Oregon Birds · plan hikes in the Waldo Lake area that netted Townsend’s Solitaire, Red...

Vol. 27, No. 3, Fall 2001 The quarterly journal of Oregon field ornithology Oregon Birds

A Record Year in Lane County 69 Don DeWitt Female Three-toed Woodpecker Utilizes “Conking” Behavior in 72 the Blue Mountains of Umatilla County, Oregon Mike Denny Marion County’s Winter Resident Burrowing Owl 74 Stephen Dowlan Field Notes, Eastern Oregon, Spring 2001 76 Paul T. Sullivan Field Notes, Western Oregon, Spring 2001 86 Gerard Lillie Short Notes 91

No. 3 Oregon Birds 69

A Record Year in Lane County Don DeWitt, 2680 Cresta de Ruta, Eugene, OR 97403 [email protected]

On 7 October 2000, I was 35 miles offshore from Lane County watching Black-Footed Albatrosses, Northern Fulmars, and birds of other species I’d never seen before. All year I had birded intensely, concentrating on a Big Year in my home county. Now, I had just observed the 258th species, make that 259...260...261, exceeding the previous Lane County record of 257 species set in 1985 by Steve Heinl. As it turned out, in the year 2000 the record was well surpassed by two of us local birders.

Recent articles about Big Year birding efforts by Steve Dowlan and Bill Tice (Oregon Birds 25:2, Summer 1999) gave accounts by experienced birders that stressed the importance of learning the most productive sites, employing an effective strategy for the year, and knowing the seasonal distribution and scarcity or abundance of all species occurring in the county. As a relative newcomer to both birding and listing, I had much to learn about such matters as I birded through the three distinct seasons of this Big Year in Lane County.

2000 was my fifth year as a birder. Loy’s The Atlas of Oregon (1976) shows that Lane is the sixth largest county in the state and the only one that contains parts of five climatic regions: Coastal, Coast Range, Cascades, the Willamette Valley and the upper margin of the South Western Valley. With 4,600 square miles, Lane is three times larger than Coos County, equal to Lincoln, Benton, Polk, and Linn Counties combined, and nearly as large as the state of Connecticut. This geography presents problems as well as opportunities for birders. The county extends about 110 miles, as the Mountain Chickadee flies, east to west. I couldn’t hope to cover it all.

Evanich’s Birder’s Guide to Oregon has a few pages about good sites in Lane but is dated in regard to status of several species. Much more helpful has been attending meetings of the local birders group (SWOC) for the past several years. WINTER. Since family responsibilities most days and weekends would keep me close to home, county birding seemed a natural fit for a big year. I had been surprised to realize that, for 1999, I had recorded 222 species in Lane County. The record was not that much higher, or so it seemed. Besides, the year had a promising start. The Eugene CBC produced Barn and Great Horned Owls along with White-throated Sparrows on Thistledown Farm, then Harris’s Sparrow at Golden Garden Park. Shortly thereafter, Barb Combs posted to OBOL that a Common Redpoll had just been at her feeder. Soon we had a scope on the only bird in a flock of Pine Siskins that had a black chin and pinkish chest.

Winter was the best time for birding the coast and river jetties near Florence and the rocky headlands to the north where such specialties as Black Scoter, Harlequin Duck, and Glaucous Gull appeared. I visited the Siuslaw River’s South Jetty with Reid Freeman and Paul Sherrell, co-conspirators on the Big Year project. We located the Long-tailed Duck that Tim Rodenkirk had reported and the Snow Buntings right where my wife Linda and I had seen them back in December. At some point in January, the goal for a big year was set, but I had only begun to appreciate the importance of winter birding for a western Oregon Big Year.

Winter was also a good time for waterfowl and the other expected

species near home. Dexter Reservoir’s large mixed flocks included Common Goldeneye and Canvaback. The Fern Ridge area hosted nearly all of the other non-coastal duck species. Twenty-four of the ducks listed on my OFO Field Card had been checked off by the end of February. Only Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, and Barrow’s Goldeneye waited for spring to make their appearances. Hiking frequently on the open south slopes of Mt. Pisgah got me into sunshine above valley fog. Other local birders use Skinner’s Butte Park as this sort of base site. Many common wintering and migrating species were found on these Mt. Pisgah hikes, and late in February, Sandhill Cranes flew above me. By the end of February, I had tallied 137 species in the county, halfway to the eventual record.

Winter was also a time to plan for later. At the end of January, I reviewed what I knew from my own birding records, my stack of several years of Lane County Audubon’s newsletter The Quail and the book Birds of Oregon: Status and Distribution, edited by Jeff Gilligan, Alan Contreras, et al. Using a sort of triage approach, I made three lists of remaining species: “Should See,” “Might See with Effort,” and “Questionable.” I decided I would focus on the “Might See” list. Species on the first list should appear on their own. Those on the third were too iffy to spend much time seeking, but I should be prepared to capitalize on any chance to see one of them. Even adding all three lists together, though, 257 seemed a long way away.

SPRING If the first half of my birding year ended by 1 March, half of the

70 Oregon Birds Vol.27

remainder was over in late May. By then most of the 215-220 species commonly occurring in Lane County were ticked on the card (I’d learn a bit later to think of these as the “Code 1 and 2” species). The stretch between 1 March and 1 June was the second most productive in numbers of bird species. By 1 June, my count was 215, including nearly 30 of the less common species.

Spring highlights included Say’s Phoebe, found for the second consecutive March along Edenvale Road, east of Mt. Pisgah. Other best finds were clustered in the Fern Ridge area, including both the Fisher Wildlife Unit between West 11th and Royal Avenue and the newly-started lower Amazon Creek project at the corner of Greenhill Drive and Royal Ave. I had been attending meetings of an interagency Wetland Working Group that was developing plans for that area and for an educational center that is being located there. Since I was already familiar with the sites, I was on hand when, in April, great birds started showing up. Uncommon to rare for Lane County were Black-necked Stilt, Wilson’s Phalarope, White-faced Ibis, Willet, Solitary Sandpiper, and flocks of American White Pelicans and Forster’s Terns. These, along with good numbers of Black Terns and Red-necked Phalaropes and amazingly high numbers of Blue-winged Teal, gave me the sense that something unusual was happening, perhaps harbingers of progress in the wetlands projects. Whatever the cause, this was a good year to be a Lane birder on a quest. Finding and posting a number of these good birds myself was an enjoyable part of my Big Year effort. Postings on OBOL announced other rarities: Mockingbird in Eugene with an early Western Kingbird as a bonus, and a Great Gray Owl in Springfield, for which I looked in vain several times (while being looked at myself by a Pygmy-Owl).

SUMMER/FALL By early June, the diminished lists of possible new species had me wondering whether I could find 42 more, even given seven months. A borrowed copy of Oregon County Checklists and Maps introduced me to a code system that reflects relative abundance of species. Codes 3, 4, and 5 birds in that scheme require progressively more searching, effort, and luck. One must add to that being ready to recognize a rare or out-of-place bird. Having this more comprehensive checklist of species that had previously occurred in Lane County helped me to see more possibilities and to prioritize my efforts. Reluctant sailor that I am, I realized that a number of missing birds could to be found offshore. Paul Sherrell and I both booked a pelagic trip for the Fall.

In summer, it was also important to add mountain birding to the coastal and valley sites. The McKenzie and Willamette Pass areas and roads southeast of Oakridge could be birded, hurriedly, in day trips in the long summer daylight. Ranging over all the habitat zones, I averaged ten new species per month from June through November. Almost 30 of these were the Code 3, 4, and 5 species.

June. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak stayed a few days at a feeder in Springfield. A Red-eyed Vireo responded to a tape at Jasper Park east of Pisgah. A visiting birder found and reported Forster’s Terns at Fern Ridge. I made two mountain trips, one for Black Swift, Northern Waterthrush, and Calliope Hum-mingbird near Salt Creek Falls (see Evanich), and another with Paul that produced both Three-Toed and Black-Backed Woodpeckers and Mountain Bluebirds, all in the first mile of the Taylor Burn Road northeast from Waldo Lake. Driving the Old McKenzie Highway and logging roads off major roads #21 and #23 above Hills Creek yielded Rock Wren at a quarry and a chance

to prospect for rare sapsuckers, but we had no luck with those this year.

July. Sullivan’s 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades helped me plan hikes in the Waldo Lake area that netted Townsend’s Solitaire, Red Crossbill, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chick-adee, and even Cassin’s Finch along the Pacific Crest Trail. Closer to home, the children’s play area at Orchard Point Park (Fern Ridge Reservoir) held the Great-tailed Grackle that had serenaded Alan Contreras’s office picnic. A lone Horned Lark tried unsuccessfully to hide from me on a bare dirt road in the Coyote Unit west of Eugene.

August. On a family weekend at the coast, I scouted various Siuslaw jetty areas and the Siltcoos Outlet (Waxmyrtle Trail to the beach) and found one Marbled Godwit and both Baird’s and Semipalmated Sandpipers. I almost missed the Long-Billed Curlew that Linda and I saw fly away over the dunes. The Fisher Unit near the end of Royal Avenue had a Pectoral Sandpiper and 2 Brewer’s Sparrows one day. Three Mountain Quail showed up along McGowan Creek Road, an access point for the Coburg Hills north of Springfield. Jack Turner and I had seen a pair of Northern Goshawks up there in mid-May.

September. Another coast month. I missed Ruff, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and Red Knot that Paul and others had seen and reported in the Siuslaw South Jetty area. In one of my less intuitive decisions of the year, I opted not to seek the Curlew Sandpiper with Reid the day he located the bird right after enjoying lunch at Amigo Burritos. I did get to see two Elegant Terns flying over the jetties and two Greater White-fronted Geese in the South Jetty Deflation Plain, where, on 24 September, something really exciting came along. I was fortunate to be with Luke Bloch, Alan Contreras, and Hendrik Herlyn for the sighting of Oregon’s first recorded Eurasian


Dotterel. The Dotterel was accompanied by an American Golden-Plover. Pacific Golden-Plovers were also present nearby. The next weekend, birders gathered from all over Oregon, seeking the rare plovers (and Dotterel and Curlew Sandpiper) and, probably as a result of having so many eyes scanning the area, we found a Tropical Kingbird, only the second or third record for the county. Several of us had birded the Deflation Plain several times, though, with no luck at all. One day four of us did get a terrific consolation prize a few miles farther south--a Parasitic Jaeger skimming down the Siltcoos River outlet and startling the gull flock into panicked flight.

In the year 2000, Eugene received only two-thirds of its average 50 inches of precipitation, and summer and fall blended into one season. My target bird the day Mt. Pisgah re-opened after a fire closure was a Lewis’s Woodpecker, which appeared in the large white oak trees near where a couple of Lewis’s had spent a few days last September.

October Pelagic. Wind and bar conditions at Winchester Bay forced the cancellation of our pelagic trip in September. Greg Gillson’s 7 October trip from Newport did get out. We powered through the fog over flat seas toward Heceta Banks, crossing on schedule into Lane County waters under clearing skies. Birds were everywhere. Within minutes, Paul and I were shaking hands, congratulating each other. We had both surpassed the old Lane County record. We had worked together to plan and bird all year. Now, we would both add eleven pelagic species to our lists. Nearly every species was a new one for me: Fork-tailed Storm Petrels, Buller’s and Short-tailed Shearwaters, Northern Fulmars, and Black-footed Albatross. This trip had Oregon record numbers of the latter two

species and high numbers of Cassin’s Auklets. Also present were Red Phalarope, Sabine’s Gulls, jaegers, and a Laysan Albatross, which flew around us, splashed down, and swam up to the boat. It was quite amazing to realize that this trip had put us over the top, well past 257, a number we had doubted was possible without a pelagic. The South Polar Skua we saw on the run back to Newport was magnificent, even if it was in Lincoln County waters.

October and November. On additional coastal trips, I added Black-legged Kittiwake and Red-necked Grebe, and then three Rock Sandpipers with a big flock of turnstones, last seen heading for Yachats with a Peregrine in pursuit. Fittingly, the rest of the year’s new birds came close to home. Saw-whet Owls at an old landfill in south Eugene became #270 on my list. Then three really good birds turned up within a mile of each other. OBOL reported a Tree Sparrow near the Royal Avenue barricade, an immature Trumpeter Swan in a Fisher Unit pond, and a Swamp Sparrow that Paul found along the Fisher gravel road. Re-locating those birds brought my species total to 273. I didn’t know it then, but my listing year was over: the year’s final six weeks, including the Eugene CBC, produced no new bird. Postscript Throughout this year’s effort I appreciated the truth of the saying “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Trent Bray’s posting of a Willet in the valley north of Eugene probably helped me recognize a Willet near Fisher Butte despite at the same time seeing and hearing 30-odd Ibis flying over my head. One summer morning, I showed Linda some field guide plates illustrating differences in undertail coverts among various finch species. Whether or not she thought of this as appropriate breakfast table conversation, it

seemed a valid concern to me because I was going birding. Later that day, on the Skyline Trail, near the turn to Bobby Lake and Deschutes County, a Cassin’s Finch appeared. In late July, my daughter joined me for a hike to a string of small lakes near Waldo Mountain. We rested and had lunch in the sun along the shore of Lower Eddeeleo Lake, our main destination. We watched mostly the Blue Darners and Dragonflies. We mused at the thought of Common Loons carrying young on their backs, something seen perhaps just once in Oregon, at this lake, in 1991. We talked about trying to get back in there earlier, in June.

The Big Year can at times produce the urge to scurry all over the county, but it also encourages patience and the value of local knowledge. My failure, many times repeated, to see the Great Gray Owl required exactly the same from me as did standing in the rain long enough to see the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. My many hikes on Mt. Pisgah taught me the value of learning one smaller area well in what is seemingly a wide-ranging pursuit. Pisgah trips gave me over a hundred species for the year. Horned Larks, Yellow-breasted Chats, Western Kingbird, and Vesper Sparrow were regular. In fact, I have learned that knowing such an area well can produce new findings other than the list. Throughout June, I found singing Nashville Warblers on Mt. Pisgah, and on 2 July, I saw a small flock of 5 birds foraging in blackberries on the east side of the mountain. I did not realize at the time that this would be an unusual breeding elevation or location for that species. But even this familiarity did not produce all the species possible as Ash-throated Flycatchers, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, and other rarities that I had previously seen at Pisgah eluded me during 2000.


A year of listing 273 species in one county made me curious about what further species I could add in the New Year. Looking back now, in late October, I can report seeing an additional 15 species so far in 2001. In January, Paul found 2 Palm Warblers at Florence, and this fall we saw Red Knot, Snowy Egret, and Lapland Longspur there. OBOL posts put me on the trail of Ross’s Goose, Costa’s Hummingbird, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Ferruginous Hawk. I posted one each of Brant, American Avocet, and Swainson’s Hawk, all of these near Eugene. Oregon’s first Lesser Black-backed Gull spent several days near Fern Ridge Dam. As a native of Colorado, where Lark Bunting is the state bird, I was delighted to see the one displaying and singing along K. R. Nielsen Road south of the lake. In mid-August; a return trip to a burned forest in the Waldo Lake area turned up a Williamson's Sapsucker. In all, my two-year total

for Lane County is nearing 290 species.

One result of the Big Year of birding has been gaining a fuller sense of knowing this place where I live. I am grateful, also, to have many companionable birding trips and conversations to remember. Most strong is my realization of the great wealth of Lane County’s, and all of Oregon’s, environment and our marvelous birds. Notes on some facts and sources • The Atlas of Oregon, ed. William G. Loy (University of Oregon Press, 1976) provided the figures for county square miles (p. 172) and information on climatic regions (p. 137). A new version of the atlas has just been published. • The Birder’s Guide to Oregon, Joseph E. Evanich, Jr. (Portland Audubon Society, 1990) has recently been re-issued in its original form. The pages on Lane County are pp. 44-47 and 99-105. Some of the material seems “dated” to me: the

statuses of “Black-shouldered Kite,” Red-Shouldered Hawk, Elegant Tern, Black Tern, and Bald Eagles have certainly changed. Solitary Sandpipers were at Gold Lake years back, not recently as far as I know. Grasshopper Sparrows are now expected in small numbers at one location. On the sites themselves, Danebo Pond is no longer open to the public, but west Eugene has new wetland restoration areas. • 100 Hikes in Central Cascades, William E. Sullivan, 2nd ed. (Navillus Press: Eugene, 1999). • Pelagic Oregon record numbers were noted by Greg Gillson in his OBOL post Monday Oct. 9, 2000. • Paul Adamus told me (pers. comm., July 28, 2000) about the credible sighting of breeding Common Loon at Lower Eddeeleo Lake, seen in 1991, but not reported until later, through, I believe, the breeding bird atlas project. (The only such report, Paul said, ever in Oregon waters for Common Loon).

Female Three-toed Woodpecker Utilizes “Conking” Behavior in the Blue Mountains of Umatilla County, Oregon Mike Denny, 323 Scenic View, College Place, WA 99324, (509) 529-0080

On 30 May 2000, while checking out a cluster of bird monitoring sites in the upper Mill Creek watershed of the Blue Mountains in Umatilla County, Oregon, at 1700 m, I chanced upon a foraging pair of adult Three-toed Woodpeckers (Picoides tridactylus). I first detected these birds by their muted tapping and flaking on a dead Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa) still attached to a steep north-facing slope. The female bird was about 1 m up from the base of the fir in a very exposed position and was quietly tapping while moving in a slow spiral up the tree. The male was about 4 m above his mate, partially concealed from

view by masses of hanging moss and dead branches. He was slowly descending in a lazy spiral; like the female, he was tapping as he moved. I quietly worked my way to within 10 m of these unique woodpeckers, settled at the base of a nearby tree, and viewed their activity through my 10x binoculars. This is when I noticed that the female was taking glancing taps at the bark and flaking off the outer surface; she would then periodically capture and ingest small grubs that were immediately below the bark’s surface.

After a few minutes of watching this pair of woodpeckers, I was just about to move up the steep

mountainside when a junco sounded an alarm call and both woodpeckers instantly froze in place. The female, now motionless and very exposed, puffed out her breast and belly feathers to the point where it looked as if she were pressing a white racquetball between her and the tree’s trunk. She then very slowly moved her head and bill to an odd up-tilted angle and froze. Only her eyes blinked in movement. The black flank barring was now stretched to cover less than one- fourth of the very round chest and belly. What was this bird doing? The male too was absolutely still, but not puffed out in the least as he


clung to the fir up under the dead branches. His chest and belly were not distended at all. A full 40 seconds passed before the reason for this freeze arrived on site. An adult Common Raven drifted low over the treetops, crossing and re-crossing its own path, uttering low guttural croaks here and there. The female Three-toed remained bloated and motionless; even her feathers seemed not to move in the light breeze. About 20 seconds after the raven was gone, the male again started his soft tapping up under the dead branches. The female deflated, assumed her normal shape, and also returned to her search for grubs just below the bark’s surface.

This white ball effect was interesting and curious. As I sat there watching, I happened to notice, adhered to a tree just down slope, were a number of white fruiting bodies of decay fungi or

conks. These conks were very white, round, and varied in size as they grew through the dark bark of the host tree. Wow, that was it! The female was behaving as a conk, or “conking,” in order to conceal and mask her presence from the raven. From above, her black cap, wings, and tail must have appeared as a shadow to the very white round “conk” of her chest and belly on this very overcast day (at the time of the observation, a cold front was rapidly advancing, there was heavy overcast, and some sleet and snow had started to fall). Her light nape, barred back, and rump must have rounded out the conk-like deception. The fungi that she was mimicking are called Pouch Fungus (Cryptoporus volvatus), and they decay sapwood (Parks et al 1997). With Three-toed Wood-peckers so closely associated and obligated to high-elevation stands of burned and dead conifers where

fungi predominate the scene, it is not surprising that this female would use “conking” as a strategy to melt into the background and go unnoticed by potential predators.

I am interested in learning more about this behavior in Three-toed Woodpeckers. Several questions come to mind: Is “conking” a strategy used only for ravens or potential predators in general? Do males “conk”? Any observations and reports of similar behavior would be greatly appreciated. Reference Cited Parks, Catherine G., Evelyn L. Bull, and Torolof R. Torgersen. 1997. Field Guide for the Identification of Snags and Logs in the Interior Columbia River Basin. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-390. Portland, OR: US Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.

Marion County’s Winter Resident Burrowing Owl with reference to other Willamette Valley Burrowing Owl records Stephen Dowlan, P.O. Box 220, Mehama, Oregon 97384

Marion County’s second reported Burrowing Owl was initially found on 3 December 1998 along 117th Street between State Street and Sunnyview Road. Local birders knew about the dirt road through the Kuenzi grass seed farm ever since Snow Buntings were found there in the fall of 1993. After this sighting, I began to alter my route to project areas whenever it was possible, just in case other rare birds might choose this location. Since then, Horned Larks, Peregrine Falcons, Western Bluebirds, a Prairie Falcon, and other open-country bird species had been seen there.

I first noticed the bird standing atop a mound at the uphill end of a plastic culvert, one of only two culverts along this route. The bird flew a short distance out into the

field as I backed up to the culvert. I realized then that a county road grader was only about 200 feet away and heading for the culvert. At this point, I very quickly resigned myself to the likelihood that I would be the lone observer of the bird’s appearance as I watched it fly further out into the field as the grader approached. When I returned at approximately 15:00, I was relieved to find the little owl again standing by the same culvert. I posted the discovery to OBOL (Oregon Birders On-line), the internet bulletin board for Oregon birders, and it was seen by many others through fall, winter, and into spring. The last known sighting for Spring 1999 was on 12 March. During that first season, the bird was seen only at the culvert where it was first found.

I made every effort to use the alternate route as often as possible beginning around late September 1999, and I found the bird again at the same location around 19 October. Because of the frequency of visits, this date, though approximate, is within 2 days of actual arrival. It is likely that the bird arrived in October 1998 as well, but because of a temporary hiatus from field work during the fall and winter of 1998, I had not used this route for several months. Sightings alternated between the plastic culvert and another concrete culvert approximately ¼ mile north, and the bird was last seen in spring 2000 sometime in the second week of March. I remained hopeful for a third appearance and began checking the


culvert in late September 2000. I am certain that the bird returned on 9 or 10 October. During the first three weeks of that year’s residency, it used only the northerly concrete culvert. In the third winter, sightings of the bird were less regular, as was the precision of my note-keeping. The bird was not seen (to my knowledge) past the second week of February, the approximate time that more intensive cultivation of the grass seed fields began. Trespass incursion from vehicles also increased in winter 2001, forcing the farmer to install fencing along 117th Street. Extensive grass seed fields are cultivated on both sides of the road through this area, totaling several square miles or more. Water generally drains away quickly due to continuous but gentle slopes in a north/south orientation. Standing water is not often encountered even shortly after heavy rainstorms. Heavy winter rains flood the more northerly culvert and pools at the outflow, which apparently forces the bird to move to the quick-draining plastic culvert. Burrowing Owls were reported as nesting in small numbers in the Willamette Valley during the early 1900s. Woodcock (1902) refers to four specimens from Corvallis and stated on the authority of A. G. Prill that Burrowing Owl was a breeding species in Linn Co. Shelton (1917) described the distribution as “...found sparingly throughout normal transition of Willamette Valley. Probably resident,” a reference primarily to Lane County. Jewett had three skins from the “Corvallis Game Farm” in his collection from October, November, and January. (Gabrielson and Jewett 1940). The species also formerly nested in the Rogue River Valley. Winter records of Burrowing Owl are scattered throughout the

western portion of the state, especially in the Willamette and Rogue Valleys and on the southern Oregon coast. Since 1986, Oregon Birds field notes indicate that the species has been detected in the Willamette Valley in eleven of fifteen years. An incomplete listing of

early/late dates for both migrants and wintering birds includes the following: 31 August/3 April, Linn Co.; 23 August/10 February, Coos Co.; and 20 September/4 April, Benton Co. Since the winter of 1985-86, birds have wintered in the Willamette Valley in western Linn Co. (Peoria, 1986-87; Fayetteville, 1993-94; Shedd, 1994-95); at the Eugene airport (1986-87), Lane Co.; and over three consecutive winters (1986-87, 1987-88 and 1988-89) at the Corvallis airport in Benton Co. (Herlyn 1998). A Burrowing Owl apparently wintered in Marion Co. in 1981-82, though the observer did realize the importance of the find, and did not report it until it was no longer at the site. One or more birds have wintered in the Rogue Valley 3 times (1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92), and two birds wintered at Gold Beach on the south coast (1994-95). Perhaps the beginning of a new “Burrowing Owl saga,” one bird was found along Smithfield Road in Baskett Slough N.W.R. on 19 November 2000 and remained until at least 27 March 2001 (OBOL records). This bird was captured and

banded on 27 February, assuring that it will be recognized should it return in successive seasons. Many wintering or migrating Burrowing Owls are found in western Oregon along well-traveled routes or well-birded locations, such as sewage treatment plants, jetties

and airports. Others, like the Marion County bird, are well off most birder’s regular routes. Since the discovery of the this bird, I have made an effort to look for unpaved roads through open country, especially grass seed fields and large farms in Marion Co. and elsewhere. Perhaps others Burrowing Owls are wintering off the beaten path, waiting to be found by birders who “take the road less

traveled.” BIBLIOGRAPHY Contreras, A. 1997. Northwest birds in

winter. OSU Press, Corvallis. Contreras, A. 1998. Birds of Coos

County, Oregon. Spec. Pub. No. 12.. Oreg. Field Ornithol., Eugene.

Gilligan, J., M. Smith, D. Rogers and A. Contreras. 1994. Birds of Oregon: status and distribution. Cinclus Pubs., McMinnville, OR.

Gabrielson, I. and S. Jewett. 1940. Birds of Oregon. Oreg. State Coll., Corvallis

Gillson, G. 1998. Birds of Linn County, Oregon.

URL=http://www.teleport.com/~guide/blc/blc_00.htm.

Herlyn H. 1998. Birds of Benton County. URL = http://osu.orst.

edu/pubs/birds/county/bent/spframe.htm

OBOL. Oregon Birders On-line, an internet listserve.

Shelton, A. C., 1917. A distributional list of the land birds of west central Oregon. Univ. of Oreg, Bull., Vol. 14, No. 4, Salem.

Woodcock, A. R. 1902. An annotated list of the birds of Oregon. Oreg. Agr. Expt. Sta. Bull. 68.


Field Notes: Eastern Oregon-Spring 2001 Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26, Beaverton, OR 97005 THE SEASON Spring 2001 found the Pacific Northwest in the second-worst drought on record. This was reflected in average March temperatures 2-3 degrees above normal and precipitation across eastern Oregon at 80% of average. April brought more moisture, about 130% of normal, with average temperatures ranging 2-3 degrees below normal for the month. May reversed the trend to warm and dry. Average temperatures were 3-5 degrees above normal for the month. Precipitation across the region was roughly 50% of normal. REPORTS AND REPORTERS Highlights of the season included large numbers of White-faced Ibis, fleeting visits to Oregon by the Whooper Swan wintering at White Lake on the California border, a Tufted Duck at Hatfield Lake near Bend, 2 Common Moorhens near Krumbo Reservoir at Malheur NWR, a Red Knot at Summer Lake, 2 Ruffs at Lower Klamath NWR, 2 Black-legged Kittiwakes, 2 Snowy Owls, a Spotted Owl in Jefferson County, a Least Flycatcher and Plumbeous Vireo at Fields, a Blue Jay in Redmond, Phainopeplas at Camp Sherman and Bend, a Blackpoll Warbler in Klamath Falls, Black-and-White Warblers in Fields and Klamath Falls, American Redstart at Squawback Rd. near Sisters, a Mourning Warbler at Malheur NWR, a Summer Tanager near Benson Pond at Malheur NWR, McCown’s Longspurs lingering from February south of Klamath Falls, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Twickenham, and Indigo Buntings near Burns and Fields.

Observations were received directly from 29 observers. Reports from a total of 137 observers were gleaned from the Rav-on, newsletter of the Grande Ronde Bird Club; the Upland Sandpiper, newsletter of the Grant County Bird Club; and sightings reported to Birdnotes.net; Oregon Birders on Line; and Portland Audubon's Rare Bird Alert (aka Harry Nehls). The format used for each sighting in this

report is this: # individuals, location, county, date, (INITIALS OF OBSERVERS); next record. Abbreviations used in this report: c.g. campground CPR Central Patrol Road hqtrs. Headquarters Lk. Lake MNWR Malheur NWR, Harney Co. mob multiple observers NF National Forest NWR National Wildlife Refuge Res. Reservoir s.p. sewage ponds St.Pk. state park SLWA Summer Lake Wildlife Area,

Lake Co. WMA Wildlife Management Area Mallard—Plain type denotes species usually seen. Pacific Loon—Italics indicates unusual sightings, late dates, unusual locations, Latin subspecies HARLEQUIN DUCK—All all capitals indicates a rare sighting ROSS'S GULL—All capitals in italics indicates the rarest sightings, first state records, species on the review list of the Oregon Birds Records Committee


Common Loon 1, Haystack Res., Jefferson, 1 Apr (PTS); 1, Prineville Res., Crook, 8 Apr (SHS); 204, Wickiup Res., Deschutes, 15 Apr (CM, MM, HJH); 2 adults, Antelope Res., Malheur, 20 Apr (MLD, MD); 2, LaGrande s.p., Union, 29 Apr (KAA); 9, Cascade Lakes, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (JM, CAC, MAD, LW); 1 injured bird, Wineland Lk., Wetmore, Wheeler, 13 May (PTS) Second county record. Subsequent tracking showed that this bird was recovering on its own.

Pied-billed Grebe 1, Mt. Vernon, Grant, 5 May (TH).

Red-necked Grebe 2, Rocky Point, Klamath, 5 May (SHS).

Eared Grebe 2, Redmond s.p., Jefferson, 26 Apr (KO); 1, Rocky Point, Klamath, 5 May (SHS); 2, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 12 May (SHS); 1 pair, Antone Rd. Res., Wheeler, 12 May (JG); 690, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 30, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 50, Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS); >2000, Lake Abert, Lake, 29 May (JRC).

Western Grebe 35, Columbia R., Morrow, 29 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1, Mt. Vernon, Grant, 5 May (TH); 5, Thief Valley Res., Union, 25 May (PTS); 100, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Clark's Grebe 1, MNWR, 18 Apr-9 May (MIR, JE, et al.); 3, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

American White Pelican 1, Lower Klamath NWR, Klamath, 12 Mar (SJ); 1, Vale, Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 1, Cold Springs NWR, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 9, Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO); 10, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS); 1, near Chiloquin, Klamath, 30 May (WS).

Double-crested Cormorant 4 adults, Antelope Res., Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD).

American Bittern 1, MNWR, 9 May (JE); 1, Painted Hills, near Mitchell, Wheeler, 12 May (JG); 1, Lover’s Lane, Paisley, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW).

Great Egret 1, Hot Lake, Union, 6-13 Apr (SNF, RL, KAA); 2, John Day valley, Mt. Vernon, Grant, 22 Apr-5 May (PSS); 2, Ontario, Malheur, 25 May (PTS).

Snowy Egret 1, SLWA, 9 May (TJ, CM, DM); 3, MNWR, 9-26 May (JE, MR, JH); 4, w. of Lakeview, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW); 2, SLWA, 27 May (RG, LA, FG, MC).

Cattle Egret 4, w. of Lakeview, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW); 1, near Burns, Harney, 28 May (DAH, AE).

Green Heron 1, Page Springs c.g., MNWR, 19-20 May (AC, HH, et al.); 1, near Chiloquin, Klamath, 30 May (WS).

Black-crowned Night-Heron 37, Link R., Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (DT, JW); 2, Irrigon Wildlife Area and marina, Morrow, 29 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1, mouth of Deschutes R., Wasco/Sherman, 5 May (RG); 6, Wrotter Rd., w. of Jordan Valley, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 18, w. of Lakeview, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW).

White-faced Ibis 600, Knox Pond, MNWR, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 3500, Diamond area, MNWR, 9 May (JE); 15, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 3, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 400, Diamond, Harney, 27 May (MD, MLD).

Turkey Vulture 1, Ladd Marsh, Union, 20 Apr (MLD, MD).

Greater White-fronted Goose 50, Guitierrez ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 27 Mar (CG); 450, s. of Hines, Harney, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 6, Upper Klamath NWR, Klamath, 5 May (SHS); 1, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG).

Snow Goose 15, near Straits Drain, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (PTS); 2000, Miller Is. WMA, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS); 1 blue phase, Miller Is. WMA, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS); 10,000, s. of Burns, Harney, 16-28 Mar (AR, SS); 1000, n. of OO Station, MNWR, 16 Mar (AR); 27, Malheur Res., Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 20, Burns s.p., Harney, 6 May (TJ, RJ).

Ross's Goose 200, near Straits Drain, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (PTS); 25,000 including 5 blue phase, s. of Burns, Harney, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 8, Burns s.p., Harney, 6 May (TJ, RJ); 1, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG).

Canada Goose 50, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Trumpeter Swan 4, Peach Rd., Union, 11 Mar (RL); 8, s. of Burns, Harney, 16 Mar (AR); 2 adults, Ladd Marsh, Union, 20 Apr (MLD, MD).

Tundra Swan 300, Miller Is. WMA, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS); 18, Malheur Res., Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 1, Baker Airport pond, Baker, 20 Apr (MLD, MD); 1, SLWA, 9 May (TJ, CM, DM); 1, The Dalles, Wasco, 12 May (DOL).

WHOOPER SWAN 1, Lower Klamath NWR, Klamath, 7 Mar (MAM).

Wood Duck 1 pair, McNary Dam Wildlife Area, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 2, Ontario, Malheur, 25 May (PTS); 1


male, near Benson Pond, MNWR, 20-27 May (MR, MD, MLD).

Gadwall 50, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Eurasian Wigeon 1, Peach Rd., Union, 18 Mar-22 Apr (SNF, SC); 1, MNWR, 30 Mar (JEW); 1, Malheur Res., Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 1, Madras s.p., Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS); 1, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 8 Apr (PTS); 1, Burns, Harney, 19 Apr (MIR); 1, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

American Wigeon 10, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Mallard 30, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Blue-winged Teal 1, MNWR, 18 Apr-9 May (CW, MLD, MD, JE); 3, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27-28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO); 1, Hot Lake, Union, 25 May (PTS); 3, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 5, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Cinnamon Teal 20, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 25, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 6, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Northern Shoveler 10, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Northern Pintail 6, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Green-winged Teal 32, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 2, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Canvasback 150, Upper Klamath Lk., Klamath Falls, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS); 800, Guitierrez ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 27 Mar (CG); 8, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Redhead Several, Pole Cr. Res., Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 11, Antelope Res., Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 5, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 2, Ontario, Malheur, 25 May (PTS).

Ring-necked Duck Some, Malheur Res., Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 3, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

TUFTED DUCK 1, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 23 Mar-8 Apr (TR, mob, DDW)

Greater Scaup 1, Madras sewage ponds, Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS).

Lesser Scaup 5, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Bufflehead 1 pair at nest cavity, Peterson Cr. Res., Wheeler, 13 May (JG).

Common Goldeneye 1 Roaring Springs ranch, Catlow Valley, Harney, 6 May (AMG); 100, below John Day Dam, Sherman, 11 May (RG); 11, s. of Burns, Harney, 16 Mar (AR); 1 female, Adrian, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO).

Barrow's Goldeneye 4, Upper Klamath Lk., Klamath Falls, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS); 100, Rufus, Sherman, 10 Mar (RG); 40, Madras area, Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS).

Hooded Merganser 2 pair, Metolius R., Jefferson, 28 Mar (DDW).

Ruddy Duck 8, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS).

Osprey 1, Mt. Vernon, Grant, 24 Mar-4 Apr (TH, PSS, TW, AF, CMO); 2, Bend, Deschutes, 26 Mar (DT); 2 at nest, Vanora, Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS); 2 building nest, Hwy. 20 & Ten Barr Rd., e. of Bend, Deschutes, 8 Apr (PTS) A Canada goose displaced these birds from a nest at a near-by pond; 1, Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 2 at nest, Rufus, Sherman, 27 Apr (PTS, RT); 3, Echo Meadows, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1 Fields, Harney, 9 May (AMG); 10, Cascade Lakes, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (JM, CAC, MAD, LW); 2 nesting, Adrian, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO).

White-tailed Kite 1, SLWA, 28 May (DSH).

Bald Eagle 3 adults, Umatilla NWR, Morrow, 10 Mar (MD, MLD); possible nest, Middle Fork John Day R., Grant, Mar (JS); 1, Albee, near Ukiah, Umatilla, 23 Apr (MLD, MD); 1 adult, Thief Valley Res., Union, 25 May (PTS).

Cooper's Hawk 1, Wineland Lk., Wetmore, Wheeler, 13 May (PTS); 1, Buena Vista, MNWR, 28 May (MD, MLD).

Northern Goshawk 1, Camp Sherman, Jefferson, 14 Apr (CG); 1, Silver Lake area, Lake, 6 May (TJ, RJ); 2, Sisters area, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (SS, KF, KA); 1, head of Metolius R., Jefferson, 28 Mar (DDW); 1, Squawback Rd., Deschutes, 28-29 May (JP, `AC, HH).

Swainson's Hawk 1, Cove, Union, 5 Mar (MIM); 4, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27 –28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO); 1, Irrigon wildlife area, Morrow, 29 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1 nesting pair, w. of Wrights Point, Harney, 8 May (AMG); 2, Paulina,


Crook, 12 May (CG); 1, w. of Culver, Jefferson, 12 May (DT); 2, w. of Hines, Harney, 19-27 May (AC, HH); 2, Hwy. 237, s. of Union, Union, 25 May (PTS); 1, Ontario, Malheur, 25 May (PTS).

Ferruginous Hawk 1, Arlington landfill, Gilliam, 18 Mar (MD, MLD); 3, Brothers, Deschutes, 19-27 May (AC, HH).

Rough-legged Hawk 1, Scott Canyon, Sherman, 18 Mar (MD, MLD).

Golden Eagle 2, n. of Ironside, Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 1, Hwy. 20, Deschutes, 28 May (PTS); 1 nesting, mile 50, John Day River, Gilliam, 31 May, (MS,OS).

Merlin 1, Adams Rd., n. of Madras, Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS); 2, MNWR, 21-27 May (MR, JH).

GYRFALCON 1, s. of Milton-Freewater, Umatilla, 11 Mar (LJG).

Prairie Falcon 1, Madras sewage ponds, Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS); 1, Brothers, Deschutes, 29 May (AC, HH).

Chukar Several, Canyon Cr., Canyon City, Grant, 21 Mar (LEH); 6, Clarno unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Pine Cr., Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 3, Succor Cr., Leslie Gulch, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 5, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Gray Partridge 2, Lonerock Rd., se. of Condon, Gilliam, 13 May (PTS)

Ruffed Grouse 1, s.. Fk. John Day R., Grant, 25 Apr (TH); 1, Canyon Cr., Bear Valley, Grant, Apr (AF, JEW); 1 drumming, Fairview c.g., n. of Spray, Wheeler, 13 May (PTS).

Greater Sage-Grouse 28 male, 2 female, Millican lek, Deschutes, 22 Mar-12 May (TR, PTS, SHS, CHC, ME); some, Izee, Grant, Apr (AF).

Wild Turkey 2, King Ave., n. of Nyssa, Malheur, 20 Apr (MLD, MD).

Mountain Quail Several, Canyon Cr., Canyon City, Grant, 21 Mar (LEH); 2, Cottonwood Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS).

Virginia Rail 1, McNary WA, Umatilla, 10 Mar (MD, MLD); 1, Prineville, Crook, 22 Apr (NMD); 1, Echo Meadows, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO); 2, Barnes Butte Lk., Prineville, Crook, 12 May (CG); 1, Painted Hills, Wheeler, 12 May (JG); 4, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Sora 2, Echo Meadows, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO); 1, mill pond, Bend, Deschutes, 8 May (DT); 1, Hubel Lk., e. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Lovers Lane, Paisley, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW); 1, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

COMMON MOORHEN 2, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 27 May-2 June (RK, mob, MLD, MD, TS, PTS).

Sandhill Crane 3, Miller Is. WMA, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS, DT, JW); 1, Ladd Marsh, Union, 8-12 Mar (KC, DAL); 1, near Brogan, Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 600 Lessers, s. of Burns, Harney, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 1 pair of Greaters, Ukiah, Umatilla, 23 Apr (MLD, MD); 1, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 2, Ladd Marsh, Foothill Rd., LaGrande, Union, 25 May (PTS); 4, Wrotter Rd., w. of Jordan Valley, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 2 with 2 colts, Juntura, Malheur, 27

May (PTS); 4, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Black-bellied Plover 12, SLWA, 29 Apr (TJ, DP, SR); 20, s. of Burns, Harney, 6-10 May (SHS, AMG, CMO); 1, Link Canal, SLWA, 27 May (RG, LA, FG, MC, DT, JW).

Snowy Plover 1, Link Canal, SLWA, 6-27 May (SHS, TJ, RG, LA, FG, MC).

Semipalmated Plover 3, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 1 pair, Link Canal, SLWA, 28 May (RG, LA, DT, JW).

Killdeer 1 radio-tagged, Haystack Res., Jefferson, 1 Apr (PTS). In response to this report, on 18 Apr, Peter Sanzenbacher wrote: this was “bird #151.570 that was originally banded in the Willamette Valley on 2 December 1999 in a clover/grass field south of Tangent at the intersection of Wirth Rd. and the Calapooia River. I radio-tracked the bird over the course of 75 days, during which time it ranged as far as 8.5 km from the band site. The last date of contact was 14 February 2000.”

Black-necked Stilt 1, Stanfield, I-84, Umatilla, 26 Mar (SHS); 2, Redmond s.p., Jefferson, 26 Apr (KO); 80, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27-28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO); 5-30, Hot Lake, Union, 29 Apr-1 May (KAA); 1, Condon s.p., Gilliam, 5 May (RG); 6, Prineville s.p., Crook, 5 May (CG); 1, Fopiano Res., NE of Mitchell, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS, JG); 1, Adrian, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 2, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 25, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

American Avocet 500, Lk. Abert, Lake, 24 Mar (AR); 1, Stanfield, I-84, Umatilla, 26 Mar (SHS); 4, Redmond s.p., Jefferson, 26 Apr (KO); 24, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27-28 Apr (PTS, RT,


OFO); several, Hot Lake, Union, 1 May (KAA); 2, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 12 May (TJ, SHS, TL, FS); 10, Baker City ponds, Baker, 25 May (PTS); 1, Adrian, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 2, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO); 4, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 225, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Greater Yellowlegs 1, Diamond, Harney, 27 May (MD, MLD); 2, SLWA, 27 May (RG, LA, FG, MC).

Lesser Yellowlegs 1, road to Diamond, MNWR, 22 May (MR).

Willet 1, Bear Valley, Grant, 15 Apr (TW); 3, Antelope Res., Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 17, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); several, Lemke Rd., Bear Valley, Grant, 25 May (GG); 15, Wrotter Rd., w. of Jordan Valley, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 4, Stinking Water Marsh, Hwy. 20, Harney, 27 May (PTS); 6, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Spotted Sandpiper 8, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Upland Sandpiper 5, Lemke Rd., Bear Valley, Grant, 25 May, were the first reported this spring (GG).

Long-billed Curlew 1, Ladd Marsh, Union, 16 Mar (DAL); 1, Prairie City, Grant, 28 Mar-24 Apr (TH); 1, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 28 Mar (CG); 1, n. end of Silver Lk., Lake, 7 Apr (DT); 3 pair, Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 5, 5 mi s. of I-84, Gilliam, 5 May (RG); 2, w. of Boardman, Morrow, 27 Apr –25 May (PTS); several, Lemke Rd., Bear Valley, Grant, 25 May (GG); 9, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27 Apr (PTS, RT); 1, Lonerock Rd., se. of Condon, Gilliam, 13 May (PTS); 2, I-84, Farewell Bend, Malheur, 25 May

(PTS); 12 adults with 6 young, Cow Hollow, s. of Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Marbled Godwit 1, MNWR, 29 Apr (SS).

RED KNOT 1, Link Canal, SLWA, 27 May (RG, LA, FG, MC).

Least Sandpiper 29, The Narrows, MNWR, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); many, Redmond s.p., Jefferson, 26 Apr (KO); 7, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27-28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO).

Dunlin 9, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 8 Apr (SHS); 12, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27-28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO).

RUFF 1, Lower Klamath NWR, Klamath, 3-10 Apr (DH); 1, Lower Klamath NWR, Klamath, 1 May (KES).

Long-billed Dowitcher 5, SLWA, 27 May (RG, LA, FG, MC).

Common Snipe 1, Unity Res., Baker, 16 Apr (PSS); 15, Wrotter Rd., w. of Jordan Valley, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO).

Wilson's Phalarope 1, Prineville s.p., Crook, 25 Apr (CG); 4, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27-28 Apr (PTS, RT, OFO); 2, Baker City ponds, Baker, 25 May (PTS); 8, Seneca, Grant, 25 May (MD, MLD); 30, Wrotter Rd., w. of Jordan Valley, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 2, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO); 20, The Narrows, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Red-necked Phalarope Many, SLWA, 6 May (SHS); 24, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 100-25, The Narrows, MNWR, 18-28 May (AC, HH, MR, PTS); 100, Burns, Harney, 25 May (SHS).

Franklin's Gull Many, MNWR, 6 Apr-27 May (SS, CW, MIR, SHS, JE, VA); 4 adults, Ontario St. Pk., Malheur, 20 Apr (MLD, MD); 2 adults, Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 31, Cascade Lakes, Camp Polk area, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (JM, CAC, MAD, LW, JAG, SLD); 14, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Bonaparte's Gull 1, Redmond s.p., Jefferson, 23 Apr (KO); 1, Upper Klamath NWR, Klamath, 5 May (SHS).

Mew Gull 1, Boardman, Morrow, 16 Apr (KO).

Ring-billed Gull 15, Thief Valley Res., Union, 25 May (PTS); 2, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

California Gull 100, McNary Dam wildlife area, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1, Thief Valley Res., Union, 25 May (PTS); 10, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Herring Gull 1, Klamath Falls, Klamath, 4 Mar (DT).

Thayer's Gull 1, Wickiup Res., Deschutes, 3 Mar (HJH).

Western Gull 1, Irrigon marina, Morrow, 29 Apr (PTS, OFO).

Glaucous-winged Gull 1, McNary Dam wildlife area, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 2, Irrigon marina, Morrow, 29 Apr (PTS, OFO).

Black-legged Kittiwake 1, w. of Adel, Lake, 5 May (GBC): “…wing tips were all black, no white on the primaries”; 1, Frenchglen, MNWR, 27 May (DK, CL, PM, DEH).

Caspian Tern 2, Haystack Res., Jefferson, 1 Apr (PTS); 9, McNary Dam Wildlife Area, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO);


1, Hot Lake, Union, 29 Apr (KAA); 6, Hood River, Hood River, 29 Apr (PTS, RT); 3, Bully Cr. Res., Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO); 2, SLWA, 27 May (DT, JW); 3, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Forster's Tern 10, Columbia R., Morrow, 29 Apr (PTS, OFO); many, Rocky Point, Klamath, 5 May (SHS); 2, Haystack Res., Jefferson, 12 May (DT); 1, Thief Valley Res., Union, 25 May (PTS); 3, Ontario, Malheur, 25 May (PTS); 2, Malheur R., Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO); 25, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Black Tern 1, Burns, Harney, 6 May (SHS); 1, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 12 May (TJ, SHS, TL, FS); 3 Culver s.p., Jefferson, 12 May (DT); 25, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 2, Tygh Valley, Wasco, 12 May (DOL); 26, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Barn Owl 3, Malin, Klamath, 5 Mar (PTS); 2, Jack Canyon, Pilot Rock, Umatilla, 19 May (MD, MLD); 1, Juntura, Malheur, 27 May (PTS); 1, near Chiloquin, Klamath, 30 May (WS).

Flammulated Owl 1, s. of Cold Springs c.g., Deschutes, 10 May (MD); 1, Sisters area, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (SS, KF, KA); 1, Winter Ridge, Lake, 12 May (TJ, SHS, TL, FS); 4, Cottonwood Cr., Pine Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Fairview c.g., n. of Spray, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Barnhouse Springs c.g., se. of Mitchell, Wheeler, 13 May (JG); 2, Kirtland Cabin, Wallowa-Whitman NF, Wallowa, 21 May (MD).

Western Screech-Owl 1, Black Canyon, Deschutes, 9 May (MD, SD); 2, Pine Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Cottonwood Cr., s. of Fields, Harney, 26 May (MD, MLD).

Great Horned Owl 3, Pine Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 2 with 2 nestlings, Pine

Cr., e. of Spray, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Fairview c.g., n. of Spray, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS).

Snowy Owl 1, Madras Airport, Jefferson, 11 Mar (DOM); 1, Boardman, Morrow, 4 Apr (CC, JC).

Northern Pygmy-Owl 1, Rock Springs guest ranch, Deschutes, 8 May (MD).

Burrowing Owl 1, e. of hqtrs., MNWR, 22 May (MR); 1, between hqtrs. & Hwy. 205, MNWR, 25 May (MR); 3, Cow Hollow, s. of Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Spotted Owl 1, w. Jefferson County, 10 May (MD, BN, SD, KS).

Great Gray Owl 2 adults, 2 young, West Broady Creek, Wallowa, 23 May (MD); 3, Spring Cr., w. of LaGrande, Union, 26 May (TT).

Long-eared Owl 1 nesting, Ladd Marsh, Union, 16 Mar (DAL); 1, Horse Ridge, Deschutes, 22 Mar (TR); 2 at nest, Page Springs canyon, Harney, 27-28 May (AC, HH, VA, et al.).

Short-eared Owl 12, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (DT, JW); 1, Ukiah, Umatilla, 19 May (MD, MLD).

Northern Saw-whet Owl 1, Fairview c.g., n. of Spray, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Starr c.g., Grant, 25 May (GG).

Common Poorwill 1, Picture Rock Pass, Lake, 5 May (TJ, RJ); 3, Rock Cr., e. of Condon, Gilliam, 5-6 May (RG); 2, Pine Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS) ; 2, Winlock Rd, n. of Spray, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); “suddenly everywhere, ” Harney, 26 May (SHS); 1, w. of Burns, Harney, 28 May (WPB).

Vaux's Swift Many, mill pond, Bend, Deschutes, 21 Apr (DT); 60+ migrants, Owyhee

R. at Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); many, Lakeview, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW).

White-throated Swift 2, Hwy. 730, cliffs along Columbia R., near state line, Umatilla, 26 Mar (SHS); 27, Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); some, John Day Fossil Bed NM, Grant, 27 Apr (TH); 1, Crooked River Gorge St. Pk., Jefferson, 8 May (MD); 5, Tygh Valley, Wasco, 12 May (DOL); 30, Succor Cr., Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO).

Black-chinned Hummingbird 1, John Day, Prairie City, Grant, 8-10 May (CMO, JEW); 1 male, hqtrs., MNWR, 9 May (AMG); 1 w. of Horse Ridge, Deschutes, 9 May (TJ, CM, DM); 1 male, Shaniko, Wasco, 11 May (MD, HF); 1 male, near Service Creek, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Clyde Holliday St.Pk., Grant, 24 May (GG); 1, Adrian, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 1, Frenchglen, Harney, 27 May (MD, MLD, LMQ).

Anna's Hummingbird 1 male, Bend, Deschutes, 9 May (MD, BA, DC, KS); 1, near Chiloquin, Klamath, 30 May (WS).

Calliope Hummingbird 1, Camp Sherman, Jefferson, 21 Apr (DT); 1, John Day valley, Grant, 27 Apr-6 May (CMO, PSS, JEW, AF); 1 pair, NW of Lonerock, Gilliam, 6 May (RG); 1 male, near Service Creek, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); several, Squawback Rd., Indian Ford Cr., Deschutes, 21 Apr-25 May (DT, JH, MR, mob).

Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, n. of Sisters, Deschutes, 23 May (JAG).

Rufous Hummingbird 2, Camp Sherman, Jefferson, 17-21 Apr (fide DT); 1, MNWR, 8 May (AMG); 1 female, near Service Creek, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS).

Lewis's Woodpecker 1, Sisters, Deschutes, 24 Apr (SS); 1, Rowena, Wasco, 29 Apr (PTS); 1, mouth of Deschutes R.,


Wasco/Sherman, 5 May (RG); 2, hqtrs., MNWR, 6 May (SHS); 12, Cabin Lake c.g., n. of Ft. Rock, Lake, 11 May (AMG); 1, se. of Sisters, Deschutes, 12 May (JH); 1, Grande Ronde R., Union, 17 May (WS).

Williamson's Sapsucker 1, Camp Polk meadow, Deschutes, 2 Apr (JAD); 1, Winter Ridge, Lake, 6 May (SHS); 1, Squawback Rd., Indian Ford Cr., Deschutes, 6 May (AMG); 2, Ochoco NF, Wheeler, 12 May (JG); 1, Spring Cr. Rd., Union, 16 May (WS).

Red-naped Sapsucker 1 adult, hqtrs., MNWR, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 1, Mill Cr. Rd., Crook, 12 May (CG); 1, Squawback Rd., Indian Ford Cr., Deschutes, 20-25 May (MR).

Hairy Woodpecker 1, hqtrs., MNWR, 9 May (AMG).

White-headed Woodpecker 3 adults, Cold Spring c.g., Deschutes, 9 May (MD, BA, CJR, KS); 1, Cabin Lake c.g., n. of Ft. Rock, Lake, 11 May (AMG); 1, Barnhouse Springs c.g., se. of Mitchell, Wheeler, 12 May (JG); 3, Sisters area, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (SS, KF, KA, NF); 1, Paulina Valley, Crook, 19 May (CG); 4, Idylwild c.g., Harney, 25 May (MD, MLD); 1, Squawback Rd., Deschutes, 28 May (VA).

Black-backed Woodpecker 10, Cascade Lakes, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (JM, CAC, MAD, LW); 3, Summit Burn, Grant, 19 May (MD, MLD); 1, Spring Cr., w. of LaGrande, Union, 26 May (TT).

Pileated Woodpecker 1, Hilgard Junction St. Pk., Union, 25 May (PTS).

Olive-sided Flycatcher 1, Camp Sherman, Deschutes, 12 May (JH); 1, Mt. Emily, Union, 21 May (MD); 1, Ontario, Malheur, 25 May (PTS).

Western Wood-Pewee 1, mouth of Deschutes R., Wasco/Sherman, 6 May (RG).

Willow Flycatcher 1, Squawback Rd., Deschutes, 28 May (MIR); 12, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

LEAST FLYCATCHER 1, Fields, Harney, 26-27 May (AC, HH, SHS, MD, MLD).

Hammond's Flycatcher 1, Camp Sherman, Jefferson, 21 Apr (DT); 1, Benson Pond, MNWR, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 1, Emigrant Springs St. Pk., Umatilla, 25 May (PTS).

Gray Flycatcher 1, Sisters, Deschutes, 24 Apr (SS); 1, Indian Ford c.g., Deschutes, 9 May (MD, BA, CJR, SHR); 2, Leslie Gulch, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 2, Sage Hen rest area, w. of Burns, Harney, 27 May (GG).

Dusky Flycatcher 1, Sisters, Deschutes, 5 May (SS); 2, Emigrant Springs St. Pk., Umatilla, 25 May (PTS).

Pacific-slope Flycatcher 2, Hilgard Junction St. Pk., Union, 25 May (PTS).

Cordilleran Flycatcher 1, Logan Valley, Grant, 11 May (PSS); 1, Crooked River, Crook, 12 May (CG); 1, Dent Cr., w. of Lakeview, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW).

“Western Flycatcher” 1, Fields, Harney, 27 May (MD, MLD).

Say's Phoebe 2, MNWR, 2 Mar (TW); 5 together, Miller Is. WMA, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS, DT, JW); 4, Kent, Sherman, 10 Mar (RG); 1, Foothill Rd., Union, 20 Mar (JIW); 1, Hatfield Lk., Bend, Deschutes, 22 Mar (TR); 3, Madras area, Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS); 5, Sherman County, 12 May (TE).

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1, Cottonwood Cr., s. of Fields, Harney, 10 May (AMG); 1, Clarno unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 2, Sage Hen rest area, w. of Burns, Harney, 27 May (GG); 1, Page Springs c.g., MNWR, 27-28 May (AC, HH, mob).

Western Kingbird 2, Mt. Vernon, Monument, Grant, 8-10 Mar (SE, TH); 1, Powell Butte, Crook, 26 Apr (CG); 5, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27 Apr (PTS, RT); 14, Hat Rock St. Pk., w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 10, Sherman County, 12 May (TE); 55, Wheeler County NAMC, 12 May (PTS).

Eastern Kingbird 1, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 1, Rhinehart, Union, 18 May (WS); 1, Hwy. 237, s. of Union, Union, 25 May (PTS); 1, s. of Adrian, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 2, Juntura, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Loggerhead Shrike 1, e. of Ironside, Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL); 3, Painted Hills, Wheeler, 12 May (JG); 1, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); 3, Succor Cr., Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 1, near Krumbo Res., MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Cassin's Vireo 1, McNary Dam Wildlife Area, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1, Irrigon wildlife area, Morrow, 29 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1, DeMoss Springs County Park, n. of Moro, Sherman, 5 May (RG); 1, Rock Cr., e. of Condon, Gilliam, 5 May (RG); 1, hqtrs., MNWR, 7 May (AMG); 7, Hqtrs, MNWR, 19 May (AC, HH).

PLUMBEOUS VIREO 1, Fields, Harney, 23 May (TS); 1, n. of Sisters, Deschutes, 28 May (SS et al.).

HUTTON’S VIREO 1, hqtrs., MNWR, 22 May (MR) Thorough details.


Warbling Vireo 1, Sisters, Deschutes, 5 May (SS).

Red-eyed Vireo 1, Sisters area, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (JAG, SLD).

Blue Jay 1, Redmond, Deschutes, through Mar (SP, mob, DDW).

Western Scrub-Jay 1, Deschutes River National Recreation Area, Wasco, 24 Mar (ES); 1, Waterman Flat, Wheeler, 12 May (JG); several, Fremont Point Rd., Lake, 27 May (RG, LA); several, Lakeview, Lake, 27 May (DT, JW).

Pinyon Jay 15, Powell Butte, Crook, 12 May (CG).

Clark's Nutcracker 1, Fox Valley, Grant, Mar (TH).

Common Raven 2 at nest, Biggs, Gilliam, 27 Apr (PTS).

Horned Lark 275, Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD).

Tree Swallow 1, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (DT, JW).

Violet-green Swallow 1, Dayville, Grant, 8 Mar (TH).

Bank Swallow 6, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27 Apr (PTS, RT); 12, Bridge Cr., Rd., Wheeler, 12 May (JG); several, The Dalles, Wasco, 12 May (DOL); 3, n. of Hot Lk., Peach Ln., Union, 25 May (PTS); 75, w. of Ontario, Malheur, 25-27 May (PTS, OFO); 1500 nests, John Day River, 0.5-1 mile below Clarno Bridge, Wasco, 29 May, (OS).

Barn Swallow 1, w. of Vale, Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL).

Black-capped Chickadee 1, Frenchglen, Harney, 27 May (AC, MD).

Mountain Chickadee 3, John Day Dam, Sherman, 18 Mar (MD, MLD).

Oak Titmouse 1, Bear Valley, Klamath, 3 Mar (DT, JW).

Bushtit 2 pair at nests, Rock Creek, Gilliam, 18 Mar (MLD, MD); 2, Cottonwood Cr., s. of Fields, Harney, 10 May (AMG); 1 pair, Service Cr., Wheeler, 24 May (GG).

Bushtit and its nest, 1.5 miles north of Olex, Gilliam, 18 March 2001/Photo by MerryLynn Denny.

Red-breasted Nuthatch 1, Moro, Sherman, 8 May (MD).

White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Summit Spring, Green Ridge, Jefferson, 12 May (JH).

Pygmy Nuthatch 1 pair nesting, Squawback Rd., Indian Ford Cr., Deschutes, 6 May (AMG).

Canyon Wren 2, Crooked R., Paulina Hwy., Crook, 12 May (CG); 3, Rock Creek, Gilliam, 18 Mar (MD, MLD).

Bewick's Wren 1, John Day Dam, Sherman, 18 Mar (MD, MLD); 2 pair, Rock Creek, Gilliam, 18 Mar (MD, MLD); 4, Cold Springs NWR, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 1, Rhinehart

Canyon, Union, 16 May (WS)—rare in this county.

House Wren 1, Sisters, Deschutes, 24 Mar (SS); 2, Cold Springs NWR, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO).

Winter Wren 1, McNary WA, Umatilla, 10 Mar (MD, MLD); 1, Warehouse Beach, near Hat Rock St.Pk., Umatilla, 10 Mar (MD, MLD); 10, Mill Creek, Umatilla, 16 May (MD).

Marsh Wren 2, Bend, Deschutes, 28 Mar (DT); 5, Houston Lk., Powell Butte, Crook, 12 May (CG).

American Dipper 1 nest, Metolius R., Jefferson, 28 Mar (DDW); 1, Hwy. 20 at outlet of Suttle Lk., Jefferson, 8 Apr (PTS); 1, Mill Cr. Rd., Ochoco Res., Crook, 12 May (CG).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4, Vanora, Haystack Res., Jefferson, 17-18 Mar (KE); 1, Redmond Airport, Deschutes, 7 May (KO); 1, MNWR, 10 May (CMO); 1, Picture Rock pass, Lake, 28 May (MLF).

Western Bluebird 1, John Day, Grant, 2-8 Mar (AF, TH); 1 pair, Summit Spring, Green Ridge, Jefferson, 12 May (JH).

Mountain Bluebird 1, John Day, Grant, 5-15 Mar (LEH, CMO); 15, s. of Burns, Harney, 16 Mar (AR); 5, Haystack Res., Jefferson, 1 Apr (PTS); many, Sage Hen rest area, w. of Burns, Harney, 27 May (GG).

Townsend's Solitaire 14, Haystack Res., Jefferson, 1 Apr (PTS); 1, hqtrs., MNWR, 9 May (AMG); 1 pair, Summit Spring, Green Ridge, Jefferson, 12 May (JH).

Gray Catbird 1, Rhinehart Canyon, Union, 16 May (WS).

Northern Mockingbird 1, w. of Burns, Harney, 13-15 May (WPB).


Sage Thrasher 5, Powell Butte, Crook, 12 May (CG).

American Pipit 40, Sodhouse School, MNWR, 22 Apr (MLD, MD).

PHAINOPEPLA 1, Camp Sherman, Jefferson, 20 May (JAW); 1, Bend, Deschutes, 23-24 May (JM et al.).

Cedar Waxwing at Crooked River Ranch, 29 March 2001/Photo by Kevin Smith

Tennessee Warbler 1, hqtrs, MNWR, 26 May (MD, JEG).

Orange-crowned Warbler 1, w. of Rufus, Sherman, 11 May (RG).

Nashville Warbler 1, John Day, Grant, 28 Apr (CMO); 1, DeMoss Springs County Park, n. of Moro, Sherman, 5 May (RG); 1, Link Lk. basin, Jefferson, 12 May (JH); 1, Smith Rocks, NAMC, Deschutes, 12 May (DMA).

Black-throated Gray Warbler 1, Girds Cr., se. of Twickenham, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 2, Leslie Gulch, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 5, above Frenchglen, Harney, 27 May (MD, MLD); 1, Page Spring c.g., MNWR, 27-28 May (AC, HH, mob).

Townsend’s Warbler 4, Hay Cr. canyon, Sherman, 5 May (RG); 14, Mill Creek, Umatilla, 16 May (MD); 8, Emigrant Springs St. Pk., Umatilla, 25 May (PTS).

BLACKPOLL WARBLER 1 male, Pelican Marina, Klamath Falls, Klamath, 17 May (DH).

Black-and-white Warbler 1 male, Fields, Harney, 10 May (AMG); 1, Putnam Point, Klamath Falls, Klamath, 27 May (DR).

American Redstart 1, Squawback Rd., Deschutes, 12-29 May (JAG, SLD, AC, HH).

MOURNING WARBLER 1 male, Hqtrs, MNWR, 26 May (HH, MD).

MacGillivray's Warbler 1, mill pond, Bend, Deschutes, 8 May (DT); 2, Emigrant Springs St. Pk., Umatilla, 25 May (PTS); 1, Oxen Springs, Foothill Rd., LaGrande, Union, 25 May (PTS).

Common Yellowthroat 2, Juntura, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Yellow-breasted Chat 4, Pine Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Rhinehart Canyon, Union, 16-18 May (WS); 1, Service Cr., Wheeler, 24 May (GG); 1, Patawa Cr., below I-84 rest area e. of Pendleton, Umatilla, 25 May (PTS); 1, Hilgard Junction St. Pk., Union, 25 May (PTS); 5, Adrian, Succor Cr., Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO).

SUMMER TANAGER 1 male, near Benson Pond, MNWR, 27 May-2 June (LJG, JH, PH, LH, CHL, MG, SW, TB, MR, CRB, mob).

Green-tailed Towhee 1, John Day, Grant, 7 May (CMO); 1, Ft. Rock St. Pk., Lake, 11 May (AMG); 1, Indian Ford c.g., Deschutes, 5-25 May (SS, MR); several, Fremont Point Rd., Lake, 27 May (RG, LA).

Chipping Sparrow 1, Redmond s.p., Jefferson, 23 Apr (KO).

Vesper Sparrow 9, Arock, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 28, Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 8, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG).

Lark Sparrow 1, Rome, Malheur, 21 Apr (MLD, MD); 1, Frenchglen, Harney, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 5, Pine Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 1, Guitierrez Ranch, w. of Paulina, Crook, 12 May (CG); many, Cottonwood Cr., s. of Fields, Harney, 26 May (GG); many, Sage Hen rest area, w. of Burns, Harney, 27 May (GG); 5, Cow Hollow, s. of Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Lark Sparrow, Frenchglen, Harney, 22 Apr. 2001/Photo by MerryLynn Denny.

Black-throated Sparrow 1, SLWA, 6 May (SHS, TJ, et al.); 1, Cottonwood Cr., s. of Fields, Harney, 26-27 May (GG, MD, MLD); 1, Catlow Valley, Harney, 27 May (MLD); 2, s. of Malheur Field Station, Harney, 28 May (LB, CS).

Sage Sparrow Several, Millican lek, Deschutes, 11-22 Mar (SS, TR).

Grasshopper Sparrow 2, Cow Hollow, s. of Vale, Malheur, 27 May (PTS, OFO).

Fox Sparrow 1, John Day Dam, Sherman, 18 Mar (MD, MLD); 2, Hqtrs, MNWR, 22 Apr (MLD, MD); 1 slate-colored, Brothers, Deschutes, 6 May (AMG);


large-billed, gray birds, Link Lk. basin, Jefferson, 12 May (JH).

Lincoln's Sparrow 1, John Day, Grant, 7 May (CMO); 3, Cottonwood Cr., s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS); 3, Long Meadows, Grant, 19 May (MD, MLD).

White-throated Sparrow 1, Frenchglen, Harney, 22 Apr (MLD, MD).

White-throated Sparrow, Frenchglen, Harney, 22 April 2001/Photo by MerryLynn Denny.

Harris’ Sparrow 1, Cove, Union, 17 Apr (SNF); 1, Island City, Union, 25 Apr (RL).

Golden-crowned Sparrow 1, John Day, Grant, 5 May (CMO); 1, Benson Pond, MNWR, 7 May (AMG).

McCOWN’S LONGSPUR 1 female, near Straits Drain, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 4 Mar (PTS, DT, JW, mob). Several birds were found 19 Feb by Frank Mayer and seen by many observers.

Lapland Longspur 4, near Straits Drain, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (PTS).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1, Twickenham, Wheeler, mid-May (BS).

Lazuli Bunting 1 male, Fields, Harney, 10 May (AMG); 1, I-84 rest area e. of Pendleton, Umatilla, 25 May (PTS); 2, Succor Cr., Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO).

Indigo Bunting 1, w. of Burns, Harney, 20 Apr (WPB, BC, LAH); 1 male, Fields, Harney, 10-22 May (AMG, DMD).

Bobolink 5 males, Ukiah, Umatilla, 19 May (MD, MLD); some, Ladd Marsh, Foothill Rd., LaGrande, Union, 25-26 May (PTS, TT); 2, Wrotter Rd., w. of Jordan Valley, Malheur, 26 May (PTS, OFO); 5 males, Diamond, Harney, 27 May (MD, MLD); 4, P Ranch, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Tricolored Blackbird 6, near Straits Drain, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (PTS, DT, JW); 25, Echo Meadows, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 28 Apr (PTS, OFO); 12, Clarno marsh, near Camp Hancock, s. of Fossil, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS).

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1, near Straits Drain, s. of Klamath Falls, Klamath, 3 Mar (PTS, DT, JW); 1, Stanfield, I-84, Umatilla, 26 Mar (SHS); 1, Paulina, Crook, 27 Mar (CG); 3, Madras Airport,

Jefferson, 31 Mar (PTS); 60, w. of Stanfield, Umatilla, 27 Apr (PTS, RT); 1, Fopiano Res., NE of Mitchell, Wheeler, 12 May (PTS).

Common Grackle 1, Deschutes River National Recreation Area, Wasco, 24 Mar (ES).

Great-tailed Grackle 1, Wood River wetland, near Chiloquin, Klamath, 13 May (KES).

Brown-headed Cowbird 1, near Jamieson, Malheur, 31 Mar (DL, PL).

Bullock's Oriole 1, mill pond, Bend, Deschutes, 8 May (DT); 9, Sherman County, 12 May (TE).

Purple Finch 1, Chiloquin, Klamath, 30 May (WS).

Cassin's Finch 1 female, Frenchglen, Harney, 22 Apr (MLD, MD).

Lesser Goldfinch 1, John Day Dam, Sherman, 18 Mar (MLD); 2, near Sisters, Deschutes, 22 Mar (JAG); 9, Sherman County, 12 May (TE); 2, Crooked R., Crook, 12 May (CG); 1, P Ranch, MNWR, 28 May (PTS).

Evening Grosbeak Many, Sisters, Deschutes, 12 Apr (SS).

Observers KA Karen Allen; KAA Karen Antell; BA Bob Altman; VA Vjera Arnold; LA Laurie Ashworth; LB Luke Bloch; CRB Craig & Renee Born; WPB Wayne & Patty Bowers; TB Trent Bray; CHC Chris Carey; DC Dan Casey; GBC George & Brenda Clarke; JRC Jim & Rita Coleman; CAC Candace Cobb; KC Ken Coe; AC Alan Contreras; CC Craig Corder; JC Judy Corder; SC Stuart Croghan; BC Brian Cummings; MC Martin Cunningham; MAD Marion Davidson; MLD Merry Lynn Denny; MD Mike Denny; DDW Don DeWitt; SLD Sandy & Lou Duncan; KE Kathy Ehrenberg; JE Jesse Ellis; ME Marilyn Elston; SE Shirley Enright; AE Anne Esche; TE Tom Ewert; SNF Scott and Nancy Findholt; AF Ann Frost; KF Kris Falco; HF Howard Ferguson; NF Norma Funai; CG Chuck Gates; JG Joel Geier; RG Roy Gerig; JAG John & Ann Gerke; JEG Jeff Gilligan; GG Greg Gillson; MG Maria Gonzales; LJG Larry & Jacque


Goodhew; FG Felicia Guest; DEH Dean Hale; DSH Don & Sharon Haller; LAH Larry Hammond; JH Jeff Harding; LH Lori Harding; PH Patricia Harding; LEH Lee & Eva Harris; DH Dave Haupt; HH Hendrik Herlyn; DAH Dan Heyerly; HJH Howard Horvath; TH Tom Hunt; TJ Tim Janzen; RJ Road Jaegers birdathon team: (Tim Janzen, Darlene Philpott, Ann Dodds, Jim Rapp, Skip Russell, Shawn Steinberg); SJ Steve Jaggers; DK Diane Kook; RK Ray Korpi; MLF Margaret LaFaive; CHL Chris Lanpheare ; DAL Dave Larson; CL Cindy Lawes; DL Dave Lawrence; PL Paula Lawrence; RL Ralph Lewis; TL Tom Love; JL John Lundsten; DOL Donna Lusthoff; DMD Don MacDonald ; MIM Mike Mahoney; DM David Mandell; DMA Doralee McArthur; NMD Nancy McDonald; AMG Al McGie; LMQ Larry McQueen; PM Patty Meehan; JM Judy Meredith; CM Craig Miller; MM Marilyn Miller; MAM Mark Miller; DOM Don Mobley; BN Bruce Newhouse; OFO OFO Birding Weekend ; CMO Clarence & Marilyn O’Leary; KO Kimdel Owen; JP John Pendleton; DP Darlene Philpott; SP Sheryl Pierce; CJR C.J.Ralph ; MIR Mitch Ratzlaff; AR Alan Reid; SHR Sharon Ritter; DR Doug Robberson; TR Tim Rodenkirk; MAR Mariah Rose; MR Mark Rudolph; SR Skip Russell; KS Kevin Sands; FS Floyd Schrock; BS Brian Sharp; TS Tim Shelmerdine; SS Steve Shunk; KES Kevin Spencer; CS Cam Spies; JS Jennifer Stafford; SHS Shawn Steinberg; ES E. Stone; WS Wesley Stone; TT Todd Thornton; RT Roger Tomlinson; DT Dave Tracy; PTS Paul T. Sullivan; PSS Pat & Sharon Sweeney; MS Mark Swisher; OS Otis Swisher; JIW Jim Ward; LW Laura Wentworth; JW Julia Williamson; TW Tom Winters; JAW Jason Wolf; JEW Jean Wood; SW Steve Wratten; CW Crystal Wulff

Field Notes: Western Oregon, Spring 2001 Gerard Lillie, 329 SE Gilham, Portland, OR 97215, [email protected]

It did not seem that the weather played a significant role in this spring’s migration or dispersal of wintering birds. The winter was relatively mild with below normal rainfall throughout much of the region. If anything, migrants arrived a little ahead of schedule. Abbreviations: ANWR Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Marion

Co. BSNWR Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge,

Polk Co. FW Fernhill Wetlands, Washington Co. FRR Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lane Co. NSCB North Spit, Coos Bay, Coos Co. NWR National Wildlife Refuge OBRC Oregon Birds Records Committee SJCR South Jetty, Columbia River, Clatsop Co.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Alan Contreras for the new maps accompanying the field notes.

Red-throated Loon The peak count was 1500 at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 6 Apr (PP).

Pacific Loon The peak count was 8000 at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 10 May (PP).

Yellow-billed Loon 1 was at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 5 Mar and 12 Mar (DP, DS et al.), and a late bird was at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 10 May (DM, TJ, CM).

Horned and Red-necked Grebes

TJ speculates that these species migrated north from their wintering areas on the coast earlier than normal as they were absent in May in Lincoln and Coos Counties.


Eared Grebe 3 were at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 1 Apr (HH); 2 were at Philomath S. P., Benton, 6 May (HH); 2 were at FW, 19 May (GG); and 1 was at FRR, 29 May (DD).

Clark’s Grebe 1 was at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 1 Apr (HH); 2 were at FRR, 1 Apr (MN); 1 was there 13 May (RR) and 20 May (PTS).

Laysan Albatross 1 was seen out of Newport, Lincoln, 24 Mar and again 5 May (GG).

Black-footed Albatross Expected numbers, ranging from 101 on 24 Mar, 145 on 22 Apr, to 17 on 5 May, were seen out of Newport, Lincoln, (GG).

SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS 1 subadult bird was photographed out of Newport, Lincoln, 24 Mar (GG, TS).

Flesh-footed Shearwater Rare in spring, 1 was seen out of Newport, Lincoln, 5 May (GG).

Sooty Shearwater The largest numbers were observed from land this spring. 600 were off Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 12 Apr (PP), and numbers built up to 15,000 there 21 Apr (PP). 2000 were off Cape Arago, Coos, 5 May (TR).

Short-tailed Shearwater 3 were observed out of Newport, Lincoln, 24 Mar (GG).

MANX SHEARWATER 1 was seen off Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 9 and 10 May (PP), and another was seen off Ecola State Park, Clatsop, 26 May (DM, et al.). JG has suggested that this species, which is being reported more frequently in recent years, could potentially nest in Oregon. Oregon is at the same latitude as their nesting grounds in the northeastern Atlantic, and it is possible the birds we are seeing have never been in the Atlantic. An intriguing idea.

BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER 1 was seen off Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 11 Apr (PP).

Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel 136 were reported this spring, with the bulk seen on pelagic trips in Apr and May (GG). Unusual was 1 in Tillamook Bay, Tillamook, 16 May (CR).

American White Pelican For the fourth consecutive spring, this species has appeared in good numbers west of the Cascades. 4 were near Eugene, Lane, 13 May (ES); 7 were at FRR, 20 May (PTS); and 11 were there 23 May (DD). Very rare along the outer coast, 16 were at Tillamook Bay, Tillamook, 20 May (CR).

Brown Pelican The first were noted 11 May at Flores Lake, Curry, (DLa, KC). Very few were reported this season in contrast to the last several years.

Great Egret TR reports that the breeding colony at Simpson Park, Coos, has grown to 30+ pairs. On 13 May, he noted 148 at nearby Pony Slough. Many others were reported from throughout the Willamette Valley and various coastal locations (m. ob.), clearly indicating the increased breeding of this species on the west side of the Cascades.

White-faced Ibis An irruption occurred again this spring although it was not quite as large as last spring’s. These birds entered the state along the coast, bypassing the Rogue and Umpqua Valleys. They then spread out investigating likely wetlands along the coast and in the Willamette Valley. First noted along the southern Curry coast near Brookings, 11 May (DMu), numbers quickly increased with 30 at Myrtle Point, Coos (fide TR) and 80 at Bandon Marsh NWR, Coos (TR). Many flocks of varying sizes were

then reported from various Willamette Valley locations (m.ob.).

Trumpeter Swan 11 were in Polk Co. near E.E. Wilson State Wildlife Area, 8 Mar (JGi), and 2 were near Seal Rock State Park, Lincoln, 11 Mar (DFa).

Greater White-fronted Goose A very conspicuous movement was observed from 23 Apr-7 May (m.ob), with the peak occurring 24 Apr (HN, RG). Small numbers rarely winter along the coast and this winter, 8 over-wintered in the Catching Slough area of Coos Bay, Coos, (TR) and were last noted 19 Mar.

Ross’s Goose 1 was at Sunset Lake, Clatsop, 1 Mar (PTS); 1 was near the Eugene Airport, Lane, 22 Mar (MN); and 1 was at FRR, throughout the period (AP et al.).

Ross’s Goose that overwintered Sunset Lake, Clatsop/Photo by MerryLynn Denny

Emperor Goose A juvenile in delayed molt to adult plumage was on Sauvie Island, Multnomah, 1 Mar (SS).

Brant Unusual inland, 1 was at FRR, 19 Mar (DD); 1 was on Sauvie Island, Multnomah, from the beginning of the period to 11 Apr (HN et al.); and 1 was near Banks, Washington, 14 Apr (HN). 2000 in Coos Bay, Coos, 13 Mar is one of the largest numbers


reported from one location in Oregon (TR).

Eurasian Green-winged Teal 1 was at FW, 11 Mar (WG), and 1 was along Fenk Road, Tillamook, 15 Apr (PTS).

Blue-winged Teal At least 10, 8 being males and 2 females, were at FRR, 29 and 30 May (DD et al.), fueling speculation that they would breed there this year.

Redhead Three pairs at FRR, 13 May through the end of the period (AC, DD), fueled speculation that this species might breed there for the first time.

Tufted Duck 1 male was at the Astoria S.P., Clatsop, from the beginning of the period to 20 Mar (TT et al.).

Greater Scaup Unusual inland, 13 were at Kirk Pond, Lane, 4 Mar (RR); 15 were at FRR, 21 Mar, (LM et al.); 1 was at E.E. Wilson S.W.A., Benton, 23 Mar (SG) and 2 were near Brownsville, Linn, 30 Apr (MN).

Barrow’s Goldeneye 1 male and 1 female were observed at Sally’s Bend of the Yaquina River, Lincoln, 1 Apr (SS).

Long-tailed Duck 1 was at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 8 Mar (HH, JS); 8 were at the South Jetty Umpqua River, Lane, 19 Mar (TMi, AMi, PTS); 2 were at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 3 Apr (PP); and 1 was at New River, Coos, 25 Apr (DLa, KC). Rare inland, 1 was at Detroit Reservoir, Marion, through most of the period (SD et al.).

Surf Scoter Rare inland, 1 was near Vernonia, Washington, 30 Mar (Dennis Switzy).

Swainson’s Hawk A vagrant in western Oregon, 1 was at Mt. Pisgah, Lane, 9 May (DD, BB).

GYRFALCON 1 was at the SJCR, 24 Mar (TT).

COMMON MOORHEN 1 was seen 16 and 17 May, 1½ miles southeast of Cape Blanco, Curry (TW).

Sandhill Crane The peak movement occurred in early Mar when 600 flew over Cottage Grove, Lane (Tom Snetsinger); 1000 flew over Brownsville, Linn (Leslie Meserve); and 500 were on Sauvie Island, Multnomah, 6 Mar (GL). 1 was at Lava Lake near Santiam Pass, Linn, 6 May (MN). This is at least the 5th year one or more has summered at this location (MN).

American Golden-Plover Rare in spring, 1 was at the effluent ponds on the NSCB, 4 May, and a different bird was there 9 May (TR).

Pacific Golden-Plover 2 different birds were at the effluent ponds on the NSCB, 12 and 18 May (TR). 1 was at Bandon Marsh NWR, Coos, 9 May (TR), and 1 was at the SJCR, 21 May (TT).

Semipalmated Plover This species moved through coastal locations in the expected late Apr-early May window. The high count was 700 at the effluent ponds on the NSCB, 10 May (TR).

Black-necked Stilt For the second spring in a row, this rare west side species was present in large numbers. At least 12 were observed in various Willamette Valley locations (m. ob.). Some remained to the end of the period, fueling speculation they might breed on the west side of the Cascades.

American Avocet Another rare westside visitor, 2 were at NSCB, 25 May (DLa, KC), and 1 was at FRR, 29 May (DD).

Lesser Yellowlegs As is typical, a small number (13) were reported from various westside

locations (m.ob.). However, 21 at SJCR, were an impressive spring number (TT).

Solitary Sandpiper This was another good spring for this species, with 13 birds reported from the region (m. ob.).

Willet Rare in western Oregon, a possible wintering bird was at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 17 Mar (JH); 1 was at the mouth of the Necanicum River, Clatsop, 3 May (Steve Warner); 1 was at Pony Slough, Coos, 14 May (TR); and 1 was at the SJCR, 22 May (Paul Sherrell).

Whimbrel The largest numbers of this species passed through in the expected lateApr-early May window. Largest numbers reported were 600 near Cape Blanco, Curry, 29 Apr, and 520 there 5 May (TW). Elsewhere, 101 were at Brownsmead, Clatsop, 4 May (MP).

Long-billed Curlew A rare transient along the coast and more so inland, 10 were reported this spring from various coastal locations. Inland, 1 was at FRR, 6 May (SG et al.).

Marbled Godwit An uncommon transient along the coast, 1 was at the SJCR, 30 Apr (TT); 2 were on Agate Beach, Lincoln, 4 May (TJ et al.); 15 were flying offshore of Newport, Lincoln, 5 May (GG); and an impressive 48 were near Astoria, Clatsop, 5 May (MP).

Red Knot This species was reported in slightly higher numbers this spring (m ob.) with a fairly large flock of 34 at SJCR, 10 May (TT), which is the peak of their migration through our area.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Average for spring were two reports: 1 was at NSCB, 25 Apr (DLa, KC).


Rare inland, 1 was at BSNWR, 1 May (RG).

Pectoral Sandpiper Very unusual in spring, 2 different birds were at NSCB, 16 and 21 May (TR), and 1 was at the SJCR, 22 May (TT).

Short-billed Dowitcher Typical numbers occurred along the coast (m.ob.). This species is unusual inland, so 1 at Tualatin NWR, Washington (PP) and 1 at Jackson Bottoms, Washington, 19 May (PS) are noteworthy.

Wilson’s Phalarope An unusual migrant west of the Cascades, this spring saw many on the west side (m. ob.). Impressive were 22 at BSNWR, 16 May (DF), and 10 at FRR, 29 May (DD). AC believes breeding at FRR is highly probable this spring.

Red-necked Phalarope The movement was very conspicuous this spring (m.ob.). 20,000 migrating past Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 9 May, must have been a spectacular sight (PP). 21 at the Brownsville S.P., Linn, 30 Apr (MN) were a good number for an inland location.

Pomarine Jaeger The only report was 1 at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 1 Apr (PP).

Parasitic Jaeger 17 reports was a very high number for spring (m.ob.). 6 at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 30 Apr (PP) were a very impressive one-day total.

Franklin’s Gull Very rare in spring, 1 was at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, on each of 28 Mar, 5 Apr, and 23 May (PP); 3 were there 19 May (PP); 2 were at Astoria, Clatsop, 12 May (MP); and 1 was at Tillamook Bay, Tillamook, 13 May (CR).

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL An adult was at FRR, 17-21 Mar (AC, DD, et al.). If accepted by the OBRC, this would be a first state record. Unfortunately, the bird remained too for out to obtain photos.

Black-legged Kittiwake 3000 at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 2 Mar, was a very impressive number to be seen from shore (PP).

Western Gull Very unusual inland away from the lower Columbia River. An adult was at Albany, Linn, 30 Mar and 3 Apr (JH).

Glaucous Gull A first-year bird was along Geinger Rd., Tillamook 1 Mar (CR); a first-year bird was at Newport, Lincoln, 21 Mar (Wayne Hoffman); a third-winter bird was there 17 Mar (GG); and an adult was at Astoria, Clatsop, 21 Mar (MP).

Forster’s Tern Very rare west of the Cascades. 2 were at FW, 21 and 26 May (Ed McVicker, PTS, et al.); an exceptional 14 were at FRR, 23 May (DF); 2 were at ANWR, 27 May (KS); and 2 were at BSNWR, 28 May (NW).

Black Tern Up to 20 were at FRR, where they have bred since 1992 (m.ob.). Many others were reported from various Willamette Valley refuges (m.ob.) through the end of the period fueling speculation that they may breed this spring in additional westside locations. In fact, 2 were observed copulating at Tualatin NWR, Washington, 26 May (DMz).

Snowy Owl The last owls of a minor winter invasion were reported from the Portland International Airport, Multnomah, 12 Mar (Carol Hallett), and the South Jetty, Siuslaw River, Lane, 27 Mar (Bill and Zanah Stotz, et al.).

Burrowing Owl The last report of the wintering bird at BSNWR was 4 Mar (RG et al.).

Another view of the Marion County bird/Photo by Steve Dowlan

Barred Owl For the second year in a row, this species was found at Wilhoit Springs near Mollala, Clackamas, 9 and 12 May (SS, TJ, et al.) when one was present. Another was seen 21 May at a new location for this species in the North Umpqua Ranger District, Douglas (Ron Maertz).

Long-eared Owl 1 was at Finley NWR, Benton, 20 May (JH).

White-throated Swift Very rarely seen west of the Cascades, 1 was seen at Cape Meares, Lincoln, 5 May (WG).

Black-chinned Hummingbird A vagrant to western Oregon, 1 was in Eugene, Lane, 13 May (LM).

Costa’s Hummingbird An above average 5 were reported this spring. A male was very early near Medford, Jackson, 21 Mar (DV); a female was near FRR, 1 May (MN, details); 1 was in Eugene, Lane, 4 May to the end of the period (Beth Penny et al.); a male was in Beaverton, Washington, 14-19 May (Carol Shillitto); and a female was in Lincoln City, Lincoln, 29 May (PP).

BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD Western Oregon’s first was a male was in Salem, Marion, 1 May (John Lundsten).


Olive-sided Flycatcher 2 near Siletz Bay, Lincoln, 4 May (TJ et al.) was about two weeks early.

Willow Flycatcher 2-3 weeks early were single birds at Mt. Tabor, Multnomah, 5 May (PTS) and 7 May (JG), and Powell Butte Park, Multnomah, also 7 May (T. Jones).

Gray Flycatcher A vagrant to western Oregon, 1 was in Eugene, Lane, 29 Apr (SG et al.).

Dusky Flycatcher 4 in the Portland, Multnomah, area, and 1 at Mt. Pisgah, Lane, were early (m.ob.). 1 in the Coast Range of Coos Co. 27 Apr (TR) was very early.

Say’s Phoebe Three, which is average, were reported this spring: 1 was at Detroit Flats, Marion, 1 Apr (SD); 1 was in Eugene, Lane, 11 Apr (LM); and 1 was at Devil’s Elbow S.P., Lane, 21 Apr (PS).

Ash-throated Flycatcher First reported 25 Apr from Grants Pass, Josephine (DV). A vagrant in the Willamette Valley, 1 was in Eugene, Lane, 13 May (LM).

Western Kingbird Eight near Cape Blanco, Curry, 4 May (DMu) was an excellent count. 13 were reported from other locations (m.ob.) for an excellent spring showing.

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER A vagrant to Oregon, 1 was seen and photographed 12 May near Cape Blanco, Curry (TW et al.).

Bank Swallow Spring reports continue to increase and provide further evidence of their increasing numbers west of the Cascades. Several were seen at Seal Rock State Park, Lincoln, 22 Apr (Chuck Gates); 1 was at the NSCB, 26 Apr (TR); and 2 were at Millicoma Marsh, Coos, 5 May (TR).

A small breeding colony was discovered along the Clackamas River near Carver, Clackamas, 27 May (EM).

Gray Jay 1 near Creswell, Lane, 18 Apr (Noah Strycker) provided a very rare Willamette Valley record.

Black-billed Magpie Very rare west of the Cascades, 1 was at Monmouth, Polk, throughout the period (Sean Burgett).

Mountain Chickadee This species staged a minor invasion this spring: 2 were in Eugene, Lane, 2 Mar (Hydie Lown); 2 were elsewhere in Eugene 6 Apr (SG); 1 was near Creswell, Lane, 18 Apr (Noah Strycker); and 1 was at the New River, Coos, 24 and 25 Apr (TR).

Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Aloha, Washington Co., 14 Feb 2001/Photo by Kevin Smith

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Very rare west of the Cascades away from the Rogue Valley, 1 was on Powell Butte, Multnomah, 6 and 13 May (Wesley Stone, Bob Altman).

Northern Mockingbird 4 reports constituted an average spring. 1 was near Vernonia, Columbia, 11 Mar (PTS); 1 was at Santa Clara north of Eugene, Lane, 28-30 Mar (Randy Sinnott); 1 was at Brownsmead, Clatsop, 1 Apr (J. Allinger); and 1 was along Hileman Lane, Lane, 6 Apr (DD).

Northern Shrike The last report was of a bird at Florence, Lane, 28 Mar (DP).

Loggerhead Shrike Uncommon west of the Cascades, 1 was at Detroit Flats, Marion, 24 Mar and 20-21 Apr (SD, JH), and 1 was at Cape Blanco, Curry, 3 May (TW).

Cape May Warbler A male was 3 miles up the Rogue River from its mouth, Curry, for a few weeks beginning 4 Mar. Many photos and video were taken. (DLa, KC, et al.).

Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 at Jackson Bottoms, Washington, 9 Mar, was about three weeks early (DMz).

Hermit Warbler 1 in Eugene, Lane, 25 Mar (LM) was about a month early.

Palm Warbler A wintering bird was last reported in Florence, Lane, 9 Mar (DD); 1 was there [same bird?] 28 Mar (DP); and a late bird was in Tillamook, Tillamook, 13 May (Maeve Lofton, Patty Bernardi).

Blackpoll Warbler A male was along the D River in Lincoln City, Lincoln, 29 May (PP).

SUMMER TANAGER TWO were seen this spring. A male visited a feeder in Cedar Mill west of Portland, Washington, from the winter period through 4 Apr (Carol DuBosch et al., photos, video). Another male was on Mt. Tabor in Portland, Multnomah, 7 May (JG, PJ, BS, et al.).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak A male was at Bald Peak, Washington, 10 May (Kathy Kirk); a male was in Port Orford, Curry, 27 May (Lois Miller); and a male was on Sauvie Island, Multnomah, 28 May (Pete Davis).

Indigo Bunting There were four reports of this vagrant. A male was near Cape


Blanco, Curry, 29 Apr (TW); a male was in Brookings, Curry, 10 May (John Bischoff, Buzz Stewart); another was at Cape Blanco, Curry, 22 May (TW); and a male was at Millicoma Marsh, Coos, 23 May (TR).

EASTERN TOWHEE A female was reported and photographed in West Linn, Clackamas, 3 Apr (J. McMahon). If accepted by the OBRC, this would be the first Oregon and Regional record.

American Tree Sparrow Rare west of the Cascades, 1 was at ANWR, Marion, 14 Mar (Tom Blount), and 1 was at FW, 24 Mar (Mark Miller).

Brewer’s Sparrow Detroit Flats, Marion, is the only location in western Oregon that this species occurs at each spring. 1 was there 15 Apr, and 8 were there 20 Apr (SD).

Vesper Sparrow This species is a locally uncommon resident in the Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley and along the southern coast. 1 was near Cape Blanco, Curry, 25 Mar (TW); 1 was at Mt.

Pisgah, Lane, 26 Mar (DD); 1 was at FRR, 4 Apr (LM); and 1 was out of place near Astoria, Clatsop, 22 Apr (TT). TR reports that this species is nesting again this year at New River, Coos, which appears to be the northernmost coastal breeding location in Oregon.

Lark Sparrow Rare in western Oregon, 1 was at FRR, 15 Apr (AC, Luke Bloch); 1 was at Detroit Flats, Marion, 27 Apr (SD); and 1 was near Cape Blanco, Curry, 8-10 May (TW).

Grasshopper Sparrow Very difficult to detect in migration, 1 was at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 7 Apr (Wayne Hoffman); a singing male was at Baskett Butte, BSNWR, 3 May (KS); and 1 was on Sauvie Island, Multnomah, 13 May (Ian Tomlinson). Several were seen near FRR, in early to mid-May (David Smith et al.) with 8 singing males noted on 23 May (DD). They were being seen near a former and possibly current breeding site. 2 were also reported south of Brownsville, Linn, 20 May (PTS, RR).

Harris’s Sparrow Rare in Oregon, a breeding plumage male was at the Gap Rd. Rice Ponds, Linn, 6 May (JH, MN) and 1 was in Provolt, Jackson, 9 May (DV). 28 Mar was the last date the wintering bird at Millicoma Marsh, Coos, was seen (TR).

Lapland Longspur An uncommon transient, 1 was at the SJCR, 20 Mar (TT); 1 was near Florence, Lane, 24 Mar (TMi, AMi); 1 was at the South Jetty, Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 13 Apr (Chuck Philo); and 1 was at the SJCR, 15 Apr (MP).

Tricolored Blackbird A vocal male was at FW, from 11 Mar to the end of the period (WG, HN, et al.), and 1 was found at the NSCB, 24 May (TR). The FW bird looked like a typical Tricolored but sang more like a Red-winged and actually paired with a female Red-winged before disappearing in June.

Yellow-headed Blackbird A vagrant along the coast, 1 was near Cape Blanco, Curry, for three days in May (TW). Elsewhere, RG noted they were conspicuous at BSNWR, Polk.

Observers BB Bob Bumstead, KC Kathy Castelein, AC Alan Contreras, DD Don DeWitt, SD Steve Dowlan, DF Daniel Farrar, DFa Darrel Faxon, RG Roy Gerig, JG Jeff Gilligan, GG Greg Gillson, WG Wink Gross, JGi Joel Geier, SG Steve Gordon, WG Wink Gross, JH Jeff Harding, HH Hendrik Herlyn, TJ Tim Janzen, PJ Pamela Johnston, DLa David Lauten, DM David Mandell, LM Larry McQueen, EM Ed McVicker, CM Craig Miller, AMi Allison Mickel, TMi Tom Mickel, DMu Don Munson, DMz Dennis Manzer, HN Harry Nehls, MN Mark Nikas, MP Mike Patterson, DP Diane Pettey, PP Phil Pickering, AP Al Prigge, RR Roger Robb, CR Craig Roberts, TR Tim Rodenkirk, ES Eva Schultz, JS Jamie Simmons, DS David Smith, KS Karen Sparkman, SS Shawn Steinberg, BS Bob Stites, PTS Paul T. Sullivan, TT Todd Thornton, DV Dennis Vroman, TW Terry Wahl

Short Notes

Bald Eagle Takes Short-tailed Shearwater On the morning of 12 December 2000, during the course of a seawatch from the point at Boiler Bay State Wayside in Lincoln County, I noticed an adult Bald Eagle roughly

1 mile out over the ocean and flying towards me. I could see that it had something brownish and fairly large grasped in its talons. I presumed the object was a bird, but at first I wasn’t able to determine the species. The eagle slowly approached and flew over the Wayside parking lot and back over the trees to the east. At its closest approach to my position, which was within 100


yards, I was able to determine that it was carrying a Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris). Short-tailed Shearwaters had been quite numerous and easy to detect near shore during the course of that morning, and I recognized the eagle’s catch as this species based on its size, shape, overall gray-brownish coloration, and uniformly pale-brownish underwings that I saw well. The shearwater was positioned facing forward, with the eagle’s talons grasping its back, and with its wings dangling free, reaching well behind the eagle’s tail. The shearwater did not appear to be struggling or flapping.

This Bald Eagle was certainly one of the resident pair that nest nearby. On many occasions I have seen one member of the pair fishing just off the point and, on a few occasions, scavenging fish or fish parts discarded by fishing boats further out. On several occasions I have seen one or the other pair member actively hunting seabirds. The typical prey has been loons, scoters, or Common Murres sitting on the water, but on 5 February 2001, I observed one member continuously diving at a flying Northern Fulmar just off the point. Although the eagle was not able to make contact on that occasion, it extended its claws as it approached the Fulmar, and its intent seemed serious. The Fulmar escaped only by repeatedly outmaneuvering the eagle. On 28 March 2001, I observed one pair member successfully take a Red-throated Loon from the water, the only other successful seabird kill I have observed. Phil Pickering, 925 SE 31st, Lincoln City, Oregon, [email protected] Winter Recapture of Loggerhead Shrike On 1 February 2001, I recaptured an adult Loggerhead Shrike (band #981-94797, size 7A) originally banded earlier during the same winter season, on 3 November 2000. The captures were within ½ mile of one another, seven miles south of Madras in Jefferson County. This recapture documents that an individual Loggerhead Shrike can establish and remain on a territory throughout the winter in Oregon. Temperatures in Central Oregon are such that the prey available to this bird would be limited almost entirely to birds and mammals, and this individual was captured in both instances on a bal-chatris with a medium-sized mouse as the lure.

The habitat where the Loggerhead Shrike was captured was composed of agricultural fields, with perches provided by fences, telephone wires, farmhouses, and barns. Neither the habitat nor the specific site is normally used by breeding Loggerhead Shrikes in our area; in Jefferson County, Loggerhead Shrikes breed extensively in grasslands/juniper woodlands, with most or all migrating south for the

winter. The habitat where this bird was captured is more typically used by wintering Northern Shrikes, which are much more common here in winter. While they can be found during the winter in much of Oregon, Loggerhead Shrikes are considered rare at that season. Whether this individual spent the breeding season locally (that is, is essentially a year-round resident) or, as is more likely, arrived from a more northerly breeding range remains a mystery. Rick Gerhardt, Sage Science, Inc., 319 SE Woodside Ct., Madras, OR 97741, [email protected]

Late Record for Hutton’s Vireo Breeding On 5 August 2000, I was leading my annual “death march” around Bayocean Spit, Tillamook County, for the Audubon Society of Portland. As we walked through the small forested area of the spit, looking for the Wrentits that were singing in the brush, I heard juvenile begging noises in the trees above me. I observed two young birds, recently fledged, that were being attended to by two adults, who were actively flycatching within the canopy. The late afternoon light was such that I had to move around the trail somewhat to see the birds, and after several minutes of observation, I was able to determine that the family group consisted of Hutton’s Vireos.

As I had been doing some research on Hutton’s Vireos, I realized that the date for the sighting, while within the date range for birds studied in California, was at the late end for records of the bird in Oregon (Davis 1995). Gabrielson and Jewett (1940) record finding a nest with eggs on 4 July, and the sighting of fledglings a month later than this date is an event of similar import to this one.

From my research on Hutton’s Vireos, I have found that the literature on this species in Oregon is sparse at best. I want to encourage any Oregon birder to add to the extant literature on this species by submitting notes like this. References Davis, J. N. 1995. Hutton’s Vireo (Vireo huttoni). In The

Birds of North America, No. 189 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C.

Gabrielson and Jewett. 1940. Birds of Oregon. Oregon State College, Corvallis.

Ray Korpi, 12611 NE 99th St, Apt. DD-214, Vancouver WA 98682, [email protected]

Oregon Birds

Oregon Field Ornithologists P.O. Box 10373, Eugene, OR 97440

www.oregonbirds.org

The mission of Oregon Field Ornithologists is to further the knowledge, education, enjoyment,

and science of birds and birding in Oregon

Officers and Board of Directors President Mary Anne Sohlstrom, Salem (2002), [email protected] Secretary Tom Winters, John Day (2002), [email protected] Treasurer Anne Esche, Eugene (2002),[email protected] Directors Steve Dowlan, Mehama (2003), [email protected]

Tom Love, Durham (2002), [email protected] Dave Tracy, Bend (2002), [email protected] Dennis Vroman, Grants Pass (2003), [email protected]

Past President Paul T. Sullivan, Beaverton, (2002), [email protected] Committees of Oregon Field Ornithologists

Publications Open—Contact Mary Anne Sohlstrom if interested Archivist Paul T. Sullivan, [email protected]

OFO Bookcase Lucy Biggs, [email protected] OFO Birding Weekends Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26, Beaverton, OR 97005, 503-646-

7889, [email protected] Oregon Bird Records Committee Secretary, Harry B. Nehls, 2736 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, 503-233-3976,

[email protected] Oregon Birds

Editor, Volume 27 Steve Dowlan, PO Box 220, Mehama, OR 97384 [email protected] Board of Editors Mike Patterson, Matt Hunter, Dave Irons, Gary Ivey, Ray Korpi, Terrie Murray

Submitting material to Oregon Birds Send all material to the Editor. Oregon Birds publishes articles and short notes on

the following topics as they relate to Oregon’s birds: bird status, distribution, occurrence, and life histories; bird identification and taxonomy; short notes on unusual observations; birding skills and techniques; bird-finding guides for particular species; site guides to birding a particular location; biographies, interviews, history and memoria; field notes; book and media reviews; news briefs; and other similar topics of interest to the readership. Submissions are preferred in electronic form, via e-mail, or sent as paper copies, double-spaced throughout; send photos via ground mail, or contact the Editor for specifications on scanning images. Be sure all materials are labeled with or accompanied by your name, address, phone number, and e-mail if available. See the OFO web site (url above), or contact the Editor for expanded instructions and tips on preparing material for submission to Oregon Birds.

Cover Photo: Short-tailed Albatross, Perpetua Bank, Lincoln County, March 24, 2001/Photo by Tim Shelmerdine

mailto:[email protected]






Oregon Christmas Bird Counts 14 December 2001 - 5 January 2002 Compiled by Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray #26, Beaverton, OR 97005 Friday, December 14

Antone Steve Shunk (541) 549-8826 [email protected] Joel Geier (541) 928-2815 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

P Ranch - Malheur NWR Cal or Alice Elshoff (541) 495-2322 [email protected] Meet at Frenchglen Hotel at 7:30 AM Saturday, December 15

Antelope Pete Weigel (541) 489-3280 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Hart Mountain Jen Ballard (541) 947-2731 [email protected] Meet at Hart Mountain headquarters around 7:30 AM. John Day Tom Winters (541) 575-2570 or (541) 575-2471 [email protected] Meet at Outpost Trading Co., 155 W. Main St. at 6:30 AM (earlier if you want breakfast).

Klamath Falls Kevin Spencer (530) 667-4644 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Lower Owyhee Al Bammann (541) 473-6283 al_bammann.or.blm.gov Meet at the Cairo School south of Ontario, jct. Hwys 201 & 26, at 7:30 AM. Medford Joe Shelton (541) 772-4490 Clint Brumitt [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Roseburg Ron Maertz (541) 496-3847 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Salem Stuart Sparkman (503) 585-8751 [email protected] Sector teams formed in advance. Contact compiler for meeting place/time.

Silvies River (Burns-Hines) Rick Vetter (541) 573-4369 [email protected] Meet at U.S.Forest Service Office in Hines at 7:30 AM.

Tillamook Bay Owen Schmidt (503) 282-9403 [email protected] Meeting at Fern Restaurant, 1000 N. Main, Tillamook, 6:30 AM.

Union County Joyce Coate (541) 963-9404(eve) (541) 962-3528 (days) [email protected] Bill Dowdy (541) 963-4768 Meet at Range and Wildlife Lab, C and Gekeler Streets, La Grande at 8:00 AM. Sunday, December 16

Baker – Salisbury Laura Hayse (541) 523-9254 [email protected] Joanne Britton (541) 523-5666 [email protected] Meet at the weigh station on Hwy 7, 1 mile S of Baker City at 7:30 AM.

Columbia Estuary Mike Patterson (503) 325-1364 [email protected] Meet at the Pig-n-Pancake restaurant, Astoria at 7 AM.

Coos Bay Tim Rodenkirk (541) 269-4696 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Grants Pass Dennis P. Vroman (541) 479-4619 [email protected] Please contact compiler.

Lyle, WA Bob Hansen (503) 364-6201 [email protected] Make e-mail or telephone contact no later than December 14th.

Sauvie Island Karen Bachman (503) 289-3605 (w), (503) 802-2057 (h) [email protected] Wilson Cady (360) 835-5947 [email protected] Meet at the parking lot on the island end of the Sauvie Island Bridge at 7:00 AM.

Sisters Stephen Shunk (541) 549-8826 or 408-1753 [email protected] Meet at Papandrea's Pizza in Sisters at 7:00 AM.

Sodhouse – Malheur NWR Duncan Evered (541) 493-2629 [email protected] Meet at Malheur Field Station (NOT the Refuge!) at 7:00 AM.

Utopia Pete Weigel (541) 489-3280 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Wallowa County Joe Minato (541) 432-5043 [email protected] Meet at Toma’s restaurant, Enterprise, at 7:00 AM. Monday, December 17

Florence Diane Pettey (541) 902-1971 (unlisted) [email protected] Meeting at Florence Safeway parking lot (on Hwy 101) at 7:30 AM.


Tuesday, December 18

Summer Lake Marty St. Louis (541) 943-3180 (h) 943-3152 (w) [email protected] Craig & Marilyn Miller (541) 389-9115 [email protected] Meet at Summer Lake WA Headquarters at 7:30 AM.

Corvallis Compiler and contact information on this count, to be held December 18, will be posted to the OFO web site as soon as we obtain this information. Saturday, December 22

Forest Grove Mary Anne Sohlstrom (503) 463-9540 [email protected] Meet at Elmers Pancake House, 390 SW Adams, Hillsboro at 7:00 AM. Illinois Valley Romain Cooper (541) 592-4459 (w) 592-2311 (h) [email protected] Meet at Coffee Heaven, Hwys. 199 & 46, Cave Junction at 7 AM. If possible, contact the compiler. Sunday, December 23

Redmond Kimdel Owen (541) 548-2952 [email protected] Meet at the Big O restaurant at 7:00 AM. Thursday, December 27

Dallas Roy Gerig (503) 930-3658 [email protected] Meet at Farrol's Restaurant in Rickreall (10 miles west of Salem on Hwy. 22, then a mile south on Hwy. 99) from 7-7:30 AM.

Friday, December 28

Santiam Pass Tim Shelmerdine (503) 682-2588 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Wahkiakum Andrew Emlen (360) 795-8009 (h) [email protected] Oregon counters meet at the Logger restaurant in Knappa at 7:00 AM. Washington counters meet at Skamokawa Center Cafe at 7:00 AM. Saturday, December 29

Columbia Hills-Klickitat Valley (includes John Day Dam to Biggs, OR) Stuart Johnston (509) 493-3363, ext 5 [email protected] Meet at the Chevron, SE corner of Simcoe Drive & Hwy 97, Goldendale, WA, at 7:00 AM.

Port Orford Jim Rogers (541) 332-2555 Meet at Driftwood Elementary School, Hwy 101, Port Orford, at 7:15 AM.

Portland Robert Lockett (503) 775-5303 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Silverton Roger Freeman (503) 873-3742 [email protected] Meet at the Towne House Restaurant at 6:40 AM.

Sunday, December 30

Bend Craig and Marilyn Miller (541) 389-9115 [email protected] Meet at Pioneer Park in Bend at 7:15 AM.

Eugene Herb Wisner (541) 641-3634 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Hood River Catherine J. Flick (509) 493-1195 [email protected] Meet at Hood River Inn (Best Western) at 6:30 to 7:00 AM. Monday, December 31

Prineville Charles Gates (541) 923-1320 [email protected] Meet at McDonalds at 7:00 AM. Tuesday, January 1

Brownsville Jeff Harding (541) 451-2613 [email protected] Meet at Pioneer Villa Restaurant at 6:30-7:00 AM. Cowlitz/Columbia Robert or Lisa Sudar (360) 423-1780 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Saturday, January 5

Airlie-Albany Paul Adamus (541) 745-7092 [email protected] Please contact the compiler.

Baker Valley Laura Hayse (541) 523-9254 [email protected] Joanne Britton (541) 523-5666 [email protected] Meet at Oregon Trail Restaurant at 7:30 AM.

Umatilla County Kevin Blakely (541) 276-2344 (w) (541) 276-5249 (h) [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Yaquina Bay Rebecca Cheek (541) 867-4699 [email protected] Meet at Apple Peddler Restaurant, 705 SE Coast Hwy, Newport at 7:00 AM. To Be Announced Adel Compiler and contact information on this count will be posted to the OFO web site as soon as we obtain this information.

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OFO Bookcase For OB 27(3), Fall 2001 Oregon Field Ornithologists’ Publications: Special Publication No. 1 $3.00

Bibliography of Oregon Ornithology: An Updating for the Years 1971-1977, With a Revised Cross-Referenced List of the Birds of Oregon. 1980. Mark Egger.

$_____

Special Publication No. 3 $3.00 Index to Oregon Bird Reports in Audubon Field Notes and American Birds 1947-1981. 1982. Clarice Watson.

$_____

Special Publication No. 4 $4.00 A Bibliography of Bird Identification Articles in Five Journals, with Cross-References to a List of Over 580 Species. 1987. Clarice Watson.

$_____

Special Publication No. 6 $5.00 Birds of Northeast Oregon: An Annotated Checklist for Union and Wallowa Counties. Second Edition (Rev’d). 1992. Joe Evanich.

$_____

Special Publication No. 8 $12.00 Birds of Malheur County, Oregon. 1996. Alan Contreras and Robert R. Kindschy, illustrated by Ramiel Papish.

$_____

Special Publication No. 10 $5.50 Cumulative Index to Oregon Birds, Vol. 1-22, 1998. Alan Contreras.

$_____

Special Publication No. 11 $7.50 A Guide to Birds and other Wildlife of the Columbia River Estuary. 1998. Mike Patterson.

$_____

Special Publication No. 12 $16.00 Birds of Coos County, Oregon: status and distribution. 1998. Alan Contreras.

$_____

Special Publication No. 13 $6.00 A Pocket Guide to Oregon Birds. Second Edition, 1999. Alan Contreras.

$_____

Other Publications: Northwest Birds in Winter $17.95

Alan Contreras. Oregon State University Press, 1997, 264 pp., softcover.

$_____

Annotated Bibliography of Oregon Bird Literature Published Before 1935 $45.00

George A. Jobanek. Oregon State University Press, 1997, 496 pp., hardcover.

$_____

Birds of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge $18.95 C.D. Littlefield. 1990. 294 pp., 2nd printing.

$_____

A Birder’s Guide to the Klamath Basin $10.00 Steve Summers. 1993, 85 pp.

$_____

Birds of Oregon: Status and Distribution $20.00 Jeff Gilligan et al. 1994, 330 pp., softcover.

$_____

Birding the Southern Oregon Coast $10.00 Cape Arago Audubon Society, 1996, 96 pp., softcover.

$_____

A Birder’s Guide to the Sewage Ponds of Oregon $12.00 or Creatures from the Brown Lagoons. By William Tice.

$_____

Birds of Jackson County NEW!! $4.25 OFO Birder Card $2.50

Packet of 50 $_____

Checklist of Oregon birds (field checking card fits into field guide)

Single $1.00 Pack of 10 $6.00

$_____ $_____

OFO Lapel Pin $7.00 1-inch, OFO logo

$_____

OFO T-Shirt Specify S, M, L, and XL $14.00 XXL only $16.00

$_____ $_____

OFO Window Decal $2.30 4-inch, OFO logo

$_____

Oregon Birds back issues $__.__ Volumes 5-24. Price varies; write for availability and prices.

$_____

OFO Bookcase continues on reverse…

-------------------------------------------------------------- OFO Membership Form Membership in Oregon Field Ornithologists brings you… • Oregon Birds—OFO’s quarterly

journal with news briefs, status and identification of Oregon’s birds, bird-finding guides to Oregon’s better birding spots and rarer species.

• Proceedings of the Oregon Bird Records Committee—Stay current on the rare birds in Oregon.

• Annual meetings—Participate in OFO’s birding meetings, held at some of Oregon’s top birding spots.

• Publications—OFO publishes an authoritative and useful checklist accurate according to the results of the Oregon Bird Records Committee. The Special Publication series brings titles of particular interest to Oregon’s birders.

• OFO Birding Weekends—Premiere birding trips led by experienced birders to Oregon’s top birding spots.

1. ρ $25.00 Individual 2. ρ Renewal ρ $30.00 Family ρ New ρ $50.00 Sustaining ρ $14.00 Students (Grades K-12) ρ $100.00 OFO Patron ρ $_____ Tax-deductible contribution ρ $_____ Oregon Fund for Ornithology 3. ρ Do NOT put my name and phone

number in OFO Directory ρ Do NOT sell or pass along my name

from the OFO mailing list 4. Make check payable to Oregon Field

Ornithologists or OFO

________________________________________________ Your name

_________________________________________________________ Your address

_________________________________________________________ City State Zip

_________________________________________________________ Telephone

_________________________________________________________ E-mail

Mail OFO Membership form to:

OFO c/o Treasurer P.O. Box 10373 Eugene, OR 97440

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Eleanor Pugh’s Natural Sound Cassettes: CASSETTES WITH VOCAL IDENTIFICATION AND/OR NARRATIVE

Mountain Forest Birds ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10.00 Seventy-two species of western birds and a few small squirrels that may sound like birds. This cassette compliments the next one listed to cover almost all birds to be generally found in wooded habitats. 90 min.

$_____

Birds of Foothill Woodland ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10.00 Newly revised. 75 species of the more common lowland birds. Songs and calls in a format that is easy to use for reference and familiarity. 90 min.

$_____

Birds of the Wetlands ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10.00 Songs and calls from lakes, marshes, and streams. Covers loon, grebes, herons, waterfowl, shorebirds, and riparian species etc. 58 species, and marsh choruses to practice identification. 90 min.

$_____

Birds of the High Desert ............................................................................................................................................................................ 9.00 Calls and songs of the birds east of the mountains in the Great Basin and northern high desert, arranged according to the special favored habitats of desert fauna. 60 min.

$_____

Birds of the Southwestern Low Desert ..................................................................................................................................................... 9.00 Calls, songs, and other sounds of 42 species of the Sonoran Desert primarily. 60 min.

$_____

Backyard Bird Songs ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9.00 Songs and calls of 28 species of birds that generally come to landscaped backyards and feeding stations. In-depth samples of the variety of sounds in their musical language. 60 min.

$_____

Wintering Birds of the Rogue Valley ...................................................................................................................................................... 10.00 Eighty-two species, with calls. Includes grebes, ducks, and others commonly found over the winter. 90 min.

$_____

Learn to Identify Birds by Ear (Western) .............................................................................................................................................. 10.00 A self-guided workshop with hands-on practice, back-to-back comparisons of confusing species; generous samples of recordings, including an easy quiz to review species you already know. 68 species. 90 min.

$_____

Learn to Identify Birds by Ear (Eastern) ............................................................................................................................................... 10.00 Same as above, using 47 eastern species; calls and songs. 90 min.

$_____

Confusing Species ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10.00 Back-to-back comparisons of the calls and songs of 56 species, including some shorebirds and visually confusing birds, with tips on distinguishing each by ear. 90 min.

$_____

Night-Birding: Owls and Others ............................................................................................................................................................... 9.00 Seven species of owls and 12 other species of birds that call and sing in the dark. 60 min.

$_____

Warblers of the West ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10.00 This is the same as Warblers I and Warblers II. Twenty species, with in-depth comparisons of variations, and tips to identification, especially of, “those confusing spring warbler songs,” and call notes. 60 min.

$_____

Shorebirds and Rails ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10.00 Various sounds of these birds of the wind and water as they are found in the 3 contiguous western states. 25 species of shorebirds, 3 species of rails.

$_____

Wildlife Voices by Family (choose any 2 per cassette) ............................................................................................................................. 10.00 Owls, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, 4 difficult Flycatchers, Wrens, Thrushes, Finches, Sparrows I (humid), Sparrows II (arid), Warblers I, Warblers II, Swallows & Swifts, Mammals, Pacific Coastlands, Fall Comes to NW, Shorebirds and Rails (both sides)

$_____

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Games—Wildlife by Ear .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13.00 A special cassette of the sounds of familiar native animals are identified on one side. On the other side, the animals are mixed up and unidentified, in order to play at least five different games. Instructions and a pack of special cards are included. 60 min.

$_____

Did You Ever Hear?................................................................................................................................................................................. 17.50 A cassette designed to encourage all ages to LISTEN, learn, and explore natural sounds in many habitats. Calls of 47 animals, birds, and insects are arranged in short sections, by habitat. A LISTENER’S GUIDE contains many suggestions, activities, study questions, and information. Excellent illustrations suitable for realistic coloring are included. 60 min.

$_____

CASSETTES WITH NO VOCAL NARRATIVE, FOR UNDISTRACTED LISTENING

Beautiful Bird Songs of the West .............................................................................................................................................................. 9.00 Twenty-six species; generous selections of pleasant songs, as heard in the wild. Enclosure; 60 min.

$_____

An Almanac of Western Habitats, Volume I. Northwestern ................................................................................................................. 10.00 A series of “sound walks” in various habitats, throughout the year. Enclosure describes events and lists species for each walk. 90 min.

$_____

Pacific Tidelands/Fall Comes to the Northwest ....................................................................................................................................... 9.00 Special sounds along the Pacific Ocean shore and coastal forest-land. Includes shorebirds and bugling elk. Enclosure describes events. 60 min.

$_____

Write for a complete list. Recorded, edited, and produced by Eleanor A. Pugh. High quality normal bias ferric oxide tape will be sent unless high bias tape is specified. Please check your tape player for a “High Bias” switch to be sure.

$

TOTAL All items postage paid. Make checks payable to Oregon Field Ornithologists or OFO.

__________________________________________________ Your name

__________________________________________________ Your address

__________________________________________________ City State Zip

__________________________________________________ Telephone

Mail OFO Bookcase to:

OFO Publications c/o Lucy Biggs 25977 Clay Drive Veneta, OR 97487

[email protected]

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Schedule of OFO BIRDING WEEKENDS OFO Birding Weekends normally begin at dawn Saturday and end early Sunday afternoon. Participants will be sent a letter in advance of each weekend, suggesting lodging, meeting place, and other details. Costs of lodging, transportation (car-pooling), and food are up to the individual participants. Participants must register by the Tuesday before the weekend they want to attend. Registration for OFO Birding Weekends is $15 per person for each weekend. Send your registrations to: Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26, Beaverton OR 97005. Questions? Call (503) 646-7889

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE!!! 8-9 December Malheur NWR Join OFO trip leader Steve Shunk for an introduction to the Malheur region's winter specialty birds. Based out of Burns, we will explore key winter habitats in search of Harris’s, White-throated, and American Tree Sparrows. We'll also enjoy large flocks of Horned Larks as we sort through them for Longspurs and Snow Buntings. Winter raptors will include an abundance of Rough-legged Hawks, Bald Eagles, and Northern Harriers with a good chance for Merlin and Northern Goshawk. And a winter at Malheur wouldn't be complete without Northern Shrikes, Tundra Swans and Bohemian Waxwings. Wintering White-throated Sparrows can often be found in the Malheur Basin among flocks of Golden- and White-crowned Sparrows. Photo by Kris Falco

19-20 January 2002 Wallowa County We will look for winter species: waxwings, finches, raptors, and gallinaceous birds, and enjoy the beauty of the Wallowas. Base: Enterprise. 2-3 February 2002 Ski Birding The Cascade Crest We will explore two large, "fresh" burns near Santiam Pass via cross-country skis in search of woodpeckers (including Black-backed and Three-Toed) and other winter residents of the region. We have the distinct possibility of finding White-Winged Crossbills as well as Blue Grouse, Northern Goshawk, and other specialties. Leader: Steve Shunk. Base:Sisters. * Events marked with an asterisk are not OFO Birding Weekends and require separate registration.

Please use a separate form for each OFO Weekend that you wish to attend.

NAME __________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS _____________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP _________________________________________

PHONE ________________________________________ EMAIL _________________________________________

TRIP YOU PLAN TO JOIN _____________ NUMBER OF PEOPLE _________________________________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED ($15 PER PARTICIPANT) $ . Make checks payable to Oregon Field Ornithologists. Mail to Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26, Beaverton OR 97005

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OFO Checklist July 2001 Red-throated Loon Pacific Loon Common Loon Yellow-billed Loon Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Eared Grebe Western Grebe Clark’s Grebe Laysan Albatross Black-footed Albatross Northern Fulmar Pink-footed Shearwater Flesh-footed Shearwater Buller’s Shearwater Sooty Shearwater Short-tailed Shearwater Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel Leach’s Storm-Petrel American White Pelican Brown Pelican Brandt’s Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant American Bittern Least Bittern Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Cattle Egret Green Heron Black-crowned Night-

Heron White-faced Ibis Turkey Vulture Greater White-fronted

Goose Emperor Goose Snow Goose Ross’s Goose Canada Goose Brant Trumpeter Swan Tundra Swan Wood Duck Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Mallard Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck Tufted Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Barrow’s Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck Osprey White-tailed Kite Bald Eagle Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Northern Goshawk Red-shouldered Hawk Swainson’s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Rough-legged Hawk Golden Eagle American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon Prairie Falcon Chukar Gray Partridge Ring-necked Pheasant Ruffed Grouse Greater Sage-Grouse Spruce Grouse Blue Grouse Wild Turkey Mountain Quail California Quail Northern Bobwhite Yellow Rail Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Sandhill Crane Black-bellied Plover American Golden-Plover Pacific Golden-Plover Snowy Plover Semipalmated Plover Killdeer Black Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper Willet Wandering Tattler Spotted Sandpiper Upland Sandpiper Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew Marbled Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Black Turnstone Surfbird Red Knot Sanderling Semipalmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Baird’s Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Rock Sandpiper Dunlin Stilt Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper Ruff Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Common Snipe Wilson’s Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Red Phalarope South Polar Skua Pomarine Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger Long-tailed Jaeger Franklin’s Gull Bonaparte’s Gull Heermann’s Gull

Mew Gull Ring-billed Gull California Gull Herring Gull Thayer’s Gull Western Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Glaucous Gull Sabine’s Gull Black-legged Kittiwake Caspian Tern Elegant Tern Common Tern Arctic Tern Forster’s Tern Black Tern Common Murre Pigeon Guillemot Marbled Murrelet Ancient Murrelet Cassin’s Auklet Rhinoceros Auklet Horned Puffin Tufted Puffin Rock Dove Band-tailed Pigeon Mourning Dove Barn Owl Flammulated Owl Western Screech-Owl Great Horned Owl Snowy Owl Northern Pygmy-Owl Burrowing Owl Spotted Owl Barred Owl Great Gray Owl Long-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Common Nighthawk Common Poorwill Black Swift Vaux’s Swift White-throated Swift Black-chinned

Hummingbird Anna’s Hummingbird Costa’s Hummingbird Calliope Hummingbird Broad-tailed Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird Allen’s Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Lewis’s Woodpecker Acorn Woodpecker Williamson’s Sapsucker Red-naped Sapsucker Red-breasted Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker White-headed Woodpecker Three-toed Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Olive-sided Flycatcher Western Wood-Pewee Willow Flycatcher Hammond’s Flycatcher Gray Flycatcher Dusky Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Cordilleran Flycatcher Black Phoebe Say’s Phoebe Ash-throated Flycatcher

Western Kingbird Eastern Kingbird Loggerhead Shrike Northern Shrike Cassin’s Vireo Hutton’s Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Gray Jay Steller’s Jay Blue Jay Western Scrub-Jay Pinyon Jay Clark’s Nutcracker Black-billed Magpie American Crow Common Raven Horned Lark Purple Martin Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Northern Rough-winged

Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Mountain Chickadee Chestnut-backed Chickadee Oak Titmouse Juniper Titmouse Bushtit Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Nuthatch Brown Creeper Rock Wren Canyon Wren Bewick’s Wren House Wren Winter Wren Marsh Wren American Dipper Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Western Bluebird Mountain Bluebird Townsend’s Solitaire Veery Swainson’s Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin Varied Thrush Wrentit Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Sage Thrasher European Starling American Pipit Bohemian Waxwing Cedar Waxwing Tennessee Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-thr. Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Gray

Warbler Townsend’s Warbler Hermit Warbler Palm Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart

Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush MacGillivray’s Warbler Common Yellowthroat Wilson’s Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat Western Tanager Green-tailed Towhee Spotted Towhee California Towhee American Tree Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Brewer’s Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Lark Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Sage Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Harris’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Lapland Longspur Snow Bunting Rose-breasted Grosbeak Black-headed Grosbeak Lazuli Bunting Bobolink Red-winged Blackbird Tricolored Blackbird Western Meadowlark Yellow-headed Blackbird Brewer’s Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Bullock’s Oriole Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch Black Rosy-Finch Pine Grosbeak Purple Finch Cassin’s Finch House Finch Red Crossbill White-winged Crossbill Common Redpoll Pine Siskin Lesser Goldfinch American Goldfinch Evening Grosbeak House Sparrow Any species not on this list is a review species as designated by the Oregon Bird Records Committee (OBRC). Reports of these sightings should be sent to

OFO PO Box 10373 Eugene, OR 97440 Attn: Secretary, OBRC

FIELDNOTES Oregon Birds and North American Birds have synchronized reporting areas, periods, and deadlines. Field reports for eastern and western Oregon are due to the OB Regional Editor and NAB Regional Editor at the same time. Season Months To Editor Spring March-May 10 June Summer June-July 10 August Fall August-November 10 December Winter December-February 10 March

Oregon Birds Regional Editors Western Oregon Alan Contreras 795 E. 29th Ave. Fall 541-342-5750 Eugene, OR 97405 [email protected] Western Oregon Ray Korpi 12611 NE 99th St. Winter/Summer 360-604-0122 Apt. DD-214 Vancouver, WA 98682 [email protected] Western Oregon Gerard Lillie 329 SE Gilham Spring 503-257-9344 Portland, OR 97215 [email protected] Eastern Oregon Paul T. Sullivan 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26 Fall/Spring 503-646-7889 Beaverton, OR 97005 [email protected] Eastern Oregon Kevin Spencer P.O. Box 353 Winter/Summer 916-667-4644 Tulelake, CA 96134 [email protected] North American Birds* Regional Editor All of Oregon Steve Mlodinow 4819 Gardner Avenue 425-514-5874 Everett WA 98203 North American Birds* Sub-Regional Editors Western Oregon Harry Nehls 2736 SE 20th

503-233-3976 Portland, OR 97202 Rogue Valley Howard Sands 10655 Agate Road

541-826-5246 Eagle Point, OR 97524

Oregon Field Ornithologists members bird all over the state, and often find birds that are of interest to local birders. OFO supports publication of local field notes and encourages OFO members to contact local newsletter publishers or field notes editors whenever birding in or near the Oregon locations listed below. If you would like to add a local newsletter or revise any of the information below, please contact the Editor, Oregon Birds, Box 10373, Eugene, OR 97440. Area Publication Publisher Address Field Notes Editor Phone Bend Eagle Eye Central Oregon Audubon

Society P.O. Box 565 Bend, OR 97709

Craig Miller [email protected]

541-389-9115

Coos Bay The Tattler Cape Arago Audubon Society

P.O. Box 381 North Bend, OR 97459

Inactive 541-267-7208

Corvallis The Chat Audubon Society of Corvallis

P.O. Box 148 Corvallis, OR 97339

Lorn Fitts [email protected]

541-753-6077

Eugene The Quail Lane County Audubon Society

P.O. Box 5086 Eugene, OR 97405

Allison Mickel 541-485-7112

Grants Pass The Siskin Siskiyou Audubon Society

P.O. Box 2223 Grants Pass, OR 97528

Eleanor Pugh 541-866-2665

Hood River-The Dalles

The Garryana Rag Columbia Gorge Audubon Society

P.O. Box 64 White Salmon, WA 98672

Stuart Johnston [email protected]

509-493-3363

John Day The Upland Sandpiper Grant County Bird Club P.O. Box 111 Canyon City, OR 97820

Tom Winters [email protected]

541-542-2006 (h) 541-575-2570 (w)

Klamath Falls The Grebe Klamath Basin Audubon Society

P.O. Box 354 Klamath Falls, OR 97601

Kevin Spencer 916-667-4644

La Grande The Rav-on Grande Ronde Bird Club P.O.Box 29 La Grande, OR 97850

Bill & Chris Dowdy 541-963-4768

Newport Sandpiper Yaquina Birders & Naturalists

P.O. Box 1467 Newport, OR 97365

Range Bayer [email protected]

541-265-2965

Portland Audubon Warbler Audubon Society of Portland

5151 NW Cornell Rd. Portland, OR 97210

Harry Nehls [email protected]

503-233-3976

Port Orford The Storm Petrel Kalmiopsis Audubon Society

P.O. Box 1265 Port Orford, OR 97465

Roseburg Wing-Tips Umpqua Valley Audubon Society

Box 381 Roseburg, OR 97470

Salem The Kestrel Salem Audubon Society 189 Liberty St. NE 209A Salem, OR 97301

John Lundsten [email protected]

503-585-9442

Back Cover: Oregon Junco, Aloha, Washington Co., 14 March 2001/Photo by Kevin Smith

______________________________________________________________________ Oregon Birds Oregon Field Ornithologists P.O. Box 10373 Eugene, OR 97440 Address Service Requested If your label says issue 27(3), then it’s time for you to renew! Use the convenient form in the center insert.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID EUGENE, OR PERMIT # 679

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