THE BLUEBIRD - Audubon Society of Missourimobirds.org/Bluebird/2010-2019/2017/June_2017.pdf · 66...
Transcript of THE BLUEBIRD - Audubon Society of Missourimobirds.org/Bluebird/2010-2019/2017/June_2017.pdf · 66...
June 2017June 2017 Volume 84, No. 2Volume 84, No. 2
The Audubon Society of MissouriThe Audubon Society of Missouri Missouri’s Ornithological Society Since 1901Missouri’s Ornithological Society Since 1901
T H E T H E B L U E B I RB L U E B I R DD
T h e v o i c e o f A S M s i n c e 1 9 3 4T h e v o i c e o f A S M s i n c e 1 9 3 4
Officers
Mark Haas*+, President (2018)
614 Otto Drive; Jackson MO 63755;
(573) 204-0626
Louise Wilkinson*+, Vice-President
(2018); P.O. Box 804, Rolla, MO 65402-
0804; (573) 578-4695
Scott Laurent*+, Secretary (2017)
610 W. 46th Street, #103; Kansas City,
MO 64112; (816) 916-5014
Pat Lueders*+, Treasurer (2017)
1147 Hawken Pl., St. Louis, MO
63119; (314) 222-1711
Honorary Directors
Richard A. Anderson, St. Louis**
Nathan Fay, Ozark**
Leo Galloway, St. Joseph**
Jim Jackson, Marthasville
Lisle Jeffrey, Columbia**
Floyd Lawhon, St. Joseph**
Patrick Mahnkey, Forsyth**
Rebecca Matthews, Springfield**
Sydney Wade, Jefferson City**
Dave Witten, Columbia**
John Wylie, Jefferson City**
Brad Jacobs, 2016 Recipient of the
Rudolf Bennitt Award
Jim Jackson, 2012 Recipient of the
Rudolf Bennitt Award
Dr. David Easterla, 2006 Recipient
of the Rudolf Bennitt Award
Paul E. Bauer, 2004 Recipient of the
Rudolf Bennitt Award
Regional Directors
Charles Burwick+ (2017)
Springfield (417) 860-9505
Lottie Bushmann+ (2018)
Columbia, (573) 445-3942
Jeff Cantrell+ (2017)
Neosho (471) 476-3311
Mike Doyen+ (2017)
Rolla (573) 364-0020
Allen Gathman+ (2018)
Pocahontas (573) 579-5464
Brent Galliart+ (2018)
St. Joseph (816) 232-6038
Greg Leonard+ (2019)
Columbia (573) 443-8263
Terry McNeely+ (2019)
Jameson, MO (660) 828-4215
Phil Wire+ (2019)
Bowling Green (314) 960-0370
Chairs
Bill Clark, Historian
3906 Grace Ellen Dr.
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 474-4510
Kevin Wehner, Membership
510 Ridgeway Ave.
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 815-0352
+ Board Position
* Executive Committee Member **Deceased
The Audubon Society of Missouri
Page i THE BLUEBIRD
The Bluebird
Page ii THE BLUEBIRD
The Bluebird Editor:
Bill Eddleman*+, 1831 Ricardo Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, (573)
335-1507, [email protected]
Christmas Bird Count Compiler:
Randy Korotev, 800 Oakbrook Lane, St. Louis, MO 63132,
(314) 993-0055, [email protected]
Communication Services:
Patrick Harrison+, Webmaster, http://mobirds.org,
Susan Hazelwood and David Scheu, Co-owners Listserve,
ASM Scholarship Committee:
Sue Gustafson, Chair, 429 Belleview Ave., Webster Groves MO 63119
(314) 968-8128, [email protected]
MO Bird Records Committee:
Brad Jacobs+—Chair, 11300 Vemers Ford Road, Columbia, MO 65201,
(573) 874-3904, [email protected]
Bill Rowe—Secretary, 7414 Kenrick Valley Drive, St Louis, MO 63119-
5726 (314) 962-0544, [email protected]
Seasonal Survey Editors:
Spring: Greg Swick, 1503 E. Bingham St., Ozark, MO 65721-9503, (417)
581-2757, [email protected]
Summer: Paul McKenzie, 2311 Grandview Circle, Columbia, MO 65203-
7240, (573) 445-3019, [email protected]
Fall: Joe Eades, 517 Willow Lane, Kirkwood, MO, 63122, (314) 835-
0353, [email protected]
Winter: Mary Nemecek, 7807 N. Merimac Ct, Kansas City MO 64151-
0000; (816) 210-5148; [email protected]
* Executive Committee Member
+ Board Position
Deadlines for submission of material for publication in The Bluebird
Manuscripts for The Bluebird—to the editor by:
Feb. 1 for March issue; May 1 for June issue;
Aug. 1 for Sept. issue; Nov. 1 for Dec. issue
Deadlines for submissions to the Seasonal Survey Editors
Winter (Dec. 1-Feb. 28)—to Mary Nemecek by Mar. 10
Spring (Mar. 1-May 31)—to Greg Swick by June 10
Summer (June 1-July. 31)—to Paul McKenzie by Aug 10
Fall (Aug. 1-Nov. 30)—to Joe Eades by Dec. 10
Table of Contents
Page iii THE BLUEBIRD
51 President’s Corner—Mark Haas
52 We Welcome our New ASM Members—Kevin Wehner
52 Grassland Wayside Panel Dedication Day Activities
54 Becky Matthews—Bill Clark
58 ASM 2017 Spring Meeting Photos—Mike Grant
59 Memories of a Birding Legend: The Passing of Chandler S. Robbins
(1918-2017)—Paul McKenzie
66 Missouri Christmas Bird Counts, 2016-2017—Randy L. Korotev,
CBC Editor
94 Fall 2016 Seasonal Report—Joseph W. Eades
101 A Birder’s Guide to Missouri Public Lands—Edge Wade and Others
Front Cover—Birders should always be alert for jaegers in fall on Missouri’s
large lakes. This immature Parasitic Jaeger was seen by many observers
September 16-21 at Smithville Lake, Clay County, where it was photo-
graphed on September 17, 2016 by Mary Nemecek.
THE BLUEBIRD is published quarterly by The Audubon Society of Missouri. The submission of
articles, photographs, and artwork is welcomed and encouraged. The views and opinions ex-
pressed in this journal are those of each contributing writer and do not necessarily represent the
views and opinions of The Audubon Society of Missouri or its officers, Board of Directors, or edi-
tors. Send address corrections to ASM, 2101 W. Broadway, PMB 122, Columbia, MO 65203-1261.
June 2017 Volume 84, No. 2
President’s Corner—Mark Haas
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Dear Fellow Birders,
It was an awesome spring bird-
ing season, with many migrants
arriving earlier than expected. I
hope you were able to get out and
experience that most-exciting
season of the birding year. If
your only birding was at the
ASM Spring Meeting, you picked
the right time.
The Greater Ozarks Audubon
Society, our hosts in Springfield, arranged some outstanding field
trips, with Roaring River State Park one of the highlights. Over the
weekend, our birders reported 158 species, including 26 warblers
and southwest specialties like Greater Roadrunner, Swainson’s
Hawk, and Painted Bunting. In addition, the social events, keynote
speaker, and all other portions of the weekend were excellent. Many
thanks to GOAS for a memorable Spring Meeting!
I have mentioned before my appreciation for the volunteers who
keep ASM running. Recently, Patrick Harrison resigned after 14
years as our Webmaster. Within a day, Kevin Wehner agreed to
take over as Webmaster and continue his duties as our Membership
Chair. I am so grateful to Patrick for his many years of service and
thankful to Kevin for stepping up.
Louise Wilkinson just resigned as Vice President, but served on the
board for several years before her term as VP began last year.
Thank you Louise. A search for her replacement continues.
Also, Scott Laurent resigned as our Conservation Partnership Coor-
dinator. Immediately, Edge Wade volunteered to fill this key posi-
tion. Likewise, I am thankful for Scott’s service and for Edge’s will-
ingness to jump back in to serve again. I encourage you to express
your gratitude to all ASM volunteers, past and present.
Edge has already negotiated 2017 cooperative agreements with
State Parks and MDC. State Parks of special emphasis this year are
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Echo Bluff, Thousand Hills, Crowder, Current River, and Washing-
ton. Some of the priority Conservation Areas are Huzzah, Big Buffa-
lo Creek, Danville, Daniel Boone, Fiery Fork, Donaldson Point, and
Black Island. Watch the MOBIRDS-L listserv for more details.
Each time you bird one of these focus sites and submit your data to
eBird, you are supporting the work of ASM through our cooperative
agreements. Thank you.
Mark Haas, President
The Audubon Society of Missouri
Remember, new members are our future. If a new member lives
near you, say, “Howdy and welcome to ASM.” In addition, recruit
another new member. Welcome to these 11 new ASM members
in the 2nd quarter of 2017!
Cliff Amos Kansas City, MO
Penelope & Dennis Beache Saint James, MO
Eric Feltz St. Louis, MO
Doug, Christy, Nicole, Sam & Crystal Henley Columbia, MO
Carol Kuhl Gladstone, MO
Betsy Nace Springfield, MO
Cooperators and others were greeted with perfect weather Sunday,
April 23, to enjoy a full day of activities at Rock Bridge Memorial
State Park. They were celebrating the dedication of the state’s first
interactive bird checklist wayside panel, a product of the 10-year
cooperative agreement between the Audubon Society of Missouri
(ASM) and Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Divi-
sion of State Parks.
ASM volunteers work to help Missourians become more familiar
with birds through the State Parks Checklist Project (SPARKS). The
program makes park checklists available to the public online and at
WE WELCOME OUR NEW ASM MEMBERS!! Kevin Wehner
GRASSLAND WAYSIDE PANEL DEDICATION
DAY ACTIVITIES
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Left to right: Lori Turner, Edge Wade, Kathleen Anderson, Eric Wood, Greg
Leonard, John Besser, Sandy Elbert, Laura Hillman, Allison Vaughn.
state park visitor centers. The new interactive wayside panel allows
park visitors to use a QR code to download the Rock Bridge Memori-
al State Park bird checklist to use as they look for birds.
The day began with a bird walk along Spring Creek and the Sink-
hole Trail, led by Kathleen Anderson and Edge Wade. Among the
birds seen were just-returned Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed
and Red-eyed Vireo, and Blue-winged and Kentucky Warbler.
Several participants satisfied well-earned appetites and shared bird-
ing lore and experiences over lunch at Buckingham’s Smokehouse
BBQ before returning to the park for the dedication ceremony host-
ed by Park Superintendent Sarah Jones.
Superintendent Jones described the habitat development and
maintenance of the restored prairie traversed by the Grassland
Trail. Allison Vaughn, representing DNR for SPARKS agreements,
followed with additional comments about Missouri State Parks’ hab-
itat maintenance and the value of the SPARKS agreement with
ASM. Edge Wade, conservation partnership coordinator, noted that
the SPARKS program is the work of volunteers and that funds
earned are used for formal bird monitoring work, scholarships for
Page 54 THE BLUEBIRD
The dedication ceremony. Park Superintendent Sarah Jones (right) speak-
ing. KOMU TV reporter (center) videotaping the event.
young people to learn about habitat needs of birds, and many other
projects in partnership with a variety of organizations in Missouri.
To cap the day, Greg Leonard led an eager troop of birders and
Americorps volunteers on a walk through the grasslands. Northern
Bobwhite, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Yel-
low-breasted Chat were among the species entertaining the group.
Becky Matthews was one of a kind! Unfortunately, she didn’t live
forever, but we’re thankful for the 98 years she shared with us.
When Becky—her full name was Ency Rebecca Jamison Matthews—
died on February 19, 2017, her grandson, Shawn, recalled a recent
incident.
“My wife Juli, and I gave Becky a book about birds and she looked
disappointed. She looked up and said, ‘For the longest time, people
always think that I just like birds.’
BECKY MATTHEWS
Bill Clark
Page 55 THE BLUEBIRD
I said, ‘You do, Grandma—remember’ And she looked at me, paused,
and with a wry smile said, ‘Well, I have other interests, too.’”
How true. A number of years ago, during a spring meeting south of
Jefferson City, Becky and I began a bird walk with a group. I
stopped to look at a rare spring wildflower and fell behind the
crowd. I then realized I was not alone. Becky Matthews had spotted
the same rarity. By the time we were both satisfied with our plant
identification, the birders were no longer in sight. One flower led to
another and we spent the next two hours looking down, not up, bota-
nizing our way a quarter of a mile before turning toward lunch.
Becky’s comment, “One of these days, I hope to make it a whole
mile.”
It has been said that Becky was first a learner, then a teacher, and
that generations were grateful that she chose to share all that she
had learned.
Becky Matthews was born in 1919, graduated from Southwest Mis-
souri State Teachers College in 1941, where she was a rare female
mathematics and science major. She had been a self-taught master
of algebra by the age of 13. Her first teaching job was at Lincoln,
Missouri, High School where she met and, in 1941, married a young
minister, Faust Matthews. They were married 65 years prior to
Faust’s death in 2006. This marriage produced four children, but by
1954 Becky was back in the classroom, teaching chemistry and biol-
ogy at Willard High School for two years before moving to Southwest
Missouri State University where she taught mathematics from 1956
to 1983, retiring as Professor Emeritus.
It was not until 1968 when she was almost 50 that Becky became a
birder. “Life begins at 50,” she said. She soon became deeply in-
volved with the Greater Ozark Audubon Society of Missouri and, in
1971, began a 35-year run as monthly nature columnist for the
Springfield News-Leader. She also wrote for the Missouri Conserva-
tionist and edited The Bluebird, promoted the Nature Center in
Springfield and served as its first volunteer coordinator when it
opened in 1988.
Among her many awards was the 2000 Communicator Award from
the Conservation Federation of Missouri and in 2006 she was hon-
ored at the Nature Center with the “Becky Matthews Gala.” Becky
was elected as an Honorary Board Member of the ASM, the only fe-
male so honored in the ASM’s 116-year history.
I first met Becky in 1982 when I agreed to become the editor of The
Bluebird. The publication had dwindled to less than 20 pages and
Page 56 THE BLUEBIRD
reflected the direction of ASM as elected officers moved on to other
roles in life. I was an outsider with a few new ideas and no technical
skills—except a typewriter and a background as a sportswriter for a
daily paper. I was a major league baseball scout first, a working
sports official second, a weighlifter and gym operator third and a
birder fourth. Becky helped rearrange those priorities. One of my
goals was to have the Christmas Bird Counts in the March Bluebird.
Becky made it happen. In two consecutive issues of The Bluebird, I
misspelled “environment.” I quickly received a friendly, but firm,
spelling lesson. When I led the occasional field trip at ASM fall
meetings, Becky often grabbed the front seat.
Becky Matthews joined Jim Jackson and John Wylie in my life as
role models who best understood the entire world of nature around
us. Sadly, only Jim Jackson remains.
Despite Becky’s wide interests in the natural world, birding was al-
ways at the center of her natural world. She summed up her role as
an expanded backyard birder with the column she wrote for the
News-Leader. It is truly a self-portrait of this Grand Lady—Ency
Rebecca Jamison Matthews.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
A Birdwatcher is……
Rebecca Matthews
Some years ago while visiting a Girl Scout Day Camp, I had occasion
to chat with a little Brownie. As usual, my binoculars were hanging
about my neck. When she asked about them I told her I was a bird
watcher. Her eyes widened and with a bit of awe in her voice she
said, “I never saw a real birdwatcher before!”
We may laugh, but when you stop to think, do you really know what
a birdwatcher is?
*A birdwatcher is a scientist—an ornithologist whose laboratory has
trees for walls, the sky for a ceiling and a leaf-carpet for its floor.
*A birdwatcher is an expert amateur who knows birds, their habits
and habitats, their songs and colors; one whose knowledge is exten-
sive by never complete.
*A birdwatcher is a novice, juggling bird guide book in one hand,
binoculars in the other while the uncooperative bird flies away.
*A birdwatcher is a grandfather whose loving family keeps the bird
bath and feeders filled as an invitation to the birds he calls his
friends.
*A birdwatcher is a young adult for whom the challenge of physical
and mental activity enriches his leisure hours.
Page 57 THE BLUEBIRD
*A birdwatcher is a sixth grader getting a head start on a hobby
which can prove to be an exciting, life-long challenge, perhaps lead-
ing him into his vocation.
*A birdwatcher is a small child whose earliest vocabulary includes
the words “bird” and “car-nal” and “boo-jay.”
*A birdwatcher is a problem solver. Each new bird is a challenge; its
solution a delight.
*A birdwatcher is a list maker. He makes a list for his back yard,
one for the county, another for the state; he makes a list for the day,
for the year, for his life.
*A birdwatcher is a person whose favorite season is fall in October,
winter in December, spring in May, and summer in June.
*A birdwatcher is alternately fascinated and frustrated by his hob-
by, yet he is irresistibly and unexplainably drawn to it.
*A birdwatcher travels from the Florida Keys to Bering Strait to add
one bird to his life list.
*A birdwatcher is content to study and enjoy the birds of his back
yard.
*A birdwatcher spends hundreds of dollars on high-powered tele-
scopes, expensive cameras, tape recorders.
*A birdwatcher enjoys his small investment in a pair of inexpensive
binoculars and his well-worn Field Guide to the Birds.
*A birdwatcher finds solace in solitude, a sense of identity as he
walks alone on quiet woodland paths.
*A birdwatcher delights in the company of his traveling companions
with whom he shares discoveries, beauty, knowledge.
*A birdwatcher is also a rock hound, mushroom hunter, flower find-
er, expert on trees, authority on mosses, star gazer—for an interest
in nature cannot be confined.
*A birdwatcher enjoys the cool green of the deep woods, the warm
sun of the open prairies, the salt breezes by the ocean shore, the
clear waters of a mountain stream, the fresh scent of spring, the
crisp air of autumn.
*A birdwatcher rises early, goes hungry, braves cold, suffers heat,
risks chiggers and endures a thousand spider webs in his hair and
face.
*A birdwatcher may prefer to be known as a “birder” because he is
interested in the total bird—his habits and habitat, his song, and his
general well-being.
*A birdwatcher is one who sees God’s handiwork and says, “It is
good!”
*A birdwatcher is a conservationist, one who recognizes and accepts
his responsibilities as a steward of the blessings of the good earth.
Page 58 THE BLUEBIRD
A birdwatcher is your florist, your doctor, your teacher, your pastor,
your postman, your next door neighbor, a student, a parent, a child.
A birdwatcher could be you.
Reprinted from the Springfield News-Leader August 3, 1975
ASM 2017 SPRING MEETING PHOTOS Mike Grant
Page 59 THE BLUEBIRD
Paul M. McKenzie
2311 Grandview Circle
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Photo from: Barbara Dowell - United States Geological Survey - Patuxent
Wildlife Research Refuge, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/
index.php?curid=38030036
Like so many other birders and ornithologists, I was greatly sad-
dened by the recent news of the passing of Chandler (Chan) S.
(Semyour) Robbins on March 20, 2017 at the age of 98. I am one of a
few lucky Missouri birders who was not only aware of his many ac-
complishments but knew him personally, birded with him in the
field, and was influenced by his tremendous enthusiasm, apprecia-
tion, and passion of birds.
I personally met Chan when I lived in Maryland in the early 70s
when I was a beginning birder. As with so many other birders who
live near his home town of Laurel, Maryland, Chan was a birding
mentor and friend; his field skills by sight and sound were simply
unmatched yet he was one of the most gracious, humble, soft-
spoken, kind, and gentle individuals I had ever met. I have many
fond memories of birding trips doing BBS routes, CBCs, and forays
with the Brooks Bird Club in West Virginia. Before I share a few of
Memories of a Birding Legend:
The Passing of Chandler S. Robbins (1918-2017)
Page 60 THE BLUEBIRD
the more salient memories, a review of his life and accomplishments
are appropriate.
Chan was born on 17 July 1918 in Belmont, Massachusetts, a sub-
urb of Boston. He received a B.A. in Physics in 1940 and a M.S. in
Zoology from George Washington University in 1950. In 1995 he was
awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sciences from the University of
Maryland for his decades of research and ornithological conservation
efforts. While at Harvard working on his Bachelor’s degree, he was
encouraged and mentored by his freshman advisor and famous orni-
thologist Ludlow Griscom who helped fine tune Chan’s field identifi-
cation skills.
There is surely not enough space to list all of Chan’s accomplish-
ments. While some are well known, others may not be, especially to
the younger readers of this tribute. Chan is probably most readily
known for the publication of the Golden Field Guide: A Guide to
Field Identification of the Birds of North America that he coauthored
with Bertel Bruun and Herbert Zim and illustrated by Arthur Sing-
er in 1966. Along with Roger Tory Peterson’s 1947 field guide, this
book helped set the standard for the multitude of bird identification
manuals that would follow. To date, his field guide has sold over 6
million copies!
Of course most birders are familiar and have participated in the
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) that was initiated by Chan in 1966 but
many may not know the impetus in the development of this now
classic breeding avian monitoring technique. In the early 1950s,
Chan along with other researchers, conducted studies to determine
the effects of pesticides, particularly DDT on different species of
birds (see Robbins et al. 1951). These studies provided important
background information for Rachel Carson’s classic book Silent
Spring. One day in the early 1950s, Chan received a letter from a
woman who reported the death of hundreds of American Robins on
several college campuses after the spraying of DDT. Concerned
about the ability to track the effect of DDT and other chemicals on
bird populations, Chan realized that we lacked a rigorous survey
technique to assess changes over time, even for such common spe-
cies as Wood Thrush and Red-eyed Vireo. This concern led to the
design and establishment of the Breeding Bird Survey and statisti-
cal analysis of data since its development has led to the documenta-
Page 61 THE BLUEBIRD
tion of declines of numerous song birds. Chan was one of the first
ornithologists to raise awareness of the potential impacts of indus-
trial wind turbines on migratory birds, especially raptors along the
Appalachian ridge tops.
Chan was a life-long bird bander who banded over 190,000 birds
throughout his illustrious career. None were more famous than his
banding of an adult female Laysan Albatross in 1956 on Midway
Island in the South Pacific who is affectionately known as “Wisdom.”
Based on recaptures and/or band changes in 1966, 1985, 1993, 2002,
and 2006 (see Birding Interview in the September 2012 issue of
Birding-Strycker 2012), her age is now estimated to be 66, which
would make her the oldest known wild living bird.
Some of the initial and classic studies on the effects of forest frag-
mentation on birds nesting in eastern North America were conduct-
ed by Chan and his colleagues (see Whitcomb et al. 1981 and Rob-
bins et al. 1989). Chan was as much interested in the conservation
of Neotropical migrants on their wintering grounds in the tropics as
he was on their breeding grounds in North America. From 1984
through 2000 Chan and others were actively involved in training
researchers in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South Amer-
ica. His efforts in Guatemala were recognized by the Foundation for
Ecodevelopment and Conservation (FUNDAECO) when they named
the Cerro San Gil Reserve research center the Chandler Robbins
Biological Station.
Chan was a prolific writer and during his career the list of papers,
books, maps, and articles he authored is over 650. He was a tech-
nical editor of North American Birds from 1952 through 1989 and
editor of Maryland Birdlife 1947-2014. In addition to being actively
involved in breeding bird research, Chan participated in CBCs for
80 years, a feat few of us will be able to duplicate!
As all of us who enjoy looking for rare or unusual species of birds,
Chan had a keen interest in those species that were extinct or criti-
cally endangered. I guess no bird fascinated him more than Brew-
ster’s Linnet. This rare hybrid between a Common Redpoll and Pine
Siskin was collected by William Brewster on 1 Nov. 1870 near
Chan’s childhood home. It has never been seen again. Chan’s appeal
for this species is similar to his interest in Sutton’s Warbler, a rare
hybrid between N. Parula and Yellow-throated Warbler. On more
Page 62 THE BLUEBIRD
than one occasion he suggested I consider joining the “Sutton Seek-
ers” with the Brooks Bird Club of WV in search of this hybrid. The
possibility of seeing this hybrid was certainly within Chan’s grasp as
it has been documented with photographs (e.g., PA, WI) in no less
that nine states and the District of Columbia (see review in Anich
2012). As for the linnet, Chan never gave up with the hopes of ob-
serving another one.
I would be amiss if I did not acknowledge the fact that Chan
was a fellow U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist who worked for
the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center for 60 years between 1945
and 2005! The center is part of the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge. This is
the only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife re-
search. When Chan retired in 2005 he was given the title of Scien-
tist Emeritus.
Due to his life-long commitment to bird research and conser-
vation, Chan’s list of awards other than those previously mentioned
is long but worth repeating. These include the Cornell Laboratory of
Ornithology’s Arthur Allen Award, the Linnaean Society of New
York’s Eisenmann Medal, the Elliott Coues Award from the Ameri-
can Ornithologists’ Union, the 2000 Audubon Medal from the Na-
tional Audubon Society, the Ludlow Griscom and Roger Tory Peter-
son Life-time Achievement Awards from the American Birding Asso-
ciation, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Distinguished Service
Award, the Audubon Naturalist Society’s Paul Bartsch Award, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Meritorious Service Award, the
Audubon Magazine’s Century of Conservation Award, and the
Prince George County chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Socie-
ty’s Life-time Achievement Award.
A tribute to this ornithological and conservation giant would
not be appropriate without sharing a few cherished memories of
birding with him in the field. All of the following stories occurred
while conducting CBCs in Maryland. I had the good fortune of join-
ing a small dedicated group of birders who enjoyed doing one CBC
after another. I can even remember occasions when we did five
counts in a row. Looking back on it now I realize just how totally
insane it is to even think of doing that many counts in a row! I cer-
tainly no longer have the stamina and energy to do it now in Mis-
souri. The small nucleus included Chan, his son George, Danny By-
strak, Paul Bystrak, Kathleen Klimkiewicz, me and others. Some-
Page 63 THE BLUEBIRD
times all of us would attend, at other times, other commitments only
allowed a few of us to participate.
The first story I recall was with Chan and his son George. Chan had
dropped me and George off at different stream crossings where we
walked to the next crossing while looking for Winter Wren, Brown
Creeper, etc. When Chan picked us both up he said, “I have a bird I
want you both to see if I can relocate it.” Although we both were still
in the beginner birding stage, we knew enough to realize that what-
ever he found it was something good! “What species is it?” George
asked. “I won’t tell you because I want to see if both of you can iden-
tify it.” Oh, great I thought! The birding master is going to quiz us
on a bird! We stopped at a small bridge and Chan spished next to a
small weedy thicket along the roadside and up popped a flock of
sparrows. I think I remember White-throated, Song, and then I
heard him say softly, “Look at the small sparrow of shrub on the left
and tell me independently what you think it is.” Fortunately, the
bird remained still for several seconds and gave us both an oppor-
tunity to study it and look at illustrations in Chan’s field guide.
George then whispered in Chan’s ear what he thought it was and
Chan nodded in approval. Great I thought!- pressure is on now! I
studied this small sparrow for a few more seconds, referenced the
field guide one more time and said, “I think I got it” so I somewhat
hesitantly whispered in his ear- “Clay-colored Sparrow”- a species I
had never seen before. Chan raised his head with his classic flattop
haircut, smiled and said, “Great job guys!” “You both correctly iden-
tified it.” “This is an exciting find as it is the first winter record for
Maryland.” Whew! I thought- how cool is that!” Of course, it was the
talk at the tally that night and I think George and I were more ex-
cited we identified it correctly than understand the significance of a
first winter record for a state.
The second story also involved me, Chan and George. Chan had
dropped the two of us off a mile apart before dawn to listen for owls.
We did not have tapes to use so we imitated the calls of E. Screech,
Great Horned and Barred owls. On this particular morning Chan
had picked me up first. “What did you hear?” he asked. I replied, “I
had 2 Screech Owls, 1 Great Horned, 2 Barred Owls, George, and
Mallards on a pond.” He raised his eyebrows and first asked, “How
to you know they were Mallards?” “I heard them calling” I respond-
ed. “We will have to record them as Mallard/Black Duck because you
cannot separate the calls of those two species.” I embarrassingly
Page 64 THE BLUEBIRD
said “OK” as I realized I had rushed to judgement. Then he inquisi-
tively asked, “What do you mean you heard George?” “I heard
George imitating the call of a Barred Owl” I said. “I don’t think that
is possible” he declared with a soft confidence. When we drove to
pick up George, Chan said, “George you stay here and in exactly 5
minutes I want you to imitate a Barred Owl as loud as you can.”
“OK” George responded but he asked why. “I want to do an experi-
ment (meaning he wanted to see if I could hear George a mile
away!)” he replied. Chan and I drove a mile down the road and got
out of the car. When the 5 minutes were up, we both heard this in-
credible loud imitation: “Who who who who. who who who whooall.”
Chan smiled and said, “My goodness! That is George!” I provided no
response as I was just glad to bat 500 for the morning. The story,
nonetheless, provided some humor at the tally later that night and
during subsequent CBCs.
The last story also involved another CBC- Ocean City I think or
somewhere along the Maryland Coast. I do remember that the en-
tire CBC nucleus was present at the tally and we had got to Brown-
headed Cowbird on the checklist. The compiler (Chan) asked the
unlucky soul who had volunteered to count cowbirds how many he
estimated. The counter reported that he estimated the number per
minute that passed a specific point on their way to a gigantic roost.
After discussing his methodology, the counter estimated that 9 mil-
lion cowbirds had gone to roost that night. There were oohs and
aahs all over the room due to the large number and knowledge what
9 million brood parasites could do to our songbirds! Then Chan
asked the obligatory question: “I assume no one else has any other
cowbirds to report?” A senior birder in the back of the room raised
her hand and said, “Yes, I had one.” Laughter broke out across the
room as everyone but her understood the magnitude of the state-
ment so Chan asked helpfully, “You don’t think I should submit a
tally of 9 million and one do you?” Realizing the error in her think-
ing she responded, “No, I guess not.”
There are other stories to tell that are just as memorable as these
but some of the details become harder to remember after 40+ years.
I will conclude by saying what an absolute delight it was to know
and bird with this man. Any of us would consider it a success if we
could but make a small fraction of his contributions to our
Page 65 THE BLUEBIRD
knowledge and conservation of birds. He will surely go down as one
of the greatest ornithologists of all time. His passion, zeal, and dedi-
cation to bird conservation, identification, and life history ecology,
coupled with his strong moral character and ethical conduct will be
something we can all emulate. There are simply not enough words
in the English dictionary to describe the magnitude of his contribu-
tions to ornithology and the influence that he has had on millions of
peoples’ lives.
One day last month as I walked along the Katy Trail near Columbia,
I heard the always unforgettable song of a Winter Wren. I listened
to Chan’s favorite bird sing for a few seconds and wondered if the
little bird knew who his biggest fan was? After a few more cycles the
wren stopped singing and I wondered if ceased singing because it
had to move on or because it knew it had lost a friend.
Chandler S. Robbins’ legacy will live forever. It seems trite to say
that he will never be forgotten but every time we reference a field
guide, participate in a BBS route or CBC, or reference one of his
publications, our memories of his contributions will be rekindled.
Literature Cited
Anich, M.A., J.A. Swelstad, and B. Pierce. 2012. The first report of
Sutton’s Warbler (Northern Parula x Yellow-throated War-
bler) in Wisconsin. Passenger Pigeon 74:149-155.
Robbins, C.S., D.K. Dawson, and B.A. Dowell. 1989. Habitat area
requirements of breeding forest birds of the Middle Atlantic
States. Wildlife Monographs No. 103. 34pp.
Robbins, C.S., P.F. Springer, and C.G. Webster. 1951. Effects of five-
year DDT application on breeding bird population. Journal
of Wildlife Management 15:213-216.
Strycker, N.K. 2012. A Birding Interview with Chandler S. Robbins.
2012. Birding 44(5):16-21.
Whitcomb, R.F., C.S. Robbins, J.F. Lynch, B.L. Whitcomb, M.K.
Klimkiewicz, and D. Bystrak. 1981. Effects of forest frag-
mentation on avifauna of the eastern deciduous forest. Pages
125-206 in R. L. Burgess and D. M. Sharpe, eds. Forest is-
land dynamics in man-dominated landscapes. Springer-
Verlag, New York, N.Y.
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Again this past season Missouri hosted 27 Christmas Bird Counts.
Weather was mainly mild in December. Only four counts reported
snow cover (0”–3”) and seven counts reported frozen still water. A
total of 153 species were reported, one less than the all time high six
years ago.
Species for which only a single individual was seen in the state in-
clude American Bittern (Confluence; a first Missouri CBC record),
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Clarence Cannon), Sora (Columbia),
Inca Dove (Horton-Four Rivers), Long-eared Owl (Dent-Texas Coun-
ty), Northern Saw-whet Owl (Horton-Four Rivers), Rufous Hum-
mingbird (Springfield), Northern Shrike (Columbia), Bewick’s Wren
(Joplin), Gray Catbird (Joplin), Palm Warbler (Confluence), Pine
Warbler (Dent-Texas County), Vesper Sparrow (Big Oak Tree S. P.),
and Spotted Towhee (Maramec Spring). Other species seen on only
one count are Golden Eagle (2, Dent-Texas County), Virginia Rail (4,
Columbia), Greater Yellowlegs (4, Dent-Texas County), Greater
Roadrunner (2, Taney County), Peregrine Falcon (6, Confluence),
Snow Bunting (2, Grand River), Orange-crowned Warbler (2, Spring-
field), and Great-tailed Grackle (4, Liberal).
In the Big Table, the column labeled L/H indicates species for which
the party-hour-normalized statewide count was significantly (L or
H, 95% confidence limit) or very significantly (LL or HH, 99% confi-
dence limit) lower or higher than the average over the past 17 years
(but only if the mean number of birds is at least 5). With “only”
99,000 birds, Snow Geese numbers were very low (last year there
were more than a million). Other species especially low numbers
include American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scaup, Buf-
flehead, Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Rough-legged Hawk,
Rock Pigeon, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Rusty
Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, and House Spar-
row. Some of these low numbers (Lesser Scaup?, American Tree
Sparrow?) may reflect species that wintered farther north because of
the mild winter. Species not seen this season include: Blue-winged
Teal, Greater Scaup, Osprey, Snowy Owl, and Fish Crow. Only 4
species of gulls were reported.
Missouri Christmas Bird Counts, 2016-2017
Randy L. Korotev, CBC Editor
Page 67 THE BLUEBIRD
Species in substantially greater than normal numbers include
Trumpeter Swan (1495 birds on 13 counts), Tundra Swan, Hooded
Merganser, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Turkey Vulture
(1385 on 13 counts), Red-shouldered Hawk, Sandhill Crane (with 18
at Loess Bluffs N.W.R), Wilson’s Snipe, Eurasian Collared-Dove,
Short-eared Owl, Eastern Phoebe, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, both
kinglets, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Savannah
Sparrow, and Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Five counts found 90 or more species, with Horton-Four Rivers set-
ting the new high with 121 species, including 6 species of owl.
Figure 1. Map of Missouri Christmas Bird Count locations.
Page 68 THE BLUEBIRD
Code Count Compiler
MOBO Big Oak Tree S.P. Bill Eddleman
MOBS Big Spring Steve Paes
MOCC Clarence Cannon N.W.R. Bruce Schuette
MOCF Confluence Randy Korotev
MOCP Cole Camp Prairies IBA Ryan Steffens
MOCO Columbia Laura Hillman
MODA Dallas County David Blevins
MODT Texas-Dent County Daniel Hatch
MOGR Grand River Terry McNeely
MOHF Horton-Four Rivers Mark Robbins
MOJC Jefferson City Barbara Brueggeman
MOJO Joplin Dave Henness
MOKC Kansas City Mike Stoakes
MOKN Knob Noster Vernon Elsberry
MOLI Liberal Dana Hoisington
MOMA Maryville David Easterla
MOMI Mingo N.W.R. Bill Eddleman
MOML Montrose Lake Wildlife Area Rhonda Edmunds
MOMS Maramec Spring Louise Wilkinson
MOPB Poplar Bluff Bruce Beck
MOSQ Loess Bluffs N.W.R. Mark Robbins
MOSJ St. Joseph Thomas Nagel
MOSL Swan Lake N.W.R. Steve Kinder
MOSP Springfield Greg Samuel
MOTC Taney County Charles Burwick
MOTR Trimble Kristi Mayo
MOWS Weldon Spring Anne McCormack
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August in Missouri was warm and very wet, with warmth and hu-
midity continuing through September. October and November were
unusually warm and dry, with temperatures averaging 5 and 7 de-
grees above average respectively. It was the warmest October in
four decades and the eighth-warmest on record, while November
was the fifth-warmest on record. The September-November period
overall was the second warmest in 122 years! The first freeze in Co-
lumbia occurred on November 13, about three weeks later than usu-
al, and Springfield experienced its first freeze on November 19,
nearly a month later than usual.
The most significant rarities included Long-tailed Jaeger and
Parasitic Jaeger, the former being a one-day wonder and the lat-
ter lingering and providing viewing opportunities for many. A Rose-
ate Spoonbill added to the growing list of records over the past two
decades. New early arrival dates were established for Golden-
crowned Kinglet and Swainson’s Thrush. New late departure
dates were established for Marbled Godwit, White-eyed Vireo,
and Bell’s Vireo. A new high count was reported for American
Pipit. Black Vultures continue to expand northward with one at
Fountain Grove Conservation Area and three at Katy Trail State
Park adjacent to Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Red-breasted
Nuthatches appeared in numbers but other winter irruptive spe-
cies were not evident.
There were a few interesting banding records. An adult male Pip-
ing Plover photographed among a group of four birds at Riverlands
Migratory Bird Sanctuary was banded as an adult on the Missouri
River in Yankton, South Dakota, in July 2015. A Yellow Rail was
banded during nocturnal wetland surveys at Fountain Grove Con-
servation Area on 3 September, and Northern Saw-whet Owls
continue to be banded in significant numbers at the World Bird
Sanctuary.
DUCKS THROUGH GREBES
A group of 3 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks continued from the summer
season until at least 5 Aug at Horseshoe Lake Buchanan (Larry Olpin, Har-
ley Winfrey). Migrating Greater White-fronted Geese were noted with 95
at R.M.B.S. 20 Oct, 150 over the Weldon Interpretive Center St. Charles 23
Oct, 180 just outside R.M.B.S. 3 Nov and another 160 seen overhead at Con-
Fall 2016 Seasonal Report Joseph W. Eades
Page 95 THE BLUEBIRD
fluence Road S.P. St. Charles on the same date (BR). A phenomenal local
fall high count of 8200 Greater White-fronted Geese was made near Marsh-
field Webster 8 Nov (GSa). A group of 10 Ross’s Geese, mixed in with a
similar number of Snow Geese was seen just outside of R.M.B.S. 3 Nov
(BR). The official R.M.B.S. swan count tallied 300 Trumpeter Swans 22
Nov (PL). A single Ring-necked Duck first observed at R.M.B.S. 1 Aug
continued until at least 19 Sep (BR). A Surf Scoter first seen at S.L. 25
Nov stayed through the end of the season (Rod Wittenberg) and a Black
Scoter was observed at R.M.B.S. 5 Nov (BR). A Long-tailed Duck was
observed at S.L. 9 Nov (Lisa Owens) and family group of 7 at M.S.L. 22-25
Nov established a new fall high count and is the second-highest number
ever recorded in the state (DE). A Red-necked Grebe was observed 5 Nov
at L.L. (KD).
CUCKOOS THROUGH PHALAROPES
A Black-billed Cuckoo observed 29 Oct at Ritter Springs P. Greene estab-
lished a new record-late date (†SM, DM, †CB, Klee Bruce, MO). A couple of
Rufous Hummingbird reports came from the sw., with an ad. m. at a
feeder in Springfield Greene 27 Aug (DT), probably the same individual at
another nearby residential feeder 12, 13 & 19 Sep (LB, CB) and an imm.,
also in Springfield Greene, 20 Nov through the end of season (Betty John-
son). A Yellow Rail was found 2 Sep (Justin Lehman) and subsequently
banded during nocturnal surveys at F.G.C.A. 3 Sep (Kevin Mortensen, ph.).
A Common Gallinule was at O.S.C.A. 2 Oct (MH). A Black-necked Stilt
This gorgeous male Rufous Hummingbird was one of two in Springfield,
Greene County, this fall. Photo taken September 13, 2016 by Andy Reago.
Page 96 THE BLUEBIRD
Yellow Rail found during night survey at Fountain Grove Conservation Ar-
ea, Livingston County, on September 2, 2016. Photo by Justin Lehman.
was seen at R.M.B.S. 19 Sep–20 Oct (BR). A nice flock of 7 American Avo-
cets was at O.S.C.A. 26 Aug (MH), a single was at R.M.B.S. 10 Sep (BR)
and a rather late one was at M.S.L. 8 Nov (DE). A group of 4 Piping Plov-
ers at R.M.B.S. 8 Sep (David Becher, m. ob., ph.) included an ad. m. banded
as an ad. 18 Jun 2015 on the Missouri River near Yankton SD! (Marilyn
Friedich in comm. with DH, the photographer fide, BR). A Marbled God-
wit was at R.M.B.S. 29 Aug–8 Sept (Connie Alwood, BR) and perhaps the
same bird was observed there again 27 Sep–4 Oct, establishing a new record
-late date (m. ob., ph.). The 19-day gap between eBird submissions is hard to
interpret, but some birders reported this as a “continuing” bird. The bird
was noted to have an injured leg, which may have been a factor in the late
departure. White-rumped Sandpiper was documented twice at R.M.B.S.,
with 3 on 6 Sep (†DH, ph., David Dean) and a single 8 Oct (†CMc, AR, ph.).
A Red-necked Phalarope was found at R.M.B.S. 11 Sep (Mike Thelen).
JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS
A striking ad. Long-tailed Jaeger was observed 13 Aug at S.T.L., Aldrich
Arm (†DB, ph.), and a juv. Parasitic Jaeger drew many birders to S.L. 16-
21 Sep (†MN, MM, †EH, MMc, KD, Ruth Simmons, Bill Blackledge, m. ob.).
A Black-legged Kittiwake was found at M.T.L. Ralls 26 Oct (AC, ph.).
Sabine’s Gull made a very nice showing this fall with one 17 Sep S.L. (NA),
3 on 26 Sep (MM, MN). One juv. was at L.L. 7-24 Sep and 2 juvs. were pre-
sent there 24 Sep (KD). Another was at R.M.B.S. 27 Sep–4 Oct (LR, PL, m.
ob.). A robust count of 550 Bonaparte’s Gulls was made at M.T.L. 11 Nov
(BR). Laughing Gull was widely reported with one at S.T.L. 18 Aug (†Greg
Swick, LB), a juv. at R.M.B.S. 21-22 Aug (Bryan Prather, BR), and an ad.
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Long-tailed Jaeger in flight over the Aldrich Arm of Stockton Lake, Polk
County, on August 13, 2016. Photo by David Blevins.
there 20 Oct (BR, TP, ph.). Another 3 were at M.T.L. Monroe 29 Aug (†AC,
ph., Corey Gregory). A tally of 110 Franklin’s Gulls at R.M.B.S. 3 Nov was
a pretty good number for the eastern edge of the state (BR). Two first-of-
season ad. Herring Gulls returned to R.M.B.S. by 1 Sep (BR). A Lesser
Black-backed Gull was seen at S.T.L. 14 Nov (DB). An ad. and juv. Least
Tern observed at R.M.B.S. 10 Sep was evidence of late-fledging from a sec-
ond nesting attempt. The first 10 nests produced 23 eggs, 20 of which were
predated by a raccoon (BR, pers. comm. with LR). Two Common Terns
were at R.M.B.S. 10 Sept (BR).
CORMORANTS THROUGH SPOONBILL
A Neotropic Cormorant was observed at Eagle Bluffs C.A. Boone 2 Sep
(†BJ, ph.). There were several reports of late-lingering herons. An Ameri-
can Bittern was observed at L.B.N.W.R. 26 Nov (Bradley Painter, Jess
Painter, ph., m. ob.). An amazing 29 Great Egrets remained at R.M.B.S.
until 3 Nov with 18 still there 5 Nov, and none remained by 14 Nov (BR).
Other lingering Great Egrets included 8 at D.P.C.A. 2 Nov (MH, BB, JG)
and one at Mingo N.W.R. Stoddard 6 Nov (MH, Greg Stoner). A count of 26
Snowy Egrets was made 10 Sep at R.M.B.S. and adjacent West Alton (BR).
A Little Blue Heron at R.M.B.S. 13-18 Oct was near record-late (BR, TP).
A seasonal high count of 64 Cattle Egrets was made at Greenbrier Bol-
linger 27 Aug (MH) and a large number lingered at L.B.N.W.R. with 27 on
18 Nov (MMc and MN). A late Black-crowned Night-Heron was seen at
Springfield L. Greene 6 Nov (GSa, CB). A Roseate Spoonbill was observed
at O.S.C.A. 28 Aug (Stephen Dilks, †MH, ph., KH).
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This late American Bittern was at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge,
Holt County, on November 26. Photo by Bradley Painter.
VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS
Black Vulture continues to expand its range in the state with one at
F.G.C.A. 3 Sep (†KM) and 3 seen flying down the ridge above K.T.S.P.SP 17
Nov (BR). A nice count of 18 Mississippi Kites was made 7 Aug at Colum-
bia Bottom C.A. St. Louis (PL). A total of 13 Northern Saw-whet Owls
were banded 13 Oct–30 Nov at the World Bird Sanctuary St. Louis (PL).
One HY bird, was a re-capture, banded in ne. Ontario 1 Oct 2016. Bill Rowe
observed 3 Merlins during the season: a f./imm. columbarius 10 Sep at
R.M.B.S., another there, age/sex unspecified, 13 Oct and a f./imm. richard-
soni 17 Nov at Weldon Spring C.A. St. Charles. A Peregrine Falcon
thought to be a migrant tundrius was observed following a ridge over
K.T.S.P.SP 17 Nov (BR).
SHRIKES THROUGH PIPITS
A Northern Shrike found at Bradford Farm Boone 30 Oct remained
through the end of the season (BJ, SM, DM, JH, m. ob.). A Say’s Phoebe
was observed 12 Sep at Bean L. Platte (†NA). A Western Kingbird was
observed at L.O.S.P. 25 Sep (KMc). A White-eyed Vireo near B.C.C.A. 7
Nov beat the previous record-late date by three days (†TJ, ph.) and a Bell’s
Vireo at V.W.M.P. 2 Oct beat the previous record-late date by a day (†LB,
†JH, †DM, SM). Late Fish Crows included 8 at D.P.C.A. Nov (MH, BB, JG)
and one 17 Nov at Juden Creek C.A. Cape Girardeau (MH). A few Barn
Swallows lingered into early Nov with one at M.S.L. 8 Nov noteworthy
(DE). Red-breasted Nuthatches began arriving early with 2 birds on 12
Sep at Gen. Watkins C.A. Scott (MH) and other sightings of as many as 6
Page 99 THE BLUEBIRD
birds (24 Sep, L.O.S.P., KMc) suggested an irruption year. A late House
Wren was observed 27 Nov at Apple Creek C.A. Cape Girardeau (Allen
Gathman). A Golden-crowned Kinglet at T.G.P. St. Louis City 10 Sep
(†CMc, AR, ph.) and a Swainson’s Thrush at Sodalis Nature Preserve
Marion 21 Aug both established new record-early dates (†AC, ph.). New
high counts were met and exceeded for American Pipit, with 250 at
Keeteman Road Lincoln 7 Nov (BR) and 375 same location 1 Nov (Al Smith,
TP, fide BR). A Sprague’s Pipit was heard calling overhead at Settle’s
Ford C.A. Cass 23 Oct (EH).
LONGSPURS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS
A flock of 10 Smith’s Longspurs was observed at Penn-Sylvania Prairie
Dade 20 Nov (CB) and a Chestnut-collared Longspur was with 7 Smith’s
at Prairie S.P. Barton 23 Nov (Christian Hagenlocher). A Northern Water-
thrush near B.C.C.A. 22 Oct furnished a third-latest date (†TJ, ph.). Late
Tennessee Warblers included three at Rotary L. Cape Girardeau 30 Oct
and one at R.M.B.S. 3 Nov (BR). Two Orange-crowned Warblers were
observed feeding on insects in a large weed patch with sparrow and gold-
finches at M.S.L. 19 Nov (DE). A late Nashville Warbler was observed 2
Nov in Cole (Chris Barrigar). An always-exciting Black-throated Blue
Warbler was observed 17 Sep at Rock Bridge S.P. Boone (Andrew Kinslow).
Mark Haas continued the tradition of having Chipping Sparrows visit his
Cape Girardeau feeder into the last week of the season and likely beyond. A
Clay-colored Sparrow in Raytown Jackson 7 Sep established a second-
earliest date (†Joseph Mosley). An imm. Harris’s Sparrow was observed at
C.C.N.W.R. 30 Oct (BR). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Jackson, Cape
Girardeau (MH, KH) 14-21 Nov provided Missouri’s second-latest fall date,
though there are five winter records. A Blue Grosbeak at V.W.M.P. 18 Oct
A late male Rose-breasted Grosbeak spent a week in Jackson, Cape
Girardeau County, at Mark Haas’ feeder, where he photographed it on No-
vember 18, 2016.
Page 100 THE BLUEBIRD
furnished a fourth-latest date (JH, ph.). A late Dickcissel visited a Joplin
Jasper yard 30 Nov (Larry Herbert). A careful study revealed 3 Western
Meadowlarks among Easterns at Keeteman Road Lincoln 30 Oct (BR).
Yellow-headed Blackbird is always an exciting find along the eastern
edge of the state. One was encountered at Duck Creek C.A. Bollinger 22 Oct
(MH). Rusty Blackbird was minimally reported by those submitting re-
ports to the editor: the first 3 at C.C.N.W.R. 30 Oct (BR) and a sad-but-true
high count for G.O.A.S. of 8 at was made at McDaniel L. Greene 20 Nov
(DB). Delving into eBird data revealed many, though widely scattered, ob-
servations with the earliest 15 Oct in Clay (Michael Beck). The most obser-
vations and highest numbers were reported 24-30 Nov. The highest counts
for the season were: 138 at R.M.B.S. 24 Nov (CMc, AR), 200 at Busch C.A.
30 Nov (Rich Koestcke) and 225 at Forest P., St. Louis City 30 Nov (TP).
Brewer’s Blackbird reports submitted to the editor were similarly few,
with 4 at Keeteman Road Lincoln 30 Oct; 6 there on 6 Nov and 19 at
R.M.B.S. 14 Nov (BR). A good-sized flock of 32 Great-tailed Grackles was
found in Springfield Greene 16 Sep (DB) and a late ad. m. Baltimore Ori-
ole was at Bois D’ Ark C.A. Greene 5 Nov (MO, LB, et al.).
Observers:
Nic Allen (NA), Bruce Beck (BB), Lisa Berger (LB), David Blevins (DB),
Charley Burwick (CB), Ashley Casey (AC), Karen Davis (KD), David Easter-
la (DE), Joe Garvey (JG), Kathy Haas (KH), Mark Haas (MH), Jill Hays
(JH), Doug Hommert (DH), Eric Hough (EH), Brad Jacobs (BJ), Timothy
Jones (TJ), Pat Lueders (PL), Debbie Martin (DM), Steve Martin (SM),
Chrissy McClarren (CMc), Kelly McKay (KMc), Mark McKellar (MMc), Kev-
in Mortensen (KM), Marky Mutchler (MM), Mary Nemecek (MN), Marilyn
Owens (MO), Tom Parmeter (TP), Andy Reago (AR), Lane Richter (LR), Bill
Rowe (BR), Greg Samuel (GSa).
Abbreviations
C.A. Conservation Area
Comm. Communication
G.O.A.S. Greater Ozarks Audubon Society
L. Lake
P. Park
Pers. Personal
R.M.B.S. Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary
S.P. State Park
Location Abbreviations:
B.C.C.A. Ben Cash C.A., Dunklin.
C.C.N.W.R. Clarence Cannon N.W.R, Pike.
D.P.C.A. Donaldson Point C.A., New Madrid.
F.G.C.A. Fountain Grove C.A., Livingston.
K.T.S.P. Katy Trail S.P.., St. Charles.
L.O.S.P. Lake Ozark S.P., Camden and Miller.
L.L. Longview Lake, Jackson.
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M.T.L. Mark Twain Lake, Monroe and Ralls.
M.S.L. Maryville Sewage Lagoons, Nodaway.
O.S.C.A. Otter Slough C.A., Stoddard.
R.M.B.S. Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, St. Charles.
S.L. Smithville Lake, Clay.
S.T.L. Stockton Lake, Dade and Polk.
L.B.N.W.R. Loess Bluffs (formerly Squaw Creek) N.W.R., Holt.
V.W.M.P. Valley Water Mill P., Greene.|
Literature Cited
Guinon, P. Missouri Climate Center. Retrieved from http://
climate.missouri.edu/, 2016.
Sullivan, B.L., C.L. Wood, M.J. Iliff, R.E. Bonney, D. Fink, and S. Kelling.
2009. eBird: a citizen-based bird observation network in the biological sci-
ences. Biological Conservation 142: 2282-2292. Retrieved April 2017.
ONONDAGA CAVE STATE PARK
Edge Wade, Spring 2017
1,317.7 acres Crawford Co. DeLorme 47, E-9/10; GPS: 38.0307136,-
91.1903016; DNR owned; for more information call 573-522-3760
On line link: https://mostateparks.com/park/onondaga-cave-state-park
Directions: From I-44 Exit 214, go south on Rt. H, through Leasburg, for a
total of about 7 miles. This guide does not include the detached Vilander
Unit.
ADA Information: The half-mile Blue Heron Trail (below) is concrete, with
a very gentle slope, going from the visitor center parking area along Spring
Lake, passing wooded hillsides and rocky cliff, giving easy access to very
good birding. The roads through the picnic areas and campground (see be-
low) provide access to riparian, savanna-like and open habitats that can be
birded from within a car or by short ambles.
When to Visit/Species to Expect: At the writing of this guide in early
spring 2017, 145 species have been reported to eBird. This park has such a
broad variety of easily accessed Ozark habitats that it is a fine birding ven-
ue any season. Spring, summer and autumn days will have several birds
nearby nearly every moment. Even winter can be good birding, as wintering
species may be viewed from roads or the many open areas.
Winter is a good time here to see geese, ducks in small numbers, Bald Ea-
gles, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Belted Kingfishers, and wood-
A BIRDERS’ GUIDE TO MISSOURI PUBLIC LANDS
Edge Wade and Others
Page 102 THE BLUEBIRD
peckers (including sapsuckers), as well as resident passerines. Possibilities
include kinglets, creepers, Eastern Phoebes, Winter Wrens, Hermit Thrush,
Yellow-rumped Warblers, juncos and Purple and House Finches. Check the
pines for Red-breasted Nuthatch in invasion years.
In late April listen for Whip-poor-wills and begin watching for Ruby-
throated Hummingbirds. Watch and listen for returning Great Crested Fly-
catchers, Eastern Kingbirds, White-eyed, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed
Vireos, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Gray-
cheeked and Swainson’s Thrush and early migrating warbler species, espe-
cially Yellow-throated and Yellow-breasted Chat. May brings good chances
of seeing Purple Martins and swallows, and a variety of warblers including
waterthrushes, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, and Wilson’s.
Summer breeders include Broad-winged Hawk, Worm-eating, Black-and-
white, Prothonotary, Kentucky, Cerulean, Pine and Yellow warblers, Oven-
bird, American Redstart and Northern Parula, Chipping and Field spar-
rows, Eastern Towhee, Summer and Scarlet tanagers, and Orchard and
Baltimore orioles.
Fall migration reports have included Golden-winged, Tennessee, Orange-
crowned, Bay-breasted and Blackburnian warblers.
Clearly, an observant birder has an excellent chance of finding a wide varie-
ty of species, including some surprises, on a trip to this state park in any
season.
Features of interest to birders: The PINE GROVE at the northwest side
of the large visitor center parking lot should be checked for Pine and Yellow-
throated Warbler and a good mix of small birds in any season.
BLUE HERON TRAIL (paved) runs along the north side of Spring Lake to
the campground. It passes the natural entrance to the cave and goes over
the 1880s-built dam and millrace. Along this trail in migration and breeding
season the observant birder may find a spectrum of species representative
of the potential of the park: Wood Duck, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-
Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed, Yellow-throated and
Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, American Red-
start, Northern Parula, Louisiana Waterthrush, Prothonotary Warbler and
Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Summer and Scarlet Tana-
ger, and Orchard Oriole. Beavers, muskrats and river otters may distract
even the most focused birder.
CAMPGROUNDS: The primitive (tent) campground is an open area with
good views into an almost savanna-like array of trees. There is a concrete
parking area. Near it are large rocks at a graveled area. From the rocks, a
wide cut may be walked to the river’s edge and a gravel bar to watch for
herons, kingfishers and swallows. A slow drive or walk through the main
campground (parking available at a couple of points) can be productive for
spotting creek-loving species. Unoccupied campsites give opportunities to
check the creek for them.
Page 103 THE BLUEBIRD
AMPHITHEATER TRAIL is graveled. This short trail begins near the
showerhouse parking area and provides an easily walked peek into the
woodland habitat found along the Deer Run Trail (the amphitheater trail
goes by the trailhead). Sitting quietly in the amphitheater for a few minutes
is likely to result in good views of feeding flocks or individual foragers.
DEER RUN TRAIL is a loop of about 2.75 miles. Start at the showerhouse
parking area near the amphitheater. It is a short way to a split. Go right for
the gentlest uphill route. The first part is mostly north-facing dolomite
based woodland. Worm-eating Warbler, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vir-
eo, tanagers, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo are likely along this portion in
spring and summer. At the top on the hogback ridge is a bench. At this
point, the hike can be shortened by taking the old two-track generally east
(toward the river) along the ridge top to its junction with the trail along the
east side of the trail loop where a left turn onto the trail will take you back
to your starting point. To reach the south-facing slope, continue straight on
the trail at the bench. The woodland on this side is drier, and glade restora-
tion efforts are beginning to show results. Great-crested Flycatcher, more
Ovenbirds and Worm-eating Warblers, may be found. The habitat looks
good for Prairie Warbler. The trail crosses the road from the campground to
the Special-Use Area in two places. Using the road instead of the trail for
the last portion of the hike reduces some of the more difficult climb portions
of the trail, but does so by missing some.
OAK RIDGE TRAIL is a hilly 3-mile loop through habitats similar to those
of the slightly less rugged Deer Run Trail. The same bird species can be
expected. There is a .8 mile connecter between these two trails.
THE PICNIC AREAS OFF RT. H just north of the Meramec River bridge
are good for easy, flat ground birding. Both have boat launches that aid in
seeing along the river. The area to the east (right) of Rt. H is larger, with
good birding along the road through it, and if the river is not high, has ac-
cess to a gravel bar near the boat ramp.
THE ROAD LEADING FROM RT. H/CAVE RD. to the campgrounds goes
past Spring Lake to the north and woodland on the south. Drive slowly
through this open area, or walk it to take the fullest advantage of this flat
area easy viewing into diverse habitats.
Toilets: Flush toilets in the visitor center and two in the campgrounds;
vault toilets in the campgrounds and in the picnic area near the boat ramp
off Rt. H.
Camping: Basic and electric/water campsites may be reserved. Weekend
reservations require a two-night minimum stay (Friday/Saturday or Satur-
day/Sunday). There is a special use camping area.
Hazards/Limitations: Much of the park is low lying and subject to flash
flooding and to flooding due to back-up from high river levels, especially in
winter and early spring. Check with the park office if area weather condi-
Page 104 THE BLUEBIRD
tions have been rainy. Watch for poison ivy. Park gates may be closed after
11 p.m. during the on-season. Day-use areas are open sunrise to sunset.
Nearby Birding Sites: Huzzah CA* (adjacent, immediately across Mera-
mec River), Blue Springs Creek CA, Meramec SP*, Meramec CA*, Maramec
Spring Park, Little Indian Creek CA*, Pea Ridge CA, Dillard Mill SHS.
*Indicates Birders’ Guide available when this guide was written. See http://
www.mobirds.org/Locations/SiteGuides.aspx for these and additional
guides.
*****************************
COLUMBIA AUDUBON NATURE SANCTUARY
Bill Mees, spring 2017
28 acres Boone Co. DeLorme 37, A/B-10; GPS: 38.9423121,-92.3929038;
3607 Bray Avenue, Columbia MO; Owned and maintained by Columbia
Audubon Society.
This site is on The Great Missouri Birding Trail, http://
greatmissouribirdingtrail.com/Wordpress/
The eBird website has this “hotspot” designated as Columbia Audubon/
Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary.
Page 105 THE BLUEBIRD
Directions: From I-70 in Columbia, take the Stadium Blvd. Exit (124)
south 1 mile to a right onto Broadway. Go 0.4 mile to the first traffic light,
turn left onto Fairview Road and go 1 mile to a right on Bray Avenue, then
0.4 mile to a right onto Cunningham Road for a short block straight into the
area parking lot. The trailhead kiosk, visible from the parking lot, offers
maps, natural history-focused postings, the area’s bird checklists, and re-
cently identified species submitted to eBird.
ADA Information: Leading from the parking lot on the south side of the
property is the 8-foot wide concrete Scott’s Branch Trail. Going west from
the lot, it runs past the prairie, a wooded area, and leads down to a board-
walk overlooking Scott’s Branch Creek (about 0.25 miles). Trails within the
site are narrow natural surface and traverse area hills. There are 11 bench-
es along the natural surface trails.
Features of interest to birders: Visitors are greeted with views of a re-
established Missouri prairie (planted in January 2016). Trails go through
gentle hills of grassland and mixed species woods that feature the state
champion American Hornbeam and several massive old growth White Oaks.
Scott’s Branch Creek and a small spring add an aquatic element.
The ability to experience Missouri’s nature has benefitted from the removal
of bush honeysuckle as part of an ongoing volunteer effort to remove inva-
sive exotics from the sanctuary. The area’s accessibility has been enhanced
courtesy of Boy Scout projects, most notably trail markers, benches, and 3
bridges. Readily visible bluebird nest boxes are another Boy Scout project.
Nesting success is monitored and recorded by Audubon volunteers.
Two trails looping through the area provide options as to distance to walk
and habitats to experience. The .56 mile long east loop trail begins just
Page 106 THE BLUEBIRD
north of the parking lot. There is a cut-off leading up from the creek that
may be taken to shorten the walk. Spurs from the loop trails lead to the
concrete Scott’s Branch Trail and into the city-owned Bonnie View Nature
Sanctuary. The .5-mile west loop is connected to the east loop at the bridge
across Scott’s Branch near the north end of the property.
When to Visit/Species to Expect: Anytime is good. Visitors have identi-
fied 146 bird species in the area. This 28-acre natural area and the adjacent
city-owned 90-acre Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary provide nesting habitat
for resident species and have the potential of attracting a good spectrum of
migrants, as these acres are nature’s island of green within the city limits.
Spring migration brings numerous Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned
Kinglets, Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, and American Woodcock. Olive-
sided, Yellow-bellied, and Least Flycatchers should be watched and listened
for. The bird checklist is proof that a wide variety of warblers can be ex-
pected during migration. One need only to look up and scan the tree tops for
these travelers.
Many Northern Parula, Kentucky Warblers and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers
will establish nests, joining the resident Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted
Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatch. Both Red-eyed and White-eyed Vire-
os are usual nesters, as is Summer Tanager.
Summer regulars include Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift and Ruby-
throated Hummingbird. All Missouri resident species of woodpecker are
here. Species of flycatchers nesting within the sanctuary are Eastern King-
bird, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great-crested and Acadian Fly-
catcher. The Acadian Flycatcher seems to prefer the area along a section of
the trail shortly after entering the woods at the trailhead.
Fall migration records show a near mirror image of spring visitors, includ-
ing Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireos.
Winter welcomes Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, more Red-headed Woodpeckers
and Northern Flickers, and additions to the resident populations of Red-
bellied, Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers.
Keep an open eye for Winter Wren, Swamp Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird
near the creek and spring. The Red-headed Woodpeckers are often sighted
in the woods near the trailhead and along the concrete Scott’s Branch Trail
near the boardwalk.
Raptors are regularly seen overhead, especially Red-tailed and Red-
shouldered Hawks and Turkey Vultures. Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned
Hawks are frequently seen. Mississippi Kites may be found some summers.
Broad-winged Hawks and Northern Harriers have been seen in migration.
Although not often seen, but not infrequently heard, are Barred Owl and for
2 years (2016 & 2017) nesting Great Horned Owls.
Toilets: None
Page 107 THE BLUEBIRD
Camping: None allowed.
Hazards/Limitations: The area is closed to dogs and bicycles except on the
concrete trail.
Nearby Birding Sites: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Eagle Bluffs CA.
***********************
ROCKY CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
Woodland Restoration Project Unit
Edge Wade, spring 2017
1,500 acres Shannon Co. DeLorme 65, A 8/9; GPS: 37.061267,-91.314737;
MDC owned: contact Eminence office, 573-226-3616; Conservation Atlas:
http://mdc7.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaList.aspx?
txtUserID=guest&txtAreaNm=s
Directions: From Eminence (total distance 8.7 miles, 22 minutes), at the
intersection of MO 106 and MO 19, go south on MO 19 (a.k.a. Main St.) for
1.3 miles. Go left onto Rt. F and follow it for 3.1 miles, continue onto CR 106
-513 [old MO 19] for 3.3 miles, turn left onto CR. 313, a.k.a. Shopping Cen-
ter Rd. 313. The driving tour begins .5 along CR 313 at the junction with CR
324 (go straight onto CR 324. The junction of 313 and 324 is the beginning
of the driving tour described below.
Page 108 THE BLUEBIRD
ADA Information: Birding for those with difficulty walking is limited to
birding by car or by short walks on the unpaved roads in this area.
Features of interest to birders: The scattered tracts of the 38,000 acre
Rocky Creek CA are overwhelmingly an even-age forest of black, scarlet and
white oak, hickory and some shortleaf pine, resulting from The Great Cut-
over around the beginning of the 20th Century. Hardwood species have in-
vaded native shortleaf pine forest areas. Most of the tracts have little or no
access by auto beyond county roads with few opportunities for pulling off for
safe, rewarding birding.
This Birders’ Guide is limited to the 1,500 acre Woodland Restoration
Project Unit of Rocky Creek CA because it features a 4.75 to 5-mile driving
tour that provides excellent birding access to the best habitat diversity in
Rocky Creek CA. The forest management project is part of multi-state land-
scape scale woodland restoration efforts to enhance open oak/pine woodland
communities of uneven-age trees. A goal for this area is that it will eventu-
ally again host Red-cockaded woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch and
Bachman's Sparrow--species that have been extirpated from Missouri due to
loss of suitable habitat.
It is highly recommended that birders download the Pine Oak Woodland
Driving Tour pamphlet that explains forest management practices along
this route and includes a larger version of the map reproduced below. The
discussion of habitats and forestry management practices is a very useful aid
in understanding conditions that affect bird species found in the differing
microhabitats. Recognition of these microhabitats is a valuable birdfinding
tool.
To download the pamphlet, in the online MDC Conservation Atlas area
summary for Rocky Creek Conservation Area, scroll to the last item in the
“Activities” section, labeled “Tours.” Click on the blue link “driving tour”.
The driving tour starts at the junction of roads 313 and 324, and goes coun-
ter-clockwise following 324 to a left onto 313, following it to a left onto 323
to return to the starting point. Roads are marked by brown square wooden
markers with white numbers at the intersections. The silviculture treat-
ment areas are identified by yellow signs with numbers one through nine
that correspond to the numbers in the pamphlet. Birders are encouraged to
explore roads that intersect and/or extend beyond the driving tour route.
When to Visit/Species to Expect: Anytime can be fun birding, although
the heat and humidity of an Ozark summer may be daunting. Resident inte-
rior forest species and neo-tropical migrants that thrive here include Ameri-
can Woodcock, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Yellow-throated Warbler,
Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Carolina Chickadee, and Chipping Sparrow.
Below are samples of what to expect in season. Additional reports from the
area will surely add species to the occurrence lists.
Winter/early spring: Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Woodcock, Red-bellied Woodpecker,
Page 109 THE BLUEBIRD
Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina
Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned
Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Pine Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Dark-eyed Jun-
co, American Goldfinch.
Spring (early to mid-April): Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Cooper’s Hawk, Great
-blue Heron, TV, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow,
Brown Creeper, Brown Thrasher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Pine Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-
rumped Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Field Spar-
row.
Late April, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Red-eyed Vireo, Indigo Bunting. May and
June: American Redstart, Prairie Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, White-eyed
Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager.
Autumn: Barred Owl, Great-horned Owl.
Toilets: None.
Camping: Not recommended.
Hazards/Limitations: ATVs roaring at top speed may be encountered on
the roads occasionally. Prescribed burns are an integral part of the forest
management for this area. A burn is probable in early spring 2018.
Nearby Birding Sites: Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Rocky Falls,
Blue Spring Natural Area*, and additional sites), Buttin Rock Access* and
Chilton Landing* both at Eminence, Current River SP, and several units of
Angeline and Sunklands conservation areas.
*Indicates Birders’ Guide available when this guide was written. See http://
www.mobirds.org/Locations/SiteGuides.aspx for these and additional
guides.
Enlargement of the Woodland Restoration Project unit showing the road network.
Page 110 THE BLUEBIRD
The unit featuring the Woodland Restoration Project is the southern tract
with the internal road network shown on this map.
Map from Driving Tour pamphlet showing placement of silviculture signs.
Page 111 THE BLUEBIRD
PAINT BRUSH PRAIRIE CONSERVATION AREA
Edge Wade, 2017
314 acres Pettis Co. DeLorme 36, G-2; GPS: 38.5478299,-93.2703573 ;
Owned by MDC; for more information call 660-530-5500.
This area has been designated by Audubon Missouri as an Important Bird
Area (IBA).
Directions: From Sedalia, take US 63 south, then go east on Manilla Rd.
Rod and Gun Club Rd. runs along the east side (coming from Rt. V/Spring
Fork Rd. to the north). From it, take Whiteman Rd going west to return to
US 63 across from MO 52.
ADA Information: There are no ADA compliant facilities/improvements,
and no trails through the area.
When to Visit/Species to Expect: Greater Prairie-Chickens, once ex-
pected in appropriate habitat in this vicinity, have not been reported from
this site for many years. Barn Owls are in the vicinity. Both Western (more
likely in winter) and Eastern Meadowlarks use the area.
On a late spring through summer visit birders have a good chance to en-
counter Upland Sandpiper, Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Kingbird, and Scis-
sor-tailed Flycatcher. Bell’s Vireo nests (check shrubs/bushes, especially on
prairie margins). Loggerhead Shrike, Dickcissel, and a good spread of spar-
rows, including Clay-colored, Lark, Henslow’s, and Grasshopper are likely
in summer. Sedge Wrens occur in late summer (the time of their second
nesting). Autumn species found here include Bobolink, American Pipit, Ves-
per, LeConte’s, and Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Winter birding may produce a Northern Harrier by day, and perhaps Short-
eared Owl at dusk or dawn.
A very fortunate birder may find a Bewick’s Wren in summer, Yellow Rail
in autumn, or Northern Shrike in winter.
Features of interest to birders: Of the 314 acres, 310 are native tallgrass
prairie, including the 74-acre Paint Brush Prairie Natural Area comprising
the northwest portion of the area. The natural area can be explored by
walking north from the parking lot just east of US 63 on Manilla Rd.
Prescribed burns, grazing and other management practices are implement-
ed here to maintain healthy prairie conditions. Pay special attention to re-
cently burned areas, as many birds find feeding in them to their liking. A
Red-shafted (possibly intergrade) flicker was seen among a flock of North-
ern Flickers flying off a burned section in early 2016.
A birder’s appreciative attention may well be diverted from avian delights
by the often riotous wildflower display on this prairie. You may want to tote
that Missouri Wildflowers book when you go for a walk. Mead’s Milkweed, a
species listed as threated, occurs naturally, but has declined for many years,
prompting MDC to implement a Mead’s Millkweed restoration project here.
Page 112 THE BLUEBIRD
Other specialties found at Paint Brush Prairie include 47 species of
planthoppers (an important sparrow food). Here and on nearby relict prai-
ries 132 bee species have been documented. Prairie Mole Crickets dig ampli-
fying chamber burrows that send sunset mating calls (sounds like a chirp-
ing smoke alarm) to be heard up to a quarter mile away by human ears. The
pink form of short-winged katydid is also here. Watch also for Ornate box
turtles, the praire-loving relative of the Missouri three-toed box turtle.
Toilets: None.
Camping: None.
Hazards/Limitations: None other than potential for ticks and chiggers.
Sunscreen is recommended.
Nearby Birding Sites: Spring Fork Lake*, Mora Prairie CA, Hi Lonesome
Prairie CA*, Drovers Prairie CA, Friendly Prairie CA, Grandfather Prairie
CA, Farrington Park*.
*Indicates Birders’ Guide available when this guide was written. See http://
www.mobirds.org/Locations/SiteGuides.aspx for these and additional
guides.
Awards Committee: The ASM Executive Committee
Webmaster: Kevin Wehner
Executive Committee: Mark Haas, Louise Wilkinson, Scott Laurent, Pat
Lueders, and Bill Eddleman
Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative: Susan Hazelwood
Conservation Partnership Coordinator: Edge Wade (interim)
Grassland Bird Coordinator: Mike Doyen
Missouri Bird Records Committee:
Brad Jacobs, Chair
Bill Rowe, Secretary
Lisa Berger, Joe Eades, Brad Jacobs, Paul McKenzie, Mark Robbins,
Bill Rowe, and Josh Uffman
———————————————————————————————————-
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on your own by logging into your profile at MOBIRDS.ORG. Thank you!
Kevin Wehner
ASM Membership Chair
2101 W. Broadway, PMB 122
Columbia, MO 65203-1261
(573) 815-0352
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