The Kingbird

VOLUME II, No. 3 __ OCTOBEK « 1952

FEDiRATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS

^KINGBIRD

PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS

Vol. 2 No. 3 October 1952

Pages 55-78

CONTENTS

Birds of Cayuga Lake Basin — Kenneth C. Parkes-- — -- 56

Radio Editor Appointed ____ 60

Conservation News and Notes-- 61

News and Notes from Member Clubs ___—-- 63

Summary of Summer Resident and Fall Migration — Allan S. Klonick 65

Regional Reports of Summer Resident and Fall Migration —-- 66

Deadline Dates for Publication Material__—-- 75

Editor—A llan S. Klonick

Associates—J oseph W. Taylor
Eugene Eisenmann

Circulation Manager—Miss Helen Foster
Cover Design— Douglas L. Howland

THE KINGBIRD is published four times a year (April, July, October and December)
by the FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, Publication office is
901 Sibley Tower Building, Rochester 4, New York. Publication is sent free to all
individual members of the Federation. Membership in the Federation is $2.00 per
year. Single copies: Sixty cents.

APPLICATION for membership should be sent to the choirman of the member¬
ship committee:

MISS AUDREY L. WREDE

3109 BEVERLY RD.

BROOKLYN 26, N. Y.

CONVENTION WILL BE HELD AT BEAR MOUNTAIN PARK
MAY 23-24, 1953 Host: ROCKLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY

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55

NOTES ON SOME BrRDS OF THE CAYUGA LAKE BASIN

By Kenneth C. Parkes

The first comprehensive listing of the birds of the Cayuga Lake Basin,
New York, was that of Reed and Wright (1909). Although this paper
appeared after the manuscript of the first volume of Eaton’s Birds of New
York had been completed, the Reed and Wright records were available to
Eaton and were utilized by him. In 1933, Arthur A. Allen and P, P.
Kellogg prepared a revised list of the birds of the Cayuga Lake Basin, which
appeared without change through the first four editions of Dr. Allen's
Ornithology Lahoratory Notebook. In the fifth edition (1947) appeared
a new list, revised by Harold H. Axtell and Elsa G. Allen to include 1946
and a few 1947 records. This list has been the unofficial check-list for the
Cayuga Lake Basin. It includes a number of records of more than local sig¬
nificance which have been overlooked by recent workers. Attention is being
directed to certain of these records in another paper. The present paper
gives certain additions and corrections to the 1947 list, several of which are
of statewide importance. Dr. A. A. Allen has been instrumental in making
many of the following observations, and has consented to their publication
in this form. This paper could not have been written without his gen¬
erous counsel.

Phalacrocorax carho. European Cormorant. The specimen listed by
Reed and Wright (1909; 412) has never been located, and was considered
by Allen (1947: 45) as ‘^doubtful”. I know of no authentic specimen from
the interior of New York. The species should be deleted from the Cayuga
Basin list.

Leucophoyx thula. Snowy Egret. The notable invasion of southern
herons into the northeast in the summer of 1948 added this and the follow^
ing species to the Cayuga Basin list. A Snowy Egret was seen at the Monte¬
zuma refuge by Dr. Allen, Irby Davis and a party of students on August 7.

Florida caerulea. Little Blue Heron. Several birds of this species, all
in white immature plumage, were seen during the summer of 1948 at the
Montezuma refuge, Dryden Lake, and other suitable localities in the Basin.
I know of no records from our region of either this or the last species during
subsequent summers. ,

Mycteria americana. Wood Ibis. The only credible published record of
this species in the Finger Lakes seems to be that of Clausen (1935: 97). To
this may be added an observation by Dr. Allen in Ithaca on July 9, 1932. A
Wood Ibis flew over his head at an altitude of less than fifty feet, affording
an excellent view.

Plegadis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis. There are several New York records
of this species, concentrated mostly in May, Certain years seem to bring a
pronounced northward movement (Cruickshank, 1942: 80). 1947 was

apparently such a year. Two Glossy Ibises were found at the Montezuma
refuge on May 24, and the superintendent of the refuge saw them on a
number of occasions during the following week. Buckalew (1949) reported
this species in Delaware during this same week. A Glossy Ibis was also
seen at Montezuma on May 20, 1951 (Parkes, 1951b: 65).

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56

Branta hernicla. Brant. In recent years this species has tended to stray
more often from its normal coastwise migration route. There are several
Cayuga Lake Basin records. A flock of 29 appeared at the south end of the
lake on November 8, 1941, and remained over a week. A flock of 12 or
more was seen in whole or in part at various localities along the lake during
the week beginning May 30, 1950. Flocks of small geese, probably of this
species, were reported by a number of observers at both Cayuga and Seneca
Lakes during mid-October, 1950. A single Brant was seen by Dr. Allen at
Myers Point on December 3, 1950.

Chen caemlescens. Blue Goose. An immature bird of this species
spent the winter of 1948-1949 with the flock of wild and semi-domesticated
Canada Geese at the head of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca. Although the number
of records of migrants, both spring and fall, has been increasing, this is the
only known instance of a Blue Goose wintering in our area, and one of very
few winter records from the state as a whole.

Anas strepera. Gadwell. Listed by Allen (1947: 46) as ‘Irreg. Sept.
16 — early May') the Gadwall is now known to breed at the Montezuma
refuge.

Mareca penelope. European Widegon. In recent years this species has
been seen with increasing regularity at both the northern and southern ends
of the Cayuga Lake Basin. I find the following spring records: May 18,
1941; April 28, 1944; March 19-20, April 1, April 14 and May 6, 1946;
April 4, 1947; April 4 and 11, 1948; April 9-11 and May 14, 1950; April
7 and 8, 1951.' Only two fall records are at hand; November 6, 1949 and
September 25, 1950. The fall concentrations of Baldpates (M. americana')
in the marshes at the north end of the lake have increased phenomenally
in the past few years, 5,000 or more now being seen in a single day. It is
quite likely that additional examples of M. penelope have escaped detection
among these Baldpates,

Porphyrula martinica. Purple Gallinule. Eaton (1901: 218) listed a
specimen of this species from East Homer, Cortland Co. In his later book
(1909: 284), however, he listed only Long island specimens, stating ‘Occas¬
ional reports of the Purple Gallinule in New York which I have investigated
3rove to refer to high plumaged specimens of the following species’’
Florida Gallinule]. An immature Purple Gallinule in the collection of the
ate Foster Parker of Cayuga apparently represents the only bona fide speci¬
men from the interior of the state. It was taken on October 1, 1931, in the
marshes near Cayuga. The mounted specimen is at present housed in Mr.
Parker’s home.

Erolia maritima. Purple Sandpiper. This species is purely casual in
New York away from the Atlantic coast and the Great Lakes. The second
specimen from the Cayuga Lake Basin, an immature male, was collected by
Dr. Allen on November 27, 1849 at Myers Point, on the east shore of
Cayuga Lake.

Ereunetes mauri. Western Sandpiper. An immature male taken by
Paul S. Martin at Ithaca on October 8, 1949, proved to be the first specimen
from our area referable to this species. There are several September and
late August sight records by Dr. Allen and others.

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67

Steganopus tricolor. Wilson’s Phalarope. This species is a rare visitor
to the interior of New York. The distribution files of the Fish and Wild¬
life Service contain some half dozen twentieth century records. There is a
specimen in the Cornell collection from Ithaca, taken by Oliver H. Hewitt
on September 3, 1943. This bird was photographed by Dr. Allen before
it was collected, and a kodachrome of it was reproduced in the National
Geographic Magazine (June, 1945: plate XIII). There is an earlier speci¬
men listed by Eaton, 1909: 293) as having been taken by Louis Agassiz
Fuertes at Ithaca in the fall of 1892. This specimen is not now with the
Fuertes collection at Cornell, nor can I find any record of its disposition.

Larus marinus. Great Black-backed Gull. As is the case elsewhere in
the eastern United States, this species is becoming more common in our
area and is remaining for longer periods. Allen (1947: 50) listed the ex- ,
treme dates as “Nov.-Apr.” We now have records extending from the last
week of July to the last week of May.

Larus atricilla. Laughing Gull. This coastal species is purely accidental
in New York north and west of the lower Hudson valley. There are three
good sight records from Cayuga Lake. One was seen by Fuertes on July 7,
1916. An immature bird was observed at Ithaca by many Cornell students,
including the writer, on October 7, 1939. As recorded in a previous issue
of The Kingbird, four were brought to Ithaca by the great windstorm of
November 25, 1950 (Parkes, 1951a: 30).

Sterna alhifrons. Least Tern. There seem to be no specimens of this
species from the interior of the state, nor have any reliable sight records come
to my attention. The Rathbun specimens cited by Reed and Wright (1909:
412) were examined by Eaton and found to be immature Black Terns
QGhlidonias nigra'), as were all the other supposed Least Terns from inland
New York (Eaton, 1909:, 148). The species should be deleted from the
Cayuga Basin check-list.

Phutus alle. Dovekie. As reported earlier (Parkes, 1951a: 30), this
species was added to the Cayuga Lake Basin check-list after the wind-storm
of November 25, 1950. A Dovekie was captured alive in Ithaca on Novem¬
ber 26 and another was seen on November 29.

Corvus corax. Raven. I know of no authenticated modern breeding
record for the Raven in New York,-although it is not uncommon in the
mountains of Pennsylvania just south of our borders. Occasional individuals
appear at scattered localities throughout the state. A male was collected at
Sherburne, Chenango Co., on October 22, 1940, and is now in the Cornell
collection. On November 22, 1942, a Raven was observed at close range
by Dr. Allen and William C. Dilger at Myers Point. It was feeding on the
remains of a Cisco (Leucichthys artedi) on the lakeshore.

PoUoptila caerulea. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. There has been a notable
penetration by this species into our area in recent years. Although there
had been a few previous sight records, the first specimen from the Cayuga
Lake Basin was collected by Dwain W. Warner near Danby on April 13,
1947. The species has bred in or near Ithaca since 1948. On May 15, 1949,

I collected a male in breeding condition at the outlet of Big Hollow Creek,
in the town of Romulus, about 25 miles north of Ithaca on the west shore of
Cayuga Lake.

Anthus spinoletta. Pipit. A specimen taken by Robert W. Dickerrnan
and Brina Kessel at the Ithaca city dump on January 1, 1948 is our first
and only mid-winter record of this species.

58

The Kinghird

Protonotaria citrea. Prothonotary Warbler. Although this species has
nested for some years at Oak Orchard Swamp, it has not been known else¬
where in New York as a breeding bird. It is of interest to recall that the
unpaired male observed by Dr. Allen at Ithaca in May, 1910, was singing
and carrying nesting materials (Allen, 1911). The Prothonotary Warbler
definitely established itself in our area in 1948, when its nest was found at
the Montezuma refuge by Harold and Rachel Axtell. It has apparently
nested there in each subsequent year.

Helmitheros vermivorus. Worm-eating Warbler. Although there is a
small breeding population of this species near Elmira, some thirty miles
southwest of Ithaca, it is strictly accidental in the Cayuga Lake Basin. There
are two specimens, both from Ithaca. The earlier was collected May 7,
1909, by Dr. Allen (Reed and Wright, 1909; 443). The most recent
record is a specimen found dead by the Misses A. G. Mekeel and Evelyn
Van Duzer on May 2, 1943. There are a few intervening May and Sep¬
tember sight records.

Vermivora finus. Blue winged Warbler. In a recent note (Parkes, 1949)
I made the statement that there had been four authentic sight records of
this species in the Cayuga Lake Basin. A specimen has since been col¬
lected in this region. A singing male with enlarged gonads was taken by
Stephen W. Eaton on May 19, 1949, along Fall Creek near Varna. As the
Golden-winged Warbler, V. chrysoptera, d^oes not breed in this immediate
area, this male bird would probably not have been able to locate a mate of
either species.

Oporornis formosus. Kentucky Warbler. As previously indicated
(Parkes, 1951b: 66), this species has been seen by reliable observers in our
area for three successive years. It should be added to the Cayuga Lake
Basin check-list. -

LITERATURE CITED

Allen, Arthur A.

1911. A note on the Prothonotary Warbler. Auk. 28: 115.

1947. Ornithology laboratory notebook, 5th edition. Ithaca, N. Y. /
Buckalew, John H.

1949. The Eastern Glossy Ibis in Delawara. Auk, 66: 196-197.
Clausen, Robert T.

1935. Notes from central New York. Auk, 52; 97-98.

Cruickshank, Allan D.

1942. Birds around New York City. New York, N. Y.

Eaton, Elon H.

1901. Birds of western New York. Proc. Rochester Acad. Sci., 4: 1-64.

1909. Birds of New York. Part I. N. Y. State Mus. Mem. 12.

Parkes, Kenneth C.

1949. Brewster s Warbler breeding in Yates County, New York, Wils.
Bull., 61: 48-49.

1951a. Regional report: Region 2 — Southern Tier (Part 2). King¬
bird, 1, (2): 29-32.

1951b. Regional report: Region 2 — Southern Tier (Part 1). King¬
bird, 1, (3): 64-66.

Reed, Hugh D. and Wright, Albert H.

1909. The vertebrates of the Cayuga Lake Basin, N. Y. Proc. Am.
Philos. Soc., 48: 370-459.

The Kingbird

59

RADIO EDITOR APPOINTED

The Federation has been afforded a great opportunity by Dr. P. P. Kel¬
logg of Cornell. For several years a weekly radio program called ^‘Know
Your Birds” has been conducted over a radio network of FM stations
throughout the State, which is also carried by several AM stations.

Dr. Kellogg has offered to allot five minutes of the program each week
to the Federation and its member clubs. As a start Edward Seeber of
Buffalo, now resident at 213 Columbia Street, Ithaca, New York, has agreed
to serve as Federation Radio Editor., The job of putting together material
for the program will be his.

To facilitate this work it is urged that each club immediately appoint
a local radio editor, who will gather material which his club considers of
interest and send it on to Ed Seeber.

To begin with — until we see how much material is made available by
the clubs — the Federation participation in the radio programs will probably
be only once a month. We hope, however, that individual members and
member clubs of the Federation will send in enough material to make pos¬
sible weekly participation. If a member club has matter of sufficient in¬
terest to conduct an entire five minute program, we may work out a method
by which this may be arranged. One possibility is to offer to each club one
full program in turn. Your Radio Editor and your President would be
glad to have any suggestions.

The radio programs are currently broadcast on the Rural Radio Network
on Saturday mornings between 9:15 and 9:30 a. m. over the following
stations:

1. WHLD-FM - Niagara Falls, N. Y.

2. WFNF - Wethersfield-Bliss, N. Y.

(East of Buffalo)

3. WVBT - Bristol Center, N. Y. -

4. WHCU-FM - Ithaca, N. Y.

5. WVCN - DeRuyter, N. Y.

6. WWNY-FM — Watertown, N. Y.

- 7. WMSA-FM - Massena, N. Y. ^ ' ,

8. WRUN-FM - Utica-Rome, N. Y.

9. WVCV - Cherry Valley, N. Y.

10. WFLY - Troy, N. Y.

11. WHVA—-Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

12. WQAN-FM - Scranton, Pa.

13. WHDL-FM - Clean, N. Y.

The Kingbird

60

CONSERVATION NEWS AND NOTES

Samuel R. Madison, Chairman, Conservation Committee

Superior National Forest, which adjoins Canada in northeastern Minne¬
sota, is one of the last wilderness lands of the United States that could be
retained unimpaired for the benefit of the people. The wilderness con¬
tinues across the border in the Quetico Provincial Park. Superior National
Forest was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909. In the
twenties and thirties the Government adopted special policies to exclude
resort hotels and to regulate logging. Certain “roadless areas'' were created.
In recent years airplanes have brought in hunters, fishermen and resort
builders to areas which hitherto were accessible only by canoe or afoot.
In December, 1949, upon the urging of conservationists and wildlife advo¬
cates, President Truman issued an executive order giving the Secretary of
Agriculture authority to bar flights over the forest at an elevation of less than
4,000 feet after January 1, 1952. A two year period was thus provided in
which resort owners could arrange their affairs to meet the situation, and
they were offered equivalent or better locations on the border of the forest.
The executive order was issued under the Air Commerce Act of 1926 and
was attacked in court. Early in October, the Federal District Court upheld
the flight restrictions. The Court held that Congress had established a
“governmental purpose and policy whereby this region is to be preserved for
the people in its primeval wilderness state". Conservationists hailed the
results of the Court's decision. As the New York Times editorialized:

“The flying public has its rights as well as the canoeing
public and the walking public. But a little lonesome
space where nature has her own way, where it is quiet
enough at night for one to bear the patter of small paws
on leaves and the murmuring of birds, can still be afforded
in these troubled days,"

The Trumpeter Swan, America’s largest waterfowl, is still increasing in
numbers. The latest U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service census figures show
a tdtal of 571 birds, which is an increase of 36 over last year. In 1935 there
were only 73 birds. The Trumpeter Swan was once found throughout most
of North America, but its numbers were greatly reduced by relentless market
hunting and destruction of its breeding habitat. In 1907, small flocks were
discovered at Red .Rock Lakes in Montana and in Yellowstone National
Park. The United States established refuges for its protection, and trans¬
planted birds to several western national wildlife refuges where new nesting
colonies have been formed. Larger flocks breed in Alaska and in Canada,
but most of these birds rarely reach the United States, preferring to winter
in open patches of water where swift currents prevent the formation of ice.

Two biologists of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service apparently have
discovered the breeding ground of the almost extent Whooping Crane in the
marshes of the Great Slave Lake in Canada. The location of their breeding
grounds has long puzzled ornithologists. The Whooping Cranes, of which
only about 30 remain in North America, winter on the Texas coast, par¬
ticularly at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

The Kingbird

61

The greatest numbers of clucks, geese and brant seen since the early
1930 s are now heading south. The breeding ground surveys indicated a
substantial increase in the duckling crops this year. Ten days have been
added to the open season in all four flyways of the United States. The
regulations for migratory waterfowl hunting are set by the Secretary of the
Interior in accordance with treaties between the United States, Canada,
and Mexico. They are based upon extensive surveys by the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, the state fish and game agencies, provincial wildlife
agencies, Canadian Wildlife Service, and cooperating private organizations
concerned with wildlife resources.

The most important problem of the moment in New York, State con¬
servation matters is the proposal of the Conservation Department in regard
to the future policy of the State with respect to the Forest Preserve. Nothing
has been determined, as yet, but the situation bears watching by all of us.
The Milmoe Committee of eighteen, which has been established by the joint
Legislative Committee on Natural Resources, is currently studying the Forest
Preserve question with regard to whether or not the present constitutional
provision should be amended. The Committee’s recommendations will be of
vital concern to us.

We hope you’ve all read '‘Cape May’s Firing Line” by Kathleen Green
Skelton, in the August-September issue of Nature Magazine. This graphic
account of ruthless killing of hawks in Southern New Jersey, we are proud
to point out, was written by a member of our committee.

FEDERATION OF NEW YORK

BIRD CLUBS

f

STATE

MEMBERSHIP OF TWO DOLLARS PER ' YEAR

INCLUDES SUBSCRIPTION TO THE KINGBIRD

Send Name, Address and Fee
Membership Chairman

to

Miss Audrey L. Wrede
3109 Beverly Rd.
Brooklyn 26 , New York

62

The Kingbird

NEWS AND NOTES FROM MEMBER CLUBS

THE BUFFALO AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC.

The Buffalo Audubon Society, Inc., is now publishing a quarterly,
Audubon Outlook; the 3rd issue was out in October. Its present 16 pages
carry the program of current meetings and trips, a calendar of other local
meetings, lectures, etc., of interest to members, local news, notes on the
Refuge, and articles.

The Outlook hopes to make the Society of greater appeal to both active
and inactive members, and to promote the work of the Society in the com¬
munity. It is set up, mimeographed and mailed by a volunteer staff, and
is not expected to cost much more than the previous mailings of programs,
notices and annual meeting matter. Its first two issues resulted in a 10%
increase in membership.

Any exchanges should be sent to the editor, Mrs. Bradley Fisk, 20 Berk¬
ley Place, Buffalo 9, who would be glad to reciprocate.

SULLIVAN COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY

In the second year of its existence, the Society has begun the publication
of a newsletter. At present it bears the name of the Society with President
Kenneth D. Niven and Mrs. Niven, who is the clubs secretary, as its co¬
editors. A contest is now in progress among the members for a permanent
name with a prize to be awarded to the member whose entry is selected.

The Club had a booth at the Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville in
September with displays which attracted all age groups. Club members
made and donated bird houses and feeders which were sold along with
note paper and bird seed. Proceeds of the sales will go into our Audubon
Camp Scholarship fund.

The club has also arranged to sponsor a pupil from one of the public
schools in the County to attend the N. Y. State Conservation Camp at
De Bruce next summer. Recommendations for the scholarship will be made
by the principals of the various schools. Final selection of the scholar will
be made by independent judges and all expenses of the camp will be paid
for the entire period by the Audubon Club.

All members are participating in the Hawk Migration Count sponsored
by the Fish and Wild Life Service. Our look-out point has been Sam’s
Point near Ellenville. A field trip to Hawk Mountain has been planned
for October 19th.

Four stations have been set up in our County for the recording of ’noc¬
turnal bird migration. These records of lunar observations are being made
for the files of the Museum of Natural Science at Louisiana State Univer¬
sity. The interest aroused in this study has been intense and we plan to
continue our observations throughout the fall.

The club’s president, Kenneth D. Niven, is conducting an evening class
on bird identification at the Monticello High School. To date the interest
and consequent attendance has been excellent.

Wilber Prince Carr, Treasurer

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63

ROCKLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY

Plans are already being made to welcome the Federation to the 6th
Annual Meeting which will be held at Bear Mountain Park, Rockland
County, New York.

The meeting will be held May 23-24, 1953 and will afford members an
opportunity to participate without the formality necessary if the meeting
were held in a large city. Many hikes are planned and with the conven¬
iences of the famous 'Trailside Museum" an informative and enjoyable
convention is anticipated.

For further details write to: Rockland Audubon Society, West Nyack,
N. Y.

All members and member clubs are urged to send reports of club activities,
projects or news to the Editor for inclusion in this section of THE KINGBIRD.

SUMMARY OF SUMMER RESIDENT AND
EARLY FALL MIGRATION IN NEW YORK STATE

The season was characterized by unusually dry and hot weather through
the months of June and July. Shorebirds appeared to return earlier than
usual as did many species of Ducks.

From all regions the usual incursion of American Egrets was definitely
down in numbers. Least Bitterns appear to be on the increase in the lower
Hudson Valley. A Whistling Swan summered at Oak Orchard (Western
New York). The St. Lawrence region reported that the northern New
York duck population appeared to enjoy a good breeding year. One of the
most interesting records noted was the presence of a White Pelican at Mill
Neck from mid-June until late September (Long Island).

Central New York noted that most diving ducks arrived later this fall
than usual in the Finger Lakes' from their northern breeding areas. No
large concentration of Hawks were noted on the annual census September
21st, except from the lower Hudson Valley and the Mohawk Valley in the
eastern part of the State. Perhaps the most spectacular shore bird flights in
years occurred at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Central New
York).

There was one report of a Red Phalarope and the slightly more com¬
mon Northern Phalarope was observed at Montezuma on several occasions
in numbers up to 13. A Black-backed Gull was reported September 24 on
Cayiiga Lake. Reports of Foresters Tern from Rochester (Lake Ontario)
in late August and September and from Sandy Pond (St. Lawrence) on
September 13 and 21 are noteworthy.

Again from Jefferson County come reports of Red-headed Woodpeckers
extending their range with several nesting pairs being noted (St. Lawrence).
In Rockland County one was observed September 21 on Bear Mountain
(New York), while on Long Island a male Red-head was observed at a
nest hole. It is considered a rare bird in the latter two localities.

Cliff Swallows appear to be increasing in Western New York, Southern
Tier (Avoca) and Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland County). However,
Central New York reported that it was a poor breeding year at the Oneida
Lake colony.

An Arkansas Kingbird was seen at Sodus Bay (Lake Ontario) Septem¬
ber 13.

Several regions reported heavy thrush flights particularly September 13,
21 (Central New* York), September 23 (Mohawk Valley), September 26,
27 (Southern Tier). All regions concurred that Olive-backed and Gray¬
cheeked were predominate in these flights.

Warbler waves were noted from Western New York as early as August
13 and 23, and from Southern Tier on September 23, 24 and 27. A pos¬
sible Kirtland Warbler, in song at Montezuma in early September, is note¬
worthy (Lake Ontario).

Long Island again notes an increase in Cardinal nesting activity. Eve¬
ning Grosbeak has already been reported from the Watkins Glen area (Sept.
24). Mohawk Valley and Lake Ontario regions report Sharp-tailed Spar¬
rows un Sept. 27 and August 31 respectively.

Allan S. Klonick

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65

REGIONAL REPORTS OF
SUMMER RESIDENT AND FALL MIGRATION

REGION 1 — WESTERN NEW YORK

The summer season in western New York was both hotter and drier than normal.
A drought, one of the most serious on record, was the most important feature of the
period, and undoubtedly had its effect on the bird life of the area's swamps and
marshes. On the other hand, the waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario were ex¬
tremely high, influencing most of the migrant shore birds to seek inland mud fiats,
which in our area are few in number.

Loons — Ducks:

The incursion of southern herons was below average, with only a few American
Egrets making an appearance. Yellow-crowned Night Heron was reported in both
July and August from nearby Ontario, but we received no western New York record.
A female Hooded Merganser with six young was found at the Audubon refuge south
of Buffalo, June 7 (Nathan, Schaffner).

Hawks — Owls:

King Rails were found breeding in Cedar Road Swamp north of Akron for the
first time. The shore bird migration has been sub-par. Even the extra-territorial
Canadian shore of Lake Erie contributed little of note. Best record was of a Willet
on the Buffalo breakwail August 23 (B. 0. S. census). The Niagara River above the
Peace Bridge lived up to its reputation as a favorite port of call for Black Terns, with
a high count of 3500 on August 23 (Mitchell).

Swifts —• Shrikes;

Cliff Swallows, rare in our northern counties, common in the southern, are being
reported more frequently. Purple Martins again joined with Robins and Grackles
in some of the enormous Starling roosts in Buffalo and its suburbs. These roosts
continue to be a serious problem.

Vireos — Worblers;

The warbler migration was off to an excellent start, both .in species and num¬
bers. The timing was normal or slightly early for most, extremely early for some,
notably Myrtle. Best waves occurred on August 13 and 23.

Clark S. Beardslee
132 McKinley Ave.

Kenmore 17, New York

REGION 2 — SOUTHERN TIER (PART 1)

(Including some records from Region 9)

While part of August was marked by little rainfall, this section did not suffer
from the drought which was noted in other areas of the state and country. Tem¬
peratures averaged a little higher than normal during the summer, but in other
respects, it was.an average season. Lake levels were high, and it was not until the
middle of September that mud flats appeared along Cayuga, offering feeding grounds
for shore birds.

Loons — Ducks:

A Common Loon was observed on Cayuga Lake the last of August by Dr. J. T.
Lloyd. Two Double-crested Cormorants were seen by R. W. Robinson the middle of
August and another on September 15 by Professor Kellogg, at the head of the lake.

Great Blue Herons fed on carp exposed by the draining of the main pool at
Montezuma, in large numbers in early and mid-September. American Egrets were
seen all summer at Montezuma, but appeared to have left early this year. An
immature Little Blue Heron, unusual in this area, was seen by Prof. Oliver Hewitt
just south of Spencer, N. Y. on August 11th.

Ducks appear to have had a successful nesting season. Mallards and Blacks
were plentiful in September and large numbers of Wood Ducks were seen coming
from the wooded areas of Montezuma. The last week in September, about 300
Baldpates were at Montezuma, and many appeared all along Cayuga, as well as
Pintails, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal. Ruddy Ducks were seen at Monte¬
zuma in August (Allen) but there was no evidence of breeding. One Green-winged
Teal observed north of Binghamton, June 21 (Bemont, Rising).

66

The Kingbird

Hawks — Owls:

in spite of a radio appeal for observations, there were no indications of a hawk
migration in this area. The breeding population seemed normal. An Osprey was
seen several times in late August and September near Ithaca (A. A. Allen). On
the 19th of September, a Duck Hawk at Montezuma was heckling shorebirds (W. J.
Hamilton III).

Grouse continued to be at a high level of population and Ring-necked Pheasants
too were plentiful, although east of this area they reportedly had a bad season.
(Paul Kelsey).

Coots and Gallinules were low in numbers again this summer.

Shore birds—During the 3rd week in August, unusual numbers of Dowitchers and
Northern Phalaropes were seen at Montezuma for a few days (Hewitt). The middle
of September, as mud flats became exposed at the head of Cayuga, shore birds
appeared in numbers at the Hog Hole, and with the draining of the main pool at
Montezuma, for carp control, concentrations appeared there also. W. J. Hamilton
III reported 65 Lesser Yeliow-legs, 35 Pectoral Sandpipers and 5 Stilt Sandpipers,
among others, on the 14th of Sept, at Montezuma, and over 100 Pectorals on the
19th, along with 15 Black-bellied Plovers and 1 7 Golden Plovers.

A pair of Upland Plovers was observed all summer near Dryden, but no young
were seen (Kelsey).

A Red Phalarope appeared on Sept. 29th at the Hog Hole (south-western corner
of Cayuga) and was still present on (Oct. 1st. It was very tame and permitted num¬
erous observers to get close (Allen, Kellogg, et al).

Common Tern nests were seen on muskrat houses in Montezuma in August
(Allen, Max Carpenter). Young Black Terns were evident near Ithaca in early
August (Kellogg) having moved in apparently from farther north on the loke. A
Caspian Tern, still feeding a full-grown young, appeared at the head of Cayuga
Lake the last of August and was still around the middle of September.

The first Black-backed Gull of the season appeared at the head of Cayuga on
September 24th (Kellogg).

A pure albino Black-billed Cuckoo was found south of Ithaca on August 7th.
It appears to be nearly blind, and has to be hand-fed but is still thriving (Oct. 1st) in
Prof Allen's office, on synthetic caterpillars made of dog-food.

Swifts —T- Shrikes:

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were reported by several observers as being scarce
this summer. The latest report I have received is of one female on Sept. 27th
(E. G. Allen). Several successful nestings of Pileated Woodpeckers were reported
in the Ithaca area. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker again raised young in Sapsucker
Woods (Allen).

Approximately 300 pairs of Cliff Swallows nested, as they have for many years,
on the Sweetland barns south of Dryden, Tufted Titmice were seen all summer in
Stewart Park, Ithaca, but no positive evidence of breeding was found. Hermit
Thrushes were reported singing on high hills east of Binghamton July 20, 27th
(Sheffield and White).

A heavy thrush migration occurred the night of Sept. 26-27 (W. J. H. Ill)
Bluebirds still seemed scarce. 50 Pipits were seen at Montezuma on Sept. 14th
(W. J. H. III). Large flocks of Cedar Waxwings were much in evidence throughout
September.

Vireos — Worblers;

Breeding and migrating Vireos have seemed normal in number.

Single-non-breeding male Pine and Blackburnian Warblers were observed just
north of Ithaca (McKay's Woods) on June 25th (Allen). A large wave of migrating
warblers was seen in Danby area Sept. 23rd and 24th (K. Thorp) and the weekend
of Sept. 27th brought numerous reports of Bay-breasted, Black-poll, Wilsoii's, Chest¬
nut-sided, and other species moving through the area. Bemont reports 2 Worm¬
eating Warblers in Ely Park, Binghamton, on August 9th, and one on Sept. 27th.
This area has been covered only relatively recently, and it is possible the species has
been there right along. It will bear careful observation next summer, for possible
breeding record.

The Kingbird

67

Blackbirds — Sparrows:

A flock of several hundred Redwings, mostly males, gathered along Fall Creek on
Sept. 14th, and many of them were seen feeding in small pools where the creek
was unusually low (Hoyt).

Breeding Savannah Sparrows seem to be on the decrease and Henslow's on the
increase in this area. Nesting Goldfinches were numerous again this summer, and
one not fully fledged was found on the ground in Ithoca on Sept. 24th (Hoyt). The
first White-throats were reported Sept. 18th by A. C. Lane. Song Sparrows were
migrating in numbers the last week in September.

Mrs. Southgate Y. Hoyt
Etna, New York

REGION 2 ~ SOUTHERN TIER (PART 2)

The Keuka Park Conservation Club has been developing the Verdi Burtch Me¬
morial Sanctuary, putting up posting signs, and cutting off cat-tails on an area con¬
tiguous to the lake to make a mud flat for sandpipers, etc.

The Chemung Valley Audubon Society at Elmira has obtained permission to post
a marsh and pond near Big Flats, where there is quite a concentration of Wood
Ducks and Canada Geese.

Loons —■ Ducks:

Common Loons continue to be scarce in the area; the writer's first Loon on
Keuka since spring was noted on September 4, and have had it but once more since.
9 American Egrets appeared on the Chemung river near Corning on July 16. Two
flocks of Canada Geese were seen near Ridge Road, Elmira, on September 15, the
earliest date I have for them this fall; an increased migration of them began about
September 28. Mrs. McMurtry of Wellsville saw q dozen Blue-winged Teal on an
artificial lake (25 acres) between Wellsville and Alfred on September 1; on the
same date first were noted also on the Verdi Burtch Sanctuary.

Hawks — Owls:

Mrs. Welles of the Chemung Valley club reports a Goshawk eating a full-grown
chicken in a hemlock grove on September 25, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks
have been more scarce in my own records this year than ever before. Mrs. Mc¬
Murtry had a Broad-winged Hawk record for the middle of June. Mrs. York had
Semi-palmated Plover and Lesser Yellow-legs on the Chemung river on Sept. 10.
Mrs. McMurtry saw Upland Plover near Wellsville severol times during July, and
Pectoral and Least Sandpipers on the artificial lake on September 1. The writer
had first Ring-billed Gulls on Keuka Lake on August 4, after a lapse of some two
months, and one Caspian Tern at Hammondsport, September 3.

Swifts — Shrikes:

I believe both species of Cuckoos have been more in evidence this season than
usual. Mrs. G. J. Carter had a pair of Black-bills nesting in her door-yard in
Avoca. The writer had a Whip-poor-will flyirig over the Verdi Burtch Sanctuary
on September 1. My last date on Hummingbird was September 8. The Red-headed
Woodpeckers returned to nest for a second season in the same areq about three
miles from Branchport. Mr. Andrus of the Chemung Valley club found flocks of
migrating Sapsuckers on September 28. Mrs. Carter located three new colonies
of Cliff Swallows near Avoca this summer, making six colonies she now knows of in
that area; the colony on the farm of Corleton Sturdevant neor Prattsburg, con¬
tinues to increase, and the writer found a new colony of a dozen or so pairs near
Hammondsport. There are few either large or fair-sized flocks of Robins thus far
this’ fall; Cedar Waxwings were in evidence almost daily till September 20, and only
occosional individuals are on my daily lists since then.

The Kingbird

68

Warblers — Sparrows:

A pair of Worm-eating warblers nested on the property of Mrs. York at Elmira
this season, and were photographed by Dr. Allen. Blackburnian Warblers were feed¬
ing young near Breesport the first week in July, and a male was singing daily the
early part of the summer near Urbana. Palm Warblers have been more common
this fall than usual, and the writer has trapped and banded several. Mrs. Carter
found four pairs of Mourning Warblers near Avoca. My first fall Rusty Blackbirds
appeared on September 27. Indigo Buntings were rare here when I came to the
-area nearly 20 years ago, but now are common generally over the area, and are
still here this first week in October. Mrs. F, B. Weller had an Evening Grosbeak
in her yard on September 24, presumably at Watkins Glen. Mrs. Welles has had an
interesting return on an Evening Grosbeak which she banded at Elmira on March 18,
1950, and was retrapped on April 13, 1952 at Marquette, Mich. First White-
crowned Sparrows arrived at both Branchport and Elmira on September 28; first
White-throats at Hammondsport on September 13, and first fall Juncos at Branch-
port on the 27th.

Charles J. Spiker

Branchport, N. Y.

REGION 3 — LAKE ONTARIO

This report includes records from June, July, August and September. It was o
period featured by intense and constant heat and for the most part unusually dry
weather. The Rochester Weather Bureau reports a record of 32 days on which the
temperature reached ninety degrees or more!

While many swamps and Wet areas away from the shoreline of Lake Ontario
dried up completely, the lake itself receded only slowly and drained at or near
record high levels all summer. Although local duck production undoubtedly suffered
in many areas, the breeding season appeared about normal in other respects.

Shore birds were reported in good numbers considering the high water. Variety
of species also seemed better than last year although not os good as two years ago.

The fall migration to date has brought a few very exceptional records and many
unusually early dates particularly among water fowl and shore birds. The movement
of smaller birds thus far, may also be a bit eorly though not especially unusual in
other respects.

Loons — Ducks:

Both Common Loons and Horned Grebe were last reported in spring on June
10th and both reappeared this fall on Sept. 27th. One Whistling Swan, opparently
uninjured, summered at Oak Orchard (Folker). A Green-winged Teal was reported in
mid-summer at Rose's Marsh (Leubner), and a Lesser Scaup was seen at Shore Acres
on July 13th (McNetts). Practically all the surface feeding ducks returned early
this fall. Most of these records are from Montezunia marshes in late August. A
Canvasback on Seneca Lake, Sept. 1st was likewise very early (Dolan-O'Hara).
Hawks — Owls;

Scottered reports have been received of non-resident hawks and allied species
since lote August, mostly from the areas adjoining Lake Ontario. These species in¬
clude Duck Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Osprey and Broad-winged Hawk. However again
this year we were unable to find any evidence of a regular hawk flight through this
area in the fall.

A Ruffed Grouse which had evidently strayed from its normal habitat was flushed
from the small swamp at Stutson St. Bridge on Sept. 18 (Van Beurden).

Golden Plovers in numbers up to 22 were reported several times in contrast to
last fall when only one was seen. Black-bellied Plovers were fairly numerous but
no record of Piping Plover was obtained.

At times Ling Road was an excellent shore bird spot. Most numerous specie
were usually Yellow-legs, Killdeer and Semi-palmated Sandpipers, but a great variety
of other species were also present. ^

Hudsonian Curlew was reported once or twice while Knots, Dowitchers, Stilt and
Baird's Sandpipers were fairly common. Both Yellow-legs, Solitary and Least Sand¬
piper were all bock by late June, well ahead of previous early fall dates.

Many reports were received of Forester's Tern which was first recorded in this
area last fall. One or two birds were reported almost regularly in late August and
September.

The Barn Owl at Weidner Rood was regularly seen all summer but whether or
not it nested is not known.

The Kingbird

69

Swift's ■— Shrikes:

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Carolina Wren probably nested in Chili Woods
(Listman). An unusual number of reports of Cliff Swallow were received in late
summer and early fall.

On Sept. 13th an Arkansas or Western Kingbird was observed near Sodus Bay.
This is the first record for this area (Listman, H. Schaeffer, Van Beurden).

VIreos — Worblers:

Many warblers were back quite early — usually by late August. Blue-headed
Vireo was not reported this fall. Prothonotary Warbler appears well established
at both Montezuma and Oak Orchard, although it has not been reported breeding
at any other locations in this area in recent years. Listman, Barry and VanBeurden
report a possible Kirtland Warbler singing at Montezuma in early September. The
observation was not entirely satisfactory but the repeated song as well as what
was seen checked very closely with this species and not with any other. Perhaps
close observation of fall Warblers will disclose the presence of this species in this
area in future years during the fall migration.

Blackbirds — Sparrows:

Rusty Blackbirds were present in good numbers during late September. A Sharp¬
tailed Sparrow (Nelson's) was recorded at Manitou on Aug. 31 (Taylor). Juncos
had returned by mid-September and Tree Sparrows by early October. White-throats
and White-crowned Sparrows seemed especially numerous this fall as they had been
this spring. None of the winter finches had made an appearance at this writing
except the first Siskins which appeared in early October (Miller, Listman).

Richard T. O'Hara
100 Fernwood Pk.

Rochester 9, N. Y.

REGION 4 — ST. LAWRENCE

The summer and early fall were warmer than normal. Nesting success appeared
to be good, swallows being particularly numerous in late summer. A marked migra¬
tion wave of warblers and other land birds was noted. Sept, 20-21.

Loons — Ducks:

Over 1500 ducks were banded at the Perch Lake Refuge prior to October 1
indicating a definite increase in the local duck population. These were mainly
Blacks, Mallards and Wood Duck. Blue-winged Teal were noted frequently in Sep¬
tember, pointing to a good breeding season for this species.

Howks — Owls:

Evidence pf hawk migration was first noted about Sept. 15. Duck Hawk was
seen at Perch Lake on Sept. 15 (Wilson). Virginia Rail were noted in two localities
in July giving evidence that this bird breeds in suitable localities in Northern New
York. Sora-Sandy Pond Sept. 13 (Minor and Scheider). A Hudsonian Curlew was
reported riear Watertown on July 8 (Evens), The bird was seen at close range and
is believed to hove been injured. An unusual concentration of Wilson Snipe was
found near Lowville on August 5, at least fifty birds being present in a small area.
Willets at Sandy Pond, August 8 (Goodwin), Baird's Sandpiper, Aug. 17, Sept. 13,
Sandy Pond. A Red-backed Sandpiper was observed near Potsdam on Sept. 26
(Allison), and a Pectoral Sandpiper near Lowville on Sept. 30 (Belknop). Two
Forester's Tern at Sandy Pond Inlet Sept. 13, one Sept. 21 (Minor et al). One
(possibly two) Arctic Terns at Sandy Pond Inlet Aug. 17 (Scheider and Hileman).
Cuckoos are definitely increasing, mostly Black-billed.

Swifts — Shrikes:

As reported a year ago, the Red-headed Woodpecker is increasing as a summer
resident. Two pairs nested near Lowville (Bowen), and birds have been seen in four
localities in Jefferson Co. during July and August. Another was seen near Gouver-
neur in Sept.

Vireos —^ Worblers:

A male Yellow-breasted Chat was seen near Colton about June 15 (Daniels). The
Blue-headed Vireo appears to be on the increase in the Adirondack foothills.

John B. Belknap

^ 92 Clinton St.

Gouverneur, N. Y.

70

The Kingbird

REGION 6 — MOHAWK VALLEY

June Weather was about normal; July was drier and warmer than usual; August
and September brought normal temperatures and precipitation.

Loons — Ducks:

Double-crested Cormorant—One on Hudson below Albany, September 14.
American Egrets were about normal or below at Niskayuna and near Hudson.
Fifty-two at Hudson September 14v

Little Blue Heron—An adult August 2 at Vischers Ponds (McDonald).

Least Bittern—One June 21; two September 7; one September 27.

Canada Goose—Fifteen headed south August 24 near Lake George.

Pintail—Six September 7 at Niskayuna.

Green-winged Teal—One quite late June 21 at Vischers Ponds.

Blue-winged Teal—In fair numbers in August and September.

Wood Duck—Holding own; good numbers through summer.

Ruddy Duck—One early at Niskayuna September 27 (Tucker).

Hawks — Owls:

Broad-winged Hawk—Flights totaling 1 10 at Watervliet Reservoir and Altamont
on SBC trip September 21.

Virginia Rail—Frequently observed; seems to outnumber Sora, locally.

Sora—Two seen at Hudson River below Albany September 14; one Septem¬
ber 21.

Lesser Yellow-legs—Less frequent than Greater; six August 24 at Nickayuna;
one September 21. .

Pectoral Sandpiper—-In fair numbers.

Black Tern—Reported August 23 and 24.

Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos—Both slightly more numerous than usual.
Barn Owl—One seen repeatedly in Scotia by many observers; from June 3 to
early August; roosted mostly in tall elm; pellets collected.

Swifts — Shrikes:

Purple Martin—Only known local colony, at Saratoga, obout same as usual.
Gray-cheeked Thrush—Several seen at Loudonville September 23 (French) and
heard in night flight at Schenectady same date with numerous Olive-backed Thrushes.

Vireos — Sparrows:

Cape May Warbler—Recorded August 4 at Delmar (Madison).

Myrtle Warbler—-Nest with two warbler eggs, one cowbird egg, and one young
cowbird, found June 9, four miles north of Oneonta. Nest now in Cornell collection
(Robert Goodwin per Sally F. Hoyt).

Chat—^Two observed at Alplaus July 1 (Heitkamp).

Blue-winged Warbler—One near Vischers Ferry June 21 (Stone).

Sharp-tailed Sparrow—Rare; one at Niskayuna September 27 (Tucket).

Lincoln Sparrow—Five seen September 24 to 27 at Niskayuna.

Frazer R. Turrentine
Schenectady, N. Y.

The Kingbird

71

REGION 7— NEW YORK

July was uncommonly hot and dry, August normally hot and abnormally rainy,
September mild and rather dry. Despite the aridity of most of July, streams and
inland marshes seemed to hold up better than usual; the wetness of the spring was
undoubtedly the reason. Marsh-dwelling birds appeared to have had a good nest¬
ing seoson.

Loons — Ducks:

By the end of September, Pied-billed Grebes were numerous (Rockland Audubon
Society). Watson B. Hastings of Dobbs Ferry noted six Horned Grebes on Sept. 20
at Old Greenwich Point, Conn,, near our territory. There was no mass flight of
"white herons" this year; a few were scattered all over the area.

Least Bitterns attracted unaccustomed notice in Rockland County. Recorded
only four or five times previously in that area, they were found repeatedly and in
various localities: Piermont Marsh, Iona Island, Hackensack Valley. The maximum
seemed to be at least three pairs breeding in a half-mile stretch of the Hackensack
Creek, West Nyack.

Wood Ducks, too, hod a good nesting season. Up to 50 were reported In flocks
on the Hackensack Creek, more than 20 at Stony Point.

Hawks — Owls:

The peak in the early hawk migration in the Hudson Highlands came oh Sept.
21 when a Rockland Audubon Society party atop Bear Mountain (elev. 1300 ft.)
recorded 959 hawks — of which 881 Were Broad-wings —- in half a day. In the
peak holf-hour, from 11 to 11:30 a. m. DST, the count hit 574 Broad-wings, a
fraction above 1 9 per minute.

Virginia Rails, like Least Bitterns, were much more conspicuous than usual in
Rockland County during the nesting season. A Lesser Yellow-legs stayed at Lake
Kanawauke, Palisades Interstate Park, from July 26 to July 29 (Ken Chambers).
Common Terns were rather scarce on the Hudson River this year.

Nighthawks were nowhere abundant in early fall migration. Ken Harte of
Scarsdale reports 14 for Sept. 21.

Swifts — Shrikes:

Hummingbirds were unaccountably scarce in early summer. Pileated Wood¬
peckers kept turning up in new localities in Rockland County. The third record
for the Rockland area for the Red-headed Woodpecker came as a by-product of
the hawk watch on Bear Mountain Sept. 21. An immature male flew close at hand.
An early Yellow-bellied Sapsucker showed up at Dobbs Ferry on Sept. 24 (Hastings)’.

Great flocks of swallows passed through the region at the end of August, with
a higher proportion of Cliff Swallows than usual. Purple Martins, rare in this area,
were at Lake Kanawauke on July 13 (Chambers) and at Blauvelt in Rockland County
on Aug. 28. Chambers also saw Bank Swallows at Lake Kanawauke on July 16
and 29. Red-breasted Nuthatches, like last year, appeared early, Aug. 25 at Nyack
(Deed); they are so widely reported, and in such numbers, that last winter's invasion
seems due for a repeat performance. A Loggerhead Shrike, Sept. 13 at Ferry Point
Park, Bronx, was a good find (Harte).

Vireos — Warblers:

A big warbler migrotion began soon after Aug. 20, with one peak on Aug. 24
and others during September. Up to Sept. 25, Pine and Palm Warblers were very
common in lower Westchester (Harte). Magnolia, Canada, and Blackburnian
Warblers were generally commoner than usual.

A Blue-headed Vireo summered at Welch Lake, Rockland County (Chambers)
andan early date. Sept. 7, was scored for two birds at Larchmont (Scorsdale Audu¬
bon Society). An unusual experience for Mrs. Francis Irving of West Nyack was
to see in one day, July 30, two pairs of hybrids: one made up of a Golden-winged
and a Brewster's-type Warbler, the other of a male Lawrence's and a female Blue¬
winged. The birds lingered around Mrs. Irving's banding station for a few hours
but declined to be trapped and banded. An early Black-poll Warbler was recorded
by Dr. Marjorie R. Hopper at Nyack on Sept. 9. Mrs. Irving saw a very early
Wilson's Warbler on Aug. 18.

72

The Kingrhird

Blackbirds — Sparrows:

Ken Chambers listed a Bobolink at Lake Kanawauke on July 26 (his number of
dates from that spot stems from his living there through the summer as curator of
a regional trailside museum). Baltimore Orioles were abundant at the end of
August. Scarlet Tanagers tended to trickle through.

Purple Finch may have bred at Tollman Mountain Park, Piermont; a male jn
song was recorded June 8 and June 14, and a female was also seen in early June.
Slate-colored Juncos moved south early; we have Sept. 21 dates from Scarsdale and
White Plains (Mrs. H. E. Dickinson) and Rockland County.

Robert F. Deed
50 Clinton Ave.

Nyack, N. Y.

REGION 8 — LONG ISLAND

Dry weather prevailed in late spring and early summer resulting in successful
nesting of both water and land birds. Later in the summer reins refreshed the
vegetation and increased the insect crop causing good feeding conditions for young
land birds. Two pairs of Red-eyed Vireos at Massapequa were still feeding ygung
on September 8; one male sang at intervals while satisfying the hunger calls of
two well fledged juveniles and the husky pleas of a nearly-grown Cowbird which
insisted on its share of insects from its foster parents. Distribution of the Cardinal
and House Finch showed nesting of both species in seyeral new locations — the
former now breeding in Sopthampton and the House Finch eastward to Bay Shore.
Loons — Ducks:

There was an apparent scarcity of breeding Pied-billed Grebes. A White Pelican
showed up at Mill Neck in mid-June and was there until the end of September.
There were again one or two records of Snowy Egret nesting, but no report of the
American Egret breeding yet. In the Jones Beach colony there were 100 Black-
crown Night Herons; Yellow-crowned Night Herons were almost unrecorded. Some
good Black and Mallard Duck broods were noted, mostly among ferals. On June
29 there were 40 adult Gadwall and 90 young at Jones Beach. A Black Duck at
Gilgo had her nest with four eggs, April 12; 100 were present on Jones Beach pond,
June 29; a Wood Duck female had five young on June 15 at Manhasset.

Hawks — Owls:

Red-shouldered Hawk was observed breeding at Manhasset and the West Hills;
Osprey was reported at Orient, March 22 on its nesting ground. Several broods of
Bob-white were seen at Massapequa. Clapper Rail bred rather commonly in the
Oak Beach area. A nest of this species was found with nine eggs at Mill Neck,
July 13. There is some decrease in nesting areas due to building which affects
the Woodcock and Upland Plover; the latter still persists in one or two locations on
Hempstead Plains: Westbury, mid-June, four adults (Elliott). Skimmer and Tern
colonies regularly occupied on western Long Island. Ten pairs of Herring Gulls
nested at Cap Tree Island; 100 Common Terns on a grassy island off Copaigue, on
the Great South Bay; and six pairs (estimated) of Roseate Terns were seen carrying
food to a nearby colony off Fire Island Inlet (H. Darrow). The Mourning Dove
appears to be increasing in numbers during the past several years. There were
fewer reports of Black-billed Cuckoo than of Yellow-billed, especially at Mastic
(J. T. Nichols). Practically no Owl records came in, aside from the usual Barn Owl
reports.

Swifl-s — Shrikes:

A male Red-headed Woodpecker at nest hole in the Tackopausha Preserve at
Seaford was present daily during May and into June 15, but no female was seen
and apparently this rare bird on Long Island did not breed (E. Morgan). Three
pairs of Phoebes bred at Manhasset; Least Flycatcher was common on the Wood-
bury-Syosset and Oyster Bay uplands. Carolina Wren showed no increase as to
breeding on western Long Island, but goodly numbers breed in eastern Suffolk
county, one record coming from Southampton. A male Mockingbird was observed
singing at Merrick from May into July, but no female was seen and the bird
probably did not breed. Hermit Thrush colonies continue successfully at Coram
and Selden, but Nighthawks, formerly seen there in summer, have not appeared in
the last two years. Although classed as rare breeding birds on the outer beaches,
both Blue Jay and Chickadee were observed summering and apparently bred at
Sunken Forest on Fire Island Beach.

The Kingbird

73

Vireos — Warblers:

Warbling Vireo was more wide-spread, with three records coming from very
unusual locations; Sheepshead Bay, Idlewild and Babylon. The bird normally nests
along the north shore on western Long Island. The Yellow-throated Vireo was
regular at Oyster Bay and in other areas westward. The Black-throated Green
Warbler nested again at West Hills. Pine Warblers and Black and White Warblers
were feeding full grown young at Selden, July 6. Louisiana Water-Thrush was
comparatively uncommon; the Yellow-breasted Chat was noted as breeding in four
areas, and the Redstart at Sunken Forest, Fire Island.

Blackbirds — Sparrows:

The Red-winged, Blackbird was noted breeding in upland tracts, practically
waterless; Crackle was seen carrying nesting material at Seaford, April 7. Orchard
Oriole was present at Oyster Bay, and an adult male lingered at Seaford into the
first half of June. Cardinal was increasing rapidly over western Long Island where
in one or two locations two or three broods hove been observed. Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, rare here, is regarded as a regular breeding bird at Sed Cliff and there
were two other singing locations in June. The Vesper Sparrow has disappeared
largely through central western Long Island due to building. Burning on the
nesting grounds eliminated Short-billed Marsh Wren, Bobolink and Henslow's Spar¬
row at Massapequa this summer.

John J. Elliott
3994 Park Ave.

Seaford, Long Island, New York

REGION 9 — CENTRAL NEW YORK

The summer season has been generally dry and hot and insects abundant.
Gallinaceous ond other types of birds seemed to have fared well during the breeding
season.

At Montezuma Wildlife Refuge there was a good flight of shore birds during
the last half of August and they were still present in numbers during late September.
The lowered water table in the marsh area for the purpose of removing carp and
probably partially due also to thruway operations and dry weather provided ex¬
cellent feeding and foraging areas for the various species of shore birds. Certain
species were present in abundant numbers, others in relatively small numbers.

Loons — Ducks:

Five hundred Great Blue Herons at Montezuma Sept. 19-24 (Wilson, Andrews,
Munfords); at Montezuma 33 American Egrets August 17 (Ward), 7 on Oct. V
(Scheider and Evans). Flock of Canada Geese Sept. 25 over Syracuse (Scheider).
At Montezuma 25 Shoveller Ducks on Sept. 7 (Wards). In fall census conducted
by the Eoton Bird Club on Sept. 28 a total of 101 species were observed. Little
Blue Heron was observed but practically no diving ducks such as Scaups, Canvas-
back, Redheads had arrived on Seneca or Cayuga Lakes from their breeding grounds.
Four early Green-winged Teal Sept. 14 at Montezuma.

Hawks — Owls:

Bald Eagle nested again at Montezuma. Duck Hawk first report Sept. 14, sub¬
sequent reports Sept. 21, 27, two Sept. 28, one Oct. 1. No large Hawk concen¬
trations were reported in this region this fall.

Shore bird records were phenomenal. Just a few of the more unusual records
follow;

Golden Plover, 10 on Sept. 1 Montezuma (Gambrells), 19 on Sept. 14 Monte¬
zuma (Scheider, Cate, Woolf), 2 on Sept. 20 Montezuma (Minor), 80 on Oct. 1
Montezuma (Scheider, Evans). Ruddy Turnstone recorded at greater frequency this
year than in past years at both Montezuma and Oneida Lake. Few Greater Yellow-
legs but Lesser Yellow-legs recorded from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 in numbers up to 70
individuals at Montezuma. 15 Baird's Sandpiper, Sept. 1, Montezuma (Gambrells
and Wards), 3 at Montezuma on Sept. 14 and 2 on Sept. 21, Sylvan Beach (Minor,
Scheider). Hudsonian Curlew at Montezuma Aug. 31 (McKinney). Red-backed
Sandpiper at Sylvan Beach Sept, 28 and Oct. 1 (Hilemans).

74

The Kingbird

Many reports of Dowitchers, high count at Montezuma of 25 on Oct. 1 (Evans,
Scheider). Several records of Stilt Sandpiper and one record of a Western Sand¬
piper at Sylvan Beach Sept. 21 (Minor, Scheider, Little). Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Aug. 31 at Montezuma (Kemnitzer, McNett). Hudsonian Godwit at Sylvan Beach
Sept. 21 (Minor, Scheider, Little) observed within 5 ft. Three also observed at
Montezuma Sept. 1 (Gambrells, Wards). Thirteen Northern Phdlarope observed Aug.
22-Sept. 1 (Wilson et al), also one until Sept. 28, Bonaparte's Gull high number
of 30 at Sylvan Beach, Sept. 21.

■ Evidence of breeding Long-eared Owls, Barred Owls and Great-horned Owls at
Camp Woodland, Canstontia, Y. judging from persistent hooting through the
summer (Scheider).

Swifts — Shrikes:

Late Chimney Swift Sept. 27 at Montezuma. Late Hummingbird Sept. 23 at
Syracuse (Mrs. Cate), Montezuma Sept. 28 (Farnham). 3000 Tree Swallow Sept. 10
,at Montezuma (Scheider), poor year for Oneida Lake Cliff Swallow colony. Winter
Wren appears up in numbers due to blow-down damage. Wood Thrush at Syracuse
Sept. 30 (Mrs. Mayer). Good flights of Olive-backed and Gray-cheeked Thrush
noted night of Sept. 13-21 (Scheider).

Vireos -—• Sparrows:

There were only fe\v reports of early Warbler movements, however Scheider
reported some activity the nights and days of Sept. 13 and 14, One Lapland Long
spur at Montezuma on Sept. 14 (Hamilton). Juncos in flocks at Syracuse on Sept.
28 (Scheider).

Foster L. Gambrel I
288 Lafayette Ave.

Geneva, N. Y.

NOTE TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS AND
AND REGIONAL REPORTERS

The following dates are approximate deadlines, for material for
publication in The Kingbird. No further notice will be sent.

issue Date Material

APRIL-MAR. 31 All winter records.

JULY — JUNE 15 — Spring migration.

OCTOBER —- OCT. 20 — Nesting species and fall migration.

DECEMBER — JAN. 15 — Late fall migrants census highlights.

All material should be double spaced and typewritten.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

—Editor

The Kingbird

75

TOM AND IRENE HADLEY,

a nature team, have ap¬
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on Audubon Screen tour lec¬
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recording the songs of birds
with the aid of a parabolic
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pages of useful information you
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The Kingbird

6

THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS

1952

Officers

President: Eugene Eisenmann, 1 1 Broadway, New York 4, N. Y

Vice-Pres.: Harold D. Mitchell, 378 Crescent Ave., Buffalo 14, N, Y,

Cor. Sec.: Miss Louise Heifer, 111 9th St, Watkins Glen, N. Y.

Rec. Sec.: Albert W. Fudge, 326 Larchmont Road, Elmiro, N. Y.

Treasurer: Mrs. William J. English, 35Vi Lincoln Ave., Amsterdam, N. Y.

Editor of The Kingbird
Allan S. Klonick, 828 Grosvenor Road
Rochester 18, N. Y.

FEDERATON OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS CONVENTION

will be held at

BEAR MOUNTAIN PARK

MAY 23-24, 1953

Host: Rockland Audubon Society