The Migrant

ISSN 0026-3575

^ QU/\RTER.LY JOURNAL
DEVOTEDvTO TEN N ESSEK BIRDS

THETENNESSEE
ORNITHOLOGICAL
k SOCIETY J

mmm

MARCH 1991

VOL. 62, NO. 1

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST ISSUE PUBLISHED IN JUNE 1930

Published by

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tennessee on 7 October 1915
The T.O.S. is a non-profit, educational, scientific,
and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor — T. David Pitts, Biology Dept. UTM, Martin, TN 38238
State Count Compiler — Susan McWhirter, 4962 Gwynne, Memphis,TN

38117

Season Editor — Robert P. Ford, Tennessee Dept, of Conservation,
460 Ozier Road, Pinson, TN 38366

OFFICERS FOR 1989-1991

President — Barbara Finney, P.O. Box 1 1667, Knoxville, TN 37919
Vice Presidents:

East Term. — J.B. Owen, 2324 Antietam Road, Knoxville, TN 37917
Middle Tenn. — Portia MacMillan, 3201 Overlook Drive, Nashville,
TN 37212

West Tenn. — Virginia Reynolds, 4241 Waymar Dr., Memphis, TN 38 1 17
Directors-at-Large:

East Tenn. — Dee Eiklor, Rt. 1 1, Box 178, Gray, TN 37615
Middle Tenn. — David Snyder, Biology Department, Austin Peay
State University, Clarfeville, TN 37044
West Tenn. — John R. Conder, P.O. Box 443, Camden, TN 38320
Curator — James T. Tanner, 417 Switzerland Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920
Secretary — Nancy Tanner, 417 Switzerland Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920
Treasurer — George R. Payne, 5834 Edge water Cove #2, Memphis,

TN 38134

All TOS members receive The Migrant and the TOS newsletter, The Tennessee
Warbler. The newsletter carries information about meetings, forays, and club activities.

Annual dues are $10.00 for an Active membership. Other categories of membership
are: Student - $5.00; Family - $12.00; Library - $15.00; Sustaining - $20.00; Life - $200.00.
Chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses. Dues, contributions, and be-
quests are deductible from Federal income and estate taxes. Back issues of The Migrant
may be purchased from the Curator. Please correspond with the Treasurer for subscriptions,
memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December).

Printed by Tennessee Industrial Printing Services, Inc., 51 Miller Ave., Jackson, TN 38305.

Copyright © 1990 by the Tennessee Ornithological Society

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 62

March 1991

NO. 1

The Migrant, 62(l):l-2, 1991.

r 1 1

<■1 fi:.

SOME DEDUCTIONS FROM RECAPTURE RECORDS OF
BANDED COMMON YELLOWTHROATS

Paul A. Stewart
203 Mooreland Drive
Oxford, North Carolina 27565

Although many wood warblers have been banded during recent years, most of
these have been banded when in southward migration. Fewer warblers have been
banded during the nesting season. The extensive breeding range of Common
Yellowthroats {Geothylpis trichas), which extends southward in the United States
to the Gulf Coast, provides an opportunity for banding these birds in the United
States during the nesting season. Amelia R. Laskey banded Common Yellowthroats,
which can be assumed to have been on their nesting grounds, in Tennessee during
1932-1972. I have examined 43 resulting returns in quest of information on the
return of these birds to their nesting grounds.

METHODS

Mrs. Laskey banded 279 Common Yellowthroats during 1932-1941; from
1942-1972 she banded an additional 17 yellowthroats. Apparently all of these birds
were banded in the vicinity of her home at Graybar Lane in Nashville. Since she
banded few yellowthroats after 1941, 1 assume that either she devoted less effort
to trapping yellowthroats or the habitat changed and fewer yellowthroats were
present. Therefore, I have limited my analysis to those birds banded prior to 1942.

Of the 279 yellowthroats banded during 1932-1941,43 (15.4%) were recaptured
in a subsequent year. The 43 returns of Common Yellowthroats contained in the
listing were tabulated according to the number of years after banding returns were
made to the banding site, and the listing was examined for repeated returns. All of
the 43 birds were recaptured and released in the same 10-minute block of latitude
and longitude where they had been banded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

All of the 43 Common Yellowthroats recaptured were both banded and recaptured
during the period between 28 May and 12 September, suggesting that they were
on their nesting grounds both when first captured and when recaptured. Of the 43
returns, 18 were recaptured only once, 10 were recaptured twice, 6 were recaptured
three times, 2 were recaptured four times, 3 were recaptured five times, 3 were

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THE MIGRANT

MARCH

recaptured six times, and 2 were recaptured nine times. Twenty-seven of the 43
yellowthroats were aged when banded; all were after-hatching-year birds, further
suggesting that they were on their nesting grounds.

It is, of course, unknown whether the Common Yellowthroats evading capture
returned to their nesting places or moved elsewhere. None of the 43 banded birds
was reported elsewhere than at the banding site, suggesting that failure to recapture
the birds did not indicate a failure to return to the banding site.

Some Tennessee Common Yellowthroats survived into their sixth year (Table 1).
As the birds were aged as after-hatching-year birds when banded, they were
actually one year older than is shown in the table. As the sample used consisted
entirely of birds on their nesting grounds in one area, it cannot be known how this
finding on length of life applied to Common Yellowthroats elsewhere. Also, the
sample used consists of data collected almost half a century ago, and the relevance
of these findings to the present-day environment is uncertain. I found that some
Yellow-rumped Warblers (Dendroica coronata) also survived into their sixth year
(Stewart 1988. N. Am. Bird Bander 13: 106)

Table 1. Survival of Common Yellowthroats after their initial capture (based on
43 returns).

Length of survival (in years) after initial capture
1 2 3 4 5 6

Number 23 8 8 2 1 1

Percent 53.5 18.6 18.6 4.7 2.3 2.3

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to Mrs. Portia MacMillan of the Cumberland Museum in Nashville
and personnel of the Bird Banding Laboratory for making available to me the
records used in this paper. The paper is dedicated to the memory of Amelia R.
Laskey, whose indefatigable commitment to bird banding resulted in the collection
of the records used herein.

Accepted 2 January 1990.

The Migrant, 62(l):3-4, 1991.

POSSIBLE BREEDING OF PINE SISKINS AT
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE

Ted Caldwell
310 Fairy Trail

Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

On the evening of 27 May 1990 and on two other occasions in the following four
days, my wife, Beth, and I observed a fledgling Pine Siskin {Carduelis pinus)
begging and receiving food from a mature Pine Siskin at out back porch feeding
station. The feeders on our porch are 5.8 m (19 feet) above the ground in the
dogwood canopy which is shaded by the oak-hickory canopy above. The feeder
used was a Droll Yankee “Big Top” with the top all the way down, permitting
access only to birds that will hang from the bottom edge. The flegling, apparently
unable to land at the feeder, begged from the dogwood approximately 1 m from
the feeder and less than 3 m from our supper table on the porch.

We observed at leisure the begging and feeding during three evening meals from
27 May-31 May. The observations were made in good, but indirect, sun light
through the porch screen. Binoculars were not used due to the short distance
between the birds and us. The heavy streaking of the adult, small size and slender
bill were evident. The adult showed less yellow in the wings and base of the tail
than many siskins. The fledgling showed no yellow, and it appeared buffy with less
defined streaking on its breast. We did not observe a nest or any nesting activity.
We did not see any siskins in the area after 1 June.

Siskins substantially outnumbered all other species at our feeders throughout the
winter of 1989-1990, but most of the flock had departed by early April 1990. I
noted in my journal on 17 April that a small number of siskins persisted in visiting
our feeders which we continued to fill with black oil sunflower seeds throughout
the spring and summer.

Our home on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, is at an altitude of approximately
560 m and rests on the north slope of a small, wooded ravine which is composed
of about 10% conifers (mostly pines). The Tennessee-Georgia boundary lies some
130 m to the south of our feeding stations. The nearest habitat that seems to be
suitable siskin nesting habitat is a neighbor’s one acre lot approximately 150 m to
the east; the lot is landscaped with a diverse selection of conifers including blue
spruce, Norway spruce, Douglas-fir, eastern hemlock, yew, southern white pine,
and several species of hard pines all of which were planted during the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Siebenheller and Siebenheller (1987) observed nesting siskins in New York and
hypothesized that feeding stations maintained into the summer may encourage
siskins to breed outside of their normal range. Williams (1987) presented evidence
of siskins breeding near feeders at Ashville, North Carolina, at an elevation of 680
m. Hull (1989) reported eight confirmed breeding records in southern Michigan;
all occurred at feeders that (1) were heavily used by siskins the previous winter,
(2) were stocked with feed into the breeding season, 2ind (3) were located near
conifers. Our observations, which occurred under the same circumstances described
by Williams (1987) and HuU (1989), support the hypothesis of Siebenheller and
Siebenheller (1987). McNair (1988) in his review of siskin breeding records in the
southern Appalachians noted several summer records of siskins and evidence of

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THE MIGRANT

MARCH

breeding on an irregular basis; he did not find positive evidence of nesting in
Tennessee. The observations I have reported here provide the best available
evidence of Pine Siskins nesting in Tennessee.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Kenneth H. Dubke provided the literature cited in the manuscript. Much of the
excitement I have developed for bird observation over the past six years was
encouraged by Ken and his wife Lillian.

LITERATURE CITED

Hull, C. 1989. Additional Pine Siskin nesting records for southern Michigan. Jack-Pine
Warbler 67:131-133.

McNair, D.B. 1988. Review of breeding records of Red Crossbill and Pine Siskin in the
southern Appalachian Mountains and adjacent regions. Migrant 59: 105-113.
Siebenheller, B., and N. Siebenheller. 1987. Possible effects of artificial feeding on nest-site
selection by Pine Siskins. Chat 51:57-58.

Williams, N. 1987. Preflight Pine Siskins at Ashville, N.C. Chat 51:58.

Accepted 20 September 1990.

The Migrant, 62(l):4-5, 1991.

HISTORICAL BREEDING EVIDENCE OF THE BACHMAN’S
SPARROW IN THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS

Douglas B. McNair
303 Robinson Street
Rockingham, NC 28379
and

Charles P. Nicholson
P.O. Box 402
Norris, TN 37828

Three nests of the Bachman’s Sparrow {Aimophila aestivalis) discovered by
John S. Cairns at Weaverville (elevation 702 m), Bimcombe County, North
Carolina, are the only evidence this sparrow ever nested in the North Carolina
mountains (Simpson 1978). However, the actual details of each breeding record
have remained undocumented. We have located those three nests in museum egg
collections, plus two additional egg sets, also from Buncombe County. In addition,
we have located three Bachman’s Sparrow specimens collected by Cairns, then
sent to William Brewster. This note further documents those five breeding records
and the three collected specimens.

Cairns collected a fresh clutch of 5 eggs and the nest on the ground from
underneath a bunch of grass on a hillside on 14 May 1894 (Univ. Miami). In 1895,
Cairns collected two fresh clutches of 4 eggs with their nests, both placed on the
ground underneath small pine saplings, on 9 May and 14 May (Field Mus. Nat.
Hist., Chicago). On 20 April 1896 and 20 May 1897, W.M.R. (identity unknown)
collected for Samuel B. Ladd, a friend of Cairns’s, a fresh clutch of 4 eggs and

1991

BACHMAN’S SPARROW

5

another clutch of 4 with incubation begun, both from nests that were placed on the
ground under bunches of overhanging grass. The exact sites in Buncombe County
are unknown (Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Chicago; collection of B.M. Snyder).

Cairns collected a male Bachman’s Sparrow at Weaverville, North Carolina, on
19 June 1890 (Museum Comparative Zoology 247584) and again on 10 August
1894 (Museum Comparative Zoology 247585). He collected a female on 15 July
1892 (Museum Comparative Zoology 247586).

We do not know of any other confirmed breeding records of Bachman’s Sparrow
in the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province south of Virginia (Nicholson 1976;
McNair 1986, Tanner 1988). Excluding occasional records of spring transients
(birds detected from April to mid-May on one day only and without further
information), we know of only one other nesting or breeding-season record of
Bachman’s Sparrow in the Blue Ridge, that also a historical record. An adult male
was collected on 26 May 1885 on the outskirts of Franklin (elevation 644 m),
Macon County, North Carolina (Museum Comparative Zoology 210545); it was
singing in an old field with sassafras sprouts (Brewster 1 886; Simpson 1980). This
was the only Bachman’s Sparrow that Brewster observed during his 12-day trip to
the North Carolina mountains.

The breeding or breeding-season records cited above from seven years in the
late nineteenth century in the North Carolina mountains suggest that the Bachman’s
Sparrow was an uncommon breeding species at low elevations where suitable
early-successional habitats existed. The absence of twentieth-century breeding or
breeding-season records from the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province is probably
a result of an unexplained range contraction and population reduction. Recent
evidence of fairly large populations of Bachman’s Sparrow in west and central
Tennessee (Tanner 1988) yield some hope that Bachman’s Sparrow may again be
found breeding in the Blue Ridge south of Virginia.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank O.T. Owre and R.A. Paynter, Jr., curators of the egg collections at the
University of Miami, Florida, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard
University, respectively, D. Willard, collection manager for birds at the Field
Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, and B.M. Snyder for nest record and
specimen data of Bachman’s Sparrow. We thank H.E. LeGmnd, Jr., and E.F. Potter
for reviewing this note.

LITERATURE CITED

Brewster, W. 1886. An ornithological reconnaissance in western North Carolina. Auk
3:94-112, 173-179.

McNair, D.B. 1986. Past breeding distribution of eleven species in Georgia based on nest
records from egg data slips. Oriole 51:28-31.

Nicholson, C.P. 1976. The Bachman’s Sparrow in Tennessee. Migrant 47:53-60.

Simpson, M.B., Jr. 1978. The letters of John S. Cairns to William Brewster, 1887-1895.

North Carolina Historical Review 55:306-338.

Simpson, M.B., Jr. 1980. William Brewster’s exploration of the southern Appalachian
Mountains: the journal of 1885. North Carolina Historical Review 57:43-57.

Tanner, J.T. 1988. Changing ranges of birds in Tennessee. Migrant 59:73-87.

Accepted 21 February 1991.

The Migrant^ 62(1):6, 1991.

BOOK REVIEW

WHERE HAVE ALL THE BIRDS GONE?. 1989. Terborgh, J. Princeton
University Press, Princeton, N.J. 207 pp. Hardback $47.50; paperback $14.95.

“Get a copy of this book and read it. Look at the graphs on pages 9 (loss of
Wisconsin forest), 55 (cowbirds on Christmas counts), 125 (photo of Haitian
landscape), and 170 (loss of Costa Rican forest), think about the 18 suggestions on
pages 184-186, and take action on two of them.” Were I authorized to give readers
of The Migrant instructions about this book, those would be my instructions. An
eminent ecologist. Dr. Terborgh here applies his considerable skills and insight to
a readable and authoritative treatise on migratory birds. I agree with his lament:

“As a nation, we simply lacked the foresight to preserve samples of the undisturbed
environment. Had we done so, ecologists today could speak with authority on how
greatly the rest of the environment has been altered. But in the absence of controls,
we know we don’t have a scientific leg to stand on, and so by and large we remain
mute, even though we may be horrified by what we see.”

He begins with personal experiences from his boyhood in northern Virginia. His
experiences of landscape changes and bird community changes in his lifetime are
much like mine in Michigan and those of my children in Nashville. He painstakingly,
almost excruciatingly, examines deficiencies in our schemes of counting birds. He
then goes on, in light of these uncertainties, to look at changing land use patterns
and the changes in bird communities that have followed those changes in the
Western Hemisphere. He explores the roles of predation, parasites, competition
and habitat degradation in the change in populations, from those of waterfowl in
Chesapeake Bay to warblers in the Caribbean Basin. The ideas are presented in a
coherent sequence of chapters, which treat with some rigor a summary of research
results from North America, with less rigor the situation for migrants in winter in
the tropics, and conclude with an impassioned plea and clear plan for action to
assess the status and then conserve migratory birds that we so love to see. I found
myself at turns adamantly opposed and enthusiastically in favor of Terborgh’s
ideas. I think he failed to tell us about the importance of continental wind patterns
as these affect the distributions and abundances of migrants. I think he very clearly
articulated the importance of both winter and breeding grounds for migrants. His
discussion of the diversity of winter behavior and seasonal changes of behavior
among some species was, for me, very stimulating. His suggestion that local
chapters of organizations like the Tennessee Ornithological Society undertake
longterm Breeding Bird Census projects is one that I heartily endorse. Already,
since publication of this work, an international symposium devoted to ecology and
conservation of Neotropical migrants has taken place. Major efforts are underway
by Federal land managing agencies to incorporate protection of habitats for
migratory birds into their activities. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has
undertaken a major private conservation initiative in support of these efforts. My
fond hope is that the noble ideals so clearly stated by Terborgh, and embodied in
these other efforts, result in protection of habitats and the species they contain.
Otherwise, the answer to the question posed by the title of this splendid little book
will not be a place.

— Paul B. Hamel

6

The Migrant, 62(l):7-9, 1991.

MINUTES OF THE FALL 1990 TOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING AND SYMPOSIUM

The Fall 1990 TOS Board of Directors Meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in
Dickson, TN, on 27 October. The meeting was called to order by President Barbara
Finney at 4:35 p.m. A quorum was present.

Audrey Hoff was appointed to serve as secreta^ for Nancy Tanner, who was
unable to attend due to the illness of Jim Tanner. Minutes from the Spring 1990
TOS Board of Directors and Annual Meeting were distributed. The minutes were
approved as submitted.

VICE-PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS -AT-LARGE: There were no reports.

TREASURER’S REPORT: George Payne reported that current assets are
$61,442.77. From 5 May 1990 to 24 October 1990 income was $5,142.24, and
expenses were $4,7 10.65. Anticipated liabilities are estimated at $6,100.00. Since
the Spring Meeting, total assets have decreased by $598.97, primarily due to
decreases in the stock market.

George submitted the Budget for 1991:

Projected income = $15,825.00;

from dues: $9,950.00 (with slight growth anticipated);
miscellaneous income: $5,875.00 (includes interest
from money market fund, dividends from MIT funds,
contributions, memorials, bird seed sales).

Projected expenses = $15,275.00
for publications: $8,800.00;
officers’ expenses: $225.00

miscellaneous: $3,605.00 (includes mailing and permits,
charter renewal, supplies, misc. expenses);

Atlas: $2,645.00 (newsletter, blockbusting, expenses).

Ben Coffey moved to accept the budget at submitted and Bill Fowler seconded.
The motion carried. The Treasurer’s report is filed with the secretary.

SECRETARY: No report sent by Nancy Tanner. President Barbara Finney
requested that all chapters send the secretary an updated list of all chapter officers
and directors and their addresses. Some recent mailings sent to the last listed
officers have not reached the proper people. Barbara requested that any such mail
received be forwarded to the current officers.

CURATOR: No report.

EDITOR of The Migrant David Pitts reported that the December 1989 issue of
The Migrant should have been received by members recently. This issue contains
a species index. David will begin to publish the species index every year, instead
of every three years. The March 1990 issue will have the membership list, printed
with a disclaimer not to use without permission. The membership list will be
published every three years.

David asked that chapter treasurers update membership lists with current addres-
ses. He stated that as of 1989, 43% of the TOS membership had been members for
less than five years. With this high rate of turnover, it is important to keep address
lists current so that The Migrant will reach all members.

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THE MIGRANT

MARCH

The December 1990 issue will be the special 75th Anniversary edition. David
requested photos to be submitted for publication in this issue. He also requested
manuscripts and would welcome any comments about The Migrant.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: No report.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: No report.

BREEDING BIRD ATLAS: Chuck Nicholson reported that the 1990 field
season was very successful with good progress in all regions. Next year (1991) will
be the last field season. Most of the East Tennessee regions are close to completion.
There are still many unworked blocks in West Tennessee and in south Middle
Tennessee. The project is in good financial shape for the short term. Chuck said
that several fund raising activities are planned for the next few months, including
bird seed sales. Also, TWRA’s budget request for the next congressional session
includes a request for a $25,000 appropriation to subsidize publication of the Atlas book.

RECORDS COMMITTEE: Rick Knight reported that some records were voted
on by mail this year. The current members of the Records Committee are: East
TN — Rick Knight, Chm. (no alternate has been appointed); Middle TN — David
Vogt (Don Davidson, alt.); West TN — Bob Ford (George Payne, alt.).

CONSERVATION: Ken Dubke reported that he has written a letter to John P.
Waters, TV A, concerning fluctuating water levels in the lakes and the effect of
water levels on wildlife and aquatic vegetation. He has also written to Gary Myers
and Bob Hatcher, TWRA, about the Sandhill Cranes at Blythe Ferry. Ken expressed
concern about the renewed discussions of channelization of the Obion and Forked
Deer Rivers in West TN and asked that Bob Ford keep him updated about this.

PATCHES AND DECALS: Fred Carney sent a report that he had contacted the
Boy Scouts of America to get prices for new TOS patches. A simple design would
cost $1.00 each for an order of 200-400 and a more elaborate design would cost
$1.25, with a minimum order of 600. Fred asked that the treasurer be authorized to
send a check for the full amount of the order, not to exceed $900. Fred said that
sketch had been offered by a representative of BSA, and that he would send this
on to other members of the committee for their approval. Barbara Finney said that
she also had a design submitted to her by Bill Bridgeforth. George Payne said that
there was no money budgeted for 1991 for patches, and if they were added, other
expenses may have to be limited. There was no motion made to allocate money for
patches. Barbara Finney suggested that designs be submitted to the committee for
approval, and that money be included in the next year’s budget.

FALL SYMPOSIUM: Barbara Finney thanked George Mayfield and David Pitts
for making the arrangements for the Symposium, and Cleo Mayfield and Gaither
Gray for the refreshments. Volunteers were requested to chair next year’s symposium.

“TENNESSEE WARBLER’’: Barbara Finney reported for Jim Finney that the
Postal Service has been very uneven in the time of their distribution of the
“Warbler”. She asked that information for the spring “Warbler” be sent in time for
the “Warbler” to be mailed in late February.

OLD BUSINESS

AWARDS COMMITTEE: Ron Hoff sent forms to distribute to chapters to
nominate members for the TOS Distinguished Service Award. The pins have been
sent to last year’s recipients. Barbara Finney reminded the Vice Presidents and

1991

1990 TOS MINUTES

9

Directors-at-Large that they have a responsibility to see that information, such as
these nominations, get to members-at-large. The deadline for nominations will be
published in the “Warbler.” Ron has also requested that the chair be rotated through
each of the three state regions. Beirbara said that since this is an appointed position,
the State President will be responsible for filling this position.

MIGRANT COVERS: David Pitts stated that no new covers have been submitted.
NEW BUSINESS

SPRING MEETING: Nashville will host the Spring Meeting, which will be
26-28 April 1991.

NEW CHAPTER: Lula Coffey officially welcomed the new TOS chapter in
Jackson. The Directors accepted the new chapter and welcomed them (retroactively)
to TOS. The Jackson chapter was formed in October 1989, and TOS dues were
paid in February 1990.

OTHER ITEMS: Barbara Finney read a letter received from Lois Herndon
expressing her deep appreciation for the Distinguished Service award and the pin.

Barbara reminded chapter presidents to encourage election of directors who can
come to the state meeting regularly. Only directors can vote at the state meetings,
as stated in the State Constitution. Some directors have been elected who rarely
come to the meetings.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m.

SYMPOSIUM

The program of the 1990 TOS Symposium was arranged by T. David Pitts. The
speakers and the titles of presentations follow.

Saturday afternoon (27 October)

Some effects of tree harvest on the breeding bird populations of LBL, by

David Snyder.

The Monsanto ponds, by Bedford Lochridge.

Social dominance hierarchies in captive groups of White-crowned Sparrows,

by Anna Ross.

Comments on the distribution of the Bewick's Wren, by Ben Coffey.

Conservation of neotropical birds: case of the Prothonotary Warbler, by Lisa

Petit.

The Pine Siskins of Chattanooga, by Tommie Rogers.

The asynchrony of arrival of Yellow-rumped Warblers in upper East and

Middle Tennessee, by George Mayfield.

Foray reports and Breeding Bird Atlas update, by C.P. Nicholson.

Saturday evening

Beautiful, Bountiful, but Beleaguered: Winter Birds of Belize, by Dan Petit

(University of Arkansas).

Respectfully submitted,

Audrey R. Hoff
Secretary pro tern, TOS

The Migrant, 62(l):10-20, 1991.

THE 1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Susan N. McWhirter

INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS

Twenty-four counts were conducted in Tennessee for the 1990-1991 season with
the resulting total of 149 species plus 1 additional species seen during the “count
week” (3 days before and after count day). This surpasses all previous species
totals, but the pending status of three gull species and the lack of documentation
for several species rare for the CBC bring this total into question. The mild weather
preceding the count period made for the increased possibility of sightings of
lingering species, and several such sightings were made, but in some cases no details
were submitted to substantiate. Without any documentation one must consider
questionable those sightings that are not within the parameters of past records such
as those cited in Robinson (1990) and Knight (1986). Anyone using this count
information for scientific or other similar purposes must first examine each separate
count for documentation of a specific species.

Many counts reported spring-like high temperatures that were well above
average. Only one count reported below-freezing temperatures, but even these were
above average by the day’s end. Rain was reported on 14 counts, and cloudy skies
on all. The Jackson count is new and notable for its large concentration of American
Crows.

Several species never before recorded in a Tennessee CBC made their debut this
year including Western Sandpiper, Glaucous Gull, California Gull*, Thayer’s
Gull*, Lesser Black-backed Gull*, Great Black-backed Gull, and Black-chinned
Hummingbird. The latter supports Robinson’s (1990) recommendation that careful
study should be made of all late fall hummingbirds due to the tendency of western
species to wander. The American White Pelican (3rd CBC record) at Savannah
caused some excitement in the Pickwick area. The “Savannah Courier” featured a
story on this bird with an accompanying photograph that clearly shows a white
pelican; unfortunately, the paper identifies it as “a common European white stork
{Ciconia ciconia).. .originating from Central Asia”!

*pending review by TN Bird Records Committee

LITERATURE CITED

Robinson, John C., 1990, An annotated checklist of the birds of Tennessee. University of
Tennessee Press, Knoxville.

Knight, Richard L., 1986, Tennessee Christmas bird counts, as reported in the Migrant,
1930-1986. Unpublished monograph.

MEMPHIS — 16 Dec; 0500-1700; cloudy with drizzle and rain; temp. 42-43F,
wind SW, 5 mph; 46 observers in 10-15 parties; 128 party hours (95 on foot, 33 by
car) plus 2 owling; 197 party miles (72 on foot, 125 by car) plus 2 owling. Good
details submitted for Western Sandpiper (MW, RP, DB, MG, TF); 2nd winter
record for Shelby Co. and 3rd for TN, 1st CBC record. 92 species, 21, 282
individuals. Trish Ardovino, Buzz Bean, Dianne Bean, Betty Blaylock, David
Blaylock, Claude Brown, Barbara Bullock, Carolyn Bullock, Fred Carney, Ben B.
Coffey, Lula Coffey, Julian Darlington, Harold Elphingstone, Jim Ferguson, Bob
Ford, Bill Fowler, Tim Furr, Murry Gardler, Joe Guinn, Van Harris, Barbara

10

1991

1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

11

Hollobon, Tony Hollobon, Bob Ilardi, Ginger Ilardi, David Kesler, Jo Levy, Selma
Lewis, Mac McWhirter, Susan McWhirter, Gerry Papachristou, George Payne,
Jeanne Payne, Bill Peeples, Rob Peeples, Martha Ramey, Ernie Restivo, Virginia
Reynolds, Arlo Smith, Noreen Smith, Beverly Spore, Dick Spore, Richard Taylor,
Phil Waldon, Martha Waldron (compiler — 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis 38 1 19),
Barbara Wilson, Rich Wilson.

REELFOOT LAKE — 18 Dec; 0700- 1 630, rain in AM, partly cloudy PM; temp.
53-58F; wind N, 3 mph; 13 observers in 5 parties; 47 party hours (16 on foot, 31
by car); 220.5 party miles (13.5 on foot, 207 by car); 91 species, 50,328 individuals.
Judy Barnes, Dianne Bean, Ben B. Coffey, Lula Coffey, Donald Doster, Harold
Elphingstone, Bob Ford, Bill Fowler, Mark Greene, Dick Preston, Glenn Stanley,
Bettie Sumara, Eddie Wilbanks (compiler — 407 Wynn St., Tiptonville 38079).

JACKSON — 29 Dec, 0630-1700, cloudy with some light rain; temp. 59-68F,
wind W 5-15 mph; 9 observers in 5 parties plus 4 at feeders; 36 party hours (19 by
car, 17 on foot) plus 6.5 feeder hours; 267.5 party miles (257 by car, 10.5 on foot);
69 species, 313,127 individuals. Linda Barber, Neal Barber, Joyce Campion,
Martha Ellis, Bob Ford, Mark A. Greene (compiler — 174 Mt. Orange Rd., Trenton
38382), Allen Hight, Helen Hight, Selena Little, Jackie Utley, Corene Welch,
Linda Welch, Lynn Williams.

SAVANNAH — 29 Dec; 0300-1700; cloudy with occasional light mist; temp.
59-66F; wind SW, 3-18 mph; heavy flooding, 4 observers in 2 parties plus 2 at
feeders; 20 party hours ( 1 1 .2 by car, 8.8 on foot) plus 3.5 owling and 5.5 at feeders;
167.5 party miles (160.4 by car, 7.1 on foot) plus 50 owling; 90 species, 4,631
individuals. Good details submitted for Am. VTiite Pelican (DS, m.ob.). Details
also submitted for Greater Scaup (DS), California Gull* (DS, m.ob.) (first state
record), Thayer’s Gull* (DS), Lesser Black-backed Gull* (DS), and Great Black-
backed Gull (DS); all gulls are first count records except the Great Black-backed
(2nd record). Sheila Franks, Jeff Gamer, Lois Johnson, Ned Piper, Damien Simbeck
(compiler — 600 Sugg PL, Dyersburg 38024), Dennis Stevens.

*pending review by TN Bird Records Committee

CROSS CREEKS NWR — 15 Dec; 0530-1700; rain in AM, cloudy in PM; temp.
36-62F; wind N, 7 mph; 1 1 observers in 6 parties; 56.5 party hours (20.5 on foot,
36 by car); 330.5 party miles (15.5 on foot, 315 by car); 99 species, 39,171
individuals. Good details submitted for Sedge Wren (DB). No documentation on
LeConte’s Sparrow. Donald Blunk, Jerry Drewry, Clayton Ferrell, Carol Hale
(compiler — Rt. 1, Box 556, Dover 37058), Ken Haskins, Lucia Haskins, Edward
Landers, Madge Lawrence, Joyce North, Chris Sloan, Ed Toone.

BUFFALO RIVER — 28 Dec; 0630-1715; cloudy with light rain all day and
fog in PM; temp. 43-55F; wind SW, 0- 10 mph; 10 observers in 4 parties; 35.5 party
hours (23 by car, 12.5 by foot) plus 3.25 owling; 21 1.5 party miles (197.5 by car,
14 on foot) plus 6 owling; 77 species, 5,407 individuals. Good details submitted
for Rough-legged Hawk (DaS), Sandhill Crane (DoSi, RN, JS, HB), and Lincoln’s
Sparrow (DoSe, JN, MB). Michael Beverlein, Hugh Bullock, Chester McConnell,
Royce Neidert, Jane Newell, Donnette Sellers, Damien Simbeck, Don Simbeck
(compiler — 117 2nd Ave. N., Loretto 38469), Joy Springer, Morris Williams.

12

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

CLARKSVILLE — 29 Dec; 0700-1630; cloudy with light rain in PM; temp.
55-65F; wind SW, 5 mph; 12 observers in 5 parties plus 17 at feeders; 50 party
hours (33.5 by car, 16.5 by foot) plus 10.5 at feeders; 321 party miles (303.5 by
car, 17.5 by foot); 73 species, 17,270 individuals. No details submitted on White
eyed Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler or Common Tern. Gerald Emlay, Jeannie
Emlay, Carol S. Hale, Ken Haskins, Lucia Haskins, Annie H. Heilman, Bill Hudson
(compiler — 619 Idlewild Dr., Clarksville 37040), Gloria Milliken, Bill Milliken,
Carl Mowery, Louise Powell, Barbara Wilbur. Feeder counters: Joe Allen, Agnes
Ellis, Nancy Hughes, Mike Lee, Thurston Lee, Dr. and Mrs. William Lyle, Mary
McCray, Helena Minningham, Evelyn Nixon, Pascal Phillips, Shelia Smith, Jean
Thomas, Margaret Vansoijk, Ellen Walker, James Watts, Stanley York.

COLUMBIA — 24 Dec. 0530-1600; heavy overcast with light to moderate rain,
a few intervals without rain; wind S, 5-15 mph; temp. 50-65F; 7 observers in 4
parties plus 2 at feeders; 27 party hours (20 by car, 7 by foot) plus 10 at feeders
and 3.5 owling; 381 party miles (375 by car, 6 on foot) plus 17 owling; 87 species,
108,947 individuals. Stephen Brinkley, William Jemigan, Allyn Lay, Anne and
Bedford Lochridge, Cleo and George Mayfield (compiler — 999 Sunnyside Dr.,
Columbia 38401). Nancy Beyer and Larry Thomas at feeders.

NASHVILLE — 22 Dec; 0545-1515; all day rain, fog, flooding; wind S, 5 mph;
temp. 35-67F, but back down to 45 in PM; 1 8 observers in 6 parties; 40 party hours
(18.5 by car, 21.5 by car); 223 party miles (207 by car, 16 on foot); 76 species;
7,97 1 individuals. The White- winged Scoter has been a regular visitor; good details
submitted on Rose-breasted Grosbeak (DV, BH, KW). Bob Bray den. Kin Cosner,
Jerry Drewry, Richard Figari, Bob Hatcher, Pamilla Hopkins, Ed Landers, Ken
Lundstrom, Scott Lovell, Joseph McLaughlin, Chris Sloan, Joe Stone, Ann Tarbell
(compiler — 6033 Sherwood Dr., Nashville 37215), Ed Toone III, ^ Toone IV,
Oma Vaughn, David Vogt, Kenneth Walkup.

HICKORY PRIEST — 1 Jan; 0500-1730; partly cloudy in AM, clear in PM;
still water partly frozen, wind SW, 10 mph; temp. 19-5 IF, 8 observers in 5-6 parties;
46.5 party hours (19 by car, 27.5 on foot); 266 party miles (248 by car, 18 on foot);
83 species; 16,076 individuals. Linda Anderson, Jerry Drewry (compiler — 1115
Golf Course Ln., Ashland City 37015), Mark Hackney, Dick Newton, Chris Sloan,
Joe Stone, Ann Tarbell, David Vogt.

MURFREESBORO — 5 Jan, 0700-1800; mostly cloudy; wind SW, 5-15 mph;
temp 40-50F; 12 observers in 7 parties; 36 party hours plus 8 at feeders and 1
owling; 273 party miles (270 by car, 3 on foot), 68 species, 17,367 individuals.
Details submitted on Glaucous Gull (TW, DM) and Lark Sparrow (L&BE, TW,
DM). Bertha Chrietzberg, Lou and Bill Erwin, Anne (compiler — 1018 Lawndale
Dr., Murfreesboro 37129) and Bob Hettish, Richard and Wilma Hunter, David
McCarroll, Larry McFarlin, Eugene and Ruth Odom, Terry Witt, Caryl Witt at feeder.

LEBANON — 5 Jan; 0700-1800; cloudy; temp. 40-52F; 16 observers; 150 party
miles plus feeders; 60 species; 7,295 individuals. No details submitted on Osprey.
E.C. Berry, V.C. Berry, F. Crawford, N. Crawford, Hazel Cassel, Kathleen McCracken,
Ruth V. McMillan (compiler — Rt. 2, Box 141, Lacassas 37085), Larry Norris, N. Kay
Norris, Anna M. Parker, Ramona See, Dorothy Stockard, Clara Thomas, Ann
Tomlinson, Melissa A. Turrentine, Roy Turrentine.

1991

1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

13

HIGHLAND RIM — 29 Dec; 0420-1800; cloudy, with intermittent rain and
drizzle; wind S, 8- 12 mph; temp. 55-65F; 20 observers in 10 parties; 42 party hours
(34 by car, 8 on foot) plus 3 owling; 449 party miles (440 by car, 9 on foot) plus
40 owling; 86 species; 9,775 individuals. Good details submitted for Greater Scaup
(DD, KD, LD) and Vesper Sparrow (DD, LD). John J. Bruner, Lois J. Bruner,
Donald L. Davidson (compiler — 1703 2nd Ave., Manchester 37355), Kenneth H.
Dubke, Lillian H. Dubke, Marquerrite D. Hernandez, Jerry L. Ingles, Ruth W.
Luckadoo, Corinne R. Martinez, Jose H. Martinez, Chloe W. Peebles, J. Howell
Peebles, Erma L. Rogers, C. David Rutledge, Mary E. Shelton, Quincy N. Stykes,
Stewart White, Lillie D. Willard, Grady M. York, Wilma P. York.

McMinnville — 29 Dec; 0545- 1645; partly cloudy; wind S, 12 mph; temp.
58-66F; 7 observers in 3 parties; 18.5 party hours (12.25 by car, 6.25 on foot);
163.75 party miles (161.5 by car, 2.75 on foot); 53 species; 5,724 individuals. Amy
Delong, Denise Delong, Timothy Jones, Clyde Malone (compiler — 114 Kennedy
Cl., McMinnville 37 1 10), James Pearsoll, Donna Ware, Mickey Ware.

NICKAJACK LAKE — 29 Dec; 0500-1725; cloudy, foggy, light intermittent
rain; wind S, 0-15 mph; temp. 45-57F; 18 observers in 8 parties; 65.25 party hours
(27 by car, 38.25 by foot) plus 4.25 owling; 335.25 party miles (314.75 by car, 20.5
on foot) plus 25.25 owling; 94 species, 76,964 individuals. Nelson Bennett, Koyle
Blevins, Kenton Dickerson, Jerry Drewry, Gilbert Foster, Anita Gaddy, Danny
Gaddy, John Henderson, Albert Jenkins, Starr Klein, Johnny Parks (compiler —
1610 East 17th St., Chattanooga 37404), Tom Patton, Peter Robinson, Joe Stone,
Carl Swafford, Bemie Thompkins, Sabin Thompson, Bruce Wilkey.

CHATTANOOGA — 15 Dec; 0730-1800; cloudy and foggy; wind S, 12-15
mph; temp. 46-62F, 27 observers in 12 parties, plus 5 at feeders; 66 party hours (27
by car, 39 by foot), plus 38 hours at feeders and 4.5 owling; 419 party miles (380
by car, 39 on foot) plus 49 owling; 99 species, 17,629 individuals. The Black-
chinned Hummingbird was banded, has been accepted by the TN Bird Records
Committee, and is the first state record. Good details submitted for Green-backed
Heron (DR, DC) and House Wren (JH, TR). Nelson Bennett, Clyde Blum, David
Chaffin, Louise Cash, Brainard Cooper, Chad Dom, Ken Dubke, Lil Dubke, Bill
Haley, Linda Harris, Paul Harris, John Henderson (compiler — 7323 Fairington
CL, Hixson 37343), A1 Jenkins, Bill Lane, Polly Lane, Barbara McMahan, Mike
McMahan, Tom Patton, Bob Pierce, James Randolph, Don Ritzhaupt, Tommie
Rogers, Robin Rudd, Donnie Rush, Bemie Tompkins, Dan Williams, Dick
Wodzenski.

HIWASSEE— 1 Jan; 0500-1800; cloudy; wind W5-10mph; temp. 45-54F; 16
observers in 8 parties; 78 party hours (13 by car, 61 on foot, 4 by boat) plus 3
owling; 314 party miles (363 by car, 25 on foot, 12 by boat) plus 12 owling; 96
species, 10,143 individuals. Extensive details submitted for the warbler species,
but identification uncertain (possible female Hooded ?). Clyde Blum, Carl
Campbell, Richard Clark, Andrew Core, Ken Dubke, Lil Dubke, Bill Haley, Dick
Hughes, A1 Jenkins, Chuck Nicholson, Johnny Parks, Robin A. Rudd (compiler —
7611 Davidson Rd., Chattanooga 37421), Gene Ryther, Boyd Sharp, Bumie
Tompkins, Dick Wodzenski.

14

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

KNOXVILLE — 12 Dec; 0645-1745; cloudy-partly cloudy; wind 0-10 mph;
temp. 44-57F; 28 observers in 19 parties plus 2 at feeders; 90 party hours (41.2 by
car, 48.8 on foot) plus 2 owling; 474 party miles (435 by car, 39 on foot) plus 17
owling; 83 species, 12,999 individuals. Details submitted for Spotted Sandpiper
(MD, DH). Jane Beintema, Betty Reid Campbell, James Campbell, Bob Collier,
Lara Collier, Andrew Core, Marcia Davis, Barbara Finney, Jim Finney, Louise
Fuller, Brice Gilmer, Maurice Grigsby, Paul Hartigan, Audry Hoff (compiler —
4523 McCloud Rd., Knoxville, 37938), Ron Hoff, Andrew Howe, Tom Howe,
David Howell, Tony Koella, Bettie Mason, James Mason, Chester Massey, Charles
Nicholson, Holly Overton, Paul Pardue, Mike Reeves, Mike Ryon, Boyd Sharp.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK — 30 Dec; 0630-1645;
partly cloudy with light rain in afternoon, wind SW, 15-20 with gusts to 50 mph;
temp. 42-75F; 1 1 observers in 8 parties; 184.25 party miles (129 by car, 55.25 on
foot) and 1 1 owling; 59.75 party hours (14.25 by car, 45.5 on foot) plus 1 owling;
55 species; 1,139 individuals. The Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees were in
mixed flocks as Black-capped move to lower elevations in the winter. Jane
Beintema, Richard Clark, Don DeFoe (compiler — GSMNP, Gatlinburg, 37738),
Paul Hartigan, Susan Hoyle, Burt Jones, Tony Koella, Charles Nicholson, Holly
Overton, Paul Pardue, Martha Rudolph, Boyd Sharp.

GREENVILLE — 29 Dec; 0600-1800; cloudy with fog in AM; wind N, up to
2 mph, temp. 40-62F; 22 observers in 11 parties plus 13 at feeders; 215.7 party
miles (200.2 by car, 12.5 on foot, 3 by boat) plus .25 owling; 49 party hours (20 by
car, 25 on foot, 4 by boat) plus .75 owling and 18 at feeders; 64 species, 29,21 1
individuals. Mark Britton, Orland Britton, Phine Britton, Justine Carlos, Cynthia
Cragin, H.E. Cragin, King Gant, Margaret Gant, Juanita Heckart, Lenard Heckart,
Don Holt, Jim Holt (compiler — 311 Colonial Cl., Greeneville, 37743), Cindy
Jones, Richard Nevins, Willie Ruth Nevius, Daniel J. Nieves, Doug Ratledge,
Helen Reed, Jo Anne Routledge, Doug Routledge, Jean Weaver, Virginia Wil-
liams.

KINGSPORT — 29 Dec; 0800-1600; cloudy; wind 0-5 mph; temp. 35-45F; 74
observers in 14 parties (includes 48 observers who participated in a Kid’s Count
only); 478 party miles (454 by car, 24 on foot) plus 51 owling; 75.5 party hours
(47 by car, 28.5 on foot) plus 3.5 owling; 74 species; 10,803 individuals. Good
details on Black-capped Chickadee (LH) and Double-crested Cormorant (AS).
Frank Altom, Dean and Julie Anderson, Reva Baker, Marla and Andrew Bell,
Sandra and Danny Blakely, Vada Church, Suzanne, Stephen, Emily and Katy
Clark, Goldie and Shannon Coykendall, Chris Crawford, Joan and Stephen Cross,
Jane Ensign, Michelle Fout, Aubry Gaby, Jim Gilland, Carrie Grey, Ligia Hawkins,
Wynn Herbert, Errol and Anna Hess, Jean Horton, Marie and Senter Jackson, Dick
and Nicholas Jackson, Rick Knight, Greg and Graham Kramer, Robbie Larkin,
George, Suzanne and Violet Larkins, Gary and Sylvia Morin, Danny Mumford,
Ian Myers, Lisa Parrott, Ron Pendleton, Jason Phipps, Bob Quillen, Sue and Peter
Raber, Connie and Jarrod Reed, Tricia Riddle, Emily Sikora, Marty, Chris, Jacob,
Rachel, Mary, David, Hannah, and Sarah Silver, Arthur Smith (compiler — 100
Otari Dr., Kingsport 37664), Sarah and Rachel Sprinkle, Jeanne and Mike Ubal-
dani, Tina Vincent, Frank Williams, Becky, John and Randy Wofford, Kristin,
Zachary, and Nicholas Zimet.

1991

1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

15

ELIZABETHTON — 16 Dec; 0500-1830; clear to partly cloudy, wind W 0-20
mph; temp. 39-57F; 17 observers in 6 parties; 341 party miles (325 by car, 16 on
foot) plus 21 owling; 5 1 party hours (23 by car, 28 on foot) plus 4 owling. Details
submitted for Cattle Egret (RE, GW, FW). 71 species, 5,833 individuals. Fred
Alsop, Wallace Coffey, Brian Cross, Martha Dillenbeck, Rusty Dunn, Dee Eiklor,
Elizabeth Funkhouser, Dick Hegler, Dan Hurrine, Rick Knight (compiler — 804
N. Hills Dr., Johnson City 37604), Richard Lura, Tom McNeil, Glenn Swoford,
Gary Wallace, Frank Ward, Jim and Shirley Wayland.

BRISTOL — 30 Dec; 0700-1800; cloudy with brief morning shower; wind S,
0-1 mph; temp. 47-68F; 13 observers in7 parties; 383 party miles (371 by car, 12
on foot) plus 37 owling; 51 party hours (33 by car, 18 on foot) plus 4.5 owling; 78
species, 7,048 individuals. J. Wallace Coffey, Bert Hale, Ken Hale, Loraine Hale,
Joe Jackson, Rick Knight, Tom Laughlin, Richard Lewis (compiler — 407 V.I.
Ranch Rd., Bristol 37620), Don Littrell, Alice Nair, John Shumate, Jr., Lorrie
Shumate, Randy Smith.

ROAN MOUNTAIN — 23 Dec; 0630-1600; light to heavy rain; wind S, 0-10
mph; temp. 55-65F; 10 observers in 3 parties; 131 party miles (127 by car, 4 on
foot) plus 3 owling; 18 party hours (12 by car, 6 on foot) plus 1 owling; 42 species,
1,160 individuals. Fred Alsop, James Brooks, Brian Cross, Dan Huffine, Rick
Knight (compiler — 804 N. Hills Dr., Johnson City 37604), Kelli and Rad
Mayfield, Frank Ward, Jim and Shirley Wayland.

1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

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1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

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1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

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1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

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1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

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20

The Migrant, 62(1): 21-28, 1991

THE SEASON
Robert P. Ford, Editor

This summer season contributed its share of first class birding to those observers
going afield. During June, field trips for the Breeding Bird Atlas and Breeding
Bird Surveys added valuable information to our knowledge of the status of breeding
birds across the state, while field work in July resulted in reports of several vagrants.
Weather patterns were considered close to normal across the state, although
stretches of dry weather occurred in each region.

For several species, nesting documentation was encouraging. Cedar Waxwings
were once again reported as nesting in the Coastal Plain of west Tennessee, and
were found in 1 1 counties of the Ridge and Valley Region. As in past years.
Grasshopper Sparrows were discovered at new sites in middle Tennessee. The
Eastern Mountain Region reported a noteworthy overlap of Willow and Alder
Flycatchers. However, some species did not fare as well. Only in the eastern
mountains were “good” numbers of woodland vireos and warblers reported.

A new state record appeared along the Mississippi River in July, an Arctic Tern.
Unfortunately, only one person was able to see the bird, but it was observed at
unusually close range. Other vagrants were observed in the Ridge and Valley, most
notably a high number of White Ibis and one Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. As always,
this report contains many hidden treasures for those reading through it. Please take
note of those records, and in the upcoming seasons add to them by contributing
your observations to the regional compilers.

Abbreviations used in this report include: ad-adult, BBS-Breeding Bird Survey,
Co.-County, EOP-end of period, ers-earliest recorded sighting for period, et al-and
others, fide-reported by, f-female, im-immature, m-male, max-maximum number
reported during period, m.ob.-many observers, pr-pair, yg-young, *-record has
been documented.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION - The unseasonably hot, dry weather
might have been a contributing factor to a lower than usual number of sightings for
the summer. However, an Arctic Tern was observed at Island 13 in Lake County
for a new state record. Nesting Cedar Waxwings were observed in Chester County
for a second nest record in west Tennessee. Attention was given to breeding birds
as a consequence of the atlas and the summer breeding bird surveys.

21

22

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Grebe-Moorhen: Pied-billed Grebe: 1 1 Jul (30, 2-3 family groups) PRI (VBR,
CHB, MGW). American White Pelican: 15/22 Jul (1 ad) Hwy 79 W, LKC (WGC).
Double-crested Cormorant: 9 Jun (2) Is 13 Rd, (1) REL, LKC (WGC). Tricolored
Heron: 1 1 Jul (1) PRI (MGW). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 6 Jun (4 im) Dixon
Art Gallery, MEM (ITOD, SSL, Mark Orr), a report of 3 nests and 10 yg were
observed by grounds personnel prior to the Jun confirmation of yg. Black-crowned
Night Heron: 22/24 Jul (6 ad, 5 inV16+) Hwy 79 W, LKC (WGC). White Ibis: 2 Jul
(1 im) Hwy 79 W, LKC (WGC). Hooded Merganser: 1 1 Jun (3) Hwy 412, NE of
Dyersburg, DYC (MAG). Black Vulture: 5 Jun (18) Bluff Rd, GBC (MAG).
Turkey Vulture: 5 Jun (21) Bluff Rd, GBC (MAG). Osprey: 3 Jun (1) Walnut Log
REL, OBC (WGC); 4 Jul (4 nests, 8 ad) REL, OBC and LKC (MAG, SDL).
Mississippi Kite: 1 Jun (37) LKC (WGC); 26 Jun (30+) FPP (Knox Martin); 27 Jun

(1) Youngerman Rd, 4 miles W and 1 mile S of Middleburg, HEC (DPB); 14 Jul
(36, 1 nest with yg) FPP, (17) Hwy 19, LDC (MAG, SDL); 17 Jul (13) Is 13, LKC
(WGC). Broad- winged Hawk: 5 Jun (1) Bluff Rd, GBC (MAG). Cooper’s Hawk:
28 Jun (1) Old Eaton Rd, 3 miles E of l^ton, GBC (MLG); 3 Jul (1) Dowdy Rd, 1
mile E of Old Brownsville Rd, FYC (VBR, CHB). American Kestrel: 5 Jun (1)
FYC (CHB, VBR); 15 Jun (1) LKC (WGC); 26 Jun (10 im) banded and released.
The yg were brought to the MEM Zoo. Six birds were from within the city limits
of MEM, and four were from Collierville (Knox Martin); 20 Jun (pr with yg) SW
MEM (GBB); 21 Jun (1) LDC (MGW, VBR, CHB); 26 Jun (3) S of Henry, HNC
(CHB, DPB). Common Moorhen: 1 Jun/30 Jun (1/1 ad, 2 im) Kirby Pocket, REL,
OBC (MAG, RPF).

Shorebirds: The sludge lagoons in Ensley Bottoms, now known as THE EARTH
COMPLEX (TEC), was visited on the average of twice a week. The data represent
the highest and lowest numbers recorded during the period. The observers reporting
for the TEC are MGW, JEW, VBR, MLG, CHB, unless otherwise noted. This year
the 110 acre wetland adjacent to the sludge lagoons provided additional nesting
sites for the Black-necked Stilt. Lesser Yellowlegs: 4 Jul-EOP (1-14) TEC. Solitary
Sandpiper: 4 Jul-EOP (2-17) TEC; 7 Jul (2) Phillipy Pits LKC (WGC); 19 Jul (1)
HWR, HYC (MAG). Willet: 11 Jul (1) PRI (VBR, MGW, CHB), early for SBC
and west Tennessee. Spotted Sandpiper: 15 Jul-EOP (5-1) TEC. WHIMBREL: 21 Jul
-EOP (1) TEC (BBC, LCC, Lynn Gardler, MLG, JRW, m. ob.). Ruddy Turnstone:
3 Jun (1) Phillipy Pits, LKC (WGC). Sanderling: 21 Jul (2) Junction 103 and Great
River Rd, DYC, 22 Jul (1) Is 13, LKC (WGC). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 19 Jul
-EOP (115-25) TEC. Western Sandpiper: 15 Jul-EOP (2-20) TEC. Least Sandpiper:
7 Jul (20) Phillipy Pits, LKC (WGC); 15 Jul-EOP (27/2) TEC; 15 Jul (28) Hwy 79 W,
LKC (WGC). Baird’s Sandpiper: 15 Jul (1) TEC (MLG). Pectoral Sandpiper: 7 Jul

(2) Phillipy Pits, LKC (WGC), 15 Jul-EOP (45-987) TEC. Stilt Sandpiper: 24 Jul
(1) TEC. Black-necked Stilt: 6 Jun (2) Hwy 412, NE of Dyersburg DYC (MAG);
10 Jun (1) 2 miles S of 104 and Great River Rd, DYC (WGC); 1 Jun-EOP (18+)
TEC, highest number of successful nests since 1982. Yg were first observed as
early as the second week of Jun and downy yg as late as 3 1 Jul.

Gull-Waxwing: Herring Gull: 23 Jul (1 im) Trenton Shady Acres Park, GBC
(MAG, SDL, JCG). Caspian Tern: 9 Jun/20 Jul (2) Is 13 Rd, LKC (WGC). ARCTIC
TERN: 6 Jul (1 breeding plumage) Is 13 Rd, LKC (WGC), accepted by State
Certification Committee. Forster’s Tern: 17/22 Jul (1) Is 13, LKC (WGC). Least

1991

THE SEASON

23

Table 1. Results from a chuck- wiirswidow (CWW) 2ind Whippoor-will (WPW)
survey in west Tennessee (BBC, LCC).

CWW WPW

Kilometers

No.

No.

Date

County

surveyed

Total

per km

Total

per km

4 Jun

Benton

12

17

1.4

24

2.0

6/7 Jun

Carroll

38

48

1.3

57

1.5

6/7 Jun

Henderson

42

78

1.9

36

1.2

Tern: 1 1 Jul (6, 2 yg) nest on PRI (VBR, MOW, CHB); 7 Jul (90) Is 13 (WGC).
Black Tern: 3/9 Jun (4) Is 13 Rd, LKC (WGC); 9 Jun (10) Boothspoint, DYC
(MAG, SDL); 22 Jul (17) TEC (MLG, m.ob.); 10/17 Jul (1) Is 13, LKC (WGC).
Bam Owl: 15/17 Jun (1) Parks Well Rd near Liberty, WKC (MAG, SDL, JCG).
Common Nighthawk: 20 Jun (7 in 5 locations) MEM, numbers seem to be down
(LCC). Chuck-wilPs-widow and Whip-poor-will: A summary of 1990 survey
results are listed in Table 1 (BBC, LCC). In NW HEN, nothing heard at 1/4 of
stops; SW CLC, nothing at 1/5 of stops; SW HAC, nothing at 1/3 of stops. Old
Bethel Rd (CLC) and Forrest Hill Rd (HAC) best for WPW, stormy weather
allowed for only 2 all night runs. 3 Jun (3 WPW) Shiloh NMP, (none in 1989); 7 Jun
(1 WPW) SE GBC (BBC, LCC).

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher: 29 May-EOP ( 1 pr, nest with 2 eggs in a Loblolly Pine,
unsuccessful) PDP, HDC (DJS, m.ob.). Bank Swallow: 1 Jun (150+ nesting colony)
Hwy 104 near Heloise, DYC (MAG); 12 Jun (120 holes, 25 birds) MS River, DYC
(WGC); 30 Jun (87 holes, 47 birds) Pt. Pleasant, LKC (RPF); 13/22 Jul (150/600)
Is 13, LKC (WGC); 18 Jul (1200+) Midway, DYC (MAG). Cliff Swallow: 18 Jul
(43) Midway, DYC (MAG); 19 Jul ( 12) Midway, DYC (MAG). Fish Crow: 26 Jun
(1) Bluff Rd, GBC (MAG); 6 Jul (1) BCT, WKC (MAG); 15 Jul (1) Phillipy Pits,

22 Jul (3) Is 13, LKC (WGC). House Wren: 30 Jun (2) Pt. Pleasant, LKC (RPF);
14 Jul (1) FPP, LDC (MAG, SDL). Sedge Wren: 19 Jul (1) TEC (MLG). Eastern
Bluebird: 23 Jun (common) in Block 5 of Massey ville and Rosecreek quads during
atlassing project (MGW, JEW). Loggerhead Shrike: 12/15 Jun (8) HAC (VBR,
MGW, CHB); 25 Jun (1 1) WKC and CLC, 27/28/29 Jun (9) DTC and HEC, 2 Jul
(1) FYC (MGW, VBR, CHB); 2/3/8 Jul (6) FYC (CHB, DPB); 3/8 Jul (9) FYC
(VBR, MGW, CHB). Cedar Waxwing: 16 Jun (pr) PDP, HDC (DJS); 27 Jun (1
nest) Pin Oak Lodge, NTP, HEC (CHB, DPB), second confirmed nesting for west
Tennessee during the atlas project; 27 Jun (1 im) Tatlock Lake, Tipton Co. (RLW).

Vireo-Bobolink: Warbling Vireo: 1 Jun-EOP (3) PDP, HDC (DJS); 25 Jun (1)
Macedonia Bottoms, GBC (MAG). Black and White Warbler: 15 Jun (1) BCT,
WKC (MAG); 26 Jun ( 1 m) Elkins landing, 3 miles SE of Mt. Lebanon, DTC (DPB,
CHB); 15 Jul (2) DTC (CHB). Swainson’s Warbler: 2 Jun (3) Hatchie River boat
trip with the Nature Conservancy, Hwy 76 to Hwy 70, HYC (VBR, RPF), (3) HWR,
HYC BBS (CHB, MLG), (2) HWR, HYC BBS (BBC, LCC, JBG); 5/11 Jun (1)
Vildo Rd N of Hwy 100, HAC (CHB, RPF); 21 Jun (4) LDC (MGW, VBR, CHB);

23 Jun (1) CSP, HAC (MAG, SDL); 24 (1) PEF (VBR); 26 Jun (2) 0.2 to 0.3 miles
S of the South Fork of Obion River, NW of Trezvant, CLC (CHB, DPB). Hooded

24

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Warbler: 2 Jim (3) HWR, HYC BBS (BBC, LCC, JBG); 15 Jim (2) BCT, WKC
(MAG); 23 Jun (2) CSP (MAG, SDL); 24 Jun (1) PEF (VBR). Louisiana
Waterthrush: 2 Jun (5) Hatchie River boat trip with the Nature Conservancy, Hwy
76 to Hwy 70, HYC (VBR, RPF), (1) HWR, HYC BBS (BBC, LCC, JBG), (7)
HWR HYC BBS (CHB, MLG); 15 Jun (1) BCT, WKC (MAG); 23 Jun (1) CSP
(MAG, SDL). Scarlet Tanager: 23 Jun (1) CSP (MAG, SDL); 27 Jun (1 m) Mays
Chapel Rd, 1 mile W of Pin Oak Lodge, Natchez Trace State Park, HEC (DPB,
CHB). Bachman’s Sparrow: 1 Jim-EOP (pr) Burnt Church Rd, HDC (DJS). Lark
Sparrow: 27 Jun (2) 1.4 miles S of Middleburg; 28 Jun (1) 2.5 miles S of
Middleburg, HEC (DPB, CHB). Grasshopper Sparrow: 27 Jun (2) 1 .4 miles S of
Middleburg, HEC (DPB, CHB); 6 Jul (1) UT Martin campus, WKC (MAG). Song
Sparrow: 2 Jul (1) Pt. Pleasant, LKC (RPF); 21 Jul-EOP (1) TEC (MLG, m.ob.).
Bobolink: 5 Jun (1 f) Bluff Rd, GBC (MAG), late.

Locations: BCT-Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area, Weakly Co.; CLC-Carroll
Co.; CSP-Chickasaw State Park, Chester Co.; DTC-Decatur Co.; DYC-Dyer Co.;
FPP-Ft. Pillow Prison, Lauderdale Co.; FYC-Fayette Co.; GBC-Gibson Co.;
HAC-Hardeman Co.; HDC-Hardin Co.; HEC-Henderson Co.; HWR-Hatchie Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge; HYC-Haywood Co.; LDC-Lauderdale Co.; LKC-Lake
Co.; MEM-Memphis; OBC-Obion Co.; PDP-Pickwick Dam Park, Hardin Co.;
PEF-Penal Farm, Shelby Co.; PRI-President’s Island, Shelby Co.; REL-Reelfoot
Lake, Lake and/or Obion Cos.; SBC-Shelby County; TEC-The Earth Complex,
Shelby Co.; WKC- Weakly Co.

MARTHA G. WALDRON, 1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, TN 38119

HIGHLAND RIM AND BASIN REGION - Rainfall in Nashville was about 1 .5
inches below normal for Jun and almost an inch above normal in Jul. Temperatures
were near normal for the period. Several species not normally found summering in the
region were reported during the period. Among these rarities were a Pied-billed
Grebe, a pair of Double-crested Cormorants, a Hooded Merganser, and a Great
Egret. Tennessee Breeding Bird Atlas field workers reported encouraging numbers
of Great Blue Herons, Homed Larks, and Grasshopper Sparrows.

Grebe-Merganser: Pied-billed Grebe: 23 Jun (1) Stauffer Pond, MUC (OBL,
WNJ). DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT: 31 July (2) PPL, RUC (MLM), first
Jul record for Nashville area. Great Blue Heron: reported from 13 locations in the
following counties; RUC, Marshall Co., Dekalb Co., Warren Co., Trousdale Co.,
Bedford Co., DVC, Clay Co. Great Egret: 1-3 Jul (1) Shelby Bottoms, DVC (Mark
S. Hackney). Cattle Egret: 5 Aug (29) OHL, SUC (Robert M. Hatcher). HOODED
MERGANSER: 6 Jul (1 f) OHL, SUC (Richard Newton, Grace Newton), photo
and documentation were submitted for this first Nashville area record.

Hawk-Warbler: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 6 Jun (2 ad*) 4 miles S of Watertown,
Wilson Co., (N. Kay Norris, RVM); 21 Jul (1 ad, 2 im) Murfreesboro, RUC (TJW),
the yg were observed being fed by the ad for a 2 week period. Cooper’s Hawk: 16 Jun
(1) near Hermitage Springs, Clay Co. (CPN), an ad carrying food; 16 Jun (1) near
Sunrise, Macon Co. (CPN); 21 Jun (1 im) near Halltown, Trousdale Co. (DFV).
Homed Lark: 6 Jun (1) near Portland, SUC (ATT); 9 Jun (1) near Hollow Springs,

1991

THE SEASON

25

Cannon Co. (DFV); 14 Jun (1) near Kedron, Maury Co. (DFV); 26 Jun (1) near
Morrison, Cannon Co. (DFV). American Redstart: 24 Jul (lb) L^wis Co. (GRM).

Sparrow-Siskin: Lark Sparrow: 17 Jun (1) Lascassas, RUC (RVM). Grasshopper
Sparrow: 1 Jun (1) Horseshoe Bend, DVC (DFV); 9 Jun (2) near Hollow Springs,
Cannon Co. (DFV); 13 Jun (1) near Centertown, Warren Co. (JWW); 16 Jun (1)
near Red Boiling Springs, Macon Co. (CPN); 17 Jun (1) near Webb’s Jungle, RUC
(DFV); 18 Jun (3) near Deason, Bedford Co. (DFV); 26 Jun (5) near Morrison,
Warren Co. (DFV), max; 28 Jun (1) Readyville, Cannon Co. (RVM); 29 Jun (2)
near Beech Grove, Cannon Co. (DFV). Pine Sisldn: 9 Jun (1) BAH, PUC (RWS).

Locations: BAH-Bames Hollow; DVC-Davidson Co.; MUC-Maury Co.; OHL-
Old Hickory Lake; PPL-Percy Priest Lake; PUC-Putnam Co.; RUC-Rutherford
Co.; SUC-Sumner Co.

DAVID F. VOGT, 7818 Old Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION - Weather conditions should have
been conducive to a successful nesting season, other variables permitting.
Precipitation for the season was near normal, ranging from +0.2 inches at Chat-
t2Uiooga to -0.9 inches at Johnson City. However, distribution of this rain was
uneven, with late June to mid- July being very dry. Temperatures were near normal
with a few minor fluctuations.

Atlasing accounted for much of the data presented. This report contains observations
from 30 of 42 (7 1 %) counties that are all or partly in the region, which matches the
figure for 1988 (1989 was lower). Highlights include a group of Cattle Egret nests
and two Sharp-shinned Hawk nests in the Knoxville area, another Bam Owl nest
in the Tri-cities area, and Cedar Waxwing nests from 1 1 counties. Aside from
breeding birds, good numbers of wandering herons and White Ibises were en-
countered, as was a vagrant Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Read through these and the
other interesting sightings listed below.

Cormorant-Ibis: Double-crested Cormorant: 4 Jun (2) Fort Loudoun Lake, KNC
portion (Boyd Sharp); 10 Jun (1) near Niota, McMinn Co. (RC); 15 Jul (1/1 im)
Tellico Lake, Blount Co./KSP (ARH/ ARH, KHD, LHD). Least Bittern: 1, 14 Jul
(1) HRA, MEC portion (CDB, TLR et al.). Great Blue Heron: 9 Jun (4 nests with
yg) Nickajack Lake, MAC (KHD, LHD), first breeding there. Great Egret: 7 Jun
(1) COR (STS, RS); 13-21 Jun (1) BLV (BGM et al.); 26 Jun (2) Bristol, SLC
(JWC); 9 Jul (1) Cove Lake S.P., CPC (RLK); 15-31 Jul (max 9) KSP (m.ob.); 15 Jul
(6) MAC landfill (TLR); 28 Jul (1) Piney Flats, SLC (JWC). Snowy Egret: 3 Jun
(1) Nolichucky Waterfowl Sanctuary, GNC (Jim Holt); 28 Jul (2) HRA (KHD,
LHD). Little Blue Heron: 17, 29 Jul (2 im) KSP (RLK); 28 Jul (7) HRA (KHD,
LHD); 31 Jul (2) Savannah Bay, HLC (KHD). Cattle Egret: 7 Jun, 2 Jul (1) COR
(STS, RS); 22, 26 Jun (8-9 prs on nests in Black-crowned Night-Heron colony)
Fork Creek section of Fort Ix)udoun Lake, LOC (RC), rare nester in east Tennessee;
28-29 Jul (1) AUS (JWC et al.). Black-crowned Night-Heron: 7-31 Jul (max 14)
AUS (JWC et al); 16 Jul (1) Savannah Bay, HLC (KHD). Yellow-crowned
Night-Heron: 7 Jun/ 14 Jul (6 ad/2 im) BLV (BGM et al); 9 Jul ( 1 im) Jonesborough,
WGC (James Brooks). White Ibis: 12-13 Jun (1 im) Nolichucky Waterfowl
Sanctuary, GNC (Jim Holt); 4-30 Jul (1 im) Collegedale, HLC (Dick Wodzenski

26

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

et aL); 9 Jul (1 im) Cocke Co. (fide J.B. Owen); 17 Jul (2 im/3 im) COR/Blount
Co. (STS, RS/ fide J.B. Owen); high number of occurrences.

Duck-Woodpecker: Northern Pintail: 28 Jul (1 m) KSP (LHD). American
Wigeon: 28 Jul (1 m) KSP (KHD, LHD). Osprey: 23 active nests at Watts Bar Lake,
MEC, RNC and Rhea Co. 2ind 3 active nests on Melton Hill Lake, KNC (fide Ed
Beddow); 24 Jun ( 1) AUS (JWC). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1 6 Jun (ad on nest) Walden
Ridge, ANC (RDH); 20 Jun (nest with 3 yg) south KNC (Jim Heptinstall, fide
RDH). Cooper’s Hawk: sightings in ANC, CUC, Grainger Co., GNC, HLC, JEC,
RNC, WGC (m.ob.). American Kestrel: “seemed to be more common than usual”
in GNC, SLC, WGC area (RLK). Peregrine Falcon: 29 Jul (1) Signal mountain,
HLC (Dan Williams, Jr.); see addendum. Greater Yellowlegs: 15 Jul (1) KSP
(KHD, LHD), ers. Lesser Yellowlegs: 6 Jul (1) Bledsoe Co. (JWW), ers. Solitary
Sandpiper: 17 Jul (1) COR (STS, RS), ers. Least Sandpiper: 9 Jul (1) LST (RLK),
ers. Pectoral Sandpiper: 29 Jul (1) LST (RLK), ers. Americsin Woodcock: 25 Jun

(1) Meadowview Marsh, SLC (FJA); 14 Jul (2) Prentice Cooper State Forest, MAC
(TLR et al.). Caspian Tern: 15/28 Jul (5/3) KSP (ARH, KHD, LHD). Black Tern:
14 Jul (4) HRA (CDB, TLR et al.); 15 Jul (1) Tellico Lake, Monroe Co. (ARH).
Rock Dove: apparently nesting on cliffs at Fall Creek Falls S.P., Van Buren Co.
and Savage Gulf, Grundy Co. (RLK). Black-billed Cuckoo: 3 Jun (1) CIC (RDH,
ARH). Bam Owl: 1 1 Jun (2 ad, 2 yg at nest) Bristol, SLC (JWC); WGC sites still
active (Dan Huffine). Red-headed Woodpecker: pr all season at LST (BLC et al.).

Flycatcher-Wren: Willow Flycatcher: pr near Jellico, CPC (RDH, ARH); 6 Jun

(2) Vandever, CUC (CPN); 13 Jun-EOP (2) BLV (BGM); 25 Jun (2) Meadowview
Marsh, SLC (FJA); 1 Jul (nest with 3 eggs) HRA, MEC portion (CDB, TLR); also
reported from several regular sites. SCISSOR-T AILED FLYCATCHER: 2 Jun (1)
Camp Creek, GNC (RLK). Homed Lark: 5 Jun (1 in large clearcut) Dorton, CUC
(CPr^; 13, 15 Jun (2 ad, 1 im) Mascot, KNC (RDH, ARH), “first KNC summer
report in years” (CPN); singing birds at Morristown airport, Hamblen Co. and at
McCLoud and Mohawl^ GNC (RLK). Tree Swallow: 2 Jun (1) Kinser Park, GNC
(RLK); 2-3 Jun (pr at nest) Holston River at Kingsport, SLC (Stan Strickland); 6 Jun
(2 pr, used nest) Vandever, CUC (CPN); 17 Jun (pr at nest hole) Cherokee Lake,
Grainger Co. portion (RDH); continues to expand in region. Bank Swallow: 1 3 Jun
(colony with 175 cavities, 100+ birds) Mascot, KNC (RDH, ARH), site has been
used several years; 1 Jul (about 200 cavities, many birds) New Market, JEC (Miles
Wright, RDH, ARH), a new site; both in zinc mine tailings. House Wren: singing
birds at Cleveland, Bradley Co. (TLR et al.) and Athens, McMinn Co. (KHD,
LHD); a few reports from KNC, as usual (fide CPN); 2 singing birds in CIC (RDH,
ARH).

Waxwing-Oriole: Cedar Waxwing: “After lots of nest reports in 1988, there were
fewer last year; however, many reports again this year. Locations include both the
Cumberland Plateau and Ridge and Valley provinces.” (CPN); nest reports came
from ANC (3 sites), CPC, CUC (3 sites), HLC (Signal Mountain), JEC, LOC,
Monroe, Morgan, Rhea, RNC and Scott Cos. (CPN, RDH, ARH, RC, Tom Patton).
Loggerhead Shrike: 12 Jun (ad with 3 yg) Mohawk, GNC (RLK); 21 Jun (ad with
2 yg) Bradley Co. (Robert Pierce, KHD, LHD); nests reported near Lake City, ANC
(RDH) and Lenoir City, LOC (RC); birds seen in CIC, GNC, WGC (RDH, ARH,
RLK, BLC). Solitary Vireo: 1 each at 2 sites near Savage Point and 1 site near

1991

THE SEASON

27

Ketner Gap, Sequatchie Co (Robert Pierce), on the southern plateau. Warbling
Vioreo: 2-3 Jun (pr at nest, same tree as Tree Swallow nest) Holston River in
Kingsport, SLC (Stan Stricldand); pr thru Jun at LST (BLC, RLK). Prothonotary
Warbler: 2 Jun (1) Kinser Park, GNC (RLK). Swainson’s Warbler: singing birds
found at Tackett Creek, CIC (RDH); 5 birds near Nemo, Emory River, Morgan Co.
(CPN); 3 birds at 2 sites in Fentress Co. (CPN); “but several observers have been
unable to find the species at some formerly reguleir spots in CPC” (CPN). Canada
Warbler: 2 Jun (1) low elevation in CPC (RDH, ARH), probably a late migrant.
Norhtem Oriole: 19 Jun (1) Boone Lake, SLC (FJA); 5 Jul (1) Gray, WGC (Dee
Eiklor).

Addendum: Peregrine Falcon: 1 1 Jul 1989 (1 ad) Stone Door section of Savage
Gulf, Grundy Co. (Barbara Stedman), in suitable nesting area; no sign of occupancy
in Jul 1990 (RLK).

Locations: ANC-Anderson Co.; AUS-Austin Springs, Washington Co.;BLV-
Brainerd Levee, Hamilton Co.; CPC-Campbell Co.; CIC-Claibome Co.; COR-
Corryton, Union Co.; CUC-Cumberland Co.; GNC-Greene Co.; HLC-Hamilton
Co.; HRA-Hiwassee River Area, primarily Meigs Co., but also Bradley, McMinn
and Rhea Cos.; JEC- Jefferson Co.; KSP-Kingston Steam Plant, Roane Co.; KNC-
Knox Co.; LST-Limestone, Washington Co.; LOC-Loudon Co.; MAC-Marion
Co.; MEC-Meigs Co.; RNC-Roane Co.; SLC-Sullivan Co.; WGC- Washington Co.

RICHARD L. KNIGHT, 804 North Hills Dr., Johnson City, TN 37604

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION - Temperatures and precipitation were near
norml for the summer period. No shorebirds were reported due to high lake levels.
A territorial Alder Flycatcher during June at 2800’ elevation was near a previous
site of territorial Willow Flycatchers, a noteworthy overlap of breeding locations
for these two species. Tree and Cliff Swallows continue to increase nesting sites in
the northern part of the region. Most vireo and warbler species occurred in good
numbers in suitable habitat.

Loon-Turkey: Common Loon: 20 Jul-EOP (2, winter plumage) SHL (BLC,
GWS, et al.). Great Blue Heron: 2 Jun (1) Heaton Creek, RNM (FJA); 15 Jun (1)
WTR (RLK). Great Egret: 25 Jun (1) SHL (RPL). Yellow-crowned Night Heron:
1-2 seen regularly along WTR in ELI (GOW). Osprey: 26 Jun (1) WTR in Watauga,
CRC (BLC). Bald Eagle: 27 Jul (1 im) ERW (BLC). Sharp-shinned Hawk: no
reports, unusual. Cooper’s Hawk: 2 reports, RNM and LBL. Red-shouldercd
Hawk: 15 Jul (1) RNM (SR). Peregrine Falcon: May and Jun (pr on territory) Alum
Cove, GSMNP (RLK, et al.), courtship flight observed; 1 Jul (1) PKL (Tommie L.
Rogers, CDB). Ruffed Grouse: 16 Jun (1) Clingman’s Dome, GSMNP (RPL),
above 6000’ elevation, drumming. Wild Turkey: 10 Jun (2) Cross Mountain, CRC
(GOW); 30 Jun (1) Simmerly Creek, CRC (FJA).

Cuckoo-Wren: Black-billed Cuckoo: 9 Jun (1) SHL (RPL). Willow Flycatcher:
singing males in Jun at Heaton Creek (1), ERW (1), SDV (1), MTC (4), LBL (3),
ELI (1) (RLK, FJA). Alder Flycatcher: thru 21 Jul (6+) RNM (RLK, GOW, et al.);
5-22 Jun (1 singing male) SDV (Ed Schell, Arthur Smith, RLK, GOW), 2800’
elevation. Least Flycatcher: common at RNM; thru Jun (4+) MTC-LBL (RLK).
Tree Swallow: nests at 3 locations, Butler, JHC (RLK), third consecutive year in

28

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

motel sign, SDV (JWC) and Hunter, CRC (Howard P. Langridge). Cliff Swallow:
2 active nesting sites at SHL (JWC, RLK, RPL). Common Raven: 26 Jun (2) WAT
(BLC); 20 Jul (1) SHL (RPL), both low elevation. Red-breasted Nuthatch: 20 Jun
(1) Unaka Mountain, UNC (RLK); 2 Jul (1) Chestoa, UNC (RLK). BROWN-
HEADED NUTHATCH: 21 Jun (nest) PKL (CPN). Brown Creeper: 18 Jun (1)
Iron Mountain, JHC (RLK); 20 Jun (1) Unaka Mountain (RLK). Carolina Wren:
21 Jul (1) RNM (GOW, et al.), 5000’ elevation. Cedar Waxwing: nesting records
in JHC and UNC.

Thrush-Grosbeak: Hermit Thrush: 6 Jun (1, singing) at summit of Laurel Top,
GSMNP (RLK). Loggerhead Shrike: 14 Jul (recently fledged yg) Doe Valley, JHC
(SR). Blue Grosbeak: 29 Jun (1 male) RI^ (BLC, GWS), 5800’+ elevation.
Dickcissel: 21 Jun (1) Carden Spring, Polk Co. (CPN). Vesper Sparrow: 16 Jun (1)
SDV (RLK, GOW, BLC); 17 Jun (1) MTC (RLK); 29 Jun/4 JUL (2/1) Round Bald,
RNM (BLC/RLK). Northern Oriole: 17 Jun (female feeding yg) MTC (RLK). Red
Crossbill: 19/29 Jun (10/4) RNM (RLK/BLC, GWS). Evening Grosbeak: thru Jun
(If) Simmerly Creek, CRC (Tom McNeil, FJA), at feeder, could fly and was
apparently not injured.

Locations: CRC-Carter Co.; ELI-Elizabethton; ERW-Erwin, Unicoi Co.;
GSMNP-Great Smoky Mountains National Park; JHC- Johnson Co.; LBL-Laurel
Bloomary, Johnson Co.; MTC-Mountain City, Johpson Co.; PKL-Parksville, Polk
Co.; RNM-Roan Mtn, Carter Co.; SDV-Shady Valley, Johnson Co.; SHL-South
Holston Lake area, Sullivan Co.; WAT-Watauga, Carter Co.; WTR- Watauga
River, Carter Co.; UNC-Unioci Co.

RICHARD P. LEWIS, 407 V.I. Ranch Road, Bristol, TN 37620

OBSERVERS:

FJA - Fred J. Alsop
CHB - Carolyn H. Bullock
BBC - Ben B. Coffee
BLC - Brian L. Cross
RC - Richard Clark
HBD - Helen B. Dinkelspiel
LHD- Lillian H. Dubke
RPF - Robert P. Ford
JCG - J. Chris Greene
ARH - Audrey R. Hoff
WNJ - William N. Jemigan
RPL - Richard P. Lewis
SDL - Selena D. Little
MLM - Margaret L. Mann
RVM-RuthV. McMillan
CPN - Charles P. Nicholson
VBR - Virginia B. Reynolds
RS - Rebecca Satterfield
DJS - Damien J. Simbeck
RWS - Richard W. Simmers, Jr.
DFV - David F. Vogt
JWW- JoesphW. Wahl
JEW - James E. Waldron
GOW - Gary O. Wallace

CDB - C. Del Blum
DPB - Diane P. Bean
LCC - Lula C. Coffee
WGC - William G. Chriswell
JWC - J. Wallace Coffey
KHD - Kenneth H. Dubke
MAG - Mark A. Greene
JBG - Joe B. Guinn
MLG - Murray L. Gardler

RDH-RonD. Hoff
RLK - Richard L. Knight
OBL - O. Bedford Lochridge
SLL - Selma L. Lewis
GRM - George R. Mayfield
BGM - Barbara G. McMahan
SR - Sue Ridd
TLR - Tommie L. Rogers
STS - Steve Satterfield
GWS - Glenn W. Swofford
ATT- Ann T. Tarbell
JRW- JeffR. Wilson
TJW- Terry J. Witt
MGW - Martha G. Waldron

INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS

The Migrant records observations and studies of birds in Tennessee and adjacent
areas. Most articles are written by members of the Tennessee Ornithological
Society.

SUBMISSIONS: The original and, if feasible, two copies of the manuscript
should be sent to the Editor: T. David Pitts, Biology Department, University of
Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN 38238. Manuscripts that have been published in
other journals should not be submitted.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, and scientifically accurate.

STYLE: Both articles and short notes are solicited; recent issues of The Migrant
should be used as a guide in the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is
needed, reference should be made to the Style Manual for BiologicalJournals; this
book is available at many public libraries and from the American Institute of
Biological Sciences, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8.5 x 11” paper with
adequate margins for editorial notations. Tables should be prepared on separate
sheets with appropriate title and column headings. Photographs intended for
reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on glossy white paper; black and
white photographs will usually reproduce better than color photographs. Weights,
measurements, and distances should be in metric units. Dates should be in “con-
tinental” form (e.g., 16 March 1968). Use the 24-hour clock (e.g., 0500 or 1900).

NOMENCLATURE: The common and scientific names of a species should be
given the first time it is mentioned. The scientific name should be underlined.
Names should follow the A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds (1983 edition
or subsequent supplements).

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

ABSTRACT: Manuscripts of five or more typed pages should include an
abstract. The abstract should be less than 5% of the length of the manuscript. It
should include a brief explanation of why the research was done, the major results,
and why the results are important.

LITERATURE CITED: List all literature citations in a Literature Cited section
at the end of the text. Text citations should include the author and year.

IDENTIFICATION: Manuscripts including reports of rare or unusual species or
of species at atypical times will be reviewed by the TOS Certification Committee
before publication in The Migrant. Verifying evidence should include: date, time,
light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment, distance,
behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic markings,
experience of observer, other observers verifying the identification, and reference
works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available to authors on request. Billing to authors will
be through the TOS Treasurer.

SEASON REPORTS: Observations that are to be considered for publication in
The Season section should be mailed to the appropriate Regional Compiler. Consult
a recent issue of The Migrant for the name and address of the compilers.

CONTENTS ^

SOME DEDUCTIONS FROM RECAPTURE RECORDS OF BANDED

COMMON YELLOWTHROATS

Paul A. Stewart 1

POSSIBLE BREEDING OF PINE SISKINS AT LOOKOUT
MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE

Ted Caldwell 3

HISTORICAL BREEDING EVIDENCE OF THE BACHMAN’S
SPARROW IN THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS
Douglas B. McNair and Charles P. Nicholson 4

BOOK REVIEW

Paul B. Hamel 6

MINUTES OF THE FALL 1990 TOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING AND SYMPOSIUM

7

THE 1990 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Susan N McWhirter 10

THE SEASON — SUMMER: 1 JUNE — 31 JULY 1990

Robert P. Ford 21

Western Coastal Plain Region. Martha G. Waldron 21

Highland Rim and Basin Region. David F. Vogt 24

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Richard L. Knight 25

Eastern Mountain Region. Richard P. Lewis 27

Observers 28

(Vol. 62, 1991)

ACTUAL MAILING DATE: 26 June, 1992