KINGBIRD
VOL XVII, NO. 2 MAY • 1967
FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.
THE KINGBIRD, published four times a year (January, May, July and October), is a publi¬
cation 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 main¬
tenance of sanctuaries and protected areas. Individual member's dues are $5.00 annually,
of which $2.75 is for a subscription to The Kingbird. A member wishing to make an addi¬
tional contribution may become a Sustaining Member ($7.50), a Supporting Member ($10),
or a Life Member ($100 — "payable over a four-year period in equal installments," if
member so desires). Single copies: $1.50. Student membership $3.00.
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committee, James J. Doherty, 913 Winton Road North, Rochester, N. Y. 14609. Send
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Second class postage paid at Ithaca, N.Y.
^KINGBIRD
I l I LlCJmCK CF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS. INC.
Vol. XVII No. 2
May, 1967
Pages 65-124
CONTENTS
Photographs of New York State Rarities
9. Hoary Redpoll . ...Peter W. Post 66
President’s Page ........Allen H. Benton 68
Recent Changes in the Status of the
Great Black-backed Gull. David B. Peakall 69
The 1966 Breeding Bird Survey in New York . . . .Willet T. Van Velzen 74
1967 New York State Breeding Bird Counts.Robert P. Yunick 75
Bird Counts in Western New York ..Marie A; Wendling 76
Information on Bonaparte’s Gulls Requested .Joanna Burger 79
1966 Great Blue Heronry Report . ....Walter E. Benning 80
Tree and Shrub Fruit Crop Summary 1966-1967 . . . .Stephen W. Eaton 82
Field Notes
Follow-up Oneida Lake Purple Martin Census.Margaret S. Rusk 83
Note on the Northern Limit of Louisiana Waterthrush , . Geoffrey Carleton 83
A Winter Record of Orchard Oriole from Long Island . . Thomas H. Davis 84
Baltimore Oriole at Feeder in Watertown.Arthur W. Allen 84
Lark Bunting at Belmont Nov 30-April .... Lou L. and Doris Burton 85
Gull with Dark Slate-colored Mantle at Oswego .... Margaret S. Rusk 85
Goshawk Attacks Covey of Gray Partridge.Arthur W. Allen 86
Small Black and White Shearwater off Long Island.Richard Ryan 86
A Snowy Owl’s Bath in the Chemung.Wilifred I. Howard 122
Highlights of the Winter Season
December 1 - March 31 .David B. Peakall 87
Regional Reports . 88
Book Review .Ned R. Boyajian 121
Editor — Dorothy W. McIlroy
Associate Editors
Field Notes — Sally Hoyt Spofford
Regional Reports — David B. Peakall
Photographic — David G. Allen
Editorial Board
John B. Belknap Stephen W. Eaton
Allen H. Benton Eugene Eisenmann
Fritz Scheider
Business Manager — Walter L. Gillespie
Cover Design — Douglas L. Howland
PHOTOGRAPHS OF NEW YORK STATE RARITIES
9. Hoary Redpoll
Hoary Redpoll - Photograph by Robert P. Yunick
The systematics of redpolls is extremely complex, has given rise to
much discussion, and is still unsettled. Most authorities recognize two
species: the Common Redpoll, Acanthis flammea , and the Hoary Red¬
poll, A. hornemanni.
Following Vaurie [The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna (Passeriformes),
H. F. & G. Witherby, London, 1959 : 617-620], nominate A. f. flammea
has a circumpolar distribution except where replaced by A. f. rostrata
on Baffin Island and Greenland, by A. f. islandica in Iceland, and by
A. f. cabaret in the British Isles and the Alps. A. f. holboellii is no longer
recognized as valid.
A. h. exilipes is also circumpolar in distribution, except where re¬
placed by nominate A. h. hornemanni on Ellesmere and Baffin Islands
and northern Greenland.
In Greenland, A. h. hornemanni occurs in the north whereas A. /.
rostrata and A. f. flammea replace it in the south. Overlapping does take
place as hybrids between hornemanni and rostrata are known (Salomon-
sen, The Birds of Greenland, Ejnar Munsgaard, Copenhagen, part 3,
1951: 515). On Baffin Island, however, the latter two forms are sym-
patric, and “behave as distinct species in that they do not interbreed or
hybridize” (Wynne-Edwards, Auk, 69: 380-381, 1952).
66
Common Redpoll Hoary Redpoll
Photographs by Robert P. Yunick
To further complicate the problem A. h. exilipes and A. f. flammea
are sympatric, without hybridizing, in northeastern Siberia and appa¬
rently in northern Russia (Vaurie, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1775, 1956).
In Scandinavia, however, these same two forms interbreed, forming
hybrid swarms in northern Norway (Salomonsen, op. cit.).
Practically every redpoll flight into New York brings reports of A.
hornemanni. The Hoary Redpoll in the accompanying photographs was
captured by Robert P. Yunick at his feeder, as reported in the Kingbird,
16(4): 204-205, October 1966.
The identification of redpolls is a difficult matter; museum specimens
offer a bewildering array of confusing specimens. The field marks given
in the literature, including the standard field guides, are population
differences and individual birds frequently cannot be identified with
certainty.
Because of these difficulties expert opinion was sought. At the sugges¬
tion of Dr. Charles Vaurie, the original slides were sent to Dr. Heinrich
K. Springer of College, Alaska, an expert on redpolls. His comments
follow:
“There is no doubt in my mind that this individual belongs to Acanthis
hornemanni exilipes. It is a pure’ individual and most likely a bird
of the year. The measurements [exposed culmen 7.8, wing (chord)
73 mm] fit well within the range of the North American A. h. exilipes.
67
Redpolls are indeed very confusing. I have been studying them for
seven years now and have examined thousands of skins and living
birds. There are always individuals which one cannot surely identify.
However, with this bird there is no doubt.”
A Common Redpoll photograph is included for comparison. Note the
general paleness, pure white unstreaked rump, reduced streaking of
the underparts, and the more stubby, conical bill of the Hoary Redpoll.
Peter W. Post,, 575 West 183 Street, New York, N. Y. 10033.
THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE
The problems of man and his environment are a tangled mess today.
Most of us who are interested in birds are interested in the rest of
nature as well, because we realize that the natural community is all of
one piece and that no one species exists unto itself.
I have been interested to observe that the rest of the world is catch¬
ing on. The Third Annual Yearbook of Conservation is called “The
Third Wave”, and its theme is that conservation in the United States is
now entering its third phase, the phase based on recognition that you
cannot conserve organisms — you must conserve environments. Conser¬
vation is a problem of human ecology as well as a problem in technology.
Since I have spent a number of years in trying to teach this concept
to both young people and adults, I am gratified to see that it is now
official doctrine. But it has a corollary which is perhaps just a little more
difficult to recognize. The conservation movement has been fragmented
ever since it began. Technicians did not understand conservation philo¬
sophy. Foresters were not concerned about birds, bird lovers were not
concerned about soil and water, sportsmen were at odds with preserva¬
tionists, and each one was trying desperately, and vainly, to improve
the particular resource he was interested in without regard to the others.
Now that we understand that it won’t work, that you can’t have one
without the other, we ought to be able to overcome the narrowness of
viewpoint that has hampered us in the past. We of the Federation of
New York State Bird Clubs should cooperate fully with the Nature
Conservancy, which is interested in natural areas; with the Adirondack
Mountain Club, which is interested in trails; yes, even with the sports¬
men’s clubs whose interests are close to ours even though their reasons
are different.
If we are to breath pure air, drink pure water, walk in untouched
forests and observe untamed wildlife in a natural habitat, we must unite
on all points of agreement. Our common areas of interest are greater
than the areas of divergence. We must work together today, or tomor¬
row there may be little left worth working for.
Allen H. Benton
68
RECENT CHANGES IN THE STATUS OF THE
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
David B. Peakall
In this paper the changes in the status of the Great Black-backed
Gull ( Lams marinus) in New York State and in lesser detail the rest
of the Great Lakes basin are considered. There have been considerable
changes since the review by Gross in 1945. The Auk, Wilson Bulletin,
and Zoological Record since this date have been examined as well as
complete sets of this journal and Audubon Field Notes.
A. Coastal
Breeding Status
Briefly, the breeding range of the Great Black-backed Gull is the
coastal areas of the North Atlantic: more specifically from North Devon
Island (north-east corner of Hudson Bay) and western Greenland south
along both coasts of Labrador, Nova Scotia, Maine, Massachusetts and
Long Island. In 1921 Bent gave Nova Scotia as the southern limit of
the breeding range. It was first found breeding in Maine in 1931
(Norton and Allen, 1931) although the species appears to have been
well established at that time since 13 breeding individuals were found
in ten breeding stations. In 1930 it was recorded as breeding on the Isle
of Shoals off the New Hampshire coast although nesting may well have
occurred two years earlier (Jackson and Allen, 1932). The first breeding
record for Massachusetts was established in 1931 (Eaton, 1931). The
total New England nesting population was no less than 3500 individuals
in 1944 (Gross, 1945), a remarkable increase from the early 1930’s,
In New York the first breeding record was for Cartwright Island in
1942 (Wilcox, 1944) and the species has now been recorded from seven
sites (Bull, 1964). The most southerly site in the United States is
Canarsie Pol, Jamaica Bay where the species bred in 1960 and 1961
(Post and Restivo, 1961). The species may have been breeding here
earlier since no visits had been made to this island for some years prior
to I960. The build-up of the numbers of this species breeding on Long
Island was slow; from a single pair in 1942 the total passed the fifty
mark in 1958 (Elliott, 1959) but by 1966 there were 320-480 pairs on
Gardiner Island. The count of ten pairs on Cartwright Island showed
no increase over the 1957 figure (Davis and Heath, 1966).
B. Inland breeding records
In general the Great Black-backed Gull ranges but little from the
coast, either inland or over the ocean, and thus its recent penetration
of the Great Lakes basin is of interest.
The first breeding record away from the coast was on Little Haystack
Island, of the Fishing Islands in Lake Huron (Bruce County, Ontario) in
69
1954 when two young were banded (Krug, 1956). The second Great
Lakes nesting record was from Presqu’ile Park in 1962 (Woodford, 1962)
and a pair nested at Moffat Island, Quebec in 1963 (Carleton, 1963).
Thus, although this species has increased enormously as a winter
visitor to the Great Lakes it has not yet become established as a breeder,
and there are no breeding records for New York away from the coast.
However in view of the not uncommon summering of this species,
nesting should be watched for, especially at localities such as Mohawk
Island in the Niagara River and Piermont in the Hudson where the
species summers regularly.
Non-breeding Status
A general idea of the winter distribution can be obtained from Figure 1
which plots the Audubon Christmas counts for the winter of 1965/66.
The vast majority (95%) of the individuals are coastal. Of the remainder
75% are found along the shores of Lake Ontario; the Hudson valley ac¬
counts for just over 1% of the state total and the remainder of the state
outside these areas only 0.5%. The main areas are now considered in
turn.
A. Long Island and New York City
The species has always occurred regularly on Long Island. However,
there has been a considerable increase over the last two to three dec¬
ades, as shown in Table 1.
The Christmas counts are given uncorrected for numbers of observers
or observer hours. While some increase in the number recorded is to be
expected with increasing coverage, the Great Black-backed Gull is so
conspicuous and so limited in its habitat that it is unlikely to be over¬
looked even by a small census group.
Table 1
Audubon Christmas Counts of the Great Black-backed Gull for New York City
and Long Island, 1930-1966.
66
65
60-64
Average over five years*
55-59 50-54 45-59 40-44 35-39 30-34
Bronx-Westchester
240
864
530
196
74
36
21
20
5
Brooklyn
1120
4484**
1718
902
571
116
91
80
1
Manhatten
1541
315
180
92
58
14
n.c.
n.c.
n.c.
Montauk
155
947
337
165
78
89
88
13
10
Smithtown
148
317
91
48
57
14
25
n.c.
n.c.
Southern Nassau
1171
1038
885
560
462
230
115
85
27
Staten Island
571
1231
393
522
29
13
11
1
6
Total
4946
9196
4134
2485
1329
512
—
_
_
* in some cases averages are based on less than five counts especially
in the earlier years.
** national record
70
o
None recorded
01
25-99
*
1-4
f
100-499
a
5-24
500^-j
B. Great Lakes
Eaton (1910) refers to the Great Black-backed Gull as “a regular but
uncommon winter visitant on the Great Lakes .. . occasionally taken
in the interior.” Meade (private communication) shows clearly the rar¬
ity of this species in the period 1920-21; he states “my first record was
on March 3, 1920. It was certainly one of, if not the first, record for
Monroe county.* No other record for that year —and I was in the field
on 184 days that year! 1921, no record — I was in the field 158 days.”
Meade gives a few other records for the late 1930’s and states that in
his experience 1940 was the year in which the species began to be
regular. This date is in agreement with the data from Christmas counts
for the Rochester area which are given in Table 2.
* Eaton (1910) records the species for Monroe county.
71
Table 2.
Audubon Christmas Counts of the Great Black-backed Gull for Lake Ontario
and the Finger Lakes, 1920-1966
Average over five years.
66
65
60-64
55-59
50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 1
Buffalo
147
237
147
51
40
36
31
11
0
2 0
Rochester
95
87
50
50
44
10
8
2
0
0 0
Geneva
1
1
7
7
4
2
3
2
0
0 0
Total
243
325
204
108
88
48
42
15
0
2 0
The situation in the Niagara Frontier area is essentially similar to
Rochester although groups of Great Black-backed Gulls were first seen
a few years earlier. Beardslee and Mitchell (1965) state “It was still
rather uncommon in the early thirties, but by 1935 it began to appear
in greater numbers, since 27 were reported on January 27.” The Christ¬
mas counts for the Buffalo area are given in Table 2.
It is interesting that the species first began to be recorded on the
Geneva counts at the same period (i.e. the mid-1930’s) as it appeared
on the Buffalo and Rochester counts but it has never increased to any
extent.
At the western end of Lake Erie;, Mayfield (1943) notes that the
Great Black-backed Gull was first recorded on March 3, 1928. There
were 13 records of single birds in the next dozen years, followed by a
noteable increase in the winter of 1940/41 when five were noted in a
day and further increases were noted on subsequent winters.
In the Great Lakes the Great Black-backed Gull is a winter visitor, no
appreciable spring or fall passage has been noted. Arrival dates at
Sandy Pond (southeast corner of Lake Ontario) over the last seven years
range from August 9 to September 9 with most dates August 15-19.
These dates are appreciably earlier than those given by Beardslee and
Mitchell (1965)-viz (Sept 3, 18) October 9 —for the Niagara Frontier
suggesting a slow east-west movement. Adults are rare before mid-
October and the main build-up does not occur until early December.
Peak counts are usually late December — January (considerably affected
by storms and ice conditions) and the species is scarce after March.
These seasonal changes are well documented by Tanghe (1955) in his
excellent chart of seasonal abundance of birds in the Rochester area.
In southwestern Michigan Bernard (1966) summarizes the status as
“present in small numbers during early November increasing to a peak
in mid-Dec.”
C. Hudson Valley
Deed (1959) comments that “this handsome gull, once an uncommon
winter resident, has increased in numbers and can be found in any
month, though most abundantly in winter,” Treacy (1965) refers to
72
further increases. The migratory status of the species in the upper
Hudson valley is shown by Wickham (1965) Hew remained all winter,
large influx in early March.”
Summary
The Great Black-backed Gull has increased greatly upstate as a win¬
ter visitor in the last 2-3 decades. While there are no breeding records
for the state away from the coast this should be watched for, especially
on the islands of the Hudson and Niagara Rivers where summering is
regular. On Long Island the rapid increase of the breeding population
may well start to affect the numbers of other species of colonial sea¬
birds.
Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, N. Y. 13210
Literature Cited
Beardslee, C. S. and H. D. Mitchell. Birds of the Niagara Frontier. Bull.
Buffalo Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. 22, 1965.
Bent, A. C. Life Histories of North American Gulls and Terns. U.S. Natl. Mus.
Bull. 113, 1921.
Bernard, R. F. Western Great Lakes Region. Audubon Field Notes 20 :426, 1966.
Bull, J. Birds of the New York Area. Harper and Row, N.Y. 1964.
Carleton, G. Hudson-St. Lawrence Region Audubon Field Notes 17:450, 1963.
Davis, T. H. and Heath F. Region 10, Marine. Kingbird 16:244, 1966.
Deed, R. F. Birds of Rockland County and the Hudson Highlands. Rockland
Audubon Society, 1959.
Eaton, E. H. Birds of New York. Vol. 1 Univ. State of New York, Albany, 1910
Eaton, R. J. Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) breeding in Essex County,
Massachusetts. Auk 48:588-589, 1931.
Elliott, J. J. Ways of the “Sea Gulls” Part 2. Kingbird 9:142-148, 1959.
Gross, A. O. The present status of the Great Black-backed Gull on the coast of
Maine. Auk 62:241-256, 1945.
Jackson C. F. and Allen, P. F. Additional notes on the breeding in Maine of the
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) Auk 49:349-350, 1932.
Krug, H. H. Great Black-backed Gulls nesting on Little Haystack Island, Lake
Huron. Auk 73:559, 1956.
Mayfield, H. Glaucous and Great Black-backed Gulls at the western end of Lake
Erie. Wilson Bull. 55:129-130, 1943.
Norton, A. H. and Allen, R. P. Breeding of the Great Black-backed Gull and
Double-crested Cormorant in Maine. Auk 48:589-592, 1931.
Post, P. W. and Restivo, E. J. A mid-summer visit to Canarsie Pol. Linnaean
News-Letter 14(9), 1961.
Tanghe, J. T. The seasonal abundance of birds in the Rochester area. Kinebird
5:69-84, 1955.
Treacy, E. D. Region 9 Delaware-Hudson Kingbird 15:126, 1965.
Wickham, P. P. Region 8 Mohawk-Hudson Kingbird 15:123, 1965.
Wilcox, LeRoy Great Black-backed Gull breeding in New York. Auk 61:653-4
1944.
Woodford, J. Ontario-Western New York Region. Audubon Field Notes 16:474
1962.
73
THE 1966 BREEDING BIRD SURVEY IN NEW YORK
Willet T. Van Velzen
During the summer of 1966, New York birders cooperated in the Bureau of
Sport Fisheries and Wildlife’s continental Breeding Bird Survey. This survey,
conducted on a trial basis in Maryland and Delaware during 1965, was expanded
to all States east of the Mississippi River and four Canadian Provinces during 1966.
Approximately 600 routes were run, 27 of which were in New York. The 27,850
individual birds recorded within New York represent approximately 2.5% of the
total number recorded on the survey. This survey was established to provide much
needed information on the distribution and abundance of North American birds
and specifically to measure differences that might result from land use changes and
the widespread application of pesticides.
The 25-mile routes were selected at random within the State. Each roadside
route, driven one time during the breeding season, consists of 50 stops placed at
half-mile intervals. During each 3-minute stop-period all birds heard and seen
were recorded on special forms. All data were later transferred to machine punch
cards so that comparisons could be made as the exact routes are rerun from year to
year.
Although 151 species were recorded within the State, as would be expected, the
survey best measured those species which were most conspicuous. The five most
conspicuous species thus recorded were the Starling (5163 ), Red-winged Blackbird
(3491), House Sparrow (1907), Robin (1778) and Common Grackle (1695) fol¬
lowed by the Song Sparrow, Common Crow, Barn Swallow, American Goldfinch,
and Chipping Sparrow, in decreasing order of abundance. Yellow-shafted Flickers,
Barn Swallows, Catbirds, Robins, Starlings, Red-eyed Vireos, Red-winged Black¬
birds, Common Grackles, Chipping Sparrows, and Song Sparrows were recorded on
every route run within the State.
Special thanks are extended to the following individuals who conducted the
1966 survey routes: John Belknap, Danny Bystrak, Paul Bystrak, Thomas Davis,
Stephen Eaton, Frank Enders, Helen Fessenden, Aden Gokay, E. E. Ketcham,
Harriette Klabunde, Dorothy Mcllroy, Eugene Mudge, Jean Propst, Dennis Puleston,
Frances Rew, Margaret Rusk, Walter Sabin, Sally SpofFord, Walter Spofford, Robert
Sundell, Edward Treacy, Otis Waterman, Marie Wendling and Peter Wickham.
A great deal of enthusiasm was shown by those who assisted in last year’s
survey. The list of completed routes does not necessarily reflect the total effort
expended. For example, Gordon Meade wrote of his St. Regis Falls route. “Mission
attempted — failed of objective ... We rose at 3:00 A.M. .. . to allow for an hour
and a quarter run. After going a hundred yards ... we had a flat tire ... in a rain
shower. . .[then] we hit the sandy spot in the road and . . . down to the hubcap
And were we stuck!” Nor does the list show the persistant efforts of enthusiasts
such as Harriet Delafield who tried in vain to obtain coverage of some of the
northern routes. The success of the survey, both present and future, can be at¬
tributed to the fine cooperation of all these people.
Plans are currently underway to conduct the 1967 Breeding Bird Survey. Much
of New York state received only minimal coverage during 1966 and it is hoped
that additional routes can be run throughout the state this summer.
Migratory Bird Populations Station, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Fish
and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Laurel, Md. 20810
74
1967 NEW YORK STATE BREEDING BIRD COUNTS
Robert P. Yunick
The Fish and Wildlife Service has scheduled, by random selection at the rate
of eight counts per degree block, a total of 110 breeding bird counts for New York
State. As of May 6, 70 of these counts had been assigned through correspondence
with bird clubs, regional editors and interested individuals. This is an open appeal
to Federation members to help seek coverage on the remaining 40 counts which
are listed below.
Due to random selection, there are counts scheduled in awkward places, and
people living where no counts are scheduled. When the count density is increased
in subsequent years, some of these disparities will hopefully be resolved and those
interested people with no count presently in their area will have a chance at a
route.
The counts are scheduled for June and are run only once, requiring about five
hours’ time. Ideally a count is run by three people—a driver, recorder and ob¬
server. In this way the burden on each person is lessened. It is possible for two
people—a driver-recorder and an observer—to do a count satisfactorily. The ob¬
server should be highly skilled in recognizing birds by song and sight. It is also
important, if these counts are to be of statistical value, that there be strict ad¬
herence to the count rules. There is no room for individual variation.
I have information sheets available to anyone wanting to take one of the follow¬
ing counts. The record sheets and final instructions will be sent by the Fish and
Wildlife Service directly to the participants.
I want to thank those people who have cooperated thus far and I look forward
to hearing from others of you who want to participate in this worthwhile effort.
1527 Myron Street, Schenectady, N.Y. 12309
Approx. Starting Approx. Starting
Count Coordinates Point Count Coordinates Point
41° 16'
74° 24'
W
Warwick
42° 43'
77° 36'
E
Canadice Lake
23'
25'
s
Middletown
58'
33'
S
Mendon
32’
35'
s
Westbrookville
42'
57'
s
Perry
27'
30'
N
Middletown
43° 10'
77° 57'
s
Church ville
42° 26'
74° 10'
w
Medusa
11'
29'
N
Penfield
39'
52'
E
Coopers town
43° 24'
75° 13'
s
Alder Creek
10
06'
W
Platte Cove
07'
39'
N
Oneida
42° 33'
75° 08'
E
Laurens
43° 39'
74°28'
E
Blue Ridge N.
19'
33'
N
Coventryville
39'
31'
S
Blue Ridge S.
31'
44'
E
McDonough
53'
14'
E
Newcomb
26'
06'
W
Oneonta
44° 52'
75° 08'
W
Wadding ton
24'
36'
W
Oxford
42'
28'
W
Ogdensburg
42° 57'
76° 43'
N
Cayuga
44°10'
74° 58'
W,N
Wanakeena
21'
02'
E
Lisle
21'
39'
N
Sevey
12'
11'
s
Endicott
32'
40'
W
Parishville
02'
02'
w
Vestal Center
39'
43'
N
Hopkinton
42°17'
77° 57'
N
Phillips Creek
27'
49'
N
Stark
30'
51'
s
Swain
44° 42'
73° 45'
S
Dannemora
47'
16'
E
Rushville
55'
53'
N
Ellenburg
40'
13'
S
Branchport
52'
32'
W
Sciota
75
BIRD COUNTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK
Marie A. Wendling
Two founding members of the Buffalo Ornithological Society, Clark
Beardslee and Harold D. Mitchell, gave the club a serious direction soon
after its organization in October 1929, by proposing to use its compiled
bird records as a basis for a projected book on the ornithology of the
region. Thus, from the beginning the BOS established a pattern of
regular bird counts, beginning with the Christmas Count of 1929, and
encouraged members in the pursuit of their avocation, which for many
of them became practically a way of life.
At first, a program of regular monthly counts was established on a
quite informal basis, each member going to some favorite birding spot.
After 1939, these informal counts were replaced by regularly scheduled
field trips, generally two a month. Three censuses in addition to the
Christmas Count were, however, retained: the Spring Duck Census in
early April, the Annual Spring Census on the third Sunday in May, the
Fall Duck Census in October. Later the word “Duck” was dropped from
the names, as each census became a count of individuals of all species
seen, and the counts are now simply designated by the month in which
they take place. Observers no longer casually choose a favorite spot. At
a club meeting they volunteer for or are assigned to definite territories,
and part of a later meeting is devoted to a report of the count. This
report, including species and numbers as well as names of all partici¬
pants, is published in The Prothonotary, along with comments by the
over-all compiler of the census.
Following the Federation’s division of the state into new reporting
regions, effective in April 1954, the society divided the large Western
New York study area assigned to it into 23 fairly equal sections, plus
5 more on the Canadian side of the river. A road map was devised for
each section, and a folder containing all the maps given to each mem¬
ber. Coverage is as thorough as is possible with the available number
of observers, most of whom make a day of it. They cover as much of
the road mileage as they can and investigate on foot all the known
good birding spots. If enough are available, observers of a given area
divide into two or more small parties, which are then able to “beat the
bushes” more thoroughly. Although observers usually choose territories
with which they are familiar, it sometimes becomes necessary for some¬
one to cover an unfamiliar area. For this reason one present BOS project
aims to have each section written up by someone who knows it well to
enable all members to conduct observations profitably in any part of
the study area. Richard Rosche’s recently published Birds of Wyoming
County is an example of what can be done to help observers in a given
territory.
76
The BOS now makes seven counts a year as well as several informal
ones. Participation has grown from seven observers in three parties on
that first Christmas Count to as high as 135 observers, the number of
parties being determined by how many people a compiler can persuade
into his area. To the four counts mentioned earlier a Shorebird Count
was added in 1947 and a Waterfowl Count in mid-January 1955 as part
of the state-wide count by the Federation. Less formal hawk counts in
spring and fall and various breeding bird and nesting counts are con¬
ducted. In June 1966 cooperation was begun in the Breeding Bird Sur¬
vey recently inaugurated by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The area is fortunate in having lake shore accessible for a Shorebird
Count in summer and early fall when numbers are greatest. Fifty-four
miles of the north shore of Lake Erie are covered once a year, each
participating party walking a 4-7 mile section of the shore, recording
numbers and species and spotting on a map where the birds were. For
the first five consecutive years the census was taken on a day in early
August, for the second five years in late August, for the third five years
in early September, and for the fourth five years in late July. In the
September 1966 issue of The Prothonotary, Edward Seeber presented
and discussed the data in an article, “Twenty Years of Shorebird Counts.”
Although sponsored by the BOS, the counts may be assisted by per¬
sons other than the local members. In an early issue of The Prothonotary
a note was added to an announcement of the Fall Census: “It is desir¬
able to cover as much of our territory as possible on this day. Members
of neighboring bird clubs are cordially invited to take part in the census
with us.” How well that invitation of thirty-five years ago has been ac¬
cepted! Groups from Batavia (since 1934), from Thorold and vicinity
in Canada, and from Fillmore cover nearby territories. As bird clubs
have been organized in Western New York, they have taken over re¬
sponsibility for the counts in their areas: Jamestown Audubon Society,
Lake Erie Bird Club, Allegany County Bird Club, East Aurora Bird
Club, Cattaraugus County Bird Study Group.
Records to be used as a basis for an authoritative study in the or¬
nithology of a region have to be accurate. From the beginning all unu¬
sual reports of either species or numbers had to be presented to a
committee of statisticians who either accepted or rejected the observa¬
tion on the basis of a detailed report. In time a verification form (see
below) was developed to guide the observer in studying his rarity in
the field as well as in writing up his observations. On the basis of this
written verification the statisticians judge the accuracy of the identifica¬
tion, and only those sightings which have on file a satisfactory written
verification become a part of the record of the region.
77
BUFFALO ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
VERIFICATION FORM FOR UNUSUAL RECORDS
This form is meant to be an aid, not a hindrance; you may use it flexibly. When
completed, mail it to the Compiler for the B.O.S.
Observers are encouraged to review a good field guide’s write-up of an unusual
bird while it is actually under observation in the field, so that each important field
mark may be looked for and checked out on the spot.
1. DATE and Time of writing this account:
2. NAME of the BIRD and NUMBER of individuals:
3. LOCALITY:
4. DATE WHEN SEEN: 5. TIME of day:
6. OBSERVERS (verifying reporter’s name first):
7. LIGHT CONDITIONS:
a) general — sunny; light, medium or dark clouds; etc,
b) where was the bird? — in the open; light, medium or deep shade.
c) where was the sun as you faced the bird? — behind you, in front of you,
or_degrees from the bird,
8. TYPE and CONDITION of the OPTICAL equipment used:
9. DISTANCE at which seen, and how judged (estimated, paced, etc.):
10. What was the bird doing? (flying, resting, feeding, etc.) (Mention position of
the bird in relation to the observer)
11. HABITAT (general and specific):
12. Length of time studied under the above combination of conditions:
13. Statement and description of all observations of field marks and other details
that contributed to your certainty in this identification.
If you have an original sketch, made at the time of observation, please attach it.
14. SIMILAR or CONFUSING SPECIES that you are satisfied have been elimi¬
nated by your description:
15. Names of OTHER OBSERVERS, if any, who independently identified it as
this species. Explain the circumstances: ~
16. Describe your observations of any DIAGNOSTIC HABITS:
17. Description of SONG and CALLS:
18. Previous acquaintance with this species (i.e. how many times have you ob¬
served it?):
19. a) Did you have a bird book or similar aid during observation?
b) Have you referred to any aid such as a book, illustration, or ornithologist
since the observation?
c) If you answered “yes” to either a) or b), tell what aid you used and ex¬
plain specifically, but briefly, how it influenced this description:
20. Signature and address of verifying reporter:
78
In 1955 the society published a Date Guide, giving the dates within
which a species may be reported without this written verification, these
dates having been determined by the accepted records of previous
years. Birds which have been reported only infrequently — that is, not
often enough to establish a definite period of residence or migration —
are listed without dates, and reports of these must always be accom¬
panied by a written verification. The Date Guide is revised every five
years to conform to changes in nomenclature as authorized by the
AOU and to changes of the status of birds within the area.
With the publication in 1964 of Beardslee and Mitchells Birds of
the Niagara Frontier, some might think that the need for our many
bird counts has disappeared. However, as every ornithologist knows,
change is the order of bird life too. Already several birds not mentioned
in the book have been found in the area since the date of publication,
and new records of early and late migrants and of abundance occur
each year. There is never a time to stop learning, and with the recent
increased interest in the abundance of birds this is no time to stop
counting.
87 Garrison Road, Williamsville, N. Y. 14221
INFORMATION ON BONAPARTE'S GULLS REQUESTED
Joanna Burger and Richard Brownstein of Buffalo are working on the distribution
and migratory behavior of the Bonaparte's Gull. Any data from personal records
on the distribution and movement of these gulls would be helpful. The direction,
date, time and location of their movements would be especially useful. Some of
these gulls in Buffalo have been dyed a bright color and banded. The color of the
dye used denotes the date of the marking session. If you see any unusually colored
Bonaparte's Gull, please send the following information to the address listed below:
Date, Location, Color, Number of marked individuals. Number of Unmarked Bona¬
parte’s Gulls with the color-marked gulls.
Miss Joanna Burger, Department of Biology, State University College, 1300
Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222.
79
1966 GREAT BLUE HERONRY REPORT
With the completion of the third year of the Upstate New York Great Blue
Heronry Survey, the data obtained begins to take on some significance.
Table I summarizes the information gathered over the three years. It includes
reports on 17 heronries. On eight of these heronries, reports were received for
each of the three years, on four for two years and on five for but one. Nine other
heronries have been reported without any data on them.
Table I
1964 1965 1966
No. of heronries on which data was received 11 14 11
Approximate no. of active nests 450 350 250
While it would appear that the number of active nests in the state is declining,
some individual heronries are growing. The Marengo Swamp heronry near Clyde
in Wayne County has increased in 3 years from 40 to 100 active nests.
Only a few reports give an indication of the number of young birds actually
raised. From these few reports it would appear that about two birds per nest have
been raised in each of the three years.
Geographically we find there is a narrow belt North and South across the State
from Binghamton to Watertown in which one half of the heronries reported are
located. East of this belt only 4 active heronries have been reported, all in the
Catskill-Hudson Valley area. In the Western part of the State all the heronries
are concentrated in the Southwestern corner except for one each in Genesee, Wayne
and Steuben counties.
Table II gives a more detailed report of the records received for the 1966 season.
For details on the years 1964 and 1965 see the Kingbird XV No. 2 page 92
and XVI No. 2 page 79.
Table II
Location
Nests
Young
Region 1
1 — Farrington Hollow Rd
no report
2 — Coes Rd.
17
32
3 — Oak Orchard
no report
4 - Hood Hill
15
25
5 — 4 mi. NW of Vandalia
no report
6 — 5 mi. N Olean
25
Region 2
1 — Marengo Swamp
100
250
Dates
Visited
1966
5/1, 5/24,
6/8
5/19
6/15, 6/19,
7/4
Region 3
1 — S of Corning, Steuben Co. 15 23
Keuka Park Conservation Club, Penn Yan, Yates Co. reports no known heronries
Schuyler County Bird Club reports no known heronries
80
Location
Nests
Young
Dates
Visited
1966
Region 4
1 — ?2 mi. SW Candor, Tioga Co.
2 — Owego, Tioga Co.
3 — 3 mi. E of Whitney Point
Broome Co.
4 — German, Chenango Co.
5 — Cold Brook Rd.
Scott, Cortland Co.
6 — Charlottesville near Otsego-
Schoharie Co. line
7 — Andes, Delaware Co.
8 — Southern Colchester Town¬
ship Delaware Co.
Colony smaller this year
no report
no report
no report
3
no report
Reported but no data given
Reported but no data given
9/9
Region 5
1 — Cross Lake, Onondaga Co,
2 — Scott Swamp, Phoenix
Oswego Co.
3 — Bridgeport, Madison Co.
4 — North Victory, Cayuga Co.
5 — Skaneateles, Onondaga Co.
6 — East Freetown, Cortland Co.
35 6/2
8-10 Late May
No sign of activity
Heronry abandoned, logging operations
no report
no report
Region 6
1 — Ironsides Island,
Alexandria Bay
Jefferson County
2 — Perch River Game
Management Area
3 — Camp Drum
Jefferson Co.
Region 7
No reports received in 1966
80-85 1-4 per nest
37 1-5 per nest.
No details available as it is in restricted “im¬
pact” area of Camp Drum Military Reser¬
vation 40-50 nests 2 yrs. ago
Region 8
Sassaafras Bird Club, Amsterdam reports no known heronries
Region 9
1 — Bontecue Farm, Town of
Washington, Dutchess Co. 6 2 per nest 5/15, 6/8
Rockland Audubon Society reports no known heronries
We wish to thank all those individuals and clubs who have sent us reports.
Great Blue Herons often nest in rather inaccessible places and it takes a real effort
to get accurate information on the number of active nests and the number of young
raised. We ask your cooperation in sending us reports on the 1967 season.
Walter E. Banning, Clyde, N.Y . 14433
81
TREE AND SHRUB FRUIT CROP SUMMARY 1966-1967
Western
Eastern
Ontario
Allegh.
Allegh.
Adirondacks
Lake Plain
Plateau
Plateau
Regions
6
2,6
If
3, 4 9°
Red Pine
White Pine
G
F, P-F, P
Pitch Pine
Larch
G
White Spruce
G
Black Spruce
G
Red Spruce
Balsam
P
Hemlock
G
G, P-G, F
Arborvitae
P
Red Cedar
F,P
Bayberry
Ironwood (Ostrya)
F
P-G, P
Blue Beech (Carpinus)
F
P-G
Yellow Birch
G
P, F-G, F
White Birch
G
G, P
Amer. Beech
G
P,G
F
F, G P
White Oak
P, G
G, G, P
Red Oak
G
G, G, G
Cucumber Tree
F
Mountain Ash
P
Thornapple
G, F-G
G
G, G
Wild black Cherry
P-F
F
F, G-F
Box Elder
G, F
G
F, G-F
Sugar Maple
F
F, G-F
Grey Dogwood
G, F
Red Osier Dogwood
F, P
White Ash
P
P, P-G
Black berried Elder
G, P
F
G, F-G, F
f High Plateaus only, * Shawangunks only
These estimates were submitted by Les Bemont, Region 4; Frank A. Clinch
Region 6; Howard Miller, Region 2; Dan Smiley—Shawangunks; S, W. Eaton,
High Plateaus (Region 1); S, H. Spofford, Region 3.
The fruit crop in the western Adirondack region appeared generally good as
was the crop on the western Allegheny Plateau. In Region 4 feelings were mixed
about the crop. The Shawangunks appeared to have a poor crop, except for the
Red Oak which also produced good crops all across the Plateau.
Stephen W. Eaton, St. Bonaventure Unin., St. Bonaventure, N.Y. 14778. .
82
FIELD NOTES
Follow-up Oneida Lake Purple Martin Census: Between July 7 and 26, 1966,
Purple Martins were censused along the south shore of Oneida Lake from Brewerton
to Sylvan Beach. At this time, in most of the occupied houses young were being
fed in the nest, making occupancy easy to determine. Mrs. Dorothy W. Ackley,
Dr. David Peakall with his summer ornithology class, and I conducted the census,
following the method used in the 1963 census ( Kingbird 14(2) :81, May 1964).
That first census was done with the idea of making comparable censuses in later
years. In view of the known Martin storm deaths in the spring of 1966 ( Kingbird
16(3): 169, July 1966) we felt it important to do a census that same summer. Only
the south shore, rather than the entire lake, was covered in 1966. The figures below
are for only this area in both years.
No.
0% occupied
40%
' occupied
Est.
100% occupied
Est.
hses
No.
No.
No.
No.
no.
No.
No. no.
checked
hses
holes
hses
holes
prs.
hses
holes prs.
102
11
110
22
330
131
69
1173 1060
104
56
746
22
486
160
26
386 380
Est.
total
prs.
1191
540
The estimated total number of pairs of Martins in 1966 is less than half that of
1963, in almost exactly the same number of houses, with approximately the same
number of holes. Moreover, in 1963 about 70% of the houses were “100%” occu¬
pied, whereas in 1966 only 25% of the houses were “100%” occupied and over half
were unoccupied.
The 1963 data seemed to show that the larger the house, the more likely it was
to be 100% occupied. (Unoccupied houses averaged 10 holes per house, 40% ones
15 holes, and 100% ones 17 holes.) The 1966 data fail to bear out this apparent
relationship. Perhaps in 1963 it was only a coincidence; on the other hand, maybe
there is a real correlation between number of holes and percent of occupancy in
a normal year, but in 1966 simply not enough Martins survived the May storm-kill,
or arrived subsequently, to fill the large houses. If it is true on Oneida Lake that
the same individuals return year after year to the same houses, it would be unlikely
for latecomers to fill in other large houses in preference to their traditional homes.
In at least seven instances in 1966 House Sparrows were noted sharing houses
with Martins, compared to only once in 1963. This may be due to censusing
earlier in the season, when House Sparrows are still present, but may also be due
to more apartments being undefended by Martins after the storm-kill, and therefore
available to House Sparrows.
Margaret S. Rusk, 805 Comstock Ave., Syracuse 13210
Note on the Northern Limit of Louisiana Waterthrush: I was interested to read
of a Louisiana Waterthrush far north in New York State ( Kingbird 16: 25-26, Jan.
1966). The vicinity of latitude 44° N appears to be a rather constant northern limit.
The species was found breeding near Lake Champlain at Port Henry, N.Y., 40
miles farther north than Boonville, in 1941 (Auk 59:315, Apr. 1942); I found
a nest and eggs at the Port Henry location, June 13, 1947. The species was
observed at Passaconaway, N.H., right on the 44th parallel, June 7, 1964 and at
Newbury, Vt., about 7 miles north of this parallel, May 11, 1951 ( Audubon Field
Notes 19:529, Oct. 1965). It ranges still farther north in Minnesota (Red Wing,
approximate latitude 44° 30' N-Chapman, Warblers of North America , 1907).
Geoffrey Carleton, 55 East 87th Street, New York, N.Y. 10028
83
A Winter Record of Orchard Oriole from Long Island: On 20 November 1966 an
Orchard Oriole ( Icterus spurius ) was found at Jacob Riis Park, Queens Co., New
York. It remained for two weeks, until 11 December, and was seen by dozens of
observers. This bird was quite nervous but usually it could be found in one par¬
ticular clump of bushes where it fed on a variety of berries, including the Russian
Olive.
On 11 December 1966 Guy Tudor, Michel Kleinbaum and the writer captured
the oriole with a mist-net. Before banding and releasing the bird we took the fol¬
lowing description: Back dusky greenish-yellow; under parts bright yellow to un¬
dertail coverts; black throat extends 25 mm. below bill, 15 mm. wide, feathers
tipped with yellow; indistinct chestnut coloring on cheeks and sides of throat;
wings dusky gray with two white wingbars; tail greenish-yellow, dusky posteriorly,
narrowly tipped with dull white. Bill dusky above, greenish-flesh below; legs and
feet bluish-gray; iris brown. Skull ossified, fat class 3 (it was bloated with fat).
Measurements: wing chord-74 mm., tail—70 mm., exposed culmen—15mm. Primary
formula: 6 = 7 = 8, 9, 5; outer vanes of primaries 6, 7 and 8 emarginate. A later
comparison of this description with specimens at the American Museum of Natural
History confirmed its identity as a second year male Orchard Oriole.
John Bull ( Birds of the New York Area, 1964: 405-406) gives the late date for
this species as 22 and 27 September. He remarks: “This species winters in the
tropics from southern Mexico to northern South America, without a proved winter
occurrence even in Florida; in fact the Orchard Oriole is scarce there by October.
No winter records have been substantiated anywhere in the northeast.” He dis¬
misses two winter sight records in Rockland Co. as uncorroborated. Late dates from
Massachusetts given by Griscom and Snyder ( The Birds of Massachusetts , 1955:
216) and from Maryland given by Stewart and Robbins ( The Birds of Maryland
and the District of Columbia, 1958: 323) are 28 September, 1918 and 13 October*
1952 respectively.
Audubon Field Notes for the years 1960 to 1966 contain 31 Orchard Oriole
records between December and February. Thirteen of these are from California
where this species’ occurrence has been well corroborated by one specimen and
three photographs. The remaining 18 birds were reported from Maryland to Texas
including Virginia, Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. Only one of these birds seems
well substantiated, a male collected at Reserve, Louisiana on January 3, 1965.
Thomas H. Davis, 8613-85 Street, Woodhaven, New York 11421
Baltimore Oriole at Feeder in Watertown: An immature Baltimore Oriole ( Icterus
galbula ) was first seen November 22, 1966 in Watertown feeding on suet. It then
tried donut and after feeding for some time flew to the shelter of three spruce
trees nearby. Soon it was back at the feeders. For the. next 39 days the oriole
spent most of its time between the feeders and the evergreens. Raisins, donuts,
graham crackers and suet were its favorite foods. It would be one of the first birds
to appear in the morning and one of the last to leave at night.
On December 30 just about dusk, after feeding on a donut that had been
broken up and placed in a ground feeder, the oriole flew into the evergreens with
a piece of donut in its beak. This was the last time it was seen. When it did not
appear at feeders the next morning, the evergreens and area in vicinity of the
feeders were carefully checked but there was no sign of it.
The oriole had survived 39 days of real winter weather. In this period we had
two big storms, one dropping 18 inches of snow, and two periods of sub-zero
weather with the temperature getting down to —10° F.
Arthur W. Allen, 561 Eastern Blvd., Watertown, N.Y. 13601
Ed. Note: Orioles are staying north in ever-increasing numbers. This report, how¬
ever, is unusually far north.
84
Lark Bunting at Belmont Nov 30-ApriI; On 30 November 1966 at about 3:15
p.m., in our yard in Belmont we noticed a strange bird with the Tree Sparrows and
House Sparrows feeding on the spillage from a small feeder containing fine bird
seed. In size the bird was between House Sparrow and cowbird. In general ap¬
pearance it was medium brown above with darker streaks and buflfy feather tips
and edgings, lighter below with dark streaks from a heavily blotched area on the
breast to the vent. The bill was large and conical, the head appeared puffy. A
large, buffy wingpatch about Vk" long and %" wide was very distinctive when the
bird flew, and was visible when it was at rest. Other markings noted were: chin
dark; throat with heavy dark blotches; distinct buffy eye ring and line from bill
through eye and beyond; tail dark brown with fine white edging on the outside and
white patch in center near tail tip; wings black, underneath in flight.
Ed Olmstead was called over and we made a sketch of the bird. On December
1 he photographed it. Pictures were sent to Stephen Eaton and Richard Rosche.
Following a clue given us by Richard Rosche, we tentatively identified the bird as
a Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys ). Stephen Eaton on Dec. 14 and
Richard Rosche on Dec. 15 both confirmed this identification. A complete verifica¬
tion report by Ed Olmstead and us, and additional reports by Stephen Eaton and
Richard Rosche are on file with the Buffalo Ornithological Society.
The bird was an agressive individual. For the first few days it appeared with the
Cardinals and Tree Sparrows and was not at all timid. Then it began coming with
the flocks of House Sparrows and flushed with them into a multiflora rose thicket.
Usually the head feathers were raised like a crest, giving the head a puffy ap¬
pearance like a Purple Finch. When perched, it pumped its tail as the Phoebe does,
but not as frequently.
The bird continued to come to the feeder, somewhat irregularly depending on
the amount of snow cover. Many members of the B.O.S. observed it, and Harold
Mitchell also photographed it. By late February the bird had developed a distinct
dark bib and necklace, and on the right side only a dark area extending upward
from the leg and to the fore and rear of this area.
At the beginning of March the bird had developed large, dark blotched areas
over the underparts. The tail was largely black with the patch and web edgings
white. As the days progressed the blotched areas came together on the underparts
and the general appearance became that of a black bird with prominent white
wing strips. The crest, nape and back, when viewed from above, were more gray
then brown. The buffy eye stripe and the patch below the auriculars remained
distinctive. The bunting was still coming to the feeder in early April.
Lou L. and Doris Burton, John Street, Belmont, N.Y. 14813
Ed. Note: This appears to be the first upstate record, although there have been at
least seven records from Long Island.
Gull with Dark Slate-colored Mantle at Oswego: On January 2, 1967 at about
2:30 P.M. while censusing Great Black-backed, Herring, and Ring-billed Gulls on
the west breakwater in Oswego harbor, I noted an unusual gull among the others.
The gull, side-lighted by a hazy sun, was studied through a 30x scope at about 300
yards for twenty minutes. The following was noted: mantle solid slate-colored, not
quite as black as a Great Black-backed’s but very much darker than a Herring
Gull’s; size the same as the Herring Gulls; the head and ventral parts white (i.e.
typical adult plumage); bill yellow (and I thought I could see a red spot near the
tip); eye color not really discernable at that distance but appearing the same as
that of the other species on the breakwater; feet pink, the color of a Great Black-
backed’s or Herring Gull’s; pattern of primaries with some white posterior edging,
but not well seen as the bird was only observed perched.
It was not the Ithaca Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus — ef Kingbird
Winter season Region 3 reports, 1964-67) as that individual (which I had seen
85
just 15 days before) had yellow feet and some dark head markings.
No attempt was made to flush the gull to observe the mantle pattern in flight, as
I hoped it would remain on the breakwater until another observer had seen it. At
about 4 P.M. on the same day David Peakall found the gull still on the breakwater
(I had not remained to show it to him) and noted the same characteristics as I
had. There were no further sightings of the bird.
Since foot color of the adult Lesser Black-backed is variable in winter (cf.
Peterson, R. T., et al, A field guide to the birds of Britain and Europe ), this note
seems warranted as the bird’s appearance in every respect was that of an adult
Earns fuscus.
Margaret S. Rusk, 805 Comstock Ave., Syracuse 13210
Goshawk Attacks Covey of Gray Partridge: On 5 January 1967 near Philadelphia
in Jefferson County while I was watching a covey of nine Gray Partridge ( Perdix
perdix) as they moved from the side of a road into an open field, a Goshawk
(Accipiter gentilis) flew towards them. Usually when flushed a covey of Gray
Partridge will all fly together in the same direction. As the hawk approached these,
each one flew in a different direction, except one which remained “frozen” in the
snow. This flying in different directions by the partridges was rewarding, for the
hawk seemed puzzled, banking one way and then another and ending up with no
partridge. A lot of action in just a few seconds. The hawk then flew toward a small
stand of trees and shrubs. Ahead of it two frightened cottontails scrambled in a
hasty zig-zag retreat.
Arthur W. Allen, 561 Eastern Blvd., Watertown, N.Y. 13601
Small Black and White Shearwater off Long Island: On 2 January 1967, about
five miles south of the Jones Beach tower, Nassau Co., I observed a small “black
and white shearwater.” It was about 12:30 P.M., the sea was fairly calm, and
there was little wind. The bird, somewhat smaller than a Bonaparte’s Gull, ap¬
proached within 75 feet and was observed in good light through 7 X 50 binoculars
for 10-15 seconds before it disappeared behind an adjacent fishing boat. Size com¬
parison was made directly with Herring Gulls, and the more distant Bonaparte’s
and Great Black-backed Gulls and Kittiwake.
The bird flew with rapid alcid-like wingbeats, interspersed with short periods of
stiff-winged, tilting glides. It was sharply patterned black above and white below.
The undertail coverts appeared white, but my view was most fleeting. Foot color
was not noticed. The well-seen bill was typically tubinareform, but proportionately
short. The wings were long and narrow, but not proportionately as long as the
other shearwater species with which I am familiar. These include Sooty, Greater
and Cory’s Shearwaters, and more limited contact with the Manx Shearwater and
the Fulmar. I am also quite familiar with grebes, “black and white” ducks and
all the Atlantic alcids.
This observation fits rather well the description and picture of the Little Shear¬
water {Puffinus assimilis) given by Post in the Kingbird, 14(3): 133-141, July
1964. The time of year alone seems to rule out Audubon’s Shearwater (P.
Iherminieri) , although there is a late November report of the Manx Shearwater
(P. puffinus) from Massachusetts (Post, in press). However, due to my shortage of
experience with this difficult group and the fact that I was unable to determine
the foot color or note the white inner webs of the primaries, I prefer to leave the
identification as simply a “small black and white shearwater” of the genus Puffinus.
Incidentally, no other form of Procellariform from more distant places, other than
races of the three species mentioned above, seems close enough to this bird’s appear¬
ance to cause possible confusion.
Richard Ryan, Director, Turtleback Zoo, West Orange, N.J.
(continued on page 122)
86
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINTER SEASON
December 1 — March 31
David B. Peakall
As far as flights of winter finches were concerned the heading would
be more appropriately called lowlights of the winter. The almost com¬
plete lack of winter finches rivaled the winters of 1964/65 and 1956/57
making three non-invasion winters in the last twelve years. Perhaps be¬
cause of the poor showing of northern species several regional editors
commented on the southern invaders, the Tufted Titmouse, Mocking¬
bird and Cardinal. The increase of the Mockingbird has been docu¬
mented in this column previously (Kingbird 16:93, 1966). Using the
regular Christmas counts, the increase of the other two species are
shown in the table below.
49/50 50/51 51/52 52/53
53/54
54/55
55/56
56/57
Tufted Titmouse
(Region 10)
3
0
5
2
10
7
18
18
(Upstate)
0
0
0
0
6
9
5
10
Cardinal
(Region 10)
41
45
57
22
72
81
73
134
(Upstate)
65
62
116
136
160
168
182
199
57/58
58/59
59/60 60/61 61/62 62/63
63/64
64/65
65/66
Tufted Titmouse
(Region 10)
47
17
74
196 158
153
286
165
160
( Upstate)
6
8
47
30 85
46
49
40
48
Cardinal
(Region 10)
146
119
220
311 297
389
362
428
303
(Upstate)
312
369
537
498 685
943
1003
623
856
In 1949/50 the Tufted Titmouse was recorded on only two counts,
the Bronx-Westchester and Rockland County. The only large count (94)
was Rockland County which is excluded from the table since no counts
were made over the period 1956-1960. The Tufted Titmouse increased
in Region 10 in the late 1950’s but substantial numbers are still con¬
fined to the Bronx-Westchester, Manhattan and Staten Island counts.
Upstate it was recorded regularly at Binghamton from the mid 1950*8
and by the end of the decade was regularly observed on the Jamestown,
Rochester, Schenectady and Troy counts. However the numbers have
never risen to high levels except in the lower Hudson Valley. In 1965/66
four counts, Bronx-Westchester, Peekskill, Putnam and Rockland Coun¬
ty, accounted for 407 out of the 629 recorded on the 45 New York
State counts.
87
In 1949/50 the reports of Cardinal were confined to the lower Hud¬
son (Rockland County with 35 individuals had the highest count in
the state), western Long Island and the Lake Ontario—Lake Erie coastal
plain. The overall rise both in Region 10 and upstate was steady over
the next decade but has remained approximately constant over the
last five years. However, during this period there has been some filling
in of areas where the species had been scarce, for instance at Fort
Plain there was a large increase in the winter of 1965/66. In several
instances small numbers have been recorded in an area for a few years
followed by a rapid increase to a higher level. For example the cardinal
was first recorded on the Schenectady count in 1956 and the numbers
remained low until 1960/61 when there was a sharp rise. Thirty or so
individuals were recorded on each count since, until this winter when
69 were found. The pattern in Troy was similar with the first record in
1958/59, followed by a plateau of 30-40 individuals over the period
1962/63 to 1965/66 and then a record count of 95 this year.
The Brewers Blackbird collected in Region 1 is the first specimen
for the state, and indeed for the northeastern United States. There have
been a number of sight records of this difficult species but the nearest
specimens have been Ohio and the Carolinas. Eared Grebes were re¬
ported in Regions 1, 2, & 3 and there were more records than usual of
both eiders along the Great Lakes. Other rarities included Lark Bunting
from Region 1 (first upstate record), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Re¬
gions 3 & 5), a full plumage male Painted Bunting and a Varied Thrush
(Region 8), and Region 10 produced a Tufted Duck, Lapwing, and
Bridled Tern.
The above completes, for me, five years of writing ‘The Highlights
of the Season’. I would like to thank all those who have borne my
questions about their records so patiently.
Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, N. Y. 13210
Abbreviations used in regional reports: arr-arrival, arrived; Co-County; iram-
immature; L-Lake; max-maximum one-day count; mob-many observers; Pk-Park;
Pt-Point; R—River; Rd-Road.
REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER
Robert A. Sundell
In general, December and January were characterized by above average tem¬
perature, particularly for a week in mid-January, and by subnormal precipitation.
A notable exception occurred during early December when two violent lake-effect
blizzards deposited from 50 to 60 inches of snow in the Mayville-Hartfield area of
Chautauqua County. February and March brought temperatures several degrees
below the average. On February 16 a severe cold wave and accompanying high
winds resulted in freezing of much open water, including Lake Erie, and tem-
88
peratures and precipitation for the next month continued considerably below
average. Temperature moderation became evident during the second half of March
(especially the last week), although no unusually warm readings were recorded,
and ice remained on many bodies of water until late in the month.
Certain trends noted during recent years continued, such as the increasing num¬
ber of Blue Geese during the spring migration and the decline of the formerly
large flocks of Canvasbacks wintering on the Niagara River. More Gadwalls, King
Eiders and American Coot occurred than ever before during the winter. Fewer
Rough-legged Hawks than usual were observed. Attesting to the generally mod¬
erate early and midwinter weather, with the Gadwall and Coot, was a large flock
of Bonaparte’s Gulls in Dunkirk Harbor during late January and early February.
Also several Purple Sandpipers were sporadically observed there throughout the
winter. About 12 Snowy Owls gave rise to approximately 25 reports. For the second
successive winter, a Pine Warbler has frequented a feeder near Dunkirk (note to
follow). Although all of the winter finches were reported, numbers generally were
very low.
The first indication of migration for many early spring species came between
March 9 and 12. A substantial movement involving waterfowl, hawks, a few shore-
birds and many land birds (particularly Robins, Starlings and blackbirds) occurred
during the last week of March.
Records of interest included Eared Grebe, King Eider, Golden Eagle, Black¬
headed Gull, Little Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Pine Warbler, Western Meadow¬
lark and Chipping Sparrow. Of particular significance were the first successful
wintering of a Brant, another observation of the Barnacle Goose (the first since 1963
but the seventh since 1953), the first New York State specimen of the Brewers’
Blackbird, and the first upstate record of the Lark Bunting (all others have come
from Long Island or the New York City area).
Abbreviations: Alleg—Allegany; Belm—Belmont; Bflo—Buffalo; BAS—Buffalo Au¬
dubon Society; BOS—Buffalo Ornithological Society; Catt—Cattaraugus; Chaut—
Chautauqua; CC—Christmas Count; FWC—Federation Waterfowl Count; Gen—
Genesee; Han—Hanover Township, Chautauqua County; IN WR—Iroquois National
Wildlife Refuge; Nia—Niagara; Ont—Ontario; OOGMA—Oak Orchard Game Man¬
agement Area; opp—opposite; Orl—Orleans; TGMA—Tonawanda Game Management
Area.
Contributors: DA—Dan Anderson; RFA—Robert F. Andrle; HHA—Harold H.
Axtell; PB—Paul Benham; AHB—Allen H. Benton; JB—Joanna Burger; TLB—Thomas
L. Bourne; RB—Richard Brownstein; LDB—Lou and Doris Burton; DB—Richard
Byron; DD—Dorothy Danner; AD—Adrian Dorst; SWE—Stephen W. Eaton; FE—
Flora Elderkin; MME—Mary Louise and Marjorie Emerson; AF—Arthur Freitag;
JG—Joseph Grzybowski; GH—Gregory Hammond; PH—Paul Hess; AH—Annabelle
Hiller; LFK—Lewis F. Kibler; WHK-Walter and Harriette Klabunde; JK-Joseph
Kikta; DSK—David S, Kreig; HDM—Harold D. Mitchell; EMP—Elizabeth M.
Pillsbury; JP—James Potter; FMR—Frances M. Rew; AR—Archie Richardson; RR—
Robert Rybczynski; DS—Daniel Salisbury; WGS—William and George Smith; RAS—
Robert A. Sundell; JT—Joseph Thill; EAU—Edward and Alice Ulrich.
LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: formerly regular during winter in small num¬
bers on Niagara River and Lake Erie, now very scarce (pesticides?; other pollu¬
tants?)—one Dec 10 Niagara Gorge, Ont. (HDM et al); one Dec 28, Jan 7 Dunkirk
Harbor (FE, WM, EMP, RAS); one Mar 28 Upper Nia R opp Bflo, probably first
migrant (RFA, DB). Red-throated Loon: rare in winter; one Jan 8 Upper Nia R
(HHA). Red-necked Grebe: rare in winter; one Jan 7 Dunkirk Harbor (FE, EMP)
two Mar 20, one through Mar 24 Celeron (RAS, LFK, AR); one, Mar 20 and 25
Dunkirk Harbor (FE, AH, AR, RAS). Horned Grebe: five Dec 3 Cuba Lake
(LDB); 12 Jan 2 Dunkirk Harbor (Dunkirk CC); one Chaut L Outlet at James-
89
town (RAS). EARED GREBE: one, Jan 2-4 Bflo Harbor (JK, HHA). Pied-billed
Grebe: five at widely scattered localities during first week of Dec; one, Jan 2
Dunkirk Harbor (Dunkirk CC) and 8 (RAS, LFK); migrants—two Mar 8 Celeron
(John Borst), one, Mar 10 Fillmore (LDB), six Mar 25 Chaut L Outlet at James¬
town (RAS, LFK). Great Blue Heron: four birds on two of six area CCs; rare
during late winter away from Nia R—one Jan 30 Scio (LDB), one Feb 2 Falconer
(AR). Black-crowned Night Heron: one to three throughout most of period South
Pk, Bflo; one Jan 13 Grand Island (PB); six Mar 31 Nia Falls (WHK). Whistling
Swan: eight Jan 8 Dunkirk Harbor (RAS, LFK); three, Dec 1 through Jan 15
Celeron; spring migration—four Mar 11 OOGMA (MME), six Mar 19 Upper Nia
R (WHK), total of 1362 counted Mar 20 southern end Chaut L (FE, AH, RAS),
225 Mar over Riverside (FE). Canada Goose: one or two on Nia R noted a few
times; 15 Dec 3 Shadigee, Orl Co (WGS); one Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC); spring
migration—nine Mar 2 Lakeview, Erie Co (TLB), small numbers Mar 10 and 11
throughout Region (mob), 10000 Mar 18 INWR (WHK et al), 20900 Mar 29
OOGMA (JG, GH); 11000 Mar 29 Yates Township, Orl Co (JG, GH). BRANT:
first successful wintering in Region—one, Jan 21 through end of period Dunkirk
Harbor (mob), photographs obtained (AMB). BARNACLE GOOSE: one Mar 29
Yates Township, Orl Co (JG, GH). Snow Goose: singles, Mar 12 INWR (PB),
Lyndonville (WGS), TGMA (McKales); 11 Mar 27 Shelby Sinks (DS, AD); nine
Mar 31 TGMA (PB, DS). Blue Goose: one Mar 11 TGMA (MME); 59 Mar 27
Shelby Sinks (DS, AD).
Mallard: 1473 (FWC). Black Duck: 1265 (FWC). Gadwall: more than ever
before during winter—54 (FWC); most of Nia R birds on Ont side; 53 Dec 26
(BOSCC); ten Feb 5; ten Feb 18 Dunkirk Harbor (RAS, FMR, EAU). Pintail: 56
Dec 26 Nia R (BOSCC); 49 (FWC); nine Mar 12 Riverside, Chaut Co (RAS et
al); 1800 Mar 29 OOGMA (JG, GH). Green-winged Teal: two, mid Jan (FWC);
six Mar 26 Newstead (EAU); 22 Mar 27 Riverside (FE, EMP). Blue-winged Teal:
very rare later than Oct—one Dec 17 Alfred (Klingensmith); six Mar 27 Riverside
(FE, EMP). American Widgeon: largest number ever during winter—173 Dec 26
Nia R (BOSCC); 334 mid Jan (FWC); two Mar 10 Celeron (RAS); one Mar 17
Belfast (LDB); 100 Mar 29 OOGMA (JG, GH). Shoveler: one Mar 27 Shelby
Sinks (DS, AD); three Mar 27 Riverside (FE, EMP, RAS). Wood Duck: one
Dec 8 through Feb 28 Forest Lawn Cemetery, Bflo (HDM, AF); adult male Dec
28, Jan 2 (mob, Dunkirk CC); one Mar 20 Belm (LDB), Redhead: larger
numbers than usual during winter-316 mid Jan (FWC). Ring-necked Duck: one
or two on Nia R most of period; migrants from mid Mar on; 48 Mar 29 Riverside
(AR). Canvasback: fewer wintering on Nia R than formerly—5000 Dec 26
(BOSCC); 2565 mid Jan (FWC). Bufflehead: largest numbers recorded—424 Dec
26 (BOSCC); 425 mid Jan (FWC). KING EIDER: largest numbers ever recorded;
most around end of Nia R on L Ont; 22 Jan 14 (DS); 18 Jan 16 (Arthur Clark
et al); 26 mid Jan (including Nia R Gorge) (RB, JB, WHK); seven Mar 11 (PB);
some on L Erie including south shore where rare—three Dec 15 Bayview (TLB);
one, Dec 26 (RAS, DA), Jan 2 (FMR), Jan 7 (FMR, Dorothy Buck) Dunkirk
Harbor. White-winged Scoter: largest number reported on midwinter waterfowl
count—328 (FWC). Ruddy Duck: a few individuals during Dec and Jan; one
throughout period at Dunkirk Harbor (mob); last fall, eight Dec 3 Cuba Lake
(LDB); first spring, one Mar 25 Celeron, increased to ten Mar 31 (RAS). Hooded
Merganser: 33 Dec 18 Mayville (FMR, Rathbun); six Mar 11 Riverside (J. Gulvin),
increased to 20 Mar 27 (AR). Common Merganser: excellent showing on Nia R—
11500 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 13944 mid Jan (FWC).
HAWKS—OWLS: Hawk flight on lake plains last six days of Mar—Turkey Vul¬
ture: three Mar 27 Han (JG et al); one Mar 27 OOGMA (AD, DS); ten Mar 30
Oak Orchard area (AF et al). Goshawk: one, Feb 4, Mar 9 Eden (David Bigelow;
TLB); one on nesting territory Mar 12 northwest of Olean (SWE). Sharp-shinned
90
and Cooper’s Hawks: a few scattered individuals during winter; light flight late in
Mar; Sharp-shin—12 Mar 27 and 11 Mar 31, Han (JG et al); Cooper’s—12 Mar 27
Han (JG et al). Red-tailed Hawk: good wintering populations around Buffalo,
small numbers elsewhere-38 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 16 Jan 2 Hamburg area (BASCC);
spring movement last six days of Mar, max 81 Mar 27 Han (JG et al). Red¬
shouldered Hawk: one Jan 14 Lewiston (RB, JB); spring movement, light early
Mar; heavy late Mar—one Mar 4 Hamburg (TLB); one Mar 5 Riverside (Ray Fox);
max 185 Mar 27 Han (JG et al). Rough-legged Hawk: wintering population low,
migrants during Mar—four Jan 14 Ransomville (WHK); six Mar 27 Han (JG et al).
GOLDEN EAGLE: one imm, Mar 18 and 27 INWR (DS, AD, RR et al). Bald
Eagle: sub adult, imm Feb Mar Navy Is, Ont nest on Nia R; adult Mar 30 Mayville
(JP); imm Mar 31 INWR (PB, DS). Marsh Hawk: wintering population low-
three Dec 26 (BOSCC), three Jan 6 Lyndonville (WGS); migrants during Mar-
eight Mar 11 Lyndonville (WGS), 18 Mar 27 and 11 Mar 31 Han (JG et al).
Pigeon Hawk: one Mar 28 Lakeview (TLB); one Mar 30 Yates Township, Orl Co
(PH, HDM et al). Sparrow Hawk: well scattered but concentrations well below
normal—14 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 13 Jan 2 Hamburg area (BASCC).
Coot: 100 Dec 3 Cuba Lake, three until Jan 15 (LDB); more than ever before
throughout winter—max 45 mid Jan (FWC); 30 Feb 11 Dunkirk Harbor (RAS
LFK). Killdeer: a few winter records including one, Feb 16, 17 Wellsville (LDB);
widespread arr throughout area Mar 10, 11; max 90 Mar 25 Lakeview (HHA).
Woodcock: arr, five Mar 10 Cheektowaga (RR, JK). Common Snipe: three Dec
26, Jan 1 Frewsburg (Gulvin, Jamestown CC); a few migrants last ten days of
Mar. Greater Yellowlegs: one Mar 31 TGMA (PB, DS). PURPLE SANDPIPER:
successfully wintered again (1963-64) at Dunkirk Harbor—one Dec 26 (RAS, DA),
two Jan 2 (Dunkirk CC), three Feb 10 (FE, AH) and Feb 11 (RAS, LFK), two
Feb 18 (FMR et al), one Feb 19 (RAS, AR). Pectoral Sandpiper: four Mar 29
INWR (EAU). Gulls: small numbers of Glaucous, max seven Jan 17 Squaw Island,
Bflo (Arthur Clark) and Iceland, max five Feb 5 Queenston. Ont opp Lewiston; Her¬
ring; 27000 Dec 26 (BOSCC); Ring-billed: 8000 Jan 28 Dunkirk Harbor (FMR);
BLACK-HEADED GULL: one Jan 8, Feb 11 Queenston, Ont (DS et al). Bona¬
parte’s Gull: unusually large midwinter concentration in Dunkirk Harbor-2500 Jan
28 (FMR), 500 Feb 11 (RAS, LFK). LITTLE GULL: one Dec 10 (PB, DS), Dec
11 (WHK), Jan 1 (PB et al) Queenston, Ont—Lewiston; two Feb 11 (RAS, LFK),
one Feb 12 (FE) Dunkirk Harbor, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: one collected
Jan 11 Bflo Harbor (RFA).
Mourning Dove: record numbers on several CCs—42 Jan 1 (Jamestown CC),
89 Jan 2 (Hamburg CC), 24 Jan 2 (Scio CC); also 54 Jan 6 Elma (DD;) migrants
arr Mar 11 on—max 107 Mar 25 Lakeview (HHA). Owls: Barn: one, Feb 18, 26,
Mar 11, 29 Wilson Cemetery (WHK et al); one Mar 26 Hamburg (TLB). Snowy:
see comment in preliminary remarks; most along lakeshores but two penetrated
hills—one Dec 19 Mayville (JP), one Jan 1 Busti (Jamestown CC). Short-eared:
most reports from Grand Island, max 15 Jan 13 (G. Webster, Wolfe), and Lyndon¬
ville max 8 Jan through Mar (WGS). Saw-whet: one Mar 14 Hamburg (TLB);
one Mar 16 Belm (Arling Saunders); one Mar 24 Ten Mile Hollow, Catt Co,
calling about noon on overcast day (SWE).
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: unusually large winter count
—12, Jan (Scio CC, Alleg Co). Yellow-shafted Flicker: a few scattered birds, except
seven Dec 26 (BOSCC), 3 Jan 2 (Hamburg BASCC); migration during Mar
negligible. Red-bellied Woodpecker: now regular throughout lower Gen R Valley;
unusual locality—one Mar 2 Hamburg (TLB). Red-headed Woodpecker: one imm
Jan 1 (Jamestown CC) through 10 (mob); two Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC), Jan 4
(TLB et al). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: arr, one Mar 29 Silver Creek (PB). Black-
backed Three-toed Woodpecker: none. Eastern Phoebe: arr, one Mar 25 Lyndon¬
ville (WGS).
91
Horned Lark: E. a. alpestris —one to four, Jan through Mar Elma (DD, Mrs. H.
C. Schafer); eleven other reports, mostly singles (max four) Feb 1 to Mar 18, from
Eden, Ont plain, Sinclairville, Cassadaga, Belm, Lancaster, Springbrook and New-
fane; E. a. practicola —100 Feb 12 Elma (McKales); 300 Feb 12 Cassadaga (FE).
Tree Swallow: arr Mar 27-20 OOGMA (DS); four Sheridan (JG et al); one
Riverside (EMP). Common Crow: roost Town of Nia, max 5000 Jan (WHK).
Tufted Titmouse: small numbers mostly at feeders well scattered— max 13 Jan 2
Hamburg (BASCC). White-breasted Nuthatch: max 217 Jan 2 (Scio CC); 114 Jan
2 Hamburg (BASCC). Red-breasted Nuthatch: eight Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC).
Brown Creeper: max 24 Dec 26 (BOSCC). Winter Wren: not reported during
winter! arr, one Mar 28 Athol Springs (TLB); one Mar 31 Dunkirk (JG). Carolina
Wren: one Dec 26 Grand Island (BOSCC); one Jan 8 through Feb 17 Fluvanna
at feeder (mob). Mockingbird: one Jan 1 through Mar 31 Jamestown at feeder
(mob); one Feb 19 Lockport (DS), Brown Thrasher: one Jan 2 Hamburg
(BASCC), Robin; scattered reports of individuals or small flocks—max 16 Jan 2
Hamburg (BASCC); arr, three Mar 2 Wellsville (LDB); 400 Mar 11, 1850 Mar 27
South Shore L Erie (JG). Eastern Bluebird: unusually early-one Feb 12 Lakeview
(RR et al), one male Feb 12 Busti at feeder with House Sparrows (Swanson fide
RAS); not widely distributed until last week of Mar. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: one,
Dec 15 through Jan 9 Dunkirk at feeder (mob); two Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC).
Water Pipit: arr, 20 Mar 12 Alfred (Klingensmith); several reports last week of
Mar-max 49 Mar 30 Hamburg (JG). Cedar Waxwing: small to moderate flocks
through period scattered throughout Region—max 70 Jan 1 Lancaster (JK); 70 Jan
18 Lakeview (TLB). Northern Shrike: well distributed throughout Region during
period; recorded on three of six CC’s; max four Feb 26 Ont plain (WHK). Log¬
gerhead Shrike: arr, one Mar 19 OOGMA (PH, JT). Starling: 30000 Dec 26
(BOSCC); substantial migration last week of Mar along south shore of L Erie.
VIREOS-SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: two Dec 26 Grand Island (BOSCC);
one, Feb 1 through Mar 2 Jamestown (Johnson); one Feb 14 Fort Nia (JB, RB).
PINE WARBLER: one Nov 12 throughout period Dunkirk (mob) photographs
obtained; see introductory remarks. Eastern Meadowlark: fewer than usual on lake
plains; none on Bflo and Hamburg CCs; unprecedented winter number inland, 24
Jan 1 Jamestown CC; arr, two, Mar 10 Belfast (LDB), two Mar 10 Han (JG);
scattered reports small numbers Mar 11 on; 150 Mar 27 South shore L Erie (J
et al). WESTERN MEADOWLARK: early—one Mar 31 Center Rd, Sheridan
Township, Chaut Co (JG), second consecutive year at this locality. Red-winged
Blackbird: scattered reports small numbers throughout winter; largest numbers ever
CCs—16 Dec 26 Bflo, 42 Jan 1 Jamestown; some arr early Mar—one Mar 3 Franklin-
ville (JG); substantial buildup continuing from second week on—1000 Mar 11,
12 Riverside (J. Gulvin, RAS); 3500' Mar 11 and 5200 Mar 27 South shore L Erie
(JG et al). Rusty Blackbird: rare in winter—one or two birds at Belm feeder
sporadically throughout (LDB); one Jan 1 (Jamestown CC); one Feb 1 OOGMA
(PB); two Mar 10 Alma (LDB); arr, 25 Mar 24 Hamburg (TLB); 300 Mar 30
Yates (HDM, GH). BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: one at feeder collected Dec 24
Hamburg (RFA); previous sight record, adult male, Dec 26, 1953 Kiantone on
Jamestown CC. Common Grackle: a few scattered individuals during winter; unu¬
sual winter concentrations—14 Dec 26 (BOSCC), 13 Jan 2 (Scio CC); spring arr
one to 30, Mar 10 scattered localities; 1500 Mar 11, 12 Riverside (J. Gulvin, RAS);
3300 Mar 27 South shore L Erie (JG). Brown-headed Cowbird: scattered indi¬
viduals and small flocks throughout Region during winter—max 100 Jan 2 (Olean
CC); 54 Jan 2 (Scio CC); arr, 17 Mar 4 South Pk, Bflo (RR, JK); 150 Mar 11 and
6300 Mar 27 South shore L Erie (JG et al).
Cardinal: CCs—185 Jan 2 Scio, 140 Jan 2 Hamburg, 100 Jan 1 Jamestown, 81
Dec 26 Bflo. Evening Grosbeak: a few small to medium-sized flocks sporadically;
one to 50 at feeder, Dec 15 through Mar 31 Fluvanna (Bobbie Nelson); 59 Jan 1
92
(Jamestown CC); six to 50 at feeder, Feb 1-28 Belm (LDB). Purple Finch: a few
at feeders mostly in southern counties—max 23 Jan 2 (Scio CC). Pine Grosbeak:
very few—six Jan 2 (Olean CC); six Jan 2 (Scio CC); two Feb 18 Dunkirk (FMR,
EAU). Common Redpoll: only report—seven Mar 15 Orchard Pk (TLB). Pine
Siskin: a few scattered reports—max 12, Jan 10 Hamburg (TLB). American Gold¬
finch: a few scattered individuals or small flocks throughout—67 Jan 1 (Jamestown
CC); 42 Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC); 26 Dec 26 (BOSCC). Red Crossbill: six Dec 8
Buckhorn Island State Pk (PB); max eight Mar 25 L Erie State Pk (RAS, AR);
six reports between of one to six, total 16 birds, Chestnut Ridge Pk, Forest Lawn
Cemetery, Frewsburg, Lakewood. White-winged Crossbill: one Dec 16 Chestnut
Ridge Pk (TLB); five Feb 28 Hamburg (TLB). Rufous-sided Towhee: unusual
winter count—15 Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). LARK BUNTING: one, Nov 30
through end of period Belm, at Burton feeder (mob) photographs obtained—see
Field Notes.
Savannah Sparrow: arr, one Mar 23 Alabama (JG, RR); several reports from
scattered localities last five days Mar. Vesper Sparrow: one Jan 22 Pt Breeze, Orl
Co (HHA, Rachel C. Axtell); arr Mar 27 several localities. Slate-colored Junco:
CCs—213 Jan 2 Hamburg (BAS), 173 Jan 2 Scio, 147 Jan 1 Jamestown. Tree
Sparrow: fairly high midwinter populations; CCs—619 Jan 2 Scio, 522 Dec 26 Bflo,
467 Jan 1 Jamestown, 453 Jan 2 Hamburg. CHIPPING SPARROW: two Jan 1
(Jamestown CC); one Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). Field Sparrow: one Jan 1 (James¬
town CC); one Jan 15 Frewsburg (Ray Fox); arr Mar 29 several localities. White-
crowned Sparrow: flock of 30 at Newfane Jan 8 (WHK); one adult Dec 28 Dunkirk
at feeder (RAS et al); one imm Jan 14 through Feb 17 Fluvanna at feeder (RAS
et al). White-throated Sparrow: a few individuals at scattered locations throughout
period; max four Jan 2 (Olean CC). Fox Sparrow: one Dec 23 Jamestown (LFK).
Swamp Sparrow: five Jan 1 (Jamestown CC); arr, two Mar 29 Belm (LDB);
two Mar 31 Riverside (RAS). Song Sparrow: max 20, Jan 1 (Jamestown CC);
migration noted from Mar 11 on, especially last seven days of Mar. Lapland Long-
spur: good numbers on lake plains late Jan through Mar—max 300 Feb 22 Elma
(DD). Snow Bunting: good numbers throughout period mostly on lake plains—max
1000 Jan 12, 16 Elma (DD).
19 Chestnut Street, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701
REGION 2 —GENESEE
Walter C. Listman
The winter was generally mild. Conesus Lake did not freeze over until late
January and this helps account for the unprecedented 26 species seen on the
Waterfowl Count. Snow was a little less than normal, and high winds tended to
drift it ,thereby leaving large areas exposed. Few landbird rarities were observed.
The Eared Grebe was observed in three different plumages. The Whistling
Swans, rather uncommon fall migrants here, were the latest ever observed. The
King Eiders and Kittiwakes of Dec 3 were flying west into a stormy northwest
wind.
The Common Gallinule on Jan 15 is, of course, quite noteworthy. The Red
Phalarope provided our second Jan and first Feb records. White-winged Gulls
were below par. There was a fair flight of Snowy Owls. Short-eared Owls were
common and widespread, a general lack of “mouse-eating” hawks being noted in
their territories.
The Carolina Wren remains rare. Northern Shrike was rather uncommon. Black¬
birds, except meadowlarks, wintered in good numbers. Redwings and cowbirds were
in record numbers and, utilizing feeders, they survived very well. Winter finches
were very scarce.
Spring migration was about on schedule at the end of March.
93
NOTEWORTHY RECORDS
DECEMBER 1966
Species
Date
No.
Location
EARED GREBE
11
1
Oklahoma
18
1
Manitou
26
1
Irondequoit Bay
28
1
Genesee River
Whistling Swan
24
10
Conesus Lake
Wood Duck
26
1
Try on Park
King Eider
3
4
Manitou
17
1
Summerville
Killdeer
all mo.
2
Court St. Bridge
RED PHALAROPE
all mo.
2
West Spit to Oklahoma
BLACK-HEADED GULL 11
1
Oklahoma
22
1
Irondequoit Bay
Little Gull
22
1
Irondequoit Bay
Black-legged Kittiwake
3
2
Manitou
Snowy Owl
18
1
Durand Eastman Park
26
3
Census area
Barred Owl 2, 24, 26
1
Durand Eastman Park
Short-eared Owl
2 to 31
8
Penfield
31
14
Braddock’s Bay
31
4
Eddy Road
Winter Wren
26
1
Flynn Road Dumps
Carolina Wren
26
1
Durand Eastman Park
Mockingbird
3
1
Penfield
Catbird
1
Charlotte
Red-winged Blackbird
26
238
Census Area
Rusty Blackbird
3
5
Penfield
Common Crackle
26
7
Census Area
Brown-headed Cowbird 17
300
North Greece Road
26
223
Census Area
Oregon Tunco
26
2
Census Area
White-crowned Sparrow 26
1
Irondequoit
Fox Sparrow
all mo.
1
Irondequoit
lto 12
1
Penfield
JANUARY 1967
Common Loon
2-15
3
Conesus Lake
15
2
Point Breeze
22
1
Charlotte
Horned Grebe
15
26
Sodus
EARED GREBE
1
1
Summerville
Whistling Swan
2-21
10
Conesus Lake
Canada Goose
15
1
Braddock’s Bay
Mallard (flight)
14
300
Ellison Park
Pintail
15
1
Genesee Gorge
22
2
Genesee Gorge
Observers
Kemnitzer
Listman
Corcoran, Kemnitzer,
McKinney
Listman
Templeton
Templeton
Listman
Doherty, Haluska
Mack
Several
Kemnitzer
Garnham, Kemnitzer
Garnham, Kemnitzer
Listman
Doherty, Jones,
Phelps
Several
Moons
Tetlow
Listman
Kemnitzer
Listman
Census
Munson
Mack
Several
Davis
McKinney
Listman
Several
Census
Lloyd, Sunderlin
Moons
Davis
Templeton et al
Listman
Macks
Lloyd et al
Doherty, Jones,
Phelps
Several
O'Hara
O’Hara
Tetlow, Mack
Ross
94
Species
Date
No.
Location
Observers
Wood Duck
2
1
Conesus Lake
Mitchell
15
1
Genesee Gorge
Mack, Tetlow
Ring-necked Duck
15
2
Sodus Bay
Lloyd et al
2,
15
1
Conesus Lake
Several
Canvasback
15
761
Conesus Lake
Templeton
Bufflehead
15
150
Charlotte to
O’Hara
Braddock’s
15
161
East Lakeshore
Lloyd
Harlequin
7
1
Manitou
Listman
King Eider
16
2
Charlotte Pier
Mack
COMMON GALLINULE
15
1
Genesee R. Turning
Tetlow
Basin
American Coot
2
125
Conesus Lake
Several
15
41
Conesus Lake
Several
Killdeer
6
1
Dansville
Listman
15
1
Consesus Lake
Templeton
19, 20
1
Genesee River
Mack
RED PHALAROPE
1-31
1-2
Irondequoit Bay
Several
Glaucous Gull
3
1
Irondequoit Bay
Doherty, Kemnitzer
Bonaparte’s Gull
22
3
Irondequoit Bay
Kemnitzer
Short-eared Owl
all
mo.
1-10
uutiet
Several
Several
Red-headed Woodpecker
2
5
Consesus Lake
Templeton et al
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
22
1
Holy Sepulcher
Macks
Robin
2
315
Little Lakes
Census
Eastern Meadowlark
3,4
1
Webster
Lloyd
7
2
Lincoln
Tetlow
Evening Grosbeak
27
7
Durand Eastman
Doherty
Red Crossbill
21
7
Hamlin Beach State
Listman, Tetlow
Park
Lapland Longspur
15
45
Point Breeze
Listman
21
40
West Lakeshore
Doherty, Taylor
Snow Bunting
16
350
Union Hill
Lloyd
FEBRUARY 1967
Pied-billed Grebe
19
1
Genesee River
G. O. S. Hike
Oldsquaw
19
2500
Oklahoma
Kemnitzer
Common Eider
19
1
Genesee River
Listman et al
White-winged Scoter
19
400
Oklahoma
Kemnitzer
Ruddy Duck
5
1
Summerville
Doherty, Phelps
Sharp-shinned Hawk
19
1
Oklahoma
Kemnitzer
RED PHALAROPE
5
1
Irondequoit Bay Outlet
McNetts
Glaucous Gull
19
2
Irondequoit Bay Outlet
McNetts
Snowy Owl
14
1
Ontario On the Lake
Kemnitzer
Long-eared Owl
22
1
Parma
Listman
Short-eared Owl
all
mo.
1 to 10 Many
Several
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
5
1
Holy Sepulchre
Macks
Cemetery
Winter Wren
26
1
Seneca Park
Ross
Carolina Wren
26
2
Irondequoit
Edwards
Robin
19
13
Durand Eastman Park
G. O. S. Hike
Rusty Blackbird
26
11
Penfield
Davis
95
Species
Date
No.
Location
Observers
Pine Siskin
12
30
Durand Eastman
Park
Weld
26
20
Durand Eastman
Park
Jones, Phelps
Oregon Junco
22
1
Durand Eastman
Park
Doherty
Lapland Longspur
28
20
Kendall
Listman
MARCH 1967
Red-throated Loon
24
1
Webster Park
Kemnitzer
Common Egret
31
1
Long Pond
Brown
European Widgeon
28
1
East Spit
Taylor
Common Eider
9
1
Charlotte
Mack
31
1
Braddock’s Bay
Tetlow
White-winged Scoter
25
300
West Lakeshore
Angold, Dobson
Common Scoter
24
1
Charlotte
Mack
Turkey Vulture
31
17
Hawk Lookout
Dobson, Kemnitzer
et al
Goshawk
28
1
Ontario
Kemnitzer
31
2
Hawk Lookout
Lloyd, O'Hara et al
31
1
Point Breeze
Listman
Sharp-shinned Hawk
31
84
Hawk Lookout
Dobson, Tetlow et al
Cooper's Hawk
31
24
Hawk Lookout
Kemnitzer, Lloyd
et al
Red-tailed Hawk
31
177
Hawk Lookout
O’Hara, Tetlow et al
Red-shouldered Hawk
31
240
Hawk Lookout
Dobson, Kemnitzer
et al
Rough-legged Hawk
31
20
Hawk Lookout
Lloyd, O’Hara et al
Bald Eagle
31
3
Hawk Lookout
Dobson, Tetlow et al
Marsh Hawk
31
39
Hawk Lookout
Kemnitzer, Lloyd
et al
Sparrow Hawk
31
23
Hawk Lookout
O'Hara, Tetlow, et al
Unidentified Hawks
31
100
Hawk Lookout
Several
Ruffed Grouse
31
1
West Spit
O’Haras
American Woodcock
14
2
Palmyra
Hartranft
Long-eared Owl
12
1
Owl Woods
Tetlow
Short-eared Owl
all mo.
2 to 12 Several
Several
Saw-whet Owl
12
1
Holy Sepulchre
Macks
Cemetery
Winter Wren
19
1
Durand Eastman
Park
Weld
Carolina Wren
17
2
Holy Sepulchre
Tetlow
Cemetery
Snow Bunting
12
3000
East Spit
Macks
68 Ontario BlvcL, Hilton, N.Y. 14468
96
REGION 3 — FINGER LAKES
Sally Hoyt Spofford
This was a very open winter, for the light snowfalls were usually followed by
thaws, so that there was rarely more than 8-10 inches of snow on the ground. In
January, temperatures soared to the high 60’s and even reached 70° F one day.
February had several periods of extreme cold, but not to compare with some years.
March was really the worst month, and feeding stations which had been ignored
previously did a thriving business. Winds were strong in February and March,
usually from the south, which seemed to hasten migration, bringing in some birds
ahead of schedule. Blackbirds, Robins and Killdeer followed quickly the windy
period around March 10, as did the first flocks of Canada Geese. Another rush of
migrants appeared on March 26-28.
There were no winter finches except American Goldfinches and a few February
flocks of Snow Buntings. The northern part of the Region had Rough-legged Hawks,
but they were scarce to the south. There were scattered Snowy Owl sightings, and
a few Northern Shrikes. Outstanding feature of the period was the record-breaking
Canada Goose population that built up during March on Cayuga Lake and at Mon¬
tezuma National Wildlife Refuge. (See body of report).
Most unusual birds: the Eared Grebe on Seneca Lake, and the Lesser Black-
backed Gull at the south end of Cayuga Lake for the fourth winter.
There were frequent complaints of a scarcity of birds. How much was actual and
how much was a reflection of the abundance of wild food because of the mild
season is difficult to ascertain.
Observers cited: JB— Jamesine Bardeen; WEB—Walter E. Benning; JBr—Jack
Brubaker; CVAS—Chemung Valley Audubon Society; WCD—William C. Dilger;
EBC—Eaton Bird Club; HAF—Helen A. Fessenden; AG—Alfred Graham; LIG—
Lawrence L Grinnell; FG—Frank Guthrie; WJH—William J. Hamilton, Jr.; CH—
Clayton Hardy; JH—James Holman; JWC—January Waterfowl Census groups; PK—
Paul Kelsey; ML—Malcolm Lerch; RSL—Randolph S. Little; GM—Gordon Mac-
lean; DM—Dorothy Mcllroy; PM—Peter Murtha; GR—Glenna Rowley; E and RS—
Elizabeth and Richard Sandburg; JS—John Snelling; BS—Bruce Sorrie; SHS—Sally
H. Spofford; BSt—Betty Strath; JW—Jayson Walker; ARW—A. Richard Weisbrod;
MW-Mary Welles.
Area compilers: Jamesine Bardeen, Walter E. Benning, William Groesbeck,
Frank Guthrie, Clayton Hardy, Jayson Walker, Mary Welles.
Localities: Cay L—Cayuga Lake; Conn Hill—Connecticut Hill; MNWR—Mon¬
tezuma National Wildlife Refuge; Schuy Co—Schuyler County; Sen L—Seneca
Lake; SWS—Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary.
LOONS—DUCKS: Red-necked Grebe: one Jan 1-8 Ithaca Yacht Club (LIG).
Horned Grebe: 117 on JWC, common on all lakes except Keuka and Owasco.
EARED GREBE: originally reported in spring of ’66 by JW on Sen L near Geneva,
it, or another, in winter plumage was seen various times in Jan and early Feb by
various observers and positively identified. (WEB, JW). Pied-billed Grebe: 8 on
JWC; one spent winter hugging a buoy near Ithaca Yacht Club. Great Blue Heron:
several wintered as usual, migrants returned last week Mar. Mute Swan; three seen
regularly north end Cay L, occasionally on Owasco L. Whistling Swan: first ,one
Mar 28 MNWR (WEB). Canada Goose: almost 250 wintered n. end Cay L, a high
wintering count; first migrants at MNWR on Mar 10 (CH); heavy migration noted
Mar 9-11, Mar 25-26. The numbers on Cay L and at MNWR at end of month are
the largest ever: a Conservation Dept flight produced an estimate of over 100,000,
and on Mar 25 the line of geese on Cay L stretched for 12 miles (SHS). Snow
97
Goose: first, two Mar 11 with Canadas over Cornell campus (E. Belak); scattered
birds on Cay L Mar 25-26, 100+ Mar 31 MNWR. Blue Goose: 110 Mar 25 near
Levanna on Cay L (DM); 400+ Mar 31 MNWR (CH).
Mallard: 1977 on JWC; 500 wintered at SWS. Black Duck: 1841 on JWC
represents first time this count has almost equalled that of Mallards; 275 wintered
SWS, a high count. Gadwall: 16 on Cay L on JWC is unusual, with singles on Sen
L and Chemung R; one Feb 19 Keuka L. Pintail: one wintered. Cay L and SWS,
migrants mid-Mar. Green-winged Teal: two, JWC, Chemung R—unusual, European
Widgeon: one, late Nov to mid Mar, Sen L s. of Dresden, with Mallards (Harold
Legg and mob). American Widgeon: several wintered Cay L and Sen L. Shoveler:
first, six Mar 12 Cay L (PM). Wood Duck: two wintered SWS; one, Feb 19, early
date, Keuka L (FG, ML), Returned SWS Mar 27. Redhead: 7000 on JWC was
triple that of last year, but visibility better. On Cay L, 2500 on Feb 15 at ice edge
was increase of 1000' over preceding week. Ring-necked Duck: three on JWC,
Keuka L (FG); one wintered Sen L at Geneva (WEB). Canvasbacks were some¬
what down in numbers. Scaup were actually scarce on Cay L, being difficult to
find, even in rafts of Redheads. No sign of the Sheldrake Point Barrow’s Goldeneye
this year. Common Goldeneye: scarce on Keuka; normal numbers in Jan on Cay L
but seemed scarce in Feb, compared with most years. No Scoters reported. Ruddy
Duck: four, Keuka L, JWC—unusual, Hooded Merganser: 17 on JWC on Keuka is
a high winter count.
HAWKS-OWLS: Turkey Vulture: first, one Mar 29 MNWR (WEB). Goshawk:
sightings in Ithaca area on Dec 8, Jan 5 and 16; one Mar 10 Waterloo (JW).
Sharp-shinned Hawk: one wintered on edge Cornell campus (ARW); another
seen frequently near Newfield, Cooper’s Hawks: more reports this winter, not
necessarily representing an increase as observers have been urged to watch espe¬
cially for this species: one, EBC census Dec 31; imm dead on road s. of Alpine
Junction on Dec 5 (JH); one, Elmira census Dec 31; one, Schuy Co Bird Club
census Jan 1; three reports during season in Keuka area; adult female Mar 11,
probable migrant, Ringwood area e. of Ithaca (JS). Red-tailed Hawk; numerous
sightings. Red-shouldered Hawk: first, one Mar 12 e. of Ithaca (JS); pair SWS
Mar 19. Rough-legged Hawk: few reports in southern half of Region; more com¬
mon northern area, esp. MNWR, but not a “big year” for them. Marsh Hawk: one
on Schuy Co census Jan 1 (JB); one Cay Basin census Jan 1 (RL); other sightings
Feb 22 Conn Hill (BSt), Feb 28 n.e. of SWS (WCD), Mar 1 over SWS (BS).
Peregrine Falcon: one sighting Jan 31 near Elmira airport (MW); Pigeon Hawk:
one Dec 31 (rare in winter) EBC, no supporting details; one Feb 19 West Dryden
area (WCD).
Ruffed Grouse: fairly abundant this year. Bob white: more birds released last
fall, so repeated sightings in Ithaca area, but some coveys decimated as winter
passed. Turkey: numerous sightings in Ithaca area, of up to 25 birds in a flock.
Best areas: Danby Hills, Pony Hollow on Rte 13, Irish Settlement Road near Barton-
Miller farms. Also, appropriately, on Turkey Hill! American Coot: a count of 697
on JWC seems extremely high, esp. in light of poor breeding success in most areas
last summer.
Killdeer: two or three wintered in open places; first migrants, Mar 3, 10-11.
Three American Woodcock and two Common Snipe were seen on CVAS census
Dec 31; first migrant Woodcock, Mar 11-12, Ithaca. Glaucous Gull: one adult
Feb 10, Stewart Pk Ithaca (DM). Iceland Gull; one very creamy bird, most of
Dec and early Jan, Stewart Pk; a different bird Mar 13-19, same loc (DM).
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL: for fourth consecutive year at s. end Gay L.
First report Dec 13 (DM), last date Mar 15 (mob). A flock of 1500 Herring and
Ring-billed Gulls at Watkins Glen on Feb 26 is a high count for there (JB).
Mourning Doves wintered in usual numbers in most areas except at Elmira where
98
few reported. Screech Owl: almost no reports, one dead in Varna early Dec, two
reports Keuka area (FG). Great Horned Owl: one on nest Feb 28 near Montour
Falls (JB). Snowy Owl: one, Mt. Pleasant e. of Ithaca, Dec 13-15, shot on latter
date; one Dec 14 through mid-Feb seen frequently in down-town area of Elmira
along river, probably at least one other in same area; one near Freeville in January
(R. Thompson); one Feb 5 Canoga Marshes (E and RS); two, EBC census Dec 31;
none reported from Keuka, Hornell or Schuy Co. Long-eared Owl: one only, Jan
21, Bone Plains Rd n.e. Ithaca (HAF). Short-eared Owl: only one at Ithaca, an
injured bird found near Ludlowville, brought to SWS (Beckwith); several sightings
w. of Geneva; one Mar 3 MNWR (CH); up to six or seven in Keuka area. Saw-
whet Owl: one, Dec 22 Jacksonville (AG); one Zeman Road, n.e. Ithaca Mar 4
(HAF).
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: one or two wintered as always
where there was open water. Yellow-shafted Flicker: scarce as winter bird around
Ithaca, reported from other parts of Region, six to eight at Montour Falls (JB).
Red-bellied Woodpecker: continues to increase; reported from Elmira, Clyde (one
to four all winter), seven in Waterloo area, one at an Elmira feeder, two, possibly
three on Trumansburg Rd, one at Hector Pk, one at Montour Falls airport. Red¬
headed Woodpecker: rare at any time in Region, much rarer as winter bird; five
reports this year: one Dec 10 near Myers Pt, Cay L (WJH), one Jan 15 Long Pt
in Yates Co; one Feb 4 on Taughannock Blvd Ithaca (C. Stern), one Mar 11 on
Sen L (L. Cunningham), one Mar 13 Remington Rd Ithaca. Yellow-bellied Sap-
sucker: one Mar 29 Waterloo Cemetary is slightly early, if a migrant (JW). No
3-toed Woodpeckers in Region. Eastern Phoebe: first reported last week Mar.
Horned Larks: sizeable flocks end of Jan and early Feb, disappeared by end of
Feb leaving residents on territory. Tree Swallow: most unusual was the occurrence
of up to 12, as late as Jan 20, in a sheltered area at MNWR (CH). Blue Jays
were reported as very abundant in some areas, but I had far fewer in Etna than
in recent winters. Crows returned in force the end of Mar. BOREAL CHICKADEE
one spent most of the winter at the John Bartons’ feeder in Montour Falls (mob),
in company with a Carolina Wren, an interesting combination. White-breasted
Nuthatch; many reports of scarcity of this species. Red-breasted Nuthatch: almost
no reports all winter. Carolina Wren: no reports at Ithaca during entire period;
five wintered in Watkins Glen area. Mockingbird: increasing number of reports
throughout Region; two near Ithaca marina in enormous multiflora rose hedge. Blue
bird: first, one Mar 11 West Dryden area (WCD). Robins: as usual a few win¬
tered; in fact 20 seen on Schuy Co census Jan 1; first returns Mar 5, in numbers
around Mar 24-26. Hermit Thrush: one winter report, Elmira Dec 31 (G. Rowley).
Few kinglets. Cedar Waxwing: several large flocks reported. Northern Shrike: scat¬
tered reports around area; last Mar 26 Irish Settlement Rd (PK).
VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: a few wintered throughout the Region,
but not in usual numbers. Yellowthroat: one entire winter, Montour Falls marsh
(JBr, mob), first winter record in several years. Eastern Meadowlark: almost no
winter reports, migrants returned Mar 10-11, as did Red-winged Blackbirds. Balti¬
more Oriole: one, Elmira feeders, Dec 10-30; a male at an Elm Street feeder,
Ithaca, Feb 1 on (DM). Rusty Blackbird: two, all January, Howser farm near N.
Lansing (DM). Common Grackle: returned in numbers Mar 10-11; Brown-headed
Cowbird: a few wintering flocks, migrants Mar 6 on.
Cardinal: 102 on Schuy Co census on Jan 1 gives some idea of numbers in whole
Region now (JB). Most other finches were scarce (see general remarks). Evening
Grosbeak: in Feb, scattered reports of single sightings of 1-4 birds only. A Dec 31
sighting of 110' Redpolls at Elmira is only report of this species. One Siskin report,
no crossbills or Pine Grosbeaks. American Goldfinches made news at feeders after
99
mid-Feb causing their usual confusion in winter plumage. A flock of 75, Feb 19
just n. of Taughannock is noteworthy (GM). Savannah Sparrow: first, one Mar 6
Jacksonville (AG); one Mar 19 in mixed flock of larks and buntings at 0° F,
MNWR (WEB). Vesper Sparrow: one Dec 31 Geneva, EBC census. No migrants
until Apr 1. Oregon Junco: two Dec 31 Elmira (Esther Ruggles). Tree Sparrow:
very scarce in early winter, large flocks after mid-Feb. Field Sparrow: one Dec 31
Geneva, EBC census. Fox Sparrow: one Mar 16 SWS (ACL) is rather early,
followed by three other sightings the same week, then no more reports during
period. White-throated Sparrow: few wintered. One very unusual report of a flock
of 50-60, Feb 14 Elmira airport (W. K. Nowill). Lapland longspur: scattered sight¬
ings, max six Feb 11 Waterwagon Rd, Ithaca (DM); last, one Mar 19, MNWR
(WEB). Snow Buntings: arrived in flocks last weekend Jan, abundant at Keuka,
the higher hills at Hornell; last date Mar 19, MNWR (WEB).
Laboratory of Ornithology, 33 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
REGION 4 — SUSQUEHANNA
Leslie E. Bemont
December temperatures ranged from near zero on the fourth to 66 degrees on
the tenth but averaged close to normal for the month. Precipitation also averaged
close to normal but two thirds of the December snow fell in the last third of the
month. January and February precipitation was 50 to 70 per cent of normal.
January temperatures averaged four to five degrees above normal and February
temperatures five to six degrees below normal. March temperatures also averaged
below normal but precipitation was 100 to 130 per cent of normal. A warm spell
March 10 and 11 seemed to produce quite large numbers of migrants, but was
followed by one of the coldest days of the season when the official temperature
dropped to minus 10 on March 19.
Birdwise it was a rather dull winter with Goldfinches and Snow Buntings the only
winter finches here in appreciable numbers, and even they were not present in
really large numbers. Northern raptors were also scarce as a group, although nearly
all of the most likely species were reported at least once. Two Brown Thrashers
and a Catbird head the “half-hardy” list but there were also two Baltimore Orioles,
a White-crowned and several White-throated Sparrows reported and rather more
than the usual number of Robins and Song Sparrows wintered. On the plus side,
too, was a very appreciable increase in the number of Tufted Titmice. A winter
record of a Red-bellied Woodpecker is noteworthy.
Abbreviations used: Bing—Binghamton; Chen—Chenango; Cort—Cortland; Pep
Res—Pepacton Reservoir; Skan L—Skaneateles Lake.
Observers: GC—G. Corderman; MC—M. Lubberly; C, JD—C. & J. Davis; M,
AD—M. & A. Davis; RD—R. Dirig; CG—C. Gerould; CGo—C. Gottschal; JAG—J. A.
Gustafson; FL—F. Linaberry; MM—M. Mallinson; HM—H. Marsi; AM—A. Morey;
JN—J. New; JO—J. Osadchey; RP—R. Pantle; FQ—F. Quick; RS—R. Saunders;
R, MS-R. & M. Sheffield; AS-A. Stratton; WS-W. Stupke; MW-M. White; R,
SW-R. & S. White; RW-R. Williams; SW-S. Wilson.
LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: one Dec 10 Pep Res (MC); one Jan 1 Skan
L (JAG). Great Blue Heron: one Dec 1 Owego (CG); one Dec 9 Candor (RP);
one flying over Margaretville Jan 1 (MC); first spring migrants Mar 22 Chen Forks
(M, AD). Whistling Swan: an injured bird, unable to fly, remained at Oneonta
100
until Dec 24 when it was collected for the State University College collection there
(JN). Canada Goose: first report, Mar 4 Owego (CG); eight reports Mar 9 thru 11
then no more until Mar 22; several more flocks reported in the last two or three
days of Mar including 712 individuals in seven flocks Mar 31 at Bing (CGo).
Snow Goose; one at Scott during Mar with Canadas (JO). Gadwall: one Feb 17
Skan L (JO), Pintail: Mar 24 Owego (CG). American Widgeon: Mar 24 Owego
(CG). Wood Duck: Dec 7 Owego (CG); three Jan 1 and four Jan 21, Homer
(JAG); one Feb 4 Sherburne (R, SW); one Feb 17 Skan L (JO). Redhead: 68,
Jan 16 Skan L (JO); Mar 25 Oneonta (JN). Ring-necked Duck: three Mar 11 Cort
(WS). Canvasback: 162, Jan 16 Skan L (JO); two Mar 21 Cort (WS). Greater
Scaup: one Dec 1 Owego (RW); one Jan 16 Skan L (JO); Mar 31 Owego (RW).
Lesser Scaup: one male Feb 6 Deposit (SW); late Feb, Cort (WS). Common
Goldeneye; small numbers (17 on waterfowl census) scattered throughout the Re¬
gion in Jan; migrants about Mar 11. Bufflehead: Mar 31 Owego (RW). Oldsquaw:
Feb 14 Owego (D. Bundle); Mar 31 Lounsberry (RW). White-winged Scoter: one
Jan 15 Skan L (J. Grant, fide JAG). Ruddy Duck; Dec 1 and 2, Greene (C, JD).
Hooded Merganser: two Jan 1 Bing (HM); three Feb 17 Skan L (JO); six Mar 11
to 13, Cort (WS); up to 25 Mar 12 to 26, Owego (CG). Common Merganser: only
13 scattered throughout the Region on Waterfowl Census; 100 Mar 19 Owego (CG.)
Red-breasted Merganser: one Mar 15 Cort (WS).
HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: Mar 13 Deposit (SW); Mar 26 Hancock
(RD). Goshawk: one Jan 1 South Owego (CG); one Feb 4, Triangle in N. Broome
County (D. Sterling). Sharp-shinned Hawk: one Feb 4 Choconut Center (R,
MS), perched on feeder at close range; four others, Dec 25, Jan 1 and 15 and Mar
31. Coopers Hawk: one Feb 22, flying near Pep Res (MC), the only report. Red¬
tailed Hawk: in small numbers all winter; obviously more numerous after Mar 1.
Rough-legged Hawk: Dec 2 to Jan 1, Owego (MW, CG); Mar 19 Owego (CG);
the only reports. Bald Eagle: several reports indicate at least one mature bird win¬
tered at Pep Res (MC); Feb 4 an immature at Cannonsville (Mrs. F. Walpole).
Osprey: Mar 20 Oxford (AS). Peregrine Falcon: Mar 29 Owego (CG).
Bobwhite: five Jan 1, Bing Christmas Count. Turkey: three Feb 10 Hancock
(RD), and almost daily since; also at four locations around Owego since Jan 1.
Coot: one Jan 1 Skan L (JO). Killdeer: one Jan 28 Homer (JAG); apparent
migrants Feb 24 Greene (C, JD); other areas Mar 10 or 11. Woodcock: Mar 12
Bing (CGo). Great Black-backed Gull: five Jan 16 Skan L (JO). Mourning Dove:
winter records from Bing, Cort and Owego: migrants Mar 27, Sidney (FQ) and
Vestal (GC). Screech Owl: only at Bing and Owego, several each. Horned Owl:
fairly frequent reports. Snowy Owl: one Dec 23 Homer (M. Spencer); three re¬
ports from Berkshire Jan 4 (Mrs. Jewett), Jan 12 and 15 (Mr. Leonard) quite likely
all the same bird. Short-eared Owl: three Jan 13 to Feb 15 (JAG, J. Siedenberg,)
roosting in vacant house atop windy hill.
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Yellow-shafted Flicker: three Jan reports from
Cort and one from Owego; migrants Mar 31, Candor (RP). Red-bellied Wood¬
pecker: an adult male Jan 3 to 7, Deposit (SW). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: one
Jan 31, Owego (CG), for only a few days. Eastern Phoebe: Mar 27 at Owego (L.
Cole) and Bing (CGo). Horned Lark: reported all winter but a definite increase in
numbers about Feb 11. Tree Swallow: Mar 29 at Candor, Endwell and Owego.
Tufted Titmouse: two Dec 4 Cort (MM); one Dec 12 Hancock (RD); one Jan 12
Cort (AM); twenty on Bing Christmas Count, the highest number ever and reports
throughout the period confirm a substantial increase in numbers compared to
previous years; also an increase at Oneonta (JN). Red-breasted Nuthatch: at
feeder all winter, Endwell (FL); Jan 1 Berkshire (Mr. & Mrs. D. Lynch); one
Jan 14 Cort (AM). Winter Wren: one in late Dec, Cort (JO); four and one on
101
Bing and Owego Christmas Counts, respectively. Mockingbird: one Feb 20, west of
Owego (M. Middaugh); one Mar 29 Endwell (FL, HM). Catbird: one Jan 5 Sid¬
ney (FQ), no tail feathers “and a few wing feathers drooped” — otherwise appeared
healthy but not seen again. Brown Thrasher: one Jan 1, on Bing Christmas Count
in Chen Bridge area (S. Gorton, D. Sterling); another Jan 13, Endwell (FL), and
seen occasionally the rest of the period. Robin: fairly frequent reports all winter;
apparent migrants from Mar 5 and obviously increased numbers from Mar 11.
Northern Shrike: Dec 22 and 23, Deposit (SW), caught and banded.
VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: eight! Mar 25, South Owego (CG).
Eastern Meadowlark: Jan 1, Marathon (L. Holmes), Berkshire (Mr. & Mrs. D.
Lynch) and Owego (RW, MW), migrants Mar 10, Bing (CGo). Redwinged
Blackbird: Dec 1 Owego (MW); also on Bing, Cort and Owego Christmas Counts;
first migrants, Feb 21 Deposit (SW); regular reports from Mar 7. Baltimore Oriole:
one Jan 1, Bing Christmas Count: one wintered at a feeder in Oneonta (via JN).
Rusty Blackbird: Jan 1, Candor (D. Weber) and Nichols (via MW); one Feb 12
and Mar 4, Cort (MM); 30, Mar 15 Endicott (G. Bikos). Common Grackle: a few
thru Jan 7 at Sidney (FQ); Jan 1 Owego; five Jan 1 Bing Christmas Count; no
more until first migrants Mar 9 Owego (RW). Brown-headed Cowbird: Jan 11
Sidney (FQ); also at Owego and Deposit in early Jan; migrants Mar 11 Bing
CGo).
Evening Grosbeak: a few reported from Cort and Oneonta, “very scarce” at
Andes (MC), a single report of ten from Tioga Center (M. Middleton) and none
at Bing. Purple Finch: two Jan 1, Bing Christmas Count; no more until late Mar at
Cort (MM), Deposit (SW) and Tioga Center (RW). Pine Grosbeak: three Dec 22
Berkshire (Mrs. D. Lynch), the only report. Common Redpoll: “a few” at Oneonta
(JN), but none anywhere else in the Region. Pine Siskin: two Jan 1 Cort (JAG),
the only report. American Goldfinch; in appreciable numbers all winter in Triple
Cities area, Greene, Sidney and Candor, but not mentioned in other reports. Rufous¬
sided Towhee: one male Mar 23 Owego (CG), no others. Vesper Sparrow: Mar 25
South Owego (E. Williams); Mar 29 Oxford (AS). Slate-colored Junco: the usual
scattered small numbers all winter with migrants starting to swell the totals about
Mar 11. Oregon Junco: one from Jan 1 thru Feb, Castle Creek (B. & J. Burgher).
Tree Sparrow: generally distributed but at Andes and Endwell seemed below
normal numbers. White-crowned Sparrow: Dec 21 to Jan 2, Sidney (FQ). White-
throated Sparrow: Jan 1, three on Bing Christmas Count and one at Tioga Center
(J. Barnes); also Dec 10 Candor (RP); two Jan 9 Homer (C. Davis); two, Jan 12
Cort (JAG) and Mar 31 Sidney (FQ). Fox Sparrow: first ones Mar 10 at Deposit
(SW) and Bing (CGo); in fairly good numbers to at least Mar 29. Song Sparrow:
regular reports all winter at Candor (RP) and Castle Creek (Burghers); 31 on
Bing Christmas Count; sharp increase in numbers Mar 11. Snow Bunting: quite
numerous reports from Jan 1 to Mar 23; 400 Feb 22 Vestal (HM, et. al.), the
largest flock reported.
710 University Ave., Endwell, N.Y. 13763
REGION 5—ONEIDA LAKE BASIN
M. S. Rusk and F. G. Scheider
“It was a long, cold, dull winter”—Birds, especially the normal permanent resi¬
dent species, seemed hard to come by, and days afield would net only a handful
of such usually common species as Black-capped Chickadee and Tree Sparrow.
Dec was mild, aside from the usual execrable Syracuse Christmas count weather
102
(16 inches of snow, 25 + m.p.h. NW wind, colder than a mackerel) and relatively
wet. The generally warm weather of Dec and most of Jan terminated with a
blizzard Jan 29. The high number (26) of species recorded on the waterfowl
census is probably due to the open-water conditions (e.g. Otisco Lake only partly
frozen) but the total (8854) of individual birds, lowest in a decade, may have
been caused by—a less optimistic explanation than warm weather—low breeding
sucess, heavy hunting pressure, or other disasters.
Besides waterfowl, other half-hardies were present in Dec and Jan in high num¬
bers, and some survived the winter, though field numbers dropped after Jan. Ben
Burtt’s feeder survey showed an interesting rise in Feb and March in both the
regular winter birds such as Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers and Tree Sparrow,
and such half-hardies as Mourning Dove, Red-winged Blackbird and Song Sparrow.
The onset of migration of Horned Larks, Ring-billed Gulls, and Canvasbacks
began by Feb 20, but no major surge of migrants ensued until March 12-23. The
burst of migrants, particularly of raptores, robins, and icterids, in the last week
of March was warmly received by the Region’s long-suffering birdless birders.
Besides the variety of waterfowl and numbers of all half-hardies, other positives
for the winter were above-average numbers of Common Goldeneye and Oldsquaw
and of Red-tailed Hawks, and fair incursions of Snowy Owl and Northern Shrike.
Negatives are the continued paucity of Redhead and Canvasback, a marked de¬
cline in Greater Scaup and Common Merganser, scarcity of most owls, low numbers
of Snow Buntings, and the virtual absence of all winter finches (q.v.)
Rarities for the period included Harlequin Duck, King Eider, Black-legged Kitti-
wake. Boreal Chickadee, Carolina Wren, and Pine Grosbeak.
Abbreviations: BBFS—B. Burtt’s feeder survey, held the first week of each month
(all figures are for 100 reports); CC—Christmas count (Oswego Dec 22, Syr Dec
26, Oneida Dec 31, HIGMA—M of circle—Jan 1); DH—Derby Hill near Texas;
HIGMA—Howland’s Island Game Management Area near Port Byron; Onon—
Onondaga; Skan—Skaneateles; Syr—Syracuse; TRGMA—Three Rivers Game Man¬
agement Area near Baldwinsville; WFC—waterfowl count Jan 14-22.
Observers: DWA-D. W. Ackley; GLC-G. L. Church; FLF-F. LaFrance; KGH
—K. G. Hanson; B & SP—B. & S. Peebles; JWP—J. W. Propst; MSR—M. S. Rusk;
FGS—F. G. Scheider; RJS—R. J. Smith; CGS—C. G. Spies; WT—W. Thurber mob-
multiple observers
The editors are most grateful to John Haugh, Mrs. Jean Propst and C. G. Spies
Jr., for their help with the compilation.
LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: five Dec records; only three reports thereafter
—Jan 2 Onon L, two (WT), Jan 8 Oswego (B & SP), and Mar 2-5 Brewerton
(FGS). Red-necked Grebe: two on WFC; none thereafter. Horned Grebe: max 21,
Skan L and L Ontario total, WFC. Pied-billed Grebe: six on WFC (somewhat in¬
creased). Great Blue Heron: occurred on every GC; singles still present in Feb
after severe freezing weather; first migrants Mar 26 DH. Black-crowned Night
Heron: an imm at Baldwinsville Jan 14-17 (FGS, S. Hosier) did not persist.
Mute Swan: max at Skan L nine on WFC. Canada Goose: 24 on WFC is low;
late but heavy Mar flight with 100-500/day on smaller open-water areas (Otisco L,
Brewerton); 8000 at Cross L (G. Gage) and 2000 Mar 31 at HIGMA (NYS Con¬
servation Dept aerial survey). Mallard and Black Duck: for second year, Mallards
in excess of Blacks on WFC, 731 to 643; large groups of wintering Mallards at
Baldwinsville, Oswego, Brewerton, Fulton; lower numbers at small open creeks, e.g.
Eaton (GLC), Phoenix (CGS), and W Canada Creek (MSR, CGS). Other winter¬
ing dabblers—one Gadwall and 15 Pintail in Oswego R Jan 8-Feb 18; single Amer
Widgeons at Oneida and Baldwinsville in Jan; two Shoveler Jan 15 Onon L (FGS,
RJS); a male Wood Duck at Fulton-Minetto and a female at Baldwinsville thru
winter. No teal wintered.
103
Redhead: max SO Skan L Jan 14 (CGS); max at Oswego 24 Feb 2 (very
low). No wintering Ring-necked Duck. Canvasback: fall max for Oneida L n. shore
1300 Dec 19; WFC max 36 (astoundingy low). Greater Scaup: WFC 3141 with
400 at Skan L; Oswego harbor max 3000 Feb 5 is but half of high tallies of 1962-63
and a third of the 1961 max. Common Goldeneye: max 2151 WFC and counts
600-1000/day thru Feb; 1000 Mar 27 at Bridgeport were migrants. Oldsquaw:
660 WFC is a record tally, all on L Ontario. HARLEQUIN DUCK: single imm
males (different birds) Dec 22 Oswego (S. H. Spofford, FGS et al) and Mar 23
Lakeview (FGS). KING EIDER: present Oswego Harbor Dec 18-Feb 18, max five
(mob). Common Scoter: six Dec 1 Eaton (GLC) are unusual inland. Ruddy Duck:
female Jan 14 Skan L (CGS, MSR). Common Merganser: WFC total 1074 and
max for winter only 1200 Feb 12 Oswego (FLF); very scarce on rivers and no
real concentrations despite severe freezing after Feb 1. Hybrid male Hooded
Merganser x Common Goldeneye at Phoenix and Caughdenoy Feb 18-Mar 4
(mob).
HAWKS—OWLS: Total winter accipiters six Goshawk, five Sharp-shinned, and
seven Cooper’s (low). Red-tailed Hawk: max 26 on Jan 1 HIGMA (mob); in
smaller numbers (three-five/day) thru period. One wintering Red-shouldered Hawk
Jan 14 Cicero Swamp (RJS, FGS). Rough-legged Hawk: widely reported but num¬
bers low (one-four/day) with max six Jan 14. No winter eagles. Harrier: last
noted Dec 26, adult male and adult female Syr (FGS); first returnees Feb 26, two
Canastota (B & SP). Mar hawk migration very tardy but 35004- birds noted in
last six days of Mar (Summary in spring report).
Wintering Coot up, probably a residuum of the big fall flight; WFC showed 17,
including 12 on Otisco L. No Dec shorebirds except Killdeer; Killdeers also noted
early Jan at Otisco L (R. Post), Jan 25 Canastota (B & SP), and two in Feb at
DeWitt; first migrants Mar 3; Mar max, 149 passing DH Mar 26. Glaucous Gull:
good flight along Oswego R with max 11 on Feb 18 (mob), but only one-two/day
at Syr dumps Dec thru early Jan. Iceland Gull: max of six, also Feb 18, Oswego
R and Harbor, is unusual as other records there averaged only one-two/day. Great
Black-backed Gull: max 450 Dec 28 Oswego R and Harbor and 200+ Feb 4
Oswego Harbor (both MSR). Lesser Black-backed Gull: one Jan 22 Oswego (MSR,
D. B. Peakall), see Field Note. Herring and Ring-billed Gull: “hordes” wintered
at Oswgo and Fair Haven with max 9000 Herring and 3500 Ring-billed Jan 19
Oswego and 3000’ Ring-billed Jan 26 Fair Haven; sharp fall-off in numbers of Ring¬
billed with the cold weather of early Feb. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: a
fresh-dead ad found Dec 22 e of Oswego (CGS) and a sick imm Mar 25 Oswego
(FLF, G. Mclean, J. Snelling).
Mourning Dove: many small flocks wintered, especially at HIGMA—70 Jan 1
and 50 Jan 26, Tully Farms—30 on Jan 7, and Canastota—27 on Jan 10; BBFS
shows 89 in Dec, 66 Jan, 107 Feb, 125 Mar. Screech Owl: total for period 19 (low
for so many observers hunting for them so intensively). Horned Owl: max three/
day (CGS and GLC); like the Red-tail, appears to be holding its own as a resident
species. Snowy Owl: max three at Syr Airport and two at Onon L thru winter;
total for Region approximately 15 birds, mainly along L Ontario, the s. edge of
Oneida L, and Syr. Long-eared Owl: two near Utica Jan 2 (J. & B. Barker).
Short-eared Owl: max three on Oneida CC. Saw-whet Owl: one (? two) in vigorous
song Mar 9 thru end of period Cicero Swamp (MSR, mob). Belted Kingfisher:
singles wintered at Syr (three sites), Vernon, Chittenango, Sherrill, Eaton, DeWitt,
Pompey, Caughdenoy, Phoenix, Baldwinsville, and Marcellus (two sites)—about
three times more than usual.
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Yellow-shafted Flicker: multiple sightings from
dying-elm swamps about Syr; max six Syr CC and eight HIGMA CC. High tallies
for other winter woodpeckers come from the dying-elm swamps and woodlots at
104
HIGMA—Red-bellied 17 (a record count), Hairy 35, Downy 60, on Jan 1; an¬
other high count at Oneida CC-Hairy 33. Downy 74. Hairy:Downy ratio re¬
mained one:two. On BBFS Hairy and Downy were low until Feb and Mar when
they appeared in normal numbers (? feeder influx with severe weather). New
Red-bellied Woodpecker locations at Clay and Skan. Red-headed Woodpecker:
an imm in Dec at Marcy (A. Steinbacher) and another imm Dec to Jan 23
Oneida (M. Scheible). One wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Fayetteville in
Feb and Mar (Burroughs fide M. Minor). E. Phoebe: arr Mar 27 Syr; widely re¬
ported in next five days. Horned Lark: a max of 120-155 Feb 19-20 Syr Airport; a
second, larger flight in late Mar at DH, e.g. 307 Mar 29 (JWP).
Blue Jay: widely reported but numbers low—max for winter from GCs, 99 at
Oswego, 68 at Syr, 159 at Oneida, 50 at HIGMA, but single-party counts never
50 +/day. Similarly, wintering Crows were scarce thru period—CC max 187 at
Oneida; but Mar flight at DH was superb (though there were no 10,000+ days)
with total for month 50,606 (higher than for 66 days of observation between Feb
17 and May 4 in 1964), and max days Mar 10th—6180, 13th—5718, 26th—4811,
27th—9577, 31st—7140. Boreal Chickadee: regular at Old Forge and Big Moose
with ten+,/day, but only one reported outside Adirondacks, early Jan at Bern¬
hard’s Bay (Mrs. W. Butler fide DWA). Tufted Titmouse: BBFS totaled 17 in¬
dividuals in Dec, 18 in Jan, seven each in Feb and Mar, from 19 localities in¬
cluding W Monroe on Oneida L n. shore and Orwell and Taberg in the Tug Hill.
Red-breasted Nuthatch: scarce throughout winter, one-two/day, mostly at feeders;
however, 12+ in Big Moose Feb 26. Brown Creeper: max 35 (high) Jan 26
HIGMA; like woodpeckers, apparently attracted by and benefitting from the vast
food supply of the dying-elm swamps there.
Wintering half-hardies were reported at and persisted largely thru the largesse of
local feeders: two Winter Wren, two Carolina Wren, two Catbird, one Hermit
Thrush. Mockingbird: ten individuals, mainly from the smaller towns at the mouths
of north-flowing creeks at the junction of the Allegheny Highlands and the Lake
plain, a distribution evinced earlier by Cardinals initially and Titmice. Robin:
wintering numbers seemed up, at least in Dec and Jan, with max 58 in Pleasant
Valley near Marcellus tire first week of Jan (CL & E. Farnham); reported on all
CCs. .Golden-crowned Kinglet: very scarce—max 11 on Jan 14 Bridgeport (RJS)
and ten on Dec 8 Ilion (KGH); first migrants Mar 27 and max 60 Mar 30 Tully
Valley (JWP). Northern Shrike: a modest irruption—17 in Dec, nine in Jan, 14 in
Feb, and 13 in the Mar return flight with five noted Mar 2 in Pennellville-
Caughdenoy area (WT). Loggerhead Shrike: Ontario lakeshore flight began Mar
18 with total eight for month and max three Mar 26 DH.
VIREOS—SPARROWS: Heavy wintering population of Cowbird, 170-289/month
on BBFS and flocks of ten-80 noted in suburbs of Syr (mob); lesser numbers of
Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles noted, the majority at feeders, dumps, and
cornfields; eight, ten, 17 Red-wings and 68, 27, 19 Grackles for Dec, Jan, Feb
respectively on BBFS. No wintering Rusty Blackbirds noted.
Cardinal: numbers up on CCs with 82 at Oneida and 113 at Syr; BBFS 164
Dec, 239 Jan, 271 Feb, 229 Mar; gradually filling in the smaller gaps in its Lake
plain range, and flocks of nine-15 frequent in Syr environs. Rose-breasted Grosbeak:
most unusual are two sustained by feeders, one Jan-Mar at Lysander (L. Mancroni)
and a female Feb-Mar Skan (Mrs. H. Carr, Mrs. J. Pierce). The winter finch flight
was absolutely dismal—no Redpolls nor White-winged Crossbills reported; of
Evening Grosbeaks only eight reports involving 19 birds; five single Purple Finches
for entire winter, with a light influx noted in late Mar; one Pine Grosbeak report of
two birds, Dec 26 Fayetteville (Mrs. E. Evans); only three Pine Siskin records, the
max flock four individuals; one Red Crossbill at Marcy in Dec (A. Steinbacher).
Rufous-sided Towhee: three singles wintered, all feeder-sustained.
105
Tree Sparrow: high numbers in Dec and early Jan with max 495 on HIGMA CC;
thru late Jan and Feb a steady drop in at-large numbers, but feeder counts up—
Feb BBFS 866, a near-record tally for eight years of BBFS; no heavy Mar flight
noted. Slate-colored Junco: scarce thru winter with field max 22 on Jan 26; BBFS
showed 109 in Dec, 90 in both Jan and Feb, and 98 in Mar; waves of Juncos noted
Mar 11-13 and 30-31.
Half-hardy Sparrows—a sprinkling of White-throated, Swamp, and Song Spar¬
rows, with many White-throated and Song at highland locations, e.g. Pompey
FLF), Marcellus (MSR, CGS). Few non-feeder-sustained individuals made it to
Mar except those resorting to the very weedy cornfields in the HIGMA-Port Byron
area. Song Sparrow, like Red-winged Blackbird, showed increasing feeder use-
12 in Dec, 28 in Jan,- 25 in Feb, 41 in Mar. Field Sparrow: singles at HIGMA
Jan 9 (WT) and TRGMA Jan 14 (RJS, FGS). White-crowned Sparrow: BBFS
one-four/ mo; max of four, all imm, Jan 26 in a weedy cornfield near HIGMA
(FGS).
Lapland Longspur: some two-four/day at Syr Airport Mar 20-31. Snow Bunting:
actually scarce as a wintering bird—usually only 20-35/day with max 100 in Jan
near Utica (V. Billings); Mar flight modest with 300 Mar 19 s. Herkimer Co
(KGH), 350 Mar 20 Pompey (FLF), and 700 Mar 23 Otisco (JWP); again no
spring flocks of 1000 +.
427 South Main Street, North Syracuse, N.Y. 13212
REGION 6 — ST. LAWRENCE
David C. Gordon
December was mostly cold with over 38 inches of snowfall, about 12 inches
above normal mostly due to heavy storm Dec 1—3. Average January temperatures
were above normal with a warm spell Jan 21-26 and high temperatures of 54, 60
and 65 degrees for the 24th to 26th that eliminated most of the snow. The Jan
total of 14.8 inches snow was 9.5 inches below normal. February was the coldest
month with more snow. March had very little snow or other precipitation (ten
inches below normal) and above normal temperatures with a high 73 degrees Mar
31 and most ground bare since Mar 17th.
This winter there were almost no winter finches, with the poorest showing of
Evening Grosbeaks in a decade. The Snowy Owl population was probably higher
in early winter than last year but did not remain into late winter and spring. Human-
caused mortality may still be an important factor. Some interesting rarities that
showed up helped to balance an otherwise dull season for birding. Although there
was scant snow cover to melt, the prolonged cold, lack of precipitation and late
ice breakup on large bodies of water kept most migration retarded until the last
week of March. The Black River flats near Lowville were not flooded as is normal
in spring and usually flooded areas at Sulphur Springs and elsewhere were non¬
existent, thus no waterfowl at these places. Due to lack of an average amount of
melting snow and the need for rain, fields were brown and dry thruout the lowlands
of region but much snow remained in patches on Tug Hill and was very deep in
woods at Sears Pond Mar 31. On last day of period there was a spectacular move¬
ment of common land birds across Tug Hill Plateau-e.g. Sparrow Hawks, Killdeer,
Robins, meadowlarks. Redwinged Blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, juncos. Song Spar¬
rows etc.
106
Localities: BCW—Brookside Cemetery, Watertown; BWS—Blake Wildlife Sanc¬
tuary; ED—El Dorado; HH—Henderson Harbor; Jeff Co—Jefferson County;
PRGMA—Perch River Game Management Area; Pt Pen—Point Peninsula; SB—
Sherwin’s Bay; THP—Tug Hill Plateau; Wat—Watertown; WC—Watertown Center.
Observers: AA—Arthur Allen; JB—John Belknap; FC—Frank Clinch; DG—David
Gordon; RW—Robert Walker.
LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: one Jan 29 Pt Pen (RW). Red-necked Grebe:
one Dec 12 Snowshoe Pt (AA, JB). Homed Grebe: last Dec 24 to Jan 2 HH and
Snowshoe Pt (AA, DG). Pied-billed Grebe: first Mar 19 Black L (JB)-early.
Great Blue Heron: first returns to PRGMA heronry Mar 29.
Canada Goose: est 675 Mar 29 PRGMA. Blue Goose: one Mar 29-31 (mob).
Mallard and Black Duck: present during winter with great increase Mar 29. Pin¬
tail: first Mar 25. Green-winged Teal: first Mar 28. Wood Duck: first Mar 28.
Redhead: near Clayton Jan 15 (FC). Ring-necked Duck: first Mar 25 Pt Vivian
(DG). Canvasback: five Henderson Bay Dec 23; Jan 1 to Mar 25 from Cape
Vincent to Fishers Landing up to 250 est (mob), no Feb records. Greater Scaup,
Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead and Oldsquaw were present thru period. COMMON
EIDER: one female Dec 23-24 HH observed closely, photographed (AA, DG).
KING EIDER: one imm male with two females Dec 19-28 ED to Stony Pt (AA,
DG)—on four different days. White-winged Scoter: singles Dec 10, Jan 1 Pt Pen,
Mar 25 Fishers Landing. Hooded Merganser: pair Jan 16 Black L (JB); spring arr
Mar 25 Pt Vivian. Common Merganser: 17 males, several females Mar 25 Fishers
Landing. Red-breasted Merganser: Jan 1.
HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk: at least three separate reports, Dec 28 near Stony
Pt, Jan 5 near Philadelphia, Mar 24 near Wat seemed unusual activity. Sharp-
shinned Hawk: Dec 19 and 26 Wat (AA, RW). Cooper’s Hawk: Jan 1 Henderson
(AA). Red-tailed Hawk: several Dec-Jan records; singles in early Mar but first
apparent spring migration Mar 24r-25. Rough-legged Hawk: Dec thru Feb numer¬
ous in Region, max 17 PRGMA Jan 22 (AA); numbers lower in Mar. Marsh Hawk:
last Dec 14, Jan 29; first spring Mar 29. Sparrow Hawk: several Dec-Jan records;
spring increase Mar 11-31. Gray Partridge: high numbers noted by several observers
thruout Jeff Co range: max 83 Jan 1 near L Ont; max 250 Feb 4, some near
PRGMA marked with colored plastic strips on wing by Cons. Dept. Am. Coot: late
Dec 17-24 HH (DG); Dec 26 Sackets Harbor (RW); two Jan 1 Cape Vincent
(DG). Killdeer: first Mar 10 Brier Hill; Mar 25 near Wat. Greater Yellowlegs:
early, one Camps Mills Mar 31 (JB). Purple Sandpiper: several records with max
23 Dec 17, last seen three Jan 1 Stony Pt (AA, DG, RW).—see Kingbird Jan 1967,
p.22. Dunlin: Dec 17-28 Stony Pt (DG). Red Phalarope: one imm observed closely
Dec 28 Stony Pt (DG)—very late. Great Black-backed Gull: several Dec-Jan
records. Mourning Dove: last Dec 10 Pillar Pt; first Mar 11 Pillar Pt. Great Horned
Owl: singles seen Mar 11 near BWS (AA); Mar 28-30 BCW (DG) and heard near
Wat Dec-Jan (RW). Snowy Owl: Dec-Feb many were reported thruout Jeff and
St Law Co. max 6 Dec 14 Pt Pen (JB); max 8 Jan 2 Pillar Pt—Pt Pen and max 7
Feb 13 (RW); one found dead Pt Pen and more may have been shot. During
March numbers declined until they were difficult to locate. Last Mar 25 near
Chaumont (DG). Most Snowy Owls this year were dark birds and very few were
almost all-white typical adult males. Short-eared Owl: one fan 3 near Evans Mills
(JB).
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: last male Dec 26 BCW (FC);
first spring male Mar 28 BCW (DG). Flicker: first Mar 18 near Snowshoe Pt.
(DG)—very early. Pileated Woodpecker: one Jan 1 Snowshoe Pt feeding on wild
grape (RW). Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers: usual numbers. Black-backed
107
Three-toed Woodpecker: one female first seen Feb 26 in tamarack swamp BWS
(RW); two females Mar 4, one Mar 5-12 (mob), one could be approached to
within six feet while it worked low on a stub. NORTHERN THREE-TOED
WOODPECKER: one male first seen Feb 26 BWS (RW); a male and female Mar
4 BWS (mob) in same woods where other three-toed species at work had flaked
off bark from 30-40 tamarack trees from the snow line up to 30 feet high. Third
known occurence of species Jeff Co in ten years. Eastern Phoebe: first Mar 30.
Horned Lark: small numbers scattered thru countryside Dec-Jan, all Prairie; num¬
bers increased after Feb 18 with two Northern seen then.
Blue Jay: numbers seemed lower than usual Jan-Feb. Common Crow: two Dec
17; two Dec 27; two Feb 18; first noticeable influx Mar 4 (DG); numerous Mar
11-31. Black-capped Chickadee and White-breasted Nuthatch: usual winter popula¬
tion. Red-breasted Nuthatch: one at feeder early Mar. Brown Creeper: at feeder
Jan 1 thru rest of winter, others during March. Winter Wren; near Gouverneur
Dec 17 and Jan 1 (JB). Mockingbird: one Dec 28-Jan 2 Stony Pt (DG). Robin:
first migrant Mar 18, not common Wat until Mar 26, peak migration dates Mar 30-
31. Eastern Bluebird: first Mar 17 two WC (Tucker); female with no color on
breast Mar 24 near Stony Pt (DG); male Mar 30 near Brownville (AA). BOHE¬
MIAN WAXWING: three observed at close range for 30 min with large flock of
Cedar Waxwings Mar 18 near Snowshoe Pt (DG)-first Jeff Co report since Apr
1962. Cedar Waxwing: wandering flocks Dec-Jan, increasingly common Mar.
Northern Shrike: few scattered records Dec—Feb, last Mar 8.
VIREOS-SPARROWS: Eastern Meadowlark: Jan 2 Pt Pen (RW); Jan 15
near Clayton (FC); first spring Mar 19. Redwinged Blackbird: Dec 10, 26, Jan 1,
Feb 4; first spring flocks Mar 11. Baltimore Oriole: at feeder Nov 22-Dec 30 (AA) —
see Field Note. Common Grackle: first Mar 11 near Wat. Brown-headed Cowbird:
winter dates Dec 10, 26, Jan 1, 15, Mar 12; spring flocks Mar 23. Tremendous
mixed flock blackbird migration Mar 30-31. Cardinal: several pairs at feeders Wat
thru winter. Evening Grosbeak: only reports Dec 1 one female, Jan 11 two males,
one female Wat (AA); continues trend of late or non-appearance in alternate years
since 1960. Purple Finch: none seen. Common Redpoll: only report one at feeder
Dec 22 (AA). Savannah Sparrow: one Jan 2 Pt Pen (RW)—unusual date. Slate-
colored Junco: winter dates Jan 1, 21, Mar 14; first spring arr Mar 27; numerous
Mar 28-31. Tree Sparrows: present thru winter; THP Mar 31, White-crowned
Sparrow: Dec 11 SB (RW)—unusual. Song Sparrow: first Mar 19; uncommon until
Mar 27-28. Lapland Longspur: 24 near Limerick Dec 26 (JB); 20 near Balmat
Jan 2; 30 near Edwards Jan 2 (AA); six SB Jan 2 (RW). Snow Bunting: Dec 10 to
Mar 11; several flocks of more than 200 noted as well as smaller groups usually not
mixed with Horned Larks or longspurs.
Please have spring reports in by June 9.
1347 Sherman St., Watertown, N.Y. 13601
REGION 7 —ADIRONDACK-CHAMPLAIN
Harriet L. Delafield
Dec ’66 started out with a heat wave. The record high for this month was 62
degrees on Dec 6. The lowest temperature was zero on the 19th, and the biggest
snowfall was 16" over Christmas. At the end of the month there were only 13" of
snow on the ground.
108
Jan was freeze and thaw, freeze and thaw: -4 degrees on the 6th, thaw on the
8th; 8 degrees on the 16th, 40 degrees on the 21st, and so on. Ice conditions made
both driving and walking hazardous. By the 22nd a friend reported skiing at Big
Tupper to be “like spring skiing.”
Feb was generally cold; the lowest we saw our thermometer was -30' degrees
on the 13th. There was a thaw on. the 14th. Snow depths remained low and no
high winds were reported except on the 16th when gusts of up to 75 mph were
recorded at Ray Brook. March was mostly mild and uneventful with snowfall
considerably below normal.
Bird numbers were way down, especially winter finches. One expert suggested
this might be because mast crop was also heavy to the north of us, and this fact
combined with relatively high temperatures and low snow depths, allowed the
birds to stay in their more northern ranges.
Cardinals seem to be continuing their push northward, unless this was a freak
winter. Besides a pair at Bloomingdale there were some unofficial reports from
Lake Placid and Tupper Lake. The Brown Thrasher and two Mourning Dove
records were unusual. There were above average reports of Snow Buntings and
Northern Shrikes.
Observers: EA—Elizabeth Anderson; EB—Elisabeth Barnet; GTC—Greenleaf T
Chase; ED—Ethel Dyer; HD—Harriet Delafield; BF—Bill Frenette; JH—Joseph
Hart; GK—Grace Kains; JK—Joseph Keji; RM—Ruth Meier; CDT—Count Day
Team; FW—Fred Wardenburgh; IW—Isabel Williams; DY—David Young.
Abbreviations: Aus M—Ausable Marsh; RB—Ray Brook; SL—Saranac Lake; TL—
Tupper Lake.
LOONS—DUCKS: Horned Grebe: end Dec, early Jan Essex (FW). Great Blue
Heron: one Saranac R Mar 30 (D Corl). Canada Goose: 85 L Alice Dec 5 (JH),
one end Dec Essex (FW), two L Alice Mar 20 (GTC), 125 Mar 31 Malone
(Dayton Foote). Mallafd: three Aus M Jan 31 (JH). Black Duck: 80 Aus M Jan
31 (JH); 20 L Alice Mar 20 (GTC). Common Goldeneye: end Dec Essex (FW),
75 Aus M Jan 31 (JH).
HAWKS—OWLS: Red-tailed Hawk: one Titus Mt Mar 29 (GTC). Red¬
shouldered Hawk; one L Alice Mar 20 (GTC), Rough-legged Hawk: two Pontaufer
Dec 3 (JH). Bald Eagle: one Union Falls flow “possible repeat from 1966”
(GTC). Peregrine Falcon: Loon L Mt Dec 4 (GTC). Sparrow Hawk: one Mar
16—31 SL (EA, HD). Ruffed Grouse: three Dec 26, one Mar 25 RB (JK); two
jumping up from snow after Highbush Cranberry SL Mar 14 (EB), Ring-necked
Pheasant: one female end Dec Essex (FW); one female thru period SL (EA,
HD). Gray Partridge: four north of Plattsburg, five Cooperville Jan 31, seven
Cooperville Feb 7, 12 Malone Feb 8 (JH). American Woodcock: one Mar 29—31
SL (Creta Chase). Herring Gull: end Dec Essex (FW); 25 Aus M Jan 31 (JH).
Mourning Dove: one Dec 19 Cooperville (JH); one Jan 14 for two weeks SL (M
Brogan). Great Horned Owl: one Deer P Santa Clara (BF), Saw-whet Owl: one
Mar 17 SL (M Muncil).
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING; Belted Kingfisher: one Mar 30 Saranac R (D
Corl). Pileated Woodpecker: end Dec Essex one (FW); one Heaven’s L swamp
Dec 4, two together Mar 22 Whitney Pk (BF). Hairy Woodpecker and Downy
Woodpeckers: normal. Horned Lark: two Champlain Jan 31 (JH). Tree Swallow:
one Mar 31—early RB (GTC). Blue Jay: large numbers all areas, JK refers to this
as “The winter of the Blue Jay”. Common Crow: one Dec 1, 6, 28 SL (ED); one
Feb 2 SL (JH); nine Vermontville Feb 26 (EA, HD); back in small numbers SL
109
Mar 7 (GK). Black-capped Chickadee: normal. Boreal Chickadee: one Dec 29
SL (EB); four Dec 30 SL (CDT); one Jan 4, four Jan 31 L Clear (HD). White¬
breasted Nuthatch: few reports of one or two SL (GK) and RB (JK). Red¬
breasted Nuthatch: more frequent in woods than above. Brown Creeper: reports
of one or two thru period, three Dec 30 SL (CDT). Brown Thrasher: one Dec
26-30 SL (ED). Robin: returned Mar 26 RB (JK); Mar 27 SL (HD). Golden-
crowned Kinglet: two Feb 14, one Mar 2, two Mar 4 RB (JK). Northern Shrike:
reported more frequently than usual particularly during Feb SL and Gabriels
(EB, HD, DY). Starling: back all areas early Mar, 300 Mar 11 SL (HD, GK).
VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: very late bird seen Dec 2, 6, 10 and
11 even after snowstorm RB (JK). House Sparrow: not such large numbers as
other years. Eastern Meadowlark: one Mar 15 RB (GTC). Red-winged Blackbird:
few winter reports of single feeder birds; first flock RB Mar 27 (JK); SL Mar 28
(HD); Mar 29 TL (RM). Common Grackle: back late Mar RB (JK), SL (EB).
Brown-headed Cowbird: four Mar 11 SL (EB); seven Mar 24 RB (JK). Cardinal:
pair thru period Bloomingdale (IW). Evening Grosbeak: Dec 2 three flocks
totalling about 200 Loon L (GTC); from then on very few reports of small num¬
bers SL except for 100 Kiwassa Dec 30, Jan 15 and Feb 3 (Emigh, HD, EA);
RB, JK reported “plenty around” after Feb 5, from 60 to 160; 50-75 daily at
feeder TL (RM). Purple Finch: two to five Feb & Mar SL & Bloomingdale (EB,
IW); two by end of Feb RB (JK); five Mar 12, increasing after that, TL (RM).
Pine Siskin: one or two Jan 25 thru period RB (JK). American Goldfinch: flock
from 40 to 100 all winter TL (RM); 25 to 50 RB (JK); small flocks to 30 SL
(ED, HD). Red Crossbill: small flocks thru period Barnum P area (GTC) and
RB (JK). Slate-colored Junco: one or two thru period all areas except TL. Tree
Sparrow: small numbers thru period SL (HD) and RB (JK). White-throated
Sparrow: two Dec 4 thru 25 SL (ED); two Dec 30 (CDT); one all Jan to Feb
12 SL (EB). Song Sparrow: one Dec 22, 25, 30 SL (ED); two singing Mar 31
SL (HD); back Mar 28 RB (JK). Snow Bunting: good numbers SL and L Placid
(mob); 20 Dec 19 Cooperville, 20 north of Plattsburgh Feb ¥ (JH).
CORRIGENDUM: We regret the words “flying away from nest” found their
way into the Fall Season report after Dr Meade’s Baltimore Oriole. Naturally there
was no nest involved.
The Grackle on Oct. 9 was at Saranac Lake not Madawaska.
Trudeau Road, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983
REGION 8 — MOHAWK-HUDSON
Peter P. Wickham
December was nearly average in temperature and precipitation (all data taken
at Albany), averaging 27.3°, 0.8° above normal, and totaling 3.04 in., of precipita¬
tion, 0.45 in. above normal. January was mild throughout, averaging 27.0°, 4.3°
above normal. Precipitation totaled only 1.22 in., 1.25 in. below normal. February
and March, on the other hand, were both consistently cold months, averaging 18.0°
and 29.0°, 5.7° and 4.0° below normal, respectively. Precipitation totaled 1.76
and 2.56 in., 0.44 and 0.16 in. below normal, respectively.
All observers registered disappointment at the low numbers of many species of
landbirds present this winter. The Schenectady Christmas Count recorded the
lowest number of species- 37- since 1950. One local field trip held one Jan after¬
noon near TR attracted about 20 observers who identified five species! “What has
happened to the birds?” was a common plaint.
110
Nevertheless, this negative outlook does not represent a true summary of Region
8 winter bird populations in 1966—1967. Populations of most small landbirds, espe¬
cially the sparrows, seemed generally low. In addition, the winter finches (as
expected) were virtually wholly absent. Open country species, however, were well
represented; e.g., Mourning Doves, Horned Larks, Meadowlarks and Snow Buntings
all wintered in well above average numbers. Fruit-eating species such as Robins
and Cedar Waxwings also seemed more plentiful than usual. Finally, as a further
optimistic note, southern species such as the Tufted Titmouse, Mockingbird, and
Cardinal are all on the increase in Region 8, with the Cardinal, especially, enjoying
a spectacularly rapid increase. Only 11 years ago (1955) the Schenectady Christmas
Count recorded its first!
To those tired of winter, Mar offered little solace. Only two breaks in the
generally cold weather were afforded- on Mar 10—11, when temperatures reached
die high 50's, and on Mar 25-31, after a two-week cold period, when they reached
the 50’s again. It was not until this last week in Mar that ice really began leaving
most streams and tidal marshes. Spring influx of landbirds and waterfowl was very
much correlated with these two mild periods; major movements of early landbird
species were associated with each, while a minor movement of ducks and gulls was
associated with the first and a widespread movement including many more species
of waterfowl was associated with the second.
Highlighting the unusual species seen in the area were a Sandhill Crane and a
Painted Bunting—the former coming to a cornfield, the latter to several feeders.
Other rare or unusual species included Gadwall, Common Teal, Short-eared Owl,
Carolina Wren, Varied Thrush and Palm Warbler.
Abbreviations used: GCBC—Green County Bird Club; SBC—Schenectady Bird
Club; SCC—Schenectady Christmas Count; SRCC—Southern Rensselaer County
Christmas Count; TCC—Troy Christmas Count; AR—Alcove Reservoir; NWW—
Niskayuna Wide Waters; R—River; RL—Round Lake; SCR—Stony Creek Reservoir;
SL—Saratoga Lake; SS—Stockport Station; TR—Tomhannock Reservoir; UH—Upper
Hudson R (between Troy and Stillwater); VFG—Vischer Ferry area; WR—Water-
vliet Reservoir.
Observers; GA—Gus Angst; GB—Guy Bartlett; HFB—Hazel Bundy; LB, VB—
Lee and Virginia Burland; JHB, BB—James and Barbara Bush; MB—Martha Bush;
PC—Paul Connor; MG, AG—Murray and Alice Giddings; WG—William Gorman;
MDG—Monte Gruett; EH—Esly Hallenbeck; VH—Vernon Haskins; MK—Marcia
Kent; CK—Clarissa Keteham; SM—Samuel Madison; PM—Peggy McGuirk; MDM,
PDM—Mary and Philip Mickle; WBS—Walton Sabin; BRS—Benton Seguin; HHS—
Harvey Spivak; PPW—Peter Wickham; RPY—Robert Yunick; bsh—Guy Bartlett,
Benton Seguin and Barrington Havens.
LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: one remained at Lock 1, Hudson R near
Troy to at least Jan 8 (SBC); no Mar reports. Red-throated Loon: last, Dec 24
TR (PC). Horned Grebe: last, Dec 18 SL (bsh); first spring, Mar 31 NWW
(PPW, MDG). Great Blue Heron: one at Green Island Jan 8 (SBC)—unusual;
winter records have been very few over the past several years. American Bittern:
one at NWW Mar 31 (HHS). Canada Goose: last reports, Dec 24 TR (PC) and
Dec 25 flying over West Sand L (fide PPW)—this may have been the same flock.
Returning birds noted in small groups Mar 26—31, Snow Goose; only report- eight
Mar 30 SS (MDM, PDM). Mallards and Black Ducks were reported sparingly
through the winter. GADWALL: eight Dec 11 AR (PM, SM, HFB)—rather late.
American Widgeon: first Mar 27 SS (PPW). Pintail: four on the UH Dec 31
(TCC); no winter reports; first spring, Mar 11 SS (PPW); marked influx Mar
27-31. COMMON TEAL: one male observed with about 20 male Green-winged
Teal at SS early in the morning on Mar 27 (PPW)—only the second Regional
record of which I am aware. Green-winged Teal: observed through Dec 31 (TCC);
first spring, Mar 11 SS (PPW), with large influx Mar 27-31. Wood Duck: first, Mar
111
19 NWW (bsh), late. Redhead: only report- one Dec 11 SCR (bsh). Ring-necked
Duck: reported to Dec 18 UH (HFB, SM, PM); first spring, Mar 27 SS (PPW).
Canvasback: observed well into Dec, including 60 Dec 11 AR (HFB, PM, SM),
last Dec 31 and Jan 8, UH (SBC); twelve (mostly males), returning, at SS Mar 27
(PPW). Scaup: recorded to Dec 4 SL (bsh) and Dec 11 AR (SM, PM, HFB); a
few observed at SS and NWW Mar 27-31; those in Mar which were identified were
Greater Scaup (EH, PPW, MDG). Common Goldeneye: last, Dec 18 SL (bsh);
no winter reports; first. Mar 12 Lock 7, Mohawk R (RPY); gradual influx observed
through rest of month. Rufflehead: observed to Dec 18 SL (bsh); only spring reports
Mar 27 and 29, SS (PPW, SM, PM). Oldsquaw: four to five remained on SL
through Dec 18 (bsh); no other reports. White-winged Scoter: a small group
remained on SL through Dec 18 (bsh); no other reports. Common Scoter: one
female Dec 18 SL (bsh)— the lone report. Ruddy Duck: last Dec 11, one RL
(bsh) and five AR (PM, SM, HFB). Hooded Merganser: a few reported into Dec,
last Jan 2 near Castleton (SRGC); first spring Mar 18 (bsh) with marked influx
Mar 24-31. Common Merganser: reported to mid-Dec, but on none of the local
Christmas Counts; one female Jan 8 UH (SBC) the only winter record; returning
birds appeared Mar 11 on. Red-breasted Merganser: only reports. Mar 29 and 31,
VFG (EH).
HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: first spring. Mar 11 Kiskatom (JHB, BB).
Goshawk: four reports, Jan 2-Feb 7, from widely separated areas. Sharp-shinned
Hawk: only reports Mar 8 Catskill (BB) and Mar 25 NWW (HHS). Cooper’s:
only three reports, all early winter. Red-tailed: most common winter hawk, reported
from most areas, max 12 Mar 19 Meadowdale area (bsh). Red-shouldered: two
in Jan Chatham Center area (MG, AG), one near Delmar Jan 15 (SM, PM), and
one Mar 12 Meadowdale (bsh)—only reports. Rough-legged: widely seen through¬
out winter, max 20 Mar 19 Meadowdale area (bsh). Marsh: five reports scattered
through period. Sparrow Hawk: widely reported, max 12 TCC Dec 31. Ruffed
Grouse: widely reported, but appeared less common than in other recent years.
Bob-white: reported from Meadowdale; one also appeared at a feeder in East
Greenbush Jan 5 and fairly regularly through rest of period (MDG). SANDHILL
CRANE: one was observed feeding in a cornfield of standing corn and roosting in
a nearby open field about two miles east of Whitehall. The overall gray color, dull
red patch on the forehead above the bill, long legs, large size and piercing resonant
call were among field marks noted (WBS, BRS, SM, GB, PPW et al.). The bird
was present from at least mid-Feb through Mar 26 in the same locality and, I be¬
lieve, is a first record for Region 8. Virginia Rail: up to two seen at Tygert marsh
near New Salem Jan 7-Mar 19 (mob). American Coot: a flock of 50 was still at
AR Dec 11 (SM, PM, HFB) and one of 100' remained at SL through Dec 18
(bsh); last TR Dec 24 (PC).
Killdeer: observed into early Dec; last, Dec 31 TR (TCC). Returning birds seen
Feb 28 Catskill (BB) and from Mar 10 on elsewhere. American Woodcock: first
Mar 11 Cedar Hill (fide MK), widely Mar 22 on, max 20 Mar 31 Old Chatham
(PPW). Common Snipe: two remained at Tygert marsh throughout winter (mob);
probable migrants from Mar 11 on. Great Black-backed Gull: rather few in Dec,
last Dec 18 UH (PM, SM, HFB). No winter records, first spring Mar 11, several
areas; heavy influx last week in Mar. Herring Gull: numbers increased and de¬
creased along the Hudson R during the winter depending on the weather conditions
and amount of river ice present; gradual influx from Mar 11 on. Ring-billed Gull:
a few reported during Dec; last, ten Jan 8 UH (SBC); late in arrival, first Mar 26
NWW (SBC). Mourning Dove: wintered in almost all reporting areas, max 301
TCC Dec 31. Screech Owl: only report- two throughout Jan, East Greenbush (WG
PPW). Great Horned Owl: a few widespread reports, max five TR Dec 31 (TCC).
Snowy Owl: one near Catskill Jan 10-11 (BB) and one at West Lebanon, Rensselaer
112
Co, Feb 12 (B. R. Carman) the only reports. Barred Owl: only report- one road-
kill found in Jan in Greene Co (GCBC). SHORT-EARED OWL: observed Dec
31 near Mechanicville (WBS, HFB) and Mar 5, Meadowdale (BRS, GB).
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: reported wintering in at least
three areas; a few returned in late Mar. Yellow-shafted Flicker: a few reported
throughout winter. Pileated Woodpecker: scattered reports of 1-3 from many areas
throughout period. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: one male appeared Feb 18 at a
Niskayuna feeder where the species has occurred in previous winters. Eastern
Phoebe: first. Mar 11 East Schodack (MDG); marked influx Mar 29-31. Horned
Lark: many flocks noted, max 401 SRCC Jan 2. Blue Jay: one landbird which
seemed up in numbers this winter; counts included 416 TCC Dec 31 and 343
SRCC Jan 2. Common Crow: fairly common, max 437 SCC Dec 24. Black-capped
Chickadee: common, max 421 TCC Dec 31 and 454 SRCC Jan 2. Tufted Tit¬
mouse: apparently still slowly increasing. White-breasted Nuthatch: max 94 TCC
Dec 31 and 90 SRCC Jan 2. Red-breasted Nuthatch: very scarce outside of sec¬
tions where it is a permanent resident. Brown Creeper: most observers saw few,
max 14 SGC Dec 24. Winter Wren: at least five were reported from Center Bruns¬
wick, East Greenbush, Malden Bridge and Tamarack during the period- an unu¬
sually high number. CAROLINA WREN: one at SS Mar 31 (MDM, PDM) marks
the second successive year the species has been reported in Mar at this locality.
Mockingbird: becoming more common in almost all lowland areas; approximately
20 reported this winter. Catbird: an individual which had lost its tail was observed
near Speigletown Dec 18, but not subsequently (PM, SM, HFB). Brown Thrasher:
singles observed at feeders in Troy (Ross and Leila McCarney) and Burden Lake
(WBS). Robin: widely reported in flocks of up to 20 in several areas; heavy influx
Mar 10 and subsequently. VARIED THRUSH: another male appeared this winter,
this time at several feeders in West Glenville, Schenectady Co, sporadically from
Jan 8 through (at least) Mar 24 (mob, including bsh, WBS, RPY, HFB, PM). This
is only the second record for Region 8. Eastern Bluebird: reported in late Jan from
Greenville (CK) and Meadowdale (EH); very late spring movement. Golden-
crowned Kinglet: few reports, no pattern. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: one in Chatham
Center through Dec 12 (MG, AG) and one appeared at a feeder in Averill Park
in early Jan ( fide( Katherine Bordt). Cedar Waxwing: more common this winter
with flocks of 15-75 reported from several areas throughout period. Northern
Shrike: at least ten reports of at least five individuals, Dec 24-Mar 12. Loggerhead
Shrike: reported at Meadowdale Mar 5—19 (bsh, GA).
VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: singles reported at Schodack Center
Dec 2-5 (Noel Albertson) and at Coxsackie Feb 15 (fide JHB). PALM WARBLER
a dead individual in fresh condition was picked up on Jan 25 after hitting a
window of the General Electric Research Laboratories in Niskayuna (RPY); the
specimen was turned over to the State Museum in Albany. Eastern Meadowlark;
many more than usual reported, max “up to 50”, Schodack Center (LB, VB) and
25 SRCC Jan 2. Red-winged Blackbird: 17 were still roosting in the Castleton
marshes Jan 2 (PC) and a few birds wintered at feeders locally; very light influx
Mar 4-5, followed by a major movement with moderating weather on Mar 10-11
when hundreds were observed, Interestingly, Red-wings seemed “on territory”
everywhere far up into Washington Co Mar 11-12, suggesting that almost all of
Region 8 was occupied in this movement. Rusty Blackbird: winter reports Jan 8,
UH (SBC), Jan 10-11, Catskill (BB) and Jan 21, Warren Co (bsh); return
movement Mar 10 and subsequently. Common Grackle: a few winter reports
totaling about 15 individuals; general influx Mar 10-11 with the other blackbirds.
Brown-headed Cowbird: 332 counted at the Albany roost Jan 2; seemed more
widespread than in some recent winters. Cardinal: noticeably more common, with
113
up to five males and six females seen at one feeder in East Greenbush and almost
every feeder in the area attracting at least a pair; max 95 TCC Dec 31 and 69
SRCC Jan 2. PAINTED BUNTING: an adult male- absolutely resplendent with
brilliant red breast, purplish head, green back and scarlet rump- visited several
feeders in the Hudson area from late Dec through at least mid-Mar and was seen
by mob, including WBS, PPW, MDG, PM. The origin of this bird is not known,
but its ability to withstand an upstate winter is remarkable. Evening Grosbeak:
extremely scarce- only five reports of up to 20 birds for the whole period. Purple
Finch: very few records, about eight for the period. Redpolls and Pine Siskins
were unrecorded, except for a flock of 150 of the former at Meadowdale Mar 5
(GB, BRS) and a few of each species in the Durham area in Feb and Mar (VH).
Even Goldfinches seemed few and far between. Red Crossbill: one coming to a
Scotia feeder throughout the winter (mob) was unique this year. Rufous-sided
Towhee: one came regularly to a feeder near Burden Lake (fide Katherine
Bordt); possible early record- one Mar 13 Coxsackie (MB).
Sparrows: Savannah: one each TCC Dec 31 and SRCC Jan 2; only other
reports- Mar 11, Meadowdale (EH) and Kiskatom (JHB, BB)—may indicate
returning birds. Slate-colored Junco: considered by many observers as scarce, max
184 TCC Dec 31 and 158 SRCC Jan 2. Tree: present in good numbers, max
930 TCC Dec 31. Field: scattered individuals or pairs observed throughout the
winter, although rare. White-throated: at least 13 individuals, widely scattered,
reported during the winter. Fox: last two Jan 2, SRCC; reported in Catskill Mar 7
(fide JHB) and in many sections from Mar 10-11 on; the birds appeared more
plentiful and more ready to remain in local areas than in most spring migrations.
Swamp: fewer wintered than usual, reported only from Castleton marshes and
NWW (PC, HHS)—total of four. Song: wintered widely at feeders, sparingly in
marshes, max 57 TCC Dec 31. Lapland Longspur: reported Dec 17, Schodack
(LB, VB), Dec 31, TR (TCC), Jan 7 and 21, near WR (bsh) and Feb 5,
Guilderland (SM, PM) in groups of 1-4. Snow Bunting: reported throughout
winter, occasionally in large flocks, max 300-400 Feb 13, Greenville (CK) and
400+ Mar 18, near Kinderhook (SBC).
12 Columbia Drive, East Greenbush 12061
REGION 9 — DELAWARE-HUDSON
Edward D. Treacy
The weather during the winter season was as to be expected, except for the
large amount of snow. There were no sub-zero days until February, and then
there were very few for the remainder of the period. The ground was snow
covered most of the time, and in some of the higher regions of the Catskills ex¬
ceeded 100 in. for the season. March remained winterlike for most of the month.
Resident bird populations were about normal except for a few species. Northern
winter visitors were few and far between, and some went unreported. Several
species were unaccountably low in numbers locally such as Black-capped Chicka¬
dee. The period was not without its rarities, as will be seen in the report.
We welcome to our list of contributors Mr. Dave Junkin of Ward Pound Ridge
Reservation, Cross River, Westchester.
Abbreviations: Dutch—Dutchess Co; Oran—Orange Co; Sull—Sullivan Co; Ulst—
Ulster Co; West—Westchester Co; Rock—Rockland Co; RAS—Rockland Audubon
Soc.; WBC—Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club; FWC—Federation Waterfowl Count,
Jan. 14—Jan 22. MCC—E. A. Mearns Bird Club Christmas Count, Dec 26; RCC—
114
Rockland Audubon Society Christmas Count, Dec 26; WC—Ralph T. Waterman
Bird Club Christmas Count, Dec 24.
Contributors: EA—Ethel Abrams; JB—Jean Beck; A, MB-Arlene & Marty Borko;
CC—Carrie Carnwright; PC—Pauline Chernick; RD—Roz Davis; ID—Iris Dean; ED—
Ed Ditterline; ME—Martha Earl; FG—Florence Germond; RG—Ruth Grierson; SG—
Stan Grierson; TH—Thelma Haight; FH—■Fred Hough; AJ—Alice Jones; PJ—Paul
Jeheber; MK—Mary Key; JK—James Key; LMcB—Laura McBride; HM—Helen Man-
son; JM—John Marsh; AM—Al Merritt; BM—Barbara Merritt; EP—Eleanor Pink;
FS—Frank Steffens; CT—Czecker Terhune; EDT—E. Treacy; PV—Pat Valkenburg;
MVW—Marion VanWagner; OW-Otis Waterman.
LOONS—DUCKS: Red-throated Loon: always rare—one Jan 24 Beacon (MK
& AJ). Horned Grebe: more common than usual, as many as eight in the Hudson
off Piermont in mid-Mar. Pied-billed Grebe: usual winter records; three on WCC;
two Cornwall Bay, Mar 14 (A, MB). Great Blue Heron: first Mar 2 Millbrook,
Dutch, (FG); one Mar 24 Chelsea (MK). American Bittern: one Dec 10' Crugers
Is. (OW); one Jan 17 Katonah (SG). Mute Swan: 46 on FWC, almost all in
Rock; do not seem to be extending range noticeably to other counties. Canada
Goose: 116 on FWC, compared to 126 last year, still high when compared to
previous years; first migrants noted in several locations throughout Region on Mar
11, 12, and 13, many reports thereafter, all flocks contained only, a dozen or two.
Mallard: 1,039 on FWC largest number ever reported. Pintail: three Jan 15
Beacon (FWC); five migrants on Hudson at Cornwall Mar 11 (EDT); 14 in the
Otterkill at Hamptonburgh Mar 13 (ME). Green-winged Teal: one on FWC at
H nnn ’s L Dutch; two Feb 22 same area; three Mar 10 Cornwall Bay. (EA, BM).
Blue-winged Teal: one FWC Beacon. (MK). American Widgeon: six Cornwall Bay
Mar 11 (A, BM). Shoveler: one at Lederle Labs, Pearl R Feb 1, remained several
days (FS). Wood Duck: one, Piermont, RCC; two or three wintered in Dutch;
numbers good during Mar. Redhead: one Jan 11-20 Sylvan L Dutch (WBC).
Ring-necked Duck: numbers continue high in southern portion on FWC; first win¬
ter record for Ulst at Ashokan Res. Dec 31, also observed in Jan (J, MK; AJ).
Canvasback: about 100 wintered on Hudson off Piermont, more than in recent
years but far fewer than in the late fifties; several small flocks noted along Hudson
during Mar. Common Goldeneye: a few more than last year’s low. Bufflehead:
reported as “positively abundant” at Piermont Pier (RAS)— daily counts of about
30 birds. OLDSQUAW: one MCC on Hudson at Cornwall. (EDT, PJ). WHITE¬
WINGED SCOTER: two, FWC, Hudson R at West Pt (MBC). Ruddy Duck:
one Dec 1 Salt Pt, Dutch, (CT); 245 on FWC, largest number in thirteen years
of count. Hooded Merganser: almost none reported during winter, but Mar num¬
bers higher than usual. Common Merganser: numbers better than low of last year,
but still continues scarce; more during Mar than all previous months. Red-breasted
Merganser: always rare; Bob Deed states: “This winter I have seen more Red-
breasteds than Common locally (Nyack); something that has never happened
before.”
HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: arr most areas second week of Mar; one
Feb 5 Cornwall Bay (CC, A, BM). Goshawk; one Mar 2 pole trapped at pheasant
preserve near Millbrook, Dutch. Cooper’s Hawk: one Mar 19 Fowlersville, Sull
(A, MB). Red-tailed Hawk: normal for most of Region, appears low in Dutch.
Red-shouldered Hawk: one. Stone Ridge, Ulst (no date) (FH); one Dec 26
Moore’s Mills (OW, HM). Rough-legged Hawk: one, Kripplebush, Ulst from Nov
to mid-Mar (FH); one Haverstraw (RCC); three Dec 22 Hamptonburgh, Oran
(ME); two MCC. Bald Eagle: reports continue, but fewer each year. Marsh Hawk:
one Feb 18 Red Hook (JM); one Mar 19 Greenville, Oran (ID). Ruffed Grouse:
much less than last year. Bobwhite: very scarce, but better than the last few years;
115
Dec reports—ten at Amawalk, West, two Blooming Grove and Monroe, three
Poughkeepsie; eight Poughkeepsie on Jan 29 (JB). Ring-necked Pheasant: gen¬
erally low, except 17 at Katonah Jan 30 (SG). VIRGINIA RAIL: one, MCC,
U.S. Military Academy; one Feb 3 & 17 Red Hook (Bob Bard). American Coot:
Numbers low in Dutch, but highest in many winters elsewhere. 207 on RCC; 32
Tomahawk L Dec 15, seven wintered (ME).
Killdeer: reported every month from Dutch and Oran. Woodcock: one RCC New
City; most arr about Mar 12, observed in courtship at that time. Common Snipe:
RCC, one; one Mar 3 Katonah (RG); two Hamptonburgh Mar 11; two Blooming
Grove Mar 13 (ME). Gulls: usual winter populations. ICELAND GULL: one
Croton Pt Mar 24 (Bob Augustine). Mourning Dove: good numbers thru the Re¬
gion every month. Screech Owl: three Jan and three Mar records in Dutch (WBC);
one in Dec at Tri-Loba Hill Sane. Katonah (SG). Great Homed Owl: good num¬
bers each month, esp in Dutch; Mar records lower; two heard calling Feb 15
Bedford Village, West, SNOWY OWL: one Jan at Stissing, Dutch (BD); one Jan
4-20 Red Hook (MK); one Mar 7 Hyde Pk (AJ); one Feb 26 Pleasantville (ED).
Barred Owl: more from Dutch than usual. Long-eared Owl: four Jan 2 Monroe
(ME). Short-eared Owl: one regularly Feb and Mar, Chernick Sanct. Pleasant¬
ville, (ED).
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Yellow-shafted Flicker: one Jan 1 Briarcliff (S.
B. Neil). RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER: more than ever before; one most of
season at Bear Mt, another near Haverstraw; one male Feb 18 to end of period
at Standfordville, Dutch (FG), one thru much of Mar at Campbell Hall, Oran.
Red-headed Woodpecker: one all season, Pleasant Valley; one Dec 19-26 Hopewell
Jet; many widespread reports from central Oran all season. Yellow-bellied Sap-
sucker: seldom reported in winter; one Dec 3-30 Millbrook, Dutch (RD); one
New Paltz (Seldon Spencer). Eastern Phoebe: generally late thru Region; first, one
Mar 17 Wappingers Falls (JM). Horned Lark: reported thru season, but numbers
low. Tree Swallow: first, 20 Mar 4 Ward Pound Ridge Reserv. Cross River, West
(PV); most did not arr until the last weekend in Mar. Blue Jay: high thru Region.
Fish Crow: one, Jan, Vassar Hosp. Poughkeepsie (EP); one Mar 1 Glenham, and
one Mar 12 New Hamburgh (MK); one Mar 28 Poughkeepsie (OW); one Corn¬
wall Bay Mar 25. (B, AM). Black-capped Chickadee: reported low in most areas
except Sull; MCC had less than half the number usually reported. White-breasted
Nuthatch: also low locally. Red-breasted Nuthatch: very poor season, none from
most areas; single birds from Dutch Mar 10, and West Feb 13.
Winter Wren: sparingly reported, absent from some areas. Carolina Wren: only
report from Dutch, three separate locales Mar 27. Mockingbird: ever increasing;
highest numbers of any season to date; Dutch reported anywhere from 25 to 30
each month (WBC). Catbird: one Ulst (FH), at least two Rock (RAS). Brown
Thrasher: more wintering than usual; four from Dutch (WBC); one West near
Tarrytown. Robin: many winter records, some of large numbers; heavy flight Mar
27. Hermit Thrush: sev records from Rock (RAS). Golden-crowned Kinglet: very
few. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: two Jan 27 at New Windsor (Diantha Bradley); one
Dec 3 and two Mar 31, Red Oaks Mill (MK). Water Pipit: 20 Hamptonburgh
Mar 27 (ME). Cedar Waxwing: good numbers thru season in Dutch, average to
less elsewhere. Shrike: eight Dutch records—species in doubt.
VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: less than usual in Rock this winter.
Yellowthroat: one near New Paltz Dec 2 (Hans Weber). Yellow-breasted Chat:
one, RCC Dec 26, near Pearl River; one Jan 1 Cross R, West (PV). Eastern
Meadowlark: few wintered near Kripplebush (FH); many wintered in Dutch
(WBC). Red-winged Blackbird: usual winterers in southern part; massive move¬
ment on Mar 11 in most areas, very common from that date. BALTIMORE ORIOLE:
116
three records; one Jan 20—Feb 3 Nanuet (Mrs. Royal Taplin) probably the same
bird Feb 19 Pearl River (Robert Olley); one Jan 31 South Salem, West thru latter
half of Jan; one all period at Millbrook (RD). Rusty Blackbird: sev winter reports;
11 from Dec 30 to end of period at Stissing (TH)—unusual there in winter; many
reports from mid-Mar to end of season thru Region. Common Grackle: usual re¬
ports, esp in Southern portion; large movement Mar 11, all areas. Brown-headed
Cowbird: not as numerous as usual except for Dutch, where numbers were very
high thru season.
Fringillids: An exceptionally poor season for northern species. Most reports of
single bird seen once or twice throughout season. Cardinal: reported down in
Ulst, but not alarmingly. Evening Grosbeak: single records of small flocks from
Oran Jan 16, Dutch Dec 30; three reports totaling 10 birds from Sull during
Feb; none elsewhere. Purple Finch: very low. House Finch: more numerous than
last species, esp in southern portion; WBC had 44 reported thru period. Pine
Grosbeak: only one Feb 11, Briarcliff (K. Hohenstein). American Goldfinch: less
than usual. Red Crossbill: seven at Kanawauke L Jan 2 (FS). Rufous-sided Tow-
hee: about ten wintered. Savannah Sparrow: one Jan 6 Pleasant Valley; two
WCC. Vesper Sparrow: two WCC. Slate-colored Junco: scarce early in season,
improved later. OREGON JUNCO: one Neversink, Sull Mar 23-31 (PC); one
Mar 28 Coopers Corners, Sull (LMcB); one thru season Chappaqua (Mrs. A.
Lentz). Tree Sparrow: same as Slate-colored Junco. CHIPPING SPARROW: one
Dec 20 and Jan 3 at Pleasant Valley (MVW). Field Sparrow: a few wintering
birds in Oran and Dutch. HARRIS' SPARROW: one near Kripplebush Feb 7,
remained thru season (FH). White-crowned Sparrow: reported thru season at
Cross R, West; two imm all winter at Salt Pt (mob). Fox Sparrow: each month
thru season; very good flight in late Mar. Swamp Sparrow: one Jan and Feb in
Dutch; sev others on local Christmas Counts. Song Sparrow: good thru season.
LAPLAND LONGSPUR: one Mar 8 Blooming Grove, Oran (ME). Snow Bunting:
reported every month by WBC, numbers low; scattered flocks elsewhere; none
after mid-Mar.
Spring report due no later than June 10.
Pellwood Lake, Highland Falls, N.Y. 10928
REGION 10 —MARINE
Thomas H. Davis and Fred Heath
Most observers felt that bird populations were low this winter. The accompanying
table of Christmas Count data would seem to support this statement, especially
regarding feeder birds, winter finches and bark feeders. Even without a table it
was also clear that hawks and owls were present in below normal numbers.
The aforementioned table lists counts of 23 species on 10 1 of the 12 Regional
Counts taken this year. They are as follows: Brooklyn (abbreviated Bk)—Dec 26,
68 species; Bronx-Southern Westchester (Bx)— Dec 26, 98; Captree (Ca)—Dec 31,
105; Central Suffolk (CS)—Dec 26, 117; Montauk (Mk)-Jan 2, 85; Northern
Nassau (NN)—Dec 26, 91; Queens (Qn)—Jan 2, 85; Quogue-Watermill (QW)—
Dec. 23, 74; Staten Island (SI)-Dec 26, 73; Southern Nassau (SN)-Jan 2, 121.
The weather was milder preceding this year's Counts than last year’s. This may
be seen by comparing total numbers of Pied-billed Grebes and Belted King¬
fishers, up 33 percent this year. Their wintering populations are probably controlled
by the amount of open water available more than by any other factor. The
availability of water is also probably a critical factor in determining wintering
populations and survival of many other birds, not only water birds but landbirds
as well.
117
The most marked increases recorded on this years Counts were Mockingbird
(89 individuals last year, 160 this year) and Myrtle Warbler (which more than
quadrupled its poor total of last year).
The population increase of Tufted Titmouse, another recent arrival, seems to
have levelled off. No titmice were recorded on the 1950—51 Counts but 189 were
seen on ten Counts in the Region only ten years later. This figure has varied
between 140-180 individuals since then. There seems to be little chance that this
number will increase unless it can expand within Nassau Co. (where its population
is localized) or unless it spreads eastward into Suffolk Co. (where it is still a rare
bird).
Populations of two other species, House Finch and Cardinal have remained
static over the past two and three years respectively. This is probably a temporary
condition, both species should be expected to show future increases in Suffolk Co.
House Finches arrived in Staten Island only last year, no doubt the same holds
true here also.
Major snow storms occurred on Dec 24 (6-8"), Feb 7 (12-14"), and March
22 (9-10"). Temperatures averaged slightly above normal during December and
January and dropped to four and five degrees below normal during February and
March. Precipitation averaged slightly above normal during the season.
Notable rarities included a “black and white” shearwater, Fulvous Tree Duck,
Tufted Duck (photographed), Lapwing (photographed) and Bridled Tern (speci¬
men). Unseasonal occurrences included Red Phalarope, Least Tern, Black Tern,
Nashville Warbler (photographed). Orchard Oriole (banded) and Lark Sparrow
(photographed). Also unusual were wintering reports of one Red-headed and four
Red-bellied Woodpeckers, perhaps holdovers from the excellent flight last fall.
Contributors frequently cited: PB—Paul Baicich; JB—John Bull; TD—Thomas
Davis; FE—Frank Enders; FH—Fred Heath; WN—William Norse; DP—Dennis
Puleston; RR—Richard Ryan; GR—Gilbert Raynor; BT—Benjamin Trimble; CW—
Cornelius Ward; LW—Leroy Wilcox.
Abbreviations used: AMNH—American Museum of Natural History; JBWR—
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge; Riis—Riis Park; Jones—Jones Beach State Park; CC—
Christmas Count.
LOONS—DUCKS: “black and white ” shearwater : Jan 2 off Jones (R. Ryan) —
see field note in this issue. Double-crested Cormorant: Jan 2 MkCC (GR, DP)
Snowy Egret: Jan 17 Tobay (JB)—first Regional mid-winter report. Black-crowned
Night Heron: max 184 Jan 2 SNCC. Yellow-crowned Night Heron: imm Jan 2
Jones (D. Cooper, et al)—well seen by observers thoroughly familiar with young
night herons. Glossy Ibis: the individual mentioned in the fall report remained at
JBWR until Dec 4 (mob).
Whistling Swan: one at lower Yaphank L until mid-Jan (DP) Brant: max
14500 Jan 2 SNCC. Blue Goose: Dec 26 Pelham Bay Pk (fide WN) FULVOUS
TREE DUCK: shot by hunter Dec 18 Flanders (fide LW)—seventh Regional
record. Black Duck: max 6205 Jan 2 SNCC. European Teal: male Dec 18—early
Feb Hempstead Reservoir (mob). European Widgeon: Dec 26 Bronx Pk (fide
WN); Jan 2 SNCC; Jan 22 Mamaroneck (I. Cantor). TUFTED DUCK: male,
Hudson River vicinity of George Washington Bridge and Edgewater N.J. Dec 12—
Feb 21 (F. Lohrer)—photographed by Peter Post, probably the same bird present
here last winter, if so, its returning to this same spot would indicate that it is
probably a wild bird and not an escaped cage bird. Common Goldeneye: max
2205 Dec 31 CaCC. Oldsquaw: max 828 Jan 2 SNCC. Harlequin Duck: up to
seven seen at Pt Lookout throughout winter (mob); female Jan 2 MkCC (GR,DP);
Dec 26 Moriches Inlet (A. Cooley); 15 Dec 26 Mastic (W. Nichols, D. Weld) —
highest Regional count. King Eider: max 16 Jan 28 Montauk Pt (Queens Co Bird
Club).
118
HAWKS-OWLS: Turkey Vulture: Dec 3 Pelham Bay Pk (I. Cantor). Bald
Eagle: an imm on the lower Carman’s R. until Jan 5 (DP). Pigeon Hawk: Dec 26
CSCC; Feb 1 Freeport (CW)—“chasing Starlings”. King Rail: one wintering Brook-
haven (DP). Virginia Rail: up to four individuals seen to Dec 28 and at least one
throughout the winter at the Shu Swamp, Mill Neck (A. Bell et al) American
Oystercatcher: two Mar 26 Jones (M. Kleinbaum) —extremely early. LAPWING:
Dec 3-18 Montauk, vicinity of Deep Hollow Dude Ranch (mob)—photographed
in color, third State record, further details to be published in “State Rarities”
article next issue. Common Snipe: max 13 Dec 26 SICC. Lesser Yellowlegs; Dec
19 JBWR (L. Jones)-late. Dunlin: max 925 Jan 2 SNCC. BLACK TERN: two
Jan 28 Montauk Pt (PB, et al)—“flying over the breakers”, were considered to be
this species by two separated groups of birders. An amazing record as this species
winters in South America and would be casual even in Florida at this date. Close
examination of this report by the editor has eliminated the possibility of Sooty or
Bridled Terns which superficially resemble Black Tern or of an oiled tern of some
other species. The observers noted small size, dusky nape with blackish mark, gray
mantle and square-cut tail. However, the possibility of its having been a White-
winged Black Tern cannot be ruled out. BRIDLED TERN: (specimen) Jan 15,
Jones Beach (CW)—second state record. Wing found lying on the sand in fresh
condition suggesting that it had not been there long. Identified by John Bull and
Dr. Kenneth Parkes (AMNH). Razorbill: Dec 11-18 Montauk (mob); Dec 31 off
Fire Is (FE); two Jan 2 off Jones (RR); Feb 22 Fire Is (DP). Thick-billed Murre:
Jan 25 Lawrence (J. Glassberg). Dovekie: seen daily at Montauk to Dec 18; at
Fire Is to Dec 31; two Dec 23 QWCC. Barn Owl: max five Jan 2 Jones SNCC.
Snowy Owl: light flight, about ten reports Dec 16—Mar 14. Saw-whet Owl: only
two reports.
GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Red-bellied Woodpecker: four feeder reports—
female Dec 6—thru period Hauppauge (Mrs. W. Klein); male Dec 11—Feb 12
Garden City (R. Calder)—photographed by Peter Doyle; Dec 16—Mar 1 Highrock
Pk Staten Is (E. Stoneck, et al); Dec 24—Jan 7 Elwood (S. Ince, B. Reeves).
Red-headed Woodpecker: an adult wintered on a farm at Orient (DP). Western
Kingbird: one remained at Riis until Dec 19 (mob). Tree Swallow: high wintering
populations noted—75 Jan 2 MkCC (30 still present on Jan 31); 34 Dec 26 CSCC;
11 Dec 31 CaCC. Tufted Titmouse: Mar 1—18 Shoreham (GR et al). Northern
Shrike: four reports with a max of 3 Dec 31 Orient (GR). Loggerhead Shrike:
Jan 28 JBWR (DP); Mar 11 JBWR (Lymon Langdon Audubon Society).
VIREOS—WARBLERS: Orange-crowned Warbler: at feeder Feb 4-8 Remsen-
berg (LW) NASHVILLE WARBLER: at feeder Jan 5-Feb 7 Lloyd Neck (S.
Ruppert, A. Dove, B. Conolly, TD, BT, et al)—eating suet, photographed by Sally
Ruppert, second Regional winter record. Palm Warbler: four Christmas Counts
listed 15 individuals—three Dec 26 CSCC; Dec 26 SICC; ten Dec 31 CaCC;
Jan 2 SNCC. Yellowthroat: two Dec 26, one to Jan 29 Yaphank (GR et al); Jan 2,
Montauk (K. Malone). Yellow-breasted Chat: Dec 26 Brooklyn Heights (T.
Zorach); Dec 26 BxCC; Jan 2 SNCC.
BLACKBIRDS-SPARROWS: ORCHARD ORIOLE: the individual mentioned
in the fall report remained at Riis until Dec 11 (mob)—see Field Note in this issue.
Baltimore Oriole: eight individuals reported; male with injured wing Dec 23—
Feb 7 Huntington (B. Wheeler, et al), found dead after blizzard on Feb 7, speci¬
men at AMNH; three Jan 2-7 Forest Pk (PB, TD, FE, et al) in pine grove, no
feeders nearby; Jan 1—Feb 8 Glenwood Landing (J. Doran); Jan 9 Rockville Cen¬
ter (R. Roberts); Jan 17 Pt. Lookout (JB); Feb 3 Great Neck (Mr and Mrs Berv).
Western Tanager: the individual at Riis mentioned in the fall report was found
119
COUNTS OF SELECTED SPECIES ON
Bk
Bx
Ca
Pied-billed Grebe .
1
2
4
Great Black-backed Gull .
1,372
740
497
Herring Gull ..
17,950
11,480
9,505
Mourning Dove.
105
390
74
Belted Kingfisher .
0
2
4
Downy Woodpecker .
5
87
119
Blue Jay .
27
394
635
Black-capped Chickadee .
0
310
128
Tufted Titmouse .
4
85
5
White-breasted Nuthatch.
2
57
47
Red-breasted Nuthatch .
0
1
15
Mockingbird .
4
4
12
Catbird .
0
2
4
Brown Thrasher ..
0
2
2
Myrtle Warbler .
4
0
375
Cardinal .
. 5
100
22
House Finch .
130
170
248
Pine Siskin ..
0
0
0
American Goldfinch.. . .
3
79
42
Slate-colored Junco .
42
550
113
Tree Sparrow.
■ 57
200
466
White-throated Sparrow .
a
193
52
Fox Sparrow .
13
23
26
MARINE REGION CHRISTMAS COUNTS
CS
Mk
NN
Qn
QW
SI
SN
Total
27
4
0
0
0
0
1
39
487
232
141
70
310
1,399
985
6,233
3,455
2,855
7,017
2,036
3,050
24,676
15,030
97,054
302
9
368
297
101
158
278
2,082
8
14
11
1
3
1
13
57
40
5
82
36
8
38
93
420
359
341
164
141
53
31
311
2,456
213
180
217
43
126
56
43
1,316
0
... 0
14
3
0
15
10
136
29 :
'< | 1
59
29
4
14
23
265
7
' . 6
7
0
8
0
14
58
15
■\ 20
37
. 17
6
16
29
160
3
: - 4
' 4
1
2
0
6
26
5
5
6
2
0
1
9
32
211
283
10
2
20
2
582
1,489
31
12
214
48
13
75
77
597
152
0
576
132
48
8
259
1,723
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
33
31
69
13
17
20
24
331
192
71
413
129
46
167
223
1,946
326
107
110
67
39
268
288
1,928
119
12
168
74
47
80
124
875
20
5
36
14
7
35
35
214
dead on Dec 26, apparently a victim of the Dec 24 snowstorm, specimen now at
AMNH. Dickcissel: at feeder Dec 2—Jan 2 Brookhaven (DP); Dec 26 Riverdale
(FH, S. Anes, et al). Evening Grosbeak: none reported. Red Crossbill: Dec 6
Montauk (RR)—only Crossbill report. LARK SPARROW: Dec 26—Jan 5 Shirley
(P. Puleston, DP, GR) —photographed by D. Puleston, first Regional winter record.
Oregon Junco: Dec 6-10 Montauk Pt (RR, DP). White-crowned Sparrow: adult
Dec 26 Fire Is (D. Scott); two imm Dec 31 Captree Is (P. Post, J. Horowitz, TD,
PB); imm Jan 2 QnCC; imm Jan 2, Jones (CW).
Corrigendum: “The White-fronted Goose reported in the Kingbird, 15(3): 194,
July 1965 apparently was not of the Greenland race. Several of the observers
believe it was an escape.” (P. W. Post).
Thomas Davis, 8613-85th Street, Woodhaven, New York; Fred Heath 11-15
F.D.R. Drive New York, New York 10009.
Please send spring reports in by Jun 7.
BOOK REVIEW
Enjoying Birds around New York City. By Robert S. Arbib, Jr., Olin Sewall Pet-
tingill, Jr. and Sally Hoyt Spofford for the Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, N.Y. Houghton Mifflin Company 1966. 171 pp., illus., maps.
Soft cover $2.95, hard cover $4.50.
Attractively illustrated by William Dilger and graced with a number of excellent
maps by Colbert, Harrison, Noland and Samuels, “Enjoying Birds” is an attractive
eye-catcher which under closer inspection proves a bit puzzling. It is really two
books; or better, a book and a non-book. One the long-awaited birding baedecker
for southern New York, the other a beginner’s guide to bird-watching at the list¬
making level. The first is excellent; the second, something else again.
This latter category includes sketch accounts of “How to bird-watch”, “How to
attract birds”, etc., all a rehash of material found in a dozen other books. Yet the
information is accurate and well written, and the beginner who makes it his first
book will probably benefit. At least the list of local bird clubs and comprehensive
bibliography should show the way to sources of more detailed information. It just
seems unfortunate the book itself could not have been more comprehensive. If
space was the problem, certainly more could have been made available by eliminat¬
ing the rudimentary field guide (about 80 pages). It is of value to no one.
Learning birds is an empiric process. The beginner looks at what birds are
available and puts names to them; he does not search selectively for those for
which he has descriptions. Pre-knowledge of what birds to expect is helpful, but
this requires nothing more than a series of lists. For actual identification nothing
short of a comprehensive field guide will do. Consider a beginner who, on his
first field trip, sees an egret (none mentioned). He has two choices: pound away
until his bird fits one of the descriptions offered (pretty difficult with an egret),
or dash off and buy a Peterson’s. In either case the few brief descriptions in “En¬
joying Birds,” though very well done, profit him not at all.
So just skip to page 53, this is the real book and offers ample justification for its
existence. Besides the list of birding localities, valuable to even the most experienced
local observer, it contains a combination checklist-calendar graph and other tabula¬
tions that are just the thing a beginner or visitor needs at his fingertips. One might
balk at the dates for a breeding bird census (much too late) but by and large the
information is first rate.
121
Birding localities are arranged by county, Manhattan first, followed by the
remaining burroughs, Long Island and the mainland counties to Putnam and
Orange. This is the natural pattern of thinking of the New York City oriented
birder and is more or less geographical, but might be somewhat confusing to the
outlander. A straight alphabetical order would probably be better, but no matter.
When in Rome.
Localities within the counties are arranged in order of interest. For the more
important, brief notes on habitat and bird life are included, together with descrip¬
tions for reaching the locality by car or public transportation. Less important sites
such as the city parks, likely to be of interest only to a frustrated city birder on
lunch hour in May, are merely located geographically.
Though the New York City region traditionally includes all northern New Jersey
and a portion of southwestern Connecticut, only four or five localities in these
states are mentioned. The authors explain that they hope to squeeze out two more
books and therefore are including only sites of “extraordinary” interest.
Treatment of the New Jersey localities (of Connecticut I know nothing) lacks
the incisive accuracy of the New York locality descriptions. This is mostly a matter
of emphasis rather than errors of fact. But there is one whopper. Be duly warned
that it is a devilish long time between “larger southern terns” in Hatfield Swamp!
Ned R. Boyajian, 9 Reading Terrace, Fairlawn, N.J.
Ed. Note: With regard to the “non-book” portion, illustrated by Orville Rice
“Enjoying Birds” was intended for beginners, not just for advanced birders living
or visiting in New York City. It clearly states that a good field guide is “absolutely
essential,” The species descriptions, in which color descriptions are compressed to a
sentence or two, are in answer to many requests from beginners for a single in¬
expensive book that would tell where to go and also give more information on
nests and eggs, food, and diagnostic habits for the common birds than is included
in the one-volume field guides.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
A Snowy Owl’s Bath in the Chemung: One cold day in January 1967 while
checking on Elmira’s winter visitor, a Snowy Owl (Nyctia scandiaca ), I saw him
fly from his perch on a tall sign down to the river bed behind the business section.
I located him on a narrow, stony island, once part of a large island. Hoping to see
him catch a fish or duck, I focussed my 20 x ’scope on him as he pivoted his head
from front to back, ever on the alert as he scanned the river intently with his great
yellow eyes.
Apparently not hungry, he flew some four or five feet to the upper end of the
little island where he studied the water on every side. Then, very deliberately he
waded into the river where part of the current, deflected by stones, reversed
direction as it flowed around the island. The water here was only a few inches
deep and the current not so swift. Two feet from shore where the water just
touched his lower feathers, he flapped his great wings up and down, splashing the
water over his back, and then dipped his bill in a few times. Each time after
splashing he paused and looked on every side before resuming his bath.
For nearly ten minutes he bathed and preened, reaching under his slightly lifted
wings and parting his breast feathers, flufling them a bit and shaking himself. After
turning around and walking back to land he continued shaking his feathers, flapping
his wings and preening his back and front feathers again. When he had partially
dried himself, he flew to a hummock on the larger island, where patchy snow made
better camouflage, and continued his grooming.
After an hour’s observation in the biting cold, I departed, thinking that I was one
of few fortunate enough to spy on a Snowy Owl in his bath.
Wilifred I. Howard, 610 Coburn Street, Elmira, N.Y. 14904
122
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REPORTING REGIONS
For descriptions of Regions see Kingbird Vol. IV, Nos, 1 and 2
123
FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC
1967 Officers
President
Dr. Allen H. Benton ..State University of New York, Fredonia 14063
Vice-President
Mr. Watson B. Hastings .18 Appleton Place, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 10522
Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. Frederick Marsi.Friendsville Stage, Binghamton 13903
Recording Secretary
Mrs. R. Barrie Strath ...Box 111, Odessa, N.Y. 14689
Mr. Dort Cameron
Treasurer
.5423 Palmyra Rd., Pittsford, N.Y. 14534
Editor of THE KINGBIRD
Dorothy W. Mcllroy
419 Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, New York 14850
Appointed Committees
Bulletin Exchange: Miss Elizabeth Manning, 1130 Fifth Avenue, New York 28
Conservation: Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., 333 Bedell Street, Freeport 11520
Finance: Kenneth D. Niven, 61 Broadway, Monticello, N.Y. 12701
Kingbird Finance: To be announced
Membership: James J. Doherty, 913 Win'ton Road North, Rochester 14309
State Bird Book: Robert S. Arbib, Jr., 226 Guion Drive, Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543
Publications and Research: Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr., State Museum, Albany
Bibliography: Dr. Sally Hoyt Spofford, Box 428, Etna 13062
By-laws: Richard Sloss, 1300 Seawave Drive, Hewlett Harbor 11557
Waterfowl Count: John L. Mitchell, 435 Conrad Drive, Rochester 14616
John J. Elliott Memorial Committee: Cornelius J. Ward, 804 South Ocean Avenue,
Freeport 11520
Elected Committees
Auditing: Allen E. Kemnitzer, 969 Five Mile Line Road, Webster, N.Y. 14580
John Foster, 14 Utica Place, Rochester, N.Y. 14608
Nominating: Dr. Neil Moon, Rochester, Ch.; Robert S. Arbib, Jr., Mamaroneck;
Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr., Albany
124
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