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Qregpn Birds \^ J The quarterly journal of Oregon field ornithology

Volume 17, Number 3, Fall 1991

Birds of North Lake Abert, Lake Co., Oregon 67 Kurt Kristensen, Mark Stern & Joe Morawski

REVIEWS Birds of Malheur National Wildlife

Refuge, Oregon 78 Tom Crabtree

No Woman Tenderfoot: Florence Merriam Bailey, Pioneer Naturalist

79 Alan Contreras

Birds of McDonald Forest, Benton Co., Oregon 80 David L . Swanson

SITE GUIDES Coos Bay Area, Coos County 82

Larry Thornburgh Bandon Area, Coos County 84

Larry Thornburgh

News and Notes 86

Oregon Bird Records Committee: You Be The Judge 88 Harry Nehls

FIELDNOTES 89 Eastern Oregon, Winter 1990-91 ....89

Joe Evanich Western Oregon, Winter 1990-91 ...95

Jim Johnson

Cover photo Smew. Photo / Omar Halvorson.

Qregpn Birds The quarterly journal of Oregon field ornithology

OREGON BIRDS is a quarterly publication of Oregon Field Ornithologists, an Oregon not-for-profit corporation. Membership in Oregon Field Ornithologists includes a subscription to Oregon Birds. ISSN 0890-2313

Editor Associate Editor

Assistant Editor

Owen Schmidt Jim Johnson Sharon K. Blair

Secretary Treasurer

Past President Directors

OREGON FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS President David A. Anderson, Portland (1992)

Tim Shelmerdine, Lake Oswego (1992) Dennis Arendt, Eugene (1992) Bill Stotz, Florence Barbara Griffin, North Bend (1990-92) Howard Sands, Eagle Point (1990-92) Gerard Lillie, Portland (1991-93) Donald MacDonald (1991-93)

OREGON BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE Secretary Harry Nehls, Portland (1991)

Members Tom Crabtree, Bend (1989-91) Jim Carlson, Eugene (1990-92) Jeff Gilligan, Portland (1990-92) Linda Weiland, Portland (1990-91) Jim Johnson, Portland (1990-92) Nick Lethaby, Beaverton (1991-93) Larry McQueen, Eugene (1990-93) Owen Schmidt, Portland (1991-93) Steve Summers, Klamath Falls (1989-91)

Alternate Craig Roberts, Tillamook (1991)

Oregon Birds OREGON BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

©1991 OREGON FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS

P.O. Box 10373 Eugene, OR 97440

Oregon Birds is looking for material in these categories:

News Briefs on things of temporal importance, such as meetings, birding trips, announcements, news items, etc.

Articles are longer contributions dealing with identification, distribution, ecology, management, conservation, taxonomy, behavior, biology, and historical aspects of ornithology and birding in Oregon. Articles cite references (if any) at the end of the text. Names and addresses of authors typically appear at the beginning of the text.

Short Notes are shorter communications dealing with the same subjects as articles. Short Notes typically cite no references, or at most a few in parentheses in the text. Names and addresses of authors appear at the end of the text.

Bird Finding Guides "where to find a ^ in Oregon" (for some of the rarer birds) and "where to find birds in the

area" (for some of the better spots).

Reviews for published material on Oregon birds or of interest to Oregon birders.

Photographs of birds, especially photos taken recently in Oregon. Color slide duplicates are preferred. Please label all photos with photographer's name and address, bird identification, date and place the photo was taken. Photos will be returned; contact the Editor for more information.

Deadline for the next issue of Oregon Birds— OB 17(4) — is 25 October 1991. The next issue should get to you by the first week of December 1991. Material can be submitted any time, and the sooner the better. Please send materials directly to the Editor, 3007 N.E. 32nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97212, (503)282-9403.

Oregon Birds Board of Editors: David A. Anderson, Range D. Bayer, Charlie Bruce, Alan Contreras, Tom Crabtree, David Fix, Jeff Gilligan, Steven G. Herman, Mike Houck, George A. Jobanek, Jim Johnson, CD. Littlefield, Roy Lowe, David B. Marshall, Harry B. Nehls, Mark Stern, Paul Sullivan, Clarice Watson.

Oregon Birds 17(3): 66, Fall 1991

Birds of North Lake Abert, Lake Co., Oregon Kurt Kristensen, Mark Stern, and Joe Morawski, Oregon Natural Heritage Program, TheNature Conservancy, 1205NW25th,

Portland, Oregon 97210

Introduction Lake Abert is a large, shallow, alka

line (pH = 9.8) lake lying at the base of the Abert Rim fault scarp i n Lake Co., Oregon. The saline waters of Lake Abert do not support any fish but do provide habitat for one of the most abundant and concentrated populations of brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and alkali flies (Ephydra hians) i n Nor th America (Herbst 1988). These aquatic invertebrates are an important food source for migrant waterbirds, attracting i n total over 100,000 Eared Grebes, Ring-billed Gulls, Northern Shovelers, and Rednecked Phalaropes between mid-July and September (Boula 1986). I n recognition of this important stopover of mi gratory waterbirds i n the Pacific Fly-way, Lake Abertwas designated aHemi-spheric Shorebird Reserve.

Just north of Lake Abert is a large alkaline playa which varies i n size according to the level of the lake. Adjacent to the playa are numerous small seeps, one major spring wi th an outflow, native alkaline meadows, small tule marshes, dunes, and arid shrub vegetation characteristic of the northern Great Basin. This mosaic of vegetation and freshwater bordering the expansive playa and lake edge of north Lake Abert attracts a diverse guild of migrant and breeding birds. I n this paper, we report avian observations i n the area we refer to as North Lake Abert.

Study Area and Methods Lake Abert lies at an elevation of

1297 meters. I t is west of the massive, near-vertical Abert fault scarp and east of the gentle eastern slope of Coglan Buttes. Precipitation i n this area averages 25 cm annually, falling mostly i n the winter months as snow. The Chewaucan River is the only perennial tributary that drains into the closed lake basin and is the major source of freshwater. The lake is 8 k m by 26 k m but only 7 m deep, holding approximately 1 million acre feet of water at maximum water levels (Phillips & Van Denburgh 1971). Peak lake levels occurred in 1958 and again i n 1984, while i n 1937 the lake was completely dry during a severe drought. There are upwards of 20 perennial springs which contribute l i tt le inflow to the lake but do provide important habitat for breeding

and migratory birds. The extent of the alkali playa at the north end varies considerably wi th the fluctuating lake levels. I n 1988, there were approximately 4000 hectares of exposed playa, while i n 1989, there were 6000 hectares of playa.

The vegetation of the Lake Abert area is characteristic of the arid northern Great Basin. For the purposes of describing avian activity, 6 vegetation habitat types were defined.

• One, the lake edge, is defined as the variable margin where Lake Abert reaches the playa along the north end of the lake. With its immense populations of brine shrimp and alkali flies, the lake edge is an ecologically significant habitat at Lake Abert. The alkali flies form dense black carpets along the shore line and provide food for migrating birds. The density of adult flies, larvae and pupae can reach 60,000 mg/m3. These flies constituted 65 percent of the bio-mass consumed by gulls, avocets, and phalaropes (Boula 1986).

• Two, the flat, alkaline playa that occurs between the lake edge and the saltgrass flats, lacks vegetation except where there are freshwater seeps wi th patches of hardstem bulrush (Scirpus acuta).

• The third habitat type, saltgrass/ greasewood flats, is the most salt-tolerant plant community i n the study area. This community is dominated by alkali saltgrass (Distichlis stricta), borax weed (Nitrophyla occidentalis) and Nevada bulrush (Scirpus nevadensis). Black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) occurs on sites w i th slightly deeper soils and upon a series of sand dunes along the northern edge of the playa.

• The fourth habitat, the X L Spring area, includes a 1-2 hectare freshwater pond, a small grove of 4 cottonwoods (Populus sp.), 2 willows (Salix sp.) and a small patch of hardstem bulrush. X L Spring and its adjacent waters provide habitat for the rare Oregon Lakes Tui chub (Gila bicolor oregonensis).

• The wet meadows surrounding the many seeps of the north end comprise the fifth habitat type and are characterized by Lemmon's alkal i grass (Puccinella lemmonii), alkali cordgrass (Spartina gracillis), Nevada bluegrass (Poa nevadensis), owl clover (Orthocarpus sp.), Baltic rush (Juncus

balticus), a l k a l i b u l r u s h (Scirpus maritimus), Olney's bulrush (Scirpus americanus) and shallowly-flooded stands of hardstem bulrush.

• The adjacent shrub uplands comprise the sixth habitat type and are characterized by volcanic rimrock and talus slopes covered with spiny saltbrush (Atriplex confertifolia), spiny hopsage (Atriplex spinosa), r a b b i t b r u s h (Chrysothamnus sp.), horsebrush (Tetradymia sp.), budsage (Artemesia spinescens) and big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata).

Our avian observations were made from 2 May through 8 July 1988, and from 24 Apr i l through 18 July 1989 concurrently w i th our field work on the nesting ecology and dispersal of the WesternSnowyPlover(Sterne£aZ. 1990).

Results and Discussion We recorded 155 species of birds

during the study period, 60 of which are probable nesters i n the area (Table 1). Patterns of abundance and distribution were similar i n both years. The avian guild of breeding birds at Lake Abert is best characterized by 3 species: American Avocet, Western Snowy Plover, and Long-billed Curlew. A l l 3 species use various aspects of the saltgrass playa.

American Avocets are the most numerous and conspicuous of Lake Abert's breeding birds. Avocet numbers i n creased from an estimated 1000 breeding birds i n May to over 5000 post-breeders i n July. The Avocets nested i n loose colonies on the open playa near the lake edge or a spring and i n saltgrass/ Nevada bulrush flats near freshwater ponds and seeps. Nesting activity peaked between 15 May and 15 June. By 27 June 1989, Avocet chicks were commonly observed along the lake edge while many adults were sti l l incubating eggs. I n early July both resident and migrant Avocets congregated along the lake's northern edge.

Though less conspicuous, the Western Snowy Plover is also a common breeder at north Lake Abert. The plovers nest on the barren playa and in the adjacent saltgrass flats. The breeding population of plovers at Lake Abert varies through the nesting period (15 Apri l - 15 July) but averages approximately 100 pairs. Peak nesting occurs between mid-May and mid-June. Presently, the


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breeding population of Snowy Plovers at Lake Abert is the largest i n Oregon (Page and Bruce 1988). The Western

; Snowy Ptever is a state-listed threat-! ened species i n Oregon and is a federal

category 2 candidate species. There are an estimated 40 pairs of

Long-billed Curlews nestingin the alkaline saltgrass flats along the north end of the lake. Curlews are also a federal category 2 candidate species. Breeding season for Long-billed Curlews extends from early Apr i l through early July, wi th peak nesting occurring from late Apr i l through late May. I n 1989,7 nests were found, 3 i n the saltgrass habitat, 3 i n the wet meadow habitat, and 1 i n the shrub upland. Historically, Long-billed Curlews favored the shortgrass habitats (Pampush 1980), and we believe that the habitats used at Lake Abert are characteristic of the primary pre-agri-cultural nesting sites for this species.

Other breeding species of interest within the study area include Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Greater Sandhill Crane, Canyon Wren, Loggerhead Shrike, and a small colony of Black-throated Sparrows (see Appendix 1).

The north Lake Abert area is also an important staging area for migratory birds, especially shorebirds. Shorebirds pass through Lake Abert i n large numbers i n spring (April/May) and again i n mid-summer through early fall (July-September). These migrant shorebirds congregate along the north edge of the lake to feed upon the extensive mats of alkali flies. Common spring migrants include Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Dunlins, Semipalmated Plovers, Red-necked Phalaropes, and Wilson's Phalaropes, wi th peak spring numbers occuring i n early May, or perhaps earlier i n Apr i l prior to our arrival i n late Apri l . Stormy weather patterns during spring migration resulted i n several unusual sightings along the lake edge. Brant, Black-bellied Plover, Lesser Golden-Plover, Whimbrel, Marbled God-wit , Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Sand-erling, Baird's Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper have all been seen at least once during the month of May.

Several species of migratory shore-birds were seen sporadically throughout June i n 1988 and 1989 but i t was not unt i l the first week of July that fall migration started i n earnest. On 15 July 1989, counts of the 4 most abundant species yielded 9654 phalaropes (majority were Wilson's but a significant number of Red-necked Phalaropes were also present), 5014 peeps (majority were Westerns wi th some Least Sandpipers), 2587 American Avocets, and 2144 Ring-billed and California Gulls.

Boula (1986) estimated that peak numbers of Wilson's Phalaropes may exceed 50,000 and Northern Shoveler numbers range into and above the 10,000 mark. Adult and juvenile Horned Larks gathered by the hundreds along the lake edge i n the northwest corner of the area to feed upon the flies i n early July.

I n addition to the lake edge, the small cottonwood grove at X L Springs provides a resting area and an opportunity to feed for migratory species. Peak passerine migration at X L Springs occurs between 10 and 25 May and i t is not unusual to see 20 or more warblers of several species feeding i n the 2 willows. Several unusual species sightings at X L Springs include Lewis' Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird,Palm Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-throated Sparrow, and Lesser Goldfinch. The pond adjacent to the cottonwoods attracts a var ie ty of waterbirds, including several piscivorous species such as Western and Pied-billed Grebes, Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Belted Kingfishers which feed on the Oregon Lakes t u i chub. Overall, 117 species or 76 percent of total species observed at north Lake Abert have been recorded at least once at X L Springs.

I n conclusion, the 10,000 hectare site along the north edge of Lake Abert provides a diverse assemblage of habitat types ranging from lake edge and vast playa to saltgrass flats, wet meadows, marshes and shrub steppe uplands. These varied habitats contain the largest breeding population of Snowy Plovers i n Oregon and support a significant number of Long-billed Curlews, American Avocets and numerous other species common to the northern Great Basin. The north Lake Abert site is also an important migratory corridor for shore-birds and passerines and provides a migratory stopover site of regional significance for transient shorebirds.

Acknowledgements Chris Carey provided invaluable

field assistance and logistical support. Ginny Rosenberg also helped with field assistance and provided good cheer. The Brattain family graciously assisted us with lodging at the X L ranch and granted access to their properties. B i l l Tracy also allowed us access to his lands and WaltDevaurs provided additional logistical support. C D . Littlefield reviewed the manuscript and provided helpful comments. Owen Schmidt provided i n valuable editorial assistance and support. To all , we express our sincere thanks and gratitude.

L I T E R A T U R E C I T E D

Boula, K 1986. Foraging ecology of migrant waterbirds, Lake Abert, * j Oregon. MS thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis , 99 pp.

Herbst, D.B. 1988. Comparative population ecology of Ephydra hians Say (Diptera: Ephydridae) at Mono Lake (California) and Abert Lake (Oregon). Hydrobiologia 158:145-166.

Herman, S.G., J.B. Bulger, and J.B. Buchanan. 1988. The snowy plover i n southeastern Oregon and west-ernNevada. J. Field Ornithol. 59(1): 13-21.

Page, G. and C. Bruce. 1989. Results of the 1988 summer survey of Snowy Plovers in the interior of the western United States. Unpublished report. Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 8pp.

Pampush, G.J. 1980. Breeding chronology, habitat utilization, and nest site selection of the Long-billed Curlew in northcentral Oregon. MS thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis. 49 pp.

Phillips, K.N. , and A.S. Van Denburgh. 1971. Hydrology and geochemistry of Abert, Summer andGoose Lakes, and other closed basin lakes in south-central Oregon. U.S. Geological Survey Prof. Pap. 502-B, 86 pp.

Rogers, T.H. 1989. Northern Rocky Mountain—Intermountain Region. Am. Birds 43(3): 511-513.

Stern, M.A., K A . Kristensen, and J.F. Morawski. 1990. 1990 Ecological Investigation of Snowy Plovers at Lake Abert, Lake Co., Oregon. U n published report for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Nongame Program Contract 85-5-03.

0


Appendix 1. Annotated Species List of Birds of North Lake Abert

Pied-billed Grebe These grebes were vagrants to the

area as there has been only 6 sightings during the study. A single adult bird was observed on the X L Spring Pond (XLSP) on 8 May, 21 May and 14 June 1988 and on 18 May 1988 near the southeast end of the lake. A single adult was seen along the lake edge on 6 May 1989 and at the XLSP on 17 July 1989. Eared Grebe

Eared Grebes were very abundant at Lake Abert during our study wi th counts i n excess of 200 on 5, 7, 11 May and 1 June 1988. The largest concentrations of grebes occurs i n the northeast corner of Lake Abert w i th individuals and small groups scattered along the entire east shore. Western Grebe

A single adult bird was observed at XLSP between 7 June and 19 June 1988. American White Pelican

Pelicans were seen on the 7th and 8th of July 1988 i n the northwest and the northeast corners of Lake Abert. A flock of 40 was seen on the morning of 7 July1988 i n the northwest corner. These birds appeared to be feeding where a freshwater spring enters the lake. A group of 20 was observed the following morning in the northwest corner of the lake. I n 1989 small groups of 2 to 8 pelicans were observed on 6 days: 9 and 20 May; 10,11 and 21 June and 6 July. Al l sightings occurred along the lake edge. American Bittern

I n 1988 a male was heard calling from early May through mid-June i n the Scirpus sp. areas north of Pike's Place Ranch. Bitterns were not detected i n 1989. Great Blue Heron

I n 1988 single birds were sighted at XLSP near dusk on 10,16,17,20, and 23 May and on 29 June 2 birds were seen perched i n the cottonwoods (Populus sp.). I n 1989 the first sighting of herons occurred on 6 June when 2 adults were seen along the lake edge near Tule Springs. A single adult was sighted at XLSP on 18 June and a pair frequented the XLSP area i n early July to forage i n the irrigation channels. Great Egret

A single egret was seen i n the XLSP area on 17,18 and 21 May 1988. I n 1989 single egrets were seen on 29 and 30 Apri l and on 7 and 10 May. Pairs were sighted on 8 and 30 May and a group of 4 were spotted on 20 May. Snowy Egret

Single birds i n breeding plumage

were observed i n the XLSP area on 17, 20 and 21 May and 2 adults were seen on 20 May 1988. A pair of Snowy Egrets seen on 20 May was the only 1989 sighting. Black-crowned Night-Heron

A l l sightings occurred at XLSP except for a lone adult at Tule Springs on 21 June 1989. Single adults were observed on 4, 6, 20 and 27 May 1988 and on 16 and 17 May a group of 3 adults were spotted i n the cottonwoods. A second spring-plumaged bird was seen on 31 May and 6 June 1988. I n 1989 single adults were seen on 1 May and on 21 June. White-faced Ibis

Ibises were seen regularly i n May i n groups ranging from 7 to 73 adults i n 1988. I n 1989 ibis were seen from 28 Apr i l to 7 May i n the western portion of the study area. Over 200 nesting ibises were counted i n the nearby Lower Chewaucan Marsh on 27 June 1989 during an aerial survey (Marty St. Louis, pers. comm.). The ibises seen at the north end of lake Abert may have been from this colony. Tundra Swan

A lone swan was observed i n the NW corner of Lake Abert from 2 May to 6 May 1989. Trumpeter Swan

A pair of these swans was seen feeding i n the meadows of XLSP on 13 May 1989. Snow Goose

Snow Geese were observed i n 1988 i n the NW corner of Lake Abert on 4 days i n May. Three birds were seen on 6 May, 4 on 8 May, 5 on 17 May and 1 on 27 May. There were no sightings i n 1989. Brant

A lone Brant was seen along the lake edge on 30 May 1989 after a period of strong westerly storms. Great Basin Canada Goose

A small number of Canada Geese nested along the north end of Lake Abert. I n 1988 we spotted 5 broods totaling 24 goslings i n May and found a few coyote and raven predated nests. Flocks containing 75+ birds were seen i n the latter part of May congregating near Pike's Place Ranch. These birds left the north end during the first week of June and congregated along the west side near some isolated springs. The same pattern occurred i n 1989 with several broods observed i n mid-May. By the end of June geese had again congregated i n the SW corner of the study area and were going into molt. Green-winged Teal

A l l sightings in 1988, except for a flock of 20 seen on 6 and 8 May, were of single birds or pairs. Teal were seen on

9 days i n May and once i n July. I n 1989 there were 34 and 31 teal seen on 28 and 29 Apr i l respectively. Pairs were seen on 4 days i n May and again on 21 June. Mallard

Mallards were common though not abundant nesters at Lake Abert. Scattered pairs occured i n all suitable nest-ing areas. Mallard numbers increased i n mid-June as drakes congregated along the lake shore and started to molt into basic plumage. Northern Pintail

Individual drakes and lone pairs were observed sporadically i n the spring. By mid-June there were hundreds of pintails along the lake shore. Blue-winged Teal

Lone drakes and pairs were infrequently seen throughout the study period along the lake edge. Cinnamon Teal

These teal were the most commonly observed waterfowl on the study area i n early May. Drakes could be found courting hens where ever there was freshwater. By mid-May most of the teal had left the study area except for a few nesting hens. Broods were occasionally seen i n June 1988 but none were spotted i n 1989. Northern Shoveler

I n 1988, pairs of shovelers and groups of up to 6 males wi th 1 or 2 females were observed throughout May. On 6 May, 40 shovelers were seen feeding i n shallow ponds i n the NW corner of the study area. Shovelers were uncommon during the first 3 weeks of June. By the end of June shovelers comprised a large percentage of the ducks gathered along the north shore. I n late Apr i l and early May 1989, flocks of 200 - 300 shovelers were observed on the lake off of Sawed Horn Point and i n a small lake i n the NW corner of the study area. Shovelers were seen only sporadically i n the second half of May but by 10 June there were 300+ drakes along the lake edge. By August shoveler numbers may swell to 10,000 making them the most numerous duck in the area (Boula 1986). Gadwall

Gadwalls were present i n small numbers throughout the north end during the entire study period. Single adults or lone pairs were sighted often i n suitable habitat i n May wi th a decrease i n sightings during early June. By mid-June there were small flocks of up to 30 adults along the north shore of Lake Abert. American Wigeon

Wigeon were seen only twice during 1988. On 6 May a flock of 30 was observed feeding w i t h Northern Shovel-


ere2kmsouthofXLSP. Agroupof7was spotted on 8 May i n the N W comer of the study area. I n 1989 there was a group of 5 drakes i n the NE corner of the lake on 29 Apri l and 2 drakes on 2 June at Tule springs. Redhead

I n 1988, a pair was observed from 18 May to 23 May NE of Pike's Place Ranch on a small pond and on 27 May, 27 birds were spotted along the N E side of the lake. The last sighting i n 1988 was on 5 July when 6 adults were seen i n the NE corner of the lake. Groups of up to 4 adults were seen occasionally i n May 1989. The last sighting i n 1989 was of 11 drakes along the lake edge on 6 June. Lesser Scaup

The only sighting for 1988 occurred on 8 May when 2 males and 1 female were seen i n the NW section of the study area. I n 1989 there were 4 sightings: 2 drakes on 5 May, 7 drakes on 5 June, 3 drakes on 10 June, and a single drake on 11 June. Hooded Merganser

On 1 July 1988 a single drake was seen among a large raft of ducks along the north shore of the lake. Ruddy Duck

There were 6 sightings of Ruddy Ducks i n 1988 and 1989. A l l sightings were of pairs and small groups of less than 10 birds and occurred between 28 Apri l and 10 May. Turkey Vulture

Vultures were occasionally seen soaring over the north end throughout the study period. Osprej?

A lone Osprey was seen flying north over the XLSP area on 30 Apr i l 1989 and on 16 May 1989 a single bird was seen flying north along Abert R i m Northern Harrier

There were 5 pairs of harriers that nested i n the scattered tule patches around the north end. I n both 1988 and 1989,2 pairs nested along highway 395, 1 pair nested east of Sawed Horn, and 2 pairs nested i n the wet meadows of XLSP. By mid-June harriers were seen foraging over the salt pan and along the lake edge which coincided w i t h an increasing population of Snowy Plover and American Avocet chicks. Harriers started to leave the study area towards the end of June. Swainson's Hawk

These hawks were often seen near the town of Paisley (approx. 30 k m southeast of the study area) but our only sighting occurred on 2 May 1989, when a dark phase adult was seen perched i n the cottonwoods at XLSP. Red-tailed Hawk

I n 1988, adult Red-tails were seen only 3 times i n the XLSP area although they are quite common at the south end of Lake Abert and the town of Valley Falls. I n 1989, adults were seen frequently and an immature was often seen roosting i n the cottonwoods ofXLSP from 8 May to 28 June. Golden Eagle

I n 1988, a nest w i th 2, 4 week old chicks was found i n the rimrock near XLSP on 9 May. On 15 June the fully feathered chicks were observed hopping and flapping their wings along the nesting ledge. The young birds fledged the next day and were seen intermittently near the nest site over the next 3 weeks. Examination of the nest site revealed that black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus ) was the major prey item. This nest was not used i n 1989 but a second nest was found by Chris Carey of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife i n a large canyon on the western edge of the lake. First and second year eagles and adults were commonly seen i n 1989. American Kestrel

Kestrels were only seen on 2, 5 and 23 May 1989 at XLSP but were very common at the south end of the lake near Valley Falls. Merlin

On 29 Apri l 1989 a male was seen flying north along Abert Rim. Peregrine Falcon

A lone adult was observed perched on an alkali-encrusted log near the lake edge on 29 Apr i l 1989. Prairie Falcon

I n 1988, a lone falcon was observed along the rimrock near XLSP throughout May. The next sighting of this species occurred on 7 July when a pair was observed along the northwest shore of the lake. I n 1989 Chris Carey spotted a nest i n a large canyon on the west side of the lake. Raptor-killed avocets were found near the mouth of this canyon. On 31 May 1989 a falcon was observed taking a curlew chick at XLSP. Chukar

Chukars were heard calling from the steep slopes of Abert Rim i n the northeast corner of the study area throughout May and June i n 1988 and 1989. California Quail

Quail were common around XLSP i n 1988 but were not observed as frequently i n 1989 nor heard i n other locations on the study area. Sora

Soras were heard calling where ever there were patches of tules and open water. Calling activity was very high during early May and decreased during

the latter half. As wi th the quail, Sora's were not detected as often i n 1989 as they were i n 1988. American Coot

Coots nested i n the tules at XLSP and i n other perennial fresh water sites on the study area. I n 1989, the first chicks were seen on 28 Apr i l at XLSP. Downy chicks were seen again at this site on 18 June. There appeared to be heavy predation on young coots as only 1 chick made i t to fledging at XLSP . Greater Sandhill Crane

I n 1988, at least 1 pair of sandhills was observed frequently during May i n the meadows near XLSP and occasionally near a large pond north of Pike's Place Ranch. This pair was thought to be nesting because a pair wi th a chick was seen here i n 1986. Cranes were last seen i n the northeast end of Lake Abert on 5 June. On 1 July, 10 birds were observed foraging at Rivers End Ranch located at the southern end of Lake Abert. Twenty-five birds were spotted here on 7 July 1988. I n 1989, an unpaired crane was seen or heard on a daily basis at XLSP from 7 May to 7 July. Black-bellied Plover

A single adult was observed foraging along the northern shore on 1 June 1988. I n 1989,2 plovers were seen on 9 and 13 May and a lone bird was seen on 15 May. On 20 May 1989, a group of 11 plovers was spotted on the lake edge. Lesser Golden-Plover

A single adult i n breeding plumage was sighted along a small pond i n the NW section of the study area on 17 May 1988. Snowy Plover

Since 1985, Lake Abert has had the largest breeding population of these plovers i n Oregon. I n 1980, Herman et al. (1988) counted 345 plovers at Lake Abert. I n 1988 an intensive survey accounted for only 258 adults and 60 hatch-year birds. The largest number of plovers counted during 1989 was on 15 July when 256 adults and 25 hatch-year birds were seen along the lake edge. Semipalmated Plover

Between 4 and 10 May 1988, plovers were seen i n small groups of 2-19 birds along the lake edge and the perimeter of small ephemeral ponds. Three ploverswereatXLSPbetween21 and25 May 1988. Plovers were not seen again unt i l 7 July 1988 when 2 adults were spotted along the north shore. These plovers were seen from 30 Apri l 1989 to 30 May 1989 i n flocks numbering from 2 to over 200 birds i n the early part of May. The first returning migrants were seen on 21 June 1989. Killdeer


Killdeer were very common nesters i n all habitat types but preferred areas where saltgrass (Distichlis sp.) surrounded a body of fresh water, often nesting i n association w i t h American Avocets and Snowy Plovers. The first chicks were seen on 29 May 1988 and the first fledged juvenile on 3 July 1988. I n 1989 the first chicks were seen on 11 May. Black-necked Stilt

Small groups of 2 to 8 stilts were observed from 4 May to 2 June 1988. The majority of sightings were at a small, heavily-vegetated pond NE of Pike's Place Ranch. Stilts were often observed per forming d i s t rac t i on displays consisting of aerial mobbing, broken wing, and mock incubation at this site when disturbed. No sti lt nests were found although this area was heavily used by avocets as a nesting area. Stilts were rare ly seen i n June as we concentrated our work i n other areas. A lone adult was spotted wi th a group of 54 avocets along the NE shore of Lake Abert on 3 July1988. Groups of 2-4 stilts were commonly seen between 28 Apr i l 1989 and 6 May 1989 i n wet meadow habitat. Sightings of a lone stilt on 28 May 1989, a group of 6 on 7 June 1989, and 2 birds on 11 June 1989 all occurred along the lake edge. American Avocet

Avocets were the most abundant nesting shorebird at Lake Abert w i t h an estimated 1000 breeding birds. Avocets congregated i n the NE corner of Lake Abert, east of Sawed Horn point, and along the fresh water seeps of the west side. By mid-July avocet numbers increased two- or threefold as post breeders gathered to feed on the rich concentrations of alkali flies. Willet

Willets were a conspicuous but not numerous breeder at Lake Abert. Greater Yellowlegs

A lone bird was observed on 14 May 1989 near Dune Lake . Greater Yellowlegs were heard calling between 4 and 7 July 1989 at XLSP. Spotted Sandpiper

Lone sandpipers were observed at XLSP on 9,19,23 and 29 May 1988. I n 1989 a single bird was observed at XLSP on 4 and 15 May and 2 birds were seen here on 13 May. Whimbrel

Alone Whimbrel was observed feeding along the lake edge near Tule Springs on 30 May 1989. Long-billed Curlew

The curlews' large size coupled wi th its loud, unmistakable call made i t a very conspicuous inhabitant of our study area. Eight nests were found between 7

and 25 May 1988. The first known hatch occurred on 27 May 1988, but the first sighting of chicks occurred on 14 June 1988. One adult was observed incubating on 3 July 1988. I n 1989, 7 nests were found out of an estimated 40 nesting pairs. Thirteen broods totaling 34 chicks were observed between 30 May and 1 July 1989. Curlews nest i n the saltgrass flats and the wet meadows that surround the north end. Chicks were seen most often i n the wet meadow areas where ungrazed sedge/rush patches provided cover from predators. Pairs staked out territories i n late Apr i l and early May and by mid-May most females were incubating. Peak hatching occurred i n the first half of June and by 1 July curlews without young had left the study area. Marbled Godwit

Godwits were irregular migrants at Lake Abert i n 1989. The first sighting was of 4 adults at XLSP on 29 Apr i l 1989. Two were spotted on 30 Apr i l and singles were seen on 20,24 May, and 24 June 1989. On 30 June 1989, 7 adults were observed foraging along the lake shore. The last sighting was of a single on 16 July 1989. Ruddy Turnstone

A lone adult i n breeding plumage was sighted along the lake edge on 13 May 1989. Red Knot

Three adults i n breeding plumage were seen feeding on alkali flies along the NW lake edge on 20 May 1989. Sanderling

Two adult Sanderlings were seen feeding along the lake edge along wi th 11 Baird's Sandpipers and hundreds of Western and Least Sandpipers and 1000+ Red-necked Phalaropes on 20 May 1989. Western Sandpiper

Western Sandpipers were one ofthe most abundant shorebirds at Lake Abert during the first half of May. I n 1988, these peeps left the study area between 13 -16 May and were not resighted unt i l 1 July. On 4 May 1989 there were an estimated 15,000 peeps along the northern lake edge. By 9 May 1989, the number of peeps seen along the lake edge had dropped to approximately 5000 birds and by 11 May only 1 Western Sandpiper was seen. Westerns were not seen again unt i l 3 June 1989, when 3 birds were spotted. Westerns were seen sporadically i n the last week of June and then by 4 July 1989 there were hundreds of peeps along the shore. A shorebird census conducted on 17 July 1989, accounted for 5014 peeps (Western and Least Sandpipers) along the lake edge.

Least Sandpiper Least Sandpipers were the second

most abundant shorebird at Lake Abert duringthefirsthalfofMay. Thesepeeps were the first to return to Lake Abert and were first seen on 28 June 1988. I n 1989 Least Sandpipers were more common than Westerns between 28 Apri l and 3 May. Six thousand of these sandpipers were seen by Merle Archie on 27 Apr i l 1989 i n the northeastern corner of the lake (Rogers 1989). Between 3 May and 9 May, Westerns outnumbered Least Sandpipers. Small groups of Leasts were seen unt i l 17 May 1989. Least Sandpipers, like Westerns, werenotcom-monly seen unt i l 4 July 1989. Baird's Sandpiper

These sandpipers were first observed on 20 May 1989, feeding along side ofhundreds of peeps, phalropes and one Sanderling. On 30 May 1989, a lone Baird's was seen along the lake edge. Pectoral Sandpiper

A lone female was observed NE of Pike's Place Ranch on 20 May 1988. Dunlin

Groups of 5-63 Dunlin were observed foraging along lake and pond edges between 6 and 10 May 1988. I n 1989, counts of 300+ Dunlin were made from 28 Apr i l to 6 May. Small groups of Dunlin (2-30 birds) were seen unt i l 20 May when 6 birds were the last sighting made i n the 1989 study period. Long-billed Dowitcher

I n 1988, small groups of 1 to 5 dow-itchers were observed between 5 and 20 May. High counts of 14, 22 and 32 dowitchers occurred on 8,9 and 18 May. Dowitchers were again sighted on 5 July 1988, when 4 birds were seen along the northern lake edge. I n 1989, dowitchers were commonly seen i n flocks of up to 80 birds unt i l 17 May. A lone dowitcher was spotted on 24 June but were not commonly seen u n t i l 7 July. Common Snipe

I n 1988, snipe were common i n the wet meadow areas of north Lake Abert and were heard winnowing throughout May and into early June. I n 1989 the first snipe was not heard unt i l 6 June. Wilson's Phalarope

These phalaropes could be seen throughout the study period but were common during early May when flocks i n excess of 2000 phalaropes could be seen along the lake edge. Phalarope numbers began to increase towards mid-June and by 30 June there were thousands of birds along the lake edge. Boula (1986) est imated 50,000+ phalaropes (Wilson's and Red-necked) along the lake edge by late July. A count conducted on 17 July 1989 accounted for 9640 phalaropes along the lake edge.


Red-necked Phalarope These phalaropes were quite nu

merous throughout May wi th the largest numbers (2000+) occurring i n mid-May. These birds are absent from the study area unt i l the end of June when thousands of these phalaropes congregated along the NE shore of the lake. Franklin's Oull

Two adults i n breeding plumage were observed on 12 May 1988, i n the NW corner of the study area. I n 1989, Franklin's Gulls were seen i n groups of 1-3 adults on 28 and 30 Apri l , 4, 17, 24 and 30 May, 5 and 27 June, and 15-16 July. Bonaparte's Oull

A lone bird i n non-breeding plumage was first seen on 10 May 1989 and then again on 10 June. A small flock of 10 Bonapartes were seen often i n the NW corner of the lake i n late June and late July 1989. Ring-billed Oull

I n 1988 and 1989 small groups of Ring-bills were seen i n early May. By late May flocks of 70-100+ gulls gathered along the lake edge. The majority of the gulls observed i n May were first and second summer birds while adult numbers increased throughout June. California Gull

California Gulls were seen throughout the study period i n 1989 but were not seen unt i l mid-June i n 1988. The majority of the gulls sighted i n May were second and th i rd year birds wi th adult numbers increasing i n late June. By 5 July 1989, thousands of gulls gathered along the eastern and northern shores of the lake. Caspian Tern

Two adults were observed near Tule Springs on 10 June 1989. Forster's Tern

These terns were uncommon at north Lake Abert having been observed only 4 times during 1988. A group of 3 were seen on 20 May and a single adult was spotted at XLSP on 7 and 8 June. The last sighting i n 1988 occurred on 16 June when 11 terns were observed i n the NW corner of the study area. I n 1989, these terns were seen on 5 May (single adult), 1 June (2 adults), and on 10 June (3 adults). Black Tern

Single adults were seen on 13, 20 and 24 May 1989 along the lake edge. Rock Dove

A flock of 15 doves was observed flying south on 17 June 1989. Rock Doves are known to nest along the cliffs of Abert Rim but have only been sighted on the study area once. Mourning Dove

Small groups of 2 to 8 doves were

often seen at XLSP and PPR throughout the study period. Great Horned Owl

These owls were heard calling on several nights during May 1988 i n the vicinity of XLSP. Great Horned Owls were not heard nor seen i n 1989. Burrowing Owl

On 6 July 1989 an adult was seen perched i n the sage uplands on the west side of the study area. Short-eared Owl

I n 1988 a Short-eared Owl was observed diving at a Red-tailed Hawk at XLSP on 8 May and a single owl was flushed from approximately the same location i n a wet meadow near Pike's Place Ranch on 24 May and 2 June. These owls were not seen i n 1989. Common Nighthawk

The first nighthawk of 1988 was first sighted on 31 May near XLSP. By 3 June 1988 these birds were abundant. I n 1989, nighthawks were first sighted on 4 June. A nest containing 2 eggs was found on the scab flats upon Sawed Horn on 30 June 1989. Twenty or more birds foraging over the shallow canals of XLSP was a common sight by mid June. Common Poorwill

A poorwill was heard calling at XLSP on the morning of 30 May 1988. I n 1989, a bird was heard calling on 14 May at XLSP and on 30 June a bird was observed on the scab-flats of Sawed Horn. Vaux's Swift

A single swift was seen along the rimrock on the west side on 17 May 1989. Rufous Hummingbird

A female was spotted at XLSP on 1 July 1988 and once on 12 July 1989. Belted Kingfisher

I n 1988 a female was observed feeding at XLSP between 4 and 7 May while on 11 and 12 May a male was seen at XLSP. The same pattern was repeated i n 1989 when a female was seen feeding at XLSP between 26 and 28 Apr i l followed by sightings of a single male between 1 and 7 May and 17-18 May. Lewis' Woodpecker

A single adult was seen at XLSP between 1 and 4 June 1988 and on 29 Apr i l 1989. Red-naped Sapsucker

A male was observed on 30 Apr i l 1989 i n the cottonwoods at XLSP. Olive-sided Flycatcher

One adult was seen perched on a fence wire i n the NW corner of the study area on 2 June 1988. Single adults were seen at XLSP between 18 and 23 May 1989. Western Wood-Pewee

Pewees were observed foraging among the willows of XLSP between 11

May and 6 June 1988. Most sightings were of a pair but on 16 May and 6 June 1988, 4 pewees were seen at XLSP. Single adults were seen on 5 and 18 May 1989 and several birds were i n the XLSP area from 24 May to 1 June 1989. Willow Flycatcher

A single adult was seen at XLSP on 27 May 1988 and on 1 July 1989. Dusky Flycatcher

A single Dusky was observed at XLSP from 2 to 14 May 1989. Say's Phoebe

A single a d u l t was spotted flycatching over the alkaline flats on 7 May 1988 and along the east side on 29 April 1989. These were the only sightings on the study area but Say's Phoebes were more common on the sage-covered slopes which surrounded the study area. Western Kingbird

I n 1988, single kingbirds were sighted on 6, 7 and 8 May at XLSP and i n the NW corner. A pair arrived at XLSP on 17 May and initiated nest building i n the cottonwoods on 24 May. This pair was stil l incubating on 4 July as their nest was twice destroyed by high winds. The first kingbird of 1989 was spotted on 29 Apr i l on the east side. Single birds were spotted on 6,10 and 18 May and then a group of 5 was spotted along the lake edge on 30 May. Once again a pair nested i n the cottonwoods at XLSP. A copulation was witnessed on 17 June and the adults were feeding young on 8 July 1989. Eastern Kingbird

A single adult was seen at XLSP on 29 and 30 May 1989. Horned Lark

Larks were very common nesters at Lake Abert and can be seen i n all habitats. Larks were often observed consuming brine flies along the lake edge. By mid-June hundreds of fledged young and adults could be seen feeding on the dense concentrations of brine flies along the northwest shore of the lake. Tree Swallow

These were the most abundant swallows at XLSP between 4 and 6 May 1988. By 7 May 1988 all but the pair plus an attendant that used a nest box at XLSP had left. I n 1989 the first sighting, a lone adult, occurred on 1 May. On 2 May there were at least 30 Tree Swallows at X L spring and by 7 May all but a nesting pair had left the area. Violet-green Swallow

I n 1988, 20-30 of these swallows were observed daily at XLSP between 4 and 7 May. These swallows were seen only on 29 Apr i l and on 2 May during 1989. Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Single birds were spotted along the


west side and at X L springs on 2 May and 12 June 1989. On 3 May 1989 a group of 5 were seen perched on a fence along wi th 10 Cliff Swallows near X L springs. Bank Swallow

One Bank Swallow was seen i n the NW corner on 7 May and 4 were seen at XLSP on 9 May 1989. On 13 May 1989, a single adult was seen wi th a mixed flock of Barn and Cliff Swalllows resting on the playa along the lake edge. Cliff Swallow

I n 1988, Cliff Swallows were very numerous between 4 and 6 May at XLSP but only 1 bird was seen on 7 May. On 21 May several swallows were observed foraging near an active Golden Eagle nest. These swallows were sporadically seen near XLSP throughout the study period and probably nest i n the adjacent rimrock. I n 1989, small flocks between 5-10 birds were seen from 28 Apr i l and 3 May. Smaller groups were seen sporadically after this date. Barn Swallow

I n 1988, several pairs of Barn Swallows were seen at XLSP on 4-5 May and by 6 May they were the dominant species of swallows. On 7 May 1988, many pairs were flying around the cabin at XLSP looking for nest sites. By 27 May these swallows were nesting i n many of the abandoned outbuildings of the X L Ranch. I n 1989, these swallows were already present at XLSP when we arrived on 28 Apri l . The greatest numbers of Barn Swallows were observed on 1-2 May when 25-30 swallows were foraging around XLSP. Nest building began around 8 June and by 7 July there were young i n the nest. Black-billed Magpie

Magpies were periodically seen perched upon one of several old nests located i n the two willows of XLSP. They were occasionally seen i n other parts of the study area. No active nests were found but 2 recently fledged young were seen on 4 July 1989 near XLSP. Common Raven

Ravens were often observed soaring over the study area. Many inactive nests were located i n several abandoned cabins. Several inactive nests were located i n abandoned outbuildings on the study area. I n 1988, a pair of ravens nesting south of Pike's Place Ranch i n a large cottonwood fledged 3 young. Red-breasted Nuthatch

Single nuthatches were observed foraging i n the cottonwoods of XLSP on 11, 18, 20 May and 7 June 1988. The only sighting i n 1989 was on 7 June at XLSP. Canyon Wren

A wren was heard singing i n a can

yon on the west side on 12 July 1989. Rock Wren

Rock Wrens could be heard calling i n al l of the rimrock areas and were very common at XLSP. House Wren

One adult was seen at XLSP on 11 May 1988. Marsh Wren

These wrens nested i n al l areas where tules occurred on the study site. Ruby-crowned Kinglet

One kinglet was seen on 5 May and 3 were seen on 8 May foraging among the willows of XLSP i n 1988. Kinglets were seen almost daily at XLSP from 26 Apr i l to 18 May 1989 and not seen after 19 May 1989. Hermit Thrush

Lone thrushes were spotted on 28 and 30 May 1989 at XLSP. American Robin

The only sighting i n 1988 was of an adult on 6 June. I n 1989, single robins were seen on 29 Apr i l and 6 May at XLSP. On 1 May there were 2 females seen at XLSP. Robins may have passed through the Lake Abert area prior to our arrival on 4 May 1988. Sage Thrasher

Thrashers were heard singing throughout the study period and can usually be found i n the appropriate upland habitat. Water Pipit

Pipits were seen or heard sporadically from 28 Apr i l to 13 May 1989. Cedar Waxwing

A lone adult was seen perched i n the willows of XLSP on 25 May 1988. Lone wax wings were observed at XLSP on 27-28 May 1989. Loggerhead Shrike

Shrikes were often seen i n the greasewood scrub zones of the study area. These birds nest i n the desert scrub surrounding the alkali flats of the north end. On 4 July 1989 a group of 4 recently fledged young and 2 adults were seen near XLSP. European Starling

Starlings were very common nest-ers i n the cottonwoods at XLSP, displacing Tree Swallows and other cavity nest-ers. The first young were seen on 6 June 1988. Solitary Vireo

One adult was seen i n the willows of XLSP on 25 May 1988. Warbling Vireo

Single adults were seen at XLSP on 18,23,24Mayand7Junel988. In l989 , these vireos were seen between 8 May and 18 May at XLSP. Orange-crowned Warbler

One adult was observed at XLSP on the evening of 24 May 1988. These

warblers were seen between 29 Apri l and 18 May 1989. On 18 May a single Orange-crowned Warbler was seen i n the willows along w i t h several Yellow-rumped Warblers, Wilson's Warblers, Yellow Warblers, a Palm Warbler, a Townsend's Warbler, and a Common Yellowthroat. Nashville Warbler

One was observed on 11 May 1988. I n 1989 these warblers were seen on 29 Apri l (2 adults) and on 2 and 15 May (single adults) at XLSP. Yellow Warbler

Yellow Warblers were common at XLSP i n May and into the first week of June. From 2 to 6 birds could usually be seen foraging i n the willows during this time period. Yellow-rumped Warbler

B o t h the " M y r t l e " and the "Audubon's" forms of this warbler were common at XLSP during late Apri l and into early June. The high count for this species i n 1988 was 6 birds on 11 May. I n 1989, on 2 May a flock of approximately 30 Yellow-rumped Warblers flew into the XLSP area. Townsend's Warbler

Townsend's Warblers were seen on 3 occasions at XLSP i n 1988. The first sighting was of a brilliantly-colored male on 11 May. The next sighting was of a female on 23 May followed by 2 males on 25 May. The only sighting i n 1989 was of a male on 18 May at XLSP. Palm Warbler

A bright male, along wi th 6 other warbler species (see Orange-crowned Warbler account) was seen i n the w i l lows of XLSP on 18 May 1989. Northern Waterthrush

A single adult was seen foraging along the edge of XLSP on 8 and 9 May 1988. MacGillivray's Warbler

Alone male was seen atXLSP on 23 and 24 May. Common Yellowthroat

A pair of Yellowthroats nested i n thehardstembulrushes at XLSP in 1988 and 1989. Wilson's Warbler

These warblers were common at XLSP throughout May and early June. During May 1 to 3 males could be seen foraging i n the willows of XLSP while females were only occasionally observed. Yellow-breasted Chat

One chat was observed foraging i n the cottonwoods at XLSP on 20 May 1988. Western Tanager

Tanagers were commonly seen at XLSP throughout May i n both 1988 and 1989.


Black-headed Grosbeak A lone male was observed at XLSP

between 24 and 30 May 1988 and on 16 May 1989. Lazuli Bunting

Lazuli Buntings were observed on 3 occasions at XLSP i n 1988. The first sighting was of a male on 11 May followed by sightings of females on 24 May and 3 June. I n 1989, Lazuli Buntings were seen almost daily i n May and were last seen on 5 June. Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrows were common around XLSP from 4 to 12 May and were not seen after 17 May 1988. These sparrows were seen only on 30 Apr i l and 1 May i n 1989. Brewer's Sparrow

Brewer's Sparrows were common breeders on the sage-covered hillsides which surround the north end of the study area. Vesper Sparrow

These sparrows were common breeders at XLSP and occur i n the wet meadow and saltgrass areas. Lark Sparrow

I n 1988, Lark Sparrows were observed most frequently at XLSP during May when courtship activities were observed. Lark Sparrows were not observed i n June and were not seen unt i l 3 July when 3 were observed at XLSP. On 8 July 1988 a juvenile was spotted being fed by adults at XLSP. I n 1989 these sparrows were often seen i n May and into mid-June. Black-throated Sparrow

There was a small breeding population of these sparrows located 2.0 k m west of XLSP. This area was visited several times during the study period. Up to 3 males were seen on territory on each visit. These sparrows have also been seen at XLSP and have been heard singing along the west side of Sawed Horn.

Sage Sparrow These sparrows were common

breeders on the shrub covered slopes which surround the northern end of the study area. Savannah Sparrow

Savannah Sparrows were the most common breeding sparrows at Lake Abert and can be found over the entire study area. Fox Sparrow

A single Fox Sparrow was seen on 10 May 1988 and on 20 May 1989 at XLSP. Song Sparrow

Single adults were seen on 17, 18, and 24 May 1988 and 8 May 1989 at XLSP. Lincoln's Sparrow

One adult was observed on 24 May 1988 i n the NW corner of the study area. Golden-crowned Sparrow

A single adult i n breeding plumage was observed on 11 May 1988 at XLSP. I n 1989, single Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen on 1,2,4, and 5 May. White-crowned Sparrow

Single adults were seen on 9 and 21 May 1988. These sparrows were seen on 30 Apri l , 2 and 5 May 1989. A l l sightings were at XLSP. Red-winged Blackbird

Redwings were common breeders i n the wet meadow areas of north Lake Abert. Western Meadowlark

Meadowlarks were abundant i n the wet meadows and the surrounding greasewood covered slopes of the north end. The first fledged juvenile was spotted on 31 May i n 1988. Yellow-headed Blackbird

Yellowheads were abundant along the edges of perennial ponds and seeps that had tule stands. Yellowheads were observed i n large flocks into early May, but by the end of the first week of May males were on territories. The willows

at XLSP was the roosting site for approximately 50 Yellowheads. By late June the males had left their territories and formed large flocks that congregated near the freshwater seeps i n the NE corner of the study area. The females were sti l l on territory at the end of the study period. Brewer's Blackbird

These blackbirds were numerous around the horse corrals and heavily grazed areas adjacent to XLSP and Pike's Place Ranch often i n association with cowbirds. These birds were also numerous i n the isolated patches of greasewood that were located around seeps i n the midst of the playa. Brown-headed Cowbird

Cowbirds were abundant at XLSP through May and into June i n 1988 and 1989. Northern Oriole

These birds nested i n the cottonwoods at XLSP i n 1988 and 1989. M i grants passed through XLSP between late Apr i l and mid June. House Finch

A single male was observed singing at XLSP between 22 and 25 May 1988. Pine Siskin

Single adults were seen on 17 and 21 May 1988 at XLSP. A flock of 15 siskins stopped briefly at XLSP on 19 May 1988. Lesser Goldfinch

A single adult female was observed at XLSP on 23 May 1988. American Goldfinch

A small flock of approximately 20 Lesser Goldfinchs arrived at XLSP on the evening of 18 May 1988 and remained unt i l the next morning. Evening Grosbeak

Two males were observed at XLSP on 19 May and a single male was seen on 21 May 1988. The last sighting was of a female on 4 June 1988. I n 1989, 2 females were seen at XLSP on 4 May.

Table 1. Checklist of B i r d Species of North Lake Abert, Lake Co., Oregon

Habitat Key ^ LE Lake edge; the variable margin where the lake meets the playa PL Playa; the extensive unvegetated saltflats of the north end of Lake Abert SG Saltgrass; the areas dominated by saltgrass wi th scattered greasewood

W M Wet meadow; areas that are dominated by sedges, rushes, and grasses; formerly used as hay meadows X L X L Spring and Ranch; former working ranch that has a small pond and several trees UP Upland areas; sage, rabbitbrush, and greasewood covered slopes surrounding the north end of the lake

Abundance Key a Abundant - seen i n large numbers on every visit to proper habitat i n proper season c Common - smaller numbers seen on at least 50 percent of visits to proper habitat i n proper season u Uncommon - seen on approximately 10-50 percent of visits to proper habitat i n proper season o Occasional - seen i n 1988 and i n 1989 but less than 15 records; to be expected yearly r Rare - seen only i n 1988 or only i n 1989 or less than 5 records; not to be expected on a yearly basis

A Accidental - only one observation during our study; species not normally encountered i n Lake County * Known breeder at Lake Abert

** Possible breeder at Lake Abert


SPECIES HABITAT ABUN First Obs 88 Last Obs 88 First Obs 89 Last Obs 89 P»c-brSe<-J Grebe LE, XL 0 8 May 14 June 6 May 16 Jury Ea-ed Grebe LE a 5 May 8 July 28 April 18 July Western Grebe XL r 7 June 19 June American White Pelican LE 0 7 July 8 July 9 May 13 July Double-crested Cormorant LE r 28 June 28 June

9 May

American Bittern XL, WM r 19 May 26 May Great Blue Heron XL, WM 0 10 May 29 June 6 June 17 July Great Egret XL, WM 0 17 May 21 May 29 May 30 May Snowy Egret XL, WM 0 17 May 21 May 20 May 9 July Black-crowned Night-Heron XL, WM 0 4 May 6 June 1 May 15 July White-faced Ibis XL, WM u 8 May 30 May 28 April 17 July Tundra Swan WM r 2 May 6 May

28 April 17 July

Trumpeter Swan WM r 13 May 13 May Snow Goose WM r 6 May 27 May Brant LE A 30 May 30 May Canada Goose * WM,LE c 5 May 7 Jury 26 April 16 July Green-winged Teal Mallard *

WM, LE u 5 May 31 May 28 April 21 June Green-winged Teal Mallard * WM, LE c 4 May 7 Jury 26 April 10 July Northern Pintail LE c 6 May 3 July 29 April 15 July Blue-winged Teal LE 0 11 May 25 May 31 May 11 June Cinnamon Teal* WM, LE c 5 May 3 Jury 28 April 5 July Northern Shoveler * WM, LE a 5 May 7 July 28 April 17 July Gadwall * WM.LE c 5 May 7 July 28 April 11 July American Wigeon LE 0 6 May 8 May 29 April 2 June Redhead LE 0 18 May 5 July 1 April 8 Jury Lesser Scaup LE 0 3 May 3 May 5 May 11 June Hooded Merganser LE r 1 July 1 Jury Ruddy Duck LE 0 5 May 10 May 28 April 6 May Turkey Vulture * u 8 May 30 May 29 April 11 July Osprey r 30 April 16 May Northern Harrier * WM, LE c 7 May 7 July 28 May 16 July Swainson's Hawk " r 2 May 2 May

28 May

Red-tailed Hawk * u 6 May 29 May 29 April 15 July Golden Eagle * c 5 May 5 July 26 April 17 July American Kestrel XL r 2 May 23 May Merlin r 29 April 29 April Peregrine Falcon r 6May 6 May Prairie Falcon * u 6 May 7 July 30 April 12 July Chukar * UP c 7 May 28 June 3 May 4 July California Quail * XL u 5 May 2 July 29 April 15 May Sora* XL, WM u 5 May 15 June 1May 11 June American Coot * XL c 4 May 7 July 28 April 17 July Greater Sandhill Crane * WM.XL u 5 May 5 June 7 May 8 July Black-bellied Plover LE 0 1 June 1 June 9 May 17 July Lesser Golden-Plover LE A 17 May 17 May

9 May 17 July

Snowy Plover * PL, LE, SG c 5 May 8 Jury 29 April 17 July Semipalmated Plover LE u 4 May 8 July 30 April 17 July Killdeer' LE, SG, XL c 4 May 8 July 28 April 17 July Black-necked Stilt" WM 0 4 May 3 July 28 April 15 July American Avocet * WM, LE a 4 May 8 July 28 April 17 July Greater Yellowlegs WM, LE r 14 May 9 July Willet * WM, LE c 4 May 5 July 28 April 17 July Spotted Sandpiper" XL, WM u 9 May 29 May 4 May 30 June Whimbrel LE A 30 May 30 May Long-billed Curlew * WM,SG c 4 May 3 July 26 April 16 July Marbled Godwit LE 0 29 April 16 July Ruddy Turnstone LE A 13 May 13 May Red Knot LE A 20 May 20 May Sanderling LE A 20 May 20 May Western Sandpiper LE a 4 May 8 July 28 May 17 July Least Sandpiper LE a 4 May 8 July 28 May 17 Jury Baird's Sandpiper LE r 20 May 30 May Pectoral Sandpiper LE A 20 May 20 May Dunlin LE u 6 May 10 May 28 April 20 May Long-billed Dowitcher LE, WM u 5 May 5 July 28 April 17 July Common Snipe * WM u 6 May 15 June 6 June 4 July Wilson's Phalarope * WM, LE a 7 May 8 July 30 April 17 Jury Red-necked Phalarope LE a 29 May 8 July 13 May 17 July Franklin's Gull LE 0 12 May 12 May 28 April 16 July Bonaparte's Gull LE 0 10 May 13 Jury Ring-billed Gull LE a 8 May 8 July 28 April 17 July California Gull LE a 5 May 8 July 28 April 17 Jury Caspian Tem LE r 10 June 10 June Forster"s Tem XL, LE 0 20 May 16 June 5 May 5 July Black Tem LE r 13 May 5 June

5 May 5 July

Rock Dove 0 17 June 17 June Mourning Dove * UP, XL c 7 May 2 July 26 April 14 July

Oregon Birds 17(3): 76, Fail 1991

Great Homed Owl" UP, XL u 8 May 28 May Burrowing Owl ** UP r 6 July 6 July Short-eared Owl " WM r 8 May 2 June Common Nighthawk * WM.XL c 31 May 8 Jury 4 June 17 July Common Poorwill " UP 0 30 May 30 May 14 May 1 Jury Vaux's Swift r 17 May 17 May Rufous Hummingbird XL r 8 July 16 July Belted Kingfisher XL 0 4 May 12 May 26 April 19 May Lewis' Woodpecker XL r 1 June 4 May 29 April 29 April Red-naped Sapsucker XL r 20 May 20 May Olive-sided Flycatcher XL r 2 June 2 June 18 May 24 May Western Wood-Pewee XL 0 11 May 6 June 5 May 8 June Willow Flycatcher XL r 27 May 27 May 1 July 1 July Dusky Flycatcher XL r 2 May 14 May Say's Phoebe " UP 0 7 May 7 May 29 April 29 April Western Kingbird * XL c 6 May 8 July 29 April 17 Jury Eastern Kingbird Homed Lark *

XL r 29 May 30 May Eastern Kingbird Homed Lark * LE, WM, UP a 4 May 8 July 26 April 17 July Tree Swallow * XL, WM c 4 May 15 July 1 May 16 July Violet-green Swallow XL, WM 0 4 May 27 May 29 April 3 May Northern Rough-winged Swallow XL, WM r 2 May 12 June Bank Swallow XL, WM r 7 May 9 May 13 May 13 May Cliff Swallow ** XL, WM, UP u 4 May 25 June 28 April 7 June Bam Swallow * XL, WM c 4 May 8 Jury 28 April 17 July Black-billed Magpie * Common Raven *

XL, SG, UP c 4 May 1 July 28 April 15 July Black-billed Magpie * Common Raven * c 6 May 7 July 26 April 17 July Red-breasted Nuthatch XL r 11 May 7 June 7 June 7 June Canyon Wren " UP 0 11 July 11 July Rock Wren * UP a 4 May 8 July 26 April 17 July House Wren XL r 11 May 11 May

17 July

Marsh Wren * XL, WM c 5 May 7 Jury 26 April 16 Jury Ruby-crowned Kinglet XL 0 5 May 8 May 26 April 20 May Hermit Thrush XL r 28 April 30 April American Robin XL 0 6 June 6 June 29 April 6 May Sage Thrasher * UP c 8 May 4 July 18 May 11 July Water Pipit LE 0 28 April 13 May Cedar Waxwing XL r 25 May 25 May 27 May 28 May Loggerhead Shrike * UP.SG c 5 May 26 June 30 April 15 July European Starling * XL c 4 May 15 June 26 April 18 June Solitary Vireo XL r 25 May 25 May Warbling Vireo XL 0 18 May 7 June 8 May 20 May Orange-crowned Warbler XL 0 24 May 24 May 29 April 18 May Nashville Warbler XL 0 11 May 11 May 29 April 15 May Yellow Warbler" XL c 5 May 4 June 28 April 3 June Yellow-rumped Warbler XL c 7 May 24 May 26 April 3 June Townsend's Warbler XL 0 11 May 25 May 18 May 18 May Palm Warbler XL A 18 May 18 May Northern Waterthrush XL A 8 May 9 May MacGillivray's Warbler XL r 23 May 24 May Common Yellowthroat * XL c 5 May 6 June 28 April 17 July Wilson's Warbler" XL c 9 May 7 June 4 May 7 June Yellow-breasted Chat XL r 20 May 20 May

4 May

Western Tanager XL u 9 May 30 May 2 May 16 Jury Black-headed Grosbeak XL 0 24 May 30 May 16 May 16 May Lazuli Bunting XL 0 11 May 3 June 28 April 5 June Chipping Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow *

XL, UP 0 8 May 9 May 30 April 1 May Chipping Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow * UP c 8 May 24 June 6 May 15 July Vesper Sparrow * SG.UP u 6 May 2 July 5 May 10 July Lark Sparrow " XL, UP c 8 May 9 July 30 April 16 July Black-throated Sparrow * Sage Sparrow *

UP u 30 May 9 July 30 April 7 July Black-throated Sparrow * Sage Sparrow * UP c 9 May 27 June 8 May 11 July Savannah Sparrow * WM a 5 May 8 July 30 April 15 July Fox Sparrow XL A 10 May 10 May 20 May 20 May Song Sparrow XL 0 17 May 24 May 8 May 8 May Lincoln's Sparrow WM r 24 May 24 May Golden-crowned Sparrow XL A 11 May 11 May 1 May 5 May White-crowned Sparrow XL, UP 0 9 May 21 May 29 April 5 May Red-winged Blackbird * WM a 4 May 8 July 26 April 17 July Western Meadowlark * WM, SG a 4 May 8 July 26 April 17 July Yellow-headed Blackbird * XL, WM a 4 May 8 July 2 April 17 July Brewer's Blackbird * UP a 4 May 8 July 30 April 17 July Brown-headed Cowbird * WM, UP a 4 May 8 July 26 April 17 July Northern Oriole * XL u 11 May 8 July 29 April 11 July House Finch XL r 23 May 25 May 6 June 7 June Pine Siskin XL r 17 May 21 May Lesser Goldfinch XL r 23 May 23 May American Goldfinch XL r 19 May 19 May 4 May 4 May Evening Grosbeak XL 0 18 May 4 June 4 May 4 May

0 Oregon Birds 17(3): 77, Fall 1991

REVIEW — Birds of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon

By Carroll D. Littlefield. Illustrated by Susan Lindstedt. Oregon State University Press, 1990. ISBN 0-87071-360-4 (alk. paper), ISBN 0-87071-361-2 (pbk. alk. paper). 294 pp.

Tom Crabtree, 1667N.W. Iowa, Bend, OR 97701

Birds of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon is apparently the first book published about the birds of any National Wildlife Refuge. As a pioneering effort, "CD. " Littlefield's book is a qualified success. I t was written as a reference, and not a birding guide. I t has to be assessed for what i t is — an evaluation of the bird diversity wi th in the boundaries of one of the country's best wildlife refuges and not as a birding guide to the region.

Oregon birders, particularly, would have preferred abookthat encompassed Harney County, where the refuge is located, rather than merely the refuge itself. A t 10,132 square miles, Harney Countyis larger than 7 states. Although this would have greatly expanded the scope of the book, i t would have been a much better production i f i t had been a county-wide book. Many good records were omitted by the failure to include such places as Fields, Cottonwood Creek, the mountains north of Burns, and the Catlow Valley. As a result, Oregon's only records of Gray-cheeked Thrush, Le Conte's Sparrow, Bell's Vireo, Kentucky Warbler, and its second record of Wood Thrush are left out.

The book begins wi th a description of the area i n which the refuge is located. This section is brief and factual. Twelve pages are devoted to a discussion of the vegetation of the area and the bird habitats present on the 184,000 acre refuge. Thirteen pages are spent discussing bird finding i n the region. This information is concise, and provides a first-time visitor to the area useful information on where to go to find the various species of birds that occur on the refuge. There are 8 maps, some of which depict the whole refuge, and some are larger scale maps of portions of the refuge.

The bulk of the book is made up of species accounts. A total of 312 species are said to have occurred on the refuge (and the surrounding region) since 1874. However, the book only includes species accounts for 308. The refuge itself was established i n 1908, although the bulk of the records for the refuge dates back to the mid-70's when birders "discovered" the refuge. The species accounts consist of 238 pages. They cover a time

period from when Major Charles Bendire [referred to as Captain i n this book] was stationed at nearby Camp Harney i n the 1870's through 1988. A n amusing passage of the book states "bird records for this remote region of the west are available from 1874 through 1988, a period of 112 years."

The bird finding section gives a good overview of the seasonal bird activity on the refuge. The information included here is more of a reference than a birding guide. The information covers some of the best birding areas on the refuge and nearby area, but i t by no means covers them all. This section is not as detailed as that i n Ramsey's Birding Oregon, but is on a par wi th that i n Evanich's Birder's Guide to Oregon.

The species accounts are generally good. Some, like the American White Pelican, provide a good historical review covering more than a century. The species accounts for the regularly-occurring birds include the average arrival and departure dates, status, the habitat the species is found i n on the refuge and occasionally other pertinent information. For some reason, only refuge and C.D.'s personal records were consulted. Official records of the Oregon B i r d Records C o m m i t t e e were not consulted , even though they are read i ly avai lable i n Rare Birds of O r e g o n (Schmidt, O., Ed., 1989, Oregon Field Or-n i t h o l o g i s t s Special Publication No. 5). Among those records missed were an immat u r e Broad-winged Hawk on 2 October 1983; a H u d s o n i a n Godwit on 21

September 1984; all records of Alder and Least Flycatcher; Oregon's only Northern Wheatear on 22 June 1977; Magnolia Warbler on 27 May 1979 and 29 May 1981; Black-throated Blue Warbler on 23 September 1987. Neither American Birds nor Oregon Birds were consulted for records on the refuge. Additionally, some dates are erroneously recorded, something that perhaps was inevitable, but could have been caught wi th a l i t t le bit of research.

Other minor defects include the fact that the mammal list includes only 5 species, while the official refuge list i n cludes 58 currently-occurring species and 6 that occurred i n historical times. Most birders would have preferred that bar graphs be included to show seasonal abundance i n an easy to understand format. Also, an index for place names i n addition to the bird species would have been helpful.

A birder would have written a different book. Nevertheless, C D . Littlefield, the wildlife biologist, has provided a good basic reference on the birds of one of the West's most important National Wildlife Refuges.


REVIEW — No Woman Tenderfoot: Florence Merriam Bailey, Pioneer Naturalist

By Harriet Kofalk Texas A & M University Press, 1989, $19.95 plus shipping (cost varies), (800)826-8911 to order directly.

Alan Contreras*, 101 Amador No. 29, Jefferson City, MO 65109

I thought the sparrow's note from heaven, Singing at dawn on the alder bough; I brought h i m home, i n his nest, at even; He sings his song, but i t cheers not now, For I did not bring home the river and the sky; — He sang to my ear, — they sang to my eye. — Ralph Waldo Emerson, from Each and All

Anyone interested i n the natural history of the west cannot help but be impressed by the career of Florence Merriam Bailey, an ornithologist born at a time when young ladies did not, by and large, study birds i n the more rugged parts of the country. She was the first woman to become a Fellow of the American Ornithologists' Union, an honor earned by her contribution to knowledge of bird behavior and distribution, especially i n the American southwest. Eugene, Oregon, author Harriet Kofalk brings to life for a modern audience Florence Merriam, the young lady who went to Smith College i n Massachusetts (receiving her degree decades later) and later married and worked with longtime western mammalogist Vernon Bailey.

One of the most telling chapters i n this biography deals wi th Florence's years at Smith, where she organized the women against wearing hats w i th birds or feathers on them As one ofher friends put i t , a woman should not wear "a charnel house of beaks and claws and bones and feathers and glass eyes upon her fatuous head." A t that time the feather trade was severely damaging bird populations, a problem exemplified by such seemingly unlikely hat ornaments as 13 stuffed Belted Kingfishers. Her own diaries of the time capture the unusual spectacle of 40 rather proper young ladies starting out at 5:30 on a rainy morning to accompany n a t u r a l i s t Burroughs on a bird walk. This chronicle of the young ornithologist? s life provides a hint as to the seemingly inexhaustible energy and commitment to her task that would remain wi th her unt i l very late i n life.

From Smith, Florence Merriam, along wi th her brother, U.S. Biological Survey head C. Hart Merriam, and other leading naturalists of the day, helped

establish what would become Audubon magazine. Her early contributions to this and other publications are chronicled carefully i n this biography, as are each ofher books and the ways they came to be written. Her first book, a compilation of these early essays and articles on birds and how to study them, was Birds Through an Opera Glass. This book was noteworthy at the time not only because a woman of 26 wrote i t but for its assumption that birds could be studied wi th useful results without shooting them.

Another early book, A-Birding on a Bronco, resulted from two western trips, and included not only notes on the Phainopepla (some of which also appeared i n The Auk), but the first published book illustrated by an artist whose name would become so synonymous wi th excellence i n bird illustrations that his work would be reprinted nearly a century later i n American Birds. This was Louis Agassiz Fuertes, then a college

"A list of species is good to have, but without a knowledge of the birds themselves, it is like Emerson's sparrow brought home without the river and the sky."

— Florence Merriam Bailey

junior, whomFlorence had met when he was a boy.

Perhaps the most significant of Bailey's contributions to published ornithology was one of her last books, the moxmmentelBirds of New Mexico (1928), although her many articles and notes i n a variety of publications certainly made significant contributions to ornithological knowledge throughout the country, especially the west. This book sent me to

Gabrielson and Jewett's 1940 Birds of Oregon (still a significant reference) where I sought and found, wi th pleasure, several references to Bailey's contributions to knowledge of the birds of Oregon. Kofalk's book even contains a photograph t a k e n i n G a r i b a l d i , Tillamook Co., close to the town where I was born, and also of her party up the McKenzie River. I t was thri l l ing to know that I had watched birds where she had.

Despite the reputation of the New Mexico book and other scientific articles and books of her later years, the most i m p o r t a n t c o n t r i b u t i o n Florence Merriam Bailey made to the study of birds may have been her tireless promotion of the idea that much could be learned by observing birds i n the field rather than shooting bags of them to carry back to the museum, a concept dating from her first small book. A l though she did not oppose collecting for some purposes, she played a significant role i n expanding the milieu of ornithology from the study of what birds are to the additional consideration of what birds do and the context i n which they do i t . This key focus of Bailey's life, upon which a significant part of modern ornithology is based, is deftly traced by Kofalk, and can be illustrated by Bailey's description of a female hummingbird

building a nest, i n which she noted that

"The peculiar feature of her work was her quivering motion in moulding. When her material was placed she moulded her nest like a potter, twir l ing around against the sides, sometimes pressing so hard she ruffled up the feathers of her breast .... To round the outside, she would sit on the r i m and lean over, smoothing the sides wi th her

bi l l , often wi th the same peculiar tremulous motion...."

Bailey's life was full of remarkable people i n c l u d i n g , i n add i t i on to Burroughs and Fuertes, botanist Alice Eastwood, entomologist Mary Treat, artist Ernest Thompson Seton, and ornithologists Olive Thorne Miller, Robert Ridgway, Althea Sherman, Margaret Morse Nice, and others. Her interac-(Continued on page 81.)


Birds of McDonald Forest, Benton Co,, Oregon David L . Swanson, Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331

For the past 5 years (June 1985 - F e b r u a r y 1990) I have been mist^nett ing and banding passerine b irds i n M c D o n a l d Forest, Benton County , Oregon. These studies have provided numerous opportunit ies for b i r d observation. M o s t of the banding studies were conducted i n forest "edge" h a b i t a t so the m a j o r i t y of m y observations p e r t a i n to t h i s h a b i t a t type, b u t I also spent considerable t i m e i n other h a b i t a t types. Over t h i s t i m e period, I spent approx imate ly 50-60 days per year observing b irds .

M c D o n a l d Forest is a n exper imenta l forest managed by the Forestry Depar t m e n t of Oregon State U n i v e r s i t y for pro f i t logging, b u t also serves as a state game reserve. I t is located on t h e eastern slopes of t h e centra l Oregon Coast Range, and h a b i t a t types and av i fauna are probably typ i ca l of t h e eastern coast range adjacent to the W i l l a m e t t e Val ley , excepting m e d i u m to large s t ream r i p a r i a n habi tats and large ponds or lakes. H a b i t a t types inc lude smal l s t r e a m r i p a r i a n , open meadow, second-growth conifer forest, and clear-cut areas.

The fo l lowing checklist includes 84 species and consists of a l l b i rds I have observed a t least once over the t i m e period of m y studies. Symbols used i n t h e checklist are described below. Abundances given are the l ike l ihood t h a t an experienced observer w o u l d see a given b i r d on a given day. Seasonal status includes summer residents or vis i tors (s), w i n t e r residents or vis i tors (w), and permanent residents or v is i tors not specific to any season (unmarked) . This l i s t is not intended as a comprehensive review of t h e av i fauna of McDonald Forest, only as a guide to w h a t is l i k e l y to be found there according to m y experience. The fo l lowing is a synopsis of m y observations.

LEGEND hard to miss a should see c may see u hard to find regularly 0 seldom seen r

Status Note Order Ciconirformes Family Ardeidae

Great Blue Heron r Order Anserrformes 1 Family Anatidae

Canada Goose r Mallard r

Order Falconiformes Family Cathartidae

Turkey Vulture us Family Accipitridae

Bald Eagle r 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 Red-tailed Hawk 0

Order Gallrformes Family Phasianidae

Blue Grouse us, ow Ruffed Grouse 0 California Quail 0 Mountain Quail us, ow

Order Columbtformes Family Columbidae

Band-tailed Pigeon us Mourning Dove cs

Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae

Great Homed Owl 0 Northern Pygmy-Owl 0 3

Long-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl

Order Caprimulgrformes Family Caprimulgidae

Common Nighthawk Order Apodiformes Family Apodidae

Vaux's Swift Family Trochilidae

Rufous Hummingbird Order Coracirformes Family Alcedinidae

Belted Kingfisher Order Piciformes Family Picidae

Red-breasted Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker

Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae

Olive-sided Flycatcher Western Wood-Pewee Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher

Family Hirundinidae Vblet-green Swallow Bam Swallow

Family Corvidae Gray Jay Steller's Jay Scrub Jay American Crow Common Raven

Family Paridae

r rs

os

os

us us cs cs

us os

o a r u o

Black-capped Chickadee c Chestnut-backed Chickadee c

Family Aegithalidae BushtH u

Family Sittidae Red-breasted Nuthatch c White-breasted Nuthatch c

Family Certhiidae Brown Creeper u

Family Troglodytidae Bewick's Wren c House Wren us Winter Wren us, cw

Family Muscicapidae Golden-crowned Kinglet cw, rs Ruby-crowned Kinglet cw Western Bluebird OS Townsend's Solitaire r Swainson's Thrush cs Hermit Thrush ow American Robin c Varied Thrush u Wrentit 0

Family Bombycillidae Cedar Waxwing u

Family Viraonidae Solitary Vireo OS

Hutton's Vireo 0 Warbling Vireo OS

Family Emberizidae Orange-crowned Warbler cs Yellow Warbler rs Yellow-rumped Warbler us, ow Black-thr. Gray Warbler us Townsend's Warbler 0 Hermit Warbler OS MacGillivray's Warbler cs Common Yellowthroat us Wilson's Warbler cs Western Tanager us Black-headed Grosbeak us Lazuli Bunting us Rufous-sided Towhee c Chipping Sparrow OS

Fox Sparrow u Song Sparrow c Golden-crowned Sparrow OW White-crowned Sp. cs, rw Dark-eyed Junco a Brown-headed Cowbird OS

Family Fringillidae Purple Finch O

Red Crossbill O

Pine Siskin 0 American Goldfinch us Evening Grosbeak 0


This page p r in ted on recycled paper.

(D 6 - 7 - 8 September 1991

To get to the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, follow the signs to Charleston. OIMB is on the right hand side coming over the bridge from Coos Bay. Follow the signs. Park at OIMB and walk to the Boat House. Charleston Charters is just before the bridge on the left hand side coming from Coos Bay.

Fridag, 6 September

Registration, 5-8 pm • "Shorebird and Seabird Identification," OIMB, Boat House, 8 pm

Saturday, 7 September Pelagic Trip, Charleston Charters, 5:45 am • Field trips to Bandon Marsh, Pony Slough, North Spit, New River Estuary, 7:45 am • Dinner at OIMB, 6 pm • Dave Shuford, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, The Pacific Flyway Project,' 8 pm Sunday, 8 September Pelagic Trip, Charleston Charters, 5:45 am • Field trips to Bandon Marsh, Pony Slough, North Spit, New River Estuary, 7:45 am

We will have a pelagic trip both Saturday and Sunday mornings. These trips are on a large boat piloted by an experienced captain who knows where to find birds. There will be an expert in identification on board during each trip. Dress in layers and take rain gear. If motion sickness is a problem get a TransDerm Scop patch from your doctor. Breakfast is on your own. Birds usually seen include Black-footed Albatross, Sooty, Pink-footed and Buller's Shearwaters, Red and Rednecked Phalaropes, Sabine's Gulls and many other species. Whales are often seen.

We will lead a field trip into the New River area south of Bandon. This is an all-day trip so bring a sack lunch. You may need to wade across shallow water. Be prepared for wind and sun.

We will also lead a field trip to Bandon Marsh, North Spit, and Pony Slough. This is an excellent time of year to see fall migration shorebirds. Surfbirds and Marbled Godwits are commonly seen. Wandering Tattlers are usually seen and hopefully Red Knots and Lesser Golden Plovers. There will be a short side trip to see Snowy Plovers.

Lodging: The dormitory at OIMB is available Friday and Saturday night at $10.00 per night. You must bring your own bedding and towels; space is limited. Many major motels and campgrounds are available; write for a list

Photo contest and exhibit. There will be a photography contest and exhibit featuring shorebirds on display at the North Bend Public Library. For details and entry form, contact Ken Dazey, 3333 Kentuck Way, North Bend, OR 97459, [503)756-7280

For more information, contact LynToprts, CapeArago Audubon Society, P.O. Box 381, North Bend, OR 97459, (503)267-7208.

6 - 7 - 8 September 1991

Oregon Institute of Marine Biology Charleston, Oregon

Sponsored by

Cape Arago Audubon Society

In cooperation with

Oregon Field Ornithologists Fill in for each participant 1. Name

Address Phone

2. Name Address Phone

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NEEDED

No. of EACH PERSONS TOTAL

Registration $12.00 Pelagic Trip Saturday $40.00

Sunday $40.00 Dinner Saturday night (pre-registration needed) $8.00 Lodging in OIMB dorm, per night $10.00 HanesT-ShirtfS, M,L,XL) $10.00 Sweat-Shift (S, M. L, XL) (advance order needed) $16.00 OFO Membership Individual $16.00

Family $20.00 TOTAL ENCLOSED $

Make checks payable to Cape Arago Audubon Society; return registration form to: Cape Arago Audubon Society, P.O. Box 381, North Bend, OR 97459

#f A l t a r IFWkll SM8®ii 2 ?

Remember OFO's birding weekend at Malheur Field Station in September 1986? Remember the 177 species seen by birders that weekend — including Red-Shouldered Hawk, Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, Flammulated Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Blackpoll Warbler, American Redstart, and Ovenbird? Remember Dave Irons announcing in the crowded dining hall that he had just seen a possible Lesser Nighthawk? Remember the dining hall being completely empty 30 seconds later?

If you do, then youll remember that the idea behind that weekend was to have a second OFO meeting, other than the Annual Meeting, that would be "field* oriented. That 1986 weekend was well-attended, lots of fun, and not repeated — until this year!

Set aside the dates of 27 - 29 September for the second OFO Fall Weekend at Malheur Field Station. Dorms C, D, G, and Owl have been reserved for OFO, and some trailers are still available. A few RV spaces are also available (RVs must be completely contained). Meais may be taken at the MFS dining hall or you may bring your own food. Trailers and some dorms have cooking facilities. Please call MFS at (503)493-2629 to make your lodging and dining reservations, or write to MFS at HC 72 Box 260, Princeton, OR 97721.

The registration fee, besides supporting OFO, covers the rare bird slide show to be presented by Harry Nehls after the Saturday night count-down dinner. MFS director Lucile Housley has arranged for a special seating in the dining hall at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night for OFO members. Those not registering may dine in the dining hall at 5:30 p.m. The Saturday night meal will be a chicken dinner. Those who require vegetarian meals will need to make that specification to MFS no later than 14 September. Other than a get-together Friday night to show a few of our own best slides and the presentation by Harry Saturday night, the weekend will be unstructured — you'll be free to explore Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Some other notable species found at Malheur mid- to late-September in recent years have been Solitary Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Red-eyed Vireo, Cape May Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Palm Warbler, Chestnut-Sided Warbler, Bay-Breasted Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, White-throated Sparrow, Rosy Finch (Steens Mtn.), and Summer Tanager.

So for great birding, no mosquitos, and an opportunity to support both OFO and MFS, fill out the attached registration form and join us at MFS in September!

Sheran Jones, 9785 S.W. Ventura Court, Tigard, OR 97223,(503)246-5594.

• 8:00 pm, Potpourri slide show, MFS dining hall

• 6:30 pm, Dinner (on your own, or make arrangements with MFS)

•7:30 pm, Harry Nehls, Highlights from the Oregon Bird Records Committee, MFS dining hall

Thisjaage g r i n t e d on recycled paper.

OirtipK IPteM ©iTOittlh O tete5 Full W<§<itafi)<i

• Registration deadline I September 1991 • For later registrations, call Sheran Jones (phone below) • Make your lodging arrangements separately •

Fill in for each participant

1. Name Phone

Address

City State Zip

2. Name Phone

Address

City State Zip

-

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NEEDED

Registration OFO member $5.00 non-OFO member $7.00

•

1-year OFO Membership Individual $16.00 Family $20.00

TOTAL ENCLOSED

Make your check payable to OFO or Oregon Field Ornithologists

For lodging and meals at the Field Station, contact: Lucile Housley, Executive Director Malheur Field Station HC72 Box 260 Princeton, OR 97721 (503)493-2629

Ml this form by I September 1991 to, and for more information contact: Sheran Jones 9785 S.W. Ventura Court Tigard, OR 97223 (503)246-5594

0 ? ? @ [ p l h B i n n i I b © p

Remember OFO's birding weekend at Malheur Field Station in September 1986? Remember the 177 species seen by birders that weekend — including Red-Shouldered Hawk, Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, Flammulated Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Blackpoll Warbler, American Redstart, and Ovenbird? Remember Dave Irons announcing in the crowded dining hall that he had just seen a possible Lesser Nighthawk? Remember the dining hall being completely empty 30 seconds later?

If you do, then youll remember that the idea behind that weekend was to have a second OFO meeting, other than the Annual Meeting, that would be "field" oriented. That 1986 weekend was well-attended, lots of fun, and not repeated — until this year!

Set aside the dates of 27 - 29 September for the second OFO Fall Weekend at Malheur Field Station. Dorms C, D, G, and Owl have been reserved for OFO, and some trailers are still available. A few RV spaces are also available (RVs must be completely contained). Meals may be taken at the MFS dining hall or you may bring your own food. Trailers and some dorms have cooking facilities. Please call MFS at (503)493-2629 to make your lodging and dining reservations, or write to MFS at HC 72 Box 260, Princeton, OR 97721.

The registration fee, besides supporting OFO, covers the rare bird slide show to be presented by Harry Nehls after the Saturday night count-down dinner. MFS director Lucile Housley has arranged for a special seating in the dining hall at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night for OFO members. Those not registering may dine in the dining hall at 5:30 p.m. The Saturday night meal will be a chicken dinner. Those who require vegetarian meals will need to make that specification to MFS no later than 14 September. Other than a get-together Friday night to show a few of our own best slides and the presentation by Harry Saturday night, the weekend will be unstructured — you'll be free to explore Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Some other notable species found at Malheur mid- to late-September in recent years have been Solitary Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Red-eyed Vireo, Cape May Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Palm Warbler, Chestnut-Sided Warbler, Bay-Breasted Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, White-throated Sparrow, Rosy Finch (Steens Mtn.), and Summer Tanager.

So for great birding, no mosquitos, and an opportunity to support both OFO and MFS, fill out the attached registration form and join us at MFS in September!

Sheran Jones, 9785 S.W. Ventura Court, Tigard, OR 97223,(503)246-5594.

• 8:00 pm, Potpourri slide show, MFS dining hall

' 6:30 pm, Dinner (on your own, or make arrangements wrtti MFS)

•7:30 pm, Harry Nehls, Highlights from the Oregon Bird Records Committee, MFS dining hall

Th is j j age p r in ted on recycled paper.

©LT<§PL7u B d i (OmMml^kf^9 Full W<ittei<dl

R@§SgirsifS©!Ti F a r m

• Registration deadline I September 1991 • For later registrations, call Sheran Jones (phone below) • Make your lodging arrangements separately •

Fill in for each participant

1. Name Phone

Address

CHy State Zip

2. Name Phone

Address

City State Zip

USE ADDmONAL SHEETS IF NEEDED

EACH NUMBER TOTAL Registration OFO member $5.00

non-OFO member $7.00 1-year OFO Membership Individual $16.00

Family $20.00 TOTAL ENCLOSED

Make your check payable to OFO or Oregon Field Ornithologists

For lodging and meals at the Field Station, contact: Lucile Housley, Executive Director Malheur Field Station HC72 Box 260 Princeton, OR 97721 (503)493-2629

mil this form by I September 1991 to, and for more information contact: Sheran Jones 9785 S.W. Ventura Court Tigard, OR 97223 (503)246-5594

MEMBERSHIP IN OFO BRINGS YOU • Oregon Birds — OFO's quarterly journa l w i th news briefs • status and identif ication of Oregon's birds • b i rd-f inding guides to Oregon's better b i rd ing spots and rarer species. • Proceedings of the Oregon Bird Records

Committee — Stay current on the rare birds of Oregon. • Annual meetings — Participate in OFO 's birding meetings, held at some of Oregon's top b i rd ing spots. • Pub l icat ions— O F O publishes useful f ie ld cards 1 and other f ie ld checklists accurate accord ing to the Off ic ia l Checklist o f Oregon birds prepared by the Oregon Bird Records Committee.

OREGON FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS Application for membership

FOR USE IN 1991 ONLY

1

Name

2.

Address

3.

City State Z ip

4. " . / •.' •.

Telephone

5. • $16.00 Indiv idual 6. • Renewal

• $20.00 Family • N e w member

• $35.00 Sustaining

• $500 .00 Life Membership

• $ Oregon Fund for O rn i tho logy

7. EJ Do N O T put my name and phone number in OFO Directory

8. Make check payable to Oregon Field Ornithologists or OFO , and mail to the

Treasurer, P.O. Box 10373, Eugene, OR 97440

;e pr inted on recycled paper.

OFO BOOKCASE and MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION This fo rm good in 1991

Oregon Field Ornithologists EACH ORDER One-year Membe r sh ip — f i l l in f rom reverse/opposite side $ Oregon Fund for O r n i t h o l o g y $

Special Publication No. 4, A Bibliography of Bird Identification Articles in Five journals, with Cross-References to a List of Over 650 Species. Clar ice Wa tson , 53 pp. , August 1990 $4 .00 $. Oregon Field Ornithologists sticker $ 1 . 0 0 $. Checkl ist of Oregon Birds, 1989 . 22 pp $ 1 . 5 0 $ O F O ' s Field Checking Card (this card fits in to f i e ld guide) 5 . . . . $1 .00 $.

1 5 . . . . $ 2 . 5 0 $ 3 0 . . . . $4 .50 $.

Oregon Birds back issues as avai lable (write to the Treasurer) Vo lumes 5-17, pr ice varies $

Birds of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. C D . L i t t lef ie ld. 1990, 294 pp $ 1 6 . 0 0 $. The Birders Guide to Oregon. Joe Evanich. 1990, 288 pp $ 1 3 . 0 0 $.

Natural Sound Cassettes by Eleanor Pugh 90-minute tapes

Birds o f Foothi l l W o o d l a n d Edges $9 .00 $. A n A lmanac o f Western Habitats $9 .00 $ Learn to Identi fy Birds by Ear $ 9 . 0 0 $

60-minute tapes Birds o f the Wet lands $ 8 . 0 0 $. Backyard B ird Songs $ 8 . 0 0 $. Warblers of the West $ 8 . 0 0 $. O w l s and Woodpecke rs $ 8 . 0 0 $. Thrushes and Sparrows $8 .00 $.

W r i t e for add i t iona l t it les

T O T A L $_

All items postage paid. M a k e check payable to Oregon Field Orn i tho log is ts or OFO , and ma i l to the

Treasurer, P.O. Box 10373, Eugene, OR 97440

O B 17(3), F a l l 1991

Astoria I 'y-f Mike Patterson,

325-1365 \ \

Tillamook Craig Roberts,

842-5782\

I Jeff Gilligan, 234-5961 1 Harry Nehls, 233-3976 | Owen Schmidt, 282-9403 S Portland ~ ;

a Umatilla/Hermistoh^^PauMSullivan Marion Corder, 922-3653 ~~—--w-sj Craig Corder, 567-8944 X3

Joseph '<•••• 432-7250,1

\m \b Bellin, 393-0243

\ Lucas, 363-9710

CorvalliS/^hilomath | Jan & Rick Krabbe, 929-5941 \

i Elzy & Elsie\Eltzroth, 745-7806 Florence \ Pat M&ynahan, 997- \

2691 Bill S j ^ z , 997-8978

Coos Bay/North

L y ^ o p i t s , 267-1^208

Lgrry Thomburgh £ 2 7 5 6 - 4 2 8 1

Canyon City

x Bend ^Tjom C

gene 1m Carlson, 485-449T,

/ Clarice Watson, 485-61,37

Tom Winters, 575-2833

Area Code for Oregon is 503

btree, 388-2462 y

I W t Orford jjfjn Rogers, Carrie Osborne,

Bookings — Cdfin Dillingham,

Kit Larsen, 344-9574 / Tom Mickel, 485-7112

s-\b Combs, 689-6660 JJoseburg/Glide Alice Parker, 672-1549 Meredith Jones, 672-6367 Ron Maertz, 496-3848

\ \d

_V -Mar jor ie Moore, 482-1303 June Babcock, 826-7011

Phone number in italics j | means you may reach an

, I V answering machine, 'j

(s i lver Lake Steve Summers,

576-2190

Rules for a network are simple: rare birds only (no east/west orwest/east Oregon birds); birders who get calls have to make calls (this means long distance tolls); and once on the network, keep it going by keeping your address and phone numbers) current. Minimum information on a rare bird call should include species, age and sex (if not known, say so), number of birds, who found it (them), and who to call for more information, if anyone.

Birders who would like to represent their local birding areas should write to

The Editor, Oregon Birds 3007 N.E. 32nd Avenue Portland, OR 972I2

Please feel free to send ideas and suggestions, too!

This page pr in ted o n recycled paper.

• Ashland Marjorie Moore, 357 Taylor Street, Ashland, OR 97520, (H)482-1303, 776-7294 B. June Babcock, 17297 Antioch Road, White City, OR 97503, (H)826-7011 • Astoria Mike Patterson, 324 38th Street, Astoria, OR 97103, (H)325-1365 • Bend Tom Crabtree, 1667 N.W. Iowa, Bend, OR 97701, (H)388-2462 (W)389-7723,1-800-762-6616 • Brookings Colin Dillingham, 437 Azalea Park Road, Brookings, OR 97415, (H)469-9624 • Canyon City Tom Winters, P.O. Box 111, Canyon City, OR 97820, {H)575-2833 (W)575-1637 • C o o s Bay/North Bend Ben Fawver, 793 Johnson, Coos Bay, OR 97420, (H)267-6485 Lyn Topits, 888 Telegraph, Coos Bay, OR 97420, (H)267-7208 (W)888-4762 Barbara Griffin, 1691 Grant Street, North Bend OR 97459, (H)756-5688 Larry Thomburgh, 2058 Cedar Court, North Bend, OR 97459, (H)756-4281 » C o r v a l l i s / P h i l o m a t h Elzy & Elsie Eltzroth, 6980 N.W. Cardinal, Corvallis, OR 97330, (H)745-7806 Jan & Rick Krabbe, 24461 Columbine Drive, Philomath, OR 97370, (H) 929-5941 (W-Jan)928-2361

x410(W-Rick)967-5821 • E u g e n e Jim Carlson, 1560 Chasa St., Eugene, OR 97401, (H) 485-4491 (W) 687-4436 (leave message) Barb Combs, 1466 Elkay Drive, Eugene, OR 97404, (H)689-6660, (W)378-6190 Kit Larsen, 2162 Kincaid Street, Eugene, OR 97405, (H)344-9574 (W) 686-4394 Tom Mickel, 5259 Overbrook Lane, Eugene, OR 97405, (H)485-7112, (W) 935-2283 Clarice Watson, 3787 Wilshire Lane, Eugene, OR 97405, (H)485-6137 • Florence Pat Moynahan, 88518 Fourth Avenue, Florence, OR 97439, (H)997-2691 Bill Stotz, 1305 Laurel, Florence, OR 97439, (H)997-8978 • Joseph Paul Sullivan, 100 N. Main #3, Joseph, OR 97846, (H)432-7250 (W)426-4784 • Portland Jeff Gilligan, 26 N.E. 32nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97232, {H)234-5961 (W)326-3057 Harry Nehls, 2736 S.E. 20th, Portland, OR 97202, (H)233-3976 Owen Schmidt, 3007 N.E. 32nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97212, (H)282-9403 (W)326-3115 • Port Orford Jim Rogers & Carrie Osborne, 95187 Elk River Rd., Port Orford, OR 97465, (H)332-2555 • Roseburg/Glide Alice Parker, 313 W. Hickory St., Roseburg, OR 97470, (H)672-1549 Meredith Jones, 1394 Fisher Rd. N.W., Roseburg, OR 97470, {H)672-6367 Ron Maertz, 257 Brown Street, Glide, OR 97443, (H)496-3847 • S a l e m Barb Bellin, 4730 Elizabeth Street N., Salem, OR 97303, (H)393-0243 Bob Lucas, 392 Holder Lane S.E., Salem, OR 97306, (H)363-9710 • Silver Lake Steve Summers, P.O. Box 202, Silver Lake, OR 97638, (H)576-2190 • Tillamook Craig Roberts, 2880 Old Netarts Road W., Tillamook, OR 97141, (H)842-5782 • Umatilla/Hermiston Marion Corder, Rt. 1 Bx. 210, Umatilla, OR 97882, (H)922-3653 Craig Corder, P.O. Box 1174, Hermiston, OR 97838, (H)567-8944 (W)567-6414

Phone number in italics means you may reach an answering machine.

This page printed on recycled paper.

The 92nd Christmas Bird Count is 14 December 1991 through 2 January 1992, inclusive. Get notice of your Count published in Oregon Birds.

First, this is for compilers of Christmas Bird Counts. If you are one, please fill in this form. If you know of one who is not an OFO member and is not reading this, please either bring this to their attention, or contact the Editor of Oregon Birds. Numbers correspond to past published reports, see OB 16(4): insert; OB 15(4): 240,1989; OB 16(4): insert.

Second, circle your CBC on the map above. If your CBC is not on the map, please pencil it in. Third, fill in this information:

Name and address of Compiler:

Compiler's phone numberfs):

Name of Count:

Date of Count (92nd CBC):

Information on meeting time and place, and other notes:

Fourth, please mail this form to the Oregon Birds Editor by 25 October 1991: Editor, 3007 N.E. 32nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97212, (503)282-9403.

Notes 1 D u e to the lack of l a r g e r streams,

ponds, or lakes, w a t e r f o w l are v e r y seldom observed i n M c D o n a l d F o r est. The Canada Goose is l i s t ed f r o m a single s i g h t i n g of 1 b i r d f lushed f r o m a n ephemeral s t r e a m d u r i n g h i g h w a t e r condit ions on 14 February 1990. Overhead sightings of m i g r a t i n g b i r d s are t h e most l i k e l y possibi l i t ies for v i e w i n g w a t e r f o w l .

2 B a l d Eagles are r a r e probably due to the la ck of l a rger bodies of water .

3 I believe N o r t h e r n Pygmy-Owls are more common t h a n general ly bel ieved. I have seen P y g m y - O w l s a t tack and k i l l a Dark -eyed Junco and a j u v e n i l e Rufous-sided To -whee t h a t were t r a p p e d i n m y nets. Pygmy-Owls are r e l a t i v e l y easy to see (and hear ) d u r i n g F e b r u a r y a n d M a r c h . I f one is h e a r d c a l l i n g a t t h i s t i m e of year i t w i l l u s u a l l y respond to a n i m i t a t i o n of i t s ca l l and persistence w i l l u s u a l l y r e s u l t i n b r i n g i n g t h e b i r d i n t o v iew.

4 The Long-eared O w l is l i s ted on t h e basis of a single s i g h t i n g of a n i n d i v i d u a l b i r d on 8 J u n e 1987. Observat ion a t t h i s t i m e of year is n o t e w o r t h y since Long-eared Owls are not r e g u l a r breeders i n west e r n Oregon.

5 I believe N o r t h e r n S a w - w h e t Owls are more common t h a n genera l ly accepted. I have 2 records of t h i s species (both i n J u l y ) . B o t h records were of b i rds tang led i n mis t -nets t h a t h a d been set u p before d a w n .

6 C o m m o n N i g h t h a w k s presumab ly breed i n c e r t a i n areas of M c D o n a l d Forest i n s m a l l numbers . They are t h e l as t of t h e s p r i n g m i g r a n t s to arr ive , u s u a l l y a round 1 June . T h e y are best v i ewed a t dusk , f l y i n g over clear-cuts. I have not iced fewer of these b i rds over the past 2 years t h a n i n previous years.

7 B e l t e d K i n g f i s h e r s are r a r e due to lack of l a rger bodies of w a t e r . The l i s t i n g is f r o m a single s i g h t i n g of a n i n d i v i d u a l b i r d a long B a k e r Cr.

8 Scrub Jays r a r e l y penetrate t h e forest h a b i t a t t y p i c a l of M c D o n a l d Forest. I t s l i s t i n g stems f r o m 1 record i n A u g u s t 1987.

9 The vast m a j o r i t y of m y A m e r i c a n C r o w s ight ings were of l a rge flocks f l y i n g overhead i n t h e ear ly m o r n

i n g . Perhaps t h e y roost w i t h i n t h e forest.

10 I have on ly 1 record for Golden-crowned K i n g l e t i n summer . T w o b i rds were present a t about 1000 f t e levat ion i n J u l y 1987.

11 Townsend's So l i ta i re is l i s ted on t h e basis of a single s i g h t i n g of 1 b i r d i n F e b r u a r y 1987.

12 W r e n t i t s can be observed and heard t h r o u g h o u t the s p r i n g and s u m m e r i n b r u s h y areas. I presume t h e y breed i n M c D o n a l d Forest i n sui table hab i ta t s .

13 Hut ton ' s Vireos can be located f a i r l y r e g u l a r l y i n w i n t e r b y " sp i sh ing" a n d i m i t a t i n g P y g m y - O w l hoots. U s u a l l y chickadees w i l l respond f i r s t , fo l lowed by k i n g l e t s , a n d oft e n 1 or 2 vireos.

14 H e r m i t Warb lers can be f ound i n M c D o n a l d F o r e s t a t e levat ions above about 500 f t . I have banded i m m a t u r e s i n J u l y a n d A u g u s t a l ong w i t h i m m a t u r e s of o t h e r w a r b l e r species. Th is suggests t h a t H e r m i t W a r b l e r s b r e e d i n M c D o n a l d Forest .

0

No Woman Tenderfoot (Continued from page 79.) t ions w i t h t h e few other women w i t h substant ia l reputat ions i n ornithology were especially i m p o r t a n t to her, a l t h o u g h she was always very independent.

Anyone who reads t h i s book w i l l be hard-pressed to find a n y t h i n g w o r t h g r i p i n g about, except perhaps for a gratu i tous quibble about t h e obscure t i t l e , reflective of another book, Woman Tenderfoot in the Rockies, by Grace Seton-Thompson. The beg inning chapters are perhaps a b i t too stuffed w i t h young Florence Merr iam ' s fami ly and relatives, b u t h e r brother H a r t had a signif icant impac t on her l i fe by encouraging her interest i n b i rds , a n d other relatives reappear later whenFlorence visits t h e m i n t h e west, so keeping t r a c k of t h e m does have value.

The book has excellent notes, a b ib l i ography of Bailey's w o r k , and a thor ough index. I used a l l of these to crosscheck th ings t h a t interested me, and vaguely remembered i tems, and found w h a t I w a n t e d each t i m e , a thoroughness and ease of use t o w a r d w h i c h m a n y so-called indexes could str ive .

I n add i t i on to i t s p o r t r a i t of the n a t u r a l h i s tory of t h e Amer i can west f r o m t h e la te 1800s t h r o u g h the 1940s, replete w i t h Ka ibab squirrels , obscure shrews, and other tidbits, the book offers a bonus t h a t seeps into the reader's consciousness: the ear ly h is tory of the U.S. Biological Survey. Th is addi t ional theme does not d i s t rac t a reader f r o m t h e focus on Florence Bai ley , b u t ra ther is a n a t u r a l o u t g r o w t h of the discussion of m u c h of her work .

F o r anyone whose interest i n birds and n a t u r a l h i s t o ry i n general reaches beyond t h e nex t Rare B i r d A l e r t and the acquisit ive b i r d i n g past ime of the past 20 years , t h e example of Florence M e r r i a m Bai l ey not only makes good read ing b u t offers another p a t h for those of us who enjoy w a t c h i n g birds. A f t e r a l l , she h a d a Pa inted Redstart fly in to her t e n t one cold A p r i l day; could any modern b i rder complain?

0

* A l a n Contreras c u r r e n t l y works for t h e M i s s o u r i Coord inat ing Board for H i g h e r Educat ion . H e is a fourth-generat i on Oregonian, a former editor of Oregon Birds , and a former secretary and member of t h e Oregon B i r d Records Committee .


SITE GUIDE: Coos Bay Area, Coos County Larry Thomburgh, 2058 Cedar Court, North Bend, OR 97459

N O R T H S P I T A R E A As you approach N o r t h Bend from

the n o r t h on H i g h w a y 101 , follow t h e signs west for "Horsfa l l Dune and Beach." Th is road to the N o r t h Sp i t is on a c a u s e w a y 0.7 m i l e s n o r t h o f t h e M c C u l l o u g h B r i d g e across t h e Coos River. A t 1.1 mi les , the road forks. I n the la te f a l l , w a t c h the telephone wires for Tropical K ingb i rds . I f you take the r i g h t fork , y o u are headed for Hors fa l l Beach and B l u e b i l l Lake .

Hors fa l l Beach (#1) is another 2.5 miles beyond t h e fork. Th is dune area is good for W a t e r P ip i t s i n the f a l l and other passerines such as sparrows and even H o r n e d L a r k s .

I f you t a k e t h e le f t f o rk you head west t o w a r d the N o r t h Sp i t on "Trans -Pacific Parkway . " A t 0.4 m i l e you m a y t u r n left onto "an u n n a m e d road followi n g the signs t o w a r d "Roseburg Forest Products." Jordan Cove (#2), on the left , is 0.3 miles f r o m the 'Trans-Pacific P a r k way" and can be very good for shorebirds on the mudf la ts and water fowl (possibly the rare Emperor Goose again) i n t h e w i n t e r . Th is road dead-ends and you w i l l eventual ly need to r e t u r n

Back a t t h e intersect ion w i t h t h e Trans-Pacific P a r k w a y , cont inue west 2.3 miles to a n enormous ef f luent pond (#3) behind the d ike on t h e west side of the Trans-Pacific Parkway . A s y o u t rave l t h i s section of road, look for raptors i n the trees (Peregrine Falcons, B lack -shouldered Ki tes , Rough-legged H a w k s , and M e r l i n s among others). N o r t h e r n Shrikes can be anywhere i n the fields as wel l . T u n d r a Swans use t h e lake i n the winter . Numerous shorebirds use t h e m u d d y marg ins of t h e lake and the i s lands d u r i n g the f a l l a n d w i n t e r . A Buf f -breasted Sandpiper was i n t h i s p o n d ( 1 3 September 1986). J u s t 0.8 miles f a r t h e r south is a t emporary pond i n the deflat i o n p l a i n of the dunes (#4). D u r i n g shorebird m i g r a t i o n i n t h e f a l l , t h i s is the best shorebirding hotspot on the Coos River. Pectoral and Baird 's Sandpipers are regulars. Some of t h e more u n c o m m o n shoreb i rds i n c l u d e S t i l t Sandpipers, Sharp- ta i led Sandpipers, and Semipalmated Sandpipers. This same pond was where our only county record of Barrow's Goldeneye was found. Parasit ic Jaegars, Black-necked St i l t s , A m e r i c a n Avocets, and White- faced Ib i s have been located a t t h i s t i n y pond. L a t e r i n the w i n t e r , there are a large

var i e ty of water fowl t h a t use t h i s smal l pond such a Ruddy Ducks , Ring-necked Ducks, C innamon Teal , and b o t h scaups.

The i m p r o v e d road ends a t t h e Anadromous Inc . salmon hatchery 1.0 m i l e f a r ther south of t h e def lat ion p l a i n pond. A w a l k along t h e sand roads (#5) t h r o u g h t h e trees can be good for a var i e ty of passerines d u r i n g t h e spr ing and fa l l . B lue-gray Gnatcatchers and Black -and-whi te Warblers are among t h e most unusua l . The mudf lats along t h e estuary south of the Anadromous hatchery are also good for shorebirds. B a y ducks r a f t up j u s t offshore. B r i n g a scope. There is great var iety .

Snowy Plovers are most common on t h e ocean side of t h e N o r t h Sp i t (#6). The f u r t h e r south along the spit , the greater t h e chance of encounter. B u t i t is a long w a l k (4 miles one way) t h r o u g h soft sand.

P O N Y S L O U G H Back on h i g h w a y 101, cross the

McCul l ough Bridge south in to N o r t h Bend. Fol low the signs to Charleston. As you t r a v e l west on V i r g i n i a Avenue, Pony Vi l lage M a l l w i l l be on your left and Pony Slough (#7) w i l l be on your r i g h t . T u r n r i g h t a t 0.6 m i l e on M a r i o n Street for access to t h e slough. Pony Slough is w i t h i n the c i ty l i m i t s of N o r t h B e n d and attracts shorebirds i n large numbers . M a r b l e d Godwits , Long-bi l led Curlews , Red Knots , Snowy Plovers, and Red-necked Phalaropes are some of t h e more noteworthy. Shorebirds m a y be found almost any t i m e t h a t mudf la t s are exposed, b u t by p i ck ing t h e t i m e o f day and t h e t ide cycle you can optimize t h e q u a l i t y of your b i r d i n g . M a r i o n Street continues as a gravel road along t h e west side of Pony Slough between the N o r t h Bend a irport and the mudflats . Water f owl numbers have approached 10,000 i n the w i n t e r months . Canvas-back, N o r t h e r n P i n t a i l , Gadwal l , and A m e r i c a n Wigeon being t h e most common. E u r a s i a n Wigeon are found each w i n t e r w i t h regu lar i ty . Blue-winged Teal and White - f ronted Geese have been recorded i n the past. Several species of herons and egrets are l ike ly . The brushy m a r g i n of t h e slough is good for passerines i n c l u d i n g P a l m Warblers . W a t c h the a i r and t h e snags across the slough for raptors i n c l u d i n g the B a l d Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and M e r l i n . The a i r por t r u n w a y area has yielded L a p l a n d

Longspurs i n the f a l l .

E M P I R E to C H A R L E S T O N Leav ing Pony Slough f r o m M a r i o n

Street t u r n r i g h t onto Virginia Avenue again. Fol low t h e signs to Charleston. The road t u r n s south onto Broadway Avenue t h e n west onto N e w m a r k A v enue. I n t h e c o m m u n i t y of E m p i r e , the road t u r n s south t o w a r d Charleston as E m p i r e Boulevard . A sewage t r e a t m e n t p l a n t (#8) is 0.5 m i l e f r o m t h e intersec-t i o n o f N e w m a r k a n d E m p i r e B l v d . T u r n r i g h t on F u l t o n Avenue. The area n o r t h of t h e sewage p l a n t is a haven for Snowy Egrets i n the w i n t e r as w e l l m a n y w a ter fowl i n c l u d i n g E u r a s i a n Wigeon.

A n o t h e r 2.2 mi les south of the sewage t r e a t m e n t p l a n t on E m p i r e B l v d . there is an u n m a r k e d p a r k i n g area along the Coos River next to a cement water t r e a t m e n t b u i l d i n g (#9). I t is only 0.1 m i l e beyond t h e D a i r y Queen. Th is is a popular w i n t e r i n g area for Clark 's Grebe, B r a n t , H a r l e q u i n Ducks , a n d Common Goldeneyes, among a var i e ty of other aquatic b irds . The rocky b o t t o m to the Coos River is unique .

Cont inue south on E m p i r e B l v d another 1.6 mi les to t h e Charleston Br idge (#10). P a r k a t e i ther end and w a l k to t h e center of the bridge for best v iewing . W i n t e r g u l l populations hang i n g around t h e fish canneries number i n t h e thousands — Glaucous Gul ls , H e r r i n g Gul ls , Thayer 's Gul l s , among o th ers. The open w a t e r channel i n t o the South Slough can provide a r i c h var i e ty of loons, grebes, and water fowl .

A t t h e west end of the Charleston Br idge , t u r n r i g h t onto Boat Bas in Dr ive . 0.5 m i l e f u r t h e r the road ends a t the U n i t e d States Coast G u a r d housing fa c i l i t y ( though y o u m a y dr ive along a diked road to t h e r i g h t w h i c h dead ends a t Po int Adams Packing Company). F i r s t p a r k along t h e road across f r o m the Oregon D e p a r t m e n t of F i s h and W i l d l i fe (Charleston D i s t r i c t Office). The sandy cove between the U S C G housing and Po int Adams Packing Company is a b i r d - r i c h area (#11). This is one of the best locations to f ind Oldsquaws i n the w i n t e r . Y o u m a y w a l k or dr ive out the d iked road to Po int Adams Packing C om-pany. The channel areas are excellent for b i rd ing .

The t e r r e s t r i a l b i rds near the office of t h e O D F W (#12) can be excit ing too. The N o r t h e r n Paru la , S u m m e r Tana-


ger, and Black- throated Sparrow are among t h e more u n u s u a l records. The wooded h i l l above O D F W m a y be t r a v elled by t r a i l or grave l road. H e r m i t Warblers , Hut ton ' s Vireos, andPi leated Woodpeckers nest on t h e h i l l . Goshawks have been seen as we l l .

Y o u m a y w i s h t o spend some t i m e b i r d i n g i n t h e boat basin area for sea-b irds , water f owl , and shorebirds. Ret u r n to the beg inning of Boat B a s i n D r i v e by the Charleston Br idge . T u r n r i g h t onto t h e Cape Arago H i g h w a y and follow the signs to t h e "state parks" .

B A S T E N D O R F B E A C H T O C A P E A R A G O C o n t i n u i n g west f r o m Charleston

on the Cape Arago H i g h w a y follow t h e signs to Cape Arago. 0.7 mi l e along t h e Cape Arago H i g h w a y t u r n r i g h t on Coos Head Road. Cont inue on t h i s road 0.9 mi l e to the "south j e t t y " of the Coos River (#13). F r o m the paved w a l k w a y on top of the j e t t y t h e r e is a good v iew of the channel. (Do w a t c h t h e waves w i t h care!) This location is a n excellent v iewpo int for seabirds rang ing f r o m a l l the loons, cormorants, grebes, and alcids. Occasional shearwaters and petrels can be found as we l l .

W h e n you r e t u r n back along t h e Coos H e a d Road, t u r n r i g h t at the f i r s t r o a d (0 .2 m i l e ) w h i c h p a r a l l e l s Bastendorf f Beach. 0.7 m i l e f r o m the intersect ion there is a p u l l o u t w i t h a viewofthesandybeach(#14) . This is a good location i n the w i n t e r to f ind several species of gulls and s h o r e b i r d s i n c l u d i n g t h e Snowy Plover i n t h e ext reme upper reaches of the beach.

Cont inue along t h i s road to the Cape Arago h i g h w a y again. T u r n r i g h t and continue 1.5 m i l e s t o S u n s e t B a y State P a r k campground (#15). I n t h e w i n t e r sea- J. son i t is closed to campi n g b u t ideal for qu ie t b i r d i n g for passerines.

0.9 m i l e s f u r t h e r south on t h e C ape Arago H i g h w a y is Shore Acres State P a r k (#16). Scan the ocean from behind the w a l l along t h e rocky seacliffs. Numerous sea-birds can be found d u r - $PHt i n g the w i n t e r season of w h i c h t h e M a r b l e d M u r r e l e t a n d A n c i e n t M u r r e l e t are r e g u l a r . Careful ly scope t h e rocks

below for the Rock Sandpiper and Black Oystercatcher. There is a t r a i l a long the s e a c l i f f s w h i c h l e a d s n o r t h f r o m Shoreacres. The t r a i l leads i n a large loop after l eav ing the cliffs back t h r o u g h t h e trees to the p a r k again. Before t h e t r a i l leaves the cliffs, there is a great look a t a Pelagic Cormorant rookery. W a t c h t h e trees along the cliffs for Peregrine falcons as they perch here to b i r d w a t c h as we l l . The t r a i l back t h r o u g h the woods i n t h e spr ing is f u l l o f w a r blers, thrushes , and occasional woodpeckers such as t h e Pileated. The botanical gardens should be checked for h u m m i n g b i r d s too — Anna 's , Rufous, and Allen's.

1.0 m i l e beyond t h e Shore Acres State P a r k on t h e Cape A r a g o H i g h w a y there is an overlook of Shel l I s l a n d ( # 1 7 ) . Th is is where a K i n g E i d e r w a s s i g h t e d i n December

1985. Th is v iew is in teres t ing for i t s m a r i n e m a m m a l s as we l l . Cape Arago State P a r k (#18) is another 0.5 mi le south on t h e Cape Arago H i g h w a y . A n y v iew of t h e ocean from t h e various t r a i l s and seacliffs can be w o r t h w h i l e . D u r i n g migrat ions , large numbers of seabirds fly by. Below i n t h e water , w a t c h for M a r b l e d M u r r e l e t s a n d A n c i e n t M u r r e l e t s .

The road t h r o u g h Cape Arago State P a r k loops back i n t h e direct ion f rom whi ch you arr ived .

0

PACIFIC OCEAN

iCape Arago


S I T E GUIDE: Bandon Area, Coos County Larry Thornburgh, 2058 Cedar Court, North Bend, OR 97459

B U L L A R D ' S B E A C H 0.2 miles n o r t h of t h e bridge where

H i g h w a y 101 crosses t h e Coquil le River , t u r n west i n t o Bu l lard ' s Beach State Park. P a r k i n a n y of the day-use picn i ck ing areas (0.5 to 0.9 miles) (#1) and w a l k among the lodgepole pine forest w i t h theheavyunderstory growth. There are m a i n t a i n e d t r a i l s for easy access. Numerous passerines typ ica l of the coast can be found here — W r e n t i t , Rufous-sided Towhee, Townsend's a n d Wilson's Warb ler , Fox and Song Sparrow, and woodpeckers.

Cont inue t o w a r d t h e l ighthouse (2.0 miles) on the n o r t h j e t t y o f the Coquil le River. The road t u r n s south to para l l e l the beach, w h i c h cannot be seen due to the foredune. There are freshwater ponds i n the def lat ion p l a i n on t h e east side of the road except d u r i n g the s u m mer. Shorebirds t h a t are forced off the mudf lats a t h i g h t ide move in to these grassy areas. L a p l a n d Longspurs and Water Pipi ts are found i n t h e same h a b i t a t d u r i n g t h e f a l l .

A t the l ighthouse (#2) scan the ocean or r i v e r channel for seabirds. Scan the beach for shorebirds, gul ls , and terns . Surfbirds, B lack and Ruddy Turnstones, Rock Sandpipers, B l a c k Oystercatchers f requentthe rocks o f the n o r t h and south j e t t y .

N O R T H B A N K R O A D to C O Q U I L L E a n d S O U T H B A N K R O A D to B A N D O N Back on H i g h w a y 101 , t u r n south

t o w a r d Bandon. T u r n east on t h e N o r t h B a n k Road, 0.1 miles f r o m Bul lard ' s Beach State P a r k entrance. 1.2 miles east the road overlooks some pastureland on t h e south side of t h e road (#3). Th is is a w i n t e r i n g location of 100+ T u n d r a Swans and even a n occasional Snow Goose. This is a place t o f i n d Catt le Egrets i n the w i n t e r also.

0.9 m i l e f u r t h e r u p the road is a boat l aunch r a m p (#4). The b lackberry vines are good h a b i t a t for w i n t e r i n g sparrows inc lud ing t h e L i n c o l n a n d S w a m p sparrow.

I f you dr ive t h e N o r t h B a n k Road to i t s end (15.3 miles f u r t h e r a t H i g h w a y 42 between Coos B a y and Coquil le) , keep a n eye out for raptors . The road parallels the Coquil le R i v e r t h r o u g h bott o m l a n d u s e d f o r p a s t u r i n g w i t h fencerows of a lder trees and shrubs. Black-shouldered K i t e s , Peregrine F a l

cons, and Red-shouldered H a w k s are regular sightings i n t h e w i n t e r . B a l d Eagles, Red-tai led H a w k s , and A m e r i can Kestrels are common. Wherever there is water , water f owl (and h u n t -ers!), herons, and egrets can be found i n large numbers .

A t the intersect ion o f H i g h w a y 42, t u r n r i g h t t o w a r d s C o q u i l l e . T h e pasture land j u s t 0.4 m i l e down t h e road floods i n t h e w i n t e r . Therefore i t is local ly k n o w n as ' W i n t e r Lakes" (#5). The water fowl and raptors are on perm a n e n t display i n the w i n t e r for the next 2 miles . O u r only Tu f ted duck was located here (11 M a r c h 1985).

I f you continue in to Coquille (5 miles f r o m N o r t h B a n k Road), follow the signs to Bandon b y w a y of H i g h w a y 42S. A f t e r crossing t h e Coquil le River leavi n g Coquil le , dr ive s lowly for t h e next 2 mi les (#6) w h i l e searching t h e pastures for Cat t l e Egrets , Snowy Egrets, as w e l l as Great Egrets and Great B l u e Herons. W a t c h the trees and perches for B lack -shouldered Ki tes and Red-shouldered H a w k s . The grasslands along F a t E l k Road, w h i c h is 2.0 miles west of the bridge across t h e Coquil le River , has recorded So l i tary Sandpipers and Ruffs. The r e t u r n t r i p to Bandon by w a y of South B a n k Road ( H i g h w a y 42S) is the same r i v e r b o t t o m h a b i t a t as the N o r t h B a n k Road. The distance is 16.5 miles w i t h potent ia l for a l l t h e raptors and water fowl and egrets already mentioned.

W h e n you reach H i g h w a y 101 , t u r n n o r t h 1.5 miles . T h e n t u r n west on Riverside Dr ive .

B A N D O N M A R S H Riverside D r i v e is the first road

south of t h e H i g h w a y 101 bridge across t h e Coquil le River. T u r n i n g west o n Riverside D r i v e you w i l l paral le l Bandon M a r s h . A vantage point to these mudflats and salt marshes w h i c h does not require special footwear is 0.8 miles south on Riverside D r i v e f r o m the j u n c t i o n w i t h H i g h w a y 101. There is a smal l d i r t road t h a t leads t h r o u g h the trees to the mudf la t (#7 ) . Y o u can p a r k along River side Dr ive near a mailbox w i t h box #1056 Cody. F i f t y feet t h r o u g h t h e trees br ings you to the mudf la t . F i n d a comfortable spot to spend some t i m e w i t h a spott ing scope. This is the best shorebird v i e w i n g area on t h e southern Oregon coast. Thousands of shorebirds use t h i s area every m o n t h b u t June. Red K n o t s ,

M a r b l e d God w i t s , Long-bi l led Curlews, Lesser Golden-plovers are among the more interest ing . This is a good site to v iew peeps such as the Western and Least Sandpipers , Sander l ings , and Semipalmated Plovers. Long-bi l led and Short -b i l l ed Dowitchers , Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Whimbre l s , B lack-bel l ied Plovers, B lack and Ruddy T u r n stones, Wi l l e t s , D u n l i n , K i l ldeer , and Common Snipe are some of the larger shorebird species. As you approach the mudf la ts i n f a l l especially, look for Pect o r a l Sandpipers i n the grass nearer the mudf la t . Some of the rarer shorebird species found on t h i s m u d f l a t include the Semipalmated Sandpiper, Rufous-necked S t i n t , Hudson ian and Bar - ta i l ed Godwit , S t i l t Sandpiper, C u r l e w Sandpiper, Sharp-ta i led Sandpiper, and M o n gol ian Plover. F r o m the end of J u l y to t h e e n d o f S e p t e m b e r , t h i s i s a shorebirders paradise!

V i r g i n i a Rails and Soras nest i n the sa l tmarsh . T u n d r a Swans maybe found i n t h e w i n t e r . P u r p l e M a r t i n s m a y be found i n t h e summer. W i n t e r raptors inc lude the Black-shouldered K i t e , Peregrine Falcon, M e r l i n , Red-tai led H a w k , and Red-shouldered H a w k .

S E W A G E T R E A T M E N T P L A N T T O T H E S O U T H J E T T Y Cont inue along Riverside D r i v e a n

other 0.8 miles to where i t intersects w i t h F i r s t Street SE. T u r n west on F i r s t Street and i m m e d i a t e l y p u l l off to the side o f t h e road (#8). There is a smal l m u d f l a t w i t h numerous rocks bordered by r ip - rap . I n add i t i on to some of t h e shorebirds already mentioned, look for t h e W a n d e r i n g T a t t l e r i n the spr ing and f a l l a long w i t h t h e Spotted Sandpiper.

Cont inue along F i r s t Street (which becomes Edison as i t t u r n s south) for another 0.5 mi le and t u r n r i g h t on J e t t y Road. A n y w h e r e between 0.2 and 0.3 mi le , stop and c l imb over t h e crude dike along the J e t t y Road (#9). There is a large expanse of rocky area t h a t cont inues a l l the w a y to t h e south j e t t y of the Coquille River. Though t h i s area m a y appear devoid of b irds a t first look, persevere. There w i l l be movement among those stones! Besides some o f the aforementioned b irds , you m a y add Surf -birds , RockSandpipers ( i f w i n t e r ) , B lack Oystercatchers, or rare ly a Ruff.

The south j e t t y is only another 0.4 m i l e (#10). Th is w i l l complete the v iew


m i l e (#10). Th is w i l l complete t h e v iew of the rocky i n t e r t i d a l area. B u t look i n t h e channel and open ocean as we l l . Loons, grebes, shearwaters, petrels, pe l i cans, cormorants , scoters ( i n c l u d i n g Black) , H a r l e q u i n ducks, gul ls , terns , and alcids are regulars at the r i g h t season.

B R E E D I N G R O C K S R e t u r n to the beginning of J e t t y

Road where i t intersects Edison. T u r n r i g h t on Edison and t u r n west a t the top o f t h e h i l l on 4 t h Street SW. Fol low t h e bends of 4 t h Street SW to Ocean D r i v e to 7 t h Street to Beach Loop Road. A t 0.9 m i l e t u r n west on 11 th and dr ive in to t h e p a r k i n g area s t ra ight ahead (#11). The

offshore is lands and rocks are f u l l of breeding colonies of seabirds. Between A p r i l and A u g u s t , you are guaranteed excellent views o f Tu f ted Puff ins , P i geon Gui l l emots , Pelagic and Brandt ' s Cormorants , Western Gul l s , a n d Comm o n M u r r e s .

I f you r e t u r n east on 11th Street, you w i l l eventual ly reach H i g h w a y 101.


News and Notes T T h i n g s to do. Check out t h e

" tear sheets" i n t h e midd le of t h i s issue. The Oregon Shorebird Fest iva l runs 6 t h r o u g h 8 September on t h e south O r egon coast. Th is is i n t h e peak of shore-b i r d m i g r a t i o n . L a s t year a t t h i s t i m e a Great K n o t appeared a t Bandon. Pelagic t r i p s are scheduled ou t of Charleston . OFO's F a l l B i r d i n g Weekend at M a l h e u r runs 27 t h r o u g h 29 September. This is a peak t i m e for strays a t the m i g r a n t traps i n southeast Oregon. Las t year good September b irds reported a t M a l h e u r i n c l u d e d N o r t h e r n P a r u l a , C h e s t n u t - s i d e d , Cape M a y , B l a c k -t h r o a t e d B l u e , P a l m , Bay-breasted , Blackpol l , B lack -and-whi te , and W o r m -eating Warblers . I t ' s t i m e to s t a r t organ i z i n g for t h e Chr i s tmas B i r d Counts. Oregon Birds p r i n t s the dates and meeti n g t imes for a l l of Oregon's CBCs for w h i c h the i n f o r m a t i o n is available b y press t ime . So i f you are a CBC compiler, or k n o w someone who is , please f i l l out one of the tear sheets a n d m a i l i t i n by the end of October. The f o u r t h issue of OB comes out the f i r s t week of December, i n p r i m e t i m e to reach birders p l a n n i n g on par t i c ipa t ing i n CBCs. Owen Schmidt , Ed i t o r , 3007 N . E . 32nd A v enue, Por t land , OR 97212, (503)282-9403.

T 101 i n B e n t o n C o u n t y . The l i s t i n g of P a u l S u l l i v a n as h a v i n g 101 birds i n Benton County , O B 17(2): 32, Summer 1991, is hereby corrected. Act u a l l y , P a u l Osburn has t h a t d ist inct i on . The Oregon Birds t e a m regrets the errorandapologizestobothPauls . Steve Summers , P.O. Box 202, Si lver Lake , OR 97638, (503)576-2190.

*~ N e e d f o r u s e d e q u i p m e n t . The B i rder ' s F o r u m , coordinated b y t h e M a n o m e t B i r d Observatory, accepts donations of used field e q u i p m e n t — e s p e cial ly binoculars, scopes, b i r d guides, etc. — for researchers i n the Neotropics. I f you have field equipment and wou ld l i k e to see i t p u t to use, contact The Birder 's F o r u m , M a n o m e t B i r d Observatory, Manomet , M A 02345.

T G r e a t B l u e H e r o n W e e k . A week-long celebration of t h e Great B lue Heron as Port land's off icial c i ty b i r d , 30 M a y - 9 June 1991, emphasized the " importance of local w e t l a n d and r i p a r i a n h a b i t a t to the cont inued existence of t h i s stately symbol i n our mids t . " H i g h l ights of Great B l u e H e r o n Week i n cluded dedication of w i l d l i f e i n t e r p r e

t i ve signs a t H e r o n Pointe Wet lands and Oaks B o t t o m W i l d l i f e Refuge on t h e W i l l a m e t t e Greenway; dedication of a m u r a l depict ing a Great B lue H e r o n i n w e t l a n d h a b i t a t ; canoe and k a y a k t r i p s along the W i l l a m e t t e River to the Ross I s l a n d heronry, along the lower reaches of t h e C o l u m b i a S lough , a n d f r o m Ridgefield Wi ld l i f e Refuge to Salmon Creek i n the state of Washington ; and numerous hikes at Oaks Bot tom, H e r o n Lakes Golf Course, Powel l B u t t e , and along the W i l l a m e t t e Greenway. The m u r a l , d r a w n f r o m a watercolor p a i n t i n g by medical i l l u s t r a t o r and a r t i n structor L y n n K i tagawa , w i l l be on one of the west-facing wal ls of the P o r t l a n d M e m o r i a l over looking Oaks B o t t o m . M i k e Houck, U r b a n N a t u r a l i s t , Port l and Audubon Society, 5151N.W. Cornel l Road, Por t land , OR 97210, (503)224-1004.

T O r e g o n N a t i o n a l P a r k A s s o c i a t i o n . The Oregon N a t i o n a l P a r k Association has been formed to serve as a coordinating organizat ion to promote 3 nat iona l p a r k campaigns i n Oregon: He l l s Canyon, K l a m a t h - S i s k i y o u , and Steens M o u n t a i n . Each of these efforts have operated independently for severa l years and are now seeking to become more efficient t h r o u g h cooperat i o n . The Association w i l l also be re searching opportunit ies for addi t iona l nat i ona l parks i n Oregon. The u l t i m a t e goal of the Oregon N a t i o n a l P a r k Assoc iat ion is to see t h a t each of these p a r k proposals becomes a r ea l i t y i n a w a y t h a t assures t h e i r ecological i n t e g r i t y . P a r k designs w i l l be based on principles of landscape ecology and developed w i t h technical assistance f r o m a scientific advisory board. The Association w i l l recommend management of t h e parks as core acres l i n k e d to state parks , w i l d l i f e refuges, wilderness areas and other n a t u r a l reserves t h r o u g h a system of biological corridors. The Association is seeking f u n d i n g assistance for fieldwork, pro

posal development, c o m m u n i t y organizi n g and educational mater ia ls . For more i n f o r m a t i o n contactBruce Amsbary , Or egon N a t i o n a l P a r k Association, 1969 SWPark#1105 , Port land , Oregon97201, (503)228-0981.

T S h a r p - t a i l s d a n c i n g a g a i n . This i t e m appeared i n the Oregon Chapt e r of The W i l d l i f e Society's Newsletter, S p r i n g 1991, page 10: " I f you t a l k to long-t ime residents of Wal l owa County, you can hear stories of how abundant the Sharp- ta i led Grouse used to be, how youngsters were sent out to shoot b irds to feed farmhands d u r i n g hay ing seasons, how grouse could be heard i n the quiet mornings of ear ly spr ing beginn i n g t h e i r m a t i n g r i t u a l s . U p u n t i l now, a l l you wou ld hear is how th ings used to be. Loss of suitable h a b i t a t led to the disappearance of Sharp- ta i led Grouse i n Northeast Oregon d u r i n g the 1950s. Because of a concerted effort f r o m severa l di f ferent groups a n d ind iv idua ls , t h e stories of how th ings used to be m a y change to stories of how th ings are going to be. O n 12 A p r i l 1991, 33 Co lumbian Sharp- ta i led Grouse (18 females and 15 males) were released i n a remote section of Wa l l owa County. M u c h preparat ion w e n t in to the release. Special boxes were b u i l t for releasing the b irds onto a n a r t i f i c i a l lek . Decoys and tape recordings of s t r u t t i n g grouse were used to accl imate the birds and hopeful ly encourage t h e m to r e m a i n i n the i m m e d i ate area. M o n i t o r i n g over the first few days showed t h e grouse s tay ing w i t h i n earshot of t h e release site. Some of t h e grouse w i l l be moni tored w i t h radio te l emetry for l o n g - t e r m data on movements and m o r t a l i t y . I n a profession such as w i l d l i f e management where oftentimes we fight to keep a balance for t h e resources i n our care, i t is r eward ing to report on efforts to re-establish nat ive species. Th is is especially t r u e w h e n i t is a cooperative program. Such is the case i n t h i s venture w i t h t h e Oregon Depart m e n t of F i s h and W i l d l i f e , The N a t u r e Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, B u reau of L a n d Management , and Oregon State U n i v e r s i t y w o r k i n g to b r i n g back these elegant b i rds . " Tara Wertz , c/o Oregon Chapter , The Wi ld l i f e Society, Oregon State Univers i ty , 104 Nash H a l l , Corval l is , OR 97331-3803.

T T h e F l o c k . The A m e r i c a n O r n i thologists ' U n i o n , Association of F ie ld Ornithologists , Cooper Ornitholog ica l Society, and W i l s o n Ornithological Soci-


ety — the "Ornitho log ica l Societies of N o r t h Amer i ca " — recently publ ished t h e i r 1991 membership directory. T i t l e d TlteFlock, Oregon b irders who are m e m bers of a l l 4 organizations are l isted as follows: D a v i d B . M a r s h a l l , M a r k A . Stern , Owen Schmidt , Rebecca Goggans, L i n d a D . Poole, F r a n k B . Isaacs, Robert L . Jarv is , Charles J . H e n n y , Range D . Bayer , Lawrence W. McQueen, D a v i d Jensen, H e r b e r t P. Wisner , Michae l J . d e m o n s , Lewis E. Rems, and R i t a D . Dixon . Orni tho log i ca l Societies of N o r t h Amer ica , Sandra L . L . Gaunt , Director , D e p a r t m e n t of Zoology, Ohio State U n i vers i ty , 1735 N e i l Avenue, Columbus, O H 43210, (614)292-2176.

From The Flock

T D y e d s h o r e b i r d s . The Canad i a n W i l d l i f e Service , W e s t e r n a n d N o r t h e r n Region, w i l l be b a n d i n g shore-b i r d s d u r i n g t h e f a l l m i g r a t i o n i n Saskatchewan. B i r d s w i l l be dyed ye l low (orange) on t h e i r underpar t s and banded w i t h w h i t e flags and a red or green color band. Please send reports of sightings to H . L . Dickson, Canad ian W i l d l i f e Service, 2nd Floor , 4999-98 Avenue, E d m o n t o n , A l b e r t a T 6 B 2X3, Canada, or to Cher i Gratto-Trevor, CWS, 115 Per imeter Road, Saskatoon S 7 N 0 X 4 , Canada.

T B i r d c o u n t d a t a . L a n d b i r d populat ion t r e n d data f r o m t h e western U n i t e d States and Canada are needed for comparison w i t h B B S data for the same region. I f you have (or k n o w anyone w i t h ) a t least 20 years of count data of any k i n d f r o m w i t h i n t h e western region, please contact R i chard L . H u t t o ,

D i v i s i o n of Biological Sciences, U n i v e r s i ty of M o n t a n a , Missoula , M T 59812, (406)243-4292.

T T a k e a p e e k . I a m l ook ing for a population ofbirds t h a t nest i n nestboxes. I a m a beginning graduate s tudent i n terested i n parenta l care al location. I f you k n o w of a populat ion of nest-box breeding birds (preferably banded) t h a t w o u l d be available for behaviora l observations for a thesis project, please contact Danie la M o n k , D e p a r t m e n t of B i o l ogy, Jordan H a l l , I n d i a n a U n i v e r s i t y , Bloomington, I N 47405, (812)855-3282.

T J u s t e x a c t l y w h e n . I a m w r i t i n g a review about the h o u r of l a y i n g of

passerines a n d other smal l a l t r i c i a l birds. A s publ ished data on t h i s topic are scarce, I wou ld a p p r e c i a t e h e a r i n g f r o m persons who have unpubl ished records on l a y i n g t imes t h a t t h e y wou ld a l low me to use

^ w i t h a p p r o p r i a t e acknowledgement. The records should inc lude species name, local i ty , date, est imate of h o u r of l ay ing , and type of t i m e used (e.g. , East -e r n S tandard T i m e or Eastern D a y l i g h t T i m e i n N o r t h America , B r i t -i s h S u m m e r T i m e , etc.). D a v i d M . Scott, Dept . of Zoology, U n i v . of W e s t e r n O n t a r i o , London, Ontar io , C a n ada.

T' S h r i k e c o n f e r e n c e s u p p o r t n e e d e d . Researchers agree t h a t s h r i k e s (Lani idae) are dec l ining i n n u m b e r on a w o r l d w i d e basis. A l t h o u g h extensive research has been done, there has been no centra l ly coordinated effort to under s tand or reverse t h i s t r e n d . A ga ther ing of shr ike researchers is of importance ; such a sympos ium w i l l a l low us to pool our results , confer on possible conservat i o n ideas, and make recommendations for t h e conservation of these species to the governmental agencies of a l l countr ies concerned. Researchers f r o m 10 or more countries are anxious to a t t end such a meet ing. We request t h a t you consider p a r t i a l l y sponsoring such a meeting. We ant ic ipate ho ld ing a conference i n the second week of J a n u a r y 1993 a t the Archbo ld Biological S tat ion , F l o r i d a . A n t i c i p a t e d expenses a r e $150,000, m a i n l y for t ranspor ta t i on and boarding costs of researchers. We hope

you w i l l agree to help i n our efforts, and are ready to supply you w i t h add i t i ona l i n f o r m a t i o n . Please d irect correspondence to Reuben Yosef, Archbo ld B io logical S ta t i on , P.O. Box 2057, Lake Plac id , F L 33852.

' r S p r e e h e n s i e D e u t s c h ? I a m i n need of a person who is capable of t rans l a t i n g ornithological l i t e r a t u r e f rom Germ a n i n t o E n g l i s h . There are 3 papers, 2 f r o m scientific j o u r n a l s a n d one f r o m a more general audience publication. M o n e tary compensation is possible. Please contact James L . Ingo ld , D e p a r t m e n t of Biological Sciences, L S U i n Shreveport, One University Place, Shreveport, L A 71115, (318)797-5236.

T S i g n u p n o w f o r P r o j e c t F e e d e r W a t c h . "Feeding the birds is f u n . I t ' s also a great w a y to contr ibute to the u n d e r s t a n d i n g of b i r d populations — i f y o u ' r e a m e m b e r o f P r o j e c t FeederWatch. N o w is t h e t i m e to sign u p for t h i s cont inent -wide survey of feeder birds . Each w i n t e r , f r o m November to M a r c h , FeederWatch part ic ipants record the k i n d s and numbers o fbirds at t h e i r backyard feeders on specially designed, easy-to-use forms. Las t w i n t e r over 7,000 people f r o m a l l over N o r t h Amer i ca contr ibuted to t h i s un ique research program. The project is a j o i n t effort o f t h e Corne l l Laboratory of O r n i thology and L o n g Po int B i r d Observat o r y , P o r t Rowan, Ontar io . Orn i tho lo gists use FeederWatch data to moni tor changes i n b i r d abundance from year to year and to answer m a n y other quest ions about populat ions of N o r t h A m e r i can birds." Project FeederWatch, Cornell Laboratory of Orni tho logy , 159 Sap-sucker Woods Road, I thaca , N e w Y o r k 14850, (607)254-2414.

T I t h a p p e n s . B u t i t doesn't just happen. Oregon Birds is p u t together w i t h t h e help of qui te a few Oregon birders . K i t Larsen , OFO's Treasurer for the past 3 years, m a i n t a i n s the m e m bership l i s t . Each quarter , K i t updates t h e l i s t and arranges a p r i n t o u t of m a i l i n g labels so each m e m b e r i n good standi n g gets t h e i r issue of O B . K i t is cont inui n g t h i s d u t y even t h o u g h his t e r m as Treasurer is expired. T h a n k you, K i t . OFO members appreciate your effort, and Oregon Birds wou ldn ' t have gotten to t h e r i g h t hands w i t h o u t your keen a t t e n t i o n to details .

r R a r e b i r d s . R u n n i n g t a l l y o f the b irds of t h e Oregon rare b i r d phone n e t w o r k (and a few we learned about too late for t h e phone network) (reports of these b irds m i g h t not have been ver i -


n<'<1, and, i n fact, may be i n error): - Cape May Warbler, 1 June 1991, a

male at Malheur National Wildl i fe Refuge headquarters, Harney Co.;

- Magnolia Warbler, 1 June 1991, a b i rd at Buena Vista Station, Malheur NWR, Harney Co.;

- Black-and-white Warbler, 1 June 1991, a b i rd at Fields, Harney Co.;

- Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 June 1991, a tVida , LaneCo.,by Frances Burns;

- Philadelphia Vireo, Brown Thrasher, Black-and-white Warbler , 3 June 1991, at Fields, Harney Co., by Jeff Gil l igan; and

- Scott's Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Nor th ern "Balt imore" Oriole, Blackpoll Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Water-thrush, Tennessee Warbler, and Brown Thrasher, 4 June 1991, at Fields, Harney Co., by Jeff Gil l igan.

T Meetings & events - 6-8 September 1991, Oregon Shore-

bird Festival, Charleston, Oregon. See the tear sheets i n this issue. L y n Topits, Cape Arago Audubon Society, P.O. Box 381, N o r t h Bend, OR 97459, (503)267-7208.

- 27-29 September 1991, OFO B i r d i n g Weekend at Malheur Field Station. H i g h lights include a slide show from the files of the Oregon B i r d Records Committee. Sheran Jones, 9785 S.W. Ventura Court, Tigard, OR 97223, 246-5594.

- 24-30 November 1991, Neotropical Ornithology Congress, Quito, Ecuador. Nancy HilgertdeBenavides, IVNeotrop i -cal Ornithology Congress, Casilla 9068 S-7, Quito, Ecuador.

-15-19 January 1992, Pacific Seabird Group, annual meeting, Oregon Inst i tute of Marine Biology, Univers i ty of Oregon, Charleston, OR 97420. Palmer Sekora, U.S. Fish and Wildl i fe Service, Finley Wildlife Refuge, 26208 Finley Refuge Road, Corvallis, OR 97333.

-14 December 1991 - 2 January 1992, inclusive, 92nd Christmas B i r d Count, National Audubon Society, 950 T h i r d Avenue, New York, N Y 10022.

- 20-26 A p r i l 1992, American B i r d i n g Association 1992 Convention, Mobile, A la bama. Field tr ips to Ft . Morgan, Dauphin Island, Mobile Delta, and the Mississippi Coast, and banquet speaker Pete Dunne. A B A Convention '92, P.O. Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599.

- 24-27 June 1992, American O r n i thologists' Union , 110th Stated Meeting, at Iowa State Univers i ty , Ames, Iowa.

-17 December 1992 - 3 January 1993, inclusive, 93rd Christmas B i r d Count, Nat ional Audubon Society, 950 T h i r d Avenue, New York, N Y 10022.

-17 December 1993 - 3 January 1994, inclusive, 94th Christmas B i r d Count, National Audubon Society, 950 T h i r d Avenue, New York, N Y 10022.

0

Oregon Bird Records Committee: You Be The Judge Harry Nehls, 2736 S.E. 20th. Avenue, Portland, OR 97202

O n 2 1 June 1987,2 birders v i s i t i n g t h e "P" Ranch, M a l h e u r N a t i o n a l Wi ld l i f e Refuge, H a r n e y Co., observed a b i r d the "size s i m i l a r to H a i r y Woodpecker." I t " f lew i n t o a tree close to t h e r a n c h house, t h e n flew off to another tree beh ind the ranch house and attached i t se l f to the t r u n k of the tree i n typ i ca l woodpecker fashion." They ident i f i ed i t as a n a d u l t Red-headed Woodpecker! They immed ia te ly wrote u p a species report f o r m and submit ted i t the Oregon B i r d Records Committee .

The b i r d was observed for about 5 minutes us ing 8 x 40 binoculars and 8 x 24-50 zoom lens binoculars a t a distance of 100 feet. I t was a h i g h overcast day. A l t h o u g h t h e observers h a d no previous experience, t h e y used Peterson's Guide to Western B i r d s d u r i n g and after observation. The observers were positive of the ident i f i cat ion .

The observers described t h e b i r d as h a v i n g a " b r i l l i a n t red head and neck, pure w h i t e belly, b lack back w i t h w h i t e on wings . "

I n separating i t f r o m s i m i l a r species: "Red-breasted Sapsucker - the bel ly is too d u l l and not b r i l l i a n t l y wh i t e . The black and w h i t e on back and wings is not a sharp contrast. Yel low-bel l ied Sapsucker - ye l low on bel ly d id not appear. Less red coloring on head and neck. D u l l w h i t e belly. B lack m o t t l e d w i t h w h i t e , not clearly defined. S tr iped face."

The OBRC voted on th i s record, based on t h e above i n f o r m a t i o n , and came to i t s conclusion. N o w i t is your t u r n . Y O U B E T H E J U D G E . Y o u vote on t h i s record, p u t t i n g down i n w r i t i n g the comments w h y you voted the way you d id . Then send your vote to me a t the above address. I n t h e next issue of Oregon Birds we w i l l discuss t h e vote of t h e OBRC and the comments of t h e Committee members on reaching t h e i r decision. We w i l l t h e n compare t h e comments received f r o m our readers.

Prothonotary Warbler ABA 1992 Convention 20-26 April 1992


FIELDNOTES: Eastern Oregon, Winter 1990-91 JoeEvanich, 5026 N.E. Clackamas Street, Portland, OR 97213

The w i n t e r of 1990-91 was very d r y and basically m i l d t h r o u g h o u t E a s t e r n Oregon. Prec ip i tat ion amounts were w e l l below n o r m a l , w i t h some areas of Southeastern Oregon receiving less t h a n a t h i r d of w h a t i s average for the 3-m o n t h period. Snowpacks were also w e l l below n o r m a l t h r o u g h o u t a l l m o u n tainous areas (up to h a l f of n o r m a l i n the Wallowas and Blues) , and i t looks l i k e 1991 could be shaping u p to be a severe drought year. Temperatures were genera l ly very m i l d t h r o u g h o u t E a s t e r n Oregon, except w h e n a f r o n t of f r i g i d Arct i c a i r settled over t h e ent ire state f r o m 19 Dec to 10 Jan . Temperatures dropped as low as -40 degrees F. ( w i t h out w i n d c h i l l factor) i n G r a n t Co. d u r i n g th i s "Arct ic Express." Otherwise , record w a r m weather was t h e r u l e i n most areas d u r i n g J a n and Feb, and m a n y CBCs he ld p r i o r to 20 Dec found m a n y u n u s u a l or late species. U n d o u b t edly, the freezing spell was fa ta l for m a n y birds and other w i l d l i f e , b u t other effects of the m i l d w i n t e r were more obvious. A lack of snow on t h e ground and generally dry , w a r m conditions were very beneficial to gallinaceous b irds , and

water b irds seemed more widespread and numerous w i t h a l l the unfrozen water . Raptor numbers seemed down, b u t a l l 3 accipiters were wel l -reported. Passerines were more widespread t h a n n o r m a l w i t h t h e m i l d weather — t h i s actual ly resulted i n poor b i r d i n g condit ions since the forest and seed-eating birds d i d not congregate i n res ident ia l areas, a t feeders, and along roadsides as they often do d u r i n g w i n t e r .

The fo l lowing abbreviations appear i n t h i s report : CBC (Chr is tmas B i r d Count) ; N W R (Nat iona l W i l d l i f e Refuge); W M A (Wildl i fe Management Area) ; St. Pk . (State P a r k ) ; L k . (Lake) ; Res. (Reservoir); Co. (County); GRBC (Grande Ronde B i r d Club) ; fide (reported by) ; m.ob. (many observers); et a l (and o t h ers). A l l county names are i ta l ic ized.

Loons to herons O n l y 7 Common Loons were r e

ported t h i s w i n t e r (Grant, Hood River, Jefferson, Umatilla, and Wallowa), a n d overal l numbers (especially along t h e Columbia River) were below normal ( H N , M D ) . A P a c i f i c L o o n was found a t Haystack Res., Jefferson on 2 Dec (TC,

L R ; second Co. record), and 2 appeared on L k B i l l y Chinook, Jefferson on 6 J a n (LR) . A n o t h e r was reported a t Hood River on 10-16 Feb for a first (but cert a i n l y not unexpected) co. record ( D L , D A , J & R K , et al) . A n overwinter ing Pied-bi l led Grebe was a new species for t h e J o h n D a y CBC, Grant (fide T W ) , and rare Red-necked Grebes were observed a t Pine H o l l o w Res., Wasco on 8 Dec ( D L ) and a t Government Cove, Hood River on 24 Feb ( J E , et al). Horned Grebe numbers appeared down, w i t h reports received only f r o m Jefferson and the Co lumbia River counties. U p to 3 E a r e d Grebes were noted at Haystack Res. f r o m 2 Feb to the close of the report period (LR) , a n d singles were also found a t t h e M o u t h of Hood River on 30 J a n ( M D ) ; a t Pine H o l l o w Res. on 8 Dec (DL) ; and a t Government Cove 24 Feb (JE). In teres t ing ly , D L managed to find 5 of Oregon's 6 grebe species on an 8 Dec t r i p to Wasco — even more unusua l , a l l were seen on 1 body of water (Pine Hol low Res.)! C a n anyone else c l a i m t h a t for Oregon?

The las t " f a l l " A m e r i c a n W h i t e Pel i cans were 19 very late b irds found on

mm

Oregon Birds and American Birds have synchronized reporting areas, periods, and deadlines. Field reports for eastern and western Oregon are due to the 0B Regional Editor and AB Regional Editor at the same time.

Season Months Fall August—November Winter December—February Spring March—May Summer t""v—.. June- July

Due date 10 December 10 March 10 June 10 August

\J L J I Eastern Oregon

Oregon Birds Regional Editors Western Oregon Jeff Gilligan 26 N.E. 32nd Avenue — Spring/Fall Portland, OR 97232 — Spring/Fall

234-5961 Western Oregon Jim Johnson 3244 N.E. Brazee Street — Winter/Summer Portland, OR 97212

284-0041 Eastern Oregon Joe Evanich 5026 N.E. Clackamas Eastern Oregon

Portland, OR 97213 284-4153

American Birds Regional Editor All of Oregon Bill Tweit P.O. Box 1271 All of Oregon

Olympia, WA 98507 (206)754-7098

American Birds Sub-Regional Editors Eastern Oregon Tom Crabtree 1667 N.W. Iowa Eastern Oregon

Bend, OR 97701 388-2462

Western Oregon Harry Nehls 2736 S.E. 20th Portland, OR 97202 233-3976

Salem area Barb Bellin 4730 Elizabeth St. N. Salem, OR 97303 393-0243

Corvallis area Elzy Eltzroth 6980 N.W. Cardinal Elzy Eltzroth Corvallis, OR 97330 745-7806

Rogue Valley Marjorie Moore 357 Taylor Street Ashland, OR 97520 482-1303


RV) , and 7 birds were noted on t h e west shore of H a r n e y L a k e 2 1 Feb for a new spring arrival date on the refuge (RV). One pelican appeared o n the Summer L k . CBC, Lake of 18 Dec (fide M S L ) , and another 5 were on t h e C o lumbia River a t M c N a r y D a m , Umatilla on 5 J a n ( M D ) . S u m m e r L k . also h a d 2 A m e r i c a n B i t -terns and 2 Black-crowned N i g h t - H e r ons reported o n t h e i r CBC (fide M S L ) , b o t h very good w i n t e r finds.

Waterfowl Twenty -seven T r u m p e t e r Swans

were recorded on t h e 2 M a l h e u r area C B C s of 15 a n d 17 Dec (fide RV) , a n d a f a m i l y group (2 adul ts , 3 i m m a t u r e s ) was noted near River Ranch and at D u t c h y L k . , Lake on 16 J a n and 14 Feb (MSL) . The first nor thward -bound T u n dra Swans were 19 b irds on 15 Feb a t Double 'O' Ranch, M a l h e u r N W R (fide RV) . B y the close of the repor t period, smal l numbers of m i g r a n t T u n d r a Swans were being reported a t numerous East ern Oregon sites, a n d u p to 3500 were a t Summer L k . W M A i n late Feb (fide M S L ) . The "non-Canada" geese ar r ived on t i m e t h i s spr ing : 3 Whi te - f ronted Geese were east of B u r n s , Harney on 10 Feb ( T D , fide M S L ) for t h e earl iest re por t t h i s spr ing , a n d u p t o 300 were u t i l i z i n g Conley L k . near Cove, Union by the end of Feb (fide GRBC) . Two h a r d y Whi te - f ronts were found among t h e w i n t e r i n g Canada Geese near B lack B u t t e Ranch, Deschutes on 16 J a n (fide M A ) . 560 Snow Geese were s t i l l present at Summer L k . W M A on 1 Dec, b u t they a l l departed b y mid-Dec (fide M S L ) . T w e n t y S n o w Geese n o t e d n e a r Boardman, Umatilla on 5 J a n were probably local w interers along the Co lumbia (JS), a n d 25 b irds near B u r n s on 9 Feb were t h e first spr ing m i g r a n t s (RV).

O n 9 J a n , a M i d - w i n t e r Water f owl Survey was conducted i n t h e H a r n e y B a s i n ( inc lud ing M a l h e u r N W R and t h e f a r m l a n d between B u r n s and the refuge); the results are found i n the fol lowi n g table (fide RV) :

Species Number Canada Goose 3356 Green-winged Teal 54 Mallard 361 Northern Pintail 2 GadwaH 68 American Wigeon 11 Canvasback 3 Ring-necked Duck 93 Lesser Scaup 30 Common Goldeneye 86 Bufflehead 40 Hooded Merganser 22 Common Merganser 62 Total 4188

M o s t of t h e early spr ing water f owl a r r i v e d on schedule t h r o u g h o u t E a s t e r n Oregon, b u t 2 C i n n a m o n Teal a t K n o x Pond, M a l h e u r N W R on 14 Feb were ear ly (RV). A n o t h e r male C i n n a m o n Tea l was shot at S u m m e r L k . W M A on 8 Dec (fide M S L ) . The w i n t e r status of Wood D u c k t h r o u g h o u t Eas tern Oregon remains a n enigma; therefore, a flock of u p to 52 b irds a t M c N a r y W i l d l i f e P a r k , Umatilla d u r i n g J a n ( M D ) , and a group of 15 a t T y g h Val ley , Wasco on 8 Dec ( D L ) were n o t e w o r t h y occurrences. Single E u r a s i a n Wigeons were noted a t B o c a L k . M a l h e u r N W R o n 14Feb(RV) ; a t H a t Rock St. P k , Umatilla on 2 Feb (CC); a t Thompson Res., Lake 28 Feb (SS); and on the 18 Dec S u m m e r L k . CBC (fide M S L ) . M o r e expected were t h e 3 or 4 males observed t h r o u g h o u t t h e period i n the Hood River-Cascade Locks area (DA, D L , m.ob.), and singles a t The Dalles, Wasco on 8 Dec and 15 Feb ( D L , J & R K ) .

The upper Co lumbia R i v e r i n O r egon supported great numbers of w i n t e r i n g water f owl t h i s season, especially above t h e major dams. U p to 2500 Greater Scaup were counted a t Biggs, Sherman on 2 Feb ( D L , J E , SJ) ; 200 were a t Mosier , Wasco on 8 Dec ( D L ) ; and another 200 were a t The Dalles also on 8 Dec (DL) . More u n u s u a l were the single Greater Scaup found a t W i z a r d Fal ls F i s h H a t c h e r y (county ?) i n Cent r a l Oregon on 19 J a n ( M A ) a n d on A n a Res., Lake on 22 Feb (SS). U p to 600 Redheads w i n t e r e d i n the Co lumbia Gorge area t h i s season, b u t most were on t h e Washington side of the r i v e r near Stevenson. Barrow's Goldeneyes were noted i n s m a l l numbers a l l along t h e Co lumbia R iver f r o m Washougal , W A . to M c N a r y D a m t h i s w i n t e r ; t h e largest concentration was 94 a t Biggs on 18 Feb ( N L ) . A rare O l d s q u a w appeared a t S u m m e r L k . W M A on 17 Dec a n d r e ma ined u n t i l a round the first of the year ( M S L , m.ob.). A male Red-breasted Merganser w i n t e r e d a t Government Cove, and u p to 2 were seen a t t h e M o u t h o f t h e D e s c h u t e s R i v e r , Wasco — Sherman d u r i n g J a n and Feb ( D L , V T ) .

Undoubted ly t h e b i r d i n g event of t h e year (so far) for Oregon a n d W a s h i n g t o n was the discovery of a b r i g h t a d u l t male S M E W i n the Columbia River Gorge. The b i r d was first found on 26 J a n a t Stevenson on t h e Wash ington side of t h e river (WC), and on 27 J a n i t was seen near Viento St. Pk . , Hood River ( JB , et al) . The Smew frequent ly wandered u p and down the Co lumbia on b o t h shores before finally set t l ing i n a t Government Cove, j u s t east of Cascade Locks, f r o m mid-Feb to the close of t h e report period. The b i r d has since be

come very t a m e and continues to be seen w e l l in to M a r c h . M a n y photos were obtained ( i n b o t h states), and t h i s const i tutes the first ver i f ied record of t h e species for b o t h states. Interest ing ly , a n a d u l t Smew was reported near W h i t e Sa lmon (about 15 miles u p r i v e r from Stevenson i n W A . ) i n Dec of 1989, b u t t h e b i r d could not be relocated for v e r i f i cation.

Raptors, gallinaceous birds I n general, raptors were wide ly dis

t r i b u t e d a n d r e p o r t e d i n n u m b e r s smal ler t h a n u s u a l due to the m i l d weather and lack of snow cover. A record 93 B a l d Eagles were found at a roost near Double 'O' Ranch, M a l h e u r N W R , on 2 1 Feb; t h i s is more t h a n t r i p l e t h e u s u a l n u m b e r t h a t w i n t e r a t t h i s t r a d i t i o n a l site (RV). N u m b e r s of B a l d Eagles appeared u p t h r o u g h o u t the rest of E a s t e r n Oregon also. U p to 25 birds w i n t e r e d i n the Grande Ronde Val ley , Union t h i s season (m.ob., GRBC) , and a s m a l l roost of 7 b irds was discovered a l o n g C a m a s C r e e k n e a r U k i a h , Umatilla on 19 J a n (MD) . N i n e N o r t h ern Goshawk reports were received; most were f r o m t h e f oo th i l l areas of the Cascades and Blues , b u t on 16 a n d 17 Dec 1 was reported a t M a l h e u r N W R headquarters , we l l -away f r o m t h e species' u s u a l forested hab i ta ts (fide RV) . Single "Har lan ' s " Red-tai led H a w k s were seen a t S p r i n g Creek, Union on 2 Feb (JE , D L , SJ), and a t U m a t i l l a N W R , Morrow on 18 Feb ( N L ) . W i n t e r Ferruginous H a w k s wore seen 25 Dec a t B o a r d m a n ( 1 b i r d ; CC), a t Hays tack Res. on 5 J a n ( l b i r d ; P R ) , a n d a t S u m m e r L k . o n 8 F e b (2 b i rds ; SS). M a n y observers commented on the l ow numbers of Rough-legged H a w k s t h i s w i n t e r throughout E a s t e r n Oregon. M e r l i n s were found i n t h e u s u a l s m a l l numbers , and there were only 3 Peregrine Falcon reports — 1 b i r d a t L k . B i l l y Chinook on 1 Dec (LR), another a t Rufus, Gilliam on 27 Feb ( H N ) , and 1 a t R iver Ranch, Lake on 20 Feb ( M S L ) . No Gyrfalcons were re ported t h i s w i n t e r .

A lack of snow cover throughout the lower elevations of Eastern Oregon kept u p l a n d gamebird numbers f a i r l y h i g h , b u t there was apparent ly some m o r t a l i t y d u r i n g the m i d - w i n t e r cold spell. F ive G r a y Par t r idge were found on the Wal l owa Co. CBC (fide JS), and 25 were noted on the UnionCo . CBC (fideGRBC). Red-legged Partr idges were released by O D F & W along W i n t e r R i m above S u m mer L k . on 8 Dec; the late Dec freeze caused substant ia l m o r t a l i t y , b u t b irds have been observed t h r o u g h o u t the re por t period a t feeders on the W M A (fide M S L ) . W i l d Turkeys were reported a t

Ongon Birds 17(3): 90, Fall 1991

S f i a r i Erickson

"Undoubtedly the birding event of theyear(sofar)forOregon and Washington was the discovery of a bright adult male SMEW in the Columbia River Gorge. The bird was first found on 2 6 Jan a t Stevenson on the Washington side ofthe river, and on 27 Jan it was seen near Viento St. Pk., Hood River County. The Smew frequently wandered up and down the Columbia on both shores before finally settling in a t Government Cove, just east of Cascade Locke, from mid-Feb to the close of the report period. The bird was seen well into March. Many photos were obtained (in both states), and this constitutesthefirstverified record of the speciesfor both states."

Puffy loWlfct ' C r e s t .Black patek/lW

BlatV. eye

J o e Evanich

Murderer ' s Creek W M A , Grant (date and n u m b e r o fb i rds u n k n o w n ; T W ) ; i n t h e B l u e M o u n t a i n s n o r t h e a s t o f Pendleton, Umatilla on 23 Feb (CC); and on the 18 Dec S u m m e r L k . CBC (8 b i rds ; fide M S L ) . Th is l a t t e r group is p a r t of a flock released on W i n t e r R i m i n Feb 1988.

Coots to gulls A n A m e r i c a n Coot w i t h a b r i g h t

yel low neck band m a r k e d w i t h black numbers (#167) was seen at M c N a r y Wi ld l i f e P a r k on 5 J a n ( M D ) ; does anyone out there k n o w of a study being done on coots? A t least 2 V i r g i n i a Rails w i n tered as u s u a l a t t h e W a l l o w a F i s h Hatchery i n Enterpr i se , Wallowa (fide JS), a n d others were f ound west of B o a r d m a n on 23 Dec (CC), on the 18 Dec Summer L k . CBC ( M S L ) , on t h e U n i o n Co. CBC (4 b i rds ; fide GRBC) , a n d a t Lower Bridge , Deschutes on 5-20 J a n (LR).

Few shorebirds were reported even w i t h the m i l d conditions. A n extremely ear ly M a r b l e d G o d w i t was reported w i t h o u t details f r o m M a l h e u r N W R on 28 Feb (refuge personnel, fide H N ) , and early Greater Yellowlegs were noted on 23 Feb a t S u m m e r L k . W M A (4 b i rds ; M S L ) , and a t M a l h e u r N W R on 28 Feb (refuge personnel, fide H N ) . A Least Sandpiper was reported f r o m M a l h e u r N W R on 17 Dec (CG, fide T W ) , and 17 of t h a t species were found on the S u m m e r L k . CBC (fide M S L ) . Two la te D u n l i n s were discovered a t I r r i g o n , Morrow on 23 Dec (CC), a n d 8 Long-bi l led D o w i t c h -ers appeared on t h e 18 Dec S u m m e r L k . CBC (MSL) .

W i t h a l l t h e unfrozen w a t e r t h i s season, there were more t h a n t h e usua l number of R ing-b i l l ed and Cal i f orn ia G u l l reports a l l w i n t e r . E i g h t H e r r i n g Gul ls were reported f r o m M a l h e u r N W R headquarters on 17 Dec ( D & S B , fide RV) , and 6 of t h a t species were observed a t H a r t L k . , Lake on 12 Feb (SS, K T , C M ) . Jefferson h a d i t s second T h a y e r ' s G u l l report on 16 Feb w h e n 1 was observed a t Haystack Res. (LR) . There were only 3 reports of Glaucous-winged Gul ls along the Co lumbia River t h i s season: 1 a t the M o u t h of t h e Deschutes River on 30 J a n ; 3 b irds below M c N a r y D a m on 5 J a n ; and 1 at H a t Rock St. Pk. on 20 J a n (a l l M D ) . N o Glaucous Gul ls were reported f r o m Eastern Oregon t h i s w inter . A W e s t e r n G u l l was photographed along t h e Columbia River a t U m a t i l l a on 3 Feb (CC). A n d r o u n d i n g out the g u l l reports is a h y b r i d G l a u cous-winged X Western b i r d (adul t ) seen at M c N a r y D a m on 5 J a n ( M D , B H ) .

Owls to woodpeckers N i n e B a r n Owls were found on t h e

U n i o n Co. CBC and 2 b irds were observed " se t t ing u p house" i n a b a r n as ear ly as 6 Feb i n the Grande Ronde V a l l e y (fide GRBC). A N o r t h e r n Pygmy-O w l was observed at Beech Creek, Grant on 16 Dec (fide T W ) ; 2 were heard a n d 1 seen at S p r i n g Creek on 2 Feb (JE , D L , SJ) ; 1 was ca l l ing a t Cooper Spur on M t . Hood, Hood River on 16 Feb ( J & R K ) ; and 1 was on t h e J o h n D a y CBC, Grant on 16 Dec (fide TW) . A well-observed S p o t t e d O w l was found a t Black B u t t e Ranch on 6 Feb ( M A , et al ) ; t h i s federa l l y - l i s t e d t h r e a t e n e d species is ext remely rare anywhere east of the Cascades Crest. One of t h e S p r i n g Creek Great Gray Owls was first reported t h i s year on 24 Feb ( M D ) , and another was found along H w y . 31 ,13 miles south of S u m m e r L k . W M A on 18 Feb ( M S L , CE) . There were no Snowy or B a r r e d O w l reports t h i s w i n t e r . A roost of 8 L o n g - e a r e d O w l s w a s f o u n d n e a r H a m i l t o n , i n n o r t h e r n Grant on 5 Dec; the birds remained there u n t i l t h e cold spell h i t on 18 Dec (Terry P f lugrad , fide M D ) . A road-ki l led N o r t h e r n Saw-whet O w l was found on the Bend CBC near Tumalo , Deschutes (fide TC) , and 2 were seen al ive near H a m i l t o n on 18 J a n (MD) . Even more noteworthy was the S a w - w h e t O w l f i r s t d i s covered a t M a l h e u r N W R headquarters on 3 Feb; i t remained i n the same roost tree w e l l i n t o M a r c h ( L M , fide RV) . A n ear ly Rufous H u m m i n g b i r d , the first th i s year for E a s t e r n Oregon, was observed at Government Cove on 24 Feb (JE) .

Las t year's A w b r y H a l l B u r n near Shev l in P a r k (outside of Bend) at tracted unprecedented numbers of woodpeckers t h i s w i n t e r . A n amazing 5 Downy , 40 H a i r y , 3 White-headed, and 10 Black -backed Woodpeckers were observed there on 8 J a n (TC, C M , SS); another t r i p on 16 Feb found smaller numbers of a l l these species as w e l l as a Three-toed Woodpecker (Charles Gates, fide TC) . A p p a r e n t l y the Deschutes N a t i o n a l For est supervisor has promised t h a t a l l public l a n d w i t h i n the b u r n w i l l be preserved as w i ld l i f e hab i ta t . U n f o r t u nately , m u c h of the b u r n is also p r i vate ly owned; let's hope these l andowners are also aware of the value of t h i s hab i ta t . U p to 4 A c o r n W o o d p e c k e r s were discovered i n the oak woods of Sorosis P a r k i n The Dalles th i s w i n t e r ; t h e y were f i r st noted on 2 1 J a n ( P M , L W, D L , m.ob.). Th is is t h e f i r s t record of Acorn Woodpecker i n Wasco i n recent years, and the only k n o w n site for the species i n Eas tern Oregon. A d e a d R e d -naped Sapsucker was found nor thwest of Bend d u r i n g J a n (fide TC). One male

and 2 female Three-toed Woodpeckers were noted a t Spout Springs S k i Resort, Umatilla on 24 Feb; 1 of t h e m was even v i s i t i n g a feeder ( M D ) . A "Yel low-shafted" F l i cker was reported a t a feeder i n Bend on 17 J a n (fide TC) .

Flycatchers to shrikes There were only 5 Say's Phoebe

reports t h i s season, a l l i n late Feb; the earl iest was 16 Feb i n Lake (fide M S L ) , a typ ica l a r r i v a l date. Tree Swallows were first recorded i n Lake on 16 Feb (MSL) , and a " smal l flock" was found i n Jefferson on 23 Feb ( D L , fide H N ) . A very ear ly Violet -green Swal low was found a t M a l h e u r N W R on 28 Feb (refuge personnel, fide H N ) . U p to 4 B L U E J A Y S w i n t e r e d i n H e r m i s t o n , Umatilla ; they were first noted on 1 Nov, and were s t i l l v i s i t i n g feeders i n t o w n w e l l i n t o M a r c h (CC, H N , m.ob.) A lmost as rare was t h e Scrub J a y t h a t appeared at U m a t i l l a N W R on 3 1 Dec (AF , fide H N ) . The only P inyon Jay report was a group of 90 birds found on the Bend CBC i n mid-Dec (fide TC). More t h a n the usual n u m b e r of A m e r i c a n Crows wintered t h r o u g h o u t E a s t e r n Oregon t h i s season, another resu l t of the m i l d weather conditions. A Bewick's W r e n was discovered on 16 Dec along the East Canal at M a l h e u r N W R (JC, SS); the species is s t i l l considered accidental on the refuge. A n o t h e r Bewick's W r e n was found at the S u m m e r L k . W M A headquarters on 18 and 19 Dec (MSL) . A n A m e r i c a n Dipper was noted carry ing nest ing mat e r i a l a t Cascade Locks as early as 16 Feb ( J & R K ) .

Western Blueb irds fared w e l l i n the Bend area; 69 were counted on the Bend CBC (fide TC) , and smal l numbers were reported i n late J a n a n d Feb (nxob.). Three Western Blueb i rds were explori n g nest ing boxes a t Glaze Meadows near B lack B u t t e Ranch on 15 Feb (MA) . There were 4 reports o f H e r m i t Thrushes, a l l d u r i n g Dec and J a n ; the species is very rare most w inters throughout East ern Oregon. A real surprise was the N o r t h e r n M o c k i n g b i r d f ound i n Canyon C i ty , Grant on 30 Dec (nxob., fide TW) . I t looks l ike Harney can produce "Eastern" vagrants even i n the dead of w i n t e r — a r e m a r k a b l e B R O W N T H R A S H E R w a s f o u n d a t t h e Frenchglen H o t e l on 17 Dec (JC, SS).

Bohemian Waxwings were found i n good numbers t h r o u g h o u t Eastern Oregon th i s w i n t e r ; flocks generally n u m ber ing less t h a n 200 birds were reported i n Baker, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Lake, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa. N o r t h e r n Shrikes appeared widespread and i n good numbers , espec ia l ly i n Nor theas te rn Oregon. Single


and i t remained t h r o u g h o u t t h e period (TC, SS).

Bohemian Waxwings were found i n good numbers throughout E a s t e r n O r egon th i s w i n t e r ; flocks general ly n u m ber ing less t h a n 200 b irds were reported inBaker, Deschutes ( they were very rare i n Deschutes th i s w i n t e r — T C ) , Grant, Harney, Lake, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa. N o r t h e r n Shrikes appeared widespread a n d i n good n u m bers, especially i n Nor theas tern Oregon. Single Loggerhead Shr ikes were found a t D u f u r , Wasco on 17Feb (DL , fideHN), and near the t o w n of Wa l l owa on 27 Feb ( H N ) .

Warblers to finches Y e l l o w - r u m p e d W a r b l e r s w e r e

noted i n "good numbers " only i n the H e r m i s t o n area d u r i n g ear ly Dec; they p r o m p t l y disappeared w h e n t h e cold spell h i t (CC). Singles were found a t Dayvi l l e , Grant on 15 Dec (CG) and on the Bend CBC (fide TC). A m e r i c a n Tree Sparrows were found i n typ i ca l n u m bers i n Nor theas tern Oregon; 22 on the U n i o n Co. CBC was t h e largest number recorded(fideGRBC). Others were found i n Baker, Lake, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wallowa . A n early Sage Sparrow was near Si lver Lake , Lake on 24 Feb (SS). U n u s u a l i n Eas tern Oregon d u r i n g t h e w i n t e r , single Fox Sparrows were noted on the S u m m e r L k . CBC (fide M S L ) ; on the John D a y CBC (fide TW) ; i n Bend a l l w i n t e r (fide TC); and on the M a d r a s CBC, Jefferson (L . Rubin) . A W h i t e -throated Sparrow was also reported for the Madras CBC (L . Rubin ) , and 1 w i n tered a t a feeder in L a Grande, Union for t h e t h i r d county record (fide GRBC). H a r r i s ' Sparrows were found i n smal l numbers i n the u s u a l areas; reports came f r o m Harney, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa. There were no Snow B u n t i n g or L a p l a n d Longspur reports t h i s season.

I t appears t h a t T r i c o l o r e d B l a c k b i r d s are expanding t h e i r w i n t e r i n g range into Eas tern Oregon. Two were seen n e a r C r o o k e d R i v e r R a n c h , Deschutes on 2 Dec, and u p to 5 were i n t h a t same area f r o m 1-5 J a n (TC, LR) . T h i r t y were near Powel l B u t t e , Cook, on 3 Feb (LR, TC). A n o t h e r Tricolored was found i n S u m m e r L k . (the town) on 16 and 22 Feb ( A & M A r , SS). A flock of 20 Brown-headed Cowbirds was found a t a feedlot near B o a r d m a n on 23 Dec (CC). Rosy F i n c h reports came f r o m Grant, Harney, Lake, Morrow, Union, a n d Wallowa ; most involved flocks of less t h a n 20 b irds except the 44 seen i n Joseph on 2 Dec (PS); 55 on t h e Wal l owa Co. CBC of 16 Dec (fide JS); and u p to 300birds t h a t w i n t e r e d outside the t o w n

of U n i o n (fide GRBC). The only Pine Grosbeak report t h i s w i n t e r was a male and 2 female birds observed a t t h e head of Tiger Canyon i n t h e U m a t i l l a N a t i o n a l Forest (Umatilla ) on 16 J a n ( M D , M L D ) . There were 3 or 4 s ightings of Purp le Finches i n t h e J o h n D a y Val ley , Grant d u r i n g the season, a l l reported w i t h no support ing details. Th is species is extremely rare t h r o u g h o u t Eas tern Oregon away f r o m the Cascades, especial ly d u r i n g the w i n t e r ; any reports of Purp le Finches i n eastern Oregon away f r o m the Cascades should inc lude exhaust ive details t h a t e l iminate Cassin's andHouse Finches. Red Crossbills were down i n numbers i n a l l mountainous regions th i s w i n t e r (only 4 sightings) ("almost nonexistent i n C e n t r a l Oregon after extremely h i g h numbers last f a l l " — TC) , and there were no Whi te -w inged Crossbills reported. The only Common Redpoll report was a single b i r d found at the Si lver L k . Ranger S ta t i on f r o m 6-26 Feb (SS).

O b s e r v e r s D a v i d A . Anderson (DA) ; M a r i l y n

Anderson ( M A ) ; A n n & M e r l e Arch ie

( A & M A r ) ; J o h n Biewener (JB); D . & S. B r o w d e r ( D & S B ) ; Wi l son Cady (WC); J i m Car lson (JC); C r a i g Corder (CC); T o m Crabtree (TC); M i k e D e n n y ( M D ) ; M e r r y L y n n D e n n y ( M L D ) ; T. Downs (TD) ; C u r t i s Edwards (CE); Joe Evanich (JE) ; A n t h o n y F loyd (AF) ; Cecil Gagnon (CG); Greg Gi l l son (GG); L . H a m m o n d ( L H ) ; B i l l Hayes ( B H ) ; I v y H i l t y (LH); T o m H u n t ( T H ) ; Gary Ivey (GI) ; Steve Jaggers (SJ); J a n & RickKrabbe ( J & R K ) ; N i c k L e t h a b y ( N L ) ; D o n n a L u s t h o f f ( D L ) ; L . McGowen ( L M ) ; C r a i g M i l l e r (CM); P a t M u l l e r (PM) ; H a r r y Nehls ( H N ) ; Pete Read (PR); Lew Rems (LR) ; Ja imie Simmons (JS); M a r t i n St. Louis (MSL) ; P a u l S u l l i v a n (PS); Steve Summers (SS); VerdaTeale (VT) ; K a r e n Theodore ( K T ) ; Rick V e t t e r (RV); T o m Winters (TW).

F i e l d notes were obtained f r o m the fo l lowing newsletters: The Eagle Eye (Centra l Oregon A u d u b o n Society), The Rav-on (Grande Ronde B i r d Club) , Tlxe Upland Sandpiper ( G r a n t Co. B i r d Club) , as w e l l as f r o m personal communications w i t h CC, M D , GG, D L , H N , JS, M S L , and RV.

0

Smew 28 January 1991, near Stevenson, Washington. Left photo with American Wtgeon and Coots; right photo with mostly Coots. Photos/Nancy MacDonald.


Smew. 7 February 1991, at Cascade Locks, Hood River County, Oregon. OBRC record number 131.1-91-01C. Photo/Nick Lethaby.

Brown Thrasher. 17 December 1990, at Frenchglen, Harney County, Oregon. OBRC record number 705-90-12C. Photo/ Steve Summers.

Above: Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 18 June 1990, at Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon. OBRC record number 387-90-09B. See OB 17(1): 24, Spring 1991. Photo/Tom Crabtree. Right: Bar-tailed Godwit. 22 September 1990, at Bandon, Coos County, Oregon. OBRC record number250-90-12D. See OB 17(2): 58, Summer 1991. Photo/Karen Kearney.


Tufted Duck. 20 January 1991, at Sheridan sewage ponds, Yamhill County, Oregon. Photo I Tim Janzen.

Reported Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 24 February 1991, at Azalea Park, Brookings, Curry County, Oregon. OBRC record number 402-91-09C. Photo I Colin Dillingham.

Orchard Oriole. 26 November 1990, at Brookings, Curry County, Oregon. Photo/ Tim Janzen.

Fieldnotes: Western Oregon, Winter 1990-1991 Jim Johnson, 3244 N.E. Brazee Street, Portland, OR 97212

U p to 13 Red-throated Loons were on the Co lumbia R. a t Sauvie I . most o f the w i n t e r (JJ , nxob.), w h i c h has been the n o r m for t h e las t couple years. The only other i n l a n d Red-throated Loon reported was at H e n r y H a g g L . 24 Feb. (DL) . I n l a n d Red-necked Grebes were a t t h e Forest Grove s.p. 2 Dec. ( D L ) a n d on t h e Co lumbia R. a t Bonnevi l le D a m 14 Feb. (fide M E ) . Seven Clark ' s Grebes were reported f r o m coasted locations f r o m SJCR to Coos B a y i n December a n d J a n u a r y (m. ob.). One Clark ' s Grebe was on t h e Co lumbia R. a t P o r t l a n d 29 Dec. (JJ). This author has come to expect 1 or 2 a t t h i s location annua l ly .

T w o L A Y S A N A L B A T R O S S E S and 3 M O T T L E D P E T R E L S were 45 m i . off L inco ln and Ti l lamookCos. w i t h i n t h e expected t i m e frame, 11 Dec. (TS). A beached-bird survey on Clatsop Beach 19 Jan . t u r n e d u p 12 N o r t h e r n F u l m a r s and 1 Short - ta i led Shearwater (MP) . A n out-of-season B r o w n Pel ican was a t Y a q u i n a H e a d 13 Jan . ( K M ) . As is expected, a Snowy E g r e t was a t Coos B a y lODec. ( H N , JE) . The only Cat t l e Egrets reported were 1 a t T i l l amook 15 Dec. (JJ) , and 1 found dead near Monroe (Benton) 16 Jan . (fide M E ) .

S i x t y - t w o T u n d r a Swans on t h e Medford CBC 29 Dec. was "a very h i g h count for t h e va l ley" ( M M ) . A t least 1 1 T r u m p e t e r Swans w i n t e r e d a t the t r a d i

t i o n a l Map le Grove site (Polk) (m.ob.). A Ross' Goose spent the season a t Neha lem meadows (fide H N ) for t h e only repor t of t h a t species. Single Emperor Geese were at Roseburg 15 Dec. and Sauvie I . 2 Feb.+ (fide H N ) . Single B r a n t were a t Sauvie I . a l l season and F i n l e y N.W.R. 14 J a n . (fide H N ) .

F o u r C i n n a m o n Teal l ingered a t t h e Independence s.p. to 8 Dec. (fide H N ) . The f i r s t of t h e spr ing migrants were a t t h e N e h a l e m s.p. 17 Feb. (JG). A male Tufted Duck , now a n n u a l i n wes tern Oregon, was a t t h e Sher idan s.p. to 6 Feb. (m.ob.). A female H a r l e q u i n D u c k on the Rogue R. 0.5 m i . u p s t r e a m f r o m Savage Rapids D a m 29 Dec. was t h e f i r s t record for JacksonCo. (MR) . I n l a n d Sur fSco terswereat theSher idans .p . 18 Feb. (fide M E ) a n d on Sauvie I . 2 1 Feb. ( H N ) . Seven Barrow 's Goldeneyes were r e p o r t e d f r o m c o a s t a l C l a t s o p , T i l lamook, and L inco ln Cos. a l l season (nxob.). I n l a n d Red-breasted M e r g a n sers were reported as follows: singles a t the Forest Grove s.p. 2 D e c , P o r t l a n d 5 Jan . , and Sauvie 1.15 Feb.; 4 were i n the Rogue Va l l ey d u r i n g December (nxob.). Oregon's first S M E W , a b r i l l i a n t male , stayed a t Cascade Locks to a t least 23 Feb. after first being found a t Stevensen, W A (nxob.).

The first T u r k e y V u l t u r e s of t h e spr ing m i g r a t i o n were 3 a t C e n t r a l Po in t

16 Feb. ( M M ) and 1 a t K e n t u c k I n l e t (Coos) 24 Feb. (fide L T ) . A n unusua l m i d - w i n t e r report of Osprey came f r o m Bonnevi l le D a m 27 Jan . (JG). One at Oregon C i t y 2 1 Feb. m a y have been an ear ly spr ing m i g r a n t . W i n t e r i n g n u m bers o f Black-shouldered Kites appear to continue on a d o w n w a r d t r e n d o f the las t 2 years. Outs ide of Coos and C u r r y Cos., single Red-shouldered H a w k s were reported f r o m Whitehorse P a r k , Grants Pass 25 J a n . (fide M M ) , and Cannon Beach 19 J a n . (TJ) . A n out-of-range Golden Eagle was a t F i n l e y N.W.R. most o f the winter (nxob . ) . T e n on t h e Medford CBC 29 Dec. was a h i g h count (fide M M ) . Two P r a i r i e Falcons were reported f r o m Wi l lamet te Val ley locations, wh i l e 6 were on the Med ford CBC 29 Dec. (fide M M ) .

Two Soras were reported f r o m the D e n m a n area (Jackson) 16 Dec. (HS), and 1 was seen a t the A s h l a n d Pond 23 & 25 Dec. (RS). Snowy Plover reports were as follows: 4 a t M a n z a n i t a 20 Dec.; 4 a t Y a q u i n a B a y 22 D e c ; and 1 on Gleneden Beach 11 J a n . A Lesser Y e l -lowlegs was a t N e t a r t s Bay 30 Dec. (GL) , and a W a n d e r i n g T a t t l e r was a t Y a q u i n a H e a d 8 J an . ( K L ) . B o t h of these species are very rare i n m i d - w i n t e r . The on ly Long-b i l led C u r l e w reported was at Coos B a y 8 Dec. (PL) . Single M a r b l e d Godwits were a t Coos B a y 8 D e c , N e w p o r t 9 Dec. a n d Alsea B a y 22 Dec.


Single Pomar ine Jaegers were seen f r o m Cape Blanco 2 Dec. a n d Cape Meares 3 1 Dec. (GL) . A n incredible 17 Glaucous Gul ls were reported f r o m western Oregon of w h i c h 8(!) could be seen among t h e Moolack Beach g u l l f lock most o f the season ( D F , H N ) . Above average numbers o f Anc i en t M u r r e l e t s were found a long most o f t h e coast throughout t h e season. M o s t notably , u p to 27 were a t Y a q u i n a H e a d ( K M ) , and 50 were a t P o r t O r f o r d (GL) .

A B u r r o w i n g O w l a t t h e n o r t h sp i t of t h e Coos R. 8 Dec. + a n d 1 a t t h e n o r t h spi t o f the Coquil le R. 9-10 Feb. were Coos Co's. s i x th and seventh records, respectively (fide L T ) . F o u r w i n t e r e d i n the Rogue V a l l e y (fide M M ) . T w o Long -eared Owls were a t the t r a d i t i o n a l E .E. Wi l son Game M a n a g e m e n t A r e a w i n t e r i n g spot 2 1 Jan . (fide M E ) . A male C O S T A ' S H U M M I N G B I R D v i s i t ed a S. ABhland feeder 18-25 Dec. (fide M M ) . A male v i s i ted t h i s same feeder las t spring. A male Costa's, possibly a di f ferent i n d i v i d u a l , was seen i n N . Ash land 9 Jan . (fide M M ) . Rufous H u m m i n g b i r d s r e t u r n e d to Coos Co. 6 Feb. (fide L T ) , Centra l Po in t 19 Feb. (fide M M ) , and Astor ia 22 Feb. (MP) . The Medford CBC found 204 Lewis ' Woodpeckers 29 Dec. — a very h i g h n u m b e r compared w i t h recent years. The 1975-1989 average is 59 (fide M M ) . A n i m m . Y E L L O W - B E L L I E D S A P S U C K E R was r e p o r t e d , w i t h o u t details , f r o m C u r r y Co. 24 Feb.-2 M a r . Th is w o u l d be t h e s i x t h or sev

e n t h Oregon record i f accepted. Single BlackPhoebes were a t M y r t l e

P o i n t 10 J a n . and i n t h e Coos B a y area 10 Feb. (fide L T ) . Two Say's Phoebes were found on t h e Med ford CBC 29 Dec. (fide M M ) . This species appears to w i n t e r i n very s m a l l numbers i n t h e Rogue Val ley . A l i n g e r i n g Tree Swal low was a t t h e K i r t l a n d Rd . s.p. (Jackson) 1 Dec. ( M M ) . The first spr ing migrants were i n P o r t l a n d 6 Feb. (GL). H u n d r e d s were a t F i n l e y N.W.R. by 16 Feb.

A flock o f 8 P i n y o n Jays was i n t h e E m i g r a n t L . area and v is i ted a nearby feeder6Dec.-20 J a n . (RS, M M ) . There is on ly 1 other Jackson Co. record k n o w n to M M f r o m t h e past 12 years.

There was a widespread, b u t low-density i n f l u x of M o u n t a i n Chickadees in to western Oregon t h i s season. Singles were reported f r o m t h e fo l lowing l o cales: Saddle M t n . (Clatsop), Brookings , Cape Arago , Gladstone, South Beach State P a r k , Newpor t , and Por t land . A P y g m y N u t h a t c h was i n A s h l a n d Jan . to 20 Feb. ( M U , RS). T h i s species is extremely rare i n JacksonCo. Single N o r t h e r n Mockingbirds were i n Brookings 9 D e c , Oregon C i t y 14 Feb., a n d Eugene a l l season (fide H N ) . Three were found on the Medford CBC 29 Dec. (fide M M ) . A Loggerhead Shr ike was found on t h e Medford CBC 29 Dec. and another was i n C e n t r a l Po in t 8 Feb. (fide M M )

A l i n g e r i n g P a l m Warb le r was i n W a l d p o r t 30 Dec. (fide D F ) . A male R O S E - B R E A S T E D G R O S B E A K v i s

i t e d a n A s h l a n d feeder 12-13 Jan . (fide M M ) . Twenty -one S w a m p Sparrows were reported f r o m throughout western Oregon, w h i c h is about average for the las t few years. A l l reports were of ones and twos except for 10 on t h e Ti l lamook CBC. E ighteen Whi te - throated Sparrows i n western Oregon was about average. A H a r r i s ' Sparrow w h i c h spent the season on Sauvie I . was t h e only one reported. A L a p l a n d Longspur at Bridge, Coos Co. 2 1 D e c was only the s i x t h record for Coos Co. (fide L T ) . Six Snow B u n t i n g s a t Bayocean sandspit 7 Feb. (fide H N ) were t h e only ones reported.

Rare w i n t e r Yellow-headed Blackb irds were i n A s h l a n d (2) 1 Jan . (RS), and on Sauvie I . 3 Feb. (fide H N ) . The Brookings O R C H A R D O R I O L E remained to 12 Dec. (AB) . A Common Redpoll videotaped i n Reedsport 19 Feb. (KC) was t h e only one reported f r o m western Oregon.

Observers A l a n B a r r o n , K a t h y Crocker, M e r

l i n E l t z r o t h , Joe Evan i ch , Ben Fawver , D a r r e l Faxon (DF) , D a v i d F i x (DFi ) , A n t h o n y F l o y d , J e f f G i l l i g a n , T i m Janzen, J i m Johnson, P a u l L e h m a n , Gerard L i l l i e , K a t h y L i s k a , T o m Love, D o n n a L u s t h o f f , K a t h y M e r r i f i e l d , M a r j o r i e Moore , H a r r y Nehls , M i k e P a t t e r s o n , M i k e R o b b i n s , H o w a r d Sands, Ray Skibby, T o m Staudt , L a r r y T h o r n b u r g h , M i k e Uhtof f .

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