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May 1998

As you may have gathered, I am in summer mode and these pages will be updated no more than once a week. Less in June, as I will be travelling overseas tomorrow.

In 4 summers living on the prairie of southwest Oklahoma, and another summer in southern Manitoba, I came to really enjoy the close company of Upland Sandpipers and their plaintive sound on the wind. It has been a real joy to walk among them again in recent weeks at Big Island W.A. along Rt 95. Courtship flight continues right next to the parking area for those who could not venture farther afield. As of yesterday, 4 Dickcissel added to the chorus. But not for long. The 1 million dollar wetland improvements to Big Island W.A. begin in earnest in 3 weeks. Just yesterday the mowing of weeds and spraying had started. If you still want a chance to walk among Grasshopper Sparrows (as opposed to merely listening to one from the side of the road) you better hurry.

Has anyone tallied up the price prairie avifauna pay for prairie restoration in Ohio? In the above instance it will be 1-2% of the breeding population of a state threatened species.

The Cerulean Warbler is a candidate species for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. My recent forays into Vinton and Athens counties are preliminary. Based on sightings of 64 birds in 4 days, the greatest density occurs on ridge tops dominated by white oak with not less than a 50ft canopy.

Inevitably other sightings of interest are made. In the Hocking Hills Tuesday, I came across a field with 8 singing Henslow's Sparrows. Check the Delorme Map, page 69, quadrangle D5, Good Hope Twp., the white space with the D in "Good Hope". Just to the north along Beck Rd, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak match the known southern limit of the species, however another singing male along the Vinton/Athens county line is well south of known breeding limits in the east. Take the ridge trail in the Waterloo Wildlife Experimental Station. Not far away where Hewett Fork road crosses a stream leading to Minkers Run (York Twp., Athens Co.), a Least Flycatcher was singing yesterday from a willow lined beaver dam. Apart from my atlas record of a territorial bird in Muskingum county, all other atlas records of Least Flycatcher from the unglaciated portion of the state were just single sightings. Just to the south is Waterloo State Forest, a lovely pine forest established in 1916 harboring 12-15 Pine Warbler territories any given year. Flighted young were being fed by parents a week ago. Once again 2 Black-throated Green Warbler territories were established although I have yet to confirm breeding for this county. Over in Vinton county, a Canada Warbler was singing from another old pine stand along Tedroe Run (just N of Rt 50) in Knox Twp. And lastly a late migrant Blackpoll Warbler was singing from Canaan Twp., Athens Co. last Friday. - V.W.F.III

Breeding records elsewhere: Jim Heflich et al. were pretty sure they had a fledgling Henslow's Sparrow in Ashtabula County on Sunday. This is 16 days prior to the earliest date listed by the Ohio Atlas (Peterjohn and Rice 1991). But then this has been the season for early nestings. Over at Hinckley Metropark (Medina County), a Golden-crowned Kinglet fledgling capable of short bursts of flight was being fed by parents last Friday - Norman Kotesevic. After last years 1st success in 30 years, another Short-eared Owl nest (w/5 young) was discovered by Prof. Ingold and associates at "The Wilds". Unfortunately, I have not been able to follow-up on our pair in Seneca Co. in the past 2 weeks. I think it likely they have young in a nest.

Late migrants: "On Sat. May 30, late waterfowl included Common Loons at Bresler Reservoir (1 in br. plum.; 5 in non-br. plum.) and Ferguson Reservoir (1 non-br. plum.). Four Ruddy Ducks were also at Ferguson Res. On May 31 four Common Loons (1 in br. plum.) were seen at the Findlay Reservoirs". - David Dister. Dave had no shorebirds at Killdeer Plains W.A. over the weekend and few songbirds along the Magee Marsh Bird Trail. A male Lesser Scaup was sitting along the entrance road to the Ashtabula county airport last Sunday - Jim Heflich and Patty Kellner.Sandhill Crane activity in the northeast continues with a report of two birds last Thursday over Medina. - Greg Emmert. There was a Snowy Egret at Hamilton Riverside Natural area in Butler County, Saturday morning. The bird was feeding around a handful of gravel bars in the Great Miami River. - Mike Busam. John Pogacnik reports a Western Sandpiper at a new wetland along Girdled Road in Concord Twp., Lake County. It is located on Radcliffe Road which is along the Lake-Geauga County border and is off Route 608.

A Clay-colored Sparrow was detected singing at Burnett Woods last Thursday - David Styer et al. Also last Thursday, David Russell identified a Loggerhead Shrike along Rt. 2 in the vicinity of Ottawa N.W.R. - fide Joe Hammond. Area birders should watch power lines near a red house just north of the Ottawa.Lucas County line. Yesterday an adult Little Blue Heron was present at the Sanctuary Marsh of North Chagrin Reservation (Cuyahoga County). Also a lone female Gadwall lingers at Mentor Marsh and a Northern Mockingbird was of local interest at Headlands Beach State Park on Monday. - North Chagrin Staff. Two additional adult Little Blue Herons were found at Spring Valley W.A. on Monday - Dayton RBA.

The Paulding County clover fields had returning Dickcissels yesterday (Doug & Micki Dunakin) but a thorough check of favored areas at Killdeer Plains W.A. the past two days has failed to detect any. - V.W.F.III. Last weeks heat wave apparently has lowered the east section of pond 27 (along T68) at Killdeer Plains. Last Friday only a margin of mudlfat was evident, enough to host 110 Dunlin and 2 Black-bellied Plover. By Monday acres of mudlfat were exposed. Present at mid day were both yellowlegs, a Willet, Semipalmated Plover, 180 Dunlin, and 80+ Least/Semipalmated Sandpipers (all those close enough for ID were Least). Apparently Bob Royse spied the same area that day detailing the peeps as 100 Least Sandpipers and "several hundred Dunlin", along with a Short-billed Dowitcher. This area deserves frequent checking over the coming days for late shorebirds such as Whimbrel and Red Knot. Sizeable accumulations of peep would also be of interest especially as they are not far away for study. Watch out for the Blue-winged Teal on eggs in the grass very near the road.

Bob further reports from the northwest on Monday, 4 Mourning Warbler along the Magee Marsh Bird Trail. Others apparently saw a Connecticut Warbler. Rt 19/2 flooded field is still good for shorebirds with 40 Black-bellied Plover on Monday. Bob received a report of the Metzger Marsh Yellow-headed Blackbird still being seen along the causeway. Mallard Club Marsh continues to host small numbers of shorebird and some late American Pipit.

Recent survey of the Big Island W.A. turned up Ruddy Duck last Friday. At least two pairs of Upland Sandpipers continue along the south side of Rt 95. This discrete area held 18 singing Grasshopper Sparrows yesterday - a high density even by reclaimed strip mine standards. By outward appearances I had expected Bobolink to occupy these weedy fields but I drew a blank. Instead about 10 miles to the southwest in a small wheat field I found no less than 22 territorial males. My cursory examination of the literature has not turned up any reference to wheat fields used by the species in Ohio. It would be remarkable should they pull off a brood before harvest. - V.W.F.III

Elsewhere: A Horned Grebe (apparently injured) was still at Lorain harbor last Friday - Dick & Jean Hoffman. Henslow's Sparrows continue at Lake La Su An W.A. this past weekend. - Jim Lesser. An adult Laughing Gull was present along the beach at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park (Lake County)- John Pogacnik. The Youngstown RBA reports 4 Sandhill Cranes in northern Trumbull County oevr the weekend. The species nests in adjacent areas of Pennsylvannia. The Lawrence's Warbler previously reported at Ravenna Arsenal remains possibly mated with a local Blue-winged Warbler. Another Lawrence's Warbler was located last Thursday near a maintenance building along Girdham Rd within the Oak Openings (Lucas County) - Tim Colborn. You may recall a reference in these pages to a Mallard Club Marsh sighting of Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow back on the 17th. Apparently this was by Bob Finkelstein and photographs were obtained. This is an especially scarce spring migrant. Speaking of especially scarce spring migrants, another which really requires some documentation is a Baird's Sandpiper report from Fostoria reservoir #4 (Hancock Co.). The bird was well studied yesterday by Sue Ross, Anna Scarbrough & Betty Hardesty.

Yesterday, the Magee Marsh Bird Trail still held 16 warbler species including 1-2 Connecticut and 1-2 Mourning Warblers. Dominant species (those in double-digits) were limited to Wilson's Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, and American Redstart. There were 11 Ruddy Turnstone and 1 Sanderling on the beach - V.W.F.III. Alder Flycatcher was a new arrival on the Trail although the species had already been noted on territory in the Oak Openings - Toledo RBA. The RBA also reported a fly-over Red Crossbill in the Oak Openings. Possibly reflecting the numbers reported in the southeast, 3 Philadelphia Vireo were found along the Magee Marsh Bird Trail Monday - Matt Victoria. The Yellow-headed Blackbird at Metzger Marsh was apparently still present on Tuesday. The flooded field along Rt 19 is drying up quickly but still holds some shorebirds and Bonaparte's Gulls. Bruce Glick noted 3 White-rumped Sandpipers there yesterday. On Monday, the Howard Rd pond held 22 Ruddy Turnstone and 2 American Golden-Plover, while on Corduroy Rd (immediately west of jct. with Howard Rd) the field held 50 Black-bellied Plover and a few more American Golden-Plover. Puddle Ducks remaining at Mallard Club Marsh W.A. include Gadwall and Green-winged Teal. - James Zabriskie, Marcy Scott, Matt Victoria. Marcy and James further noted the Snowy Egret continues at the pond at the visitor center of Magee Marsh but no sign of the American Avocet or Glossy Ibis from the weekend. The nest construction by Yellow-billed Cuckoos Monday at site 15 along the Magee Marsh Bird Trail is another example of early (although not record early) nesting. - Matt Victoria, John Rohen. If you are in the vicinity of the Castalia State Fish Hatchery (in Castalia) watch for a pink Great Egret. These birds dyed by state officials for study have generated reports of spoonbills in the past. - Jackie Yambert. Five Common Loons continue at Beaver Creek Reservoir as of this yesterday - Zac Baker.

It took me 15 minutes of puddle-jumping through the marsh along side the Sandusky Bay Bridge Monday morning to get close enough to prove myself wrong. From 45 ft the male scaup was clearly a Lesser. I'll post photos in couple of months when they are scanned (slides take a lot longer than prints). The Canvasback accompanied the scaup but no sign of the Redheads. Yesterday morning the shorebird count at the Lorain impoundment was 30 Dunlin, 8 Semipalmated Plover, 3 Least Sandpipers. - V.W.F.III

Apparently Bill Whan's party did locate the Glossy Ibis on Sunday at Mallard Club Marsh W.A. and the Magee Marsh W.A. causeway Sedge Wren was also had that day. They also managed TWO Surf Scoter at Beaver Creek Reservoir on Sunday - fide Joe Hammond, although a thorough search yesterday morning only revealed 4 Common Loon and a Ruddy Duck. - V.W.F.III.

I hope you all have been paying attention to the reports of very early nesting attempts this spring. On Saturday while visiting Chilicothe, Bob Scott Placier, located 2 fledgling Brown Thrashers 11 days before the earliest previous date in the literature (Trautman 1940; cited in The Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas, Peterjohn and Rice. 1991.). Bob also had 2 White-rumped Sandpipers at Charlie's Pond Sunday.

Over the weekend, Craig Rieker and Mike Gallaway completed a wetland survey of Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge (Saturday) and the eastern (off limits) portion of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Sunday). I will post the complete list later but for now the highlights:

Cedar Point NWR : 1 Snowy Egret, 4 Least Bitterns, 3 Sedge Wrens, 2 Yellow-headed Blackbirds
Ottawa N.W.R. (eastern portion): 2 American White Pelicans

Finally, I neglected to mention the 4th Prothonotary Warbler report from the northwest, a bird at the Maumee Bay State Park boardwalk on Friday - Joe Hammond.

Yesterday a Hudsonian Godwit was located at the Lorain impoundment by Craig Holt. Sanderling was a new arrival at Headlands Beach State Park - Dick & Jean Hoffman. The Hoffman's also report Emil Bacik's discovery of a Summer Tanager at Headlands yesterday. Philadelphia Vireo was also a local arrival.

The breeding plumage Red-necked Grebe at Shalersville remains as of yesterday - Larry Rosche. The breeding plumage Red-throated Loon at Lakeshore Metropark Friday was seen again Sunday. - John Pogacnik.

Bill Heck reports the following from the Western Basin marshes. A fairly thorough search by multiple observers failed to locate the Glossy Ibis, nor apparently a rumoured Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. The shorebird mix reported the day before remained. The American Avocet was still present as of 10:00 a.m. Sunday along Corduroy Rd. Curt Dustheimer found a Red Knot on the beaches at Maumee Bay State Park. Now is a good time to be checking all Lake Erie beaches at the earliest opportunity in the day if one reasonably hopes to sight something. The warm weather has brought out greater numbers of beach goers earlier in the day. I reccommend the first hour of light to get birds that have set down overnight. Willets, Whimbrels, etc. will take off early with little incentive from human disturbance. A foggy morning is also advantageous - the only situation in bird surveys where I can say that.

Once again, as Golden-winged Warblers continue an impressive season throughout the state (David St.John reported an accumulation of 12 at Hebron Fish Hatchery a week ago), so too it has been a season for hybrids with a new Brewster's Warbler noted in the far northwest at Lake La Su An Wildlife Area (Williams Co.) this weekend. - Jeff Grabmeier. Jeff also reports Henslow's Sparrows and Prothonotary Warbler in the vicinity. In the northeast at Ravenna Arsenal (Portage Co.; no public access), on Friday Dr. Courtney Willis discovered a Lawrence's Warbler - fide Judy Hochadel.

The Kelleys Island monthly census, a 3-4 hour drive about the periphery of the island, yielded 88 species. You may read the complete list but highlights include the waterfowl mentioned yesterday (see below). Among the 15 warblers only the male Golden-winged Warbler was an uncommon find. I did learn the extent to which the island is a haven for Yellow Warbler with a tally of 269. Migrant totals of Nashville Warbler (28), Blackpoll Warbler (24), and American Redstart (51) were respectable for spring. Eight Yellow-billed Cuckoos matches my experiences of the past few days suggesting one of the better spring showings of the species in recent years in the Western Basin. Coupled with the results of Tom Bartlett's banding session at Long Point, the island total was at least 104 species by the time I left in the early afternoon. This did not include the Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Common Nighthawk of the previous day nor the resident Great Horned and Eastern Screech-Owls. For those of you moaning and groaning over the seasonal crush of people at the Magee Marsh Bird Trail, the Islands offer a pretty fair alternative. Kelleys Island in particular, through the efforts of Kelleys Island Audubon catering to birder interests, has much to offer. After demonstrating the island's migrant trap status with last year's Kirtland's Warbler (Accepted OBRC), and yesterday's century of species in a morning during an "off" spring, there are fewer excuses not to visit.

Elsewhere: The pair of Short-eared Owls in northeast Seneca Co., appx. 3 miles south of Fireside, remain as of last night. Shortly before sunset, I pulled up to a frenzy of airborne Red-winged Blackbirds thinking perhaps a serpent in the grass held their attention only to have one of the owls explode from the roadside, leveling off quickly under the weight of one fat vole-like mammal, the blackbirds in hot pursuit. At this late date, nesting becomes a plausible hypothesis as to their continued presence.

Highlights from Springville Marsh (Seneca Co.) this morning include a Least Bittern calling throughout the morning, and at least 16 warbler species including a rare county record of Worm-eating Warbler singing near the banders much of the morning - V.W.F.III. In the nets, a Philadelphia Vireo (Tom Barlett) was one of few reported thus far in the northwest despite persistent reports of multiple birds in the southeast -fide Steve Edinger.

Yesterday, around 2:00 p.m., a first year male Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen at Headlands Beach State Park (Lake Co.). It was seen in the last few cottonwood and willow trees where the beach ends at the break wall - James Zabriskie. The Hoffman's provide a bird list from the Lorain Impoundment from yesterday. High water may be to blame for the lack of activity reported there this season.

The Blue Grosbeak has returned to Toledo Express Airport - Eric Durbin. I understand that 2 Blue Grosbeaks were reported in the Mohican vicinity but specifics have been left vague should these birds be involved in a nesting attempt.

At least ONE Glossy Ibis remains through this morning at Mallard Club Marsh - Jenny Brumfield. I did receive an uncorroborated report of both being seen. Jenny further describes the enviable position of standing on the dike at Mallard Club Marsh looking north at the ibis only to about face to view the male Yellow-headed Blackbird still attending the feeder nearby.

The North Coast Open birding competition put a number of eager observers afield today and several species of interest were discovered as a result. A male Yellow-headed Blackbird was observed by many throughout the day at Metzger Marsh W.A. (Lucas Co.). From either the 2nd or 3rd pulloff along the causeway to the lake look eastward over the willow thicket. The bird was moving back and forth atop the willows at some distance, but this evening with the sun at one's back the bird was readily detected. Clearly there are more than one Yellow-headed Blackbird in the region. Distressingly sparse in the northwest this spring, Prothonotary Warblers put in a fair showing with a bird seen by many along the Magee Marsh Bird Trail today while another was discovered along the north side of the loop trail by the visitor center at Magee Marsh - Linda Bode et al.. Yet another Prothonotary was singing by the parking lot for the West Harbor Trail of East Harbor State Park (Ottawa Co.) Friday evening - V.W.F.III. Just follow Rt 269 north where it dead ends at the parking lot. Palm Warbler was seen farther along the trail also. The thorough examination of what sparse shorebird habitat exists turned up an American Avocet - Tom Kemp, Bill Murphy et al.. on the north side of Corduroy Rd just a couple of hundred yards west of Howard Rd (Howard Road goes north off Rt 2 just west of the Rt2 entrance to Metzger Marsh). Along Howard a small wet spot held several Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, and a Ruddy Turnstone . Another Ruddy Turnstone was amidst the 1000+ Dunlin at Rt 2/19 flooded farm field. Six Black-bellied Plover were also present and Doug Overacker, with the aid of his Celestron scope, was able to pull out a Stilt Sandpiper, a rarity in spring. This August heat may be drying up the Mallard Club Marsh enough to support some small Calidris as Jenny Brumfield noted the likes of Semipalmated Sandpiper there today accompanied by longer legged waders such as Short-billed Dowitcher. Jenny was also successful in relocating the Krause Rd. Upland Sandpipers. Dick & Jean Hoffman's 24 Short-billed Dowitchers at Metzger Marsh on Thursday has been the seasonal high thus far. All in all 17-18 species of shorebird were present today in the Western Basin.

The Magee Marsh Bird Trail received mixed reviews with respect to overall migration activity, however a variety, if in small numbers, are still to be enjoyed. Highlights are led by the new arrival of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Jenny Brumfield), along with Hooded and Mourning Warblers, and a widely viewed Whip-poor-will resting about 15 yards in from the west entrance on the left side appx. 3 ft off the ground. The Eastern Screech-Owl and Great Horned Owls continue to be fixtures. However, it has now been three days since I've heard the Sedge Wren along the causeway. This has been the only Sedge Wren reported for the spring up north. The Common Loon, Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Red-breasted Mergansers at Metzger Marsh W.A. also remain. Indeed, a remarkable array of waterfowl are still present in the Western Basin for mid-May. Mute Swan was at East Harbor State Park yesterday - (V.W.F.III), while an adult male Common Goldeneye was off Long Point, Kelleys Island - Tom Bartlett. Todays Kelleys Island census added 2 Common Mergansers, 16 Red-breasted Mergansers, and a male Bufflehead. More on the census later. At the eastern end of the Sandusky Bay Bridge (lakeside) the group of Aythya duck remain including a male and female Redhead, a male Canvasback , and male Scaup, the identification of the latter now somewhat controversial. Jenny Brumfield and I have independently identified it as a Greater while two observers whom I respect a great deal, Kevin Metcalf and Rob Harlan have sided with Lesser. As such I must allow that I may be incorrect. Even so there is a great variety of diving duck in the vicinity. Southwards, just 40 minutes away at Beaver Creek Reservoir, the immature Surf Scoter continues as of this evening as do the 7 Common Loons from earlier in the week. - V.W.F.III. Offering further mystery as to their occurrence in the state, additional Common Loons were present off Bayview (Erie Co.) yesterday and today off Long Point, Kelleys Island - V.W.F.III. Finally, a Northern Shoveler was at Killdeer Plains W.A. yesterday - Doreene Linzell.

In addition to the above verifiable reports, I have anonymous reports of two American Avocet on the beach at Maumee Bay State Park this morning, a Tricolored Heron in the northwest corner of the first impoundment at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and a Summer Tanager in the woodlot at the end of the Metzger Marsh W.A. causeway.

The Glossy Ibis at Mallard Club Marsh W.A. have fallen victim to their popularity as only one report has come in updating their status. Again contrary to rumours of departure, Joe Hammond et al. have observed at least one bird the past two days. I remember a similar situation involving the Pickerel Creek W.A. Glossy Ibis in 1995. Supposedly present the first week of May it was quickly forgotten. I found it still there in early June because of a single tantalizing report in late May. If I have not been explicit before, I charge a price for this news service, and that is sharing your successes with this readership - V.W.F.III.

The early word is another slow morning at the Magee Marsh Bird Trail. Hooded Warbler and Kentucky Warbler were in song not far from the west entrance. I received sufficient corroboration of a Connecticut Warbler report to add that to yesterday's warbler list from the Bird Trail. I am ready to pencil in 15 May as Ruddy Turnstone day as for the 3rd year in a row they have appeared on the beach at Magee Marsh W.A. on this date. Today there were 3 birds. I have an uncorroborated report of Red Knot for the beach at Maumee Bay State Park this morning. I neglected to mention the season's first Olive-sided Flycatcher, a bird on the Magee Marsh Bird Trail Wednesday - Howard Besser et al..

A lot of you will be on the Magee Marsh Bird Trail this weekend. I know I am preaching to the choir, but please take care with all these Kirtland's Warbler sightings along the Bird Trail - every one thus far proven to be a Magnolia Warbler. This is my 14th spring intensely birding Magee Marsh since 1978 and I am forced to remark that erroneous reporting has reached new heights of silliness. But rather than take the cynical turn and dismiss these out of hand, you the informed birder can aid the situation by following up on the report. Knowing it likely will not pan out, I still find it is worth the effort to gently throw water on the fire, pointing out appropriate and inappropriate field marks as necessary. Usually the recipients are grateful for the enlightenment. If not, just walk away - you've done your part. Understand that I respect a person's prerogative to identify or misidentify anything they wish but within the confines of the Magee Marsh Bird Trail, the power of suggestion wreaks havoc with the novice birder and can quickly involve dozens of people. I watched this several times this week. It is not a pretty sight, and more to the point does everyone a disservice.

Ok, Ok . . . I am getting off my high horse now to go birding on Kelleys Island - V.W.F.III

The Magee Marsh Bird Trail was much quieter today. Forecasted southwest winds did not materialize and neither did the birds. Twenty-five warbler species were had by most people losing Kentucky and Mourning Warbler from the previous day but gaining Yellow-breasted Chat. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were conspicuous by their absence with about a 90% departure overnight. Really little to remark upon at Magee Marsh. A raft of 100 Ruddy Duck off Crane Creek State Park was notable for its size this late in the season. Joe Hammond et al. visiting from down south came through Seneca County to see the Black Scoter at Beaver Creek Reservoir only to see a Surf Scoter. Last evening I was able to confirm that the adult male Black Scoter has been replaced by an immature Surf Scoter. A breeding plumaged Eared Grebe was found today Lake Erie off Lakeshore Metropark in North Perry, Lake County Ohio - John Pogacnik. John also reports a 2nd year Lesser Black-backed Gull and 90 Red-breasted Mergansers from there. A female Merlin was well studied in a backyard residence of Findlay (Hancock Co.) yesterday - Sue Baxter.

Errata : The Snowy Egret reported from Lake County was actually at Chagrin River Park off Reeves Road in Willoughby.

Visitor to the Magee Marsh Bird Trail may want to look out for a "Sutton's Warbler". This hybrid of the Yellow-throated Warbler and Northern Parula is exceedingly rare and off hand I don't know that it has been documented from Ohio although West Virginia and Indiana have records. The bird was studied this morning by Greg Emmert and Shawn Veres. Further corroboration is desired. Without going into detail on plumage, look for facial features of Yellow-throated Warbler and back color of Northern Parula. Apparently this bird also lacked the side streaks of the Yellow-throated Warbler.

The Big Sit is where one sets oneself down to a discrete area (17ft radius by the rules), and proceed to identify everything within sight or hearing. For me its the pinnacle of list-style birding as it is just your skill, your optics, and the birds as they make themselves known. I believe the record from the early 1970's at Monterrey, California of 121 species still stands. Tom Bartlett set Ohio's mark of 108 three years ago. Today, standing about 40 yards east of the west entrance of Magee Marsh Bird Trail, I managed 88 species from 6:00 am - 1:00 p.m. I missed about 10 species that were in the vicinity the day before. I'd mention highlights except I really did not pick up anything rare although Cerulean Warber can be hard to come by locally. For those of you who wonder at the merits of walking the Bird Trail as opposed to working the outside margin, I had 19 of 25 warbler species reported for the day; and that with a wind off the Lake that kept birds in the woods. - V.W.F.III

The Magee Marsh Bird Trail improved somewhat with about 26 warbler species on the boardwalk. These included arrivals of Wilson's, Canada, and Mourning Warbler. Magnolia's and Bay-breasted Warblers were particularly conspicuous. A Kentucky Warbler added spice to some lists while 3 different Brewster's Warblers seemed appropriate in this season of Golden-winged Warblers. A 27th warbler species, the Cerulean, was present much of the morning near the observation tower periodically making forays before the hawk watchers. The south-southwesterly wind brought 150+ hawks, of the usual vulture, Red-tailed, and Broad-winged mix. A few Sharp-shinned and a couple of Cooper's were also added. Of course the tower offers the possibility of something floating by, you might not otherwise see, and todays bird was a very high soaring Sandhill Crane visible for a couple of minutes. Also new in the area were Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Black-billed Cuckoo. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were well seen while Baltimore Orioles just kept coming down the beach. Blue Jays exceeded 1500 birds. The rarity from the Bird Trail was the Yellow-headed Blackbird hiding in plain sight by the west parking lot - Rob Harlan. And tomorrow may well be better.

Shorebirding continues to challenge. The draw down just south of the Magee Marsh observation tower is a bit dry but through a gap in the vegetation I found 14 Semipalmated Plover and 4 Least Sandpiper. Duff-Washa road offered the first local Semipalmated Sandpipers with nine birds. Between the Rt 19/2 flooded field and Cover Rd, I had 3000+ Dunlin with about 2400 of these at Cover Rd. Concentrations of that nature have me looking for birds that are really red all over. Thus it was in 1995 at Medusa Marsh when I found Ohio's last Curlew Sandpiper.

I received no updates on the Glossy Ibis at Mallard Club Marsh today - I hope this has not already become old news - it is these very sightings I like to keep tabs on. For my part, I can say that the adult male Black Scoter remains at Beaver Creek Reservoir today.

Elsewhere : A Snowy Egret was found at Lakeshore Metropark (Lake Co.) - John Pogacnik

The Mallard Club Marsh W.A. pair of adult Glossy Ibis, said to be on the move Sunday, were seen throughout the day yesterday and today. The nearby Yellow-headed Blackbird was also present this afternoon but appears only sporadically - m.obs. The Beaver Creek Reservoir Black Scoter continues as of this evening. - Tom Bartlett. Larry Rosche's discovery of 2 Surf Scoters on Lake Pippen (adjacent to Lake Rockwell) 4 May adds to the growing number of May records of that species at inland bodies of water. The birds remain as of today. Larry also today photo-documented the Cleveland area's latest Red-necked Grebe, a breeding plumage individual at LaFarge Lake on Price Road in Shalersville (just north of Lake Rockwell).

I have another report northwest Ohio birders might want to followup; a single observer Yellow Rail calling along the Maumee Bay S.P. boardwalk last night.

The Magee Marsh Bird Trail improved to at least 16 warbler species including 2 Golden-winged Warblers. Another Golden-winged Warbler was found at Pickerel Creek W.A. near the entrance to the Ottawa Shooting Club. - V.W.F.III. The 200 Dunlin at RT 19/Rt2 field from Sunday (Craig Rieker) remain today - V.W.F.III. For those of you planning Big Days this weekend in the northwest, a visit to Metzger Marsh W.A. may be in order with Common Loon, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, and Lesser Scaup present today. There were also a surprising 175 American Coot. This marsh is being drawn down but may not reach suitable levels for shorebirds before the migration is over. The plan is to drain the impoundment to rid the system of carp, mow the willow thicket, and then re-flood the marsh.

Apparently the Mallard Club Marsh W.A. Yellow-headed Blackbird has been visiting a feeder just two houses west of the property - fide Tom Bartlett. A breeding plumage male Black Scoter was found Saturday (Zac Baker et al.) and was still present yesterday at Beaver Creek Reservoir, Seneca Co. - Tom Bartlett. The more typical scoter in early May is the Surf Scoter, one of a which, a female appeared in Paulding County at the Sewage Lagoons on Saturday - Doug and Micki Dunakin.

Migration Progress : Last Thursday's 3000 Blue Jay in diurnal migration along Lake Erie over Lakeshore Metropark was likely the peak of the season. - John Pogacnik. John also observed 50 Evening Grosbeak, 9 Red-headed Woodpecker, and 44 Baltimore Oriole amidst the flight. Summer Tanagers have been reported at several southwest and central Ohio sites the past few days - m.obs., but I have yet to hear of a lakeshore bird. Black Tern and Blackburnian Warbler were two additional species to make their presence known throughout the state this past weekend, although in small numbers. 14 species of warbler were had at Shaker Lakes (Cuyahoga County) with Northern Parula and female Golden-winged Warbler among the highlights. - V.W.F.III. Lingering ducks along the Sandusky Bay bridge include 3 Greater Scaup, a Redhead, and a Canvasback - all visible from Rt 2 - Jenny Brumfield et al. Marcy Rule reports a very early female Connecticut Warbler at Headlands Beach State Park yesterday evening. Today's Magee Marsh WA highlight was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. - Gordon Demars. A Black-billed Cuckoo was new at Springville Marsh SNP in Seneca Co. yesterday - Tom Bartlett.

Observers may wish to watch for a possible Clay-colored Sparrow in the vicinity of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, on Walbridge Road between Stange and SR 590 - seen Saturday by Tim Colborn et al. Last spring there were 13 acceptable records of this species with 10 of those appearing 10-12 May. The recent explosion of records the past 3-4 years, including the state's first nesting record, resulted in the Ohio Bird Records Committee delisting the species from its formal review at the annual March meeting. This is a species everyone should familiarize themselves with especially the diagnostic song which has given away many of the spring birds. I am especially interested in reports of species such as this one which are undergoing dramatic changes in their regional status.

Today dozens of birders were able to view two adult Glossy Ibis at the first dike immediately north of the west parking lot of Mallard Club Marsh Wildlife Area. This area is the property sandwiched between Cedar Point Refuge and Maumee Bay State Park. The parking lot in question is closest to Cousineau Rd. Take Cousineau to the end T-section with Cedar Point Road and take a right. While photographing the ibis around noon today, an adult male Yellow-headed Blackbird flew directly in front of me. This area has been historically a good site for the species and I understand there was a report here a week ago. - V.W.F.III

The Eurasian Collared Dove is a relative newcomer to the North American avifauna. Birds introduced to the Bahamas skipped over to Florida about 10 years ago and has quickly become established in that state. The past 2 years has seen an explosion of the population and range expansion such that many middle-western prairie states have recorded their first sightings from Utah to Iowa and Illinois. Just last August birds were found in Pennsylvannia not far from Lake Pymatuning. In other words not far from Ohio. It seems unlikely they would skip right over us for long. Today I was made aware of a sighting highly suggestive of the species. A bird sitting on a wire at the junction of Dare (spp?) and Oregon Rds just south of the Lucas/Wood County line. Not far from the I75 interchange - a Comfort Inn is located at this interchange. Area birders should be interested in corroborating this observation. As the species is capable of appearing anywhere, we all should familiarize ourselves with the bird. Sooner or later they will be here.

North winds since Wed. have shut down the warbler show at Magee Marsh W.A. with no more than 15 species reliably reported today. Tom Bartlett's Big Sit highlight, Downy Woodpecker, should tell you something about the day. Eslewhere some birds to speak of were the areas first Black Tern (Maumee Bay State Park), King Rail (Maumee Bay State Park boardwalk, Ottawa N.W.R. wildlife drive), and Black-bellied Plover (4 locations in area fields, m.obs.). Yesterday 10 Lapland Longspur and 50 American Pipit were along Krause Rd while 1-2 Upland Sandpipers continue from last weekend - fide Craig Rieker. Also yesterday along Wales Rd near Perrysburg, John Szanto had two Wilson's Phalaropes.

Down South : I neglected to report the first Yellow-billed Cuckoo from last weekend in Hamilton County. I understand Green Lawn Cemetery (Columbus) saw a tremendous fall out on Thursday. While I lack specifics, yesterday the same area yielded Magnolia and Wilson's Warblers, and Eastern Wood-Pewee - Tom Thomson. A Horned Grebe continues at the Walnut Street access of Hoover Reservoir - Rob Thorn.

The Magee Marsh Bird Trail was much quieter yesterday although a widely seen Kentucky Warbler was new. Evidence for some migration overnight was seen in the composition of Catharus Thrush along the Trail. Where Wed. there were appx. 14 Hermit Thrush, 1 Veery, 1 Swainson's Thrush, Thursday there were 12 Veery, 4 Hermit Thrush, and 2 Swainson's Thrushes. For those doing Big Days this weekend you will want to know that the Eastern Screech-Owl at station 19b was back again yesterday only roosting much lower just above eye-level. Lincoln's Sparrow was also along the Trail. - V.W.F.III

Elsewhere: For the third year in a row, a Yellow-headed Blackbird appeared at the feeder of Robin Arnold on Wed. Robin lives in Ottawa Co. near Port Clinton very near marshes occasionally visited by the species. Bill Heck reports the increasingly elusive Common Moorhen from Metzger Marsh W.A. on Wed. A couple of recent Sandhill Crane reports include a bird over Maumee Bay State Park yesterday - m.obs. and a bird flying along SR 261 near Kent last Saturday - Carl Sweigert. The mid-week rush of migrants has been shared by everyone from Athens County to the northeast lakeshore, even out on the frontier (Paulding Co.). Golden-winged Warblers have been commented upon by m.obs. In the southeast, both Adam Blank et al. (Hocking County) and David St.John (Hebron Fish Hatchery) are noting multiple Philadelphia Vireos the past two days. This is decidely early for multiple birds. The Mosquito Lake Red-necked Grebe remains as of Wed. but is now injured, a fish hook protruding from its throat. Subsequent searches for the Glossy Ibis nearby failed to relocate the bird - Judy Hochadel. John Pogacnik's summary of migration progress in the northeast.

Back in late April 1984, a weather system from the south stalled out just south of the lake for about 9 days, the latter 3 days punctuated by heavy fog. The release of migrants held up by this system, when the weather cleared, remains unparalleled in my experience in the Great Lakes. Among the observations made was a flight of 10,000 Broad-winged Hawks over Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Yesterday, a tiny version of that situation was repeated. After 4 weeks of no southwesterly breezes (southeast on 4 or 5 occasions) we were ready for a hawk migration along the lake. Only thing is no one said anything about fog so dense as to cause 2 hour school delays in 29 NW counties this morning. Still the breeze was there, as were signs of a diurnal migration as we could hear pipits overhead in the fog. The fog broke at 10:30 am, by the time I reached the Magee Marsh Observation Tower at 11:00 Lee Garling and Frank Annarino had 50+ birds. In the next two hours we counted 600 more including 20 Osprey, 14 Northern Harrier, 460 Broad-winged Hawks, 13 Cooper's Hawk, 80 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 57 Turkey Vulture, and 37 Red-tailed Hawk amongst a total of 11 species. The remaining two hours were slower and I left before the tally but my estimate from Magee Marsh is at least 900 birds were had, exclusive of whatever the inland counter, Gene Anderson, picked up from Turtle Creek on Licker-Harder Rd. The tower did not lack for visitors and were often joined by 6-12 persons for much of the flight, including Donald and Lillian Stokes. Believe me we needed every set of eyes. We managed three species which I would have difficulty crediting had I and many others had brilliant views of them. A Northern Goshawk soaring more than a minute or more overhead, a Red-shouldered Hawk again clearly overhead, and a close flyby light morph Rough-legged Hawk. Only the Rough-legged have I seen before locally in May but not from a hawk watch. The dam may not have broken but it certainly sprang a serious leak. - V.W.F.III

A Glossy Ibis was observed Tuesday morning from 8:45 am to 11:05 am and again late in the evening at Mosquito Wildlife Area in Trumbull County (DeLorme pg.43). The bird was seen actively feeding, resting and preening at distances from 100 - 150 feet through 45x and 60x lenses on the scope. Two other experienced birders confirmed the sighting. Although I have limited experience with ibis, the fine white lines on the face, which did not extend below the chin, the dark legs, dark lores and overall dark appearance pointed to a Glossy Ibis. - Judy Hochadel

Elsewhere : A pair of Sandhill Crane continue to be seen at Killbuck Marsh W.A. as of yesterday - Jason Larson & Sue Snyder. Eastern Kingbird was also present as they were in Lucas County near Mallard Club Marsh W.A. - V.W.F.III. Hebron Fish Hatchery lacks for shorebird habitat at the moment but the ponds held two Horned Grebes - Crystal Davis . Gabe Hostetler reports a male Surf Scoter on a pond near Hartville (Stark Co.) Monday evening. A Whip-poor-will was reported just 15 ft in along the west entrance of the Magee Marsh Bird Trail on Saturday - m.obs. A Lark Sparrow was another highlight there over the weekend - fide Tim Colborn. Today there were 8 or so species with a single male Cape May Warbler the highlight. - V.W.F.III. Orchard Oriole returned a week ago Monday at Gilmore Ponds - Dave Slomer, and seen widely yesterday in front of the Magee Marsh visitor center. - Donald & Lillian Stokes et al., and yesterday in the northeast - John Pogacnik. Rare is it that we get any bird reports from the far northwest part of the state. Reporting from Lake La Su An Wildlife Area over the weekend, Jeff Grabmeier had the common mix of warblers reported thus far, highlighted by an Orange-crowned Warbler. At nearby Seneca Lake a lingering blue morph Snow Goose was also of note. Bob Royse reports from Scioto Trail State Forest (Ross Co.) Monday excellent numbers of Ovenbird, Blue-winged, and Cerulean Warblers. New arrivals for the state included Blackpoll and Bay-breasted Warblers at Scioto Trails. Yesterday Acadian Flycatchers were back at Miami Whitewater Forest (Hamilton Co.) - Lester Peyton. Golden-winged Warbler is first reported from the northeast yesterday at a new wetland in Girdled Road Metropark (Lake Co.) off Radcliffe Road which runs along the Geauga-Lake County line - John Pogacnik. John also observed a Lincoln's Sparrow and a Peregrine Falcon there. Adding to the recent rash of winter finch sightings, John had two White-winged Crossbills appear Monday at a North Perry (Lake Co.) feeder.

New Arrivals : Veery over the weekend at Green lawn Cemetery in Columbus - Columbus RBA, and the northeast - Youngstown RBA. Black-throated Blue and Magnolia Warblers were also reported this weekend at Ravenna arsenal in the northeast - Youngstown RBA. A Yellow-breasted Chat was noted Saturday in Parma - Cleveland RBA. Least Flycatcher was noted also at College Hill in the southwest on Saturday - Steve Pelikan and at Spring Grove Cemetery the day before along with a Swainson's Thrush - Joe Bens. A Lincoln's Sparrow was banded at Gilmore Ponds in the southwest on Sunday - Lester Peyton. A White-winged Scoter was identified on Hoover Reservoir on the 25th - Charlie Bombaci. The last report of the Mosquito Lake Red-necked Grebe is for the 26th. - Youngstown RBA. Upland Sandpiper was present at Burke Lakefront Airport on Sunday. Only small tern concentrations and few shorebirds are being reported from Lorain - Cleveland RBA.

A fledging of Carolina Wren was witnessed by many at Shaker Lakes on Sunday - Cleveland RBA. This must be one of the earliest for the northeast as it is only a week behind the earliest for the state. Several reports of nesting Blue-gray Gnatcatcher for the northeast are also suggestive of an early nesting cycle. Correspondants are urged not to overlooked this phenomenon with the warbler season upon us.

Jim Fry's Chuck-wills-widow is back in Hocking County as of 30 April.

The trickle of migrants into the northern third of the state continues. Blue-winged Warblers made themselves known Friday in Cuyahoga County with birds at Lake Isaac Sean Zadar and downtown Cleveland - Tim Colborn. Also Indigo Bunting had reached Bluffton Friday Linda Houshower, and the northeast along the Lake Saturday - John Pogacnik. Bobolink were first noted in the Guernsey/Muskingum area last Thursday - fide Jason Larson. Henslow's Sparrows were near the Lake at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland on Saturday - Haans Petruscke. Yellow-breasted Chat, Scarlet Tanager, and Great-Crested Flycatcher, were among a host of birds present Friday/Saturday in the Columbus area - (Bob Royse) and subsequently found in Seneca County Sunday - Tom Bartlett et al.. Baltimore Oriole, American Redstart, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak were noted Saturday at Lakeshore Metropark (Lake Co.) - John Pogacnik. John further reports a Glaucous Gull there last Thursday and a Brewer's Blackbird on Sunday. Saturday Swan Creek Metropark (Toledo) held Orange-crowned and Blackburnian Warblers - Matt Victoria. The first northern Whip-poor-will had returned yesterday to a Parma (Cuyahoga Co.) backyard - Craig Rieker. Chestnut-sided Warbler was in Quail Hollow S.P. near Hartville (Stark Co.) yesterday. - Gabe Hostetler. Cape May Warbler had reached central Ohio with a bird at Conkle's Hollow (Hocking Co.) yesterday - Bob Placier. Common Moorhen and Least Flycatcher were new for Magee Marsh Wildlife Area yesterday - Jason Larson. On the shorebird front, notable sightings were limited to 16 Semipalmated Sandpipers on Friday in a flooded field near Pickaway County airfield - Len Powlick and an impressive 650 American Golden-Plover along the road leading to Metzger Marsh W.A. in Lucas Co. yesterday - Jason Larson. The return flight of winter finches has begun in earnest this past weekend with Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskin, and Purple Finches being reported across the northern counties - m.obs. In good years this usually continues for another 10 days and includes diurnal flights along the lakeshore. It is situations like this that see Evening Grosbeaks in the same tree as Rose-breasteds at the Magee Marsh Bird Trail often throwing first timers for a loop.

In the Southwest: A Snowy Egret was first seen on April 28 at Gulf Park, just outside Cleves, Ohio. It was still there on the 29th, but not on the 30th. Four Cattle Egrets were seen following a tractor in a field near Wilmington on the 26th April - Cincinnati RBA.

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maintained by Victor W. Fazio III / last modified 26 Nov. 2000