flycatcher came in, a battle
would ensue and the sparrow would drive off the intruder. This continued
all the while we watched. When we left, the flycatcher was becoming bolder
and, on several occasions, drove away the sparrows. Since a friend had
photographed this same nest four days previous and had noted nothing
unusual, I must assume that the action had started shortly before we observed
it.
Eight days previous we had seen a flycatcher nest about a hundred yards
from this location. Only one of the young had' survived to leave the nest,
having been seen on the floor of the wood nearby. Whether the bird at the
Chipping Sparrow nest was one of that flycatcher pair, I have no way of
knowing.
The accompanying photographs show the Chipping Sparrow and the Least
Flycatcher feeding the young Chipping Sparrows.
Donald D. Burgess, 116 Rosedale Drive, Binghamton
Red Crossbill Nesting in Como Park, Erie County: While birding in Como
Park, Lancaster, N. Y. on March 23, 1964, I observed a female Red Crossbill
busily occupying herself in a spruce tree. She slowly eased her way to the
center of the tree to a spot about twenty feet up where she placed a twig
among a few others loosely arranged. The bird repeated this process at
intervals during the time I was present.
During this period of observation, I had ample opportunity to observe
the black wings as they contrasted with the dingy yellowish underparts and
the noticeably brighter rump.
Later, a male appeared, sang and enacted a flight song which included
a weak trill and a slight warble. This male and the subsequent nesting
males took no part in nest-building but perched at the tips of nearby spruces,
from which point, I had excellent views of their drab red ventral and dorsal
areas and the rump which appeared appreciably brighter. Also their bills
appeared lighter than their black wings.
The doubts of my observations were removed when, during a telephone
conversation, on April 1, with my birding companion Joseph Grzybowski, he
stated that he had. located two additional nests in the park. Being very
216 The Kingbird
Chipping 1 Sparrow (Spizella passerina) bringing food
to its young in the nest.
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) feeding
the young Chipping Sparrows.
The Kingbird
217
much excited by his discovery, I hurried to the park the next morning' and
not only found Joe's two nests but discovered another, the fourth, nest being-
constructed. The nesta ranged from eight to thirty feet up and were
situated more or less near the trunk of the tree.
After nest-building had been completed, both birds seemed to ignore the
nest, although the males continued to sing on territory. On April 11, I dis¬
covered that one egg had been laid in the last nest. By April 13 all the
nests, except the first one, contained three eggs.
Unfortunately, however, on April 17 it seemed apparent that only one of
the nests had a chance of ultimate success, since the high winds on the
sixteenth upset one nest, another was pillaged, and the first seemed: aban¬
doned. On this day Mr. Harold D. Mitchell and I collected two of the nests
and the eggshells from one nest.
April 25, twelve days after the first eggs were laid, was an eventful day
since the female on the remaining nest seemed uneasy and very much pre¬
occupied with something beneath her body, which Mr. Mitchell and I believed
to be newly hatched young. On May 3, I climbed the Norway Spruce to the
nest, after I was certain that both parents had left, and discovered two young
crossbills about one week old, whose pinfeathers had pretty much appeared
and whose bills were not yet crossed.
Eight days later, on May 11, after two days of high winds I discovered
the nest lying on the ground beneath the tree. Although, I did not see any
immature birds later, it is possible that the young survived for later, after
a diligent search neither Mr. Mitchell, Joe nor I could find any remains of
dead birds on the ground in the area of the nest tree.
Carl Mrozek, 5250 Broadway, Lancaster
Ed note: Some of these nests are the same as those shown by Harold D.
Mitchell during his talk on nesting Red Crossbills at the paper session of The
State Federation meeting at Poughkeepsie on May 23, 1964.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUMMER SEASON
JUNE 1 - AUGUST 15
David B. Peak all
Although the vital nature of the breeding season would not be denied by
any ornithologist it is cerainly the poorest documented. The regional
reports are almost without exception shorter and a good deal of the space is
devoted to late departures and early arrivals of migrants.
The decline of the population of raptors has shown no signs of halting.
It seems likely that the widespread use of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides
are forcing a new balance in which hawks will occur in New York almost
exclusively as migrants. The Coopers Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk and
Harrier have reached the status of rare breeding birds throughout the state.
The Kestrel appears to have had a poor season in many areas and although
observations as detailed as those of Austing in Ohio (Audubon Field Notes
18 (4):455, 1964) where sixty eggs did not produce a single young, are
lacking the general picture may be similar. The Red-tailed Hawk appears
to be maintaining its population in most areas although detailed accounts of
its breeding success would be of interest. An interesting and difficult to
explain observation is that of an increase of Goshawks outside the mountain¬
ous areas. Perhaps they are moving into the now empty niche of the
Coopers Hawk, it will be of great interest to follow this trend.
The position of the fish-eaters is difficult to evaluate. Several regions
218
The Kingbird
report a decrease of some species, as always there are anomalies. For
example two reports state that there were decreases of all herons except the
Green Heron. Walter Benning (P.O. Box 72, Clyde) is undertaking a
state-wide census of heronies. This project will give a Baseline to work from
and it is hoped that all persons with information will contact Mr. Benning.
If the position of large birds such as hawks and herons is difficult to
evaluate that of passerines is even harder. However there were enough
comments on low numbers of warblers to cause concern. The hallmark of
pesticides is abnormally low hatching of eggs. In all cases studied egg-
laying is about normal but the eggs are infertile. Under normal conditions
losses, of both eggs and young, due to predators are heavy but the percentage
of eggs that are infertile is small. Such a point could be noted by the nest
record card program if it has widespread support.
The northward movement of southern species — Cardinal, Tufted
Titmouse and Mockingbird — has been a feature of the last decade or so
(Beddall, Wilson Bulletin 75 (2): 140, 1963). This summer only the
Mockingbird appears to have made fresh progress; the Carolina Wren does
not show any signs of recovery.
In reverse, northern species moving south, the Evening Grosbeak has
not repeated its nestings outside the Adirondacks such as occurred in 1962.
The White-throated Sparrow is mentioned in several reports as breeding or
summering in new localities, suggesting a range increase of this species.
An immature Saw-whet Owl was found near Rochester in early July
suggesting local breeding. There appear to be few breeding records of this
species for the state. Yet Bent (Life Histories of North American Birds
of Prey Volume 2 p. 230) quotes a Dr. Ralph who found five nests, mainly
in Oneida County, in the 1880’s. It is an interesting question as to whether
a first-rate nest finder could repeat that feat today.
Five different male Ruffs and a single immature were recorded from
Onondaga Lake near Syracuse. This is a series of occurrences that taxes
the imagination and the possibility of breeding of this species in North
America, perhaps even in this state, should not be discounted . A full
account will be published in a subsequent issue.
The Laughing Gull, a species rarely reported away from the coast, was
noted in two localities (Region 3 & 5) in central New York in mid-June.
Following hurricane Hazel in 1954 there were many reports but since then
there have been few records.
Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Ave., Syracuse 13210
Tlie Kingbird
219
REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER
Richard C. Rosche
The weather pattern this summer season was much the same as a year
ago. June was a very agreeable month followed by a sunny and warm July.
The first half of August, like last year, was generally chilly and wet. These
favorable weather conditions provided for a successful and unintei’rupted
nesting season for most kinds of birds.
Highlights of the season include a new nesting location for the Goshawk
in the region and the first known nesting of Red Crossbills.
Abbreviations used below are: Alleg. — Allegany; Catt. — Cattaraugus;
Chaut. — Chautauqua; Co. — County; Gen. — Genesee; Nia — Niagara;
N.,— North; opp. — opposite; TGMA — Tonawanda, Game Management
Area.
Contributors: CA — Cook Anderson; RFA — Robert F, Andrle; TLB —
Thomas L.. Bourne; WWB — Winston W. Brockner; RB — Richard Brown-
stein; LDB — Mr. and Mrs. Lou L. Burton; SWE — Stephen W. Eaton;
RCR — Richard C. Rosche; KS — Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Swanson.
Loons — Ducks: Great Blue Heron: 19 active nests, Jul 12, heronry
about four miles NNW of Vandalia, Catt. Co.; young one-two weeks from
leaving nests (SWE). Least Bittern: one, Jun 6, Langford, Erie Co. (TLB) ;
one, Jul .3, 18, N. Cuba Marsh, Alleg. Co. (RCR); one, Aug 2, Mayville,
Chaut. Co. (KS). Canada Goose (B. c. hutchinsii): one, Jun 16, Oak Orchard
Area (RFA et al)—captured earlier in spring; specimen now in Buffalo
Museum of Science. Gadwall:'one, Aug 30, Mayville, Chaut. Co. (KS)—early.
Pintail: three, Jun 16, TGMA (RFA et al); one, Jun 20, over Alma Pond,
Alleg. Co. (RCR et al). Green-winged Teal: one, Jul 18, N. Cuba Marsh,
Alleg. Co. (RCR) — an extremely early migrant individual for the southern
tier. Bufflehead: one, Aug 8, Nia. River opp. Buffalo (RB et al) — an
extremely early migrant (?) in one of the favorite wintering areas of this
species on the Nia. River. Hooded Merganser: brood of seven downy young,
Jun 14, Riverside Sanctuary, Town of Kiantone, Chaut. Co. (CA); broods of
three, seven and eight young, Jul 4, Alma Pond, Alleg. Co. (RCR) — a
previously unreported nesting locality for this species in the region.
Hawks — Owls: Goshawk: two young that had recently left nest observed
July 27 about fifty yards from nest in southern Catt. Co. near Vandalia
(SWE) —- a few grouse, flicker, blue jay and starling feathers at nest. This
is the second known nesting locality in that part of the region. Sharp-shinned
Hawk: a pair successfully raised two young in Chestnut Ridge Park, Erie Co.
(RFA et al). Cooper’s Hawk: two young left a nest about Jul 18 near
Vandalia, Catt. Co. (SWE). Osprey: one, Aug 2, near Stannards, Alleg.
Co. (RCR) -— an early migrant or summering bird. Bobwhite: the number
of reports, especially from southern tier counties, probably indicates that
more birds were released this year by sportsmen’s groups than usual; unfort¬
unately most of the birds seepi to have been introduced; into areas where
they are the least likely to survive the winter climate. Upland Plover: a pair
successfully reared two young near Belmont, Alleg. Co. during June where
as many as four adults were noted (LDB) —- this is an uncommon species in
the southern tier and the first known nesting record for Alleg. Co. Lesser
Yellowlegs: 23, Jul 6, Beaver Island State Park (RB) — a noteworthy early
concentration. Franklin’s Gull: one, Aug 12, Nia. River opp. Buffalo and
Aug 15, Front Park, Buffalo (RB) — early. Little Gull: one, Aug 8, Nia.
River opp. Buffalo (RB) — early. Caspian Tern: one, Jun 1, Hamburg
Town Park (TLB).
Goatsuckers — Starling: Tufted Titmouse: one, Jul 3, 11, 23, Derby,
Erie Co. (WWB) — only report. Red-breasted Nuthatch: probably the same
pair that visited a feeder all winter and spring near Vandalia, Catt. Co. was
seen Jun 1-29 near a hole in a Yellow Birch (SWE); one, Jul 18, Kinney
Swamp, Town of Birdsall, Alleg. Co. (RCR) ; this species is unreported in
220
The Kingbird
this region during most summers. Winter Wren: one, Jul 9, Alleg. State
Park (WWB). Short-billed Marsh Wren: two, Jul 2, Darien, Gen. Co.
(WWB) : one, Jul 3, 18 and Aug 8, N. Cuba Marsh, Alleg. Co. (RCR) ; one,
Jul 18, Kinney Swamp, Town of Birdsall, Alleg. Co. (RCR). Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher: two, Jun 14, Catt. Indian Reservation at Taylor Hollow, Erie
Co. (WWB).
Vireos — Warblers: Nashville Warbler: a fairly common summer bird
in reforested-aspen habitat in Kinney Swamp area, Town of Birdsall, Alleg.
Co. this year (RCR). Yellow-breasted'Chat: one, Jun 15, near Onoville,
Catt. Co. (KS) ; one, Aug 14, Belmont, Alleg. Co. (LDB).
Blackbirds — Sparrows: Orchard Oriole: one, Jun 1, Pt. Stockholm,
Chaut. Co. (KS et al). Red Crossbill: During the first half of June there
were still small flocks regularly visiting feeding stations in the Hamburg-
East Aurora area. They seemed to be attracted by sunflower seeds. After
midi-June all seem to have disappeared. At East Aurora, Mr. and Mrs.
William Budington and family watched two-four young feed at their tray
during early June. When the young first came, down was still present on
the crown and forehead. By Jun 10, no down was present and the heavily
streaked juveniles, still being fed by adult birds, could fly well (RCR).
Evidence indicates that two broods of two young were involved. At Belmont,
Alleg. Co., two juvenile birds accompanied by two adults were observed Jun
12 (LDB) . This is the first year on record when this bird has nested in the
region. White-throated Sparrow: one-two singing males on territory, May
17-Jul 18, Kinney Swamp, Town of Birdsall, Alleg. Co. (RCR) — a previously
unreported summering locality.
Addenda: Cattle Egret: one, May 5, near Vandalia, Catt. Co., just south
of Allegany River at Russell Farm (SWE). Cerulean Warbler: one, May 30,
Sunfish Run, Catt. Co., near Red House (SWE).
48 Dartmouth Avenue, Buffalo 14215
REGION 2 — GENESEE
EIoward S. Miller
Temperatures for June were about normal. July was the hottest com¬
parable month in nine years and the first half of August was the coolest
on record.
Rainfall for the period was only about one-half of normal and a mild
drought prevailed since early July.
The Franklin's Gull and Western Meadowlark were the most outstanding
birds reported 1 .
Names of regularly reporting observers: JB — John Brown; JF —
John Foster; JH (Mrs) Jean Haller; AEK — Allen E. Kemnitzer; WCL •—
Walter C. Ldstman; LL — (Miss) Linda Ludwig; AM — Alfred Maley; JM —
Joseph McNett; TM — (Mrs) Thelma McNett.
Names of places used in report: BB— Braddoek’s Bay; WS — West
Spit.
Loons — Ducks: No Pied-billed Grebes were reported. While the
numbers of Great Blue and Black-crowned Night Herons picked up some¬
what toward the end of the period, herons in general remained relatively
scarce, except for Green Herons and Least Bitterns. The latter seemed
generally distributed, with a high count of four at Shore Acres Aug 2
(WCL). It was also seen around BB several times.
Stragglers of several species of ducks not suspected of nesting locally
were occasionally reported. Among the more interesting of these reports
was a Gadwall at the WS Jun 15 (WCL), two Shovelers at BB all of June
(WCL), a Canvasback at Pultneyville Jul 19 (JF), and seven White-winged
Scoters at Manitou Jul 4 (WCL). Thirteen Green-winged Teal (mostly
drakes) were seen at BB Jun 28 (WCL). While the species is suspected of
nesting regularly locally, this number is unusual.
The Kingbird
221
Hawks — Owls: All diurnal birds of prey seemed scarce.
Thirty-nine Knots, were seen on the WS Jun 1 (WCL) and seven White-
rumped Sandpipers were seen in the same area Jun 12 by the same observer.
Stragglers of several other species of shorebirds such as Ruddy Turnstone,
Dunlin and Semipalmated Sandpiper remained around BB until well after
the middle of June. The fall flight of shorebirds has been far from awe
inspiring. One Baird's Sandpiper was at the East Spit from Jul 28-Aug 1
(WCL et al). Short-billed Dowitchers were generally distributed and a iew
Stilt Sandpipers were present from Jul 26 on.
An adult Franklin’s Gull was seen flying over the WS Jun 10 (WCL).
One to two Forster’s Terns were at BB dhring the whole period (WCL et al).
An immature Saw-whet Owl was seen at Scottsville Jul 7 (JB), Another
immature of this species was seen by Dr, Leo Tanghe during the summer
several years ago at Ling Road so that it would seem this species is a very
rare local breeder.
Goatsuckers — Shrikes: A Winter Wren was seen in Webster Jul 19
(AEK). The Carolina Wren was unreported, and the Short-billed Marsh
Wren was completely missing since one or two were reported in the late
spring. Five Mockingbirds were reported from Webster Jul 14 (AEK).
These were probably a pair of adults and three young. This species also
bred successfully in Irondequoit and probably in Scottsville (JH). A bird
was seen near LeRoy Jun 21 (GOS Hike).
Vireos — Warblers: The Blue-winged Warbler was reported from
Powder Mill Park (JM, TM). A Parula Warbler and 15 Blackburnian
Warblers were reported from Letchworth Park Jun 23 (LL, AM). If the
former was a nesting bird, it is very unusual. While the latter is known to
nest regularly in this area, the count is high. Seven Louisiana Water-
thrushes were seen at Conesus Lake Jun 20 (Howard Miller and Alfred
Starling), and at least three Yellow-breasted Chats were in the LeRoy scrub
area Jun 21 (GOS Hike). The two latter species are regularly found in
these respective areas.
Blackbirds — Sparrows: A singing Western Meadowlark was present
all of June at Retsof (JH & Mrs, Seldon). A White-throated Sparrow was
reported from Scottsville Jun 30 (JB) and another was seen at Manitou
Jul 19 (WCL). These are both unusual dates as the species is not found
locally in summer except possibly at Bergen Swamp.
54 Luella Street, Rochester 14609
REGION 3 — FINGER LAKES
Sally F. Hoyt
Part of the Region had the driest summer in many years, but there were
localized heavy showers. A two week period in late June and early July had
above normal temperatures, while early August had sub-normal readings.
In spite of drought and heat, the fruit crop was heavy. Honeysuckle berries
were huge and plentiful, yet hardly touched by birds. Mulberries were
abundant, and later-bearing trees were heavy with green fruit by early
August.
In general, nesting success was somewhat above that of last year. Few
unusual birds turned up. Shorebirds began coming to Montezuma the first
week in July, and gave promise of a good shorebird year — but this is not the
case, as of the end of the reporting period. Low water levels in early summer
resulted in growth of vegetation to water edge, so there were no exposed
mudflats in late summer, when the level usually drops. Rails (Sora and
Virginia) were forced out of dry cover to seek food in more exposed areas,
and were seen easily and frequently. The situation also accounted for
many sightings of Woodcock and Snipe.
Contributors: JB — Jack Brubaker; WEB — Walter Benning; JB —
Jamesine Bardeen; AG — Alfred Graham; FG — Frank Guthrie; WG —
William Groesbeck; BS — Betty Strath; JW — Jayson Walker; RW — Ruth
Williams.
222
The Kingbird
Locality abbreviations: Cay L — Cayuga Lake; Sen L — Seneca Lake;
MNWR— Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge; SWS— Sapsucker Woods
Sanctuary.
Loons — Ducks: Pied-billed Grebe: raised young, Texas Hollow Sanct¬
uary, Odessa (BS). No other nestings reported. No Cormorant reports.
Great Blue Heron: almost no reports of active heronries — three or four
have ceased being used in last two years. Cattle Egret: five, Jun 14, and
later dates, pasture on Rte. 90 north of Rte. 5 (AG). Black-crowned Night
Heron: eight (max), Aug 16, MNWR (WEB). Least Bittern: one or two
seen fairly consistently during summer, MNWR.
Figures for production of waterfowl at Montezuma are as follows: Canada
Goose (152) ; Mallard (792); Black (144); Gadwall (630); Baldpate (18);
Pintail (0); Green-winged Teal (24); Blue-winged Teal (870); Shoveler
(79); Wood Duck (360); Redhead (198); Ruddy Duck (50); Hooded Mer¬
ganser (28), for a total of 3,193 as compared with 2,860 last year and 1,701
four years ago. Geese, Mallards, Gadwall, Blue-winged Teal, and Wood
Ducks showed an increase over last year; Blacks, Baldpate, Pintail, Shoveler
and Ruddy had decreased.
Last Scaup were seen at Montezuma Jun 20, last Common Merganser on
Jun 21, until Aug 16 when one female appeared. At Sapsucker Woods San-
tuary, 11 broods of Mallards were evident by early June, several more later
in summer final one the first week in August. One brood of Blue-winged
Teal, six (at least) of Wood Ducks. (See last issue for Hooded Mergansers.)
Elsewhere —two broods Wood Ducks, Texas Hollow Sanctuary, Odessa (BS).
Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture: nine (max), Jul 5, MNWR (WEB).
Down in frequency and numbers. Usually up to 25 may be seen. No nests
of Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawks found in Ithaca area, only two sightings
of Cooper’s. Red-tails in normal numbers, and at Keuka reported as common,
with 4-5 pairs seen in short trips (FG). Red-shoulders: fewer than normal.
One pair at SWS raised 3 yg. Bald Eagle: no reports after Jun 1. Marsh
Hawk: no nests reported, scattered' sightings. Sparrow Hawk: extremely
poor nesting success around Ithaca. Four pairs known personally to me were
unsuccessful this year. Walker, however, found a few near Waterloo.
Bobwhites: scattered reports of small coveys in later summer, including
vicinity of Clyde. Turkey: one nest with more than 12 eggs, Bostwick Rd.,
Ithaca, June. Virginia Rail: many more reports than usual from MNWR, but
while drought may have contributed to successful nestings, it also forced
birds more into open. Reports of 12-15 some days in late July. Soras:
five, (max), Jul 12 (WEB). Common Gallinule: 64 (max), Jul 4, MNWR
(WEB). Coots: apparently very successful, no figures available until after
Aug 15.
Semi-palmated Plover: two, Jul 5 (first ‘fall’ date) MNWR; 50, (max),
Aug 16, (WEB). Black-bellied,Plover: one, Aug. 16, (first) MNWR (WEB).
Killdeer: 148 (max), Jul 19, MNWR (WEB). Woodcock: reported fre¬
quently, but probably no actual increase. Forced into open in search of food,
along shores, etc. Spotted Sandpiper: 27 (max), Jul 12 & 29, MNWR
(WEB). Solitary Sandpiper: two (first) Jul 4, MNWR (WEB). Greater
Yellowlegs: two (first) Jul 19. Lesser Yellowlegs: one on Jun 28; 19, Jul 1
(last of spring or first of fall??) MNWR (WEB). Pectoral and Least Sand¬
pipers: first arrivals Jul 1. Short-billed Dowitcher and Stilt Sandpiper, first
arrivals Jul 19. Fifty Short-billed Dowitchers (max), Jul 24 (WEB). Semi-
palmated Sandpiper: 300 (high) Aug 16. No Phalaropes prior to Aug. 15.
One unidentified Phalarope, prob. Wilson’s, on Aug 16 (WEB). Great
Black-backed Gull: one summered on Cay L. Laughing Gull: one imm , Jun
12, Sen L (BS & JB). Rare in Finger Lakes. Bonaparte’s Gull: two, breed¬
ing plumage, Jul 14, Sen L (BS). Rare in summer in state; one, .Aug 16,
MNWR (WEB). Cuckoos, both species: few reports. Screech Owl: only
one or two records all summer. No nesting birds located.
Caprimulgids — Shrikes: Whip-poor-will: one heard, June and July,
west of Odessa. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: some increase over last
summer. The low number of reports of Red-bellied and Red-headed Wood-
The Kingbird
223
peckers hopefully may not mean a complete absence of the birds but a
scarcity of observers at the right place at the right time. Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker: raised young in Sapsucker Woods. One young found dead, late
July. All Flycatchers showed some increase over last summer. Trje
Swallows: still decreasing. Only two pairs nesting at SWS, in contrast with
5 pairs in ’63 and 10-12 pairs in former years. Bank Swallows: known
colonies seemed full to capacity. Est. 10,000 (max) at MNWR, Jul 10
(WEB). Purple Martins: left mid-August. Red-breasted Nuthatch: one,
late Jun, Watkins Glen (JB), only summer report. House Wren: some
increase in Geneva area, no change noted elsewhere. Carolina Wren: one,
only, at Keuka. Both Marsh Wrens, scarce in Keuka. Long-billed in fairly
good numbers at Montezuma. Mockingbird: one report of three young out
of nest, Jul 11, near Hector (BS) ; one report of 3 birds age not specified,
Esperanza, Keuka Lake (Larzelere). Catbirds and Brown Thrashers:
noticeable increase in numbers this year. Robins and Wood Thrushes: all
observers report some increase. Hermit Thrushes and Veeries: still on
decrease. Eastern Bluebird: some definite improvement in numbers through¬
out the Region, though still far below ‘normal’ of ten or twelve years ago.
Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers: absent at Keuka, where have been breeding in last
few years. No nests found at Stewart Park, Ithaca, though birds present
earlier. Cedar Waxwings: abundant, successful nestings. Loggerhead
Shrikes.: no summer reports.
Vireos — Warblers: Solitary Vireo: (rare in Region as nesting bird)
raised two Cowbirds in eye-level nest, Texas Hollow, Odessa (BS). Red¬
eyed Vireos: • continue decline in most sections. Nesting Warblers: fewer
everywhere. No nesting Ceruleans found at Stewart 1 Park, Ithaca, where have
been in recent years. Ovenbirds and Canada Warblers down as SWS — only
one Canada nested; only 4 Ovenbirds. Around Geneva, Walker felt that
some species (Yellow, Ovenbira, Cerulean, Redstart and Yellowthroat) were
in usual numbers.
Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolinks: observers at Keuka and Geneva felt
their numbers had increased this year, after decline of recent summers. Little
increase noted at Ithaca. Baltimore Orioles, Meadowlarks, Redwings,
Grackles and Cowbirds had all increased throughout the region. Scarlet
Tanagers seemed to be maintaining their numbers six breeding pairs at
SWS this year, and 7 last year. Indigo Buntings were plentiful everywhere.
Dickcissel: two, Aug 9, MNWR (RW). Most previous records of this species
have been fall or winter birds. Purple Finches: more than usual at Keuka
(FG). Goldfinches: very abundant — as was anticipated in spring. Red
Crossbills: several seen on west side of Watkins Glen hill in late June. Rare
in summer, but after invasion of last winter, to be expected. Sharp-tailed
Sparrow: one, Jul 19, MNWR (WEB), Chipping Sparrows, Field Sparrows
and Song Sparrows showed some increase.
Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca
REGION 4 — SUSQUEHANNA
Leslie E, Bemont
It’s been a long dry summer. The drought that started at the beginning
of May was still going strong August 15. Weather records show that well
over half of the rain that fell between June 1 and August 15 came in July
but the records were strongly influenced by a couple of hard storms that
covered relatively small areas. July was warmer than normal but temper¬
atures were otherwise about average.
Only a report of a Woodcock in shrubbery next to a well watered lawn
in a thickly populated suburban area suggests that dryness worked any
hardship on birds. On the other hand nesting success was generally good.
There were a few reports of nests broken up by predators but not as many
as last year.
224
The Kingbird
Among the more interesting' reports were Swainson’s Thrushes singing
through June and breeding records of Long-eared Owls and White-throated
Sparrows. It was particularly satisfying to hear of Goshawk nesting success.
A probable Saw-whet Owl, Whip-poor-wills, Brown Creepers and more than
the usual number of Sapsuckers, Hermit Thrushes and Slate-colored Juncos
helped to give a norhern flavor to the season. One Mockingbird record
represented the southern influence.
Contributors,: TNC — The Naturalists’ Club, LB — Leslie Bemont,
RB — Robert Burland, GC — Gail Corderman, M, AD — Marilyn and Anna
Davis, RD — Robert Dirig, CG — Clinton Gerould, JG — John Gustafson,
CH — Claude Howard, FL — Florence Linaberry, HM — Harriet Marsi,
R, JS — Robert and Jean Saunders, MS — Mary Sheffield, RS — Robert
Sheffield, AS — Anne Stratton, EW — Elizabeth Washburn, NW — Newell
Washburn, MW — Mildred White, R, SW — Ruth and Sally White, EW —
Evelyn Williams, RW — Ruth Williams, SW — Stuart Wilson.
Loons - — Ducks: Pied-billed Grebe: Aug 2, Whitney Point (MS), the
first since Apr. Great Blue Heron: an active colony near Whitney Point
(MS, EW) and another near Charlotteville, along the Otsego-Schoharie
county line (RB), in addition to the three colonies reported last time. Com¬
mon Egret: 1, Jul 26, Hancock (RD) ; also at Whitney Point (MS, EW) and
Owego (MW, CG). Black-crowned Night Heron: 1, Aug 5, Tioga Center
(RW) and an immature Aug 9, Owego (MW, CG, RW) ; the only reports so
far this year. Canada Goose: 4 at Owego, Jun 30, Jul 9 and Aug 14 (MW)
but no information about possible domestication. Mallards, Blacks and
Woods were the only dabbling ducks reported breeding. Green-winged
Teal: 1, Jul 5, Whitney Point (MS). Blue-winged Teal: Jul 5, Whitney
Point (MS) and 6, Aug 9, Owego (MW, CG, RW). Ring-necked Duck: a
male on a pond near Owego from Jun 1 to Jul 16 (RW), apparently sick or
injured. Common Merganser: a female with 7 young, Jun 11 and again
Jul 9, Deposit (SW).
Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture: reported once at South Owea-o (MW,
CG) and once in nearby Penna. south of Binghamton, Jun 20 (CH) but
fairly frequently at Hancock (RD). Goshawk: Dr. Spofford found *wo
nests in the Pharsalia area, 6 young were hatched and 5 flew. Red-tailed
Hawk: “quite a few young seen in Aug”, Cortland area (JG). Red-should¬
ered Hawk: the only reports during the period were from Cranberry Lake
in nearby Penna. (EW, NW). Broad-winged Hawk: one on nest Jun 26,
Ingraham Hill (CH) ; some other summer reports without evidence of nest¬
ing. Bald Eagle: an immature, Aug 4, Owego (RW). Marsh Hawk: Jul 9,
Windsor (HM, FL), the only report during the period.
Bob-white: one heard at East Homer (Frances Newman). Turkey: one
male and five females were released near Hancock in Mar and about 30
poults have been observed in the area during the summer (newspaper clip¬
ping via RD). Virginia Rail: reported only at Norwich and Sherburne (R,
SW). Common Gallinule: Jun 6, Apalachin (TNC), the only report. Wood¬
cock: 1, Aug 11 and again Aug 15, Endwell (LB), in suburban back yard,
apparently because of dryness elsewhere. Common Snipe: 2, Jul 26, Sher¬
burne (R, SW) ; 9, Aug 2, Whitney Point (MS). Upland Plover: on high hill
near Homer (Mary Steinbeck). Solitary Sandpiper: July 7, Hinman’s Corners
(R, JS) ; the first fall migrants. Greater Yellowlegs: Jul 11, Owego (MW) ;
then none until Aug 9. Lesser Yellowlegs: Aug 9, Endwell (HM, GC).
Least Sandpiper: Jul 20, Binghamton (Ray Short) and fairly often from
then on. Semi-palmated Sandpiper: 2, Aug 2, Whitney Point (MS), the only
ones so far. Herring and Ring-billed Gulls both present in the Cortland area
dhring the summer. Common Tern: 1, Jul 5. Whitney Point (MS). Yellow¬
billed and Black-billed Cuckoo: “This has been our best cuckoo year in quite
a few”, Cortland area (JG). Long-eared Owl: 1 adult and 2 young, Jun 6,
Apalachin (TNC), seen clearly from about 10 feet by several observers —
noted long “ears”, lengthwise streaking on breast with no white on throat of
adult — young had blackish facial disks and were very fuzzy around head,
“ears” just beginning to be noticeable. Barred Owl: Jun 12, Hancock (RD),
The Kingbird
225
4 or 5 ‘‘talking- back and forth/’ Saw-whet Owl: Jun 19 and 20 and Jul 7,
Hinman’s Corners where they were reported in Feb and Mar (MS, RS, R, JS),
giving what is believed to be the “saw” call described in the books.
Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Whip-poor-will: at least 3, Hinman’s Corners
(MS, RS, R, JS), seen occasionally and heard calling regularly all during
Jun, frequency decreasing in Jul and to the end of the period. Ruby-throated
Hummingbird : 1, Aug 6, Hancock (RD), poking bill into the base of an
unoccupied Cooper’s Hawk nest, perhaps gleaning lice and mites. Red-headed
Woodpecker: nested at Endwell as in the last few years, young leaving the
nest Jul 7 (FL) ; “a nesting pair at Cortlandville, as usual” (JG). Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker: summer reports from several different areas in the
region but no nesting record. Downy Woodpecker: 1, Jul 31, Choconut
Center (MS), feeding from hummingbird feeder. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher:
2, Aug 5, Ingraham Hill (CH) and again Aug 10. Traill’s Flycatcher:
reported at Marathon (L. Holmes), Homer (G. Field, J. Griffin), Deposit
(SW) and the Triple Cities area.
Bank Swallow: none since Aug. 5. Cliff Swallow: “not so numerous as
usual”, Cortland area (JG). Purple Martin: “down in numbers some from
1963”, Cortland area (JG). Tufted Titmouse: 1, fairly regularly from Jun
8 to 23, Oxford (AS), a new location. Red-breasted Nuthatch: Jun 27,
Candor (TNC) ; 2, Jun 28, Pharsalia (R, SW) ; no other reports. Brown
Creeper: Jun 26 and 27 and Aug 13, Chenango Forks (M, AD). Winter
Wren: reported regularly in Jun at Hancock (RD) ; 1, Jun 14, Pharsalia
(R, SW) ; Jul 7 and 8, Deposit (SW). Long-billed Marsh Wren: reported
at Sherburne all summer (R, SW T ) ; also at 2 locations in the Triple Cities
area in Jun and Jul (TNC). Short-billed Marsh Wren: Jun 5, Hinman’s
Corners (R, JS) ; 2, Jul 25, Sherburne (R, SW). Mockingbird: 1, Jun 11,
Ingraham Hill (CH), “much harried by redwings and other birds — even
barn swallows”. Robin: Jul 9, Deposit (SW), “banded 2 albinos, just out of
nest”. Hermit Thrush,: Jun 20, nest with '3 young that had left by Jun 23,
Ingraham Hill (CH) ; 1 other nesting record at South Owego (EW) ; quite a
few other reports from most parts of the region; still singing at Center
Valley in Otsego County Aug 10 (RB). Swainson’s Thrush: 2, Jun 14,
singing at Pharsalia, 1 was seen (R, SW), heard again Jun 28. Eastern
Bluebird: in Cortland area, 148 nesting boxes produced 110 young in 34
broods (JG) ; at Choconut Center, 12 boxes produced 5 broods (MS) ; at
Ingraham: Hill, Jul 21, 21 young and 3 adults (CH) ; at Charlotteville, “as
many as 20 on the lawn at one time — dozens of them along Center Valley
road” (RB); apparently a successful breeding season. Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher: 2, Jun 13, Chenango Valley State Park (MS, R, SW) ; Aug 14,
Owego (MW). Ruby-crowned' Kinglet: 1, Jun 27, Ingraham Hill (CH).
Water Pipit: 2, Jun 2 and again Jun 5, Ingraham Hill (CH).
Vireos — Warblers: Solitary Vireo: 1, during Jun, Oxford (AS); Jul
16 to 20, Ingraham Hill (CH). Warbling Vireo: infrequent reports;
“singing again in Aug”, Cortland (JG). Worm-eating Warbler: 1, Jul 7,
Hancock (RD). Golden-winged Warbler: fairly common in the Triple Cities
area; also reported at Deposit (SW). Brewster’s Warbler: Jun 28,
Hinman’s Corners (MS). Blue-winged Warbler: 1 at Chenango Forks during
Jul and Aug (M, AD); Jun 30, singing at Deposit (SW). Yellow Warbler:
common until Aug 7. Magnolia Warbler: a few at Pharsalia (R, SW) and in
the Triple Cities area in Jun. Black-throated Blue Warbler: seen off and
on during Jun and Jul at Hancock (RD) ; also reported' in the Triple Cities
area. Myrtle Warbler: a straggler at Chenango Forks until Jun 11 (M, AD) ;
1, Jun 14 and 28, Pharsalia (R, SW). Black-throated Green and Blackburn¬
ian Warblers: the usual few summer birds throughout the region. Bay¬
breasted Warbler: 1, Aug 4, Owego (RW). Blackpoll Warbler: to Jun 3,
Endwell (LB). Louisiana Waterthrush: Jun 26, Chenango Forks, with
young (M, AD). Mourning Warbler: 1, Jun 14, Pharsalia (R, SW), singing,
the only report during the period. Yellow-breasted Chat: Jun 27, Candor
(TNC) ; Jun 28, Hinman’s Corners (MS) ; only the second and third locations
this year.
226
The Kingbird
Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: 30, Jul 20, Hancock (RD), the first
report of flocking-. Cardinal: still moving into new territory at Hancock
(RD). Purple Pinch: common through Jun and Jul, almost disappearing in
Aug; about average number of breeders at Deposit (SW). Savannah Sparrow:
“many noted” at Cortland (JG). Grasshopper Sparrow: not many reports.
Slate-colored Junco: many more summer reports than usual, including quite
a few nesting records, from almost all parts of the region. White-throated
Sparrow: 1, Jun 14 and 8, Jun 28, Pharsalia (R, SW) ; Jun 26, Ingraham Hill
(CH), an adult with 4 young barely out of the nest, adult and 1 young still
in the area at the end of the period; Jul 9, Windsor (HM, FL).
, 710 University Ave., Endwell 13763
REGION 5 — ONEIDA LAKE BASIN
David B. Peak all and Margaret S. Rusk
June and most of July were hot and dry, and the rest of the period
rather cool and wet. Heat and drought may have been responsible for the
early cessation of song. Edges of some ponds became too dry and weed-
grown to be good' shorebird habitat, but other bodies of water developed
extensive damp mudflats as the water level lowered more than usual. Frosts
late in May were blamed for low production of some species of waterfowl
at HIGMA.
The breeding status of the raptors continues to be a dismal picture. The
last five-year period has shown a very noticeable, if poorly documented,
decrease of the Cooper’s, Red-shouldered, Marsh and Sparrow Hawks. Only
the Red-tailed Hawk can still be considered a reasonably common breeding
bird. In view of the possibility of the water-birds also being affected by
pesticides, a full listing of sightings during the breeding season is given.
In the line of rarities, the numbers of Ruffs recorded at Onondaga Lake
stole the limelight. Other unusual records were Laughing Gull and King
Rail.
Further exploratory trips were taken into northern Herkimer County, the
Tug Hill Plateau, and the “southern highlands” — the high ridges of southern
Onondaga and Madison Counties — to fill in a bit more the picture of bird
distribution in these outlying parts of the Region.
This is the last report of the present editors. Before returning the job
of Regional editor to Fritz Scheider, we would like to thank all those observers
whose notes have made these reports possible.
Abbreviations: GMA — Game Management Area; HIGMA — Howland’s
Island Game Management Area; Onon — Onondaga; RSP — Rome Sand
Plains; SP — Sandy Pond; SSSP — Selkirk Shores State Park; Skan •—
Skaneateles; Syr — Syracuse; TRGMA — Three Rivers Game Management
Area; VBSP — Verona Beach State Park.
Regular Obeservers: DA — Dorothy Ackley; HA — Hazel Aspinwall;
JB — Jon Bart; G, MC — Gerald and Marge Church; ME — Meredith Estoff;
GG — George Gage; KH — Kenneth Hanson; DP — David Peakall; JP —
Jean Propst; PP — Paul Paquette; MR-Margaret Rusk; AS — Alfred
Starling; BS — Betty Starr; CS — Christian Spies; FS — Fritz Scheider;
WS — Walter Spofford; R, SW — Ruth and Sally White.
Loons — Ducks: Pied-billed Grebe: six broods at HIGMA; single broods
noted at Stevens Pd and SP; present during the breeding season at Bolivar
and the Salmon R. Great Blue Heron: WS flew over the Cross Lake heronry
Jun 30, and estimated 60-75 nests, with 80-90% having at least one young;
at Scott Swamp, 12-15 nests seen in Mar, some, at least, occupied. Common
Egret: three, Stevens Pd Jun 6 (CS). Green Heron: evening flight into
Scott Swamp, 24, Jul 30; this may be a good way of counting this species.
Black-crowned Night Heron: several seen during summer at HIGMA but no
The Kingbird
227
evidence of breeding (GG). American Bittern: recorded from HIGMA (one
nest found). Clay Swamp (several booming 1 ), Scott Swamp, and Bird’s
Nest Pd nr Skan. Least Bittern: recorded from Scott Swamp and SP.
Canada Goose: 38 nests at HIGMA produced 187 eggs and 120 young;
good population of sub-adult birds present; five young raised at Stevens Pd.
Black Duck: six broods HIGMA, two broods Stevens Pd. Pintail: four broods
HIGMA. Blue-winged Teal: five broods HIGMA. Mallard and Wood Duck:
data from HIGMA not available. American Widgeon: a male, Stevens Pd
Jun 17 and 21 (MR). Redhead: excellent season at HIGMA; first natural
production, with at least 20 nests. (All information on HIGMA from GG).
Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture: seen during the summer at HIGMA,
Scott Swamp, Hastings, and near Parish. Goshawk: one site in the SP area
occupied — female was a first-year bird, three eggs laid, none hatched (WS) ;
nest found near Cpnstantia with three young — none flew (WS). Sharp-
shinned Hawk: adult carrying food, late Jun, near Lafayette (WS) is the
only record indicating nesting. Cooper’s Hawk: no records suggestive of
breeding. Marsh Hawk: several sightings of a pair in the Parish area; no
other records indicating nesting.
King Rail: imm, Bird’s Nest Pd near Skan Aug 9 (MR), first record of
the year.
Ringed Plover: one at Onon L Jun 17 (JP, MR) is outside the normal
date range; arr Jul 10, early, HIGMA; first two imms noted Aug 15 Onon
L (MR). Golden Plover: arr Syr airport Aug 10, record early date (MR).
Black-bellied Plover: arr Jul 30, record early, Onon L. Turnstone: arr Aug
5, late, SP. Upland Plover: one Pompey, where previously unrecorded,
Jun 28; six, Syr airport Aug 2, with unprecedentedly high counts of 6'3 Aug
3 and 71 Aug 10 there. Solitary Sandpiper: arr Jul 28, Bolivar (MR).
Greater Yellowlegs: arr Jul 13, early, Onon L. Lesser Yellowlegs: arr Jul
1, fairly early, Onon L; max 50 Onon L Jul 15.
Knot: one, breeding plumage; Onon L Jul 30, record early date and
second record for this well-watched area. Sandpipers: Pectoral: arr Jul
16, Onon L. Baird’s: first, Aug 13 Onon L. Least: arr Jul 1, early, Onon
L; max 140 Onon L Jul 20. Short-billed Dowitcher: first, Onon L Jul 15;
max ten Onon L Jul 26. Stilt: first, Onon L Aug 2, late; max five Onon L
Aug 9. Semipalmated: arr Jul 13 Onon L; max 200 Aug 14 VBSP. Western:
two Onon L Jul 13 (PS).
Ruff: numbers at Onon L were unprecedented, with six or seven different
individuals sighted over the period Jul 1-Aug 13 (a detailed field note is being
prepared). Sanderling: arr Jul 26, Onon L; max 85 SP Aug 5. Wilson’s
Phalarope: one, Onon L Jul 1 (JP, MR) — species has not previously been
reported until end of July. Northern Phalarope: female, Aug 12-13 Onon
L (JP).
Laughing Gull: adult, Jun 17 Onon L (JP, MR), first Regional record
in ten years. Bonaparte’s Gull: one in breeding plumage Aug 5 SP, first fall
record. Caspian Tern: first, Jul 15, Onon L (JP, MR). Common Tern:
count of 50 adults and 15 young in mid-Jul at Onon L suggests poorer season
than last year.
Goatsuckers — Vireos: Whip-poor-will: counts of up to four during Jul
at Boonville (KH). Kingfisher : highest Regional concentration at Boonville—
six-eight/day (KH), and at sand quarries and mudbanks around Otisco and
Tully Lakes with two active burrows near Otisco (BS). Pileated Wood¬
pecker: one active nest and a second pair present (nesting?) in an eighth-
mile-square maple woodlot at Martisco, seems a surprising concentration
(fide BS) ; three birds seen regularly at Tully L (JP). Red-headed: 17
known active sites around 1 Oneida, mostly in the hills to the south of there
(DA), and one active nest near Morrisville — Madison Co. (A. Carter) has
by far the most nesting pairs of any part of the Region; only one other
definite nesting-two young- raised n. of New Haven on L. Ontario (I.
Stone and R. Thomas) ; sightings of an adult with an imm in May at Liver-
228
The Kingbird
pool (S. Morgan), two adults near Eaton (G, MC), and three adults in a high-
lying deadwoods swamp on Marcellus-Skan towniine (BS), a site which
should he checked in future for breeding. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: an adult
with at least one imm Jul 13 in mixed swampy woods near Oneida (DA),
another neither high nor northern location ; three imms again at Tully L
(ME). Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker: regularly present at Big
Moose (C. Bowes).
Kingbird and Phoebe: good numbers up to 20 and 15 per trip respectively
in late Jun and Jul at Boonville and also in southern Onon and Madi Counties.
Traill's Flycatcher: the “webeo” form heard at several places on the western
edge of the Tug Hill, at a location in TRGMA (flatlands between the Oswego
and Seneca Rivers) where “fitzbews” are the more common, and in s Onon
and s Madi Counties — “webeo’s” apparently are the common form in the
“southern highlands” as in the NE part of the Region. Two Yellow-bellied
and three Olive-sided Flycatchers noted at Big Moose Jun 20.
Bank Swallow: at least 500 holes in the Fish Creek (near NE corner of
Oneida L) colony, a high percentage occupied; a previously unreported active
colony of 80 holes near Otisco L. Rough-winged: a pair nesting in an old
Kingfisher burrow at Fish Gulf near Otisco L (BS) ; two sighted at Pixley
Falls near Boonville (FS) rather far north for them — do they nest in the
stonework of the old canal there? Cliff: noted as usual in the NE but only
one report from the “southern highlands” — nine at Eaton (G, MC) ; a
colony of 31 active nests near Westernville where there were 90 two years
ago; a newly-discovered colony of about 60 nests just east of Oneida L (DA).
Swallows and Martins flocking Aug 9 near Oneida L where there were
swarms of an insect similar to the eel fly (DA) ; Aug 2 and 3 flocks at SP
counted by AS of 100 Tree Swallows, 1,000 Bank, 10-25 Rough-winged, 1500
Barn, and 100 Martin; at least 500,000, perhaps over a million swallows,
mostly Bank and Barn, over Clay Swamp the evening of Aug 3 (JP, MR).
bray Jay: found near Big Moose in Jun (DP). Red-breasted Nuthatch:
one at Pratt’s Falls, a steep gorge in mixed woods, native beech and hemlock
with spruce plantations, in S Onon Co, newly found location (JB) ;
numbers not notably high, as might be expected from the good wintering
concentrations, in the regular summering areas. Brown Creeper: group of
about three fledglings being fed by two adults at Muskrat Bay, Oneida L
Jun 28 (MR), where they regularly summer; found at Scott Swamp, at Toad
Harbor in the NW quarter of Oneida L, and in a mixed woods near RSP.
Winter Wren: one found, singing in a hemlock gorge, for the first time in
RSP, a locale of Tug Hill affinities; noted near DeRuyter and in the Little¬
john GMA in the Tug Hill country. Long-billed Marsh Wren: none noted in
a week at SP in early Aug (AS) — due to disturbance by boating or destruc¬
tion of habitat through dredging and making channels in the cattail marsh?;
several could be heard from one spot in both Scott and Bolivar Swamps this
summer. No reports of Carolina or Short-billed Marsh Wren.
A Brown Thrasher was singing from the cottonwood-covered low dunes at
SP May 31, an indication of how the outer half of the spit is becoming suit¬
able for brush-loving species. Two Mockingbirds were seen together on a
hillside south of Oneida Jun 27 and 28 by DA and A. Raynsford; one bird
was singing, and the two were observed in what appeared to be courtship feed¬
ing, as the bird being fed looked like an adult. Robin: abundant the latter
part of the summer, with 40 feeding in the mud of Stevens Pd. Aug 14 when it
had become too dry for shorebirds. Hermit Thrush: frequently heard in suit¬
able habitat (pine plantations and mixed woods with pine) in the RSP vicinity,
SW fringes of the Tug Hill area, and Brookfield area. From the reports
received it appears that the Bluebird is doing as well as or better than last
year; active nest box programs help — seven broods were raised by six pairs
in the Rome area, nestings again at Lafayette and Onon Hill, and two adults
with two imms seen at Tully; a Pulaski nesting was unsuccessful; occasional
sightings at Boonville and near Pulaski; however, no birds seen around
Eaton or Baldwinsvilie where they have nested in recent years.
The Kingbird
229
Blue-gray Gnateatcher: present in Scott Swamp from May 26, nest found
there Jun 17, young being fed 1 in the nest the 24th, and at least one fledgling
being fed Jul 1 (JP, MR) — another new breeding area, but seemingly ideal,
the nest in willows bordering the marsh; Jun 28 a Gnateatcher was feeding
probably a well-feathered fledgling rather than another adult, at Short Point
Bay, s shore of Oneida L, about eight miles from the 1963 nest site (MR).
Golden-crowned Kinglet: two or three heard singing but not seen well enough
to identify as to age, feeding in a Norway spruce plantation in deciduous
woods in Littlejohn GMA Jul 11 (MR). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: singing at
two places near Big Moose Jun 20. Loggerhead Shrike: only report, one seen
near Pulaski (a few miles from where they were repeatedly sighted in 1963)
Jun 21 (FS).
Warblers: Even common species such as the Yellow seemed strangely
scarce around Tully (ME) ; perhaps the drought caused early cessation of
song there. Elsewhere numbers appeared normal. The summering locations
mentioned below do not imply breeding unless definite evidence is cited.
Black-and-white Warbler: at Happy Valley GMA on SW edge of the Tug
Hill region Jun 27. Golden-winged: one again singing at Oak Orchard on
the s bank of the Oneida R in May; one singing in Happy Valley GMA, a
new Tug Hill location, in Jun. Brewster’s: again two males distinguishable
by plumage, in the brushy field near Camillus. Nashville: seemed to be
an increase at Boonville (KH) ; fewer at Brookfield as the plantations grow
taller (R, SW); unusual is one at TRGMA, in a deciduous-bushy area, Jun
21 (FS). Magnolia: found on every trip to the spruce-planted areas of the
“southern highlands”. Black-throated Blue: good counts in the Tug Hill
vicinity — six at Panther L Jun 25 (DA) and 12 around Boonville Jun 28
(KH). Myrtle: found again near Redfield, two Jul 11.
A number of new locations for Cerulean — at Pleasant L (FS) and
SchroeppePs Bridge (JB) — two additional locations in the Oneida R
vicinity; a new Otisco L location (BS); one at Sherrill again, singing Jun
13 and 14 (PP); one or two warblers (almost certainly this species, not
Black-throated Blue) heard singing but not seen, in mixed oak-pine-hemlock
woods NE of Oneida L Jul 4 (MR) ; at least two singing Jun 14 at the Toad
Harbor site, the only other known site on the n shore of Oneida L; finally,
an imm (local bird or migrant? — no known summering location nearby)
at SSSP Aug 15 singing an abbreviated whisper song (MR). Blackpoll: one
singing Jun 20 near Big Moose (FS) — unusual as this was in mixed
coniferous-deciduous woods at 1500 feet. Northern Waterthrush: four in
as many miles Aug 5 along the SW shore of Oneida L — the swamp there
is a good area for them. Louisiana Waterthrush.: a pair feeding a fledgling
Jun 20 in a steep side gorge of Pixley Falls, unusually far north (FS) ; also
present again at three of the streams or side-gorges which empty into Otisco
L — five birds at four spots in one mile of such a gorge on Aug 8 is a good
concentration; two birds at Cedarvale again; a probable imm at Fellows
Falls, one of the Tully locations, Jul 25; Pratt’s Falls, where two singing
males were present May-Jul, is a new location (JB). Yellowthroat: high
counts of up to 50/trip at Boonville.
Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: a large flock of 40, in winter plu¬
mage, Aug 13 at Delta L near Rome (HA). Rusty Blackbird: total of six
adults at several places near Big Moose Jun 20.
A male Cardinal feeding a young Cowbird at Rome (HA) where Cardinals
were a rarity a few years ago, and a Cardinal heard Jul 5 in Morrisville
Swamp where Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and 1 White-throated Sparrows are
typical fringillids. Indigo Bunting: high numbers — up to 30/day (Otisco
L Jul 26). Evening Grosbeak: a male with a female Jun 20 at Big Moose
iPP). Purple Finch: came daily to feeder for sunflower seed in Jun and
Jul at Rome (HA) ; two separate reports of young at Skan (fide B. Burtt) :
through the summer at Eaton (G, MC) and Syr (D. Dawley) ; four in spruce
areas at Pratt’s Falls Jun 28; but also sightings at two apparently spruce-
less places immediately n of Oneida L Jun 14. Three crossbills, thought
230
The Kingbird
to be White-winged, seen in poor light in a swamp at Brookfield Jul 20, sang
“a trill on different pitches” (R, SW); SW believed the song was that of
the White-winged, which she has heard in Maine.
Sparrows: Grasshopper: a new Baldwinsville location is near Dead Creek;
most recently-found locations again occupied. Henslow’s: four heard Jul
26 in the Cicero-Boliver area, but none calling in the same places Aug 10; if
this is early for song to stop, it may be due to the drought. Vesper: seen
regularly in sw Onon County, with ten around Otisco L Jul 26; total of 12,
probably family groups, at Pleasant L Jul 29 and Aug 15. Junco: seen ag'ain
in high country near Tully (JP). Field Sparrow: numbers rose at Boonville
to 50/trip by Aug 14 (KH). White-throated: fledglings being fed at two
s Madi Co locations Jul 5. Lincoln’s: two near Big Moose Jun 20 behaving
as though they had a nest close by; another bird seen in the area that day
(FS).
SUNY Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Ave., Syracuse 10
REGION 6 — ST. LAWRENCE
Frank A. Clinch
June and July were very warm and dry. The first half of August was
cooler with some rain, but there were no really heavy rains until the
third week in August. The water level in many streams and lakes was low.
Lake Ontario was several inches below normal. As the water became low
or dried up completely during the latter part of the period, waterfowl
became more numerous than usual in places where there was water. Some
areas became more attractive than usual for the shore birds.
Loons - — Ducks: Great Blue Heron: 20 at PRGMA (Perch River Game
Management Area) Aug 9. This is near a breeding colony. Common Egret:
at Wanakena Jun 6 (Walton). This is the first for this region for several
years. Canada Goose: A good breeding season at PRGMA. 57 resident
birds, young and adults, were banded by driving them into nets. There were
about a third more young raised at Wilson Hill Game Management Area than
last year. 200 resident geese were banded there. It was a fairly good
breeding season for ducks at PRGMA. Green-winged Teal: 10 at El Dorado
Aug 3. Blue-winged Teal seen frequently at PRGMA and 15 at El Dorado
Aug 3.
Hawks — Owls: Goshawk: one young in a nest in northern Lewis Co.
near the nest which had 3 young a year ago. Sharp-shinned Hawk: southern
St. Lawrence Co. late June. Broad-winged Hawk: northern Lewis Co. and
southern St. Lawrence Co. late June. Bald Eagle: only one, an adult at El
Doradio Jul 30. Osprey: successful nesting at Yellow Lake, St. Lawrence
Co. Common Gallinule: a brood of young that looked only a couple of days
old at PRGMA, seems rather late. Virginia Rail: young chicks at PRGMA
July 26.
Four different parties visited El Dorado, one group each day, on Jul 30,
Aug 1, 2 and 3. The count of many species varied greatly from day to day.
The shorebirds listed below were seen at El Dorado except when another
place is given. Semipalmated Plover: 30 Jul 30, 18 Aug 13. Killdeer;
probably several all summer, high 25 Aug 1. Ruddy Turnstone: 1 to 5 Jul
30 to Aug 13. Upland Plover: 4 Aug 3. Greater Yellowlegs: 22 at PRGMA
Jul 26, 100 at El Dorado Jul 30, only one Aug 3. Lesser Yellowlegs: 3 at
PRGMA Jul 26, 20 at El Dorado Jul 30, 4 to 8 there Aug 1-13. Pectoral
Sandpiper: Jul 30 and Aug 13. Least Sandpiper: several Jul 30 to Aug 13.
Dunlin: 2 Jul 30. Short-billed Dowitcher: 4 Jul 30, 6 Aug 13. Stilt Sand¬
piper: still in partial spring plumage Jul 30, a count of 12 (Rusk) on Aug 1
seems to be a record high. Semipalmated Sandpiper: several during Aug.
Sanderling: 200 Jul 30. Wilson’s Phalarope: one Aug 13. Bonaparte’s
Gull: 6 Aug 2. Caspian Tern: 15 Jul 30, 13 Aug 13. Black Tern: 8 Aug
3. Black-billed 1 Cuckoo: at South Edwards and El Dorado.
The Kingbird
231
Goatsuckers — Sparrows: Red-headed Woodpecker: two immature at
PRGMA where they seem to breed every year. Bluebird: successful nesting
at Brownville and at Black River where a pair raised two broods of five
each. Yellow-throated Yireo: near Watertown Jun 13. Cerulean Warbler:
three or more found singing in June and a nest discovered Jul 8 (see Field
Note section). Northern Waterthrush: northern Lewis Co. Jun 27 and at
South Edwards in St. Lawrence Co about Jun 30. Red Crossbill: a male at a
feeder in Watertown Jun 10 and again Jul 19. Slate-colored Junco: seen for
the first time in late June near South Edwards. White-throated Sparrow:
continues to increase in southern St. Lawrence Co.
173 Haley St., Watertown 13601.
REGION 7 — ADIRONDACK - CHAMPLAIN
Harriett L. Delafield
The nesting season of 1964 seems to have run pretty close to normal in
areas of District 7 reporting.
There was a drought in June followed by an excess of rain in late July
and early August. A moderate frost occurred on the nights of July 30 and
31 which did severe damage to the berry crops — blueberries, raspberries,
blackberries -— almost non-existent 1 A bear was reported on one of the
main streets of Saranac Lake.
Some bird species such as the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-throated
Hummingbird and Catbird were encountered more often than last season;
whereas others such as Wood Thrush, Slate-colored Junco and Bluebird were
encountered less often. The one species which seems to show a definite
downward trend over a short period of years is the Hermit Thrush.
A few unusual birds; Blue Grosbeak at Port Kent, Black-backed Three¬
toed Woodpeckers at Big Moose L and Constable L and Common Terns at
Crown Point; mark the period but mostly it was quite routine.
Observers and initials: AA —- Agnes Amstutz; EA — Elizabeth Anderson;
GC — Geoffrey Carleton; ED -— Ethel Dyer; HD — Harriet Delafield; JH —
Joseph Hart; JK — Joseph Keji; MK — Dr. Marguerite Kingsbury; DMcI —-
Dorothy Mcllroy; DP — David Peakall; GY —- Gladys Young.
Abbreviations: L — Lake; P — Pond; R — River; Co — County.
Loons — Ducks: Common Loon: pair, no evidence of breeding, Jun 17,
Chubb L (DP) ; pair Weller P, nesting, (AA) ; pair with two young Jul 10,
Duck P (JH). Pied-billed Grebe: “heard regularly’' Tupper L and Raquette
P marsh areas (MK). Great Blue Heron: June 21 and Aug 10, one, “seems
scarce” Ray Brook (JK). Green Heron: late Aug Tupper L (AA). American
Bittern: one or two reported from Tupper L (MK). Black Duck: three Aug
7 Ray Brook (JK) ; few Tupper,L (MK). Blue-winged Teal: brood of
thirteen hatched Saranac R (HD) ; seen Aug 23, no numbers, Tupper L (AA).
Wood Duck: few seen Aug 23 Tupper L (AA). Hooded Merganser: few
seen July 7, 11 and Aug 3 Ray Brook (JK). Common Merganser: female
with nine young Jun 28 Sucker Bay, Raquette L (Hasler & Richardson of
Baldwinsville) ; female with five young, Piseco L, 2nd week in July (DMcI).
Red-breasted Merganser: “anxious female” Constable L Jun 17 (DP).
Hawks — Owls: Goshawk: Jun 30 at occupied Yellow-shafted Flicker
hole, Elizabethtown (GC). Red-tailed Hawk: Jul 4 Elizabethtown “first I
ever saw here in summer” (GC). Broad-winged Hawk: throughout period,
two nests widely separated, young, Jul 30, Ray Brook (JK). Osprey: Ray
Brook, one Jun 23 thru Jul 17, “at least three active nests” Tupper L area
(W Frenette). Sparrow Hawk: one Jul 17 Keene cemetery (E,A). Ruffed
Grouse: “robin-sized young” Ray Brook Jun 14 (JK) ; two immature Saranac
L Aug 11 (EA). Killdeer: one No Clinton Co Jun 22 (HD); Tupper L
(MK). Common Snipe: nesting in marsh Tupper L (AA); nesting Saranac
R marsh (HD). Upland Plover: one, Jun 20 Bradford Rd near West Chazy
232
The Kingbird
on top of telegraph pole, another calling in field, possible pair ? (EA, HD).
Solitary Sandpiper: one Aug 10 Ray Brook (JK). Least Sandpiper: two
Westport Jul 13 (GC). Herring Gull: very few reported. Ring-billed Gull:
Port Kent beach Jun 12, four L Colby Aug 8 (EA, HD). Common Tern:
two Crown Point jetty Jul 25 “First county record as far as I recall.” (GC).
Black Tern: L Alice Jun 26, as many as 12 earlier in Jun (JH). Mourn¬
ing Dove: Pair Normans Ridge Aug 7 (EA, HD), this pair is said to have
stayed on the ridge several summers, no nest found. Yellow-billed Cuckoo:
one Jun 19 Elizabethtown (GC). Black-billed Cuckoo: one Jul 4 Ray Brook
(JK).
Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Chimney Swift: throughout period, Aug 7 ten
Ray Brook (JK) ; Piseco 1 L Jun 23 (DMcI) ; two Jun 14 Fish Creek (HD).
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: courtship flight Jun 3 and 4, chasing a gold¬
finch Jun 24 Ray Brook (JK) ; Piseco L June and July (DMcI) ; very good
numbers Saranac L (HD). Belted Kingfisher: reported from all areas.
Yellow-shafted Flicker: all areas. Pileated Woodpecker: one Jul 26
McKenzie P (JH). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: young out of nest July 8
Ray Brook (JK) ; reported from all areas. Hairy Woodpecker: normal Sara¬
nac L, Ray Brook and Piseco L. Downy Woodpecker: same as Hairy. Black-
backed Three-toed Woodpecker: male Big Moose L inlet Jun 14, female
Constable L inlet Jun 17 (DP). Eastern Kingbird: Ray Brook throughout
period (JK) ; more than usual in area, four Aug 14 Saranac L (HD) ; “rare”
Tupper L (MK). Great Crested Flycatcher: nested Ray Brook (JK) ; Jun
23 Piseco L (DMcI). Eastern Phoebe: all areas; young out of nest Aug 7
Saranac L (HD). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: in swamp through June at
Gabriels, carefully studied by David Young. Traill’s Flycatcher : Jun 19-Jul
27 Ray Brook (JK) ; Jun 23 Piseco L (DMcI). Least Flycatcher: all areas.
Eastern Wood Pewee: all areas. Olive-sided Flycatcher: reported from Ray
Brook, Saranac L and Piseco L. Horned Lark: five Normans Ridge, Aug 7
(HD); “none seen since ’59” Tupper L (MK). Tree Swallow: good nesting
numbers all areas. Bank Swallow: Jun 2-Aug 10 Ray Brook (JK); immature
mid-July Piseco L (DMcI). Rough-winged Swallow: Jun 17-Jul 17 Ray
Brook, no numbers given (JK). Barn Swallow: all areas. Cliff Swallow:
young Aug 1 Ray Brook (JK) ; six Aug 7 Normans Ridge (HD) • mentioned
Tupper L (MK) and Piseco L reports. Purple Martin: one mid-July Specu¬
lator (DMcI). Blue Jay: good nesting season all areas. Common Crow:
no great numbers reported. Black-capped Chickadee: first young Jun 17
Ray Brook (JK) ; nesting all areas. White-breasted Nuthatch: “scarce”
Piseco L (DMcI) ; normal other areas. Red-breasted Nuthatch: all areas.
Brown Creeper: one or two Jun 14 & 30 Ray Brook (JK); one mid-July at
Faun L (DMcI) ; one Fish Creek Jun 14 (HD). House Wren: one Jun 15
Tupper L (AA). Winter Wren: “usual places” July Piseco L (DMcI) ; heard
Tupper L (MK). Long-billed Marsh Wren: Jun 12 Tupper L (MK). Cat¬
bird: this bird, while still not common was seen more frequently throughout
period, Ray Brook (JK) and Saranac L (HD) than past few years; Jun and
July at Piseco L (DMcI). Brown Thrasher: one Jul 24 Ray Brook (JK) ;
pair Saranac L and singing male L Clear (HD); “fewer, did not nest in usual
place” Tupper L (MK). Robin: good breeding season. Wood Thrush: only
fair reports from all areas. Hermit Thrush: all reporters seem to agree that
this species is on the decline. Swainson’s Thrush: reported in small numbers
from all areas. Veery: the only thrush which seems to be holding its own
or even increasing. Eastern Bluebird: one Jul 11 Gabriels, one Aug 7
Saranac L, discouraging numbers (HD) ; pair first seen Jun 6 Tupper L
brought off two broods (AA). Golden-crowned Kinglet: five Aug 5 “scarce”
Ray Brook (JK). Cedar Waxwing: “few and late” Tupper L (MK); other
reports echo this statement. Loggerhead Shrike: early Aug Tupper L (AA).
Starling: normal.
Vireos — Warblers: Solitary Vireo: Jun 3-Jul 9 Ray Brook (JK) ; June
Piseco L (DMcI); “fewer” Tupper L (MK). Red-eyed Vireo: all areas.
Black-and-white Warbler: Jun 2-Aug 13 Ray Brook (JK) ; one Jun 14 Fish
The Kingbird
233
Creek (HD). Nashville Warbler: June near Speculator (DMcI); Jun 3-Aug
1-3 Ray Brook (JK) ; two Jun 14 Fish Creek (HD). Parula Warbler: one
Jun 10 Ray Brook (JK) ; Jun Piseco L (DMcI) ; three Jun 14 Fish Creek,
one Ross Park Jul 11 (HD). Yellow Warbler: one Jun 12 Port Kent station
(HD). Magnolia Warbler: Jun 18, Aug 1 & 4 Ray Brook (JK) ; June and
July Piseco L (DMcI). Black-throated Blue Warbler: nesting female played!
wounded Fish Creek Jun 14 (HD); nested Ray Brook (JK) ; June and July
Piseco L (DMcI). Myrtle Warbler: all areas; fledglings Aug 4 Ray Brook
(JK). Black-throated Green Warbler: Jun 2-Aug* 10 Ray Brook (JK); June
and July Piseco L (DMcI); two Jul 11 near Madawaska (HD). Blackburn¬
ian Warbler: Jun 2-Aug 11 Ray Brook (JK) ; June and July Piseco L
(DMcI); one Fish Creek Jun 14 (HD). Chestnut-sided Warbler: “common¬
est warbler” Ray Brook (JK) ; nesting Saranac L (HD) ; June and July
Piseco L (DMcI). Ovenbird: young Jun 23 Ray Brook (JK) ; June and
July Piseco L (DMcI); one Jun 12 Forestdale Rd (HD). Northern Water-
thrush: Jul 27, Aug 5 & 6 Ray Brook (JK) ; June Piseco L (DMcI).
Mourning Warbler: seen six days in June Ray Brook (JK) ; one singing
male June Piseco L (DMcI). Yellowthroat: all areas. Wilson’s Warbler:
Jul 25, one Tupper L (AA). Canada Warbler: throughout period Ray Brook
(JK); two young at nest July Faun L (DMcI) ; two Jun 14 Fish Creek (HD).
Redstart: “less” Ray Brook (JK) ; June and July Piseco L (DMcI) ; pair
Jun 14 Fish Creek (HD).
Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: pair in fields Ray Brook Jun 18
(JK) ; five No Clinton Co. Jun 22 (HD). Eastern Meadowlark: five young
Jul 5 Ray Brook (JK) ; flock of ten Jul 14 Saranac L (HD). Red-winged
Blackbird: common all areas. Baltimore Oriole: one Jun 12 Port Kent (HD) ;
one Aug 9 Saranac L (ED) ; poor numbers. Common Grackle: common all
areas. Brown-headed Cowbird: Keji noted young being fed by Slate-colored
Junco, Blackburnian Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo at Ray Brook. Scarlet
Tanager: nesting Raj 7 Brook (JK) ; July Piseco L (DMcI) ; one Jun 14 Fish
Creek, one Jul 11 Saranac L (HD) ; one Saranac L Aug 11 (Mrs. Schwartz).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: very good numbers reported by many people in all
areas. Blue Grosbeak: one Jun 17 Port Kent Station — see field note
section (HD). Indigo Bunting: pair Jul 9 Ray Brook (JK) ; one Jun 1 Mt
Pisgah (HD); pair Aug 11 Saranac L (ED). Evening Grosbeak appeared
to be nesting in all areas including Piseco L (DMcI). Purple Finch: good
nesting season in all areas. Pine Siskin: June Piseco L, no numbers given
(DMcI). American Goldfinch: nesting in small numbers in all areas. Red
Crossbill: one or two flying over Jun 14, 15 & 18 Ray Brook (JK). Savannah
Sparrow: nesting Ray Brook (JK) and Saranac L (HD). Slate-colored
Junco: nesting in small numbers all areas. Chipping Sparrow: common all
areas. Field Sparrow: June and July Piseco L (DMcI) ; one Jul 17 Saranac
L (HD). White-throated Sparrow: nesting all areas. Lincoln’s Sparrow:
Jun 2-Jul 4, “food in bill” Jun 18 Ray Brook (JK). Swamp Sparrow: Ray
Brook (JK) and Piseco L (DMcI). Song Sparrow: normal all areas.
Trudeau Road, Saranac Lake
REGION 8 — MOHAWK-HUDSON
Peter P. Wickham
Region 8 experienced its third successive dry summer — and the driest
of all three. Rainfall at Albany during June was the lowest since records
were started there (1826), and totalled only 0.65 in. (2.60 in. below normal) ;
the May-June total, also the lowest on record, was only 1.29 in. Temperatures
in June averaged 66.5°, 0.8° below normal. July was a hot month, averaging
74.4° at Albany, 2.3° above normal, but drought conditions worsened with
precipitation of only 1.29 in., 2.20 in. less than normal. Early Aug was
cooler than usual, with practically no precipitation.
234
The Kingbird
The lack of rainfall definitely seems to have decreased the number of
nesting- marshbirds in Region 8. Very few rails and gallinules were observed
this summer. Pied-billed Grebes, Marsh Hawks, Bitterns and Great Blue
Herons were virtually absent from observers’ reports during June and July,
although a few of these appeared in Aug. Few hawks were seen. Many
other landbirds — especially some of the flycatchers and many of the
warblers —- seemed very low in numbers in usual breeding habitat. Swal¬
lows and blackbirds, on the other hand, seemed more abundant than usual,
with large flocks, especially of the latter, appearing in many sections by the
end of the period.
Low water in marsh, lake and reservoir areas again are attracting a wide
variety of shorebirds to this region; the vanguard of these appeared during
this period. Rare or unusual species occurring during the period included
Little Blue Heron, Least Bittern, Mute Swan, Black Vulture, White-rumped
Sandpiper and Orchard Oriole. Perhaps the most interesting* report is that
of the nesting of a pair of Goshawks about 20 miles west of Albany.
Abbreviations used: ADBC — Alan Devoe Bird Club; SBC — Schenectady
Bird Club; Am — American; br — breasted'; com — common; cr — crowned;
imm — immature; L — Lake; nr — near; Res — Reservoir; SC Res —
Stony Creek Reservoir; thr — throated; TR — Tomhannock Reservoir;
VFG -— Vischer Ferry Game Management Area; w — winged.
Observers: HB — Hortense Barton; JHB, BB —James & Barbara Bush;
HE — Hazel Eddy; PE, GE — Paul & Georgia Erlenbach; AG — Aden
Gokay; EH — Esly Hallenbeck; MK — Marcia Kent; MDM — Mary Mickle;
JP, EP — John & Eloise Payne; EMR —- Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr.; DJT -—
Dr. Donald Tucker; RW — Robert Wernick; PPW — Peter Wickham;
RPY Robert Yunick.
Loons — Ducks: _ Great Blue Heron: only one reported in the region
during Jun; an influx occurred after mid-Jul, although less reported than
usual. Com Egret: one was at VFG from Aug 1 on (EH) and another
appeared at Tuttle’s Marsh Aug 6-9 (PE, GE). Little Blue Heron: an adult
of this species appeared at a pond in Old Chatham 1 , Aug 22 (EMR). Green
Heron: widely reported as usual, with a noticeable influx in Aug, Black-cr
Night-heron: five reports, all of imm birds at VFG, Jul 15 (PPW) through
end of period, max 3 Jul 27 (HE). Am Bittern,: only four reports. Least
Bittern: two were at VFG Jul 18 (EH, PPW). Mute Swan: two were at
Emboght during Jun, then suddenly disappeared (JHB) ; another was at
Basic Res Aug 8 (MK) ; this species has not become established in this area
thus far. Canada Goose: reported Jun 6, SC Res (EH) and at Canaan through
Jul (AG). Am Widgeon: one male was at SC Res Jul 18 (PPW). This may
have been a bird observed there late in May. Green-w Teal: no nesting
reports; three were at SC Res Jul 15 (PPW). Blue-winged Teal: reported
throughout summer, several areas. Hooded Merganser: one female was at
SC Res Jun 6 (EH). 'The species has been known to breed nearby (rarely).
Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture: mostly reported from southern sections
at higher elevations, max 24 Aug 7, Preston Hollow (MK). Black Vulture:
two reported in a flock of Turkey Vultures at Old Chatham Aug 23 (EMR).
Goshawk: a nest containing three imm birds, fiercely defended by the adults,
was found in early Jun in Thacher Park at an elevation of about 1200 feet.
Two of the imm birds had left the nest by Jun 14 and disappeared by Jun 16.
The other was still in the nest Jun 16, although it appeared almost ready to
leave (Walton Sabin, Beverly Waite, Mary Lou Shedd). Sharp-shinned
Hawk: the only report Aug 9, Rexford (DJT). Cooper’s Hawk: no reports.
There were few reports of Red-tailed, Red-shouldered and Broad-w Hawks.
Marsh Hawk: nr Albany Airport Jun 2 and 5 (RW) and at Canaan Jul 18
(AG) the only records. Osprey: four were at VFG Jun 3 (EH) and one in
Colu Co in Jun (ADBC), but there was no evidence of nesting in the region.
One appeared at VFG Aug 10 (DJT). Bob-white: observed at Meadowdale,
Coxsackie, Athens, Chatham Center and Ghent during period. Virginia Rail:
The Kingbird
235
a report of three young- at Canaan in Jul (JP, EP) and of an adult at VFG
Aug 15 (EH) the only summer reports. Com Gallinule: reported Jun 6,
SC Res (Stephanie Podrazik) and YFG (EH), and Aug 15, VFG (EH) — the
only reports. No soras or coots reported. Semipalmated Plover: last spring
migrant, Jun 6, VFG (EH); several reported during Aug at VFG and SC Res,
first Aug 6 (DJT). Killdeer: many congregated on the mudflats in the
region towards the end of the period. Woodcock: a few reports during the
summer. Upland Plover: observed at Glenville in Jun (EH). Solitary
Sandpiper: first Jul 25, VFG (EH) with many appearing in Aug. Greater
Yellow-legs: first Aug 1, VFG (EH). Lesser Yellowlegs: first Jul 15,
SC Res (PPW). This species was at least twice as common as the Greater
Yellow-legs at SC Res and VFG during Aug. Pectoral Sandpiper: first Aug
1, VFG (EH). Least Sandpiper: last spring migrants Jun 9, Emboght (JHB,
BB) ; first fall Jul 27, Glenville (RPY). Dunlin: a late spring bird was at
Glenville Jun 1 (RPY). Semipalmated Sandpiper: last spring migrants Jun
3, Glenville (RPY); first fall report Aug 6, VFG (DJT). White-rumped
Sandpiper: one observed at close hand at Emboght Jun 9 (JHB, BB). Her¬
ring and Ring-billed Gulls were occasionally seen throughout the period.
Black Tern: no evidence of breeding in the region. 1-2 were at Round L
Jul 26 and Aug 2 (Gus Angst) and VFG Aug 13 (EH). Cuckoos seemed
fairly common to several observers with about equal numbers of each species
reported. Very few owls were reported.
Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Whip-poor-will: reported to Jul 12 (EH); no
late-summer reports. Kingfisher: a pronounced influx occurred during late
Jul and Aug. Pileated Woodpecker: few reports. Red-headed Woodpecker:
one was nr Colonie May 29 (fide MK), another at Meadowdale Jun 3 (EH),
a third nr Palatine Bridge Jun 28 (RPY) and another at VFG Jul 18 (EH,
PPW) — more than usual. Sapsucker: reported from Berlin and Jenny L,
nesting. Many of the flycatchers seemed fewer in number this summer —
especially the Wood Pewee and the Traill’s and Least Flycatchers. Traill’s
Flycatchers were still singing Aug 1 nr Castleton (PPW). Olive-sided Fly¬
catcher: one — probably a late migrant — was heard at Indian Ladder Jun
6 (PPW). Swallows began migrating towards the end of July. Mixed flocks
of several hundred Tree and Bank Swallows were observed at VFG through
Aug 15 (DJT). Bank Swallow: most young fledged at a large colony nr
Glenville Jul 1-10 and left the colony almost immediately (RPY). No second
broods were attempted. Purple Martin: two were still at a Niskayuna breed¬
ing area on Aug 8 (RPY). Tufted Titmouse: a few reported during the
summer, although fewer seen than at other times of year. Red;-br Nuthatch:
reported from probable breeding areas at TR, Jenny L, Warrensburg and
Red Rock. Brown Creeper: probably bred at Lisha Kill, where it was seen
throughout the summer. Carolina Wren: no records. Mockingbird: reported
at Chatham (MDM) and Norton Hill (fide MK). Brown Thrasher: a few
reports each month; surprisingly uncommon. Hermit Thrush: reported from
Thacher Park Jun 6 and 16 (SBC) and from Old Chatham Jun 3 (HB) as
well as from Jenny L where it usually nests. Bluebird: fewer reported than
last year. The species also had less success in nesting. Cedar Waxwing:
became very common late in the summer.
Vireos — Warblers: Brewster’s Warbler: one was reported from Canaan
in Jul (JP, EP) — the lone report. Magnolia Warbler: a late migrant was
reported nr Albany Airport Jun 2 and 3 (RW). Black-thr Blue Warbler:
reported during Jun and Jul from Indian Ladder and Berlin Mountain, as
well as from further north. Myrtle Warbler: a male and a female were seen
Jun 14 at TR about four miles apart (PPW) — at least 40 miles south of (or
2000 ft lower in elevation than) known nesting areas. Prairie Warbler: reg¬
ularly reported from Ghent through the summer (PE, GE). Northern Water-
thrush: an early fall migrant was at Watervliet Res Aug.8 (RPY). Louisiana
Water-thrush: only 2 or 3 reports this year. Yellow-br Chat: one was at
Meadowdale Jun 3 (EH), but there was no evidence of nesting.
Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: seemed rather scarce this summer
236 The Kingbird
throughout the region. Migrants were passing through in early Aug. Orch¬
ard Oriole: two pair nested at Castleton (Juanita Cook). Other birds were
reported at Ghent (PE, GE) and Athens (JHB) in Jun without evidence of
nesting. Evening Grosbeak: again remained at Jenny L throughout sum-
mier, but in fewer numbers than last year (Guy Bartlett). No crossbills were
reported. Grasshopper Sparrow: only one reported nr Catskill, probably
nesting (JHB). Henslow's Sparrow: no reports. White-thr Sparrow: on~
was singing nr Nassau Jul 4 (PPW) and another was at Loudonville Aug 9
(Mabel French) (both locations below 400 feet in elevation, near Albany),
besides being reported from the usual breeding areas. Song and Swamp
Sparrows seemed in good numbers.
Box 465A, RFD #4, Troy
REGION 9 — DELAWARE - HUDSON
Edward D. Treacy
Your reporter never ceases to be - amazed at the lack of birding that
occurs during the summer months. Most active birders do the greater part
of their birding out of the region, leaving very few notes to be reported.
This is the reason why this report is so brief.
The major topic of conversation this season was the lack of rain. The
drought that we thought might have come to an end last spring was evpn more
intense this summer, with August producing no measurable rainfall in many
areas. Not even the occasional thunder shower that might have been
expected occurred. Seed and fruit production cannot help but be affected,
with berries withering on the branches of many shrubs.
Temperatures throughout June and July were warmer than average, but
August brought a cooling trend that continued to the end of the season.
Most area reporters said nesting appeared to be largely normal with only
minor variations.
Contributors: BA — Bob Augustine; HA — Helen Alexander; M, JD —
Margaret and John Dye; ME — Martha Earl; JG — Joe Grossman; WG —
Mr. & Mrs. William Grierson; FH — Fred Hough; TH — Thelma Haight;
THo — Tom Howe: AJ— Alice Jones; PJ —Paul Jeheber; M. JK — Mary
& Jim Key; JL — Jack LeMaire; HM — Heinz Meng; EP — Eleanor Pink;
VP — Vivian Parkhurst; DS — Dan Smiley: ET — Ed Treacy; HT — Henry
Thurston; MVW — Marion VanWagner; OW — Otis Waterman; WBC —
Waterman Bird Club.
Loons — Ducks: Pied-billed Grebe: found sparingly in Ulst during the
nesting season; a pair in the Black Creek area on Jun 28 made another
record for that county (DS). Great Blue Heron: the few nests reported
last summer at Tamarack Swamp, Dutch, increased to seven this year (WBC).
The numbers this summer were slightly better than the poor showing last
spring. The species still seems to be far below normal however. Green
Heron: more than plentiful throughout the region. Little Blue Heron: as to
be expected; immatures of this species invaded the region in sparing numbers
and were reported from Harmon, West (2 imm & 1 ad) on Aug 13 (HT) ;
Poughkeepsie (1 imm) from Aug 14 to 16 (MVW); and Newburgh (4 imm)
Aug 8 and 13 (M, JD). Common Egret: first noted July 23 at Briarcliff
Farm near Pine Plains, Dutch (VP) ; later increased to two birds; four near
Wappinger Falls on Aug 2 & 3 (M, JK) ; one near Goshen, Oran on Aug 5
(ME). Snowy Egret: one at Cornwall Bay Aug 4 increased to seven by the
end of the period (PJ) ; three were at Pocantico Res, West on Aug 19 (BA).
Black-crowned Night Heron: unreported from most areas; at Cornwall, two
imms from Aug 4 to Aug 13 (MD) ; and at Suffern, several times throughout
the season (JL). Least Bittern: one at Cornwall in Moodna Marsh on Aug
6 (PJ, ET) ; single birds observed there thru the summer. American Bittern:
three June reports in Dutch (AJ). Canada Goose: Nesting pair at Pine
The Kingbird
237
Plains and another with eleven young at Queensboro Lk. in Bear Mt. Pk.
(JG). Ducks: populations normal. Blue-winged Teal: nested again this
summer at Briarcliff Farms, Dutch. Wood Duck: numbers better than
average.
Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture; numbers normal to below in Oran, but
normal to better elsewhere. Sharp-shinned Hawk: only reports those of
three Aug birds from West and Oran. Bald Eagle: one headed southwest
over Kripplebush, Ulst on Aug 16 (FH). Marsh Hawk: only one, a mature
male at Pleasant Valley, Dutch on Jun 27 (AJ). Osprey: six late birds on
Jun 6 over Pleasantville, West (TH) ; one, July 17 at Pine Plains, made the
first summer record in Dutch in ten years (AJ). Chukar Partridge: one, an
injured bird, was found at Cornwall on July 2; it was nursed back to health
and released (MD) ; no reports of any being released in the area. Bob white:
only one report, a bird heard at Newburgh on Aug 6 (ET). Virginia Rail:
observed at Moodna Marsh Aug 6, and with three young on Aug 7 (PJ).
Sora: none! Golden Plover: one at Brown’s Pd., Newburgh on Aug 2
(M, JD) ; and another at Cornwall Bay on Aug 13 (MD, HA). Black-bellied
Plover: one, Brown’s Pd., Newburgh, Aug 5 (MD). Common Snipe: Martha
Earl has observed this species in courtship at her home in Blooming Grove
for many years. This summer she saw an adult cross her yard trailed by
three young, and feed at a stream nearby; one was at Pocantico Res on Aug
3 (BA) ; and ten or more were to be found at Briarcliff Farm, Dutch through¬
out the summer (VP). Upland Plover: One was observed in late May in the
Wallkill area of Ulst (HM) ; Martha Earl found several pair nesting at Hamp-
tonburgh, Oran. Solitary Sandpiper: very early migrant at Browns’ Pd.
Newburgh on Aug 2 (M, JD), Lesser Yellowlegs: this, the rarer of the two
species, was the more numerous this Aug. It outnumbered the Greater
by three to one in West (BA) ; six to eight birds were present at Briarcliff
Farm from Aug 1 to 15 (WBC) . Pectoral Sandpiper: numbers good through¬
out the region; earliest Jul 81 in Dutch (WBC). White-rumped Sandpiper:
rare; a report of two birds at Brown’s Pd. Aug 5 (MD). Short-billed
Dowitcher: very rarely recorded in the region; one at Briarcliff Farm on
Aug 15 (VP, TH fide OW) ; this is the first record for Dutch. Gulls: all
resident species maintained good numbers, with Laughing Gull better than
usual. Common Tern: expected during July and Aug on the Hudson; this
rare species is often missed in the central Hudson area; one was at Conn’s
Hook on July 27 (ET). Cuckoos: numbers appeared to be lower than usual
in Ulst, but normal elsewhere. Yellow-billed outnumber Black-billed three to
one in Dutch (WBC), Owls: area reporters did not mention most species.
Screech Owl are up in numbers.
Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Red-bellied Woodpecker: Ulst had: its first
record in late May near the North Trapps in the Schwangunks (HM). Red¬
headed Woodpecker: maintaining its numbers in central Oran in the Town
of Blooming Grove, Eastern Kingbird: plentiful throughout the region.
Phoebe: low in the Blooming Grove area; no comments from elsewhere.
Barn Swallow: seems to be a good season for this species throughout the
region. Cliff Swallow: a new breeding area for Oran; at the U S Military
Academy’s summer camp, Camp Buckner (PJ). Purple Martin: Normal
nesting where established; departed Dutch on or about July 25 (WBC). Red 1 -
breasted Nuthatch: one late migrant Jun 5 north of Poughkeepsie (AJ).
House Wren: absent from many sites where it previously nested in Oran
(ME). Winter Wren: WBC reports a probable nesting in Turkey Hollow
near Dover Plains, no verification was made. Mockingbird: this species has
reached the northernmost reaches of the region. A pair nested near Lamont-
ville, Ulst (FH), the young were lost in the first attempt, but it is believed
(not certain) that a second brood survived. Catbird: many. Hermit Thrush:
the four or five reports of last year in Dutch contrast with none this year
(WBC), only report was of one bird found singing on Jul 1 at the home of
Betty Gerken in Cornwall. Swainson’s Thrush: one bird at Mt. Kisko Aug
10 ((WG). Bluebird: no increase in numbers in the Blooming Grove area
of Oran, but the WBC had twelve pairs nesting in houses they provided,
The Kingbird
238
these birds brought off about 40 young; which were banded. Cedar Waxwing:
ME reports numbers low in central Oran with very few nesting birds. No
comment from other areas.
Shrikes — Sparrows: Loggerhead' Shrike: Martha Earl spent so much time
tracking down breeding Upland Plover that she wasn’t able to investigate
the breeding of this species. She did see it in the vicinity of where she
found it nesting last year, but no evidence of breeding was found. Yellow-
throated Yireo: numbers seem down when compared to last year. Solitary
Vireo: one summer record on Jul 17 near Pine Plains (AJ). Warbling Vireo:
numbers better than last year. Warblers: population generally diminished.
Blackpoll movements were observed as late as Jun 5 & 13 at Crugars Is.
and Pleasant Valley, Dutch (EP, MVW, AJ). Northern Waterthrush:
present at Tamarack Swamp, Dutch Jun 1-Jul 15, two birds constantly found
in one small territory. Yellcw-breased' Chat: the complete absence of birds
last spring continued throughout the summer, none were reported. Orchard
Oriole: known to be nesting in three places in Ulst (FH) ; and in two places
in Dutch (FG, EB). Common Grackle: numbers quite high. Some very
prominent roosting places established throughout the region this summer.
Purple Finch: nesting pairs in Blooming Grove and Middle Hope, Oran (ME) ;
and a singing male at Cornwall thru Jul and into Aug (MD). Savannah
Sparrow: nesting numbers high in the Blooming Grove area (ME). Grass¬
hopper Sparrow: nesting in the same location as last year in the town of
Blooming Grove, and an additional pair nesting at Oxford (ME). White-
throated Sparrow: Bob Augustine has received reports of singing males in
the Pleasantville area on Jul 4 and Aug 19.
Pellwood Lake, Highland Falls
REGION 10 — MARINE
Peter W. Post and Guy A. Tudor
June was warm and dry while July was cooler and wetter than normal.
“Most small land birds seemed scarcer than normal during the breeding-
season, even such common species as Red-eyed Vireo and Ovenbird;. Scarlet
Tanagers were definitely down from recent years in the Manorville-Upton
area. Chipping Sparrows were also low. Few Cuckoos were seen or heard”
(Raynor). “It seeemed to be a generally poor breeding season, with such
species as Yellow Warbler, Prairie Warbler and Black and White Warbler
much scarcer than previous years, even taking into account the serious drops
in breeding populations since the notorious gypsy moth campaign some years
ago” (Puleston).
In addition to the remarks of Raynor and Puleston, a number of
active observers remarked on the scarcity of such fish-eating species as
Black-crowned Night Heron and Belted Kingfisher, continuing a trend of
recent years. Among the few species which seem to be increasing steadily
in numbers are Blue-winged Warbler and Indigo Bunting.
The cool and dry trend during July continued during the first half
of August. As a result, a number of migrants appeared earlier than they
have in the past few years. Among these were Black and White and Blue¬
winged Warblers (Inwood, Jul 17); Canada Warbler (Huntington, Jul 10),
and Magnolia Warbler (Huntington, Jul 25). Although such individuals as
these appeared during July and early August, the first good landbird move¬
ment of the fall was reported from Inwood Hill Park on Aug 4, when
numbers of Orioles, Waxwings, and seven species of Warblers (including
Nashville and Blackburnian) were recorded (Norse).
A Manx Shearwater was the only outstanding rarity of the season. Also
recorded were Leach’s Petrel, Cattle Egret, Ruff and Royal Terns.
Abbreviations used: Max — maximum one day count during the period;
mob — many observers; LLASB — Lyman Langdon Audubon Society Bulle-
The Kingbird
239
tin; JBWR — Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge; LBT — Linnaean Boat Trip;
in the following locations only the first word is used — Jones Beach and
Inwood Hill Park.
Contributors frequently cited: IA — Irwin Alperin; BC — Barbara
Conolly; FE — Frank Enders; RF — Robert Fisher; MG •— Michael Goch-
feld; HH — Helen Hays; FH — Fred Heath; KK — Klaus Kallman; MK —
Michel Kleinbaum; RL — Roy Lathan; EL — Emanuel Levine; WL —
Wesley Lanyon; LM : — Lee Morgan; WN — William Norse; RP — Richard
Plunkett; PP — Peter Post; DP — Dennis Puleston; DR — Daniel Rafferty;
GR— Gilbert Raynor; TR.— Tom Robben; SS — Si Stepinoff; GT — Guy
Tudor; CW — Cornelius Ward; LW — LeRoy Wilcox.
Loons — Ducks: Red-throated Loon: two, Jun 7, five miles off Jones
(LBT). Pied-billed Grebe: only one pair bred at JBWR this summer (FE).
Sooty Shearwater: 17, Jun 4, Cedar Beach (PP, TR, B. Feldman) ; six-seven,
Jun 7, off Jones (LBT). Manx Shearwater: Jul 19, % mile SSW of Plum.
Is (PP, KK, FH, et al) — well observed within 40 ft.; observers cited above
previously familiar with species in life. Leach’s Petrel: Jun 7, off Jones
(LBT, SS, et al) — well seen and carefully indentified. Wilson’s Petrel:
three, Jun 7, off Jones (LBT); 12, Jul 12, off Montauk (MK). Gannet: two,
Jun 7, off Jones (LBT); Jul 12, off Montauk (MK) ; Jul 19, Short Beach
(MK) — uncommon in summer. Double-crested Cormorant: 20 adults
(migrating), Jun 4, Cedar Beach (PP, TR).
Heron colonies with numbers of pairs breeding: Canarsie Pol (PP, MG,
DP, GR) : Common Egret: six; Snowy Egret: 50-60; Louisiana Heron: one —
in same clump of bushes as last year; Green Heron: one; Black-crowned
Night Heron: 20-25; Yellow-crowned Night Heron: one; Glossy Ibis: four.
Lawrence Marsh (PP, RP, LM) ; Common Egret: two; Snowy Egret: 80;
Little Blue Heron: five; Green Heron: five; Black-crowned Night Heron: 15;
Yellow-crowned Night Heron: three; Glossy Ibis: three — new breeding
location for Ibis (only oher known site is at JBWR). Jones Beach (PP, TR) :
Herons are now nesting in many scattered locations along the Jones Beach
strip from Cedar Beach to Meadowbrook. The only counts available are
from the barrier beach west of the Jones Beach Tower: Common Egret: 30;
Snowy Egret: three; Green Heron: two; Black-crowned Night Heron: 120;
Yellow-crowned Night Heron: two. Centre Island', Cold Spring Harbor (BC,
et al fide LLASB): Green Heron: 12 nests; Black-crowned Night Heron:
131 nests. East Moriches (GR) : Common Egret: two-four — one non¬
flying young, first definite breeding east of Jones Beach aside from Fisher’s
Island; Snowy Egret: 20; Black-crowned Night Heron: 30-40.
Snowy Egret: 40, Aug 4-8, Orient (RL). Cattle Egret: Jul 30, East
Norwich (BC fide LLASB). Louisiana Heron: Jun 4, Tobay (PP, TR).
Black-crowned Night Heron: only two seen all period in Orient area (RL) —
reflects the current decline on eastern L.I. Glossy Ibis: Aug 14, Tobay
(CW).
The following species of non-breeding waterfowl either summered or were
present on date indicated at JBWR: Snow Goose (immature) ; Pintail (Jun
7) ; Cinnamon Teal — bird mentioned in last report was last seen on July 18
when g’oing into eclipse; Baldpate (Jun 5); Wood Duck (pair — Jun 5);
Canvasback (two males) ; Greater Scaup (20) ; Lesser Scaup (one male) ;
Common Goldeneye (female — Jul 6) ; Bufflehead (female —- Aug 8);
Hooded Merganser (female); Red-breasted Merganser (female).
Breeding Ducks at JBWR (FE, WN) : Mallard and Black Duck: no
specific information; Gadwall: 20 pair; Green-winged Teal: at least two pair,
one brood on Jul 10; Blue-winged Teal: at least four broods; Shoveler: two
pair — no broods; Redhead: at least five pair — four broods totaling 23
young, not one of which survived. Apparently extensive predation by snap¬
ping turtles and/or night herons. Ruddy Duck: no specific information.
Mute Swan: two adults, Aug 15, JBWR (FE). Brant: 30, June 7, 72nd
240
The Kingbird
St. and Hudson River (PP, GT, TR) — flying south low over water. Gad-
wall: female with small ducklings, Jul 11, Captree Island (IA) — may be
new breeding site; 14 adults, July 11, Tobaccolot Pond, Gardiner’s Is (PP,
KK) ; 10-15 broods, Tobay Pond (IA). Common Goldeneye: male, Jun 30,
Orient (RL). Old-squaw: Jun 13, Orient (RP). White-winged Scoter:
100+ summered between Orient Harbor and East Marion (IA).
Hawks — Owls: Broad-winged Hawk: six, Jun 2, White Plains (DR) —
migrating immatures; nested at Oakdale, adults with young (IA) — very
rare breeder on south shore of L.I. Bobwhite: Jul 4, Tobay (PP, TR).
Oystercatcher: one pair nested, one young raised, Moriches (LW fide
LLASB) ; one pair with two flightless young, plus three-six adults, Jun 27,
Cartwright Is (GR, P. Stoutenburgh) ; one pair with three young, Jul 11,
Gardiner’s Is (PP, KK) ; four adults, Aug 1, East Moriches (DP); four,
Aug 15, Jones (CW, EL). Woodcock: one pair bred for third consecutive
year at JBWR (WN). Upland Plover: Aug 18 and 23, Orient (RL). Willet:
Jun 4, Tobay (PP, TR); max eight, Aug 8, JBWR (MG, PP, A. Small).
Knot; max 400+ , Aug 1, Moriches (RP, RF). Stilt Sandpiper: max 18,
Aug 14, JBWR (MG). Hudsonian Godwit: three-eight, Jul 11 thru period,
Moriches (mob) ; two, Jul 12 thru period, JBWR (mob). Ruff: Aug 11-12,
Freeport (CW) —partial breeding plumage. Wilson’s Phalarope: one pair
present all summer at JBWR, seen copulating in early Jun; max five, Aug
14, JBWR (MG).
Pomarine Jaeger: light adult, Jun 7, off Jones (LBT). Parasitic Jaeger:
seven adults (one dark), Jun 7, off Jones (LBT). Glaucous Gull: Jun 1,
Brookhaven (DP). Herring Gull: a breeding colony on Swinburne Island,
lower New York Bay, was visited by Howard Cleaves on Jun 3 and 6. It
contained 105 active nests, 51 chicks and 192 eggs, many of them pipped.
This two-acre island was found to be infested with rats. Bonaparte’s Gull:
Aug 15, Moriches Inlet (GR) — early.
Tern colonies for which there is available information, with numbers of
pairs breeding: Meadow Island, Long Beach (PP, RP, LM) : Common Tern:
55; Least Tern: 15; Black Skimmer: 70. Cartwright Island (GR) : Common
Tern: 400; Roseate Tern: 20; Black Skimmer: three. Great Gull Island
(J. Bull, RP, HH, et al) : Common Tern: 750; Roseate Tern: 900.
Forster’s Tern: max five, Aug 1, JBWR (TR). Royal Tern: two, Jun
23, JBWR (FE) ; Jul 11, Shinnecock (RP, RF) ; Jul 12, JBWR (RP, LM) —
photographed in color. Caspian Tern: three, Aug 14, Tobay (CW). Black
Tern: five, Jun 7, off Jones (LBT) — up to 12 miles offshore; Jun 14, Great
Gull Island (HH, et al); two, Jun 27, Cartwright Island (GR).
Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Jun 7, five miles
off Jones (LBT). Belted Kingfisher: “only two recorded all period at
Orient” (RL) — reflects recent decline throughout the region. Red-headed
Woodpecker: one pair, early Jun, Forest Park (J. Von Glon) — going in
and out of nesting hole, but did not remain. Traill’s Flycatcher: six
pairs bred in Van Cortlandt Swamp (FH, J. Zupan). Olive-sided Flycatcher:
three reported from Aug 4-15, Inwood (WN). Purple Martin: 75 pairs are
now breeding at Lemon Creek, Staten Island (H. Cleaves); male, Jun 23,
JBWR (WN). Blue Jay: three, Jun 7, eight miles off Jones (LBT) —- late
migrants. Brown Creeper: singing bird, Jun 18, Shu Swamp, L.I. (BC
fide LLASB). Carolina Wren: one pair, Inwood (WN) — first breeding
record here since severe winter wiped out resident population four years
ago. Mockingbird: continues to increase as a breeder; successful nesting
reported in pine barrens between Westhampton and Riverhead (P. Stouten¬
burgh) ; individuals seen at Shinnecock, Quogue, Manorville and Wildwood.
Cedar Waxwing: seven or eight pairs nesting in a small colony in locust
grove at Noyack, Jun 14 (DP, GR).
Vireos — Warblers: Yellow-throated Vireo: singing male, Jun 14-21,
Manorville (GR) — no evidence of nesting. Warbling Vireo: 2 pairs breed-
The Kingbird
241
mg at Pelham Bay Park (TR) ; with respect to our statement in the last
issue of Kingbird, Alperiri writes: “mostly overlooked, but breeds along the
north fork (Southold, etc) every year (for the past eight or ten at least)
and a pair nested at the Southside Sportsmen's Club, Oakdale this year.”
Worm-eating Warbler: max five, Aug 9, Central Park (RP). Blue-winged
Warbler: max 10, Aug 9, Central Park (RP). “Brewster’s” Warbler: Aug
8, Orient (RL). Nashville Warbler: Aug 4, Inwood (WN) — early. Mag¬
nolia Warbler: three netted at Huntington: adult Jul 25, adult Aug 3,
immature Aug 12 (WL) — early movement. Cerulean Warbler: singing
male, Jun 6, Noyack (E)P) — third consecutive year. Blackburnian Warbler:
Aug 4, Inwood (WN) ; Aug 15, Inwood (WN) — both early. Chestnut-sided
Warbler: eight netted at Huntington between Aug 7 and 15 (WL) — early
movement, Northern Waterthrush: 13 netted at Huntington between Jul
26 and Aug 15 (WL). Louisiana Waterthrush: singing bird, Jun 8, Brook-
haven (DP) ; two netted at Huntington between Jul 24 and Aug 15 (WL).
Mourning Warbler: Jun 7, Port Washington (A. Dove fide LLASB) ; Aug 10,
Inwood (WN). Canada Warbler: 55 netted at Huntington between Jul 10
and Aug 15; peak (27 individuals) on Aug 13 (WL). Redstart: 28 netted
at Huntington between Jul 30 and Aug 15 (WL).
Blackbirds — Sparrows: Orchard Oriole: pair nested for fourth consecu¬
tive year at Syosset (J. Taylor) ; immature male, Jun 10-28, Brookhaven
(DP). Baltimore Oriole: flock of 25, Jul 11, Napeague (PP, KK). Blue
Grosbeak: specimen, moulting male, Aug 9, Captree (IA) — extremely
early. Evening Grosbeak: Jul 3, Orient (RL) —• apparently only Jul record.
White-throated Sparrow: one summered at Orient (RL).
Note: Please have fall reports in by Dec 7, Post, 575 W. 183 St., NYC
33; Tudor, 370 Riverside Drive, NYC 25.
REVIEWS
The World of Birds. By James Fisher and Roger Tory Peterson. Double-
day & Company, Inc., Garden City, New York, 1964: x 12| in., 288 pp.,
illustrated with many reproductions of Roger Tory Peterson’s superb
paintings and many excellent black and white photographs. $22.95
(T.W.O.B. pre Christmas price $17.95).
In recent years there have been published “Living Birds of the World”
by E. Thomas Gilliard (1958) and “Birds of the World” by Oliver L. Austin
(1961) and now, in 1964, Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher have
produced a book “The World of Birds.” There is similarity in name in the
last mentioned book with those of the former and while the text covers
much of the same material, the authors have in their latest book presented
an introduction to ornithology with a very appealing approach.
The subject matter in this book is divided into four parts, the first section
covered by chapters one through six discusses the biological features of
ornithology — such as, variety and variety distribution; anatomical structures
which fit birds to live in definite nitehes, to secure food, to defend them¬
selves and by which they are classified into special groups; origin and
development through the geological periods; evolution and relationship of
birds and the development of the many species as shown on the unique
avian tree-of-life diagram; bird faunas, faunal areas of the world, zonation
of birds and many, many other topics.
Each of these features is well described by an informative and pleasing
242 The Kingbird
text and with colorful pictures of at least one species of each of the several
families to illustrate these facts.
Much good advice is given in section two or ch. 7, under the title of
“Bird watching” in the discussion of — keeping records, field glasses and bird
guides, photography including equipment and hints for better pictures,
recording bird voices, banding, attracting birds, etc.
One of the unique features of this book is the colored maps showing the
distribution of the 199 families of our avifauna. This number includes
the fossil birds, the lately extinct and the living birds of today. The locations
where fossil remains of birds have been found are also indicated on certain
ones of these maps.
The final section (ch. 9) deals with the relations of birds to man from
their use as food by aboriginal man to our present day problems of conserva¬
tion.
Sections two, three and four are illustrated with many excellent black
and white photos, most of which are by the authors.
Drs. Peterson and Fisher have listed in their book all rare or vanishing
birds (red list) and all extinct birds (black list). They have also added
here an extensive bibliography which should be very helpful to researchers.
Through-out the book, the instructive text is substantiated by detailed
colored maps and diagrams as well as the many fine photographs and the
great numbers of bird pictures of Peterson quality and style.
“The World of Birds” is a desirable book for its beauty and for the
authorative information it contains. Alice E. Ulrich.
Birds Over America, New and Revised Edition. By Roger Tory Peter¬
son. Dodd, Mead & Company, New York. 196-j: 7 x 10 in., 330 pp., 100
excellent black and white photographs by the author. $7.50.
In Birds Over America, first published in 1948, Roger Tory Peterson
portrays his many experiences and observations which he has made during
his many years of watching and photographing the birds.
Since 1948, Dr. Peterson has extended his travels over America, enjoying
new adventures and gaining new data. This material has been added
in the present revision of the original book.
In order to gain space for the additions, he has made limited changes, as
rewording some sentences and condensing certain paragraphs.
The book has not the austere style of a scientific treatise on orni¬
thology but rather presents in a pleasing but accurate way the many related
and associated facets of birdlife in America. He introduces the many angles
of human enjoyment that accounts for the rapid increase in the popularity
of bird watching.
It may be well stated that within the pages of this book he has presented
every angle of satisfaction which he during his life has sought for and
attained. Alice E. Ulrich
The Kingbird
243
REPORTING REGIONS
For descriptions of Regions see Kingbird Vol. IV, Nos. 1 and 2
Available at: A & P, Wegmans, Bohack and many fine independent
food markets — no doubt there is one of these fine markets near
your residence.
Recommended by Roger Tory Peterson
244
The Kingbird
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, The Kingbird is a publication of The Federation of New York State Bird Clubs,
Inc., which has been organized to further the study of bird life and to disseminate
knowledge thereof, to educate the public in the need of conserving natural
resources and to encourage the establishment and maintenance of sanctuaries and
protected areas. Individual member's dues are $3.00 annually and all individual
members receive the Kingbird. A member wishing to make an additional contri¬
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Life Member ($100—"payable over a four-year period in equal installments until
the full amount is paid", if member so desires.) For all classes of membership
contact the treasurer, Kenneth B. Niven, 61 Broadway, Monticello.
The Kingbird
245
'OC=50'
FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.
1964 Officers
President
Mr. Robert S. Arbib, Jr.-.- 226 Guion Dr., Mamaroneck
Vice-President
Dr. Allen H. Benton-State University of New York, Fredonia
Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. Dayton Stoner-- 399 State Street, Albany 10
Recording Secretary
Miss Margaret S. Rusk_ 805 Comstock Ave., Apt. 16, Syracuse 10
Treasurer
Mr. Kenneth D. Niven____ 61 Broadway, Monticello
Editor of THE KINGBIRD
Alice E EJ lrich
193 LaSalle Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214
Appointed Committees
Bulletin Exchange: Miss Elizabeth Manning, 1130 Fifth Avenue, New York 28
Conservation: Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., 333 Bedell Street, Freeport
Finance: Samuel R. Madison, 55 Elk Street, Albany
Kingbird Finance: Monte Ghertler, 131 Riverside Drive, New York
Membership: Alfred A. Starling, 75 Brooklawn Drive, Rochester 18
State Book: Gordon M. Meade, National Tuberculosis Association, 1790 Broadway,
New York
Publications and Research: Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr., State Museum, Albany
Bibliography: Mrs. Southgate Y. Hoyt, Box 428, Etna, 13062
Waterfowl Count: John L. Mitchell, 345 Conrad Drive, Rochester 16
John J. Elliott Memorial Committee: Cornelius J. Ward, 804 South Ocean Avenue,
Freeport
Elected Committees
Auditing: Edward R. McBride, Cooper's Corner Road, Box 601, Monticello
Jerome Kerner, Box 712, Liberty
Nominating: Walton B. Sabin, Slingerlands, Ch.; Harold D. Mitchell, Buffalo;
Miss Elizabeth Feldhusen, Jamestown
>oczo3>6<
>oczDocaac<
246
The Kingbird
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