Menu of January-May 1995 (sections 95.1-95.72) Bird Field Notes 
             by Range Bayer from the Sandpiper (a publication 
             of Yaquina Birders & Naturalists, Lincoln County, Oregon) 
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Section   Month of 
No.       Sandpiper, Volume 16
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95.1      January 1995 
95.15     February 1995 
95.30     March 1995 
95.42     April 1995 
95.60     May 1995 


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95.1                January 1995 Sandpiper

     Comments about abundance or seasonality refer to their perceived 
presence only in Lincoln County.

     Abbreviations and some Lincoln County site locations: Bayshore 
Beach=ocean beach along North Alsea Bay Spit, Bayview Pasture=field 
east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road, 
Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science 
Center, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina 
Bay, Sandpiper Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north 
of Waldport, Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport south 
of South Beach, and Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.2               YAQUINA BAY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

     Our count was on 12/31, a day with very strong east winds, but it 
didn't rain!  The number of participants was lower than in other 
years, and at our end of the day meeting, it appeared that we had only 
come up with 100 species, which is pretty woeful.  

     But one participant missed our meeting and when his report for 
Hidden Valley came in, PR (Count Compiler) reports that we ended up 
with 117 species, which is not great, but it is OK.

     We didn't find any "rare" species and the Blue Jay was looked for 
and missed, but we did have a few records of note that are given 
below.
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95.3                BIRDS OF THE COAST RANGE PEAKS

     Our Coast Range mountains can be pretty desolate in winter 
because although they are only 3,000 ft or so, alpine conditions 
prevail.  While it was snowing on 1/5, CP found a grand total of four 
birds during an hour of observation on the top of 3,300 ft high Crown 
Peak (the highest point between Saddle Bag Mt. and Stott Mt, in NE 
Lincoln County).  One was a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, one was a 
VARIED THRUSH, and the other two birds were unidentified.  The top was 
a bare, grassy knob.

     On 1/20, CP visited the top of Crown Peak again; it was a much 
nicer day, and he could see peaks in the Cascades as well as in the 
Coast Range.  He also found more species: CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, 
NO. FLICKER, PINE SISKIN, and GRAY JAY.

     While there were few birds during both visits, these visits were 
memorable experiences because they give the weird feeling of what it 
is like to be in a place without birds; the silence is also 
enthralling.
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95.4                       RAIN & FLOODING

     It has been a wet winter with lots of flooding in low-lying 
fields and along streams.  RG reports that Rock Creek Marsh, south of 
Devils Lake, has been so flooded that water has been flowing over the 
road.

     This flooding has effected birds.  For example, RG points out 
that NO. HARRIERS are now absent from Rock Creek Marsh and that even 
geese are absent from some of their customary sites in the Lincoln 
City area.  But we really know too little about "our" birds to really 
be able to tell the full extent of the effects of this flooding.
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95.5                      LOONS-EGRETS

     At 4:40 PM, 26 COMMON LOONS were in a roosting raft just inside 
the mouth of Alsea Bay on 1/18 (CC).  They often raft up, apparently 
for the night, at Yaquina Bay, but this may be our only report for 
them doing so at Alsea Bay.

     A YELLOW-BILLED LOON moved between the MSC and Sallys Bend the 
afternoon of 1/21 (AF).

     An EARED GREBE amongst the numerous HORNED GREBES was unusual at 
Boiler Bay on 1/13 (FS) and at Eckman Lake on 1/16 (JW).  Also, two 
Eared's were with 10 Horned's at Yaquina Head on 1/16 (KM).

     A RED-NECKED GREBE at Eckman Lake on 12/19 (L&LS) and during the 
1/15 YB&N field trip was rare for that site.  They are fairly common 
in Lincoln Co. but are usually seen in estuarine channels or near 
headlands.

     WESTERN GREBES and NO. FULMARS may have been hurt by the 
abundance of storms this winter, as six and five, respectively, were 
found dead along 4.5 mi of beach near Thiel Creek in December (BL, 
S&DB).  However, BL's records indicate that he found 13 and 10 Western 
Grebes along the same beach in December 1979 and 1987, respectively, 
so their number this December is not extra-high.  Keeping records, 
like BL has, is essential in being able to interpret our observations.

     Our latest BROWN PELICANS this winter were two at Yaquina Head on 
12/25 (BLM).  Will we get some January records this year as we have 
occasionally in the past?

     GREAT EGRETS were missed during the 12/31 CBC, but FS had one at 
Siletz Bay on 1/13, and JL found at least one at the Salmon River on 
12/27.
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95.6     WESTERN (Great Basin) CANADA GEESE WITH NECK COLLARS

     L&LS, KM, and PD & CC have carefully recorded the neck collar 
numbers of Western Canada Geese in Lincoln County and reported them to 
RB, who has relayed them on to Mary Jo Hedrick (867-4741) of the ODFW 
and Roy Lowe (867-4550) of the USFWS.  

     RB's preliminary conclusions are that some are "homebodies": 
163R stuck around Alsea Bay while 199R lingered at Yaquina Bay pretty 
much the past year.  In contrast, 160R, 161R, 205R, 206R, and at least 
13 others moved between Alsea Bay and Yaquina Bay during the year.  It 
is possible that some also moved from or out of the County during the 
year, too.

     If you wish to participate, please record the date, location, 
number of large Western Canada Geese with and without collars, and the 
number on each collar.  This information is instrumental in 
documenting their movements or residence.
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95.7                    OTHER WATERFOWL

     BRANT numbers have been low at Yaquina Bay this winter with only 
174 counted on 12/28-29 (RL), 275 during the 12/31 CBC, and 285 on 1/8 
(KM).  But only 708 Brant were counted for the whole Oregon coast on 
12/28-29, which is abnormally low (RL).

     In the December Sandpiper, two female NO. SHOVELERS and two male 
MALLARDS were reported at a man-made pond along HWY 101 at Fox Creek, 
just south of Seal Rocks; S&JT studied them on 1/5 and noted that they 
were actually very good decoys!  

     At least 50 WOOD DUCKS came to be fed during the morning of the 
12/31 CBC at Mossy Lane pond, near Toledo (CP).  South of Newport, 
there is another lake where they are fed and are abundant (L&LS).  
Elsewhere, they are hard to find in winter.

     The male MANDARIN DUCK continued to be reported at Yachats on 
12/22 & 12/26 (fide T&AM).

     While AMERICAN WIGEON have largely abandoned Yaquina Bay in late 
December like they usually do, L&LS saw hundreds at Bayview Pasture 
and at Beaver Creek on 12/29, and RL counted more at Beaver Creek on 
12/28-29 than at either Siletz Bay or Yaquina Bay.  On 1/4, JW found a 
large flock of wigeon, including two EURASIAN WIGEON, at Beaver Creek 
in the field near the Ona sign; along with them were many 
NO. SHOVELERS, NO. PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL.  At Bayview Pasture 
on 1/8, KM counted 1,100 Am. Wigeon and three male EURASIAN WIGEON.

     A pair of HARLEQUINS was at the mouth of the Yachats River on 1/2 
(SL), 2-5 were at Seal Rocks during nine days in December (L&LS), and 
PR & BD counted 17 between Seal Rocks and Tenmile Creek (Lane Co.) on 
1/16.

     REDHEADS are customarily only found in Lincoln County at Sally's 
Bend, but 1-2 were at Eckman Lake on 1/5 (JW), 1/8 (OW), 1/15 YB&N 
field trip, and 1/16 & 21 (JW).  Also, one was near the Alsea Bay Port 
Docks on 1/16 (KM), and CP discovered 35 in a pond near Toledo during 
the 12/31 CBC!  22 were at Sallys Bend on 1/16 (KM).

     A male OLDSQUAW mostly in breeding plumage was at Boiler Bay on 
1/13 (FS); another male was at the YBSJ on 1/16 (KM).

     BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were at Alsea Bay east of HWY 101 on 12/23 & 
24 (L&LS), 1/6 (JW), and 1/8 & 16 (KM); but JW reports that they are 
harder to find this year at Alsea Bay and that they are not as 
predictably at the Alsea Bay Port docks as they were last winter.

     Last month, RL found an Oregon coastal record of 792 RUDDY DUCKS 
at Devils Lake, but records are made to be broken, and during his 
12/28-29 USFWS aerial survey he counted 1,059!

     Peak numbers of HOODED MERGANSERS at Eckman Lake occur in Oct.-
Dec., and on 1/8, OW found two, and the 1/15 YB&N field trip saw less 
than a dozen.
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95.8                     RAPTORS-COOTS

     CP has given us our first ever January report of a 
TURKEY VULTURE; he discovered one feeding on a dead deer just south of 
Toledo on 1/1.

     OSPREY are uncommon here in winter, but one in the Newport area 
put on a show for us for three days.  On 12/30, one flew over the MSC 
Boat Basin (RO) and over Newport Reservoir (JN&KC).  PS detected one 
flying over the Embarcadero during the 12/31 CBC, and DW saw one at 
the north end of Yaquina Bay Bridge the next day (fide CP).  We've had 
no reports since.

     A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was at the Salmon River west of HWY 101 on 
12/27 (JL), and a probable COOPER'S HAWK visited Newport on 1/3 (TM).

     A brown NO. HARRIER started off the New Year by being hassled by 
gulls at Yaquina Head on 1/1 (PM).  Right along the coast, brown 
(females or immature males) predominate; but inland at the Logsden 
area there are relatively more gray (adult male) harriers.

     A BALD EAGLE and a PEREGRINE FALCON were seen at Yaquina Head 
during three days each in December, but AM. KESTRELS were noted on 
17 days (BLM)!

     A RUFFED GROUSE was at North Beaver Creek on 1/4 (LO).  The same 
day, L&LS were amazed by one standing alongside South Beaver Creek 
Road--it stood still as they backed up their car, and it allowed 
Luella to open her car door and touch it on its bill with a pencil!  
L&LS had a good chance to appreciate a close look at its beautiful 
plumage.  (Perhaps it had hit a car & was still dazed???)

     Devils Lake used to be a favored location for AM. COOTS, but on 
12/28-29, RL discovered 0 (zero), a first for USFWS surveys there!
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95.9                     SHOREBIRDS

     BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS sometimes aggregate here in winter, and KM 
discovered 15 at Seal Rocks on 1/16.

     SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were on the ocean beach near Sandpiper 
Village as late as 12/18 (L&LS), but they have only been recorded on 
three of our 21 Yaquina Bay CBC's and were not noted this year.

     A few WHIMBRELS used to overwinter at Yaquina Bay, but during the 
past two winters a few have only been found at Alsea Bay.  One was at 
Eckman Lake on 12/11 (L&LS), Bayshore Beach on 12/25 (JGr), and 
McKinley's Marina (Alsea Bay) during the 1/15 YB&N field trip.

     Bayview Pasture is known for its waterfowl, but it also serves as 
a high tide shorebird roost at Alsea Bay.  On 1/16, KM counted 40 
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 45 DUNLIN, a DOWITCHER, one WESTERN SANDPIPER, 
and one LEAST SANDPIPER.  Except for the plovers, these are not great 
numbers, but part of the area is not visible, and this place deserves 
more watching.

     GREATER YELLOWLEGS and DUNLIN were both missed during the 12/31 
CBC, but PD & CC found both at Yaquina Bay on 12/10, and KM found 
Dunlin at Idaho Flats on 1/8.

     A ROCK SANDPIPER hung out with the other "rockpipers" at Seal 
Rocks on 12/21 (L&LS), and three were also there on 1/16 (KM).

     A lone RED PHALAROPE was at the YBSJ on 1/8 (DF) and 1/15 (CP); 
no phalaropes were seen during the CBC.
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95.10             NOVUM SPECIES (Larus fluorenisis)

     Several people have reported new species of seabirds that are not 
illustrated anywhere in their field guides, although they have 
diligently searched.  

     One "species" has a green body, and the second "species," which 
is much more common, has a bright, fluorescent orangish or reddish 
body and underwings with dark gray on the upper wings.  I've seen the 
orange one--it really stands out in the sky!  But on close 
examination, these are not new seabird species but are large seagulls 
(probably Western Gulls) that some prankster has caught and painted or 
dyed.  They are not part of a scientific research project.

     It is illegal by Oregon and federal law to dye or paint gulls 
without a permit, but when it really comes down to it, state and 
federal laws are only a deterrent and don't protect people from 
violent crimes, so it should come as no surprise that they don't 
protect wildlife, either.
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95.11                   ALCIDS-PIGEONS

     COMMON MURRES come in and out of our vision in winter.  They were 
missed during the 12/31 CBC, although 1,254 were counted during the 
1975 CBC.  But, while doing an aerial survey, RL estimated about 
50,000 a half mile off the mouth of Tenmile Creek (Lane Co.) on 12/29.  
RL notes that he also saw some in the same area in early December 
1994, and that this is the only area along the Oregon Coast in 
December and January that he has regularly seen such murre 
concentrations in past years, too.

     A PIGEON GUILLEMOT was at Boiler Bay on 1/13 (FS), and two with 
very light heads were at Yaquina Head on 1/16 (KM).

     The CASSIN'S AUKLET die-off appears to have finally tailed off, 
as only seven were found beached near Thiel Creek in December (BL, 
S&DB).  10 ANCIENT MURRELETS and several MARBLED MURRELETS were at 
Boiler Bay on 1/13 (FS).

     In addition to the two BAND-TAILED PIGEONS found during the 12/31 
Yaquina Bay CBC at Hidden Valley (AF), BB saw two at Yachats during 
several days in December, including 12/26.  Prior to 1994, they have 
only been found here in December on 2 December 1983 and 22 December 
1990.

     MOURNING DOVES had hung around Sandpiper Village through 
November, but none were noted in December there (L&LS) or elsewhere.
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95.12                  OWLS-THRUSHES

     BARN OWLS are seldom reported here, but JL discovered one at the 
Salmon River, just east of HWY 101 on 12/27.

     ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS remained in late December at Yachats (J&JG) 
and at Sandpiper Village (L&LS).

     LO didn't see the BLUE JAY at his Thiel Creek feeder from 
Christmas until 1/5, when it re-appeared.  BL also saw it nearby on 
1/6, and LO heard it on 1/17.

     COMMON RAVENS were spotted this month in some unusual spots.  
PS & RB noted one at the LNG Tank at Sallys Bend during the 12/31 CBC, 
CP spotted two at the YBSJ on 1/5, and RB saw two fly over his Newport 
residence on 1/21.  Are ravens trying to be as common along our 
Lincoln Co. beaches as they are at some other Oregon beaches?

     MARSH WRENS were at Eckman Lake on 1/15 (JW; YB&N field trip); 
they are under-reported here, especially in winter.  A WINTER WREN was 
vigorously practicing its song by SS's Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.) 
on 1/7.

     At least one HERMIT THRUSH was at Sandpiper Village on 12/7 
(L&LS), at South Beach on 12/28 (EH), and at Salmon River west of 
HWY 101 on 12/27 (JL).

     VARIED THRUSHES continue to visit lowland areas, with some in 
Newport in late December (MN), near Neskowin in early Jan. (SS), two 
in north Toledo on 1/6 (P&MD), and three in Waldport in early Jan. 
(LL).
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95.13              MOCKINGBIRD-WARBLERS

     The first NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in several months was at EH's South 
Beach home on 12/28; one that met its end by a cat was in that same 
area a few winters ago.

     PR's records indicate that PALM WARBLERS have never been recorded 
during a Yaquina Bay CBC, 

     Although PR's Yaquina Bay CBC compilation for Count Days did not 
include PALM WARBLERS, PR reports that his other records indicate that 
they were reported on Count Day of three CBC's.  Unfortunately, they 
were missed again this year, but one was at the HMSC on 12/30 and 1/18 
(RO), so we had one during Count Week, like in some other years.       
Two TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were in north Toledo on 12/19 (P&MD).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.14                JUNCO-HOUSE SPARROW

     A PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO continued to linger at Thornton 
Creek on 1/13 (DF).  This appears to be our first record for this 
subspecies.

     A SONG SPARROW was occasionally singing at Nelscott in mid-
January (RG), and two SWAMP SPARROWS and one WHITE-THROATED SPARROW 
were at Hidden Valley during the 12/31 CBC (AF).  LINCOLN'S SPARROWS 
are often missed here in winter, but they were reported during the 
12/31 CBC and JL also found them at the Salmon River on 12/27.

     WESTERN MEADOWLARKS continue to be reported more this winter in a 
greater variety of locations than in recent years.  Some were in 
Waldport in early December (VK), two were near the LNG Tank during the 
12/31 CBC (PS), and six were four miles up the Alsea River on 12/31 
(fide RD).  At Yaquina Head, as many as three were noted during 10 
days in December at the Lower Quarry (BLM), and one was at the YBSJ on 
1/20 (JW).

     Although some RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS appear to be migratory here, 
males & females were at Logsden on 1/15 (ML), a place where they have 
also been found in other winters.

     2-4 AM. GOLDFINCHES were at CC's feeder in west Waldport on 1/6 & 
1/16; a few often winter right along the coastline at some sites, but 
none were at Sandpiper Village in December (L&LS).

     In late December, a HOUSE SPARROW visited J&JG's Yachats' home, 
which was a first for that site!


     OBSERVERS.--BLM (Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina Head), 
Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Kemper Carlsen, Cheri Crosby, 
Ray Davis, Bob Demory, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon, 
Anthony Floyd, Eric Horvath, Jim & Janice Gerdemann, Ruth Goodrich, 
Jill Grover (JGr), Mr. & Mrs. Vern Kelso, Lola Landis, 
Martha Llewellyn, Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe, 
John Lundsten, Kathy Merrifield, Tom & Allison Mickel, Terry Morse, 
Pennie Mumm, John Neiger, Michael Noack, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, 
Chuck Philo, Paul Reed, Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, 
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Patty Shreve, Shirley & Jim Thielen, 
Jean Weakland, Dee Weaver, and Orr Wieman.


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95.15             February 1995 Sandpiper

     Comments about abundance or seasonality refer to their perceived 
presence only in Lincoln County.

     Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: 
Bayview Pasture=field east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North 
Alsea Bay Road, Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman 
Lake, HY=hatch-year (bird in the calendar year of its hatching), 
Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science 
Center, Nute Slough=easternmost of two freshwater impoundments at 
railroad trestles along North Yaquina Bay Road, Sallys Bend=large 
embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, Sandpiper 
Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north of Waldport, 
Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport south of South 
Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville, 
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty, Yaquina John Point=point near HWY 101 
and just south of Waldport).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.16                    EARLY SPRING?

     There has been much talk about signs of an early spring this 
year--perhaps because we have been getting tired of all the rain and 
winter weather.  A few birds sporadically singing in January got our 
hopes up and then the first (and hopefully last) snow of the season 
covered the coast on 2/13!  

     How soon we forget that it snowed in Newport on 1-2 February 1989 
(4 in) and 13 February 1990 (2 in), so birds singing in winter do not 
mean that spring is upon us, although we may wish it so.

     Thankfully, our weather appears milder than in the past.  During 
1887-1930, the average monthly snowfall in Newport in December-
February was 0.3, 1.0, and 0.3 inch, respectively; with a trace of 
snow on the average in March!  In Toledo, the average monthly snowfall 
for November-March was 0.1, 0.6, 2.0, 0.6, and 0.4 inch, with a trace 
of snow on the average in April!  Now, snow in Newport is front-page 
news!

     Just 100 years ago, B. J. Bretherton "birded" Yaquina Head when 
the last killing frost in Newport was on April 5 and in Toledo was on 
May 8!  Brrr!
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.17                       BEACHED BIRDS

     Birds die.  

     BLo has done 17 years of year-around Beached Bird Walks (BBW) 
along 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek, and he has been assisted in 
these walks since 1983 by S&DB.  Their surveys provide an important 
baseline for determining abnormal die-offs of waterbirds.

     With the help of the ODFW Non-Game Program, BLo has done annual 
reports of their results.  The latest report indicates that they found 
a total of 159 HY and 60 older COMMON MURRES in 1994; the number of 
HY murres is lower than average.  They also found 422 other birds, 
which is in the mid-range for their surveys.

     A total of 581 dead birds/year may sound like a lot, but, in 1982 
and 1989, far more (1,000-1,200 HY murres alone) were found.  This 
murre mortality appears to result from poor feeding conditions, not 
oil spills or gill netting as occurs in other areas.

     The beach they walk is the same, but each year brings new 
discoveries and the unexpected.  Who knows what this year will bring?
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.18                 LOONS-CORMORANTS

     15+ COMMON LOONS, 4 RED-THROATED LOONS, and one PACIFIC LOON were 
at the YBSJ on 1/22 (C&CL).  Common Loons will often raft up west of 
the Yaquina Bay Bridge at high tide and especially near dusk, so 15+ 
loons is not unexpected.

     One RED-NECKED GREBE continued to linger at the unlikely site of 
Eckman Lake on 1/25 (CP).  Six EARED GREBES at Eckman Slough on 2/16 
(JW) is an unusual concentration for that site; two were also at the 
YBSJ on 1/29 (KM).

     The fall southerly flights of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS along the 
Lincoln Co. coast can sometimes be conspicuous, and a northward flight 
of five adults past Newport on 2/23 (RB) may have been a migratory 
return.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.19                     GREAT BLUE HERONS

     On 2/12, KM saw three GREAT BLUE HERONS kiting with gulls near 
the south end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.  They were facing west into 
the wind and had to flap slowly to remain stationary.

     Flocks of 32 and 23 GBH's soaring at tree-top level at Alsea Bay 
on 2/15 (JW) may have resulted from their being disturbed from a roost 
or colony.  Less likely, this mass flight may have been a 
manifestation of migration as there is some evidence that GBH's are 
partially migratory here.  Courtship displaying at western Oregon 
colonies has been noted several times in late January, so they may 
have been at a colony, although mass courtship flights have not been 
reported.  It is also possible that they, like the GBH's on 2/12, were 
kiting into the wind.

     A GBH along the outer coast at the Lower Quarry of Yaquina Head 
on 1/16 & 21 (BLM) is uncommon, but singletons also frequent protected 
coves at Whale Cove and Boiler Bay, if undisturbed.

     PR noted a GBH along a sand beach in 
mid-February; this is rare because herons here give up quickly on 
trying to make a living in the surf.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.20                   EGRET-GEESE

     One GREAT EGRET was at Siletz Bay on 2/6 (SH).

     On 2/4, ST saw a GREEN HERON just west of Eddyville, which is 
farther inland than wintering birds have been noted before.  Spring 
arrivals are to be expected in late March.

     On 12/16 at Eckman Lake, L&LSe discovered a WESTERN (Great Basin) 
CANADA GOOSE with a neck collar of 32CT, but most of the ones found 
around here have three numbers and the letter R (e.g., 163R).  RL 
reports that 32CT was banded on the Columbia River and has visited the 
Salmon River Estuary once, Devils Lake twice, and Siletz Bay three 
times; so good old 32CT is a Mover!

     A hybrid CANADA GOOSE with orange legs and much white on the head 
was at Bayview Pasture on 1/24 & 28 (L&LSe).

     The only WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE report was for the Gorton Road area 
of Drift Creek near Lincoln City in late January (L&LSp).

     Some BLACK BRANT have colored leg bands with numbers, but it is 
not often that anyone can see these bands because brant are usually at 
a distance or swimming.  However, RH was able to read the bands for 
several brant at the western edge of Idaho Flats on 1/30.  The area 
along the MSC Nature Trail is probably the best place for people with 
spotting scopes to read bands of Brant in Lincoln County.  Give it a 
try!
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.21                  OTHER WATERFOWL

     Four WOOD DUCKS were noted on 2/8 (OW) at a lake south of Newport 
where they and MALLARDS are regularly fed in winter (L&LSe).  L&LSe 
write that there are fewer Woodies here than in the past, perhaps 
because Mallards are taking over.

     The male MANDARIN DUCK lingered on 2/10 with the Mallards at the 
Quiet Water Development at Yachats (BB).  GADWALL and 
RING-NECKED DUCKS continued at Eckman Lake on 1/22 and 2/4 (OW).  
While AM. WIGEON have mostly abandoned the estuaries, about a thousand 
were at Bayview Pasture on 1/16 & 28 (L&LSe).

     One REDHEAD remained at Eckman Lake on 1/6 (L&LSe) and 1/25 (CP); 
13-18 were at favored Sallys Bend on 1/29 and 2/12 (KM).

     A female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was cooperatively by a female 
COMMON GOLDENEYE for a good comparative study at Siletz Bay on 1/28 
(DL).  The only Barrow's at Yaquina Bay was noted on 1/19 (L&LSe); 
L&LSe and KM also saw Barrow's during five days in late January at 
east Alsea Bay.

     At YBSJ, there was one female OLDSQUAW on 1/22 (C&CL), 1-3 on 
1/29 (DF; KM), and two on 2/12 (KM).  Another was at Yaquina Head in 
late January (L&LSp) and 1/24 (BLM).

     During their HARLEQUIN DUCK survey from the YBSJ to Squaw Creek 
in Lane Co., PR and BD counted 21 Harlequins, with most in Lane Co.  
At the YBSJ, there were 3-7 during January (L&LSe; P&ML; KM; RH & TK).  
At Seal Rocks, as many as 13 were counted January and early February 
(L&LSe; ST; SH).  Harlequins were only reported one day during January 
at Yaquina Head (BLM), and two females were at Yachats on 1/29 (KM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.22                         ACCIPITERS

     One SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was standing on the ground at Thiel Creek 
on 1/20 (BLo), and another was in Toledo on 1/30 (P&MD) and near the 
coast at Makai on 2/4 (CP).

     A COOPER'S HAWK was at YBSJ on 2/2 (CP), at Thiel Creek on 2/4 
(CP), and in JO's backyard in Newport perched on a fence on 2/25.

     Accipiters can't always be identified with assurance, and it is 
better to correctly report one as a Cooper's or Sharpie than to 
perhaps incorrectly identify one.  A Cooper's/Sharpie was at Waldport 
on 2/6 (BB) and at Thiel Creek on 2/24 (LO).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.23                      OTHER RAPTORS

     The first spring TURKEY VULTURE was at Seal Rocks on 2/15 (JN).  
On 1/30, a WHITE-TAILED KITE was at Nute Slough (RH & TK); they may 
have nested in that area last year.  One OSPREY continued to linger at 
Yaquina Bay on 1/11-16 (EH) and 2/13-17 (RO; BLl).

     One BALD EAGLE was just north of Yachats on 1/22 (CF), at Yaquina 
Head on 1/12 & 22 (BLM) and 2/12 (KM), at Devils Lake on 1/29 and 2/15 
(RG), and at South Beach Peninsula on 2/6 (SH) and 2/15 (BLl).

     An adult PEREGRINE FALCON perched in the top of a large spruce at 
the corner of 6th and Lee Streets in Newport on 1/22, 2/4, and 2/11 
(SK).  A Peregrine visited Yachats on 1/29 (KM), rode the uplift of 
Yaquina Bay Bridge on 1/30 (RL), was at Yaquina Head during eight days 
in January (BLM), scared up a mass of shorebirds at Seal Rocks on 2/2 
(EH), and came back to Seal Rocks on 2/6 (SH).

     A MERLIN was in the lower branches of the Peregrine's spruce at 
6th and Lee Streets on 2/11 (SK) and stood in the middle of the road 
at YBSJ on 2/15 (CP).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.24                   RAIL-SHOREBIRDS

     Freshwater marsh birds such as Am. Bittern, rails, Sora, and 
Marsh Wrens are the least reported group of birds in Lincoln County, 
so a report of VIRGINIA RAILS at south Devils Lake on 1/30 (RH & TD) 
is welcome.

     Flocks of 3-6 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS were at Boiler Bay on 1/22 
(P&ML) and at Seal Rocks on 2/2 (EH).  WHIMBRELS used to overwinter at 
Yaquina Bay, but the one at east Alsea Bay on 1/25 (L&LSe) is our only 
report this month.

     A ROCK SANDPIPER was at Seal Rocks on 1/28 (DL), and four were 
there on 2/2 (EH); one was also at Depoe Bay on 1/30 (RH & TK).

     On 2/4, DG was walking along the shoreline just north of Ona 
Beach, when he observed a SANDERLING "executing, either accidentally 
or by design, what is called in basketball, and to some extent in 
football, a pick play (or screen).  A flock of about 200 Sanderlings 
were feeding desultorily as I walked by.  My path pushed about a 
third of them into flight a few yards ahead of me.  After they 
landed, two more Sanderlings flew in, circled, and landed, 
quartering toward me, both at an absolute dead run.  One had food in 
its bill, and the other Sanderling, slightly behind and to the left, 
was pursuing it.  The leader ran (by design or not?) through a group 
of birds and then just to the right of a crossing bird.  The pursuing 
Sanderling slammed up to the crossing bird and had to stop suddenly 
as the pursued ran free and then slowed for leisurely feeding.  A 
perfect pick."  

     Bayview Pasture continued attracting shorebirds as well as wigeon 
and Canada Geese.  L&LSe regularly spotted DUNLIN and BLACK-BELLIED 
PLOVERS there in January, and a WESTERN SANDPIPER was also there on 
1/5.  On 1/29, KM found 42 Black-bellied Plovers, Dunlin, two BLACK 
TURNSTONES, three Western Sandpipers, and a LEAST SANDPIPER.

     COMMON SNIPE don't seem to be as common or abundant as they once 
were, but L&LSe counted 25 at one site in south Beaver Creek on 1/19.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.25                       GULLS-PIGEON

     A first-winter GLAUCOUS GULL was at the YBSJ on 1/29 (DF; KM) and 
south of Waldport on 1/30 (DF).  Two BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were at 
Yaquina Head on 2/11 (AF).

     A PIGEON GUILLEMOT partway between winter and breeding plumage at 
the YBSJ on 2/18 (RO) is at about the time when they begin becoming 
frequent in the spring.  But they have become so regularly found in 
recent winters that it is difficult to tell when they first "arrive."  
For example, six were noted at Boiler Bay on 1/30 (RH & TK).

     SS heard two MARBLED MURRELETS calling near dawn on 2/19 & 21 
near her home in Neskowin (Tillamook Co.).  One in winter plumage was 
at Yaquina Head on 2/12 (KM).

     A raft of about 3,000 COMMON MURRES was near their Yaquina Head 
nesting area on 2/4, and their first landing was on 2/7 (MN, GM), 
which is about normal.

     Two BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were at Toledo on 2/4 (J&DC) and at 
Waldport on 2/20 (RL).  It is hard telling if these overwintered or 
are the vanguard of spring migration that usually starts in late 
February.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.26                 OWLS-KINGFISHERS

     RL had an experience with GREAT HORNED OWLS at his Waldport home.  
He noted that they had been calling a lot in late January, so at about 
6 PM on 2/3:  "I decided to call to them.  They responded immediately 
to my calls and after a few minutes one of them flew into the tree 
above me and continued to call.  About a minute later, the other one 
flew in, and they began a chorus.  My whole family came out to watch, 
including the dog, and the owls just moved closer and continued to 
call.  I finally went into the house, and they stayed out there 
calling for some time before they finally left."  Before calling, an 
owl bent over and pointed its tail straight up.

     On 2/22 east of Neskowin, SS saw a NO. PYGMY-OWL sunning itself 
on a branch; it seemed unperturbed by the humans watching it just 
across the road.

     The first RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was detected on 2/19 at Neskowin 
(SS) and Waldport (RL).

     ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS have been regular at Sandpiper Village 
(L&LSe) and near Yaquina John Point throughout the winter to at least 
2/13 (D&BM).

     It is not clear if BELTED KINGFISHERS (especially females 
[queenfishers ?]) are migratory in the interior of Lincoln Co., but 
one kingfisher was about a half mile west of Thornton Creek on 2/10 
(EH) and a female was at Toledo on 1/23 (P&MD).  In 1994, DF noted 
that a male was consistently around Thornton Creek in January-March 
but that it was first joined by a female on April 3.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.27              WOODPECKERS-THRUSHES

     A PILEATED WOODPECKER graced CF's New Year day at Yachats on 1/1.  
After an absence of about a month, the eastern BLUE JAY re-appeared 
at Thiel Creek on 2/26 (LO).

     An AMERICAN CROW with an upper beak abnormality has been near 
Yaquina John Point this winter (D&BM).  DM writes:  "The beak is 
short, and the face is compressed so that the eyes are closer to each 
other and to the beak.  Apparently the deformation does not prevent 
the bird from feeding.  I remember the poultry breeding literature of 
the 1940's describing a similar abnormality in chickens."

     One BROWN CREEPER continues to roost at SS's porch in Neskowin in 
mid-February.  At least one was at Sandpiper Village during two days 
in early January (L&LSe) and near the Toledo Library on 1/24 (P&MD).

     Did the snow of 2/13 drive WESTERN BLUEBIRDS to the coastline?  
BB discovered about a dozen males and females at the Yachats Cemetery 
on 2/14; these were the first that she has ever seen there.  Eight 
were also near the BLM's office at Yaquina Head on 2/14 & 15 (fide 
MN), and two males and a female were between the Newport Coast Guard 
Station and the bridge on 2/15 (P&MD); both places are unusual sites 
for them.

     HERMIT THRUSHES don't appear to have been common this winter, but 
at least one was spotted during four days in mid-January at Sandpiper 
Village (L&LSe), and this species was also noted at the Siletz Bay NWR 
and at Devils Lake on 2/20 (PD & CC).

     VARIED THRUSHES were still in the Yachats area on 2/1-4 (BB; SL) 
and south of South Beach on 2/10 (DG).

     AMERICAN ROBINS appear partially migratory here, and small flocks of 
7-14 robins began appearing the week of Feb. 5 near Yaquina John Point 
(D&BM), and an influx was also noted in mid-February at Newport (RO).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.28                    VIREOS-JUNCO

     HUTTON'S VIREOS don't get much of our attention, but CP heard 
many of them singing the first three days of February between the town 
of Siletz and the coast.

     LINCOLN'S SPARROWS are probably commoner than our few records 
this winter indicate.  On 1/30, RH & TK found two at the MSC.

     A FOX SPARROW that was individually identifiable because of one 
white feather in its back has been present this winter near Yaquina 
John Point (D&BM).

     P&MD write that: "One of the SONG SPARROWS that lives behind our 
house [in north Toledo] was 'practicing' or 'tuning up' [on 1/25] by 
singing with its beak closed.  The pattern of a Song Sparrow song was 
clearly present, but it was muffled and fuzzy--almost like he had a 
sore throat or didn't know the song yet!"

     The PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO was still at Thornton Creek on 2/4 
(DF).  Reports for the various forms of juncos are most welcome!
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.29            MEADOWLARK-EVENING GROSBEAK

     It continues to be a good winter for WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, with 
three seen inland along Big Elk Road southeast of Elk City and eight 
at the more expected location of YBSJ on 1/26 (CP).  As many as four 
were noted at Yaquina Head during 15 days in January (BLM), two were 
at the MSC on 2/6 (SH), and a flock of about 10 were out and about 
Waldport during the snow day of 2/13 (fide JW).

     4-6 GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHES and one SNOW BUNTING were on Marys 
Peak (Benton Co.) on 2/4 (SH).  About 2 miles east of Lincoln Co. on 
Sugarloaf Mt. (Polk Co.), BT has made several visits this winter to 
see Rosy Finches and saw 14-20 on 1/27 and 2/3, although they were 
absent on other days.  Here in Lincoln Co, we have only one record 
ever (two at Yaquina Head on 12 March 1976); however, I don't think 
anyone has looked on any of our Coast Range peaks in December-January, 
either.  

     EVENING GROSBEAKS regularly winter in Toledo, but one at Logsden 
on 2/15 is unusual and was the first in about a year (BLl).  HOUSE 
SPARROWS are not ubiquitous in Lincoln County, and the first in some 
time arrived at Thornton Creek on 2/4 (DF)


     OBSERVERS.--BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina 
Head), Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, 
Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Cheri Crosby, Bob Demory, Pat & Meagan Dickey, 
Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Claudia Freeman, Dave Gilbert, 
Ruth Goodrich, Scott Haywood, Eric Horvath, Rich Hoyer Jr., 
Steve Kapillas, Ted Kenefick, P&ML (pland@efn.org), 
Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, 
Chris & Catharina Lundberg, Donna Lusthoff, Kathy Merrifield, 
Gary Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, John Neiger, Michael Noack, 
Robert & Jerryann Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Paul Reed, 
Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury (L&LSe), 
Lou & LaRene Spady (L&LSp), Sandy Thiele, Bill Tice, Jean Weakland, 
and Orr Wieman.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.30               March 1995 Sandpiper

     Comments about abundance or seasonality refer to Lincoln County only.

     Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Eckman Slough=slough 
between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, MSC=Marine Science Center, NWR=National 
Wildlife Refuge, Sandpiper Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just 
north of Waldport, SP=state park, Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport 
Airport south of South Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and 
Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.31                          HIGH ELEVATIONS

     Probably the least explored and least understood areas in Lincoln Co. are 
sites above 1,500 ft and particularly above 2,000 ft.  The few records we have 
indicate that the seasonality of bird communities at high elevations is quite 
differ than below 1,000 ft and that there are fewer species at high 
elevations.  

     On 3/23, CP hiked in on snow to Rocky Point in NE Lincoln Co.  Between 
1,800 and 2,600 ft, he found BLUE GROUSE, NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL, 
DOWNY WOODPECKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, TREE SWALLOW, STELLER'S JAY, 
VARIED THRUSH, AMERICAN ROBIN, SONG SPARROW, and DARK-EYED JUNCO; the Song 
Sparrows were not that high earlier in the winter.  Evidently, WINTER WRENS 
didn't like the high country on 3/23 as they were abundant below 1,000 ft but 
were absent above 1,800 ft.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.32                    GREBES-SCAUP

     Two EARED GREBES were at Eckman Slough on 3/17 (JW); a site where they 
have been regular this winter.  A singleton was also at Boiler Bay on 3/12 
(FS); a site where they are more unexpected, although FS also saw one (the 
same bird ?) there on 1/13.

     On the 3/11 pelagic trip at about 20-25 miles off Newport, GG & others 
saw BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, SOOTY SHEARWATERS, SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS, and 
PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS.  They first started seeing albatrosses at 15 miles 
out.

     A WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE hung out with the gulls in the mud puddles along 
the YBSJ road on 3/18 (CP; JS).

     An aberrant-plumaged GREEN-WINGED TEAL was at Siletz Bay on 2/25 (AC); it 
may have been a hybrid or a variant of the Common subspecies.

     A pair of BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were at Eckman Slough on 2/26 (JW); 
Barrow's were also viewed at east Alsea Bay during six other days in February 
(L&LS).

     TM found three male REDHEADS at Newport Reservoir on 2/25; they are rare 
there.  But Redheads seem more widely dispersed this winter than in the past.

     One of the exciting things about birdwatching is finding the unexpected, 
whether it be a rare species or birds behaving differently than what we 
expect.  On 3/19, JS found two pairs of GREATER SCAUP swimming close to shore 
in the surf at Patterson SP south of Waldport.  For about 15 minutes, they 
even stood on the sand and preened.  This is not typical behavior for scaup, 
which aren't to be expected along our open coast, let alone in the surf.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.33                          HARLEQUIN DUCKS

     BANDING.--On 3/6, LO watched a female Harlequin preening in the water at 
the YBSJ, when his attention was drawn to an orange, plastic color band on her 
left leg.  He promptly reported it to RL, a USFWS biologist, and, on that day 
and the next, RL and DP scrutinized the band with a 45x telescope and a 
Questar and managed to read enough of the metal USFWS band to identify her as 
being banded as a duckling at Glacier National Park in Montana in August 1992!  
RL last reported seeing her at the YBSJ on 3/14.

     RL reports that this is the first sighting in Oregon of a color banded 
Harlequin!  

     In Lincoln Co., a few Harlequins are regulars along rocky coastline areas 
in winter.  This banding record indicates that at least some may be coming 
here from long distances.  However, since there are two nesting records for 
Tillamook Co., others may be moving shorter distances.

     If you see a banded Harlequin or one with a nasal saddle, please contact 
RL (867-4550; lower@ext32.oes.orst.edu) as soon as possible.  Your prompt 
report can make a difference!


     OTHER.-- Harlequins were also reported at Yachats on 2/26 (CL&CC) and as 
many as six were at the herring spawn at the YBSJ in March (BLl; RL & DP; JS; 
KM).

     L&LS found Harlequins at Seal Rocks during 14 days in February; a maximum 
of 18 was counted on 2/18.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.34                           HERRING SPAWN

     Every spring, herring come into Yaquina Bay and spawn at least once; this 
is regular enough that there is a limited-entry fishery to harvest some of the 
herring for their eggs.  Yaquina Bay is the only site with such a fishery in 
Oregon.

     Although sealions, cormorants, and gulls sometimes team up to feed on 
live herring, these aggregations are short-lived, irregular, and relatively 
inconspicuous.

     When herring spawn, their eggs are attached to the intertidal substrate: 
rocks, pilings, eelgrass, tree branches, etc.  These eggs are very nutritious 
and are feasted on by fish, crabs, and birds.  One of the easiest ways to 
detect and locate a herring spawn is to watch bird activity.

     This spring there was a herring spawn near the Yaquina Bay Bridge by 
3/10.  RL and CP independently reported the spawn that was pointed out to them 
by the large numbers of scoters, up to five OLDSQUAWS, and other birds.  Most 
scoters were SURF SCOTERS, but BLACK SCOTERS (MA; JS) and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS 
were also represented; on 3/12, KM counted 540 Surf, 36 Black, and only four 
White-winged Scoters.  

     Usually these bird aggregations only last about 7-10 days, and there 
was still evidence of the effects of the spawn on 3/18 when 100+ scoters were 
still there (LO & OW; JS).  As many as five Oldsquaws were often noted there 
often during this time (JS; BLl; LO & OW; RL & DP; KM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.35                    RAPTORS-JAEGER

     Accipiter reports: one COOPER'S HAWK was at Oregon Coast Aquarium on 3/12 
(BLl), and a COOPER'S or SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was at Beaver Creek on 3/15 (BSl).

     A female OSPREY was at the MSC on 1/19 (TM); a male was at Newport 
Reservoir on 2/25 and at Yaquina Bay on 3/5 (TM).  These sightings along with 
those reported in the past few months indicate that both a male and a female 
may have wintered in the Newport area.  In other years we have only had 
scattered winter records, if we had any records at all.  They generally arrive 
in early April.

     An adult BALD EAGLE was near Yachats on 3/15 (BSl), at Beaver Creek on 
3/18 (LO & OW), and Ona Beach SP on 3/19 (JW); two adults were on a snag at 
Alsea Bay on 2/26 (KM).  An immature was at Eckman Lake on 3/17 (JW).  Bald 
Eagles of unspecified age-class were at Seal Rocks on 2/8 (L&LS), Lost Creek 
north of Ona Beach SP on 3/4 (DG), and at Lincoln City on 3/11 (F&JS).

     A MERLIN glided through SW Newport on 2/25 (RB).  An adult PEREGRINE 
FALCON was espied at Seal Rocks on 2/14 (L&LS) and cruised the beach at Lost 
Creek on 2/28 (MA).

     MOUNTAIN QUAIL have been coming to BSl's feeder near Yachats throughout 
Feb. and March; last summer she had a covey of 15.  We seldom get reports of 
quail, although they are common in the Coast Range.

     10 POMARINE JAEGERS were 20-25 miles offshore of Newport during the 3/11 
pelagic trip (GG & others); they are very rarely reported onshore in spring.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.36                     ALL WHITE GULLS IN SPRING

     In mid-March, BLo saw a pure white gull with a a black tip on its 
yellowish bill near Thiel Creek; the gull was relatively large.  Because of 
its white color it would be easy to jump to the conclusion that it might be a 
Glaucous or Ivory Gull.  However, a white gull doth not a rare species maketh.  
Such white gulls have been noted here in previous springs.  

     Unfortunately, our field guides don't deal with these gulls but Rich 
Stallcup (1992 Point Reyes Bird Obs. Newsl. 60:10) notes that gulls become 
paler as their feathers wear, so that "a cream and tan mottled Glaucous-winged 
Gull in October will be chalky white with a much reduced pattern by March."  
He adds that this is true for many gull species, so that ". . . the closer to 
spring, the lighter the bird, and some individuals can hardly be identified."   

     Accordingly, in spring, it is important to look not just at the white 
color of a gull, but at its bill color and other characteristics to identify 
the bird.

     Based on the yellowish bill color, my guess is that BLo saw a 
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL or a hybrid with worn, faded feathers.

     Immature GLAUCOUS GULLS can be white and have a black tip to their bill, 
but the base of their bill is more flesh-colored.  2-3 second winter Glaucous' 
were at Yachats on 2/26 and 3/12 (KM), and a first winter bird was at the 
south end of Waldport on 3/19 (JS).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.37                  OTHER GULLS-TERN

     A singleton BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was at Boiler Bay on 2/25 (AC), the 
Newport bayfront on 3/10 & 14 (CP), and Yachats on 3/18 (JS); one at Yachats 
on 3/5 was in breeding plumage (KM).  Yachats seems to be a good place for 
them as KM saw three adults in nonbreeding plumage and an immature there on 
2/26 and another five on 3/12.  Few are usually seen and they are not often 
reported onshore, but GG & others saw about 350 on 3/11 about 20-25 miles off 
Newport.

     KM reports a probable HERRING X GLAUCOUS GULL hybrid at Yachats on 2/26.

     BLo and S&DB only found seven dead birds along their beach near Thiel Cr. 
in February.  Perhaps the highlight was one WESTERN GULL tangled in fishing 
line, which points out that it is important to pick up fishing line and other 
items that can entangle birds.

     A CASPIAN TERN flying south near Waldport on 3/19 (JS) is our second 
earliest date; they usually appear the first week in April, although they have 
often been arriving the last week of March since 1987.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.38                        ALCIDS-OWLS

     A RHINOCEROS AUKLET at Boiler Bay on 2/25 (AC) and at Seal Rocks on 2/26 
(KM) are rare onshore sightings in spring; they are usually first reported 
from shore in April.  Offshore, their seasonality may be quite different; on 
3/11, some were seen just a few miles offshore of Newport and about a hundred 
were 20-25 miles off Newport.  This is another example of how the seasonality 
of a species can dramatically differ over short distances.

     Up to 150 COMMON MURRES at a time were flying counter-clockwise in long 
elliptical flights past their nesting islands at Yaquina Head on 2/26 and 3/12 
(KM).  On 3/12, KM noted another 700 murres on the water and that only three 
were in winter plumage; older murres come into breeding plumage earlier than 
younger ones, so those in winter plumage were probably young murres.

     On 2/26, one PIGEON GUILLEMOT was in full breeding plumage at Yaquina 
Head, but another was still in winter plumage at the YBSJ (KM).  They arrived 
en masse sometime by 3/12, when KM counted 34 in breeding plumage at Yaquina 
Head.

     MOURNING DOVES typically don't overwinter here; those at Sandpiper 
Village departed on 2/4 (L&LS).  They have only been seen a few years here in 
March; they are much more common in April and especially May, but CP 
discovered two near the town of Siletz on 3/12.  

     Other than the one cited above at Rocky Point, our only owl was a 
NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL at Yachats on 2/18 (J&JG).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.39                        RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS

     In past years, when Rufous Hummingbirds arrive at J&JG's feeder in 
Yachats, they chase off the ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS.  But this year, they met 
their match in a feisty male Anna's that turned the tables and is chasing them 
away.  The Anna's has an injured wing that sticks out, but he can still fly.  
Perhaps he realizes that he needs to make a stand because life is harder away 
from the feeder.

     Male Rufous are the first to arrive; females first arrived at SS' feeder 
near Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) on 3/5.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.40                   FLICKER-BUSHTIT

     A NORTHERN FLICKER began drumming on a dead cedar south of Waldport on 
2/19 (D&BM).

     The first TREE SWALLOW returned at Thornton Creek on 2/22 (DF) and a few 
days later at Logsden (BLl).  Our first report of a VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW was 
at Beaver Creek on 3/18 (LO & OW); they probably arrived at least two weeks 
earlier.  BARN SWALLOWS typically arrive here after 3/28, but DP discovered 
two at Pacific City (Tillamook Co.) on 3/22.

     On 3/13 at Neskowin, SS heard the cry of a stressed COMMON RAVEN that was 
being chased by a RED-TAILED HAWK.  Such chasing also occurred last year 
there.

     The AMERICAN CROW near Waldport with the bill abnormality that was 
reported last month was last seen on 3/7 (D&BM).

     BUSHTITS come and go and are often missed, but they were noted at 
Sandpiper Village in late February (L&LS).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.41                      THRUSHES-MEADOWLARK

     During the 2/13 snow, VARIED THRUSHES were plentiful in LL's yard at 
Waldport.  

     Last month, we had two reports of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS right along the coast 
during or shortly after the 2/13 snow; L&LS supply an additional report of at 
least one at Seal Rocks on 2/14.  Evidently, bluebirds are particularly 
affected by snow and that is the only time we see them along the coast strip, 
although they can be locally common a few miles inland.

     TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were in Waldport on 3/3 (LL) and at Yachats on 3/15 
(J&JG).

     During the day of snow on 2/13, RW's bird feeder in Florence (Lane Co.) 
was very popular--visitors included two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS.

     The PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO was still at Thornton Creek on 3/20 (DF).

     RED CROSSBILLS come and go and visit where they will.  D&CH saw some in a 
pine near their Newport home in late February; they have never seen them there 
before.

     This appears to have been a good winter for WESTERN MEADOWLARKS at 
Nestucca Bay NWR (Tillamook Co.) as DP counted a flock of 35 on Cannery Hill 
on 3/10.

     D&BM have not taken particular notice of the Whirlybird spp. passing 
their home south of Waldport until 2/16 when a flock of four flew by.  


     OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Catharina Coenen, 
Alan Contreras, Darrel Faxon, Jim & Janice Gerdemann, David Gilbert, 
Greg Gillson, David & Cedar Hesse, Lola Landis, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), 
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Chris Lundberg, Kathy Merrifield, 
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry Morse, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, 
Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Fred & Judy Shipley, 
Jamie Simmons, Betty Slauson (BSl), Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland, and Orr Wieman.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.42                April 1995 Sandpiper

     Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to Lincoln 
County only.

     Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver Creek=creek 
flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay 
and Eckman Lake, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine 
Science Center, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina 
Bay, Sandpiper Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north of 
Waldport, Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport south of South 
Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay 
South Jetty, and Yaquina John Point=point near HWY 101 and just south of 
Waldport).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.43                             MIGRATION

     Some big migratory flights have already passed through.  Mostly, we miss 
these flights because they can be subtle--the skies do not darken, the ground 
does not shake during their passage . . .  But they pass nonetheless.

     And we don't have to go somewhere exotic or aesthetically pleasing to see 
these flights.  On 4/23 from my apartment window in SW Newport, I saw four 
flights within 10 minutes at about 0815.  First, a flock of four 
SAVANNAH SPARROWS flew north and alit in a lodgepole pine, then flocks of up 
to 15 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS passed purposefully northward, 33 CANADA GEESE 
migrated out over the breakers, and finally a flock of seven adult 
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS also passed northward.  While just about anyone 
would identify the geese as migrating, it would be very easy to overlook the 
passage of the others.  If I was a better observer, I might have also been 
able to "see" the passage of other species as well.

     And while we can be preoccupied with the birds that have yet to migrate 
through, some of the local residents already have broods of young out and 
about.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.44                        GREBES

     On 4/9, about a hundred HORNED GREBES in full or close to full breeding 
plumage at Boiler Bay (DBa & SRu) and about 30 at Yaquina Head (KM) were large 
concentrations indicative of migration.  Four EARED GREBES in breeding plumage 
were also at Yaquina Head on 4/9 & 23 (KM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.45                     FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS 

     In Lincoln County, this species is rarely noted from shore or found 
beached.  But in the spring of 1985 they were common within Yaquina Bay and 
seen by many observers.  Their onshore showing may indicate that they were 
stressed because the most Fork-tails found beached since 1978 along BLo & 
S&DBr's 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek were discovered in 1985 in March 
(12 Fork-tails) and April (4 Fork-tails); generally only 0-2 Fork-tails are 
found each year.

     This year, on 3/25, PS & DS saw many Fork-tails flying and sitting on the 
water at the YBSJ and up Yaquina Bay as far as the LNG tank (fide TMi).  At 
Boiler Bay, DBa & SRu saw at least three just west of the kelp beds on 4/9, 
and FS saw one on 4/15.  This minishow of Fork-tails onshore again coincides 
with an unusual die-off as three were discovered along S&DBr's beach in 
mid-April (fide BLo).

     Although Fork-tails may be stressed this spring, it is inappropriate to 
jump to the conclusion that all seabirds are stressed because BLo and S&DBr 
found relatively few beached birds and no alcids this year in either March or 
April, but during past El Nino years, there has also usually been a large 
die-off of alcids in spring.  Time will tell . . .

     During the 4/9 pelagic trip out of Newport, MH, GG, and others found six 
5-29 miles offshore.  Since there have been so few pelagics in spring off 
Newport, it is impossible to tell if this number is unusual.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.46                 OTHER TUBENOSES-HERON

     Speaking of the 4/9 pelagic trip, other pelagic species recorded 
5-29 miles out were four NORTHERN FULMARS, 72 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 
nine PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, one FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER (rare), and 
100+ BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES (MH, GG, and others)!  There are more pelagics 
coming up--go out and see what you can't see from shore!

     A few of us have come to recognize the regular, infrequent fall southward 
passage of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS; it appears that there is also a regular 
spring northward passage as well with flights of 12-16 at the Coos/Curry 
County border and in Coos Co. on 4/11 (RL), 20 flying over Cape Lookout 
(Tillamook Co.) on 4/17 (DPi), and 2-12 noted at Newport on 3/28 and 4/23, 24, 
and 27 (RB).  As some of us have learned the hard way, it is easy to casually 
misidentify flocks of these cormorants that often fly in V's or lines like 
geese as geese--one has to look more carefully.

     DBa writes about the courtship of BRANDT'S CORMORANTS at Yaquina Head on 
4/9: "They were pointing their bills and expanding their bright blue throat 
pouches.  Their fluffy white head and back plumes were blowing in the ocean 
wind like light wisps of hair.  They lifted their wings over their backs and 
contorted themselves in all sorts of bent positions.  An excellent show--check 
it out if you can."

     A GREEN HERON at Eckman Slough on 4/4 (JW) was probably a migrant.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.47                            CANADA GEESE

     A flock of about 300 small CANADA GEESE flew north over the MSC on 4/17 
(RL).
     While many Canada's are passing in migration, the local, introduced birds 
are parading their young.  On 4/15 west of McKinley Marina in Alsea Bay, AK 
saw one with four goslings, and, on 4/24 at Eckman Slough, JW saw two goslings 
with their neckcollared parents 205R and 217R; a second brood of at least two 
goslings were with 204R and an unmarked adult.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.48                MANDARIN DUCK SAGA: HE GETS AROUND?

     Undoubtedly an escapee, a male Mandarin was first recorded along the 
Cape Perpetua AutoTour in early May 1993; one early report said that there was 
also a female Mandarin with him.  In early April 1994, a male supposedly 
absconded with a female domestic duck in the Yachats River Valley.  

     This past winter, a semi-tame male was regularly being fed at the Quiet 
Water development in the lower Yachats River but left sometime in early March 
(BB).  Our next report of a male was at a pond near Heceta Beach (Lane Co.) on 
4/6 and the "previous three weeks" (fide RW).  Then, on 4/17, RT saw a male 
again at the Cape Perpetua AutoTour pond.

     So, my guess is that this one male Mandarin has been doing some cruising 
around, although it is basically content in the Yachats area.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.49                    OTHER WATERFOWL

     At the Siuslaw South Jetty (Lane Co.), RW only counted a maximum of 
15 TUNDRA SWANS this winter, which is fewer than she has seen in the past; she 
last saw two at Florence on 2/30.

     One BLACK BRANT feeding on the grass along the roadside at the YBSJ on 
3/27 (LO) is unusual--they spend most of time in bay in water or on mudflats.  
A hundred were still at Yaquina Bay on 4/15 (EH).

     A flock of about 55 geese flew towards the NW near Neskowin (Tillamook 
Co.) on 4/16 (SS), and, on 4/18, many flew over Waldport (LL) and 100-200 flew 
north at Seal Rocks (CC).  Both Canada and GR. WHITE-FRONTED'S can migrate 
through here in such numbers.  Our latest report of a GR. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE 
was for a field near Siletz Bay on 4/15 (T&DPa).

     A female MALLARD and her brood of ducklings that appeared to be a couple 
of weeks old were at a pond along the YBSJ on 4/17 (CP).

     March was another slow month for beached birds along 4.6 miles of beach 
near Thiel Creek as BLo and S&DBr only found one WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and two 
immature gulls.  

     Flocks of SURF SCOTERS were seen flying north off Boiler Bay on 4/15 
(SD).

     On 3/26, the middle reservoir of Newport Reservoir was filled with ducks: 
two male WOOD DUCKS, seven HOODED MERGANSERS, four Mallards, and several 
unidentified ducks (TMo).  The middle pond is probably the best place here to 
see Wood Duck broods later on.

     On 5/1, CP reports that a great spot for waterfowl was a flooded field 
along the west side of South Beaver Creek Road; he saw CINNAMON TEAL, 
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON, and MALLARDS.

     Departures: BARROW'S GOLDENEYE at Alsea Bay on 3/4 (L&LS), EURASIAN 
WIGEON at south Beaver Creek on 3/25 (L&LS), and a female OLDSQUAW at YBSJ on 
4/9 (KM).  A LESSER SCAUP at Sallys Bend on 4/23 (KM) is late; Greater's are 
the scaup to be expected for the rest of the spring.

     L&LS have been diligently censusing HARLEQUIN DUCKS at Seal Rocks, a site 
where Harlequin numbers peak in spring and fall.  L&LS' diligence has paid off 
with a record-high count for Seal Rocks of 10 males and six females on 3/12; 
the previous max. there was LO's count of 14 in November 1982.  Very 
significant is L&LS' consistent finding in March of about 1.5-3 times as many 
males as females; this is consistent with results there in the past and sex 
ratios at the YBSJ, but differs from the even sex ratio that used to be found 
at Yaquina Head (1993 Journal of Oregon Ornithology 3:245).  They have become 
rarer at Yaquina Head in recent years, but a male was there on 4/23 (KM).  
They don't nest in Lincoln Co., but there are at least two nesting records for 
Tillamook County.

     COMMON MERGANSERS can often be found in our freshwater rivers, but they 
were at the Logsden Store Pond several times in mid-March (BLl) and 4/21; that 
is an unusual site for them.  There, Hooded Mergansers are to be expected and 
even bring their broods. 
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.50                               OSPREY

     OSPREY were an item this month.  On 4/4, BLl saw a pair flying at Idaho 
Flats, and one dropped down and carried off some vegetation and flew with it 
towards the south, presumably to a nest site.  

     In early April, RL watched a pair re-constructing a nest in 
South Beach--one broke off tree branches for the nest by flying down at the 
branch talons first!  Not a whole lot of finesse!   

     An Osprey was west of Yaquina Bay Bridge on 3/5 (TMo), at Newport 
Reservoir on 3/26 (TMo) and 4/1 (BLo), at Seal Rocks on 4/16 (KM), at Waldport 
on 4/19 (MA), and at Logsden Store on 4/21 (BLl); a pair was at their Alsea 
Bay nest on 4/13 (JW).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.51                             BALD EAGLE

     Seeing 1-2 adults at a time happens regularly, seeing three is a treat, 
but on 4/2, BB saw four perched together just south of Yachats, which is 
probably the largest concentration of adults here in recent years.  Since they 
should be nesting then, the purpose of such a large concentration is a 
mystery.

     Generally, adults are reported much more often than immatures, but this 
month, the other big news was all of the immatures.  Two were over Yaquina 
John Point on 3/27 (JW), and one was at Waldport on 4/18 (CC).  On 4/25, three 
immatures and one adult were on a sandbar west of the Alsea Bay Bridge 
(fide JW); while JW incredulously watched, two immatures flew and tumbled 
together in flight while they grasped each other's talons--in the excitement, 
one dropped into the Bay!

     On 4/24, at Eckman Slough, JW saw an adult Bald Eagle doing aerial 
acrobatics and calling.  There were also several other reports of single 
adults or birds of unspecified age.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.52               OTHER RAPTORS-RAILS

     On 4/21, BLl spotted a COOPER'S HAWK flying four miles east of Logsden 
with a quail tightly clutched in its talons--this is also our only quail 
report this month!

     Our latest NO. HARRIER was at Yaquina Head on 3/28 (BLM).

     A MERLIN visited Yaquina Head on 3/13 (BLM), Yaquina Bay Bridge on 
3/29 (CP), the MSC on 4/24 (RL), and SW Newport on 4/13, 16, and 19 (RB).

     A PEREGRINE FALCON was noted at Yaquina Head during five days in March 
(BLM), at Seal Rocks on 3/12 (L&LS) and 3/24 (MS), and at Boiler Bay on 
4/15 (SD).  One was carrying away a bird in its talons just north of Yaquina 
Head on 4/22 (FC).

     A RUFFED GROUSE drumming at Beaver Creek on 3/29 (LO) was our only grouse 
report.

     A SORA was at Beaver Creek on 4/9 (DF)--we have so few records of them 
that it is not clear if they nest here, are a regular migrant, or are just a 
vagrant.  (We need a marsh birder!)

     Near Devils Lake, a VIRGINIA RAIL was noted on 3/25 (SRo, CL, and others) 
and called in response to clacking stones on 4/15 (SD).

     Our latest AMERICAN COOT was one at Yaquina Bay on 4/9 (MH); the only 
place they are known to nest here is in a pond near Toledo.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.53                      SHOREBIRDS

     A pair of BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS were mating at Yaquina Head on 4/16 (ThM).

     GREATER YELLOWLEGS appeared to be on the move by 3/28 as they were 
sighted at several sites at Yaquina Estuary (CP).  On 4/30, DF discovered a 
SOLITARY SANDPIPER at a flooded field along the west side of South Beaver 
Creek Road and called CP about it.  On 5/1, CP saw the Solitary Sandpiper as 
well as many other shorebirds at the site, including GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and many dowitchers.

     One WHIMBREL overwintered at Alsea Bay, but  sightings of 20-30 at Idaho 
Flats on 4/9 (DBa & SRu), Siletz Bay on 4/15 (SD) and at Nye Beach in Newport 
on 4/17 (CP) indicates that they were on the move.

     MARBLED GODWITS sometimes overwinter, but this year they were first 
reported on 4/23 at Sallys Bend (AC & DK).

     COMMON SNIPE are not being reported much.  RO and his class found one at 
the Idaho Flats salt marsh on 4/8.  They probably nest in marshes above 
2000 ft in NE Lincoln County.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.54                         GULLS-ALCIDS

     Our first BONAPARTE'S GULL in breeding plumage was along the beach near 
Beaver Creek on 3/21 (BLo); a flock of 75 were feeding near Seal Rock on 
3/26 (DF).

     A GLAUCOUS GULL was at Sandpiper Village beach on 3/19 (L&LS), and one 
was transitioning to second summer plumage at Idaho Flats on 4/9 (SRu & DBa).  

     An adult SABINE'S GULL was about 20 miles off Newport on 4/9 (MH, GG, and 
others).

     One BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was at the Newport bayfront on 4/9 (RK; MH), 
at Yaquina Head on 4/9 (KM), at Idaho Flats on 4/15 (SD; T&DPa), at Boiler Bay 
on 4/15 (FS), and at Seal Rocks on 4/23 (KM).  This pattern of singletons 
onshore in spring is typical.  In contrast to the 3/11 pelagic trip when they 
were numerous, only four kittiwakes were recorded offshore during the 
4/9 pelagic (MH, GG, and others).

     A flock of about 30 CASPIAN TERNS were at Idaho Flats on 4/9 (DBa & SRu) 
and south of Lincoln City on 4/16 (ThM).

     East of Neskowin, SS lives along a timbered flight corridor for MARBLED 
MURRELETS, and she has heard them calling at about 6:30 AM during several 
mornings in April.  At Boiler Bay, 1-2 were noted on 3/25 (CL, SRo, and 
others), 4/9 (DBa & SRu), 4/15 (SD; FS), and 4/23 (AC & DK).  The largest 
concentration was a dozen in breeding plumage and paired at Seal Rocks 
on 4/9 (KM).

     RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and CASSIN'S AUKLETS appear to be still mostly 
offshore as 12 and 24, respectively, were recorded 5-29 miles off Newport 
during the 4/9 pelagic (MH, GG, and others).  Three Rhinos were at Yaquina 
Head on 4/23 (KM); this is about when they are first seen onshore.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.55                PIGEON-WOODPECKERS

     Two MOURNING DOVES were at CC's Waldport feeder in mid-April, and they 
again started to be sighted regularly at Sandpiper Village on 
3/22 (L&LS)--these are probably among the vanguard of the spring immigrants.

     During mid-April, a nautical BAND-TAILED PIGEON has been coming to JG's 
feeder in Sandpiper Village--it perches on a boat near the feeder and waits.

     At Crown Point in NE Lincoln Co., NO. PYGMY-OWLS were copulating on 
4/2 (CP).

     BARN OWLS have been rarely reported here in recent years--none were noted 
in 1992 at all!  So JM's report of a pair in his Toledo barn in late April is 
most welcome.

     Two VAUX'S SWIFTS arrived at Neskowin on 4/10 (SS).

     ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS were both still present to at 
least 4/15 at D&BM's feeders south of Waldport.  A male Anna's was also coming 
to a feeder in Sandpiper Village on 4/17 (fide L&LS).  Maybe this year we will 
verify their nesting here?

     A pair of HAIRY WOODPECKERS have been courting near the Newport Golf 
Course on 4/13 & 20 (DG).  On 3/25, SS watched a male chip out a cavity in a 
red alder near her Neskowin home for at least 15 minutes before moving to 
another tree and repeating the process!

     D&BM have been observing menage a trois NORTHERN FLICKER behavior near 
their home south of Yaquina John Point the past month.  DM writes "They get 
our attention by the 'whackety whackety' call which seems invariably to signal 
an interaction of three birds.  I have seen two males and one female in 
several threesomes.  The 3/23 confrontation was between two females, bobbing 
and pointing beaks at each other while the male waited them out; most of the 
time he tried not to pay attention."
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.56                        SWALLOWS

     First reports: CLIFF SWALLOWS at Beaver Creek on 4/9 (DF) and 
NO. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS calling at Siletz Bay on 4/9 (DBa & SRu).

     In SW Newport, RB has noted the passage of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS during 
several days in late April.  Their passage is subtle--they flew "purposefully" 
northward at an average rate of usually less than 1/minute and not in the 
circling or milling around fashion that they usually do while foraging.  Such 
flights are easy to overlook, and I wonder how many flights of passage of 
other species that are even less conspicuous are missed.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.57                          UNCOMMON RAVENS

     Ravens can sometimes be difficult to find, but the Waldport dump's 
apparent attractiveness to ravens allows D&BM the luxury of being able to 
watch them at their home south of Yaquina John Point in more detail than we 
usually get the chance.  On 4/15, DM writes:

     "In the past month, most of our raven sightings were made of birds 
perched in a snag and croaking for attention.  On a few occasions, there were 
two ravens together.  Once I watched as one raven hopped up the limbs to sit 
beside the other and after a pause to begin grooming its neck feathers.  

     "Another time, four ravens flew past a raven alone in the tree.  As if 
responding to its croaking call, one raven peeled away from the others to join 
the lonely bird in the tree.

     "Best of all, on 4/14, I watched a pair dancing together over a course of 
a mile.  They tumbled, did roll-overs, clutched at each other's talons, always 
almost touching.  The dancers were talking in muted sexy (?) growls to each 
other."
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.58                OTHER CORVIDS-STARLING

     V&LO heard and saw the eastern BLUE JAY at Thiel Creek on 3/28 and 
4/16--will it stay?

     A SCRUB JAY was reported near Devils Lake on 3/25 (SRo, CL, and others); 
they are very rare here early in the year as we have no records in February 
and only one year with a March record (1982) for our records through 1992.  
Although always uncommon here, they become more frequent in May.

     MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES are seldom in Lincoln Co., but SS reported a pair 
near her Neskowin home on 4/11; she writes "They visit every year but not this 
early and usually I see only one."

     Perhaps this is going to be a good year for BUSHTITS.  Many were at 
Oregon Coast Aquarium on 3/28 (BLl) and a flock was just south of Waldport 
on 4/11 (JW).

     THE first HOUSE WREN arrived at Thornton Creek on 4/17 (DF).

     MA spotted two AMERICAN DIPPERS near Fall Creek, east of Waldport during 
4/1-8; dippers are too often missed and are under-reported.

     VARIED THRUSHES lingering at sites where they do not nest were at Oregon 
Coast Aquarium on 4/5 (BLl), Newport Golf Course on 4/11-20 (DG), and 
Thiel Creek on 5/1 (BLo).  They nest here in stands of large conifers in the 
Spruce Zone or at high elevations.

     Our latest HERMIT THRUSH was for 3/25 at Sandpiper Village (L&LS).

     At least one AMERICAN PIPIT was at a YBSJ road puddle on 4/23 (KM)--they 
often show in the spring, but this is our only report so far.

     EUROPEAN STARLINGS are becoming a dominant feature that we can't ignore.  
There is much that we don't know about them.  In winter, large, noisy flocks 
are common in Newport, but those flocks have dispersed (migrated ?) by March.  
On 4/8, they were nesting at the Waldport Fire Hall (LL); at P&MD's Toledo 
home starlings are rare, but they appeared on 4/13.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

95.59               WARBLERS-GOLDFINCH

     Spring arrivals: ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER at Waldport on 3/27 (DF), 
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Thornton Creek on 3/30 (DF), and, believe it or not, 
we have a three-way tie for the first BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER on 4/14: at 
Toledo (P&MD), Eckman Lake (JW), and Thornton Creek (DF)

     Many Myrtle and Audubon's forms of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were at Toledo 
on 4/6 (CP).  A large flock of Yellow-rumps was also at Yachats on 4/15 (JS).

     Our latest TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was at Eckman Lake on 4/14 (JW).

     As noted at the start of this column, four SAVANNAH SPARROWS were seen 
flying through Newport on 4/23--the same day, AC & DK noted at least 150 along 
the road and fence of the YBSJ, and many were also active around the water 
including intertidal algae at the YBSJ (KM). 

     Some WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS overwinter along the coast line, but 
immigrants typically arrive the last week of March and begin singing; they did 
that again this year at Thiel Creek (LO) and elsewhere.

     Our latest WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was a singleton in Toledo on 
3/13 (P&MD).

     4/15 was the last day of the PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO at Thornton Creek 
that was present almost daily all winter and was photographed (DF).

     WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were last reported at Yaquina Head on 3/5 (BLM).

     Some AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES overwinter along the coast at select locations, 
but most are migrants--the first at S&JT's feeder in Seal Rocks arrived on 
4/9.  More should be arriving shortly.


     OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina 
Head), Betty Bahn, David Bailey (DBa), Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown (S&DBr), 
Frank Cleland, Alan Contreras, Cheri Crosby, Pat & Meagan Dickey, 
Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon, Don Giles, Greg Gillson, Jill Grover, 
Eric Horvath, Matt Hunter, Anne Kaizer, Doug Koenig, Raymond Korpi, 
Lola Landis, Cindy Lawes, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, 
Jonathan Mee, Kathy Merrifield, Tom Mickel (TMi), "The Millers" (ThM), 
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry Morse (TMo), Robert Olson, Laimons & Vicki Osis, 
Terry & Diane Pancoast (T&DPa), Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin (DPi), 
Steve Royce (SRo), Skip Russell (SRu), Floyd Schrock, Don Schrouder, 
Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Paul Sherrell, Jamie Simmons, Mike 
Snowden, Ron Taves, Shirley & Jim Thielen, Ruth Warren, and Jean Weakland.



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.60                 May 1995 Sandpiper

     Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to Lincoln 
County only.

     Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayview Pasture=field 
east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road, Beaver 
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Eckman Slough=slough between 
Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, 
MSC=Marine Science Center, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at 
Yaquina Bay, Sandpiper Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north 
of Waldport, SoBvCr=south Beaver Creek flooded pasture/pond, Thiel Creek=creek 
just south of the Newport Airport south of South Beach, Thornton Creek=creek 
between Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty, Yaquina John 
Point=point near HWY 101 and just south of Waldport).
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95.61                   LOONS-EGRET

     Tis the season for loon migration, particularly PACIFIC LOONS.  TK 
estimated that about 1500-2000 Pacifics were passing Boiler Bay on 5/7.

     Our latest CLARK'S GREBE was at Yachats State Park on 5/20 (RKe).  Our 
last PIED-BILLED GREBE was at Eckman Lake on 4/27 (L&LS); they don't nest 
there, but they do at some other ponds in Lincoln County.

     About 20 miles off Newport during the 5/14 pelagic trip, MH et al. saw 
40 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, 35 NORTHERN FULMARS, 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, and 
two PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS.  If you get a chance, go on the pelagics out of 
Newport in June and July!

     As reported in the last Sandpiper, FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS are rarely 
noted in Lincoln County, but 1995 is proving exceptional.  On 5/2, PR & PS 
found one dead just north of Yaquina Head; on 5/7, one graced Boiler Bay (TK); 
on 5/8, RW and others saw one at the YBSJ and another near the Yaquina Bay LNG 
Tank at the west edge of Sallys Bend.  On 5/14, about 15 were in Yaquina Bay, 
and 70 were 20 mi off Newport (MH et al.).  During the misty afternoon of 
5/15, CP found about a dozen at the YBSJ.  During the morning of 5/16, DF & CP 
estimated at least 100 flying north past YBSJ.  On 5/17, LO saw 2-3 from the 
South Beach Marina to the LNG Tank in Yaquina Bay, and on 5/21, SR observed 
one at Boiler Bay.

     Some faux geese (DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS) were again seen flying 
northward in flocks on 5/11 near Cape Meares (Tillamook Co.) and 
Cape Foulweather (DP).  It is unclear if these were migrating or not.

     BROWN PELICANS used to be very rare in spring, but since 1982 they have 
regularly been reported in April and/or May.  However, our only report this 
spring has been four at Seal Rocks on 5/21 (KM).

     We've gone too long without AMERICAN BITTERNS, and this month two were 
discovered.  One was at the Salmon River on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY), and another 
skulked in a pond south of Toledo on 5/14 (CP).

     GREAT BLUE HERONS have been putting on a show at Alsea Bay.  On 4/10, DO 
saw 20-50 at Eckman Slough; some were so close to the road culvert that they 
were disturbed by her passing car and flew away.  On 5/22, JW counted 50 along 
the north side of the Alsea River near Eckman Slough, but it was too early for 
any of them to be fledglings.

     SR found our latest GREAT EGRET at Siletz Bay on 5/21.
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95.62                            CANADA GEESE  

     RLo notes that the neck-collared Canada's with a brood at Alsea Bay on 
4/24 that JW reported were probably three year old birds that may have been 
nesting for their first time.

     Prior to the ODFW's introduction of Western Canada Geese in the early 
1980's, it was very rare to see a Canada Goose here in late May or during the 
summer.  However, in the past two years, flocks of northerly flying Westerns 
have been noted occasionally in late May.  This year, flocks of 8-68 Westerns 
were discovered on 5/20, 21, and 24 in the Newport-Waldport area (RLo; RB) 
and, on 5/23, west of Neahkahnie Mt. (Tillamook Co.)(RLo).  RLo notes that 
these flocks may be composed of nonbreeders going somewhere to molt.
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95.63                    OTHER WATERFOWL

     300 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew north over Newport on 5/3 (CP); however, 
a flock of 30 were flying the wrong-way (south) at Cougar Mt. (east of Lincoln 
City) on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY).

     BLACK BRANT overwinter at Yaquina Bay, but during spring migration they 
can be found elsewhere; for example, one was at Alsea Bay on 5/20 (RKe).

     At SoBvCr, DF saw two CINNAMON TEAL on 5/3, but BLUE-WINGED TEAL reports 
have been scarce.  A Blue-wing pair was at the West Pond between the MSC and 
Oregon Coast Aquarium on 5/13 (PR), and another pair was at a South Beach 
marsh on 5/16 & 17 (DP).

     At SoBvCr, there were 4-6 WOOD DUCKS on 5/3 (DF) and 5/24 (PS).  A female 
with a brood was at Eckman Lake on 5/2 (RLo) and a South Beach marsh on 5/22 
(DP).

     Mallard broods were observed at Eckman Lake on 5/20 (JW) and SoBvCr on 
5/24 (PS).

     Departures include: EURASIAN WIGEON at south Beaver Creek on 4/14 (L&LS), 
BUFFLEHEAD at Idaho Flats on 4/30 (KM), GADWALL at Eckman Lake on 5/4 (OW), 
and 40 AM. WIGEON at SoBvCr on 5/3 (DF).  On 5/5, DF, BB, & WY also noted the 
last COMMON GOLDENEYES at Salmon River, NORTHERN PINTAIL at Siletz Bay, 
GREEN-WINGED TEAL in northern Lincoln County, and NORTHERN SHOVELERS at the 
Lincoln City Sewage Ponds.  On 5/21, SR found the latest OLDSQUAW at Boiler 
Bay.

     A pair of RING-NECKED DUCKS at Sallys Bend on 5/13 (PR) is an unusual 
estuarine record here for this freshwater duck.

     Monthly record numbers of HARLEQUIN DUCKS for Seal Rocks were counted.  
On 4/30, KM found 11 males and six females--an April record; and on 5/1, L&LS 
found three males and two females, a May record high count for Seal Rocks.

     A female HOODED MERGANSER was at Eckman Lake on 5/4 (OW)--they may nest 
nearby.
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95.64                       RAPTORS

     A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at Kernville south of Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, 
& WY) is unusual, although singletons have been seen in that same general area 
in recent years.  Could they nest there?

     A dark-phase RED-TAILED HAWK rode thermals at Cape Perpetua on 4/16 
(D&BM).  A pair of Red-tails, one carrying a snake in its talons, graced South 
Beach on 5/21 (BL).  

     Our only accipiter report was a COOPER'S HAWK that snatched an American 
Goldfinch in P&MD's Toledo yard on 5/16!

     One BALD EAGLE was in transitional plumage at Alsea Bay on 5/18 (CC), and 
four of unspecified age were at south Alsea Bay on 5/20 (RKe).

     A male NORTHERN HARRIER was flying acrobatically at South Beach 
(Henderson Creek) on 5/3 (RLo), a female was along the trail between South 
Beach State Park and YBSJ on 5/7 (PD & CC), and another harrier was at South 
Beach Peninsula on 5/13 (PR).  Could they be nesting in that area?  Although 
we have had summer sightings, I don't think we have a Lincoln Co. nesting 
record for them, so this is a chance for some patient soul to make a 
discovery!

     The last MERLIN was at South Beach Peninsula on 5/13 (PR).

     Although it is possible that AMERICAN KESTRELS may occasionally nest 
here, we have no records, and our latest records are one at Idaho Flats on 5/6 
(PR) and a female in SW Newport on 5/19 (RB).
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95.65                       QUAIL-RAILS

     One CALIFORNIA QUAIL at South Beach on 5/12 (DP) is our first record in 
some time; MOUNTAIN QUAIL were calling near BSl's Yachats home on 5/24.

     RING-NECKED PHEASANTS are rare here, and most have probably been 
released, so a male near the top of Rocky Point in NE Lincoln County on 5/14 
(CP) is unexpected as is a female with about 20 young at the Siuslaw South 
Jetty (Lane Co.) on 5/21 (R&KW).

     PS discovered a SANDHILL CRANE (our 8th record) at Bayview Pasture the 
morning of 5/10.  Thanks to her timely telephone call, others were alerted, 
and JW later saw it that morning twice.

     A good month--two rail reports.  VIRGINIA RAILS were in northern Lincoln 
County on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY) and at a South Beach marsh on 5/12 (DP).

     Our latest AMERICAN COOT was at Yaquina Bay on 4/18 (L&LS); their only 
known nest site here is in a pond south of Toledo.
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95.66                      SHOREBIRDS

     Although BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS typically are only on rocky intertidal 
areas, two were on a sandy beach at Road's End on 5/9 (EH).  (Note that the 
Am. Ornithologist's Union changed the name American Black Oystercatcher back 
to Black Oystercatcher in 1985 Auk 102[3]:681.)

     On 5/25, CP discovered an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER at SoBvCr for only our 
third spring record for this species.

     69 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS on the open beach between Alsea Bay and Seal 
Rocks on 5/3 (DP) is our highest report; the 25 that DF found at SoBvCr on 5/3 
seems to be an unusual inland location for them.  The eight DL found at Idaho 
Flats with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on 5/19 are the latest date for both species.

     Six MARBLED GODWITS promenaded on the open beach between Seal Rocks and 
Yachats on 5/3 (DP), and one was at Idaho Flats on 5/8 (GG & TJ).

     WHIMBRELS can be numerous here in May.  On 5/7, TK counted 160 at Idaho 
Flats.

     A SOLITARY SANDPIPER (uncommon to rare here) was at a South Beach marsh 
on 5/8 (DP).

     During their May migration SPOTTED SANDPIPERS often show up at salt water 
sites where they are not noted otherwise.  This May is no exception as BL saw 
one in breeding plumage along the ocean beach south of Thiel Creek on 5/15; it 
is the first one that he has ever seen there.  Two were also at Eckman Lake on 
5/19 (JW), and two were also at Boiler Bay and Yaquina Bay on 5/21 (SR); SR 
notes that a Spotted at Yaquina Bay was swimming in the water like a 
phalarope!

     Nine RED KNOTS were at Idaho Flats on 5/6 (PR), and four were there the 
next day (TK).  At the YBSJ, flocks of 10 and 31 passed during the misty 
afternoon of 5/15 (CP).

     Two WANDERING TATTLERS were on rocks at Road's End at the north end of 
Lincoln City in mid-May (EH).

     About 4-6 RUDDY TURNSTONES were on the open beach between Seal Rocks and 
Alsea Bay on 5/3 (DP), at the Sandpiper Village Beach on 5/4 (OW), at Idaho 
Flats on 5/6 (PR), and at Alsea Bay on 5/6 (RKo).  In past springs, 20-40 
Ruddies were sometimes counted.

     Our last COMMON SNIPE was at south Beaver Creek on 4/14 (L&LS); 
hopefully, someone will find them nesting in Lincoln Co. this summer.

     RED-NECKED PHALAROPES are regular spring migrants, but some years they 
make a better showing than others.  At Boiler Bay, they were numerous on 5/6 
(RKo) and 5/8 (GG & TJ), and about a thousand were reported on 5/21 (SR).  
Many were in Yaquina Bay on 5/14 (MH et al.), and thousands were at the YBSJ 
during the misty afternoon of 5/15 (CP).

     Our only WILSON'S PHALAROPE was at SoBvCr on 5/24, DF telephoned in the 
report and thereby PS was later able to find it.
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95.67                  JAEGER-ALCIDS

     The afternoon of 5/15 was misty in Newport, and this may have caused some 
pelagic birds to come onshore.  That afternoon CP spotted two LONG-TAILED 
JAEGERS at the YBSJ, only our second spring record for them.

     Gull departures include: GLAUCOUS GULL at Yachats on 5/1 (DF), HERRING 
GULL at Idaho Flats on 5/21 (KM), a MEW GULL in first summer plumage at 
Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY), and one BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE in Yaquina 
Bay on 5/14 (MH et al.).

     Many BONAPARTE'S GULLS were at the YBSJ on 5/15 (CP).  On 5/16, DL saw 
about 60-70 at Idaho Flats; most were in nonbreeding plumage (sans black 
head).  On 5/21, SR noted about 200 at Newport, and the same day KM counted 
192 at Idaho Flats, about 90% of them in nonbreeding plumage.

     Five adult SABINE'S GULLS were noted during the 5/14 pelagic trip off 
Newport (MH et al.).

     Hundreds of ARCTIC TERNS and many COMMON TERNS were at the YBSJ during 
the misty afternoon of 5/15 (CP), and at least one Arctic and several Commons 
were there on a clearer 5/16 (DF & CP).  Otherwise, there were no onshore 
reports.

     COMMON MURRES have had their ups and downs.  This spring 3-7 subadult and 
two adult BALD EAGLES took up residence and preyed on murres at the murre's 
nesting area at Three Arch Rocks (Tillamook Co.); the murres decided not to 
land and attempt nesting (RLo & DP).  Bald Eagles have been noticed to have a 
similar effect in Washington and Alaska.  On 5/23, the murres finally returned 
(RLo), but they will be nesting later than usual, so it is unclear how 
successful they may be.  

     A CASSIN'S AUKLET was at the breakers of Cape Perpetua on 5/2 (JN & KC).

     MARBLED MURRELETS often fly overland calling at dawn--SS heard them at 
5:49 AM at her Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.) on 4/30, and they were often 
detected at Cape Perpetua Campground on 5/7 (JN & KC).  27 were counted at 
Seal Rocks on 4/30 (KM).
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95.68                         PIGEON-SWALLOWS

     Six BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were feeding on seeds below DG's Newport feeder 
on 5/4 (DG), and a flock of 20-25 were at J&DC's Toledo feeder on 5/12.

     MOURNING DOVES were recorded nearly every day in mid-April at Sandpiper 
Village (L&LS).

     Only one owl: a GREAT HORNED OWL at South Beach on 5/9 (BL).

     Three VAUX'S SWIFTS cruised NE Newport on 5/2 (RO), four called at Toledo 
on 5/4 (RLo), and four visited SW Newport on 5/18 (RB).

     ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS quit using D&BM's feeder south near Yaquina John 
Point on 4/26, and our last report is for Sandpiper Village on 4/29 (L&LS).  
Anyone still have them?  We don't have a nesting record for them yet.

     An ACORN WOODPECKER at R&KW's suet feeder in Florence (Lane Co.) on 5/18 
is rare; we don't have any records for them in Lincoln Co.

     Arrivals: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER east of Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, & 
WY), OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at Neskowin on 5/9 (SS), and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at 
SW Newport on 5/16 (RB)(although pewees probably arrived much earlier).

     One WESTERN KINGBIRD was between King and McCaffery Sloughs south of 
Yaquina Estuary on 5/4 (BL), and four decorated a tree at the Salmon River on 
5/5 (DF, BB, & WY).

     A pair of PURPLE MARTINS were at the MSC on 5/10 (RO); one was also there 
on 5/16 (RB) and 5/21 (SR).

     NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were at Eckman Lake on 4/27 (L&LS) and 5/4 
(OW) and at south Beaver Creek on 4/14 (L&LS).
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95.69                             CROW HAWKS

     AMERICAN CROWS are highly adaptable!  Between late April and 5/7, RLe 
three times noted a crow flying over her yard in Sandpiper Village do a power 
dive and kill small birds feeding in the short grass.  Once a crow killed and 
ate whole a DARK-EYED JUNCO, another time a crow landed and hit a HOUSE FINCH, 
and the third time a crow dove and killed a small unidentified bird.  The 
crows dove bill-first like pelicans at the necks of their intended victims.  
It is unknown if one crow has learned this or if several crows are doing it.
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95.70              OTHER CORVIDS-DIPPER

     A STELLER'S JAY nest with three nestlings was visible from J&DC's kitchen 
window in Toledo on 5/12.  One near Thiel Creek on 5/8 only had one good leg 
and a stub for a foot on the other side (BL).  Steller's can be good mimics, 
and one did a very good imitation of a Red-tailed Hawk in P&MD's Toledo yard 
on 5/9.

     The eastern BLUE JAY was at Thiel Creek on 5/10 (BL) and lingered there 
until at least 5/16 (LO).

     COMMON RAVENS and AMERICAN CROWS have been fighting a lot near D&BM's 
home near Yaquina John Point recently.  The busiest day was 5/3, when D&BM 
noted six noisy chases of 1-2 crows flight pursuing a raven.  My impression 
has been that ravens and crows don't get along very well along the Lincoln 
County coast and the abundance of crows along our coastline may be one reason 
why ravens are not more common here.

     A RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH near CH's feeder in Newport on 5/1 was a first 
for that site--this appears to be a year when they are making a good showing.

     An AMERICAN DIPPER graced a creek at Neskowin on 4/30 (SS).  On 5/7, a 
pair were flying to and from a nest under a waterfall at Moonshine Park north 
of Logsden (D&BM).
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95.71                   THRUSHES-WARBLERS

     WESTERN BLUEBIRDS have been becoming more common in recent years because 
of snag retention and Bluebird Trails such as the one in Corvallis.  The first 
ever at J&DC's Toledo home was a male on 5/18.

     Although VARIED THRUSHES nest in large timber in the Sitka Spruce Zone, 
most depart local lowland locations; the last at Yachats were noted on 4/11 
(BSl), at Sandpiper Village on 4/25 (L&LS), and in SS's Neskowin yard on 5/7.

     The first spring SWAINSON'S THRUSH was detected at Thornton Creek on 5/3 
(DF).  Our only AMERICAN PIPIT report was for two in SW Newport on 5/7 (RB).

     The first CEDAR WAXWINGS were at Newport on 5/15 (BSl), which is about on 
schedule.

     Fledgling EUROPEAN STARLINGS were first reported in SW Newport on 5/13 
(RB) and at Thiel Creek on 5/16 (LO).  The fledglings at P&MD's Toledo yard on 
5/18 were "obviously new at flying--they were squawking at each other and 
venturing from tree branch to roof to branch very cautiously."

     Arrivals: SOLITARY VIREO east of Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY), 
WILSON'S WARBLER at Yachats on 4/21 (BSl), HERMIT WARBLER at Yachats on 4/27 
(BSl), YELLOW WARBLER at the MSC on 5/21 (JS)(but they probably arrived much 
earlier and were overlooked), WESTERN TANAGER at Newport on 5/1 (CH), and 
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK near Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY) and a few days 
later in Toledo (J&DC) and Yachats (BSl).

     The latest TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was in the Lincoln City area on 5/8 (GG & 
TJ).

     An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER seemed to be drinking from a hummingbird feeder 
near Yaquina John Point on 4/19 & 20 (D&BM).
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95.72                SPARROWS-EVENING GROSBEAK

     The first CHIPPING SPARROW was perceived south of Toledo on 5/14 (CP), 
and another was at the MSC on 5/21 (JS).

     Our records for LINCOLN'S SPARROWS suggest that there is a spring 
migration of them in late April and early May.  This year fits that pattern, 
too, as they were near Yaquina John Point on 4/27 & 28 (D&BM), at the MSC on 
5/6 (TK), and near Lincoln City on 5/8 (GG & TJ).

     A SAVANNAH SPARROW brightened the area near the Alsea Bay docks on 5/6 
(SL).

     GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS first appeared at Yachats on 4/24, and most had 
passed through by 5/5 (BSl); they also were also noted there during that time 
period by SL in Yachats and in Neskowin by SS.

     A male DARK-EYED JUNCO was desperately flying into the glass windows of 
D&BM's home near Yaquina John Point on 4/20 & 21 and 5/9.  My guess is that he 
was seeing his reflection in the glass and thought the reflection was another 
male intruding into his territory; as he escalated his threats his 
"reflection" returned them!  Don't laugh too hard at the junco--many of us 
also sometimes rile at self-created, reflected threats!

     The last FOX SPARROW was noted at Sandpiper Village on 4/22 (L&LS).

     Our only YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD this spring was a male at Boiler Bay on 
5/5 (DF, BB, & WY).

     PINE SISKINS have been regulars at some feeders in mid-May in Waldport 
(CC) and Newport (DG).

     A flight of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES passed through in early May.  On 5/9 at 
Sandpiper Village, RLe counted 49 on a wire, another 60 in pines, and others 
calling nearby.  They were also common in early May at CC's Waldport feeder 
and D&MG's Newport feeder and about 50 were in Toledo on 5/16 (P&MD).

     Some EVENING GROSBEAKS usually overwinter at some Toledo sites, but they 
become more widespread in spring.  They were noted during 5/9-22 at Toledo 
where they were absent in winter (J&DC; P&MD) and also in Yachats (BSl) and 
Waldport (JW).  Flocks of 10-15 were flying around Newport in mid-May (JN & 
KC).


     OBSERVERS.--Range Bayer, Barb Bellin, Kemper Carlsen, Jesse & Doris 
Crabtree, Cheri Crosby, Don DeLisle, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon, 
David & Marge Gilbert, Greg Gillson, Cedar Hesse, Eileen Hoog, Matt Hunter, 
Tim Janzen, Robert Kelsh (RKe), Ted Kenefick, Raymond Korpi (RKo), Ruthanne 
LeBaron (RLe), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe (RLo), Kathy Merrifield, 
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, John Neiger, Dorothy Olson, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, 
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Skip Russell, Shirley Schwartz, 
Patty Shreve, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons, Betty Slauson (BSl), 
Ruth & Ken Warren, Jean Weakland, Orr Wieman, and Walt Yungen.
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