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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  Term.  — Portia  MacMillan,  3201  Overlook  Drive,  Nashville, 
TN  37212 

West  Tenn.  — Virginia  Reynolds,  424 1 Waymar  Dr.,  Memphis,  TN  38 1 17 
Directors-at-Large: 

East  Tenn.  — Dee  Eiklor,  Rt.  11,  Box  178,  Gray,  TN  37615 
Middle  Term.  — David  Snyder,  Biology  Department,  Austin  Peay 
State  University,  Clarl^ville,  TN  37044 
West  Term.  — 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  Edgewater  Cove  #2,  Memphis, 

TN  38134 


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Warbler.  The  newsletter  carries  information  about  meetings,  forays,  and  club  activities. 


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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  JUNE  1991  NO.  2 


The  Migrant,  62(2):29-31,  1991. 

HURRICANE  HUGO  BRINGS  OCEANIC  BIRDS 
TO  WATAUGA  LAKE,  TENNESSEE 

H.P.  LANGRIDGEi  AND  BRIAN  CROSS2 
111421  W.  Ocean  Ave.,  Lantana,  FL  33462 
221110  Edgewood  St.,  Johnson  City,  TN  37604 

At  1000  on  22  September  1989,  the  remnants  of  Hurricane  Hugo  with  66 
km/hr  winds  and  5-8  cm  of  rain  passed  over  Watauga  Lake  and  dropped  sever- 
al unusual  birds  to  this  deep  water  lake  in  East  Tennessee.  Yet,  on  this  day  only 
35  km  west  at  Boone  Lake,  Rick  Knight  found  no  unusual  species. 

At  1120  under  cloudy  and  windy  conditions  and  a light  rain,  Brian  Cross  was 
observing  a flock  of  22  Forster's  Terns  (Sterna  forsteri)  (from  an  overlook  0.8  km 
west  of  the  Watauga  Point  Recreational  Area  in  Carter  Co.,  Tennessee)  when  a 
light-phased  jaeger  and  a dark-phased  jaeger,  both  showing  white  in  the  pri- 
maries, flew  into  the  flock,  harassed  the  terns  for  about  30  seconds,  and  then  lit 
on  the  water.  From  a distance  of  0.5  km,  using  a spotting  scope  with  a 20-45X 
zoom  lens,  Brian  saw  on  the  light-phase  bird  a black  cap,  white  throat  and 
flanks,  a distinct  dark  breast  band,  dark  brown  upperparts,  and  very  long  dark 
brown  wings  folded  with  tips  and  tail  together  giving  the  bird  a very  pointed 
appearance  to  its  posterior.  The  dark-phase  bird  appeared  uniformly  dark 
brown  but  shared  the  same  distinctive  jaeger  profile  as  the  first  bird  and  seemed 
to  be  the  same  size.  The  birds  were  observed  and  sketched  for  over  20  minutes 
when  they  were  flushed  by  a windsurfer.  They  flew  in  a wide  circle  that  brought 
them  to  within  150  m of  the  overlook.  Silhouetted  against  the  sky,  both  birds 
showed  broad  twisted  tail  streamers  which  were  easily  discernible  with  7 x 35 
binoculars,  signifying  adult  Pomarine  Jaegers  (Stercorarius  pomarinus).  This  is 
the  second  record  for  the  state  and  the  first  for  East  Tennessee.  The  first  state 
record  was  28  June  - 4 September  1987  in  Henry  County  (Waldron  1987, 
Waldron  1988). 

Scanning  the  water  with  the  scope  for  other  birds,  Brian  observed  for  approx- 
imately one  minute  a tiny,  dark  bird  fluttering  across  the  water  at  a distance  of 
more  than  1 km.  The  bird  appeared  swallow-like  but  had  longer,  narrower 
wings  and  a narrow  white  band  extending  around  the  rump.  Because  of  the 
strong  winds  and  the  distance,  the  flight  style,  size  and  the  tail  shape  were  diffi- 
cult to  judge;  consequently,  the  genus  and  species  of  this  bird  could  not  be  deter- 
mined, and  it  can  only  safely  be  identified  as  a storm-petrel  (sp.).  This  sighting  is 


29 


30 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


only  the  third  record  of  a storm-petrel  in  Tennessee.  The  first  two  records  were 
after  the  passage  of  Hurricane  Eloise  and  consisted  of  one  unidentified  storm- 
petrel  found  on  24  September  1975  near  Collegedale,  east  of  Chattanooga 
(Jacobson  1976),  and  three  dead  Band-rumped  Storm-Petrels  (Oceanodroma  cas- 
tro)  found  in  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains  National  Park  on  24-26  September 
1975  (Eller  1976). 

A thorough  search  of  the  lake  from  other  likely  vantage  points  east  to  Roan's 
Creek  revealed  no  other  birds  on  the  lake.  Returning  to  Watauga  Point  at  1250, 
Brian  found  and  studied  for  15  minutes  from  a distance  of  0.7  km  the  two 
Pomarine  Jaegers  and,  in  addition,  a flock  of  five  light-phased  jaegers  of  roughly 
equal  size.  One  was  in  typical  adult  plumage  with  a distinct  dark  breast  band. 
Three  of  the  jaegers  were  similar  with  only  subtle  variations  in  color  and  extent 
of  barring;  each  had  a dark  head,  dark  throat,  and  dark  upperparts  with  white 
on  the  flanks  and  breast.  A row  of  dark  bars  showed  below  the  wing  on  the 
upper  flank  area  and  joined  with  bars  on  the  upper  breast  and  undertail  coverts. 
The  remaining  jaeger  had  a pale  straw  colored  head,  breast,  and  flanks  that 
showed  indistinct  bars,  a dark  brown  back,  tail,  and  wings,  and  a very  heavy 
dark  bill.  This  plumage  was  similar  to  the  light-phase  South  Polar  Skua 
(Catharacta  maccormickik  but  the  bird  was  not  a skua  because  of  its  flight, 
shape,  and  the  amount  of  white  in  the  wing. 

After  alerting  local  birders,  Brian  joined  H.  P.  Langridge,  Martha  Dillenbeck, 
and  Frank  Ward.  At  1520  we  could  not  find  any  unusual  species  near  Watauga 
Point.  However,  at  1730  about  8 km  directly  east  in  the  Roan  Creek  arm  we 
found  an  adult  Parasitic  Jaeger  (Stercorarius  parasiticus),  and  adult  black-backed 
gull  (Larus  sp.),  two  adult  Herring  Gulls  (Larus  argentatus),  six  Laughing  Gulls 
(Larus  atricilla),  two  Royal  Terns  (Sterna  maxima),  and  about  50 
Forster's/ Common  type  terns  before  rain  drove  us  out  at  1830.  Langridge  had 
wintered  on  the  lower  east  cost  of  Florida  for  32  years  and  was  familiar  with  all 
of  these  common  coastal  or  continental  shelf  species. 

An  adult  light-phase  Parasitic  Jaeger  flew  in  and  dropped  on  the  water  70  m 
from  us.  It  had  a black  cap,  white  belly,  white  throat,  white  on  the  front  of  the 
neck,  white  breast,  some  white  in  the  primaries  and  a typical  jaeger  profile. 
Through  a 30X  spotting  scope  and  two  zoom  (15-60X  and  20-45X)  spotting 
scopes,  we  could  clearly  differentiate  between  the  primaries  and  the  pointed 
feathers  of  the  tail.  This  is  the  third  record  of  this  species  for  the  state  and  the 
first  for  East  Tennessee.  The  first  state  record  was  on  16  September  - 27  October 
1978  in  Franklin  County  (Stedman  and  Robinson  1987)  and  the  second  was  on  6 
- 22  October  1985  in  Henry  County  (Stedman  and  Robinson  1986). 

The  adult  black-backed  gull  (sp.)  rested  on  the  water  well  over  0.5  km  away. 
The  yellow  bill,  white  head,  white  neck,  white  breast,  and  the  black  back  could 
be  seen.  The  two  adult  Herring  Gulls  in  the  vicinity  were  not  close  enough  for  us 
to  make  size  comparisons  and  determine  whether  we  were  observing  a Great 
Black-backed  Gull  (Larus  marinus)  or  a Lesser  Black-backed  Gull  (Larus  fuscus). 

A flock  of  six  Laughing  Gulls  flew  in  and  circled  close  to  the  water  about  0.8 
km  from  us.  Through  the  scopes  the  dark  gray  mantle  and  white  tails  of  the 
adults  and  the  white  and  black  tail  pattern  on  the  immatures  could  be  seen.  This 
is  only  the  third  sighting  for  northeast  Tennessee  (R.  Knight,  pers.  comm.). 


31 


OCEANIC  BIRDS 


JUNE 


In  company  with  a flock  of  more  than  30  Forster's/ Common  type  terns,  the 
two  larger  Royal  Terns  each  had  a white  head  with  black  on  the  back  of  the  head 
and  a pale  orange  bill  that  was  thinner  than  the  bill  of  a Caspian  Tern  (Sterna 
caspia).  No  Caspian  Terns  were  present  for  comparison  but  several  members  of 
our  party  were  familiar  with  both  species.  The  Royal  Terns  flew  as  close  as  50  m 
to  us  several  times  and  were  within  good  viewing  range  of  our  7 x 35,7  x 50,  and 
10  X 40  binoculars.  The  birds  gave  their  rolling  "brrret"  call  about  10  times.  This 
is  the  first  record  of  this  species  in  Tennessee. 

The  next  day,  23  September  1989,  was  a cold,  windy,  and  rainy  day.  Fred 
Alsop,  Catherine  Bireley,  Brian  Cross,  Dee  and  John  Eiklor,  Sally  Goodin,  Rick 
Knight,  H.  P.  Langridge,  Dick  Lura,  Steve  Satterfield,  Cathi  Sullins,  Gary 
Wallace,  and  a boat  party  of  four  led  by  Daniel  Jacobson  observed  for  over  six 
hours  at  Watauga  Lake.  We  found  at  the  Roan  Creek  arm  one  adult  Parasitic 
Jaeger,  one  adult  Pomarine  Jaeger,  one  light-headed  jaeger,  one  second-year 
Laughing  Gull  and  over  50  Forster's /Common  type  terns. 

During  the  morning  of  24  September  at  the  Roan  Creek  arm  the  light-headed 
jaeger  was  again  observed.  It  was  straw  colored  from  the  water  line  including 
the  entire  head,  neck,  and  nape  to  the  very  dark  mantle.  There  was  no  visible  cap 
or  chest  band.  When  chasing  Forster's  Terns  the  jaeger  appeared  to  have  pointed 
central  tail  feathers  extending  beyond  the  tail  about  4-5  cm,  signifying  an  imma- 
ture Parasitic  Jaeger.  When  seen  resting  on  the  water  beside  a second  year 
Herring  Gull  it  appeared  to  be  about  the  same  length  as  the  Herring  Gull,  sug- 
gesting a Pomarine  Jaeger.  Because  both  species  were  known  to  have  been  pre- 
sent and  because  not  all  observers  agreed  on  the  identity  of  this  bird,  it  is  per- 
haps best  identified  as  jaeger  sp. 

The  harvest  from  Hurricane  Hugo  for  Tennessee  birding  was  a rich  and 
bountiful  one.  Several  fortunate  area  birders  were  able  to  see:  Royal  Tern  (first 
for  Tennessee),  Pomarine  Jaeger  (second  for  the  state  and  first  for  East 
Tennessee),  Parasitic  Jaeger  (third  for  the  state  and  first  for  East  Tennessee), 
storm-petrel  (sp.)  (third  Tennessee  record).  Laughing  Gull  (third  record  for 
northeast  Tennessee),  and  black-backed  gull  (sp.) 

The  authors  thank  Rick  Knight  for  furnishing  information  on  the  hurricane 
and  the  status  of  the  birds  in  Tennessee  and  Fred  Alsop,  Gary  Wallace,  and  Rick 
for  helping  with  the  manuscript. 

LITERATURE  CITED 

Eller,  G.  D.  1976.  The  season:  Eastern  mountain  region.  Migrant  47:23-24. 
Jacobson,  D.  R.  1976.  The  season:  Eastern  ridge  and  valley  region.  Migrant  47:20-23. 

Stedman,  S.  J.,  and  J.  C.  Robinson.  1986.  First  record  of  Parasitic  Jaeger  in 
Tennessee.  Migrant  57:44-46. 

Stedman,  S.  J.,  and  J.  C.  Robinson.  1987.  First  record  of  Parasitic  Jaeger  in 
Tennessee:  Addenda.  Migrant  58:89-90. 

Waldron,  M.  G.  1987.  The  season:  Western  coastal  plain  region.  Migrant  58:136-138. 
Waldron,  M.  G.  1988.  The  season:  Western  coastal  plain  region.  Migrant  59:31-33. 


Accepted  13  June  1990. 


The  Migrant,  62(2)32-39,  1991. 

1991  SPRING  FIELD  DAYS 

SUSAN  N.  McWHIRTER 

Eleven  counts  were  held  across  the  state  for  the  1991  Spring  Field  Days,  result- 
ing in  a total  of  198  species  recorded.  This  is  the  lowest  number  of  species  since 
1971  and  well  below  the  20-year  average  of  211  total  species  recorded.  All  counts 
experienced  cloudy  weather,  and  many  were  hindered  by  rain.  Notable  species 
include  the  Swainson's  and  Connecticut  Warblers. 

INFORMATION  ON  THE  COUNTS 

MEMPHIS  - 5 May;  0750-1800;  cloudy  to  partly  sunny;  37  observers.  Martha 
Waldron  (compiler  - 1626  Yorkshire  Dr.,  Memphis  38119). 

HATCHIE  - 4 May;  partly  cloudy  to  overcast,  some  light  rain;  wind  S 5-7  mph; 
temp.  75-82F;  12  observers  in  4 parties.  Bob  Browne,  Carolyn  Bullock,  Gail 
Greene,  Mark  Greene  (compiler  - 194  Mt.  Orange  Rd.,  Trenton  38382),  Marvin 
Nichols,  Martha  Lyle  Reid,  Virginia  Reynolds,  David  Smith,  Martha  Waldron, 
Susan  Winkler. 

CLARKSVILLE  - 4-5  May;  mostly  cloudy;  temp.  65-75F;  8 observers. 

Joe  D.  Allen  (compiler  - 3002  Nicole  Rd.,  Clarksville  37040),  Michael  Dinsmore, 
Annie  Heilman,  Bill  Milliken,  Gloria  Milliken,  James  Watts,  Claudell  Wooten, 
Stanley  York. 

COLUMBIA  - 3-4  May;  cloudy  with  light  rain;  temp.  65-80F;  11  observers. 
Steven  Brinkley,  William  Fuqua,  William  Jernigan,  Sam  Kuykendall,  Allyn  Lay, 
Anne  Lochridge,  Bedford  Lochridge,  Cleo  Mayfield,  George  Mayfield  (compiler  - 
999  Sunnyside  Dr.,  Columbia  38401),  Dianne  Presnell,  Charles  Wolff. 

MURFREESBORO  - 4-5  May;  heavy  thundershowers  for  half  of  each  day;  temp. 
68-74F;  6 observers  including  3 at  feeders;  15  party  hours,  50  miles  by  car,  4 miles 
on  foot;  4 party  hours  at  feeders.  Bertha  Chrietzberg,  James  Chrietzberg,  Anne 
Hettish,  Richard  Hunter,  Wilma  Hunter  (compiler  - Rt.  6,  Box  58,  Wilson  Rd., 
Murfreesboro  37130),  Ferrell  Wilson. 

LEBANON  - 4-5  May;  overcast  with  rain  one  afternoon;  temp.  64-74F;  12 
observers  for  52  party  hours,  89  miles  by  car,  and  5 miles  on  foot.  Kay  Norris 
(compiler  - 1609  Ponderosa  Trail,  Lebanon  37087). 

HIGHLAND  RIM  - 5 May;  0200-1800;  mostly  cloudy  and  calm  but  periods  of 
wind  and  rain;  temp.  60-70F;  12  observers  in  8 parties  plus  3 at  feeders;  24  party 
hours  by  car,  15  on  foot,  plus  8 hours  at  feeders  and  3 hours  owling;  320  miles  by 
car,  15  on  foot,  plus  40  miles  owling.  Don  Davidson  (compiler  - 1703  2nd  Ave., 
Manchester  37355),  Katherine  Gilliam,  Ruth  Luckadoo,  Agnes  Marcrom,  H.D. 
Marcrom,  Corinne  Martinez,  Joe  Martinez,  Nicky  Medley,  Chloe  Peebles,  Howell 
Peebles,  Erma  Rogers,  Harry  Yeatman,  Jean  Yeatman,  Grady  York,  Willa  York. 


32 


1991 


1991  SPRING  FIELD  DAYS 


33 


CHATTANOOGA  - 11  May;  0530-2130;  mostly  cloudy  with  trace  of  rain;  wind  S, 
0-21  mph;  temp.  67-79F;  10  observers.  Ken  Dubke  (compiler  - 8139  Roy  Ln., 
Ooltewah  37363),  Lil  Dubke,  Gertrude  Fleming,  Bill  Haley,  Linda  Harris,  Paul 
Harris,  Bill  Hayes,  Dick  Hughes,  Jonnie  Sue  Lyons,  Frank  Strack. 

KNOXVILLE  - 5 May;  overcast  in  a.m.  and  intermittent  showers  in  afternoon; 
temp.  61-75F;  26  observers  in  15  parties  for  112.5  party  hours,  475  miles  by  car, 
and  37.8  miles  on  foot.  Mary  Bartolini,  Betty  Reid  Campbell,  Jim  Campbell, 
Howard  Chitwood,  Carol  Coleman,  Gene  Coleman,  Bob  Collier,  Erik  Collier, 
Andrew  Core,  Marcia  Davis,  Dottie  Ely,  Louise  Fuller,  Paul  Hartigan,  Audrey 
Hoff,  Ron  Hoff  (compiler  - 4523  McCloud  Rd.,  Knoxville  37938),  Tony  Koella, 
Beth  Lacy,  Bettie  Mason,  Jim  Mason,  Bill  McNutt,  Chuck  Nicholson,  Holly 
Overton,  Paul  Pardue,  Truett  Patterson,  Boyd  Sharp,  Ralph  Zaenglein. 

GREENEVILLE  - 11  May;  0600-2100;  mostly  cloudy;  temp.  61-82F;  15 
observers  in  8 parties  plus  1 at  a feeder;  49.5  party  hours  including  31.5  by  car, 
15  on  foot,  and  3 by  boat,  plus  4.5  at  a feeder;  301.5  party  miles  including  284.5 
by  car,  15  on  foot,  and  2 by  boat.  Denise  Ashworth,  Ben  Britton,  Phine  Britton, 
Susan  Ford,  King  Gant,  Margaret  Gant,  Henrietta  Holt,  Jim  Holt  (compiler  - 311 
Colonial  CL,  Greeneville  37743),  Michael  Nevius,  Richard  Nevius,  Willie  Ruth 
Nevius,  Linda  Northrop,  Roy  Northrop,  Jo  Anne  Routledge,  Larry  Routledge, 
Royal  Spees. 

ELIZABETHTON  - 5 May;  0430-2000;  mostly  cloudy  with  a brief  shower  in 
PM;  wind  light;  temp.  50-77F;  68  party  hours,  plus  4.5  owling;  25  observers  in  6 
parties.  James  Brooks,  Janet  Brown,  Brian  Cross,  Martha  Dillenbeck,  Rusty 
Dunn,  Elizabeth  Funkhouser,  Dick  Hegler,  Dan  Huffine,  Rick  Knight  (compiler  - 
804  N.  Hills  Dr.,  Johnson  City  37604),  Richard  Lura,  Rad  Mayfield,  Perry 
McDormand,  Tom  McNeil,  Jennifer  Miller,  Mark  Selvia,  John  Shumate,  Lorrie 
Shumate,  Stan  Strickland,  Glenn  Swofford,  Julia  Wade,  Ben  Wallace,  Gary 
Wallace,  Frank  Ward,  Jim  Wayland,  Shirley  Wayland. 


ANNOUNCEMENT 

Wallace  J.  Coffey 
will  assume  the  editorship  of 
The  Migrant 

beginning  with  the  March  1992  issue. 

All  new  manuscripts  should  be  addressed  to  Wallace  at 
100  Bellebrook  Drive,  Bristol,  TN  37620. 


34 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


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American  Kestrel 
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1991  SPRING  COUNT 

Species  Memp  Hatch  Clarks  Colu  Murf  Leb  High  Chat  Knox  Greene  Eliz 


1991 


1991  SPRING  FIELD  DAYS 


35 


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Barn  Owl  »*»lj***  *1 


36 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


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Blue  Jay  39  23  53  57  31  69  33  26  250  112  234 

American  Crow  33  43  56  52  37  75  61  31  259  138  170 

Fish  Crow  41  *♦  * * * * * * * 


1991 


1991  SPRING  FIELD  DAYS 


37 


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38 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


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Canada  Warbler 
Yellow-breasted  Chat 


1991 


1991  SPRING  FIELD  DAYS 


39 


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The  Migrant,  62(1)40,  1991. 


PLAN  TODAY 

FOR  FUTURE  CHRISTMAS  BIRD  COUNTS 

KRISTIN  ZIMET 
805  Beechwood 
Kingsport,  TN  37663 


How  can  local  count  organizers  ensure  the  perpetuation  of  a count?  Where 
do  we  obtain  enough  count  participants  to  replenish  the  pool  and  ensure  maxi- 
mum coverage?  How  do  we  see  to  it  that  younger  people  acquire  the  expertise 
to  be  capable  of  replacing  today's  leaders?  How  do  we  instill  the  habits  of  obser- 
vation, skills  of  identification,  and  level  of  interest  that  draw  new  people  to 
become  not  only  counters  but  year-round  advocates  for  birds? 

From  Kingsport,  Tennessee  comes  a new  approach  to  these  questions. 
Working  with  veteran  compiler  Arthur  Smith  and  educator  Dee  Eiklor,  Kristin 
Zimet  (Education  Chair  for  the  Watauga  Audubon  Society)  held  a half-day  Kids' 
Count  in  conjunction  with  the  full-day  Christmas  Bird  Count.  Zimet  addressed 
school  Ecology  Clubs  and  Boy  Scout  groups  on  the  purposes,  methods,  and 
rewards  of  the  Christmas  County.  She  arranged  to  supply  teams  of  young  peo- 
ple and  parents  with  leaders,  colored  guide  sheets  to  verify  identities  of  common 
local  birds,  careful  instructions,  and  maps.  A simplified  tally  sheet  included  a 
special  section  in  which  to  record  the  fieldmarks  of  birds  of  whose  identity  the 
parties  were  not  certain.  This  helped  eliminate  guesswork  and  to  serve  as  the 
basis  for  later  clarification  and  education.  Zimet  acted  as  dispatcher  and  as  liai- 
son between  the  Kids'  Count  and  the  regular  count  and  conducted  a mini-com- 
pilation and  celebration. 

The  results  were  excellent.  The  number  of  Kingsport  counters  jumped  over 
200  percent,  from  23  to  73.  Colonial  Heights,  a developed  area  formerly  receiv- 
ing limited  coverage,  but  home  ground  to  the  Kids'  Count  parties,  was  thor- 
oughly explored,  adding  59  miles  by  car  and  9.5  miles  on  foot.  Over  1100  birds 
of  38  species  were  added  to  the  full  count,  including  the  only  Sharp-shinned 
Hawk.  Most  of  the  first-time  birders  expressed  eagerness  to  join  future  Kids' 
Counts.  Three  youngsters  joined  adult  teams  and  counted  for  the  remainder  of 
the  day. 

To  learn  more  about  organizing  a Kids'  Count  in  your  area,  write  Kristin 
Zimet,  805  Beechwood  Drive,  Kingsport,  TN  37663  or  Arthur  Smith,  100  Otari 
Drive,  Kingsport,  TN  37664. 


Accepted  30  January  1991. 


40 


The  Migrant,  62(2)41-44,  1991. 

MINUTES  OF  THE  SPRING  1991 
TOS  BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  MEETING 

The  Spring  1991  TOS  Board  of  Directors  Meeting  was  held  at  the  Baptist 
Convention  Center  in  Nashville,  TN,  on  April  27.  The  meeting  was  called  to 
order  by  President  Barbara  Finney.  A quorum  was  present.  Minutes  of  the  Fall 
1990  TOS  Board  of  Directors  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 
$76,864.39.  Income  during  the  period  October  24,  1990  to  April  24,  1991  was 
$16,414.92  and  expenses  were  $7,690.41.  Anticipated  liabilities  are  projected  at 
$20,362.77.  The  report  is  filed  with  the  secretary. 

George  reported  that  there  are  783  paid  memberships,  which  is  slightly 
higher  than  at  this  time  last  year.  The  Jackson  Chapter,  which  is  in  its  second 
year  with  41  members,  has  shown  the  most  growth. 

CURATOR:  President  Barbara  Finney  reported  that  James  Tanner,  Curator  of 
TOS  for  many  years,  died  on  January  21.  Among  the  items  Jim  was  responsible 
for  was  the  original  TOS  charter,  which  Barbara  had  with  her.  Ben  Coffey  moved 
that  Barbara  keep  the  charter  in  her  safe  deposit  box  until  further  instructed  by 
TOS.  George  Mayfield  seconded,  and  the  motion  was  approved. 

Barbara  also  said  that  there  needed  to  be  a decision  made  concerning  the 
memorial  contributions  made  in  memory  of  Dr.  Tanner  and  of  Mrs.  Mayfield.  It 
was  Nancy  Tanner's  wish  that  the  funds  for  Dr.  Tanner  be  used  to  purchase 
additional  shares  in  the  MIT  fund,  the  proceeds  of  which  are  used  for  the  publica- 
tion of  The  Misrrant.  The  motion  was  made  by  Martha  Waldron  to  put  all  the 
memorial  contributions  into  the  MIT  fund.  Ron  Hoff  seconded,  and  the  motion 
carried. 

EDITOR,  THE  MIGRANT:  David  Pitts  sent  a report  which  was  presented  by 
Barbara  Finney.  David  Vogt  has  resigned  as  compiler  of  the  Season  Report  for 
the  Highland  Rim  and  Basin  Region,  and  a replacement  is  needed.  David  Pitts 
will  resign  as  Editor  of  The  Migrant  following  completion  of  Volume  62,  1991. 
The  Nominating  Committee  will  appoint  a Search  Committee  to  find  a replace- 
ment. Postage  for  The  Mirant  has  increased  from  $84  to  $131,  due  to  the  postal 
rate  increase.  David  asked  that  photographs  and  chapter  activities  and  histories 
be  submitted  for  the  75th  Anniversary  issue. 

NOMINATING  COMMITTEE:  Chairman  Jim  Ferguson  sent  a report  that 
was  presented  by  Ron  Hoff.  The  following  were  placed  into  nomination:  Vice 
Presidents:  West  TN  - Martha  Ramey;  Middle  TN  - Ann  Tarbell;  East  TN  - 
Wallace  Coffey;  Secretary  - Bob  Hatcher;  Treasurer  - George  Payne;  Editor,  The 
Migrant  - David  Pitts.  The  appointed  Directors-at-Large  are:  West  TN  - John 
Conder;  Middle  TN  - David  Hassler;  East  TN  - Dee  Eiklor. 


41 


42 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


FINANCE  COMMITTEE:  Chairman  Fred  Carney  was  absent.  Committee 
members  Dick  Newton  and  Martha  Waldron  reviewed  and  approved  the 
Treasurer's  Report. 

BREEDING  BIRD  ATLAS:  Chuck  Nicholson  reported  that  the  project  was  coming 
along  fairly  well.  This  will  be  the  sixth  and  last  year  of  field  work.  There  are  25-30 
priority  blocks  still  to  be  assigned.  Most  of  the  money  currently  in  the  Atlas  fund 
will  be  used  this  year  to  pay  for  blockbusting.  The  Tennessee  Wildlife  Resources 
Agency  has  a request  for  $25,000  to  help  pay  for  publishing  costs  that  is  currently 
being  considered  by  the  House,  but  with  the  current  state  financial  crisis,  the 
request  will  probably  be  denied.  Chuck  encouraged  members  to  contact  their 
legislators  and  urge  support  of  funding.  Rick  Knight  reported  that  he  and  other 
members  of  the  Herndon  Chapter  will  be  conducting  a Bird-a-thon  again  this 
year  and  asked  for  pledges  and  donations.  Last  year  over  $500  was  raised. 

RECORDS  COMMITTEE:  Chairman  Rick  Knight  reported  that  John 
Henderson  has  been  appointed  to  fill  the  East  TN  alternate  position.  The  two 
West  TN  members'  terms  end  with  this  meeting,  and  these  positions  will  be 
appointed  before  the  next  meeting  by  in-coming  President  Bob  Ford.  The 
committee  will  meet  this  weekend  to  elect  a new  chairman.  The  committee  has 
acted  on  several  records  that  have  been  submitted.  Some  records  are  still 
pending,  and  documentation  has  been  sent  to  outside  experts  for  their  opinions. 

CONSERVATION  AND  EDUCATION:  Ken  Dubke  introduced  George 
Mayfield,  who  reported  on  Governor  McWherter's  proposed  reorganization  of 
the  Tennessee  Department  of  Conservation,  which  would  move  the  Division  of 
State  Parks  to  the  Department  of  Tourism,  the  Division  of  Forestry  to  the 
Department  of  Agriculture,  and  the  Division  of  Environment  from  the 
Department  of  Public  Health  to  the  Department  of  Conservation.  The  removal  of 
State  Parks  will  be  delayed  one  year  for  further  study.  George  introduced  a 
resolution  that  states,  in  part,  that  TOS  approves  the  proposed  move  of  the 
Division  of  Environment  to  the  expanded  Department  of  Environment  and 
Conservation,  approves  the  delay  in  moving  the  Division  of  State  Parks  to  the 
Department  of  Tourism,  recommends  not  to  remove  the  Division  of  State  Parks 
from  Conservation,  and  that  a decision  be  delayed  for  at  least  one  year  for  fur- 
ther study.  George  Mayfield  moved  that  TOS  support  this  resolution.  James 
Brooks  seconded,  and  the  motion  passed  unanimously. 

Bob  Ford  presented  plans  for  the  Tennessee  Migratory  Bird  Project,  which  is 
to  be  a three  year,  state-wide  project  to  design  and  implement  a conservation 
plan  for  the  protection  of  habitats  in  Tennessee  for  neotropical  migrant  birds. 
The  Tennessee  Conservation  League  has  received  grants  from  the  Fish  and 
Wildlife  Service  and  the  Lyndhurst  Foundation  to  fund  a coordinator  for  the 
project,  a position  which  Bob  has  accepted.  Bob  outlined  three  phases  of  the  pro- 
ject. About  50%  of  the  project  will  be  education,  primarily  in  schools  through 
slide  shows  given  by  volunteers,  to  teach  children  about  the  problems  that  exist 
due  to  loss  of  habitat  in  rural  and  urban  areas.  Teachers  will  also  be  taught  about 
natural  resource  management.  Adults  wil  be  targeted  through  conservation 
organizations,  and  landowners  will  be  encouraged  to  manage  their  land  for 
migrant  habitats.  Twenty-five  percent  of  the  project  will  consist  of  upgrading  the 


1991 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  MEETING 


43 


geographic  information  in  Tennessee,  resulting  in  computer  mapping  of  the  types 
and  conditions  of  the  vegetation  across  the  state,  and  designing  a plan  for  identi- 
fying and  protecting  key  habitats  for  neotropical  migrants.  The  Breeding  Bird 
Atlas  Project  information  will  be  very  useful  in  identifying  key  habitats.  Several 
state  and  federal  agencies  will  participate  in  this  phase.  Finally,  research  will  be 
done  to  determine  how  to  best  protect  these  habitats;  this  will  be  a cooperative 
effort  between  the  Project  and  university,  state,  and  federal  research  projects.  Bob 
introduced  a resolution  that  TOS  endorse  and  support  the  Tennessee  Migratory 
Bird  Project  through  field  research  and  continued  educational  efforts.  Ron  Hoff 
moved  that  the  resolution  be  adopted,  James  Brooks  seconded,  and  the  motion 
was  approved. 

Ken  Dubke  presented  a resolution  submitted  by  David  Vogt  that  TOS 
endorse  environmentally  responsible  landscape  practices  by  encouraging  the 
use  of  native  plants  in  landscaping  and  avoiding  the  use  of  invasive  exotic 
plants.  Since  many  exotic  plants  out-compete  native  species,  they  reduce  the 
native  plant  diversity  and  contribute  to  the  loss  of  habitat  for  both  migrant  and 
native  species  of  birds.  Government  agencies,  businesses,  and  landowners  are 
strongly  urged  to  use  native  plant  species  in  landscaping,  and  especially  to 
avoid  using  the  following  exotic  species:  kudzu,  purple  loosestrife,  Japanese  and 
shrub  honeysuckles,  autumn  olive,  common  privet,  creeping  euonymus,  burn- 
ing bush,  tree  of  heaven,  multiflora  rose,  vinca,  sawtooth  oak,  and  lespedeza. 
Ken  Dubke  moved,  and  Margaret  Mann  seconded,  that  the  resolution  be  adopt- 
ed. Bob  Hatcher  moved  that  the  amendment  be  added  that  all  appropriate  agen- 
cies by  strongly  urged  to  consider  the  consequences  of  using  these  species  before 
utilizing  these  plants.  George  Mayfield  seconded,  and  the  motion  passed.  The 
resolution  with  the  amendment  passed. 

Ken  Dubke  pointed  out  the  posted  that  TWRA  has  distributed  asking  for 
information  about  possible  nesting  Peregrine  Falcons.  TOS  is  listed  among  the 
organizations  to  contact  with  information. 

Ken  Dubke  introduced  Wallace  Coffey,  who  described  the  fund-raising 
efforts  he  coordinated  through  The  Bristol  Herald-Courier  to  raise  money  to 
support  the  TWRA  eagle-hacking  program  on  South  Holston  Lake.  To  date,  well 
over  $15,000  has  been  raised,  with  money  coming  from  many  states. 

PATCHES  AND  DECALS:  No  report. 

FALL  SYMPOSIUM:  Volunteers  are  needed  to  find  a location  and  to  put 
together  the  Symposium. 

EDITOR,  TENNESSEE  WARBLER:  Jim  Finney  reported  that  the  last  Warbler 
was  mailed  on  March  25,  at  a cost  of  $542.  Over  1000  copies  were  printed. 

TENNESSEE  ENVIRONMENTAL  COUNCIL:  Ken  Dubke  reported  that  the 
effort  to  stop  channelization  of  West  Tennessee  rivers  had  failed.  Bob  Ford  report- 
ed that  landowners  will  be  able  to  drain  wetlands,  if  they  were  being  used  in  1970, 
without  getting  a permit. 

TOS  AWARDS  COMMITTEE:  Ron  Hoff  reported  that  before  the  final  design 
for  the  award  pin  was  approved  he  had  designed  and  purchased  an  original 


44 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


Mockingbird  pin,  in  24  carat  gold,  which  he  would  like  to  donate  to  TOS  to  be 
used  as  the  "President's  Pin,"  which  would  be  passed  on  to  each  incoming 
President.  Ron  asked  for  input  on  guidelines  for  determining  TOS  award  recipi- 
ents. It  was  decided  that  there  would  be  no  formal  rules  made  at  this  time,  that 
the  award  could  be  presented  either  for  service  to  birdlife  and/or  to  the  TOS 
organization,  recipients  will  be  current  TOS  members  only,  and  that  the  chair  of 
the  committee  would  be  appointed  by  each  new  TOS  President. 

OLD  BUSINESS 

MIGRANT  COVER:  Barbara  Finney  reported  that  only  two  entries  have  been 
received,  but  that  they  are  not  available  at  this  meeting.  James  Brooks  moved 
that  the  entries  be  closed,  and  that  the  two  entries,  plus  the  current  cover,  be 
brought  to  the  Fall  Meeting,  and  that  a final  decision  be  made  at  that  meeting. 
Dick  Newton  seconded,  and  the  motion  was  approved. 

NEW  BUSINESS 

TOS  MEMORIAL  MARKER:  Margaret  Mann  reported  that  she  has  gotten  the 
approval  of  the  Nashville  Historical  Commission  to  have  a marker  placed  on  the 
site  of  the  founding  of  TOS  in  Nashville  in  1915.  TOS  will  have  to  purchase  the 
marker,  which  will  cost  $1250.  Margaret  asked  if  there  was  money  in  the  budget 
for  this  purchase.  Treasurer  George  Payne  stated  that  the  current  year's  budget 
would  not  allow  this  expense.  Margaret  asked  if  the  TOS  chapters  would  make 
donations  for  this.  Dick  Newton  moved  that  TOS  support  the  historical  marker 
project,  Ron  Hoff  seconded,  and  the  motion  passed.  Ben  and  Lula  Coffey  offered 
to  donate  the  entire  amount  as  a memorial  to  Ben  B.  Coffey,  Sr.,  who  lived  in 
Nashville  for  over  60  years.  The  directors  accepted  this  gracious  offer,  and 
Margaret  will  ask  that  the  Nasvhille  Historical  Commission  also  acknowledge 
this  memorial  contribution. 

1992  SPRING  MEETING:  There  are  no  announcements  at  this  time. 

TOS  CURATOR:  Barbara  Finney  reported  that  a committee  has  been  appoint- 
ed to  analyze  the  responsibilities  of  the  Curator.  Part  of  the  Curator's  duties 
includes  keeping  all  of  the  literature,  field  records,  papers,  etc.,  that  are  the  pos- 
sessions of  TOS.  There  currently  is  a large  collection  of  Mi^ants  and  records 
stored  at  Hessler  Biology  Building  at  the  University  of  Tennessee  in  Knoxville, 
where  Jim  Tanner  had  an  office.  These  need  to  be  moved,  but  TOS  needs  to  find 
permanent  storage  for  them.  A Curator  will  not  be  elected  at  this  time,  until  the 
committee  determines  if  the  Curator  will  be  responsible  for  finding  storage  space, 
and  if  the  records  will  have  to  be  moved  each  time  a new  Curator  is  elected.  The 
committee  will  also  check  into  the  possibility  of  preseving  back  issues  of  The 
Mirant  on  microfilm  instead  of  in  journal  form.  Serving  on  the  committee  will  be 
David  Pitts,  Lula  Coffey,  Chuck  Nicholson,  Barbara  Finney,  and  Ann  Tarbell.  The 
committee  will  give  a report  at  the  1991  Fall  Meeting. 

There  being  no  further  business,  the  meeting  was  adjourned  at  5:00  p.m. 

Respectively  submitted, 

Audrey  R.  Hoff,  Secretary  TOS 


The  Migrant,  62(2):  45,  1991. 

TOS  ANNUAL  MEETING 

The  seventy-sixth  annual  meeting  of  the  TOS  was  held  at  the  Baptist  Convention 
Center  in  Nashville  on  April  27,  1991.  Dick  Newton,  President  of  the  Nashville 
Chapter,  welcomed  everyone  and  thanked  all  the  Nashville  TOS  members  whose 
work  had  made  the  meeting  so  successful. 

Barbara  Finney,  President  of  the  TOS,  called  the  business  meeting  to  order  at 
7:45  p.m.  Secretary  Audrey  Hoff  read  the  minutes  of  the  1990  Spring  Annual 
Meeting,  which  were  approved  as  read.  The  Secretary  then  gave  a summary  of  the 
Board  of  Directors  Meeting  held  earlier  that  afternoon. 

Treasurer  George  Payne  repeated  his  report  as  given  at  the  Board  of  Directors 
Meeting.  A report  was  filed  with  the  Secretary. 

Nominating  Committee  member  Ron  Hoff  presented  the  following  slate  of  offi- 
cers for  1991  which  was  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors:  Vice  President,  West 
TN  - Martha  Ramey;  Vice  President,  Middle  TN  - Ann  Tarbell;  Vice  President,  East 
TN  - Wallace  Coffey;  Secretary  - Bob  Hatcher;  Treasurer  - George  Payne;  Editor,  The 
Migrant  - David  Pitts;  Directors-at-Large,  West  TN  - John  Conder;  Middle  TN  - 
David  Hassler;  East  TN  - Dee  Eiklor.  Helen  Dinkelspiel  moved  to  accept  the  slate  by 
acclamation,  George  Mayfield  seconded,  and  the  motion  was  approved. 

Finance  Committee  member  Dick  Newton  reported  that  the  committee  had 
reviewed  the  Treasurer's  report  and  found  it  to  accurately  reflect  the  financial  status 
of  TOS. 

Breeding  Bird  Atlas  chairman  Chuck  Nicholson  repeated  his  report,  and  also 
called  for  members  to  turn  in  yard  lists. 

Barbara  Finney  asked  for  volunteers  to  coordinate  the  1991  Fall  Symposium.  The 
date  and  location  of  the  meeting  will  be  announced  later. 

Rick  Knight  announced  his  plans  for  a Bird-a-thon  again  this  spring  to  raise 
money  for  the  Breeding  Bird  Atlas.  He  said  that  last  year's  efforts  had  raised  over 
$500,  and  he  asked  for  pledges  for  this  year. 

TOS  Awards  Committee  chairman  Ron  Hoff  presented  this  year's  TOS 
Distinguished  Service  Awards.  A brief  history  of  each  recipient's  contributions  to 
TOS  was  given.  The  recipients  were  as  follows:  from  Memphis  - Ben  Coffey,  Lula 
Coffey,  Helen  Dinkelspiel;  from  Columbia  - George  Mayfield;  Member-at-Large  - 
Robbie  Hassler. 

Barbara  Finney  announced  the  formation  of  a committee  to  analyze  the  TOS 
Curator's  responsibilities,  and  to  examine  possible  storage  sites  for  TOS  materials. 
The  committee  consists  of  David  Pitts,  Lula  Coffey,  Chuck  Nicholson,  Barbara 
Finney,  and  Ann  Tarbell. 

Barbara  Finney  conducted  a chapter  roll  call.  There  were  89  members  present 
from  11  chapters  and  members-at-large.  Barbara  then  announced  the  donation  of  a 
gold  Mockingbird  "President's  Pin"  by  Ron  Hoff.  She  thanked  the  outgoing  officers 
of  TOS  for  their  services  and  the  members  of  the  Nashville  chapter  for  their  arrange- 
ments for  the  meeting.  Barbara  then  turned  the  gavel  and  pin  over  to  the  new 
President,  Bob  Ford.  The  business  meeting  was  then  adjourned. 

The  evening  program  was  presented  by  Bob  and  Martha  Sargent  from  the 
Alabama  Ornithological  Society.  Their  talk,  "All  You  Wanted  To  Know  About 
Hummingbirds  and  Were  Afraid  To  Ask"  presented  their  work  about  banding 
hummingbirds  in  the  southeast. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

Audrey  R.  Hoff,  Secretary  TOS 


45 


The  Migrant,  62(2):46-56, 1991. 


THE  SEASON 

Robert  P.  Ford,  Editor 


FALL:  1 AUGUST  - 30  NOVEMBER  1990 

The  fall  season  is  often  among  the  favorite  of  field  observers,  since  migration 
and  dispersal  patterns  of  birds  offer  ample  opportunity  for  bird  study.  This  fall 
season  in  Tennessee  was  no  exception.  Generally  normal  weather  patterns  provided 
many  good  days  to  be  in  the  field,  and  observers  reported  several  important 
occurrences  of  birds. 

Rare  species  observed  this  season  included  Yellow  Rail  and  Marbled  Godwit 
from  west  Tennessee,  Rufous  Hummingbird  in  middle  Tennessee,  and  Yellow- 
headed Blackbird  from  east  Tennessee.  Migration  patterns  were  followed  closely, 
with  about  average  results.  However,  Black-throated  Blue  Warblers  were  reported 
near  the  Mississippi  River,  and  species  of  shorebirds  offered  a few  surprises  for 
careful  observers. 

The  season  report  is  long  this  fall,  thanks  to  the  efforts  of  many  dilligent 
observers.  Take  time  to  read  through  these,  and  find  the  patterns  of  migration  and 
rare  species  that  will  add  incentives  to  your  time  in  the  field. 

Abbreviations  used  in  the  following  report  include:  ad-adult;  b-banded; 
Co.-County;  EOP-end  of  period;  ers-earliest  reported  sighting;  et  al.-and  others; 
fide-reported  by;  im-immature;  Irs-latest  reported  sighting;  max-maximum  1 day 
count  in  1 county;  m.ob.-many  observers;  ph-photograph;  reg-regular;  yg-young; 
* -documentation  on  file. 

WESTERN  COASTAL  PLAIN  - Several  rare  species  were  reported  in  the 
region  this  fall.  The  Yellow  Rail,  a rare  migrant,  was  reported  for  a first  sighting 
in  Shelby  County,  and  a second  for  West  Tennessee.  The  Marbled  Godwit  was  a 
first  for  Shelby  County,  but  a sixth  for  the  region.  American  White  Pelican,  White 
Ibis,  King  Rail,  and  Red  Knot  were  also  unexpected  visitors.  The  Black-throated 
Blue  Warbler  was  reported  in  two  separate  locations,  both  sightings  were  well 
documented.  Temperatures  and  rainfall  were  about  average  for  the  region.  Fifty 
observers  spent  82  of  the  122  days  in  the  field.  These  observers  reported  on  215 
species,  observations  for  89  species  were  selected  for  this  report. 

Pelican-Duck:  American  White  Pelican:  25  Sep  (107)  Is  13  (MAG,  RPF). 
Double-crested  Connorant:  6 Sep  (8)  PAP  (MAG);  15  Sep  (6)  Is  13  (WGC,  m.ob.); 
16/22  Sep  (20/80),  26  Sep  (450+)  REL,  OBC  (MAG);  29  Sep  (145)  Is  13  (MLR, 
RPF):  5 Oct  (280)  REL  (WGC);  6 Oct  (1)  HWR  (JTOS);  17  Oct  (15)  ROL  (CHB, 
BHW,  HBD,  NMS,  SSL);  20  Nov  (46)  Is  13  (WGC).  Anhinga:  22  Sep  ( 1)  NE  MDC 


46 


1991 


THE  SEASON 


47 


(JBC,  CTW).  Ainerican  Bittern:  24  Oct  (1)  BRF  (JCR).  Least  Bittern:  3 Sep  (2 
seen,  5 heard)  TEC  (JRW,  VBR).  Green-backed  Heron:  16  Nov  (1)  JNP  (RPF), 
late.  Black-crowned  Night  Heron:  10  Aug  (1)  CWR  (MAG);  16  Sep  (7  im)  Is  13 
(WGC).  White  Ibis:  12  Aug  (1)  Wardlow’s  Pocket,  LDC  (MAG).  Greater  White- 
fronted  Goose:  13  Nov  (2  im)  Is  13  (WGC).  Snow  Goose:  24  Nov  (300+)  LWR, 
LDC  (MAG,  SDL),  about  60%  were  Blue  morph.  Blue-winged  Teal:  16/22  Sep 
(115/26)  Is  13  (WGC);  25  Sep  (500+)  Is  13  (MAG,  RPF).  Green-winged  Teal:  8 Sep 
(6)  Is  13  (JBG,  RPF,  JRW);  1/22  Sep  (1/2)  Is  13  (WGC,  m.ob.);  21  Oct  (8)  PEF 
(CHB,  RWP,  BEB).  Oldsquaw:  23  Nov  (1  f)  REL,  LKC  (WGC,  JRW).  Red- 
breasted Merganser:  6 Nov  (1)  REL,  LKC  (MAG,  JKK).  Ruddy  Duck:  17  Oct  (10) 
ROL  (HBD,  NMS,  SSL,  CHB). 

Raptor-Rail:  Osprey:  18  Aug  (1)  TEC  (Santi  Lombardo);  15  Sep  (1)  HWR 
(JBC);  22  Sep  (1)  NE  MDC  (JBC,  CTW);  15/25  Sep  (1)  Is  13  (MAG);  5 Oct  (1) 
REL,  LKC,  14  Oct  (1),  Is  13  (WGC,  m.ob.);  9 Oct  (1)  REL,  OBC  (MAG,  JKK); 
23  Oct  (1)  FPP  (LCC,  HBD).  Mississippi  Kite:  1 Aug-1  Sep  (6-2)  Is  13  (WGC). 
Bald  Eagle:  5 Oct  (2  ad),  14  Oct-EOP  (2  ad,  5 im)  REL,  LKC  (WGC).  Northern 
Harrier:  29  Aug  (1)  PEF  (GRP,  JKP).  Sharp-shinned  Hawk:  7 Oct  (1)  PEF  (MGW, 
VBR,  CHB);  16  Oct  (1)  MDC  (JBC);  10  Nov  (1)  JNP  (RPF);  18  Nov  (1)  REL, 
LKC,  22  Nov  (1)  Old  Eaton  Rd,  GBC  (MAG,  SDL);  30  Nov  (1)  Iris  Hill,  SBC 
(JAF);  29  Nov  (1)  DYC  (WGC).  Cooper’s  Hawk:  15  Sep  (1)  PEF  (MTOS);  24 
Sep/19  Oct  (1)  PEF  (SNM);  2 Oct  (1)  REL,  LKC  (MAG,  EKW);  6 Oct  (1)  HWR 
(JTOS);  10  Oct  (1)  PEF  (CHB,  NMS,  VBR,  HBD);  24  Oct  (1)  HWR,  HYC  (SSL, 
NMS,  HBD,  CHB);  27  Oct  (1)  MIL  (SNM,  NPM);  31  Oct  (1)  Jackson  (JBC);  4 Nov 
(1)  PEF  (MTOS);  21  Nov  (2)  PEF  (DDP).  Red-shouldered  Hawk:  12  Oct  (2) 
Jackson  (JBC);  4 Nov  (1)  PEF  (MTOS);  1 1 Nov  (1)  Ponderosa,  DTC  (CHB);  14  Nov 
(1)  TEC  (CHB,  SSL,  VBR,  BHW,  HBD,  NMS);  21  Nov  (1)  PEF  (DDP).  Golden 
Eagle:  6 Nov  (1  im)  REL,  LKC  (MAG,  JKK).  Merlin:  15/16  Sep  (1)  Is  13  (WGC). 
Peregrine  Falcon:  14  Sep  (1)  MEM  (Walk  Jones);  16  Sep  (1  im)  is  13  (WGC);  2 Oct 
(1  im)  0.5  mi  S of  Martin,  WKC  (fide  TDP)  died  of  gunshot  wounds,  first  record 
for  WKC;  3 Oct  (1)  Is  13  (MAG);  6 Oct  (1  im)  TEC  (CHB);  14  Oct  (1  im)  TEC 
(MRR).  YELLOW  RAIL:  22  Sep  (1)  Iris  Hill,  SBC  (JAF),  first  SBC,  second  West 
TN.  King  Rail:  28  Aug  (1)  Kirby  Pocket,  OBC  (MAG);  22  Sep  (2)  Iris  Hill,  SBC 
(JAF).  Sora:  23  Sep  (2)  MEM  (MGW). 

Shorebirds:  Migration  of  shorebirds  was  followed  at  THE  EARTH  COMPLEX 
(TEC).  The  data  below  represent  the  lowest  and  highest  numbers  during  the  period. 
Unless  otherwise  noted,  the  observers  were  VBR,  CHB,  DPB,  DAM,  MGW,  MLG, 
Santi  Lombardo.  Black-bellied  Plover:  14-30  Sep  (2-6)  TEC;  26  Aug- 15/23  Sep 
(2/6),  14/19  Oct  (6/3)  Is  13  (WGC);  25  Sep  (15)  LKC  (MAG,  RPF);  2/16  Nov  (3/4) 
Is  13  (WGC).  Lesser  Golden  Plover:  19  Aug-13  Oct  (1-8)  TEC;  15/22  Sep  (10/4) 
Is  13  (WGC);  3 Oct  (2)  Is  13  (MAG).  Semipahnated  Plover:  1 Aug- 14  Sep  (1-27) 
TEC;  7/26  Aug-14  Oct  (1-15)  Is  13  (WGC);  21  Oct  (3)  TEC  (MLG);  24-25  Oct  (1) 
BRF  (JCR).  Killdeer:  1 Aug-EOP  (16-196)  TEC.  Black-necked  Stilt:  1 Aug-25  Sep 
(20)  TEC.  Greater  Yellowlegs:  14  Sep-6  Oct  (5-2)  TEC;  3 Aug  (1)  Is  13  (WGC); 
21  Oct  (45)  TEC  (MLG);  2-20  Nov  (20-1)  Is  13;  18/20  Nov  (5/4)  DYC  (WGC). 
Lesser  Yellowlegs:  1 Aug-17  Nov  (1-173)  TEC.  Solitary  Sandpiper:  1 Aug-14  Sep 
(1-17)  TEC.  Spotted  Sandpiper:  1 Aug-18  Sep  (1-4)  TEC;  1 Aug-15  Sep  (1-4)  Is 
13  (WGC).  MARBLED  GODWIT:  13  Aug  (2)  TEC  (JRW),  first  SBC.  Ruddy 


48 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


Turnstone:  8 Sep  (1)  Is  13  (JBG,  RPF,  JRW);  14/18  Sep  (1)  TEC.  Red  Knot:  7 Sep 
(5)  PAP  (AHH);  12  Sep  (1)  TEC  (JRW);  15/16  Sep  (2)  Is  13  (WGC).  Sanderling: 
12  Aug  (1)  TEC  (VBR,  MGW);  3 Aug  (1),  1 Sep  (4),  15/23  Sep  (9/3)  Is  13  (WGC); 
8 Sep  (18)  Is  13  (JBG,  RPF,  JRW);  25  Sep/3  Oct  (3/1)  Is  13  (MAG,  MLR,  RPF). 
Semipalmated  Sandpiper:  1 Aug-27  Sep  (800+)  TEC.  Western  Sandpiper:  8 Aug 
-30  Sep  (2-48)  TEC;  25  Sep/3  Oct  (8/1)  Is  13  (MAG,  MLR,  RPF);  22  Sep  (1),  14 
Oct  (1)  Is  13  (WGC);  21  Oct  (1)  TEC  (MLG).  Least  Sandpiper:  1 Aug-EOP 
(5-1946+)  TEC;  17/26  Aug  (10/15);  15  Sep-20  Nov  (60-3)  Is  13  (WGC).  Baird’s 
Sandpiper:  8 Aug-30  Sep  (3-1)  TEC;  29  Sep  (2)  Is  13  (MLR,  RPF);  21  Oct  (1)  TEC 
(MLG).Pectoral Sandpiper:  lAug-EOP(1049-l)TEC. Dunlin:  1 Sep-EOP (1-10) 
Is  13  (WGC);  23  Sep  (1)  TEC  (VBR,  MGW,  DAM,  CHB);  21  Oct  (1)  TEC  (MLG); 
18  Nov-EOP  (6-4)  Jet  103  & GRR,  DYC  (WGC).  Stilt  Sandpiper:  28  Aug/3  Oct 
(2/2)  Is  13  (MAG);  4 Sep-6  Oct  (1-12)  TEC.  Buff-breasted  Sandpiper:  15/22  Sep 
(1)  Is  13  (WGC,  m.ob.);  25  Sep/3  Oct  (1/1)  Is  13  (MAG,  RPF);  27  Sep  (1)  TEC 
(CHB,  VBR,  MGW).  Short-billed  Dowitcher:  19/22/26  Aug/14  Sep  (4-1)  TEC;  3 Oct 
(5)  Is  13  (MAG);  21  Oct  (60+)  TEC  (MLG),  active,  calling.  Long-billed  Dowitcher: 
2 1 Oct  (10)  TEC  (MLG),  active,  calling;  24-25  Oct  (8)  BRF  (JCR).  Dowitcher  spp.: 
27  Sep-4/14  Oct  (2-30)  TEC;  5/7  Oct  (5/24)  DYC  (WGC);  12  Oct  (1)  MDC  (JBC); 
18/20  Nov  (5)  DYC  (WGC). 

Phalarope-Nighthawk:  Wilson’s  Phalarope:  7 Aug/ 14  Oct  (1/3)  TEC  (MLG);  1 Sep 
(1)  PAP  (NRH);  8 Sep  (1)  Is  13  (JBG,  RPF,  JRW).  Red-necked  Phalarope:  8 Sep 

(1)  Is  13  (JBG,  RPF,  JRW).  Franklin’s  Gull:  24  Oct  (1)  BRF  (JCR),  winter  plumage. 
Ring-billed  Gull:  6 Sep  (15)  PAP  (MAG);  2-20  Nov  (20-40)  Is  13  (WGC). 
Common  Tern:  6 Sep  (1)  PAP  (MAG).  Forster’s  Tern:  1 Sep  (2)  Is  13  (WGC);  6 Sep 

(2)  PAP  (MAG).  Black  Tern:  4/9  Aug  (22/12)  TEC  (MLG);  10  Aug  (2)  LHWR, 
LDC  (MAG);  17  Aug  (1)  Is  13  (WGC);  28  Aug  (1)  Is  13  (MAG).  Bam  Owl:  6 Aug 
(1  dead)  MEM  (Debbie  Walker,  Van  Harris).  Short-eared  Owl:  25  Oct  (1  injured) 
N LKC  (Knox  Martin),  four  to  five  additional  owls  reported  in  the  area  by  local 
observers.  Common  Nighthawk:  23  Aug-7  Sep  (34-2)  MEM  (Martha  Heinemann); 
25  Aug-14  Sep  (1-4)  south  of  SBC,  Desoto  Co,  Mississippi  (Gil  B.  Beaver);  1-30 
Aug  (3)  MEM  (Ginger  L.  Ilardi);  30  Aug  (37)  University  of  TN  campus,  WKC 
(MAG);  30  Sep  (46)  MEM  (ILL);  mid-Sep  (1-3)  MEM  (WBF). 

Flycatcher-Pipit:  Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher:  24  Sep  (1)  PEF  (MGW,  VBR, 
CHB),  identified  by  call.  Purple  Martin:  10  Aug  (500+)  LHWR,  LDC  (MAG,  Mark 
Williams);  28  Aug  (3000+)  Is  13  (MAG).  Tree  Swallow:  28  Aug/3  Oct 
(2500+/5000+)  Is  13  (MAG,  RPF).  Bank  Swallow:  1 Aug  (1200+)  Is  13  (WGC). 
Cliff  Swallow:  25  Sep  (5)  Is  1 3 (MAG,  RPF).  Fish  Crow:  10  Aug  (26)  Fulton,  LDC 
(MAG);  15  Aug  (2)  Middle  Fork  Forked  Deer,  Crockett  Co.  (MAG,  JCG);  28  Aug 
(10)  Is  13  (MAG);  6 Nov  (2)  REL,  LKC  (MAG,  IKK).  White-breasted  nuthatch: 
24  Oct  (10)  HWR,  HYC  (SSL,  NMS,  HBD,  CHB).  House  Wren:  2 Oct  (1)  MEM 
(CHB);  4 Oct  (1)  PEF  (RWP);  13  Oct  (2)  KEP  (MTOS);  14  Nov  (1)  TEC  (CHB, 
SSL,  VBR,  BHW,HBD,NMS);24Nov(l)PEF(MGW,  James  Waldron).  Sedge  Wren: 
22/23  Sep  (15/8)  Iris  Hill,  SBC  (JAF);  6 Oct  (1)  HWR  (JTOS).  Winter  Wren:  16 
Oct  (1)  MEM  (SNM);  3 Nov  (2)  Cypress  Grove,  MDC  (JTOS);  6 Nov  (3)  REL, 
LKC  (MAG,  JKK);  14  Nov  (1)  TEC  (CHB,  SSL,  VBR,  HBD,  NMS);  16  Nov  (1) 
Jackson  (Allen  Hight,  HSH).  American  Pipit:  5 Oct  (1)  Is  13  (WGC);  17  Nov  (2) 
TEC  (DAM,  VBR,  CHB,  MGW);  29  Nov  (4)  TEC  (DAM,  MGW,  Dianne  Bean). 


1991 


THE  SEASON 


49 


Vireo-Finch:  Philadelphia  Vireo:  24  Sep  (1)  PEE  (VBR,  CHB,  MOW).  Golden- 
winged Warbler:  10  Oct  (1)  Jackson  (Allen  Hight),  late.  Orange-crowned  Warbler: 
19  Oct  (1)  PEE  (RWP);  21  Oct  (1)  PEE  (CHB,  BEB,  RWP);  24  Oct  (1)  BRE,  25  Oct 
(2)  PAP  (JCR).  BLACK-THROATED  BLUE  WARBLER:  29  Sep  (1  m*)  MLK 
(Dan  Henderson,  Vickie  Rea);  4 Oct  (1  f*)  Munford,  TIC  (DDP),  good  documen- 
tation. Pine  Warbler:  1 1/15  Sep  (1/15)  PEP  (VBR,  MTOS),  early  for  SBC,  there 
are  no  summer  breeding  records.  Palm  Warbler:  4 Oct  (1)  PEP  (RWP);  6 Oct  (1) 
HWR  (JTOS);  10  Oct  (1)  PEP  (HBD,  VBR,  NMS,  CHB).  Bay-breasted  Warbler: 
11  Sep  (1)  PEP  (VBR),  early  SBC.  Black-and- White  Warbler:  15  Sep  (3)  PEP 
(MTOS);  22  Sep  (6)  PEP  (VBR,  CHB);  6 Oct  (1)  HWR  (JTOS);  2 Nov  (1)  PEP 
(MTOS).  Worm-eating  Warbler:  2 Sep  (1)  PEP  (VBR,  CHB).  Connecticut 
Warbler:  19  Sep  (1*)  TEC  (RPP,  JRW).  Mourning  Warbler:  23  Sep  (1)  PEP 
(MLG).  Canada  Warbler:  2 Oct  (2)  REL  (MAG);  13  Oct  (1)  KEP  (MGW),  late  for 
west  TN  but  not  for  unpublished  MEM  records.  Blue  Grosbeak:  24  Sep  (2)  PEP 
(DAM,  CHB,  VBR,  MGW),  late  SBC.  LeConte’s  Sparrow:  24  Oct  ( 1)  BRP  (JCR). 
Pox  Sparrow:  many  reports  from  observers.  Vesper  Sparrow:  4 Nov  (3)  PEP 
(MTOS);  17  Nov  (1)  TEC  (VBR,  DAM,  CHB,  MGW);  21  Nov  (2)  PEP  (DDP). 
Song  Sparrow:  1 Aug  (1)  TEC  (CHB).  Lincoln’s  Sparrow:  17  Nov  (2)  TEC  (VBR, 
DAM,  CHB,  MGW).  White-crowned  Sparrow:  seen  more  often  and  in  larger 
numbers  than  in  past  years.  House  Pinch:  increasingly  more  common,  seen  at 
feeders  on  a regular  basis  and  observed  in  small  flocks  while  in  the  field. 

Locations:  BRP-Britton  Pord,  TN  National  Wildlife  Refuge,  Henry  Co.;  CWR- 
Chickasaw  National  Wildlife  Refuge,  LDC;  DTC-Decatur  Co.;  DYC-Dyer  Co.; 
PPP-Port  Pillow  State  Park,  LDC;  GBC-Gibson  Co.;  HWR-Hatchie  National 
Wildlife  Refuge,  Haywood  Co.;  Is  13-Joe  Echles  Towhead,  LKC;  JNP-Jackson 
Nature  Park,  MDC;  KEP-Kennedy  Park,  MEM;  LDC-Lauderdale  Co.;  LHWR- 
Lower  Hatchie  National  Wildlife  Refuge;  MDC-Madison  Co.;  MEM-Memphis; 
MIL-Millington,  SBC;  MLK-Martin  Luther  King  Park,  MEM;  OBC-Obion  Co.; 
PAP-Pace  Point,  Benton  Co.;  PEP-Penal  Pann,  MEM;  REL-Reelfoot  Lake,  LKC 
& OBC;  ROL-Robco  Lake,  SBC;  SBC-Shelby  Co.;  TEC-The  Earth  Complex, 
SBC;  TIC-Tipton  Co.;  WKC- Weakly  Co. 

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

HIGHLAND  RIM  AND  BASIN  REGION  - Generally,  precipitation  in  the 
region  was  above  normal.  The  total  rainfall  for  the  period  in  Nashville  was  2.59 
inches  above  nonnal.  Sep,  however,  recieved  over  an  inch  below  nonnal  rainfall. 
Temperatures  were  near  nonnal  for  the  period,  with  the  exception  of  Nov,  which 
had  temperatures  substantially  above  normal. 

Among  the  more  unusual  reports  were  two  White-winged  Scoters  at  Woods 
Reservoir  and  a Rufous  Hummingbird  at  a feeder  in  Tullahoma.  Boreal  species 
were  represented  by  fair  numbers  of  Pine  Siskins  and  Purple  Pinches  late  in  the 
period.  Red-breasted  Nuthatches  and  Evening  Grosbeaks  were  scarce. 

Cormorant-Crane:  Double-crested  Connorant:  8 Sep  (2)  WDR,  PKC  (DLD), 
ers;  10  Nov  (100)  WDR,  PKC  (DLD),  max.  Great  Egret:  11  Aug  (2)  Hillsboro, 
CPC  (RWL);  29  Sep  (4)  OHL  (LPK).  Little  Blue  Heron:  1 Sep  (1)  WDR,  PKC 
(DLD),  only  report.  Snow  Goose:  13  Oct  (1  blue  color  morph)  WDR,  PKC  (RWL), 
only  report.  Lesser  Scaup:  29  Sep  (3)  OPQ^  (LPK),  ers.  White- winged  Scoter:  10  Nov 


50 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


(2*)  WDR,  FKC  (DLD).  Hooded  Merganser:  19  Nov  (20)  Dale  Hollow  Lake, 
Pickett  Co.  (RCH),  max.  Osprey:  1 Sep  (1)  WDR,  FKC  (DLD);  29  Sep  (1)  CHC 
(CGD);  29  Sep  (1)  OHL  (LFK).  Bald  Eagle:  23  Nov  (1  ad,  1 im)  Eagles  Cove,  PIC 
(RCH,  Margciret  Farmer).  Red-tailed  Hawk:  1 Nov  (1)  Bellvue,  DVC  (Robert 
English),  this  bird  had  albinistic  plummage  with  little  or  no  pigment.  Peregrine 
Falcon:  27  Oct  (1)  Narrows  of  the  Harpeth  State  Park,  CHC  (DFV,  RLK,  RPF). 
Sora:  8 Sep  (1)  WSMV  television  tower,  DVC  (Robert  English),  this  bird  was  a 
tower  caualty  collected  as  part  of  an  ongoing  project  at  this  location.  Sandhill 
Crane:  15  Oct  (30)  Hillsboro,  FKC  (FNM),  ers;  29  Oct  (30)  Lovelady  Community, 
PIC  (RCH);  13-20  Nov  (approximately  180)  BAH,  PUC  (RWS),  Irs. 

Sanderling-Hummingbird:  Sanderling:  29  Sep  (1)  CHC  (CGD,  et  al.),  30  Sep 
(1)  OHL  (LFK),  only  reports.  Stilt  Sandpiper:  29  Sep  (1)  CHC  (CGD,  et  al.),  only 
report.  Short-eared  Owl:  28  Oct  (1*)  Murfreesboro,  North  Woods  Subdivsion, 
RUC  (TJW),  new  Nashville  area  early  date.  Ruby-throated  Hummingbird:  3 Nov 
(1)  Sewannee,  FKC  (Cindy  Porter,  fide  Harry  C.  Yeatman).  RUFOUS  HUM- 
MINGBIRD: 10  Nov-9  Feb  (1*  ph)  Manchester,  CFC  (DLD,  Robert  Sargent), 
observed  at  feeder,  attempts  to  catch  this  individual  for  measurements  failed. 

Sapsucker-Warbler:  Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker:  14  Oct  (1)  CLA,  MTC  (AHH), 
ers.  Least  Flycatcher:  9 Oct  (lb)  Lewis  Co  (GRM),  only  report.  Tree  Swallow:  13  Oct 
(50)  WDR,  FKC  (RWL),  Irs.  Northern  Rough-winged  Swallow:  6 Oct  (1) 
Hillsboro,  CFC  (DLD),  Irs.  Red-breasted  Nuthatch:  25  Sep  (1)  Tullahoma,  CFC 
(MDH),  ers.  Brown  Creeper:  20  Sep  (1)  Tullahoma,  CFC  (MDH),  ers.  Ruby- 
crowned  Kinglet:  17  Sep  (1)  BAH,  PUC  (RWS),  ers.  Solitary  Vireo:  2 Nov  (1) 
AEDC,  CFC  (DLD),  Irs.  Philadelphia  Vireo:  30  Sep  (15)  RDL,  DVC  (NTOS- 
FBC),  max.  Golden- winged  Warbler:  7 Sep  (1)  BAH,  PUC  (RWS),  ers;  9 Sep  (2) 
CLA,  MTC  (AHH),  max;  1 1 Oct  (1  tower  casualty)  WSMV  television  tower,  DVC 
(DFV),  Irs,  study  skin  in  Warner  Parks  Nature  Center  collection.  Orange-crowned 
Warbler:  27  Oct  (1)  CLA,  MTC  (AHH),  only  report.  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler: 
15  Sep  (1)  Bradley  Creek,  CFC  (DLD),  ers;  16  Oct  (1)  Percy  Warner  Park,  DVC, 
(DFV,  Brian  Bowen),  Irs.  Black-throated  Green  Warbler:  27  Oct  (1)  CLA,  MTC 
(AHH),  Irs.  Blackburnian  Warbler:  11  Oct  (1  tower  caualty)  WSMV  television 
tower  (SDB),  Irs.  Yellow-throated  Warbler:  29  Sep  (1)  CHC  (CGD,  et  al.),  Irs. 
Black-and-white  Warbler:  25  Oct  (2)  Tullahoma,  CFC  (MDH),  Irs.  American 
Redstart:  14  Oct  (1)  CLA,  MTC  (AHH),  Irs.  Prothonotary  Warbler:  4 Sep  (1)  CLA, 
MTC  (AHH),  hs.  Ovenbird:  29  Oct  (1)  Tullahoma,  CFC  (CWP,  JHP),  Irs.  Connecticut 
Warbler:  4 Sep  (1)  Tullahoma,  CFC  (MDH),  only  report.  Mourning  Warbler:  20  Oct 
(1)  Gum  Creek,  FKC  (DLD),  only  report.  Hooded  Warbler:  13  Oct  (1  tower 
casualty)  WSM  television  tower  (Robert  English),  Irs,  study  skin  in  Warner  Park 
Nature  Center  collection.  Canada  Warbler:  25  Aug  (1)  CLA,  MTC  (AHH),  ers. 

Grosbeak-Siskin:  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak:  3 Sep  (1)  WDR,  FKC  (DLD),  ers.  Purple 
Finch:  19  Oct  (1)  BAH,  PUC  (RWS),  eis.  Pine  Siskin:  7 Nov  (1)  Pickett  Co.  (RCH),  ers. 

Locations:  AEDC- Arnold  Engineering  Development  Center;  BAH-Bames  Hollow; 
CFC-Coffee  Co.;CHC-Cheatham  Co.;  CLA-Clarksville;  DVC-Davidson  Co.; 
FKC-Franklin  Co.;  MTC-Montgomery  Co.;  OHL-Old  Hickory  Lake:  PIC-Pickett 
Co.;  PUC-Putnam  Co.;  RUC-Rutherford  Co.;  WDR-Woods  Reservoir. 

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


1991 


THE  SEASON 


51 


EASTERN  RIDGE  AND  VALLEY  REGION  - Short  term  weather  patterns 
varied  considerably;  but,  the  weather  for  the  season  was  near  nonnal.  Rainfall  in 
Aug  was  near  nonnal,  while  that  for  Sep  and  Nov  was  below  average,  especially 
in  the  northeast.  Oct  rains  were  heavy,  with  twice  the  average  amount  falling  in 
Johnson  City.  Seasonal  precipitation  totaled  0.5  in  or  less  below  average  region- 
wide. Temperatures  from  late  Sep  through  Oct  were  cooler  than  usual,  while  much 
of  Nov  was  above  average  (e.g.,  a record  high  77  degrees  F on  Nov  27  in  Johnson 
City).  Cold  fronts  seemed  to  ground  few  waves  of  migrants. 

Birding  was  also  a mixed  bag.  Waterfowl  and  boreal  irruptives  were  scarce. 
Hawks,  shorebirds  and  warblers  were  “unspectacular”.  Highlights  included  the 
region’s  first  verified  record  of  Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  an  injured  Northern 
Saw-whet  Owl,  some  good  counts  of  Great  Egret,  and  a continuation  of  the  late 
summer  movement  of  immature  White  Ibises. 

For  the  past  decade  the  region  has  had  two  small  banding  stations  operating,  but 
only  one  was  in  action  this  fall.  Rick  Knight  ran  mist  nets  at  Austin  Springs  on  35 
days  from  4 Sep  to  4 Nov,  with  358  birds  of  38  species  banded.  This  total  and  the 
capture  rate  were  slightly  below  the  longtenn  average. 

Loon-Ibis:  Common  Loon:  23  Oct  (3)  BOL  (BLC),  ers;  12  Nov  (130)  CHL 
(Brainard  Cooper,  Jr.),  max.  Pied-billed  Grebe:  25  Aug  (1)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD), 
ers;  17  Nov  (46)  CHL  (KHD,  LHD),  max.  Homed  Grebe:  12  Nov  (65)  CHL 
(Brainard  Cooper,  Jr.),  max.  Double-crested  Connorant:  14  Aug  (1)  CHL  (Elena 
S.  Killian);  8 Sep  (1)  KSP  (KHD,  LHD);  9 Sep  (1)  CRL  (RLK);  9-14  Sep  (1),  17-21  Oct 
(2-4)  AUS  (RLK);  reg,  max  10  Nov  (18)  HRA  (TOS);  10  Nov  (18)  BOL  (JWC); 
26  Nov  (10)  Nickajack  Lake,  Marion  Co  (Albert  M.  Jenkins,  Eugene  M.  Ryther). 
American  Bittern:  18  Aug  (1)  LST  (BLC);  14  Sep  (1)  AUS  (JWB,  RLK),  only 
reports.  Great  Egret:  2-19  Aug  (max  23  on  9 Aug)  CRL  (RLK);  4-25  Aug  (max  2 1 
on  18  Aug)  RAB  (JAK);  10  Aug-20  Sep  (1-3)  Nolichucky  Waterfowl  Sanctuary, 
GNC  (Jim  Holt,  Jerry  Rhinehardt);  1 1 Aug- 15  Oct  (max  25  on  23  Sep)  SAB  (KHD, 
LHD);  25  Aug-13  Oct  (1-4)  KSP  (KHD,  LHD);  26  Aug-14  Sep/14  Oct  (1)  AUS 
(RLK  et  al.).  Little  Blue  Heron:  25  Aug  (2)  KSP  (KHD,  LHD).  Cattle  Egret:  25  Aug 
(2)  KSP  (KHD,  LHD).  Green-backed  Heron:  6 Nov  (1)  JNC  (DH),  Irs.  Black- 
crowned  Night  Heron:  reg  thru  mid  Oct  (1-9)  AUS,  BOL  (RLK,  et  al.);  2 Aug-9  Sep 
(25+)  CRL  (RLK);  20  Aug-late  Oct  (6)  Kinser  Park,  GNC  (Jim  Holt,  et  al.);  25  Aug 
(8)  KSP  (KHD,  LHD);  25  Aug  (3)  RAB  (JAK).  White  Ibis:  1-28  Aug  (1  im) 
Collegedale,  Hamilton  Co.  (Gertrude  Fleming);  13  Sep  (1  im)  Nolichucky  Water- 
fowl  Sanctuary,  GNC  (Jerry  Rhinehardt);  4 Nov  (1  im)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD). 

Goose-Falcon:  Canada  Goose:  15  Nov  (1850)  Watts  Bar  Lake,  Meigs,  Rhea,  & 
Roane  Cos  (TWRA),  max.  Green- winged  Teal:  17  Nov  (130)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD), 
max.  American  Black  Duck:  29  Nov  (108)  HRA  (TWRA),  max.  Mallard:  29  Nov 
(506)  HRA  (TWRA),  max.  Northern  Pintail:  12  Nov  (12)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD),  max. 
Blue-winged  Teal:  13  Oct  (40)  SAB  (KHD,  LHD),  max.  Gadwall:  26  Nov  (375) 
Nickajack  Lake,  Marion  Co.  (Albert  M.  Jenkins,  Eugene  M.  Ryther),  max. 
American  Wigeon:  29  Nov  (255)  HRA  (TWRA),  max.  Ring-necked  Duck:  4 Nov 
(800)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD),  max.  White- winged  Scoter:  24  Nov  (1)  CHL  (Steve 
Satterfield).  Common  Goldeneye:  29  Nov  (23)  Watts  Bar  Lake,  Meigs,  Rhea  & 
Roane  Cos.  (TWRA),  max.  Hooded  Merganser:  12  Nov  (195)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD), 
max.  Osprey:  6 Nov  (1)  BOL  (RLK);  10  Nov  (1)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD),  Irs.  Bald 


52 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


Eagle:  19  Oct  (1  im)  BOL  (fide  FJA).  Peregrine  Falcon:  24  Sep  (1)  LST  (Brenda 
Hull);  15  Oct  (1)  JNC  (Rick  Phillips);  8 Nov  (1)  Sevier  Co.  (FJA);  16  Nov  (1) 
Bradley  Co.  (William  F.  Neal). 

Rail-Snipe:  Sora:  21  Aug  (1)  LST  (DH);  23  Sep/16  Oct  (1)  AUS  (RLK);  only 
reports.  American  Coot:  17  Nov  (475)  CHL  (KHD,  LHD),  max.  Sandhill  Crane: 

29  Oct  (56)  SAB  (LHD),  ers.  Lesser  Golden  Plover:  28  Oct  (1)  SAB  (KHD,  LHD). 
Greater  Yellowlegs:  12  Nov  (3)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD),  hs.  Solitary  Sandpiper:  12  Oct 
(1)  WGC  (BLC),  Its.  Spotted  Sandpiper:  21  Oct  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  Irs.  Sanderling: 

30  Sep-3  Oct  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  only  report.  Western  Sandpiper:  10  Sep  (1)  BOL 
(BLC),  only  report.  Least  Sandpiper:  3 Nov  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  Irs  away  from  the  reg 
wintering  sites  in  the  CHA  area.  Pectoral  Sandpiper:  12  Nov  (1)  HRA  (KHD, 
LHD),  Irs.  Dunlin:  13  Oct  (7)  KSP  (KHD,  LHD),  ers;  16  Oct-4  Nov  (1-4)  AUS 
(RLK);  10  Nov  (45)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD),  max  at  reg  wintering  site.  Long-billed 
Dowitcher:  24-25  Oct  (1)  LST  (BLC  et  al.),  ID  by  call  notes.  Common  Snipe:  9 Sep 
(1)  LST  (RLK),  ers;  12  Nov  (164)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD),  max. 

Gull-Nighthawk:  Ring-billed  Gull:  3 Aug  (1)  CHL  (Elena  S.  Killian);  13  Sep  (1) 
AUS  (RLK),  both  early.  Caspian  Tern:  25  Aug  (2)  KSP  (KHD,  LHD);  26  Aug  (2) 
CRL  (RLK);  1 Oct  (2)  SAB  (KHD,  LHD).  Forster’s  Tern:  no  reports.  Black  Tern: 
26  Aug  (1)  CRL  (RLK);  9 Sep  (2)  LST  (RLK);  only  reports.  Bam  Owl:  25  Aug  (1 
found  dead)  RAB  (JAK);  1 1 Nov  (4  yg  fledged  from  nest  in  bam)  Sulphur  Springs, 
WGC  (DH),  second  nesting  at  this  site  this  year.  NORTHERN  SAW- WHET  OWL: 
9 Nov  (1  ad)  Bowmantown,  WGC  (fide  Ken  Ripley,  ph  RLK,  FJA),  found  injured 
beside  road,  rehabilitated  and  released  near  where  it  was  found,  second  regional 
winter  record,  first  JNC  area  record  away  from  Roan  Mountain.  Common  Night- 
hawk:  23  Aug-1  Oct  (3518,  max  340  on  8 Sep)  JNC  (RLK),  counted  31.3  hrs.  near 
dusk  on  38  days. 

Flycatcher-Vireo:  Least  Flycatcher:  10-24  Sep  (3  b)  AUS  (RLK).  Great  Crested 
Flycatcher:  10  Sep  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  Irs,  seldom  seen  in  Sep.  Purple  Martin:  7 Aug 
(350+)  CRL  (RLK),  max;  18  Sep  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  Irs.  Bank  Swallow:  19  Sep  (5) 
AUS  (FJA),  Irs.  Cliff  Swallow:  24  Sep  (2)  AUS  (RLK),  Irs.  Bam  Swallow:  14  Oct 
(1)  WGC  (FJA),  Irs.  Common  Raven:  8 Nov  (3)  JNC  (BLC);  Oct-Nov  (1-2) 
Hawkin’s  Co,  near  Clinch  Mountain  (Stan  Stricklands).  Red-breasted  Nuthatch:  8 Aug 
(1)  CHA  (Lenny  Kafka),  ers;  3 other  reports  in  CHA  area  (fide  KHD);  none  in  JNC 
area  (fide  RLK).  House  Wren:  14  Nov  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  Irs.  Sedge  Wren:  5-19  Aug 
(1-3)  SAB  (KHD,  LHD);  3 Oct  (1)  AUS  (RLK).  Marsh  Wren:  17  Sep-5  Oct  (1-2) 
AUS  (RLK).  Gray-cheeked  Thmsh:  24  Oct  (1)  JNC  (SG),  Irs.  Swainson’s  Thmsh: 
20  Oct  (1)  JNC  (SG),  Irs.  Wood  Thmsh:  13  Nov  (1)  JNC  (SG),  Irs.  Gray  Catbird: 
29  Oct  (1  b)  AUS  (RLK),  hs.  American  Pipit:  29  Oct-4  Nov  (1-4)  AUS  (RLK);  10  Nov 
(25)  HRA  (KHD,  LHD).  White-eyed  Vireo:  20  Oct  (1)  JNC  (SG),  Irs.  Solitary 
Vireo:  6 Nov  (1)  WGC  (JWB),  Irs.  Yellow-throated  Vireo:  14  Oct  (1)  WGC  (FJA), 
Irs. 

Warbler-Grosbeak:  Blue-winged  Warbler:  5 Aug  (1)  CHA  (TLR),  ers.  Golden- 
winged Warbler:  30  Sep  (1)  JNC  (RLK),  only  report.  Yellow-rumped  Warbler:  30  Sep 
(1)  LST  (RLK,  JWB),  ers.  Blackburnian  Warbler:  14  Oct  (1)  WGC  (FJA),  Irs. 
Prairie  Warbler:  1 Oct  (1)  JNC  (RLK),  Irs.  Bay-breased  Warbler:  17  Oct  (1)  JNC 
(SG),  Irs.  Cemlean  Warbler:  5 Aug  (1)  CHA  (TLR),  only  report.  Prothonotary 


1991 


THE  SEASON 


53 


Warbler:  5 Aug  (1)  CHA  (TLR).  Northern  Waterthrush:  4 Sep-3  Oct  (9  b)  AUS 
(RLK).  Wilson’s  Warbler:  30  Sep/5  Oct  (1/1  b)  AUS  (RLK),  only  reports.  Summer 
Tanager:  1 1 Oct  (1)  JNC  (SG),  Irs.  Vesper  Sparrow:  24  Oct  (2)  Tri-cities  Airport, 
Sullivan  Co.  (Tom  McNeil),  ers.  Savannah  Sparrow:  1 1 Sep  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  ers. 
Grasshopper  Sparrow:  5 Oct  (1)  AUS  (RLK),  Irs.  Fox  Sparrow:  29  Oct  (1)  AUS 
(RLK),  ers.  Lincoln’s  Sparrow:  18  Sep-21  Oct  (2  b,  plus  3 other  sightings)  AUS 
(RLK),  low.  Bobolink:  13  Oct  (22)  WGC  (BLC),  max.  YELLOW-HEADED 
BLACKBIRD:  18-24  Sep  (1  f)  LST  (JWB,  BLC,  *RLK,  et  al.),  first  confirmed 
record  in  East  Tennessee.  Pine  Siskin:  6 Nov  (8)  Gray,  WGC  (Shirley  Wayland), 
ers;  few  other  reports  in  JNC  area;  12  Nov  (1)  Signal  Mountain,  Hamilton  Co. 
(Jonnie  Sue  Lyons),  only  CHA  area  report.  Evening  Grosbeak:  4 Nov  (1)  Jones- 
borough,  WGC  (DH),  ers;  only  one  other  report  in  the  JNC  area. 

Locations:  AUS- Austin  Springs,  Washington  Co.;  BOL-Boone  Lake,  Sullivan 
and  Washington  Cos.;  CHA-Chattanooga;  CHL-Chickamauga  Lake,  Hamilton  Co. 
portion;  CRL-Cherokee  Lake,  Grainger,  Hamblen,  Hawkin’s  Cos.;  GNC-Greene 
Co.;  HRA-Hiwassee  River  Area,  primarily  Meigs  Co.,  but  also  Bradley,  McMinn 
and  Rhea  Cos.;  JNC- Johnson  City;  KSP-Kingston  Steam  Plant,  Roane  Co.;  LST- 
Limestone,  Washington  Co.;  RAB-Rankin  Bottoms,  Cocke  Co.;  SAB-Savannah 
Bay,  Hamilton  Co.;  WGC-Washington  Co. 

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

EASTERN  MOUNTAIN  REGION  - Preciptiation  was  nonnal  to  slightly  below 
normal  for  each  month  in  the  period  except  for  Oct,  for  which  it  was  above  normal. 
Wann,  mild  temperatures  persisted  through  the  end  of  the  period.  Although  there 
was  not  any  major  weather  phenomenon,  like  Hugo  of  a year  ago,  there  were  still 
some  excellent  sightings  and  lots  of  reports  for  the  period.  This  seemed  to  be  due 
in  part  to  increased  field  work.  The  most  notable  sighting  was  a Great  White  Heron 
at  South  Holston  Lake.  The  Great  White  Heron  is  considered  a color  morph  of  the 
Great  Blue  Heron  and  is  rarely  seen  away  from  salt  water  or  this  far  north. 

Loon-Duck:  Common  Loon:  5 Aug  (1)  SHL  (BLC,  et  al.);  15  Oct  (2)  SHL  (BLC, 
RLK,  HPL),  ers;  9 Nov  (43/96)  WTL/SHL  (BLC),  max.,  high  for  area.  Homed 
Grebe:  12  Nov  (1)  WTL  (RLK),  ers.  Double-crested  Connorant:  25  Sep  (1),  30  Sep 
(19),  16/20  Oct  (12/2),  9 Nov  (92),  SHL  (BLC),  very  high  number  for  area.  GREAT 
WHITE  HERON:  15- 19  Oct  ( 1 *,  ph)  SHL,  at  TN-VA  line  (HPL,  RLK,  BLC),  very 
unusual  away  from  salt  water,  first  TN  state  record  if  accepted  by  TN  Bird  Records 
Committee.  Great  Egret:  25  Aug  thru  30  Aug  (1-7)  SHL  (BLC,  JWC,  RPL).  Little 
Blue  Heron:  20  Aug  (1  im)  UNC  (Sally  Goodin).  Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron: 
7 Oct  (1)  ELI  (GOW),  Irs.  Canada  Goose:  9 Sep  (60+)  HOV  (RPL),  max,  one  flock 
in  flight.  Snow  Goose:  early  Nov  (1,  blue  morph)  UNC  (Johnny  Lynch).  Green- 
winged Teal:  13  Nov  (10)  SHL  (BLC),  only  report.  Northern  Pintail:  30  Oct  (14) 
SHL  (BLC),  only  report.  American  Wigeon:  20  Oct  (1)  SHL  (RLK,  BLC);  17  Nov 
(4)  SHL  (BLC,  et  al.).  Canvasback:  9 Nov  (1)  WTL  (BLC),  only  report.  Redhead: 
early  Sep  into  Oct  (1)  UNC  (RM);  9 Nov  (10)  WTL  (BLC).  Ring-necked  Duck: 
16  Oct  (1)  SHL  (RLK),  ers.  Lesser  Scaup:  13  Oct  (5)  SHL  (BLC),  ers.  Surf  Scoter: 
5 Nov  (3)  SHL  (BLC).  White-winged  Scoter:  9 Nov  (1)  WTL  (BLC).  Bufflehead: 
21  Oct  (1)  WIL  (FJA),  ers;  26  Nov  (100+)  WIL  (CFW),  max.  Hooded  Merganser: 


54 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


10  Nov  (3)  WIL  (TM);  23  Nov  (4)  RIP  (CFW).  Ruddy  Duck:  20  Oct  (1)  SHE 
(BLC),  only  report. 

Osprey-Tern:  Osprey:  15  Aug  (1)  WTL  (RLK),  ers.  Bald  Eagle:  15  Sep  (1  ad) 
RNM  (ES);  17  Nov  (1  ad)  SHE  (BEC,  et  al).  Northern  Harrier:  5/15  Sep  (1/1) 
BBM  (RM);  30  Sep  (3)  UNO  (GWS,  RM);  1 Nov  (1)  Round  Bald,  RNM  (REK). 
Sharp-shinned  Hawk:  6 reports,  Sep-Nov.  Cooper’s  Hawk:  7 reports,  Sep-Nov. 
Northern  Goshawk:  3 Nov  (1  ad)  RNM  (Brenda  Hull).  Red-shouldered  Hawk:  15  Nov 

(1)  HOV  (RPE),  only  report.  Merlin:  30  Sep  (1)  EEI  (GOW).  Peregrine  Falcon:  5 Sep 

(2)  BBM  (RM);  3 Oct  (1)  Nolichucky  River,  UNC  (RM).  American  Coot:  28  Oct 
(310)  SHE  (BEC),  max.  Semipahnated  Plover:  1 1 Sep  (1)  WTE  (BEC,  HPE),  only 
report.  Western  Sandpiper:  28  Oct  (1)  SHE  (BEC).  RED  PHAEAROPE:  11  Sep 
(1*)  WTE  (REK),  area’s  first  record.  Ring-billed  Gull:  4 Aug(l)  SHE  (JWC),  early. 
Herring  Gull:  25  Sep-9  Oct  (1)  SHE  (BEC),  only  report.  Caspian  Tern:  25  Aug  (2) 
SHE  (RPE).  Common  Tern:  25  Sep  (1)  SHE  (BEC).  Forster’s  Tern:  15  Aug  (5) 
WTE  (REK).  Black  Tern:  5 Aug  (9)  SHE  (REK,  BEC,  JWC);  15  Aug  (2)  WTE 
(REK);  25,  30  Sep  (8,4)  SHE  (BEC). 

Swift-Waxwing:  Chimney  Swift:  15  Oct  (15)  BUF  (TM),  Irs.  Red-headed  Wood- 
pecker: 25  Sep  (1)  SHE  (BEC);  30  Sep  (1)  RNM  (FJA).  Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker: 
25  Sep  (1)  SHE  (BEC),  ers.  Great  Crested  Flycatcher:  30  Sep  (1)  WTR  (GOW, 
CFW,  Richard  Eura),  Irs,  seldom  seen  in  Sep.  Purple  Martin:  6 Sep  (40)  Roan 
Creek,  JOC  (BEC),  Irs.  Common  Raven:  7 Nov  (22)  RNM  (ES,  Arthur  Smith), 
max,  high  number;  regular  on  RNM  and  BBM.  Red-breasted  Nuthatch:  16  Sep  (2) 
BUF  (TM);  30  Sep  (2)  RIP  (FJA),  only  reports.  Brown  Creeper:  16  Sep  (1)  BUF 
(TM),  ers.  Sedge  Wren:  24  Sep  (1)  RCP  (EN);  30  Sep  (1)  BVCC  (BEC,  et  al.). 
Marsh  Wren:  1-4  Oct  (1)  BVCC  (BEC,  et  al.).  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet:  6 Sep  (1) 
BBM  (GRM,  RM),  ers.  Swainson’s  Thrush:  8 Sep  (1)  RNM  (FJA),  ers.;  30  Sep 
(44)  EEI  Fall  count,  max.  Hermit  Thrush:  23  Sep  (1)  SHE  (James  Brooks),  ers. 
American  Pipit:  4 Oct/1  Nov  (1/28)  Round  Bald,  RNM  (GOW/REK).  Cedar 
Waxwing:  17  Nov  (100)  WIE  (Eois  Herndon),  max,  otherwise,  small  flocks. 

Vireo-Siskin:  Solitary  Vireo:  31  Oct  (2)  BUF  (REK),  Irs.  Warbling  Vireo:  30  Sep 
(1/1)  Butler,  JOC/SHE  (FJA/BEC),  only  reports.  Philadelphia  Vireo:  1 Sep  (1)  EEI 
(HPE),  only  report.  Blue-winged  Warbler:  21  Aug  (1)  EEI  (HPE),  only  report. 
Golden-winged  Warbler:  6 Sep  (1)  EEI  (HPE),  only  report.  Orange-crowned 
Warbler:  30  Sep  (1)  EEI  (GOW);  5,  18  Sep  (1)  SHE  (BEC).  Yellow  Warbler:  23  Sep 
(1)  BUF  (TM),  Irs.  Chestnut-sided  Warbler:  17  Oct  (1)  BUF  (TM),  Irs.  Magnolia 
Warbler:  2 Sep  (1)  EEI  (HPE),  ers.  Cape  May  Warbler:  5 Sep  (1)  BBM  (RM, 
GRM),  ers.  Blackburnian  Warbler:  2 Sep  (1)  EEI  (HPE),  ers.  Prairie  Warbler:  7 Oct 
(1)  ERW  (GWS),  Irs.  Bay-breasted  Warbler:  6 Sep  (1)  EEI  (HPE),  ers.  Cerulean 
Warbler:  8 Sep  (1)  Roan  Mtn  State  Park,  CAR  (BEC,  FJA),  only  report. 
Prothonotary  Warbler:  24  Sep  (1)  RCP  (EN).  Connecticut  Warbler:  19  Sep  (1) 
ERW  (GWS);  23  Oct  (1)  SHE  (BEC).  Yellow-breasted  Chat:  30  Sep  (1)  UNC 
(BEC,  GWS),  Irs.  Summer  Tanager:  9 Oct  (1)  SHE  (BEC),  Irs.  Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak:  30  Sep  (456)  EEI  Fall  count,  max.  BEACK-HEADED  GROSBEAK: 
30  Sep  (1*,  im  male)  RIP  (FJA),  region’s  first  record.  Blue  Grosbeak:  30  Sep  (1) 
UNC  (BEC,  GWS),  Irs.  Grasshopper  Sparrow:  16  Oct  (1)  EEI  airport  (BEC),  Irs. 
Fox  Sparrow:  1 Nov  (1)  RNM  (F^K),  ers.  White-throated  Sparrow:  30  Sep  (1) 
WIE  (GOW),  ers.  Snow  Bunting:  18  Nov  (1)  Grassy  Ridge,  RNM  (ES).  Rusty 


1991 


THE  SEASON 


55 


Blackbird:  23  Sep  (14)  WTR  (GOW),  ers.  Purple  Finch:  27  Oct  (1)  HOV  (RPL), 
ers,  low  numbers  since.  Pine  Siskin:  11  Nov  (1,  b)  HOV  (RPL),  ers,  very  few 
reports. 

Locations:  BBM-Big  Bald  Mountain,  Unicoi  Co.;  BUF-Buffalo  Mountain, 
Washington  Co.;  BVCC-Buffalo  Valley  Country  Club,  Unicoi  Co.;  CAR-Carter 
Co.;  ELI-Elizabethton;  ERW-Erwin;  HOV-Holston  Valley,  Sullivan  Co.;  JOC- 
Johnson  Co.;  RCP-Rock  Creek  Park,  Unicoi  Co.;  RIP-Ripsliin  Lake,  Carter  Co.; 
RNM-Roan  Mountain,  Carter  Co.;  SHL-South  Holston  Lake,  Sullivan  Co.;  WIL- 
Wilbur  Lake,  Carter  Co.;  WTL-Watauga  Lake,  Carter  Co.;  WTR-Watauga  River, 
Carter  Co.;  UNC-Unicoi  Co. 

Addendum:  Snow  Bunting:  Jan  1990  (4-5)  BBM  (RM). 

Corrigendum:  Migrant  58:31,  1987-  Willet:  should  be  8 Aug,  not  8 Nov.  Error 
repeated  in  J.C.  Robinson  (1990)  An  Annotated  Checklist  of  the  Birds  of  Ten- 
nessee, U.  Term.  Press,  p.  95. 

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


56 


THE  MIGRANT 


JUNE 


OBSERVERS: 


FJA-Fred  J.  Alsop 
BEB-Barbara  E.  Bullock 
JWB-James  W.  Brooks 
LCC-Lula  C.  Coffey 
BLC-Brian  L.  Cross 
HBD-Helen  B.  Dinkelspiel 
LHD-Lillian  H.  Dubke 
CGD-C.  Gerald  Drewry,  Jr. 
RPF-Robert  P.  Ford 
SG-  Sally  Goodin 
JBG-Joe  B.  Guinn 
DH-  DanHuffine 
MDH-Marguerette  D.  Hernandez 
NRH-Neil  R.  Heilman 
JKK-Judy  K.  Knox 
LFK-Lee  F.  Kramer 
SDL-Selena  D.  Little 
SLL-Selma  L.  Lewis 
RPL-Richard  P.  Lewis 
RM-  Rad  Mayfield 
SNM-Susan  N.  McWhirter 
DAM-Dwight  A.  Miller 
DDP-Dick  D.  Preston 
JHP-J.  Howell  Peeples 
GRP-George  R.  Payne 
VBR-Virginia  B.  Reynolds 
MLR-Martha  Lyle  Reid 
MRR-Martha  R.  Ramey 
NMS-Noreen  M.  Smith 
RWS-Richard  W.  Simmers,  Jr. 
CFW-C.  Frank  Ward 
TJW-Terry  J.  Witt 
GOW-Gary  O.  Wallace 
CTW-Corene  T.  Welch 


SDB-Sandra  D.  Bivens 
CHB-Carolyn  H.  Bullock 
JBC- Joyce  B.  Campion 
WGC-William  G.  Criswell 
JWC-J.  Wallace  Coffey 
KHD-Kenneth  H.  Dubke 
DLD-Donald  L.  Davidson 
JAF-James  A.  Ferguson 
WPF- William  B.  Fowler 
MAG-Mark  A.  Greene 
MLG-Murray  L.  Gardler 
RCH-Robbie  C.  Hassler 
AHH- Annie  H.  Heihnan 
HSH-Helen  S.  Hight 
JAK-Jon  A.  Koella 
RLK-Richard  L.  Knight 
JLL-Jo  L.  Levy 
HPL-Howard  P.  Langridge 
RWL-Ruth  W.  Luckadoo 
TM-  Tom  McNeil 
GRM-George  R.  Mayfield,  Jr. 
LN-  Linda  Northrop 
TDP-T.  David  Pitts 
JKP-Jeanne  K.  Payne 
RWP-Robert  W.  Peeples 
JCR-John  C.  Robinson 
TLR-Tommie  L.  Rogers 
ES-  Ed  Schell 
GWS-Glenn  W.  Swofford 
DFV-David  F.  Vogt 
BHW-Barbara  H.  Wilson 
EKW-Eddie  K.  Wilbanks 
JRW-JeffR.  Wilson 
JTOS-Jackson  Chapter,  TOS 


MTOS-Memphis  Chapter,  TOS 

NTOS-FBC-Nashville  Chapter  TOS,  Fall  Bird  Count 
TWRA-Tennessee  Wildlife  Resources  Agency 


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  BiologicalJ  our  nals;  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 


HURRICANE  HUGO  CARRIES  OCEANIC  BIRDS 
TO  WATAUGA  LAKE,  TENNESSEE 

H.P.  Langridge  and  Brian  Cross 29 

1991  SPRING  FIELD  DAYS 

Susan  N.  McWhirter 32 

PLAN  TODAY  FOR  FUTURE  CHRISTMAS  BIRD  COUNTS. 

Kristin  Zimet 40 

MINUTES  OF  THE  SPRING  1991  TOS  BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  MEETING 
AND  TOS  ANNUAL  MEETING. 

Audrey  R.  Hoff 41 


SEASON  REPORT:  1 August  1990  - 30  November  1990 

Robert  P.  Ford 46 


(Vol.  62,  1991) 


ACTUAL  MAILING  DATE:  20,  October,  1992 


MOVING?  Do  not  miss  an  issue;  please  return  this  sheet  with  address 
label  attached,  clearly  print  new  address  below.