The

KING

New York State

Ornithological
Association, Inc.
Vol, 56 No. 1
March 2006

THE KINGBIRD (ISSN 0023-1606), published quarterly (March. June,
September. December), is a publication of the New York State Ornithological
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maintain the official Checklist of the Birds of New York State
Please note our official website address
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NEW YORK STATE ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, INC,
2005-2006 Officers
President

Andrew Mason, 1039 Peck St., Jefferson. NY 12093

Vice-President

William Ostrander. 80 Westmont Ave.. Elmira. NY 14905

Corresponding Secretary

Timothy H. Baird. 242 E. State St., Salamanca. NY 14779

Recording Secretary

Brenda Best, 5627 Irish Ridge Rd., Durhamville. NY 13054-4112

Treasurer

William B. Reeves. 19 Brian Lane. East Northport. NY 11731-3810
Directors (Term Expiration Dates)

Gail Kirch

2006

Phyllis Jones

2007

Carena Pooth

2006

Bema B. Lincoln

2007

Bob Spahn

2006

Robert Mauceli

2007

continued on inside back cover

Volume 56 No. 1

fe ?KINGBIRD

PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK STATE ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.

March 2006 pp. 1-120

CONTENTS

Report of the New York State

Avian Records Committee for 2003.2

Obituary —

Dr. Paul A. DeBenedictis

Dorothy Crumb. 42

Highlights.44

Regional Reports.53

Standard Regional Report Abbreviations

and Reporting Deadlines.119

Map of Reporting Regions.120

Editor - S. S. Mitra
Regional Reports Editors —
Berna B. Lincoln & Robert G. Spahn
Cover -Andrew C. Vallely
Circulation Manager - Brenda Best

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

1

REPORT OF THE NEW YORK STATE
AVIAN RECORDS COMMITEE FOR 2003

The Committee reviewed 142 reports from 2003, involving 82 separate
sightings, and an additional 14 reports from 2002 or earlier. This high
number of reports is typical of the past few years and marks the steady rise
in reporting since inception of the Committee in 1977. As usual, the New
York State Avian Records Committee (NYSARC) received reports from all
over the state, with 29 of 62 counties represented. The three counties with
the most reports submitted were Suffolk (22), Monroe (21), and Erie (15).
The overall accepted rate remained relatively high at 84%. Interestingly,
35% of the reports involved multiple submissions, meaning more than one
independent report pertaining to the same sighting. This is a welcome trend
that generally provides a fuller account of the sighting and helps to corroborate
important details of observation, especially subjective features such as size,
flight style and so on. This is particularly important when birds are seen
only briefly such as at hawk or lake watches. In the fleeting moments as the
bird passes, observers will notice and recall subtly different features, which
in combination may give a more complete picture. The same is true for
vocalizations, which are notoriously difficult to transcribe. If you are lucky
enough to encounter a rare bird, be sure to encourage additional observers to
put their own notes and impressions on paper and, if possible, submit these as
independent reports.

A total of 93 contributors provided reports and/or photographs and
their names are listed alongside accepted reports as well as at the end of this
document. The Committee genuinely appreciates the time and effort that goes
into preparing these reports and we hope that the new online submission form
available on the New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA) web
site has made this task easier. Many submissions were of a high standard,
not only in terms of the level of detail provided in the description but also
in the careful analysis of the identification. All too often, observers omit
an explanation of precisely how they arrived at their conclusions, perhaps
assuming that this will be self-evident from the description or photographs.
Unfortunately, this is not always true, and, without exception, a report is much
stronger and more compelling when the authors take the time to explain what
features convinced them that they were observing the species in question rather
than other similar species, including plumage variants, exotics (cage birds), or
other rare possibilities.

HOW TO SUBMIT REPORTS

Advice on how to prepare and submit a report is provided on the NYSARC
pages within the NYSOA web site:

< http://nybirds. org/NYSARC/NYSARChome. htm>

2

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Here you will also find an on-line reporting form that allows observers
to compose a written report and attach up to five digital image files.
The site also includes a list of species reviewed by NYSARC, information
on the composition of the Committee, a small gallery of rare or unusual
birds photographed in the state, and copies of previous annual reports.
NYSARC encourages observers to submit documentation for all species
on the review list, as well as species previously unrecorded in New York
State (NYS). We will also consider unusual breeding species and seasonal
migrants that are four weeks of more beyond the usual dates of
occurrence. NYSARC encourages observers to read the Kingbird article by
former Committee member Willie D’Anna on the documentation and
reporting process (D’Anna 2003). The Committee is grateful to Carena
Pooth for regularly updating the NYSARC web site. Those who prefer not
to use the online reporting form are encouraged to send us documentation
(written and photographic) via email or regular mail. Such reports, as well as
correspondence for the Committee, should be sent to:

Jeanne Skelly, Secretary for NYSARC
420 Chili-Scottsville Road, Churchville, NY 14428
nysarc 1 @nybirds.org

OTHER COMMITTEE NEWS

It is with deep regret that we note the passing of Dr. Paul DeBenedictis.
At a meeting in 1975 of the Council of Delegates for what was then
The Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Paul first proposed the creation
of a rare bird verification committee for the state, in line with committees
that already existed in California, Britain, and elsewhere. After two more
years of deliberation and planning, the formation of NYSARC was approved
and Paul was selected as the first Chair. He served from 1977 to 1984, when
he resigned from the Committee to devote himself to Editorship of The
Kingbird. After almost thirty years, NYSARC remains an important and well-
respected arm of the New York State Ornithological Association, a fitting
legacy to Paul’s many contributions to amateur ornithology in New York and
beyond. In other Committee news, Gerard Phillips rotates off the Committee
at the end of his five-year term as a voting member. We thank Gerard for his
many insightful and sometimes passionate contributions to our deliberations.
His knowledge and constant good humor made our work all the more
pleasurable. He is replaced by Jeff Bolsinger of Canton, New York.
Jeff is a field biologist with particular interest in the ecology of passerines,
especially the wood warblers. He has recently taken on the role as
Kingbird Editor for Region 6 and has played a major role in gathering
data from the St. Lawrence River plain and Adirondack region for the
Breeding Bird Atlas. We welcome Jeff as a voting member and will
make good use of his knowledge of the birds and birders in northern
New York.

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3

The present report represents a collaborative effort by the current,
undersigned, Committee members. We are also deeply indebted to
Willie D’Anna, who helped to review many of the reports included here.
On occasion we also requested assistance from experts outside the Committee,
and we would like to express our gratitude to all who have graciously responded.
We also wish to acknowledge Bema and Stan Lincoln for contributing
information concerning Paul DeBenedictis and his role in the early years of
the Committee and Patricia Lindsay for helping to proof-read this long and
complex document.

HIGHLIGHTS

This report includes several notable rarities including three new
additions to the New York State Checklist: Pacific Golden-Plover ( Pluvialis
fulva), Williamson’s Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus thyroideus ), and Cassin’s Vireo
{Vireo cassinii). The golden-plover is a long-distance migrant with a proven
potential for global vagrancy and has seemed like a good possibility to
reach NYS eventually. In contrast, the woodpecker was far beyond any
prior vagrant record and truly unexpected. As discussed in the narrative,
Cassin’s Vireo may occur with regularity in eastern North America but
its status as a vagrant is obscured by the difficulty of identification in
the field. The Committee also accepted the first NYS occurrence of “Western
Flycatcher,” a complex formerly recognized as a single species but now
regarded by the AOU as comprising two separate, although very similar,
species: Cordilleran Flycatcher ( Empidonax occidentalis) and Pacific-slope
Flycatcher (E. difficilis). Neither has been recorded in NYS before, but the
Committee was not convinced that these two possibilities could be distinguished
from the details provided. Including “Western Flycatcher,” these additions
bring the state list to a total of 466. Other notables include the second
accepted records of South Polar Skua ( Stercorarius maccormicki ), Eurasian
Collared-Dove ( Streptopelia decaocto ), and MacGillivray’s Warbler
(i Oporornis tolmiei ) for NYS, three Black-capped Petrels ( Pterodroma
hasitata ) on or near Lake Ontario, multiple inland Wilson’s Storm-Petrels
(Oceanites oceanicus ), Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magniftcens),
and Ross’s Gull {Rhodostethia rosea). The Committee also accepted the first
NYS occurrences of two subspecies: a Warbling Vireo ( Vireo gilvus ) belonging
to the western North American subspecies group swainsonii (“Western
Warbling-Vireo”); and a Common Yellowthroat ( Geothlypis trichas) of the
southwestern North American subspecies chryseola (“Sonora Yellowthroat”).
Finally, the Committee accepted reports documenting the first NYS
breeding records for Sandhill Crane {Grus canadensis) and Summer Tanager
{Piranga rubra).

2003 REPORTS ACCEPTED

Unless otherwise stated, each report number (e.g., Ross’s Goose #2003-77-A/
C, below) refers to a single individual bird. The letters following the report

4 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

number indicate how many independent reports pertained to the bird in question
(three in the example just given). County names appear in bold font, and a few
standard abbreviations, consistent with those in Kingbird Regional Reports, are
employed to save space.

Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii)

2003-2-A Fairhaven Beach SP, Fairhaven, Oswego, 6 Jan (Kevin McGann; ph K. McGann).
2003-38-A Town of Holland, Niagara, 22 Apr (William W. Watson).

2003-65-A Lake Ontario Parkway, East of Rt 98, Carleton, Monroe, 10 Apr (Robert Spahn).
2003-77-A/C Cayuga Pool, Iroquois NWR, Shelby, Genesee, 27 Dec (Gerald Lazarczyk,

William W. Watson, Michael Morgante; ph Kurt Fox).

As we have seen in past years, the number of reports of Ross’s Goose has
steadily increased in line with the overall growth of the population and its spread
eastwards. 2003 was no exception to this trend and justifies the Committee’s
decision to remove the species from the review list. Four reports were accepted.
Two of these included photos, and all four provided acceptable descriptions,
adequately addressing the Committee’s concerns regarding small Snow Geese
(C. caerulescens ) and hybrid Ross’s X Snow Geese, which can be identified by
careful study of head and bill shape.

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii )

2003-57-A/D Two to fourteen, Ringneck Marsh, Iroquois NWR, Shelby, Orleans, 13 Oct to 9
Nov (Willie D’Anna, Michael Morgante, William W. Watson; ph W. D’Anna).

Western NY and especially the Iroquois NWR seem to be a regular wintering
ground for small numbers of Cackling Geese, possibly the same individuals
returning from one year to the next. The four reports described between 2 and
14 individuals that were seen over the period from 13 October to 9 November.
The one photograph of a single individual was helpful in validating the
identification, and combined with the descriptions, left little doubt that these
were “Richardson’s” Cackling Geese rather than nutritionally-stunted Canada
Geese ( B . canadensis ).

Tufted Duck {Ay thy a fuligula )

2003-3-A Male, Port Kent Harbor, Essex, 11-13 Jan (Dana Rohleder).

2003-11-A/C Male, Oswego Harbor, Oswego, 2 Mar (Bill Purcell, Barbara Herrgesell,

Kevin McGann; ph K. McGann).

John Peterson and Robert Wei found a male Tufted Duck at Port Kent Harbor,
Essex on 11 January, and David Wheeler later discovered a second male in
Oswego Harbor, Oswego on 2 March. Since these locations are somewhat
distant from each other, it is unclear whether these pertain to one bird or two. In
both cases, the Tufted Duck was found with a flock of scaup and descriptions of
the tuft, flank pattern, and back color argued against hybrid origin.

Common Eider {Somateria mollissima )

2003-8-A Pt Vivian, St Lawrence River, Alexandria, Jefferson, 12 Jan (Nick Leone).

This female/immature male was observed with a telescope for 45 minutes at
150-250 yards. Some reviews voiced concern that the report did not explicitly

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

5

address separation from King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), the more frequent
eider within the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence system. However, several details
(general size, head and bill shape plus “feathering of the loral area extending
down the bill and tapering to a narrow, blunt point slightly below the nostril”)
were positive for Common Eider and ruled against King.

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacified)

2003-9-A7C Captree SP, Suffolk, 1-3 Mar (Thomas W. Burke, Dale Dyer, Angus Wilson;
ph Ken Feustel, A. Wilson).

2003-15-A/B East River, Queens/Manhattan, 1 May (Angus Wilson, Anne Lazarus;
ph A. Wilson).

The Captree loon was discovered by Dale Dyer and subsequently seen
by hordes of local and visiting birders (Dyer 2003). Two observers
submitted a total of eight digital photographs and these proved valuable in
documenting the identification. Excellent descriptions also conclusively
supported the identification as an adult winter-plumaged Pacific Loon. Anne
Lazarus discovered the season’s second Pacific Loon two months later
along the East River, a site that generally receives far less birding coverage than
the outer coast. The two reports of this bird include seven digital photos and
thorough descriptions to conclusively document this record. The bird appeared
to be in active molt into summer plumage. It is possible that a “mini-invasion”
of Pacific Loons to the east coast in 2003, like the widely documented invasion
of Red-necked Grebes {Podiceps grisegena ) around the same time, was related
to the complete freeze-up of the western Great Lakes!

Western Grebe {Aechmophorus occidentalis)

2003-19-A Riis Park, Queens, 23 Mar (Angus Wilson).

Angus Wilson and Andy Guthrie found this Western Grebe just beyond the surf
line on the Atlantic Ocean side of Riis Park. The bird was first seen about noon
and relocated at 4 PM. The description clearly indicates an Aechmophorus
grebe, which was studied for some time from a long distance. The observers
had noted several Red-necked Grebes {Podiceps grisegena) earlier in the
day. The details of the head and neck, with the eye concealed within the cap,
and the dark flanks confirmed the separation of Western from Clark’s Grebe
(Ae. clarkii ) and were sufficient to eliminate a possible hybrid. The previous
winter, a Western Grebe was present for several months off the southern shore
of Staten Island, only a few miles across the entrance of New York Harbor
from Breezy Point and Riis Park.

Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)

2003-28-A/C Two, Lake Ontario, Fairhaven SP, Cayuga, 21 Sep (Kevin McGann,

Gerard Phillips, Bill Purcell).

2003-82-A Euclid Ave near Syracuse Ave, Syracuse, Onondaga, 24 Sep (Pete Hosner;
ph P. Hosner).

Despite having only distant views of the two birds that flew past Fairhaven
State Park, the three reports helped eliminate other petrels, including the very
similar Bermuda Petrel (P. cahow), by virtue of the bold white collar. Salient
field marks and the well-described manner of flight further eliminated other
6 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

seabirds, including Northern Gannet (Mortis bassanus ), Cory’s Shearwater
(Calonectris diomedea ), and Greater Shearwater ( Puffinus gravis )—the latter
two species being unprecedented for inland NYS despite their abundance in our
offshore waters. This was the first sighting in Region 5 involving seemingly
healthy individuals. The report from Syracuse included three photographs and
accompanying notes of an “emaciated” female specimen now at the Cornell
University collection (CUM #50218). The bird was first discovered alive in a
bush on Euclid Avenue in Syracuse, Oneida Co, three days after the passage of
Hurricane Isabel on 22 Sep. An attempt was made to capture the struggling bird
but it escaped and was unfortunately hit by a car. It eventually died at a local
rehabilitator on 24 Sep. Although it is tempting to speculate that this might have
been one of the two individuals seen on nearby Lake Ontario the afternoon of
21 Sep, there is no firm evidence either way. The Syracuse bird constitutes the
fourth record for Region 5. Along with a number of storm-petrels (see below),
it is almost certain that these three gadfly petrels were swept inland from the
Gulf Stream by the passage of Hurricane Isabel.

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus )

2003-32-A/C One to two individuals, south end of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, Tompkins,

20-22 Sep (Wesley Hochachka, Pete Hosner, Curtis Marantz; ph P. Hosner).

2003-33-A/E Woodlawn Beach SP, Hamburg, Erie, 19-20 Sep (Mike Hamilton, Kurt Fox,
William W. Watson, Willie D’Anna, Michael Morgante).

2003-49-A7C One to five, Fairhaven SP, Fairhaven, Cayuga, 21 Sep (Kevin McGann,

Bill Purcell, Gerard Phillips; ph G. Phillips).

2003-56-A Two, possibly three, Pendergast Pt, Chautauqua, 20 Sep (Willie D’Anna).
Hurricane Isabel carried an unprecedented number of Wilson’s Storm-
Petrels to inland regions including upstate NYS, evidenced by the number
of sightings documented and submitted to NYS ARC. The Hamburg, Erie,
bird was seen by a number of individuals, and the written descriptions of this
bird, and of the two to three birds at Pendergast Point, Chautauqua, firmly
establish the identification of Wilson’s Storm-Petrel and sufficiently rule out
other contenders, in particular Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma
castro ) and Leach’s Storm-Petrel (O. leucorhod ). The Fairhaven, Cayuga,
sightings were accompanied by both written descriptions and documentary
photographs. One of these photographs captured the unpleasant prospects
faced by many storm-driven seabirds, in this case being snatched and
swallowed alive by a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis). Cayuga
Lake, Tompkins, hosted at least two storm-petrels. Extensive observation,
written documentation and photographs establish that at least one of these
birds could be safely identified as Wilson’s Storm-Petrel (see discussion
below regarding a candidate Band-rumped Storm-Petrel). Although an
abundant summer visitor to the coast, there are only five previous
inland records of Wilson’s Storm-Petrel for the state (Askildsen 1998a).

White-faced Storm-Petrel ( Pelagodroma marina )

2003-30-A Hudson Canyon, 39° 33.02’ N,72° 20.09’W, 17 Aug (Jeanne Skelly).

In recent years, late summer boat trips to the submarine canyons and shelf-
breaks off New England and south to the Carolinas have found White-
The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 7

faced Storm-Petrel to be a regular, albeit scarce, denizen of the warm
water currents that move up with the Gulf Stream during the summer.
This report is the fifth in the past five years from offshore NYS waters, and
the third of these from organized pelagic trips out of Belmar, New Jersey, to
the same section of the Hudson Canyon. This bird was found at 39° 33.02’ N,
72° 20.09’ W, which is 92 miles due south of Southampton, Suffolk, and
seen very well off the bow of the Suzie Girl. It was seen long enough
for everyone on board to have excellent views and was last seen at 39° 33.17’ N,
72° 20.95’ W. The Committee understands that several excellent photographs
were taken, but unfortunately they were not submitted, and although a large
number of trip participants (and Committee members!) observed the bird,
this report was the only one received. This is the eleventh record for
New York State.

Northern Gannet (Morus bass an us)

2003-67-A/B Niagara River below flood gates, Niagara, 6-7 Oct (William W. Watson, Willie
D’Anna; ph W. D’Anna).

The two reports contained solid descriptions, eliminating similar species, and
were bolstered by three digiscoped photos clearly showing the bird in juvenile
(first year) plumage. Northern Gannet has become sufficiently regular on Lake
Ontario as to not require NYS ARC review, but this sighting on the Niagara
River not far from its outflow from Lake Erie is much more unusual. The fate of
the birds that find themselves on freshwater for extended periods is unknown.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos )

2003-64-A Irondequoit Bay, Monroe, 8 Sep (Robert Spahn; ph R. Spahn).

This report inadvertently circulated without an accompanying digiscoped
photo. However, the brief but adequate description of this highly distinctive
species sufficed. Likely this was the same bird first reported from Braddock
Bay on 7 Sep and seen again at Irondequoit on the 9th but no additional reports
were received.

Brown Pelican {Pelecanus occidentalis )

2003-46-A Deruyter Reservoir, Madison, 19 Sep (Dorothy Crumb; ph John Kennedy).

Barry Buyea reported a Brown Pelican on the east side of Deruyter Reservoir
and his friend John Kennedy was able to obtain recognizable photos of the bird
as it flew by. Although the Committee prefers to have some written description,
the photos were sufficient to confirm the identification and location. Brown
Pelicans remain very rare in NYS away from Long Island.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens )

2003-44-A/C Female, Fire Island Hawkwatch, Robert Moses SP, Suffolk, 2 Oct
(Robert Kurtz, John Gluth, Steven D’Amato; ph S. D’Amato), see Fig. 1 on page 59.

An exemplary set of reports provided superb documentation of this sighting.
These included four well-taken photos of the bird in flight plus excellent sketches
conveying all the salient features, supporting the identification as a female
Magnificent Frigatebird. The thoughtful analyses eliminated other members of

8 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56( 1)

the genus, including the two that have occurred previously as vagrants in North
America: Great ( F. minor ) and Lesser (F. ariel) frigatebirds.

Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor )

2003-76-A Monroe, 7 June (Kevin Griffith).

Documentation of this medium-sized heron comprised a detailed sketch
with notations. A suite of characters, including the distinctive contrasting
underwing pattern, was fully consistent with Tricolored Heron, a notable
rarity away from marine habitat. The bird was discovered and sketched by
Kevin Griffith.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)

2003-37-A/I Benning Marsh, Montezuma NWR, Seneca, 27 Sep-5 Oct (William W. Watson,
Dorothy Crumb, Kurt Fox, Barbara Herrgesell, Pete Hosner, Kevin McGann, Robert Spahn,

Curtis Marantz, Jay McGowan; ph Cheri Sassman, P. Hosner, K. McGann, J. McGowan).

Any Plegadis ibis is noteworthy away from the coast in NYS. The
identification of individual birds can be difficult, particularly for immatures or
non-breeding adults, when White-faced Ibis lacks the distinctive white
facial feathering that lends the species its common name. This record was
extraordinarily well documented, due in various measure to the bird’s
lengthy stay at an actively birded hotspot, the highly efficient distribution of
timely reports over birding listserves, the increased use of ‘digiscoping’ to
capture detailed documentary images, and not least the detailed written
reports submitted by multiple observers. This is the seventh record accepted
by NYSARC since 1979 (there are four additional sightings of 1-2 birds
each listed in Burke 1998), and the first record away from Region 10
since 1908.

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis )

2003-20-A Sub-ad, Ripley Hawkwatch, Site # 2, Chautauqua, 20 May (Leonard DeFrancisco).
2003-22-A Sub-ad, Ripley Hawkwatch, Site #3, Chautauqua, 30 May (Leonard DeFrancisco).

Mississippi Kite is an annual but rare migrant in western NY and two
sub-adults seen ten days apart is extremely unusual. All of the salient
features were noted by the observer, including an incomplete white subterminal
tail band, which added a certain authenticity. The observer had good light and
saw both birds reasonably closely. Although he does not provide an estimate
of size with respect to the Broad-winged Hawks (Buteo platypterus)
accompanying these birds, he does provide a very detailed description
of the plumage and an excellent sketch. His description and drawing of
body, underwing pattern, and barred tail all seem to rule out the falcons and
Northern Harrier {Circus cyaneus), the most likely alternatives.

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis )

2003-26-ATwo ads, one chick, Camcross Rd, Savannah, Wayne, 5 June (John Van Neil,

John Foust; ph J. Van Neil).

John Van Neil and John Foust kept birders aware of the progress of a Sandhill
Crane colt that was discovered in the Montezuma wetlands complex just north

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

9

of the main wildlife refuge. The trio was watched anxiously all summer as the
immature progressed. Sandhill Cranes have been found in previous years in this
area but this is the first confirmed nesting record for NYS.

Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva)

2003-70-A Mecox Bay, Suffolk, 28 Sep (Hugh McGuinness; ph A. Baldelli),
see Fig. 2 on page 59.

Jim Ash, Andy Baldelli, and Hugh McGuinness discovered and provided
excellent photographs of an adult Pacific Golden-Plover in rather faded
breeding plumage. See McGuinness (2003) for a full account. The long
tertials revealing only two exposed primaries and the long tibia were among
the field marks separating this species from American Golden-Plover
(P. dominica ). Pacific Golden-Plovers breed on arctic tundra from central
Siberia across to western Alaska. The majority of the population winters in
coastal areas across southeast Asia, Australia and especially the thousands of
islands scattered across the Pacific (Oceania). Small numbers are seen along
the Pacific coast of North America and regular vagrancy to Western Europe
is well documented. There are surprisingly few definitive reports of Pacific
Golden-Plover in eastern North America, perhaps a reflection of the similarity
to American Golden-Plover. Pacific Golden-Plover has been recorded in
Bermuda, Barbados, the Cape Verde Islands, Europe, and both coasts of Africa
(Johnson and Connors 1996, AOU 1998, McGuinness 2003). Prior accepted
records from the eastern USA include birds in Maine (11 Sep 1911), New Jersey
(4-16 Sep 2001) and Massachusetts (21 Apr-5 May 2002). This is the first
accepted record for NYS.

Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia)

2003-21-A/B Mecox Bay, Suffolk, 7-8 June (Angus Wilson, S. S. Mitra, Patricia Lindsay).

The history of this species in NYS has been complex. It probably occurred
regularly on Long Island in the early to mid 19 th Century (Giraud 1844, Griscom
1923), when it bred commonly in southern New Jersey (Walsh et al. 1999).
Extirpated as a breeder from New Jersey in the late 19 th Century, records from
Long Island lapsed for several decades. By 1942, however, Cruickshank noted
a resurgence and was able to list 13 well authenticated Long Island records for
the period 1915-1941. Thereafter, the species was noted here only irregularly
for half a century. Patricia Lindsay’s and Tom Vezo’s record (NYSARC
#1993-34-A) from 28 May 1993 at Napeague, the site of at least one historical
record,might be taken as the harbinger of another, ongoing, period of more
regular occurrence, leading up to the present record: Lindsay’s discovery, with
Shai Mitra, of a male at Mecox Bay, another site that has hosted the species
before. See also NYSARC #1999-82-A, discussed below.

Willet (Catopthrophorus semipalmatus )

2003-83-A/B Bird Island Pier, La Salle Park, Buffalo, Erie, 12 Dec -3 Jan
(William W. Watson, Willie D’Anna; ph W. D’Anna).

Per these reports, a Willet was observed at LaSalle Park, Buffalo from August
2003 until 1 January 2004. The descriptions of the distinctive wing pattern,

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

10

leg color and plumage were certainly indicative of Willet, and the photograph
provided by Willie D’Anna confirmed the identification. Willets are rare in
winter anywhere in NYS, and winter birds generally show characters consistent
with the prairie nesting “Western Willet” (C. inornatus).

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa )

2003-48-A Onondaga Lake, Geddes, Onondaga, 8 Sep (Kevin McGann).

Viewed at a great distance through a spotting scope, the less than favorable
conditions, including heat shimmer, hindered a straightforward evaluation.
Some concerns were raised that other godwits were not considered and that
details of the head were described quite well yet the bill was not perceived as
being bi-colored. However, in the second round, the considerably larger size
compared with Lesser Yellowlegs ( Tringaflavipes ) and Blue-winged teal (Anas
discors ), extremely long “pale” bill and overall buff coloration of the plumage
were enough to convince the Committee.

Dunlin (1 Calidris alpina )

2003-35-A Juv, Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 30 Aug (Dominic Sherony; ph D. Sherony).

Dunlin in full juvenal plumage are rather rare in NYS, even on the coast
where the species occurs in huge numbers. Unlike most shorebirds, in which
southbound adults arrive in NYS dramatically earlier than juveniles, a few
juvenile Dunlin are often among the vanguard of Dunlin arriving on Long
Island during September, but even these are usually already molting into first
basic plumage. The present individual was carefully studied and photographed
and is notable both for the relatively early date and for the fact that it appeared
to be in full juvenal plumage.

Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor )

2003-62-A Massapequa Preserve, Nassau, 27 Nov (Seth Ausubel; ph S. Ausubel).

This species is unusual on Long Island even during its expected periods of
occurrence, and it is extremely rare anywhere in the state after September. The
present record, which consists of a well-described bird in winter plumage that
was also nicely photographed, comes from a notable late-season shorebird
hotspot that is often used by wintering Long-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus
scolopaceus ) and Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata ). This exceeds the
previous late date of 20 Nov (Able 1998).

California Gull (Larus californicus )

2003-78-A/B Ad winter, Robert Moses Power Plant, Niagara River, Niagara, 6 &16 Dec
(William W. Watson, Willie D’Anna; ph W. D’Anna).

California Gulls continue to be reported annually from the Niagara River, where
they are consistently found at the Adam Beck Power Station overlook. In years
when one or more turn up, they can usually be located sitting on the rocks just
down river from the Robert Moses Power Station on the American side of the
river. Willie D’Anna was able to photograph this adult California Gull from the
dam overlook. The description and photograph were sufficient for acceptance.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

11

Ross’s Gull (Rhodostethia rosea)

2003-l-A/F First winter, Irondequoit Bay, Penfield, Monroe, 9-13 Jan (Sharon Skelly,

Jeanne Skelly, Jeff Gerbracht, Dominic Sherony, Robert Spahn, William W. Watson),
see Fig. 3 on page 60.

Bob Spahn discovered this first-winter Ross’s Gull at the south end of
Irondequoit Bay on 9 January and to the delight of many birders, this winter
jewel remained in the same area until it was last seen on 13 Jan (Spahn 2003).
The following day, the entire bay was frozen over and presumably the gull was
forced to look for food elsewhere. Dozens of people from all over the state and
beyond came to view this spectacular rarity and six reports were submitted,
two supplemented with sketches. Matt Victoria’s excellent photo of this bird
appeared in the cited Kingbird article. In these reports, the similarly sized and
patterned Little Gull (.Larus minutus) was adequately eliminated. This is the
sixth record for NYS.

Arctic Tern {Sterna paradisaea )

2003-42-A/B Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, Tompkins, 19 Sep (Pete Hosner, Curtis Marantz).

The occurrence of Arctic Tern in NYS has been historically difficult to document
due to the difficulty of field identification, particularly separation from Common
Tern (S. hirundo ), and the often problematic conditions (e.g., distant and fleeting
views) under which most sightings occur. The Common and Arctic Tern species
pair has been popularly dubbed ‘Commie’ Tern, reflecting the reality that many
sight records are best left unidentified. As a result, although Arctic Tern no
doubt occurs annually as an offshore migrant within NYS waters, Cooper
(1998) listed only six fully documented records for the state. These include
three old specimens (Suffolk 7/18/1884, Long Island 10/7/1897, and Cayuga
Lake 5/20/16), and two more recent records accepted by NYS ARC (pelagic
8/13/1980 and Erie 11/12/1989). Cooper (1998) also mentions an “additional
half dozen or so records . . . seen by observers intimately familiar with the
species and ... undoubtedly correct.” Since Cooper’s summary was published,
four more records have been accepted by NYS ARC: Suffolk 6/16/1996 (#1996-
48-A); Clinton 5/10/1999 (#1999-14-A); Monroe 10/5/1999 (#1999-69-A);
and Suffolk 6/13/2000 (#2000-64-A).

It is interesting to note that few of these documented NYS records accord
with the species’ regular migratory periods in nearby Massachusetts, northbound
from mid to late May and southbound (really eastbound, toward the central
Atlantic) from early to mid August (Veit and Petersen 1993). Most NYS records
are more easily assigned to two other categories: non-breeders at coastal inlets
during June and July (see #1999-80-A, below); or, as in the case of the present
record, fall occurrences, sometimes associated with storms.

The present record involves an adult, apparently deposited on Cayuga Lake
by Hurricane Isabel, although it’s not clear whether it would have been brought
in from the ocean or forced down while migrating overland. Two of the four
observers submitted reports to NYS ARC. The Committee felt that the detailed
reports submitted satisfactorily established the identification as Arctic Tern,
based on careful descriptions of the critical underwing and upperwing patterns
and other supporting marks, as well as direct comparisons of shape and flight

12

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

style with nearby Common Terns. Including the specimens cited by Cooper and
#1999-80-A (below), this represents the eleventh documented record for the
state, and the fifth inland record.

Black Skimmer (.Rynchops niger )

2003-51-A/C Juv, Oswego Harbor, Oswego, 20 Sep (Kevin McGann, Bill Purcell,

Gerard Phillips; ph K. McGann).

Another storm-blown vagrant deposited upstate by Hurricane Isabel. Four
written reports were received, accompanied by documentary photographs
which clearly show a juvenile Black Skimmer. This is the second record for
Region 5 and the seventh record away from the immediate coast. It is preceded
by a 1987 record (NYSARC #1987-25-A) of a juvenile on the tidal section of
the Hudson River at Croton Point, Westchester, which is much closer to the
species’ normal haunts.

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto )

2003-58-A/C Pine Island, Orange, 1-2 Dec (Warren Cairo, Mary Ann Cairo, John Tramontano;
ph W. Cairo).

Three reports were received for this sighting of a species that is only slowly
expanding into the Northeast from more established populations to the south.
The observers are familiar with this species and its primary contusion species,
Ringed Turtle-Dove ( Srisoria ), from the populations in Florida. In addition to
the written descriptions, the accompanying photographs showed the contrasting
dark primaries, an important feature of the identification. Although the observers
did not hear the dove vocalize, a local resident provided a description of the
song. This is the first record for Orange and Region 9 and the second accepted
record of the species in NYS following a bird (NYSARC #2002-26-A/F) that
spent several months near Hamlin, Monroe.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula )

2003-5-A/D Corbin Hill Rd, Root, Montgomery, 26 Jan to 12 Apr (Tom Salo,

Joanne Shultz, Rex Stanford, Curtis Marantz; ph J. Shultz, R. Stanford, Peter Doherty),
see Fig. 4 on page 60.

This accommodating and popular owl was present for at least three months,
in the process establishing a record late spring date for NYS. A diurnal hunter
with a predilection for exposed perches, Northern Hawk Owl is more likely
to be discovered as a vagrant than the similarly irruptive but more secretive
and nocturnal Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus). Many of NYS’s Northern
Hawk Owl records have occurred during years in which large numbers of
northern owls move southward from their normal year-round ranges.
Some years have resulted in multiple individuals being found across NYS
and in neighboring states. The winter of 2002-2003 was a poor year in this
regard, with very few Northern Hawk Owls found in southern Canada and
central and eastern US, making it even more unusual that this bird lingered so
far south for as long as it did. This well described and photographed individual
represents the 16th documented record for NYS and the second record
for Region 8.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

13

Chuck-wilFs-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis)

2003-18-A/C County Rt 10, Pennellville, Oswego, 20 & 24 May (Dorothy Crumb, Robert &

Kayla Fisk, Gerard Phillips, sound recording by G. Phillips).

This was the first record of the species for Region 5. Credit goes to Mr. Fisk’s
young daughter Kayla, who initially heard the bird, then went on the internet
and identified it to species! During its stay from 20 May to 2 June, it was heard
by as many as 72 birders and was seen only once (28 May). Written descriptions
of the vocalizations were submitted along with an audio sample taken from a
sound recording made on 24 May.

Rufous Hummingbird {Selasphorus rufus)

2003-29-A/B Ad male, Washingtonville, Orange, 31 Jul-2 Aug (Rick Horn, Lloyd Spitalnik,
video by L. Spitalnik).

2003-47-A Ad male, Route 4, Oxford, Chenango, 4 Nov (Fred von Mechow).

Over the past 20 years or so, Selasphorus hummingbirds have occurred with
increasing frequency in eastern North America, including NYS (Mitra and
Bochnik 2001). Growing awareness of the tendency of these vagrants to appear
in late fall and winter has prompted birders to scrutinize late season ornamental
plantings, and hummingbird feeders are often left hanging well into November
on the chance that a western stray might appear. Bucking this trend slightly,
an “early” adult male Rufous Hummingbird was observed by Rick Horn in
Washingtonville over a three-day period at a sugar feeder and video taped by
Lloyd Spitalnik. The tape showed an all rufous-colored hummingbird with red
gorget and a cap of the same rufous tone as the body. This combination is fully
consistent with the identification and excludes other species, notably Allen’s
Hummingbird (S', sasin), which has been recorded in Delaware, Massachusetts,
New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia.

The Oxford hummingbird was present for a short while into early November,
more in line with the recent pattern. The color description in the report initially
left the Committee divided on this record, but follow-up clarification resolved
the Committee’s concerns and also ruled out Allen’s. These two occurrences,
however, do point out that any records of Selasphorus hummingbirds must be
carefully scrutinized to establish the identification and that it is not safe to assume
these are Rufous Hummingbirds. Written reports should endeavor to explain the
basis of the identification. Females and immatures present a particular challenge
and of the ten accepted records of Selasphorus hummingbirds, half have been
accepted as “ Selasphorus species” only, rather than assigned to either Rufous
or Allen’s. In these cases, it is imperative to photographically document the
shapes of the tail feathers, a difficult and challenging task.

Ash-throated Flycatcher {My torch us cinerascens )

2003-59-A Ad, Fresh Kills Landfill, Staten Island, Richmond, 24 Nov (Phillip A. Brown).

Three photos support the identification of Ash-throated Flycatcher. This bird’s
dark tail tip, pale belly, and overall appearance were typical of Ash-throated
Flycatcher and inconsistent with the other Myiarchus flycatchers. The lack of a
large bill and large crest further rule out Great Crested (M crinitus ) and Brown-
crested (M tyrannulus ) flycatchers.

14

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Few vagrants have increased in frequency in NYS as dramatically as has
Ash-throated Flycatcher. Fritz and Quinlan (1998) cited only nine acceptable
records prior to 1996, of which only one was reviewed and accepted by NYS ARC
(11/2/1993, Nassau, #1993-62-A). Then, on 10 Nov 1996, three Ash-throated
Flycatchers were reliably reported from two widely spaced sites in Suffolk
and one in Nassau, along Long Island’s ocean shore! Since the publication of
their review, no fewer than six additional records have been accepted by the
Committee for the four years 1999-2002: 11/20/1999 Queens (#1999-44-A),
9/5/2000 Queens (#200037-A), 12/6/2000 Queens (#2000-49-A), 11/27/2000
Kings (#2000-75-A), 11/25/2002 Queens (#2002-54-A), 11/21/2002 Nassau
(#2002-59-A). The present record’s November date and coastal setting conform
closely to the pattern emerging from these records.

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)

2003-45-A SE edge of Brocton, Portland Township, Chautauqua, 28 Jun (Terry Mosher).

This bird was studied by Terry Mosher and Dick Miga, and the very detailed
description of the bill, head and body plumage, and tail convinced the
Committee of the identification as a Western Kingbird. The description of the
shape and coloration of the tail feathers was particularly important in ruling
out other yellow-bellied Tyrannus and hybrids. This species is very rare away
from the coast in NYS, and this record’s June date is also unusual. Most coastal
sightings occur during the fall (September-November), but there have been two
additional recent records from late May and June (25 May 2001, NYS ARC
#2001-77-A and 19 Jun 1998, NYSARC #1998-90-A). Most unusual and
intriguing in the present instance were very detailed second-hand descriptions
of breeding activities attributed to this Western Kingbird, presented and
analyzed in commendable detail by Mosher (2004). Mosher concluded that the
available evidence fell short of confirming actual breeding, and the Committee
did not review the report in this context. Nevertheless, even the possibility of
extralimital breeding raises many fascinating issues, including the possibility
that a vagrant breeder might not find a conspecific mate, but instead hybridize
with a related species that is locally prevalent. For instance, Western Kingbird
has been known to pair with Eastern Kingbird ( T. tyrannus ) where one or
the other is scarce (Gamble and Bergin 1996), and pioneering Clay-colored
Sparrows (Spizella pallida ) have been known to hybridize with both Field (S.
pus ilia) and Chipping Sparrow (S. passer ina) in the Northeast (Hoag 1999).
In view of these issues, and considering New York birders’ recent experience
with a presumed hybrid Scissor-tailed Flycatcher X Couch’s Kingbird (see
NYSARC report #2003-60-A, below), extra care should be applied in identifying
suspected vagrants in the genus Tyrannus.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus foificatus)

2003-31-A Imm, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester, 5 July (Thomas W. Burke;
ph Gail Benson).

The written report and color photographs firmly establish the identification as an
immature Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has been known
to hybridize with Western Kingbird (Tyler and Parkes 1992, Regosin 1998), and

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

15

New York birders have recent experience with a presumed hybrid Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher X Couch’s Kingbird (see NYSARC report #2003-60-A, below). In
light of these considerations, the Committee considered hybrid origins as well
as the standard identification criteria in reviewing this report, but there was no
evidence of hybridization. Whereas 30 of the first 40 NYS records came from
Long Island (Koeneke 1998), nine of the last ten accepted records have come
from elsewhere in the state. This record is the second for Westchester County,
58 years after the county’s first was found by Helen Cruickshank in Rye on 7
May, 1945.

tyrannus flycatcher

2003-60-A River Rd, Town of Leicester, Livingston, (Robert Spahn) 17-25 Nov.

Gary Chapin discovered this Tyrannus flycatcher hawking insects from the
fence running along Chandler Road near Geneseo. The bird remained in
the area until 2 Dec and was viewed and/or photographed by many people.
Only one report was received and this is extremely unfortunate because the
identification proved controversial and ultimately very interesting. In his
initial internet posting, Chapin identified the bird as a Western Kingbird ( T.
verticals), citing the yellow underparts and white outer feathers seen when the
bird landed. A week later, Willie D’Anna saw and digiscoped the kingbird at
this same locality but after studying his photos, D’Anna raised some questions
about the identification. In particular, the relatively heavy bill, extensively
yellow upper breast and green hints on the mantle pointed away from Western
Kingbird. The arrangement of feathers in the tail was also unusual and initially
interpreted as active molt. The vocalizations D’Anna heard corresponded to a
very loud sharp single-syllabled call and in an internet posting, Matt Victoria
stated that he heard the bird give a distinct “ W1CKF ’ call several times. This
is consistent with Western or perhaps Couch’s Kingbird (T. couchii ) but
seemed to exclude Tropical Kingbird ( T. melancholicus ). The photos were
posted on Angus Wilson’s web site (www.oceanwanderers.com) and discussed
extensively on ID-Frontiers. Whilst many expert commentators felt the bird
more closely resembled a Couch’s or Tropical rather than Western, others
felt that these species were not quite right either. A short way into the debate,
Bruce Anderson of Winter Park, Florida made the insightful observation that
this might in fact be a hybrid between Western Kingbird and Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher (T. foificatus ), a known hybrid combination (Tyler and Parkes 1992,
Regosin 1998). This idea gained favor, and Kevin McGowan and Bob Spahn,
both of whom studied the bird in life, developed a robust argument in support
of a somewhat different hybrid hypothesis. These authors concluded that the
most likely parentage was in fact a hybrid between Couch’s Kingbird and
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher—potentially the first example of this combination
(McGowan and Spahn 2004). Their thoughtful and informative analysis of the
plumage and structural details is highly recommended. The breeding range of
the two species overlaps narrowly in southern Texas and northern Mexico and
the two species are known to form mixed flocks at times. An important lesson
from this fascinating bird is that identification of scarce or rare species needs
to be made with great care. Not only is it important to use a suite of positive
characters but also to heed aspects that don’t quite fit.

16 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Loggerhead Shrike {Lanius ludovicianus )

2003-13-A Rt 63 and E Lakeshore Rd, Shadigee, Orleans, 15 Apr (Kurt Fox).

Loggerhead Shrike formerly bred in western NY but is now only found as
a rare migrant. Kurt Fox found this Loggerhead Shrike on the Lake Ontario
plain in mid April, an early date for this species. The field marks provided,
especially the black feathers going over the bill, are a clear and diagnostic
indication of Loggerhead Shrike rather than the much commoner Northern
Shrike (L. excubitor). The lack of barring on the breast and the location of
the black mask with respect to the eye are also appropriate for Loggerhead
Shrike. The date of this occurrence falls among the latest dates for Northern
Shrike, emphasizing the importance of careful study when reporting
either species during periods, such as April and November, when either
might occur.

Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)

2003-72-A Five, Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 24 Nov (Robert Spahn).

The sighting of five swallows on Lake Ontario in late November is unusual in
itself. Past records indicate that late swallows often turn out to be wandering
Cave Swallows, an essentially central American species. Following a spectacular
population increase in the late 20th Century, during which Cave Swallows
began nesting under bridges and culverts and greatly expanded their breeding
distribution north of Mexico (West 1995), Cave Swallows have begun to make
regular incursions into the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada
during late fall, especially in November (McNair and Post 2001). David Tetlow
discovered these birds and he and Bob Spahn identified them by their buffy
throats, square tails and overall appearance.

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius)

2003-27-A/B Hempstead Lake SP, Nassau, 15-20 Mar (Alvin Wollin, Angus Wilson;
ph A. Wilson).

Discovered by Alvin Wollin, this interesting but at times elusive bird was
seen by many observers, photographed and well described in the reports. The
bird was very unusual in that it behaved like a male (heard singing on three
occasions) but lacked a strong breast band, which is at odds with plumages of
either sex. Geographic variation apparently is weak, clinal and based almost
entirely on plumages of females (general color of underparts/upperparts).
Hybridization has not been recorded in this species. For more discussion of this
unusual Varied Thrush see Wilson 2003.

Yellow-throated Warbler (Dendroica dominica)

2003-61-A/B Male, Riverfront Park, East Water Street, Elmira, Chemung, 3 Dec (Anne Thurber,
Bill Ostrander; ph Mike Powers).

Both the descriptions and the photographs were convincing concerning the
identification of this species. This bird was observed in Elmira over a four-day
period and, at one time, was seen in an abandoned Cliff Swallow {Petrochelidon
pyrrhonota ) nest, which it presumably used as a roost site. The occurrence in
early winter is not atypical of this species.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

17

MacGillivray’s Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei )

2003-24-A Male, Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, Monroe, 4 June (Cindy Marino;
ph Laurie Zagmester), see Fig. 5 and 6 on page 61.

This MacGillivray’s Warbler was banded on 4 June 2003 by Cindy Marino,
providing NYS with its second record (Marino 2003). Ten photographs were
provided, including one with side-by-side comparisons with a Mourning Warbler
(O. Philadelphia ). All of the field marks of this bird are those of a breeding-
plumaged male MacGillivray’s Warbler. In particular, the bold, white eye
crescents and black lores extending over the bill are not expected in Mourning
Warbler. Furthermore, the broken black mottling on the lower portion of the
hood above the breast and the extensively olive flanks are more characteristic
of MacGillivray’s than of Mourning. When examining the photographs at high
digital magnification, it is also clear in several of the photos that this bird has
a very small area of white feathers on the chin just under the center of the
lower mandible. This feature is referred to in Dunn and Garrett 1997 (p. 494)
as “a tiny spot of white feathering on the extreme upper chin on spring male”
MacGillivray’s Warblers. The same authors describe this feature as “deep gray”
in Mourning Warbler.

Two concerns raised regarding the identification involve the crescent
above the left eye, which seems less pronounced than expected for this species,
and the relatively short tail length (49 mm) associated with a relatively large
value of flattened wing minus tail (13 mm)—both somewhat unusual values
for MacGillivray’s and within the ranges shown by Mourning. It should be
noted that the upper crescent on this bird’s right side appears entirely normal,
and that the upper eye crescents are often finer than the lower eye crescents
in MacGillivray’s Warblers—as is the case for this bird. Therefore, it appears
that this somewhat anomalous feature is most likely a part of the normal
variation that can occur in any bird of any species, rather than an indication of
hybridization. This bird’s structural intermediacy is worth noting, but does not
place it outside the range of variation observed in MacGillivray’s Warbler. Most
importantly, there are no other marks indicating possible hybridization with
Mourning Warbler or any other species.

Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni)

2003-40-A/F Two, Amherst Bike Path, Amherst, Erie, 6 Oct (William W. Watson,

Gerald S. Lazarczyk, Gerry Rising, James Pawlicki, Willie D’Anna, Michael Morgante).

Six commendable reports conclusively documented what eventually turned
out to be two individuals together in a small swale, the first discovered by
James Pawlicki on 6 October. The reports described the species in detail, with
due consideration given to potentially confusing species such as Saltmarsh
Sharp-tailed ( A. caudacutus ), Le Conte’s (A. leconteii), Henslow’s (A.
henslowii), and Grasshopper (A. savannarum ) sparrows. Key field marks
covered were “striking orange-buff upper breast and face...fine brown
streaks on the orange-buff upper breast and along the breast sides.” The gray
median crown stripe flanked by two brown lateral crown stripes was also
noted.

18

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)

2003-17-A Poughkeepsie, Dutchess, 4 May (Pat Gabel).

Even though this report provided few details, the combination of an all blue
bird about the size of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicicmus ) and
with decidedly brown wingbars seemed adequate to specify Blue Grosbeak.
The observer took particular care to rule out Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea )
and Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), the most likely confusable species.

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

2003-73-A Male, feeder on River Rd, Cuylerville, Livingston, 4 Dec (Robert Spahn).

Diane Henderson and Lucretia Grosshans found this male Indigo Bunting in
basic plumage at a feeder in Cuylerville, NY on 30 Nov. The bird was seen by a
number of observers over the following days and was reported and photographed
by Bob Spahn on 4 Dec. This species is rare in NYS after October, even on
the coast, and Lindsay (1998) lists just four winter records later than early
December.

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus )

2003-85-A Ad male, Derby Hill Bird Observatory, Oswego, 26 Apr (Gerard Phillips;
ph G. Phillips).

The report included a diagnostic digiscoped photo of this adult male. The
bird was first heard singing among a small chorus of blackbirds at the top of
a tall maple beside the observatory cottage. With the prospect of a poor hawk
watching day due to no wind and drizzle, the bird was enjoyed by a handful of
lucky observers visiting the observatory.

Hoary Redpoll (Carduelis hornemanni )

2003-10-A DeRuyter, Madison, 16 Jan (Charles C. Spagnoli).

One of the most important field marks separating Hoary from Common Redpoll
(C. flammed), the lack of streaks on the undertail coverts, was noted in this
report. The remaining field marks provided were observed in comparison to
the Common Redpolls present and were also good indications of this species.
With improved understanding of the important field marks and better photo
documentation, NYS has seen a sustained increase in acceptable reports of this
species, and NYS ARC will no longer require documentation for reports from
northern and central parts of the state. Hoary Redpoll remains exceedingly rare
in coastal NYS, and sightings there should still be carefully documented and
submitted for review.

2003 REPORTS ACCEPTED BUT ORIGINS UNCERTAIN

As its name suggests, this category involves records where the identification to
species is clearly established but the provenance (wild origins or otherwise) of
the birds in question is uncertain. Most often this involves waterfowl which are
commonly kept in captivity, exotic gamebirds that are frequently released for
hunting, and popular cagebirds such as parrots.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

19

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

2003-7-A Baiting Hollow, Suffolk, 2 Feb (Angus Wilson; ph A. Wilson).

2003-53-A/C Four, Mountain Rd, La Grange, Dutchess, 27-31 Oct (Chester Vincent,

William Case, Binnie Chase; ph W. Case).

The first report above is that of a single bird discovered by Andy Guthrie,
Tom Burke, and Gail Benson in Suffolk on 18 Jan and later photographed
by Angus Wilson. The second report is of four Barnacle Geese seen together
in Dutchess. The descriptions and photographs leave no doubt about the
identification of these Barnacle Geese. The observer in the first report correctly
points out that the origin is the issue. Breeders do not necessarily band
their birds, so these could be escapes. There is a large breeding population
of Barnacle Geese in eastern Greenland, but little consensus exists
concerning the interpretation of records of this species in northeastern North
America. For example, Szantyr (1988) proposed that many occurrences
represent wild birds, but Ryff (1984) concluded that most or all Barnacle
Geese reported in the US are escapes. Although some North American
records of Barnacle Geese are undoubtedly authentic (individuals
banded inthe Old World have been shot in Newfoundland and Ontario),
NYSARC continues to apply a conservative standard to individual reports
while awaiting stronger evidence of a regular pattern of natural vagrancy
to our region.

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)

2003-12-A Three, Little Sodus Bay, Fairhaven, Cayuga, 2 Mar (Bill Purcell).
2003-39-A Dunkirk Harbor, Erie, 5 Jan (William W. Watson).

Trumpeter Swan is not a straightforward identification but the details provided
in these two reports of the bill shape and the eye and bill pattern confirmed
the identifications. In the first report above, the swan was also calling, further
establishing the identity. Many of the Trumpeter Swans in NYS are known
to have come from the introduction program in Ontario (often marked with
collars or wing tags) and from captive birds known to have escaped in Wayne.
They have continued to breed in NYS and wander widely across central
and western NYS during the winter months. NYSARC is following the progress
of this feral population closely but does not yet accept unmarked individuals
as established.

Chukar {Alectoris chukaf)

2003-14-A Bristol, Ontario, 26 Apr (Gail Wiechmann; ph K. Wiechmann)

This submission and accompanying photographs indicate an Old World
partridge of the genus Alectoris. Various species, in particular Chukar and
Red-legged Partridge (A. rufa), are commonly raised on game farms and
accidentally or intentionally released into the wild. These species share a similar
overall appearance and can, at times, be difficult to identify with certainty,
particularly since hybrids are common. The description and photographs
provided strong support for the identification as Chukar, excluding even the
extremely similar and considerably less familiar Rock Partridge (A. graeca).

20

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Although Chukar is occasionally reported from NYS, there is no
evidencethat a sustainable breeding population exists in the state or nearby.
It therefore seems most likely this individual represents an intentional or
accidental release, presumably for hunting.

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)

2003-23-ATwo, Lakeshore Rd, Hamburg, Erie, 4 May (Stephen McCabe; ph S. McCabe).

The description and photograph provided clearly show two Monk
Parakeets, a South American species that is locally well-established in the
New York City area (especially Brooklyn), suburban sections of coastal
Connecticut (Bull 1971), and upper Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Another
established population exists well to the west in Chicago, Illinois (Moskoff
2003). Although vagrancy from known populations is theoretically
possible, the Committee felt this was unlikely in this case, given the
distance of the sighting from known populations and the fact that the species
appears to be non-migratory in North America. For instance, this species
is very unusual even short distances from established stations in the
New York City area. The fact that the species remains a popular cage bird
leaves room for spontaneous appearances (i.e. escapees) away from established
feral populations.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

2003-41-A Two, feeder in Harrisville, Jefferson, May (Kathy Luther).

Two individuals were observed visiting a feeder in May (exact date unknown)
and one was photographed. They were not seen subsequently. The color
photograph clearly showed the plain chestnut cap and prominent dark
spot on the ear coverts that distinguish this species from House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus ) and other Old World Sparrows. Eurasian Tree
Sparrows were introduced to North America in 1870 when birds of German
origin were released in St. Louis, Missouri. That population has persisted
to this day but remains localized to eastern Missouri, west-central Illinois,
and southeastemlowa (reviewed in Barlow and Leckie 2000). The species is
essentially non-migratory both in North America and its natural
range across Europe and temperate Asia. Some individuals may
wander, especially in winter, although these movements tend to be
over relatively short distances. There are a scattering of reports from
other parts of North America which might involve escaped cage birds
imported from Asia. The Committee accepts the identification but could
not determine if these birds had wandered from their rather localized
mid-western range or were more recent escapes. These uncertainties
aside, the Committee strongly encourages the reporting of so-called
“exotics,” especially if they are carefully documented and photographed.
Only by collecting this type of valuable information can we hope
to establish patterns of colonization by introduced species or, in some cases,
previously unsuspected occurrences of true vagrancy.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

21

2001 REPORTS ACCEPTED

South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki)

2001-82-A Democrat Pt, Suffolk, 23 June (S. S. Mitra, Patricia Lindsay)

This skua was studied carefully from shore and gave sufficiently good views
for it to be identified with confidence as a South Polar Skua (Mitra and
Lindsay 2001). It was identified as a large skua (“ Catharacta ”) by the
combination of its size compared to some Greater Shearwaters, conspicuous
upperwing flashes, wedge-shaped tail, gray-brown plumage without
barring on the wing and tail coverts, and pale yellowish nape. It
was separated from immature Great Skua (S. skua ) by a detailed analysis
of its plumage. Although South Polar Skua probably occurs fairly
regularly in NYS’s pelagic waters during late spring and summer, the
present record is just the second documented occurrence in NYS, and one of
very few shore-based records from northeastern North America. Observers
are strongly encouraged to publish or submit documentation
for all observations, including past ones, so that the status of this species, and
also of Great Skua, might be understood more clearly.

Cassin’s Vireo (Vireo cassinii )

2001-83-A Hatching year, Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk, 19 Oct (P. A. Buckley, S. S. Mitra;
ph Patrick Doyle).

Banded by Shai Mitra, this bird represents the first accepted record for
NYS of this cryptic western relative of the familiar Blue-headed Vireo
(V. solitarius). Prior to 1997, Cassin’s, Blue-headed {V. solitarius), and
Plumbeous (V plumbeus ) vireos were considered a single species, termed
Solitary Vireo. They were subsequently split into three species based on a
variety of criteria (AOU 1997). The individual in question was carefully
studied in the hand, measured and photographed (see Buckley and Mitra
2003). In its deliberations, members of the Committee reviewed the
specimen collections at the American Museum of Natural History in New
York City and collectively agreed that the Fire Island bird showed plumage
features outside the range of variation expected among Blue-headed Vireos.
It is conceivable that as the identification criteria become better
understood, Cassin’s Vireo will join the ranks of the more regular strays
to New York from western North America. However, until such a pattern
has been firmly established, submission of exhaustive documentation,
preferably with color photographs, will be necessary for acceptance
of future reports.

2000 REPORT ACCEPTED

Selasphorus hummingbird

2000-85-A Port Byron, Cayuga, last two weeks of Sep (Donna Jeanne Trumble)

Originally submitted as a video recording to a Committee member and
subsequently presented to the committee for review. The bird visited a private

22

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

hummingbird feeder for at least two weeks in late September 2000 along with
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds {Archilochus colubris ). The Committee was
able to assemble a crude description after study of twenty still images prepared
from the video by Kevin McGowan. Evidently, a female or immature male
Selasphorus hummingbird, the detail was unfortunately insufficient to identify
the bird to species.

1999 REPORTS ACCEPTED

Wilson’s Plover {Charadrius wilsonia )

1999-82-A Male, Pike’s Beach, east of Moriches Inlet, Suffolk, 4 May (S. S. Mitra)

As noted above for NYSARC #2003-21-A/B, Wilson’s Plovers have been
reported from NYS more frequently in recent years. In the present report,
Shai Mitra provided belated documentation for a bird originally discovered by
biologists engaged in Piping Plover (C. melodus ) research and conservation.
It is worth noting that these biologists also reported a Wilson’s Plover at the
same site two years earlier, in spring 1997, but that documentation submitted
to NYSARC in that instance was not considered adequate (#1997-24-A, not
accepted). The vicinity of Moriches Inlet, like Napeague and Mecox Bay, has
proven attractive to this species in the past.

Arctic Tern {Sterna paradisaea)

1999-80-A Second year. Democrat Pt, Suffolk, 13 Jun (S. S. Mitra, Patricia Lindsay).

Whilst studying a flock of terns feeding in the Fire Island Inlet, Shai Mitra
noticed one individual with a noticeably buoyant flight compared to the
Common Terns (S. hirundo) around it. The bird was relocated with a group of
Common and Roseate Terns resting on the edge of a lagoon at Democrat Point
and scrutinized carefully. Soft parts colors and the presence of a strong carpal
bar suggested a one year-old bird (= first summer). The convincing description
noted a suite of features including extremely short blackish legs, small bill,
narrow black trailing edge to the underwing, lack of a dark secondary bar on
outstretched wing, and uniformly gray uppersides to the folded primaries. In
eastern North America, Arctic Terns breed as far south as the Gulf of Maine
(abundantly) and southeastern Massachusetts (a few pairs), where they arrive
in mid to late May and depart in early August. Although the majority of one and
two year-old Arctic Terns are believed to remain in the Southern Hemisphere
during the boreal summer, observations from Cape Cod suggest that some
immature Arctic Terns migrate north and summer at favorable coastal sites
not necessarily associated with breeding colonies (Veit and Petersen 1993).
Careful scrutiny of terns in late spring and summer along the ocean shore
of Long Island suggests that this phenomenon might occur regularly,
though rarely, here as well. See NYSARC #2003-42-A/B above.

Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva )

1999-81-A/B Cornell Biological Field Station, Bridgeport, Madison,

5 Nov (Pete Hosner, Scott Haber)

This swallow was found dead by Connie Adams and donated to the Cornell
The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 23

University collection (CUM # 50066), where it was identified as a Cave Swallow
by Pete Hosner. Three color photographs of the prepared specimen were
submitted. The bird had an empty stomach and was in an emaciated condition.
Although submitted as belonging to the Caribbean subspecies P. f fulva,
wing cord measurements by Scott Haber were more consistent with the
southwest race P. f pallida , in keeping with other specimens from late fall
incursions into the northeast (McNair and Post 2001). See NYSARC #2003-
72-A above.

1998 REPORT ACCEPTED

“Western” Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus swainsonii)

1998-91-A Hatching year. Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk, 29 Sep (P. A. Buckley,

S. S. Mitra; ph S. S. Mitra).

Warbling Vireos are very scarce during migration on Long Island’s barrier
beaches, and all examples are worthy of close inspection. Thus, when this
individual was captured near Fire Island Lighthouse, its tiny bill and bufly
wingbars were carefully noted (Buckley and Mitra 2003). The bander,
Shai Mitra, was aware of on-going research concerning molt and vocal
differences between eastern and western subspecies groups (Voelker
and Rohwer 1998), specifically that hatching-year birds from western
North America retain juvenal greater coverts during their first south¬
bound migration, whereas eastern birds typically do not. The combination
of these retained feathers, a strikingly small bill, and, to a lesser extent,
several features of the dorsal coloration, were all consistent with the western
subspecies group swainsonii. This is the first accepted record of this taxon
for NYS and possibly only the fourth for eastern North America (Buckley and
Mitra 2003).

1997 REPORT ACCEPTED

Common “Sonora” Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trich as chryseola)

1997-73-A Second year male, Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk, 18 May (P. A. Buckley,

S. S. Mitra; ph S. S. Mitra)

This large and strikingly patterned Common Yellowthroat was mist-netted
by Shai Mitra at the Fire Island Lighthouse banding station and identified as
belonging to the southwestern subspecies chryseola , known colloquially as
“Sonora Yellowthroat” (Buckley and Mitra 2003). The report consisted of the
description, measurements, photographs, and analysis provided in the above
publication. In considering such an unusual report, the Committee focused on
the degree of confidence with which other North American subspecies could
be excluded—and this confidence was necessarily held to a very high standard
given the improbability of long-distance vagrancy in a partially resident taxon
from the southwestern comer of the continent. Examination of specimens at the
American Museum of Natural History, conducted independently by Buckley
and Mitra, and then again by members of this Committee, confirmed that

24

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

the combination of plumage characters and measurements shown by the Fire
Island bird closely matched the distinctive taxon chryseola. Furthermore, its
completely yellow underparts and very broad forehead band (white with a trace
of yellow) was not approached by any of the specimens of other yellowthroat
taxa. Finally, the Fire Island bird’s wing length and tail length were typical for
chryseola and significantly longer than those of male trichas measured by the
same bander (male spring migrants at Fire Island and male breeders in Rhode
Island). Although the improbability of such an exceptional occurrence was
considered very seriously by all reviewers, and although one reviewer voted
against acceptance in the final round of review, other reviewers were impressed
by the distinctiveness of chryseola relative to other yellowthroat taxa, the
close resemblance of the Fire Island bird to the typical appearance of this
taxon, documented vagrancy by chryseola to northwestern and eastern Texas,
and precedents among other partially resident southwestern North American
species, such as Vermilion Flycatcher ( Pyrocephalus rubinus), Painted Redstart
(Myioborus pictus), and Black-throated Sparrow (. Amphispiza bilineata),
as vagrants to the Northeast.

1996 REPORT ACCEPTED

Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus)

2003-86-A After hatching year female, Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk, 22 Jun (P. A. Buckley,

S. S. Mitra; ph S. S. Mitra), see Fig, 7 and 8 on page 62.

Mist-netted by Shai Mitra at the Fire Island banding station and photographed
by him in the hand, this female woodpecker’s identity was never in question
(Paxton et al. 1996a). In reviewing the photographs and other documentation
presented by Buckley and Mitra (2003), the Committee focused on the
extraordinary nature of the record. In addition to being the first occurrence in
NYS, this remains by far the most easterly record of the species anywhere.
Williamson’s Sapsucker breeds in mid- to high-elevation evergreen forests in
western North America, primarily in the Rocky Mountains, Cascades, Sierra
Nevada, and scattered ranges in the Great Basin, southwestern California, and
northern Baja California. It winters, generally at lower elevations, from the
southern portions of the breeding range (northern California, northern Arizona,
and northern New Mexico) south to Jalisco and Michoac£n in central Mexico
(Dobbs et al. 1997). Northern breeders (e.g., from British Columbia, Idaho,
and Montana) migrate fairly long distances, and females migrate farther than
males (Howell 1953, Davis 1962). There are a scattering of records away from
the normal range, including Minnesota, Illinois, eastern Texas, and Louisiana
(Remsen 1991), and Buckley and Mitra (2003) cite recent records from Kansas
and Oklahoma. Although the June date of the present record falls outside of the
conventional late fall/early winter window for western vagrants in NYS, it is
nevertheless matched by a surprisingly long list of vagrant landbirds of western
origin observed in NYS between mid-May and mid-July, including Lewis’s
Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis). Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis say a), Ash-throated
Flycatcher ( Myiarchus cinerascens). Western Kingbird {Tyrannus verticalis),
Townsend’s Solitaire ( Myadestes townsendi), Townsend’s Warbler ( Dendroica

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

25

townsendi), and Western Tanager ( Piranga ludoviciana). The Committee duly
considered the possibility of assisted origins (this species winters widely in
Mexico, where there is an extensive bird trade), but this was deemed unlikely.

1995 REPORT ACCEPTED IN REVISED FORM

Pacific-slope/Cordilleran Flycatcher
{Empidonax dificilis/occidentalis)

2003-54-A/B Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk, 14-16 Sep (P. A. Buckley, S. S. Mitra;
ph P. A. Buckley and Angus Wilson).

This report was published as Cordilleran Flycatcher. Although the Committee
agreed the bird in question was referable to the “Western Flycatcher” complex
(e.g., that it was either a Pacific-slope Flycatcher (E. dificilis) or a Cordilleran
Flycatcher), we concluded that it could not be safely identified further. The
flycatcher genus Empidonax contains a number of exceptionally difficult
identification challenges. In many instances, silent birds in the field are best left
unidentified. Even in the hand, distinguishing between cryptic sibling species,
not only Pacific-slope and Cordilleran, but also Willow (E. traillii ) and Alder
(E. alnorum ), is frequently impossible. In recent years, the number of western
North American Empidonax documented in the East has increased dramatically,
including records of Pacific-slope, Hammond’s (. E. hamondi ), Dusky (£.
oberholseri ), and Gray (E. wrightii ), mainly in late fall and early winter. These
species, plus the regular eastern Empidonax , must be carefully considered
before arriving at a firm identification. In particular. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
(£. flaviventris ), closest in appearance to the “Western Flycatcher” complex,
presents a significant identification challenge (Heindel and Pyle 1999).

Somewhat earlier than the now-expected date range for such vagrants,
this individual was first captured by Randy Moore, then recaptured several
times by Moore and P. A. Buckley over the next two days. This report was
reviewed primarily based upon an article summarizing vagrants encountered
at the Fire Island Lighthouse banding operation (Buckley and Mitra 2003).
Other resources included a black-and-white photograph by Angus Wilson that
was published in Field Notes (Paxton et al. 1996b) and a series of color slides,
again by Angus Wilson, which were available during the later stages of review.
In addition to consulting a number of reference materials (notably Whitney
and Kaufman 1986 and Heindel and Pyle 1999) and Ned Johnson’s analysis
of the bird (summarized in the original article), the Committee solicited the
opinions of several outside experts. Pyle’s (1997) authoritative banding manual,
published subsequent to this record, contains a complex series of criteria for
the separation of Empidonax in the hand. Unfortunately, the measurements
taken in 1995 were insufficient to fully apply these criteria. One of the
criteria available for review, wing length minus tail length, was actually more
indicative of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher than either member of the “Western
Flycatcher” complex. Despite this wrinkle, the Committee was convinced
that the weight of the descriptive and photographic evidence—including the
slightly tear-drop shaped eye-ring, the distinct crest, the brownish wing coverts
and flight feathers, and the overall color—was sufficient to indicate either

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

26

Pacific-slope or Cordilleran Flycatcher, but not adequate to further narrow the
identification to either of these two species.

Currently accepted in-hand identification criteria incorporate multiple
wing measurements which were not available for this record. Cordilleran
Flycatcher is typically longer-winged than Pacific-Slope Flycatcher,
and the proposed identification was based on the measurement of the longest
primary of the banded bird, 70 mm. This measurement, however, was
just within the range of measures provided in Pyle (1997) for Pacific-
slope (59-70 mm). Given uncertainties concerning the exact age of the bird
and the methods of measurement employed, the Committee felt that the
wing measurement alone was insufficient to establish an identification of
Cordilleran Flycatcher.

As summarized by Lowther (2000) and Buckley and Mitra (2003), Pacific-
slope Flycatcher has been recorded in eastern North America on several
occasions: three Louisiana specimens; two Pennsylvania records from Dec
1990 and Dec 1991 (which may represent a single returning individual); and
one North Carolina record from 15 Jan 2000. The latter three were identified by
call notes (and in the case of the North Carolina bird, its responses to recordings
of both species), and Lowther (2000) cautions that call notes given outside
the breeding season may not be diagnostic for Pacific-Slope. Cordilleran
Flycatcher has been recorded only twice in eastern North America, two
specimens from Louisiana. Through 2003 there were six additional reports of
“Western” Flycatchers in the East, not identified to species. The Fire Island
bird represents the first record of this species pair in New York State.

1990 REPORT ACCEPTED

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)

1990-3l-A Two ads and one juv, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Suffolk, 6,21, and
25-27 Jun (James Clinton),

This report concerns the first documented breeding record for NYS.
The original version of this report was not accepted (see NYS ARC 1990 Annual
Report, #1990-3 l-A) because the materials provided focused on breeding
evidence and neglected to document the identification of the adults. Fortunately,
this critical information has now been provided and the report accepted
after re-review.

REPORTS NOT ACCEPTED

A number of factors may contribute to a report being denied acceptance.
By far the most common is that the material submitted was considered
insufficient or too vague to properly document the occurrence and/or eliminate
similar species. For example, written documentation or descriptions prepared
entirely from memory (sometimes weeks, months, or years) after a sighting are
seldom voted on favorably and the Committee cannot overstate the importance
of taking field notes of uncommon or rare birds. These notes should be taken
while the bird is under study or, if this is not possible, immediately afterwards.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

27

It is very helpful to include a photocopy of your notes with the formal typed
or neatly written report. This helps the Committee to know what was seen at
the time of the observation, before field guides or other sources of information
were consulted. If you feel your handwriting is illegible, especially with the
excitement of finding a good bird, it is a good idea to add a key that explains
or decodes your notes. Crude field sketches are often very useful in illustrating
what you saw and should always be submitted as part of the report, even if they
are drawn on a napkin!

Advice on report preparation is available on our web site (see above), and in
several published articles. We recommend the article by Willie D’Anna (2003),
as well as the benchmark article by Dittmann and Lasley (1992). The key
elements to a good report are (i) the description of the bird with as much detail
as possible, (ii) the names and contact details of the observers, (iii) location and
date of the sighting, and lastly (iv) an explanation of how the identification was
made. This last category is frequently omitted but is extremely important. Ask
yourself the following questions: What features led you to this conclusion as
to the species involved? What other species might this bird be confused with
and how were these possibilities ruled out? By providing this information, you
invariably build upon the basic description and present a much more compelling
case. By necessity, the preparation of a good report takes time and effort. It is
not enough to scribble a few disjointed lines of description and leave it at that.
Once the description of what you saw has gone down on paper, it is a good
idea to consult reference books, audiotapes and so on. From the details you
recorded, can you determine the age and sex of the bird? Are there identifiable
subspecies that might tell us where the bird came from? What similar species
are there and how can these be ruled out from the details you recorded? The
latter is especially important. Sometimes it is worth considering and discussing
exotic possibilities. Escaped waterfowl, birds of prey, parrots and finches are
relatively common and can resemble North American species.

We do not reject records because the observer is unfamiliar to us or
has had records rejected in the past. Likewise, it is relatively uncommon
for records to be rejected because the bird was clearly misidentified.
We make every effort to be as fair and objective as possible, but if the
Committee is unsure about any particular submission it tends to err on the
conservative side, preferring not to accept a good record rather than validate
a bad one. All records, whether accepted or not, remain on file and can be re¬
submitted to the Committee if additional substantive material is presented.
In such cases, please contact the Secretary at the address given above.

2003 REPORTS NOT ACCEPTED

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii )

2003-4-A Corona Park, Queens, 19 Jan.

This report predates the recent split of Cackling Goose from Canada Goose
C B. canadensis; see NYSARC #2003-57-A/D, above) and was submitted as
B. c. hutchinsii (alternately called, then and now, “Richardson’s Goose”).
With the increase in interest in ‘white-cheeked’ geese since the split, the
28 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

identification criteria, and potential pitfalls, have become somewhat clearer.
This bird, while appreciably smaller than the Canada Geese it was associated
with, differed from typical “Richardson’s” Cackling Goose in that the bill and
head proportions were not as small as expected. In addition, the
upperparts color was closer to that of Canada Goose than the silvery-gray
color of “Richardson’s.” The Committee felt that these problems with
critical identification points precluded the proposed identification. Although a
detailed written description and excellent photographs were provided,
the uncertainty in assigning individual birds within the “white-cheeked”
goose complex is such that the Committee felt this bird could not be confidently
assigned to any of the forms.

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacified)

2003-63-A Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 14 Apr.

This loon was studied briefly as it flew past the lakewatch and was already
heading away from this experienced observer when first spotted. A number
of details including fast wing beats and two relatively narrow checkered
stripes along the back were suggestive of the closely related Pacific and Arctic
(G. arctica ) loons. However, in mid-April many loons are in odd, transitional
plumage and the Committee was not convinced that one of the commoner
species could be adequately ruled out.

Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (i Oceanodroma castro)

2003-36-A/B Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, Tompkins, 21-22 Sep.

Hurricane Isabel transported a number of small, dark storm-petrels to upstate
NYS. Most of these individuals were identified as Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
(Oceanites oceanicus, see species account above), but the identification of some
birds was less certain and Cayuga Lake became the unexpected focal point for
discussing the intricacies of storm-petrel identification. Birders scouring the lake
after passage of the hurricane turned up at least two storm-petrels. Debate over
their identification lingered into a second day as the birds remained land-locked
at the southern end of the lake and allowed extended viewing opportunities
for a large number of birders. Several observers felt that two individuals could
be distinguished in the field, and that one was larger and longer-winged than
the other. In flight, the longer winged bird was perceived to spend more time
gliding, and less time flapping. These marks would favor Band-rumped over
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, and the observers are commended for their attention
to these and other details listed in the extensive reports. Image captures from
video made of the birds was also submitted, but the distance involved precluded
a firm analysis. After reviewing the submissions, the Committee felt that in
accordance with the typically distant views and the inherent difficulties in
separating Band-rumped and Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, the identification was not
fully established. Although Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa ),
historically the best candidate for hurricane transportation in our region
(Askildsen 1998a,b), could be ruled out, the Committee felt there were no
sightings that could be confidently assigned to Band-rumped. Factored into the
decision was a concern that transported birds, perhaps weakened by the storm or

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

29

faced with difficulty feeding over unfamiliar fresh water, might exhibit different
behavioral tendencies than typically encountered over open ocean. Indeed, at
least one observer commented on the apparent weakening of the birds from
one day to the next. It was also noted that some experienced observers at the
site felt only Wilson’s Storm-Petrels were present, highlighting the difficulties
involved. Given these uncertainties, the Committee was unable to accept these
reports as Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, a species that has not yet been accepted
onto the NYS Checklist.

King Rail {Railus elegans )

2003-25-A East Quoque, Southampton, Suffolk, 4 May.

This rail was studied for a few seconds after being flushed from a stand of
Phragmites on the edge of a saltwater marsh. The observer was immediately
struck by the bright and well-patterned plumage that argued against Clapper Rail
(R. longirostris ), the common species in the marsh, and raised the possibility
of King Rail. Some Committee members were concerned by the extent of
detail provided in the description considering that the bird was seen under such
fleeting circumstances and by the “contrasting gray on the face,” a feature more
consistent with Virginia Rail ( R . limicola ). Given strong similarities between
King and Virginia Rails in appearance and the inconclusive description, with
the identification hanging entirely on the observer’s perception of this fleeing
bird’s size, the Committee after discussion declined to accept this report.

Thayer’s Gull {Larus thayeri )

2003-66-A First basic, Irondequoit Bay, Monroe, 3 Feb.

2003-75-A First basic, Irondequoit Bay, Monroe, 1 Jan.

Understanding the status and identification of Thayer’s Gull in NYS remains a
perplexing, and often frustrating, challenge to the Committee, regional editors,
and serious field birders alike. The contributors of these two reports are to be
commended for their valiant attempts to document these challenging birds and
for doing so in this unfortunate climate of taxonomic confusion. As outlined
in previous Annual Reports, there is great uncertainty among ornithologists
about the relationship between Thayer’s Gull and the two generally recognized
subspecies of Iceland Gull (nominate glaucoides and “Kumlien’s” Iceland Gull,
L. g. kumlieni). Whereas many authorities, including the AOU (1998) regard
Thayer’s as a species distinct from Iceland, others contend that Thayer’s and
nominate Iceland are two ends of a west to east gradient, with kumlieni referring
to birds that fall somewhere in the middle. There is a variety of evidence to
suggest that the two extremes were isolated during the last Ice-age but have
come together in recent times, allowing intergradation. Until expensive and
time-consuming genetic and ecological studies are performed on the breeding
grounds, it seems unlikely that these muddied waters will clear. With regard to
field identification, the challenge is to agree on what distinguishes a nominal
Thayer’s Gull from a Kumlein’s Gull. Based on careful studies in California and
Newfoundland, a reasonable set of criteria has been developed which relies on
the careful evaluation of multiple criteria (Howell et al. 1999, Howell and Corben
2000, Howell and Elliott 2001, and Howell and MacTavish 2003). In general

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

30

most of the reports received by NYSARC simply do not reach this high bar and
thus defy unambiguous assignment to one form or the other. Many of the reports
we receive, including these two from 2003, do sound like excellent candidates
but simply lack the feather-by-feather descriptions necessary for acceptance. It
cannot be overstated how important it is to photograph the candidate Thayer’s
Gulls as extensively as possible. With the power of digiscoping, this is not
nearly as challenging as it once was and allows birds that are quite distant to
be documented. Very detailed field sketches may substitute but should be made
in the field and should strive to record the exact patterning and colors of all the
major feather groups, in addition to the colors of the legs, bill, and iris.

Elegant Tern (Sterna elegans)

2003-43-A Woodlawn Beach SP, Erie, 16 Oct.

This moribund tern was discovered on a beach overlooking Lake Erie when it
was accidentally flushed by the observer. It was studied briefly in flight before
settling again behind some driftwood, where it was viewed for about 10 min at
a distance of 20 feet or so. Unfortunately, no effort was made to photograph the
bird. The detailed description is consistent with one of the crested terns (sub¬
genus Thalasseus), a notoriously difficult group, represented in North America
by Royal Tern (S. maxima ), Elegant Tern, and Sandwich Tern ( S. sandvicensis )—
the last including the yellow-billed Cayenne Tern (S. s. eurygnathd), which
is casual along the US Atlantic Coast. Elegant Tern is essentially confined to
the Pacific Coast from southern California down to Chile. There are, however,
a handful of accepted records away from the Pacific, notably singles from
Massachusets (Rines 2003) and Virginia (Wilds 1985) and several from western
Europe (Lewington et al. 1991). The separation of Elegant from Royal Tern in
the field relies on a suite of subjective features. The bill was described as long
with a prounonced droop and with generally a red color with hint of orange.
The black feathering on the head was restricted to the hind crown and nape.
The observer felt the tern was larger than a Common ( S . hirundo ) or Forster’s
(S. forsteri ) Tern and smaller than Caspian (S. caspia ) or Royal. Although this
intermediate size seems a favorable point, some reviewers were concerned that
the unusual circumstances in which it was studied and absence of side-by-side
comparison to other terns or gulls meant that accurate assessment of size would
be inherently difficult. Overall, given the lack of photographic or specimen
evidence and reliance on subjective impressions from a single observer, the
Committee was unanimous in its view not to accept this as a first occurrence for
the state and one of extremely few for eastern North America.

Roseate Tern {Sterna dougallii )

2003-16-A Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 27 Apr.

Roseate Tern is uncommon and local along the coast in NYS and in spring
is rarely seen away from breeding locations. Inland, it is an extraordinary
rarity. Hays (1998) recounts Bull’s (1974) summary of upstate records, none of
which were documented with physical evidence at the time of Bull’s writing.
Only one of the six inland records he describes was supported by a specimen
and even this had been lost. Thus Bull’s characteristic skepticism of sight

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

31

records was heightened in his reviews of Sterna tern records, and he
regarded the sight records listed as unreliable. Although improvements
in optics and field identification techniques have mitigated some of the
historical concerns with sight records, the separation of the mid-sized Sterna
terns remains one area where caution is still very much the rule.
The relevant field marks are subtle, and applying them can be made
even more difficult by distance and lighting conditions. Documentation
may also be hampered by the standard difficulties of sea or lake watching,
where most sightings are fly-bys offering only limited opportunity for
observation and documentation. Consequently, the Committee felt that
given the extreme rarity of Roseate Tern anywhere away from the coast,
more complete documentation of the relevant field marks would be required
to accept a sight record. The date was also a concern as it would represent
a record early date (by two days) for the species anywhere in the state,
including Long Island. Since publication of Hays’ summary in 1998,
NYSARC has accepted only one sighting away from the coast
(NYSARC #1996-42-A). Elsewhere, Roseate Tern remains a major rarity
inland. Hays (1998) lists two records from Indiana, one a bird collected
in August 1916 and deposited in the Field Museum in Chicago, and the
second a record of an adult found in August 1957, which had been banded
as a chick on Bird Island, Massachusetts. Oddly, the species account in
The Birds of North America omits the first Indiana record entirely and
considers the second unconfirmed (Gochfeld et al. 1998).

Bridled Tern {Sterna anaethetus )

2003-34-A Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 20 Sep.

Two terns were studied carefully flying east along the shore of Lake
Ontario two days after the passage of Hurricane Isabel. One was a Common Tern
and the other was identified as a Bridled Tern by virtue of the dark primaries,
brownish secondaries and back, distinct line through the eye and white
forehead. The Committee agreed that Black Tern {Chlidonias niger) was
ruled out but were not convinced that these brief details could properly exclude
Sooty Tern (S. fuscata).

Sooty Tern {Sterna fuscata)

2003-68-A Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 23 Sep.

This tern was observed shortly after the passage of Hurricane Isabel,
a time when sightings of marine terns on inland bodies of water might
not be entirely unexpected. Unfortunately, this bird was seen only
very briefly and critical details such as the undersides of the wings
and tail were not visible to the observer. Although several reviews were
initially favorable to the identification, the Committee agreed that the
unavoidable brevity of the sighting and difficult viewing conditions,
combined with the limited details in the description, made it difficult
to exclude other species with certainty.

32

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)

2003-55-A/B Mount Peter, Warwick, Orange, 7 Nov.

While conducting the hawkwatch at Mount Peter, Orange, two observers
studied a distant “boomerang” shaped bird wheeling around in the sky.
The bird gave the impression of being slightly larger than a Chimney
Swift (Chaetura pelagica ), a familiar sight at the hawkwatch, and had a
white throat continuing as a vee-shape onto the chest and belly. The sides
of the neck were white with a buffy area through the eye and across the
forehead. One report described the back as very dark blue and that the
underwings were not as dark as the upperwings. The bird was visible for an
estimated five to ten minutes but remained distant at all times. Regrettably,
it was not photographed. Two others watchers who were present at the time
were unable to locate the bird against the sky, an indication of the distance
involved. The Committee found this to be a highly intriguing report with some
significant strong points but also some troubling flaws. Both observers were
familiar with White-throated Swift from hawkwatching in the western US and
are warmly commended for their open-minded approach to the identification.
When considered together the descriptions were sufficiently compelling to gain
some positive votes in the initial round of review. The Committee’s subsequent
deliberations and ultimately its decision not to accept the identification hinged
on a number of key discrepancies and omissions. Both descriptions referred to
a “white rump,” which is not correct for White-throated Swift. Acknowledging
this discrepancy, one observer made the valid point that the white feathering of
the flank patches is separated by a rather narrow strip of dark feathers and can
thus give the (mis)impression of a rump patch when viewed in the field. Several
reviewers empathized with this assertion based on their own experiences. A
more serious concern was that the broad white tips of the secondaries were not
noted in either description nor was the relatively long tail, a useful distinction
from partially leucistic Chimney and Vaux’s (C. vauxi) Swifts. Given the
gaps listed above, the Committee was unable to accept this as an unequivocal
White-throated Swift, a species so far unrecorded east of Michigan, Missouri,
and Arkansas. In the southern portion of its range, White-throated Swift is
essentially resident (barring localized movements to avoid extreme weather),
but birds from the northern portions are genuine migrants, probably moving
southwards into the range of resident birds. Described as casual to Kansas and
Texas, there are a handful of records from as far east as Missouri and Arkansas
with a specimen record from Michigan (AOU 1998).

Black-chinned Hummingbird {Archilochus alexandri)

2003-81-A One male, one or two females, Chester, Orange, 25 Aug.

The report comprised two photographs of a female Archilochus hummingbird
without further written description of this bird or the reported male. The
Committee concluded that these were more likely to be Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds (A. colubris).

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

33

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)

2003-69-A Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 20 Sep.

This kingbird was seen for 15 seconds as it flew along the lakeshore. The
description noted the bright yellow underparts, dark and barely notched tail
and darkish back. The Committee agreed that this was most likely one of the
yellow-bellied Tyrannus flycatchers but felt there was not enough in the report
to identify it to species.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)

2003-71-A Near Sodus, Wayne, 28 Sep.

The observer spotted this unfamiliar bird perched on a roadside wire whilst
he was driving and immediately turned the car around. By the time he had
reached the spot, the bird had moved but he was able to see it briefly a couple
of more times in the nearby field. After consulting references later that evening,
he concluded that this must have been a Fork-tailed Flycatcher that was missing
the long tail extensions. These distinctive feathers are often dropped or broken.
The report described the pure white underparts and gray back contrasting with
darker wings and tail. The observer also noted that the head shape was wrong
for Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus ), although this key point was not
addressed in detail. Given the limitations of the sighting, the Committee felt
that Eastern Kingbird could not be ruled out on the basis of the brief details
provided.

Bell’s Vireo {Vireo bellii)

2003-54-A/B Mariner’s Marsh, Richmond, 4 Nov.

This greenish passerine was studied for a few minutes and identified after the fact.
Bell’s Vireo is considered by many as a particularly difficult bird to identify by
virtue of its strikingly non-descript appearance and similarity to Ruby-crowned
Kinglet (Regulus calendula ) as well as several other vireos. The effects of wear,
immaturity and continuous movement only serve to further compound the
difficulties. In their reviews several Committee members highlighted the fact
that the description of the eye-ring and the bright yellow fringing to the flight
feathers were counter-indicative for Bell’s Vireo and more consistent with other
vireos, notably an immature White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus). Other important
details such as the bill shape, body posture and so on were not described in
sufficient detail. There was general agreement that the reports would have been
strengthened by explicit discussion of the identification in reference to other
more likely species, notably White-eyed Vireo.

Eurasian Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

2003-84-A Two, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Oakdale, Suffolk, 11 Oct
This was a perplexing report involving two birds studied at a very close
range (“started at two feet of distance”). Most Committee members agreed
that the description and sketch were highly suggestive of Jackdaw, as was the
description of the contact call. At the same time, the limited experience of the
observer and curious circumstances left room for other possibilities, such as

34

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus ). For the reviewers comfortable with the
corvid identification, it was agreed that wild origins were very unlikely.

Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana )

2003-80-A West Dryden, Tompkins, 22 Sep.

Female Western Tanagers can present a significant identification challenge
because of their similarity to some female Scarlet Tanagers ( P. olivacea). This
individual was carefully studied and photographed. It showed fairly broad
yellowish upper wingbars and whitish edges to the tertials, both suggestive of
Western Tanager. The color of the breast and bill were also supportive. Although
uncommon, some Scarlet Tanagers can show noticeable wingbars due to retained
juvenal greater coverts. Unfortunately, the extent of contrast between the crown
and back—a critical field mark—was difficult to evaluate in the photographs,
which showed the bird perched on high branches. The fact that the pro-Western
features were not particularly well developed and the date was on the early
side, the Committee opted for caution in making a firm identification. These
concerns were shared by the observers, who cautiously referred to this as no
more than a “probable Western Tanager.”

“Slate-colored” Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca schistacea)

2003-74-A Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 7 Dec.

The taxonomy of the Fox Sparrow complex is involved and unsettled. The
AOU currently recognizes a single species ( Passerella iliaca), and Pyle (1997)
describes 17 subspecies allocated among four main groups. Some authorities
consider each of these main groups to be separate species. The Hamlin Beach
bird was thought to be either P. i. schistacea or P. i. altivagans . To add to the
taxonomic confusion, altivagans has been placed by some authorities in the
schistacea group (“Slate-colored” Fox Sparrow) and by others in the iliaca
group (“Red” Fox Sparrow, which includes the birds which normally occur
in NYS). Under either interpretation, altivagans appears to be an intermediate
form between “Red” and “Slate-colored” Fox Sparrows. It should also be noted
that “Red” Fox Sparrows vary clinally in color, with western birds ( P. i. zaboria,
which breeds into Alaska, and which occurs rarely in NYS) tending to have a
grayer head and nape and browner ventral streaking than eastern birds. The
Committee recognizes that the pattern and overall color of the bird described
in the report suggest a Fox Sparrow unlike the typical “Red” Fox Sparrows
that occur in eastern North America. But apart from the confusion engendered
by taxonomic issues, the Committee was concerned that certain details of the
head pattern and bill as reported were not correct for any subspecies of Fox
Sparrow. Given these discrepancies, and the additional possibility that a hybrid
combination or color aberration could be responsible for the unusual appearance
of this bird, the Committee felt that this record could not be safely assigned to
any subspecies of Fox Sparrow. There is one previous record of an altivagans
Fox Sparrow for NYS, a bird captured and collected at a banding operation at
Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk on 12 May 1971—the first, and perhaps still
the only, record from the Northeast (United States National Museum #566277;
Buckley 1974).

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

35

Brewer’s Blackbird {Euphagus cyanocephalus)

2003-6-A Feeder in West Chazy, Clinton, 24 & 27 Jan.

The brief description lacked sufficient detail, concerning shape and posture in
particular, to safely exclude Rusty Blackbird ( Euphagus carolinus ).

2000 REPORT NOT ACCEPTED

Pink-sided Junco (Junco hyemalis mearnsi)

2000-84-A Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk, 19 Oct.

Captured by Shai Mitra at the Fire Island banding station, photographs and a
description of this junco were published by Buckley and Mitra (2003). The
juncos represent a notoriously difficult group in terms of assigning individuals
to particular populations, subspecies or even species. The taxonomy is not
fully understood and divisions are blurred by genetic mixing and individual
variation. For an up-to-date discussion of these issues see Dunn (2002) and
Neal (2003). After careful review and comparison to specimen collections, the
Committee was not satisfied that this individual could be safely assigned to
a named population. Notably, it lacked the characteristic blackish lores and
extensively pink flanks expected of a Pink-sided Junco, and the demarcation of
the gray breast leading to a very pale whitish belly is not typical of Pink-sided.

1995 REPORT NOT ACCEPTED

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

1995-25-A Derby Hill Hawkwatch, Oswego, 24 Apr

This submission concerns a large eagle that was seen by an assemblage of
observers as it passed over the hawkwatch at Derby Hill at the southeastern
comer of Lake Ontario. The eagle was studied at relatively close range and
for at least two minutes. Several of the observers were intimately familiar
with both Bald Eagle {Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Golden Eagle {Aquila
chrysaetos ) and were immediately convinced they had something different. One
of the observers contributing a report was also able to study the bird through a
telescope. Initially, three reports were submitted to NYSARC: two regarded the
bird as a White-tailed Eagle (#1993-25-A and B), whereas the third regarded
the bird as a Steller’s Sea-Eagle (H. pelagicus\ #1993-24-A). In an unusual step,
reports # 1993-25-A and B were withdrawn by the observers prior to review, and
only #1993-24-A was reviewed. This report was not accepted (see NYSARC
1994). The observers who withdrew their reports did so in reaction to conflicting
responses from international experts in raptor identification whom they had
approached, rather than a change of heart. After extensive correspondence and
literature review, these two observers resubmitted their original field notes
and descriptions, again concluding the bird was a White-tailed Eagle, and
added the voluminous results of their research. Documentation of the eagle
consists of written descriptions and drawings and a single photograph of very
limited utility. All these materials were scrutinized carefully by the Committee,
several of whom have field experience with all the species under consideration.

36

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

The Committee also consulted additional reference material that has become
available in the interm.

The bird was described as huge, with long, broad, straight-edged wings, a
massive yellow bill, yellow feet and tarsi, and a long, wedge-shaped tail. Unlike
adult Bald Eagle, the head was described as mostly dark, and the rectrices as
mostly dark, with white centers on at least some of the individual feathers. The
body and wings were uniformly very dark, or blackish, with hints of brown
tones on the underwings. Although the bird was seen and described very well,
there was no indication of any white visible on the underwings, including
the axillaries. Both observers described counting seven clearly-defined primary
tips.

Though the Committee found the level of detail in these reports admirable,
and despite considerable evidence that many details of plumage and structure
were consistent with a White-tailed Eagle, the final combination of characters
was difficult to reconcile with this identification. According to the most current
literature on the identification of this species (e.g. Foreman 1999), essentially all
non-adult White-tailed Eagles will show at least some prominent white markings
on the axillaries. Although this trait is subject to much individual variation, as
in Bald Eagle, the total absence of white markings on the underwings of the
Derby Hill bird was of serious concern, especially as the tail and body plumage
were not fully adult. In summary, the anomalous or unexpected combination
of an adult-like bill color, adult-like uniformity of the underwings, non-adult
tail, and non-adult dark body color does not correspond neatly with any typical,
well documented plumage of White-tailed Eagle. Given these difficulties, the
Committee decided that even better documentation, preferably involving high
quality photographs, would be necessary to support such an exceptional record.
White-tailed Eagles have occurred and sometimes bred in Alaska (principally
the Outer Aleutians). There is also a significant resident population in
Greenland (Boertmann 1998), presumably the source of three early to mid 20 th
Century records from Massachusetts, the most recent being from 1944 (Veit and
Petersen 1993).

CONTRIBUTORS

Observers: Seth Ausubel, Jessie Barry, Edward S. Brinkley, Phillip A. Brown,
P. A. Buckley, Thomas W. Burke, Adam Byrne, Mary Ann Cairo, Warren Cairo,
William Case, Binnie Chase, Judy Cinquina, James Clinton, Dorothy W. Crumb,
Steven J. D’Amato, Willie D’Anna, Leonard DeFrancisco, Peter Doherty, John
Duffy, Dale Dyer, Bill Elrick, Kayla Fisk, Robert Fisk, John Foust, Kurt Fox,
Pat Gabel, Jeff Gerbracht, John Gluth, Kevin Griffith, Scott Haber, Michael
Hamilton, Judith Heintz, Roger Heintz, Barbara Herrgesell, Wesley Hochachka,
Rick Horn, Pete Hosner, Robert Kurtz, Gerald Lazarczyk, Anne Lazarus, Nick
Leone, Patricia Lindsay, Kathy Luther, Curtis Marantz, Cindy Marino, Stephen
McCabe, Kevin McGann, Jay McGowan, Kevin McGowan, Hugh McGuinness,
Shaibal S. Mitra, Michael Morgante, Terry Mosher, Bill Ostrander, James
Pawlicki, Gerard Phillips, Bill Purcell, Gerry Rising, Dana Rohleder, Tom
Salo, Eric Salzman, Joanne Schultz, Michael Shanley III, Dominic Sherony,

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

37

Jeanne Skelly, Sharon Skelly, Charles C. Spagnoli, Robert Spahn, Lloyd
Spitalnik, Birgit Stanford, Rex Stanford, Herb Stein, William Symonds, Anne
Thurber, John R Tramontano, Donna Jeanne Trumble, John Van Neil, Chester
Vincent, Fred von Mechow, William W. Watson, Gail W. Wiechmann, Angus
Wilson, Alvin Wollin, Seth Wollney.

Photographers: Seth Ausubel, Andrew Baldelli, Gail Benson, P. A. Buckley,
Warren Cairo, William Case, Steven J. D’Amato, Willie D’Anna, Peter Doherty,
Patrick Doyle, Ken Feustel, Kurt Fox, Pete Hosner, John Kennedy, Stephen
McCabe, Kevin McGann, Jay McGowan, Shaibal S. Mitra, Gerard Phillips,
Mike Powers, Cheri Sassman, Joanne Schultz, Dominic Sherony, Lloyd
Spitalnik, Donna Jeanne Trumble, John Van Neil, Kurt Wiechmann, Angus
Wilson, Laurie Zagmester.

SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF
THE NEW YORK STATE AVIAN RECORDS COMMITTEE

Angus Wilson (Chair) Jeanne Skelly (Secretary)

Thomas W. Burke, Andy Guthrie, Steve Kelling, Shaibal S. Mitra,
Gerard Phillips, Dominic Sherony

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land. Birding 35(3): 268-277.

Neal, J. 2003. Thejunco challenge: A genuine Pink-sided Junco from
Arkansas and some look-alikes, Birding 35:132-136.

Paxton, R. O., Boyle, W. J. Jr., and D. A. Cutler. 1996a. Hudson-Delaware
Region. Field Notes 50(5): 931-935.

Paxton, R. O., Boyle, W. J. Jr., and D. A. Cutler. 1996b. Hudson-Delaware
Region. Field Notes 50(1): 25-31.

Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds. Part /. Slate
Creek Press, Bolinas, California.

Regosin, J. V. 1998. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus). In
The Birds of North America, No. 342 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.).

The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American
Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C.

Remsen, J.V. Jr. 1991. First record of Williamson’s Sapsucker from Louisiana.
Journal of Louisiana Ornithology 2: 15-17.

Rines, M. 2003. Seventh Annual Report of the Massachusetts Avian Records
Committee. Bird Observer Vol. 31 No. 2.

Ryff, A. J. 1984. The long sea-flights: A precise tradition. Birding 16:146-154.

Spahn, R. G. 2003 Ross’s Gull (Rhodostethia rosea) in Monroe Co., 9-13 Jan
2003 Kingbird 53(1): 9-12.

Szantyr, Mark S. 1988. A Barnacle Goose in Connecticut with

comments about the status of the Barnacle Goose in North America.
Birding 20: 232-234.

Tyler, J. D. and Parkes, K. C. 1992. A hybrid Scissor-tailed Flycatcher x
Western Kingbird specimen from southwestern Oklahoma. Wilson
Bulletin. 104: 178-181.

Veit, R. R. and Petersen, W. R. 1993. Birds of Massachusetts. Massachusetts
Audubon Soc., Lincoln, MA.

Voelker, G. and S. Rohwer. 1998. Contrasts in scheduling of molt and

migration in Eastern and Western Warbling-Vireos. Auk 115(1): 142-155.

Walsh, J., V. Elia, R. Kane, and T. Halliwell. 1999. Birds of New Jersey. New
Jersey Audubon Society, Bemardsville, NJ.

West, S. 1995. Cave Swallow {Hirundofulva). In The Birds of North

America, No. 141 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural
Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’ Union,
Washington, D.C.

Whitney, B. and K. Kaufman. 1986. The Empidonax challenge. Part IV:
Acadian, Yellow-bellied and Western Flycatchers. Birding 18:315-327.

Wilds, C. 1985. Elegant Tern at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Raven 56: 38-39.

Wilson, A. 2003. Puzzling Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius ) on Long Island,
New York. Kingbird 53: 105-107.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

41

DR. PAULA. DEBENEDICTIS
1942-2006

“Quick. Lie down and pretend you are a pine cone.” A flock of Pine Grosbeaks
had just flown over. Birding with Paul DeBenedictis was always productive and
fun. I met him when he and his wife Virginia and two children, Tim and Lisa,
moved to Syracuse in 1970. His intellect was incredible. He was knowledgeable
in so many fields.

Paul grew up in Berkeley, California and started his college work at the
University of California. Then on to Michigan for his Ph.D. in zoology and
ecology. He met his wife, Virginia, at Ann Arbor. They came to Syracuse,
where he was manager of Academic Computing Services at SUNY Upstate
Medical University.

Birding was only a hobby with me, and Paul taught me that there was so
much more to know about birds. He was very interested in gulls and few of us
had paid much attention to them. He started discussing plumages and aging
and made us really look at these birds.

Several of us traveled to Cornell on Monday nights to attend the seminars.

I listened to Paul and Fritz Scheider discuss so many things that were way
above my head. And we often visited the Spoffords and their many friends after
the seminar. So much to absorb.

Paul worked on the birdathons in the spring and the annual Christmas
counts. Then in the 1980s came the first New York State Breeding Bird Atlas.
Paul would have liked to have been coordinator for Region 5, but with a full
time job, it was easier to let me take the job and he would assist. He contributed
so much, not only in the field, but with records on the computer. He served on a
committee to review the artwork. He was sorely missed when the second Atlas
project was started.

Paul was very active in the Onondaga Audubon Society, served on its
Board of Directors, and led field trips. He was also interested in The Federation
of New York State Bird Clubs (now the New York State Ornithological
Association). He wrote eight Region 5 reports for the Kingbird between 1986
and 1989. He was instrumental in the formation of the New York State Avian
Records Committee (NYSARC) in 1977 and served as its first Chairman
for seven years. Paul subsequently served as Editor of the Kingbird from
1985 (Volume 35, Number 4) through 1995 (Volume 45, Number 4).
Paul received the Gordon B. Meade Award in 1996 and the Elon Howard Eaton
Memorial Award in 1997 for his contributions to the scientific study of birds
and other assistance to the Federation.

Working with local organizations was not enough. He also wrote a series
of articles for Birding , the magazine of The American Birding Society. He was
a member of their Avian Records Committee.

Paul became interested in studying the DNA of various species of birds
and had become known nationally for this work. But it ended too soon.
In 1996, Paul suffered cardiac arrest which resulted in brain injury that

42

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

rendered him disabled. Although he could answer questions and still identify
birds if you asked him, he had lost his ability to communicate. Virginia
saw to it that he kept up his interest in the natural world. They traveled to
many places including Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and even Europe.

Those of us in Central New York who knew Paul are sorry to have lost him
and his fabulous knowledge of all things around him. We will all remember
him fondly and Pine Grosbeaks will always have special meaning for me.
Goodbye Paul.

—Dorothy W. Crumb

Illustration by Cynthia J. Page
from

Owls ‘n Things
by Dorothy W. Crumb

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

43

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEASON - FALL 2005

Andrew Guthrie

60 Gold Street, Greenwich, CT 06830

andyguthrie@verizon.net

THE WEATHER

Fall 2005 was the fifth wannest fall since 1895, continuing the trend from the
summer season. Both September and November were over 3° above the 110-
year average temperature. October’s temperatures moderated across most of the
state, but precipitation was well above average, fueled in part by the remains of
Tropical Storm Tammy passing through early in the month. It was the wettest
October since 1895, contributing to the second wettest fall season overall during
the same period. 2005 ended as the most active season on record for Atlantic
Ocean tropical storm activity, but there were no “direct hits” in New York and, as a
result, few obviously storm-transported birds. October’s weather seemed to have
a concentrating effect on migrants, as many birds bottled up by wet weather
took advantage of the handful of good migration days. A consistent theme later
in the season was the late departure of southbound migrants, perhaps due to
being blocked by the weather from moving south or being able to survive milder
than normal conditions, or in some cases the apparent movement of birds back
into the region on prevailing south-westerly winds or in the wake of passing
tropical storms.

WATERFOWL/OTHER WATERBIRDS

General impressions of the season’s waterfowl migration expressed some
disappointment. Regions 2, 5, and 8 noted poor or unremarkable movements.
Even Region 6, which experienced “decent numbers,” noted few large concen¬
trations. Scaup numbers were cited as particularly low in Region 2, where they
were described as “virtually absent”, and Region 5. On the plus side were new
Regional high counts of 440 Wood Ducks coming to roost on 11 November
(Region 1) and 10,000+ Red-breasted Mergansers counted off Irondequoit
Bay (Region 2). Ninety Ruddy Ducks at Braddock Bay were a good count for
Region 2, where any double-digit count is notable. Conversely, at the Batavia
Wastewater Treatment Plant in Region 1, counts of hundreds of Ruddy Ducks
were still much lower than previous years. Region 3 experienced good numbers
of dabbling ducks, with the single-site maxima for a variety of species at an
eleven-year high. For Blue-winged Teal, widely declining across the state, it was
the third consecutive year of “significant” increase. On the diving duck front,
Region 5 tallied good numbers of White-winged and Black Scoters and Hooded
and Red-breasted Mergansers.

Tundra Swans appeared in good numbers in Region 1 on 18-19 November,
while arrivals in Region 2 a week later were record-early for the Region. Cackling
Geese, continuing their post-speciation assault on the State’s ornithological record
books, were reported from 7 of the 10 Regions this season. Notable among the

44 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

reports were three at the traditional Region 1 location, Iroquois NWR, and a
Regional first record photographed in Region 8. Additional waterfowl highlights
included two separate Common Eiders in Region 2, including an extremely
cooperative bird at Irondequoit Bay outlet which showed characters (primarily
bill structure and color) differing from the subspecies which regularly occurs
in coastal New York waters, S. m. dresseri. Preliminary research led observers
to believe that it may have been S. m. borealis, which, as the scientific name
implies, is a more northerly form, occurring in winter south to the Gulf of Saint
Lawrence and coastal Maine. New York has at least one record of borealis , a
specimen collected at Montauk in December, 1945. Identification of Common
Eider subspecies is difficult, particularly for females, and female borealis is
apparently very similar to female S. m. v-nigra, the Pacific Ocean subspecies,
which has occurred very rarely in the western North Atlantic. Further review of
pertinent literature and museum specimens may shed more conclusive light on
this identification. In any event, this is a significant record - kudos to the careful
observers who paid enough attention to notice the slight differences. Among
“regular” rarities, there were only three Greater White-fronted Goose reported,
two from Region 2 and one from Region 10, and two reports of Ross’s Goose,
one from Region 3 and one from Region 7. Eurasian Wigeon appeared in one
more region, but in greater overall numbers, with a single report from Region 1
and multiple reports from both Region 3 and Region 10.

Large numbers of Common Loon were reported in Region 2, where Hamlin
Beach experienced several days with migration counts of over 1,000, and in
Region 5, where migrating loons delayed by southerly winds amassed at Fair
Haven and Oswego. Central New York experienced a fallout of Red-throated
Loons on 23-25 November, most likely due to a quick-moving cold front which
passed through the region. Several grounded birds were found and brought to
rehabilitators in Region 4 and Region 5, and a number of similar reports were
received during this period from non-birders. Pied-billed Grebes were found in
notable numbers in Region 3 and Region 1, where 192 on Chautauqua Lake on 10
November established a new Regional high count. Also in Region 1, three Eared
Grebes continued into November at the Batavia WWTP, a regular location for the
species. Region 2 recorded good numbers of Red-necked Grebes, including four
days with 20+ at Hamlin Beach.

Northern Gannet appeared in at least three upstate Regions with another
possible sighting in a fourth. There was one sighting in Region 1, single birds
sighted on three different dates in Region 5, and a record number of reports from
Region 2-14 birds were recorded, with most deemed “definitely separable”
by plumage characters. Following the Hurricane Wilma/Nor’easter event in
late October, a possible Northern Gannet was found grounded and tentatively
identified after its subsequent release at Otsego Lake.

Western New York experienced a late season incursion of Cattle Egrets, with
one in Region 1 and five in Region 2 found during the third week of November.
Region 10 had the only other reports, in mid-September from Jamaica Bay.
Great Egrets were down in Region 5, with only a single report, and up in
Region 1, where 87 at Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area in September
established a new Regional maximum. Elsewhere reports seemed normal.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

45

Glossy Ibis was found inland in Region 3, with up to two birds at Montezuma
NWR in September, and along the Hudson River at Piermont Pier in Region 9.

The season’s tropical weather appeared to have only a modest avian impact,
primarily in Region 10. On 16 September, as Hurricane Ophelia passed well
offshore, several Cory’s Shearwaters and Wilson’s Storm-Petrels were seen
from Long Island’s south shore, and a handful of Lesser Black-backed Gulls
appeared at scattered Long Island locations. The following day, a Manx
Shearwater was discovered in Jones Inlet; during its week-plus stay this bird
provided a good opportunity for birders to debate its identification and separation
from Audubon’s Shearwater (see Kingbird 55: 335-339). All of these birds could
occur without the influence of tropical weather systems, but the passing storm
may have concentrated them onshore. Almost certainly storm-influenced was a
Magnificent Frigatebird at Bayport on November 6, about two weeks after the
remnants of Hurricane Wilma passed offshore. This report continued the trend
from the summer, when two Frigatebirds were reported from Long Island, and
also mirrors reports of multiple birds from surrounding states. Unfortunately, the
large Black Skimmer colony at Lido Beach was washed out in the high tides that
accompanied Hurricane Ophelia.

Finally, for the sixth consecutive year, a type-E botulism outbreak affected
piscivorous birds along Lake Erie. As in prior years, the NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation conducted transect counts of dead birds, and
estimated total mortality on Lake Erie of 1,350 birds during the period early
October to early December. The primary species affected were, as in prior years,
Common Loon and Long-tailed Duck.

GULLS/TERNS

The Niagara River in Region 1 again held the most gull activity. Bonaparte’s
Gulls appeared in good numbers this year, with 7,000-10,000 present during
the second half of November. Amongst them this fall were a Franklin’s Gull,
a juvenile present for most of November; a Black-headed Gull; and a juvenile
Black-legged Kittiwake. More unusual for the Region was an adult Black¬
legged Kittiwake seen with a small group of Bonaparte’s Gulls flying west on
Lake Ontario on 5 November; juvenile Kittiwakes are seen far more frequently
inland than adults. For the 14 th consecutive year, a California Gull was found as
large gulls began congregating in late November. To the east, Region 2 hosted
a good variety of small gulls as well. Notable sightings included two Sabine’s
Gulls, 5 Black-headed Gulls, 12 Little Gulls, and a record early Black-legged
Kittiwake. Only 5 kittiwakes were tallied for the season, however, a low total
for the Region, particularly in contrast with the good numbers recorded at Derby
Hill in Region 5, which produced a daily maximum of 12 on 16 November.
Region 5 also tallied single Black-headed and Little Gulls. There was a minor
Laughing Gull incursion inland, with one in Region 2, two in Region 3, and one
in Region 8. Increased scrutiny may be part of the reason for more unusual gulls
being reported in Region 7 recently. This season’s reports included one or two
juvenile Black-legged Kittiwakes (observed from Vermont) and a good total of
7 Little Gulls.

46

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Several regions upstate noted Caspian Terns lingering later in the season
than normal. Reports were received into October in Regions 1,2, 3 and 5. Black
Terns were noted in good numbers, for recent years at least; Regions 1 and 2
both recorded maxima of 8, and 19 reported from the south end of Cayuga Lake
in Region 3 was an eleven-year high for the fall season. Conversely, only a
single bird was found in Region 5 and coastal counts were lackluster. A Region 1
record-high 22 Forster’s Terns were counted at Beaver Island S.R in September.
A maximum of 50+ Royal Terns were counted at Pike’s Beach, Suffolk County
in Region 10, and the season’s only Sandwich Terns were found along nearby
Dune Road.

A good number of jaegers were found along Lake Ontario in Regions 1,
2 and 5. In Region 1, only one was identified to species, a Parasitic Jaeger,
but 13 others were seen, including one considered a probable Pomarine. The
season totals in Region 2 were deemed “respectable” after a slow start; the final
counts reported were 12 Pomarine, 68 Parasitic and 1 Long-tailed [When? Not
mentioned in report]. The totals in Region 5, mainly from Derby Hill, were
10 Pomarine and 19 Parasitic. In Region 3, a Pomarine Jaeger was found in
a more unusual location when presumably the same individual was seen at
two locations on Cayuga Lake on 30 October. The only other jaegers reported
were two Parasitics harassing gulls on 5 September on Lake Champlain in
Region 7.

RAPTORS

Fall hawk-watching presented a few notable highlights in the course of a
generally underwhelming season. Among the continuing trends was increased
Bald Eagle numbers in many regions. This season was also good for Golden
Eagles, with reports from seven Regions. While numbers were high in general,
most of the Regional tallies were dwarfed by the remarkable 252 Golden Eagles
recorded at Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch in Region 4. Probably due in some
part to this year’s record coverage, this is the single-site seasonal record for the
eastern flyway, and tops the 229 recorded there last fall. Included in the season’s
total was an also remarkable single day high count of 71 on 11 November,
also a record high count for eastern North America, surpassing the previous
high count of 51 which Franklin Mountain had shared with Hawk Mountain in
Pennsylvania. Peregrine Falcons also continued to be well reported this fall. A
strong push occurred through the state in October. On 8 October, a new Region
1 high count was recorded when 9 were seen migrating along Lake Ontario at
Wilson. On the same date, 7 Peregrines were observed moving along Cayuga
Lake in Region 3. Region 2 recorded excellent numbers of migrating Peregrines,
with a total of 26 in October, including 19 in a two-day stretch, and several other
regions noted good counts. Region 3 also noted many Merlins in its westernmost
regions. In Region 1, up to four Merlins were on site at the wintering roost at
the University of Buffalo, and Region 2 tallied 18 migrants in October. Some
Regions reported low hawk watch totals due to lack of coverage, likely due
to the inclement weather during the peak migration periods. Conversely, the
Lenoir Hawk Watch in Region 9 had a “banner day” on 16 October, when a
cold front passed following a week of record rainfall, as hawks were tunneled
The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 47

by the weather along a narrow corridor over the Hudson River. Broad-winged
Hawk numbers were generally low to moderate. Peak counts were from Region
9, where various sites recorded 1000+ individuals on four days, topped by 1400
at Bear Mountain on 24 September. A rare dark-morph Broad-winged Hawk was
sighted at Mount Peter on 20 September. Region 10 recorded two individuals
into November, the last on the 21 st . Also late for the season was an Osprey on 20
November in Region 5.

Snowy Owls made appearances in five Regions, raising hopes for good
winter numbers. Otherwise, there was no indication that the “northern owl”
invasion of last winter would repeat. Northern Saw-whet Owls were poorly
reported, with only three Regions listing the species this fall. Region 1 noted
an early arrival on 25 September. 51 Saw-whets banded at two sites in Region
1, and a road-killed recovery in Region 8 report, the only Regional report, are
indications that this secretive species is likely more common than evident from
the number of reports.

SHOREB1RDS

A common thread throughout the Regional reports was that the season’s
shorebirding was generally mediocre. Comments included phrases such as
“numbers unspectacular” (Region 2); “generally low” (Region 4); “few” reports
(Regions 5 and 6), and “lackluster” (Region 8). In Region 3, low reports might
have been a result of maintenance work at Montezuma NWR, the focal point
for shorebird activity in the Region, which apparently forced birds into less
accessible areas. In Region 8, high water levels throughout the season likely
contributed to the dismal showing.

Highlights included American Avocet, Red-necked Phalarope, and Hudsonian
Godwit in Region 1; a cooperative Red Phalarope in Region 2; Whimbrel,
Western Sandpiper, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper in Region 3; good numbers
of Baird’s Sandpiper in Region 4; good numbers of American Golden-Plover
and Pectoral Sandpiper in Region 5; American Golden-Plover, Whimbrel,
and Red Phalarope in Region 6; Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Willet, and
Hudsonian Godwit in Region 9, the latter two both at Piermont Pier along the
Hudson River in Rockland County; and Red-necked Phalarope in Region 10.

PASSERINE MIGRATION

Passerine migration on the whole was good. Many regions reported excellent
overall counts of various species, and there were several notable migration
events during the season. In Region 2, the passerine migration was described
as “fabulous.” Maximum daily counts included 85 Winter Wrens, 160 Hermit
Thrushes, 50+ Field Sparrows, 600+ Savannah Sparrows, 1,200+ White-
crowned Sparrows, and 1,200 Rusty Blackbirds. The sparrow season was “the
best in years”. In Region 3, on 11 October, nocturnal migrants appeared to be
concentrated by a low cloud ceiling and lights at Cornell University’s football
stadium. After word spread, a dozen birders converged on the site and tallied
high counts and Regional late departure dates for a number of warbler species, as
well as approximately 1,000 Savannah Sparrows, most foraging on the stadium’s

48 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

artificial turf. Four Dickcissels were also heard calling overhead during the night.
See the Region 3 species accounts for further details. When the rainy weather
cleared through Region 10 several days later, a major passerine flight moved
through the Region, culminating with a large number of birds—mainly sparrows,
kinglets, wrens, and thrushes—grounded on 21 October by a line of showers.
An unfortunate consequence of the event was the demise of large numbers of
passerines along Ocean Parkway, a busy commuter road which runs along the
Jones Beach strip, where grounded birds concentrate. Region 10 authors Shai
Mitra and Pat Lindsay witnessed a sample of the carnage on 20 October and
describe their observations in the Regional report. On a happier note, Mitra
and Lindsay also note that this fall was a good one in Region 10 for observing
uncommon or rare migrants such as Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied
Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Philadelphia Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Cape
May Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and
Dickcissel. Thrushes were well reported, spurred in part, no doubt, by more
widespread attention on nocturnal migration. As an example, a listener in Region
1 tallied 5 thrush species on 22 September, including 181 Swainson’s Thrushes,
and “many” Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrushes were heard overhead in
Region 5 on 15 September, although exact numbers weren’t noted. Observers
in Region 3 typically maintain the most regular and rigorous nocturnal flight
monitoring. Thrush counts at Sapsucker Woods this season included 1,000 Gray¬
cheeked Thrushes and 1,500 Swainson’s Thrushes on 24 September. Philadelphia
Vireos were noted in high numbers in Regions 1, 3, 5, and 10, and were reported
from eight of ten Regions. In addition to the Region 2 numbers mentioned
above, sparrows were well-reported in Regions 1, 5, 6, and 10. A number of
Regions reported good variety of warblers, many establishing late departure
dates. Two uncommon species which were particularly well represented this fall
were Orange-crowned Warbler, reported in 8 of 10 Regions, including 12 on the
Buffalo Ornithological Society Count in Region 1, 10 in Region 3, and 14 in
Region 10; and Connecticut Warbler, with reports from four Regions, including
three banded at a single Greene County location in Region 8, and 16 reports, with
some possible duplication, from Region 10. Rusty Blackbird, a declining species,
garnered positive mentions in several Regions in addition to the good numbers
in Region 2. Also in Region 2, another declining species, Chimney Swift, made
a good showing, with a maximum of 1,300 counted at a traditional roost site.
Chimney Swifts made news in Region 10 as well when exceptionally late birds
were recorded into November. An impressive diurnal migration of Black-capped
Chickadees was noted on 5 November at the Lenoir Nature Preserve, when
over 1,000 were counted moving south in flocks of 25-80. Presumably a Boreal
Chickadee seen a day earlier across the Hudson River at Sterling Forest was part
of the same general movement.

There was little evidence of a winter finch invasion this fall, with only
scattered reports of few individuals. Pine Siskin was reported from nine Regions
but generally in small numbers; Region 1 reported a minor flight, with “much
smaller numbers than last fall.” Other exceptions to the general trend were good
numbers from Region 3 and Region 8, where the species was “widespread.”
Evening Grosbeak was likewise widely distributed in small numbers, with

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

49

reports from nine Regions as well. Common Redpolls were only reported
from four Regions, although five in Region 2 on 9 October were record-early
for the region. White-winged Crossbills were scarce, with reports from only
three Regions, with only single birds from two of those. Red Crossbills were
somewhat more common with reports from five Regions. Pine Grosbeaks were
reported from four Regions, all from late November apart from two birds in
late October in Region 9. Another early arrival in Region 2 was Snow Bunting,
which tied the Regional record early date of 28 September. Northern Shrikes
appeared in all Regions except southernmost Region 10; despite some arrivals
on the early side overall numbers were average. Bohemian Waxwings appeared
in moderate numbers along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River plains but
had not appeared elsewhere by season’s end.

SWALLOWS

The most notable aspect of the season’s migration was the unprecedented
incursion of late-season swallows into the state. The now-annual pulse of Cave
Swallows occurred again this year, with birds seen along the Great Lakes and
the coast. This year, inland birds vastly outnumbered birds downstate, where
about 10 sightings on coastal Long Island, from Montauk Point to Point Lookout,
comprised mostly single birds, with a maximum of three. Upstate the picture was
very different! Regions 1 and 5, with one previous record each, recorded multiple
Cave Swallows. In Region 5, at least 7 passed Derby Hill on 6 November, and
three more were seen at Fair Haven to 17 November. Many were recorded flying
westward along Lake Ontario in Region 1, with counts of 40+ on 5 November
and 80+ on 6 November from various lakeside locations. Even these remarkable
numbers paled beside the counts from Region 2. Beginning with 28 counted on 3
November, by 17 November diligent watchers counted nearly 800 birds in total,
all moving west along Lake Ontario. For a detailed account of this phenomenon,
please see the Region 2 report. An article summarizing this event is in preparation
for an upcoming issue. This year, the late-season swallows included a number of
additional species. A Purple Martin seen by swallow-searchers in Region 1 on 5
November established a late date for the state. Rough-winged Swallows were seen
into November in Regions 1 and 2, with a late date of 13 November in Region
1. Bam Swallows were seen to late October in Regions 1 and 2, while in Region
10 there were at least seven reports in November, the last on the 21 st . Region 10
editors Mitra and Lindsay discuss the larger context of these reports as part of
an event, possibly caused by Hurricane Wilma, which led to laige numbers of
late-season aerial insectivores as far north as the Canadian Maritimes. Mitra and
Lindsay also voice a note of caution regarding the identification of late-season
Petrochelidon swallows—although Cave Swallows have become expected,
the presence of dozens of Cliff Swallows this November in Nova Scotia is an
indication that no assumptions should be made in these identifications.

RARITIES

A good number of rarities were seen throughout the state this fall. It was a
down year for vagrant hummingbirds, but two Selasphorous were seen, one

50 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

each in Region 1 and Region 8. Despite extensive photographic documentation
and expert review during its two-month stay, the Region 1 bird could only be
identified to genus. The Region 8 bird was banded and identified in hand as a
hatching year male Rufous Hummingbird, which remains the only species of the
genus positively identified in the state.

In addition to the unusual warblers discussed previously, several additional
finds made news across the state. The fourth fall record of Worm-eating Warbler,
and the latest ever for Region 1, was found there on 6 October. Even rarer was
one found in Region 7 on 13 September, only the fourth Regional record since
1979. A Yellow-throated Warbler was seen sporadically at a Region 5 feeder in
November. The rarest warbler statewide was a cooperative Black-throated Gray
Warbler which frequented Forest Park in Queens County, Region 10, for a week
in mid November.

One American White Pelican lingered from the summer season at Montezuma
NWR in Region 3, remaining until mid-October. In early November, Westchester
County in Region 9 recorded its second and third county records of American
White Pelican, first three soaring over Rye Town Park on 1 November, followed
by a single bird at Croton Point Park on 4 November, and five were seen at
Jamaica Bay in Region 10 on 27 October.

The only inland Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow this fall was found at the
traditional Region 3 location at Hog Hole at the south end of Cayuga Lake. In
nearby Dryden on 11 October, a single field held a LeConte’s Sparrow, a rarity
at any time in the state, and two Grasshopper Sparrows, which, while resident
breeders in many areas, are rare anywhere in the state as migrants. Clay-
colored Sparrow was found in four Regions, including 2 at Wilson in Region
1 representing the second Regional fall record, and at least 15 individual birds
in Region 10. Lark Sparrow was found only in Region 10, where there were six
reports.

A horde of interesting reports were generated from Region 7. Regional
editor Mike Peterson comments that a number of species which have historically
been considered especially noteworthy in the Region have now become regular,
including Barrow’s Goldeneye, Great Egret, Gyrfalcon, Western Sandpiper,
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, and Carolina Wren, all recorded this
fall. Barrow’s Goldeneye matched the state early arrival date on 5 November at
Noblewood Park in Essex County. More noteworthy sightings included a third
Regional report of Great Cormorant, a first Clinton County and fifth Regional
record of Red Phalarope, and two separate Western Grebes about a month apart
at the same location in Clinton County, the first and second county records. Truly
remarkable and deserving of detailed documentation was a report from Lake
Champlain of a flock of 14 Black Guillemots. Any occurrence of this species in
NYS away from the outer shore of eastern Long Island is very unusual. Even
at Montauk single birds are the rule, and the present flock represents more than
a third of the total previous reports from the state! Even this was not the most
noteworthy report from the Region, as a lone observer identified a bird sighted
on 13 September as a female Yellow Wagtail. The Yellow Wagtail complex was
split in 2004 by the American Ornithologists’ Union, with the North American
breeding population reclassified as Eastern Yellow Wagtail. Outside the breeding

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

51

grounds, this species has only been recorded as a vagrant in California, plus one
sight record each from Nevada and Alabama. The AOU did not further analyze
the Yellow Wagtail complex, on the basis that only the newly-minted Eastern
Yellow Wagtail has occurred in North America. Although not specified as such,
presumably this report refers to the North American breeding Eastern Yellow
Wagtail. Needless to say, if accepted by the NYS Avian Records Committee
(NYSARC), this would be a first record for the state.

Another highlight rarity was a cooperative Gray Kingbird in Region 2,
which was seen by many observers during its four-day stay in early October.
According to the Regional report this is the second record of the species for
Region 2, although there are no previous records listed in Bull’s Birds of New
York State or the NYSARC archives. It represents only the tenth for New York
State, pending acceptance by NYSARC.

Additional rarities from around the state included Harlequin Duck and
Sandhill Crane in Region 1; up to three Sandhill Cranes in Region 3; an October
White-eyed Vireo in Region 5; a feeder-going White-winged Crossbill in Region
8; from Region 9, an immature Blue Grosbeak, Boreal Chickadee, Sedge Wren,
Dickcissel and Townsend’s Solitaire, the latter a first for Ulster County; and
White-winged Dove, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Northern Wheatear, “Gambel’s”
White-crowned Sparrow, and Yellow-headed Blackbird in Region 10.

MISCELLANEOUS

Once again, the wayward Whooping Crane from the eastern reintroduction
program was sighted in Region 6, this time in late October. It was only seen
briefly, and was next sighted on 9 December in North Carolina, where it was
captured and relocated to Florida to join the rest of the experimental flock.

Other “non-countable” species reported this season included a Monk Parakeet
photographed in Region 5 and Ringed Turtle-Dove, Mitred Parakeet, and two
Pin-tailed Wydahs in Region 10. As noted by Region 5 editor Bill Purcell, even
in cases where a bird is likely to be an escape rather than a genuine vagrant, it is
important that sightings be recorded to establish a full picture in the event that
a population becomes established or pattern of occurrence develops. It can also
be useful to understand the occurrence of exotic species which can be confused
with “legitimate” vagrants, such as Ringed Turtle-Dove, which can be difficult to
separate from Eurasian Collared Dove.

BIRD OF THE SEASON

There were a variety of potential choices for the BOTS this fall, from vagrants
such as Western Grebe, LeConte’s Sparrow, and Black-throated Gray Warbler;
to unique events, such as the amazing influx of Cave Swallows, particularly the
numbers tallied in Region 2; to potential first state records, such as the Region 7
Yellow Wagtail. My choice for the BOTS is a classic, crowd-pleasing vagrant,
the Gray Kingbird seen for several days in the town of Greece in Region 2. This
well-documented bird, seen by many during its stay, is the first occurrence of
the species in the state since the fall of 1992, the tenth overall, and only the third
record away from Long Island.

52

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

REGION 1 - NIAGARA FRONTIER

Mike Morgante

59 Briar Hill Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127

The record warmth from summer continued in September. The average
temperature for the month was 66.0° F, which was 4.5° F above normal.
Monthly precipitation at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport was 4.89”,
1.26” below normal, with nearly all of it occurring on the 16 th and the 25 th -26 th .
The first week of October was very warm, but it was cooler and cloudier than
normal for the remainder of the month. The average temperature was 52.7° F,
2.0° F above normal, and the monthly precipitation was 2.64”, 0.55” below
normal. November was characterized by extreme temperature swings and
storms. The average temperature was 43.3° F, 3.1° F above normal, making
it the fifth warmest fall on record. The monthly precipitation was 5.70”, 1.78”
above normal, with 17.9” of snow, 6.9” above normal. Lake effect snow hit
selected areas hard on the 16 th and 25 th .

It was an exciting season in the field, with mostly pleasant weather and
good numbers of migrants and rarities. Record high gas prices in September
kept some birders closer to home.

Three Cackling Geese were observed on two occasions at the now
“traditional” location of Ring-neck Marsh at Iroquois National Wildlife
Refuge. One was also observed on two occasions in Dayton, marking the first
record for Cattaraugus County. A goose described as a probable Greater White-
fronted x Canada hybrid was observed at the same location. First arrivals
of Snow Goose and Brant have become earlier in recent years. There were
numerous reports of Tundra Swans in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties on
18-19 November.

There were some high waterfowl counts this season. Elaine Dart
kept count of large numbers of Wood Ducks coming to roost at a marsh in
the town of Alexander in early November. Her tally of 550 on the 11th is a
Regional maximum. Likewise, David Neveu’s frequent observations at
Burtis Bay on Chautauqua Lake resulted in a Regional maximum count of
192 on 10 November. Similar to summer, counts of Ruddy Ducks at Batavia
WWTP were much lower than recent years, although they were still
present in the hundreds. Three Eared Grebes continued at Batavia WWTP
into November.

Once again, piscivorous waterbirds along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario were
affected by an outbreak of type E botulism. This marks the sixth consecutive
year on Lake Erie. NYSDEC again conducted counts of dead birds at thirteen
500-meter transects to document the number killed by species and to make
mortality projections for the entire New York Lake Erie shoreline. A total of
75 birds were found dead during the Lake Erie transect surveys conducted
from early October through early December, a lower total than recent years.
NYSDEC estimates that 1,350 total birds were killed due to botulism on Lake
Erie during this period. This mortality estimate only accounts for birds washed
up on shore. Consistent with the results from recent years, Common Loon (45)

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 53

and Long-tailed Duck (14) carcass counts were the most numerous. Only five
birds were found during mortality transect counts from transects on the Lake
Ontario shoreline (NYSDEC Region 9, Kingbird Region 1).

Raptor migration is extremely sparse in the Region during the fall season.
However, falcons are occasionally found moving along the Great Lakes. A
regional maximum of 9 Peregrine Falcons occurred along Lake Ontario in
the Town of Wilson on 8 October. Six were observed flying south over the
lake during a morning of lakewatching by Brett Ewald and Willie D’Anna.
In the afternoon, Ewald had another 3 flying west along the lake. Another
raptor highlight was a Golden Eagle on 29 October; this species has become
an annual occurrence in fall in recent years. Bald Eagle sightings continue to
increase and are too numerous to include mention of all reports. Tim Baird saw
10 at Allegheny Reservoir near the end of the season. Four Merlins were at the
annual winter roosting grounds at the University of Buffalo, South Campus.

The highlights of the fall shorebirding season were both found on 9
September at separate locations. An American Avocet, photographed at
Iroquois NWR, was the first for this location in more than a decade. A Red¬
necked Phalarope observed by Tom Simmons at the Jamestown Audubon
Center was unusual for the location. A Hudsonian Godwit was another good
find at Cayuga Pool on 8 October.

Bonaparte’s Gulls were especially numerous on the Niagara River in
Buffalo this year, with estimates of 7,000-10,000 during the second half of
November. A juvenile Franklin’s Gull was observed for most of November in
this area, a Black-headed Gull was sighted a few times, and a juvenile Black¬
legged Kittiwake was seen there once. An adult kittiwake, very rare in the
Region, was documented flying west with a small group Bonaparte’s Gulls on
5 November along Lake Ontario. Large gulls were still building in numbers on
the Niagara River in late November. For the 14 th consecutive year, California
Gull was found on the Niagara.

Until recent years, Caspian Terns were rarely found in October. The several
reports this year add to the evidence that this species is lingering later. Debbie
Sharon and Paul Hess documented a Regional record number of Forster’s Terns,
up to 22, at Beaver Island S.P. in September. Fall reports of Black Terns have
become scarce, so a report of 8 at Iroquois NWR on 18 October was unusual.

The first Northern Saw-whet Owl arrival was found at the early date of
25 September. Banding efforts in Wethersfield, Wyoming County, and Allegany
S.P. continued to show that this species migrates through the Region in larger
numbers than most birders realize. There were single reports of Snowy and
Long-eared Owls plus two reports of Short-eared Owls.

Passerine migrants were widespread in September, especially following
a large flight on the night of the 15 th . Numerous nocturnal flight calls were
heard that night over Buffalo. The increased migration that night was likely
a result of an impending frontal system. Kurt Fox made a concerted effort
to count nocturnal migrant calls for 2.5 hours after sunset on the night of 22
September. From two locations in Middlebury, Wyoming County, he identified
5 thrush species, with Swainson’s (181) far outnumbering the other species. He
also heard several Green Herons and Black-crowned Night-Herons in flight.

54

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

A local nocturnal radar study documented the season’s highest passage
rate on the following night as well. Sparrows were numerous in early October,
especially around the time of the BOS October Count on the 9 th . There were two
early reports of White-crowned Sparrows. Philadelphia Vireos were reported
with much greater frequency than usual this fall.

A flight of Pine Siskins occurred but they were reported in much smaller
numbers than last fall. American Goldfinches were present in good numbers, with
a count of over 1000 along Lake Ontario in early November. Four fall reports
of Evening Grosbeak were the most since 2001. There were single reports of
White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpolls, and Pine Grosbeaks.

Fall of2005 will long be remembered for the incursion of Cave Swallows.
Following several days with predominantly southwesterly winds in late October
and early November, including a very strong wind event on 3 November, there
were reports from Region 2 of large numbers of Cave Swallows flying west
along Lake Ontario. Region 1 birders flocked to the lake and found them at
several locations with 40+ on 5 November and 80+ on 6 November, all flying
west. There was only one previous record in the Region. During the swallow
search, a Purple Martin was well observed at Golden Hill S.P. making it the
latest on record in the state.

David Suggs received a report to Dial-a-bird, the local RBA hotline, of
a hummingbird that remained at a feeder in Glenwood into November. The
homeowners, Bob & Lorraine Sherman, sent photographs to Suggs and invited
him to visit. He identified the bird as a female Rufous or Allen’s Hummingbird
and contacted Allen Chartier, a hummingbird expert in Michigan, for further
help with identification. Despite over 200 photographs of the bird, no more
definitive ID could be reached. This is the fourth record of a selasphortts
hummingbird in the Region. The bird was present from the second week of
October through 9 December.

Doug Beattie was very surprised to find a Worm-eating Warbler in
Bethany, Genesee County, on 6 October. This is only the fourth fall record for
this species and the latest ever.

The 70 th annual BOS October Count was held on the 9 th and compiled
by Mike Hamilton. The weather featured moderate temperatures and cloudy
skies. The count recorded 168 species, with 19 record high counts and no record
low counts. Highest counts since inception in 1935 were recorded for: Great
Blue Heron (237), Osprey (11), Bald Eagle (16), Cooper’s Hawk (26), Merlin
(11), Peregrine Falcon (3), Spotted Sandpiper (7), Hudsonian Godwit (4 - all in
Ontario), Semipalmated Sandpiper (4), Baird’s Sandpiper (2 - in Ontario), Buff¬
breasted Sandpiper (5 - in Ontario), Caspian Tern (6), Red-bellied Woodpecker
(115), Downy Woodpecker (349), Pileated Woodpecker (27), Blue-headed Vireo
(23), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (91), Tufted Titmouse (120), Ruby-
crowned Kinglet (1304), Mourning Warbler (1), Chipping Sparrow (1030), and
Indigo Bunting (6).

Other notable sightings not previously mentioned include: Eurasian
Wigeon, Harlequin Duck, Northern Gannet, Cattle Egret, Sandhill
Crane, Bohemian Waxwing, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Louisiana
Waterthrush.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

55

Special thanks go to Ken Roblee of NYSDEC for providing an update
and data on the botulism outbreak. Weather information was obtained
from National Weather Service monthly summaries at Buffalo-Niagara
International Airport.

CONTRIBUTORS

Robert Andrle, Tim Baird, Bob & Lorraine Baxter (B&LB), Doug Beattie,
Marion Bee, Bill Broderick (BBr), Elizabeth Brooks, Bill Burch (BBu), Willie
D’Anna, Elaine Dart, Brett Ewald, Kurt Fox, Paul Fuhrmann, Paul Hess, Paul
Hess - INWR (PHi), Linda Holmes, Dave & Sandy Junkin, Jim Landau, Tom
LeBlanc, H Link, Ruth Lundin, David Mark, Mike Morgante, David Neveu,
Susan & Tom O’Donnell, Jim Pawlicki, Betsy Potter, Jeff Reed, Richard
Salembier, Debbie Sharon, Bob & Lorraine Sherman, Tom Simmons, A1 &
Di Stout, David & Debbie Suggs (D&DS), Steven Taylor, William Watson,
Peter Yoerg

ABBREVIATIONS

A1SP - Allegany SP CATT; AmSP - Amherst SP ERIE; BeSP - Beaver I SP
ERIE; BMAC - Beaver Meadow Audubon Center WYOM; BOSOC - Buffalo
Ornithological Society 9 Oct Count; BuSP - Buckhom I SP ERIE; BWWTP

- Batavia Waste Water Treatment Plant GENE; ChauL - Chautauqua L CHAU;
DH - Dunkirk Harbor CHAU; FNSP - Fort Niagara SP NIAG; GHSP - Golden
Hill SP NIAG; GI - Goat I NIAG; INWR - Iroquois NWR GENE/ORLE; NF

- Niagara Falls NIAG; NPP - Niagara Power Project on Niagara R, Lewiston
NIAG; NR - Niagara R ERIE/NIAG; OOWMA - Oak Orchard WMA GENE/
ORLE; SPNS - Sinking Ponds Nature Sanctuary ERIE; TBNP - Times Beach
NP, Buffalo ERIE; Tiffi NP - Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo ERIE; Tillman
WMA ERIE; TWMA - Tonawanda WMA GENE/NIAG; WTSP - Wilson-
Tuscarora SP NIAG.

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Greater White-fronted
x Canada Goose: probable hybrid
Dayton CATT 30 Oct (MM!), did not
resemble a domestic goose.

Snow Goose: arr Wilson NIAG 29 Sep
(BE); 2 INWR 2 Oct; 16 BOSOC;
max 66 Shadigee ORLE 6 Nov
(WW, JP), good count for fall;

INWR 11 Nov; 6,1 Dayton CATT
13, 20 Nov (TB, DN);

SPNS 27 Nov.

CACKLING GOOSE: 3 INWR 29
Oct, 11 Nov (MM! WW! NYSARC);
Dayton CATT 30 Oct (MM! NYSARC),
first county record; Dayton CATT 18
Nov (DN).

56

Brant: arr 198 Wilson NIAG 8 Oct
(WD!, BE); 14 NIAG BOSOC; 10 DH
12 Oct (DN); 21,1 Wilson NIAG 27 Oct,
9 Nov; 5 GHSP 5 Nov.

Mute Swan: Pt Breeze ORLE 2 Oct;

15 BOSOC; 2 Wilson NIAG 8,

29 Oct; Langford ERIE 30 Oct; 4
Cassadaga CHAU 10 Nov (DN);
only reports.

Tundra Swan: arr 9 GHSP 5 Nov;

100 Findley L CHAU 18 Nov (ST);
max 418 ChauL 18 Nov (DN); A1SP
18-19 Nov (TL), several flocks heard at
night flying west; 123 BeSP 24
Nov (DS); 25 OOWMA 27 Nov.

Wood Duck: 550 Alexander GENE 11
Nov (ED et al), Regional max.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Gadwall: max 70 INWR 11 Nov; 56
ChauL 18 Nov.

EURASIAN WIGEON: male INWR
29,30 Oct (MM! BBr), rarer in fall.

Am. Wigeon: max 104 INWR 11 Nov.
Am. Black Duck: max 66 BWWTP
11 Nov.

Blue-winged Teal: last 119 BOSOC.

N. Shoveler: max 447, 592 BWWTP 29
Oct, 11 Nov.

N. Pintail: 35 BWWTP 7 Oct; max 55
Wilson NIAG 8 Oct.

Green-winged Teal: max 50 BWWTP
3 Sep.

Canvasback: arr 10 BWWTP 29 Oct.
Redhead: arr 44 Wilson NIAG 16 Oct;
max 120 ChauL 27 Oct (DN).
Ring-necked Duck: arr 4 Wilson NIAG
8 Oct; 104 Dayton CATT 8 Nov; 43
Buffalo ERIE 10 Nov.

Greater Scaup: arr 5 Wilson NIAG 8
Oct; 300 NF 2 Nov.

Lesser Scaup: BWWTP 17 Sep,
continued from summer; arr 8 BWWTP
27 Sep; 101 Wilson NIAG 16 Oct; max
200 NF 2 Nov.

HARLEQUIN DUCK: arr ad male
NF 26 Nov (BE, JP); fern DH 27-30
Nov (DN).

Surf Scoter: arr 22, 19 Wilson NIAG 8,
29 Oct; 12 GHSP 23 Oct; 8 Buffalo
NR 3 Nov.

White-winged Scoter: arr 4 Wilson
NIAG 3 Sep; 22 TBNP 25 Oct, few
reported away from L Ontario.

Black Scoter: arr 3 BOSOC; Wilson
NIAG 16 Oct; 6 Buffalo NR 3 Nov; 20
GHSP 5 Nov; max 50 Wilson NIAG 19
Nov (WD).

Long-tailed Duck: arr 7 BOSOC.
Bufflehead: arr CATT BOSOC; 109
Sheridan CHAU 19 Nov; max 1300
Buffalo NR 20 Nov (WW).

Com. Goldeneye: arr 9 Wilson
NIAG 29 Oct.

Hooded Merganser: 106 INWR 11
Nov; 120 A1SP 20 Nov; max 596 ChauL
23 Nov (DN); 256 Dayton CATT 29
Nov (DN).

Com. Merganser: 71 Sheridan CHAU
26 Sep, good count for date; 278 Silver
Creek CHAU 6 Nov; max 465 Dayton

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

CATT 29 Nov (DN).

Ruddy Duck: 114 BWWTP 27 Sep;

105 Dayton CATT 1 Nov; max 445
BWWTP 11 Nov (WW), much lower
max than previous years; 137 ChauL 18
Nov (DN).

N. Bobwhite: INWR 11 Sep (S&TO!),
likely release.

Red-throated Loon: arr 3 Wilson NIAG
16 Oct (WD, BE); max 517 Wilson
NIAG 12 Nov (WD); no reports away
from L Ontario.

Com. Loon: arr 3 Wilson NIAG 3 Sep;
max 300 Wilson NIAG 25 Oct (BE); 15
Silver Creek CHAU 26 Oct; see intro for
information on botulism issues.
Pied-billed Grebe: max 192 ChauL 10
Nov (DN), record Regional count.
Horned Grebe: arr 10 BOSOC; Dayton
CATT 28 Oct; 44 Hamburg ERIE 6 Nov;
31 Barcelona CHAU 18 Nov; max 49
DH 27 Nov.

Red-necked Grebe: arr 4, 9 Wilson
NIAG 8, 27 Oct (WD! BE); 2, 3 GHSP
23 Oct, 5 Nov; 2 Shadigee ORLE 6 Nov;
FNSP 20 Nov; 2 ChauL 23 Nov (DN).
EARED GREBE: 3 BWWTP 17 Sep, 7
Oct, 11 Nov (WW!), continued presence
since late summer.

NORTHERN GANNET: juv GHSP
5 Nov (WD! MM! et al), rare but
increasing reports.

Double-crested Cormorant: 65 TWMA

7 Sep; 748, 691 BuSP 20 Sep, 4 Oct;
max 1100 Buffalo Harbor ERIE 3
Nov (WW).

Am. Bittern: INWR 17 Sep, 8 Oct (JP),
only reports.

Great Egret: 2 TBNP 3 Sep; max
87 TWMA 7 Sep (BBu), Regional
maximum; 3 Tifft NP 15 Sep; last INWR
30 Oct.

CATTLE EGRET: Wilson NIAG 18,19
Nov (B&LB), in field with cattle, rare.
Green Heron: 10 Middlebury WYOM
22 Sep (KF), nocturnal flyovers; last

8 BOSOC.

Black-crowned Night-Heron:

OOWMA 17 Sep; 2 Middlebury WYOM
22 Sep (KF), nocturnal flyovers; 2
INWR 8 Oct; 2 Buffalo ERIE 6 Nov;
only reports away from NR.

57

Turkey Vulture: 30 Barcelona Harbor
CHAU 26 Oct; 2 Lancaster ERIE 1-7
Nov (MM): Alfred ALLE 6 Nov (EB);
last 7 Elma ERIE lONov(PF).

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Osprey: last 11 BOSOC.

Bald Eagle: reported from more than
14 locations; 16 BOSOC; max 10
Allegheny Res CATT 29 Nov (TB).
Red-shouldered Hawk: BWWTP 17
Sep, 8 Oct; 2 A1SP 18 Sep; 4 BOSOC:
few typically reported in fall.
Broad-winged Hawk: last 2 Orchard
Park ERIE 4 Sep.

Rough-legged Hawk: arr Dayton CATT,
Ellington CHAU, Cherry Creek CHAU
30 Oct.

GOLDEN EAGLE: im OOWMA29
Oct (MM!), rare in fall.

Merlin: 3-4 Buffalo ERIE 3 Sep thru
(PY), traditional winter roost; INWR 17
Sep, 8 Oct; BWWTP 8 Oct; 11 BOSOC;
Amherst ERIE 13 Oct.

Peregrine Falcon: INWR 2 Sep, 12 Oct
(PHi); Buffalo NR 30 Sep (WD); im
Wethersfield WYOM 6 Oct (DJ); max
9 Wilson NIAG 8 Oct (BE, WD), max
Regional count; 2 Buffalo ERIE 7 Nov.
Virginia Rail: last SPNS 12 Oct.

Sora: Amherst ERIE 13 Oct,
only report.

Com. Moorhen: last 3 BOSOC.

Am. Coot: max 800 ChauL 10 Nov (DN).
SANDHILL CRANE: 3 OOWMA 1 1
Nov (JP, WW!); 4 Alexander GENE 29
Nov (ED); much rarer in fall than spring.
Black-bellied Plover: max 3 Somerset
NIAG 4 Oct; last Somerset NIAG 6 Nov.
Am. Golden-Plover: DH 28 Sep (DN);
33 BOSOC; last Somerset NIAG 22 Oct.
Semipalmated Plover: last Somerset
NIAG 22 Oct.

Killdeer: Alexander GENE 28 Nov
(ED), on the late side.

AMERICAN AVOCET: INWR 9 Sep
(PHi, photo), rare.

Gr. Yellowlegs: last 2 Buffalo NR
7 Nov.

Lesser Yellowlegs: last 4 INWR, 2
TBNP 13 Oct.

Spotted Sandpiper: last Buffalo NR 3,7

Nov (WW!), late.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT: INWR 8 Oct
(JP). rare.

Ruddy Turnstone: DH 3 Sep (DN):
BWWTP 17 Sep (WW); only reports.
Red Knot: Sherman CHAU 20 Oct
(DN), only report, on the late side.
Sanderling: max 9 DH 12 Oct; 3
Buffalo NR 7 Nov; last 4 DH 10 Nov.
Least Sandpiper: last 5 BWWTP
BOSOC.

Baird’s Sandpiper: last DH
1 Sep (DN).

Pectoral Sandpiper: 26 BOSOC; last 4
Somerset NIAG 22 Oct.

Dunlin: arr 5 Somerset NIAG 4 Oct;
max 12 Wilson NIAG 8 Oct; last 3
Buffalo NR 7 Nov.

Stilt Sandpiper: TBNP 3 Sep (DM),
only report.

Wilson’s Snipe: 4 OOWMA 7 Oct; 10
BOSOC; Amherst ERIE 13 Oct;
only reports.

Am. Woodcock: last 2 BOSOC.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE:

Jamestown CHAU 9 Sep (TS, RL),
unusual location.

Parasitic Jaeger: GHSP 5 Nov (MM!
WD!), only report.

jaeger sp.: 1, 2 Wilson NIAG 8, 9 Oct
(BE, WD); 3, 7 Wilson NIAG 27, 29
Oct (WD!, WW!), included at least one
probable Pomarine.

FRANKLIN’S GULL: juv Buffalo
NR 6-20 Nov (MM, mob), reports have
decreased in recent years.

Little Gull: 1, 2 Wilson NIAG 25 Oct,

4 Nov; GHSP 5 Nov; Barcelona CHAU

5 Nov (DN); 2 Buffalo NR 7 Nov; 2
Lewiston NR 13 Nov; max 6 Buffalo NR
20-26 Nov.

BLACK-HEADED GULL: Buffalo NR
19 Nov (WD!), rare.

Bonaparte’s Gull: Dayton CATT
BOSOC, unusual location; max 7,000
NR 19 Nov (WD), much higher than
normal numbers at Buffalo NR in
late Nov.

CALIFORNIA GULL: NPP 11 -13

Nov (WD! WW! NYSARC), 14th
consecutive year on NR.

— cont. p. 63
The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

58

Figures for 2003 NYSARC Report

Figure 1. Magnificent Frigatebird, Robert Moses SP,
2 Oct 2003, S. D’Amato.

Figure 2. Pacific Golden-Plover, Mecox Bay, Suffolk,
28 Sep 2003, A. Baldelli.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

59

Figures for 2003 NYSARC Report

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Figure 3. Ross’s Gull; sketch by Jeff Gerbracht.

Figure 4. Northern Hawk Owl, Root, Montgomery,
8 Mar 2003, Rex Stanford.

60

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Figures for 2003 NYSARC Report

Figures 5, 6. MacGillivray’s Warbler,
Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, Monroe,
4 Jun 2003, Laurie Zagmester.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Figures for 2003 NYSARC Report

Figures 7, 8. Williamson’s Sapsucker,
Fire Island Lighthouse, Suffolk,

22 Jun 1996, S. S. Mitra.

62

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Thayer’s Gull: several reported NPP
and NF in late Nov, undocumented.
Iceland Gull: arr NF 11 Nov (BP); max
5 NPP 20 Nov; BeSP 26 Nov.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: GI 10 Sep
(DM); max 4 NF 11 Nov (WD, BP).
Glaucous Gull: an Wilson N1AG
20 Nov.

Black-legged Kittiwake: ad GHSP 5
Nov (WD! MM!), adults very rare; juv
Buffalo NR 21 Nov; only reports.
Caspian Tern: Wilson N1AG 8 Oct
(WD!); 7 DH 9,12 Oct (DN); late.

Com. Tern: Buffalo NR 6 Nov; last
Tifift NP 16 Nov.

Forster’s Tern: 22 max BeSP 7-29 Sep
(DS!, PH!), unexpected, max Regional
count, only similar occurrence was
September 1953.

Black Tern: INWR 17 Sep (JP); 8
INWR 18 Oct (BBu), fall reports
increasingly rare.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
Yellow-billed Cuckoo: Williamsville
ERIE 24 Sep (RS), only report.

Snowy Owl: arr Porter NIAG 29-30
Nov (WD, BP), sick bird captured but
died in rehabilitation.

Long-eared Owl: AmSP 23-27 Nov
(RS), only report.

Short-eared Owl: arr 1, 2 Porter NIAG
16, 25 Nov (WD, DS); 3 Sheldon
WYOM 28 Nov (D&SJ).

N. Saw-whet Owl: arr Wilson NIAG
25 Sep (WD!, JP), early; Wethersfield
WYOM 2 Oct (DJ), 51 banded thru 12
Nov; 26 banded A1SP Oct-Nov (TL).
Com. Nighthawk: last 4 Tonawanda
ERIE 12 Sep; only 2 other reports.
Chimney Swift: last 286 BOSOC.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: last
Wilson NIAG, Attica WYOM 5 Oct.
RUFOUS or ALLEN’S
HUMMINGBIRD: fem Glenwood
ERIE ~10 Oct thru (B&LS, D&DS),
fourth confirmed selasphorus
for Region.

Red-headed Woodpecker: TBNP 3
Sep; only report.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: arr AmSP
14 Sep.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
Olive-sided Flycatcher: Tillman WMA
17 Sep (RS), rarely reported in fall.

E. Wood-Pewee: last 2 BOSOC.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: AmSP 4 Sep
(JP); last Wilson NIAG 24 Sep (WD).
Least Flycatcher: last AmSP 13 Sep.
empidonax flycatcher: Pomfret CHAU
17 Sep (DN); A1SP BOSOC (TB!), late.
E. Phoebe: Hanover CHAU 19 Nov
(DN); Evans ERIE 20 Nov (RA); AmSP
23 Nov (RS), late.

Gr. Crested Flycatcher: last AmSP

19 Sep.

E. Kingbird: last Pomfret CHAU
17 Sep (DN).

N. Shrike: arr Olean CATT 16 Oct (JR);
Franklinville CATT 30 Oct; twelve
Nov reports.

White-eyed Vireo: TifftNP27 Sep
(RA! BB), second consecutive fall
at this location.

Yellow-throated Vireo: AmSP 7 Sep;
A1SP 11 Sep; last Amherst ERIE 16 Sep;
infrequently observed in migration.
Blue-headed Vireo: arr GHSP 3 Sep.
Warbling Vireo: last BuSP 16 Sep.
Philadelphia Vireo: very well reported
Sep; most reports in recent memory.
Red-eyed Vireo: last SPNS 12 Oct.
Com. Raven: 2 BMAC 27 Sep (LH).
only report away from ALLE, CATT.
Horned Lark: max 115 Villenova
CHAU 26 Nov (DN).

Purple Martin: 2 INWR 17 Sep; GHSP
5 Nov (WD! MM! NYSARC), latest
record for State.

Tree Swallow: last 40 BWWTP 29 Oct
(MM!), slightly late.

N. Rough-winged Swallow: last 4 NF
13 Nov (PY!).

Bank Swallow: last BWWTP 17 Sep.
Cliff Swallow: last INWR, BWWTP
17 Sep.

CAVE SWALLOW: 42 GHSP 5 Nov
(WD! MM! BP et al NYSARC); 56
Wilson NIAG 6 Nov (WD! BP); 81
Carlton, Yates ORLE 6 Nov (WW! JP);

20 FNSP 6 Nov (PY!); 20 FMSCP 6
Nov (PY!); unprecedented, only one
previous record for Region, see intro.
swallow species: 25 Wilson NIAG 4

63

Nov (BP, WD), likely Caves; Wilson
NIAG 20 Nov (BE), observer indicated
possibly a Violet-Green.

Barn Swallow: last BWWTP 29 Oct
(MM!), late.

Red-breasted Nuthatch: arr Alden
ERIE 4 Sep.

Carolina Wren: 21 BOSOC, numbers
consistent with last fall.

House Wren: last 19 BOSOC.

Winter Wren: arr Wilson NIAG 8 Sep.
SEDGE WREN: Tillman WMA 19 Sep
(RS), at breeding location, rare in fall.
Marsh Wren: AmSP 23-27 Sep (RS),
rare in migration; last 6 BOSOC.
Golden-crowned Kinglet: arr 2 INWR
17 Sep.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: arrBeSP 12
Sep; last TBNP 8 Nov.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: last Wilson
NIAG 8 Sep.

Veery: 18 Middlebury WYOM 22 Sep
(KF), nocturnal calls; last AmSP 27 Sep.
Gray-cheeked Thrush: arr AmSP 4
Sep; 20 Buffalo ERIE 16 Sep (PY),
nocturnal calls; max 28 Middlebury
WYOM 22 Sep (KF), nocturnal calls;
last 2 BOSOC.

Swainson’s Thrush: arr Wilson NIAG
2 Sep; 181 Middlebuiy WYOM 22 Sep
(KF), nocturnal calls; last Tonawanda
ERIE, Wilson NIAG 11 Oct.

Hermit Thrush: 10 Middlebury
WYOM 22 Sep (KF), nocturnal calls; arr
Wilson NIAG 23 Sep.

Wood Thrush: 9 Middlebury WYOM
22 Sep (KF), nocturnal calls; 5 BOSOC;
last Wilson NIAG 11-13 Nov (WD! BP),
record late.

Gray Catbird: last INWR 27 Nov;
probable wintering bird.

N. Mockingbird: Hanover CHAU 8
Oct; Eden ERIE 19 Nov; Alexander
GENE 30 Nov; less common in
these locations.

Brown Thrasher: last Amherst ERIE
13 Oct.

Am. Pipit: max 50 Wilson NIAG 1 Oct;
42,1 Dayton CATT 18,26 Nov (DN);
BeSP 26 Nov (DS), on the late side.
BOHEMIAN WAXWING:

16 Wilson NIAG 30 Oct (BE);

3 GHSP 5 Nov (MM! BP),
only reports.

WARBLERS

Blue-winged Warbler: Cold Spring
CATT 8 Sep (TB); last Colden ERIE 19
Sep (JL).

Golden-winged Warbler: BeSP 9, 27
Sep (DS!), only report, late.

Tennessee Warbler: last BOSOC.
Orange-crowned Warbler: well
reported; 12 BOSOC; last 3 Amherst
ERIE 13 Oct(JP).

Nashville Warbler: last BeSP 17 Oct.
Yellow Warbler: last 2 Wilson NIAG

18 Sep.

Magnolia Warbler: last BeSP 15 Oct.
Cape May Warbler: ten records 8-24
Sep; last BOSOC.

Black-throated Blue Warbler: last 20
BOSOC.

Black-throated Green Warbler: last
A1SP 16 Oct.

Blackburnian Warbler: last BOSOC.
Pine Warbler: arr GI 8 Sep; BOSOC;
last A1SP 16 Oct.

Palm Warbler: arr GI 4 Sep; last BeSP
17 Oct.

Bay-breasted Warbler: last BOSOC.
Blackpoll Warbler: lastAISP
16 Oct.

Black-and-white Warbler: last
BOSOC.

Am. Redstart: last BOSOC.
WORM-EATING WARBLER:

Bethany GENE 6 Oct (DB!),

4 th fall record.

Ovenbird: last 2 Tifft NP 8 Oct.
LouisianaWaterthrush: lastAISP 18
Sep (TB!), second latest record.
Mourning Warbler: last New Albion
CATT BOSOC (JP!), late.

Com. Yellowthroat: last 2 Amherst
ERIE 13 Oct.

Hooded Warbler: last Bethany GENE

19 Sep.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Scarlet Tanager: last Tiffi NP 8 Oct.

E. Towhee: 54 BOSOC.

Am. Tree Sparrow: arr 8 BOSOC.
Chipping Sparrow: last TBNP

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

64

8 Nov.

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW: 2

Wilson NIAG 25 Sep (WD! WW!),
well studied, only second fall record.
Vesper Sparrow: Wilson NIAG l Oct;
last 5 BOSOC.

Fox Sparrow: arr 21 BOSOC;
max 4 A1SP 16 Oct; last S Wales
ERIE 25-30 Nov (MB); well reported.
Lincoln’s Sparrow: arr BeSP

9 Sep; last 2 Amherst ERIE, TBNP,
Wilson NIAG 13 Oct.

White-throated Sparrow: arr
Williamsville ERIE 3 Sep.
White-crowned Sparrow: arr Pomfret
CHAU 17 Sep (DN); Wilson NIAG 18
Sep (WD!); earliest fall arrivals

on record.

Lapland Longspur: arr DH 28 Sep
(DN), early; 16 Wilson NIAG 30 Oct
(BE).

Snow Bunting: arr 4 BWWTP 20 Oct
(A&DS); 9 Barcelona CHAU 24 Oct;
125 Somerset NIAG 5 Nov; max 180
FNSP 20 Nov.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: last
2 BOSOC.

Indigo Bunting: 3, 2 Cassadaga CHAU
18 Sep, 1 Oct; Wilson NIAG 1 Oct; last
6 BOSOC.

Bobolink: 3 Orchard Park ERIE 3 Sep;
last 3 BWWTP 4 Sep.

E. Meadowlark: Yates ORLE 6 Nov;
BuSP 17 Nov (DS); only report
beyond Oct.

Rusty Blackbird: arr 25 Wilson NIAG
28 Sep; max 200 Tillman WMA ERIE
30 Oct; 150 BuSP 6 Nov; max 200
Alden 8 Nov.

Baltimore Oriole: last Wilson NIAG
21,25 Oct (BP!), very late.

Pine Grosbeak: 4 WTSP 27 Nov (BE),
only report.

Purple Finch: arr 2 OOWMA 11 Sep;

111 BOSOC; few reports.
White-winged Crossbill: Wilson NIAG
18 Nov (BP, WD), only report.

Com. Redpoll: arr 11 Wilson NIAG 28
Oct (BE), only report.

Pine Siskin: arr 2 BOSOC; max 105
Wilson NIAG 30 Oct.

Am. Goldfinch: 1005 Wilson NIAG 5
Nov (BE), large movement along
L Ontario.

Evening Grosbeak: arr ALLE
BOSOC; Wilson NIAG 28 Oct (BE);

10 A1SP 10 Nov (TL); Orchard Park
ERIE 13 Nov (MM); Alma ALLE
15,16 Nov (HL).

REGION 2 - GENESEE
David W. Terlow

79 Hogan Point Rd., Hilton, NY 14468

September of 2005 was essentially a continuation of the summer weather
conditions, hot and dry. Temperatures averaged 65.5° F, 4.3° above normal.
Rainfall was misleading at 4.98”, 1.53” above normal. Over 4 inches of this
fell on just 4 days. October started out warm and dry, with a record 5 straight
days exceeding 80°. Would summer ever end? Yes. During the second week
of the month there was an abrupt shift to autumn. The weather became cooler,
somewhat wetter than normal, and predictably cloudier. All said and done, the
temperatures averaged 53.4° F, 3.0° above normal. November was typical.
Windstorms, thunderstorms, record warmth, heavy rains, and lake effect snows
all occurred. Could all that be called typical? Temperatures averaged 43.7° F,
3.8° above normal. Total precipitation was 3.18”, 0.34” above normal. Snowfall
was near normal at 7.8” (-0.3”).

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

65

The southern branch of the jetstream was aligned perfectly from northern
Mexico to southeastern Canada from approximately 29 th of October through
the 6 th of November. This may have been responsible for the movement/
displacement of Cave Swallows into the Northeastern United States. There were
no low pressure systems originating out of the northern Mexico/southwestem
United States region during this time period. In the past, these systems riding
up and along the jetstream have been tied to other Cave Swallow events. It
remains to be seen what weather pattern, if any, played a role in this event.
Weather is almost always thought to be a major player in bird movements. Is it
possible or even likely that there are some other triggers to these “events” and
weather merely enhances them to a point that they are more easily detectable to
humans? A lack of food is of course the most probable of all triggers. Hopefully
we will have concrete answers in the near future.

Waterfowl numbers as a whole were poor this year. There were of course
a few exceptions. Common Loon had several days of 1000 or more birds seen
passing by Hamlin Beach. 10,000+ Red-breasted Mergansers off of Irondequoit
Bay was an excellent count. Any double-digit count of Ruddy Duck is good but
90 on Braddock Bay was exceptional for our Region. There were four count days
of 20 or more Red-necked Grebes at Hamlin Beach, certainly good totals by fall
season standards. Both scaup species were virtually absent this fall. Tundra
Swans appeared record early at two separate locations. The waterfowl highlight
was had by two separate Common Eiders, one an incredibly cooperative bird
found by Gary Chapin in the Irondequoit Bay Channel.

It was a record year for Northern Gannet, with 14 birds recorded. Most
of these birds were definitively separable by plumage characteristics. Some
observers have suggested the possibility of duplication. This is highly unlikely,
though certainly possible in some cases. A late season incursion of Cattle
Egrets totaled 5 individuals. Warm southerly winds brought these birds into
our Region. One can’t help but wonder what other species were brought in
by these conditions but went undetected. A total of 18 Merlins for October
was impressive, but not nearly as impressive as 19 Peregrine Falcons in two
days time and a total of 26 reported for the month. Shorebird diversity was fine
but numbers were unspectacular. A long-staying Red Phalarope found by Kim
Hartquist at the south end of Irondequoit Bay was a nice find. Solitaiy, Least
and Bairds sandpipers were record late. The jaeger season finished off with a
pseudo-bang after a slow start. A total of 12 Pomarines, 68 Parasitics and 1
LONG-TAILED were reported, making for a very respectable season.

The gull picture also wasn’t too shabby. The following rarities were seen:
LAUGHING GULL, 2 SABINE’S GULLS, and 5 BLACK-HEADED GULLS.
In addition to the aforementioned birds, there were 12 Little Gulls and a record
early Black-legged Kittiwake. Unfortunately, a total of 5 kittiwakes made for
an extremely poor season. An excellent, by recent standards, 8 Black Tern day
was had at Hamlin Beach.

Three Snowy Owl reports in November gave hope for an invasion year,
whereas only 2 Short-eared Owl reports for the season did not. A lone Whip-
poor-will report was unusual for the fall. Chimney Swifts were again well
represented at the Greigsville roost site with a maximum of 1300. Chimney

66

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Swifts from this site tied a record late departure date. Mourning Doves nesting
in mid-October? Improbable as it may seem, a pair was found sitting on eggs at
Manitou. Not surprisingly, they did not succeed.

A GRAY KINGBIRD found by Dave Tetlow along Salmon Creek in
Greece was a second Regional occurrence. Record late dates included Least
Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, and Black-throated Blue Warbler banded by
BBBO at Manitou and also a Blue-headed Vireo seen in Webster Park. A
total of 33 Blue-headed Vireos were reported in October, making a late bird
not surprising.

Swallows were the story of the season. A flight of 600 Tree Swallows was
seen at Hamlin Beach. A flock of 108 Northern Rough-winged Swallows was
seen at Point Breeze, and 5 of the same were nearly record late at Hamlin
Beach. But of course, CAVE SWALLOWS made all the headlines. It all began
with what would turn out to be a modest 28 birds on the 3 rd of November.
By November 17 th the beyond comprehension total of 784 had been tallied.
On November 6 th , Dave Tetlow, with primary assistance from Mike Davids
and Kim Hartquist, counted 579 of the aforementioned total. These birds
were moving at first light and continued moving until a powerful cold
front shut down the flight. All but 25 of the 784 birds during this fifteen day
event were moving east to west, the 25 were obviously “leftovers” from
the main flights. This is not the typical direction that this species has been
detected moving here in the past. Obviously, nothing about this flight
was typical.

Passerine numbers and diversity were fabulous. The following maximum
counts speak for themselves: 85 Winter Wren, 30 Swain son’s Thrush, 160
Hermit Thrush, 50+ Field Sparrow, 600+ Savannah Sparrow, 1200+ Wfliite-
crowned Sparrow, and 1200 Rusty Blackbird. Wow! These were not all day
out birding type counts. These were from single locations. It was certainly the
best sparrow season in many years. Two Snow Buntings at Hamlin Beach and
7 in a field in the town of Hamlin tied a record early date. Most of the “winter
finches” were reported but in small numbers. Five Common Redpoll at Hogan
Point were record early.

It was definitely an entertaining fall season.

CONTRIBUTORS

Fred Arnold, Bob Beal, Jessie Barry, Jim Barlow, John Bounds, Elizabeth
Brooks (Braddock Bay Bird Observatory), Carolyn Cass, Gary Chapin, Brad
Carlson, Greg Coniglio, Kathleen Dalton, Steve Daniel, Mike Davids, P.
Debes, Robert Dobson, Colleen Dox-Griffith, Jay Greenberg, Kevin Griffith,
Tim Guenther, Judy Gurley, John Hall, Helen Haller, David & Vanna Harding,
Kim Hartquist, Jack Hartwig, Carolyn Jacobs, Jim Kimball, Greg Lawrence,
John Lehr, David Lieber, Tom MacDonald, Cindy Marino, David Mark, Robert
& Sandy Mauceli, Robert & Chita McKinney, Dan Niven, Charles O’Brien,
Michael Peter, Gail Price, David Prill, E. Rehm, Helen Rice, Chuck Schleigh,
Ed Scheidlower, Dominic Sherony, John Slowik, Tom & Pat Smith, Robert &
Susan Spahn, A1 & Di Stout, Allan Strong, David & Grace Strong, William

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

67

Symonds, Steve Taylor, David Tetlow, Kathy Tetlow, Michael Tetlow, Don &
Donna Traver, Bill Watson, Kinsley Whittum, Charles Woolever, Peter Yoerg,
Martha Zettel.

ABBREVIATIONS

BB - Braddock Bay, MONR; CA - T. Carlton, ORLE; CH - Charlotte, Ontario
Beach, MONR; CHU - T. Churchville MONR; CU -T. Cuylerville, LIVI; DEP
Durand-Eastman Park, MONR; G - Greece, MONR; GE - Geneseo, LIVI;
H - T of Hamlin, MONR; HB - Hamlin Beach SP, MONR; He -T Henrietta,
MONR; HP - Hogan Point, MONR; IB - Irondequoit Bay, MONR; K - T.
Kendall, ORLE; M - Manitou, MONR; P - T of Parma, MONR; PB Point
Breeze, ORLE; PE - Perinton, MONR; R - City of Rochester, MONR; RU - T.
Rush, MONR; S- Savannah, WAYN; V - T. Victor, MONR; W- T of Webster,
MONR; Y-T. York LIVI.

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Snow Goose: max 47 HB 2 Nov.
Cackling Goose: arr 1 CA 21,28 Nov.
Brant: max 1293 HB 25 Oct.

Tundra Swan: arr 4 HB 26 Nov
(WS,DS; 10 HP 26 Nov (DT),
record early.

Blue-winged Teal: last 1 G 15 Nov.

N. Pintail: max 500 HB 23 Sep;

475 HB 25 Oct, also good count.
Canvasback: arr 3 HB 16 Oct.
Redhead: arr 10 HB 16 Oct.
Ring-necked Duck: arr 32 G 22 Oct
COMMON EIDER: g IB 13 - 30 Nov
(GC); 1 $ G 21 Nov (DT).

Surf Scoter: arr 1 HB 27 Sep; max
42 HB 5 Nov.

Black Scoter: arr 1 HB 27 Sep; max
310 HB 9 Nov.

Long-tailed Duck: arr 1 HB 9 Oct;
max 611 HB 26 Oct.

BufHehead: arr 1 HB 6 Oct; max 177
HB 11 Nov.

Com. Goldeneye: arr 3 HB 20 Oct.
Red-breasted Merganser: max
10,000+ IB 26 Nov.

Ruddy Duck: max 90 BB 13 Oct.
Red-throated Loon: arr 1 HB 16 Oct;
max 381 HB 28 Nov, low max.

Com. Loon: max 1460 fly-by, 1200 on
water HB 1 Nov.

Horned Grebe: arr 1 HB 1 Sep.
Red-necked Grebe: arr 1 HB 1 Sep;
max 23 HB 8 Nov.

68

N. Gannet: arr 1 HB 17 Oct, 14
total for season.

Am. Bittern: last 1 DEP 2 Oct,

I BB 2 Oct.

Great Egret: last 1 HP 1-15 Oct.

Cattle Egret: 5 total 16-22 Nov.

Green Heron: last 1 G 6 Oct.
Black-crowned Night-Heron: max

14 G 1 Oct.

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Osprey: last 1 Roch 1 Nov; 10 total
1-30 Oct.

Bald Eagle: 11 total 1-31 Oct.
Broad-winged Hawk: last 1 HP
18 Oct.

Red-tailed Hawk: 1 calurus race He

II Nov. Rough-legged Hawk: arr 1
K 5 Nov.

Merlin: 8 total 1-30 Sep; 18 total 1-31
Oct; 6 total 1-30 Nov.

Peregrine Falcon: max 11 BB 8 Oct;
total 26 1-30 Oct.

Com. Moorhen: 3 BB 1 Sep,
only report.

Am. Coot: max 130 BB 18 Oct.
Black-bellied Plover: last 1 IB 20-22
Nov.

Killdeer: max 288 H 12 Oct.
Greater Yellowlegs: last 1 G
6-26 Nov.

Solitary Sandpiper: last 1 G 9-15
Nov (DT), record late.

Hudsonian Godwit: arr 1 SC 6 Oct; 1

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

HB 12 Nov.

Sanderling: last 1 HB 7 Nov.
Semipalmated Sandpiper: last 1 SC
6 Oct.

Least Sandpiper: last 4 IB 22 Nov
(DS), record late.

Baird’s Sandpiper: last 1 GE 6 Nov
(JK), late.

Pectoral Sandpiper: last 1 IB 2 Nov.
Purple Sandpiper: arr 1 IB 15 Nov; 1
HB 15 Nov.

Dunlin: arr 1 IB 30 Sep.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper: 1 CU
18-21 Sep.

Long-billed Dowitcher: 4 ad SC 16
Sep; 1 SC 6-7 Oct; 1 IB 15-17 Oct.
Wilson’s Snipe: max 42 SC 14 Oct.
Red-necked Phalarope: 1 GE 11 Oct; 1
HB 25 Oct.

Red Phalarope: arr 1 juv IB 15-26 Oct;
1 juv HB 24 Oct.

Pomarine Jaeger: arr 1 HB 28 Oct; 12
HB total for season.

Parasitic Jaeger: 68 HB total for
season.

Laughing Gull: 1 juv HB 4 Sep

(WS, DT).

Little Gull: 12 HB total for season.
Black-headed Gull: arr 1 imm HB 28
Oct; 1 imm IB 12 Nov; 1 ad 1 imm HB 8
Nov; 1 ad HB 18 Nov.

Bonaparte’s Gull: max 858 HB 8 Nov.
Iceland Gull: arr 1 PE 25 Nov.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: 6-9 total
for season.

Glaucous Gull: arr 1 CA 28 Nov.
Black-legged Kittiwake: arr 1 imm
HB 4 Sep (WS), record early; 5 total for
season, low.

SABINE’S GULL: 2 imm HB
16 Oct (DT).

Caspian Tern: last 1 IB 6 Oct.

Com. Tern: max 112 HB 8 Sep; 1 IB/
CH 22-27 Nov, late.

Black Tern: max 8 HB 8 Sep.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
Mourning Dove: 2 NE M 15 Oct (DT),
record late nesting attempt.

Black-billed Cuckoo: last 1 P 27 Sep.
Snowy Owl: arr 2 CH 25-27 Nov;

1 BB 25 Nov.

Short-eared Owl: arr 2 GE 30 Oct.
Whip-poor-will: 1 W 9 Oct

(D&DT), late.

Chimney Swift: max 1300 Y 24 Sep
(JK, JG); last 26, 19 Oct (JK),
record late.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: last 1
CHU 24 Sep.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
E. Wood-Pewee: last 1 V 10 Oct.
Yellow- bellied Flycatcher: last 1 M 28
Sep, banded.

Traill’s Flycatcher: last 1 M
7 Sep, banded.

Least Flycatcher: last 1 M 9 Oct,
banded BBBO record late.

E. Phoebe: 1 R 20 Nov; last 1 H 27-30 Nov.
Great Crested Flycatcher: last 1 M 11
Sep, banded.

E. Kingbird: last 1 G 18 Sep.

GRAY KINGBIRD: 1 SC 1-4 Oct (DT,
mob) 2nd Reg. record.

N. Shrike: arr 1 HB31 Oct.
Yellow-throated Vireo: last 1 DEP
25 Sep.

Blue-headed Vireo: total 33 Oct; last 1
W 10 Nov (R&SSp), record late.
Red-eyed Vireo: last 1 GE 18 Oct.
Philadelphia Vireo: last 1 M
23 Sep, banded.

Warbling Vireo: last 1 M 17 Oct, banded.
FISH CROW: 2 G 15 Oct (KG).

Tree Swallow: max 600 HB 8 Oct; last
1 G 14 Nov.

Bank Swallow: last 1 HB 19 Sep.

Cliff Swallow: last 1 H 1 Sep.

N. Rough-winged Swallow: max 108
PB 4 Oct (DT); last 2 HB 8 Nov (WS).
CAVE SWALLOW: 28 HB 3 Nov
(JB, JG, DT); 112 HB 4 Nov (MD, DT);
42 HB 5 Nov (ST, DS, DT, et al); 579
HB 6 Nov (DT, mob); 2 HB 11 Nov
(MD); 1 G 13 Nov (DT, video); 4 G 14
Nov (DT); 11 HP 14 Nov (DT);

7-1 SC 15-17 Nov (RS, DS, DT),
photos, 1 specimen.

Barn Swallow: last 1 IB 24 Oct.

House Wren: last 1 GE 14 Oct.

Winter Wren: arr 1 HB 13 Sep; max
85 M 9 Oct.

Golden-crowned Kinglet: max

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

69

125 M, banded.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: arr 1 HB 7
Sep; max 135 M, banded.
Gray-cheeked Thrush: arr 20+ S 11
Sep; max 195 Sep, banded.

Bicknell’s Thrush: arr 1 M
22 Sep, banded.

Swainson’s Thrush: max 30 HB 7 Sep;
last 1 M 17 Oct, banded.

Hermit Thrush: max 160 M 9 Oct.
Wood Thrush: last 1 M 11 Oct.
Bohemian Waxwing: 15 total Nov.
Cedar Waxwing: max 500 W
26-27 Nov.

WARBLERS

Blue-winged Warbler: last 1 V 14 Sep.
Orange-crowned Warbler: total 10 G
7-17 Oct.

Nashville Warbler: last 1 M
15 Oct, banded.

N. Parula Warbler: arr 1 P 9 Sep; last
1 M 5 Oct.

Yellow Warbler: last 1 G 17 Sep.
Chestnut-sided Warbler: last 1
V 7 Oct.

Magnolia Warbler: last 1 M 15 Oct.
Cape May Warbler: last 1 M 3 Oct.
Black-throated Blue Warbler: last
1 M 27 Oct (RMc), banded, record
late; total 56 Oct.

Black-throated Green Warbler:
last 1 BB 14-18 Oct.

Blackburnian Warbler: last 1
G 10 Sep.

Pine Warbler: last 1 HB 26 Nov.
Prairie Warbler: last 1 HB 1 Oct
(R&SSp, et al).

Palm Warbler: last 1 V 27 Oct.
Bay-breasted Warbler: last 1 M
9 Oct, banded.

Blackpoll Warbler: last 1 M
12 Oct, banded.

Black-and-white Warbler: last 1 M 2
Oct, banded.

Am. Redstart: last 1 M 9 Oct.
Ovenbird: last 1 M 12 Oct, banded.

N. Waterthrush: last 2 M
20 Sep, banded.

70

Connecticut Warbler: 3 total Sep.
Mourning Warbler: last 1 M 11 Sep.
Hooded Warbler: last 1 M
19 Sep, banded.

Canada Warbler: last 1 M
17 Sep, banded.

Yellow-breasted Chat: last 1
M 6 Oct, banded.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Scarlet Tanager: last 1 HB 27 Sep.

Am. Tree Sparrow: arr 1 HP 9 Oct.
Clay-colored Sparrow: 3 HB 9 Oct (DT).
Field Sparrow: max 50+ RU 14
Oct (MZ).

Vesper Sparrow: max 10+- H/K 1-9 Oct.
Savannah Sparrow: max 600+ H 2 Oct
(MD, DT).

Grasshopper Sparrow: last 1 DEP 2
Oct (GC, DS).

Fox Sparrow: arr 2 M 9 Oct.

Lincoln’s Sparrow: arr 1 M
4 Sep, banded.

White-throated Sparrow: arr 1 M

4 Sep, banded.

White-crowned Sparrow: arr 8
HP 23 Sep; max 1200+ HP 28 Sep
(MD, DT).

Lapland Longspur: arr 2 HB 30 Sep.
Snow Bunting: arr 2 HB 28 Sep;

7 H 28 Sep (RS, DT), record early.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: last 1 M
17 Oct, banded.

Indigo Bunting: last 1 H 27 Sep.
Bobolink: last 1 HB 2 Oct.

Rusty Blackbird: arr 4 HP 26 Sep;
max 1200 SC(P) 18 Oct (DT).
Baltimore Oriole: last 1 S 10 Sep.

Pine Grosbeak: arr 1 W 26 Nov.

Red Crossbill: arr 5 HB 12 Nov.
White-winged Crossbill: arr 1 HP
16 Nov.

Com. Redpoll: arr 5 HP 9 Oct (DT),
record early.

Am. Goldfinch: max 176 M
4 Nov, banded.

Evening Grosbeak: arr 1 M 7 Oct;
total 8 Nov.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

REGION 3 - FINGER LAKES

Bill Ostrander

80 Westmont Avenue, Elmira, NY 14905
brown_creeper@ sg23.com

At Ithaca, every month in fall 2005 was warmer than normal; +3.5° F in
September, +1.6° F in October, and +4.4° F in November. September saw only
half of its normal precipitation, but October more than doubled its norm and
November above normal as well. Only a couple of inches of snow managed
to accumulate on the ground in the last week of November to account for
the season’s snowfall. Several days and nights of low cloud ceilings and
precipitation, 9-15 October, was the main weather event and produced some
remarkable birding in terms of numbers and conditions.

Although they have become regular fall visitors to the Region, Greater
White-fronted Goose, Ross’s Goose, and Eurasian Wigeon were the
birding highlights among the waterfowl. Perhaps more interesting was that the
maximum single site count for every dabbling duck species, except Mallard and
American Black Duck, was an eleven-year high. This, however, only translated
into significant region-wide increases in numbers for four of the species. For the
Blue-winged Teal, it was the third consecutive year of significant increases.

One American White Pelican continued to grace Montezuma National
Wildlife Refuge through mid-October. Two Glossy Ibises were also there in
early September. Pied-billed Grebes were very numerous, both at Montezuma
NWR and at Stewart Park. It was the second consecutive year of significant
increases for that species. The rainy period of mid-October concentrated
hundreds of Double-crested Cormorants and Great Blue Herons at the south
end of Cayuga Lake, producing some spectacular scenes in that area.

The one highlight among the raptor observations was the movement of
Peregrine Falcons through the Region on 8 October, including seven observed
passing the bluffs at the north end of Aurora Bay, Cayuga Lake. This movement
occurred just one day ahead of the prolonged period of rainy weather that was
the season’s main weather event.

Shorebirds were generally down in numbers. May’s Point Pool at
Montezuma NWR was undergoing a planned mid-summer drawdown, which
left it choked with vegetation for the fall. The newer impoundment, dubbed
“Puddler’s Marsh” along Towpath Road in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex
became the focus of attention for shorebirds. It is likely that the decrease in
shorebird numbers was due to the greater difficulty in counting the birds at
this site where many of the birds were quite far away from the observers. The
highlights of the season were Whimbrel, Western Sandpiper, and Buff¬
breasted Sandpiper.

The rainy weather event of mid-October grounded Laughing Gulls at
Ithaca and Elmira. At the end of October, a group of birders from Ithaca spotted
a Pomarine Jaeger passing the north bluffs overlooking Aurora Bay. Ryan
Douglas provided an excellent description. Undoubtedly the same bird was
seen later that day at the south end of Cayuga Lake by Viviana Ruiz-Gutierrez.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

71

The 19 Black Terns reported from the north end of Cayuga Lake was an eleven-
year high count for the fall season.

Visitors to Summerhill State Forest were surprised to hear multiple
Northern Saw-whet Owls calling. John and Sue Gregoire pulled 34 Ruby-
throated Hummingbirds out of the nets at their banding operation in one day in
early September and also banded an Acadian Flycatcher.

Mike Harvey and Tim Lenz, returning home from a late night of work on
11 October at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, heard a very large number
of nocturnal migrant calls from overhead and speculated that the low cloud
ceiling and the bright lights at Cornell University’s football stadium might be
concentrating migrants. Upon investigation, they found that they could not only
hear migrants, but that large numbers of them could be seen in and around the
stadium. Mike and Tim alerted the Ithaca birding community and soon, a dozen
birders were spending a long night of surreal night birding. The result was high
counts and late departure dates being recorded for many species of warblers
and other neotropical migrants. The other warbler record of note was a late
Louisiana Waterthrush, observed by Dick Clements while he was golfing in
Big Flats.

In addition to the warblers, the night at the stadium also produced four
Dickcissel calls from overhead and a thousand Savannah Sparrows, most of
them foraging on the artificial turf in the football stadium. Mike Harvey had
already had quite a day, even before the fallout at the stadium. Earlier in the day
he had discovered a LeConte’s Sparrow in a field in Dryden. Others, seeking
the LeConte’s found two Grasshopper Sparrows in the same field. Fall reports
of this summer resident species are rare in the Region. Birders again found a
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow in the marsh at Hog Hole at the south end of
Cayuga Lake. A few winter finches did appear in the Region including a Pine
Grosbeak, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaks.

The following species listing includes comparisons of observed bird
populations in the Region between fall 2004 and fall 2005. A “+” at the end of
the species account indicates an increase; a indicates a decrease. Species
accounts with neither symbol indicate that the species did not demonstrate a
significant change in reported numbers in 2005. Unless otherwise noted, the
cited comparisons showed statistically significant changes (A^>3.84; P=0.05).
A discussion of my methodology and its limitations can be found in the Region
3 report that appeared in the December 1999 issue of The Kingbird.

CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Abraham, Maiyanne Adams, Mike Andersen, Alan Anderson, Carol
Anne Anderson, Bill Baker, Steve Ballentine, Eric Banford, Jake Barnett,
Bob Beal, Linda & Steve Benedict, Brenda Best, Shawn Billerman, Ken &
Lisa Blackman, Fritzie & John Blizzard, Kim Bostwick, Joseph Brin, Michele
Brown, Jean Bub, Ken & Rose Burdick, Jerry Case, Jared Caster, Cayuga Bird
Club, Mark Chao, Gary Chapin, Lois Chaplin, Dick Clements, Kathy Clements,
Linda Clougherty, John & Karen Confer, Tom Connare, Steve Cooper, Candace
Cornell, Kevin Cummings, Nancy Cusumano, Mark Defiling, Sandy DiCinti,

72

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Nancy Dickinson, Ryan Douglas, Susan Earle, eBird, Jesse Ellis, Bill Evans,
Steve & Susan Fast, Jeff Gerbracht, Mary Graham, John Greenly, John & Sue
Gregoire, Kevin Griffith, Scott Haber, Meena Haribal, Mike Harvey, Anne
Havelin, Barbara Herrgesell, Wesley Hochachka, Asher Hockett, Jeff Holbrook,
Julie Horton, Paul Hurtado, Larry & Sara Jane Hymes, Lyn Jacobs, Anne Marie
Johnson, Elizabeth King, Gary Kohlenberg, Leona Lauster, Pauline Layton,
Dan Lebbin, Tim Lenz, Susanne Lorbeer, Marianne Ludwigsen, Curtis Marantz,
Bill McAneny, Elaina McCartney, Dave McDermitt, Jay & Kevin McGowan,
Cathy McGrath, Lisa McGraw, Bob McGuire, Bob Meade, Andrew Miller,
Ann Mitchell, Gin & Nari Mistry, Dave Nutter, Jim Ochterski, Dan O’Connell,
Linda Orkin, Nancy Ostman, Bill & Joan Ostrander, Mary Passage, Sandy
Podulka, Bard Prentiss, Marie Read, Ken Rosenberg, Charles Rouse, David
Ruppert, Dave Russell, Lena Samsonenko, Marty Schlabach, Carol Schmitt,
Joan Scrocarelli, Glenn Seeholzer, Carol & Joe Slattery, Nick Sly, Dave Smith,
Richard Solvay, Don Sommers, Laura Stenzler, George Strothman, David
Suggs, Brian Sullivan, Chris Tessaglia-Hymes, Mary Jane Thomas, Colin
Thoreen, Chris Valligny, John VanNiel, Gerrit Vyn, Randy Weidner, Allison &
Evan & Jeff Wells, David Wheeler, Chris White, Caissa Willmer, Ben Winger,
Chris Wood, Matt Young, Ray Zimmerman,

ABBREVIATIONS

ABNB - Aurora Bay North Bluffs CAYU, CGP - Cornell Garden Plots TOMP,
CU - Cornell University, DLP - Dryden L P TOMP, DLT - Dryden L Trail
TOMP, EIRW - East Ithaca Recreatin Way TOMP, GM - Gleason Meadows
CHEM, HH - Hog Hole, KH - Kestrel Haven Avian Migration Observatory
SCHU, MNWR - Montezuma NWR, MtP - Mt. Pleasant, MWC - Montezuma
Wetlands Complex, MyPt - Myers Point TOMP, PrH - Prospect Hill CHEM,
SaM - Savannah Mucklands, ST - Steele Topsoil CHEM, StP - Stewart Park
TOMP, SW - Sapsucker Woods TOMP, TCAH - The Center At Horseheads
CHEM, TFSP - Taughannock Falls SP

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Greater White-fronted Goose:

Fayette 22 Oct (BSu, CWo); MWC 27
Nov (TL).

Snow Goose: arr 5 MWC 24 Sep; max
3200 MNWR 30 Oct,

Ross’s Goose: arr MWC 22 Oct (BoMc,
DN); last MNWR 12 Nov (TL), late.
Canada Goose: max 10,000 MWC
23 Nov, -.

Brant: arr 40 MyPt 8 Oct; max 300
ABNB 8 Oct; last 3 SW 22 Nov, -.

Mute Swan: max 7 MNWR 22 Oct
(AMil), high.

Tundra Swan: arr 6 MNWR 5 Nov;
max 458 MNWR 18 Nov.

Trumpeter Swan: max 15 MWC 23

Nov (TL), only report, high, +.

Wood Duck: max 60 MNWR 4 Sep
(TL, CWo), high.

Gadwall: max 25,0250 MNWR 18 Nov
(BA, LJ), high.

Eurasian Wigeon: arr MNWR
17 Sep (GC); max 2 MNWR 28 Oct
(JBu, LJ); MNWR 13 Nov
(BH), late.

Am. Wigeon: max 3500 MNWR 28 Oct
(JBu, LJ), high, +.

Am. Black Duck: max 75 MNWR 8 Oct
(MAn, MiHa, TL), low, +.

Blue-winged Teal: max 400 StP 10 Oct
(BBa), high, late, +.

N. Shoveler: max 200 MNWR 22 Oct
(AMil), high.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

73

N. Pintail: max 200 MNWR 28 Oct
(JBu, LJ), high.

Green-winged Teal: max 1590 MWC

I Oct (JE, MiHa, GSe), high, +.
Canvasback: arr & max 20 MNWR
28 Oct.

Redhead: arr 2 MNWR 4 Sep;
max 53 StP 26 Nov.

Ring-necked Duck: max 5000
MNWR 30 Oct, -.

Greater Scaup: arr MyPt 19 Oct; max 6
StP 17 Nov,-.

Surf Scoter: arr StP 30 Oct; last ABNB

II Nov.

White-winged Scoter: arr & max 18
ABNB 8 Oct; last Aurora Post Office
CAYU 19 Nov.

Black Scoter: arr StP 30 Oct, late; last
Owasco North CAYU 19 Nov, -.
Long-tailed Duck: arr MyPt 6 Nov;
max & last 2 DLP 23 Nov, -.

Buffi ehead: arr MyPt 9 Oct; max 100
StP 11 Nov,+.

Com. Goldeneye: arr StP 30 Oct; max
60 ABNB 11 Nov.

Hooded Merganser: max 100 MNWR
20 Nov, +.

Red-breasted Merganser: arr StP 14
Oct; max 10 Cayuga L Basin 30 Oct.
Ruddy Duck: arr MNWR 12 Sep; max
33 Cayuga L SP 27 Nov.

Wild Turkey : max 36 MWC 22 Oct, +.
Red-throated Loon: arrTFSP 16 Oct;
max 23 TFSP 11 Nov.

Com. Loon: arr Portland Pt TOMP 2
Oct; max 1992 TFSP 11 Nov.

Pied-billed Grebe: max 224 MNWR
30 Oct (L&SBe, K&LB1, JBu, JuHo, LJ,
CMc, CR), high, +.

Horned Grebe: arr StP 5 Oct (TL),
early; max 11 Seneca L SP 28 Oct.
Red-necked Grebe: arr & max 2 Long
Pt SP 30 Oct.

Am. White Pelican: MNWR 3 Sep
(CBC, MC, AHo, LSa); MWC 23 Sep
(CC NO); MNWR 17 Oct (DN).
Double-crested Cormorant: max 600
StP 9 Oct, +.

Am. Bittern: max 2 MNWR 1 Sep; last
SW 17 Oct.

Least Bittern: max & last 2 MWC
12 Sep.

Great Blue Heron: max 130 HH

9 Oct, +.

Great Egret: max 36 MNWR 17 Sep;
last 4 MWC 23 Oct.

Green Heron: max & last 15 CU
12 Oct.

Black-crowned Night-Heron: max 10

MWC 9 Sep; last Ithaca 13 Oct.

Glossy Ibis: arr MNWR 5 Sep
(ML); max 2 MNWR 9 Sep (AHa);
Montezuma 19 Sep (eB), late.

Turkey Vulture: max 150 Ithaca
14 Oct, -.

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Osprey: max 6 HH 10 Oct; last 2 SW 22
Nov (eB), late.

Sharp-shinned Hawk: max 19 MtP 15
Oct, -.

Broad-winged Hawk: max 11 Big Flats
Trail CHEM 10 Sep; last Trumansburg
6 Oct, -.

Rough-legged Hawk: arr SW 19 Oct;
max 11 MtP 6 Nov.

Golden Eagle: arr 2 KH 23 Oct; max &
last 2 SW 22 Nov.

Peregrine Falcon: max 7 ABNB 8 Oct
(MAn, MiHa, TL), high.

Virginia Rail: HH 30 Sep; last TCAH
19 Nov (BO), late.

Sora: Montezuma 3 Sep; last
DLT 15 Oct.

Com. Moorhen: max 45 MNWR 4 Sep;
last SW 22 Nov (eB), late.

Am. Coot: max 2300 MNWR 28 Oct
(JBu, LJ), high.

Sandhill Crane: 3 MWC 4 Sep;
max & last 3 MNWR 12 Nov
(BoMc, DN), high.

Black-bellied Plover: max 7 MNWR 8
Oct; last MNWR 2 Nov.

Am. Golden-Plover: max 10 MWC 5
Sep; last MtP 8 Oct, -.

Semipalmated Plover: max 25 MNWR
4 Sep; last CU 12 Oct.

Killdeer: max 26 MyPt 29 Oct, late.
Greater Yellowlegs: max 24 MWC 8
Oct; last 2 SW 22 Nov.

Lesser Yellowlegs: max 40 MWC 20
Sep; last MWC 5 Nov.

Solitary Sandpiper: SW 7 Sep; last SW
8 Oct (MC), -.

74

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Spotted Sandpiper: max 2 StP 7 Sep;
last HH 15 Oct.

Whimbrei: MyPt 13 Sep (JGm).

Ruddy Turnstone: last MyPt 19 Sep.
Sanderling: max 8 MNWR 7 Sep
(C&JS1), high; last MNWR 22 Oct.
Semipalmated Sandpiper: max 30
MWC 20 Sep; last 7 StP 1 Nov, -.
Western Sandpiper: MNWR 4 Sep
(TL, CWo); last MNWR 23 Sep (CC,
NO).

Least Sandpiper: max 40 MWC 20
Sep; last MNWR 2 Nov, -.
White-rumped Sandpiper: max & last
3 MWC 20 Sep, low, -.

Baird’s Sandpiper: max 5 MNWR 20
Sep; last MNWR 1 Oct.

Pectoral Sandpiper: max 180 MWC 20
Sep; last 2 SW 22 Nov (eB), late.

Dunlin: max 50 StP 1 Nov; last
MyPt 27 Nov, -.

Stilt Sandpiper: max 5 MWC 20 Sep;
last MWC 8 Oct, -.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper: last MNWR
17 Sep (MiHa, TL, JMc, GSe).
Short-billed Dowitcher: last MNWR
17 Oct (DN), late.

Long-billed Dowitcher: max 11
MNWR 19 Oct; last 2 MNWR 22 Nov.
Wilson’s Snipe: max 19 MNWR 23
Sep; last 3 MNWR 22 Nov (JE), late.
Am. Woodcock: max 3 Caroline 26 Oct;
last SW 22 Nov.

Pomarine Jaeger: ABNB 30 Oct (RD!,
MiHa, TL, CMa, LSa), early; StP
30 Oct (VRG!).

Laughing Gull: Ithaca 26 Sep (eB),
late; max 3 StP 14 Oct (GK, DL, JMc!,
BoMc, DN); last Ithaca 16 Oct (eB), +.
Bonaparte’s Gull: max 2 Elmira 12
Oct; last 2 SW 22 Nov.

Herring Gull: max 244 Ithaca
17 Oct, +.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: arr MNWR
17 Sep; max 2 MNWR 18 Sep.

Caspian Tern: max 10 MNWR 4 Sep;
last 2 StP 12 Oct (KR), late.

Com. Tern: 2 Lansing Rd 25 Sep (MAn,
TL, CWo!), only report.

Forster’s Tern: arr MyPt 17 Sep; max
& last 2 StP 7 Oct (TL!), late.

Black Tern: 19 Cayuga L WMA SENE

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

4 Sep (TL, CWo), only report, high, +.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
Rock Pigeon: max 300 TCAH 15 Oct
(BO), high.

Mourning Dove: max 100 KH

13 Sep, +.

Black-billed Cuckoo: last Cascadilla
Creek 8 Oct (JE), late.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo: DLP 11 Oct; last
HH 16 Oct.

E. Screech-Owl: max 4 Ithaca 13 Nov
(eB), high.

Short-eared Owl: arr MtP 15 Oct; max
4 Benton 26 Nov (Cheng, JuHo), high.

N. Saw-whet Owl: max 4 Summerhill
State Forest CAYU 21 Nov (RD), high.
Com. Nighthawk: max 8 Pirozzolo P
CHEM 2 Sep; last Finger Lakes Mall
CAYU 21 Sep.

Chimney Swift: max 25 Cohocton R 7
Sep; last SW 23 Sep (TL), +.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: max
34 KH 3 Sep (J&SGrg), high; last Ithaca
11 Oct.

Red-bellied Woodpecker: max 4 Ithaca
11 Nov (eB), high.

Downy Woodpecker: max 10 SW
4 Oct, +.

Hairy Woodpecker: max 6 Caroline 2
Nov (KCo), high, +.

N. Flicker: max 17 ST 9 Sep, +.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
E. Wood-Pewee: max 4 SW 17 Sep; last
Dryden 4 Oct.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: max 5 KH 2
Sep (J&SGrg), high; last 2 Ithaca 1 Oct.
Acadian Flycatcher: KH 2 Sep
(J&SGrg).

Least Flycatcher: max 5 KH 2 Sep
(J&SGrg), high; last SW 20 Sep.

E. Phoebe: max 20 DLT 21 Sep (KMc),
high; last E Shore Sailing Club TOMP
21 Nov (TL, CWo), late.

Great Crested Flycatcher: Dryden 2
Sep; last PrH 19 Sep.

E. Kingbird: max & last 2 Trumansburg
21 Sep.

N. Shrike: arr CAYU 31 Oct.
Blue-headed Vireo: max 6 SW 24 Sep;
last HH 16 Oct.

75

Warbling Vireo: max 6 StP 1 Sep (DN),
high; last SW 21 Sep.

Philadelphia Vireo: max 3 SW 10 Sep
(MC, SE, DO), high; last EIRW 12 Oct
(LH), late.

Red-eyed Vireo: max 15 SW 9 Sep; last
SW 17 Oct.

Blue Jay: max 180 Lansing 2 Oct,

Fish Crow: max 30 Riverfront P CHEM
14 Oct, -.

Com. Raven: max 27 MtP 21 Oct
(BSu), high.

Horned Lark: max 200 SaM 5 Nov, +.
Purple Martin: max & last 4 StP 1 Sep
(eB), only report, early departure.

Tree Swallow: max 200 MNWR 2 Oct;
last 4 ST 18 Nov (eB), late, -.

N. Rough-winged Swallow: last 2
TCAH 9 Sep (eB), only report, -.

Bank Swallow: max 10 StP 5 Sep; last
Ithaca 29 Sep (eB).

Cliff Swallow: last 2 StP 5 Sep (MeHa),
only report.

Barn Swallow: max 65 StP 1 Sep; last
Ithaca 29 Sep (eB), early, -.

Tufted Titmouse: max 12 SW 17 Sep
(eB), high.

White-breasted Nuthatch: max 9

Spencer Crest Nature Center STEU 25
Sep, +.

Carolina Wren: max 6 Pine City 15 Oct
(DC), high.

House Wren: max 10 GM 10 Sep; last
ST 20 Oct.

Winter Wren: max 8 Catlin 15 Oct
(eB), high.

Marsh Wren: max 2 SW 11 Oct; last
MNWR 5 Nov (JaCa), late.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: arr 2 KH
19 Sep; max 40 Dry den 10 Oct; last
Dryden 27 Oct.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: StP 16 Sep;
last DLT 20 Sep.

Veery: max 14 Caroline 19 Sep; last
3 Dryden 10 Oct.

Gray-cheeked Thrush: arr Harris Hill
P CHEM 10 Sep; max 1000 SW 24 Sep
(MAn, DL, BoMc, CTH), high; last CU
13 Oct (SBi), +.

Swainson’s Thrush: arr 2 Dryden 1
Sep; max 1500 SW 24 Sep (MAn, DL,
BoMc, CTH), high; last Dryden 19 Oct.

76

Hermit Thrush: max 7 EIRW 12 Oct;
last Dryden 29 Oct.

Wood Thrush: max 35 Northeast Ithaca

11 Oct; last CU 12 Oct (MiHa), +.

Am. Robin: max 600 Dryden 2 Nov
(TL), high, +.

Gray Catbird: max 50 SW 15 Sep
(CTH), high; last Dryden 19
Nov (eB), +.

Brown Thrasher: max 10 GM 5 Sep
(B&JO), high; last Caroline 22 Oct
(J&KCo), late.

Am. Pipit: arr StP 21 Sep; max 75 MtP
15 Oct; last 2 MyPt 27 Nov.

Cedar Waxwing: max 125 ST
21 Oct, +.

WARBLERS

Blue-winged Warbler: GM 5 Sep; last
SW 11 Sep.

Tennessee Warbler: max & last
2 CU 12 Oct.

Orange-crowned Warbler: arr SW 4

Sep; max 2 Dryden 8 Oct; last Dryden

12 Oct.

Nashville Warbler: max 3 Dryden 8
Oct; last Reynolds State Game Farm
TOMP21 Oct.

N. Parula: arr Dryden 5 Sep; max 5 CU
17 Sep (MeHa), high; last 4 CU 12 Oct.
Yellow Warbler: max 15 StP 7 Sep
(KR), high; last Dryden 12 Oct
(TL), late.

Chestnut-sided Warbler: max 8 CU 17
Sep; last 3 CU 12 Oct (RD), late.
Magnolia Warbler: max 10 CU 17 Sep;
last CU 12 Oct.

Cape May Warbler: arr CU 16 Sep; last
Northeast Ithaca 17 Sep.

Black-throated Blue Warbler: max 18
Dryden 10 Oct (JMc), high; last SW 19
Oct (MC), late, +.

Yellow-rumped Warbler: max 450 CU
12 Oct (JE, MiHa, DL, mob), high; last
Caroline 5 Nov, +.

Black-throated Green Warbler: max

9 CU 12 Oct; last CU 15 Oct.
Blackburnian Warbler: max 4 SW 17
Sep; last PrH 12 Oct (eB), late.

Pine Warbler: max 11 Harris Hill P
CHEM 10 Sep (B&JO), high; last 2
Newtown Battlefield Reservation

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

CHEM 1 Oct.

Prairie Warbler: max 5 GM 10 Sep
(B&JO), high; last Dryden 27 Sep (DL,
BoMc, VRG, CTH), late.

Palm Warbler: arr SaM 4 Sep (TL,
CWo), early; max 21 CU 12 Oct (JE,
MiHa, DL, mob), high; last Reynolds
State Game Farm TOMP 16 Oct, +.
Bay-breasted Warbler: max 2 SW 17
Sep; last 2 PrH 12 Oct (eB), late.
Blackpoll Warbler: arr SW 1 Sep; max
3 Catlin 24 Sep; last HH 15 Oct.
Black-and-white Warbler: max 10 SW
17 Sep (eB), high; last CU 12 Oct.

Am. Redstart: max 9 SW 17 Sep; last
CU 12 Oct (MiHa), late.

Ovenbird: max 6 CU 12 Oct (NS), high;
last Southwoods Development TOMP

14 Oct.

N. Waterthrush: SW 3 Sep; last SW
27 Sep.

Louisiana Waterthrush: Willow Creek
Golf Course CHEM 19 Sep (DC!), only
report, late, -.

Mourning Warbler: SW 17 Sep (RD);
last CU 12 Oct (NS), late.

Com. Yellowthroat: max 50 CU 11 Oct
(eB), high; last SW 19 Oct, +.

Hooded Warbler: SW 16 Sep; last CU
12 Oct (TL), late.

Wilson’s Warbler: max 5 SW 11 Sep
(MC, MG), high; last EIRW 12 Oct
(LH), late.

Canada Warbler: max 2 SW 17 Sep;
last SW 24 Sep (MAn, DL, BoMc,

CTH), late.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Scarlet Tanager: max 6 Northeast
Ithaca 11 Oct (KR), high; last CU 14 Oct
(NS), late.

E. Towhee: max 22 GM 5 Sep (B&JO),
high; last Dryden 3 Nov.

Am. Tree Sparrow: arr KH 31 Oct; max
24 Groton 14 Nov, -.

Chipping Sparrow: max 80 Cayuga
Heights 19 Sep; last Catlin 9 Nov, +.
Field Sparrow: max 12 DLT 21 Sep;
last Ithaca 14 Nov (DN), late.

Vesper Sparrow: max & last 2 Dryden

15 Oct.

Savannah Sparrow: max 1000 CU 11
The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Oct (MAn, JBa, RD, JE, DL, JE, Scott
Haber, MiHa, TL, CMa, LSa, GSe, BSu,
Colin Thoreen), high; last Hector 23 Oct, +.
Grasshopper Sparrow: max & last 2
Dryden 11 Oct (KMc, mob), late.

LE CONTE’S SPARROW: Dryden 11
Oct (MiHa!).

NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED
SPARROW: arr HH 30 Sep
(TL!, GSe); HH 15 Oct (MiHa, TL,

GSe, BW).

Fox Sparrow: arr Hector 2 Oct; max 21
Dryden 31 Oct (eB), high; last Dryden
20 Nov.

Lincoln’s Sparrow: arr 2 KH 5 Sep;
max 4 Diyden 15 Oct; last Ithaca

16 Oct.

Swamp Sparrow: max 50 DLP 9 Oct
(LSt), high; last TCAH 19 Nov.
White-crowned Sparrow: arr SW 24
Sep; max 9 Dryden 10 Oct; last Caton

17 Nov.

Lapland Longspur: arr 4 SaM 5 Nov;
max 8 SaM 6 Nov.

Snow Bunting: arr MyPt 20 Oct; max
200 SaM 6 Nov, +.

N. Cardinal: max 20 Ithaca 13 Nov
(eB), high.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: max 25

Dryden 21 Sep; last 2 Ithaca 15 Oct, +.
Indigo Bunting: max 20 CU 11 Oct
(eB), high; last CGP 15 Oct.
DICKCISSEL: Caroline 19 Sep (eB);
max 4 CU 12 Oct (JE, MiHa, mob),
high; CGP 16 Oct (MC!), +.

Bobolink: max & last 7 CGP 15 Oct;
TOMP 15 Oct.

Red-winged Blackbird: max 2500
TCAH 30 Sep; last 550 Fayette
27 Nov, +.

E. Meadowlark: max 17 Dryden 14
Oct; last Big Flats Trail CHEM 5 Nov, -.
Rusty Blackbird: arr 2 MNWR 24 Sep;
max 250 SW 8 Oct; last 75 Lansing 6
Nov, early.

Com. Grackle: max 2000 Cohocton R7
Sep; last 550 Fayette 27 Nov.
Brown-headed Cowbird: max 100 Big
Flats 3 Sep; last 4 Lansing 26 Nov.
Baltimore Oriole: max 3 Dryden
6 Sep (eB), high; last Dryden 21 Sep
(CTH), late.

77

Pine Grosbeak: Beam Hill TOMP 19-
20 Nov (KCu), early.

Purple Finch: max 50 Caroline 21 Oct
(J&KCo), high, +.

House Finch: max 25 SW 25 Nov, +.
Red Crossbill: Hammond Hill State
Forest TOMP 17 Sep (GV).

Pine Siskin: arr Dryden 5 Oct; max 40
SW 29 Oct (Fide KR), high.

Evening Grosbeak: arr Summerhill 23
Oct; max 12 Dryden 27 Oct.

REGION 4—SUSQUEHANNA

Andrew Mason

1039 Peck St., Jefferson, NY 12093
AndyMason@earthling.net

The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, the most active on record, affected Region
4 as it did the rest of the eastern U.S. Three hurricanes left their mark, and
a fourth, Katrina, just missed the period, passing by on the last two days of
August. Ophelia’s passage along the Atlantic coast on 16-17 September brought
moderate rain and gusty NE winds. Rita tracked up the Mississippi Valley and
brought over an inch of rain and strong southerly winds to the Binghamton
weather station on 26 September. Wilma also traveled off the eastern coast and
combined with a Nor’easter storm off New England on 25-26 October. Low
barometric pressure, rain, NE winds shifting to NW, and the first snow of the
season accompanied this event.

At the Binghamton station, September precipitation was below normal
and temperatures above normal. In October, temperatures were slightly above
normal, but precipitation was over double the average. November continued
wet, 50% above normal, and slightly warmer than average.

It was a modest bird season in the Region, with a handful of notable reports
and events. The fallout of Red-throated Loons that occurred through central
NY on 23 November found several grounded birds in Region 4. Sue Gaynor
discovered one in Meredith DELA and released it on nearby Pine L. Tom
Femades rescued a loon in the city of Cortland and successfully let it go on
Casterline Pond. He also reported another successful release SW of Cortland
and commented on reports from deer hunters of “. .. flopping duck-like birds
with long beaks . . .” Passage of a cold front, bringing dropping temperatures,
shifting winds, and lake-effect snow, coinciding with the peak movement of this
species may have combined to bring about the groundings.

Another grounding incident involved a tantalizing, but third-hand report
of a N. Gannet found in a yard in Sidney DELA. The next morning the bird
was “ . . . hanging out. . .” in the homeowner’s garage. He brought it to the
State University at Oneonta’s Biological Field Station on Otsego Lake where he
was

78

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

engaged in construction work. Unable to find assistance, he released the bird
into the lake. His after-the-fact detailed description, particularly eye color,
“certainly suggested it was a N. Gannet,” according to biologist Matt Albright.
Date of the report is uncertain, but it followed passage of the Hurricane Wilma/
Atlantic nor’easter confluence in late October.

Other good waterfowl sightings included both White-winged Scoter and a
very unusual Surf Scoter reports from Buckhom L OTSE by Katie Ray. Northern
Pintail, Redhead, and Long-tailed Duck also showed this season. Single reports
of Homed Grebe and Red-necked Grebe in BROO and Snowy Egret in CHEN
were notable.

Raptors were a mixed bag, with Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and
Cooper’s Hawk as plusses, and other species either holding even or low. The
Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch near Oneonta set seasonal records for two species,
Golden Eagle and Merlin, and most others were above the 17-year average at
the site. Coverage was outstanding, with the 129 days of coverage a new high.
Without a doubt, the highlight of Franklin Mt.’s season came on 11 November,
when long-time counters Steve Hall and Ron Milliken tallied 71 Golden
Eagles passing the lookout. This now stands as a record high daily count
for eastern North America for this species, surpassing the previous high of
51 Golden Eagles held jointly by FMHW and Pennsylvania’s Allegheny
Front Hawkwatch. This outstanding count in turn contributed to the season’s
total of 252 Golden Eagles, also a record for the eastern flyway. Elsewhere,
raptor numbers were generally down, excepting Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk,
Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon which continue to increase in the Region
and beyond.

Shorebirds were generally low, although reports of the regionally rare
Baird’s Sandpiper were a bright spot. Bonaparte’s Gull was again sighted; this
species is becoming more regular in fall.

The three regular owl species made decent showings, but no others
appeared. Three reports of Common Nighthawk unfortunately have to be
considered positive these days. Good numbers of Pileated Woodpeckers were
noted.

Among passerines. Purple Martin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren,
Magnolia Warbler, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, and
Purple Finch all did well. Ted Buhl covered the Richfield OTSE area during fall
migration and turned up good counts of vireos, kinglets, and White-throated and
Lincoln’s sparrows. Spotted-breast thrushes were mixed, with Veery and Wood
Thrush down and Swainson’s and Hermit Thrush on the plus side. A number
of regionally uncommon warblers were reported, including: Orange-crowned,
Tennessee, Northern Parula, Pine, Prairie, Bay-breasted, Worm-eating, Northern
Waterthrush, Mourning, and Hooded. Gail Kirch’s Vestal Banding Station did
well, with Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Nashville Warbler, Magnolia Warbler,
Scarlet Tanager, and an extremely high count of American Goldfinch.

Low or missed were both species of teal, both yellowlegs, American
Woodcock, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Vireo, House Wren,

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 79

Brown Thrasher, Black-and-white Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and
Eastern Meadowlark.

Early winter birds did not make much of a showing. Rough-legged Hawk,
Northern Shrike, Homed Lark, Snow Bunting, Pine Siskin, and Evening
Grosbeak all were reported but not in promising numbers. There was no
apparent invasion of winter finches, with Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks
appearing in small numbers. Two reports of Red Crossbill most likely involved
scattered breeders.

CONTRIBUTORS

Matt Albright, Anne Altshuler, Dick Andrus, Jeff Balmer, Dianne
Benko, Fred Bertram, Dennis Bock, Sue Bock, Bruce Bozdos, Ted Buhl,
Gerianne Carillo, Eleanor Carson, Kay Crane, Larry Dake, John Davis,
Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc., Ailsa Donnelly, Bob Donnelly, Nick Donnelly,
Sadie Dorber, Jean Dorman, Dolores Elliot, Suzanne Etherington, Tom
Fernandes, Margaret Ferranti, Steve Ferranti, Sue Gaynor, Bob Grajewski,
Dave Green, Bob Grosek, Steve Hall, Dylan Horvath, Jim Hoteling,
Bill Howard, Merwin & Sally Howard, Dorian Huneke, Spencer Hunt, Michael
Jordan, Don Kinch, Sara Kinch, Gail Kirch, Diana Krein, Sharon Krotzer,
Bill Kuk, Victor Lamoureaux, Tom Laskowski, Art Levy, Cynthia Lockrow,
Andy Mason, Angela Mattucci, David McCartt, Bill Miller, Eleanor
Moriarty, John Mueger, Naturalists’ Club of Broome County, Sandy Perry,
Bob Pantle, Marie Petuh, Nick Plavac, Jessie Ravage, Katie Ray, Tom Salo,
Charlie Scheim, Helga Stein, Kathy Swantak, Tioga Bird Club, Bill Toner,
Fred von Mechow, Dan Watkins, Don Weber, Joel Weeks, Jon Weeks, Michele
Weeks, Sue & Tom Whitney, Don Windsor, Colleen Wolpert, an Matt Young.

ABBREVIATIONS

AqPk - Aquaterra Park BROO; BHL - Buck Horn L OTSE; BUNP -
Binghamton University Nature Preserve BROO; BPd - Boland Pd BROO;
CVSP - Chenango Valley State P BROO; DorP - Dorchester P BROO; FMHW
- Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch DELA; Ots - Otsego L OTSE; UL - Upper Lisle
BROO; VBS - Vestal banding station BROO.

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Snow Goose: BROO 28 Sep; 50+ UL
16 Oct; flock FMHW 24 Nov; max 450
Burlington OTSE 27 Nov.

Brant: 20-30 FMHW 9 Oct; 150
Burlington OTSE 20 Oct; max
370 FMHW 26 Oct; good numbers
now reported regularly as migrants
throughout Region.

80

Mute Swan: BPd thru Nov; 2 Chenango
BROO 12, 18 Nov; OtsL 23 Nov; no
apparent expansion in Region.

Wood Duck: 15 reports; no large flocks.
Am. Wigeon: CVSP 9 Oct; only report.
Am. Black Duck: 20+ reports; max 13+
BPd 20 Nov.

Green-winged Teal: 2 BPd 8 Oct,
only report.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

N. Pintail: 2 BPd 25 Oct; BPd 2 Nov,

14 Nov; often missed.

Blue-winged Teal: 6 Burlington OTSE
10 Oct, continued scarce.

Redhead: 3 Young’s L OTSE
23 Nov, uncommon.

Ring-necked Duck: Burlington OTSE

10 Oct; 2 BHL 23 Nov; 100 Allen’s
Lake OTSE 23 Nov; max 200 Young’s L
OTSE 23 Nov, good count.

Lesser Scaup: 2 DorP 28 Oct,
only report.

SURF SCOTER: BHL 29 Oct
(KR!), rare.

White-winged Scoter: 2 BHL

9 Oct, often missed.

Long-tailed Duck: 5 BHL 26

Oct; 3 BHL 30, third consecutive fall
reported and fourth year since 1997.
BufHehead: 8 reports; all singles or
small flocks.

Hooded Merganser: 8 reports; max 250
Allen’s L OTSE 23 Nov, good count.
Com. Merganser: numerous reports,
particularly BROO; max 75+ DorP

29 Nov.

Ruddy Duck: BHL 18 Oct, 27-29 Oct,
continued low.

Ring-necked Pheasant: 4 reports;
max 3 UL 18 Nov.

Ruffed Grouse: more than most recent
years Burlington OTSE; 7 other reports.
Wild Tdrkey: 14 reports, low; max 30
BROO 16 Nov.

Red-throated Loon: Meredith DELA23
Nov; Cortland CORT 23 Nov; Hillcrest
Pits BROO 29 Nov; DorP 30 Nov.

Com. Loon: FMHW 10 Oct; DorP

30 Nov; low.

Pied-billed Grebe: 14 reports; max 5
Endwell BROO 26 Oct, good count.
Horned Grebe: DorP 11 Nov,
often missed.

Red-necked Grebe: DorP

11 Nov, uncommon.

Double-crested Cormorant: 40+ OtsL

10 Oct; 13 reports, BROO; max 47
Union BROO 12 Oct.

Am. Bittern: BPd 30 Sep, often missed.
Great Blue Heron: well reported
BROO; max 18+ Susquehanna R, Vestal
BROO 8 Sep.

Great Egret: 6 reports, all BROO; max
6 Endwell BROO 15 Sep.

Snowy Egret: Sherburne CHEN

I Nov, uncommon.

Green Heron: 3 reports, low.

Turkey Vulture: widespread thru
early Nov; max 68 FMHW 27 Oct;
last 30-50 in roost McGraw CORT
mid-Sept; BPd 14 Nov; total 477
FMHW, 200% above avg.

HAWKS-ALCIDS

(FMHW totals below cover 20 Aug to
1 Jan, 2006; averages reflect 1989-2005 data).
Osprey: total 132 FMHW, 33% above
avg; 27 other reports, good count;

TIOG 10 Nov, late.

Bald Eagle: total 87 FMHW, 76% above
avg; 26 other reports, widespread.

N. Harrier: total 51 FMHW, 17%
below avg; 14 other reports, fair count.
Sharp-shinned Hawk: total 515
FMHW, 27% above avg; 27 other
reports, good count.

Cooper’s Hawk: total 113 FMHW, 70%
above avg; 17 other reports,
mostly BROO.

N. Goshawk: total 25 FMHW,

8% above avg; no other reports.
Red-shouldered Hawk: total 52
FMHW, 6% below avg; only
3 other reports.

Broad-winged Hawk: total 867 FMHW,
18% above avg; 238 FMHW 11 Sep,
max; 7 other reports, low.

Red-tailed Hawk: total 2205 FMHW,
24% above avg.

Rough-legged Hawk: total 20 FMHW,
74% above avg; 4 Burlington OTSE 20
Oct, early; 7 reports first 2 weeks Nov.
Golden Eagle: total 252 FMHW,

117% above avg; max 71 FMHW 11
Nov (SH,RM), NA record high day’s
tally; Cortlandville CORT 14 Nov;

Vestal BROO 18,19 Nov, feeding on
road kill.

Am. Kestrel: total 150 FMHW, 70%
above avg; 9 Greenwood Pk BROO 14
Sep; “small group” Harpersfield DELA

II Oct; 15 other reports, still low.
Merlin: total 36 FMHW, 141% above
avg; 5 other reports, low considering

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

81

increasing breeding population.

Peregrine Falcon: total 10 FMHW, avg;
Hillcrest Pits BROO 14 Nov; downtown
Binghamton BROO 19 Nov.

Sora: Grippen Pk, Endicott BROO 6
Sep (DW), often missed.

Am. Coot: BHL small numbers after
late Sep; numerous OtsL 23 Nov.
Semipalmated Plover: DorP 8 Oct
(BK), uncommon in Reg.

Killdeer: 22 reports BROO, TIOG; max
35 Chenango Forks BROO 3 Sep; last
TIOG 19 Oct.

Greater Yellowlegs: DorP 28 Oct,
only report.

Lesser Yellowlegs: Endwell BROO 1
Sep, only report.

Spotted Sandpiper: Norwich CHEN 5
Sep; 5 reports BROO Sep, Oct.
Semipalmated Sandpiper: Endwell
BROO 1 Sep; DorP 8 Oct.

BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: Susquehanna
R, Vestal BROO 2 Sep (VL); Tri-cities
Airport, Endicott BROO 6 Sep,

2 Tri-cities Airport, Endicott BROO
8 Sep (DW); rare.

Dunlin: 4 reports DorP late Oct, early
Nov; Whitney Point Res BROO
29 Oct; uncommon.

Wilson’s Snipe: Vestal BROO 3 Sep;
Binghamton BROO 16 Sep; Hillcrest
Pits BROO 30 Oct, often missed.

Am. Woodcock: TIOG 16, only
report, low.

Bonaparte’s Gull: Endwell BROO 15
Nov; DorP 29, 30 Nov; uncommon, but
increasing in regularity.

Ring-billed Gull: numerous BROO
thru; max 71 Chenango BROO 13 Oct.
Herring Gull: regular BROO, TIOG
Oct, Nov; max 50+ Hillcrest Pits
BROO 20 Nov.

Com. Tern: 2 DorP 8 Oct
(BK), uncommon.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
Black-billed Cuckoo: AqPk 22 Sep,
only report.

E. Screech-Owl: 11 widespread reports,
good count.

Great-horned Owl: 7 widespread
reports, good count.

Barred Owl: 6 widespread reports,
good count.

Com. Nighthawk: Binghamton BROO
7 Sep; multiples Delhi DELA 12 Sep;
TIOG 30 Sep; continued scarce.
Chimney Swift: 1 BPd 7 Sep; FMHW
19 Sep; one report TIOG.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 25 Sep
reports; last Milford OTSE 4 Oct.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: 9 reports;
steady.

Pileated Woodpecker: 53 reports whole
Region, evidently a very good year.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
Olive-sided Flycatcher: Vestal BROO 5
Oct, uncommon.

E. Wood-Pewee: FMHW 2 Sep;
Greenwood Pk BROO 14 Sep; Oxford
CHEN 17 Sep; Chenango Forks
BROO 21 Sep.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 4 VBS

mid Sep.

Least Flycatcher: AqPk 1 Sep; TIOG 2
Sep; 5 VBS early Sep; Chenango Forks
BROO 21 Sep.

E. Phoebe: 38 reports; last VBS 30 Oct.
Great Crested Flycatcher: 2 BROO 18
Sep, only report; often missed.

E. Kingbird: Vestal BROO 2 Sep;
Greenwood Pk BROO 14 Sep;

TIOG Sep.

N. Shrike: Johnson City BROO
13 Nov; Lisle BROO 27 Nov.
Blue-headed Vireo: 10 VBS; 14 other
reports BROO; 2 Richfield OTSE 3 Oct;
TIOG 11 Oct; last Union BROO 30 Oct.
Yellow-throated Vireo: Greenwood Pk
BROO 14 Sep, only report.

Warbling Vireo: VBS 2 Sep; TIOG Sep.
Philadelphia Vireo: 2 VBS mid Sep;
Richfield OTSE 2 Oct.

Red-eyed Vireo: total 58 VBS; 200+
Richfield mid Sep.

Blue Jay: high numbers noted by
two observers.

Am. Crow: max 400+ FMHW 26 Oct,
“moving south”.

Fish Crow: TIOG Sep, Oct; no recent
sign of expansion.

Com. Raven: 20 widespread reports;
The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

82

“seen all month” TIOG Nov; nearly
daily FMHW; max 18 FMHW 7 Nov,
including 14 in one flock.

Horned Lark: 40 Sherburne CHEN

23 Oct; TIOG Nov; 30+ Lisle BROO 5
Nov; Lisle BROO 27 Nov; DorP 15 Nov.
Purple Martin: 15-20 AqPk 15 Sep,
rarely reported in recent years.

Tree Swallow: 11 reports BROO; 300+
BPd 9 Oct, max; FMHW 2 Nov; 2
FMHW 7 Nov, late.

Bank Swallow: BPd 7 Sep, uncommon.
Barn Swallow: 4 reports BROO
thru mid Sep.

Red-breasted Nuthatch: 3 VBS;

FMHW 19 Sep; Walton DELA 23 Sep;
Richford TIOG 25 Oct; FMHW
5-6 Oct; Davenport DELA first week
Nov; 2-3 Scott CORT 11 Nov;

FMHW 13 Nov; McGraw CORT 14
Nov; TIOG Oct, Nov; 28 reports
BROO; good count.

Brown Creeper: 15 reports thru.
Carolina Wren: 4 VBS; 52 other reports
BROO; TIOG Nov; 2 Scott CORT 15
Oct, 11 Nov; continues well in southern
portion of Region.

House Wren: 9 reports BROO thru mid
Oct; 3 VBS Sep; remains low.

Winter Wren: Burlington OTSE 17
Sep; TIOG 1 Oct; VBS 23 Sep, 15 Oct;
Cole Pk BROO 16 Oct; BUNP 22 Oct;
often missed.

Golden-crowned Kinglet: well
reported; 4 Sep-20 Nov; max 40-60
Richfield 6 Oct.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: well
reported; 34 VBS Oct; max 30
Richfield OTSE 6 Oct; 30 other reports,
18 Sep- 6 Nov.

E. Bluebird: well reported thru;
no large flocks.

Veery: Chenango BROO 10 Sep; 4 VBS
Sep; continued low.

Swainson’s Thrush: 10 VBS Sep-Oct,
good count.

Hermit Thrush: 2 AqPk 1 Sep; FMHW

24 Sep; Johnson City BROO 2 Oct;
Vestal BROO 5 Oct; Burlington OTSE
20 Oct; TIOG 22 Oct; 9 VBS Oct-Nov.
Wood Thrush: TIOG 18 Sep; 5 VBS
Sep; continued very low.

Gray Catbird: TIOG 1 Oct, 21 Nov,
late; 64 VBS Sep-Oct; well reported
BROO thru mid Oct.

Brown Thrasher: 2 Lisle BROO 25
Sep; TIOG Sep; Freetown CORT 8-11
Nov, late; continued low.

N. Mockingbird: 15 reports BROO; 2
reports TIOG.

Am. Pipit: 2 Chenango BROO 28 Oct;
DorP 5 Nov.

Cedar Waxwing: well-reported thru;
max 100+ Milford OTSE 27 Oct; 60
banded VBS Oct.

WARBLERS

Blue-winged Warbler: FMHW 21
Sep, only report; late. Orange-crowned
Warbler: 3 VBS 15-17 Oct, uncommon.
Tennessee Warbler: Richfield OTSE 18
Sep, often missed.

Nashville Warbler: Vestal BROO 8
Sep; Johnson City BROO 18 Sep; 10+
Richfield OTSE 3 Oct; 2 BUNP 9 Oct;
FMHW 14 Oct; 14 VBS Sep-Oct.
good count.

N. Parula: VBS 16 Sep, uncommon.
Yellow Warbler: AqPk 1 Sep; Vestal
BROO 8 Sep; TIOG 18 Sep.
Chestnut-sided Warbler: AqPk 1 Sep;
several juv CVSP3 Sep; Chenango
BROO 4 Sep; TIOG 15 Sep; Chenango
BROO 30 Sep; Norwich CHEN 1 Oct;
total 4 VBS.

Magnolia Warbler: Cole Pk BROO
7 Sep; Greenwood Pk BROO 14 Sep;
TIOG Sep; Glen Aubrey BROO 5 Oct;
Johnson City BROO 10 Oct; total 32
VBS, very good count.

Black-throated Blue Warbler: N
Norwich CHEN 5 Sep; TIOG 5 Sep;
TIOG 3 Oct; 2 BROO 4 Oct; 4 VBS 11
Oct, tot 6.

Yellow-rumped Warbler: widespread,
well reported; 22 VBS; max 70+
Richfield OTSE 6 Oct.

Black-throated Green Warbler: 18
reports, 1 Sep-12 Oct.

Pine Warbler: Roundtop Pk BROO 8
Sep; Cortland CORT 12 Nov;
only reports.

Prairie Warbler: Chenango BROO 9
Sep; TIOG Sep; third consecutive fall

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

83

reported and third since 1995.

Palm Warbler: 2 VBS Sep; UL 11,

25 Sep; CVSP 11 Sep; Greenwood Pk
BROO 14 Sep; 2 Richfield OTSE 18
Sep; Glen Aubrey BROO 26 Sep; 2
Richfield OTSE 6 Oct.

Bay-breasted Warbler: CVSP 11 Sep,
often missed.

Blackpoll Warbler: Vestal BROO 8
Sep; VBS 15 Sep; UL 15 Oct; average.
Black-and-white Warbler: TIOG 2
Sep; 2 VBS Sep; continued low.

Am. Redstart: 2 AqPk 1 Sep;

Chenango BROO 1 Sep; TIOG 2 Sep;

6 VBS Sep; second consecutive
good year.

Worm-eating Warbler: Vestal BROO 8
Sep (DW), uncommon.

Ovenbird: TIOG 2 Sep; Chenango
BROO 5 Sep; 5 VBS 6 Sep, total 16,
last 4 Oct; 2 Chenango BROO 9 Sep;
Chenango BROO 11 Sep.

N. Waterthrush: 1 VBS 2 Sep,
often missed.

Connecticut Warbler: VBS 6, 12 Sep;
Vestal BROO 23 Sep; FMHW 27 Sep;
rare to uncommon in Region.

Mourning Warbler: VBS 10 Oct,
uncommon.

Com. Yellowthroat: Pharsalia CHEN
22 Sep; Norwich CHEN 1 Oct; 20 VBS
1 Sep thru 18 Oct; well reported BROO
mid Sep - early Oct.

Hooded Warbler: CVSP 3 Sep; Vestal
BROO 8 Sep; uncommon.

Wilson’s Warbler: Vestal BROO 8 Sep;
UL 11 Sep; 2 Richfield OTSE 18 Sep;
VBS 3, 21 Sep; average.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Scarlet Tanager: 9 reports VBS, last 11
Oct; 3 FMHW 16 Sep; 6 reports singles
BROO 7-21 Sep.

E. Towhee: 12 reports VBS, last 13
Nov; modest numbers BROO thru Sep
& Oct.

Am. Tree Sparrow: arr Richford TIOG
25 Oct; regular thru.

Chipping Sparrow: VBS 8 reports;
max 25 CVSP 9 Oct; common thru
Sep and Oct.

Field Sparrow: VBS 7 reports; 16 other

reports thru late Oct; good count.
Savannah Sparrow: TIOG Sep; 5
Triangle BROO 10 Sep; Greenwood Pk
BROO 14 Sep; 2 Lisle BRO 25 Sep;

2 Maine BROO 25 Sep; good count,
often missed.

Fox Sparrow: arr UL 15 Oct; 15 other
widespread reports thru.

Lincoln’s Sparrow: Lisle BROO 25
Sep; 20+ Richfield OTSE 3 Oct; Finch
Hollow Nature Center BROO 3 Oct;

VBS 10 Oct; Mirror Lk TIOG 2 Nov.
Swamp Sparrow: 8 VBS late Sep - mid
Oct; 13 reports BROO 11 Sep-4 Nov.
White-throated Sparrow: abundant
thru; max 350+ Richfield OTSE 3 Oct;
100+ Richfield OTSE 6 Oct; 97 VBS, 14
max 15 Oct.

White-crowned Sparrow: 14 reports
25 Sep-22 Oct.

Dark-eyed Junco: common thru; 100
Richford TIOG 25 Oct; VBS total 132;
max 16 VBS 27, 28 Oct.

Snow Bunting: DorP 29 Oct, 15 Nov; 4
DorP 16 Nov; 5-6 Middlefield OTSE 27
Nov; TIOG Nov; low.

N. Cardinal: 20 VBS, good count.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 15 Sep
reports; 10 VBS 10 Sep-11 Oct.

Indigo Bunting: 8 Sep reports; 2 BPd 4
Oct; VBS 17 Sep-Oct 9.

Bobolink: TIOG Sep, only report, late.
E. Meadowlark: Greenwood Pk BROO
14 Sep; 4 Long Pd SF Smithville CHEN
18 Sep; 2 UL 15 Oct; Hillcrest Pits
BROO 15 Oct; remains low.

Rusty Blackbird: W Comers Swamp
BROO 25 Sep; small numbers regular
UL mid Oct - mid Nov; 5 BPd 26 Oct;
Johnson City BR0013 Nov; Vestal
BROO 23 Nov; good count.

Baltimore Oriole: BPd 21 Nov
(JW), late.

Purple Finch: 33 widespread reports;

58 VBS mostly Oct; continued increase
in counts.

House Finch: regularly reported, but no
large flocks.

Red Crossbill: CHEN 15 Sep; Scott
CORT 15 Oct; uncommon.

Pine Siskin: Milford OTSE 27 Oct;
max 23 CVSP 28 Oct; McGraw CORT

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

84

23-29 Oct; Norwich CHEN 24 Oct;
Burlington OTSE 30 Oct; multiples
FMHW 2 Nov; Scott CORT 6 Nov;
Freetown CORT 11 Nov; TIOG 9-12
Nov; Norwich CHEN 20 Nov;

Nov; total 404 VBS, very high; max 71
VBS 5 Nov.

Evening Grosbeak: 3 Greene CHEN
21 Oct; Chenango BROO 7 Nov; 8
Richford TIOG 12 Nov; 25-30 Otselic
CHEN; 12 Burlington OTSE 19 Nov;
Maine BROO 21 Nov; 24 Davenport
DELA27 Nov.

6 Walton DELA 23 Nov; 3 Richford
TIOG 26 Nov.

Am. Goldfinch: 12 Chenango BROO 8
Oct; 50+ Scott CORT 6 Nov; 26 TIOG

REGION 5 - ONEIDA LAKE BASIN

Bill Purcell

281 Baum Road, Hastings, New York, 13076
wpurcell @ twcny. rr.com

The season was much warmer and slightly wetter than the long-term average.
The September temperature averaged 65.4° F, 4.1° above normal, with 1.75
inches of precipitation, 2.4 inches below normal. The temperature in October
averaged 52.4° F, 2.3° above normal, with 6.41” of rain, 3.21” above normal.
The first seven days of October averaged 12° above normal, with southerly
winds most of the time. This may have contributed to some late sightings. In
November, the average temperature was 44.0°, 4.3° above normal, with 4.66”
of precipitation, which was 0.89” over the average. There was 8.4” of snow for
the month. Cold weather from November 22-27 froze most small ponds in the
Region. It was wet in the Adirondacks, with some precipitation on 37 days in
October and November.

The waterfowl flight was mostly unimpressive, even on the cold fronts,
which often produce a good many birds. Flocks of Snow Geese rarely topped
150, the Wood Duck flight at Toad Harbor seems to have dispersed, and
numbers of teal, Gadwall and N. Pintail were low. Divers present in good
numbers included White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Hooded Merganser,
and Red-breasted Merganser, while numbers of Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter,
Bufflehead, and Common Merganser were particularly low. There were two
Cackling Goose sightings, one photographed and the other well described, as
well as other “small Canada Geese” that could not be viewed closely.

Large numbers of Common Loons staged at Fair Haven and Oswego in
early November, as south winds stopped them from moving south over the
rivers and lakes they use as migration routes. There were many reports of loons,
mostly Red-throated, grounded on roads from 24-25 November, that were
picked up and turned into rehabilitators. The birds were quickly released on
nearby waterways, but there must have been many that perished before being
found. The cause was a quick moving cold front, and the loons landed on silveiy
waterways that turned out to be roads. Great Egret was very scarce, with only
a single bird reported.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 85

The hawk migration was not monitored very much this season resulting
in very low numbers for most species. The pluses included a late Osprey, 5
Golden Eagles, Merlins well into the season, and several Peregrine Falcons. By
the end of the season there seemed to be few Northern Harriers and American
Kestrels still present, but Rough-legged Hawk reports did not indicate any
concentrations of that irruptive species.

Observers seemed to tire of shorebirds after the good summer season
at Delta Lake, because there were few autumn reports. Common species
such as Sanderling, Semipalmated and Least sandpipers, and Dunlin were
reported in very low numbers, while Red Knot, Baird’s Sandpiper, Red
Phalarope, and the dowitchers were not reported. There was a single Stilt
Sandpiper and never more than one Purple Sandpiper at Fair Haven. There
were some nice numbers for Am. Golden-Plover and Pectoral Sandpiper

It was a good season for Parasitic and Pomarine jaegers at Derby Hill,
including birds on 1 September moving in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
A Black-headed Gull was seen at Fair Haven, while at Derby Hill there were
numerous Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Gannet on several dates, and the
only Little Gull for the season. Single Iceland and Glaucous gulls were found,
but Forster’s Tern was missed.

There were several Snowy Owls in late November, and Short-eared Owls
returned to a traditional site. Long-eared and N. Saw-whet owls were not
reported. A Monk Parakeet was photographed in Syracuse. The bird was likely
an escapee, but on the chance that it is a colonizer it is included in the report.
It is unlikely that the species could prosper given the rigorous winter in these
parts.

The observers who spent little time with shorebirds were sighting a wealth
of land birds. There were many sightings of species such as Great Crested
Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Veery, and Wood Thrush,
which sometimes are not reported in the fall. Species such as Olive-sided
Flycatcher, Purple Martin, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Mourning Warbler were
found in October; all established or tied record late dates. The birds may have
lingered during the mild weather or they have been reverse migrants on south
winds early in the month.

Birders finally managed to find Cave Swallow in the Region. The species
has recently become a regular late fall migrant to the Great Lakes, and there
is a previously unpublished record for Cave Swallow found near Oneida Lake
on 5 November 1999. At least seven flew past Derby Hill on 6 November,
and later in the month three more lingered at Fair Haven before they either
left or perished following the passage of a cold front. A White-eyed Vireo
was found in October, Northern Shrike arrived in about average numbers, and
Red-Breasted Nuthatch was on the move although most reports did come from
breeding areas. There were a few Bohemian Waxwings and many reports of both
Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. At least 14 Philadelphia Vireos
were reported this season. Without making any judgments, the Regional Editor
hopes that everyone is aware of the similarities in plumage of fall Warbling and
Philadelphia vireos.

A large night flight on 15 September included many Swainson’s and Gray-
86 The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

cheeked thrushes although no numbers were recorded. Tufted Titmouse and
Northern Cardinal at feeders in Old Forge in early November were pushing their
range boundaries. There were few, if any, outstanding maxima for warblers this
season, but there were many reports of species lingering far into the season.
A Yellow-throated Warbler was seen sporadically at a feeder in November;
Orange-crowned, Cerulean and Cape May warblers were all reported; and 17
species were found in October.

After the warm start of October, sparrows arrived in large numbers by 9
October, with good counts through the end of the month. The blackbird migration
peaked on 22 October, with thousands of birds moving down the eastern shore
of Lake Ontario. The only Red Crossbill for the season was recorded that day.
Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins started moving through in the middle of
October and some persisted at higher elevations. There were no Pine Grosbeaks,
White-winged Crossbills, or Common Redpolls reported.

For the season, 230 species plus a probable escape were reported; an
average year. The big rarities for the season included N. Gannet, Black-headed
Gull, White-eyed Vireo, Cave Swallow, and Yellow-throated Warbler. Other
less common species were Cackling Goose, Golden Eagle, Buff-breasted
sandpiper, Little Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Cape May Warbler.

CONTRIBUTORS

Betty Armbruster, Faith Baker, Brenda Best, Sue Boettger, Joseph Brin, Bemie
Carr, Jared Caster, Dorothy Crumb, Greg Dashnau, Bill Gruenbaum, Estelle
Hahn, Barbara Herrgesell, Jody Hildreth, Gene Huggins, John Kapshaw, David
Nash, David Mark, Kevin McGann, Matt Perry, Bill Purcell, Marge Rusk, Tom
Salo, Mickey Scilingo, Gerald Smith, Greg Smith, Maureen Staloff, Andrew
Van Norstrand, Noah Van Norstrand, David Wheeler, Mike Winslow, Judy
Wright, Matt Victoria, Matt Young.

ABBREVIATIONS

Bvlle - Baldwinsville; BRH - Bishop Road Hawkwatch, Pulaski; CM - Clay
Marsh; DH - Derby Hill; DL - Delta Lake; Dvl - Durhamville; FH - Fair
Haven, Little Sodus Bay and vicinity; Geo - Georgetown; HIWMA - Howland
Island WMA; NS - Noyes Sanctuary, New Haven; OneiL - Oneida Lake; SCH
- T Schroeppel; SHF - Sky High Sod Farms, T Sullivan; SFNS - Spring Farm
Nature Sanctuary, Kirkland; SPd - Sandy Pond; SSSP - Selkirk Shores State
Park; StMC - St Mary’s Cemetery, Dewitt; Syr - Syracuse; TRWMA - Three
Rivers WMA; UM - Utica Marsh; WM - West Monroe; WPd - Woodman
Pond, Hamilton.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

87

WHISTLING DUCKS-VULTURES
Snow Goose: max 210 DH 6 Nov; 80-
150 per day many locations after 10 Oct.
Canada Goose: max 18,000 s MADI
20 Nov.

Cackling Goose: 1 Sauquoit 3 Oct (JH);
1 Fulton 26-27 Oct (AVN, JC).

Brant: max 803 DH 26 Oct; 300 Dvl 8
Oct, good inland number.

Mute Swan: max 6 FH after 2 Nov.
Trumpeter Swan: 1 Pulaski 13 Nov,
with wing tag 807.

Tundra Swan: max 53 OneiL 25 Nov.
Wood Duck: max 355 WM 11 Sep,
low numbers

Gad wall: max 16 FH 19 Oct.

Am. Wigeon: max 100 FH 7 Oct.

Am. Black Duck: max 108 Orwell
27 Nov.

Blue-winged Teal: max 20 DH 29 Sep;
last 1 Sangerfield 10 Oct.

N. Shoveler: 2 DL 29 Sep; max 9 UM
24 Nov.

N. Pintail: 12 DH 1 Sep, early; max 40
DH 29 Sep & 16 Oct.

Green-winged Teal: max 65 DL

24 Sep.

Canvasback: FH 2 Nov; Bridgeport

25 Nov.

Redhead: max 29 FH 23 Oct.
Ring-necked Duck: max 182 WPd
20 Nov.

Greater Scaup: arr 2 DH 29 Sep;
max 56 DH 16 Oct.

Lesser Scaup: max 120 Bridgeport 25
Nov.

Surf Scoter: max 16 DH 8 Nov.
White-winged Scoter: 1 DH 1 Sep,
early; max 406 DH 26 Oct.

Black Scoter: max 213 DH 26 Oct.
Long-tailed Duck: arr 30 DH 18 Oct;
max 114 DH 14 Nov.

BufHehead: max 26 FH 8 Nov.

Com. Goldeneye: arr DH 9 Oct; max
380 Sterling 5 Nov.

Hooded Merganser: 228 OneiL 26
Nov; 40 Skaneateles L 27 Nov; 286
Otisco L 27 Nov; 201 SPd 27 Nov, large
late-

Nov flight.

Com. Merganser: max 120 OneiL
18 Nov.

Red-breasted Merganser: max 1450
Sterling 5 Nov.

Ruddy Duck: 1 FH 7 Oct; max 48
Skaneateles L; 30 WPd 20 Nov.
Red-throated Loon: arr DH 16 Oct;
max 23 FH 4 Nov.

Com. Loon: max 928 FH & Oswego
5 Nov.

Pied-billed Grebe: max 12 FH 23 Oct.
Horned Grebe: max 70 Sterling 5 Nov.
Red-necked Grebe: 1 DH 1 Sep, early;
max 17 Rainbow Shores 6 Nov.
NORTHERN GANNET: 1 imm DH 7,
10, 14 Nov (GD, DW, BP), all days with
strong W-NW winds.

Double-crested Cormorant: max 1400
Oswego 23 Oct.

Am. Bittern: 1 WM 4, 11 Sep.

Great Egret: 1 Great Swamp
Conservancy thr 3 Nov.

Green Heron: 1 CM 11 Sep; max 3 per
day to last DL 14 Sep.

Turkey Vulture: max 570 BRH 9 Oct.

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Osprey: max 4 Dvl 8 Oct; last WPd

20 Nov.

Bald Eagle: 3 ad Stillwater Res

12 Nov; 1-2 per day major lakes
and rivers now expected.

N. Harrier: many reports of 1 -2 per
day thru.

N. Goshawk: 4 reports.

Red-shouldered Hawk: 1 Hastings

21 Oct, only report.

Broad-winged Hawk: max 9 Hastings
18 Sep; last 2 Hastings 23 Sep.
Red-tailed Hawk: max 25 BRH 9 Oct.
Rough-legged Hawk: arr Mexico 15
Oct; scattered singles thru.

Golden Eagle: 1 DH 18 Oct; 2 Sterling
21 Oct; 1 SSSP23 Oct; 1 Camillus

13 Nov.

Am. Kestrel: max 8 Camillus 23 Sep;

7 Dvl 8 Oct.

Merlin: 11 reports, all after 5 Oct.
Peregrine Falcon: 4 reports plus the
Syr resident pair.

Virginia Rail: WM 4 Sep; HIWMA
10 Sep.

Sora: 3 reports to last UM
13 Sep.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

88

Com. Moorhen: max and last 4 UM
10 Oct.

Am. Coot: max 60 FH 7 Oct.
Black-bellied Plover: max 10 SHF
1 Sep.

Am. Golden-Plover: max 49 SHF
1 Sep; 20 Sauquoit 4 Oct.

Semipalmated Plover: max 14 DL
24 Sep; last 1 FH 7 Oct.

Killdeer: max 30 per day thru Oct.
Greater Yellowlegs: max 14 DL
24 Sep; 1 FH 7 Oct.

Lesser Yellowlegs: max 15 Sullivan
1 Sep; last SSSP22 Oct.

Solitary Sandpiper: last 2 CM 11 Sep.
Spotted Sandpiper: last FH 21-27
Oct, late.

Ruddy Turnstone: max 5 SHF 1 Sep.
Sanderling: max 6 per day; last SPd
6 Nov.

Semipalmated Sandpiper: 2 reports
of 6 total; last 4 Sep.

Least Sandpiper: last 4 DL 24 Sep.
White-rumped Sandpiper: max 8
Sullivan 1 Sep; last FH 21 Oct.

Pectoral Sandpiper: max 56 DL
24 Sep; 1 Sangerfield 10 Oct.

Purple Sandpiper: arr FH 27 Oct;
sporadic 1 per day after.

Dunlin: 3 FH 7 Oct; max 6 SPd 12 Nov;
last 2 FH 27 Nov.

Stilt Sandpiper: 1 DL 11 Sep.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper: max 4 SHF
1-2 Sep.

Wilson’s Snipe: max 9 SVB 22 Nov.
Am. Woodcock: last Hastings 12 Nov.
Red-necked Phalarope: 1 DH 29 Sep.
Pomarine Jaeger: 1 DH 1 Sep; 1 DH 29
Sep; 1 Oswego 1-2 Nov, chasing gulls in
harbor; 1 FH 5 Nov; 6 DH 7 Nov.
Parasitic Jaeger: 8 DH 1 Sep; 6 DH
29 Sep; 3 DH 18 Oct; 1 DH 7 Nov; 1
DH 10 Nov.

Little Gull: 1 DH 7 Nov.
BLACK-HEADED GULL: 1 FH

6 Nov (DW).

Bonaparte’s Gull: max 200 SVB
5 Sep; 125 DH 7 Nov.

Iceland Gull: 1 DH 14 Nov.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: 1 SVB
4 Sep (BB).

Glaucous Gull: 1 SVB 13 Nov.

Black-legged Kittiwake: max 12 DH

16 Nov; 7 DH 26 Oct; 1 DH 7, 14 Nov;

1 FH 19 Nov.

Caspian Tern: last 2 FH 7 Oct.

Com. Tern: 12 DH 1 Sep; last FH
21 Oct.

Black Tern: 1 DH 1 Sep, only report.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
MONK PARAKEET: 1 Syr thru
Oct 31 {fide MS), probable escape.
Snowy Owl: arr FH 18 Nov; 1 Oswego
after 26 Nov.

Short-eared Owl: arr Verona 16 Oct;

1 FH 4 Nov; max 4 Verona 18 Nov.

Com. Nighthawk: max 5 Camillus 1
Sep; last Hannibal 13 Sep.

Chimney Swift: last Hannibal 23 Sep.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: max
5 DH 3 Sep; last Dewitt 3 Oct.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: 1 Albion
27 Nov, Tug Hill expansion
progressing slowly.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: max 4 per
day 1-10 Oct.

Black-backed Woodpecker: 1 Stink L
HERK 5 Nov.

N. Flicker: max 15 CM 2 Oct.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
Olive-sided Flycatcher: 1 Lysander
15 Oct (GrS), ties record late.

E. Wood-Pewee: max 5 Mexico 5 Sep.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 4 reports,
last Geo 16 Sep.

Least Flycatcher: 9 reports, last NS

17 Sep.

E. Phoebe: max; 5 FH 12 Oct; last
StMC 29 Oct.

Great Crested Flycatcher: 11 reports;
last TRWMA 18 Sep.

E. Kingbird: 12 reports; last Hastings
21 Sep.

N. Shrike: arr Oswego 23 Oct;
reports at other locations.
WHITE-EYED VIREO: 1 CM

2 Oct (DN).

Blue-headed Vireo: max 5 Dvl 5 Oct.
Yellow-throated Vireo: 4 reports to last
Van Buren 25 Sep.

Warbling Vireo: max 3 per day to
15 Sep; last 23 Sep.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

89

Philadelphia Vireo: at least

14 individuals; last 4 Oct.

Red-eyed Vireo: max 22 NS 17 Sep;
last TRWMA 14 Oct.

Blue Jay: max 667 Hastings
20 Sep; 534 Hastings 21 Sep.

Fish Crow: 1 Bvlle 14 Sep,
new location.

Com. Raven: max 7 BRH 9 Oct;
several Stillwater Res 12 Nov.

Horned Lark: max 120 Mexico
22 Oct.

Purple Martin: max 15 Camillus 1 Sep;

1 Dvl 8 Oct (BB), record late.

Tree Swallow: 12 DH 6 Nov, late.

N. Rough-winged Swallow: last
HIWMA 10 Sep.

Bank Swallow: last HIWMA 10 Sep.
Cliff Swallow: last 2 SHF 3 Sep.

CAVE SWALLOW: 4 DH 6 Nov (BP);

3 more later in the day DH 6 Nov (DW,
GeS), first live Regional sightings; 3 FH
16-17 Nov (GD(ph, mob).

Barn Swallow: max 15 SHF 3 Sep; last

2 Pompey 18 Sep.

Black-capped Chickadee: max 55 Nine
Mile Pt 5 Oct.

Thfted Titmouse: 1 Old Forge
6 Nov, unusual.

Red-breasted Nuthatch: max 9 SVB

4 Sep; few sightings away from breeding
areas.

Carolina Wren: mostly singles at
expected sites.

House Wren: max 5 SPd 15 Sep;
last 2 StMC 8 Oct.

Winter Wren: max 5 CM 2 Oct.

Marsh Wren: 1 CM 2 Oct.
Golden-crowned Kinglet: max
80 NS 2 Oct.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: arrNS
17 Sep; max 80 SFNS 15 Oct.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 2 Liverpool
9 Sep; 1 SSSP 9 Oct (DW), record late.
E. Bluebird: max 50 Maple View
26 Oct.

Veery: max & last 4 NS 17 Sep.
Gray-cheeked Thrush: 5 reports
10-25 Sep; nocturnal flight 15 Sep.
Swainson’s Thrush: nocturnal flight

15 Sep; max 4 NS 17 Sep; last Van

Buren 17 Oct.

Hermit Thrush: max 8 NS 2 Oct.

Wood Thrush: max 4 TRWMA 9 Sep; 4
NS 17 Sep; last 1 NS 5 Oct.

Gray Catbird: max 21 SPd 15 Sep; last
UM 24 Nov.

Brown Thrasher: 7 reports of 11 birds;
last TRWMA 9 Oct.

Am. Pipit: max 110 DL 24 Sep.
Bohemian Waxwing: 1 DH 30 Oct;
max 5 DH 19 Nov.

Cedar Waxwing: max 85 DH 23 Oct.
WARBLERS

Blue-winged Warbler: 1 Bvlle 9 Sep; 1
HIWMA 10 Sep.

Golden-winged Warbler: Nick’s L 1
Sep; SFNS 4 Sep.

Tennessee Warbler: 6 Sep reports; last
SFNS 3 Oct

Orange-crowned Warbler: TRWMA
9-10,19 Oct; Geo 15 Oct.

Nashville Warbler: max 7 SFNS

1 Oct; widespread; last TRWMA
19 Oct.

N. Parula: max 4 HIWMA 10 Sep; last
SFNS 17 Oct.

Yellow Warbler: 1 Camillus 4 Sep;

2 Mexico 5 Sep; 1 Camillus 9 Sep;
last FH 21 Sep.

Chestnut-sided Warbler: 1-2 per
day to last Camillus 21 Sep.

Magnolia Warbler: max 20 NS
17 Sep; widespread; last CM 16 Oct.
Cape May Warbler: 2 Hastings
10 Sep; 1 WM 18 Oct
Black-throated Blue Warbler:

2-3 per day to last SFNS 16 Oct.
Yellow-rumped Warbler: max 60-75
per day 9-18 Oct.

Black-throated Green Warbler:
max 10 SFNS 27 Sep; widespread;
last SFNS 17 Oct.

Blackburnian Warbler: 8 reports
to last TRWMA 14 Oct;
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER:
1 Jamesville 3-4, 14 Nov (DC, BB,

NYSARC), at private residence.

Pine Warbler: max 3 Durhamville 15
Oct; last SFNS 17 Oct.

Palm Warbler: 1 SVB 4 Sep;

90

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

max 6 Geo 15 Oct; last TRWMA
19 Oct.

Bay-breasted Warbler: 7 reports
to last NS 5 Oct.

Blackpoll Warbler: 9 singles to last
SFNS 15 Oct.

Cerulean Warbler: 1 Dvl 6 Sep.
Black-and-white Warbler: max 3 NS

17 Sep; last SFNS 21 Sep.

Am. Redstart: 10 reports to last SFNS
30 Sep.

Ovenbird: 9 reports; last NS 2 Oct:

N. Waterthrush: last H1WMA 10 Sep.
Mourning Warbler: 1 SFNS 14, 22
Sep; 1 Van Buren 27 Sep; l CM 16 Oct
(DN), record late.

Com. Yellowthroat: max 4 per day:
last SFNS 16 Oct.

Hooded Warbler: 1 Camillus 10 Sep.
only report

Wilson’s Warbler: 1-2 per day to
21 Sep; last Camillus 30 Sep.

Canada Warbler: 1 H1WMA 4 Sep.
only report

TANAGER-WEAVER
Scarlet Tanager: max 5 NS 17 Sep:
last 4 Camillus 30 Sep.

E. Towhee: max 10 TRWMA 10 Oct:
last SFNS 28 Oct.

Am. Tree Sparrow: arr Hannibal

18 Oct; max 6-7 per day.

Chipping Sparrow: max 60 Hastings
15 Sep.

Field Sparrow: max 150 TRWMA
9 Oct.

Vesper Sparrow: max 3 Van Buren
28 Oct; singles at three other sites.
Savannah Sparrow: 2 Pompey 4 Sep:
2 Van Buren 9 Oct.

Fox Sparrow: arr SFNS 9 Oct; max
3-4 per day; last SFNS 26 Nov.

Song Sparrow: max 150 TRWMA
9 Oct.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Lincoln’s Sparrow: arr 1 SPd 15 Sep;
max 4 TRWMA 9 Oct; last Van Buren
24 Oct.

Swamp Sparrow: max 24 WM 27 Oct.
White-throated Sparrow: 27 SPd

15 Sep, first large influx; max 1000
TRWMA 10 Oct.

White-crowned Sparrow: arr SPd 17
Sep; max 200 TRWMA 9 Oct.
Dark-eyed Junco: max 127 WM
27 Oct.

Lapland Longspur; max 3 Lysander
26 Nov.

Snow Bunting: arr 3 FI 1 19 Oct:
max 78 FH 8 Nov.

N. Cardinal: 1 Old Forge 6 Nov.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: max
9 SFNS 9 Sep; last TRWMA 14 Oct.
Indigo Bunting: 5 Sep reports:
last FH 12 Oct.

Bobolink: max 20 Van Buren 1 Sep:

4 SFNS 5 Sep; last SFNS 13 Sep.
Red-winged Blackbird: max 10.500
Richland 22 Oct.

E. Meadowlark: max 50 Mexico
9 Oct.

Rusty Blackbird: max 800 Richland
22 Oct.

Com. Grackle: max 3600 Richland
22 Oct.

Brown-headed Cowbird: max
166 N Syr 29 Sep.

Baltimore Oriole: 2 WM 4 Sep.
only report.

Purple Finch: max 11 Geo 23 Oct:
widespread 4-8 per day thru Oct:
sharp decrease in Nov.

Red Crossbill: 1 Richland 22 Oct.
only report.

Pine Siskin: max 25 W Winfield

5 Nov; most reports 15 Oct-25 Nov.
Evening Grosbeak: arr 2 Hastings
21 Oct; max 18 DeRuyter 2 Nov:
low numbers across Region.

91

REGION 6—ST. LAWRENCE

Jeffrey S. Bolsinger

98 State Street, Canton NY 13617
jsbolsinger@yahoo.com

September began the day after Hurricane Katrina dumped several inches of rain
on northern New York. In many ways this weather was typical of the entire fall,
which was warmer and wetter than normal. In Watertown, the departure from
mean temperatures ranged from +2.5° F in October to +4° F in both September
and November. Unusually warm days were liberally sprinkled throughout
the fall, including seven consecutive days of temperatures in the 70s to begin
October and highs in the upper 60s as late as 29 November. Not surprisingly,
the first killing frost of the season at the lower elevations came three weeks
later than average on October 21. The first real snowfall of the season fell on
17 November, when a strong band of lake effect snow dropped up to 12 inches
of snow on the Tug Hill and lower amounts in Watertown and elsewhere.
Temperatures fluctuated wildly during the final week of November. The coldest
temperature of the fall, 12° F in Watertown, was on 27 November at the tail end
of a four-day cold snap but was immediately followed by two days above 60°.

Waterfowl were generally seen in decent numbers, although few large
concentrations were noted aside from several substantial waves of Canada
Geese. Dabbling ducks were scattered throughout interior wetlands until the
late November cold snap froze over many of the smaller bodies of water,
forcing many ducks into the larger lakes and rivers. This cold spell also pushed
out a large flock of Ring-necked Ducks that had been at Upper and Lower Lakes
Wildlife Management Area for most of the fall. Among the highlights of the
season were two Cackling Geese at Upper and Lower Lakes found just before
the lake iced over.

A modest raptor migration during October was followed by generally
disappointing numbers of hawks in November. Small numbers of Northern
Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks were present throughout the season, but after a
push in October Rough-legged Hawks were scarce for the remainder of the fall.
Three Golden Eagles, two Peregrine Falcons, and two Short-eared Owls were
the highlights of the raptor migration. The Peregrines were observed within 2
miles of each other in Canton.

The lost Whooping Crane from the reintroduced Eastern flock, last seen
on 12 August in Lowville, was relocated along the Black River in Castorland
late in October. The crane was seen only briefly and could not be relocated the
following day. It was next seen on 9 December in Beaufort, North Carolina,
where she was captured and returned to Florida. Although not countable in the
listing games, the few people who saw the Whooping Crane in Lewis County
were thrilled by the sighting.

I received very few shorebird reports, but they included several species that
have been reported infrequently in Region 6 during recent years. These species
include 6 American Golden-Plovers in a farm field, a Whimbrel on an airfield
lawn at Fort Drum, and a Red Phalarope along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

92

Conspicuously absent were reports from El Dorado Shores, a site that formerly
dominated Regional shorebird accounts. It seems that local birders have lost
their enthusiasm for El Dorado because of declining shorebird numbers, and
the few reports I received from this site were mostly statements about the poor
numbers of birds seen.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers in Cape Vincent were present into October
but appeared not to raise young this year because of constant harassment from
starlings. Several Northern Shrikes were reported in October, seeming to indicate
a good winter for this species. Among the large wave of American Robins and
Cedar Waxwings was a single Bohemian Waxing on 30 October, which was
early but hardly surprising. This species is virtually annual in Region 6 now.

Wood warblers and other early fall migrants were absent from most
reports that I received, but several people noted a heavy passerine migration
during October. American Tree, Fox, and White-throated sparrows and Dark¬
eyed Juncos were conspicuous throughout much of the month. Perhaps most
impressive was a large flight of Rusty Blackbirds, with flocks in the low
hundreds reported throughout the Region.

Snow Buntings and Homed Larks were common by the end of November,
with a few Lapland Longspurs mixed in. Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks
were widely reported at feeders, although generally in small numbers. Common
Redpolls arrived during November, with flocks of up to 100 individuals observed
by the end of the month.

Excluding the Whooping Crane, I received reports of 162 species. No
doubt a major reason for this low total was the apparent lack of observers in
the field during September. Other disappointments include the modest raptor
numbers late in the season, the paucity of warbler reports, poor shorebird
numbers, and the failure of anybody to find a Cave Swallow in Region 6 during
the unprecedented invasion elsewhere in the state. Among the highlights were
Cackling Goose, three Golden Eagles, American Golden-Plover, Whimbrel,
and Red Phalarope.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeff Bolsinger, Dick & Marion Brouse, Carol Cady, Joan Collins, Molly
Crawford-Reidy, Michael Greenwald, Jerry & Judi LeTendre, Bob & Ellie
Long, Chris Reidy, Gerry Smith, Eve Sweatman, Bob & June Walker, Mary
Beth Warburton, Tom Wheeler.

ABBREVIATIONS

CV - Cape Vincent JEFF; ED—El Dorado Shores Preserve, T Ellisburg JEFF;
FD—Fort Drum Military Reservation; ICNC—Indian Creek Nature Center
T Canton STLA; KC - Kelsey Creek T Watertown JEFF; PiPt—Pillar Pt T
Brownville JEFF; PRWMA—Perch River WMA; PtPen—Pt Peninsula T
Lyme; RMSP—Robert Moses State Park T Massena STLA; ULLWMA—
Upper and Lower Lakes WMA, T Canton STLA; WHWMA—Wilson Hill
WMA T Louisville STLA.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

93

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Snow Goose: arr Rutland 11 Oct; 335
ULLWMA 29 Oct.

CACKLING GOOSE: 2
“Richardson’s” ULLWMA 23 Nov (JB).
Canada Goose: migrating flocks of
10,000 PRWMA 10 Oct & PiPt 25 Nov.
Mute Swan: max 40 PRWMA 5 Nov.
Tundra Swan: 6 PtPen 2 Nov.

Am. Wigeon: 40 ULLWMA 30 Oct.
Am. Black Duck: max 209 Pil Pt 19
Nov, 150 ULLWMA 23 Nov.

Mallard: max 700 ULLWMA 23 Nov.
Blue-winged Teal: max 35 ULLWMA
6 Oct.

N. Shoveler: 2 PiPt 19 Nov, only report.
N. Pintail: 12 FD 28 Oct.
Green-winged Teal: 18 ULLWMA
2 Oct; 20 ED 4 Nov.

Canvasback: WHWMA13 Oct.
Redhead: WHWMA 13 Oct.
Ring-necked Duck: max 760
ULLWMA 11 Nov, where 450+ present
from at least 1 Oct until Lower Lake
froze 24 Nov.

Greater Scaup: 258 PiPt 19 Nov.
Lesser Scaup: 7-10/day ULLWMA
mid Oct - mid Nov.

White-winged Scoter: 4 ULLWMA
26 Oct.

Long-tailed Duck: ULLWMA 26 Oct.
Bufflehead: arr CV 28 Oct; max 30
PtPen 30 Nov.

Com. Goldeneye: arr ULLWMA 11
Nov, few reported.

Red-breasted Merganser: max 20+

CV 20 Nov.

Pied-billed Grebe: max 20 ULLWMA
5 Nov.

Horned Grebe: several reports of 2-3
per day from L Ontario shoreline JEFF
2-5 Nov.

Double-crested Cormorant: max
400 Morristown 10 Oct.

Great Egret: 2 Oswegatchie Oct,
only report.

Turkey Vulture: max 75+ in one
group Canton, 27 Sep.

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Osprey: FD 14 Oct.

N. Harrier: 1-5 per day JEFF Oct
and Nov.

N. Goshawk: ULLWMA 11 Nov.
Red-tailed Hawk: 5-10 per day
JEFF Oct and Nov.

Rough-legged Hawk: arr Watertown
7 Oct; max 5 FD 19 Oct; few reported
after 1 Nov.

Golden Eagle: Potsdam 17 Oct;
imm Lake View WMA & Westcott
Beach SP early Nov.

Peregrine Falcon: 2 Canton 9 Oct.

Com. Moorhen: last ICNC 6 Oct.
WHOOPING CRANE: lost bird from
reintroduced Eastern flock relocated in
Castorland 27 Oct, not seen in area again
(MCR, CR).

Black-bellied Plover: max 17 PtPen
2 Nov.

AM. GOLDEN-PLOVER: 6
Copenhagen 17 Oct (CR), only report.
Greater Yellowlegs: last CV 5 Nov.
WHIMBREL: FD 1 Sep (JB).
Sanderling: 15 ED 5 Nov.
White-rumped Sandpiper:

Copenhagen 17 Oct.

Pectoral Sandpiper: Copenhagen
17 Oct.

Dunlin: 32 ED 4 Nov.

RED PHALAROPE: Wilson’s Bay
2 Nov (DB, ES).

Bonaparte’s Gull: max 142 PtPen
7 Nov.

Com. Tern: max 80 RMPD 1 Sep.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
Mourning Dove: 30-40 per day at
KC feeder thru.

Black-billed Cuckoo: 2 Louisville
10 Sep.

Short-eared Owl: 2 Philadelphia
late Nov.

Com. Nighthawk: max 3 Dekalb
12 Sep.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: last
CV 2 Oct.

Red-headed Woodpecker: last CV
4 Oct.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
N. Shrike: arr Potsdam 12 Oct.
Blue-headed Vireo: last KC 14 Oct.
Gray Jay: 2 along Jordan R Hopkinton
1 Oct.

94

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Horned Lark: max 200 CV 28 Nov.
Boreal Chickadee: 5 Massawepie
Mire 29 Oct; “many” along Jordan R
Hopkinton 1 Oct.

Tufted Titmouse: at feeders in Canton,
CV, and Massena.

Golden-crowned Kinglet: arr CV
22 Sep.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: several
reports of large movement 22-30 Sep.
Veery: last FD 14 Oct, late.

Am. Robin: max 200+ ICNC 30 Oct.
Am. Pipit: max 100+ FD 4 Nov;

2-10+ per day 20 Oct - 20 Nov.
Bohemian Waxwing: 1 ICNC
30 Oct, early, in flock of Cedar
Waxwings.

WARBLERS

Nashville Warbler: max 5 FD 1 Sep.
Black-throated Blue Warbler:
max 4 FD 1 Sep.

Yellow-rumped Warbler: 7-20+
per day thru 15 Oct; 0-5 per day
after 15 Oct.

Blackburnian Warbler: 3 FD

1 Sep, only report.

Palm Warbler: CV 26 Sep;

Potsdam 28 Sep,
palmarum ssp.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Am. Tree Sparrow: arr KC 5 Oct.
Clay-colored Sparrow: 4 FD 24 Oct,
only report.

Vesper Sparrow: max 15 FD 6 Sept.
Fox Sparrow: arr Potsdam 19 Oct.
Lincoln’s Sparrow: FD 19 Oct,
only report.

White-throated Sparrow: 50-100+
per day Oct; scarce after 1 Nov.
White-crowned Sparrow: arr FD 20
Sep.

Dark-eyed Junco: arr FD 19 Sep;
several reports of 100-200+ per day
thru Oct; scarce after 1 Nov.

Lapland Longspur: arr CV 6 Nov.
Snow Bunting: arr CV 26 Oct.

E. Meadowlark: last CV 20 Nov.

Rusty Blackbird: heavy movement
2 Oct -10 Nov; max 400 ICNC
2 Oct; 60+ Potsdam 13 Oct;

150PRGC 15 Oct; 175+

KC 5 Nov.

Com. Redpoll: arr KC 19 Nov;
max 100 ULLWMA 23 Nov.

Pine Siskin: several reports of
1-4 at feeders 29 Oct thru.

Evening Grosbeak: widespread reports
of 2-3 at feeders; max
outside Adirondacks 8 CV
18 Nov.

REGION 7 - ADIRONDACK-CHAMPLAIN

John M.C. Peterson

477 County Rte 8, Elizabethtown, NY 12932
jmcp7@juno.com

Following the passage of the last of Hurricane Katrina on 31 August, most of
September was sunny and warm, reaching 86°F at Plattsburgh on the 13 th , and
Lake Champlain remained just above the 95-ft. level throughout the month.
The remnants of Hurricane Ophelia brought much-needed rain on the weekend
of 16-18 September, and a strong wind warning was issued for the Adirondacks
and Champlain on 29 September. Winds reached 54 mph on the lake and were
even stronger at higher elevations; the worst winds to hit the Region since
Hurricane Floyd in 1999. This was the 7 th warmest September on record, with
the average temperature a degree or two above normal. But precipitation fell on
only four days at Inlet and was 1/3 below normal along the lake. October

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

95

began sunny and hot, with Plattsburgh 80° on the 5 th , but the arrival of Tropical
Storm Tony on the 7 th began 13 straight days of rain that only ended on the 20 th .
Saranac Lake dropped to 23° by the 21 st , followed by 6” of snow at Keene Valley
and elsewhere on the 23 rd . This was just a prelude to a major Nor’easter on 26
September that left 10” of snow at Ellenburg Depot and two feet on Whiteface
Mountain and other High Peaks, downing still-leafy trees and cutting power to
3,300 NYSEG customers. Inlet saw 16 wet days, and all of this precipitation
raised Champlain three feet during the month, from 95.22’ on the 3 rd to 98.54’
by the 28 th . Rain on 10 November fell as snow at higher elevations. More rain
16-17 November turned to snow at Saranac Lake and Ray Brook, with gusts
to 41 mph at Saranac Lake on the 16 th . Another Nor’easter on 22 November
brought yet more precipitation, with winds to 35 mph, and Champlain stood at
an even 99.00” for a gain of almost 4-ft. in little more than a month. Flood stage
is the even 100-ft. level. Looking ahead to spring, even a normal runoff from
the winter snow pack and expected April showers could easily bring Champlain
to flood stage or higher. Although Inlet saw a low of 6° on the 25 th , the season
ended at a record balmy 68° in the Champlain Valley on the 29 th , but with
power out in the Lake Placid region due to high winds.

Clinton County enjoyed what one observer there called an embarrassment
of riches, and that may have been an understatement. A winter adult Western
Grebe at Gravelly Point of Cumberland Head on 2 November was followed by
a P-winter juvenile at the same locale on 28 November, the second differing
in its dusky foreneck, which separated the white chin and throat from the white
breast, the back and sides a lighter gray. A Great Cormorant was spotted
from a boat on Cumberland Bay on 5 September, for only the third Regional
report, all from Clinton County waters. A juvenile Red Phalarope resting on
a sandbar at the mouth of the Ausable River on 21 September provided a first
county record. On 10 October, a Vermont observer watched a juvenile Black¬
legged Kittiwake fly north between Cumberland Head and Grand Isle, then
veer toward Treadwell Bay. The next day, two other Vermont observers saw
what may have been the same juvenile or l st -winter Black-legged Kittiwake
some 30 mi. to the south off Split Rock Point for a 3 rd Essex County record.
The following month, on 8 November, the original VT lake-watcher spotted
a southbound flock of about 14 Black Guillemot (including roughly four
immatures) veer west from mid-lake to NY State for quite a while, then fly back
into the face of the wind out of the north. Both the kittiwake and guillemots
were firsts for Clinton County.

On 13 September, a lone observer visiting the Laurin farm, between the
two Chazy rivers, spotted a pipit-sized and shaped bird perched on a fencepost
of the pasture. The bird was believed to be an American Pipit until viewed
from 75 ft. through a 40x scope. “Its bright yellow undertail coverts guillotined
that thought,” according to the experienced birder. The crown was darker
than its olive-gray back, and the bird had an off-white superciliaiy stripe that
extended well back on the head. The cheek patch below was dark and bordered
beneath by the same off-white, a faint malar stripe giving this the appearance
of another stripe. Wings were dark with whitish streaks and without prominent
wingbars. The rump was slightly lighter olive-gray than the back, the tail dark.

96

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Most prominent feature was the bright yellow undertail coverts, shading
gradually lighter until becoming a dull wash at the breast with brownish
speckles, giving the appearance of a band of discontinuous streaks across
the breast. Flight was undulating. NYSARC has been left the unenviable
task of deciding whether to accept this as a first record of Yellow Wagtail, a
female, for New York State. The observer, who has birded Attu, felt that once
all other possibilities were exhausted, this was the only conclusion that could
be made.

Birds that would have been especially noteworthy only a few years ago,
in some cases only a season or so back, have now become so regular
that they’re almost expected here: Barrow’s Goldeneye, Great Egret,
Gyrfalcon, Western Sandpiper, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse,
and Carolina Wren, to provide but a few examples. Local rarities, like those
in Clinton County this season, help continue to keep observers afield and thus
sending in reports for a wide variety of species. Other rarities
included a Ross’s Goose at Malone on 18 November, associating not with
Snow Geese, but with Canadas. And surprising finds can be made even in the
interior oftheAdirondacks, as proven by the Worm-eating Warblerwell-studied
at Long Lake on 13 September, only the fourth Regional record since 1979.
A total of 172 species were reported, short of last year’s record 175, but tying the
previous Fall record set just two years ago.

CONTRIBUTORS

Thomas Barber, Helen Booth, Warren Cairo, Nancy Carter, Charlcie
Delehanty, Thomas Dudones, James Elliot, Don Fasking, Elizabeth &
Holland Fitts, Donna Fletcher, Heather Forcier, Sarah Frey, Peter Galvani,
Beedy Gray, Julie Hart, Judy & Roger Heintz, Candace & John Hess, Judy
Hildreth, David Hoag, Audrey Hyson, Ben Jaffe, Suzy Johnson, Robert
Keough, Harold Klein, Bill Krueger, William Labes, Dayna Lalonde,
Linda LaPan, Julie Lattrell, Richard Lavallee, Theodore G. Murin, Gary Lee,
Kathy Linker, Theodore D. Mack, Mark A. Manske, Larry Master, Brian
McAllister, Kent McFarland, Matthew Medler, Charles Mitchell, Charles
Mitchell, Jr., Michael & Wanda Moccio, Theodore Murin, Megan A. Murphy
Jeff Nadler, Nancy Olsen, Rodney Olsen, Lydia & Paul Osenbaugh, John &
Susan Peterson, Peter Riley, Chris Rimmer, Dana Rohleder, Scott Schwenk,
Terry Smith, Allan Strong, Eric Teed, John & Patricia Thaxton,Yvette Tillema,
Margaret Tsuda, Jan Trzeciak, Hollis White.

ABBREVIATIONS

AMR - Akwesasne Mohawk Reserve; AP - Ausable Pt WMA; BB - Bloomingdale
Bog; CH - Cumberland Head; CP - Crown Pt SHS; CR - Chazy Rivers;
GP-Gravelly Pt; LL - Long L; LP - L Placid; MB-Monty’s Bay; MRP - Malone
Memorial Recreational Pk; NP - Noblewood Pk; PtR Pt au Roche SP; SR -
Split Rock Pt; TL - Tupper L; WD - Wilcox Dock; WM - Wickham Marsh;
WRS - Webb Royce Swamp.

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

97

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Snow Goose: arr 2 Plattsburgh

23 Sep (EF); 10,000 PtR 29 Oct
(JH,BK,CM,MM); max 20,000 CR 7
Nov (DR); 2,000 over LL 25 Nov (WL),
record max HAMI; 1000s MRP Sep -
21 Nov draw down; 3 “Blues” MRP

5 Nov; 2 “Blues” MRP 18 Nov (JT);
some “Blues” among 4,000 PtR

30 Nov (NO).

ROSS’S GOOSE: MRP 18 Nov
(JT); among Canada Geese,
but separate from 100s of Snow
Geese, 1 st FRAN record.

Cackling Goose: 2 “Richardson’s” PtR
29 Oct (JH,BK,CM,MM).

Canada Goose: 500-1000 NP 16-23 Sep
(MM, J&PT); 1000s MRP thru.

Brant: 30 CR 20 Oct (MM); Pt Kent
6-8 Nov (JN,DR), scarce here.

Am. Black Duck: one with teal/
turquoise speculum, lighter head WD
9 Sep (J&RH).

Blue-winged Teal: Inlet golf course
14 Oct (GL), shot.

N. Pintail: max 10 SR 20 Oct; drake
CR 5 Nov (MM).

Green-winged Teal: 1-3 NP 6 Sep &

29 Oct (JH,MM); 4 AP 14 Oct (EF); max

6 WM 8 Nov (L&PO),
good finds.

Redhead: arr 3 WD 10 Oct (BK); max 7
AP 24 Oct (DR).

Ring-necked Duck: max 72 Moody Pd
10-12 Nov (TM).

Greater Scaup: max 60 AP

24 Oct (DR).

Lesser Scaup: max 500 AP
24 Oct (DR).

Surf Scoter: arr 9 Mirror L 9 Oct (LM);
ad drake SR 20 Oct (MM); 2-3 NP
20-29 Oct (JH,MM), good finds.
White-winged Scoter: arr 24 Mirror L
9 Oct (LM); max 20 SR 20 Oct (MM);
1-11 NP 20 Oct-28 Nov (JH,MM,PO); 7
GP 4 Nov (DH,BK), also good.

Black Scoter: arr 16 Mirror L 9 Oct
(LM); max 25 NP 9 Oct (MM); NP 29
Oct-28 Nov (JH,MM,PO), completes
the sweep.

Long-tailed Duck: arr 4 GP 4 Nov
(BK); max 8 NP 5 Nov (JH,MM);

NP 8 & 28 Nov (L&PO);

2 AP-Pt Kent 14 Nov (DR),
uncommon here.

Barrow’s Goldeneye: drake arr NP

5 Nov (JH,MM), early ESSE & ties
early NYS arrival set in CLIN;
remained NPto 13 Nov.

Red-breasted Merganser: 3 CH

7 Nov (BK), only report.

Wild Turkey: max 32 Inlet feeder (GL);
23 Owls Head 12 Nov (JT), FRAN
record high.

Red-throated Loon: GP 17 Oct-28 Nov
(BK,CM); NP 29 Oct-5 Nov (JH,MM),
always welcome.

Com. Loon: ad feeding chick Lower
Sister L 14 Oct (GL), late; Adk Coop
Loon Proj transmitter on loon L Colby 12
Nov (TD); max -295 southbound SR 23
Nov (TGM,PR), ESSE record high; 65 Mt
View L 8 Nov (MT); 12 adjoining Indian
L same day (JT), FRAN record high.
Pied-billed Grebe: downy chick CR

3 Sep (NO); last 3 AP-Pt Kent 14 Nov
(DR).

Horned Grebe: arr NP 9 Oct; max
70 NP 5 Nov (JH,MM), ties ESSE
record high.

Red-necked Grebe: basic ad LP 3-10
Sep (AH,LM); CH 13 Oct(BK,CM);

LP 15 Oct (LM); 7 Coll Bay 29 Oct
(JP,J&PT,YT); Indian L 8 Nov (JT);
max 11 Coll Bay 13 Nov (JH,MM);
Whallon’s Bay 28 Nov (PO),
a strong showing.

WESTERN GREBE: basic ad GP 2
Nov (BK,CM), 1 st CLIN record; GP 28
Nov (J&RH,BK,CM), 2 nd CLIN record.
GREAT CORMORANT: ad
Cumberland Bay 5 Sep (HK), viewed
from boat, headed toward VT, 3 rd Reg

6 CLIN record.

Double-crested Cormorant: ad Owls
Head 1 Sep (JT); L Colby 12 Nov
(TM), unusual inland, with only 28
records FRAN since 1879; last MB
13 Nov (BK,CM).

Great Egret: Bulwagga Bay 19 Sep
(BJ); 2 Bulwagga Bay 26 Sep (J&SP);
Paradox L 2 Oct (C&JH), 2 AMR
18 Oct (HW), a strong fall showing.

98

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Red-tailed Hawk: max 50 migrants Jay
17, 20 Oct (PO); 30 migrants Crow Hill,
Indian L 21 Oct (JE,M&WM), new max
HAMI.

Rough-legged Hawk: arr Jay
10 Oct (PO).

Golden Eagle: Phelps Mt summ 30
Sep (J&PT); 6 migrants Jay 10 Oct-
26 Nov (PO); subad Westport 29 Oct
(JP,J&PT,YT), a strong showing.
Merlin: BB 10 Oct (MAM); also
1-2 Jay Oct (PO).

Peregrine Falcon: AMR 5 Sep (BG);
Cascade Mt Sep (LM); injured imm
eating Ring-billed Gull Skyway Plaza,
Plattsburgh early Sep (NO), taken in for
rehab 22 Sep (DF,CM), transported to
Cornell for surgery; 2 Phelps Mt 30 Sep
(J&PT); transient Jay Oct (PO).
Gyrfalcon: arr gray-phase Phelps Mt
30 Sep (J&PT), close, right over
the summit, early & 12 th ESSE record.
Sora: juv CR 3 Sep (NO),
excellent sighting.

Com. Moorhen: 1-2 CR 13,

23 Sep (BK,CM), only site.

Am. Coot: WD 13 Nov (TM,JP),
only report.

Black-bellied Plover: arrNP 16 Sep
(MM); NP 8-22 Oct (JH,MM,DR).
Semipalmated Plover: MB 1 Sep
(BK,CM); NP 3-24 Sep (MM); PtR
12 Oct (BK,CM).

Greater Yellowlegs: 2 NP 6 Sep (MM);
CR 23 Sep (BK,CM); AP 29 Oct
(JH,MM); CR 1 Nov (BK), fairly late.
Lesser Yellowlegs: CR 1-3 Sep
(BK,NO,CM), only site.

Sanderling: AP 6 Sep (J&RH); NP
3-11 Sep (MM).

Semipalmated Sandpiper: 4 MB
1 Sep (BK,CM).

Western Sandpiper: MB 1 Sep
(BK,CM), a nice find.

Least Sandpiper: 18 MB 1 Sep
(BK,CM), good number.

Pectoral Sandpiper: CR 14 Sep
(SJ,BK), only report.

Dunlin: NP 8, 22 Oct (JH,MM).

Am. Woodcock: Lewis 25 Oct (KL),
in snowstorm; Peru 30 Nov (EF),

in wet field.

RED PHALAROPE: imm AP 21

Sep (BK,CM), on sandbar at mouth of
Ausable R, 1 st CLIN & 5 th Reg record.
Parasitic Jaeger: 2 off Schuyler I,

ESSE 5 Sep (DR), harassing gulls.

Little Gull: basic ad NP 3 Sep; basic ad
& 2 nd winter NP 24 Sep; molting ad NP
25 Sep (MM); ad CH 31 Oct (BK,CM);
ad Essex 9 Nov (WC); ad AP 11 Nov
(BK,CM), unprecedented here.
Bonaparte’s Gull: max 1,500+ off
Coll Bay 12 Nov (J&PT), Reg &

ESSE record; others AP, NP, PH Kent,
Westport, WM.

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: juv

mid-L Champlain, VT 9 Oct (DH), on
10 Oct flew n between CH & Grand Isle,
then veered to Treadwell Bay at 7:50 am,
I s * CLIN record; juv or 1 st winter SR 11
Oct (RL,TGM), perhaps same bird, 3 rd
ESSE & 4 th Reg record.

Caspian Tern: 12 NP 2 Sep (J&PT);
max 17 ads NP 3 Sep to 2 NP 16 Sep
(MM), late ESSE.

Com. Tern: MB 1 Sep (BK,CM); 15 ads

6 imm NP 3 Sep, 2 with metal bands;
max 46 NP 16 Sep; 2 NP 26 Sep (MM),
1 st yr SR 28 Oct (JH,RL,TGM, et al),
record late Reg & ESSE.

BLACK GUILLEMOT: ~14 (~10 ad,

4 imm) CH 8 Nov (DH), flying s
midlake past Grand Isle on n wind,
then turned w and flew to NY,
apparently to avoid L Champlain ferry,

1 st CLIN & 3 rd Reg record, good
details to NYSARC.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
Snowy Owl: CR 18 Nov (DL); Norman
Ridge, St. Armand 19 Nov (MA), may
bode well.

Short-eared Owl: CH 25 Nov (NO),
twice flew 3’ over obs at dusk.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: LL

7 Oct {fide JC), feeding on impatiens
before snowstorm, late HAMI;
Plattsburgh 25 Oct (HB), late Reg

& CLIN.

Red-bellied Woodpecker: imm NP 3
Sep (MM), 11 th ESSE record.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: LL

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

99

5 Nov (RK), late HAMI.

Black-backed Woodpecker: Cascade
Mt, FB, Madawaska, Whiteface Mt.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
N. Shrike: arr AP 11 Oct (E&HF),
early CLIN; later at BB, Jay, Inlet,

Peru, Stetson Rd.

Gray Jay: BB, FB, LL, Madawaska.
Com. Raven: max -100 Jay Range

29 Oct (PO), in display flights.

Horned Lark: “Northern” arr 6 Rt 37
Malone 18 Nov (JT); Inlet 21 Nov (GL);
7 Essex 28 Nov (PO); 12 PtR 20 Nov
(MAM,ET), all 4 counties.

Tree Swallow: 2 CR 13 Nov - CR

30 Nov (BK,CM), late CLIN,
swallow (sp.): 2 PtR 8 Nov (L&PO),
plump-bodied with blunt wings

6 tails, also late.

Boreal Chickadee: BB, Cascade-Porter
col, Henderson L, Hurricane Mt, LL,
McNaughton Mt, Nundagao Ridge,
Phelps Mt.

Tufted Titmouse: Elizabethtown,

Jay, NP, Peru, TL, & Ticonderoga now
expected; but Henderson L, Newcomb
2 Oct (JN) noteworthy.

Carolina Wren: ad banded
Elizabethtown 1 Sep (JP), returned
29 Oct & 16 Nov; L Placid 22 Nov
(LL); Moriah Center 24 Nov (TS),
outstanding.

Sedge Wren: FL CR 9 Sep (BK,CM),
excellent Atlas record.

European Starling: max 21,000
Plattsburgh 3 Sep (DR), on Rt 9 TV
towers & guy wires, Reg & CLIN
record high.

YELLOW WAGTAIL: f CR 13 Sep
(BK), the obs. leaving what he believes
he saw to the judicious minds at
NYSARC.

Am. Pipit: arr CR 3 Sep (NO);
max 10 CR 23 Sep (BK,CM); NP 24
Sep & 8 Oct (MM), all pipits and not
wagtails.

WARBLERS

Blue-winged Warbler: CH 15 Sep
(SJ,BK), late CLIN & still a rare find
here.

Palm Warbler: “Yellow” Mt Adams

trail 30 Sep (TB); presumed “Yellow”

BB 8 Oct (BM); “Western” LL 10 Oct
(JC).

WORM-EATING WARBLER: LL 13

Sep (PG), observed carefully for 1.5 hr,

1 st HAMI & 4 th Reg record.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
E. Towhee: Plattsburgh feeder 15 Nov
(TS), late.

Am. Tree Sparrow: arr Inlet 12 Oct
(GL), early HAMI.

Field Sparrow: Peru feeder 26-29 Oct
(E&HF), only report.

Vesper Sparrow: Essex 29 Oct
(JP,J&PT,YT), only report.

Fox Sparrow: arr Jay & TL 11 Oct;

Inlet 13 Oct (GL), early HAMI;
Elizabethtown 29 Oct; 3 TL 31 Oct.
White-throated Sparrow: “scores”

CP 15 Oct (JH,MM); Inlet feeder to
12 Nov (GL).

White-crowned Sparrow: arr BB

8 Oct; max 20 Keene 14 Oct; last
Elizabethtown 23 Oct; others CP,

Inlet, Jay, LL, L Placid, Peru, TL,
a strong showing.

Snow Bunting: arr 2 NP 20 Oct (DR);
thereafter Chilson, Essex, Jay, Gabriels,

L Durant, L Placid, Malone, Plattsburgh,
TL, & Vermontville, but largest flock
only 35.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Cook Mt 9
Oct (NC), record late ESSE.

Red-winged Blackbird: max 80
Whallonsburg 13 Nov (TM,JP); 20 LL
25 Nov (WL), late for such numbers.
Rusty Blackbird: CP 15 Oct (JH,MM),
only report

Com. Grackle: max 50 Jay 22 Oct
(PO); 2 L George 24 Nov (NC); 4 LL 25
Nov (WL), ties late HAMI
departure date.

Brown-headed Cowbird: 2 LL 25 Nov
(WL), quite late in HAMI.

Purple Finch: many Elizabethtown, L
Placid, and elsewhere into October, but
increasingly scarce to absent thereafter.
Red Crossbill: Rand Hill, CLIN 7 Oct
(J&RH), only report.

Com. Redpoll: arr 2 Jay 18 Nov
(L&PO).

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

100

Pine Siskin: ~50 L Placid feeder Sep-
Oct; a few Elizabethtown early Nov,
then scarce to absent; 6 Chasm Falls
18 Nov, last report.

Evening Grosbeak: max 24 Inlet 19
Nov (GL); others BB, Elizabethtown,
Jay, Peru, Redford, TL, but nowhere
abundant.

Am. Goldfinch: ~50 L Placid Sep-Oct;
26 banded Elizabethtown 1 Nov, but
then scarcer.

REGION 8—HUDSON-MOHAWK

Will Yandik

269 Schneider Road, Hudson NY 12534
wyandik® hotmail.com

Fall 2005 began with the remnants of Hurricane Katrina causing a strong
northwest wind to blow through the Region. September was 5.6° F warmer
than average, mostly clear, and largely dry. October was wet, with 5.77 more
inches of rain than average and a solid drenching of 3+ inches in Albany on 7-
8 October. The average October temperature was 52.2° F, 2.9° above average.
November continued mild and rainy. Halloween ushered in the first light frost,
31° F, with mostly above freezing temperatures following until a hard frost, 24°
F, on 11-12 November. The first significant snowfall occurred on 30 November
with 1.26 inches recorded at Albany International Airport. All bodies of water
remained completely unfrozen through the end of the season.

Waterfowl migration was unremarkable, with no large build up of birds
and little in terms of species diversity. Twenty-three hundred Snow Geese at the
Tomhannock Reservior in Rensselaer County was a novelty for that location.
Saratoga County usually hosts the largest gatherings each fall. Barb Putnam
received kudos for photographing the Region’s first official Cackling Goose,
observed among other Canada Geese at Bacon Hill in Saratoga County.

Shorebirds were likewise lackluster, with major gaps in our normal fall
shorebird checklist. Peep numbers were either down or the birds passed through
unnoticed. Water levels were high throughout the Region, which may have
contributed to low numbers. Rich Guthrie, who routinely searches around his
Hudson River home for uncommon gulls, found an immature Laughing Gull.

The Camp Pinnacle Hawkwatch troupe struggled this year with rain and
misty mountain ridges, unfortunately during the usual peak migration time
of mid October. Numbers were down across the board. The only bright spot
was a good movement of 57 Sharp-shinned Hawks on 15 October. Perhaps
discouraged by the weather, volunteer coverage was spotty towards the end of
the season. This year’s numbers, which are summarized in the species accounts,
should be judged with caution on account of adverse weather conditions.

A Rufous Hummingbird is rare anywhere in New York State but
especially rare in the hand of a bird bander. Bob Yunick banded a hatching-
year male at a feeder in Fonda, Montgomery County, thought to be only one
of a few ever banded within the state. The owners of the feeder had been
providing sugar water for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds through the summer

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 101

months and grew concerned when they noticed one hummingbird had ‘lingered’
into chilly November. They called local birders for advice, and Yunick was
summonedto capture and band the bird. Yunick submitted the kind of impeccable
identification notes that only a bander can produce. Unfortunately, few birders
in the Region enjoyed the rarity since the landowners requested that their
address not be made public.

Passerine migration peaked around the second week of October, with
birds pushing through in large mixed flocks on the clear nights of 6, 10,
and 11 October. Many of the late dates were assembled, as is customary
each season, by sifting through the Hudson-Mohawk and Alan Devoe
Bird club sightings. The task of assigning late and early dates for common
passerine species would be nearly impossible without the support of these
two Regional organizations. Special thanks go to Phil Whitney (Hudson-
Mohawk) and to Bill Cook (Alan Devoe) for compiling the sightings for this
largely thankless, but important service.

An exciting end to the season for Alison Heaphy and Rick Werwaiss
involved a Northern Parula that visited their feeder in Chatham from 24
November all the way until 15 December. Parula occur rarely on some
upstate CBCs, but seldom, if ever, has a parula lingered this long and this late
at an upstate location. The bird was reportedly feeding on suet and quickly
learned to exploit the well-stocked supplies of a number of feeders in Chatham,
Columbia County.

Additionally, a locale with an ominous name produced some
interesting warblers this fall. The Greene County Industrial Development
Agency site turned up 3 Connecticut Warblers, each banded by Rich Guthrie.

Finally, another interesting feeder bird was the female White¬
winged Crossbill found at the homes of Nancy Kem and Ellen Scott in
Austerlitz, Columbia County. The last one seen in the county was in 1997.
This bird adds yet more evidence to the argument that you don’t necessarily
need to go tramping through the wilderness to find rarities—ah, what a pleasure
when they come to us.

A portion of last season’s species list was inadvertently omitted due to a
printing error; it is included as an addendum below.

CONTRIBUTORS

Alan Devoe Bird Club monthly sighting reports, Larry Alden, Bill Cook,
Jane Graves, Rich Guthrie, Alison Heaphy, Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club’s
Birdline of Eastern New York, Nancy Kem, Bill Lee, Andrew Mason,
Gail & Rich Nord, Barbara Putnam, Will Raup, Ellen Scott, Alison Van Keuren,
Rick Werwaiss, Carol & Owen Whitby, Phil Whitney, Robert Yunick.

ABBREVIATIONS

AUS - T Austerlitz COLU; COX - T Coxsackie GREE; CPHW - Camp
Pinnacle Hawk Watch ALBA; HR - Hudson Ri; MEA - T Meadowdale

102

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

ALBA; MR - Mohawk Ri; NBA - T New Baltimore GREE; NOR - T
Northumberland SARA; TR - Tomhannock Reservoir RENS; VF - Vischer
Ferry T Saratoga SARA.

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Snow Goose: max 2300 TR 28 Nov.
Brant: 12 HR COLU 9 Oct; 2
Thompsons L ALBA 11 Oct; State
Office Campus ALBA 18 Oct;

Broadalbin FULT 5-16 Nov.
CACKLING GOOSE: NOR 27 Oct
(BP, photo).

Tundra Swan: 2 Galway SARA 5 Nov,
only report.

Gadwall: MR 26 Nov, only report.

Am. Widgeon: max 30 Stanton Pd
16 Oct.

Blue-winged Teal: max 35 Collins L
9 Oct.

N. Pintail: 10 Stanton Pd 10 Oct,
only report.

Green-winged Teal: last 20 VF 20 Oct.
Ring-necked Duck: last 11 TR 28 Nov.
Surf Scoter: 2 Rensselaerville RENS
lOOct.

White-winged Scoter: 5 Rensselaerville
RENS 10 Oct; 29 Thompsons L 11 Oct;
last Nassua L RENS 19 Oct; last 2 Lock
7 SCHE 5 Nov.

Black Scoter: 2 Lock 7 SCHE 5 Nov.
Hooded Merganser: max 105 TR 28
Nov.

Ruddy Duck: max 200 COX Res
GREE 11 Nov; 5 TR 28 Nov.

Com. Loon: Jenny Lake SARA 9-10
Sep; Ft Miller WASH 3-9 Nov; TR 5
Nov; max 4 Alcove Res ALBA 27 Nov.
Pied-billed Grebe: last Copake COLU
26 Nov.

Horned Grebe: L George WARR
12 Nov (BC), only report.
Double-crested Cormorant: last TR
5 Nov.

Am. Bittern: last Port of Albany 25 Sep.
Great Egret: max 11 Cohoes ALBA
12 Sep; 4 Collins L 9 Oct; last Gateway
Bridge at Collins Park 21 Oct.

Green Heron: last Black Creek Marsh
ALBA 16 Oct.

Black-crowned Night-Heron: last
Waterford SARA 13 Sep.

Thrkey Vulture: last Copake COLU 6
Nov; total 160 CPHW 8 Sep-2 Nov.

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Osprey: last Canaan COLU 16 Oct;
total 12 CPHW 8 Sep-2 Nov.

Bald Eagle: total 7 CPHW 8 Sep-2 Nov.
N. Harrier: max 4 NOR 12 Oct; total
6 CPHW 8 Sep-2 Nov.

Sharp-shinned Hawk: total 133 CPHW
8 Sep-2 Nov; max 57 CPHW 15 Oct,
high count.

Cooper’s Hawk: total 27 CPHW
8 Sep-2 Nov.

N. Goshawk: 2 Niskayuna SCHE 9 Oct;
Hudson COLU 11 Oct; total 3 CPHW
8 Sep-2 Nov.

Red-tailed Hawk: total 165 CPHW
8 Sep-2 Nov.

Red-shouldered Hawk: total 7 CPHW
8 Sep-2 Nov.

Broad-winged Hawk: last S RENS
12 Oct; total 496 CPHW 8 Sep-2 Nov.
Rough-legged Hawk: 2 NOR 16-29
Nov; Taghkanic COLU 25 Nov, scarce.
Peregrine Falcon: total 4 CPHW
8 Sep-2 Nov.

Am. Kestrel: total 26 CPHW 8 Sep-
2 Nov.

Merlin: Black Creek Marsh ALBA
8 Sep; Niskayuna SCHE 11 Nov,
feeding on chickadee; COX Boat
Launch 18 Nov; total 4 CPHW
8 Sep-2 Nov.

Virginia Rail: last VF 5 Sep.

C. Moorhen: last VF 5 Sep.

Am. Coot: VF 14 Oct, Chatham COLU
31 Oct; 2 Stanton Pd 11 -14 Nov.
Semipalmated Plover: last 2 VF
21 Sep.

Greater Yellowlegs: last Galway L
SARA 12 Nov.

Lesser Yellowlegs: last VF 2 Oct.
Solitary Sandpiper: last Ann Lee Pd
24 Sep.

Spotted Sandpiper: last Livingston
COLU 9 Oct.

Semipalmated Sandpiper: last VF

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

103

21 Sep.

Least Sandpiper: last GREE IDA
25 Sep.

Pectoral Sandpiper: Niskayuna SCHE
12 Sep; Lock 7 SCHE 12 Sep (RY).
Short-billed Dowitcher: VF 21 Sep.
Wilson’s Snipe: last GREE IDA 21 Oct.
Am. Woodcock: last 5 Florida MONT
12 Nov.

LAUGHING GULL: COX Boat
Launch 25 Sep (RG).

Iceland Gull: COX Boat Launch GREE
18 Nov.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
Yellow-billed Cuckoo: last Ann Lee Pd
24 Sep.

Short-eared Owl: 4 FtE 27 Nov.

N. Saw-whet Owl: found dead Exit 23
NYS Thruway 5 Nov, only report.

Com. Nighthawk: max 12 Albany
7 Sep; last Waterford 13 Sep.

Chimney Swift: last 75 Germantown
COLU 4 Oct.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

last AUS 30 Sep.

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD: Fonda
MONT 19-23 Nov, banded (RY).
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 2 MEA15
Oct; 2 AUS 31 Oct; NBA 29 Nov;
many other reports.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
E. Wood-Pewee: last Canaan COLU
10 Oct.

Least Flycatcher: last VE 18 Sep.
Great Crested Flycatcher: last VF
10 Sep.

N. Shrike: VF 20 Oct; Galway SARA
4 Nov; Albany 19 Nov; MEA 24 Nov,
all sightings listed.

White-eyed Vireo: MEA 1 Oct (LA).
Yellow-throated Vireo: last L
Taghkanic COLU 12 Sep.

Blue-headed Vireo: last VF 15 Oct.
Warbling Vireo: last VF 24 Sep.
Philadelphia Vireo: 2 Saratoga SARA
4 Sep; 2 VF 25 Sep; Peebles I SARA
3-28 Sep.

Red-eyed Vireo: last NBA 5 Oct.
Horned Lark: max 30 NOR 29 Nov.
Tree Swallow: last 100 Mechanicville

SARA 12 Oct.

N. Rough-winged Swallow: last VF 24
Sep.

Barn Swallow: last Germantown COLU
18 Sep.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: last AUS 1
Nov.

Veery: last Burnt Hills SARA 23 Oct.
Swainson’s Thrush: last Saratoga
Springs SARA 29 Oct, window-killed.
Wood Thrush: last Albany 14 Oct.

Gray Catbird: last Chatham COLU 25
Nov, late.

Am. Pipit: max 50 NOR 26 Oct; 13
Moreau SARA 27 Oct (BP).

WARBLERS

Blue-winged Warbler: last NBA 1 Sep.
“Brewster’s” Warber: NBA 1 Sep.
Orange-crowned Warbler: VF 24 Sep.
Nashville Warbler: last AUS 10 Oct.

N. Parula: at feeder N Chatham COLU
25 Nov-15 Dec (RW, AH), record late
date for Region 8.

Chestnut-sided Warbler: last MONT
4 Oct.

Magnolia Warbler: last Albany 5 Oct.
Black-throated Blue Warbler: last
Clifton Park SARA 22 Oct, inside Home
Depot store.

Black-throated Green Warbler: last
MEA15 Oct.

Blackburnian Warbler: last Peebles I
SARA 24 Sep.

Pine Warbler: last Black Creek Marsh
ALBA 6 Oct.

Prairie Warbler: last AUS 1 Oct.

Palm Warbler: last Burnt Hills SARA
23 Oct.

Blackpoll Warbler: last VF 13 Oct.
Worm-eating Warbler: AUS 15-20 Sep.
Connecticut Warbler: 3 GREE IDA
21 Sep, banded by RG.

Com. Yellowthroat: last Meadowdale
15 Oct.

Wilson’s Warbler: VF 5 Sep; NBA 9
Sep; VF 10 Sep; Albany 14 Oct.

Canada Warbler: Claverack COLU 5
Sep; Canaan COLU 10 Oct.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Scarlet Tanager: last VF 30 Sep.

104

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Am. Tree Sparrow: arr Albany 10 Oct.
Chipping Sparrow: last MEA 15 Oct.
Fox Sparrow: 5 Rivers ALBA 1 Nov;
Jefferson SCHO 12 Nov; Myosotis L
14 Nov; several Oct reports.

Lincoln’s Sparrow: last Gansevoort
SARA 27 Oct.

White-crowned Sparrow: last
Jefferson SCHO 27 Oct.

Snow Bunting: 20 COX 13 Nov;

10 COX Boat Launch 18 Nov; 12 Wilton
SARA 28 Nov.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: last VF
30 Sep.

Indigo Bunting: last NBA 5 Oct.

E. Meadowlark: max 5 Ghent COLU
18 Sep, only report.

Rusty Blackbird: 4 VF 15 Oct;
max

50 Black Creek Marsh ALBA 16 Oct;

20 VF 20 Oct; last Copake COLU 20
Nov, all sightings listed.

Red Crossbill: max 15 Jenny L SARA
16 Sep (RY).

White-winged Crossbill: at feeder
AUS 25-31 Oct (NK, ES).

Pine Siskin: max 15 Hudson Falls
WASH 29 Oct; E Greenbush RENS
22 Nov; Albany 25 Nov, widespread.
Evening Grosbeak: 9 Jefferson
SCHO 22 Oct; E Greenbush RENS
5 Nov; max 30 Berlin RENS
18 Nov; New Salem 19-24 Nov;

10 Albany 29 Nov, very modest
irruption.

ADDENDUM

The following entries were inadvertently
omitted from the summer report

WARBLERS (in part)
Hooded Warbler: New Scotland
ALBA 12 Jun.

Canada Warbler: Rural Grove MONT
4-18 Jun; Berne ALBA 8 Jun; CP 25
Jun; Blenheim SCHO 13 Jul; Coxsackie
GREE 20 Aug; Schneider Rd COLU
20-26 Aug.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Grasshopper Sparrow: 5 SHA
30 Jun; Ghent COLU 10-30 Jul.
HENSLOW’S SPARROW: 3 SHA 17-
30 Jun (mob), probable nesting colony.
White-throated Sparrow: CP 25 Jun;
Conesville SCHO 29 Jun; FULT 5 Jul;
DICKCISSEL: 2 m & 3 f Goodrich Rd
SHA 10 Jun-? Aug, successfully fledged
4 nestlings.

E. Meadowlark: 4 FtE 4-16 Jun;
Conesville SCHO 6 Jun; Coxsackie
flats GREE 25 Jun; Gilboa SCHO
29 Jun.

Orchard Oriole: Coxsackie GREE
24 Jul, only report.

Purple Finch: max 33 banded JL
15 Aug (RY).

Red Crossbill: JL 31 Jul, 16 Aug,

22 Aug; 4 JL 26 Aug (RY),
subspecies ?.

Evening Grosbeak: JL 4 Jul,
banded bird originally from
Elizabethtown, NY, 8yrs,

2months old (RY).

REGION 9 - HUDSON - DELAWARE

Michael Bochnik

86 Empire Street, Yonkers, NY 10704

The fall season started off very dry and warm, continuing the drought¬
like conditions that started in mid July. September was one the driest on
record. Sullivan County had less that an inch of rain. Across the river in
Poughkeepsie, only 0.6 inches of precipitation fell. The southern area of

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

105

Region 9 faired slightly better. White Plains recorded 1.6 inches but still far short
of the normal 4.7 inches. The month was also 4 to 6 degrees warmer
than normal. Highs in Poughkeepsie were 80° and above for the first
three weeks. By mid month some trees were going dormant with leaves
turning brown and falling. Insects, especially mosquitoes, were almost
unnoticeable. This may have lead to a scarcity of food as migrants did
not linger.

Conditions changed dramatically when the remnants of Tropical
Storm Tammy combined with a cold front and dumped heavy rains on
7, 8 October. The front stalled and tropical moisture continually traveled
along the front to dump more heavy rain on the area for another 6 days. Nearly
all rivers and ponds overflowed their banks. The mud flats at Swinging
Bridge Reservoir, responsible for many shorebird sightings in August and
September, were now under 15 feet of water. Rainfall totals were astounding.
Poughkeepsie had over 7.5 inches of rain on the 8 th and 14.4 inches over the 8
day period. A week later a cold front arrived on the 22nd bringing more rain.
A nor’easter formed three days later off New England and, fed by
moister feeding back from Hurricane Wilma, brought another 1.5 inches
of rain. October was one of the wettest months on record. Poughkeepsie recorded
17.6 inches of rain. Normal rainfall is only 3.6 inches. October ended up
1.5 to 3 degrees warmer than normal. Six to twelve inches of snow
accumulated on the upper elevations in the Catskill High Peaks on
22 October and remained throughout the period. Poughkeepsie’s first frost
occurred on the 24 th .

November started out warm, with highs in the seventies on the 4 th and
5th. It was in the seventies again on the 16 th . The first killing frost came
very late in northern Ulster County during the early morning hours of
18 November. Tree foliage change and leaf-drop also occurred very late
into the season. Poughkeepsie ended up 4 degrees warmer than normal.
Precipitation varied, with Liberty a third of an inch wetter but Poughkeepsie
and inch drier for November.

Hank Weber saw three White Pelicans soar over Rye Town Park,
Westchester County on 1 November. Three days later Evan Mark found a
single White Pelican at Croton Point Park on 4 November. It circled over the
capped landfill and flew out heading Northwest. These would represent the
2 nd and 3 rd sightings for Westchester County, the first occurring in September
1994.

Broad-winged Hawks peaked on 19, 21, and 24 September, but numbers
were moderate. Mt Peter had over 1200 on the 19 th , Hook Mountain was over
1300 on the 21 st , and Bear Mountain hits its peak on the 24th with 1400. A dark-
morph bird was reported from Mount Peter on 20 September.

The Lenoir Hawk Watch in Yonkers had a banner day on 16 October. A
cold front had finally arrived to push out the last rain after a week of record
rainfall. The strong west winds pushed hawks east, so Hook Mt and Mt Peter
had only a fair day of hawk watching. Connecticut was still in the clouds and
drizzle, making the eastern shore of the Hudson a corridor for the hawks that
day. Highlights that day included 10 Bald Eagles, 3 Golden Eagles, and 37

106

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Merlin. Maximum day counts for the Region were recorded for Sharp-shinned
Hawk and Peregrine Falcon.

The Swinging Bridge Reservoir recorded plenty of shorebirds till
the heavy rain. The highlight was 4 Black-bellied Plovers found on 17
September by John Haas for Sullivan County’s 4 th record. American Golden-
Plover, Baird’s Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, Stilt Sandpiper, and
Short-billed Dowitcher all made appearances. Three Buff-breasted Sandpipers
were at Pine Island on 3 September. Two Willets were found at Piermont
Pier on 4 September followed by a Glossy Ibis there on 12 September. Then
on 22 October Drew Ciganik’s son came home and told him “Dad, there’s a
different bird on the end of Pier.” Drew senior went out to confirm and identify
a Hudsonian Godwit.

A large chickadee migration was observed on 5 November. Over 1000
Black-capped Chickadees were seen moving south in flocks of 25 - 80
at the Lenoir Nature Preserve between 10 AM and 1 PM. Many more may
have passed by the area earlier in the day. This movement of chickadees
explains the Boreal Chickadee that was found in Sterling Forest a day
earlier on 4 November. Others noted smaller chickadee movements
between 8 September and mid November.

Among the rarer sightings, first we have Mark DeDea, Mary Jo Wiltshire,
John Hickey, and Paul McCullough finding a Townsend’s Solitaire on
Immigrant’s Way, just north of Kingston Point Beach on 12 November.
This will be Ulster County’s first record, if a report is submitted and accepted
by the NYS Avian Records Committee. The bird was observed in a cedar
tree for several minutes before flying northward. Next, 3 Orange-crowned
Warblers made appearances, all in Westchester County, a well described
Connecticut Warbler was found at Rockland Lake SP on 10 September,
and an immature was at Marshlands Conservancy on 30 September,
Finally, an immature Blue Grosbeak was found at the Hummock’s School,
Larchmont on 16 October.

Finally looking to the winter finches, 2 Pine Grosbeaks were in
Westbrookville on 29 October, the only report of Red Crossbill was from
Woodstock on 13 November, and Evening Grosbeaks were noted in
Sullivan County, with numerous reports beginning on 28 October and
continuing through November. They were absent from the southern part of
the Region.

Other notable species include: Sedge Wren, Lapland Longspur, Dicksissel.

CONTRIBUTORS

John Askildsen, Ajit Antony, Scott Baldinger, Michael Bochnik, Arlene Borko,
Leah Boyd, Lysle Brinker, Gene Brown, Thomas Burke, Barbara Butler, Steve
Chorvas, Judith Cinquina, Drew Ciganik, Drew Ciganik Jr, Mark Damian,
Renee Davis, John Dean, Patrick Dechon, Mark DeDea, Lin Fagan, Carol
Fredericks, Misha Fredericks, Valerie Freer, Fred Freeze, Yolanda Garcia,
Marge Gorton, Christine Guarino, Andy Guthrie, John Haas, John Hickey,
Dick Hirshman, John Irrizary, Kelli Jewell, Susan Joseph, Chris Lyons, Evan

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

107

Mark, Paul McCullough, Kenneth McDermott, Tully McElrath, Glenn Nystrup,
Joe O’Connell, Lorrie and Stan Pallan, Gerhard Patsch, Vince Plogar, Carena
Pooth, Jim Previdi, Kevin Quill, Ev and Bob Rifenburg, Charlie Roberto, Dick
Rogers, Russell Scheirer, Peter Schoenberger, Diane Sheridan, Ruth Shursky,
Herb Thompson, John Tramontano, Chet Vincent, Hank Weber, Carol Weiss,
Della & Alan Wells, Mary Jo Wiltshire.

ABBREVIATIONS

CPP-Croton Point Park, EGR-Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, HM - Hook
Mountain, LNP - Lenoir Nature Preserve, MC - Marshlands Conservancy,
RNC-Rye Nature Center, SBR - Swinging Bridge Reservoir.

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Snow Goose: 40 Summitville 6 Oct;

40 SBR 10 Oct.

Brant: migrating flocks past hawk
watches were fewer than normal.

Wood Duck: 1541 Bashakill 30 Sep.
Gadwall: 12 Rockland Lake SP 28 Nov.
N. Pintail: Six-and-a-half Station Marsh
4 Oct; Swan L 1-7 Oct; Wurtsboro

19 Nov.

Green-winged Teal: 40 Bashakill
26 Sep; 40 Swan L 1 Oct.

Redhead: 2 Rockland Lake 25 Oct thru.
Ring-necked Duck: 25 Abel’s Pd,

Union Vale 2, 9 Oct; 40 Bashakill
23-25 Oct.

Greater Scaup: arr EGR 17 Oct;

400 EGR 29 Nov.

Lesser Scaup: arr EGR 17 Oct;

75 EGR 29 Nov.

Surf Scoter: EGR 23 Oct.
White-winged Scoter: EGR 26 Sep;

2 Neversink Res 9 Oct (RD,JHa,AB);
EGR 8 Oct; 4 EGR 13 Nov.

Black Scoter: 6 Neversink Res 25 Oct
(JHa, AB).

Long-tailed Duck: 25 EGR 24 Nov.
Bufflehead: arr 23 Oct; 50 EGR 13 Nov.
Com. Goldeneye: 45 Yankee L 19 Nov;
4 EGR 30 Nov.

Hooded Merganser: arr EGR 3 Nov.
Com. Merganser: 5 Tarrytown Re

20 Nov.

Red-breasted Merganser: arr 23 Oct
Ruddy Duck: 330 Sylvan L, Beekman
29 Oct.

N. Bobwhite: Poughkeepsie 27 Sep.
Red-throated Loon: arr EGR 23 Oct;

Neversink Res 16, 26 Nov (JHa).

Com. Loon: arr EGR 15 Oct; 14 EGR
30 Nov.

Horned Grebe: arr Kiamesha Lake

25 Oct.

N. Gannet: EGR 15 Nov; 8 EGR
29 Nov.

WHITE PELICAN: Rye 1 Nov (HW);
CPP 4 Nov (EM), 2 nd and 3 rd WEST
records, intro.

Double-crested Cormorant: 185

EGR 24 Nov.

Great Cormorant: arr EGR 24 Oct;

8 EGR 24 Nov.

Am. Bittern: Bashakill 26 Sep;
Callicoon Center 6 Oct.

Great Blue Heron: 12 EGR 16 Oct.
Great Egret: 8 MC 2 Oct; EGR 22,

24 Nov.

Snowy Egret: 3 MC 2 Oct.
Black-crowned Night-Heron: Six-and-
a-half Station Marsh 4 Oct; 21 EGR
10 Oct.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron:

Dennings Pt 30 Sep.

Glossy Ibis: Piermont Pier 12 Sep (DC).
Black Vulture: 5 LNP 16 Oct; 10
Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 26 Nov.
Ibrkey Vulture: 222 LNP 16 Oct.

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Osprey: 29 HM 18 Sep; last Mt Peter

26 Oct.

Bald Eagle: 10 LNP 16 Oct.

N. Harrier: 7 HM 18 Sep.
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 93 HM 27 Sep;
280 LNP 16 Oct, Regional high record
count; 276 HM 19 Oct.

108

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Cooper’s Hawk: 48 Mt Peter 15 Oct;

36 LNP 16 Oct.

N. Goshawk: SBR 5 Sep; HM 16 Oct;

7 Summitville 23 Oct (JHa,FF).
Broad-winged Hawk: 553 HM 11 Sep;
1240 Mt Peter 19 Sep; 656 HM 19 Sep;
dark-morph Mt Peter 20 Sep (AA);

1336 HM 21 Sep; 1094 Mt Peter

21 Sep; 1400 Bear Mountain 24 Sep;
EGR 23 Oct; last HM 24 Oct.

Red-tailed Hawk: 112 Summitville
23 Oct; albino Mt Peter 26 Oct (DR).
Rough-legged Hawk: Summitville 23
Oct; Fremont 25 Nov.

Golden Eagle: 3 LNP 16 Oct; HM 26
Oct; 4 Summitville 23 Oct; EGR 23 Oct;
2 Summitville 29 Oct; 3 Mt Peter 1 Nov;
Mt Peter 2 Nov.

Am. Kestrel: 33 HM 26 Sep.

Merlin: 37 LNP 16 Oct.

Peregrine Falcon: 6 LNP 16 Oct,
Regional high record count.

Am. Coot: arr Bashakill 26 Sep; 36
Rockland Lake SP 28 Nov.
Black-bellied Plover: SBR 17 Sep
(JHa), 4* county record.

Am. Golden-Plover: SBR 1, 2 Sep
(JHa,RD,VF); MC 1 Oct (TB).
Semipalmated Plover: 2 MC 1 Sep;

MC 4 Oct; 2 Piermont Pier 24 Oct -
10 Nov.

Am. Oystercatcher: 2 MC 1 Sep;

2 EGR 26 Sep; 2 MC 4 Oct; 2 EGR

8 Oct; 3 EGR 24 Nov.

Greater Yellowlegs: 6 MC 1 Sep;

5 SBR 17 Sep; 2 Piermont 25 Oct.
Lesser Yellowlegs: 7 SBR 17 Sep.
Solitary Sandpiper: Thompson Pond

1 Sep.

Willet: 2 Piermont Pier 4 Sep
(A&DW, CW).

Hudsonian Godwit: 22 Oct
Piermont Pier (DC, DCJ).

Ruddy Thrnstone: EGR 8, 9 Oct.
Semipalmated Sandpiper: 7 MC
7 Sep.

Least Sandpiper: 20 Hillside Lake

2 Sep; 2 Hudson Valley Rail Trail

3 Oct.

Baird’s Sandpiper: SBR 1-5 Sep
(JHa,RD,MG,AB,VF,PD).

Pectoral Sandpiper: 9 SBR 14 Sep.

Purple Sandpiper: 12 EGR 17 Nov;

24 EGR 24 Nov; Piermont Pier

29 Nov (A&DW).

Dunlin: SBR 8 Oct; 2 MC 18 Nov.

Stilt Sandpiper: 9 SBR 1 Sep; last 2
SBR 12 Sep (JHa,AB).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper: 3 Pine
Island 3 Sep (CF).

Short-billed Dowitcher: SBR 4 Sep.
Wilson’s Snipe: 14 New Paltz 29 Oct.
Laughing Gull: 80 MC 23 Sep; 100
EGR 26 Sep; 80 EGR 16 Nov; 6 EGR

30 Nov.

Bonaparte’s Gull: Momingside 10 Sep;
Norrie Pt 9 Oct; EGR 22, 30 Nov.
Iceland Gull: Monticello 30 Nov (JHa).
Lesser Black-backed Gull: Monticello
19, 30 Nov (JHa).

Com. Tern: 40 EGR 1 Oct; EGR
29 Oct.

Forster’s Tern: 30 EGR 26 Oct; 12
EGR 29 Oct.

DOVES - WOODPECKERS
Short-eared Owl: CPP 5 Nov; 5
Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 26 Nov.
Com. Nighthawk: 22 MC 1 Sep;

2 MC 2 Oct.

Chimney Swift: lingered thru Oct.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

2 LNP 22 Oct.

Red-headed Woodpecker: LNP 19 Sep;
HM 30 Sep.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
E. Kingbird: 10 MC 1 Sep.

N. Shrike: 1 Summitville 29 Oct (VF);
Cape Pond 21, 28 Nov (PM, KC).
Yellow-throated Vireo: Mt Peter 2 Sep
(JC), singing a Blue-headed Vireo song.
Blue-headed Vireo: 2 MC 28 Oct.
Philadelphia Vireo: 2 Depot Hill MUA

3 Sep (CP); Swan Lake 4 Sep (JHa,AB);
MC 6 Sep (TB).

Horned Lark: 2 MC 17 Nov; 22 EGR
17 Nov 10; 14 Monticello 19 Nov;
Bethel 25 Nov.

Tree Swallow: 80 EGR 23 Oct.

Bank Swallow: 2 MC 7 Sep.
Black-capped Chickadee: 1000+LNP
5 Nov (MB,KJ), intro.

Boreal Chickadee: Sterling Forest

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

109

4 Nov (JI).

Red-breasted Nuthatch: moving
south by mid Sep.

Sedge Wren: MC 30 Oct (AG).

Marsh Wren: 6 MC 23 Sep, 4 Oct.
TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE:
Immigrant’s Way, Kingston Point
12 Nov (MDe,MW,JHi,PM), first
Ulster County record.

Gray-cheeked Thrush: Cape Pond

20 Sep (VF); RNC 22 Sep (TB).

Hermit Thrush: 12 Esopus Bend
Nature Preserve, Saugerties 19 Nov.

Am. Pipit: 127 SBR7,8 0ct; 13
Piermont 30 Oct; 25 CPP 4 Nov;

36 CPP 5 Nov; 36 Bashakill 25 Nov.
Cedar Waxwing: 40 EGR 23 Oct; 50
CPP 5 Nov.

WARBLERS

Orange-crowned Warbler: MC 28 Sep
(TB); Hummock’s School, Larchmont
16 Oct (TB); LNP 18 Oct (MB).

Cape May Warbler: CPP 5 Nov (CR).
Yellow-rumped Warbler: 201
LaGrangeville 19 Oct; 40 Piermont
Pier 24 Oct; 40 MC 27 Oct.

Palm Warbler: 15 CPP 4 Nov.

Blackpoll Warbler: MC 28, 30 Oct.
Connecticut Warbler: Rockland Lake
10 Sep (KQ), well described; imm
MC 30 Sep (TB), seen well.

Mourning Warbler: MC 5 Sep.
Wilson’s Warbler: Kingston Point

21 Nov (MDe).

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Am. Tree Sparrow: arr CPP 1 Nov.
Vesper Sparrow: 14 CPP 23 Oct; 2 SBR
23 Oct; Bethel 23 Oct; Kingston Point
Park 5 Nov.

Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow:

MC 1 Oct; 4 MC 4 Oct; 5 MC 19 Oct;
MC 2 Nov.

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow:

2 MC 2 Sep; EGR 28 Sep; MC 4 Oct.
Fox Sparrow: 6 Saugerties 5 Nov.

Song Sparrow: 80 Piermont 24 Oct.
Lincoln’s Sparrow: EGR 20 Sep;

2 EGR 26 Sep; Stony Kill 28 Sep;

2 MCD 1 Oct; New Paltz 3 Oct;
Momingside Park 10 Oct; Cochecton
10 Oct; EGR 16 Oct; LaGrangeville
19 Oct; New Paltz 11 Nov.

Swamp Sparrow: 20 EGR 18 Oct; 20
MC 19 Oct;

White-throated Sparrow: arr in
wintering areas 18 Sep.

White-crowned Sparrow: Vassar
College Farms 5 Oct; Neversink
14 Oct; 9 EGR 18 Oct; 5 LaGrangeville

19 Oct; Bashakill 21 Oct; Youngsville
22, 27 Oct; 7 Town of North East

23 Oct.

Dark-eyed Junco: arr in non-breeding
areas 18 Sep, early.

Lapland Longspur: Kingston Point

27 Nov (MDe).

Snow Bunting: Piermont Pier 24 Oct;

2 Summitville 27 Oct; 1-5 Bashakill 29,
30 Oct- 20 Nov; 2-3 Piermont 29,30 Oct;
6 Kingston Point 13 Nov; 3 Monticello
30 Nov.

Blue Grosbeak: imm Hummock’s
School, Larchmont 16 Oct (AG, TB).
Dickcissel: Rye 16 Oct (TB); MC 4 Nov (TB).
E. Meadowlark: 40 CPP 23 Oct.

Rusty Blackbird: 200 Summitville 27
Oct (JHa); 115 Bashakill 28 Oct (JHa).
Pine Grosbeak: 2 Westbrookville 29
Oct (SB).

Red Crossbill: 4 Woodstock 13 Nov (PS).
Pine Siskin: arr 26 Oct; MC 28 Oct;

2 EGR 17 Nov.

Evening Grosbeak: many reports SULL

28 Oct thru; Forsyth Nature Center,
Kingston 27, 29 Oct; Mt Peter 31 Oct;
Rhinebeck 1 Nov; New Paltz 12 Nov;

20 Monticello 25 Nov.

110

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

REGION 10-MARINE

Patricia J. Lindsay

28 Mystic Circle, Bay Shore, NY 11706

S. S. Mitra

Biology Department, College of Staten Island,

2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314
mitra® mail.csi.cuny.edu

September was very warm and dry, with average temperatures of 70.2° F at
Islip and 73.3° degrees at Central Park, 4.4° and 5.8°, respectively, higher than
normal. Temperatures reached 90° on the 12 th and 92° on the 13 th . Islip’s rainfall
total of 1.31 inches was 2.08 inches shy of normal. Central Park recorded less
than an inch of rain for a deficit of 3.75 inches. October continued warm, with
an average temperature of 56.4° F, 2.1° higher than normal. October’s rainfall
totals more than made up for the previous diy months. Central Park had a record
16.73 inches for the month, 12.88 inches more than normal; similar statistics
were recorded for the rest of the Region as well. Remnants of tropical storm
Tammy brought moisture streaming northward around 7 October, and a stalled
front left us with NNE winds and soaking rain on the 8 th and 9th, then light
rain and overcast skies from the 10-14 October. Hugh McGuinness reported
flooding at Sagaponack Pond and severe beach erosion on eastern Long Island.
Clearing weather and NW winds brought migrants streaming along the barrier
beach in fantastic numbers 17-22 October. November’s weather figures were
just a bit above average at 46.4° F and 3.17” of precipitation.

Hurricane Ophelia passed well offshore on 16 September and resulted in a
very modest list of pelagic birds: a few Cory’s Shearwaters and Wilson’s Storm-
Petrels ofFBreezy Pt., one Coiy’s Shearwater and two adult Lesser Black-backed
Gulls at Democrat Pt., and sub-adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Shinnecock
Inlet (two) and Sagaponack, all on the 16 th ; and a Manx Shearwater inside
Jones Inlet on the 17 th . Lesser Black-backed Gulls are suspected to migrate
largely offshore in this Region, and the observations listed above, Region 10’s
first migrants of the season, were likely driven ashore by Ophelia. The Manx
Shearwater in Jones Inlet remained through 26 September, allowing extensive
study and debate over its identity. (See the short article on this subject in Vol.
55, pp. 335-339.) Ophelia’s effects included high tides on 16 September that
overwashed a late active Black Skimmer colony at Lido Beach, though there
were survivors (fide Mike Farina). This colony held an estimated 1100 birds.

As noted above, when early October’s prolonged rains finally gave way
to fair weather on the 16 th , huge numbers of migrants appeared throughout the
Region. These flights continued through 21 October, when a line of showers
and heavily overcast skies grounded especially large numbers of sparrows,
kinglets, wrens, and thrushes along the barrier beach and at the city parks. The
huge flights of mid October featured a macabre side. The Jones Beach strip,
a famous pathway for many thousands of migratory birds, is also shared by
frantic commuters making their way westward just after dawn. These vehicles,

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1) 111

on mornings of heavy flights, turned the parkway into a scene of shocking
carnage. The authors conservatively counted 180 fresh carcasses on 20 October
along less than 10 miles of roadway. Actual numbers were probably much
higher, as detailed inspection of just a few hundred meters of roadway yielded
many freshly killed Myrtle Warblers and Song and White-throated sparrows,
plus a Merlin, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and others.

The remnants of Hurricane Wilma passed well offshore around 25 October.
This disturbance may have been responsible for the appearance of two Red¬
necked Phalaropes at Great Kills Harbor, a Magnificent Frigatebird at Bayport
on 6 November, and for at least some of the news that aerial insectivores made
this fall. Bam Swallows staged a November flight of unprecedented magnitude,
accompanied by a few exceptionally late Chimney Swifts, and Cave Swallows
continued their recent trend of annual occurrence. The southbound flight of Bam
Swallows in our Region typically diminishes abruptly after a late August-early
September peak, and this year was no exception. For example, the writers noted
counts of 600, 300, and 300 Bam Swallows migrating along the barrier beach
on 2, 3, and 4 September, but explicitly noted the species’ absence there just six
days later on another fine day for fall migration. Thus, a single Bam Swallow
at Fire Island Lighthouse on 4 November was a surprise, but this was merely
the harbinger of something unique. During the next two weeks, Bam Swallows
were found along the South Shore by many observers. Many of these observers
were searching for Cave Swallows and neglected to record the dates, locations,
and numbers of the Bam Swallows they saw, precluding any real estimate of the
numbers involved. Some measure of the magnitude of the flight is conveyed by
a systematic count on Block Island, just east of our area, on 12 November, which
tallied 41 Bam Swallows, one Cave Swallow, two unidentified Petrochelidon
swallows, and a Chimney Swift (S. S. Mitra, et al.).

These observations on and around Long Island coincided not only with
a major push of Cave Swallows to the Lake Ontario Plain, but also with an
astonishing influx of “reverse migrants” to the Canadian Maritimes. Whereas
western New York’s Cave Swallows are presumed to have originated from the
southwest, the species composition observed in the Maritimes was very different
and possibly indicative of a southeastern origin associated with Hurricane
Wilma. Thus, Nova Scotia observed huge numbers of Chimney Swifts and
Bam Swallows, dozens of Cliff Swallows, but just a handful of Cave Swallows
(B. Maybank, pers. comm.). In view of these considerations, it would seem
prudent for local observers to study their November Petrochelidon swallows
very closely and to forebear the temptation to apply default identifications!

Among irruptive landbirds, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch,
White-breasted Nuthatch, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin staged modest flights.
As is often the case, the Purple Finch flight was bimodal, with a small pulse
around Labor Day followed by a heavier movement in October and November.
This sort of pattern is shared by a number of species locally, most notably
American Pipits and Cedar Waxwings.

In general, the migration season unfolded rather favorably, with multiple
reports and/or easily viewed examples of many scarce and sought after migrants,
including Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Western Kingbird,

112

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Philadelphia Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Connecticut
Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and Dickcissel. Special attention
is devoted below to enumerating records of this motley collection of species,
and the relative frequencies of some “rarities” to some “regular migrants” offer
some surprises.

This season’s list of vagrants includes the frigatebird mentioned above,
a White-winged Dove at Montauk on 26 November, Ash-throated Flycatchers
at Jones Beach and Brooklyn, a Northern Wheatear at Fort Tilden, and a
Yellow-headed Blackbird at Montauk 24-27 September. Most cooperative
was the Black-throated Gray Warbler, discovered by Seth Ausubel at Forest
Park on 13 November, which remained through the 20 th and was seen by
many birders.

Capital lettering denotes species requiring NYSARC review or,
when followed by “RIO,” records unusual enough in Region 10 to warrant
documentation.

CONTRIBUTORS

John Askildsen, Seth Ausubel, Andy Baldelli, Alan Baratz (A1B), Rich Barube,
Matt Bayer, Willy & Gerry Becker, Gail Benson, Steve Biasetti, Mary Beth
Billerman, Orhan Birol, Shane Blodgett (SB1), Tom Burke, Vicki Bustamante,
Ben Cacace, Jim Clinton, Sr., Steve D’Amato, Tom Damiani, Jim Demes, Joe
DiCostanzo, Peter Dorosh, Mary Eyster, Michael Farina, Ken Feustel; Sue
Feustel; Tom Fiore, Howie Fischer, Alex Flint, Gerta Fritz, John Fritz, Douglas
Futuyma, Peregrina Garcia (PeG), Klemens Gasser, Richard Gershon, Rich
Gostic (RGo), Paul Gillen, Joe Giunta (JGi), John Gluth, Diane Gorodnitzky,
Andy Guthrie, Cliff Hagen, Zubin Haghi, Elliot Harold, Brian Hart, John
Heidecker, Sandy Hunter, Stephen Janko, Sam Jannazzo, Phil Jeffrey, Scotty
Jenkins (ScJ), Rob Jett, Pat Jones, Dave Klauber, Anthony J. Lauro, A1 Levitan,
Ernie Lewis, Patricia Lindsay, Jean Loscalzo, Chris Lyons, Rich McGovern
(RiM), Robert McGrath (RMcG), Hugh McGuinness, Larry Merryman, Eric
Miller, Shai Mitra, Wayne Moynes, Andy Murphy, NY Rare Bird Alert, Staten
I Naturalist, Geoff Nulle, Arleen O’Brien, Kevin O’Leary, A1 Ott, William
Overton, Robert O. Paxton, Pat Pollack, Peter Post, Joan Quinlan, Peter
Reisfeld, Chris Roberts, Robert Rossetti, Barbara & Karen Rubinstein, Eric
Salzman, Starr Saphir (StS), Michael Scheibel, Inara Schwartz, John Sep,
Mike Shanley (MSh), Sean Sime (SSi), Lloyd Spitalnik; Sandy Spitalnik
(SaS), Lenore Swenson (LSw), Diana Teta, Joe Trezza, Richard Veit, Kristine
Wallstrom, Steve Walter, Rich Willot, Alex Wilson (AxW), Dave Wintheimer,
A1 Wollin, Seth Ian Wollney (SIW), Mike Zablocky, Janet Zinn.

ABBREVIATIONS

APP - Alley Pd P; BP - Breezy Pt; BHP - Blue Heron P, SI; CB - Cedar
Beach, Babylon, CBM - Cedar Beach Marina; CHP-Conference House P, SI;
CP - Central P; CSP - Captree SP; DP - Democrat Pt; FBF - Floyd Bennett
Field; FINS LT - Lighthouse Tract, Fire I National Seashore; FP - Forest P;

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

113

FT - Fort Tilden; JBSP - Jones Beach SP; JBWE - Jones Beach West End;
GKP - Great Kills P; MLP - Mount Loretto P, SI; MP - Montauk Pt; OMNSA

- Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area; PB - Pike’s Beach; PBP - Pelham Bay
P; PL - Point Lookout, plum - plumage; PP - Prospect P; Pres - Preserve; RSF

- Riverhead Sod Fields; Sagg - Sagaponack Pd; Shinn - Shinnecock Inlet;
SI - Staten I; RMSP-Robert Moses SP; VCP-Van Cortlandt P; WPP - Wolfe’s
Pond P, SI.

WHISTLING-DUCKS - VULTURES
Greater White-fronted Goose: ad
Montauk 17 Oct (VB, KR).

Snow Goose: sev flocks arr CP 30 Sep;
100 JBWR 13 Nov (JH).

CACKLING GOOSE: PBP

20 Nov (AO).

Eurasian Wigeon: m JBWR 2-9 Oct
(SaS, mob) & 5-27 Nov (SA, mob); West
L, Patchogue 23-26 Nov; Maratooka L
26 Nov (JS); Seguine P,

SI 28 Nov (SIW).

Greater Scaup: 6 arr Oyster Pd,
Montauk 29 Sep (VB).

King Eider: ad m eclipse plum
JBWE 17 Sep-9 Oct, (MB et al),
joined by a f 24 Oct-9 Oct (SW, mob);
ad m DP 30 Oct (PL, SM), joined by
f at Sore Thumb 4 Nov (LM) thru.

Com. Eider: f JBWE 24 Sep-25 Nov
(SW); 1,500 MP 13 Nov; sub ad
m Sore Thumb 19 Nov; PL

21 Nov (SS).

Harlequin Duck: 2 Bayville (RR) 11
Nov thru.

Surf Scoter: 15 arr MP 24 Sep (AJL).
White-winged Scoter: arr Mashomack
Pres 1 Sep (TD).

Wild Turkey: increasingly numerous
and widespread throughout Region,
including: hen Hecksher SP 5 Sep (JG),
reported as unusual for this location by
observer veiy familiar with site; Battery
P 21 Sep, 3 rd report here in 3 years; NY
Botanical Garden 13-20 Oct (AB).
Red-throated Loon: Shinn 9 Oct (AB),
arr e LI.

Horned Grebe: arr 5 GKP 7 Nov
(RiM).

Red-necked Grebe: JBWR 4 Nov
(TF et al).

Cory’s Shearwater: RMSP 16 Sep
(PL, SM); “a few” BP 16 Sep (TF);
well up into FI Inlet 18 Sep (fide JA).

Manx Shearwater: Jones Inlet
17-26 Sep (PL, SM, mob); intro.
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel: “a few” BP 16
Sep (TF).

N. Gannet: 1000 RMSP 29 Oct (PL,
SM); off GKP 24 Nov (SIW, SB1),
unusual location.

AM. WHITE PELICAN: 5 JBWR 27
Oct (JDi et al).

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD:

Bayport 6 Nov (fide HMcG); several
reports of this species in the Northeast
and Atlantic Canada following
Hurricane Wilma.

Am. Bittern: Shinn 15 Oct (AM),
arr e LI; reports of wintering birds
from JBWR, Gilgo as usual.

Little Blue Heron: 2 CCP 15 Oct (AM).
Cattle Egret: JBWR 14, 17 Sep.

Turkey Vulture: near Riverhead

2 Sep (JG).

HAWKS-ALCIDS
Bald Eagle: imm APP 3 Sep (JL, EM);

6 CP 27 Sep; imm CHP 28 Sep (RV);
imm JBWE 28 Sep; OMNSA 15, 28 Oct
(MF); ad FINS LT 15 Oct; imm CP 26
Oct; 2 ads Fort Tryon P 29 Oct (PeG,
CL); imm CHP 24 Nov (SIW, MSh);
increasingly numerous and widespread
in Region.

N. Goshawk: CP 26 Oct; 2 CP 27,

29 Oct; imm JBWE 31 Oct (PL, RB).
Red-shouldered Hawk: juv PP 16 Oct
(PD); CP 17 Oct (DS et al.); 2 CP
26 Oct, BHP 6 Nov (JT, CH) & 11 Nov;
ad Lighthouse Hill & 3 juvs Grimes
Hill, SI 13 Nov (HF).

Broad-winged Hawk: CHP 16 Oct
(RV); FINS LT 17 Oct (fide DP), rare
barrier beach; juv CP 6 Nov; Cutchogue
21 Nov (NYRBA).

Clapper Rail: ad & 3 chicks North Sea

3 Sep (W&GB), uncommon in Peconic

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

114

Bay estuaries.

Sora: 2 JBWR 11 Sep (K&SF); JBWR

17 Sep (JA); juv Weesuck Creek 13 Sep
(ES); ad JBWR 9 Oct

Com. Moorhen: JBWR cont from
summer thru 9 Oct.

Am. Golden-Plover: max 26 Riverhead
11 Sep; reported in small numbers from
other expected locations.

Semipalmated Plover: 5 JBWE

7 Nov (SS), late.

Killdeer: max 50 Cutchogue 10 Oct
(J&GF, JQ).

Am. Oystercatcher: 75 JBWE
27 Nov (PL, SM).

Willet: 65 (54 inornatus, 11
semipalmatus) JBWE 9 Sep (PL,

SM, ph).

Upland Sandpiper: RSF 2 Sep (JG),
only report.

Whimbrel: 6 reports 3 Sep-23 Nov,
mostly from e.

Hudsonian God wit: JBWE 10 Sep;
JBWR 17 Sep (JA); 3 JBWR 6-9 Oct.
Marbled Godwit: CCP 2 Sep (JG);
JBWR 3, 5, 11, & 15 Sep; JBWE
3 Sep (KO’L); 2 JBWE 6 Sep (PL);
OMNSA 6 Sep (MF); Shinn 24-25 Sep
(SB); 4 PB 1-9 Oct (AM, mob); Shinn

8 Oct (AB).

Western Sandpiper: 2 JBWE
25 Oct (PL).

Baird’s Sandpiper: 2 JBWR 2 Sep;

1 JBWR 4, 10, 11, & 13 Sep.

Pectoral Sandpiper: lOAquebogue
5 Sep (AB); max 30 Cutchogue 10 Oct
(J&GF, JQ).

Purple Sandpiper: arr JBWE
(via LIB) 13 Nov; arr MP 13 Nov (AB).
Buff-breasted Sandpiper: widespread
and numerous; max 9 RSF; last 4
Cutchogue 18 Sep.

Long-billed Dowitcher: 9 (8 ads,

1 juv) Massapequa Pres 5 Sep (K&SF);

18 (ads) Massapequa Pres 6 Sep (PL,
SM); JBWR 10-11 Sep; juv
Democrat Pt 16 Sep (PL, SM);

5+ JBWR 8 Oct.

Wilson’s Snipe: arr 6 JBWR
24 Oct (AO, JL).

Wilson’s Phalarope: JBWR 10, 11 &

13 Sep (TB, GB).

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

Red-necked Phalarope: 2 Great Kills
Harbor 25 Oct (AF).

Laughing Gull: 20 Jones Inlet, last
(PL, SM).

Black-headed Gull: imm Cutchogue
Town Dump 17 Oct (PG), unusual
location.

Lesser Black-backed Gull: clustered
arrival probably related to Hurricane
Ophelia: 2 ads DP 16 Sep (PL, SM);

2 sub-ad Shinn & 1 sub-ad Sag 16 Sep
(AJL); sub-ad Oak Beach 18 Sep (JA);

5 records 9 Oct, southbound peak.
Black-legged Kittiwake: arr 3 MP

25 Nov.

Caspian Tern: widely reported 2 Sep-
16 Oct; max 9 Sagg 3 Oct.

Royal Tern: max 50+ PB 6 Sep; last
2 Mecox 6 Nov (PL, SM).
SANDWICH TERN: 2 Dune Rd (AB).
Com. Tern: last JBWE 27 Nov
(PL, SM).

Forster’s Tern: 15 Mecox 30 Oct;
last 6 Nov at Bayville (SSi) & Mecox
(PL, SM).

Least Tern: last JBWE 6 Sep.

Black Tern: max 5 BP (date?); last

6 max 5 Robbins 19 Oct.

Black Skimmer: active colony
est 1100 Lido Beach overwashed

16 Sep, see intro; 49 Acabonac
Harbor 17 Sep (CR); 250 JBWE
29 Sep.

Razorbill: 2 arr e LI 25 Nov.

PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
WHITE-WINGED DOVE: Montauk

26 Nov (RiM, RGo).

Mourning Dove: 200+ Upland Farm,
Cold Spring Harbor (JG).

Monk Parakeet: reported away
from Brooklyn strongholds: CP 4 Sep
thru (DA); Sag Harbor feeder 15,

17 Sep (RW); PBP 6 Nov (PeG);

& near Shinn 8, 21 Nov; 2 Bronx 14
Nov (ZH).

Black-billed Cuckoo: MLP 2 Nov
(WM), late.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo: RMSP 22 Oct
(PL, SM).

Great Horned Owl: SI 18 Sep (JT).
Snowy Owl: arr CB 12 Nov (K&SF);

115

JBWE 19 Nov (mob), relocated to Gilgo
and found there 20 Nov (PL, SM).
Long-eared Owl: CP 23 Oct (PJ);
JBWE 12 Nov (fide AG).

Short-eared Owl: JBWE 20 Nov
(PL, SM).

N. Saw-whet Owl: arr JBWR
28 Oct (JGi); JBWE 30 Oct.

Com, Nighthawk: total 300 Baiting
Hollow thru 5 Oct (JC);

Chimney Swift: 50 RMSP 3 Sep
(PL, SM); max ‘several hundred’ CP
27 Sep (fide NYC RBA); 2 BP

4 Nov (TF); JBWE 11 Nov (RJ),
very late, intro.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

max 12 PP 11 Sep; CP 5 Nov (SIN), late.
Red-headed Woodpecker: 2-3 imm
Montauk 1 Oct (VB); juv FP 2 Oct
(KM); imm CP 3 Oct; imm FINS LT
16 Oct (SM); Port Jefferson 6 Nov.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: arr CP
12 Sep.

FLYCATCHERS - WAXWINGS
Olive-sided Flycatcher: JBWE 7 and
9 Sep (DK).

E. Wood-Pewee: late reports: Montauk
18 Oct (VB); CP 24 Oct (TF); CP

5 Nov (PJ).

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 11 rep
from 6 locations, all west 1 Sep-24 Oct.
Alder Flycatcher: FINS LT 4 Sep
(PL, SM), call heard.

Empidonax species: PP 25 Nov
(PD,ph).

E. Phoebe: JBWE 4 Sep (SM), first
migrant on barrier beach.
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER:
Shore Rd P, Brooklyn 6-8 Nov (AxW);
JBWE 7 Nov (JGi).

Western Kingbird: E Northport
2 Nov (KF); RMSP 5 Nov (SD, DT);
Montauk 7 Nov (J&GF, JQ); JBSP
14 Nov (DW, StS); Montauk
25 Nov (VB).

E. Kingbird: max 75 RMSP 3 Sep
(PL, SM); 60 RMSP 4 Sep (PL, SM);
Montauk 2 Oct (PL, SM); last CP 3 Oct.
Yellow-throated Vireo: Weesuck Cr 17
Oct (ES); Barcelona Neck 19 Oct (SH);
both late.

116

Blue-headed Vireo: PP 17 Nov, late.
Philadelphia Vireo: circa 24 rep from
13 loc, widespread 1-30 Sep; max 6 PP
(date?) (RJ).

Red-eyed Vireo: CP 8 Nov
(NYRBA), late.

Blue Jay: 35 MP 2 Oct, migr.

Tree Swallow: 2000 RMSP 18 Sep
(PL, SM); 1000 JBWE 11 Nov (RJ).
Bank Swallow: 50 RMSP 3 Sep
(PL, SM).

CAVE SWALLOW: JBWE 8 Nov
(AG, EM, JL); JBWE 9 Nov (TF);
JBWE 12 Nov (SW); 3 MP 11 Nov; 1
MP 13 Nov (AB); 2 PL 17 Nov (SJ);
JBWE 18 Nov; intro.

Barn Swallow: max 600 JBWE
2 Sep (PL, SM); FINS LT 4 Nov (PL,
SM); 3 BP 5 Nov (TF); JBWE 8 Nov
(mob); RMSP 19 Nov (PL, SM);

JBWR 21 Nov (RJ, SB1); additional
reports mid Nov; intro.

Red-breasted Nuthatch: 21 Dune Rd
4 Sep (AJL); 30 RMSP 4 Sep (PL, SM).
Marsh Wren: CP 22 Sep (BC); JBWR
21 Nov (RJ, SB).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: arr 10 Sep:
JBWR (RJ); JBWE (J&GF); RMSP
(PL, SM).

NORTHERN WHEATEAR: FT 23
Oct (StS, LSw).

E. Bluebird: 8-10 MLP 30 Oct
(RiM, ScJ).

Veery: 8 Gardiner’s P 6 Sep (PL, SM).
Swainson’s Thrush: E Quogue 4 Nov
(OB), late.

Hermit Thrush: max 45 JBWE

27 Oct (PL).

Wood Thrush: CP 1 Nov (PP), late.
Am. Robin: roost of 675 CP 2 Sep
(BC).

Am. Pipit: 2 JBWR 13 Sep (RG, DK);
6 DP 15 Sep (PL); 2 RMSP 18 Sep (PL,
SM); Mecox Bay 25 Sep (KG), arr date
for East End; 30 CCP 16 Oct (AB);

24 VCP 30 Oct (PeG, CL); 7
Hallockville 4 Nov (MLL).

Cedar Waxwing: 100 JBWE 2 Sep
(PL, SM); 100 RMSP 3 Sep (PL, SM);
200 RMSP 4 Sep (PL, SM); 75 CHP

28 Sep (RV).

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

WARBLERS

Golden-winged Warbler: CHP

1 Sep (fide SIN); Bayard Cutting
Arboretum 11 Sep; CP 1 Oct (fide TF);
f CP 17-18 Oct (AL et al), very late.
Tennessee Warbler: generally
scarce in recent years, especially east;
sev rep mid Sep: e.g., FINS LT
18 Sep (PL, SM); others from
sevl sites (mostly west) around
this date.

Orange-crowned Warbler: 14 rep
13 Sep-13 Nov, widespread; max
3 CP 13 Nov.

Nashville Warbler: CP thru;

PP 17 Nov.

N. Parula: CP thru 17 Nov.

Cape May Warbler: well reported,
up to 3 per site per day; last CP 15 Oct.
Black-throated Blue Warbler:

CP 13 Nov, late.

Yellow-rumped Warbler: 8 JBWE
27 Nov (PL, SM), very low along
barrier beach.

BLACK-THROATED GRAY
WARBLER: FP 13-20 Nov
(SA, mob), intro.

Black-throated Green Warbler:

CP 10 Nov.

Palm Warbler: arr JBWE 4 Sep (SM);
max 200 KP 17 Oct (AO).

Blackpoll Warbler: MP 6 Nov, late.
Black-and-white Warbler: Sears
Bellows P 13 Nov (JG).

Worm-eating Warbler: Amagansett
17 Sep (HM).

Ovenbird: FT 21 Nov (RJ, SB1), late.

N. Waterthrush: CP thru at least
26 Nov.

Kentucky Warbler: CP 13 Sep (JD).
Connecticut Warbler: CP 3-5 Sep (PP),
7-8 Sep (fide LS), 17 Sep (PJ), and 5
Oct; APP 3 Sep (EM), 9-10 Sep (EM,
mob), 13 Sep (EM), 22 Sep (2), and 24
Sep (AO); PP 5 Sep (A1B JZ), 24 Sep
(ME), and 28 Sep (AxW); Riverside P
6 Sep (GN); JBWR 11 Sep (TB, GB);
Muttontown Pres 18 Sep (PR); Setauket
3 Oct.

Mourning Warbler: 2 APP 3 Sep (JL,
EM); JBWE 5 Sep (K&SF et al .); CP 10
Sep; APP 10-11 Sep; CHP 20 Sep; 2 PP

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

24 Sep (PD, AxW).

Hooded Warbler: 14 rep singles 5 loc,
all western parks 4-17 Oct.
Yellow-breasted Chat: widely reported
across Region thru Oct; Gilgo 18-20
Nov (JF, mob); CP 27 Nov.

TANAGERS - WEAVERS
Summer Tanager: f JBWE 28 Sep
(PL, SM); m CP 30 Sep (BH); m CP

15 Oct (TF).

Clay-colored Sparrow: OMNSA
13 Sep (MF, WO); 2 JBWE 19 Sep
(SM, AW, mob), 1 continuing thru

25 Sep; 1-2 JBWE 1-12 Nov (mob),
at least two individuals; PP 20-21 Sep;
PP 25 Sep (EH); PP 16 Oct (PD); FT 3
Oct (TF, KW); RMSP 3 Oct (PL); VCP

16 Oct (PG); CP 16 Oct (StS); Caumsett
SP 27 Oct; RMSP 29 Oct (DF); CSP 27
Nov (PL, SM).

Vesper Sparrow: 25+ rep, mostly west,
3 Oct-4 Nov, unusually numerous.

Lark Sparrow: JBWE 2 Sep (PL et al.);
RMSP 18 Sep (MBB, EL); PP 21 Sep
(IS); Shinn 5 Oct (RMcG); Kissena P
15 Oct (AO); FBF 19 Oct (TF).
“Ipswich” Sparrow: Shinn 9 Oct (AB);
Sore Thumb 5 Nov SM, LS, SaS).
Grasshopper Sparrow: FINS LT
9-10 Oct (PL, SM); FT 28 Oct (SB1),
unusual away from breeding sites.
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow:
subvirgatus JBWR 9, 24 Oct (AO et al);
GKP 12-14 Nov (RiM, MSh).

Fox Sparrow: arr CP 16 Oct (StS);
JBWR 16 Oct (StJ).

Song Sparrow: max 400 GKP
18 Oct (SIW).

Lincoln’s Sparrow: 20 rep
widespread 18 Sep- 4 Nov, unusually
numerous; max 4 Montauk

17 Oct (AB).

White-throated Sparrow: arr Wagner
College, SI 5 Sep (HF), early; max
1,000 Gilgo 21 Oct (ROP).
White-crowned Sparrow: imm
JBWE 20 Sep (DK); Greenwood
Cemetery 24 Sep (MZ); max 100+
Montauk 17 Oct (AB) & 15 Gilgo
21 Oct (ROP).

“GAMBEL’S” WHITE-CROWNED

117

SPARROW (RIO): imm CSP
16 Oct (PL, SM ph); ad JBWE
7 Nov (mob, ph).

Lapland Longspur: arr RMSP
14 Oct (PL, SM); Shelter 120 Oct
(MS); FBF 11 Nov (RJ); CB 11 Nov
(K&SF); VCP25 Nov; GKP
28 Nov (SIW).

Snow Bunting: arr GKP 1 Nov (SIW);
60 JBWE 20 Nov (SM, PL), scarce
barrier beaches.

Blue Grosbeak: MLP, SI 17 Oct (RV);
JBSP23 Oct (TB, GB et al); PP 12 Nov.
Indigo Bunting: 9 Bridgehampton 2 Oct
(PL, SM); 7 CP 13 Oct, high counts.
Dickcissel: 4 JBWE 2 Sep (PL, SM);
JBWE 10 Sep (PL, SM); 2 FINS LT
10 Sep (PL, SM); 2 RMSP 18 Sep (PL,
SM); JBWE 21 Sep (TB, mob); PP
24 Sep (ME); Dune Rd 5 Oct (RMcG);
CCP 16 Oct (AB); CBM 19 Oct (AG);
JBWE 23 Oct (TB).

Bobolink: 20 RMSP 3 Sep; 25 RMSP 4
Sep (PL, SM); 24 + Kissena P
20 Sep (JL, EM).

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
(R10): imm m Montauk Horse Farm
24-27 Sep (VB, mob).

Com. Grackle: roost of 271 CP
2 Sep, increased to “thousands”
mixed with EUST 30 Sep (BC).
Boat-tailed Grackle: 40 Shinn
19 Sep (PG).

Baltimore Oriole: max 50 each day
RMSP 3, 4 Sep (PL, SM); last CHP 27
Nov (MSh, SIW).

Purple Finch: 30 CCP 16 Oct (AB).
Pine Siskin: arr 8 FINS LT 16 Oct;
arr CCP 160ct; sev JBWE 25 Nov
(NYRBA).

EXOTICS

Ringed Turtle-Dove: JBWE 14 Sep and
later (JG, mob).

Mitred Parakeet: CP 16 Sep (PaP).
Pin-tailed Wydah: imm JBWE 9 Sep
(DK), band on leg; ad m Kissena P 20
Sep (JL, EM), breeding plum.

118

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS

Regional rarities appear in BOLD; county names are shortened to their first
four letters and appear in UPPER CASE letters; months are shortened to their
first three letters. In species accounts: number of individuals omitted implies
that one individual was reported;! - details seen by Regional Editor; ad - adult;
Alt - Alternate plumage; Am. - American; arr - arrival or first of season; BBS
-Breeding Bird Survey; BOTS - bird of the season; CBC - Christmas Bird
Count; CO - confirmed nesting; Com. - Common; E. - Eastern; FL - fledgling;
FY -adult feeding young; I - Island; imm - immature; intro - see introduction
to report; juv - juvenile; L - Lake; max - maximum; mob - multiple observers;
N. - Northern; NYSDEC - New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation; NWR - National Wildlife Refuge; NYSARC - report to New
York State Avian Records Committee; P -park; Pd- Pond; ph - photographed;
Pt -Point; Res - Reservoir;Ri - River; SP - State Park; spm - specimen; subad
-subadult; T - Town of; thru - throughout period; Twn - township; W. - Western;
WMA - Wildlife Management Area; y - young.

REPORTING REGIONS

Regional boundaries coincide with county lines, except at:

Region 1-Region 2 in Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming Counties:

the boundary is NY Route 98 from Pt. Breeze to Batavia;
NY Route 63 from Batavia to Pavilion, and NY Route 19
from Pavilion to the Allegany County line.

Region 2-Region 3 in Ontario County:

the boundary is Mud Creek to NY Route 64, NY Route 64
from Bristol Center to S. Bristol Springs, and Route 21
from S. Bristol Springs to the Yates County line.

Region 3-Region 5 in Cayuga County:

the boundary is NY Route 31.

REPORTING DEADLINES

Winter Season: December, January, February
Deadline is 7 March
Spring Season: March, April, May
Deadline is 7 June
Summer Season: June, July, August
Deadline is 7 September
Fall Season: September, October, November
Deadline is 7 December

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

119

The Kingbird 2006 March; 56(1)

to

o

Region Names and Numbers

1. Niagara Frontier 6. St. Lawrence

2. Genesee 7. Adirondack-champlain

3. Finger Lakes 8. Hudson-Mohawk

4. Susquehanna 9. Hudson-Delaware

5. Oneida Lake Basin 10. Marine

Editor of THE KINGBIRD
Shaibal S. Mitra

Biology Dept.. College of Staten Island
2800 Victory Blvd.. Staten Island. NY 10314

Editor of NEW YORK BIRDERS
Tim Baird

242 E. State St., Salamanca, NY 14779

Appointed Committees
Archives:

Phyllis R. Jones, Chair

9 Hallock Road. Pond Eddy. NY 12770
Awards:

William Ostrander

80 Westmont Ave.. Elmira. NY 14905
Conservation:

Gail Kirch

1099 Powderhouse Rd.. Vestal. NY 13850
John Confer

651 Hammond Hill Rd.. Brooktondale, NY 14817
Finance:

Bema B. Lincoln. Chair

P.O. Box 296, Somers, NY 10589
John J. Elliott Memorial:

Emanuel Levine. Chair

585 Mead Terrace. South Hempstead, NY 11550

New York State Avian Records:

Angus Wilson, Chair
Send reports to:

Jeanne Shelly, Secretary forNYSARC
420 Chili-Scottsville Rd., Churchville. NY 14428
Publications:

Emanuel Levine, Chair

585 Mead Terrace, South Hempstead, NY 11550

Waterfowl Count:

Bryan L. Swift
NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife

625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754
Web Site:

Carena Pooth

22 Brothers Rd., Poughquag, NY 12570

Elected Committees
Nominating:

Joan Collins, Sue Adair,

Bob Mauceli
Auditing:

Irving Cantor, Peter Capainolo,

Emanuel Levine

The Kingbird

Publication of NYS Ornithological Assoc., Inc.
P.O. Box 95
Durhamville, NY 13054

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